First Book Club Meeting Wrap-Up

First of all, let me give a huge THANK YOU to all of our patrons who came out last night. Because this was our first meeting we weren't sure what kind of turnout to expect; we were cautiously optimistic. Our expectations were far exceeded! Thanks again for coming out!

There seemed to be a consensus with the group that Water for Elephants isn't a book most of us would have picked up on our own, myself included. I think that is one of the great benefits to participating in a book club. Being forced to read outside your normal genres might allow you to discover a new author you didn't think you liked. Or even if you don't like the book or some aspects of it, that is all the more reason to come and share your thoughts.

Based on the feedback we received, for now, we have determined that the second Monday every month works for most people. So our next meeting will be Monday, May 11th at 6:30pm.

We are now going to choose the next 3 titles for May, June and July. We have a list of titles to choose from here. Or if you have a suggestion of a title not listed please feel free to throw it in the mix, too. And give us at least 3 choices, since this is for the next few months. Please call us at 951-1415, email us at adeaton@bham.lib.al.us or dwilson@bham.lib.al.us, or leave a comment below to give us your votes!

Spring is here and weddings are in bloom!

Ever heard of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain? Well, this is the Running of the Brides here in the United States at Filene's Basement:

Okay, so maybe you don't want to wrestle someone to the ground for your perfect dress. If that is the case, we can help. The library has an eclectic selection of wedding books. Here are just a few:

Here are a few websites that have useful information for brides-to-be:

The Knot

Indie Wedding Guide

Martha Stewart Weddings

Brides

Lastly, if you want to watch other people's dress drama, TLC's Say Yes to the Dress just started a new season.

Enjoy!

New DVDs

Check out a new DVD today!

Here are just some of the great new titles we have:

If you would like to place a hold on an upcoming release, here are some titles due to arrive over the next few weeks:

New Book Club

We are very excited to announce the start of a book discussion group here at Irondale Public Library! Our first meeting will take place on Monday, March 31st at 6:30 p.m. This month’s book to be discussed is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. A brief synopsis from the publisher:

As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.

Not only we be will be discussing the book, but we will also be choosing titles for the upcoming months and finalizing our meeting schedule. If you are unable to attend the meeting but have book suggestions, questions or comments, please leave a comment below or call us at 951-1415.

It is going to be a great discussion! Hope to see you there!

Women's History Month

Every year since 1987, throughout the month of March, the United States celebrates National Women's History Month. It has evolved from a single day of celebration to a weeklong observance and finally to an entire monthlong celebration. This week the Indianapolis Star posted a news story that included a list of books to celebrate roles women have played in history.

Search JCLC's catalog for books about woman and history.

Other interesting information:

The History Channel's website

The Nation Women's History Project

The White House's Proclamation of Woman's History Month

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

One hundred and five years ago, one of the world’s most beloved children’s authors came into the world. On this date in 1904, Theodor Seuss Geisel was born in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Geisel worked in various jobs before gaining success as a children’s author. He worked as an illustrator for advertising campaigns , as a political cartoonist for a New York City magazine and as an animator for the U.S Army during WWII.

In 1937 Dr. Seuss sent his manuscript to 27 different publishers. They all rejected his story because they thought it was too unusual and different from other children’s books. Right after that last rejection he bumped into an old college friend, Mike McClintock walking down Madison Avenue in NYC. When his friend inquired about the book under Geisel’s arm, he replied:

“This is a book no one will publish. I am going home to burn it.”

As fate would have it, his friend was the newly appointed Juvenile Editor of Vanguard Press. They met with the President of the company who decided to publish the book.

So, remember the old adage is certainly true – “If at first you don't succeed, Try, try, try again!”

Find more information about Dr. Seuss, his life and his books:

- Search our catalog for Dr. Seuss' books

- Fan website dedicated to Dr. Seuss

- Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden in Springfield, MA

- Random House's website