Explore the Internet

It’s time to sign up for the next “Explore the Internet” class here at the library. The class will be held Wednesday, September 16 from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. If you are new to the Internet or just need to learn some tips and techniques that will make you a better searcher, then this class is for you. The class will be taught by the assistant director of the Cortland Free Library who was a former news researcher at The Post-Standard and who wrote an Internet column in that newspaper. Teens and adults are welcome to attend.

Basic computer skills are required and you must pre-register. Call 753-1042 to register. Class size will be limited to 8 participants.

“Way of the Peaceful Warrior”

A friend told me that I just had to read Dan Millman’s “Way of the Peaceful Warrior.” Millman, who wrote this book in 1980, tells the story of his encounter with Socrates, an old man who works at an all-night gas station. Millman, who at the time was a college student and world-class gymnast, felt that something was missing from his life. His encounter with Socrates, a peaceful warrior, changes Millman’s life and has inspired countless others.

If you enjoyed Eckhart Tolle’s “The Power of Now” and “A New Earth” you would enjoy this spiritual saga. Some of Tolle’s teachings are here too – living in the moment and letting go of your mind.

Jan

Reminder: “Preserving Summer’s Bounty”

Susan Prier from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cortland County will be at the library on Thursday, August 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to talk about the basics of canning, preserving and freezing. Susan who was recently designated a “master canner” will also share the latest techniques.

Everyone is welcome. The library is wheelchair accessible. – Jan

“Sarah’s Key”

In 1942, ten-year-old Sarah Starzynski lives with her 4-year-old brother and her parents in Paris.  On July 16, Sarah and her parents are arrested in the infamous Vel d’Hiv roundup, when the French government and French police collaborated with the Nazis to roundup Jews for transport to concentration camps. Sarah, not knowing the political situation, locks her brother in a secret cabinet in their apartment, thinking she will be back in a few hours.

In 2002 on the 60th anniversary of Vel d’Hiv, Julia Jarmond, an American born journalist living in France for 25 years, is asked by her magazine to cover the anniversary. Little does she know that her research into the roundup will uncover personal secrets that have been kept hidden in her husband’s family since that fateful day.

This is a powerful story written by Tatiana de Rosnay, especially at the beginning of the book when the chapters alternate between Sarah’s story and Julia’s story. Near the middle Sarah’s voice is silenced and we learn much more about Julia and her quest for redemption for her husband’s family.

You will not soon forget this story. Highly recommended!

Jan

August Adult Book Discussion

Our next adult book discussion group will talk about Michael Pollan’s most recent book, “In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto.”

Why would we talk about a food book? Well, first of all, food is the theme for our August adult summer reading program, “Be Creative with Food.” Second, what Pollan has to say is quite eye-opening. He contends that we are not really eating food anymore but we are actually consuming “edible food-like substances” that have been created in a laboratory. Food has been replaced by nutrients and we are not becoming healthier, but sicker. Find out what some of the real culprits are in our Western diet and what you can do to help you and your families become healthier.

Join us on Thursday, August 27 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Books can be reserved online or by phoning the library.

Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend.

Jan

Caricature artist at the library

A great time was had by all with J.P. Crangle, caricature artist, at the library yesterday for our summer reading program special event! Check out some of the photos.

 

                                                                

 

   

“Preserving Summer’s Bounty”

On Thursday, August 20 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. the library will present a program “Preserving Summer’s Bounty.”

Susan Prier of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cortland County will be here to talk about the basics of canning, preserving, and freezing. She will also share some of the new techniques that she learned at a recent three day seminar.

This program is part of our new adult summer reading program. The theme for August is “Be Creative with Food.” Look for our special display of  books on food and nutrition.

Hope you will join us!

Jan

“A Reliable Wife”

In 1907, Ralph Truitt, a wealthy businessman in a remote Wisconsin town, advertises for a mail-order bride, “a reliable wife.” He has been alone for 20 years since losing his wife and daughter and driving away his son. Catherine Land, who answers his ad, throws her fancy dresses off the train before arriving.  Neither are what they seem to be. Each has a plan. Their plans are turned upside down.

I’m not sure how I feel about this novel. It’s definitely a psychological tale filled with sexual tension that dominates the novel.  Author Sandra Brown calls the writing  ”raw and lyrical.”  This is an apt description.

I’d be very curious to hear your opinion.

Jan

Winners

Winners of our July 30th drawing for our adult summer reading program include:

Gift certificate to Olde Homer House – Helen Zabinski
Gift certificate to Jodi’s Hallmark – Kathleen Elliott Birdsall
Gift certificate to The Picture House – Sabrina Conway
Maxell stereo ear clips from Harrington Brothers Music – Toby Sinetar

Congratulations!

Jan

Adult summer reading program final drawing

We have a few more weeks left in our adult summer reading program drawing.  As of July 30th (our last drawing) we had 59 people participating reading 267 books.

Our next and final drawing will be Thursday, August 27 so you still have a few weeks to read some books and fill out some entry forms. Prizes to be awarded on August 27 include two tickets to the Center for the Arts in Homer, two passes to Jill Reeners School of Dance, and a gift certificate to The Picture House.

Jan