Check Out Free Ebooks at the Library!

One of the most frequently asked questions here at the library over the last few weeks has been "What ebook readers are compatible with MyMediaMall?" Many people have ebook readers they received for the holidays, but not all ebook readers are compatible with MyMediaMall.

In case you are not familiar with MyMediaMall, it is the name of the electronic book consortium that Glenview Public Library is a member of. GPL patrons can use MyMediaMall to download ebooks to a computer (PC or Mac) and/or compatible ebook readers. To see which ebook readers are compatible with MyMediaMall take a look at the MyMediaMall homepage where you will find an up to date list.

In addition to ebooks, you will also find downloadable audiobooks that you can listen to on your computer or transfer to a portable mp3 player or ipod.

Visit the MyMediaMall website and check out electronic books even while the library is closed!

Look out for the Spring LINES library newsletter for classes and demonstrations on My Media Mall.

Bringing back some old favorites

Well, not that old! But, we're happy to announce that we've brought back some old favorites from the "old" library to the "new".

Our "Staff Picks" display is now up in our Reader Services department! It can be found near the Reader Services desk, at the very beginning of the new Fiction collection. Next to that, you will also find our updated "Readalikes" lists where you can pick up a nice bookmark that lists readalikes to your favorite authors and genres. If you're just browsing for something good to read, this is a must stop on your next trip to the library.

Also back, by VERY popular demand, is our Magazine and Paperback exchange! You can now drop off your magazines and used paperback books at the Reader Services desk.

Looking for another New Year's Resolution? (it's not too late!)

How about joining a book group?
The library has 5 inhouse book groups! We over a nice variety of reading - from classics, to contemporary fiction, non-fiction, armchair travel and mysteries. It's a great way to meet other book lovers or just explore books you might not otherwise read.

We've posted about in-house book groups in the past, but we just want to emphasize that they're ongoing groups and meet regularly. You can join anytime - new members are always welcome! There is no need to register (except for Much Ado about Mysteries, which is our Quarterly Mystery group). All you need to do is stop at the Reader Services desk and ask for next book in whichever group you're interested in. You then check the book out at the Circulation Desk. It's that easy!

Our full 2011 schedules can be found on our Library Book Discussion page online.

Here's a list of our in-house library book groups:

Monday Afternoon Page Turners - The Page Turners meet on the first Monday afternoon of the month at 1:00 pm (they do not meet in January)

Monday Evening Readers Circle - Readers Circle meet on the second Monday evening of the month at 7:30 pm (they do not meet in August or December)

Both Monday groups discuss a variety of contemporary fiction and some nonfiction, with an occasional classic novel or two.

Travel with Me - Travel with me is a group that meets quarterly on Friday nights at 7:00 pm. They discuss armchair travel books and share thoughts, ideas and experiences

Book It! - Book It! is a nonfiction book discussion group that meets bimonthly on the third Thursday evening of the month at 7:00 pm.

Much ado about Mysteries is a group who meets quarterly on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm. They don't discuss one book, but hundreds! Each meeting is themed and occasionally guest speakers or author panels are invited.

If you can't make it to any of our groups, why not start your own? We have many resources in the library to help you out! We have multiple copies of books from our past discussions available to anyone to check out, and we also have our "Book Club in a Bag" collection which is a handy kit for book groups. It includes 12 copies of a book and a book discussion guide. Need help getting started? Stop by the Reader Services desk, we're always happy to help!

Free Literacy Classes

Do you know that the library now has free literacy classes? Classes are conducted by Oakton Community College. Registration begins Thursday, February 3rd, 9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. in the Multi-purpose Room; class begins Thursday, February 10th, 9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. in the Multi-purpose room and meets weekly thereafter. For more information call 857-635-1426.

Classes are for American-born adults and those whose first language is not English who wish to improve their reading, writing or math skills. Teachers direct trained tutors to help students develop these skills for personal or employment needs.

• Students must be at least 16 years old and not currently enrolled in high school.

• Students may enroll after the registration date, if space permits.

Interested in being a volunteer tutor to help adults learn to speak and read English. Training sessions are required, for details or to schedule an interview, call VITA Program Manager at 847-635-1426.

Spotlight on International Fiction: Ireland

Love Letters: a novel by Katie Fforde
Helping to organize a literary festival, former bookstore owner Laura is mistaken for a personal friend of a famous reclusive writer with whom she has been long infatuated, a situation that compels her to recruit the curmudgeon writer into attending.

The Brightest Star in the Sky by Marian Keyes
Seven neighbors in a Dublin townhouse find their lives entangled by the visitation of a sassy and prescient spirit that causes them to rethink their relationships, careers and values.

The Princes of Ireland: the Dublin Saga by Edward Rutherfurd
A fictional account of the history of Ireland recreates such events as the mission of Saint Patrick, the Viking invasion, and the trickery of Henry II that led to England's establishment in Ireland.
First book in the "Dublin Saga".

An Irish Country Courtship by Patrick Taylor
In the small Irish village where he hopes to become a full partner in the local medical practice, Barry Laverty questions his ambitions in the face of a romantic reversal, while housekeeper Kinky Kincaid dreads the loss of her status to Dr. O'Reilly's new paramour.
Book 5 in the "Irish Country" series.

The Dove of Death: a Mystery of Ancient Ireland by Peter Tremayne
Surviving a pirate attack during which her cousin and other innocent victims were murdered, Fidelma of Cashel and her faithful companion, Brother Eadulf, pursue clues throughout seventh-century Breton to learn the killer's identity and uncover a sinisteradversary.
Another installment in the "Sister Fidelma mysteries" series.

Five Days Apart: a novel by Chris Binchy
The Irish author's American debut tells the story of David, who loses the girl of his dreams to his charming best friend and leaves home to only to find that neither time nor distance can erase her from his memory.

Get Fit for 2011

I have declared 2011 as my year, which for me means getting fit, eating better, maybe spending more time at the spa and a girls getaway with my sisters. Here is a short list of DVD workout videos to help with the fitness part of my year. This compliments the list posted on January 3rd. So if fitness is on your resolution list, you may want to check some of these out.

Get Moving

Self Slim and Sleek Fast

Perfect in Ten - Pilates

Perfect in Ten - Stretch

Men's Health 15-minute Workout
Features 4 complete workouts that can be done at home, moves for beginners or those looking to mix-up their routine

Fabulously Fit Moms - Total Body Workout
Tighten and tone from head to toe in as little as 30 minutes a day

Fabulously Fit Moms - The New Mom Workout
Innovative ways to get in shape while spending time with baby

By the Glow of the Fireplace

Come celebrate our first winter in our new building (with our cozy new fireplace) by joining the Winter Reading Program for Adults and Teens!

A "lite" version of our popular Summer Program, our Winter Reading Program is on a smaller scale - you only have to read 4 books by February 27. Sign up began on Monday January 17.

You'll receive a small treat for signing up and a log sheet to keep track of your reads. When you're finished, turn it in to the Reader Services desk for a finishing prize and also a chance to win the Grand Prize Raffle - a $100 Gift Certificate to Wildfire Restaurant!

Stop by the Reader Services Desk and sign up today. For Glenview cardholder Adults and Teens.

Nothing says "I Love You" like..

CHOCOLATE! Sharing the indulgences of sweet delicious chocolate lets your Valentine know just how much they are loved. Aside from its delicious taste, chocolate also provides health benefits. According to Elaine Magee, MPH, RD, writer for the "WebMD" Weight Loss Clinic, current research shows that dark chocolate and cocoa provide four possible health benefits:

1) Chocolate and cocoa may reduce one's risk for a heart attack. According to a study done by a researcher from John Hopkins's School of Medicine, "a few squares of dark chocolate can reduce the risk of death from a heart attack by almost 50% " (Magee).

2) Dark chocolate and cocoa may decrease blood pressure and increase insulin sensitivity based on a study done in Italy where fifteen healthy individuals were given both white and dark chocolate.

3) Forms of chocolate may also increase arterial blood flow based on data collected from a study where men consumed flavanol-rich cocoa, which improved the ability of their blood vessels to relax, which assists in strengthening one's cardiovascular health.

4) Chocolate and cocoa may also help individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Researchers from this study believe that forms of chocolate enhance neurotransmitters in the brain which help to regulate one's mood and their sleep. However, further investigation of this hypothesis is necessary.

Who says that healthy food doesn't taste good? Interested in reading more about the health benefits of chocolate, read Magee's entire article on "WebMD".

Come to our program scheduled at 7:00 pm on February 15 , "Chocolate! A Winter Indulgence" and reap the benefits of learning more about chocolate! To guarantee your place register at the Reader Services Desk. A non-refundable $5.00 tasting fee is due when you register.

After all, is there a better month than February to share the love?

Looking for another way to strengthen your heart? Why not use recipes from the chocolate experts themselves, "Hersey's Kitchen" to raise money through a bake sale. In addition to their recipes, "Hersey's Kitchen" provides organizational tips and a time line to ensure a successful bake sale. Use the proceeds to support a local charity of your choice. Visit the Hershey's website for more details. You may also want to check out the book The Emperors of Chocolate: inside the secret word of Hershey and Mars by Joel Glenn Brenner which tells a unique story of the history of the candy business.

Also enjoy some novels, nonfiction books and even music with chocolate in the title or as a theme:

The Chocolate Lovers' Club by Carole Matthews

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookbook: recipes and history from America's premier chocolate maker 641.6374 GHI

1,001 Reasons to Love Chocolate by Barbara Albright

Music From the Chocolate Lands (songs from countries where chocolate originated)

Just the Facts, Please

The library's new Audiovisual Room offers a plethora of benefits and conveniences over life in the old library building. For staff and patrons, simply getting out of the basement and being above ground for a change is a step in the right direction. The AV room is now a one-stop shop for ALL your Audiovisual needs: DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks, Playaways, video games and even a few VHS tapes. But what really has us all (ok, maybe just me) excited is that now all the library's non-fiction DVDs are housed in the same location, together alongside their format counterparts the DVD fiction feature films. In 2011, you don't have to browse the entire non-fiction book collection to find that pilates DVD or the Joan Rivers documentary, the latest travel film or the Art of the Steal, Restrepo or The Cove. Documentaries and non-fiction DVDs are a integral part of the library's AV collection. I feel like they sometimes went, er, under-noticed in the old building. They're getting better exposure now so drop by the Audiovisual room and check out something interesting on your next visit and tell us about one of your favorite non-fiction DVDs or documentaries. I'll tell you about Vernon, Florida.

It's a new day, it's a new year, it's a new you!

Happy New Year!! Did you make any resolutions? Is eating healthier and exercising on the top of your list? It is on mine, so, I did a little research, and this is what I found here at the Library: several fitness and healthy cooking magazines and DVDs that will help us attain our goal.

Two magazines in particular are Self and Shape.

 Self  is a magazine for women that specialize in health, fitness, nutrition, beauty and happiness. In addition to the usual articles on fashion and beauty, the current issue, January 2011, spotlights Jillian Michaels, with recipes and menus that will enable you to lose weight, and a workout regimen that will burn calories and get your body toned and in shape.

Shape magazine provides women with expert advice on health and fitness issues like exercise, nutrition and psychology. The latest issue has Brooke Burke, of DWTS fame, on the cover, with her favorite exercise routine – “15 Minutes to a Sexier Body”.

If you want to exercise at home with two of the toughest trainers, Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels, then check out the Biggest Loser series. There are 4 different  DVDs in this series, and you can start with the following:





Boot Camp  613.712 BIG - Join Biggest Loser trainer Bob, plus show contestant winners and finalists, and learn how to rev up your fat-burning furnace and experience dramatic weight loss in less time.

30-day Jump Start 613.712 BIG - Now's the chance to get started, get fit, and lose big. Burn fat and tone muscle through five 10-minute workouts that cover every inch of the body. Program includes: Cardio Level 1; Cardio Level 2; Strength Upper Body; Strength Lower Body; Abs. Plus Bob Harper gives the diet tips and motivation needed to get started and stay on track. 

            And coming soon:  Power Walk and Cardio max weight-loss. 

 Jillian Michaels’ 30-day Shred 613.712 JIL, is another good place to start: three complete 20-minute workouts which progress by level of intensity - just 20 minutes! Once you get going, combine it with Shred it with Weights 613.71 JIL - Jillian adds extra weight to her hardcore circuit training techniques for a total-body workout designed to burn maximum fat. Begin with Level 1 and progress to Level 2 for maximum body-shredding results.

To keep that weight off, we need to eat healthier. Check out these magazines:

Cooking Light - emphasizes nutritional eating and an overall healthy living.

Eating Well – is filled with healthy recipes for healthy eating, healthy cooking, healthy diet recipes, weight loss recipes and healthy menus.

Weight-Watchers Magazine delivers smart advice that can help you succeed with your weight loss plan.

With exercise and sensible eating, you should be on the way to a better you and so will I! Good Luck!