Talk to the Frackville Library

     We've just received the 2007 John Newberry Medal winner, Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz. This unique work is written as a series of monologues, spoken by the residents of a medieval manor in 13th century England. Everyone is represented, from the lord's daughter to the sniggler, a catcher of eels. This was originally written as a piece to be performed by students studying the Middle Ages, so it is definitely meant for reading aloud. Colorful, detailed illustrations by Robert Byrd make for a delightful and unusual volume. 

       If you like to listen to your books, we just received a new assortment of Books on Tape and CD. Some titles you might be interested in include Prey by Michael Crichton, False Memory by Dean Koontz, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. You can also enjoy Jim Dale's Grammy Award winning performance on J.K.Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. If you like non-fiction, there are several interesting selections in this group, like John Berendt's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt.

       The library will once again be participating in Community Day at the Bon-Ton in the Schuylkill Mall. This event, which takes place on Saturday, March 1, 2008, gives you a chance to save on you purchases and contribute to the library at the same time. When you buy a booklet for just $5, you will receive a coupon for $10 off  your purchase of $10 or more. There are also additional coupons for 20% svings on a single item. All proceeds from the sale of booklets goes directly to the library! You can get yours at the library, or visit with us at the Bon-Ton over the next few weekends. For more information call 874-3382 or use our contact page at www.frackvillelibrary.com.       

     We just received a new batch of videos and DVD's at the library. One of the DVD's is director Stephen Frears' The Queen with Helen Mirren as the British Queen Elizabeth and Michael Sheen as Prime Minister Tony Blair. The story takes place at the time of Princess Diana's death, and shows the Queen in her private life, struggling between the strong traditions of the monarchy and the emotional demands of the citizenry of the country. This film is a rare look at a way of life we seldom see close up and a well-done exploration of a bit of contemporary history.

         If you're looking for something new to read for that book report that's due soon, here's a suggestion. The Unmaking of Duncan Veerick by Betty Levin is the story of a quiet 8th grader who finds himself stuck with helping to take care of a neighbor's dog.  As he gets to know the dog's owner, Mrs. Valentine,  he begins to take the job more seriously, and finds that he really likes the elderly woman. But when her nephew comes to try and help her, Astrid Valentine starts to act strangely and Duncan finds himself in over his head. This book is recommended for ages 9-12 and is available at the library.  

       On February 14, The Spiderwick Chronicles, the film based on the popular fantasy series by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black opens in theaters. Chances are if you are waiting impatiently for this film, then you probably are already a fan of these exciting and imaginative books. But in case you haven't read them, you can catch a sneak peak at your library. Not only do we have the 5 volumes of the original series, but we also have a great interactive book which tours the fabulous world of dwarves, sprites, and other assorted fantastic creatures that the Grace kids discover in their own backyard! In addition, we also have Book 1 of the new series by DiTerlizzi and Black, Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles.  Once you've seen the film, you may want to get started on the next adventure!