| Wisconsin Lore |
[Nov. 21st, 2009|11:54 am] |
We are excited to have author Michael Edmonds visit the Library on Thursday, December 3 at 6:30 pm to talk about his new book Out of the Northwoods; The Many Lives of Paul Bunyan. Wisconsin is home to so many unusual and curious stories that I was interested to read even more.
Wisconsin Lore (398 G217) by Robert E. Gard and L.G. Sorden is another wonderful compilation of many of these stories. Find out:
* How a pair of Paul Bunyan's shoes ended up in a Rhinlander museum
* What happened to the real Hodag at Ballard Lake
* Why Wisconsin is home to so many practical jokers
* Where buried treasures are said to be stashed in Wisconsin
* How legend says the Apostle Islands were formed
and even
* Why elephants are afraid of mice
Enjoy our rich Wisconsin heritage! |
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| The Diva Runs Out of Thyme |
[Nov. 2nd, 2009|06:25 pm] |
Don't get stressed out planning your Thanksgiving feast. Curl up with The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis (Mys Pbk New) amd enjoy a funny, turn-the-page escape!
Sophie Winston is looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family. But when she stumbles across a corpse at the grocery store and the police find her name and photo inside the victim's car, she has some explaining to do. Then at the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown contest, one of the stuffing judges gets his head bashed in with the turkey trophy and who should be there to find him? Sophie again! She is in real trouble now. But the lead police detective is kind of cute...
Sophie has some of her own tricks up her sleeve and is determined to solve the mystery to clear her name. The tale of her Thanksgiving is sure to make the rest of us feel that no matter what disasters may befall our turkey, it could never be as bad as Sophie's holiday tribulations. |
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| Strong Bones |
[Oct. 26th, 2009|06:09 pm] |
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 10 million people in the U.S. are estimated to already have osteoporosis and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass placing them at a risk for osteoporosis.
So what's one to do? The North Shore Library has some resources to help you learn about this disease and find out what you can do to help to keep your bones strong. These resources include the following books:
Great Healthy Food for Strong Bones by Fiona Hunter and Emma-Lee Gow (641.563 H945)
Mayo Clinic on Osteoporosis by Stephen Hodgson, M. D. (616.716 M473)
Strong Women, Strong Bones by Miriam E. Nelson, Ph.D ((616.716 N428)
Strength Training for Strong Bones by Joan Bassey, Ph.D and Susie Dinan (616.716 B319)
Yoga for Healthy Bones by Linda Sparrowe (613.7046 S737)
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| Alexander McCall Smith |
[Oct. 19th, 2009|06:21 pm] |
Author Alexander McCall Smith has been getting a lot of attention lately. First came the bestselling book series of The No. 1 Ladies" Detective Agency, then the TV show and now the DVD version. With all that, let's not forget about 44 Scotland Street which is another entertaining series by the same author.
 The book 44 Scotland Street takes us to a quiet little street in Edinburgh and the colorful characters who live in Apartment No. 44. Pat, a twenty-year-old, is on her 2nd "gap year" and is working at an art gallery with a very unusual owner. She has recently moved into a flat with Bruce, who is too narcissistic, but easily irresistible. Neighbor Domenica doles out advise and all the neighborhood scoop, especially about Bertie. Bertie, an Italian-speaking, saxophone-playing, too-precocious-for-his-own-good five-year-old, lives in flat downstairs with his ever pushy mom, Irene. There are little mysteries (what happened to a painting), love triangles (often centering around Bruce), lots of laughs and good friends.
What makes these books fun as well is how they were written. The author remarked one day to the editor of The Scotman what a pity it was that newspapers no longer ran serialized novels. This tradition had been very important in the nineteenth century with authors such as Dickens. Later the editor came back to him and said, "You're on." The idea of doing a new daily serial printed in small installments was born. The structure has to be a little different from a normal novel. Each installment (chapter) has to have at least one development and must leave the reader wanting to come back for more. One book ends and the reader is ready for yet another installment. And, I imagine, it must require a very different discipline for writing.
It is fun to get to know these neighbors and fun that this old style of writing has been re-introduced. |
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| Milwaukee Book Festival |
[Oct. 7th, 2009|06:48 pm] |
The Milwaukee Book Festival, October 9 to October 18, 2009, will feature a variety of authors, readings and book discussions. You can find the full schedule of events online.
On Friday, October 9 at 7:00 pm, Wisconsin novelist David Brooks will be at Boswell Book Company on N. Downer Ave. It has been 30 years since a motorcycle accident left Rhodes paralyzed and since he wrote the book Rock Island Line. Now he has given us Driftless (Adult Fiction New), another novel featuring July Montgomery, a resident of a small Wisconsin town who has suffered his own tragedies.
On Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 pm, Wendell Berry will speak at the Urban Ecology Center. In order to get to know him better, you may read some of his poems in Collected Poems (811.54 B534 1985). It may surprise you to learn that he has farmed for over 40 years and will surely talk some about sustainable agriculture.
On Monday October 12 at 7:00 pm, Max Brooks, author of Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection From the Living Dead (Adult Fiction) will be at the UWM Union. Brooks, son of Mel Brooks and a Saturday Night Live staff writer, will certainly share some of his humor as he talks about this parody of a survival guide. |
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| 1001 Historic Sites You Must See Before You Die |
[Sep. 23rd, 2009|07:42 pm] |
I may not make it to all the places listed in 1001 Historic Sites You Must See Before You Die (910.202 O58 New), but I can sure enjoy a trip through the 940 pages of this book. From Dawson City to Easter Island, wonderful photographs and descriptions take us to the well-known and the lesser-known destinations around the globe.
Enjoy and bon voyage! |
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| The Top Ten |
[Sep. 14th, 2009|07:24 pm] |
Looking for a good book? Don't just take our word for it! The Top Ten; Writers Pick Their Favorite Books edited by J. Peter Zane ( 028.9 T673 New) is a wonderful source of books to read. It all began with a dream of being on a deserted island when books started falling from the sky - piles and piles and piles of books. Where does one begin? Zane thought about this dream and the dilemma we sometimes face when we have access to so many books that choosing which book to read is difficult. He realized that those who write great books should be the best people to ask about which great books to read. And so - he asked.
The Top Ten includes responses he received from 125 leading British and American authors who were asked to provide a list of what they considered to be the ten greatest works of fiction of all time. The list includes 544 separate titles. (They certainly did not all agree.) I also found it interesting that a total of 353 books appeared on only one list. There are surprises. Sue Monk Kidd included a book by Sophocles and Alexander McCall Smith included both War and Peace and Kidnapped. It is fun to see the lists. As Zane explains, "Best of all, it passes the telephone book test: Close your eyes, open the book, place your finger on the page. Read that book you're pointing to: It's a winner!" Try it!
Let us know what you think by just clicking on "Post comments" below. |
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| The History of the Canoe |
[Aug. 28th, 2009|03:16 pm] |
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You will be able to learn all about the history of canoes from ancient origins to modern technologies at the North Shore Library on Thursday, September 3 at 6:30 pm. Mike Brinkmeier, Laacke & Joys Mequon Store Manager, will provide an overview of the development of the canoe. A selection of canoes will be present. It is free and open to the public. Call the Library at (414) 351-3461 for more information.
The program will certainly inspire you to give canoeing a try. For the next step, check out some books from the Library. Some available titles include the following: Building a Strip Canoe by Gil Gilpatrick
Learn How to Canoe in One Day by Robert Birkby
Path of the Paddle by Bill Mason
Canoeing by Laurie Gullion
Paddling Northern Wisconsin by Mike Svob
Paddling Southern Wisconsin by Mike Svob
Best Canoe Trips in Southern Wisconsin by Michael Duncanson
You may even enjoy some VHS tapes that show canoes in action.
Path of the Paddle; Quiet Water 797.122 P297VH
Path of the Paddle; White Water 797.122 P298VH
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| Job Searching at the Library |
[Aug. 24th, 2009|06:49 pm] |
The Wall Street Journal ran the headline "Folks are Flocking to the Library, a Cozy Place to Look for a Job." We certainly find that at the North Shore Library! It is a great place to come to start or maybe perfect a job search.
If you visit the Career and Literacy Section at the Library, you will find a display of many of the newly purchased books about all different phases of the job search. Some titles include the following:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Job Interview by Dorio (650.144 D698 Career)
Get the Job You Want Even When No One's Hiring by Myers (650.14 M996 Career)
Guide to America's Federal Jobs by Taylor (351.73023 T243 Career)
How to Find Work in the 21st Century by McGowan (650.14 M146 Career)
How to Say It on Your Resume by Karsh (658.31 K148 Career)
Job Searcher's Handbook by Robbins (650.14 R632 Career)
The Library also has another valuable resource and opportunity - Job Trainer Specialists. Two consultants trained in job searches will be available to help you complete online job applications, write resumes, search online job listings and even help you get a free e-mail account if you don't already have one. At the North Shore Library, these Specialists will be available to you on Mondays until October 5 between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. There is no need to register. Just stop in - and start searching! |
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| Summer Reading: The Maze of Bones |
[Aug. 10th, 2009|05:06 pm] |
The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordon (J Riordon) is a great book for those last days of summer when you are getting bored before school starts. It sets the stage for The 39 Clues series of books, as well as the clues and games on the website www.the39clues.com.
Just imagine. Your favorite (and very rich) aunt has passed away. After the funeral, you and all the other relatives listen to the reading of the will. But the will is like no other - it is a challenge, a quest, a treasure hunt. If you do not wish to take the challenge, you are given a million dollars as your inheritance. If you do accept the challenge, you will be given the first clue in a series of 39 which will lead you to a secret - a secret which will make you the most powerful, influential human being on the planet. What would you do?
Dan and Amy Cahill feel that their aunt would want them to take the challenge. They decide to take the clue. The clues are difficult and the quest turns dangerous. They soon discover that the Cahill Family can be a very difficult group. The books are not all finished, so I can't tell you how it ends. But I can tell you that it will be an exciting ride read! |
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| Summer Reading: Found |
[Jul. 30th, 2009|07:00 pm] |
Although the book Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix is located in the Children's Room of the North Shore Library, there is enough suspense to keep anyone interested. It starts with a plane that arrives unscheduled at the airport arrival gate. Where did it come from? Why is it here? AND why are the only passengers 36 babies? Soon the FBI tapes block off the area. Why?
That is a pretty strange occurrence and there are lots of questions to be asked of it. Jonah has his own questions. He has always known he was adopted. His new friend, Chip, recently discovers that he is as well. Recently there have been some very mysterious letters and both boys want answers. The search for their own identity plunges the boys into a strange time-traveling mystery.
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| Summer reading: The Princess Diaries |
[Jul. 23rd, 2009|07:12 pm] |
Our youth volunteer Margaret recommends the book The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot for all kids, especially girls ages 12 and up.
Mia Thermopolis is a normal teenager girl. She is just like every her age but with one condition. She has crushes, self esteem and appearance issues, and popularity problems. The one thing different about Mia is that she is the princess of Genovia, a small country located in Europe. Her mother is a very creative painter who just happens to be dating Mia's algebra teacher. Mia's father in the crowned prince of Genovia, and Mia didn't know this small useless piece of information until she was 14 years old. Now along with her own small problems she must take princess lesson with her strict and somewhat evil grandmother, all in order to rule a country that she's never even visited before. Take a ride with Mia and all her crazy friends and family as they embark on a thrilling adventure that will leave you hanging on to your tiaras. The Princess Diaries is a hilarious book that will leave anyone asking for more as soon as they're finished.
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| Summer Reading: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince |
[Jul. 9th, 2009|07:02 pm] |
Our youth volunteer, Margaret recommends the book Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by JK Rowling for all kids and adults ages 10 and up.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is the sixth book in the well known Harry Potter series. With the movie coming to theaters on July 15 it is a must read for all fantasy and adventure lovers. Harry Potter and his friends are entering their sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He faces struggles that a normal teenager could never imagine including learning to conquer the greatest dark wizard of all time Lord Voldemort. With help from his headmaster Professor Dumbledor and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, Harry might have a chance and becoming the boy who saved the entire wizarding world. Along the way he may face some strange situations including love, betrayel, and jealousy, but he learns to solve his problems in a positive way. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is a great page turner novel and would be a great collection to anyone's home library. |
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| Summer Reading: Hope was Here |
[Jul. 6th, 2009|05:47 pm] |
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Our youth volunteer, Rebecca, recommends the book Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer (YA Bauer) to both boys and girls who are 9 years old or older.
The book is about a girl named Hope who lives with her aunt in Brooklyn, NY. Her aunt is the cook for an amazing restaurant until the restaurant is robbed. Then they move to the farming community of Mulhoney, Wisconsin where the aunt is the chef at the only restaurant in town. It takes a while for Hope to warm up to the community; but when she does, she meets some great people. There is even a happy ending thrown in.
Rebecca recommended this book for Mrs. Doyle's, the governor's wife, "Read On Wisconsin" program when she met her at the State Capitol. Look for it on the reading list for next year. |
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| Summer Reading: Alanna : the first adventure |
[Jul. 6th, 2009|03:25 pm] |
Our youth volunteer, Madee, recommends the book Alanna : the first adventure by Tamora Pierce (Jpb Pierce and YAPB Pierce) to girls who are 10 to 15 years old.
This book is the first of a quartet of books about a girl who wants to be a knight. However girls are not allowed to be knights. Girls should become ladies who cook and sew. So Alanna disguises herself as a boy for many years as she goes through the training to become a Knight of the Realm of Tortall. Her twin brother, meanwhile, does not want to become a knight because he is not very good at fighting. He would rather be a sorcerer and, fortunately, he has the Gift. This book is fun to read because it takes place in the Medieval times and is different from a lot of other books. |
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| Summer Reading: Welcome to Camden Falls |
[Jul. 3rd, 2009|02:42 pm] |
One of our summer youth volunteers, Elizabeth, recommends the book Welcome to Camden Falls by Ann Martin (Jpb Martin) to 9 or 10 year-old kids. 
In the beginning, Ruby and Flora's parents have died and their grandma comes to live with them. After the school year is over, they have to move to Camden Falls. They live in row houses and make lots of new friends. It is fun to read about such a cozy little town.
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| Summer Reading: The Candy Shop War |
[Jul. 3rd, 2009|02:11 pm] |
One of our summer youth volunteers, Sam, recommends The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull (J Mull) to kids about 10 to 14 years old.
There is a new candy shop in town where some of the candy has magical powers. These special treats are made by the candy store owner who is also a magician who are seeking the "Fountain of Youth." She needs to find it before Mr. Stott, the ice cream truck driver and another magician. The candy shop owner has the four kids go on special missions for her. Who will find the "Fountain of Youth" first?
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| Summer Reading for Adults: Playing for the Ashes |
[Jul. 2nd, 2009|04:08 pm] |
"Playing for the ashes" is a term used in the sport of cricket, so you might guess that the victim in this Elizabeth George mystery might have something to do with the game. In fact, that is true. 
Cricket star, Kenneth Fleming is found dead in the apparent arson of a cottage. There are suspects aplenty and complex relationships seem to be the norm. There is love and there is hate and times when these two get all mixed up. Part of the story is told from the point of view of a very hard and often crass young lady who after developing ALS finds a need for the mother she has spent so much effort hating. The crime is solved in the end of course, but not the way we might have imagined.
If you like this book, there are others in the Inspector Lynley Mystery series by Elizabeth George. |
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| Summer Reading for Adults: Gray Matter |
[Jun. 29th, 2009|04:11 pm] |
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I enjoyed Gray Matter by Gary Braver because it was an exciting mystery and because it also made you think about what is really important. 
Rachel Whitman lives in a nice house in a well-to-do Boston suburb. Her 6-year-old son Dylan is sweet, good looking and loves to sing. It seems that all should be going well for the Whitman family. But Dylan has some learning disabilities which Rachel and her husband find hard to accept. She is surrounded by parents who will do anything to improve the lives of their children. Rachel learns of a secret and very expensive experimental medical procedure that claims to turn slow children into geniuses. Should she and her husband sacrifcie their fortune on this risky prosedure for the sake of their son's happiness? What really is happiness after all? |
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| Summer Reading |
[Jun. 22nd, 2009|06:08 pm] |
Summer is now officially here! For many that means a time to grab a good book and relax - whether at home or on vacation. For many news outlets, it also means that it's time to roll out the "Books for Summer" list. There have been several lists online recently including the following:Throughout the summer the staff of the North Shore Library will be making our own suggestions on the "North Shore Library Blog". If you would like to make a suggestion, please click on "Post Comment".
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