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.