July 1, 2011
In response to changing market conditions (more online sales) bookstores are considering bringing in revenue by charging admission to an author event or requiring a book purchase. In the past this would have been unthinkable. This NY Times article discusses different opinions of store owners on this practice and buyers’ behavior in their stores. Shira […]
July 1, 2011
Two articles were recently posted on our blog that address the same question: in our increasingly technology-driven age, are libraries obsolete? As a bookworm and library employee, one could justifiably say that I am heavily biased toward a resounding “no.” But even so, I think that we should get into the substance of this question.
June 30, 2011
The Chicago Tribune has reported that a new school in Echo Park, California has been named in honor of author Sandra Cisneros. The Sandra Cisneros Learning Academy will serve elementary and middle school students and will open in the fall. Although there are other schools named for authors, it is a rare honor. Cisnero’s family is […]
June 30, 2011
Who said readers are not light on their toes? Book fans who participated in the recent Printers Row Lit Fest held in Chicago June 4-5 were treated to this wonderful surprise dance in honor of literacy. Writer Rick Kogan starts off the event slowly, but don’t worry, it takes off very quickly! Shira S.
June 29, 2011
(Spanish version) Among countless literary awards and fellowships, best-selling author Luis J. Rodriguez received an “Unsung Heroes of Compassion” Award, presented by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His first non-fiction book ALWAYS RUNNING, a first-hand account of gangbanging in East L.A., is used in classrooms throughout California, despite the fact that the American Library Association […]
June 28, 2011
50 Cent, the famous rapper, draws on his tough NY upbringing to discourage teens from bullying. His new book “Playground” will be out in January. The hero of his novel is a 13 year-old who causes harm through bullying and then changes his attitude. Shira S.
June 26, 2011
Google continues to make progress on its digital books project as plans to scan 250,000 items from the British Library are worked out. The books will cover the years from 1700 through the 1860’s. Interestingly, Google earns nothing directly from the downloads, however, they claim their search results are enhanced by the inclusion of previously […]
June 25, 2011
This recent New York Times article discusses the disappearance of school librarians and libraries throughout the country. ~ Olivia M.
June 23, 2011
Publisher’s Weekly seems quite excited by the limited offer by Tantor for a free download of The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, which includes “The Greek Interpreter,” among other stories. Samples are featured, as well. No mystery in the appeal of a good deal! Shira S.
June 21, 2011
Or so says the Warner Brothers poster for the July 15th release of the final film in the Harry Potter series: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-Part 2. But for diehard HP fans (and yours truly here may be among the oldest), it will never end. The multitude of excellent websites available to fans of J. […]
