We found a really interesting brochure in our files the other day. It’s a flyer that presented the arguments for building our current building back in the mid-60s. Among the interesting tidbits:
”the new building is not pretentious, but it will give you a functional library of which you can be proud”
it will increase the capacity of the library from 65,000 to 200,000 books
the bookmobile will no longer have to park across the street and books be carried across to it
there will be “individual study alcoves with typing permitted”
it will have an elevator and air conditioning, unlike the previous building
Needless to say, our user’s needs have continued to change, and library services have continued to evolve, in the last 40+ years. The new building that will replace this one will be equally modern and equally forward-looking, but no doubt our successors 40 or 50 years from now will find our ideas about our new building just as quaint as we find the ones from 1964. If you’d like to see the whole brochure, we’ve scanned it and put a copy here.
If you’re like me, when you find a book you like, you get on a roll and want to read all its sequels, too. But eventually, the series ends — then what!? Well, if the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer grabbed you, we can point you to some suggestions for other books. The library has a great database called NoveList that has all sorts of good information about books — including suggestions like “if you liked X you’ll probably like Y.” The list they have for fans of Twilight is here. If you’re not in the library, you’ll just have to enter your library card number to get there. Let us know if you have any suggestions not on that list!
It’s official — the architects have come up with a design for the new downtown library, and we think it’s beautiful! It will double the floor space we have now, give much better access for people with disabilities, and make the library much more user-friendly for everyone. The plans were announced at a celebration on Nov. 18 — and are available here. (That is a large PDF file – almost 3 Mb.) Drawings of the new building are also on display on our mezzanine, outside the Western Maryland Room.
Starting in the Spring next year, while the new library is being built on the site of the current one, we will continue to operate in a temporary location, which is still being determined. We will look forward to moving into the beautiful new building in late 2011.
Ever wondered what the librarians here are reading in their spare time? Our Staff Picks email newsletter will tell you just that — and, more importantly, it will recommend a variety of books you might enjoy yourself. The current issue of the newsletter is on our website, and we offer a wide variety of other newsletters. Click here to see the whole list, where you can subscribe to any and all, including the staff picks.
As we do every year, the library is participating in One Maryland One Book – the celebration when everyone in the state is encouraged to read a book together. This year’s selection is Song Yet Sung by James McBride.
This historical novel about the Eastern Shore of Maryland weaves an intricate and gripping tale of escaped slaves, free blacks, and slave-catchers. The protagonist is an enslaved woman called The Dreamer, whose gift for visions of the future quickly reaches mythic proportions following her escape from a local plantation.
A variety of activities are planned during September and October, including an appearance by author James McBride, a lecture about the Underground Railroad in our area, and book discussions at most of the branches. For complete details, see the current issue of our newsletter, Main Street. Of course, the library has copies of the book to lend, and reading groups can borrow a set that includes multiple copies of the book, a discussion guide, and other materials. Contact your branch for more information.
Our Adult Summer Reading Club comes to an end – many thanks to everyone who submitted reviews – we hope you enjoyed writing them as much as we enjoyed reading them. A few reviews are reproduced below. Congratulations to the winners of the prize drawing for week 8: Scott Reeves and Katie Ganz. See you next summer!
Reviewer: Bill from Hancock
Book: Daughter of Twin Oaks, by Lauraine Snellings
Daughter of Twin Oaks is another exciting Snellings novel set during the Civil War.
Reviewer: Carolyn from Hagerstown
Book: The Healer, by Sharon Sala
Jonah Gray Wolf was carried to a small Alaskan town when he was a toddler by an emaciated she-wolf that was no longer able to care for him. She left him in the town where he was promptly adopted by the town doctor. As Jonah grew, it became apparent that he had a remarkable ability to communicate with animals and as he matured he also demonstrated an uncanny ability to heal sick and injured animals and humans. When millionaire Major Bourdain visits the small Alaskan town and is viciously attacked by a bear, Jonah heals him, much to his (Jonah’s) regret. Bourdain is obsessed by Jonah’s power, and he is determined to “own” Jonah so that he (Bourdain) might live forever. To save himself, Jonah runs from Bourdain and keeps running from him for ten years until he arrives in Little Top, West Virginia. There, Jonah meets Lucia Andahar who becomes his soulmate and the love of his life. Jonah knows that Bourdain will eventually find him in Little Top, but for his sake and Lucia’s safety, he will not run any more. With the help of his animal friends, Jonah finally confronts Bourdain and puts an end to Bourdain’s madness.
Reviewer: Marcy from Keedysville
Book: A Game of Thrones, by George R. R. Martin
A very good story, as long as you can stick with the 700+ pages of the book!! Sometimes it is difficult to keep straight all the numerous characters, but the struggle is worth it. An intriguing drama that often parallels the history of Britain’s War of the Roses.
Reviewer: Anna from Hancock
Book: Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs, by Molly Harper
This was a fast-paced, laugh out loud book from cover to cover. This book was hilarious. I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes at times. I can’t wait to read Molly’s next novel with Jane Jameson.
Here are the latest reviews from the Adult Summer Reading Club. As always, clicking on the titles below will take you to information about the book in our catalog. Enjoy!
Reviewer: Joan, from Hagerstown Hagerstown and Washington County, Maryland, by Hagerstown Area Chamber of Commerce
It was fun reading this historic account from 1971. The old black and white photos are great (and include an article about the “large, modern and air-conditioned library”!). So many of the businesses and places around the county are gone, but — thanks to this book — not forgotten.
Reviewer: Scott, from Keedysville The Glister, by John Burnside
Too much Irish depression. When a factory closes, a town is left without jobs and sick from chemical waste. It focuses mostly on the teens who feel miserable, so they treat each other more miserably in order to fit in. Don’t worry about the serial killer, he’s just symbolism.
Reviewer: Lynn, from Hagerstown Lyra’s Oxford, by Philip Pullman
This wasn’t quite what I expected, but that doesn’t make it bad. This is after the “His Dark Materials” trilogy. It does stand alone, but I think it helps to have had the background in the trilogy, to better understand the nuances in this book. It is really much more of a short story than a full-fledged book. It is still a good read. Lyra has returned from her adventures and has a miniature adventure right in Oxford. An enjoyable quick read.
Reviewer: Beth, from Keedysville
An Unlikely Disciple, by Kevin Russo
Candid review of life at Liberty University. Respectful yet thought-provoking.
Reviewer: Randy, from Hagerstown Those Damned Black Hats!, by Lance J. Herdegen
A fast-paced account of the Iron Brigades’ role in the Gettysburg campaign. Issued outdated, tall, black hats upon muster, these units were readily identifiable and respected by their foes. Interspersed with period photographs lending true faces to the story unfolding. Altogether, a great, informative look at an exceptional fighting force.
Reviewer: Carolyn, from Hagerstown Blind Eye, by Jan Coffey
“Blind Eye” is another exciting thriller … It is a rather complex story that basically switches back and forth between an underground nuclear test facility in New Mexico and a long-term care facility in Waterbury, Connecticut. The connecting factor(s) are twin sisters, Marion and Amelia Kagan. Marion is a research scientist who has been assigned to work on the development of a small nuclear reactor … The project is highly classified … At least one person does not want this project to succeed, and he will go to any length to sabotage it, including murder. Meanwhile, unknown to Marion, her twin sister Amelia has been in a minimally conscious state for six years as a result of a fall … Her rescuers found no identification on her, and she has been known at the nursing home as “Jane Doe.” … Researchers in neurology, studying her brain waves, identify a telephone number and trace it back to a friend of Marion’s. … At this point the story escalates as connections are made between the two sisters and efforts are increased to destroy any trace of the nuclear test facility. The story has non-stop action and, of course, a couple of budding romances. It is a first-rate thriller which I would recommend to everyone.
Reviewer: Crystal, from Smithsburg Between Sisters, by Kristin Hannah
This author hits so close to home. Her stories are about family. This sotry tells about the bond between sisters and how we lose sight of what is important. We learn in this story that you can’t lose the family bond, no matter what. Teaches how to forgive the ones we love.
Reviews continue to stream in from members of the Adult Summer Reading Club. Here is another selection. Congratulations to the winners of prizes in the drawing for week 5: Sharon Morrison and Noelle Stresewski. If you’d like to comment on a review, or add a review of your own — please feel free to use the comment area below. And as always, the titles that are links will take you to information about that book in our catalog. Enjoy!
Reviewed by: Marcey (Keedysville branch) Ender in Exile by Orson Scott Card
Finally the story of what happened to Ender after the war with the Formix. It has always been a mystery. How did he get from Command School to Lucitania and through all those thousands of years? Along for the ride is his sister Valentine. Not as strong a novel as the others in the series, but a good gap filler.
Reviewed by: Lynn (Hagerstown) Foreign Body by Robin Cook
Wow! This story was very suspenseful. A very different type of medical thriller. A thoroughly enjoyable read. I was disappointed as the story wrapped up that there were no details of the trial or the reporting to the police, but then that would have given away the ending to some extent. Still, it would have been nice to have heard how India treated this crime. I haven’t read a Robin Cook in a very long time; this book is a great way to start back!
Reviewed by: Laura (Smithsburg) Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult
I finished this book about 5 days ago and I’m still thinking about it. An excellent read. One of Picoult’s best works to date.
Reviewed by: Jean (Hagerstown) The Book of Bright Ideas by Sandra Kring
Wow! I could not put this book down! After every chapter, I couldn’t wait to read the next. It was just a great book to read! I was easily able to visualize every character, every location, and every scene. I definitely want to read Sandra Kring’s other novel now.
Reviewed by: Anna (Hancock) The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
I read the first book, The Summoning, that started the story of Chloe and the other supernaturals and enjoyed it, but this book was better. It was more fast-paced; never a dull moment. I really enjoyed it.
Reviewed by: Kim (Smithsburg)
Deadly Competition by Roxanne Rustard
This is the 5th book in the “Without a Trace” series, but could stand alone as well. A wonderful romantic suspense story. Faith in God sees a young woman through life with an abusive boyfriend who stalks her when she leaves and through a mother beauty pageant to find true love and a little girl who needs a mommy. Excellent book – hard to put it down.
Reviewed by: Joan (Hagerstown) Almost Too Late by Elmo Wortman
This was an older book, but their story was amazing. It was a testament to the courage of a family of a father and 3 teenagers. They survived a shipwreck off the coast of Alaska. I would recommend this book to anyone!
Reviewed by: Lorraine (Keedysville) Collateral Damage by Fern Michaels
Number 11 in the Sisterhood series. The girls are back in DC protecting their own. Great!
Here are some more reviews from participants in our Adult Summer Reading Club. Winners of the prize drawing for week 4 were Pam Weddle, Alison Cloonan, Marcey Jastrab, and Carolyn Watkins – congratulations! As always, clicking a title or author below will link you to information in our catalog.
Reviewed by: Audrey (Smithsburg) The Beach House by James Patterson
This was a great suspense novel. It kept you on the edge of your seat wondering how Jack would solve the murder of his brother. I also liked how the common person beat the rich who can pay off anybody.
Reviewed by: William (Hancock) Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi 1: Outcast by Aaron Allston
This well-written book takes place 40 years after the Star Wars movies. Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo all play prominent roles in this easy-to-read action thriller. It is the first volume in a 3-part series that looks into the mystery of why Jedis are suddenly going insane and attacking their friends and families. I would recommend this book to any fan of the Star Wars saga.
Reviewed by: Carolyn (Hagerstown)
For Love Alone by Susan Feldhake
This was a good story. The young lady stood for the Lord, even broke her engagement to someone because he wanted her to turn from her faith. But in the end the Lord blesses her and she meets the right man.
Reviewed by: Jody (Hancock) The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan
As the mother of a growing family who frequently visits Defiance, Ohio, I couldn’t wait to read this book. In this memoir that focuses on her mother’s “contesting” abilities, Terry Ryan shows us exactly what lots of hard work and the power of positive thinking can do. Evelyn Ryan’s drive to provide both physically and emotionally for her children is both touching and amusing. I highly recommend this book to anybody — not just overwhelmed mothers.
Reviewed by: Carolyn (Hagerstown) Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder
Another terrific story from Maria Snyder!! I enjoyed this book so much that I hated to see it end. Opel Cowan is a glassmaker and a magician-in-training. Because of her expertise as a glassmaker, she has been sent to assist the Stormdance Clan in discovering who has been sabotaging the manufacture of the glass orbs that the Clan uses to control the weather. … As Opel travels through Sitia and into Ixia … she finds herself and her companions in a number of life-threatening situations … [and] discovers additional magical powers that she didn’t even know she possessed. There is also a bit of romance involved in Opel’s travels…. In addition to writing a wonderful story, Snyder has obviously done a tremendous amount of research into glassmaking techniques, making this novel an extremely unique and delightful story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a wonderful fantasy full of magic, villains, and romance.
Reviewed by: Bill (Hancock)
Air Raid: Pearl Harbor by Theodore Taylor
This is an exciting account of events leading to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Reviewed by: Angela (Keedysville) The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
This book was recommended to me by an English professor at Hood College as a must-read. It’s about a young black man’s journey through social and intellectual issues of race in 20th-century America. The unnamed narrator of the story considers himself invisible to society. Invisible as a stereotypical black man. The story is about him finding himself and coming to both accept and make use of his invisibility. This is a classic story in American lit, and required reading in many college English classes. I understand why. I highly recommend this book as a glimpse of race issues in early 20th-century America.
Reviewed by: Holly (Hagerstown) A Pagan’s Nightmare by Ray Blackston
This novel kept me laughing. It is a novel about a novel. All the world has turned evangelical Christian and are hunting down the last pagans. The hero is carted to Cuba and held in a jail by night until he converts. His escape and misadventures are captivating.
Here are some more reviews — thanks to everyone who has submitted them. The prize drawing winners for week three were Dianna Henneberger, Jessica Francis, Holly McKee, and Lynn Ann Cline — congratulations! Click the titles below to find them in our catalog.
Reviewed by: Crystal (Smithsburg) Once Upon a Christmasby Lauraine Snelling
This book is for your romantic types. Two stories about giving up on love and going on with life and then finding love at first sight. Finding love just in time for Christmas can make it so much more special.
Reviewed by: Dianna (Smithsburg) The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry
Can one Monk’s lust for power be forceful enough to effect change of modern thoughts? Can greed provoke murder? Can a simple academic and his family have the power to cause the Knights Templar to change? All these questions and more information on the Knights Templar await you in Steve Berry’s book.
Reviewed by: Jessica (Hancock) Judge and Jury by James Patterson and Andrew Gross
James Patterson is on of my favorite authors. This is a very easy book to read. It kept me in suspense the whole time. The ending was my favorite because it wasn’t what you would expect… Very action packed!
Reviewed by: Pam (Clear Spring) Land of my Heart by Tracie Peterson
In the 1st book of the Heirs of Montana series, Dianne Chadwick finds that not only is her father killed in a skirmish between the army and some unsavory men, but her whole life will be forever changed as she and her family head out west to live with her uncle. Dianne faces the harsh conditions of wagon train life with the treat of Indians. Their very survival depends on relying on each other and God. Dianne will have to choose whether she will be color-blind and love as God would have her do or listen to the prejudiced thoughts of her mother.
Reviewed by: Joan (Central) Doomed Queens: Royal Women who Met Bad Ends from Cleopatra to Princess Diby Kris Waldherr
I would not recommend this book to others… not because it wasn’t written well, but because I found it depressing. So many women were shown to have lusted after power and they murdered, married and deceived others to get there. Of course there were exceptions but it always seemed that the women did not or could not learn from history. Many of their stories were interesting but it did get to be too much for the senses.
Reviewed by: Karen (Central) My Own Two Feetby Beverly Cleary
This book is a memoir of the best-selling children’s author Beverly Cleary. It begins with her departure for junior college and follows her through college and the first few years after graduating library school. I always enjoyed Cleary’s stories as a child and now read them to my children. However, the focus of this book is rather narrow, covering such a small part of her life. Some parts were quite intersting but much of it was dreary, day-to-day life. I did feel sorry for both Cleary and her mother, with whom she had a difficult relationship.
Reviewed by: Jason (Central) Flame of Recca Vol. 30 by Nobuyuki Anzai
I love this series and I continue to read it whenever I have time. The humor, romance and action all come together to form an unexplainable attraction that any reader would love. This particular book the emotion between certain characters is so stron and drawing I feel like I’m there spectating. The author couldn’t have made the dialog any better.
We’re getting dozens and dozens of great reviews submitted to our Summer Reading Club for adults. It’s too bad that we can’t publish them all here, but a selection follows. The winners of the random prize drawing for week 2 were Terri Schmitt, Jean Cooper, Sara Dickey, and Jeanette Leadingham. Congratulations! And thanks to everyone who submitted reviews. As always, click the title of any book below to find it in our catalog.
Reviewed by: Jeanette (Sharpsburg) The Duggars: 20 and Counting by Michelle and JimBob Duggar
“Very informative and very inspirational! Gave great tips whether you have 2 or 20 kids!”
Reviewed by: Jessica (Williamsport) Waiting by Ha Jin
“Very engrossing, interesting book about a man struggling to find happiness in China.”
Reviewed by: Peggy (Clear Spring) Finger Lickin’ Fifteenby Janet Evanovich
“As usual, this book is hysterical. Even after 15 books, Evanovich manages to keep writing books that keep your interest. This one had me laughing until I was in tears. Great book!”
Reviewed by: Zoe (Central) Say You Love Me by Johanna Lindsey
“Johanna Lindsey is no stranger to me as a Romance author. Having been pleased by some of her other works I decided Say You Love Me would be just as pleasurable. Sadly though, I don’t feel that this book has lived up to my expectations. While it was not a terrible read, I wouldn’t recommend it to the glancing reader. To fully get the implications made in this book, you need to have some background knowledge of the Malory Family whom Lindsey has written about. Even though, I, myself have enjoyed the Malory’s exploits a while back, I found it tedious to recall every family relation, what happened to whom, and their current issues while still learning about the budding relationship between Kelsey and Derek Malory.
“That being said, the main story was passable, and while Kelsey being brought as a mistress by Derek was amusing, it grows a bit stale. All in all, if you love and know the Malory family and don’t mind a bit of trite storyline, then by all means read it. But this book I would not recommend to the passing romance reader unless you are ready to commit to the Malory’s.”
Reviewed by: Pamela (Central) Walking with Prehistoric Beastsby Tim Haines (non-fiction)
“Beautifully illustrated history of life’s recovery from our last major extinction event that killed the dinosaurs. Shows the rise and expansion of mammals not only on land but in the sea. Also covers the era of giant birds and the rise of humans and their culture.”
Reviewed by: Julie (Central) One Thousand White Women: The Jounals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus
“This was a quick read. The idea of white women being sent to the Cheyenne nation to become brides during the time of Western expansion made for a very interesting tale. May Dodd and the other women were very likable characters. May’s journals followed her trek out west and her adventures as she learned to live with the nomadic Indians. This book paints a broad picture of the “Wild West” and its inhabitants. As the tale unfolds you see the beauty and the horror that both the Indians and the Whites create. A book you truly can’t put down!”
Reviewed by: Lakin (Central) Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson “Hollywood Nobody is about a 16-year-old named Scotty who travels with her wacky grandmother in an RV. They travel to different film sets because the grandmother is a food stylist. During their travels, Scotty becomes friends with a cute actor named Seth Hoss, and also discovers some secrets about her own life and family that she doesn’t know if she can handle.”
Reviewed by: Annie (Central) Marley and Me by John Grogan
“What an amazing book! I wanted to wait and read the book before I saw the movie and I am so glad I did. The way that John describes Marley is just incredible. You can feel his emotions as you are reading the book. There is so much emotion in the way it is written that you can’t help but fall in love with Marley as well. There were times that I laughed out loud, got irritated, and even sobbed during reading. I would recommend this book to anyone, even if you have seen the movie, I would recommend reading the book as well. You will fall even more in love with Marley and his zany behavior.”
As we mentioned earlier, we’re having an Adult Summer Reading Club this year — everyone is invited to register for the club and then submit reviews of the books they read. Reviewers are automatically entered in a weekly drawing for great prizes. The winners for Week 1 were Thelma Brinkley, Samantha Rhodes, Donna Sales, and Zoe Dixon.
Here are a selection of reviews from the first week. To find any of these books in our catalog, just click the title.
Noelle, from the Williamsport Branch, writes about The Dangerous Days of Daniel X, by James Patterson: “The Dangerous Days of Daniel X” is a science fiction novel that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. It seems like the action never stops till the last page. Daniel lost his parents when he was very young to an alien, and he learns that he himself is an alien that was put on earth to protect the humans. The story is about hunting down on e of the more dangerous aliens that lives in L A.
Bill, from the Hancock Branch, recommends Pearl, by Lauraine Snelling: Pearl is another insightful and exciting look at life on the Dakota frontier.
Amanda, who uses the library in Clear Spring, writes that Louder Than Words by Jenny McCarthy “takes you on a journey with a mother trying to help her child. Jenny didn’t know what was wrong with her son. She went to doctor after doctor. Finally through the help of other moms she found answers and the right doctors. This book is great if you would like to learn more about autism. It is still something we know very little about but it is affecting 1 in 150 children.”
Holly, from the Hagerstown branch, says “I love this book” about Miss Buncle Married by D. E. Stevenson. She continues, “I have never read a novel like this. The main character writes a book about her neighbors uncovering all their secrets, turning them into better or worse people. The neighbors set out on a witch-hunt to uncover who wrote the book. It ends with the author fleeing with her publisher in the night. The elopement and disappearance enrage the stymied neighbors.
Sara, of the Hagerstown branch, had this to say about Death By Water – A Phryne Fisher Mystery by Kerry Greenwood: Enjoyable installment in the series. Phryne is called from her now hectic late-1928 Melbourne household to investigate a series of jewel burglaries on a pleasure cruise line to New Zealand. The cast of characters she meets there is delightful and the scenery of New Zealand is described so you are dying to go and visit yourself, especially the scenes of Maori culture. As it is a Phryne Fisher novel there are racy bits, but not nearly on par with modern romance novels. There are many good twists and it will keep you guessing as to whom the culprit is! I definitely recommend it – even if you don’t already love Phryne and her family.
Lisa, from the Hancock branch, read God on a Harley by Joan Brady. She says, “This book is a fiction story, but it shows sometimes in our everyday life God can come to us and help us, and we might not have any idea it’s him in disguise.
Sharon, who uses the Main branch, writes about Skin Tradeby Laurell K. Hamilton: One of the better Anita Blake books. This one is more of a mystery story like the earliest in the series. Anita is called out of town to hunt a serial-killer-vampire after receiving a head in the mail. This book focuses on her relationship with the Federal Marshals and police agencies, instead of her problems having multiple boyfriends/lovers. Does have her trademark racy love scenes, but in moderation. Really enjoyed getting back to the mystery story line.
If you’ve read any of these and would like to add your own thoughts, or you have another book to recommend, feel free to use the comment area below!
If you love to read, especially during the Summer, we’ve got a club for you! Not only that, you can enter a drawing for great prizes, such as Orioles tickets, autographed books, and other great things. Just register for the club at your library, and then complete a short review of each book you read. Everyone who submits a review is automatically entered in that week’s prize drawing. A selection of the reviews will also be published here on our blog – so stay tuned! Full details about the club are in this month’s newsletter.
Apple’s iPod, combined with the iTunes software, has changed how we acquire and listen to music. If you are a new owner of an iPod Classic, Nano, Shuffle or Touch and want to get the most out of these amazing devices, be sure to check out these books:
The iPod Book: Doing Cool Stuff with the iPod and the iTunes Store
By Scott Kelby
Paperback | 325 pages | Peachpit Press | December 2008 | 006.5 K
An easy-to-follow, full-color illustrated guide to iTunes 8 and the iTunes Store for Mac and Windows which enables you to import, buy and transfer songs onto your iPod. Kelby offers time-saving tips on how to create and customize a new playlist, add album cover art, and synchronize (aka “Sync”) your iPod to include new songs you’ve added to iTunes. The newest iPods can do more than just play music. You can also import and store photos as well as play podcasts and videos. For iPod touch owners, Kelby walks you through the amazing world of Apple’s App store, a collection of 3rd party applications written for the iPhone and iPod touch – many of which are free.
iPod: The Missing Manual (7th edition) | By J. D. Biersdorfer
Paperback | 284 pages | Pogue Press/O’Reilly | October 2008 | 006.5 B
Mandatory reading for new iPod Classic, Nano, Shuffle and Touch owners. In a matter of minutes from unpacking and setting up your iPod, you’ll be downloading your first songs and videos via iTunes. iPod: The Missing Manual, 7th Edition covers all the features of the new iTunes 8 and everything in the latest iPod line with easy-to-follow instructions, full color graphics, and guidance on all the amazing things you can do. Among the important topics covered: Out of the box and into your ears. How to install iTunes and load music on your iPod. Advice on buying copy-protection free songs from stores like Amazon and Rhapsody. How to turn on and off your iPod and shake your iPod Nano to shuffle your tracks. Choose which parts of your iTunes library loads onto your iPod. Move your iTunes Folder to a bigger hard drive and add album covers to your collection. Picking playlists using Apple’s new Genius feature which creates smart playlists from your library and suggests songs from the iTunes Store that fit with what you already own. Learn how to download and play movies and TV shows on your iPod and finish viewing them on your TV. Play photo slideshows, find cool podcasts, and more. A tour of Apple’s App Store. Learn how to rev up your iPod Touch, from upgrading to the 2.0 firmware to installing the iTunes Store’s nifty new collection of programs — including games that turn the Touch into a pocket 3-D arcade.
iPod & iTunes for Dummies (6th edition) | By Tony Bove
Paperback | 386 pages | Wiley | September 2008 | 006.5 B
Compared to the previous two titles, this Dummies book covers pretty much the same territory but is less flashy with all black and white illustrations. However, the authors make every effort to explain step-by-step the more complex features of iTunes and Apple TV such as renting movie titles; using Autofill to copy songs to your iPod Shuffle; and creating and managing an On-The-Go Playlist. Organized into six parts, the authors guide you through the set up process and acquiring media content; managing your media; playing your iPod or iPhone; traveling with your iPod and iPhone; and offers solutions to problems that affect most iPods, iPhones and Apple TV models, and tips about iPod and iTunes equalizer settings. Bonus chapters are accessible on the publisher’s website at http://www.dummies.com/go/ipod6e, including information about earlier iPod models and the cables for connecting them to your computer; preparing photo libraries, videos, address books, and calendars for your iPod or iPhone; and managing multiple iTunes libraries and making a backup of your library.
Interview with Apple industrial designer Jonathan Ive
Jonathan Paul Ive CBE (b. 1967, London) is renowned for the products he has created as Senior Vice President of Industrial Design at Apple Inc., including the iconic iMac, iPod and iPhone. Today he lives in California and continues to work at Apple.
Ive was interviewed by author Steven Levy for his book, The Perfect Thing: How the iPod Shuffles Commerce, Culture, and Coolness (Simon & Schuster, 10/06, 006.5 L).
We found a really interesting brochure in our files the other day. It’s a flyer that presented the arguments for building our current building back in the mid-60s. Among the interesting tidbits:
Posted by wcflblogs 
If you love to read, especially during the Summer, we’ve got a club for you! Not only that, you can enter a drawing for great prizes, such as Orioles tickets, autographed books, and other great things. Just register for the club at your library, and then complete a short review of each book you read. Everyone who submits a review is automatically entered in that week’s prize drawing. A selection of the reviews will also be published here on our blog – so stay tuned! Full details about the club are in this month’s 
