The MCPL Blog from the Marathon County Public Library

Elmore Leonard, 1925-2013

Chad Dally / Library Services — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 10:42:49 GMT

Crime and western novelist Elmore Leonard, dubbed the "Dickens of Detroit," died Aug. 20 at his suburban Detroit home from complications due to a stroke. He was 87.
Leonard was known for his ferocious work ethic that produced such best-sellers as Get Shorty, Freaky Deaky and Be Cool. His distinct mix of crime and comedy led to adaptations of many of his novels and stories into films, including Get Shorty, 3:10 to Yuma, Hombre and Rum Punch, the latter adapted by director Quentin Tarantino for his film Jackie Brown.
In its rememberence the Detroit News wrote "In Leonard’s colorful world of dumb but entertaining crooks and bemused cops, there was always more than a whiff of postwar seediness and amorality."
Leonard also is known for his ten rules of writing, which he adapted into a 2007 book.

MCPL launches environmental book club

Chad Dally / Library Services — Tue, 28 May 2013 15:06:33 GMT

The Marathon County Public Library is starting the Steep Trails Book Club, a literary discussion group focused on fiction and non-fiction about nature, conservation, science and outdoor adventures; pioneers like Leopold and Rachel Carson, possibly alongside writers including Edward Abbey, Bill McKibben, Gary Snyder and Mary Roach. Anything is fair game, even children’s books.

Steep Trails – the name comes from a John Muir book – will hold its first meeting at 7:00 p.m. June 20 at MCPL Wausau, and meet the second Tuesday of each month after that. After the first month's selection, “A Short History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson, club members will decide which book, poems or stories to read, and the location of each meeting (think parks or trails – anywhere outside, at least for the next few months). Members can continue the discussions on our Goodreads page and post recommendations for future reads. Patrons at any of our eight branches are welcome to join the Wausau club or start their own, and should contact their local branch.

Registration is appreciated, but not required – you could just tell us if you plan to participate. For more information, call 715 261-7234 or email us.

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What is a blog?

Matthew@Reference — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 12:47:33 GMT

Everyone is talking about blogging, but what is it? A blog is a web log, or blog created by an individual or organization. They can be written by teams, or by individuals. They are used to communicate, and share ideas and concepts. They are a quick and easy tool to use as well! If you would like to blog, check out: BLOGGER
WORDPRESS
Once you get started blogging, you may want some additional information. Check our catalog by searching for blogs as a subject term! Good luck & happy blogging!