Thank Goodness It's Friday!

Hi Everyone! I am discovering that I tend to blog in spurts. I feel I have neglected you lately so I really wanted to post to say hello and yes, the library director is still alive and well....for now.

The library has been very busy this fall and I personally have been just as busy as well. Did I mention Pete and I are renovating the kitchen? Oh dear! He believes this project will end in divorce and we're not even married! But, if it does, I'm taking the new stove (and the dog, of course!) . She is a beauty (the stove) and she's gas, no more electric for this girl. We are in the demo stages now and on the eternal search for a carpenter and cabinets. There will definitely be more to come as we progress...or regress, whatever the case may be. While I am so excited about this project, it has cut in to my cooking experiments, and we all know fall is such a great time to start cooking and nesting for the winter.

All that being said, my reading and listening has slowed down considerably also but I do have some good selections for you. Lately I have been on a non-fiction kick. I have just finished "Wrestling with Moses: How Jane Jacobs took on New York's Master Builder and transformed the American City" by Anthony Flint. This book traces the urban planning of NYC under the direction of Robert Moses and the watchful eye of activist Jane Jacobs. Jacobs' grassroots efforts kept the politically savvy and powerful Moses from "renewing" Greenwich Village and putting an expressway through Washington Square Park. This was a great read. Inspirational as to the power of people as well as lots of history about NYC and its parks, bridges, buildings, and neighborhoods.

The other book I am in the middle of is "My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey" by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D. I will wait to pass judgement on this book since I think I'm just getting to the good stuff. The beginning was very technical and I admit, I re--read a few chapters when I was more awake but I did find the medical explanations to be fascinating. Many have recommended this book and at this point it certainly has promise. I am interested to read about her human experience, recovery and feelings since she has spent her life being analytical. The description she gives when she first realized she was having a stroke was riveting.

That's all for now. I am too tired to even explain the potential budget cuts. We are talking devastating library services to the point of possible closure. I am not exaggerating and I don't cry wolf. This is serious. Watch the selectmen's meeting this coming Tuesday, October 27 and mark your calendars for the Special Town Meeting on November 16.

New Hours...Again.

Don't be scared. I hate to keep changing the hours on you. This time we have merely "tweaked" the hours to accomodate the after-school crowd. Since cuts to local aid are looming on the horizon, we have chosen not to increase our hours. It would just confuse and infuriate you more if we had to change them yet again! We have done the best we can at the moment to keep everyone somewhat content with a few mornings, evenings and Saturdays and we will continue to provide you with the quality service you have come to expect. Thank you for being patient with us during these difficult times. New hours are posted to the right.

Pete and Hope's Cape Escape

No, that's not Pete. Does anyone know who that strange man is with the two hot babes? Just wanted to share the most relaxing vacation with all my friends. Not really library business but everyone needs a little beach everyday! Many thanks and hugs to our wonderful friends and hosts...yeah, and Jon too!

"Book it to the Library" Road Race and More!

Okay, all you runners, and walkers as well as all of you that enjoy and take advantage of the regional delivery system to get many of your books and videos. Here is a great way for you to support all that the Western MA Regional Library System (WMRLS) does for all of us...and you get some exercise too. What a deal. Register today for "Book it to the Library" a 5k road race in scenic Whately, MA on October 3. Make a day of it. Stop in Northampton for lunch (after you change that sweaty t-shirt! That's what I am planning on doing!) Visit this link for more info and registration http://friends.wmrls.org/

Also all my runner friends, don't forget about the Peaked Mountain Birthday Run / Walk on October 18. Visit the Trustees of Reservations site at http://www.thetrustees.org/ Always a good time. Must admit, a bit hard on the uphill climb but after that it's a ton of fun!

And BTW, don't expect much from me. I've just been running again after a year long respite but I am going to try. It's amazing how fast your body can forget that it used to like to run 30 miles a week! I am just happy to survive a 3 mile run at this point. Talk about starting over!

"I run for hope, I run to feel, I run for the truth and all that is real..." from the awesome song "I Run for Life" by Melissa Etheridge. Should be on every runner's ipod.

Still Alice...

is still haunting me. (I borrowed that line from my friend Kate's email to me regarding this book. It was too appropriate to pass up!) Yes, Still Alice by Lisa Genova continues to haunt long after you have read the last page. I could write a three page review about this work but it just must be read. No words are good enough, strong enough, gentle enough to describe this book. If I simply gave you a synopsis, you might not even be interested. For example, do you want to read a book about a 50 year old woman struggling with early on-set alzheimers disease. Many not, but you must. It is from this very woman's point of view. Her struggles. Her family's struggles. I've already said too much. The way I keep describing this book is that it feels as if you took a blow to the chest and you are trying to gasp for breath. I could only read a few chapters at a time. I had to put the book aside, remember how to breath, wipe a tear or two, and digest what I read. This book has moved on to my list of top 100 books to read before you die.

Jon and Izzy Rock the Library

So, were you one of the hundred people that showed up for the Jon Katz event of the year?? Jon, along with his dog Izzy, enlightened and entertained a SRO crowd at the library Thursday night. People came from all over Massachusettts, Connecticut and Rhode Island to hear this beloved author. I was inspired by his talk of his writing, his dogs and his philosophies.

And why did he come to little ol' Monson? Because I asked. It was brought to my attention that Jon had a love of libraries and has been very vocal about the value of libraries. He believes that if a country can bail out major corporations they can certainly help libraries, historically the foundation of learning and community yet the first institution cut when times get tough. How can you not like this guy? We became fast friends via email and it was a delight to finally meet him. Of vourse I made the great first impression as he walks into the library lead by Izzy. Immediately I kneeled to pet the dog and left him standing there without even introducing myself. Somehow I think he is getting used to that!

He documented his whole Monson experience with narrative and photos on his blog. I urge you to check out his kind words at http://www.bedlamfarm.com/ Thank you for everythng Jon!!!

One final note, we sold over 150 books that helped raise money for the library!

That Old Cape Magic

Don't you love that title! "That Old Cape Magic" is the newest novel by one of my favs, Richard Russo. Remember "Empire Falls", 'Nobody's Fool", "Straight Man" ?? I have been waiting breathlessly for this latest endeavor since, I have to admit, I didn't like "Bridge of Sighs". I was hoping this departure to the Cape would endear him to me once again, and well, he didn't disappoint. I scoffed this book up the day it was delivered. From the first page I was hooked. Not like a Harlan Coben page-turned hooked, I just liked the tone of the first chapter right away. Almost immediately the story behind the title of the book is revealed. A childhood memory of riding in the back seat on the way over the bridge to another family vacation on the Cape. This memory sets the stage for a middle-aged man working out the conflicts of his childhood and his complicated relationship with his parents, one of whom has died and the ashes have now been riding around in the trunk of Jack Griffin's car for over a year. It takes this trip to Cape and enstrangement from his wife to understand his parents, his childhood and his marriage. This is not typical Russo but it has the makings of vintage Russo. . The conflicts have stayed with me and I find myself revisitng my own personal issues. I especially like the way the chapters were designed by the major life events that prompted his conflicts and ultimately the reolutions. I think this one would be good on audio too.

And speaking of audio....(you saw that coming didn't you?) I am listening to "Very Valentine" by Adriana Trigiani. An enjoyable listen. I love the sense of place...New York City, and the all the talk about incredilbe Italian food. Makes me hungry every time, so beware! It is simply a nice story about Valentine, a cobbler creating custom wedding shoes in the family business and her romance with Roman, a chef owning his own restaurant in Litlle Italy. There are many subplots of course, but all in all, just an elegant and warm tale. "Lucia, Lucia" is another great read (or listen) by this author.

Finally....can you wait until August 7?? What happens on August 7, you ask?! Have you read any of this blog?? The movie, Julie and Julia is opening on August 7!!! Only one of my most favorite books! That book got me to touch raw chicken!! It has inspired me to experiment in the kitchen...for good or bad! I don't usually watch a movie if I have loved the book but this one looks like a winner! I even created a display in the library in honor of Julie, Julia, food, books, passion and love! You may think I'm crazy right now, but read the book and you will understand!

Oh, and I must mention the passing of author Frank McCourt. He suffered the typical Irish childhood of famine, neglect, despair and death, but triumphed despite his upbringing. He became a beloved English teacher and finally took his own advice and wrote a story about what he knew, his childhood. "Angela's Ashes" was his masterpiece. Written by a man later in life, but from the perspective of a young boy. I didn't think it could be done but he did it. The story was so simplistic. He stated facts without embellishment (how I wish I could do that!). It truly is a work of art. A great read and an awesome listen...narrated by the author himself. Frank McCourt died on July 19 . Thank you Mr. McCourt for sharing your life with us.