Bookish Thoughts….Reviews & More

I heard an author interviewed this morning on Radio Times, a public radio show on WHYY in Philadelphia. He is a first time novelist named Mahbod Seraji, and his book is Rooftops of Tehran. This book came out last year, and is in two libraries in our system. I had not heard of it before, but the reviews I looked up are very positive. Because it follows the coming of age of two boys, teenagers, in 1970’s Tehran, there are many comparisons to The Kite Runner.

The writer came to the United States as a teenager himself, unable to speak much English, so he subsisted for some time on “one Big Mac, small fries, small Coke”, which caused him to gain 17 lbs. He gradually learned to speak English, by making friends, and watching television. He returned to Iran for a visit twenty some years later, not having seen his father in the interim. Imagine saying goodbye to  a parent who is in his forties, and returning unable to figure out which of the men in their 60’s gathered to greet you is your own father.

rooftops of tehran

Book and Movie Group Meets March 19 & 26th

This group meets on the third and fourth Fridays of every month at 1:00. The first time we discuss the book, the second we watch the movie. You are welcome to come for either, or both weeks. Come for the book and movie; enjoy the refreshments!

The Reader

Yes, We are accepting donations!

Please bring your donations of books, DVDs, etc. to the library NOW! We are getting ready for a sale on March 27, from 10-2.

Library Friends Group

Our “Friends to be” group will meet on Saturday March 6th, at 1:00, at the library. We are encouraging all those who are interested in helping the library to join us. We will be helping to unpack and sort books in anticipation of the March 27th book sale. Please join us for friendly conversation, a snack or two, and the chance to be helpful. We hope to do this on the first Saturday of every month, so bring your ideas about what other things we can do to help the library in future months.

Empire State Book Festival

The Empire State Book Festival will take place on April 9-10, 2010. Programs on April 10 include readings, workshops, exhibits, panel discussions, book signings, and more! Featured authors include Gregory Maguire, Da Chen, Marion Roach Smith, Robert Caro, and many, many more. Click on the image below to go their website.

esbf

Passports–Apply here SOON!

passport

The Brunswick Community Library is a Passport Acceptance Agency. We have just received word that the rates for passports are likely to go up. If you are planning a trip this year, get your application in SOON.

If you would like to submit an application for a passport, call or email the library to make an appointment. You will need to present the following:

Proof of citizenship: original or certified copy of your birth certificate;

Proof of identity: driver’s license, state ID;

Passport photos (they’re done while you wait at AAA, some Wal-Marts, UPS, etc.);

Two checks or money orders;

and your own smiling face

For more detailed information, go to the Dept of State’s Passport Agency website by clicking here. You will find processing times, FAQ’s, online forms, etc.

The Latest Library newsletter is out…

Click here to open the up the latest Library Newsletter.

This just in…

New titles have been added for the Tuesday Night Book Discussion Group. Click on the link marked Programs for Adults to see them.

whitequeen

We made the match!

THANKS TO OUR FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS

We met the Howard & Bush Challenge to raise $30,000 in community

donations in just two months!

With our challenge match, we can celebrate raising more than $525,000!

We continue to welcome donations to cover the purchase, renovation and furnishing our new library

Total Cost:  $700,000.

Heartfelt thanks from the Capital Campaign Team

Museum Passes

Did you know you could check out passes for free admission to area museums? We have passes for the following institutions:

MassMOCA:

“Since opening in 1999, MASS MoCA has become one of the world’s premier centers for making and showing the best art of our time. With annual attendance of 120,000, it ranks among the most visited institutions in the United States dedicated to new art. More than 80 major new works of art and more than 50 performances have been created through fabrication and rehearsal residencies in North Adams, making MASS MoCA perhaps the most fertile site in the country for new art. The museum thrives on making and presenting work that is fresh, surprising, and challenging.”

Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche Planetarium:

“At the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium, all our exhibits, programs, and events are designed with our Mission in mind:  To inspire a sense of wonder about extraordinary scientific and technological developments: past, present, and future.”

Berkshire Museum:

“At the Berkshire Museum, there’s something for everyone. We offer a unique blend of exhibitions, galleries, and attractions for families of all ages. See exhibitions, fine art, and sculpture from around the world. Explore our touch tank and aquarium. Be amazed at our collection of artifacts from Native American cultures and ancient cultures of Egypt, China, and more. Marvel at the technology that awaits in the new Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation.”