SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
Aspiring Authors...Mark Your Calendar!
Who amongst all of us would-be authors hasn't fantasized about writing that chart-topping, award-winning, million-dollar bestseller?!? And who hasn't mulled over how to get started writing? Or how you get your magnum opus published? Or possible pitfalls along the way? Well, Marathon County Public Library and the Wausau Area of Wisconsin Romance Writers may have just what you need!
On Saturday, September 11, four published authors from the Romance Writers Group will be presenting a program -
'So You Want to be Published?' - that should help many prospective authors regardless of the genre they write in.
Lyn Cote, Helen Johannes, Renee Wildes and Laurel Bradley will offer an overview of the current publishing scene. They will discuss modern publishing options ranging from traditional book publishing to self-publishing, Print-on-Demand and ebooks; opportunities available; common mistakes and pitfalls; scams to avoid; etc.
Along with presenting their own publishing experiences, the authors will be happy to answer any questions from the audience.
The authors will also have copies of their books for sale and signing.
The one-hour program begins at 11:00 in the Wausau Room, Headquarters Library, 300 North 1st Street. The meeting is free and no pre-registration is needed.
So, all would-be Stephen Kings, Danielle Steels or Stephen Ambroses should mark their calendars. Come on down to the Marathon County Public Library on September 11th and take the first steps to becoming a published author!
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posted by Mike@ Reference |
Category: Books
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JULY 22, 2010
Browse & Request Our Newest Books!
There's more to our collections than what you'll find on the shelves!
Popular books are often in demand (and therefore, unlikely to be found just sitting on the shelf), but you can preview and request most of our new books by using our "New & Forthcoming Books" webpage! www.mcpl.us/catalogs/books
(also accessible from our website's main menu under "Catalogs")
These books represent our most recently-ordered Adult Fiction, Adult Nonfiction, Teen Books, Children's Books, and New York Times Best-Sellers. Many of them haven't even arrived at the Library yet, so it is an excellent opportunity for you to get on the request list ahead of time. Once you're on the request list, we will contact you when the book becomes available for pick-up at the MCPL location of your choice.
(Please note that many of these items will be "On Order" for several weeks (or more) before they are released... so if you're looking for something to read in the immediate future, you might want to browse our current holdings in our Library Catalog (V-Cat).)
The "New & Forthcoming Books" webpage is updated sporadically, so if you're interested in being notified as soon as new books have been added, join the Marathon County Public Library's Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MCPL.Wausau
Happy Reading!
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posted by Ben Krombholz / MCPL Customer Services |
Categories: Books,
Reading Recommendations,
Websites
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JUNE 21, 2010
Sharing Fun Memories with an Old Friend!
Carol Burnett was a welcome visitor to American households for decades. First appearing on The Garry Moore Show, she made us laugh with her limber body and rubbery face not to mention a fine singing voice. Yet what impressed most was her innate sweetness and naturalness. What you saw what was you got: a talented singer-comedienne who didn't take herself seriously, someone who was so glad we had those times together. That impression was only reinforced when she hosted her own variety show -
The Carol Burnett Show - which many rate as the finest, funniest variety show ever. Burnett shares some of the most meaningful - and usually hilarious - moments in her long career in her appealing and entertaining biography,
This Time Together: Laugher & Reflection.
In short chapters Burnett takes the reader through her life and the many people she met along the way. She recalls friends and colleagues with obvious delight and affection. She gives unstinting credit to so many people who helped her personally or professionally. And there's scarcely an unkind word or trace of self-pity in sight.
Some of Burnett's most revealing and funny stories are the ones she tells on herself. For instance, the first time she met Cary Grant, her childhood idol, she was so in awe of him she tried to bolt from the party! Turns out he was a big fan of hers! Once, on an airplane, the in-flight movie was 'The Front Page,' one of Burnett's lesser performances. After the film was done, Burnett asked the stewardess for the P.A. and apologized to the other passengers for her bad acting! The laughs come quick and easy in this book.
This Time Together is a perfect summer reading selection. You can read the book straight through or pick a chapter at random and jump in. So, if you want to share some memorable moments with a classy, funny lady, pick up a copy. You won't regret it!
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posted by Mike@ Reference |
Categories: Books,
Reading Recommendations
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APRIL 30, 2010
Teen Book Club | "Life as We Knew It"
For Tuesday, May 11th, the Teen Book Club at MCPL Wausau will be reading Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer! "When a meteor hits the Moon, Miranda must learn to survive the unimaginable. Told in journal entries, this heart-pounding story chronicles Miranda's struggle to hold on to the most important resource of all--hope--in an increasingly desperate and unfamiliar world."
---
For future Teen Book Clubs, plus other teen events, watch www.mcpl.us/teenzone
For adult book clubs, visit www.mcpl.us/events/bookclubs
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posted by Ben Krombholz / MCPL Customer Services |
Categories: Teen Zone,
Reading Recommendations,
Books
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APRIL 19, 2010
New Stephen King Novella!
Blockade Billy is a baseball-themed novella by Stephen King, due to be released later this week! This book wasn't widely advertised until just a few weeks ago, so its release has taken a lot of reviewers (and libraries!) a little by surprise! Never fear, though; you can place a request for Blockade Billy here:
http://mcpl.us?isbn=1587672286 Read more about Blockade Billy here: http://www.stephenking.com/promo/blockade_billy/
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posted by Ben Krombholz / MCPL Customer Services |
Categories: Reading Recommendations,
Books
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MARCH 27, 2010
El Dia de los Ninos/El Dia de los Libros
As part of our NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK celebration at the Wausau HQ Library, we invite children, parents and grandparents to join us on Wednesday, April 14 at 6:30 pm in the Children's Department to enjoy a taste of Mexican food, music, crafts and readings from our Spanish collection. Plus, we'll be breaking a pinata! El Dia de los Ninos/El Dia de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day) recognizes the value of each child and the importance of early activities that encourage literacy. Books will be given away to each child participant; this event is free and no registration is necessary!!
Categories: National Library Week,
Children,
Books
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JANUARY 14, 2010
An Important Announcement Coming Monday
As we have been going about our daily lives this week, important negotiations have been going on behind closed doors in Boston. That is the site of this year's American Library Association Midwinter Meeting.
People everywhere have been buzzing about the decisions that will soon be announced: what were the best books published for our children in 2009? Everyone has their favorites, and they have been blogging and Tweeting about them for the past month or more. Children, teachers, librarians and other book lovers have been holding "Mock" elections to make their choices. But what will the results of the real elections be?
These decisions will be kept completely secret until Monday morning, January 18, at 7:45 am (Eastern Time). At that time, the winners of all 17 categories of Youth Media Awards will be announced, including the "Big Three" in Children's Literature:
- The John Newbery Medal, "the most distinguished American children's book";
- The Radolph Caldecott Medal, given to "the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children;"
- The Michael L Printz Award, given to "a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature.
Fans can follow a live webcast, or check the Youth Media Awards Press Kit after 9:30 am (Eastern Time) Monday for a list of all the winners.
So--who do you think will win this year? Post your "votes" here!
As for me: My pick for the Newbery is: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. If I'm allowed a second choice, it would be All the Broken Pieces, by Ann E. Burg. My pick for the Caldecott is Duck, Rabbit by Amy Krouse Rosenthal--but that's really going out on the limb, because there hasn't been any "buzz" about that one. My second pick for Caldecott: Shape by Shape by Suse MacDonald--another limb-sitter, but that's ok. Everyone can have their favorites, too.
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posted by Diane @ Children's |
Categories: Children,
Books,
Awards
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MAY 17, 2009
Use NoveList Plus To Find Great Reads
Looking for a good book to read for yourself, your teen, or child? NoveList Plus is a great place to start. This online resource is available to you for free with your library card.
Check out what makes NoveList Plus such a great reader’s advisory resource for you:
- 159,000 fiction titles for Adults, Teens, and kids
- Authoritative Reviews and articles about books
- Author Read-alikes—find authors who write like the authors of books that you like
- Recommended “Reads”—suggested reading lists annotated and compiled by librarians, covering a wide variety of subjects
- Series information so that you can read your favorite books in order
- Book Discussion Guides—great for your next book discussion group meeting
NoveList is one of many online resources available to you with your library card. You can access NoveList
here.
Try it now to find your next great book to read. Happy reading!
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Reading Recommendations,
Books
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APRIL 16, 2009
Coming soon: Teen Book Club!
Are you between the ages of 12 and 19 years old? Come and join the Wausau Library's Teen Book Club! We'll be meeting the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm in the Teenzone.
Our first meeting is May 26th and we’ll be discussing Uglies by Scott Westerfeld.
Uglies tells the story of Tally Youngblood. When she turns 16 she is getting an extreme makeover. Eyes, Hair, Skin, Nose, the works- she’ll be drop-dead gorgeous. Everyone in Tally’s world gets the operation when they turn 16. They are given a full body work-over and have access to New Pretty Town, where everything is all parties and fun. Tally can’t wait to be pretty, and meet up with her friends.
But for now, Tally is stuck in Uglyville. She is one of the youngest in her class, and the waiting is killing her- and then she meets Shay. Tally and Shay share a sense of adventure and they have the same birthday. Tally is looking forward to the day when they will be pretty together. But on the day before the operation, Shay disappears. Tally is called in by the authorities and questioned. They give her an ultimatum: find Shay or stay ugly.
Before she disappeared, Shay talked about a mysterious person named David and his colony of people who shun the operation and live outside the city– in the wild. Are these people for real? Or was Shay just telling stories? Tally has a choice, betray her friend, or stay ugly forever. The choice she makes will change everything.
We LOVE this book. And we’d love to know what you think of it. Copies of Uglies are ready to be checked out at the Wausau Library’s check-out desk. Just ask for the Teen Book Club book to check out your copy!
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posted by Katie and Rachel, Teen Services |
Categories: Books,
Book Clubs,
Reading Recommendations
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MARCH 17, 2009
Erin Go Bragh (Ireland Forever)
The Top of the Day to you:
Looking for some good stories and information on Ireland? If you are planning a trip, are interested in Irish history, or just want to kick your heels up, here are some of my favorites.
Edward Rutherford has been discribed as the history teacher that you wished you would have had in high school. His books are wonderful epics that take you from the fascinating ancient history of Ireland forward. Also check out Rutherford's other historical novels, three on England (London , The Forest, and Sarum) and Russka: the Novel of Russia.
My favorite Ireland Travel Guides:
- Rick Steves’ Ireland See also the DVD’s of Rick Steves' touring Ireland
- ·Ireland (DK Eyewitness Travel); and Dublin( DK Eyewitness Travel)
- Fodor’s See It Ireland
And how about some traditional Irish music to brighten your life? Try the "
Chieftains" and the "
Clancy Brothers". They will be sure to delight you. Most likely you will find yourself clicking up your heels, doing an Irish jig , and singing along.
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Reading Recommendations,
Books
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DECEMBER 15, 2008
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched The World
Dewey is the heartwarming story of an ordinary cat who finds himself freezing cold, starving, and homeless in an extraordinary place on a bitterly cold January day—in the book drop of the Spencer Public Library. Fortunately for him, and for the town of Spencer Iowa, he is rescued by library director, Vicki Myron, who needs some rescuing herself. Dewey in turn rescues the library staff, and all the patrons of the library. He seems to have an uncanny sense of who needs his rescuing the most, jumps on their lap and gains their attention. Bequeathed Dewey Readmore Books, his home and playground are the public library. He became famous world-wide; people from all over came to see Dewey, the Library cat.
Even if you are not a cat lover you will enjoy this true story. It will warm your heart and renew your faith in the importance of giving and receiving love. See more information and pictures of Dewey at the Spencer Public Library’s website.
(Request this book from the MCPL Library Catalog here.)
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Books,
Staff Picks,
Reading Recommendations
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NOVEMBER 20, 2007
NoveList @ Your Library
NoveList is now available for you to use at home, school, work, or on the go for free with your library card. NoveList is a fiction database covering 135,000 titles.
Find books that you like on certain subjects or that take place in certain time-periods, books that have similiar plots, or readlikes--books similar to others that you have read and enjoy. Books that have received awards and honors are listed, as well certain types of books--romances, mysteries, horror, and more. Find books for young adults, adults, and children. The "Grab and Go" lists of books for children are conveniently grouped by age levels.
Check it out. It is a great resource for teachers, students, parents, book discussion leaders and participants, and readers everywhere.
Funding for this database was provided by the Wisconsin Valley Library Service. Access it on the Library's Research Resources page. Enjoy!
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Category: Books
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AUGUST 24, 2007
The Romanovs
Recent news reports suggest that the missing remains of Alexei, the last heir to the Russian throne, may have been found along with remains believed to be Maria, one of his sisters.
Those interested in a fictional account of the final days of Russia's last czar and his family will be fascinated by The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander, or Rasputin's Daughter another novel by Alexander.
Robert Massie's book Nicholas and Alexandra presents a true, yet sympathetic portrait of the life and times of the royal couple.
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posted by Linda Gau@Reference |
Categories: Books,
Reading Recommendations,
Romanovs
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JULY 16, 2007
Harry Potter
If you're like me, and millions of other fans, you are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, due out June 21, this Saturday. To help me get through this rough time period, I went to see the new movie, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" that was released this past weekend.
If you are looking for other fixes before, or after you get your hands on the new book, or get to the new movie, try these suggestions:
You get the idea. There are lots of good reads around. I know there's only one Harry Potter, but there are lots of good books and great characters that can capture your heart and your imagination. Happy Reading!
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Books,
Harry Potter,
Fantasy
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MAY 28, 2007
Authors of Books Men I Know Like, and You Might Too
Here are a few authors of adventure stories, historical fiction, fantasy, and thrillers that men I know love and discuss with gusto. You may like them too. Enjoy!
- Dan Brown--The DaVinci Code, others
- Tom Clancy—any
- Stephen Coonts--any
- Bernard Cornwell—any
- Harold Coyle—White Star, 10000 Spartans
- Vince Flynn--any
- C.S. Forrester—any
- Frederick Forsyth—any
- George McDonald Fraser—Flashman series
- Daniel V. Gallery-submarines, WWII
- WEB Griffin—Aviators
- Louis L’Amour-- any
- Patrick O’Brien--Master and Commander
- Edward Rutherfurd—Princes of Ireland, Rebels of Ireland, Russka (Russia) Sarum (England)
- J.K.Rowling—Harry Potter books, (eagerly awaiting the July release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows)
- Jeff Shaara--Gone for Soldiers (Mexican War), Rising Tide (WWII)
- Barrett Tillman—Hellcat
- J.R.R. Tolkien—Lord of the Rings trilogy
Find these and others in the Library's catalog here
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Reading Recommendations,
Books,
Reading
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MAY 23, 2007
Purchase Suggestions
Is there something you'd like us to purchase?
Let us know through our Suggest a Purchase link!
There is no limit to the number of suggestions you can make, or the type of items you can request. From children’s books, to DVDs, to light fiction, to more serious reading; we’ll give careful consideration your suggestions and let you know if items will be purchased.
We hope to hear from you soon!
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posted by Linda@Reference |
Categories: Books,
Suggest a Purchase
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MAY 9, 2007
Book Connections: Ghost Stories
The promise of a ghost draws me to read a story. Even the suggestion of ghosts, as in
White Ghost Girls holds the promise of things unexplained, of mystery and intrigue. Alice Greenway’s book is a lyric telling of the coming of age of two girls named Frankie and Kate who live in Hong Kong during the Vietnamese Conflict. The ghosts in it are the whole spirit world within Chinese traditions.
For ghosts of another kind, read The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield.
Amazon.com calls it “a rousing good ghost story” stating that “Setterfield has rejuvenated the genre with this closely plotted, clever foray into a world of secrets, confused identities, lies, and half-truths. She never cheats by pulling a rabbit out of a hat; this atmospheric story hangs together perfectly.”
There are real ghosts, aren’t there? Read it and see!
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posted by Linda@Reference |
Categories: Reading Recommendations,
Books
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