44444 Ask Me

Income Based Repayment of Student Loans

2009-07-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

Students burdened with hefty federal student loan repayments should check out IBR, an income based repayment program.

Save Ohio Libraries: Updates and Contact Information

2009-06-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Information concerning the ongoing budget negotiations can be found at the Save Ohio Libraries website http://saveohiolibraries.com/

From this link you can also find contact information for Governor Strickland and your local representatives.

Ohio Library Funding Crisis

2009-06-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

From the Ohio Library Council, 6/24/2009

Why are Ohio public libraries in trouble?

At a news conference on Friday, June 19, the Governor proposed a cut to state funding for public libraries of $227.3 million in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 as part of his plan to fill the $3.2 billion gap in the budget that must be balanced by the Ohio General Assembly's Conference Committee by June 30.

The proposal amounts to a 30% cut in funding for Ohio's public libraries. This cut is in addition to the 20% reduction in funding that libraries are already facing, because their funding comes from 2.22% of the state's declining General Revenue Fund.

Libraries could close or face significant reductions in operations as a result of the Governor's proposal. With some 70% of the state's 251 public libraries relying solely on state funding to fund their operations, the reduction in funding will mean that many will close branches or drastically reduce hours and services.

The Governor's proposed funding cuts come at a time when Ohio's public libraries are experiencing unprecedented increases in demands for services. In every community throughout the state, Ohioans are turning to their public library for free high speed Internet access and help with employment searches, children and teens are beginning summer reading programs, and people of all ages are turning to the library as a lifeline during these difficult economic times. Ohio's public libraries offer CRITICAL services to those looking for jobs and operating small businesses. Public libraries are an integral part of education, which Governor Strickland says is critical to the state's economic recovery. But it is unlikely that many of Ohio's public library systems, especially those without local levies, can remain open with these proposed cuts.

About 30% of Ohio's public libraries have local property tax levies that supplement the state's funding. However, with the Governor's proposed drastic cuts in the state funding for libraries, even those libraries will face decisions regarding substantial reductions in hours of operation, materials, and staffing.

Dating Service Dilemas

2009-06-19T08:24:00.001-07:00

Behaving Like Adults: A Novel by Anna Maxted

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Light summer fare by NPR's Anna Maxted.

View all my reviews.

Garden Plant Exchange

2009-06-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

On June 17th our library held its first community Garden Plant Exchange. Despite being forced indoors because of a summer downpour, the exchange was well attended. Participants brought a large variety of plants and herbs to the program, including hen and chicks, lemon balm, honeysuckle vine, chives, brown-eyed Susans, coneflowers and others. A bulb exchange has been planned for this coming fall 0n September 21st.

Event photos courtesy of Karen Armstrong

Light Summer Reading from NPR's Anna Maxted

2009-06-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

Being Committed: A Novel by Anna Maxted

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Good summer read.

View all my reviews.

7th Annual Oscar Contest Complete

2009-02-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year's Oscar Contest! We seemed to have more correct answers this year than ever before, so Newton Falls folks must know their stuff! You can view the award winners' acceptance speeches online here on the Academy's "Thank You Cam."

Library patrons entered the contest by trying to predict the winner in 10 categories. The categories and the winner in each category are as follows:

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Director: Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Actor: Sean Penn, Milk
Best Actress: Kate Winslet, The Reader
Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Score: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Costume Design: The Dutchess
Best Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Of the 91 patrons who entered, three predicted 6 of 10 answers correctly:
Diane Harrison
Angelo Pagano
Betty Schilling

Seven predicted 7 of 10 answers correctly:
Roger Casedy
Marilyn King
Christie Moore
Julie Sideropolis (NFPL Staff winner)
Matthew Taylor
Stephanie Turney
Susan Zaborsky

Two predicted 8 of 10 answers correctly:
Chad English
Paula Jones

And one lone patron answered all ten answers correctly! Twenty dollars of movie money for the Regal Cinema in Niles goes to.......
Eve Schroll!!

Why We all Love The IT Guy

2009-02-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

From a "Ghost Writer,"

Well all of us here love our wonderful IT guy
1. He always fixes our problems with a smile.
2. He does the impossible on a daily basis.
3. We don't buy him nearly enough free lunches and he still fixes our mistakes.
4. He must be related to old scratch. You say his name and BAM! - there he is!
5. Always adding new and fun things to other peoples blogs!

Sean Pierce, NFPL IT Guy

Attack of the Theater People

2009-01-12T09:27:00.000-08:00

This follow-up to Acito's How I Paid For College is in the same fast-paced, jazz hands tradition of the first. Having been kicked out of Julliard, Eddie Zanni falls on hard times and must resort to Bar Mitzvah entertainment and ushering to make ends meet. Unwisely he lets himself be convinced to schmooze business secrets from partygoers in exchange for cash and allows his friend Natie to "invest" some of his money. Soon he finds himself under investigation and only the wildest acting by his eclectic assortment of friends will save him.

'Tis the Season

2009-01-08T06:54:00.000-08:00

The tax forms have begun to come in and we have placed them in our lobby. Currently we have some federal forms including the 1040s and 1040 EZs, but are still missing the 1040 booklets. You can always download forms for yourself from the IRS site.

The Ohio forms have come in. Each booklet contains both a 1040 Ohio and a 1040 EZ Ohio form. You can get to the state forms by visiting the Ohio Department of Taxation.

The library does not have Newton Falls City tax forms, but those can be obtained either in town or online at the city's website: City of Newton Falls

If you have questions or need forms please contact the federal, state or city office directly. Librarians are prevented by law from giving tax advice.

Devilish Good Time

2008-12-29T10:42:00.001-08:00

Devil Bones: A Novel by Kathy Reichs

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
As per most of the Temperance Brennan books, Reichs creates a tense atmosphere intertwining a murder case and Brennan's personal life. This book is no different, except that Reichs has pared the plot down to a more believable story. Good stuff.

View all my reviews.

Universal Design

2008-12-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

In October Library Journal provided a list of websites for those trying to remodel or update homes and facilities to meet criteria set out in the Americans with Disabilities Act or to simply make their living or work space more efficient and user-friendly to all. This list includes govenment, nonprofit and commercial sites.

American National Standards Institure (ANSI)
www.ansi.org

Americans with Disabilities Act
w ww.ada.gov

Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access
www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea/Home/index.asp

The Center for Universal Design (CUD)
www.design.ncsu.edu/cud

Fair Housing Accessibility First
www.fairhousingfirst.org

Fleetwood Homes
www.fleetwoodhomes.com

National Association of Home Builders Research Center
www.nahbrc.org

Shared Solutions America
www.livablehomes.org

Universal Design Alliance
www.universaldesign.org

Curing the Post-Ballot Box Blues

2008-11-10T14:49:00.001-08:00

Don't know what to do with your life now that the election is over? Need a new obsession now that the polls have closed? President-elect Barack Obama has created a new website Change.gov where you can stay up to date on his plans prior to inauguration. The site includes a newsroom for up-to-the-minute coverage, a blog, information on Obama's and Joe Biden's transition to office, places to add your election stories, the new administration's request for students in community service, and even an jobsearch area. Grab another latte and check it out - it's change you can obsess over!

Historic Election Now One for the Books: Election Results in Numbers and Words

2008-11-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

Barrack Obama was elected Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 as the 44th President of the United States with 349 electoral votes to John McCain's 162, and 52% of the popular vote. He appeared around midnight with his wife Michelle, and daughters Malia Anne and Natasha. In case you missed Obama's midnight speech that night you can watch it here on his website, and read the text of his speech.

John McCain made an eloquent concession speech that you can also view: McCain Concession Speech, Arizona Biltmore

Colin Powell Interview

Electoral College Map 2008 Election

Ohio Votes by County

Ohio Election Results

Trumbull County, Ohio Election Results

Great Scots!

2008-10-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Naming of the Dead by Ian Rankin

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Solid police procedural combined with global politics, crooked cops, serial killers and Scots-level hard drinking. Heard as an audiobook it also provides great characterization on the part of the reader, James Gale.

View all my reviews.

Harvest Fest VII

2008-10-30T07:49:00.001-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to make Harvest Fest a success! Our traditional carved pumpkin contest was won by Linda Fay Gordon (adult), Kurtis Showers (Teen) and Brienna Steffens for the kids. After the costume parade through the library, winners Mary Bobersky (adult), Brandon Hawk (Teen) and Brandon Hinkle (kids) also received prizes. Many people enjoyed making crafts upstairs and a special reading of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things encouraged participants to engage in a wild rumpus.

Last but not least we'd like to thank the many people who baked goodies or brought items for the public to enjoy, and especially our volunteers Shirley Hill, Linda Gordon, Gloria Hatfield, Elsie Whetzel, Shirley Wolf, Debbie Blazek, Kathy Rapczak, Abby Ballas!

Desired Digs

2008-10-30T07:48:00.001-07:00

One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell

My review

One Fifth Avenue is home to a collection of New York women. When an elderly resident passes away a vicious fight ensues over who will get the sumptuous apartment.

View all my reviews.

Simon Serrailler Mystery

2008-10-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
This whodunit has plenty of good characterization, plus a surprise ending. Well done.

View all my reviews.

Social Security Benefit Increase

2008-10-17T05:46:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday October 17th the Social Security Administration announced a 2.3 percent benefit increase, based on an increase in cost of living. For more information please refer to the Administration's press release.

Feed Reads: Test Kitchen Treasure

2008-10-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

The America's Test Kitchen Family Baking Book by America's Test Kitchen

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fully illustrated and tabbed, this cookbook hearkens back to the original Betty Crocker cookbook, only resplendent with color photos throughout and updated to include newfangled accessories like food processors and microwaves. This book covers all the homey basics, from biscuits to baklava, flatbread to phyllo, sourdough to souffle. Indeed, just as its Eisehower-administration ancestor, the Test Kitchen cookbook includes charts of measurements and substitutions, plus an equipment guide of gadgets in the cheap to moderately cheap price range.

View all my reviews.

Simple Food is an Art Form

2008-10-15T15:11:00.001-07:00

The Art of Simple Food: Notes and Recipes from a Delicious Revolution by Alice Waters

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Alice Waters, founder of Chez Panisse restaurant and the local foods movement, offers this book of recipes, techniques and explanations for making simple, delicious meals that reflect her background in French cuisine. The book is divided into two parts - one with lessons for everything from planning menus to learning cooking techniques, and one with recipes for cooking everyday meals. Waters never skimps on the explanation in any of her recipes, revealing the joy she gets from cooking for friends and family from quality ingredients, and she possesses an enormous amount of creativity and international flair.

View all my reviews.

30 Days

2008-10-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Watch segments of the new television show by Morgan Spurlock, writer and director of the hit film Super Size Me. This program explores what happens when ordinary people are placed outside their comfort zones for 30 days, and how they deal with the discomfort of encountering religious and philosophical differences and economic uncertainty.

30 Days may be found in our nonfiction DVD collection under DVD 791.4572 T

Time Tested Cookbook

2008-10-03T11:07:00.001-07:00

The New Enchanted Broccoli Forest by Mollie Katzen

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
While revisiting some of the pioneering works in the area of vegetarian cookery, I was redirected to The Enchanted Broccoli Forest by a former professor and friend who caught my interest with his description of a cream of tomato soup in the above mentioned book. I can only give this book three stars just yet because I've only tried one recipe and so can't really comment on the quality of the others. I can say that while Katzen's tastes and my own aren't always in sync (and really, who ever likes all the recipes in any cookbook?), she goes to great pains to provide variations within the recipes for cooks to try.

I tried the second variation on the tomato soup recipe and was very pleased, although I did use my immersion blender to puree the soup and incorporate the cream cheese(!). Also,I think I may try dried rather than fresh rosemary, or use a sprig which I will later remove, to keep from getting ahold of little bits of rosemary.

It is important to point out that this book was originally published in 1982 by Ten Speed Press, and features Katzen's own drawings and hand printed recipes. There are some color photographs, including on of the Enchanted Broccoli Forest with upright broccoli heads standing in veggie pride in a bed of herbed rice pilaf. I am particularly interested in the soups in this book, but wait until you get to the desserts. More later on this book.

View all my reviews.

Reality Kicks in with a Vengeance

2008-10-03T10:02:00.001-07:00

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
While the book dealt with sensitive subjects in a...well, sensitive manner, it tended to overrate the qualities of the protagonist as so many of its kind do. The voice of Charlie never seems to ring quite true for a student supposedly so wildly gifted, although his descriptions of family holidays and high school events was both perceptive and darkly funny. Overall not a bad pick for my Banned Books selection this year. Critics who feel that this book is inappropriate for teen reading may have forgotten the paranoid uncertainty of their high school years and the rapid digestion of reality that occurrs in the short period between childhood and adult life.

View all my reviews.

2008-10-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kingsolver's lament on the nature of the American diet and state of our ignorance about the food we consume each day manages to be wildly depressing and amazingly readable at the same time. Her story of her family's return to their Virginia farm is interspersed with commentary by her husband and eldest daughter. While Kingsolver makes her case against the industrialization of the American farm she also brings to her book a warmth that comes from her love of the farm's land and livestock, and abundance of food and positive experiences they provide her family.

Barbara Kingsolver discusses the book on the NPR show "Speaking of Faith" and you can hear the podcast for free by going to the website for the show: http://speakingoffaith.publicr...

You can also visit Kingsolver's website on this topic: http://www.animalvegetablemira...

View all my reviews.

Lost with the Towers

2008-09-20T13:41:00.001-07:00

American Widow by Alissa Torres

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Torres recounts the aftermath of 9/11 on her small family in this graphic novel. Torres was pregnant and her husband had been working in the World Trade Center for exactly one day before it was destroyed. In addition to the loss of her husband Eduardo, Torres found herself without income or insurance, floundering in a sea of paperwork, agencies, social workers, case files and depression. The novel is somewhat hard to follow because of the many flashbacks to Eduardo's life before 9/11, but Torres is able to portray her complicated emotional state effectively.

Find it in our catalog: American Widow
View all my reviews.

Multicultural Romance

2008-09-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

Girl Most Likely To by Poonam Sharma

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Vina Chopra has has it with men and dating, and has decided to go the traditional route and allow her parents to arrange her marriage for her. The problem with this idea is that Vina was raised a Manhattan girl, and is well-educated and used to making her own decisions.

Better than much of the chick lit on the market.

View all my reviews.

It's almost time for Harvest Fest again!

2008-09-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

The 7th annual Harvest Fest will be held from 6:00 - 7:00 pm on Monday, October 27th.

As usual the program will feature:

Carved pumpkin contests, with prizes awarded to kids, teens and adults

Costume contests with prizes awarded to kids, teens and adults

Storytime

Crafts for all ages

Punch and cookies downstairs in the lobby

In addition, Miss Chrissy will hold an outdoor Storytime featuring Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are.

Folks bringing carved pumpkins should bring them to the library at 5:45. We look forward to seeing your family at the library for this annual program!

All Austen All the Time

2008-09-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

The Jane Austen Book Club: A Novel by Karen Joy Fowler

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
How unusual - the movie was better than the book!

Fowler's characters are well-rounded and bright, and not drawn from stereotypes, but her story lacks the impact she might have drawn from this plot. Centered around a book club of five female Austen devotees and a lone fella whose tastes run to science fiction, The Jane Austen Book Club captures a snapshot of a diverse group, each in romantic transition.

View all my reviews.

Short Stories of a Southern Nature

2008-08-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

You Won't Remember This: Stories by Kate Blackwell

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of those few short story collections you can open and immediately fall into, forgetting everything else. Black's characters are curious, rich and rounded, and the stories are complex but believable, centering around the subtleties of southern life and culture.

View all my reviews.

You can find this book in our catalog: http://catalog.beyond-books.org/TLCScripts/interpac.dll?LabelDisplay&DataNumber=1652050&RecordNumber=594403&SearchAvailableOnly=0&FormId=-626&ItemField=1&Config=newtonfalls&Branch=,5,

Gentle Reads

2008-08-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for authors who write those uplifting, warm, homey books of family and quiet lives spent in small towns? The genre known as gentle reads often contains books of an traditional, inspirational nature that have very little sex, violence or off-color language. They might center around a small town pastor, a goofy pet, or a young woman overcoming obstacles to make her way in the world, and they often have a happy ending.

Consider the following authors:
Louisa May Alcott
Richard Bach
Jo Beverley
Maeve Binchy
Linda Chaiken
Marion Chesney
Jennifer Chiaverini
Catherine Cookson
Lori Copeland
Fannie Flagg
Dorothy Garlock
Elizabeth Goudge
Jan Karon
Garrison Keillor
Beverley Lewis
Debbie Macomber
Catherine Marshall
Lynn Morris and Gilbert Morris
Janette Oke
Catherine Palmer
Jodi Piccoult
Rosamunde Pilcher
Amanda Quick
Luanne Rice
Francine Rivers
Ann B Ross
Alexander McCall Smith
Lauraine Snelling
Brodie Thoene
Adriana Trigiani
Bailey White
Lori Wick
Cindy Woodsmall

Helpful websites:
Lite Fare: a Feast of Gentle Reads
http://sachem.suffolk.lib.ny.us/advisor/advisorgentle.htm

Inspirational and Spiritual Fiction and Gentle Reads
http://www.waterborolibrary.org/oldsite/bklistirg.htm

The Saga Continues!

2008-08-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon

My review

Finally - the much anticipated backstory of Acehron, protagonist of Kenyon’s popular Dark
Hunter series. Born as a god in antiquity, Acheron was condemned to experience human life
and death. While this experience led him to become mankind’s staunch protector, Acheron
now fins his own existence is threatened.

View all my reviews.

In our library: http://catalog.beyond-books.org/TLCScripts/interpac.dll?LabelDisplay&DataNumber=1647521&RecordNumber=593303&SearchAvailableOnly=0&FormId=-690&ItemField=1&Config=newtonfalls&Branch=,5,

NPR's Crime in the City

2008-08-12T05:59:00.001-07:00

Over the last few weeks National Public Radio has been running a Crime in the City series featuring detective fiction set in such memorable places as Venice (Donna Leon), Bangkok (John Burdett), Baltimore (Laura Lippman), Los Angeles (Michael Connelly and Joseph Wambaugh), Cincinnati (Robert B Parker), Eastport, Maine (Sarah Graves), New Orleans (Julie Smith), Portland, Oregon (Chelsea Cain), Glasgow, Scotland (Denise Mina) and Nablus, Palestine (Matt Benyon Rees). You can read about the series at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=13795507

Many of these titles can be found in our library or can be obtained through our local TiPL consortia or the state's MORE interlibrary loan program. Contact us for details if you have not yet taken advantage of these services.

2008 Summer Reading Program over

2008-08-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

Winners Veronica Winchester, Darlene Hill & Darrell Stec

The adult portion of the Summer Reading Program is now over, and the results are in! 609 participants wrote reviews of books they read or heard during the eight week program, and many were posted to our website in a "Readers Respond" section.

Eight reviewers were winners of the weekly prizes:

Week 1 June 9-15 Gary Flint
Week 2 June 16-22 Darlene Hill
Week 3 June 23-29 Laura McCrystal
Week 4 June 30-July 6 Yvonne Witt
Week 5 July 7-13 Charlene Brandt
Week 6 July 14-20 Natalie Dechant
Week 7 July 21-27 Ann Cicero
Week 8 July 28-Aug 3 Antionette Woodward

Of the 609 reviews, Veronica Winchester was drawn as the Grand Prize Winner. Way to go Veronica! Veronica won several items, including a $25 Foot Locker gift card, a pass for 10 NFHS varsity games, 2 tickets to the Pro-Football Hall of Fame, a Cleveland Browns t-shirt, a San Francisco 49ers sweatshirt, a $15 gift card to Capiranos Pizza & Catering, a $15 gift certificate to the Covered Bridge, and a $25 gift card for Sunoco.

Our Runner Up was Darlene Hill who received a gift certificate for $10 at Dick’s Sporting Goods, 2 general admission tickets to an Akron Zips football game, one Regal Cinemas guest pass, an Akron Zips t-shirt, a $10 gift certificate for DQ, 2 Columbus Crew tickets and a baseball-shaped chip-n-dip bowl.

Last but certainly not least, Darrell Stec won the staff favorite for Best Review of 24 entries in that category. Other reviewers in this category were Veronica Winchester, Mary Ellen Poptic, Dan Eiler, Natalie Dechant, Alan Parker, John E Sakas, Gary Flint & Richard Passmore. Darrell won tickets to a Cleveland Browns pre-season game, courtesy of a generous donation by Barb & Bill Gacura. Good work Darrell!

The Library would like to thank participants and donors, plus the Friends of the Newton Falls Public Library for supporting this annual program. See you next year!

Star Wars - the Official List

2008-08-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

Are you itching to see the new animated Star Wars movie? If you're hoping to see the previous films in order according to the story line (not the release date) here's the lineup:

Episode 1: The Phantom Menace (1999)
Episode 2: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Episode 4: A New Hope (1977)
Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Episode 6: Return of the Jedi (1983)

2008-2009 HEAP Applications

2008-08-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

As the fall and winter months approach thoughts turn to heating costs - and HEAP forms. According to the Ohio Department of Development the applications for the 2008-2009 season will be available in August. For the time being you can use the link below to get to the 's site, and to the link for the HEAP form.

http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/ocs/heap.htm

Green Home Construction

2008-08-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

The Green Self-Build Book: How to Design And Build Your Own Eco-home by Jon Broome

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Tips and examples of Green construction. Contents include reducing energy use and environmental impact, reducing water consumption and harmful impacts on health, environmentally preferred forms of construction and designing a sustainable garden. The final chapter provides links, references and contacts (many in Britain).

View all my reviews.

This book can be found on our shelves under call number 690.8047 B

Garden Runneth Over?

2008-08-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

This is a great, easy salad for those hot summer days when your garden is overflowing with produce. Our Administrative Assistant Deb Augusta made this cucumber salad a few days ago, and since then we've all begged for the recipe:

Deb's Cuke Salad

3 medium-sized cucumbers, sliced thin
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c red wine vinegar
hot sauce to taste
2 T water
1/2 t salt
sprinkle of parsley

Combine and chill. Chopped onion, tomato, or peppers are optional. We've decided that this would be a great relish on grilled foods and cold chicken sandwiches too - try it and see!

See our current cookbook display in the library for canning and preserving tips.

Road Food!

2008-08-04T10:44:00.001-07:00

Roadfood Sandwiches: Recipes and Lore from Our Favorite Shops Coast to Coast by Jane Stern

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Great stories and mouth-watering sandwich descriptions from the road by Gourmet Magazine's Jane and Michael Stern. The Sterns provide recipes for all the delights in question (excepting hotdogs and hamburgers), and yet there are no pictures of the glorious repast! Each description should have a nice color photo of the condiment-spattered Sterns as they overcome their meal.

The Sterns are featured weekly on NPR's The Splendid Table, heard on Youngstown's local public radio station WYSU (88.5) Saturdays at 3 pm and Sundays at 11 am.

View all my reviews.

New Sedaris Title

2008-07-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
According to National Public Radio, "David Sedaris is not shy about sharing those embarrassing, cringe-worthy incidents that members of the general population tend to save for diaries or therapists." Fans of comic writer Sedaris, who got his start on NPR's This American Life, will welcome this new series of off-kilter essays that deal with Sedaris’ more noteworthy obsessions.

You can find this book in our collection under 814.54 S

View all my reviews.

Dexter Gets Dumped by the Dark Passenger

2008-07-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
As Dexter prepares to marry the unsuspecting Rita and train her sinister children in his own peculiar habits, he finds that the Dark Passenger who inhabits his thoughts has suddenly gone missing.

You can find this title in our Playaway section under PLAYAWAY LIN

View all my reviews.

County Fair & Farm Markets

2008-07-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

Did you miss the Trumbull County Fair? Here's the link to the Ohio Department of Agriculture's schedule of fairs across the state: http://www.ohioagriculture.gov/Admn/Fair/Docs/Fairs_Schedule_Chrono.pdf

Looking for a farm market in your area? The Ohio Proud website provides a list of Ohio farm markets, roadside stands and more at : http://www.ohioproud.com/searchmarkets.php Need to put your market or stand on the list? Use this link to get yourself on the map: http://www.ohioproud.com/submitmarket.php

Librarians Get Their Groove On

2008-07-25T05:46:00.001-07:00

Synchronized library cart drill participants at last year's ALA conference:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/bryantpark/2008/06/synchronized_shelving.html

More Martha

2008-07-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook by Martha Stewart

My review

Beautifully illustrated and filled with common sense baking tips, this book is joy to page through and use. Recipes range from the simple and homey to the complex and elegant, but all have each step carefully documented with text and great color photos.

View all my reviews.

Back to the Land

2008-07-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: a Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver

My review

BOOK SALE

2008-07-17T13:19:00.001-07:00

The library will be holding a booksale on the lawn (weather permitting) on August 16 during library hours. We'll be selling books, CDs, videocassettes, DVDs and more!

How to Eat Supper

2008-07-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

The Splendid Table's How to Eat Supper: Recipes, Stories, and Opinions from Public Radio's Award-Winning Food Show by Lynne Rossetto Kasper

My review

I've enjoyed this book so much I actually purchased my own personal copy and didn't just use the library's copy. The recipes range from the "ordinary" to the elaborate, always keeping in mind that the theme involves hungry diners with little time to cook. I also find the little taste tests to be a lot of fun and intend to do some of those with my cooking group.

Enjoy!

View all my reviews.

New Incentive for Summer Reading Program

2008-07-17T07:09:00.001-07:00

Were you aware of the great prizes for the adult portion of the Summer Reading Program? You could win gift certificates to local restaurants, team clothing and memorabilia, or a gas card worth $25, in addition to the smaller weekly prizes. All you need to do is fill out a ticket when you return your book, audiobook, Playaway or magazine, including your name and phone number, the title and author of the book and a brief review. Place your completed ticket in the bowl near the reference desk.

Yesterday we received a donation that will make participating even more exciting! Whoever writes the best review during the 8-week program will receive two tickets to the August 28th pre-season game of the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears! The winner will be determined by staff vote, to sharpen your pencils and get cracking!

Computer Tutor

2008-07-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

Want to learn how to use a photo-sharing website like Flickr? Does your mom or dad complain about not knowing how to use that computer they got last year? Need to spruce up that old resume? Sign up for one of my free, one-on-one Computer Tutor classes! You can either call me at 330.872.1282 or see me at the reference desk to make a half-hour appointment. We work on the library's networked computer system and you can schedule as many classes as you feel you need.

Invasive Species on Your Land

2008-07-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

On June 30th Charlotte McCurdy from the Ohio Division of Natural Resources spoke to a group in our upstairs meeting room about invasive species on Ohio's public lands and the efforts underway to hold them in check. Charlotte brought with her a huge assortment of plants she harvested from West Branch State Park so that participants could see the species for themselves and recognize them in the wild. Charlotte is a Preserve Manager for the northeast district of Ohio and can be reached for questions at charlotte.mccurdy@dnr.state.oh.us

Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws

2008-07-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

Are you becoming a new driver? You can read or download motor vehicle laws of the State of Ohio from their website. Find the link under "Links to Good Stuff" in the right sidebar.

Goog 411

2008-07-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

(1) 800-GOOG-411

If you program 800-466-4411 into your cell phone you can get free directory assistance to US businesses. Just call the number and you'll be prompted for a city and state, then a business name or category. You will get a list of results that you can select from by number. The service will then connect you to the business. If you'd like the number itself just ask for details at the prompt. The voice will give you to the address and phone number of the business and then offer to connect you - for free! Remember to add a 1 to the beginning of the number sequence if you are using your home phone. What a handy service to have on your cell phone during your summer vacation!

For more information see Links to Good Stuff in sidebar for Goog411 link.

New Playaways!

2008-07-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

Our second shipment of Playaways came in today. These have been very popular with our patrons and we're always happy to be able to add them to the collection. If you've never used or seen a Playaway before then welcome to the crowd! Playaways are relatively new. Fewer new titles are available in Playaway format, so we don't collect as many of them as we would collect books on CD. The device itself is small, about the size of a cassette tape, and it comes with a lanyard so you can hang it around your neck. Its design makes it handy for walking or any activity where you'd prefer your hands to be free. Best of all it has nothing to load, insert, turn over or rewind. The audiobook comes loaded on the player and there are no CDs or tapes to fiddle with and keep track of. It works something like an MP3 player. You must provide your own headphones and the occasional battery. Authors include d in the latest shipment Jude Deveraux, Jennifer Chiaverini, Ian Rankin, Kathy Reichs, Debbie Macomber and Frank McCourt.

Take a look in the media section of the library or ask one of us for help.

More information and instructions for use can be found at
http://store.playawaydigital.com/ (you may have to cut and paste).

Just In: New Sedaris Essays

2008-07-14T09:48:00.004-07:00

When You are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris

From National Public Radio, "David Sedaris is not shy about sharing those embarrassing, cringe-worthy incidents that members of the general population tend to save for diaries or therapists." Fans of comic writer Sedaris, who got his start on NPR's This American Life, will welcome this new series of off-kilter essays. You can find our copy under 814.54 S.

But Enough About Me...

2008-06-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

I came on board as Reference Librarian in NFPL in the spring of 2001 after a few years each at the Ohio Genealogical Society and the Ashland County Public Library. I'm originally from Boardman, Ohio and and received my BA in history from Youngstown State University in 1988. It was while working at Maag Library at YSU that I decided a career in libraries sounded a whole lot more enjoyable than getting a PhD. I attended Kent State and obtained my MLS in 1992, then returned to YSU for my MA in history (1994). I've grown comfortable in this community and have enjoyed serving our patrons. We have the kind of small library where you get to know lots of the daily patrons by name and the regular ones by what they read.

In the spirit of participation in the "Library 2.0" movement and a desire to communicate with our patrons here at NFPL and the world at large, I've decided to write about life here at the reference desk, what's happening in the library, and any new thing that might come up. If you have a question or a comment you're free to add it by signing up with Blogger.