THE LIBRARY

    After Bible study today I stopped by  Post Falls  library to return one book, renew another,   and browse the shelves for anything else  that might catch my interest.   I   put two books on hold - Jack 1939, recommended by my friend Patty,   the other, The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jona Jonasson , this one  my darling young cousin (actually my first cousin once removed - cousin Kim Cooney's  daughter)  listed as a favorite on Goodreads.   Rachel commented the story was hilarious  with a touch of Forrest Gump. Fun read.  I must say, the title grabbed me right away, and am looking forward to  reading  about the hundred year old man  who climbs out his window, and   what happens to him  next .

   One of the books I came home with is  The Untold Story of Louisa May Alcott and HER MOTHER by Eve LaPlante.  Because Alcott's Little Women remains a favorite of mine, I'm always interested in reading about this famed author and the influence that shaped her writing talent.  The  second book I checked out was  on the 'New Non-Fiction" shelf, She Matters A Life in Friendships.  This book  drew  my attention because as a writer,  it's a subject that interests me, and  know it's a topic  I could write; One about   the beauty and importance  of  girlfriends throughout  my life , and the special place they hold. From my youngest days when my childhood friend, Linda Mattix  and I played with our dolls for hour upon hour, rode bikes, went to the park, swimming pool, and  Saturday matinee together.  The memories she and I  hold in common can never be broken.  I think of my best  pals from high school , all  so very dear. To this day, we continue to  learn and laugh together. My brother's first love, Patty who became my cherished  friend , too, and remains close to my heart. And Phyllis, my friend and  mentor,  we've been  pals  like  ( Heckle & Jeckle)  since my first  days at the newspaper in 1971.

   I think also of dear women  friends  throughout my adult years, some mother's of my son's friends, some  friends of my mother, others  fellow church members, and writer friends -  each one adding  to the joy of my  being, and helping me grow as a person, to become a better me.

  This is what the library offers us, books on every theme and  topic - biographies of authors, artists, anthropologists; Stories about friendships,  family dynasties, financiers. Poets  and  politicians - saints and scholars. The library is the perfect place not only for those who like to read, but  for writers, too. Like one who is thirsty going to the well, the library can quench your thirst for ideas about writing , and reading.

   Libraries also feature displays, and offer events and presentations about  a variety of subjects to interest the community.  The other day I received an email from fellow blogger, Jennifer Rova reminding me about Coeur d Alene Public Library's annual writing contest.  This contest has always drawn many entries.  Writers age 6 to adult  can submit up to two entries  of fiction, two nonfiction prose (no poetry).  Entries are due March 31.  For more information  visit www.cdalibrary.orgary.org  or contact David Townsend DTOWNSEND@cdalibrary.org   

   While the internet and e - readers are extremely useful and wonderful ( I use both), our public libraries also provide a world of wonder, whether reading for pleasure,  academics or seeking knowledge on any subject.

 Visit your local library soon  ! You'll be sure to  find a treasure of people and places to read about ,  both  past and present.




 



 

   

The Library, Books & Movies

When I was a little girl a trip to the city library on Saturday afternoon was something I always looked forward to.   The hours passed quickly as I carefully pulled books  from the shelves ,  read their titles and  decided which ones to check out.  I liked taking  my choices to the librarian , showing her my library card ,  then  watching as she  stamped  the return date  on inside  page. 

 The library was orderly and quiet; There was a certain etiquette to be observed. No eating, or  loud talking.  When patrons did speak it was in hushed voices, like in church,   so not to disturb others that were reading, or studying  at the long rectangular table, perhaps doing research for a History or English assignment.

Visiting the library is something I’ve never outgrown, and still think of the library as someplace special.   A place of learning and information; a Community center. 

 According to Wikipedia libraries had often started with donation, an endowment or were bequeathed  to various parishes, churches, schools or towns.  Ben Franklin and friends  are generally considered the first to start a subscription library   in 1731,  allowing members to buy shares . Combined funds were used to buy more books—in return members could borrow books and use the library.   It was Andrew Carnegie, however who had the biggest influence  in financing libraries in the United States.  In the  years between 1900 to 1917, almost 1,700 libraries were constructed by Carnegie’s foundation, insisting that local communities first guarantee tax support of each library built.  In my opinion,   taxes well spent. 

 Most   city and county libraries have reading  programs for citizens of all ages . Coeur d Alene Library  is no exception , offering  Pre-school Story, Book Babies Lap,  Family reading, Lego Club,  a computer workshop and Pageturners  Book Club .

 I was at the library last week searching for  Barbara Belford’s   biography  Oscar Wilde, A Certain Genius,   and the novel the Irish poet and dramatist is  famously known for , The Picture of Dorian Gray.    With books in hand, I  was about  to exit through the center door when   I noticed a flyer posted on the bulletin board :  The Coeur d Alene Public Library Foundation presents Moving Books— The Written  Word Turned Into Film !   Movie’s are scheduled November 2011 thru May  2012.  Jane Eyre, Polar Express, Sophie’s Choice, All the King’s Men , The Lincoln Lawyer, Tangled and Charlie Wilson’s War.  

What a good idea.  Showcasing books turned into film.   I began thinking of other books  made into movies ; Ben Hur,  The Bishops Wife,  Breakfast at Tiffany’s , Gone With the Wind, Wizard of Oz; To Kill A Mockingbird, The Maltese Falcon, East of Eden.  It became a game with me as more and more books into movies came to mind: Little Women, Tom Sawyer, True Grit.  There are hundreds of them.    I then thought how interesting it would be  to  read the book prior to seeing the movie then compare the two by answering a  few  guideline questions;  How well did the movie adaptation follow the author’s story ? Or did the  movie script alter what the author wrote? How are they the same? How did they differ?

   

The Picture of Dorian Gray, the book I checked out at the library ?   I can't wait to finish reading it , then watch  the movie—  the written word turned into film !  

*** NOTE:  For more information about Moving Books at Coeur d Alene Library call 208 769 2380 or visit their website http://www.cdalibrary.org/

*** For a list of books made into movies  http://www.ocl.net/bookinfo/if/movies.shtml