Fireside Chat

Fri., Jan. 29 - 3 to 4 p.m.

Fri., Feb. 26 - 3 to 4 p.m.

Join us in the lounge as we talk about new books--both fiction and non-fiction-- and introduce you to new authors. Everyone is welcome. If you enjoyed Booked for Lunch, you'll love our new Fireside Chat. Here's a sneak preview of some of the books we'll be introducing...

The Pecan Orchard: Journey of a Sharecropper's Daughter by Peggy Vonsherie Allen - In this simple, uplifting story, Allen tells of her childhood in an Alabama town, still emerging from "Jim Crow" attitudes in the 1960s and '70s. If you liked The Help by Kathryn Stockett and The Color of Water by James McBride, this one is sure to please.

Only in New York: An Exploration of the World's Most Fascinating, Frustrating, and Irrepressible City by Sam Roberts - The author draws upon his experience as Urban Affairs correspondent for the New York Times to create an anthology of forty essays about our unique city. Topics cover everything from the Son of Sam to the pooper scooper law in this humorous and elegantly written collection.

To the Rescue: Found Dogs with a Mission

by Elise Lufkin, photographs by Diana Walker - The author and photographer of Found Dogs and Second Chances team up once again to present irresistable stories of "found" dogs (and one cat), who were rescued and went on to become highly trained working animals at disaster sites and for those humans needing assistance.

Enjoy hearing more about these and many other new titles at our first Fireside Chat.

Book Discussion: Three Cups of Tea

Saturday, January 23, 2010
11 a.m. to noon
Children's Program Room

The widely acclaimed Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin is an astonishing, uplifting story of a homeless mountaineer and his remarkable humanitarian campaign, set in the Taliban's backyard. Those wishing to attend the book discussion should sign up at the Reference Desk. You may order a book as well.

Mortenson's books, including Stones Into Schools, are also included on the preferred reading list for the Adult Winter Reading Club, Riverhead Reads: Making a Difference Globally and in Your Community. Library cardholders may check with the Reference Desk for program details.

In the News

With all the talk about bad weather, it could be worse. The Longest Winter: The Incredible Survival of Captain Scott's Lost Party by Katherine Lambert tells the true story of the 1912 British Antarctic expedition. Although Captain Robert Scott and those with him perished, Lambert tells the amazing tale of survival of the expedition's other lost crew, who endured a seven month Antarctic winter in a makeshift igloo. The use of detailed diaries brings the story to life.

Closer to home, Winter Quarters: George Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge by Noel F. Busch provides another gripping winter adventure set during the American Revolution. Despite the terrible privations they endured, the colonial troops rallied and emerged in the spring from Valley Forge as a disciplined fighting force.

For those who prefer fiction, Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin is a fascinating winter story. This former bestseller, takes readers on a fanciful journey through New York of the Belle Epoque (1890-1914) with a master thief and a Brooklyn milkhorse who discovers he can fly.

While you curl up by the fire and read, treat yourself to an inviting meal from Soups & Stews for Fall and Winter Days by Liza Fosburgh and linger over a bowl of white bean soup or scallop and snow-pea chowder.

On a day like today--with the snow falling--it's a perfect time to stay inside. If you're at the library, visit our Winter Wonderful display near the reference desk featuring these and plenty of other winter books, many providing information about cold weather activities--skiing, ice hockey, winter gardening, and more.