Newer Vampire Books

So you have read the twilight series a dozen times and gone through the list that MPL gave out last year. What Now!?
Well in honor of our New Moon screening on Tuesday, March 23rd, we have compiled a list. Of What?...of the vampire books that were published in late 2009 and early 2010, of course.

(The standard disclaimer applies. Some of the books are good and some are bad. Sometimes it’s just your opinion.)

And now the list:

New Books: (might even be the first in a series)
• Never bite a boy on the first date by Tamara Summers
• Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
• Bad Blood by Marianne Mancusi
• I kissed a zombie and I Liked It by Adam Selzer
• Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
• Eternal Kiss edited by Trisha Telep
• Vamped by Lucienne Diver
• Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks
• Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fanaskey

Latest in the Series:
• Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De LA Cruz (Blue Bloods Series)
• Eleventh Grade Burns by Heather Brewer (Chronicles of Vladmir Todd)
• Hourglass by Claudia Grey (Evernight Series)
• Shadow Souls by L.J. Smith (Reprints) (Vampire Diaries: The Return)
• Thirst Series by Christopher Pike (Reprints)
• Fade Out by Rachel Caine (Morganville Vampire Series)
• Betrayals by Lili St. Crow (Strange Angels Series)
• Royal Blood by Ellen Schreiber (Vampire Kisses Series)

See you at the screening!!

Amy W.

The Love of a Dog

I miss my dog. I miss her a lot. Though she passed away two years ago at the age of 12 ½ years old, I sometimes still look for her face pasted against the front door window when I pull into the driveway. Sometimes at night I will get out of bed and do a shuffling step to determine where she is laying by my bed so I do not trip. Then I realize she won’t be there and there is no need to be careful.

I have owned dogs all of my life. I presume I will continue to have them until I am too old to take care of them. Life seems easier to handle with a dog by your side. Sometimes I prefer to hang out with a dog than some people I know. They are good company. Dogs do not live very long, but I believe the wonderful, funny memories and the unconditional love they give you far outweigh the heartache of their loss. The lessons they teach are invaluable. I recently watched one of our newest DVD releases we have at the library, “Hachi, a dog’s tale.” The movie is adapted from a true story of a dog born in Japan named Hachiko. Children’s author Pamela S. Turner wrote the story “Hachiko, the true story of a loyal dog” after her visit in Tokyo. The true story is about a dog that waited for his deceased master to arrive at the train station for 10 years.
The film Hachi touches on many elements of Turner‘s story, but the setting takes place in a small NY community. Nevertheless, the story moved me. The devotion and love between a dog and his owner is beautifully portrayed in the film. I have no doubt that the love between Hachiko and his owner was so strong that it was the impetus for a dog to meet the train for 10 years in the hope his owner would be there. Get ready to get the Kleenex out for the children’s book and the film…tears will fall. The story of Hachi brought back some wonderful memories of all the dogs that have passed through my life. Their love I will cherish always in my heart. Yes, I really miss the company of my old dog Babe.

Poem book hits the right chord

Hello Tween,
I love the rhythm of poetry...the way poems can make the words sing.

I have recently read a new book of original poems called “Dizzy in Your Eyes” by children’s book author Pat Mora that I would highly recommend. There are about 50 poems which convey many universal experiences of tween/teens.
Written in a variety of forms, these poems touch on love for sports and family; admiration for teachers; the loss of a loved one; the giddiness of first love and the pain of heartache. I can guarantee there will be at least one poem for you that will hit the right chord.

My Song
by Pat Mora

So many memories,
and I’m still young.
So many dreams,
my song’s just begun.

Sometimes I hear
my private melody grow,
then the sound vanishes,
but returns, I now know.

I’ve heard my heart break;
wounded, I’ve felt alone,
but slowly I learned
to thrive on my own.

I want to keep learning,
to deepen my song;
in whatever I work,
may my best self grow strong.........

(check out this book and read the rest of Mora’s stanzas for this poem)

Checking Out,
Mrs. V

Register NOW! Poetry and Pizza Night for Tweens

Hello Tweens!

When I was your age I loved poetry and wrote lots and lots of poetry. The words my favorite poets like Emily Dickinson really seemed to speak to me and reflected the "drama" I experienced in my young life. Funny thing is I can only write poetry when I am depressed...the good ones anyway. It has been many years since I wrote a poem, but every once in a while a stanza or two will creep in my mind and I won't have time to write it down. I might just take a gander at it for this upcoming program at the Main Library Children's Department.

Tweens will have the opportunity to share poems of their favorite poets or read what they have composed themselves inside the Children’s Theater. Song lyrics can also be shared or performed for their peers in grades fifth to eighth grades. Come read a funny, dramatic or sad poem in our intimate, relaxed café setting. Hot cocoa, pop, and pizza will be served. I believe this will be inspiring, so please join me and Mrs. Densmore for a poetic program. Register NOW!

Checking Out,

Mrs. V

New Moon Screening

Hello Tweens and Teens,

We have a great night planned for all “New Moon” fans! Don't miss the screening of "New Moon" on Tuesday, March 23 starting at 6:00 pm! We'll have refreshments a werewolf would love, games, and prizes. Bring your knowledge of the library and win "New Moon" themed goodies. Limited reserved seat tickets for the two rows are available when checking out 10 YA novels. Bring your receipts to the Adult Reference desk for your ticket and to get first dibs on a poster. All events will take place in the James R. Garfield Room at the Main Library. No registration required; for more info call (440) 255-8811. This movie is rated PG-13.