by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
Happy nearly-springtime to all those B-Town Bookworms out there!
DID YOU KNOW?
Voters Approve Levy Lid Lift for libraries!!
Thanks to dedicated community advocates and library supporters, voters approved Proposition 1 on the February 9 special election ballot by 52%, authorizing a one-year increase in the property tax level to fund essential library services.
With the passage of Proposition 1, voters restored the full allowable library levy rate of 50¢ per $1,000 assessed property value for 2011.
The additional revenue will sustain library operations, including hours of service, new and replacement materials, computers and software upgrades, and regular preventive maintenance.
Thank YOU VOTERS!!
KCLS WELCOMES RENTON LIBRARIES, PATRONS & STAFF:
Renton Libraries are now part of the King County Library System! Though many details involved in merging the library systems are being worked out, two key changes are now in place for Renton Library patrons:
- Expanded library hours in downtown Renton.
- Immediate eligibility for a Seattle Public Library Card.
Welcome!!
PROGRAMS AT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARIES:
- TechConnect!!! Burien Library Saturday March 13th 10am -2pm: TechConnect is an interactive library open house showcasing the many ways KCLS technology connects you to reading, recreation, entertainment and lifelong learning. Whether you’re tech-savvy, tech-challenged or somewhere in between, TechConnect will enhance your use of the library! King County Library TechLab van will be in our parking lot demonstrating the latest in downloads available. TechConnect stations will be set up throughout the first floor of the library demonstrating our databases, how to use the library catalog, children’s story time online, and much much more. There will also be Spanish language station ‘Biblioteca’ showing library technology for Spanish speakers. Visit every station and enter to win the prize drawings, winners announced on the hour, must be present to win. Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
- Crumac Concert: Burien Library, Sunday March 14th 5pm. This Irish trio creates traditional music on fiddle, uilleann pipes, whistles, and guitar
Ages 5 and older. - Get Loose with Seuss! Burien Library, Friday March 19th, 10:30am. Presented by Harmonica Pocket. Sing along with the Doctor’s ‘One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish’ and other Seussian favorites! All ages welcome Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
- Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! White Center Library, Friday March 19th, 3pm. Presented by Harmonica Pocket. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with stories, songs and silliness. Sponsored by the White Center Library Guild.
BOOK REVIEW:
‘The Eight’ By Katherine Neville
Part historical fiction, part mysticism, part modern day suspense thriller – this tale follows the discovery and disappearance of the powerful Montglane Chess Service. The chess service imbues unlimited power to anyone playing. The task of hiding and protecting the chess pieces from abuse falls upon the novices of Montglane Abby in the year 1790. In 1972, modern day computer expert Catherine Velis is hired to recover the valuable chess pieces and soon finds herself entangled in a global plot.
Excellent!
Until next time…see you in the stacks!
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
All King County Libraries will be Closed Thursday, Nov. 26th for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
DID YOU KNOW?
The King County Library System offers a variety of databases to help you with everything from business information and directories to homework help. See our featured database at http://www.kcls.org/databases/
Testing & Education Reference Center:
Get ready for the big tests in your life – AP, SAT, GED, MCAT, and civil service – with practice tests, ebooks, and planning advice from #1 names in college and vocational prep, Peterson’s and ARCO.
BOOKS & READING:
Visit http://www.kcls.org/booksandreading/index.cfm for a list of books we recommend, new books, and book club resources.
PROGRAMS:
Literary Feast
LOCAL AUTHORS Cliff and Nancy Hollenbeck will be at the Burien Library Saturday, Nov. 21st from 2pm- 4pm.
Northwest authors Cliff and Nancy Hollenbeck will visit the Burien library on Saturday Nov. 21, for a book-reading and signing event. The best-selling local authors are featured in the book, “Literary Feast, The Famous Authors Cookbook,” which is a compilation of 100 food, drink and dessert recipes from scores of well-known authors and writers.
Singing Thanksgiving at the Burien Library Wednesday, Nov. 18th at 10:30am! Presented by Harmonica Pocket . All ages welcome. Celebrate the holidays with American Folk tunes including Over the River and Through the Woods, Turkey in the Straw, and This Little Light of Mine. This dynamic musical duo will have everyone singing and dancing along.
Rock! Rock! Rock! at the White Center Library Wednesday, Dec. 2nd at 6:30pm! Presented by Rowbes. Ages 2 and older welcome. This original children’s rock concert is performed by some crazy puppet musicians. Rowbes is better known as Dewy the Dog from Story Time with Dewey and Sketch: Season 2.
Visit http://www.kcls.org/season/ for a complete list of all upcoming library programs!
Why Can’t You Behave? Ideas for Handling Misbehavior at the Greenbridge Library Saturday, Nov. 21st at 1pm
Presented by Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed., Priceless Parenting, LLC – Learn ways to set effective limits, deal with adult-child control issues and use positive techniques for dealing with issues like tantrums, tattling, begging at the store and bedtime. Provides 2 hours STARS credit in Child Guidance.
BOOK REVIEW:
‘Wild Swans; Three Daughters of China’ by Jung Chang.
From turn of the century China through the 1980s Chang traces 3 generations of women.
Her grandmother, born in 1907, was a concubine as a young girl, her mother was a Communist party member and official, and she was a member of the Red Guards in the late 60s.
China’s evolution from a feudal society to present day told through the experiences of one family brings to life the incredible hardships and successes that have shaped the country.
Non-fiction, and definitely worth a read!
Until next time…see you in the stacks!
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
Have you visited the new Burien Library yet? Do you have a group who would like to meet at the Library? Did you know you can book a meeting room online? Click here to do it: www.kcls.org/meetingrooms/index.cfm. Library tours are also available for groups upon advance request – call 206-243-3490 for more information.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Burien Library Guild needs your help! We are seeking donations of used books in good condition for adults and children. Please remember us when cleaning out your closets! Your donations support the wonderful programs we are able to have at the Burien Library including our ‘Opera Previews’ and ‘Sing Into Reading’ listed below.
You can now follow the King County Library System on Twitter! Check it out at www.kcls.org/usingthelibrary/widgets/ for all the details and linkage.
We have made it easy for you to keep track of your library materials, track what’s due, what’s overdue, and what items are ready for you to pick up using this new feature called ‘Library Elf’ – find out how to sign up at www.kcls.org/usingthelibrary/catalog_help/library_elf.cfm.
PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS:
- Opera Preview: Wednesday, Sept. 16th beginning at 7pm – “La Traviata’ by Verdi, presented by Norm Hollingshead, sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
- Burien Book Group: Wednesday Sept. 16th – “Omnivore’s Dilemma: Search for a Perfect Meal in a Fast-food World” by Michael Pollan. The book group meets in the conference room on the second floor of the Burien Library beginning at 2pm…everyone is welcome
- ‘Barking Buddha: Yoga for You and Your Dog’ demonstration presented by author Brenda Bryan in conjunction with the City of Burien’s ‘Wellness Fair’ Saturday, Sept. 19th at 1pm in the Burien Library.
PROGRAMS FOR TEENS & CHILDREN:
- SAT Prep: Five FREE sessions to help you prepare for the SAT. Practice exams will be scored. Participants must attend all five sessions and will receive an official SAT Study Guide. Registration is Required beginning September 5th; Saturdays Sept 26th, Oct 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 10AM; Presented by Sandwiess Test Prep.
- ‘Sing Into Reading’: Saturday Sept 12th, 10:30AM & 11:30AM; Presented by Nancy Stewart. Ages 5 and younger with a parent. Registration begins Saturday August 29th. Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild
For a complete list of programs and story time events at our libraries visit the KCLS homepage at www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm.
BOOK REVIEW:
“The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seekers Guide To Making Travel Sacred” by Phil Cousineau.
This beautiful little book will make you look at the way you travel in a whole new way. Every journey you take, be it long or short, can become a part of your personal spiritual development. If you are looking for a more focused or deeper meaning to your travels this lovely book will instruct and inspire.
Until next time…see you in the stacks!
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
The Grand Opening of the beautiful new Burien Library will be this Saturday, June 13th beginning at 10am!
The Library (along with the new Town Square) will open its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony, programs throughout the day, food, giveaways, story times, building tours, and lots more! The new library also features an automated materials handling machine that will check your items in, give you a receipt, and sort the item for shelving. Check out www.kcls.org/bond/groundbreakings.cfm for all the details. Our new address is 400 SW 152nd Street. 
If you have books you need to return before this Friday, June 12th, please drop them off at one of our sister libraries:
- White Center Library is located at 11220 16th Ave SW
- Boulevard Park Library is located at 12015 Roseberg Ave S
- Des Moines Library is located at 21620 11th Ave S (in Des Moines)
We Thank You for your patience during this transition period!!
COMING UP:
“Be Creative @ Your Library” is this year’s Summer Reading Program theme. The Summer Reading Program kicks off on Monday, June 15th. Our children’s librarians are busy right now making school visits and preparing programs. See www.kcls.org/srp for complete details.
BOOK REVIEW:
“Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague“ by Geraldine Brooks:
Based on the true story of Eyam, the “Plague Village”, located in the rugged mountains of England in 1666. As a young widow with small children, Anna Firth, finds herself intensely involved in caring for the sick and dying residents of her small mountain village. The townsfolk make the decision to quarantine the village in hopes of stopping the plague from spreading. As the disease ravages the village fearful villagers react with fear and jealousy as Anna and the town’s minister try to keep the town from falling into complete chaos.
This is a riveting novel that really brings to life the ethical and emotional impact dealing with the plague must bring.
Highly recommended!
See you in the brand new stacks this weekend!
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
Happy belated New Year as well as a premature Valentine’s Day to all!
Please Note:
All King County Libraries will be Closed Monday February 16th for Presidents Day.
DID YOU KNOW?
That the King County Library System offers many programs and program series throughout the county that are FREE and open to all:
- See details of our “Many Voices, One Land” series here: http://www.kcls.org/manyvoicesoneland/
- See details of our “Fiscal Fitne$$” series here: http://www.kcls.org/events/fiscalfitness.cfm
- For a complete list of all programs here: http://www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm
- To see a complete list of all KCLS Libraries OPEN HOURS and LOCATIONS: http://www.kcls.org/locations/index.cfm
BOOK REVIEW:
“Puss ‘n Cahoots” (Mrs. Murphy) by author Rita Mae Brown
If you like mysteries, small towns, and animals as detectives, then the “Mrs. Murphy” mysteries are for you.
“Puss ‘n Cahoots” is the 14th in the series where all the animals belonging to Mary Minor ‘Harry’ Haristeen, post mistress of a small Virginia town, get in on the action.
In this series the critters serve not only as friendly human companions but are central characters in the story. They find clues, solve mysteries, and most importantly, protect ‘Harry’.
Mrs. Murphy (tabby) is the brains of the operation, lazy Pewter (a slightly overweight cat) and Tee Tucker (corgi) exuberant and fearless, team up with a wide range of farm and wild animals to uncover who done it every time. A fun twist on the relationship between animals and their humans, discussed from the animal’s point of view.
Many of the books in the ‘Mrs. Murphy’ series are available in audio format and in Large Print. Check the KCLS catalog here: http://catalog.kcls.org/
Highly recommended!
PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AT THE BURIEN LIBRARY:
Preschool Story Times:
- Tuesdays at 10:30am
- Ages 3-6 with an adult
Toddler Story Times:
- Wednesdays at 11:15am
- Ages 24months to 36 months with an adult.
Early Toddler Story Times:
- Thursdays at 10:30am
- Ages 12 – 24 months with an adult
Lapsit Story Times:
- Fridays at at 11am
- Ages 6-12 months with an adult
Cuentos en Español:
- Thursdays at 6:30pm
- Ages 2 and older
- Stories and songs in Spanish and English
Sweet Songs!
- A Nancy Stewart Concert
- Wednesday February 11th at 10am
Happy Valentines Day!!
- Ages 3-7 with an adult.
Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
Holiday Salutations my Dear Readers from your Burien Library Empress of Information™!
Despite the winter wonderland-ness of the recent weather, it’s nice to be dug out of the snow…and I never thought I’d appreciate seeing the cement in our parking lot as much as I do now!
SCHEDULE UPDATE:
- On New Year’s Eve, all Libraries will close early at 5pm (Wednesday, December 31st).
- All Libraries will be CLOSED on New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1st).
DID YOU KNOW?
You can access lots of business and investing information including the ‘Valueline’ & ‘Morningstar’ databases through the KCLS databases page, which is located here – all you need is a current KCLS library card and a current pin number (usually the last four digits of your phone number).
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
- Holiday Magic! A Children’s program (NOT story time) Wednesday, December 31st at 10:30am for children 5yrs and older. Magician Jeff Evans and his trained reindeer will perform card tricks! Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
- Opera Preview: Wednesday January 14th beginning at 7pm, learn about “Blue Beards Castle & Erwartung” by Schoenberg, presented by Norm Hollingshead and sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
- Highline ESL Classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 6pm. No registration is required – first class of the new year is Tuesday January 6th. Free English as a Second Language classes for adults
- Study Zone (K-12): Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays in Janurary beginning at 3:30pm, And Sundays January 11th, 18th, and 25th beginning at 2pm. Drop in and Get Help with Your Home Work from our volunteer tutors! More information here.
BULLET POINT BOOK REVIEW:
‘Touchstone’ by Laurie R. King
- A suspenseful tale set in the English countryside circa 1926.
- Politics, old families, class struggle, and love set the stage for this compelling drama.
- The story opens as FBI agent Harris Stuyvesant arrives in England to ‘informally’ follow the trail of a possible bomb-making union organizer, whose latest work in America has rendered Stuyvesant’s younger brother incompetent.
- Stuyvesant gets no help from the British government and is about to give up when he is inadvertently put in touch with Aldous Carstairs, a very shadowy British operative whose motives for helping Stuyvesant are at the very least questionable.
- The touchstone in ‘Touchstone’ is a British veteran of WWI by the name of Bennett Grey.
- Carstairs has worked with (and exploited) Grey in the past and knows of his uncanny abilities- now Carstairs is looking for ways to control and use him again.
- To Carstairs, Stuyvesant looks like the perfect patsy to help him reclaim his leverage over Grey.
- The story is further complicated by Grey’s sister Sarah, who Stuyvesant seems to be falling for.
- This is a page turner with a surprise ending that will leave you wanting more.
- Highly recommended!
- Also available in large print and on CD.
- For a list of the Best Books of 2008, visit this website.
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
Greetings again Dear Readers from your very own Burien Library’s Empress of Information™!
I am certain that, like me, you’re all very thankful this time of year for all the goodness contained within.
I’m speaking of course about “within” hardcovers, softcovers and other covers used to contain excellent reading materials like you’ll find at your very own Burien Library.
What did you think I meant?
I don’t normally shout, but this is important (yet oh-so-obvious):
ALL KING COUNTY LIBRARIES WILL BE CLOSED THURSDAY NOV. 27TH FOR THANKSGIVING DAY!
Hey, did you know that the new Greenbridge Library is NOW Open! It’s located at 9720 8th Ave SW in White Center – visit it in person or check out this website for details on the grand opening.
Greenbridge Library’s hours are:
- Monday-Wednesday 11am-6pm
- Thursday 1-8pm
- Saturday 12-4pm
- Closed Fridays & Sundays
DID YOU KNOW?
You can access thousands of full text newspaper and magazine articles through the King County Library website Full-Text Magazines & Journals In KCLS Databases – search here when you are looking for a specific title, visit http://www.kcls.org/databases/ for a complete details.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN:
THE RAIN-DEER, PRESENTED BY ROWBES PUPPET PRODUCTIONS
Saturday, November 29, 2008, 3pm at the White Center Library – this puppet show is for children & their families
. And anyone who likes puppet shows (and who doesn’t really?).
POPCORN CLASSICS: CHILDREN’S FILMS
Tuesday, December 02, 2008, 10:30am at the Burien Library –These films are for children 3 years & up along with their families
A SEASON FOR SINGING: A CHILDREN’S CONCERT
Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 10:30am at the Burien Library. Celebrate Holiday traditions from around the world with Nancy Stewart. This program is for children & their families. Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild.
WHITE CENTER LIBRARY GUILD HOLIDAY BAZAAR & MAGIC SHOW
Saturday, December 6, 2008, from 11am 3pm at the White Center Library – shop for gifts at the Bazaar and bake sale, Magician Jeff Evans will perform at 2:30pm – this event is for everyone, and is sponsored by the White Center Library Guild.
PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS:
OPERA PREVIEW: GEORGES BIZET’S THE PEARL FISHERS
Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 7pm at the Burien Library, presented by Norm Hollingshead and sponsored by the Burien Library Guild. This program is for adults.
Visit the King County Library programs page at: http://www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm for a complete listing of programs county wide.
BULLET POINT BOOK REVIEW:
Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier (fiction)
- Twelve year old Will sets out on his own to run a remote trading post in Cherokee country.
- Lots of interesting history and background of the Cherokee people and life in pre-Civil War America.
- A love story
- An adventure
- And a bit of history too
- A good read – highly recommended!
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
For the legions of all my literary (and librarian) fans out there, you may recall that this column was once entitled “Shush!” (a very stereotypical personification of us Librarians, but that’s another story).
Well I have some good news and some bad news – first, the good news:
This feature has now been re-titled “From the Empress of Information”!
That’s right, say goodbye to “Shush!” forever.
The bad news: the smartypants citizen who came up with the original title is still involved as “Editor,” albeit as a much more sheepish one who’s relegated to a secret “Study Room” that doubles as a storage closet.
And now, on with my column:
SUMMER READING PROGRAM A HUGE SUCCESS!
- The King County Library System’s Summer Reading Program was a huge success this year.
- Over 40,000 children signed up!
- Congratulations go to Cathy Ngo, White Center Library winner of the laptop computer drawing for teens – good for you Cathy!!
TEMPORARY LIBRARY CLOSURE:
The following library branches will be closed the morning of Thurs., Oct. 9th for staff training:
The Burien Library will open at Noon, while the Boulevard Park & White Center Libraries will open at 1pm, and Vashon Library will open at 2pm.
PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN:
- October Story Times in Spanish for children and families:
- Thursdays @ the Burien Library beginning at 6:30pm
- Mondays @ the Boulevard Park Library beginning at 7pm
- Saturday Oct 4th & 11th @ the White Center Library beginning at 1:30pm
- October Story Times in Vietnamese for children and families:
- Tuesdays @ the White Center Library beginning at 7pm
- Study Zone @ the Burien Library – Drop in for help with your homework!
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning at 3:30pm (K-12)
PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS:
- Front Porch Theater is Wed., Oct 15th starting at 7pm!
- Participate in an informal dramatic reading of Robert Penn Warren’s ‘All the Kings Men’ (adapted for stage by Adrian Hall) presented by the Intiman Theater.
- Check out http://www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm for a complete listing of all programs offered in our Libraries!
DID YOU KNOW?
- The King County Library System offers STARS Training (State Training and Registry System)?
- Persons requiring STARS-approved continuing education credit can find many of these workshops being offered in our Libraries.
- Visit http://www.kcls.org/stars/index.cfm for details, listings, and instructions for online signup.
BULLET POINT BOOK REVIEW:
Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring by Richard Preston—(it’s available on CD too)
- A fascinating account of tall tree enthusiasts and scientists who climb and study some of the world’s biggest trees, primarily the Giant Sequoia.
- Until fairly recently no humans were able to venture into the canopy of these huge trees and consequently little was known about canopy ecosystems.
- A ‘wild tree’ is one that has not been climbed nor studied.
- Author Richard Preston (a tree enthusiast himself) follows the work of those few who have developed and mastered climbing techniques that makes study of these amazing trees possible.
- A wonderful addition to the natural history of the pacific coast, reads like an adventure novel.
- Highly recommended.
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
As every faithful library fan knows, the expression “third time’s a charm” was probably first referenced in Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Letters Addressed to R. H. Horne (1839) with the expression ‘The luck of the third adventure.‘
But the reason I’m using it here is because this is my third (and henceforth most charming – so far) column for the wonderful B-Town Blog.
Of course I must start out my column by fulfilling my contractual obligation, else risk losing this wonderful soap box/bully pulpit, which I cherish only slightly less than the smell of books themselves, and that is this word:
SHUSH!
Now that that’s over with, let’s move on to the business at hand…
LIBRARIES CLOSED LABOR DAY:
All King County Library System libraries will be closed Monday Sept 1st for Labor Day. For a complete list of 2008 library closures please visit http://www.kcls.org/usingthelibrary/holidays.cfm.
PROGRAMS:
- Book Discussion Group @ Burien Library
Wednesday Sept 17th @ 2pm: ‘Three cups of tea: one man’s mission to fight terrorism and build nations– one school at a time’ by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
- Opera Preview
Wednesday Sept 24th @ 7pm: Norma Hollingshead will be discussing Richard Strauss’ voluptuous epic tragedy of ‘Eleckra’ – you don’t want to miss this one! Sponsored by the Burien Library Guild
- Programs for teens
SAT Prep Class Saturdays Sept 20 & 27th, October 4th, 11th & 18th @ 2pm – Presented by Sandweiss Test Prep. Students must attend ALL five sessions. This series will help prepare students for all sections of the SAT test. Practice exams will be scored and returned. Registration BEGINS Sept 2nd.
- Programs for children
Burien, Boulevard Park, and White Center Libraries ALL have regularly scheduled story times for toddlers and preschoolers, please check the programs page at http://www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm for dates and times.
DID YOU KNOW?
- King County Library Homepage InfoVote 2008 links to answers for all your election-related questions, from voter registration and polling locations to background on candidates and issues. Start here to find details, context, and analysis to help new and seasoned voters make informed decisions about all candidates and issues on the ballot.
- We Have 2009 Calendars For Sale!
The Burien Library Guild is now selling 2009 ‘Book Lover’s’ calendars for $7 each. Be sure to stop by the Burien Library for your copy before they are all gone! All proceeds support library programs and supplies.
Last Town on Earth by Thomas Mullen (fiction)
- Set in Washington State during World War I
- Plot revolves around the flu epidemic and the advent of organized labor
- A well written tale that knits together dilemmas facing the people of a small logging town
- Spies, union organizers, and fear of disease and death all come into play even as the townsfolk try to shut themselves off from the outside world
- A very good read!
Well, that’s all I’ve got time for this week, but please come back soon for more, and of course come visit your local Library, but in the meantime, please don’t forget to SHUSH!
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
Being that this is only my second column for this upstart electronic media publication, I want to take a moment and let everyone know that I do not believe in the sophomore jinx, and therefore will not even respond to those who wish me ill will for said superstition (knock on wood!).
However, we here at KCLS do have the ability to monitor your every thought, and I know what you’re thinking, so I will now fulfill my contractual vow to the B-Town Blog, and henceforth shout in your general direction the following word:
SHUSH!
Now that that’s over with, let’s move on to the business at hand…
PROGRAMS
- Come to the ABC Afternoon Book Club for 3rd- 6th grade kids! Join Lydia, one of our children’s librarians to discuss The Anybodies by N.E. Bode. Monday, August 4th at 4pm at (where else) your Burien Library.
Anime & Manga Club for teens. Come watch anime movies, talk about your favorite anime and manga, graphic novels, or practice drawing manga characters while enjoying snacks at the library. Wednesday, August 6th at 3:30pm at (duh) your Burien Library.
DID YOU KNOW??
The King County Library System is making the switch to BioBags!
These bags are eco-friendly, 100% compostable and biodegradable.
BioBags are produced from cornstarch and vegetable oil and are designed to decompose in less than one year.
Check out http://www.kcls.org/research/infogreen/bio_bags.cfm for more details.
BULLET POINT BOOK REVIEW
The Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber
- Shakespeare buffs take note! This wonderfully written novel of intrigue and suspense is sure to keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.
- Our story opens with the discovery of an encrypted letter found tucked in the binding of a fire-damaged antiquarian book.
- The letter, written by one Richard Bracegirdle, a 16th century English spy and solider, reveals the existence of a previously unknown Shakespearean play.
- The story revolves around characters both past and present that become, either by design or by circumstance, deeply involved in discovering the location of the Shakespeare manuscript.
- Russian gangsters, English spies, and high profile lawyers with dubious family ties all come to life in this smart and articulate novel by Northwest writer Michael GrubeR.
- Da Vinci Code move over – highly recommended!
- This one is on CD too!
Well, that’s all I’ve got time for this week, but please come back soon for more, and of course come visit your local Library, but in the meantime…SHUSH!
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
by Marilee A. Cogswell
Manager,
Burien Library
Welcome to my very first column for the B-Town Blog!
Summer is always a busy time for libraries, and henceforth, Librarians, so please show some consideration of my time and energy.
In other words: “SHUSH! Please be considerate of others – people are trying to read!”
As you know, the Burien branch of the King County Library is located at 14700 Sixth Avenue SW in Burien; our phone number is (206) 243-3490 and our hours are:
| Monday-Thursday | 10am-9pm |
| Friday | 10am-6pm |
| Saturday | 10am-5pm |
| Sunday | 1-5pm |
PROGRAMS:
The Summer Reading Program (SRP) is in full swing. We have lots programs, activities, and prizes for kids of all ages, including preschool and elementary school age kids http://www.kcls.org/srp/. The program for teens has a NEW element this summer which we hope really inspires those budding film makers out there, it’s called ‘Read.Flip.Win’.
To enter teens need to create a short video book review and post it to YouTube. See http://www.kcls.org/teens/read_flip_win.cfm for details and to see what you could win!
The Burien Library will be hosting a teen film shoot event on Monday July 21st.
NEW BURIEN LIBRARY:
Construction is fully underway on our joint development project at Burien Town Center; the new Burien Library will share a 3-story building with the City of Burien. The new library will include more materials, computers, and space for children and teens. The current library will remain open for business until construction of the new building is completed sometime in mid 2009
DID YOU KNOW?
The Burien Library Guild and the White Center Library Guild are nonprofit organizations that support our local libraries. Both the Burien Library Guild and the White Center Library Guild host an ongoing “book sale” stocked with good quality used books that have been donated to the library. Both libraries gladly accept donations of good quality used books, and all donations directly support programs and activities at your libraries.
BULLET POINT BOOK REVIEW OF THE MONTH:
Empire of Blue Water: Captain Morgan’s great pirate army, the epic battle for the Americas, and the catastrophe that ended the outlaws’ bloody reign by Stephan Talty
- Wonderfully readable non-fiction account of pr1acy, buccaneering, privateering, and politics in the Caribbean from about 1665-1700.
- Henry Morgan and his men rampaged from Jamaica’s Port Royal, “the wickedest city in the new world” all across the Spanish Main.
- A British loyalist to the end, Morgan began his career as a “privateer” to disrupt Spanish commerce in the new world (a privateer functions much as a pirate, but with a paid commission and sanction of a government body, in Morgan’s case the British empire).
- This is the real story of the Pirates of the Caribbean and is so bloody, daring, and outlandish that no fiction comes close to the reality.
- No ship, port, or inland city for that matter was safe from an attack by these ‘booty’ hungry and bloodthirsty renegades.
- In one of the most daring episodes of Morgan’s career, he marched his band across Panama to loot and burn Panama City; the city was so ruined that after the attack it was not rebuilt on the same site.
- A truly fascinating history of political intrigue and empire building in the Caribbean during the age of exploration.
- Highly recommended.
- This one comes in LP & on CD too.
Well, that’s all I’ve got time for this week, but please come back soon for more, and in the meantime…SHUSH!
Marilee A. Cogswell is the Manager of the Burien Library.
