Canton Free Library Blog

Novel Destinations

2011-07-12T11:36:00.004-04:00

SUMMER READING EVENTS FOR ADULTS
Novel Destinations is this summer’s theme for those 18 to 100+! On July 20 at 6 pm, explore our own backyard with Pat McKeown of the St. Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy locally roasted coffee from St. Lawrence Valley Roasters as you learn about our county’s top vacation destinations. Have you picked up a summer brochure and a travel packet at the Patron Services desk? Earn a ticket for every five countries “visited” between June 1 and July 29 and be entered in a drawing to win a summer gift basket. You’re reading anyway; why not sign up for this well-organized program for all adults? Call Stefanie or Krista with any questions @ (315) 386-3712.

Books:

Peter Jenkins, The Road Unseen – 248.4 JEN

A Walk Across America – 917.3 Jenk

Jonathan Raban, Surveillance – F RAB

Paul Theroux, The Great Railway Bazaar – 915.04

Sailing Through China – 915.1 Ther

Dark Star Safari – 916.04

Tony Horwitz, Blue Latitudes – 910.92 Hor

Bill Bryson, A Walk in the Woods – 917.404 Bry

African Diary – 916.762 Bry

In a Sunburned Country – 919.404 Bry

I’m a Stranger Here Myself – 973.92

The Lost Continent – 917.304 Bry

Gary Paulsen, Pilgrimage on a Steel Ride, B PAULSEN

Chris Stewart, Driving Over Lemons – 946 Ste

William Heat Moon, Blue Highways – LP 917.3 Lea

John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley – TB 765 (cassette)

Michael Crichton, Travels – B CRICHTON

Peter Mayle, A Year in Provence – TB 316 (cassette)

Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat Pray Love – B GILBERT

Peter Hessler, River Town

J. Maarten Troost, Lost on Planet China

Tahir Shah, The Caliph’s House

Jane Christmas, Incontinent on the Continent

Alice Steinbeck, Without Reservations

Emma Tennant, A House in Corfu (Greece)

Paul Collins, Sixpence House

Julia Child, My Life in France

Sy Montgomery, Journey of the Pink Dolphins

Search for the Golden Moon

O’Hanlon, Congo Journey

Into the Heart of Borneo

Colin Thubron, In Siberia

Tim Cahill, Jaguars Ripped My Flesh

Mark Obmascik, The Big Year

Jennifer Niven, Ada Blackjack

Mesannie Wilkins, Last of the Saddle Tramps

Daphne Phelps, A House in Sicily

Mark Jenkins, To Timbukto

Jason Elliot, An Unexpected Light

Rosemary Mahoney, Down the Nile

Joe McGinniss, Going to Extremes

Robyn Davidson, Tracks

Ann Vanderhoff, Embarrassment of Mangoes

...and many more!

Mother, Mother: May Display

2011-05-10T15:35:00.004-04:00

Books:

The Good Mother by Sue Miller
A Mother and Two Daughters by Gail Godwin
The Balanced Mom by Bria Simpson
A Remarkable Mother by Jimmy Carter
I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson
Memories of A North Country Grandma by Diane Crump
How to Build the Grandma Connection by Susan V. Bosak
Roses for Mama by Janette Oke
Circling My Mother by Mary Gordon
Traveling With Pomegranates by Sue Monk Kidd
Grandma Moses by Otta Kallir
Chicken Soup for the Mother and Son Soul
Chicken Soup for the Mother and Daughter Soul
Missing Mom by Joyce Carol Oates
Funny, You Don't Look Like a Grandma by Lois Wyse

...and many more!

~Display by Stefanie Hartson

Non-Credit Courses

2011-03-14T12:35:00.003-04:00

Your NCLS library card allows you to register for non-credit courses for free. Visit UniversalClasstm for NorthCountry Libraries to learn something new! There are over 500 online courses to choose from including courses in Digital Photography, Homeschooling, Computer Programming, Cooking and Language. This service is brought to you by the North Country Library System and Potsdam Public Library.

Celebrate March With Irish Authors

2011-03-11T09:36:00.002-05:00

Authors:

Patrick McCabe

Juliene Osborne-McKnight

Erin Hart

Maeve Binchy

Oscar Wilde

JohnBanville

Roddy Doyle

Bran Stoker

Frank McCourt

William Trevor

Thomas Flanagan

C. S. Lewis

Colm Toibin

Colum McCann

Edna O'brien

Marta Conlon-McKenna

Love and Chocolate: February Book Display

2011-02-01T12:19:00.002-05:00

Titles:

Sweet Love by Sarah Strohmeyer
Down with Love with Ewan McGregor and Renee Zellweger (DVD)
Friends, Lovers, Chocolate by Alexander McCall Smith
Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
Love by Toni Morrison
Say You Love Me by Johanna Lindsey
I Think I Love You by Stephanie Bond
Love in the Asylum by Lisa Carey
The Love Child by Catherine Cookson
Not Even for Love by Sandra Brown
The True Love Quilting Club by Lori Wilde
Love Poems by Danielle Steel
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquirel
Chocolate For a Woman's Heart
Chocolate From the Cake Mix Doctor (cookbook)
Death by Chocolate: The Last Word on a Consuming Passion (cookbook)

...and many more!

~Display by Stefanie Hartson

Love Your Library Day!

2011-01-31T14:06:00.004-05:00

The Trustees of the Canton Free Library invite the public to attend an open house at the library on February 14 during the hours of 1 to 6 pm. Join friends and neighbors for punch and Valentine’s Day cookies, receive the thanks of the volunteer Board of 15 trustees for continued and steadfast support of CFL over the years and view the creative “book” plaque honoring all donors to the recent Centennial Capital Campaign.

New Year, New You

2011-01-12T11:00:00.004-05:00

Titles:

The Abs Diet
Pocket Bonsai
The Complete Book of T'ai Chi
How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt and Live
Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self
Natural Family Living
The Adirondack Book

...and many more!

Display by Stefanie

Book, Bake and Craft Sale

2010-12-06T14:59:00.001-05:00

T.G.I.F. Thank Goodness it's Food!

2010-11-04T10:25:00.006-04:00

This Month's Specials:

~Grow Great Grub: Organic Food from Small Spaces, by Gayla Trail

~Two for the Road: Our Love Affair with American Food, by Jane Stern

~Emeril’s Potluck Dinners, by Emeril Lagasse

~The Big Book of Soups and Stews, by Maryana Vollstedt

~The Ethnic Food Lover’s Companion, by Eve Zibart

~New Recipies from Quilt Country, by Marcia Adams

~ABC of French Food, by Len Deighton

~Beat This! Cookbook, by Ann Hodgman

~The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted, by Elizabeth Berg

~The ABC’s of Fruits and Vegetables and Beyond, by Steve Charney

~Food and Recipes of the Pilgrims, by George Erdosh

~Carrot Cake Murder, by Joanna Fluke

~Chocolate for a Woman’s Soul, by Kay Allenbaugh

~Comfort Me with Apples, by Ruth Reichl

Display by Stefanie Hartson

September Trivia Question

2010-09-02T11:47:00.000-04:00

In Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, what is James' full name?

August Trivia Question

2010-08-03T12:41:00.000-04:00

In the Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley, what was the name of Scott's band?

Water Your Mind

2010-07-07T12:49:00.005-04:00

The 2010 Summer Reading Program, "Water Your Mind," will be starting July 19 and run for 6 weeks until the end of August. Registration for the program will begin Tuesday, July 6and will continue through the duration of the program. Participants, ages 14 to adult, may sign up at the Patron Services desk for this primarily self-directed program or call the library at 386-3712. Patrons who register will read as many “novel-length” fiction and/or nonfiction books as they can, turn in slips for each book read and be eligible to win weekly prizes generously donated by local businesses. Readers may choose from a list of selected titles featuring the word “water” in the titles. Other titles may be read also.

There will also be themed events including an Open House on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 from 6:30 pm -7:30 pm. Please join friends and neighbors for refreshments and pick up a Program Welcome packet. Readers are encouraged to come, but are not obligated. If unable to attend, they may request their packets at the Patron Services desk upon registration. A Garden Tour is also planned and will feature the basics of water gardening hosted by Anneke Larrence. A spa event where participants may soak away their summer stresses with a eucalyptus footbath and warming paraffin hand dip is also scheduled.

June Display

2010-06-23T10:19:00.002-04:00

June Trivia Question

2010-06-01T15:16:00.002-04:00

What is the lion's name in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe?

Garden Raffle

2010-05-14T14:03:00.003-04:00

The Friends of Canton Free Library have donated a wheelbarrow filled with gardening supplies and treats for the gardener. The drawing will take place on June 7th. Raffle tickets are $1 per ticket or $5 for six tickets. Proceeds help support the Canton Free Library. The wheelbarrow contains:

a gift certificate from Coakley's Hardware
an Amish crafted birdhouse
three ceramic flower pots
assorted gardening tools
a cloth garden tool organizer
kneeling pads
water wands
a variety of seeds and bulbs
two bottles of wine: Gnarly Head Pinot Gringo and Bully Hill Sweet Wine
two festive wine glasses
cocktail napkins
candles
note cards
a box of St. Lawrence Chocolates
several bags of accent stones

May Display

2010-05-07T14:14:00.003-04:00

Titles:

Ultimate Iron Man II
Pride of Baghdad
Mad About Superheroes
Fables series
Wonder Woman series
The Ultimate X-men series
Fantastic 4
The Sandman: Dream House

Classics as Graphic Novels:

War of the Worlds
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Fahrenheit 451
Treasure Island

...and many more!

Also, enter our raffle:

American Girl Raffle

2010-04-12T12:38:00.004-04:00

The Friends of the CFL are raffling off Rebecca, an American Girl doll. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5. The drawing will take place May 1, 2010. Rebecca belongs to a Russian-Jewish family living in New York City in 1914. Stop in the library to read more about her adventures!

Friends Annual Spring Book Sale

2010-04-09T15:17:00.004-04:00

In observance of National Library Week, the Friends of the CFL are holding their annual spring book sale April 15th-April 17th. We have a wide variety of books for all ages!

Those who wish to donate materials for the sale must bring them to the Patron Services desks on the main floor or the children's room. (We will only accept books that are in excellent condition. We do not accept textbooks, old travel guides, encyclopedias, outdated nonfiction books, Reader's Digest condensed book, damaged or dirt-covered books.)

April Trivia Question

2010-04-09T14:30:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday (April 28th) Harper Lee!

Trivia question: In To Kill a Mockingbird, what is Boo Radley's real first name?

Spend Your Time Constructively! Read!

2010-03-04T15:22:00.004-05:00

~Display by Annette

March Display

2010-03-04T11:24:00.002-05:00

Garrison Allen
Stable Cat
Dinosaur Cat
Baseball Cat

Marian Babson
The Cat Next Door
To Catch a Cat

Lillian Jackson Braun
The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers
The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell
The Cat Who Went Bananas
The Cat Who Said Cheese
The Cat Who Tailed a Thief

Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown
Puss 'n Cahoots
Cat's Eyewitness
Sour Puss
The Purrfect Murder
The Tail of the Tip-Off

Carole Nelson Douglas
Cat in an Orange Twist
Cat in a Sapphire Slipper
Cat in a Hot Pink Pursuit

Dorothy Gilman
Mrs. Polifax and the Lion Killer
Mrs. Polifax, Innocent Tourist
Mrs. Polifax, Unveiled

Evan Marshall
Crushing Crystal
Icing Ivy
Missing Marlene
Stabbing Stephanie
Toasting Tina

Shirley Rousseau Murphy
Cat Deck the Halls
Cat Playing Cupid

...and many more!

~Display by Annette

March Trivia Question

2010-03-02T21:56:00.003-05:00

According to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, who is the creator of the very worst poetry in the universe?

Monthly Trivia Questions

2010-03-02T21:55:00.000-05:00

Beginning this week, the library staff will post a trivia question about an author or a book. Patrons may respond via comments or bring answers in person to the Patron Services desk. All correct responses will be gathered, and one winner will be drawn at the end of each month. That person may choose to have fines forgiven up to $5 or may choose up to five DVDs from our collection at no charge.

Pennies for Peace

2010-02-24T12:40:00.001-05:00

Canton Free Library has joined hands with libraries across New York State in an effort to empower communities through education in remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan by embarking on a Pennies for Peace campaign.
How can a penny bring peace? It doesn’t buy much in our world. But in the villages of Pakistan and Afghanistan, it can buy a pencil, start an education, help put a book in a child’s hands and transform a life. That pencil can empower uneducated, illiterate children to read, write, and learn. The Pennies for Peace program goal is to encourage our children, who are our future leaders, to learn the value of philanthropy by collecting pennies for global peace.
Large plastic jars, decorated by library teen groups, will be in place at the Patron Services desks in CFL’s Main Reading Room, in the YA Zone, and in the Ann L. Richardson Children’s Room throughout the month of March. Pennies for Peace collection jars will also be in place at the Morley Library and the Rensselaer Falls Library. We invite local businesses to join us in our efforts to bring books and the chance to learn to read to children in over 400 mountain villages in remote northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. The hope is to help build a bridge of peace, one penny at a time, offering alternatives to the cycle of terrorism and war.
The pennies that Canton Free Library collects can make a real difference.
1 penny = a pencil
2 to 3 pennies = an eraser
15 pennies = one notebook
$20 = one child’s school supplies for one year, including books

About Pennies for Peace
The Pennies for Peace campaign is a program of Central Asia Institute (CAI), founded by Greg Mortenson, author of New York Times bestsellers, Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools. CAI is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes and provides community-based education and literacy programs, especially for girls, in remote mountain regions of Central Asia. Founded in 1996, CAI has built, to date, nearly 100 schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which serve more than 28,000 students, 14,000 of whom are girls. Greg’s story and more information about CAI can be found on the web at www.ikat.org.

Empire State Book Festival

2010-02-19T12:01:00.003-05:00

New York State Writers Hall of Fame & Empire State Book Festival Gala

The New York Library Association presents the first ever Empire State Book Festival, funded in part by a legislative grant from Senator Neil Breslin.

Writers Hall of Fame Gala
Friday April 9th
Crowne Plaza, Albany NY

Twelve honorees with be inducted into the Writers Hall of Fame. The twelve writers are: James Baldwin, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Caro, Frederick Douglass, Mary Gordon, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Isaac B. Singer, Edith Wharton, E.B. White and Walt Whitman.

Robert Caro and Mary Gordon are scheduled to attend this event. Tickets are $75 per person and will include a cocktail reception and dinner.

Empire State Book Festival
Saturday, April 10th
Empire State Plaza, Albany NY

The festival is free and open to everyone! The day will be filled with author talks, writing workshops, tutorials, exhibits and vendors and storytelling. Author Gregory Maguire is a featured speaker.

For more information visit www.empirestatebookfestival.org

February Display

2010-02-04T14:09:00.003-05:00

Books:

March by Geraldine Brooks
Ines of My Soul by Isabel Allende
Eva Moves the Furniture by Margot Livesey
Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
Losing Julia by Jonathan Hull
Duane's Depressed by Larry McMurty
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
Mary Reilly by Valerie Martin
Olivia by V.C. Andrews
Sula by Toni Morrison
Billy Bathgate by E.L. Doctorow
Mr. Paradise by Elmore Leonard

...and many more!

~Display by Annette

January Display

2010-01-06T10:27:00.003-05:00

Titles:

The Art of Calligraphy
Stained Glass
Waterfowl Carving with J.D. Sprankle
Beads as Jewelry
Mona's Cakes
Stenciling for the First Time
Quilter's Complete Guide
Pastel School
Making Decorative Boxes
Origami: Paperfolding for Fun
The Home Decorator's Stamping Book
Making Decoys the Century Old Way
Candlemaking for the First Time
Crocheting School
Scrapbook Your Wedding
Building Adirondack Furniture

...and many more!

~Display by Annette

December Display

2009-12-03T10:10:00.007-05:00

Books:

By Tamora Pierce

The Will of the Empress
Beka Cooper
BloodHound

By Cassandra Clare

City of Bones

By Juliet Marillier

The Bredei Chronicles
The Sevenwaters books
Wildwood Dancing
Cybele's Secret

By Philip Pullman

The Amber Spyglass

By Holly Black

The Good Neighbors

By C.S. Lewis

Out of the Silent Planet
Perelandra

and many more...

~Display by Annette

Holiday Basket Raffle

2009-12-02T15:22:00.002-05:00

Members of the Friends of the Canton Free Library have donated a gift basket to be raffled off on December 18, 2009. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Tickets are available at the Canton Free Library Circulation Desk.

The basket contains:

Two bottles of wine: Vendange California Shiraz and Chardonannay
A bottle of Great Western Champagne
A 12 pack of Caspari holiday cocktail napkins
A set of four Tag linen cocktail napkins
A 60" x 84" oblong holiday linen tablecloth and eight linen napkins
A set of eight Tag reindeer napkin rings
A holiday ceramic pan with Barefoot Contessa cupcake mix (red velvet with cream cheese frosting)
A $15 gift certificate to the Brewer Bookstore
A gift certificate for St. Lawrence Chocolates
Organic Fair Trade Coffee
Two Tag coffee mugs
A copy of Christmas in the Adirondacks (a collection of holiday tales)
A Tag tin card holder
Several ornaments

Book, Bake & Craft Sale

2009-12-01T14:35:00.003-05:00

Join us for our annual Book, Bake & Craft Sale on December 12th, starting at 10am and ending at 3pm. Browse the sale for unique gifts and yummy treats, or come catch up with friends. Attending our Book, Bake & Craft Sale is a great way to support your local library, bakers and crafters.

November Display

2009-11-03T11:28:00.008-05:00

October 2009

Whip It

Based on: WHIP IT by Shauna Cross

I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell

Based on: I HOPE THEY SERVE BEER IN HELL by Tucker Max.

Where the Wild Things Are

Based on: WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice Sendak

The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

Based on: THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PIPPA LEE by Rebecca Miller

The Vampire’s Assistant

Based on: The Cirque Du Freak series by Darren Shan

November

The Box

Based on: The short story “Button, Button” by Richard B. Matheson

Disney’s A Christmas Carol

Based on: A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens

The Men Who Stare at Goats

Based on: MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS by Jon Ronson

Precious

Based on: PUSH by Sapphire

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Based on: FANTASTIC MR. FOX by Roald Dahl

The Blind Side

Based on: THE BLIND SIDE: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Based on: NEW MOON by Stephenie Meyer

The Road

Based on: THE ROAD by Cormac McCarthy

December

Invictus

Based on: PLAYING THE ENEMY: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation by John Carlin

The Lovely Bones

Based on: THE LOVELY BONES by Alice Sebold

September 2009

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Based on: CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett

The Informant

Based on: THE INFORMANT: A True Story by Kurt Eichenwald

Brief Interviews with Hideous Men

Based on: BRIEF INTERVIEWS WITH HIDEOUS MEN by David Foster Wallace

Coco Before Chanel

Based on: L'IRREGULIERE, OU MON ITINERAIRE CHANEL by Edmonde Charles-Roux

August 2009

Julie & Julia

Based on: JULIE & JULIA: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell and MY LIFE IN FRANCE by Julia Child and Alex Prud'homme

Taking Woodstock

Based on: TAKING WOODSTOCK by Elliott Tiber

The Time Traveler’s Wife

Based on: THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger

July 2009

Public Enemies

Based on: PUBLIC ENEMIES: America’s Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI 1933-34 by Bryan Burrough

I Love You, Beth Cooper

Based on: I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER by Larry Doyle

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Based on: HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE by J. K. Rowling

June 2009

Cheri

Based on: CHÉRI by Colette

My Sister’s Keeper

Based on: MY SISTER’S KEEPER by Jodi Picoult

The Stoning of Soraya M.

Based on: THE STONING OF SORAYA M. by Freidoune Sahebjam

May 2009

Angels & Demons

Based on: ANGELS & DEMONS by Dan Brown

April 2009

High Noon

Based on: HIGH NOON by Nora Roberts

Tribute

Based on: TRIBUTE by Nora Roberts

The Soloist

Based on: THE SOLOIST: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redem ptive Power of Music by Steve Lopez

March 2009

Watchmen

Based on: WATCHMEN (graphic novel) by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

Northern Lights

Based on: NORTHERN LIGHTS by Nora Roberts

Midnight Bayou

Based on: MIDNIGHT BAYOU by Nora Roberts

"The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency"

Based on: The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith

February 2009

Coraline

Based on: CORALINE by Neil Gaiman

He’s Just Not That Into You

Based on: HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Based on: CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC by Sophie Kinsella

Gomorrah

Based on: GOMORRAH: A Personal Journey into the Violent International Empire of Naples’ Organized Crime System by Roberto Saviano

Youth in Revolt

Based on: YOUTH IN REVOLT by CD Payne

January 2009

Not Easily Broken

Based on: NOT EASILY BROKEN by T. D. Jakes

Defiance

Based on: DEFIANCE: The Bielski Partisans by Nechama Tec

Hotel for Dogs

Based on: HOTEL FOR DOGS by Lois Duncan

Inkheart

Based on: INKHEART by Cornelia Funke

Killshot

Based on: KILLSHOT by Elmore Leonard

~Display by Annette Hebel

October Display

2009-10-29T10:44:00.003-04:00

Books:

Speak of the Devil by Richard Hawke

Shadow Man by Cody McFadyn

The Gun Runner's Daughter by Neil Gordon

Orchid Beach by Stuart Woods

The Hours by Michael Cunnigham

Rain Fall by Barry Eisley

Cry No More by Linda Howard

Nothing to Lose by Lee Child

The Perfect Fake by Barbara Parker

...and more!

~Display by Annette Hebel

Banned Books Week: September 26−October 3, 2009

2009-09-09T12:23:00.005-04:00

The 10 Most Challenged Books of 2009

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman

TTYL; TTFN; L8R; G8R (series) by Lauren Myracle

Scary Stories (series) by Alvin Schwartz

Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Gossip Girl (series) by Cecily von Ziegesar

Uncle Bobby's Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Flashcards of My Life by Charise Mericle Harper

~ display by Annette Hebel.

Teen Summer Program

2009-07-16T09:39:00.003-04:00

So far we have experimented with body art using henna, with the help of Rainbow Crabtree of Nature's Storehouse. She's selling the henna kits in her store. If you missed the program pick up a kit and try it out!

We have started an amazing new anime series called Mushi-Shi and continued watching the amazing Naruto Shippuden.

We rocked out last Friday on Rock Band and because he's awesome Aaron at Gamer Craze donated a gift certificate to give the teen with the highest score! Congrats to Charlie!

We tried out a few dances from around the world with Nina Rivera of the Yoga Loft. We found out that some of us are better dancers than others and that I am not one of the better ones! If you missed this program check out Nina's class at The Yoga Loft.

Tomorrow we are going to play Super Smash Bros. Brawl online with Lowville and Massena library teens.

Coming up on Monday we will learn about martial arts and weaponry with Master Frank Palumbo from 3-5pm. Master Palumbo did a workshop for our Teen Summer Program last year as well. It was amazing! He brought in weapons that are used in different types of martial arts and told us how they were made, the meaning behind them, what they were typically used for and by whom. Don't miss this!

Next Wednesday is, of course, Anime Club from 3-5pm. Next Friday will be a movie night from 3-7pm. We will be watching Simply Irresistible and What Dreams May Come.

After that we will have local teen entrepreneur Maggie Wood coming in to teach us how to make our own jewelry. Doesn't sound like your thing? Maggie is 17 years old and has been running a successful business for a couple of years now on the side while she completed her high school degree online from the comfort of CFL! If you aren't interested in jewelry making, you might want to stop in to talk to Maggie about her experience with an online high school degree and running a business.

We have more Anime Club and movie nights coming up, as well as photography, writing, music, cooking, and get your cosplay gear ready! Don't miss our mini-Anime Con on August 21st! Lots of prizes including prizes for best costume! Be there!

That's not all. I'll be back.

- Krista

Teen Read Week Tournament Nominees

2009-05-12T15:49:00.003-04:00

So far the following titles have been nominated:

House of Night, PC and Kristin Cast
Eragon, Christopher Paolini
Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling
A Modern Faerie Tale, Holly Black
Fruits Basket, Natsuki Takaya

What else would you like to see on the ballot for July, people?

- Krista

May Display

2009-05-01T12:52:00.004-04:00

Display Books:

Bag Men by John Flood
Bag of Bones by Stephen King
Ellery Queen's Mystery Bag
Grab Bag by Charlotte MacLeod
The Gladstone Bag by Charlotte MacLeod
Bag Style by Pam Allen & Ann Budd
...and many more!

~ Display by Annette

New Moon!!!

2009-04-22T11:18:00.004-04:00

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-04-21-new-moon-first-look_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip
That is all.

- Krista

Book Review's Galore!

2009-04-20T09:21:00.008-04:00

Okay, it's been a while since I have posted some book reviews and I have read alot of books recently, so bare with me as I blow through my general feelings on some of them.

City of Glass (Cassandra Clare) - I was waiting so long for this book! I love the Mortal Instruments series. I feel it is highly underrated because it does not have Stephenie Meyer's name on the cover, though it definitely has appeal for Twilight lovers. I loved this book, but I have to say it didn't seem to hold up to the rest of the series. Still, I can't wait for Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices series to come out. Yay!

13 Reasons Why (Jay Asher) - I really disliked this book. It got under my skin and made me angry. I won't go into the reasons why it made me angry here. I strongly disagreed with the message through most of the book. And aside from the anger, I really didn't find it all that entertaining. Though I seem to be in the minority so don't let my opinion sway you if you intended to read it.

Blue Bloods series (Melissa de la Cruz) - I really enjoyed these books. I don't think there was anything terribly exceptional about them, but I can't stop thinking about the characters and wondering what is going to happen next. Each book was very entertaining in it's own right. I loved the Biblical reference to the fallen angels. It was beautiful. I definitely recommend this series.

Wake and Fade (Lisa McMann)- LOVED these! Seriously. Amazing. These books were so different from everything I had been reading lately, it was refreshing. I can't wait for this series to continue. It was really amazing. No vampires or werewolves. Just a regular girl who has an inconvenient tendency to fall into other people's dreams. I highly recommend this one.

First Part Last (Angela Johnson) - This book was very touching. It's about a 16 year old boy who gets his girlfriend pregnant. The book flashes back and forth between the couple finding out, telling their parents, and deciding what to do about the pregnancy, and him taking care of an infant girl by himself. Not really my style of book, but I liked it.

House of Night series (P.C. and Kristin Cast) - Alright, this is the one I've been avoiding. Oh man. I can think of only one other series that I dislike as strongly as this one and that's the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Where to begin? The writing was bad, I mean awful. And that's not including the typos and the use of the wrong name in certain scenes. Sad news, guys: an editor, not really an expense you can cut if you're trying to sell an entire series to more than just your neighborhood. Seriously, is it because it's a YA series? Most people, including teens, who read know how to spell at least a little. Then there are the horrendous pop culture references. Oh man. Let us not forget about the blatant inaccuracies. I mean, I'm not a stickler for fact checking in novels, it is fiction after all, but you can't just go making things up because it's convenient for you. Eucalyptus is a sacred herb of the Cherokee people? Really?!?! I cannot remember the last time I had heard about a sighting of the elusive koala bear in its natural habitat, the vast OKLAHOMA rainforests!!! On top of all that, I smell the faint scent of homophobia wafting from this series. They take such a defensive stance and make such a big deal out of Damian's sexual orientation that I can't help but feel that they themselves think it is a big issue or something. I don't know, it just irked me. Needless to say, I do not recommend this series but I wouldn't discourage anyone who was even slightly interested in it, it is very popular.

And after all of this rambling, I ask, nay, BEG that teens suggest a series for the Teen Read Week online tournament coming up in October. Nominate something now so we can vote on them in July and crush our rival libraries in the online Colosseum of brutal book trivia. You can stop in and grab a nomination form off my desk in the YA area (soon to be YA room! construction on our wall begins in June!!!), fill it out and return it to the circulation desk. Or you could just comment this post with your series suggestions. All suggested series must be considered YA and must include at least 3 books.

Okay.

That is all.

- Krista

April Display

2009-04-01T14:16:00.005-04:00

Books:

The ABCs of Managing Your Money by Jonathan D. Pond, CPA
The New Retirement by Jan Cullinaner and Cathy Fitzgerald
Stupid White Men by Michael Moore
Making Change by Neale S. Godfrey
Ernst & Young's Financial Planning for Women
Hush Money by Robert Parker
House of Lords by Philip Rosenberg
The Beach House by Jane Green
Six Bad Things by Charles Huston

...and many more!

~Display by Annette

Teen Read Week 2009 Online Tournament

2009-03-31T16:01:00.002-04:00

Remember the Twilight Tournament? We're doing it again! This time, you get to choose the series! Nominate your favorite Young Adult series to be the subject of this year's Online Tournament!

In celebration of Teen Read Week in October, we will be competing against other libraries in the North Country in an online trivia contest. We want you to choose which young adult series for which we will be answering questions!

All nominations must be a young adult series including at least three books and must be in no later than Monday, June 1st by 5pm. You can post a comment nominating a series, stop in to the library, call me at 386-3712 or email kbriggs@ncls.org

During the month of July, you can vote on the top nominees to determine which series will be the subject of this year’s Teen Read Week Online Tournament!

This is a teen event please only participate if you are between the ages of 12 and 19 years.

- Krista

March Display

2009-03-18T10:49:00.007-04:00

Books:

The Lion Tamer's Daughter by Peter Dickinson
Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer
The Haunting of Lamb House by Joan Aiken
A Lion in the Way by Elizabeth Cadell
Like a Lion to the Slaughter by Lawrence Block
Lion in the Valley by Elizabeth Peters
Do Andriods Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
A Nation of Sheep by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano
and many more!

~Display by Annette

TWILIGHT!

2008-11-26T09:23:00.003-05:00

We saw Twilight! We saw Twilight! La la la la la la!

No, seriously. We did.

What did everyone think about it? My opinion...I think it might have been a pretty bad movie. But I loved it! I really very much enjoyed this movie. And may I just say, Robert Pattinson is adorable throughout the movie trying so hard to cover up his real life English accent! So cute! I loved Charlie. I do believe he was my favorite character. I won't post any spoilers here, though anyone who read the book knows exactly what happens, you won't be shocked. However, no spoilers.

That being said, I want to know what everyone else thought! Comment about the movie. Again, try to avoid spoilers.

Yay!

That is all.

- Krista

Magic the Gathering

2008-10-30T14:32:00.005-04:00

Starting next Monday (November 3), we will be running Magic games for teens every Monday from 3-5pm. We're hoping in the future to run fundraiser tournaments open to all ages, but for now we'd be happy if you joined us on Mondays for free play.

You know where to find me for more information.

Don't forget to check out the Friday Night Magic free plays run by Gamer Craze at the Partridge Cafe at 6pm.

Gamer Craze has supported our teen programs since the very beginning. Show them some love!

- Krista

Twilight Tournament Recap

2008-10-20T18:16:00.004-04:00

It's over. We did it. What a blast! This rocked so hard! There were 20 of you present here. There were 85 of you present online. Wow! We were so many that we actually crashed Meebo...twice! This was an amazing event! It was the first of it's kind for the North Country, but will not be the last.

Special thanks to Domino's, Canton Hackett's, The Blackbird Cafe, Lorraine Nolan, Hilary's Mom, the North Country Library System, all the libraries that participated, and all of you who attended.

- Krista

2008-09-29T12:42:00.000-04:00

MALAWI COMES TO THE CANTON FREE LIBRARY

Canton Free Library invites the public to hear Linda Potter, Ellen Grayson, Vicki McLain, and Katrina Hebb discuss their recent church-sponsored journey to the African country of Malawi, known as the Warm Heart of Africa. The multimedia presentation takes place at noon on Tuesday, September 30th, in the library’s Paige Room. Guests may bring a brown bag lunch and beverage to the event. The women have many stories to share about their work with Malawian widows. There will time for questions as well as displays of cloths, pottery, jewelry and more. For more information about the program, contact Lyn Swafford at 386-3712.

Reminder: Re: Anime Club

2008-08-15T13:43:00.004-04:00

Just a reminder that there will be Anime Club next Wednesday the 20th from 3:00-5:30pm and the following Wednesday the 27th at the same time.

The Anime Club will now be meeting every week. Our room is unavailable the first and last Wednesday of the month so those weeks we will keep our old day and time and meet on Friday from 5:00-7:30pm. Every week in between we will be meeting on Wednesday from 3:00-5:30pm.

Keep an eye on the teen website for schedules.

- Krista

We Can Has Video Games?

2008-08-15T13:33:00.003-04:00

We have made yet another leap that lands us even further into the land of awesome than we were before...

We are now accepting donations of the following types of video games and systems that are in excellent condition: Playstation, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, GameCube, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360. At this time we will not be accepting any handheld or cartridge-based games or systems. All donated systems will be tested before being accepted. Please bring all donations to the front circulation desk.

Donated games will be added to the collection. Patrons can look forward to video game library programs, and many will be available for checkout!

As always, for more information contact us in any of the usual ways.

This is going to be awesome!

- Krista

Breaking Dawn

2008-08-04T09:26:00.003-04:00

Well, I did it! I read Breaking Dawn. The series is over.

Before I express my opinion on this book I'd like to point out that it seems like the whole world hates it. Way before there should even be reviews, people were saying it was a horrible book. It's been said many times that it was drawn out and slow going. And I suppose if you just look at the 754 pages, it would seem that way.

However, upon reading the book I have this to say, it rocks. Really. It rocks hard. Stephenie Meyer proved in this book more than any other so far her skill as a storyteller. She kept the reader locked in on the emotions of the characters and really made you feel the spectrum, from desolation to blinding joy. That is a skill too often sacrificed in today's literature. As far as it being slow, I knew there would be criticism of this book. There's no pleasing everyone especially in the conclusion of a series that is so polarized. There's also bound to be some resentment as fans of the series don't want to see it end so there will never be a good ending. That being said, I think all other criticism of this book could be taken in stride, however, it is anything but slow. There were so many things happening. So many twists. It never got boring. All in all it was an spectacular journey and my mind cannot fathom how it could possibly have concluded in any other way.

Now I've got to hold my breath until Midnight Sun!

Also, I have a limited number of Breaking Dawn buttons and bookmarks that were sent to me by the publisher. Contact me in any of the usual ways to find out how to get one.

- Krista

...Fin!

2008-07-28T11:22:00.006-04:00

Well, our first shot at a Teen Summer Library Program has come to an end. I think it went pretty well. The Pizza Party on Friday was a big hit. For future reference, four large pizzas and 20 breadsticks are not, in fact, adequate for feeding 15 teenagers. ...in case anyone was wondering. Thank you to everyone who came to the programs. These things don't happen without your participation. Keep in mind that I always like to hear program ideas from the people who would be attending the programs. So if you have any ideas for next year or for programs for the rest of the year, please contact me. Rumor has it the theme for next years summer program is "the arts".

My deepest thanks to the following people and organizations:
Jreck's subs, for feeding everyone at the Game Night.
Gamer Craze, for letting us borrow a controller for the Game Night.
Tyler Flanagan, for letting us play Rock Band, oh yeah, be sorry you missed that one, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl!
Cole DeSantis, for letting us use his Wii.
Rainbow Crabtree, for sharing her time, knowledge and food for our nutrition workshop.
Master Frank Palumbo, for sharing his knowledge and expertise of martial arts with us.
Beverly Ewart and Kelly Woodruff, for sharing their time and creativity for our scrapbook workshop.
Sarah Scafidi-McGuire, for sharing her time and expertise of yoga with us.
Donald Thompson, for sharing his knowledge and experience to teach us first aid and CPR.
Pizza Hut, for feeding everyone at the Pizza Party, or trying to...how does that much food disappear that fast?!?
Video Plus, for donating a $20 gift certificate to be given away in our Library Crawler Card drawing.

Thanks to everyone! I really think this was fun. Now send me some ideas on how to top this next year!

- Krista

Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling

2008-07-28T11:10:00.003-04:00

"Good. A little overrated."

- Nicole Potter

Dream Girl was just released last week.

Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez

2008-07-28T11:08:00.002-04:00

"description: Daisy is the only kid in her family that's not psychic. But a strange murder and even her psychic detective mother can't figure it out she takes it upon her self to figure out the crime. As she delves deeper into her towns strange history and discovers a vampire might be the culprit can she survive?
rating:excellent"

- Ansel Shipley

Dead is the New Black is scheduled for publication in September of this year.

Vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan

2008-07-28T10:49:00.002-04:00

"Very good. Excellent book! I think the library should get a copy."

- Allison Mousaw

"description: Kristi is big breasted, psychic freak. She has no friends until she meets Mallory a new boy to her psychotic "school" called Journeys. But when things get weird can she even trust the vibes?
rating: great"

- Ansel Shipley

Vibes is scheduled to be published in October of this year.

Advance Reader Copies

2008-07-28T10:40:00.004-04:00

I have recently acquired some advance reader copies of upcoming young adult books. What this means is these books have not yet been released or even edited. I am allowing teens to take these books home to preview under the condition that I get a review of the book in return. I will then be posting the reviews on here. So if you're interested in taking one home, contact me in any of the usual ways.

AIM: CFLYAZ
kbriggs@ncls.org
315-386-3712
or just comment

- Krista

Breaking Dawn Spoiler!

2008-07-28T10:38:00.001-04:00

Entertainment Weekly had an interview with Stephenie Meyer during which she disclosed a major spoiler for Breaking Dawn! Read at your own risk!

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20215228,00.html

- Krista

Teen Summer Library Program - Week Three

2008-07-22T16:50:00.004-04:00

Our first Teen Summer Library Program is finishing up this week with a yoga workshop on Monday at 3pm, followed by a first aid workshop on Wednesday at 3pm and we're wrapping up with a pizza party on Friday starting at 3pm and continuing on into Anime Club until 7:30pm.

Also, ask about ways to earn prizes. This is the last week prizes will be available, but stay tuned because this is not the end of teen programs at the library! Nay! This is only the beginning!

- Krista

Change of Plans

2008-07-17T16:42:00.004-04:00

We will be holding the Japanese Lessons for Teens in August! Not quite set on a date yet. Talk to me for more information: comment to this post, email me: kbriggs@ncls.org, IM me: AIM: CFLYAZ, or call me: 386-3712.

- Krista

Teen Summer Library Program - Week Two

2008-07-16T13:28:00.004-04:00

Our first Teen Summer Library Program entered it's second week with a Scrapbook Workshop on Monday, followed by insect origami (part 2) at 3pm on Wednesday and a Martial Arts demonstration and workshop at 3pm on Friday.

Don't forget to stop in next week for a yoga workshop on Monday at 3pm, followed by a first aid workshop on Wednesday at 3pm and we're wrapping up with a pizza party on Friday starting at 3pm and continuing on into Anime Club until 7:30pm.

Also, ask about ways to earn prizes.

Twilight Trailers

2008-07-16T11:49:00.002-04:00

Eeeep!

2008-07-14T16:46:00.004-04:00

Hello, my YAs, my sub-adults, my teens! Your wonderful, spectacular beloved neighborhood young adult coordinator has done something great for you! In October, during Teen Read Week, your favorite library will be offering Japanese classes for ages 12-18! Please, feel free to register, request information, or shower me with praises via comments to this blog, email at kbriggs@ncls.org or AIM at CFLYAZ or, if your fingers hurt, by phone at 386-3712. OR you could just come to the Summer Library Program this week and next week and talk to me in person while possibly winning a prize.

- Krista

Teen Summer Library Program - Week One

2008-07-02T17:42:00.003-04:00

Our first Teen Summer Library Program kicks off next Monday with games and food at 5pm, followed by insect origami at 3pm on Wednesday and a nutrition workshop (complete with taste-testing) at 3pm on Friday. Stick around on Friday for Anime Club at 5pm.

So register! Do it!

Twilight

2008-05-27T15:14:00.005-04:00

Twilight movie

Check it out. You know you want to.

Read the books. Contact me to find out why.

386-3712 or kbriggs@ncls.org or AIM: CFLYAZ

- Krista

Iron Man

2008-05-14T11:42:00.002-04:00

I am a lifelong, self professed comic book nut. Comics have been a hobby (or obsession) of mine since childhood. At the age of ten I was given a refrigerator box full of comics, and I was immediately hooked. I spent a good deal of my leisure time fighting the hordes with Conan, battling the Red Skull with Captain America, and swinging across Manhattan with Spider Man.

The last few years of comic book movies have been fantastic. Box office winners like X-Men and Spider Man have helped blot out memories of stinkers like the 1970’s version of Spider man, the Dolph Lundgren version of The Punisher, and the dreadful Nick Fury, Agent of Shield that David Hasselhoff wishes never happened.

When I heard the announcement that Marvel Comics had greenlighted Iron Man, I was actually a bit nervous. This would be an easy one to completely ruin. Iron Man has always been every bit the flawed hero… he has no genetic super powers… he relies on his brains and an armoured battle suit to fight crime and mete out justice. Tony Stark is not your standard Clark Kent, all American boy alter ego… he was modeled on Howard Hughes, and was portrayed as a hard drinking billionaire playboy.

My fears, it seems, were not warranted. Robert Downey junior was casting brilliance. Who better to play a womanizing lush than him! The writing, with all the possibilities for being hackneyed and over the top, was brilliant! They updated the Iron Man story line, and the dialogue was fresh and humorous. The film was everything I could have hoped for and more… action scenes were fast paced, dramatic scenes were well paced and engrossing, and the armour… wow.

All in all… movie magic. I only give it two thumbs up because I lack more thumbs. I highly recommend that you go see it, and when you do, stay to the end of the credits. At all costs. I don’t care if the place is on fire… it’s worth it.

- Sam

The Host

2008-05-08T15:29:00.005-04:00

The Host, the newest book by the Twilight series author, Stephenie Meyer, was my latest conquest. This was a truly startling book. I read about 30 pages into it and had to skip to the end to read the last two paragraphs to be sure there was a light at the end of the tunnel, of course this may just be a result of my own nature (I've done the same thing with many books in the past, bad habit) It was so bleak. As I read, I felt my heart drop about a dozen times.

That said, I'm sure this is starting to sound like a negative review, but trust me when I say it is not. This book was breath-taking. Stephenie Meyer certainly has a knack for making her characters real to the reader. She makes you feel what the main character feels, and in this case that gets a little complicated as there are two people in the main character's head, so you're really not sure who you're empathizing with.

I was reluctant to read this book. I'm starting to realize that when it comes to books, I'm overly judgmental and reluctant to try new things, something I'm trying to remedy. I'm not into the alien thing. I never was. Give me vampires, give me werewolves and dragons and faeries. Those things I can make myself believe in, even if only for the short duration of the book (except unicorns, we all know unicorns are real). But aliens? Really? Now that's a little far-fetched. Reluctant as I was, however, with the Twilight series fresh in my mind and the anticipation of the next book still strong, when anything with Stephenie Meyer's name on it is shoved my way, my snobbish stubbornness will crumble. I endured 624 pages of elation and heartbreak at the hands of the emotional sadist I've come to love.

Now let us all clap our hands and say, "I do believe MTV won't ruin the Twilight movie. I do believe."

- Krista

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Tournament

2008-05-01T14:01:00.005-04:00

Okay, this report is a little late, but here it is:

On April 5th we finally had our tournament. Our original tournament featuring Super Smash Bros. Melee in celebration of Teen Tech Week at the beginning of March was snowed, sleeted, and hailed out. We played for a bit but ultimately decided to reschedule for April.

So April came and this time I got us a copy of Brawl, which prevented a repeat of the coup I had to quell in March over the fact that the tournament was happening one day before Brawl was released, due, I might add, to setbacks with Ninendo...not my fault!

The tournament was alot of fun. We had around 12 people so it didn't take long to determine a winner, Kevin Platt. With our winner established it was a free-for-all. We played for hours before we finally called it quits and went home. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I know I did.

Here are some pictures:

Very special thanks to Gamer Craze, who donated a $20 gift certificate to their store as the prize. They were great about supporting us and pleasant to work with.

- Krista

Science Fair

2008-04-10T11:01:00.003-04:00

Last night I helped do interviews for the Elementary School Science Fair. As this was my first time, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Upon entering the school and being engulfed in the chaos that naturally forms when young children congregate (that's a law of physics, I'm sure. Look it up.), I thought for sure I would be overwhelmed. However, after receiving my list of kids and the questions I was to ask them, I wandered around and looked at the many projects. I was amazed at the complexity and depth of some of them, and the creativity of others. As I interviewed the kids I was assigned to, I marveled again at the variety of answers I got to the same three questions. What interested you in this project? From one child I learned that he was not originally interested in his project. He looked, but could not find one that interested him. But in response to my asking him to tell me about his project, his eyes lit up and he very excitedly showed me how it worked and how he made it. When I asked him what he learned from this, he got excited and started pointing out facts illustrated on his display and elaborating on them. It was clear that, while he had started out with a mediocre interest in the project, he ended up becoming very fascinated with what he'd learned.

It was also very nice to see so many of the kids I see everyday at the library showing off their creations. All in all, it was a really fun night.

-Krista

Persona 3

2008-03-24T10:11:00.005-04:00

I beat my first video game ever last weekend! I'm so proud of myself. I'm obsessive about leveling up so I met the end boss battle with a level 99 team. I rocked!

For those of you who don't know, Persona 3 is one of the most awesome games ever created...says I who has completed only this game. One of the most interesting aspects of Persona 3 is the social links. You can not get anywhere in the game unless you join after school activities and spend time with people and be nice to them. The personas themselves are the embodiment of your personality. Usually based on mythological beings, they emerge from you and help you fight battles.

I found the storyline absolutely fascinating and couldn't put the controller down. It is a Playstation 2 game put out last year. It has an extended game coming out next month. It is rated Mature, so it is not for younger audiences. However, for the mature audience it is directed towards, I highly recommend it!

- Krista

Teen Tech Week

2008-03-03T11:04:00.004-05:00

Don't forget, this week Monday through Saturday is Teen Tech Week. Participate in our Photoshop contest for a chance to win a gift certificate to the Brewer Bookstore. Join us to add your input on the creation of the YA webpage. Share your opinions and suggestions on books, movies, music or hobbies you may have. And join us on Saturday for the SUPER SMASH BROS. MELEE tournament!

Sunday Nights With Miss Austen

2008-02-26T10:08:00.005-05:00

For the past month and a half, I’ve been looking forward to Sunday nights. At 9pm on PBS, Masterpiece Theater presents The Complete Jane Austen . Last Sunday I watched the final installment of the wonderful BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. In addition to this feature, the collection includes five new adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels along with a biopic of her life.

I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is about these stories that mesmerizes me. I am definitely entranced by the costumes, daily rituals, and lovely scenery. As I watch I reflect upon all of the progress women have made since that time period. I am relieved that getting married or becoming a governess are no longer the only options for a “respectable” woman. I’m also glad that one mistake can’t ruin one’s entire reputation.

Yet I am also struck by the things that have stayed the same. Beauty, youth and wealth are still prized more than other qualities in our society. Jane Austen’s characters often lack some of these prized qualities, and many modern women can empathize with their struggle to succeed in society.

However, Jane Austen’s stories are also uplifting. Often the poor, clever woman finds unexpected happiness or the woman who has made a mistake reinvents herself and is given a second chance. Repeatedly, Austen’s characters succeed against all odds.

My only criticism of the new PBS adaptations is that they are a little too short (my husband would probably argue otherwise). Two features remain to be shown: Emma (March 23rd) and Sense & Sensibility (March 30th & April 3rd). I hope others will look forward to them as much as I am.

-Amanda

Teen Tech Week

2008-02-23T10:19:00.004-05:00

In celebration of Teen Tech Week, we have a number of things going on, everything is open to all teens, ages 12-18. Monday, March 3rd voting will begin for the Photoshop Contest (see below). You can vote right here on our polls or stop into the library to let us know which altered photo you liked best. Also on Monday and Wednesday, March 5th, from 3-5pm I will be in the YA Zone building a YA webpage. Please come in between those times to offer your opinions and suggestions on the design, layout and content of the page. On Tuesday, March 4th and Thursday, March 6th please check back here for a live chat. I would love to post your opinions, comments and recommendations on books, movies, music or whatever else you're into. On Friday we will announce the results of the voting for the Photoshop Contest. The winner will receive a gift certificate to the Brewer Bookstore. And on Saturday, March 8th we are holding a Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament! We will gather in the Paige Room at 3pm. The winner will receive a gift certificate to Gamer Craze! Registration is required so call, stop in or email me to sign up to compete.

Photoshop Contest:
Pick one of the photos below. Alter it in a cool way. Keep it appropriate. Post it as a comment or email it to me. During Teen Tech Week, vote for your favorite. The photo with the most votes will be the winner.

Enjoy!

- Krista

Francesca Lia Block

2008-02-15T09:43:00.004-05:00

Quite honestly, Francesca Lia Block has a writing style the likes of which I've never seen in any novel. Her books are all pretty short, but with so much emotion packed inside of them. It's almost as if she started writing a poem and just kept going until she had a book. So far I have read Weetzie Bat, Witch Baby, Cherokee Bat and the Goat Guys, Missing Angel Juan and The Rose and the Beast. Every book was beautiful, that's really the only way to describe them. The Rose and the Beast, which I read most recently, was an interesting twist on a few of the classic fairytales like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty, Thumblina and Beauty and the Beast. What made it so fascinating was that Block offered a modern and darkened retelling of the stories we all know so well. I really think that the works of Francesca Lia Block are some of the only books that could never be turned into movies. There is just nothing in the real world that could do her words justice.

- Krista

Gossip Girl

2008-01-29T13:22:00.000-05:00

After much resistance and sighing and complaining, I surrendered to the idea of reading Gossip Girl by Cecily Von Ziegesar. I went into it with expectations, no, certainties of how horribly catty and shallow it would be, knowing I would hate it. I gritted my teeth and felt on the verge of screaming out in frustration through most of the book. However, regardless of my book-induced inner anguish, I couldn't put it down. It wasn't until the end of the book that I realized I actually enjoyed it. Chock full of things we'll never see and experiences we'll never have, it still somehow managed to bring the "other half" into a light that made them recognizable to the rest of us, though that wasn't even its true appeal.

I find I have a problem with many works of fiction, be they books, movies, plays, whatever. It always seems to me that simple common sense is always sacrificed for the sake of plot twists. This frustrates me to the point where I often find myself cursing the characters aloud (thus attracting much attention to the lunatic talking to her book). To be honest, this was the appeal of Gossip Girl for me. There was very little, if any, of this happening in this book and for that I thank Cecily Von Ziegesar.

If I had to make a comparison, I would compare this book to the nastiest roller coaster or carnival ride you've ever been on. Through the whole ride you're praying for deliverance and cursing yourself for being dumb enough to be strapped to this thing. However, once the ride is over and you stagger away, you realize how much fun you had while mentally doling our your worldly goods. So you stagger to the back of the line and anxiously wait to be strapped back in. I too, have strapped back in as I dive into the sequal, Gossip Girl: You Know You Love Me. I do, Cecily, I do.

- Krista

Lyn

2008-01-11T16:14:00.000-05:00

Hello library friends! Just wanted to say how happy I am that CFL now has a blog where our patrons can let us know - well - lots of things. I write the weekly column for the Plaindealer and wonder how many people "out there" actually read it. If you do, what do you look forward to reading most? If you don't read it, I could upload some of the items here. New books in the collection? Programming notes? What would you like to see on our blog? That's it for my first post. Looking forward to your comments!

Ta Da!

2008-01-08T10:29:00.001-05:00

...And here it is. Canton Free Library's very first blog. What we're hoping to do here is offer a place where our patrons can communicate, with us and with each other, share thoughts, ideas and opinions. Book, movie, music reviews. Constructive suggestions. Questions. Requests. Recommendations. Feel free to share!

Canton Free Library Blog

Novel Destinations

Mother, Mother: May Display

Non-Credit Courses

Celebrate March With Irish Authors

Love and Chocolate: February Book Display

Love Your Library Day!

New Year, New You

Book, Bake and Craft Sale

T.G.I.F. Thank Goodness it's Food!

September Trivia Question

August Trivia Question

Water Your Mind

June Display

June Trivia Question

Garden Raffle

May Display

American Girl Raffle

Friends Annual Spring Book Sale

April Trivia Question

Happy Birthday (April 28th) Harper Lee!

Trivia question: In To Kill a Mockingbird, what is Boo Radley's real first name?

Spend Your Time Constructively! Read!

March Display

March Trivia Question

Monthly Trivia Questions

Pennies for Peace

Empire State Book Festival

February Display

January Display

December Display

Holiday Basket Raffle

Book, Bake & Craft Sale

November Display

October Display

Banned Books Week: September 26−October 3, 2009

Teen Summer Program

Teen Read Week Tournament Nominees

May Display

New Moon!!!

Book Review's Galore!

April Display

Teen Read Week 2009 Online Tournament

March Display

TWILIGHT!

Magic the Gathering

Twilight Tournament Recap

Reminder: Re: Anime Club

We Can Has Video Games?

Breaking Dawn

More Advance Reading Copies

...Fin!

Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling

Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez

Vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Advance Reader Copies

Breaking Dawn Spoiler!

Teen Summer Library Program - Week Three

Change of Plans

Teen Summer Library Program - Week Two

Twilight Trailers

Eeeep!

Teen Summer Library Program - Week One

Twilight

Iron Man

The Host

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Tournament

Science Fair

Persona 3

Teen Tech Week

Sunday Nights With Miss Austen

Teen Tech Week

Francesca Lia Block

Gossip Girl

Lyn

Ta Da!