March 7, 2012
This year, for the first time, ALA will present two literary prizes for adult works. The Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction will be awarded this June at the 2012 ALA Conference. Funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, “the awards will celebrate the best of the best and serve as […]
March 7, 2012
They say that laughing is good for you. It increases oxygen intake, produces endorphins in the brain, eases tensions, and generally makes you seem like a pleasant person with a ready sense of humor. So here’s the healthful moment of the day brought to you by a phone patron requesting a book. He asked for […]
March 7, 2012
Today’s Chicago Trib ran an article on the trend to replace some library services with robotic self-serve stations both on-site and at remote locations (e.g., malls, train stations, other municipal buildings). Taking a cue from the popular Redbox DVD machines, patrons in some areas can already take out and return library materials from similar vending machines. Other […]
March 6, 2012
One would think that teens are lapping up e-books as fast as they can get them, however, a new report finds that is not the case. One obstacle noted by teens was too many restrictions in accessing the material. A trade survey conducted by R.R. Bowker is disputed by others in the industry, who claim […]
March 4, 2012
It’s a celebratory event, not a day to go around glowering while admonishing your local teen for saying “me and Josh are going out,” or sending off incensed emails to editorial departments for the incorrect usages of “who” and “whom.” Rather, it’s a day to rejoice in the beauty of proper language and to encourage everyone to write well and […]
February 28, 2012
I owe a debt of gratitude to the Berenstain family for keeping my family occupied for hours over many years. We literally have copies that are tattered, and yet my daughter cherishes them too much to toss. In addition, there was enough humor and content to keep me satisfied or entertained while reading one of […]
February 28, 2012
A newly-commissioned opera based on Ann Patchetts’ novel Bel Canto will have its world premiere at Chicago’s Lyric Opera during the 2015-16 season. Opera star Renee Fleming said she selected her friend Ann Patchett’s book as the subject for the Lyric commission because she was moved by it and found it “opera-worthy.” “It’s about terrorism, on […]
February 27, 2012
Read about the “underground” libraries developing in Houston, San Antonio, Albuquerque and Tucson, In response to the alleged banning of books from Mexican-American Studies programs by the Tucson Unified School District, “underground” libraries are developing in Houston, San Antonio, Albuquerque, and Tucson. “Read-easies” will be organized with donations from various authors whose books have been banned. Go here to learn more.
February 23, 2012
At least two sources are reporting that the author of the Harry Potter series has agreed to a contract with Little, Brown for an adult book. Details are not very clear– just that she has signed for book, e-book, and audiobook rights with this company. According to Rowling, “Although I’ve enjoyed writing it every bit […]
February 22, 2012
Need the right kind of good book for your next flight? Dominique Browning says forget Great Literature, and don’t stoop too low with ultimately unsatisfying junk. In this NYT article, she offers numerous suggestions that may just become your ticket to travel. Happy flying! Susan R.
