Monday, June 22, 2009

June 22nd "Master the Art of Reading" Drawing Winner and Books Reviewed



The winner of the “Master the Art of Summer Reading” mug, book bag and memo pad is… David, who gave a "Bravo" to Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot by Al Franken.



And the books reviewed by the runners-up are, in the “Bravo” category:

The Messenger by Daniel Selma reviewed by Robert: “Exciting, well-written, one of his best.”

The English Assassin by Daniel Silva reviewed by Robert: “Tremendous knowledge of places he writes about, and he writes so well.”

The Lovers by John Connolly reviewed by Katie: “I really enjoyed this (1st one I’ve read by him), even though it had demons (??) returning and returning to murder.”

My Sister’s Keeper
by Jodi Picoult by Katie: “I’d read it several years ago and wanted to reread it before the movie. This author does a wonderful job of giving everyone’s perspective. Really good!”

Cold Choices by Larry Bond reviewed by Chris: Three marks in “Bravo” for this one.

45 Mercy Street by Anne Sexton reviewed by Jean.

Sanctuary by Daniel and Beverly Lewis reviewed by Phyllis.

Bleed a River Deep by Brian McGalloway reviewed by K.: “Splendid fresh police procedural with human characters and a believable plot.”

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix reviewed by Vickie.

The Saffron Kitchen by Yasmine Crowtcher reviewed by Michele: “This story about the caste system in Iran, love, and loss make you cry and laugh.”

Love the One You’re With by Emily Griffin reviewed by Mary Anne: “Quick, easy, fun read!”

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan reviewed by Nancy.

Adam Canfield of the Slash by Michael Winerip reviewed by Terri: “It’s a Sunshine State Book. I read it so I could discuss it with my daughter.”

The 13th Tale by Diane Setterfield reviewed by Carole.

Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them by Al Franken reviewed by David.

Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy reviewed by Mary Jane: “You need to read this one!”

And in the “Boo” category:

Fat Belly Diet by Liz Vaccariello reviewed by Monika.

Dog Island and Other Florida Poems by Laurence Donovan reviewed by Jean: “So-so book – the art is good, but the poems, not so great.”

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham reviewed by Bonnie: “A so-so book. A cute, nice travelogue of Italy and food. I would’ve gotten more out of it if I knew football.”

Fugitive
by Phillip Margolin reviewed by Katie: “I usually like Margolin’s books, but this one was poorly written and not very good.”

While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky by Katie: “It was OK – I didn’t have another to read.”

The World According to Bertie by Alexander McCall Smith reviewed by Kathie: “A so-so book. Smith’s series about Edinburough (originally written as newspaper installments) get a bit tiresome, unlike his ‘No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” novels. I think he has far greater empathy for Botswanans, about whom he writes lovingly. However, I found this worth reading in small doses. Perhaps the writer designed it that way: to be read one newspaper column at a time. He does have a sly sense of humor and a wry knowledge of human nature. Both enable him to help the reader understand and know the characters in his “44 Scotland Street” series in both the ridiculous and sublime aspects.”


HEY TEENS!

What better way to "Express Yourself" at the library this summer than to do some creative artwork. Come to the library this Wednesday (June 24) at 4:00 p.m. and paint some of the windows in the library with acrylic paints. No registration is necessary; just bring your imagination!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

"Master the Art of Reading" Winner and Books Reviewed for Drawing June 15th








The winner of the free class, yarn and needles from Sip and Knit, Inc. is…

Mary Anne!
She reviewed Perfect by Harry Kraus, M.D.


And the runners-up are…

Superparenting for ADD by E.M. Hallowell and P. Jensen, recommended by R.S..

The Girl With No Shadow by Joanne Harris, reviewed as “not bad but not bravo” by Jean

The Homeschooling Option by Lisa Rivero, recommended by Aura:
“Great book. As I began to consider homeschooling my son, this book was very helpful in looking to see if the option is right for you.”

Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven by Susan Jane Gilman, recommended by Kathie:
“A very interesting story of two friends on an adventure!”

The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square by Rosina Lippi, recommended by Elyse

The Sorceress by Michael Scott, recommended by Robin

Red and Me
by Bill Russell, recommended by Kay:
“Powerful story of self-awareness, true friendship and the meaning of team.”

The Sign
by Raymond Khoury, recommended by Alice:
“It kept me up most of the night. I enjoyed it, even though many parts were hard to believe.”

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, recommended by Joan

The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner, recommended by Michele:
“If you like NPR, you’ll love this travel essay about the quest for what makes people ‘happy.’”

Corsair by Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul, recommended by Janice:
“They follow the same pattern as most of their books – just a different location and time frame. Good for light reading.”

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Creative Drawing with Jim Korkis

Kids and adults alike truly enjoyed the creative drawing class yesterday, June 13, with Mr. Jim Korkis. Jim taught everyone how to draw Mickey Mouse and even animate a basic flip book. Here are some of the children and Jim after the presentation. As you can tell, some of the kids were very proud of their drawings!

Library Photographs

Miss Michelle discovered some pictures that were never uploaded to the blog. Enjoy!

Check out these aborigine style Australian boomerang that the participants of last Wednesday's Culture Club designed. Terrific job!!



Here are some of the winners from our poetry contest pictured with judge Jean Arrington and Youth Services Librarian Michelle.


Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Chill Out with Iced Tea


WOW! What a successful program! We had a fantastic turnout for our Sunday afternoon, "Chill Out with Iced Tea" program. The informative Bill Keene from Olde Cup & Saucer Tea Shoppe told the group about various types of loose tea to try. Of course, everyone got to sample some tea!













Monday, June 8, 2009

Winner of the Week One Drawing of the Maitland Adult Summer Reading Program


The winner of the free class at the Maitland Museum of Art is…
Karen, who recommends Road Dogs by Elmore Leonard – “A gripping story of friendship/loyalty among an unsavory cast of characters.”

And the runners-up are….

The Wise Heart: A Guide by Jack Kornfield recommended by Cathy –“ This book is a great introduction to Buddhism and its teachings for Westerners.”

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki recommended by Samin– “This book is very insightful and provided a foundation for financial management.”

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn recommended Brenda – “This is not a happy novel: in fact you’ll find it gritty and haunting and one that will make you thankful for the kind of life you have had up to this point. It is so compelling that you’ll find yourself rooting for the fictional Libby Day, hoping with all of your might that this author plans to reveal everything by the end of the book. Ms. Flynn does not disappoint in this carefully-crafted story! I’m heading back to the library today to check out her first book, Sharp Objects.”

Quick Silver by Neal Stephenson recommended by Mike

The Gate House by Nelson DeMille recommended by Patricia – “Excellent”

Unending Blues: Poems by Charles Simic, recommended by Jean – “Keen observer, clear language, but meaning sometimes elusive.”

A Darker Place by Jack Higgins, recommended by Bonnie – “Good adventure story and historical influences are correct.”

Roanoke by Margaret Lawrence, panned by Robert – “Turned out to be a soap opera”

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Tree Dedicated in the Memory of Librarian Michelle Facto

Michelle Facto was an amazing and innovative member of the Maitland Public Library staff. She served as the library’s first Assistant Public Services Librarian starting in September 2007, and soon after she was promoted to the Public Services Librarian. Michelle shared many inventive ideas with staff and patrons, and her optimistic attitude was contagious. She was wonderful addition to the library team and dedicated the library profession; most of all, she was a vibrant and fun-loving person. We unfortunately lost her all too soon on June 30, 2008. Michelle will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

A Dahoon Holly tree was planted in Lake Lily Park in Michelle’s memory on Sunday, May 3rd as part of the City of Maitland’s Arbor Day Celebration. The tree is located to the left of the overlook located in front of the Maitland Civic Center. A memorial plaque will be placed by the tree this summer.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Honey for your Health



On Wednesday, May 20, Winter Park Honey's Beekeeper Jean presented a wonderfully informative presentation on beekeeping and how honey is beneficial to your health.


For more information on beekeeping and honey, check out Winter Park Honey web site, http://www.winterparkhoney.com/


Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Creating a Special Card for Mom


On Sunday the week before Mother's Day, a numbers of patrons spent part of the afternoon making special mother's day cards for their mom, aunts, and grandmas. The cards were original designs provided by the staff or some patrons created their own inspirations.

Happy Mother's Day!


Monday, May 4, 2009

Maitland Public Library Association @ Maitland Relay for Life






May started with an all-night fund-raiser to remember, honor and help those with cancer.

Maitland Library Association fielded one of the 19 teams at the Maitland Relay for Life May 1st and 2nd, held behind 555 Winderley Place, near Lake Destiny, and sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Janet Andrews, Karen Potter, Karen Gallagher, Bennie Rivera, Melissa Phillips and her son Ryan, Pat Russell and her friend Steve, Michelle Swiat, Joan Dye and her grandson Kyle, and Michael Cira had fun and supported the event at some point.

Both private businesses and public service organizations raised money throughout the night at their booths and through their paricipation in contests, and all had members on the "track," lit by luminaria and bopping to the music of the DJ.
Thanks to Bennie Rivera for representing the library on the track for 7 hours and to Pat Russell for doing an outstanding job organizing the team!
At the Library booth roasted corn, cookies and brownies complimented the offerings of coffee and comraderie at the VITAS booth and the pulled pork at the booth "next door."

Thanks to the generosity and RV of Janet Andrews, library staffers were able to catch a few "Z"s and attend the Closing Ceremonies in the morning. Thank you to all library staff, patron, friend and family supporters! We raised $730.oo, and had a blast as well!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Maitland Children's Art Festival

The Maitland Public Library participated in this year's Maitland Children's Art Festival. Miss Kristen and Miss Michelle helped children make some paper plate dream catchers to celebrate the Native American theme. Thanks to the Maitland Art Center for organizing the event and including the library. See you again next year!


<--Miss Michelle retells the Cherokee tale of how the turtle cracked his shell.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Friends of Maitland Public Library Spring Book Sale

Come one, come all!
...to the

Friends of the
Maitland Public Library's
Spring Book Sale
Thursday, April 16 - Sunday, April 19
Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The Fall 2008 Friends book sale pictures


Sunday, March 15, 2009

National Puppy Day Success!

National Puppy Day was a great success. Four adoption groups, the Maitland Police Dog, READing Paws, and Canine Companions for Independence were all in attendance. Check out some of the pictures below!





A big thanks to everyone who attended and the following participants:
Canine Companions for Independence
Marilee Kelly and Abby w/ READing Paws
Gold Coast Greyhound Rescue
Pet Rescue by Judy
Faith, Hope and Love Pet Rescue
Sgt. Ohalek and his canine police partner Alix

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Dr. Seuss Party

Fun was had by all of the participants at our very own Dr. Seuss Birthday Party. We had some birthday cake, played Green Eggs and Ham (Seuss version of pin the tail on the donkey), made some artwork for the library and colored some Dr. Seuss coloring pages. Check out the pictures below. 

You can never start too young!!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Writing Workshop Saturday, March 7th, 1:30 p.m.







Workshop presenter Dale Slongwhite, owner of WriteLines in Altamonte Springs, has been writing all of her life, and presenting creative writing workshops professionally for six years.
She coaches writers of all ages. Her published works include a memoir, Gathering, and she is currently working on a book project with Florida Hospital. This will be Dale’s third writing workshop at the Maitland Public Library. We're glad to have her back!
Everyone is welcome. No registration is required. Bring your imagination (and a pencil)!
For more information about the workshop, contact the Maitland Library at 407-647-7700.

Off to a good start: "Vegetable Gardening in Central Florida" workshop




A big "thank you" goes to Ed Thralls, residential horticulture and master gardener coordinator for the Orange County Cooperative Extention, from Maitland Library and the attendees of his workshop, "Vegetable Gardening in Central Florida" on February 13th. Using props as well as Power Point slides, Ed showed when to start a successful garden (in February, for warm-weather vegetables), how to prepare the soil, and when Florida gardens "rest" (during June and July). Thank you, too, Ed, for the "Manual of Minor Vegetables" donated to the library's gardening section! We look forward to having you here again.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Vietnamese Spring Rolls @ MPL




Local author, HA RODA presented a program on how to make Vietnamese Spring Rolls at the Maitland Public LIbrary on Sunday, February 22. In addition, to learning to make the perfect spring roll, attendees learned about the history of Vietnamese foods and customs.