Vermont Library Moves into the Twentieth Century

Writing On The Walls Of The Nation’s Library

by Andrea Seabrook

NPR.org, October 23, 2008 · The Library of Congress may hold the nation’s collection of books, but those aren’t the only words in the building worth a visit.

The white marble building is a cathedral to the written word. Lofty inscriptions peer out from among the stone columns, murals of classical figures and twining vines that decorate the Great Hall.

“Words are also actions, and actions a kind of words,” one reads.

“In books lies the soul of the whole past time,” another says.

All the inscriptions go together, says historian John Cole, author of “On These Walls: Inscriptions and Quotations in the Library of Congress.” Cole has spent more than four decades in the building, and says it took him years to realize the message behind the quotations.

Read entire article here.

Scott and Erin Kinney of the Wyoming Library Association have created a library value calculator for you.  Have you ever wondered what you get in return for your tax dollar?  For the amount of tax you pay, what do you get in return?

The Wyoming Library Association Web Team has added a new Return on Investment Calculator.

This calculator will assist you in determining the ROI on your libraries services.

Library patrons can also use this tool to calculate their individual monthly return on investment when they use any of your library services.

Click on  the ROI calculator to determine the value you receive in Wyoming library services for your dollar.

The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly

Things are finally looking up for defense attorney Mickey Haller.  After two years of wrong turns, he is back in the courtroom.  When his famed former colleague Jerry Vincent is murdered.  Haller inherits the biggest case he’s ever had: defending Walter Elliot, a prominent Hollywood producer accused of murdering his wife and her lover.  Haller has his hands full with Elliot, who seems more concerned about his movies than about a possible life sentence.

A Lion Among Men by Gregory Maguire

In the much anticipated third volume of the Wicked Years, we return to Oz, seen now through the eyes of the Cowardly Lion.  When the Civil wars looms in Oz, a tetchy oracle name Yackle prepares for death.  Before her final hour, a figure know as Brrr-the Cowardly Lion- arrives searching for information about Elphaba Thropp, the Wicked Witch of the West.  Abandoned as a cub, his path from infancy is no Yellow Brick Road.

A Most Wanted Man by John le Carre

A young Turkish boxer living in Hamburg, Germany, Melik Okray and his widowed mother strive to steer far clear of trouble on their long road toward citizenship.  Yet, they are Muslim, and this fact alone carried with it dangers and suspicion in the post-September 11 world-a world well aware of Hamburg’s role in hosting several of the terrorist hijackers.

Descartes Bones a Skeletal History of the Conflict Between Faith and Reason by Russell Shorto

For centuries-right up to some of today’s most controversial and popular books-humans have hotly argued both sides of the science versus religion question.  Now award-winning historian and New York Times best-selling author Russell Shorto uncovers the roots of the debate by examining the legacy of philosopher Rene Descartes’ skeleton.

Extreme Measures by Vince Flynn

With Mitch Rapp already deployed, Mike nash becomes the CIA Director’s go-to-guy.  A vital member of Mitch’s elite countrterrorism, unit, Mike-a former Marine Corps officer-has served his country with distinction for 16 years.  Although even his wife and kids can’t know of his top-secret role in the War on Terror, his resolve against terrorists and their culture of death remains steadfast.  Convinced his explouts save the lives of thousands, Mike solders on without accolades or applause-until he is blindsided by a betrayal he never expects.

(Taken from book jackets)

Every year, movies come out that have a book tie-in.  Book aficionados always claim that the book is better. Visual people love the color and movement of the movie.  Whatever your taste the best movies usually originate from literature.  The following are some of this season’s choices:

The Duchess

Starring Keira Knightly, Ralph Fiennes and Hayley Atwell.  Based on the biography by Amanda Foreman by the same name (or a former name; Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire).

Miracle at St. Ana

Starring Derek Luke, Micahel and laz Alonso, based on the novel by James McBride. This novel follows his previous success with “The Color of Water“. Miracle centers on four black US soldiers who get trapped in a Tuscan village during WWII.

Choke

Starring Angjelica Huston, Sam Rockwell and Kelly MacDonald.  Based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk. This movie won The Special Jury Prize at Sundance.

Nights in Rodanthe

Starring Richard Gere, Dian Lane and James Franco. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks.

Synedoche, New York

Starring Philip Seymore Hoffman, Michelle Williams, Catherine Keener. Based on Syndeche, New York: The Shooting Script by Charlie Kaufman.

Appaloosa

Starring Viggo Mortensen, Renee Zellweger and Jeremy Irons.  Based on the novel by Robert B Parker, a western that is studded with big names.

The Express

Starring Dennis Quaid, Charles Dutton and Clancy Brown.  Based on “The Express: The Ernie Davis Story” by Robert C. Gallagher”.  Taken off the football field and combined with medical issues and the Heisman Trophy.

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People

Starring Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst and Jeff Bridges. Based on a memoir by Toby Young. The new edition of this memoir includes a postscript on the making of the movie.

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist

Starring Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Alexis Dziene.  Based on the novel by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. This circles around a nightlong teenage adventure in the Big Apple.

Body of Lies

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe and Carice van Houton. Based on the novel by David Ignatius which garnered a starred review by Publisher’s Weekly.

The City of Ember

Starring Bill Murray, Time Robbins and Saoirse Ronan.  Based on the novel by Jeanne DuPrau.  The film rights were purchased by Tom Hanks.

Flash of Genius

Starring Lauren Graham, Dermot Mulroney and Greg Kinnear.  Based on the nonfiction book by John Seabrook which explores the moment of inspiration and the results of that strike.

The Secret Life of Bees

Starring Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning and Jennifer Hudsen.  Based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd.

Disney High School Musical 3: Senior Year

Starring Zac Efron, Vanessa Anne Hudgrens, Ashey Tisdale.  Based on eight titles: Disney High School Musical 3, junior novel by N.B. Grace and Disney High School Musical 3: Reader #1 Take a Bow. This is the first big screen High School Musical.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

Voices of Ben Stiller, Sacha Baron Cohen and David Schwimmer. Based on six titles including Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa: the Gang’s All Here! by Annie Auerback and Madagascar Escape 2 Africa: The Junior Novel by J.E. Bright.

Quantum of Solace

Starring Daniel Craig, Mathieu Amalric, Judi Dench. Based on James Bond: Polestar by Ian Fleming.  Using the popular star Daniel Craig and a new director from last year’s blockbuster Casino Royale.  Oona Chaplin, the great granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin has a small role.

The Road

Starring Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron and Guy Pearce.  Based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy, who was the author of last year’s Best Picture winner for No Country For Old Men.

Bolt

Voices by Miley Cyrus, John Travolta and Malcolm McDowell,. Based on Bolt Read-Aloud Storybook, Bolt Little Golden Book and One Ridiculous Adventure by Catherine Daley.

The Soloist

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx and Catherine Keener. Based on Steve Lopez’s memoir, about a columnist who befriends a homeless violinist with schizophrenia.  A starred review by Publisher’s Weekly.

Twilight

Starring Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Haunter.  Based on the novel by Stephanie Meyer.     ‘Nuff said.

Gomorra

Starring Salvatore Cantalupo, Gianfelice Imparato and Maria Nazionale. Based on the novel by Roberto Saviano which makes the The Godfather look like a playdate.

The Other Man

Starring Antonio Banderas, Liam Neeson and Laura Linney.  Based on the novel by Bernard Schlink.  The first of Schlink’s novels in the same time period.  See Below.

The Reader

Starring Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes and Alexandra Maria Lara. Based on the novel by Bernard Schlink which was an Oprah Book Club pick.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Starring the voice of Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton.  Novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Marley and Me

Starring Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Alan Arkin and Eric Dane.  Based on the novel by John Grogan. The adventures of a puppy, with all its trial and rewards.

The Spirit

Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Gabriel Macht and Eva Mende. Based on the graphic novel The Spirit by Will Eisner.

Revolutionary Road

Starring Leonardo DiCapri, Kate Winslet. Based on Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

Defiance

Starring Daniel Craig, George MacKay, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell and Allan Cordun. Based on Defiance : The Bielski Partisans, by Nechama Tec.

Not Easily Broken

Starring Morris Chestnut, Taraji P. Henson, Maeve Quinlan and Canon Jay.Based On: Not Easily Broken by T. D. Jakes

Killshot

Starring Diane Lane, Thomas Jane, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Mickey Rourke.Based on: Killshot by Elmore Leonard.

Inkheart

Starring Brandan Fraser, Andy Serkis, Eliza Bennett and Paul Bettany. Based on: Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Coraline

Animated, 3D stop motion, featuring the voices of: Dakota Fanning, Ian McShane and Teri Hatcher. Based on the book: Coraline by Neil Gaiman.

He’s Just Not That Into You

Starring Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Bradley Cooper, Justin Long, Ginnifer Goodwin, Wilson Cruz and Brooke Bloom. Based on the book: He’s Just Not that Into You.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Starring Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Krysten Ritter and Joan Cusack. Based on: Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Watchmen

Starring Malin Akerman, Carla Gugino, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Billy Crudup and Jackie Earle Haley.Based on the comic book Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.

The Informant

Starring Matt Damon and Melanie Lynskey.  Based on The Informant by Kurt Eichenwald.

Angels & Demons

Starring Tom Hanks. Based on: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

Public Enemies

Starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. Based on: Public Enemies: American’s Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, by Bryan Burrough.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. Based on: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, by J.K Rowling. Note: The last book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows is being filmed as two movies, scheduled for Nov., 2010 and May, 2011.

Book overdue since 1947 nets $250 fee
A library book checked out from an Oklahoma school library in 1947 has turned up in Ohio and was returned, with a $250 check to cover overdue fees. Librarian Betty Niver said the book New Word Analysis: Or, School Etymology of English Derivative Words, by William Swinton (1879), was mailed to Holland Hall school in Tulsa by Martha McCabe Jarrett, who was a high school sophomore when she signed out the book 61 years ago….
Associated Press, Nov. 1; New England Cable News, Nov. 1

Woman fined $190 for overdue books

New BOCD’s

The Heretics Daughter by Kathleen Kent

In 1752, Sarah Carrier Chapman, confined to her home and weak with infirmity, writes a letter to her granddaughter, revealing the secret she has guarded closely for six decades.  It is a haunting account of the horrors that enveloped a New England town called Salem, and compelled Sarah, the just a young girl, to make a decision that would change her life forever.

Indignation by Phillip Roth

It is 1951 in America, the second year of the Korean War.  A studious, law-abiding, intense youngster from Newark, New jersey, Marcus Messner, is beginning his sophomore year on the pastoral, conservative campus of Ohio’s Winesburg College.  And why is he there and not at a local college in Newark where he originally enrolled?  Because he father, the sturdy, hard working neighborhood butcher, seems to have gone mad-mad with fear and apprehension of the dangers of adult life, the dangers of the world, the dangers he sees in every corner for his beloved boy.

Golden Grove by Francine Prose

At the center of Francine Prose’s profoundly moving new novel is a young girl facing the consequences of sudden loss after the death of her sister.  As her parents drift toward their own risky consolations, thirteen-year-old Nico is left alone to grope toward understanding and clarity, falling into a seductive, dangerous relationship with her sister’s enigmatic boyfriend.

Home by Marilyn Robinson

Glory Boughton, age thirty-eight, has returned to Gilead to care for her dying father.  Soon her brother Jack-the prodigal son of the family, gone twenty years-comes home too, looking for refuge and trying to make peace with a past littered with trouble and pain. Jack is one of the great characters in recent literature.  A bad boy from childhood, an alcoholic who cannot hold a job, he is perpetually at odds with his surroundings and with his traditionalist father, htough he remains Boughton’s most beloved child.

The Six Secrets of Change by Michael Fullan

Michael Fullan lays out the key factors that allow an organization to sustain meaningful change and explores essential lessons for business and public sector leaders for surviving and thriving in today’s complex environment.  His lessons are insightful, actionable, and concisely communicable.  They are “secrets” not because there is a conspiracy to hid them from public view, but because they are often difficult to grasp in their deep meaning, and challenging to appreciate and act on in combination.  Fullan makes these “secrets” accessible and useful and offers illustrative examples from a verity of businesses, health organizations, and public education systems.

Crunch  Why Do I Feel So Squeezed by Jared Bernstein

I social Security really going bust, and what does that mean to me?  If I hire an immigrant, am I hurting a native-born worker?  How much can presidents really affect economic outcomes?  Why does the stock market go up when employment declines?  What’s a living wage?  Why do I feel so squeezed?

Peak  How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow by Chip Conley

After a long climb to the pinnacle of hospitality industry, chip conley-DEO and founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality-was rocked to his foundation by a dramatic economic downturn.  His company was suddenly under-capitalized and overexposed in the post-dot.com, post-911 economy. This desperate situation make Conley reaffirm his belief in psychologist Abraham Maslow’s iconic concept of the Hierarchy of Needs and rely on Maslow’s Theory of human Motivation to help his business flourish once more.

The Drunkard’s Walk  How Randomness Rules our Lives by Leonard Mlodinow

In this irreverent and illuminating audiobook, acclaimed writer and scientist Leonard Mlodinow who shows us how randomness, chance, and probability reveal a tremendous amount about our daily lives, and how we misunderstand the significance of everything from a casual conversation to a major setback.  As a result, successes and failure in life are often attributed to clear and obvious causes, when in actuality they are more profoundly influenced by chance.

The Laws of Lifetime Growth Always Make Your Future Bigger Than Your Past by Dan Sullivan and Catherine Nomura

Growth is a fundamental human need, a desire that stems from a deep love of life and an urge to experience it fully.  It gives us a feeling of accomplishment, satisfaction, meaning and progress. Here, Dan Sullivan and Catherine Nomura offer ten simple laws that will help you continue to grow throughout your life.  By living according to these laws-including always make your future bigger than your past, “  “always make your contribution bigger than yur reward”, and “always make your enjoyment greater than your effort” -you will ensure that you maintain a fresh innovative perspective on the word around you.

Extreme Toyota by Emi Osono, Norihiko Ahimizu and Hirotakea Takeuchi

To an outsider, Toyota is hard to understand. the company moves forward gradually while also advancing in big leaps.  It is frugal with its resource while spending extravagantly on people and projects.  It is both effieient and redundant; it cultivates an environment of stability and paranoia; it is herarchical and bureaucratic, but encourages dissent; it demands that communication be simplified while building comples communication networks. These contradictions are rampant at Toyota because its sulture and managers intentionally embrace contradiction, opposites, and paradox.

(Taken from book jackets)

Soovle – Let the web help. from Phil Bradley’s weblog by philipbradley

Soovle. Interesting approach this. You have a search box surrounded by logos frm Google, Wikipedia, Answers, YouTube, Ask, Yahoo and Amazon. Start typing and you begin to pull up a bunch of suggestions from each engine which you can click on to search. Change the default search engine by using the keyboard right arrow key. Works very well, quite fun and a genuinely different approach!

Books

NPR: Book Tour Podcast [NPR]

Each week, NPR’s Book Tour presents leading contemporary authors of both fiction and nonfiction as they read from and discuss their current work. Visit this podcast’s Web site

Updates: Weekly
Duration: approx 45 minutes