Friday, December 30, 2011

First Line Friday

KIDS BOOK:
"It says in my baby book that when I was born, my parents couldn’t believe how big and beautiful I was – I weighed nine pounds and five ounces, and I’m convinced that’s why they called me Donahue Penelope Schneider – they wanted a fancy name to match my size.” - No Room for Dessert by Hallie Durand

With virtually no warning, it seems like Dessert’s life story is being written in invisible ink. Nobody in the Schneider house seems to remember she exists. Her school picture hanging on the fridge? Covered. The promise of burritos? Forgotten. And her baby brother doesn’t even know her name. (He calls her “dirt.”) Dessert wants to get back on her family’s radar…but how?




TEEN BOOK:
"The table was sticky, there was a cloudy smudge on my water glass, and we'd been seated for ten minutes with no sign of a waitress." - What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out.




ADULT BOOK:
"As my daughter Sulfia was explaining that she was pregnant but that she didn't know by whom, I paid extra attention to my posture." - The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine by Alina Bronsky

Rosa Achmetowna is the outrageously nasty and wily narrator of this rollicking family saga. When she discovers that her 17-year-old daughter, “stupid Sulfia,” is pregnant by an unknown man she does everything to thwart the pregnancy. But despite her best efforts the baby, Aminat, is born nine months later at Soviet Birthing Center Number 134. Much to Rosa’s surprise and delight, dark eyed Aminat is a Tartar through and through and instantly becomes the apple of her grandmother’s eye. While her good for nothing husband Kalganow spends his days feeding pigeons at the city park, Rosa wages an epic struggle to wrestle Aminat away from Sulfia, whom she considers a woefully inept mother. When Aminat, now a wild and willful teenager, catches the eye of a sleazy German cookbook writer researching Tartar cuisine, Rosa is quick to broker a deal that will guarantee all three women a passage out of the Soviet Union. But as soon as they are settled in the West, the uproariously dysfunctional ties that bind mother, daughter and grandmother begin to fray.



If you would like to put any of these titles on hold, just click on the title above and you will be re-directed to the library catalog listing for the book. Or give us a call at (609) 654-6113 and we would be happy to put it on hold for you!

Crafting in a Winter Wonderland!

We had lots of snowman fun at the library this week. On Tuesday, we not only made a Snowman Kisses craft, but we also decorated some delicious snowman cupcakes. Check it out:


Snowman Kisses craft
Snowman Kisses Poem


















Many of the cupcakes were devoured almost immediately, but we did manage to get a few pictures before they were all gobbled up:

With his Junior Mint hat & Fruit by the Foot scarf,
this snowman is ready for winter!


Ryan gave his snowman a red scarf!


Allie displays her masterpiece!





Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Did You Know?...

Did you know that you can now put our museum passes on hold for one hour? First of all, have you heard about the new Museum Pass Program at all?!?  It is so amazing and I cannot recommend it enough right now! It is a *free* service that gives you access to several area museums and gardens. You check the passes out the same way that you check out a book or any other library item. However, the museum passes can only be checked out at our Main Library in Westampton. But, we are happy to announce that you can now call ahead and have them reserve the pass for one hour. To see which passes are currently checked in, just visit our website (http://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/), click the Search the Catalog link, which is located under the Books, Movies and Music tab. Then type "museum pass" into the title alphabetical search bar. Voila! You will find a listing for all five museum passes:

Garden State Discovery Museum - pass admits 6 people and entitles you to a 15% discount in their Discovermore Toy Store.

Grounds for Sculpture - pass admits 4 people.

Morris Arboretum - pass admits 2 adults and up to 4 children.

National Liberty Museum - pass admits 6 people and will entitle you to a 10% discount in the museum gift shop.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts - pass admits 2 adults and all children in your household under the age of 18.


If you were looking for a fun and free way to enjoy some quality time with friends and families this holiday season, this is it! If you would like to put any of these passes on hold, call the Main Library at (609) 267-9660 x2.



Monday, December 12, 2011

Best Books of 2011

I don't know about you, but I love lists! And book lists just might be my favorite kind of all. So I love this time of year when all of the "Best Book" lists start to come out. To make sure that you don't miss any of the best books of the year, we have compiled all of the lists right here. Happy reading!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Good Reads

Graphic Novel Reporter

Horn Book

Kirkus Review

Library Journal

New York Times

Publisher's Weekly

School Library Journal


How do you think these lists stack up? What was your favorite book from 2011?


Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Book Trailer Tuesday

If you were surprised when we introduced you to the world of book trailers, prepare to be amazed. This week, we bring you.... a magazine trailer!




With the worldwide population expected to exceed seven billion in 2011, National Geographic magazine offers a 7-part series examining specific challenges and solutions to the issues we face. The magazine introduces the series with its January cover story “7 Billion,” offering a broad overview of demographic trends that got us to today and will impact us all tomorrow. They also just released a companion app, complete with informative videos, interactive maps, in-depth articles, and stunning photography. For a limited time, the app is available for free. Download the free app here: http://on.natgeo.com/q301cY

Past issues of National Geographic magazine are available to be checked out at the Pinelands Branch Library. Take a look at this intriguing series today!


Monday, November 14, 2011

Local Author Visit This Weekend!

We are excited to welcome Christine Dougherty to the Pinelands Library for a book signing this weekend on Saturday, November 19th from 1:00-3:00PM.

Christine Dougherty was raised in Tabernacle, New Jersey and has since lived in various towns in Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties.

Drawing heavily from the landscape she knows, most of her works have at least some elements of South Jersey. As you read, you’ll realize that some of the locations, although renamed, are your own back yard.

A graduate of Shawnee High School in Medford, New Jersey and Hussian School of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Christine has made her career and home in local towns.

Thrillers with elements of sci-fi and horror, Christine’s works are an entertaining read that will keep you turning the pages until the very last word! Check her books out at www.christinedoughertybooks.com

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Did You Know?...

We can help you start a book club!

Did you know that we have a "Borrow a Book Club" service? This convenient service enables you to easily organize a book discussion group for two or more people. We provide you with a canvas bag containing multiple copies of a selected book, as well as discussion questions and other helpful aids for organizing and facilitating a successful book club. You can pick up the bag and drop it off and any of our Burlington County Library System branches. And you get to keep the Book Club bag for 8 weeks. All you need to check it out is your library card! Click here for a full list of the available titles, which includes teen and adult books.

If you would like to reserve a Book Club bag, just stop by the Reference Desk or give us a call at (609) 654-6113.

Friday, October 28, 2011

First Line Friday


KIDS BOOK:
o   “There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife.” - The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead. Magical, terrifying, and filled with breathtaking adventures, the graveyard book is sure to enthrall readers of all ages.







 TEEN BOOK:
"On a sunny Wednesday morning in October - a day that would mark the end of one life and the beginning of another - I found out that my next-door neighbor was one of the walking dead."
- Rise of the Corpses by Ty Drago

Forced to flee his home and family, twelve-year-old Will Ritter falls in with the Undertakers-a rag-tag army of teenage resistance fighters who've banded together to battle the Corpses.









ADULT BOOK:
"The terror, which would not end for another twenty-eight years - if it ever did end - began, so far as I know or can tell, with a boat made from a sheet of newspaper floating down a gutter swollen with rain." - It by Stephen King

They were just kids when they stumbled upon the horror within their hometown. Now, as adults, none of them can withstand the force that has drawn them all back to Derry, Maine, to face the nightmare without end, and the evil without a name...







If you would like to put any of these horrifyingly good books on hold in time for Halloween, just click on the title above or give us a call at (609) 654-6113.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Book Trailer Tuesday

KIDS BOOK:  Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes: A Story by Jonathan Auxier
Magic, adventure, mystery... this new book has it all!




TEEN BOOK: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
A dark tale... the perfect read for the Halloween season.




ADULT BOOK: The Litigators by John Grisham
This suspenseful courtroom thriller comes out today!




Put your name on the request list for any of these books by clicking on the title above to find it in our catalog or give us a call at (609) 654-6113.



Thursday, October 13, 2011

Lizards at the Library!

Yesterday, the library got a visit from Silly Billy of THE LIZARD GUYS! And he didn't come alone. He brought along snakes, a lizard, a turtle, a frog, and even a scorpion! The kids learned all kinds of cool facts while getting an up close look at each creature. And shrieks of delight erupted when it was time to touch the animals (except the scorpion - no touchy!).
Say hello to Jerry, the bull snake

Up close with Jerry, the bull snake

Next, we met a bearded dragon.

Hello bearded dragon!

What a big turtle!

Thanks for bringing all these animals, Silly Billy!


No one minded NOT touching the emperor scorpion.
The albino python was the last
reptile we saw yesterday...
And the biggest!



Thanks again to the Lizard Guys for a fun and educational program!!!

If you want to learn more about our new scaly friends, we have plenty of lizard and snake books in the 597 section! One of Miss Danielle's favorites is Lizards by Nic Bishop. Click on the title to reserve a copy today or call the library at 609-543-6113.




Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Book Trailer Tuesday

KIDS BOOK: The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories by Dr. Seuss
Check out this video to learn where Dr. Seuss' new stories were found!


TEEN BOOK:  Blood Red Road by Moira Young
If you liked The Hunger Games series, you will love this!




Do you have a favortite font? Do you like Courier or do you prefer traditional Times New Roman? This book takes a funny look at the world of fonts!





Put your name on the request list for any of these books by clicking on the title above to find it in our catalog or give us a call at (609) 654-6113.


Sunday, October 2, 2011

Costume Swap Success!

Thank you to everyone who came out to our 2nd annual Costume Swap yesterday! Many children were able to find new costumes for Halloween this year. Half the fun was trying on the costumes:

Trick-or-treat!
Smell our lion-ninja feet!



















If you weren't able to find a costume at the Pinelands or Evesham branch libraries yesterday, don't forget that our Main Library in Westampton is having their swap next weekend on Saturday, October 8th.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Book Sale Blowout!

Enjoy the lovely Fall weather this weekend and come down to the library to check out our special two-day sidewalk booksale. Cider and cookies will be on hand too!





Pricing info:
Fill a bag - $2.00
   OR
Each Book - $0.25

EXCEPT:
New Paperback - $0.50
New Hardcover - $2.00
DVDs/CDs - $2.00
VHS - $0.50



And don't forget that our 2nd Annual Costume Swap will also be taking place this Saturday. We have already received a ton of costumes, so there will be a big selection!


Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Magic at the Library!

On Monday night, little library goers were treated to a "Wizards, Kings, and Things" Magic Show by Steve the Magician!

First, the audience helped pick out a magic wand that was just right.


Then, we met Sam the Mind Reading Snake.
We were all impressed with Sam's mind reading abilities!
Kevin was the first assistant of the night.
Then, we got to meet Dusty the Dragon!
Isabella got to wear special wizard glasses and a wizard coat.
What about a magic wand?
How about FOUR magic wands?!
Claudia was very excited to be chosen as the last assistant of the night.
She was even more excited when she helped pull a real, live bunny out of a hat.
Everyone got a chance to pet the bunny!
Hi bunny!!!
I wonder if any magic rubbed off on us?!
Thanks to everyone who came out for the show!

Friday, September 23, 2011

First Line Friday

'First Line Friday' is going to be a new weekly post here at the Pinelands Library Blog. These posts will be perfect for those of you who are always on the lookout for something new to read! We will try to spark your interest by posting the first line of a book, along with a brief description. We will include one from each age group, so there will be something for everyone!

KID'S BOOK:
"How five crows managed to lift a twenty-pound baby boy into the air was beyond Prue, but that was certainly the least of her worries." -
Wildwood by Colin Meloy

When her baby brother is kidnapped by crows, seventh-grader Prue McKeel ventures into the forbidden Impassable Wilderness - a dangerous and magical forest in the middle of Portland, Oregon - and soon finds herself involved in a war among the various inhabitants.

TEEN BOOK:
"The longest day of my life began tardily." - Paper Towns by John Green

One month before graduating from his Central Florida high school, Quentin "Q" Jacobsen basks in the predictable boringness of his life until the beautiful and exciting Margo Roth Spiegelman, Q's neighbor and classmate, takes him on a midnight adventure and then mysteriously disappears.

ADULT BOOK:

"The news of Anders Eckman's death came by way of Aerogram, a piece of bright blue airmail paper that served as both the stationary and, when folded over and sealed along the edges, the envelope." - State of Wonder by Ann Patchett


Pharmaceutical researcher, Dr. Marina Singh, sets off into the Amazon jungle to find the remains and effects of a colleague who recently died under somewhat mysterious circumstances.



If you would like to put any of those titles on hold, just click on the title above and you will be re-directed to the library catalog listing for the book. Or give us a call at (609) 654-6113 and we would be happy to put it on hold for you!


Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Book Trailer Tuesday

In a new series of posts called "Book Trailer Tuesday", we will be sharing book trailers for upcoming or newly released books. That's right, trailers aren't just for movies anymore! 


PICTURE BOOK: I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen






YOUNG ADULT BOOK: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor



ADULT BOOK: The Affair: A Reacher Novel by Lee Child





All three books are due out on September 27, 2011. Put your name on the request list today! Click on the title above to find it in our catalog or give us a call at (609) 654-6113.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Did You Know?...

In a new series of posts, called "Did You Know?", we will be highlighting some of the great library services and features that you might not know about.

Did you know that we have a class called Computerease? This one-on-one computer help session is designed for beginner and intermediate computing questions. Chances are, if you are reading this blog, you are comfortable navigating the web, but is there anything new you'd like to learn? The great thing about computerease is that you choose the topic of the session. You can learn anything from how to set up a Facebook account to how to organize family photos on your flash drive. We still have a spot available for this Friday's class at 11:00AM. Sign up by visiting our online calendar or by calling us at (609) 654-6113.

We offer Computerease classes every month!


Monday, September 12, 2011

Costume Swap Drop Off Has Begun!

Celebrate a green Halloween and bring your "gently used" costumes and accessories to the Medford, Evesham, or Main Library. You will receive a ticket that entitles you to shop for a free donated costume on October 1st at Evesham or Medford Branches and on October 8th at the Main library. Registration is not required.



Sunday, September 11, 2011

Congrats to our 100+ Hour Readers!

On Thursday, September 8th, we teamed up with the Evesham Branch Library to celebrate all of the kids who read 100 hours or more during the Summer Reading Program this year. We are so proud of everyone's accomplishments. And we would like to thank everyone who was involved in making this summer's reading program so successful, including the Friends of the Pinelands Library and our teen volunteers. We couldn't do it without you!


CONGRATS READERS!!!



Friday, September 2, 2011

Changes in the Children's Room


This week you may have noticed that some of the children's books aren't quite where you are used to finding them. Don't worry, they weren't blown around by Hurricane Irene! We are just doing some rearranging. All of the books are now settled into their new homes, but we are still in the process of putting up new signs. If you need help locating a book, don't hesitate to ask!



Thursday, August 25, 2011

Thanks for participating!

Believe it or not, the Summer Reading Program is over already. We can't believe how fast those 8 weeks went by either! This summer's travel inspired theme was fun for all. For kids it was "One World, Many Stories", for teens it was "You are Here", and for adults it was "Novel Destinations". We would like to thank you all for your participation and continued support of the Summer Reading Program. Here's a breakdown of how the program went this year:

KIDS - 303 participants read 5,612 hours!

TEENS -  15 participants read 240 hours!

ADULTS - 8 participants turned in 83 book reviews!

And three cheers for the Friends of the Pinelands Library for funding the prizes, as well as many of our programs! Thank you!!!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Yoga at the Library

New to yoga? Need a refresher class? Always wanted to try it? No matter what your level, you are welcome to join us on Thursday, July 28th at 7PM for a free yoga class at the Pinelands Library! Here are a few things you need to know before class:

- Wear comfortable, breathable clothes
- Don’t eat 2 hours prior to class (just a light snack!)
- Bring a yoga mat.
- Bring a bottle of water and a towel.
- Wear contacts if you have them.

***Aroma therapy is included during Shavasana

We will now be offering this class every month. Unless otherwise noted, it will be on the last Thursday of each month.

Sign up online or by calling the library at (609) 654-6113.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Book Sale!


It's a beautiful day for a book sale, especially an outdoor sidewalk book sale! We've got lots of kids, teens, and adults book to choose from.


Judy Adams, the President of the Friends of the Pinelands Library, stopped by to check it out and so should you.


The book sale will be open until 3:00PM with plenty of lemonade and animal crackers to go around. And if you can't make it today, we are having other sidewalk book sales on Friday, July 22nd, and Friday, August 12th.