NY Times Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers

Wow - the NY Times features its list of 100 Notable Books of 2009, as well as a variety of "Best of ..." lists for every kind of book lover at nytimes.com. Click here to see the vast array of titles!

NPR's Best Books of 2009

NPR's website features their selection of favorites from 2009. Of note is their list of top 10 cookbooks. Click here to take a look.

Countdown to Book Sale!

We're just a few days away from the Friends' Holiday Book Sale on December 4th and 5th! The Preview Party for members (new members may join at the door) is Friday, Dec. 4th from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. The regular book sale is Saturday, December 5th from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Be sure to plan ahead - there will be lots of bargains.

A Treasure Found in Books

A lot of interesting things are left inside books: paperclips, bookmarks, money, notes, boarding passes, mail, etc. In England, Tobias Smollet found the divorce decree belonging to none other than Thomas Paine (yes, that Thomas Paine) in an 18th century novel. Click here to read more in the Guardian UK.

Holiday Shopping Starts December 4th!

Rest easy this Friday. Why? Because you'll be able to take care of your holiday shopping at the Friends' Holiday Book Sale on December 4th and 5th! The Preview Party for members (new members may join at the door) is Friday, Dec. 4th from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. The regular book sale is Saturday, December 5th from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Be sure to plan ahead - there will be lots of bargains.

Thanksgiving Stories @ the Carter Library

Here's a great way to spend the day after Thanksgiving! The Carter Library is hosting Turkey, Pilgrims and Indian Corn: Thanksgiving Tales to Relish on Friday, November 27th at 2:00 p.m. This program is presented by members of the Southern Order of Storytellers - an awesome group! Click here to visit the Carter Library website. Thanks to AC for this tip.

Upcoming Authors at the Gwinnett Public Library

Two fabulous southern authors, Rick Bragg and Sonny Brewer, will visit the Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville on Wednesday, December 9th @ 7:00 p.m. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit GPL's website. Thanks to JS for this tip.

Upcoming Author Visit at the Carter Library

Continuing its focus on great authors, the Jimmy Carter Library will host author Michael Rosen as he discusses his newest book What Else But Home: Seven Boys and an American Journey Between the Projects and the Penthouse. This program will be held Monday, November 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please click here to visit the Carter Library's website. Thanks to AC for this tip.

Listmania!

Here they come - Top 10 Lists, Bestseller Lists, Favorites, etc. for 2009. About.com has a bevy of lists for listlovers. Click here to see the Top Ten Books of 2009 - People's Choice. Be sure to explore the other links and lists at about.com - you may find some hidden treasures there. Thanks to AC for this tip.

Early 19th Century Libraries in America

A recent post on the Library History Bluff Blog talked about the first libraries in the country. Many were known as "working libraries" before they became free public libraries. Click here to read the November 10th post. Bookmark the LHBB and visit it often - there's always fun stuff to learn.

Secrets from the New York Public Library

The NY Times recently featured an article about the New York Public Library and the vast treasure trove inside its walls. Click here to read it - it's fascinating!

Book Sale! December 4th and 5th

Mark your calendars! Our December Book Sale will be held December 4th and 5th. The Preview Party for members (new members may join at the door), is Friday, Dec. 4th from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. The regular book sale is Saturday, December 5th from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Here's the early word about what's going to be for sale (courtesy of BK). There are many gift-quality books for children and adults, as well as beautiful books on entertaining and decorating. Plus, there will be a large selection of cookbooks as well as history, business and collectibles at affordable prices. Shop early and shop often!

Noonday Nosh and Mystery Readers' Book Clubs Meet Tomorrow

Both Noonday Nosh and the Mystery Readers' Book Club will meet Tuesday, November 17th. Nosh meets at 12:00 p.m. and MRBC meets in the evening at 6:30 p.m. Bring ideas and suggestions for future reads! To learn more, visit the Friends' website at www.forl.net.

Better Late Than Never - Plus a Donation

Thanks to AC for this tip about two overdue library books returned 51 years later, along with a very generous donation of $1,000! Click here to read the story from the Arizona Republic.

Website for Mystery Lovers

Thanks to JS for a tip about a really neat website for mystery readers: www.mysteryreaders.org, Mystery Readers International. Lots of great info and links. Check it out!

We LOVE Our Volunteers

Many thanks to the Friends who baked, bought, and brought those goodies in on a very rainy Tuesday. The weather didn't deter folks from celebrating our wonderful volunteers. A good time was had by all!

Volunteer Appreciation Day at the Library

The Friends will host a Volunteer Appreciation Reception Tuesday, November 10th from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and each volunteer will receive a special gift from the Friends and the enduring gratitude from library staff. One of the reasons why the Roswell Library is so successful is because of our wonderful volunteers!

National Bookstore Day is November 7th

Celebrate National Bookstore Day by visiting the Friends Book Corner, located just inside the Roswell Library. Saturday hours are 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Shop early and shop often! Click here to read a little bit about this fun and oh-so-important day, courtesy of the San Francisco Examiner.

Staff Appreciation Lunch Held October 28th

The Friends treated library staff to a delicious luncheon on Wednesday, October 28th. We do this twice a year to say "thanks" to a hard-working group of people - we appreciate them so much. Here's a photo of a few staff and Friends. Many thanks, again, to the wonderful library staff and to the Friends who made the yummy food.

Can Hunger at the Roswell Library

Jenny Steele in the Children's Dept. at the library is coordinating a food drive at the branch. A decorated barrel is in the Children's Dept. waiting for your canned goods. The next time you shop at the grocery store, pick up a few extras - canned goods and boxed items like cereal or mac 'n cheese. Help us fill the barrel and help those who are struggling during these difficult times!

Mark Twain at the Library Tomorrow

Actor Alan Kitty, who has spent 30 years researching and performing Mark Twain, will visit the Roswell Library on Saturday, November 7th @ 3:00 p.m. The 90-minute monologue combines Twain’s wit and insight about the human condition with Kitty’s skillful portrayal. The result is a show filled with socially charged humor that reflects modern sensibility.

December Book Sale!

Before you know it, December will be here and it will be time for the Friends' annual December Book Sale. Mark your calendars for a little holiday shopping: the Preview Party for Members (new members may join at the door) is Friday, December 4th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and the regular sale is Saturday, December 5th from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Another author confirmed for the Atlanta Author Series

Local author Patti Callahan Henry has been confirmed for a visit to the Roswell Library January 9, 2010 @ 2:00 p.m. Click here to visit the author's website to learn more about her. Photo credit www.patticallahanhenry.com.