Book Discussions

Last week at the Director's Cut Book Discussion, we discussed DaVinci Code by Dan Brown. Although a small group, we had a really good discussion about a book I felt had been discussed far and wide.

The remarkable thing about book discussions is the dynamic of the group. Our small but mighty gathering found pieces in the story that others had missed, or had glossed over in our haste to find out what happened next. However you feel about the underlying premise of the book, it is a good read.

In November, we discussed Kite Runner. The discussion about friendship, and loyalty was profound. It opened great depths of feeling in our participants.

In January we will discuss a young man's search for his father in Barack Obama's Dreams From My Father.

Book Discussion groups are as varied as the mind can imagine. We have identified at least 90 groups meeting in homes and club houses in our community alone.

The Library offers many discussions, led by staff and a terrific volunteer, Sylvia Deutsch, formerly of NY Mayor Ed Koch's cabinet. Sylvia discusses non-fiction titles on timely topics. Her January 8, 2007 title is Survivor, about Bill Clinton's years in the White House. In March, she'll discuss The Worst Hard Times. Other staff members lead discussions of world fiction, YA, Children's books for various ages, and random other groups. Information on all of these can be found in our newsletters, on our website, or by just asking in the Library.

Essential!!

Today I met some family in Philadelphia and we did the tourist thing. It's been some time since I've visited Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Carpenter Hall and all those places where the documents that frame our freedoms were written. As our very knowledgeable and spirited National Parks Service docent spoke of the birth of our Nation, I found myself thinking of all those reasons libraries are so very integral to a free society. We are not just buildings to house documents. We are a cornerstone of a thinking, breathing society. We provide the resources that inspire an informed people. We provide the forum for the exchange of ideas. We offer access to ideas that people can agree or disagree with, not just in print but in multiple formats to appeal to all. And, we are able to do that and so much more, because we are guaranteed those rights but the foresight of our founding fathers.
I was reminded again of why I entered this profession, and why I am so passionate about what libraries are and can be--essential!!

Food for the Holidays

Traditionally the Holiday season inspires people to prepare festive meals, bake tantalizing desserts, and set inviting tables. The Library boasts an extensive collection of books that offer eye appealing decoration ideas, and elegant meal suggestions. A recent count of cookbooks alone reported an awe-inspiring 845 titles. Our cookbooks run the gamut from older, harder to find titles to popular TV chef offerings. They could be just the source to this year's winning menu.