Our Libraries by Sarah Long

Library survives flood, now they need your help

2008-11-16

Wednesday, June 11, 2008. Heavy rain is still falling in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library, located across the street from the Cedar River, staff is told that floodwaters are expected to crest 24 feet above flood stage. In 1993, floodwaters crested at 20 feet and the library was safe. Library staff and volunteers mobilize and work feverishly on the first floor to move the valuable Zerzanek collection of 850 original children's book illustrations to the second floor. They also move all the books on the lower shelves of the adult collection to the top shelves. Computer equipment with information on the library's holdings, as well as the holdings of the Marion and Hiawatha Libraries are also moved. Thursday, June 12, 2008. It's still raining. At 3 p.m., Interim Library Director Tamara Glise, other library staffers and volunteers are ordered to leave the library building. "I've got my fingers crossed," Glise said. "We did everything we could to prepare for this. We took anything that could not be replaced to the second floor. On the first floor we moved all the books and other items from the lower shelves to the top shelves. We only had a few inches at the top but we crammed in everything we could. I'm optimistic that we'll be OK." Later that day, floodwaters crested at 31.12 feet, more than 19 feet above flood stage and 11 feet above the previous record. River water containing raw sewage and other pollutants rose 5 to 7 feet on the first floor of the library, destroying the entire adult and young adult collections, as well as reference materials, a state-of-the-art check out and security system, public access computers and a computer laboratory. Only the Children's department, located on the second floor was spared. It is believed to be the largest public library disaster in U.S. history. More specifically, the loss included approximately 160,000 items-fiction and nonfiction books, CDs, reference materials, magazines, DVDs, journals, display racks, electronic equipment, microfilm, tables, charts, chairs, copiers, change machines, display racks, newspapers and myriad other items found in the typical busy public library. Approximately a month later, the library's first floor was stripped down to the concrete. Dehumidifiers were employed to dry out the library and items on the second floor were stabilized. A team of engineers and planners has been assessing the library and a report on the cost of restoring the building is expected shortly. But many questions remain. How much money will be available and from what sources? Will the city's new flood protection plan allow the library to exist so close to the river? While everyone agrees there will be a replacement library, the issue is very complex and not enough information is now available to determine where and in what fashion the new library will be realized. Meanwhile the nearby libraries in Hiawatha and Marion have been very busy, with double digit increases in checkouts at both locations. Consider helping out the Cedar Rapids Public Library with a donation of cash or a clever book donation program. Visit crlibrary.org/flood/index.html and see how you can pick from the library's Amazon wish list. When the new library is ready, your book will be ordered and processed and delivered to the library ready to go. Tune in to my podcast interview with Interim Library Director Tamara Glise for more details on the flood and inspiring plans to reconstruct the Cedar Rapids Public Library at librarybeat.org.

Ela library supporting troops

2008-11-09

During the Vietnam War, 1959-1975, U.S. soldiers were put in an untenable position. On the one hand, they were risking their lives for our nation's war effort. On the other hand, they were vilified and taunted by anti-war protesters on their return home. Once again our nation is involved in an unpopular war. But this time, it's different. No one is blaming our 186,000 service men and women serving in Afghanistan or Iraq. In fact, there are many efforts to support these individuals personally. Earlier this year, Terri Meyer, adult programming coordinator at Ela Area Public Library District, was approached by a library user to set up a support-our-troops initiative under the auspices of "Operation Support our Troops - Illinois." "It was very successful," Meyer said. "OSOTIL made it easy. They provided lists of the top 10 items needed and our patrons brought them in. The list is mostly food, such as microwave popcorn and beef jerky, but there are personal items, too, such as foot powder and shower bag items. We collected for about two weeks and got over a half ton of donations." "Our effort was so successful," Meyer continued, "That we wanted to focus on letters to the troops in November. We're starting on Nov. 9, since it is close to Veterans Day, and will be collecting letters until Nov. 16. OSOTIL has guidelines for the effort. For example, all letters should begin, 'Dear Military Person.' OSOTIL says to enclose your name and address if you want a response. OSOTIL wants 20 copies of each letter so they'll have enough letters to include one in each box sent to a service person." Operation Support our Troops - Illinois was established in 2003 by Deb Rickert, mother of a West Point cadet, as a branch of a national organization whose mission was to support the troops deployed overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq. Rickert began collecting donations of snacks and toiletries using her dining room table as a base of operations. Soon Rickert was joined in her effort by another military mom, Joanne Bradna. Together, and with the help of other volunteers, the organization grew. Now OSOTIL has the 501(C)(3) tax designation allowing all contributions to be tax deductible. To date, OSOTIL has sent over 17,000 packages, an average of 120 per week. Individuals or organizations can help by visiting the OSOTIL Web site at www.osotil.org and either collecting items on the Top Ten wish list or by contributing money. It costs about $25 in postage to mail each box. OSOTIL is also looking for volunteers and for names of military persons who would like to receive boxes from home. OSOTIL is based in Naperville, Illinois. At the Ela Area Public Library, Veterans Day activities will include an exhibit titled, "Veterans of War" presented by the Ela Historical Society. The exhibit will focus on 11-inch-by-20-inch photographs of local veterans of all wars along with their stories of where they were and what they did during their time in military service. The exhibit will be displayed from Nov. 9 through 16 on the first floor of the library near the Popular Materials area.

'Julia' star Diahann Carroll writes fascinating memoir

2008-10-29

Racial tensions were never higher than in l968, with riots at the Democratic National Convention and the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis. That was the year NBC premiered "Julia," a half-hour comedy show about Julia Baker, a widowed black nurse and her young son, Corey. Julia was played by singer-actress Diahann Carroll. Her elegance and dignity helped many in the white community empathize with Julia and her situation. But many in the black community felt the series was false and did not resonate with the reality or the traditions of black America. While "Julia" soared to the top of television's Nielsen ratings and received an Emmy nomination in its first year, Carroll herself took a lot of criticism from the black community. The series ended at Carroll's behest after the third season. Diahann Carroll has written a book, "The Legs are the Last to Go: Aging, Acting, Marrying, and Other Things I Learned the Hard Way." It's a fascinating read and when you're finished, you'll know why Carroll was tapped for the groundbreaking role as "Julia," and why Carroll accepted it. Not to spoil the book, but Carroll never met a stereotype that intimidated her. It was my distinct pleasure to interview Carroll, live and onstage at the American Library Association annual conference last summer. To prepare myself, I read everything I could find about her. In the process, I became a Diahann Carroll fan. Carol Diahann Johnson was born and grew up in New York City. As a young girl her musical talent and stage presence were obvious. She received a Metropolitan Opera scholarship to attend the High School of Music & Art. On a whim, she sent a picture of herself to Ebony magazine. Six months later Ebony called for an interview resulting in a modeling assignment. As a teenager, Carroll was modeling, singing in night clubs, and appearing on TV and in the movies. In l964 Carroll received a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway production of "No Strings." Since then, this talented performer has gone on to demonstrate not only her versatility in almost any medium but her ability to adapt and keep her career fresh. Typically, a Hollywood actress's career is over at about age 40. Carroll's ability to reinvent herself has kept her career going and she is still working at 73. I think part of her secret is her singing. Carroll has an incredible voice. She was first noticed as a youngster in the church choir and if you look at her career, she returns to singing when the doors of Hollywood or Broadway or TV shut. In this way, she survives to fight another day. Similarly Carroll has persevered through incredible personal challenges. Like most of us, she has dealt with the opinions, demands and responsibilities of aging parents, and she's had guilt about her absences in the rearing of her only child. Unlike most of us, Carroll has been married four times and has had serious, public relationships with at least two other men. "The Legs Are the Last to Go" is Carroll's gift of sharing her hard earned wisdom about this thing we call life. She worries about her weight and health, especially as a breast cancer survivor. She doesn't like getting old, but she is dealing with it, admitting to the odd nip and tuck. For the most part, she has come to terms with the fear of being alone. She has found peace with her daughter and enjoys her grandchild. Listen to my podcast interview with Diahann Carroll here at librarybeat.org by clicking on 'Longshots Podcast', or by clicking the Diahann Carroll podcast link at the bottom of the main page.

Answers to 10 burning questions about how libraries work

2008-10-22

Here are 10 library backroom secrets unmasked and revealed! 1. With so many wonderful books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and other items available, how do librarians decide what to buy? All libraries have a policy outlining the focus for their purchases. There is usually something about quality and about materials representative of community interests. Often purchases are made from reviews. 2. How does the library know what it owns and how to find things? Today, most libraries use computers and bar codes to keep track. Each new item is cataloged. This information is entered into the library's online catalog. Your library card also has a bar code. When you check out a book, the barcodes on the book and on your card are paired. In this way, the library knows who has what. Most public libraries use the Dewey Decimal System which serves as a location tool while grouping items on the same topic together. 3. Why do we need libraries when everyone has the Internet? Libraries provide access to a wide range of culture, education and recreation as well as information in a human environment. Libraries are a community destination, a place for individuals and families. There are programs at the library as well as expert help. The librarian is a font of information with advice on the next book to read, how to find health information, or even how to use the Internet more effectively. Most libraries have free high-speed Internet access. Library usage has increased every year for the last five years. Historically as the economy goes down, library usage goes up. 4. Who pays for the library? You do. In Illinois, public libraries are supported by property taxes. 5. But I thought it was the "free" public library? It's free in the sense that you can freely borrow items. 6. I pay my local property taxes but when I went to the library closest to me, they wouldn't give me a card? In fact, they wanted to sell me a card! It sounds like you live in an unincorporated area that does not support a library with property taxes. Unfortunately, about a million people in Illinois live in such areas. 7. Are all the people who work in the library librarians? Technically, no. Only persons who have earned a masters degree in librarianship or information science are librarians. But lots of other people with related and supporting skills also work at the library. 8. How can I get a job at the library? Ask! Go to the library where you'd like to work and ask about openings. In this area you can also find job ads in the weekly NSLS e-newsletter. The current issue can be accessed on the upper right section of the NSLS website, www.nsls.info. One way to get a library job is to volunteer. Then when openings are available, you'll hear about them first. 9. I asked for a book the library did not have. The staff got it for me but it came from the University of Illinois. How did that happen? Libraries around the country and around the world cooperate. Thanks to shared computer catalogs, library staff can find libraries that own almost any item ever printed. Agreements among libraries enable the library to borrow what you need from another library. 10. Who really makes the decisions about the library? For example, who decides if the library is open on Sunday? People in your community are either elected or appointed to serve as public library trustees. These are the folks who make the policies, including when the library will be open.

Exhibit sheds new light on Ben Franklin

2008-10-17

Who said, "A penny saved is a penny earned"? Or, "Honesty is the best policy"? If you guessed Benjamin Franklin, you'd be right! But he also said, "The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." And, "A learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one." And, "I guess I don't so much mind being old, as I mind being fat and old." Franklin's observations on the human condition are as fresh today as they were three hundred years ago when he spoke them. Here's your opportunity to get to know our First Citizen much better. The exhibit, "Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World" will be opening at the Niles Public Library on Sunday, October 19, 2008. "This exhibit presents Benjamin Franklin in a new light," said Neil O'Shea, Niles Reference Librarian and Coordinator of the Franklin Exhibit. "We think of Franklin as a wise and kindly old man, the author of Poor Richard's Almanac, or someone who flew kites in bad weather. But his contributions go far beyond these popular images. Franklin was a consummate diplomat who was instrumental in securing American independence from England. He secured French support for our revolt against England. As a result, the French gave us arms and experienced senior officers. France also provided vital military supplies, and loaned money to pay for their purchase. France was the only nation to recognize the independence of the U.S. before the treaty which ended the war in 1783. Before that, when the Continental Congress met and later the Constitutional Convention, it was Franklin's library that the framers used in preparing our founding documents. Without Benjamin Franklin we might all be singing, "God Bless Our Noble Queen" instead of "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" O'Shea concluded. Linda Weiss, Director of the Niles Public Library said, "We are so proud to be hosting this exhibit. The exhibit was created for the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary in Philadelphia. After that the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) cooperated in creating a national traveling exhibit. Benjamin Franklin is very popular and many libraries wanted to host it. We were thrilled when our application was selected." The panel exhibit runs 108' and consists of six sections of colorful, freestanding photo-panels, incorporating representations of artifacts from the original Franklin exhibition and a text written by the curator of the original international traveling exhibition of the same title. The library is augmenting the exhibit with related book displays and bibliographies in both print and media formats. The library is also supporting the exhibit with programs for adults and children. On Sunday, November 2, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. beer historian Bob Skilnik, will discuss the beers and ales favored by Franklin and the Founding Fathers while they were making our history. On Sunday, November 23, from 1:00 to 4:00, kids are invited to "Science with Ben." There will be kite building and other programs including period musical concerts, book discussions, and treasure hunts for kids. Visit the library's website for complete details: http://www.nileslibrary.org/ and to register for the events. Benjamin Franklin himself will be available at the exhibit's opening on Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m. Additionally Dr Ralph Lerner, the Benjamin Franklin Professor Emeritus in the College and of the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago, will deliver the keynote speech--"The World through Ben's Bifocals." Mark your calendar now for a Benjamin Franklin Sunday afternoon. The exhibit is free and will remain at the library through December 5, 2008.

Digital Bookmobile comes to Schaumburg Township library

2008-10-06

Unexpected things on wheels always make me laugh. I would love a ride in the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile or Hershey's Kissmobile. But more realistically and closer to home, join me from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today for a tour of the Digital Bookmobile. It will be at the Schaumburg Township District Library parking lot for a stopover on its yearlong national tour. I've seen pictures of the Digital Bookmobile and it is BIG! It's a 74-foot 18-wheeler, and while I'm looking forward to seeing it, I'm not really interested in riding in it. I think it would feel dangerous on the highway. Looking will be fun enough. Actually the Digital Bookmobile is a high-tech update of the familiar and traditional bookmobile. The difference is that it's crammed full of high-tech stuff including 53-inch high-definition televisions, 46-inch high-definition televisions, interior PC computer stations, four exterior PC computer stations and one Mac computer station. All this equipment is configured to be interactive and Internet connected. Visitors can browse electronic books (e-Books), listen to audio books and music, and preview movies. The fringe on the top, if you will, is a Gadget Gallery with eight high-tech portable devices including MP3 players, cell phones, and iPods for demonstrations and playing. I can hardly wait! In August the Digital Bookmobile began its yearlong tour from Central Park in New York City. Since then it's visited Brooklyn Public Library, Cleveland Public Library, the Boston Public Library, and 15 other sites. By year-end, the Digital Bookmobile will have visited 40 communities around the country. The idea behind the tour is to demonstrate the fact that many libraries now have "virtual branches." They're not brick and mortar branches with traditional books lined up in neat rows. They're virtual because the materials and services offered are available on the Internet at all hours of the day and night via one's home computer and accessed with a library card. The Digital Bookmobile was developed by Cleveland, Ohio-based OverDrive, Inc. to showcase digital media. In fact, most libraries now offer a number of services along with access to materials via the Internet. Mike Madden, Director of the Schaumburg Township District Library said, "If you think about it, our library really does have a third branch that's as real as our main library, and our branches in Hanover Park and Hoffman Estates. It's a virtual branch you access with your library card via our Web site. Starting with the Web site, you can peruse the programs we'll be offering and sign up. You can look at our online catalog and request real books to be held for you. You can download e-books and audio books, movies and music. You can access a number of priority databases with first-rate, hard to find information. Kids can get homework help via Tutor.Com. Our downloadable media statistics have grown 149 percent over the three years we've been providing the downloadable services. We're not alone in having a virtual branch. Many libraries offer services virtually." More than 35 in the suburban Chicago area participate in MyMediaMall, a service provided by OverDrive. That's why our area was chosen for one of the prestigious stops on the national tour. Amy Peterson, Popular Services Librarian at the Schaumburg Township District Library is serving as the local hostess for the Digital Bookmobile. "We're planning for a record crowd on Sunday rain or shine," she said. "There'll be all sorts of activities including games with prizes. We'll have refreshments and it's all free. No need to register. Just drop by and join the fun."

Pioneer architect designed libraries around the world

2008-09-30

We lost a great name in architecture in June. Walter Netsch died of pneumonia at age 88. He was a design partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill from l947 to 1979. Even early in his career Netsch showed himself to be something of an iconoclast. He designed buildings that were very different from the boxy International Style so prevalent in the l950s and '60s. Netsch is credited with conceptualizing the first office building built in the Chicago Loop after the Depression. The Inland Steel Building, completed in l957, featured lots of inside, flexible space created by placing the structural columns on the outside of the building. Further space economies were realized by consolidating elevators and other service functions in a separate tower. Netsch's design for the Cadet Chapel at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs featured 17 spires soaring some 150 feet heavenward. It was all aluminum, glass, and steel, not the usual stuff of sacred buildings, and was controversial when completed in 1963. But in l995 the American Institute of Architects named the Cadet Chapel the winner of the Twenty-Five Year Award, given annually to a 25 to 35 year-old project that has stood the test of time. Netsch designed about 10 libraries around the world. Four can be found in the Chicago area: University Library at the University of Illinois Circle Campus (1961); Paul V. Galvin Library at the Illinois Institute of Technology (1962); Northwestern University Library at Northwestern University (1964); and Joseph Regenstein Library at the University of Chicago (1970). In speaking about designing the Long Library at Wells College, a structure Netsch considered to be one of his best buildings, he said, "It fit the concept of what a library should be - a place where you study, put the book on the floor, and read on the floor or on pillows. It's not regimented. It has volume, it has space and perception. It has small rooms that you can go to, especially on the bride. And it has native materials. It has brick and wood." In designing the library at Northwestern, Netsch developed the designs over a six-year period in collaboration with the University's Planning Committee. He said of the project, "The design and programming of Northwestern University Library was one of the most satisfying experiences of my professional life." Netsch's connection with the Northwestern Library continued until the time of his death. He served with distinction as a life member of Northwestern University Library Board of Governors. In 2006 the library mounted an exhibition, "Walter Netsch and the Northwestern University Library," created by staff of the library's art collection. They also created a very interesting Web site, viewable at www.library.northwestern.edu/art/walternetsch/index.html. Netsch worked with staff on these projects and his legendary larger than life personality generated much enthusiasm. A book was proposed and created with Netsch's participation. "Walter A. Netsch, FAIA: A Critical Appreciation and Sourcebook" was published by the Library and Northwestern University Press shortly before Netsch's death earlier this summer. Russell Clement, head of the art collection, said that Netsch saw the book before his death and was very pleased. Listen to the podcast of my conversation with librarians working in Chicago area Walter A. Netsch libraries atlibrarybeat.org. My special guests are Sarah Pritchard, Charles Deering McCormick, university librarian at Northwestern University; Russ Clement, head of the art collection at Northwestern University Library; and Christopher Stewart, dean of libraries at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

We Need to be More Accommodating of Handicapped

2008-09-22

At the end of her life, my mother was almost completely blind as a result of detached retinas. As wonderful as modern medicine is, at that time nothing could be done to help her. She was pretty healthy otherwise, but her blindness and the stigma of blindness crippled her. She ceased to walk very much or exercise. She seemed to lose interest in going out. She would not say "I am blind" and ask for help. One thing led to another and as a result she died before her time. Knowledge could have helped my mother - and our society could have helped too if it was more tolerant and accommodating of those with handicaps. This weekend in our community, we have an opportunity to learn more about a whole range of low vision conditions as well as strategies and implements that can be of help. Eight suburban public libraries are co-sponsoring a Low Vision Fair on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Niles Senior Center located at 999 Civic Center Drive. The Center is on the southeast corner of Waukegan Road and Oakton Street. The Fair is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Dodie Frisbie is the outreach librarian at the Niles Public Library and is one of the fair organizers. "This is the second year of the fair," she said, "and our inter-library outreach group has worked hard to pull these resources together. We've scheduled some terrific speakers including Polly Abbott, a certified vision rehabilitation therapist, and Dr. Stephen Conti, a retina specialist. Abbott's talk, 'The Top Ten Things to Do When Diagnosed with Vision Loss' will be at 9:15 a.m. Conti's presentation, 'Macular Degeneration and Senior Vision' will be at 11:30 a.m." "The Niles Lions Club will be providing macular degeneration and diabetic eye screenings," Frisbie said. "Dr. Brian Markham from Glenbrook Hospital will be providing glaucoma screening. There will be information booths from organizations such as the Guild for the Blind and Voices of Vision, our area's Talking Book agency. Vendors of low vision equipment and assistive devices will also have booths. Every attendee will receive a goody bag and there will be light refreshments. It will be a Saturday morning well spent for anyone with low vision. It's free and provides access to the many local resources that are available to seniors," she said. Libraries have a long history with low vision. The Talking Book program through the Library of Congress is over 70 years old. Most libraries have large print books and a whole range of auditory materials of use to those who have trouble with conventional print. Descriptive videos, which have additional narration to describe the visual action, are also available. But did you know that many libraries have low vision aids such as specialty magnifiers, Reading Edge reading machines, and Braille typewriters? Participating libraries (Des Plaines, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Skokie, Niles, Arlington Heights, Glenview, and Vernon Area) will have a booth with staff members on hand to talk about available services. To learn more about vision rehabilitation, tune in to my podcast this week at www.librarybeat.org, and hear my conversation with Polly Abbott. If you or someone you know has vision issues, ask for help at your library. Remember my mother's story. Educate yourself and live life to the fullest.

Mystery solved. Register to vote at local library

2008-09-16

"Voter registration is often a mystery," she said. "For some odd reason, people just don't know where to go. They're really pleased when they find out most public libraries register voters." I was talking to Judy Hoffman, marketing communications specialist here at the North Suburban Library System and active member of the League of Women Voters of Evanston. Hoffman has been pushing public libraries as ideal places for voter registration because "Everybody knows where the public library is and the library typically has long open hours including nights and weekends. Presented with the opportunity to register to vote while visiting the library --who can say no?" Hoffman opined. Public library directors think voter registration at the library is a worthy and appropriate service. Mike Madden, director, Schaumburg Township District Library reported, "Our library has been registering voters for over seven years. It's done at our Information Desk seven days/week any hour that the library is open. The service has brought some new people into the library, but it is also a wonderful opportunity for those who work and have limited hours when they can register. It's a fast process and normally takes no more than three minutes." Wauconda Area Library also offers voter registration during all hours of business. Director Tom Kern wrote, "We consider this an important service to the community. Generally, about 10 people register per month at the library, but that changes significantly as the registration deadline for an upcoming election approaches. Dozens of people usually show up to register the evening of that last day of registration, and they are always very grateful that we provide this service." The Evanston Public Library is cooperating with the Evanston League of Women Voters to present "VoterPalooza," a special voter registration "festival" if you will. "There will be nine downtown Evanston "stages" where voters can register in non-traditional settings like restaurants, stores, fitness centers, and of course, the library," says Hoffman. "Thanks to new legislation, Illinois residents can now register to vote anywhere in the state. Have you moved since the last time you voted? Then you need to register again. VoterPalooza provides the prime opportunity to make sure your voice is heard this election, and also to experience our vibrant downtown and lakefront." VoterPalooza will take place on Saturday, September 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For location information, visit www.lwve.org, and click on "Voting in Evanston." While Hoffman identified "location" as the first big mystery or barrier to voter registration, the second might be "necessary paperwork." In other words, what documentation is needed for voter registration? Hoffman said, "It's easy. Just two forms of identification, one with your current address. You must be 18 years of age by Election Day, November 4, 2008. Also you must be a U.S. citizen. If you're a naturalized citizen, bring the exact date and place of naturalization when you register." Don't leave registering to vote to the last minute. The last day to register for the November 4 elections is October 7. Outside of Chicago, the final word in voter registration is the Clerk in every Illinois County. Following are links for area county websites: Cook County (suburbs): www.voterinfonet.com Lake County: www.co.lake.il.us/cntyclk/elections Kane County: www.kanecountyelections.org DuPage County: www.dupageelections.com/main.asp Hear more of my topical discussion with Judy Hoffman on my podcast at www.librarybeat.org/longshots.

What Library Directors are Reading

2008-09-08

I asked North Suburban area public library directors what they'd been reading, and here's what they said: "I dusted off an omnibus of the G.K. Chesterton Father Brown mysteries," said Harry Bork, director of the Fox Lake Public Library. "The first Father Brown story, 'The Blue Cross,' introduces the unassuming, round-faced, bespectacled Norfolk priest, soon to take a rightful place among the great detectives of English literature. Over 50 Father Brown short stories were eventually written between 1910 and the 1930s, all in an elegant style, with alluring titles such as 'The Three Tools of Death' and 'The Salad of Colonel Cray.' The plots turn ingeniously, often with stunning surprise endings. There's some moralizing woven into the stories - Father Brown is a priest, after all. Some of the tales are definitely of their time, but if writing has gotten better over the many years since these stories were written, I haven't seen it." "This summer I've read the most fiction I have in years!" said Mary Pergander, director of the Deerfield Public Library. "I really enjoyed Sarah Ash's fantasy sci-fi trilogy, 'Tears of Artamon.' Even though the motifs include dragons and kingdom rivalries, there was much that related to leadership and character as well. I like books I can read on two levels." Pergander continued, "For weekends I enjoyed Victoria Laurie's Ghost Hunter series ('What's a Ghoul to Do,' and 'Demons are a Ghoul's Best Friend'). The main character seems to be based on a grown up Nancy Drew who becomes a ghost buster. The author is a ghost detective in real life. Both novels were short, sassy and fast moving reads." Kaye Grabbe, director of the Lake Forest Library reported reading Cynthia Ozick's short story collection, "Dictation: A Quartet." "Ozick is a superb writer and this collection is lighter in theme than I've come to expect," Grabbe said. "Now I'm listening to John Updike's 'Terrorist: A Novel.' Updike is my favorite living American writer and I never miss one of his books. This one is an attempt to understand how a person can live in our culture and yet not be part of it." "For summer fun I listened to Adriana Trigiani's 'Rococo,'" Grabbe added, "a very funny tale of a Jersey Italian family, told by Bartolomeo di Crespi, the brother, uncle, nephew and friend of an outrageous East Coast bunch. But the best thing I've read all summer was Stephen Carter's new novel, 'Palace Council.' It's long, but just as rewarding as his first book of the African-American upper classes, 'The Emperor of Ocean Park.'" Elizabeth Crane, director of the Round Lake Area Public Library District has also been listening to books. "My great summer mystery read has been the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters. It's about a Victorian, female archeologist working in Egypt," Crane said. Nann Blaine Hilyard, director of the Zion-Benton Public Library District in Zion recommends "Looking for Anne of Green Gables, A Biography of L.M. Montgomery," and "Come on Shore and We Will Kill and Eat You All." "It's my nominee for the most intriguing title of the year," Hilyard said. "It's about an American who marries a Maori." Many of my most enjoyable reading experiences have come from suggestions by colleagues and family. I look forward to diving into a few of the books introduced by our NSLS directors. But soon, I'll be looking for the next good book. If you've got a book to recommend for me, please write me at slong@nsls.info.