Writing Your Own Stories

Writing Your Own Stories is a 3-part memoir writing workshop which will be offered to Maitland Public Library cardholders, with meetings in June, August and November.

Philip F. Deaver, permanent Writer in Residence and Professor of English at Rollins College, will teach the course.  Of memoir writing and the writer, he says, "You know you want to do it.  You think about it all the time.  You've probably even already written stories about your life.  Here's a chance to get started...or to get going on it again."

Attendees will participate in an online community to stay in contact, to encourage one another and to share information.  The library will provide a class for novices in the use of Yahoo Groups.

Classes will be held on June 12th, August 28th and November 6th, all from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

For additional information on the series, call (407) 647-7700

Childrens Art Festival -- a wonderful success!

What a turn out!  Saturday, April 24th was a wonderful opportunity for our Youth Services staff to meet with the public, talk about Summer Reading 2010, and share some goodies.  Over 600 people dropped by our library display!  Many thanks to all of you who were able to attend, and to those of you who couldn't make it, we look forward to having you over at the library for our amazing line up of summer reading programs starting Saturday, June 5th at 2:30 p.m. when we kick off summer reading with The Mad Hatter's Tea Party!  Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Meet Jonathan Dolce, Youth Services Librarian

Jonathan is our new Youth Services Librarian. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland. His mother was from England and he spent five years living there while also visiting Scotland and Wales. While living in England, he went on a ten-day Library Tour which led him to becoming a librarian. He also lived in Puerto Rico for two years and still owns property there.

Jonathan received his BA degree from Stetson University in Deland and his graduate degree from FSU. He was a library volunteer in Volusia County for seven years and then worked at a paid position for another seven years.

Jonathan lives in Deltona. He is married and has a nine year old daughter.

Upcoming Programs and Events!

Baby/Toddler Mingle ~ Baby/Toddler Story Time
Thursday, April 8th ~ 10:30 and 10:45 a.m.

Reading Buddies
Thursday, April 8th ~ 4:00 p.m.

Hurston Reading Group
Sunday, April 11th ~ 3:00 p.m.
discussing Dust Tracks on a Road: An Autobiography

Bedtime Stories & Crafts
Monday, April 12th ~ 7:00 p.m.
all ages welcome

Story Time for Preschoolers
Tuesday, April 13th ~ 10:30 a.m.

Second Saturday at the Library
Saturday, April 10th ~ 4:00 p.m.
Celebrating Spring!

All programs except Second Saturday will be held at the Maitland Civic Center, next door to the library!

Save your pennies! The Friends of the Maitland Public Library Spring Book Sale begins Thursday, April 15th!

This Week's Programs!

Youth Poetry Contest
entries accepted through March 31st

PC Academy: Web-based Email
Monday, March 22nd ~ 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
registration required

Bedtime Stories & Crafts
Monday, March 22nd ~ 7:00 p.m.
all ages welcome

Story Time for Preschoolers
Tuesday, March 23rd ~ 10:30 a.m.

Books to Die For! Mystery Book Club
Tuesday, March 23rd ~ 7:30 p.m.
discussing Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter by Blaize Clement

Contemporary Authors Book Discussion Group
Wednesday, March 24th ~ 1:30 p.m.
discussing Distant Land of My Father by Bo Caldwell

Baby/Toddler Mingle ~ Baby/Toddler Story Time
Thursday, March 25th ~ 10:30 a.m.

Reading Buddies
Thursday, March 25th ~ 4:00 p.m.

End of Winter Thrillers Reception: Book Bingo!

The suspense was palpable Sunday afternoon as mother and son, father and daughter, and staff and patrons competed for each of three Book Bingo prize bags. The boards were made up of titles reviewed by participants in the Winter Thrillers Adult Reading Program from January to March 14th.

Among other finger snacks, Kappy's subs, cookies and brownies from Firehouse Subs and Qdoba Mexican Grill, and garlic knots from NYPD Pizza kept everyone's appetites satisfied, and Public Services Librarian Melissa Phillips' decorations and  Raspberry Rainbow punch made the atmosphere festive.

The dedicated help of Kathy, our wonderful volunteer for the event (who won one of the Book Bingo rounds! ), cheers from Jean and Cathy, and the book knowledge and enthusiasm of Monica, Saumer, Sumer, and Shyam made the games especially fun. Jeremiah's Italian Ice and Qdoba's Mexican grill had give-aways for everyone.

Thank you to the 43 readers for Winter Thrillers who submitted over 100 book reviews! Barry  was the winner of the drawing for the Grand Prize gift basket. It included wine donated by the Maitland Wine Market, Quodoba dinner coupons, a new Alexander McCall Smith book, and garden decorations and tools.

A big thanks too to our community business sponsors who made the program possible: Jeremiah's Italian Ice, Whole Foods Market, Maitland Wine Market, Borders Books, Firehouse Subs, Subway, First Watch Restaurant, Enzian Theater, and Qdoba's Mexican Grill!

This Week's Programs!

Youth Poetry Contest entries accepted
March 1st through 31st

Reading Buddies
Thursday, March11th @ 4:00 p.m.

Free Blood Pressure Checks by the Maitland Fire & Rescue
Friday, March 19th @ 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Julie Compton's Saturday "Meet the Author" visit has been cancelled.

A Journalist’s Olympics by Travis Sherwin
Sunday, March 21st @ 1:30 p.m.

Winner of the Next-to-Last Drawing for the Winter Thrillers Adult Reading Program (March 8th)

The winner of the $20 Target gift certificate is...Betsy. She submitted Last Words by George Carlin with Tony Hendra. Her take: “These will never be George Carlin’s ‘Last Words’ because his humor will be legendary.”

Thank you to the other participants this week, who reviewed the following books:

Fiddle Gome by Richard Thompson, reviewed by Kay Yewell:
"Retro-noir novel of Gypsey bunco and revenge from the author of  Frog Box. A complex plot which doesn't slow down, a fascinating journey founded in WW II and ending in the 'throw back' present. Off-beat characters live the journey. A fun read."

The Old Fox Deceiv'd by Martha Grimes, reviewed by Paula: "This is the second book in what is affectionately called the 'Richard Jury' mysteries. These books are colorfully-written, in such a way as to keep the reader in another era -even though they're written as taking place in current times. I guess it is because all the mysteries take place in old (and authentic) English pubs. Then there is Richard Jury himself, who seems as quaint as the countryside. Jury has a way of putting all suspects at ease before delivering the startling and powerful questions. Grimes writes the entire book in the same manner. She has you relaxed and thinking you know who the culprit is, and then with power she delivers the surprising climax."

The Man With a Load of Mischief  by Martha Grimes, reviewed by Paula:
"This book introduces us to multifarious characters, three of which continue to develop throughout the entire Richard Jury series. Richard Jury is the Scotland Yard detective who keeps his nerves steady through the most bizarre murders and keeps his childish innocence by making footprints in the snow. Melrose Plant is the titled aristocrat who has denounced his titles searching for who he really is. After clumsily aiding Jury in solving four grizzly murders, could  sluthing be his real inner quest? Lady Agatha Ardry, Melrose's aunt, is the self-proclaimed 'expert' detective who causes more problems than she solves and who everyone tries to avoid by sending her on bogus clues. These three lives take us through a wonderfully-foriegn world of quaintly-bizarre English pubs (each book in the series is named after and related to a pub), and somehow make us feel safe and at home."

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, reviewed by Cathy.

American Thighs: The Sweet Potato Queens’ Guide to          Preserving Your Assets by Jill Brown, reviewed by Betsy: “The Sweet Potato Queens’ series is always enjoyable to read for a woman, or even a man.”

Sworn to Silence by Linda Costello, reviewed by Kay: “Witness meets Silence of the Lambs. Former romantic novelist starts a series about a woman who left her Amish faith to live in the big city, eventually becoming a cop and returning to her home town as the police chief. Good mystery with insights about the Amish-“English” interface. Naturally a former romance writer gets the infrequent sex scenes right.”

Iron River by Jeff Parker, reviewed by Kay: “Complex story of guns and the drug trade along the California-Mexico border. Second or third novel featuring a LASD deputy with an interesting backstory. Some really interesting characters and enough action to keep your spine chilling.”

Miss Lonelyhearts by Nathaniel West, reviewed by Jean M.
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls, reviewed by Jean M.
The Gates by John Connolly, reviewed by Kaye: “A brilliant, hilarious, purely-enchanting novel for young people of all ages, a sci-fi fantasy where young peoples’ universe and thinking outside the box triumph over the grotesque evil wrought by adults. A must-read!”

The Beginning Runner’s Handbook by Ian MacNeill, reviewed by Monika: “Great book to start and build up on your running program. I loved the training tips by Olympic runner Lynn Kansha in every chapter.”

The Daylight Diet by Paul Nison, reviewed by Monika: “ I finished reading this book 2 weeks ago and started following some of the advice. My weight loss which had plateaued started again. Lost 2.5 lbs in the last 2 weeks. Wonderful tips for health and longevity.”

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, reviewed by Sally.
Tsar by Ted Bell, reviewed by Patricia: “Can the Cold War come back with a vengeance? Lead by a brilliant, diabolical self-appointed ‘Tsar,’ this is exactly what can happen. The possibility of one man holding the destruction of the world in his hands is bone-chilling! Clever, up-to-date, using present technology – this is a thriller that makes us all think of the possibilities.”

Silencer by James W. Hall, reviewed by Kaye: “Above-average “intimate” thriller set in rural South Florida with an environmental point-of-view. Doesn’t’ spend a lot of time with character development, but continuing characters mitigate the lack. Plenty of weird characters that you really don’t want to know better. Too much character development can slow the action down. A fast read that will raise your pulse a few notches."

A Deadly Silver Sea by Bob Morris, reviewed by Bo and Pat. (three checks for "cheers" - good book!)

This Week's Programs!!!

Youth Poetry Contest entries accepted
March 1st through 31st

Bedtime Stories & Crafts
Monday, March 8th ~ 7:00 p.m.
all ages welcome

Story Time for Preschoolers
Tuesday, March 9th ~ 10:30 a.m.

PC Academy: Computer Virus Q & A
Tuesday, March 2nd ~ 7:00 p.m.

Brain Health Club
Wednesday, March 10th ~ 2:00 p.m.
Play games, stay active!

Culture Club: Egypt
Wednesday, March 10th ~ 4:00 p.m.

Baby/Toddler Mingle ~ Baby/Toddler Story Time
Thursday, March 11th ~ 10:30 and 10:45 a.m.

Reading Buddies
Thursday, March11th ~ 4:00 p.m.

READing Paws
Saturday, March 13th ~ 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.
registration required

Second Saturday at the Library
Saturday, March 13th ~ 3:00 p.m.
Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday

End of Winter Thrillers Reading Program reception
Sunday, March 14th ~ 2:00 p.m.

Little Red Bus Visits Maitland Public Library

     On March 3, 2010, the Florida Blood Centers' Little Red Bus arrived at the Maitland Public Library for the Library’s first Blood Drive. Seven donors spent a few minutes donating a pint of blood. Those seven donations will help save twenty-one lives.
        Watch for future blood drive donations at the Maitland Public Library.

Winter Thrillers March 1st Prize Drawing

The winner of this week's drawing for 3 newly-released books from Borders, a free Italian ice from Jeremiah's, and Fire House Subs coupon, is Kathie. She describes the book Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, as “fascinating and sensitive."


Cheers to the week's participants:
Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult, reviewed by Margaret.
Manhunt: the 12-day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson, reviewed by Margaret.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer, reviewed by Margaret.
Going Rogue by Sarah Palin, reviewed by Margaret.
Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman, reviewed by Margaret.
Split Image by Robert B. Parker, reviewed by Kay: “ I can’t knock Parker as he is the master of his style. However, he has become too predictable. It is all about style, with no need for substance. I have read all his books and own many, including his a first edition of his first. He will be missed, but I feel he has said all he has to say – for some time. His early stuff was in my estimation his best.”

America’s Prophet by Bruce Feiler, reviewed by Bob.
Pursuit of Honor by Vince Flynn, reviewed by Patricia: “If you want an action-packed, exciting, fast-moving book – this is a must-read! Definitely 5-star rating.”

Water For Elephants by Sarah Gruen, reviewed by Jean: “Exciting story, and good historical background on Depression-era and circus history.”

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, reviewed by Sandra.
Born for Love by Leo Buscaglia, reviewed by Jean: “Comments by author and selected quotes by others on the general subject of love –all kinds: brotherly, romantic, and universal.”

Shandaram by G. Roberts, reviewed by Alice: “At 900+ pages, it’s a long one, but worth it!”

Open by Andre Agasi, reviewed by Suzanne.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy, reviewed by Betty.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett, reviewed by Margaret.

This Week's Programs

Youth Poetry Contest entries accepted
March 1st through 31st

PC Academy: Computer Basics: Computer and Mouse
Monday, March 1st ~ 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. ~ registration required

Bedtime Stories & Crafts
Monday, March 1st ~ 7:00 p.m.
all ages welcome

Story Time for Preschoolers
Tuesday, March 2nd ~ 10:30 a.m.

PC Academy: Computer Virus Q & A
Tuesday, March 2nd ~ 7:00 p.m.

Little Red Bus
Wednesday, March 3rd ~ 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Donate blood ~ Save a life

Baby/Toddler Mingle ~ Baby/Toddler Story Time
Thursday, March 4th ~ 10:30 a.m.

Reading Buddies
Thursday, March 4th ~ 4:00 p.m.

Knit and Crochet Club
Thursday, March 4th ~ 7:00 p.m.
all skill levels welcome

Winter Thrillers February 22nd Prize Drawing

Margaret was the winner of the Winter Thrillers drawing for this week, for a choice of 3 books from Borders Books, a Subway sub and a Jeremiah's Italian Ice gelato. She recommended  
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.

Cheers were also given by readers this week to:
Lethal Justice by Fern Michaels, reviewed by Norma.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, reviewed by Margaret.
Eye of God by Ariel Allison, reviewed by Barbara.
Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson, reviewed by Barbara.
House of Wolves by Matt Bronleeve, reviewed by Barbara.
Home in Harmony by Philip Gully, reviewed by Gail: “This book was a welcome change because it was about a Quaker minister, Sam Gardner of Harmony, Indiana. It is full of anecdotal material that will have you laughing, or at least really enjoying it. His parishioners are all so different and each one brings a special flavor to the book. It was a joyful read.”

Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton, reviewed by Kay: “Best book I’ve read in recent memory. Combination thriller and love story. Can’t recommend it strongly enough.”

The Narrows by Michael Connelly, reviewed by David.
Total Control by David Baldacci, reviewed by Gail.
The Winner by David Baldacci, reviewed by Gail.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest by Stieg Larsson, by Kay: “A 600-page page turner, and an excellent example of the Northern European style.”

The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh, reviewed by Christie.
Starvation Lake by Brian Gruley, reviewed by Kay: “Excellent first novel of a newspaper writer who returns home to rural Michigan to expose the dark underbelly of the town’s hockey culture.”

Blindside by Catherine Coulter, reviewed by Norma: “A real page-turner. A mixture of the FBI at work and love at its best. Catherine Coulter is a great author.”

Ghost of Dublin by Stuart Neville, reviewed by Kay: “Saga of the aftermath of the ‘troubles’ in Northern Ireland: retaliation and revenge.”

Race for the Dying by Steven F. Havill, reviewed by Kay: “Excellent historical novel of frontier surgery from the author of Posadas County mysteries.”

Fast Track by Fern Michaels, reviewed by Norma: “Difficult to put this book down. The author really has a way with words. Very fast-paced. I loved this book and intend to read more in the Sisterhood series.”

One Second After by William Forstchen, reviewed by Cheryl: “Very good book: interesting and it stays with you, as this could happen in real life!”

Hot Tea Workshop with Olde Cup and Saucer's Bill and Shawne

Though Bill Keene, co-owner of Olde Cup and Saucer, admits he enjoys coffee more than tea, he was thorough and entertaining in showing the rapt audience how to make a "perfect cup of tea" (as he quoted George Eliot as saying). 

With Shawne and baby Eliza's help, he poured perfect samples of 6 teas, from green to oolong to black to aged, all the while answering questions and "spouting" interesting facts about tea dos and don'ts. A big thanks go to Bill and Shawne for another amazing presentation!

This Week's Programs!

PC Academy: Web-based Email
Monday February 22nd ~ 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
registration required

Books to Die For! Mystery Book Club
Tuesday, February 23rd ~ 7:30 p.m.
discussing Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith

Contemporary Authors Book Discussion Group
Wednesday, February 24th ~ 1:30 p.m.
discussing Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

In the Gallery: Maitland Art Center Class Artwork
In the Foyer: Save the Manatee Club
through February 28th

We look forward to seeing you there!

This Week's Programs!

PC Academy ~ The Invisible Internet
Tuesday, February 16th ~ 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Wii Gaming for Adults
Wednesday, February 17th ~ 2:30 p.m.
Join the fun! ~ Meet new people!

Investing in Troubled Times
Thursday, February 18th ~ 2:00 p.m. ~ Financial Seminar
with Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney

Blood Pressure Checks
Friday, February 19th ~ 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
by Maitland Fire & Rescue

Spring Lawn Tune-Up: Pest Control
Saturday, February 20th ~ 1:30 p.m.
presented by Master Gardener Ed Thralls,
Orange County Extension Office
registration required

Hot Tea
Sunday, February 21st ~ 1:30 p.m.
presentation by Olde Cup & Saucer Shoppe
registration required

Winner of Winter Thrillers February 15th Prize Drawing

Congratulations to Steven, who won the free pair of breakfasts (or lunches) at First Watch Restaurant, with his review of Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand!
He wrote: "Atlas Shrugged is my favorite book. I've read it 6 or 7 times! It combines love story, politics and economics. This fictional novel seems more relevant today than when it was written in 1957. A fantastic read! Be aware that it exceeds 1100 pages, and just a few sections might seem to drag."

Cheers given by other reviewers this week:
Red and Me by Bill Russell with Alan Steinberg, reviewed by Anonymous: "A wonderful story of friendship between Bill Russell and Red Auerbach. Bill Russell, was the ultimate team player of the NBA with the Boston Celtics, and Red Auerbach was the coach elite of the Boston Celtics. This story shows the friendship between an African American and a Jewish coach, one from Louisiana, the other from Brooklyn, who develop a most unlikely friendship through respect and trust with the mutual end goal of being exceptional professionals in a team sport, and ending as friends for life. Amen!"

Deeper Than The Dead by Tami Hoag, reviewed by Marilyn.
An Education by Lynn Barber, reviewed by Jean.
In Arabian Nights by Tahir Shah, reviewed by Barry: "Wonderful stories within an exotic and touching story, from a master storyteller."

Cutting for Stone by Abrahim Verghese, reviewed by Tess: "About Ethiopia."
The Girls from Ames by Jeffrey Zaslow, reviewed by Nancy.
Baja Florida by Bob Morris, reviewed by Linda.
Baja Florida by Bob Morris, reviewed by Patricia: "Great Florida read! Also interesting to anyone who travels to the Bahamas or who owns boats. Good story!"

An Education by Lynn Barber, reviewed by Jean: "A fascinating memoir - and source material for an excellent movie now playing at a nearby theater. Such 'double-headers' are rare!"

Cruel Intent by J. A Jance, reviewed by Linda.

And Chills:
Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler, reviewed by Jean: "Don't waste your time reading this boring book! I can't believe it's by the same author who gave us such great reads as The Accidental Tourist and Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant."

Author Bob Morris Visits MPL for Book Signing and Talk

Saturday, February 6th, best-selling and local author, Bob Morris, stopped by the Maitland Public Library to talk about his lastest book, Baja Florida, a continuation of his Zach C. series.  Bob entertained the audience with stories of how he started writing, where he gets his ideas, and his favorite mystery writers.

Winner of Winter Thrillers February 8th Prize Drawing

And the winner of this week's drawing for a $20 gift certificate to Whole Foods Market was...

Angela, with her review of the book Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson!

She writes “This book was recommended by a friend. It gave me a whole new understanding of life in the Pakistan/Afghanistan region of the world. Greg Mortenson has accomplished amazing things.”

Cheers:
The Next Thing On My List by Smolinski, reviewed by Monica: “Fantastic book, inspired me to write a list of my own to complete by my 25th birthday. Very nice balance of wit as well.”

My Summer of Southern Discomfort by Stephanie Gayle, reviewed by Aimee.
Linnet Bird by Linda Holenman, by Jean.
Bollywood Confidential by Sonia Singh, reviewed by Monica: “I loved this book because I can relate to the setting, where all this drama happened (India). I love East Indian authors as they put the right amount of spices in their writing! :)”

Ice by Linda Howard, reviewed by Donna.
The Murder of King Tut by James Patterson, reviewed by Bruce.
Double Whammy by Carl Hiassen, by Robin: “Always good for a laugh. Anything he writes is worth taking a look at.”

Love Over Scotland by Alexander McCall Smith, reviewed by Chris.
The World According to Bertie by Alexander McCall Smith, reviewed by Chris.
Expresso Tales by Alexander McCall Smith, reviewed by Chris.

Chills:
Olive Kitterage by Elizabeth Strout, reviewed by Jean: “This was, for me, a very depressing book. I will say though that it was very well-written.”

_________________________________________________________________

The winner of the drawing next week will receive vouchers for 2 free breakfasts or lunches at First Watch Restaurant, so make sure to put those book reviews in the box at the Information Desk!

This Week's Programs

Bedtime Stories & Crafts
Monday, February 8th ~ 7:00 p.m.
all ages welcome

Story Time for Preschoolers
Tuesday, February 9th ~ 10:30 a.m.

Culture Club: Germany
Wednesday, February 10th ~ 4:00 p.m.

Baby/Toddler Mingle
Thursday, February 11th ~ 10:30 a.m.
Baby/Toddler Story Time ~ 10:45 a.m.

READing Paws
Saturday, February 13th ~ 1:00 p.m.
registration required

Second Saturday at the Library
Saturday, February 13th ~ 3:00 p.m.
Valentine Fun!

Hurston Reading Group
Sunday, February 14th ~ 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
discussing Jonah’s Gourd Vine