Book Groups and Book Talks

Last week we completed our annual book talk at a local retirement home. My librarians and I cover anywhere from 6 to 9 books, both fiction and non-fiction, mostly new releases. It has stretched me to look at titles and genre that I would not normally be reading. Last year I covered three fiction titles, this year I covered one fiction and two non-fiction.

The hardest part of the preparation is picking the titles. I try to pick the titles early and to read as much of the book as time allows. Background research includes the author and reviews of the book. I also look for special features of interest in the book. I reviewed Cokie Roberts new book, Ladies of Liberty. She wrote the book to record history in the words of those who lived it. She did extensive research from surviving letters from the wives of the presidents and prominent families of the period. One point of interest was a collection of recipes in the back that included home remedies, as well as, food recipes. I'm already thinking about next year's titles.

We also have a great Book Club at the El Toro Library. Brian, my adult services librarian and Mary one of our Librarian Assistants do a fantastic job. Brian has a book club wiki that allows members to keep up with the reading list and to continue the book discussion in chat format. He also puts out a monthly announcement of new titles that are soon to arrive at the library. Mary is instrumental in adding fun touches. When the Book Club read Animal,Vegetable, Miracle, by Barbara Kingsolver, Mary made the zucchini chocolate chip cookie recipe from the book and Brian brought each member an heirloom tomato plant that he grew from seed himself.

Friends Appreciation

Every library depends on its Friends group, and when you stop to think about it, we would not be able to get along without them. The Friends of the El Toro Library are a great example. They are a productive, prosperous group of hard working volunteers that provide a large percentage of our materials (books, audio books in the various forms, periodical subscriptions, and all forms of audiovisual materials include DVDs); just about all our programming, including refreshments and incentives; and manage to throw in some much-needed extras like electrical wiring to the study carrels to provide greater WiFi access.

Friends are dedicated. They are hard working. They make a huge difference to the library and the community they serve. Children's programming would be very bleak without the generous donations for the Friends. And they manage to do these superhuman feats by selling books for quarters and dollars. It is truly amazing.

Thank you just doesn't seem enough. So I have been trying to think of ways to show our appreciation for their unending generosity, dedication and hard work. I'm on a quest to find something unique and personal. The usual thank you, coffee cup or certificate just won't do. Most of them volunteer in many organization and have many cups and certificates. I'd like to do something unexpected and memorable. I'll let you know what I come up with.