Thursday, July 9, 2009

Tuesday, July 14th - Harry Potter Night!


Come dressed as your favorite character, visit with Hogwarts professors, play games, and have a lot of Wizardry fun!
For reservations, call 407-647-7700.

Monday, July 6, 2009

July 6th "Master the Art of Reading" Drawing Winner and Other Books Reviewed


The winner of the Sip and Knit class, hand-dyed wool yarn, and bamboo knitting needles is...

Doris! She gave a Bravo to The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer.


And the runners-up are….

Bravos:


Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, reviewed by Doris.

Home
by Marilynne Robinson, by Jean.

Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult, reviewed by Katie: “A love story and a story of motherhood – really good!”

Pictures at an Exhibition by Sara Houghteling, reviewed by Eliane: “Very good. It gives a very good impression of the art galleries in Paris and what happened during the war and afterward.”

Blue Boy by Rakesh Satyl, reviewed by Michele: “Growing up gay in an Indian family. Extraordinary!”

Rescuing Sprite by Mark Levin, reviewed by Michelle: An endearing story of a beloved pet named Sprite. Her powerful impact on the hearts of the family members who adopted her. So cherished and adored!”

Envy the Night by Michael Koryta, reviewed by P.A.: “Good, exciting read!”

Smoke Screen by Sandra Brown, reviewed by Joan: “I’ve read a lot of Sandra Brown’s books and always enjoy them.”

Shell Game: Reflections on Rowing by Stephen Kiesling, reviewed by Peter.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, reviewed by Myrna: “Great insight into autism and a good surprise.”

Mounting Fears (Will Lee series, #7) by Stuart Woods, reviewed by J.: “Not as captivating as some of his other books, but a fast read for a summer day.”

The Amateur Marriage by AnneTyler, reviewed by Doris: “5 stars.”

My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph. D, reviewed by Doris: “”2 stars.”

Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber, reviewed by Michelle: “If you enjoyed the movie, “The Bucket List,” you will enjoy “Twenty Wishes.” I’m starting my own list!’

I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron, reviewed Michelle: “Anyone over 50 will enjoy the hilarity of life Nora Ephron shares in this book.”

The Soloist by Steve Lopez, reviewed by Jane: “This was a wonderful book. It really enlightens one on mental illness and shows a beautiful connection with friendship and music.”

Last Train to Paradise: Henry Flagler and the Spectacular Rise and Fall of the Railroad that Crossed an Ocean by Les Standiford, reviewed by Linda: “(3 stars) Wonderful, fascinating account of Flagler’s life and the horrific hurricane that struck the Keyes in 1935. I’m a native Floridian and I learned a lot about my state.”

Cold Case by Linda Barnes, reviewed by Katie: “I’m going to get more by Barnes – I love Carlotta!”

Finger Lickin’ Fifteen by Janet Evanovich, reviewed by Katie: “So much fun – I just love the dialogue!! I laugh out loud!!”

Dead or Alive
by Michael McGarrity, reviewed by P. A.: “Action-packed, never a dull moment.”

Boca Knights by Steve M. Forman, reviewed by Barbara.

Still Life by Joy Fielding, reviewed by Barbara (a “9”, where 1 is the worst and 10 the best).

Boos:
Losing Mum and Pup
by Christopher Buckley, reviewed by Yvette.

Shell Game: Reflections on Rowing by Stephen Kiesling, reviewed by Terri: “OK.”

A Dog About Town by J. F. Englert, reviewed by Michelle: “ I read the first 100 pages and it just didn’t capture me. A couple good dog books are: “A Dog Year” by Jon Katz (the irony), and “Marley and Me” by John Grogan.

Mixed Up With the Mob by Ginny Aiken, reviewed by Samina: “I never felt as if I wanted to find out what happens. I found it easy to put the book down which is nearly impossible when I am enjoying a piece of writing. It was OK, not exceptional.”

Dirty Laundry by Paula Woods, reviewed by Joanne: “Maybe just me, but neither the plot nor the characters held my interest.”

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Wii Gaming day for Seniors!

Our next Wii Gaming event for Seniors (50+) is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8th @ 1:30pm. No registration is necessary, just come and have some fun!

June 29th Winner of the "Master the Art of Reading" Drawing




The winner of the Maitland Wine Market $10 gift certificate is…

Eiane, reviewing The Vagrants by Yiyun Li: “Very interesting characters. Probably a realistic view of China just before the Tiananmen Square terror.”

…and the runners-up are:

for Bravos:

Ussegai by Wilbur Smith, reviewed by Katie: “ 1st time I’ve read anything by Smith – loved it! In Africa doing safaris w/ Theodore Roosevelt, spying against the Germans for England, and a love story, too!”

Whatever You Do, Don’t Run by Peter Alison, reviewed by Emma Lou.

Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell, reviewed by Joanne: “ This series never disappoints.”

Somewhere Towards the End by Diana Athill, reviewed by Robin: “Great memoir.”

A Matter of Trust by Anne Schraff (Bluford Series), reviewed by Kateisha.

The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly, reviewed by Jan: “Loved it!”

The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly, reviewed by Katie: “Connelly always writes a really good book – this one was good, too!”

Scarecrow by Matthew Reilly, reviewed by Michael.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Morenson & David Relin, reviewed by Joanne.

Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, reviewed by Joanne: “A story of a young Jewish child picked up in the July 1942 Veld’ltiv a raid by the French police under orders from the Nazis. An American ex-patis writing the story for the 60th anniversary of the event, and it becomes intertwined with her French husband’s family.”

Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri, reviewed by Jean.

The Girls from Ames by Jeffry Zaslow, reviewed by Brenda: “Every woman should read this book! Grab your childhood girlfriends and share this read. Guys – there’s probably not a lot for you (although it was written by a guy!). Treasure all of your friends.”

Foreign Body
by Robin Cook, reviewed by Johana: “I have read all his books and always look forward to the next one!”

Push by Sapphire, reviewed by Jean: “Bravo, with reservations. Difficult to read due to graphic content, but revealing of an unfortunately real-life situation. I wonder how the film (“Precious”), to be released in late fall, will handle the extreme language and scenes/ recollections of sexual and emotional abuse!”

A Quiet Flame by Philip Kerr, reviewed by William.

Julie and Julia by Julie Powell, reviewed by Katie: “What fun – Julie comes up with a project. She will cook every recipe in the Julie Child classic. I learned lots of things about food (I had no idea), and had a wonderful time!”

The Lilies of the Field by William Barrell, reviewed by David: “Somehow I had missed this book in all my reading. A real one-sitting classic. I’m glad I saw it while browsing.”

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by C. Alan Bradley, reviewed by Linda: “Too much fun for words – can’t wait for the next one!”

Best American Short Stories 2008 (Salmon Rushdie, ed.), reviewed by Bonnie: “Varied and the best of the best!”

Heat Lightning
by John Sanford, reviewed by Robert: “He is consistently wonderful.”

Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich, reviewed by Barbara: “With 10 being Bravo, and 1 being Boo, this is a 6.”

Illegal by Paul Levine, reviewed by Barbara: “With 10 being Bravo and 1 being Boo, this is a 7.”

Geography III by Elizabeth Bishop (poetry), reviewed by Jean.

The House by Danielle Steel, reviewed by Cheyl: “Typical D. Steel book – easy read for the summer.”

for Boos:

Even by Andrew Grant, reviewed by K.: “Over-plotted and over-written, (something) often found in first-time authors’ work. A terrorist subplot that is so popular today – but not my cup of tea.”

The Last Days of the Romanovs by H. Rappaport, reviewed by Robert: “No new revelations.”

Thank you to everyone who put in a slip!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

"Meet the Author Day" 6/27/09 - Pictures

Wright Gres and fans after his talk.












Heart-felt thanks from Maitland Library to Wright Gres, Terry Odell, Philip Chien, Chick O'Brien and Bonnie Yarry for sharing their writing experiences and hopes for the future at Wright Gres' multimedia presentation about Macedonia and during our "Meet the Author Day" panel.

And thank you to Everett Montiel of Great Shots for taking excellent pictures of both events. Our audience members deserve kudos too, for their insightful questions.


The five author panelists.





Chick and Terry share a chuckle.



Terry's newest mystery romance novel, When Danger Calls.


Chick's novel of intrigue, Dierdre: A Woman From Clare.








Phil and Bonny listen to other panelist answers.


Phil's factual book of the shuttle's last mission, Columbia: Final Voyage.







Bonny displays the first journal she kept when she was 13, her inspiration for her current book.


Saturday, June 27, 2009

Meet the Author Day @ Maitland Library


Wright Gres has a multimedia presentation at 1 pm about his inspiration for his book, "Macedonia Passage"

At 2pm, Terry Odell, Philip Chien, Wright Gres, Chick O'Brien and Bonny Yarry talk about what they love (and don't love) about writing, answer questions, and sign books.

Come meet our "local" authors!

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