‘We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day’

- Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Did you know?
Students K-12 can get free homework help from trained volunteer tutors in many KCLS Libraries:

• Boulevard Park Library -Wednesday, January 11,18th, & 25th 6pm-8pm
• Burien Library -Monday through Thursday from 3:30pm-5:30pm
• White Center Library -Tuesday, January 10, 17, & 24 3pm-5pm & Wednesday & Thursday 5:30pm-7:30pm

Look for the volunteer in the blue tee shirt with the yellow Study Zone logo

‘Book Buddies’
Is a great new program created by the Burien Teen and Children’s Librarians to help elementary kids with their reading, trained high school volunteers will provide one-on-one reading help for children in grades K-4:

• Monday, January 9th, 23rd, & 30th; beginning at 4pm @ the Burien Library

Drop-in, no registration is required

Fulfill your New Year’s resolution to READ MORE – join US!
Burien Book Club will be discussing ‘Lost Flamingoes of Bombay’ by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi

• Wednesday, January 18th beginning at 2pm; Conference room on the second floor

Book Review:
‘In the Garden of Beasts; Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin’ by Erik Larson

Erik Larson sheds new and alarming insights on the people, politics, and policies that enabled Hilter’s government to take complete control over Germany and illuminates how and why these events could have happened.

This story unfolds around two key members of an American family sent to Germany in the years before World War II began.

William Dodd was appointed by President Roosevelt as Ambassador to Germany in 1933. Dodd was a soft spoken and often maligned individual who did not fit the ‘pretty good club’ ambassadorial mold of wealthy privileged appointees before him. Still, he stuck to his ethical and moral standards and strived to be a voice of reason and clarity. Dodd sought to raise the alarm flag as daily occurrences of oppression, censorship, and violence were perpetrated on ordinary citizens, even Americans, and especially on the Jewish community by the Third Reich. His messages were often muted, overlooked, and sometimes downright ignored by the State Department and others who did not think Dodd should ever have been appointed as Ambassador.

Martha Dodd, Ambassador Dodd’s daughter, was also in the spotlight during the prewar days in Berlin.  Martha was at first enthused by the ‘fresh faces’ of the Hitler Youth and inspired by their vigor and beauty. Martha became socially, if not romantically involved with a number of officers from the Nazi party, including Gestapo chief Rudolf Deils, but as events unfolded she too became disenchanted with the Third Reich and eventually switched her allegiances to the Communist Party(another story entirely!).

Larson skillfully portrays the events of 1933-34 Berlin from the perspective of everyday citizens as well as from those in positions of power.  Larson answers the question ‘how could this happen?’ very clearly.

Highly recommended – available as eAudio, eBook, on CD, and in Large Print.

- Marilee A. Cogswell

Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.

To know where you can find anything, that in short is the largest part of learning.

?- Anonymous

(Look to Your Library!)

Did You Know?
Burien Library has a variety of programs for teen readers?  The Bring Your Own Book Club meets once a month to talk about a different genre or type of book.  Students in middle and high school can share what their favorites with each other and learn about hot new books.  Our next meeting will be Tuesday, December 20th at 3:30 pm, where we’ll discuss “wintry tales.”

Students in middle and high school are also eligible to participate in Read 3, Get 1 Free, a book-review-and-reward program that is available at any KCLS community library. Pick up a form at the library or download one at www.kcls.org/teens, fill it out, and select a FREE paperback book for every three books you read and review.

And what would the holiday season be without some giving? During the “12 Days of Bookmas,” teens can comment on the Burien Library Teens Facebook page for a chance to win one book each day from December 9th through December 20th. “Like” us here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Burien-Library-Teens/201487819874661.

For a complete list of programs visit kcls.org @ http://www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm

Book for Giving & Reading, Recommended by Burien Librarians:

Press Here by Herve Tullet
An interactive book that engages the imagination. A great read-aloud for ages 2 and up.

Fearless Critic Seattle Restaurant Guide
For the ‘Foodie’ on your list,  this book offers concise reviews and a lots of lists, including;  Best Italian Food;  Best Restaurants for Kids; and  Best Restaurants Open after Midnight.

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Thoughtful and endearing books, this is definitely a story of triumph against all odds, but also a tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a family that despite its profound flaws, gave Walls the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on her own terms (she’s a regular contributor to MSNBC.com) For anyone who enjoys non-fiction/memoirs and stories that ‘triumph against all odds’

Benjamin Bear in Fuzzy Thinking by Philippe Coudray
Highly recommended for first and second graders who enjoy hilarious jokes in a comic book format.

Something Missing by Matthew Dicks
For fans of the TV show Monk, here’s the absorbing story of a quirky thief who only steals things his victims won’t miss. Also great as an audiobook!

Justice Brennan: Liberal Champion by Seth Stern and Stephen Wermiel
A well researched biography with special focus on “behind-the scenes” negotiations pertaining to many of mid- 20th century court decisions.  Will delight supreme court and biography junkies prowling for the next read.

Jamie’s Food Revolution: Rediscover How to Cook Simple, Delicious, Affordable Meals by Jamie Oliver
Well known recipes with step-by-step illustrations and instructions . Jamie has authored a number of books and yes he does promote his philosophy on TV  (cooking should be fun and healthy), but he wants to inspire people to be conscious of simple, easy and healthy food preparation.  A nice stocking stuffer for the beginning and intermediary home chefs

Cold hands, Warm Heart by Jill Wolfson
About giving the gift of life. When 16yr old Tyler loses his sister he realizes that donating her organs will help save other teens. A moving story about organ transplant from both points of view.

Last-minute knitted gifts by Joelle Hoverson ; photographs by Anna Williams.
Remember those times you had a nagging feeling you forgot to add someone to the gift buying list? Keep of few of these gifts on hand and you’ll be saved next time.

Anything by Erik Larsen:

• Devil in the White City
• In the Garden of Beasts
• Thunderstruck

Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer
A book about improving memory though the use of ancient and modern techniques, for the techie on your list.

All King County Libraries will be closed December 24th and December 25th for the Christmas Holiday.

Thank you so much, and Happy Holidays!!

- Marilee A. Cogswell

Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.

17-year old local Author Marta Stahlfeld.

Burien Books will be hosting a book signing for 17-year old local Marta Stahlfed, Author of ‘Darkwoods a young adult fantasy novel, on Friday Nov 25th from 12:30pm-2:30pm at 824 Sw 152nd Street.

Seventeen-year-old Marta Stahlfeld is a voracious reader, enjoying epic fantasy and historical novels, as well as books on history. The Seattle native has a particular interest in World War II, devouring both books and movies regarding that era. In fact, her Darkwoods’ Ranger Mice characters were inspired by the U.S. Army Rangers who scaled Pointe du Hoc on D-Day.

Marta began writing Darkwoods at age twelve, rewrote it numerous times, and through it all has known that her future lies in a career in writing. Darkwoods is the first in the new series by the same name, and Marta is currently working on the second book in the series, Pasadagavra.

To read an interview we conducted with Marta in June, click here.

For more information about Darkwoods and Marta go to www.DarkwoodsBooks.com.

It’s the month of thankfulness, and every Librarian in the entire universe is thankful that YOU can read this.

Now go check out a book, sit down and read!

DID YOU KNOW?
Ever wonder what’s going on inside the King County Library System?  Check out the latest ‘Director’s Report’ http://www.kcls.org/about/board/2011/102511/directorsreport.pdf for all the details

PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
Looking for a book discussion group?  Join the Burien Book Group! Group meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month- next up ‘The Finkler Question’ by Howard Jacobson.  Wed Nov 16 starting a 2pm. Books are available at the information desk on the second floor (Burien Library)

eReader and Digital Downloads Demonstrations for November:

• Monday November 14th at 6pm @ the Burien Library
• Tuesday November 15th at 5:30pm @ Boulevard Park Library

Our libraries continue to offer many programs for children, teens, and adults –  visit  http://www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm for a complete listing.

BOOK REVIEW
‘Matterhorn: a Novel of the Vietnam War’ by Karl Marlantes

This is one of those novels that takes off immediately and never lets you go, even after you have finished reading it, even when you want to stop thinking about it, this one holds on.

It’s 1969 and it’s the Marine Corp’s Bravo Company that the story follows.

Well written, heart breaking, and still relevant today; this one is not to be missed.

Lieutenant Mellas is the new recruit through whose eyes we experience the horrors, the triumphs, and the tragedy of the Vietnam War. You can almost smell the jungle and feel all its terrors, everything from the North  Vietnamese Army, bombing, snipers, impenetrable jungle, tigers, leeches, hunger, and thirst- not to mention carrying out next to impossible orders, some of which get many soldiers killed.

Marlantes does a balanced and sensitive job of weaving in the political and racial tensions of the time as well and bringing us face to face with the unavoidable ethical and moral dilemmas of war.

Available on CD and eAudio.

Highly recommended!

Please note that all Libraries will be CLOSED this Friday, Nov. 11th in honor of Veteran’s Day.

Until next time – see you in the stacks!

- Marilee A. Cogswell

Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.

Fall is here, which means we’re back to the drizzling rain, spiderwebs, slugs and other things that make us all want to stay inside and READ!

Did you know?
You can download all sorts of materials including: ebooks, audio books, music and video from the KCLS website? Go to http://www.kcls.org/downloads/ for more information.

Have you recently purchased a Nook, Sony Reader, or other ebook reader? Find out how to download KCLS ebooks to your device or computer in October:

• Oct. 1st  at 2pm – Burien Library
• Oct. 6th at 6:30pm – Boulevard Park Library
• Oct. 10th at 4pm – White Center Library

The Burien Library will be hosting a visit from Melissa de la Cruz, Author of several popular series for teens, including the Au Pairs, Blue Bloods, Ashleys and more!  We’ll be celebrating the release of the newest Blue Bloods novel Lost in Time with trivia, giveaways, and cupcakes.  Copies of Melissa’s books will be available for purchase through Secret Garden Books. To see more about this event, visit: http://www.kcls.org/events/author.cfm#delacruz.  For more information about Melissa, visit http://www.melissa-delacruz.com/.

• Saturday, Oct. 1st at 2pm (this program is for teens)

For a complete list of programs in any of your local libraries visit http://www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm

BOOK REVIEW:
‘Cleopatra the Great: the Woman Behind the Legend’  by Joann Fletcher and ‘Cleopatra: a Life’ by Stacy Schiff

Read together, these two books bring a wonderfully three dimensional picture of the life and times of the history’s most infamous queen.

In the first book author Fletcher extrapolates from her extensive research of that period in history to create  scenarios of what it must have been like for Cleopatra growing up as one of the  privileged and entitled elite. Fletcher’s approach brings the reader a greater understanding of how it actually might have been possible for Cleopatra herself to believe that she was a ‘living god’.

The second book, equally informative, illuminates Cleopatra in a more tradition biographical sense, following her life and family tree, outlining the intrigue and informing the reader of just how dangerous it was for any member of the family to succeed to the throne. Cleopatra was more than Mark Anthony and Caesar’s lover (which she is best known for) much more – she was an outstanding leader of people, a military a strategist, and a true Egyptian- proud and protective of her country and its people.

Both are highly recommended – especially for all you Egyptophiles out there!

Until next time – see you in the stacks!

- Marilee A. Cogswell

Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.

Charm Hair Salon will be hosting a book signing event from 2 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10th with local Author George Matthew Cole, whose book ‘Colt O’Brien Sees The Light’ is set in Burien.

Artwork will also be exhibited during the signing.

Charm Hair Salon is located at 249 SW 153rd Street in Burien.

The book is based on a certification program that Mr. Cole participated in, that taught students about computer networking.

Cole, a Burien resident, spent over 30 years in the computing field, with experience on mainframe computers as well as PCs and servers. The idea for “Colt O’brien Sees the Light” came from personal experience working with high school students over a two-year period.

Cole lives in Burien with his wife and dog, and this is his first novel.

Here are the event details:

WHAT: Book Signing with George Matthew Cole, Author of ‘Colt O’Brien Sees The Light’

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011 2:00 pm

WHERE: Charm Hair Salon, 249 SW 153rd Street, Burien, WA, 98166. Owner Holly Shaw, Phone: (206) 248-3259

INFO: “Please join us for the Charm Hair Salon’s first book signing event with a local author and a book that takes place in Burien.”

The paperback version of this book will be offered for $11.00.

Here’s more information about the book:

Colt O’brien doesn’t think that he has to prove anything. He is the most savvy computer technician at Highline High in Burien, Washington. When a PC needs fixing, Colt is called in to save the day. The short, energetic senior, with his bright, colorful attire and cocky attitude, knows that he is the best. He expects the respect that is showered upon him by peers and teachers. School will soon be over and freedom beckons. No more girl friend to tell him what to do. No more schoolwork to bore him to death. Colt is cruising through senior year, but his life is about to be turned upside down. Two freshman nerds start a computer class that will put Highline High on the map and challenge Colt’s credibility. Three women will show him the meaning of love. One will show him the meaning of hate. And, his hidden psychic powers will emerge when he least expects them to. Hang on Colt.

More information on the book is available here: http://www.georgemcole.com

Burien Books is hosting a book signing for Let the Swords Encircle Me: Iran – A Journey behind the Headlines on Thursday August 11th from 4-6pm and talk by author Scott Peterson.

Scott Peterson is the Christian Science Monitor’s Istanbul Bureau Chief and former local resident of the Burien area.

Here’s more information about the book, from Scott’s website:

NO OTHER COUNTRY SO DOMINATES THE HEADLINES: Iran is portrayed as a nuclear threat, a terrorist nation, a charter member of the Axis of Evil bent on the destruction of Israel. But behind those headlines—and the fierce rhetoric of Iran’s most hard-line leaders—is a proud nation with a 2,500-year history of Persian poetry, art, and passion.

Based on more than thirty extended reporting trips to Iran, including the turbulent aftermath of the disputed June 2009 election, Scott Peterson’s portrait is the definitive guide to this enigmatic nation, from the roots of its incendiary internal struggles to the rise and slide of Iran’s earthshaking 1979 Islamic Revolution.

This prize-winning American journalist with unparalleled experience in Iran takes us there, inside a country where an educated and young population is restlessly eager to take its place in the world; where martyrs of the “sacred” Iran-Iraq War are still mourned with tears of devotion; where the cultural and religious forces of light and darkness are locked in battle. Peterson brings stunningly alive the diversity within Iran—from the hard-liners who shout “Death to America” to the majority who comprise the most pro-American population in the Middle East.

Let the Swords Encircle Me gives voice to Iranians themselves—the clerics and the reformers, the filmmakers and the journalists, the True Believers and their Westernized and profane brethren—to understand the complexities of Iran today. Through dedicated and in-depth reporting, Peterson shows how every word, image, and sensibility in Iran is often deliciously unexpected and counterintuitive. Ideology matters. So does “resistance.” And azadi: freedom.

Peterson deftly holds a mirror up to both sides of the U.S.-Iran conflict. Americans and Iranians, he writes, share a belief in their own exceptionalism and “manifest destiny” (which for Iran includes its nuclear ambitions) and frequent need of an “enemy” in political discourse. The same elements that have locked the United States and Iran in the most vicious of struggles—stretching back to the 1953 CIA coup in Tehran and the 1979 U.S. Embassy hostage saga—are the same ones that could one day make Iran and the United States the most “natural” allies in the region.

In this critical and personal account, Peterson illumines the latest episodes of Iran’s century-old quest for democracy and freedom. He explains how the Islamic Revolution—launched as a beacon of justice and resistance for Iranians and all the world’s Muslims—has not lived up to its ambitious promise. He shows how the violence of 2009 damaged the regime’s legitimacy and marks the start of an irreversible decline.

Let the Swords Encircle Me takes us into the minds and hearts of Iranians today, and will be a crucial guide as Americans and Iranians attempt to overcome their bitter estrangement.

For more info about the book and the author visit Scott Peterson’s website: http://www.s-peterson.com/index.php

The book retails for $32.00 hardcover

Did You Know?
The King County Library System was named ‘Library of the Year’ for 2011 by Library Journal! We are the “best” and the “busiest” in the country!

Read the full article in Library Journal here.

Program Highlights for JULY

@Burien Library

• Opera Preview: Porgy & Bess: Wednesday July 20 @7pm, presented by Norm Hollingshead. Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
• Teen Advisory Board: Wednesday July 27th @ 3pm. For Teens in high school. Plan teen program, promote library events, AND get volunteering credit.  Ask for an invite to the Burien Library’s first TAB meeting at the Information Desk on the second floor.
• Master Gardeners, Computer Classes, Burien Book Group, and LOTS  of programs for children and Teens are all happening in JULY at the Burien Library check out http://www.kcls.org/programs/library_programs.cfm for all the program times dates and details.

Boulevard Park and White Center Libraries are having some great programs in July as well:

@ Boulevard Park

• ‘Around the World with Stories’: Saturday July 23rd @ 1pm, presented by Gerald Fierst. Ages 5 and older. Circle the globe as we share stories from the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe.

@ White Center Library

• ‘Our Forested World’: Monday July 18th @ 7pm, presented by Nature Vision. Ages 3 to 5. Learn what all about what makes a forest and all the wonderful things forests do for our world.  Sponsored by the White Center Library Guild.

Be sure to visit the library’s program page for a complete list of programs at all our libraries http://www.kcls.org/programs/library_programs.cfm

Book Review: ‘The Forgotten Garden’ by Kate Morton:

Apparently abandoned, 5-year old ‘Nell’ arrives in the port of Brisbane, Australia with no guardian and no memory of who she is or where she came from. The only clue is the small white suitcase she carries with a book of fairy stories inside.

Nell grows up happily in Australia, marries and is approaching middle age when she starts to put the pieces of her past together, this is where the story really begins.

She’s about to put some of the clues together when her young granddaughter, Cassandra needs a home and comes to live full time with Nell.

It isn’t until after Nell’s death when Cassandra inherits a small ramshackle cottage in Cornwall that the mystery of Nell’s past is finally revealed.

A satisfying family saga with all the requisite skeletons in the closet including madness, abandonment and lost love.

Available in large print and on CD too.

Until next time – see you in the stacks!

- Marilee A. Cogswell

Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.

Seventeen-year old Burien-native Marta Stahlfeld has authored and published “Darkwoods,” a 275-page book that is the first in a new epic fantasy series for teens and preteens.

Marta will be holding a local book signing also, on Saturday, June 18th from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Burien Books, located at 824 SW 152nd Street.

Like many other popular teen series, all the characters in Darkwoods are animals, though they display very human-like strengths and weaknesses. “Darkwoods” is available at local bookstores, including Barnes & Noble locations, and is also available in print and eBook versions online.

“I have always loved fantastic stories,” Stahlfeld said. “Reading for me is a way to travel to different worlds and different times, and to have adventures I could never have on my own. If my stories can hook another kid on reading like I got hooked, that would be great!”

Marta Stahlfeld, 17, Author

Stahlfeld has already completed the next book in the series. “I’ve outlined six books, but I really like the characters, so there may be more,” laughs Stahlfeld.

The series begins with the Foxes leaving their home in Darkwoods, determined to conquer the world. Standing in their way is Princess Zuryzel of the Wraith Mice, with the ability to fade undetected into the shadows, and her allies among the Squirrel Tribes, Ranger Mice, and River Otters.

Like any good epic tale, Darkwoods includes battles, romance, and treachery, as well as the heroism necessary to defeat evil. But Stahlfeld was careful to craft her tale without gory battle details or language inappropriate for her audience. “Good books don’t need that kind of thing,” says Stahlfeld.

Interested readers can learn more about Stahlfeld and also sample the first five chapters of “Darkwoods” at www.DarkwoodsBooks.com. Stahlfeld can be contacted at DarkwoodsBooks at AOL.com, and on Facebook on the DarkwoodsBooks fan page here.

In addition to print copies available at Barnes & Noble locations and other bookstores, “Darkwoods” is available in print and eBook formats at Amazon.com, BN.com, and in all eBook formats at Smashwords.com, the leading distributor of eBooks for authors.

Stahlfeld just finished her junior year in high school and plans on majoring in English Literature or History when she starts college in 18 months. She is a voracious reader and has long been fascinated with WWII history. In fact, the Ranger Mice of “Darkwoods” were inspired by the U.S. Army Rangers who scaled Pointe du Hoc on D-Day, which she visted on the 4th of July. It was shortly after that day when she began writing “Darkwoods.”

We conducted the following interview with Marta via email:

Q: What high school do you go to?
A: I actually attend a private Lutheran high school in Des Moines, Evergreen Lutheran High School.  I just finished up my last final of my Junior year last Friday, and have one more year to go. Before that, I attended Seattle Christian Schools in SeaTac.

Q: Do you still live here?
A: Yes, we live in the Shorewood area, in north Burien.  We’ve lived here in the same house all my life.  Both my parents are attorneys.  My dad has his own office in Burien (Eric Stahlfeld), and my mother works in downtown Seattle.  I have a younger brother, Karl, who is just finishing up 8th grade at Seattle Christian Schools. He plays baseball for RIPS Brewers (Des Moines Memorial Drive) and also plays the bagpipes – you can probably hear him at your offices when he practices, they are VERY loud. We also have a cat — Leonidas, or Leo for short.

Q: Were there any teachers in particular who helped you out?
A: Susan Seig, my Language Arts teacher at Seattle Christian, and Cheryl Knight, the secondary school librarian for Seattle Christian, both helped my in early editing of the book and were very encouraging to me.

Q: How long have you been writing?
A: When I was seven years old, I won a blank book in a bean bag toss at a neighborhood festival.  I was kind of disgusted at first — it didn’t seem like much of a prize to me!  But my mom challenged me to write a story in it, and so I did.  That’s the first story I remember writing, and I wrote short stories in it and other blank books or notebooks on and off over the years after that.

I started writing Darkwoods when I was 12. I have the next book in the series done and ready for editing (title: Pasadagavra), and I’m working on the third book now (working title: Graystone).  I also have other stories I’m working on.

Q: What inspired this book?
A: In 2006, my family took a trip to Europe.  During some of the down time while traveling (sitting on planes, trains, etc.), the vague idea of a story of quiet little animals defending themselves against attacking animals rolled around in my head.  But it wasn’t until we visited the Normandy Beaches on the 4th of July that I began getting some concrete ideas for the characters.  The first place on the tour that we stopped at was Pointe du Hoc where the U.S. Army Rangers scaled that huge cliff, under fire, and then fought when they reached the top.  I was amazed as I listened to the guide telling us what happened and looking down that cliff!  How could anyone do that?  But as we continued in the tour and learned more about what happened there on D-Day, I thought about it and I realized that people can do impossible things when they have to, and they can rise to be leaders when the need is there.  That’s where I got the inspiration for my Ranger Mice characters — they are well-trained warriors because they have to be, but they are also brave and come to help the other creatures defend their home from the foxes because they know its the right thing to do. When we got home from the trip, I began writing down the story.

My Ranger Mice characters are not, of course, really like the amazing U.S. Army Rangers who scaled Pointe du Hoc – they are just characters in a book.  But I did try to capture the bravery and dedication of the U.S. Army Rangers in my story.

Why animal characters?  I had read a lot of Brian Jacques, author of the Redwall series, and enjoyed his animal characters.  Its fun to write about the characters as if they are human then throw in a phrase like, “On the other paw,…”

Q: What authors inspire you?
A: Brian Jacques (Redwall series), Erin Hunter (Warrior series), J.R.R. Tolkein (Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit), and of course, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series — in fact, I’m rereading those books now.

I would also have to say that knowing that Christopher Paolini wrote and published Eragon when he was younger than 18 years old helped me realize that just because I was a teenager, there was no reason I couldn’t get my book finished and published, too.

Q: What’s next for you?
A: Immediately?  The dance performances for Momentum Dance Academy on Friday — I do Irish, Contemporary, and Jazz dance.  I’m also visiting bookstores this summer to set up book signing dates.

In writing, I need to get Pasadagavra edited and then published, and otherwise keep working on the next books in the series.

Otherwise, I’m going to finish up high school next year and head off to college. My primary career goal is to be a novelist, but I am also interested in teaching — sharing with teens and/or preteens, either through books or school or whatever, is something I really enjoy.  I’ve been tutoring a fifth grade student this year, and that has been very rewarding. I plan to major in English Literature or History in college, and then get an advanced degree for teaching.

Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: I want to really encourage kids to read. If a kid doesn’t like fantasy books like mine, that’s okay, there are lots of other kinds of books out there for kids at all age levels. Books open up the world (or in some cases other worlds!) for the reader and can help the reader learn about other places, what motivates people, etc.  And sometimes it just provides a fun escape from boredom on a rainy day, a not uncommon occurence around here….  Books may take a little more work than video games or movies (both of which I also like) because you have to use your imagination more, but that’s what makes them so great:  you get to imagine what a character looks like, and the buildings, etc.  A good book is like a friend that you can revisit over and over again.

Did You Know?
Burien Library now has TWO FULL TIME TEEN LIBRARIANS!! They will be pumping up our Teen Program offerings beginning this summer — Here’s a taste of our JUNE offerings for TEENS:

• Friday, June 10th at 3:00 pm: Where Is Matt?
  Matt has traveled to many countries on all seven continents, dancing badly the entire time.  In fact, it’s his claim to fame.  Learn more about the places Matt has traveled and learn how to do Matt’s dorky dance.  For more information about Matt, visit http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/.
• Monday, June 13th at 3:00 pm: Skateboarding Maintenance
  Join Mike from Gravity Sports in Renton as he shows you how to take care of your skateboard and fun mods you can do. All teens who attend will be entered in a drawing to win a free skateboard.
• Thursday, June 16th at 3:00 pm: Super Smash-a-Thon Tournament
  Pit your favorite Super Smash Bros. Brawl character against other players in this head-to-head double elimination tournament. Gift cards will be awarded to the tournament winners.
• Thursday, June 30th at 1:00 pm: Geocaching 101
  Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played with GPS devices.  Members of the Washington State Geocaching Association will share more about this unique hobby and we’ll try to find some caches located nearby.  For more information about Geocaching, visit http://www.geocaching.com/.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM for Kids of ALL ages:

• One World, Many Stories
  2011 Summer Reading Program
  June 13 – August 31
  Sign up at a KCLS library or online at www.kcls.org/srp.  If you are in elementary school, pick up the Reading Log for Ages 5 to 12.  A Preschool Reading Log is available for younger children. Teens can participate in the Read 3 get one FREE program and be eligible for the laptop computer drawing too!
• The Final Funktier
  Wednesday, June 29, 11am Burien Library
  Presented by Recess Monkey.
  Ages 3 and older.
  Explore distant planets and far-flung galaxies as Recess Monkey searches for new beats, funky tunes and fun!
  Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
• Summer Reading Kick-Off Party
  Boulevard Park Library
  Monday, June 13, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
  Ages 4 – 12
  Calling all summer readers! Kick off your reading adventure with games, treats, and simple crafts.

BOOK REVIEW

‘The Forty Rules of Love: a novel of Rumi’ by Elif Shafak

A fictionalized account of the friendship between wandering Dervish, Shams of Tabriz, and the famous 13th century Sufi poet Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, better known simply as ‘Rumi’.

Rumi’s friendship with Shams played a huge role in his development as a poet and mystic.

At the same time author Shafak tells the story of present day Ella, whose world is transforming as she begins a relationship with Sufi writer Aziz Zahara.

Both stories are about love, about finding your true self and about mysticism.

The story is filled with Rumi’s quotes and poems that beautifully illuminate the seekers path, timeless.

Wonderfully written, highly recommended!

Until next time – see you in the stacks!

- Marilee A. Cogswell

Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.