Clinton Writes Preface to Spy Novel

March 8, 2011

Former president Bill Clinton has returned to the world of intrigue- he’s written an introduction to his friend Thomas Caplan’s new book, “The Spy Who Jumped Off the Screen.” The story is about keeping nuclear weapons out of the wrong hands. Shira S.


Romance Arrives in E-book Form

March 7, 2011

Avon, publisher of romances, has announced that as of next week Avon Impulse will be available online. Interesting to note that Avon is a part of HarperCollins, which has been creating its own heat with the unpopular limits on e-book check outs. Shira S.


The Limit: 26 Downloads

March 6, 2011

Libraries are facing many financial challenges these days, and here’s one more that is being instigated by publisher Harper Collins starting Monday, March 7th. Downloadable ebooks purchased from them will be limited to a total of twenty six downloads (i.e., checkouts). After that, the title is gone from the library’s database until  a new “copy” is purchased. It seems to […]


A Few Recent Stories for Teens and Parents

March 6, 2011

Here’s some recent book news which may interest teens or parents of kids- 1) HarperCollins is starting a new promotional program offering a contest with a signed copy of Justin Bieber‘s “First Step 2 Forever” as a prize. The website, known as Bookperk, advertises inside access to the world of publishing. 2) This article in […]


Some Libraries Allow Patrons To Check Out Potential Dates Along With Their Books

March 4, 2011

In a bid to attract patrons in their 20s and 30s, some libraries have started having literary speed dating evenings. According to the New York Times, the concept is believed to have begun in Europe and is now spreading to the United States. The idea appeals to young singles who hope that people who share their literary tastes might have other tastes in common with them, […]


National Grammar Day is Here

March 4, 2011

Why weren’t we warned about this? Anyway, today is the day and a grammar song was produced in its honor. (I personally think a jazz or hip-hop tune  would have been more exciting.) On second thought, how exactly does one observe this day? Apply proper agreement? Ask Grammar Girl.


One Book, One Chicago Selection Wrapped Up- Literally!

March 4, 2011

This is Mayor Daley’s last year for the One Book, One Chicago program which encourages everyone in the city to share a book. The choice for 2011 is Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, a fantasy set in underground London featuring talking rats. ( I always think it’s a sign a of a great author if he/she can […]



Small Bookstore Owners React to Borders’ Closings

February 28, 2011

A sampling of  independent bookstore owners in the US, Australia, and New Zealand shows mixed feelings about the collapse of the number two bookseller in the US.  Some owners expressed sadness about any decrease in bookselling capacity,  even that of a competitor. Others sounded determined to make adjustments and keep working hard. Shira S.


Unusual Story About the Library of Alexandria

February 24, 2011

Instead of attacking or looting the Library of Alexandria, its director in Egypt reports that rioters banded together to protect the building from damage. Ismail Serageldin, who works at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, marveled at the unity of people in the street who spontaneously joined hands to guard the cutting edge facility against possible harm. In […]


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