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HIGHLIGHTS:
The BOOK CELLAR Book Store has recently expanded their hours on Monday from 10 am - 8 pm.
HOURS: Monday 10-8 Tuesday & Thursday 10-6 Wednesday 12-8 Friday & Saturday 12-4 Closed Sunday
Volunteers are always needed. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Kate Kovalan at volunteer.bookcellar@ gmail.com.
View our pictures of the recent 2010 Library Olympics, Tail Waggin Tutors, and Chess Tournament
In the children's library a new Lego Club has been established for kids ages 7 - 12. Legos are provided for the kids to build some imaginative creations. Pre-registration is required by calling the children's library. View pictures of the kids in action.
April is National Poetry Month; celebrate with Samuel Hazo
Celebrate National Library Week, April 12 - 16, with authors: David A. George and Mike Roteman
BOOKS
Book Lists
New on Book Stop - brand new books available first come, first serve. Only 1 week checkout with no extensions. Lots of choices available.
EVENTS: *Family Caregiver Series *French Language Storytime
*League of Women Voters Lunchtime Series
*Teen Women's Lock-in -- Celebrity Tributes *LEGO Club *Be Unique, Be You, & Live!
*Modern World and American History Book Group *NAPO Pittsburgh Sheddathon *One Book, Every Young Child, What a Treasure *Discover Kentuck Knob *Celebrate National Poetry Month with Samuel Hazo *Wine Tasting @ The Book Cellar
Groups that meet regularly Book Groups: Children's: For Everyone: Language Groups: Seniors: Teens:
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*Tail Wagging Tutors
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BYTES
Database Corner: Helpful databases, web-related information
LIBRARY TIPS
Specific tips on how to get the most out of your library.
Book Clubs Take Notice!
What makes a book a good choice for a book group?
Reading a book to discuss with others is different from reading for pleasure. Not everyone in the book group will like every book that is chosen but that actually makes for interesting discussions.
Choose a book that:
- Is well written
- Has an interesting plot and three-dimensional characters
- Has characters who must make difficult choices in difficult situations
- Has an unclear ending
- Sends a message to the reader
- Raises many issues
- Stays in the reader’s mind long after it has been read
- Can be read more than once and still teaches the reader something new
- Insinuates itself into the reader’s experience
- Reveals an important truth
- Provides a kinship between reader and writer
You don’t want a book that spells out everything and leaves little material to discuss. Most mysteries, Westerns, romances, mainstream “escape” fictions and science fiction/fantasy fall in this category, though there will be exceptions. These are plot driven books and don’t lend themselves well to book groups.
Nancy Pearl, a nationally known librarian, bookseller, speaker, and author, with a librarian action figure created in her likeness, quotes, “I think the best books for groups to discuss are those in which the ending is deliberately ambiguous, so that every reader will have a different answer to the question “Well, what really did happen?” Or books in which the main character is faced with a difficult choice that resonates with readers no matter their age or race or ethnicity.” Click HERE for some book selections she found work extremely well in generating heated discussions among book group participants.
Where to get more good book suggestions?
Cynthia Richey’s Book Group Suggestions
Book Review List
Bookletters Book Club Choices (a readers advisory service)
Pulitzer Prize Books
National Book Award in Fiction
National Book Award in Non-Fiction
National Book Critics Circle Award List
Banned book list
Check out the "Book Group" Display at the library during the month of April
Janet Rae Tyree, Administrator, Springdale Free Public Library, Springdale, PA, quotes, " I just wanted to share with everyone that at my Book Club last night we discussed “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. Most of the people thought it was the best book they had ever read in any book club. It is great. Just thought I’d pass that along in case someone is looking for a great book for a book discussion."
BOOK CELLAR
With the new system for reserves at all the libraries, where patrons cannot see their place in the queue, book groups may want to consider picking books that are not on the current bestseller list.
Visit our Book Cellar downstairs when looking to choose a book for your book group. Give the Book Cellar volunteers about 3 months notice and whatever title you are interested in for your group, they will hold all the books that are donated, just for you. A great source for great books at great prices!
More Information, Links and Tips!
- Getting Started
- Choosing Good Books for Discussion
- Reading a Book for Discussion
- Leading the Discussion
- Learning More About an Author
- Coming Up With Good Discussion Questions
Pierce County Library System Tips
- Preplanning and Organizing the First Meeting
- What Makes a Good Book Discussion
- Reading Critically
- Leading the Discussion
- Some Suggestions for Participants
- Sample Questions
Ten Tips for Starting and Running a Successful Book Club by Reading Group Choices
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NEW for Mobil Devices
MLPL for Smartphones @ mobile.mtlebanonlibrary.org
Those of you with Blackberries, iPhones, etc., can now get a simplified version of the Mt. Lebanon Website on your mobile device. Formatted for small screens, this site offers mobile versions of the catalog, my account and google tools.
Visit and bookmark mobile.mtlebanonlibrary.org
LIBRARY TIDBITS
Tulips To Go @ Mt. Lebanon Library 
Tulips to Go was made possible through the generous assistance of Mt. Lebanon Floral.
Orders will continue through April 5, ten (10) tulips for $10.00. Hurry and don't miss out.
Download an order form and instructions at www.mtlebanonlibrary.org/about/tulips, or fill out a form in person at the library’s main circulation desk.
Pick up your ordered Tulips, on April 12 between 10 am - 8 pm at the lower entrance of the library on, 16 Castle Shannon Blvd.
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Donations Needed for Baubles, Books, & Bubbly
Baubles, Books, & Bubbly are taking donations now for the big event in October. Please see what you have to contribute and bring it to the Book Cellar.
APRIL CALENDARS:
Complete Information on our Current Events
April Calendar of Events
NEXT MONTH'S PREVIEW:
May 2010
Self Defense Basics
Preservation Week: Preserve Your Treasures
Wine Tasting @ The Book Cellar
French Conversation and Film
Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis
