“Some Books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested” – Francis Bacon

It’s February, the month of love. And I must admit, I LOVE books. Don’t you?

All King County Libraries will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20th in observance of President’s Day.

• http://www.kcls.org/
• Burien Library: 206.243.3490
• White Center Library: 206.243.0233
• Boulevard Park Library: 206.242.8662

Did You Know?
Computer classes are being offered in Spanish at the Burien and White Center Libraries!

• Internet Nivel 1 (En Espanol/Spanish)
• Sunday, Feb. 19th  @ Burien 1:30-3pm
• Thursday, Feb. 23rd @ White Center 6-7:30pm
• Registration  is Required
• All of our computer classes and programs are free, call or signup online

The Burien Library is having a ‘STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEP- OVER”!! Don’t let your little buddy miss out!
Saturday, Feb. 18th beginning at 4pm. Children ages 3-9 (with an adult) BRING in your favorite stuffed animal or doll for a special Story Time and then tuck them in and let them spend the night at the Library!!!

• Come back on Sunday to pick them up and find out what they were up to while you were sleeping!
• Registration is required
• Family Movie and Stuffed Animal Pick-Up @ the Burien Library
• Sunday February 19th beginning at 1pm (movie runs until about 3:30pm)
• Reunite with your stuffed friend and enjoy a movie about toys while you are here.  Movie is open to all.

Tax season is upon us!  This year the AARP tax assistance folks will be at the Burien Library:

• Thursdays 2pm-6pm from Feb. 2nd – April 12th,  &
• Saturdays 10am-4pm from Feb. 5th –April 14th.
• Drop in only no registration is required.  Bring last year’s tax statement

Visit http://www.kcls.org/programs/index.cfm for a complete list of programs happening at all your King County Libraries.

Book Review – for your creepy Valentine!
Perfume: the Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind

Set in 18th century France, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille uses his extraordinary sense of smell to become one of the greatest perfumers of all time.  Smells are beautifully described and brought to life for the reader.

Grenouille is however obsessed with only one thing- capturing the essence of certain desirable young women.

Creepy and fascinating!

Made into a major motion picture starring Dustin Hoffman and John Hurt-also available on CD.

Until next time…see you in the stacks!

- 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.

A full report will be posted Wednesday.

King County Library System Director Bill Ptacek wants to close both the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries and build a new one.

by Ralph Nichols

Burien City Council members are expected to ask King County Library Trustees tonight (Monday, Nov. 28) not to proceed with a proposal to consolidate the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries.

The trustees will have before them once again at their Tuesday Nov. 29 meeting library system Director Bill Ptacek’s plan to replace North Burien’s two neighborhood libraries with a new facility (read more about that here).

In late June, the trustees placed the consolidation matter on hold until they could get more information about a possible annexation by Burien of the North Highline unincorporated area.

Preceding that action, the city council and patrons of the two libraries implored the trustees not to abandon these communities which, they said, depend on those local programs and services.

Since then, Burien has officially begun the annexation process, which could result in the remaining unincorporated area becoming part of the city.

The King County Boundary Review Board will hold a public hearing on Burien’s annexation application in early January.

Even so, Ptacek and his staff appear undeterred.

Ptacek said at a Nov. 17 planning meeting that the library system is reaching a crossroads with the North Burien libraries and needs direction in finalizing the remaining projects in the 2004 Capital Improvement Plan.

The White Center Library is located at 11220 16th Ave SW.

Now a resolution, linked today from the KCLS board’s Nov. 29 meeting agenda (download PDF of resolution here, agenda here), authorizes consolidation if approved by the trustees.

“Based on the findings regarding changed local circumstances,” it concludes, “the Board hereby determines that it has become impractical to accomplish the proposed projects at the Boulevard Park and White Center libraries at this time as set forth in the Capital Improvement Plan and orders that the Capital Improvement Plan be revised to replace those two projects with a single project to consolidate the operations of those two libraries into a single, new facility to be located south of the current libraries and between the two communities.”

But, countered Rachael Levine, president of the White Center Library Guild, “the ‘findings of fact’ presented in the Capital Plan Revisions include speculation and broad statements of benefit.

“Phrases such as, ‘If the population does not grow,’ ‘immediately while construction costs are still low,’ ‘adequate distance,’ and ‘significant annual savings,” do not answer the real questions of library services that were promised and are deserved by this community.”

In 2004, patrons of the county-wide library district (excluding Seattle and Renton) approved a capital improvements bond issue that included funding for a new 10,000 square foot White Center Library and improvements to the Boulevard Park Library.

Since 2007, however, Ptacek and his staff have looked for reasons not to move forward with work on the two local libraries.

Should the five-member board of trustees choose to nullify specific terms of the capital improvements bond – and disregard the will of local voters, who repeatedly have said they need the services of their libraries – they could do so by majority of three.

Library trustees are appointed, not elected, and have no direct accountability to the public. Ptacek is even more insulated in his position.

Now 34th District Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-Burien, is looking into changing state law to require direct election of library district commissioners, as fire, water and sewer district commissioners already are.

And Burien City Councilwoman Rose Clark is not pleased with the current process in which a library district staff headquartered in Issaquah and a five-member board that usually meets there will make a decision impacting Burien far away from this city.

“In this case the library system has not even held one public meeting in this community,” Clark told The B-Town Blog. “That shows a complete lack of respect for the people of Burien.”

This lack of respect is compounded by the fact that “the people in those communities went door belling to support the bond issue,” she added. Since then, “they’ve been paying taxes for seven years and they’ve gotten nothing.”

The Boulevard Park library is located at 12015 Roseberg Avenue South.

Barb Dobkin, president of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, told The B-Town Blog, “It is time for KCLS to be honest with the people of North Highline.”

“In 2004, the residents of North Highline overwhelmingly approved the Capital Improvement Plan proposed by King County Library System. We voted on that plan with the promise to use the taxes collected on the levy to rebuild and enlarge the White Center Library in its current location, and improve the current Boulevard Park Library.”

But, Dobkin noted, “While we have been paying and waiting, KCLS has delayed the investments in our community libraries, while building libraries elsewhere, and is using a possible annexation of the remainder of North Highline to Seattle as a reason for its failure to fulfill the promises it made in 2004.

“The facts are that Seattle has been backing away from annexation while Burien has been moving forward. The Libraries are now in Burien, and Burien believes that KCLS should honor its promise by rebuilding and improving the White Center and Boulevard Park Libraries in the communities they serve.”

Ptacek remains undeterred by local objections to his plan.

“We brought it back to the board hoping the board will make a decision,” Ptacek told The B-Town blog.

“Burien still has to make a final decision on annexation,” and even if they proceed “I don’t expect it to be on the ballot until next year.”

Yet, he continued “this is a good economic climate” for construction. “I’m not sure it will be in the future.”

With consolidation of the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries into a new facility – farther from their neighborhoods yet closer to the downtown Burien library – “I believe we can still provide good service.”

Below is text of the KCLS resolution (download entire PDF here):

KING COUNTY RURAL LIBRARY DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Resolution 2011-06 (Capital Plan Revisions—North Highline Area)

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution 2004-03, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the King County Rural Library District d/b/a King County Library System (“KCLS” or the “System”) found it to be in the best interests of the citizens of the System and the patrons of its libraries to undertake a ten-year plan for capital projects at libraries throughout the System (the “Capital Improvement Plan”) to acquire, construct, equip and furnish new library facilities, to renovate, expand and upgrade existing library facilities and to acquire new books, materials and equipment, as described in Exhibit A to Resolution 2004-03, and to undertake other capital improvements throughout the System as determined by the Board (collectively, the “Projects”), and further found it necessary, proper and advisable that the System incur indebtedness, issue not more than $172,000,000 of its general obligation bonds (the “Bonds”) maturing within 20 years, and levy annual excess property taxes to pay and retire the Bonds; and

WHEREAS, Section 3 of Resolution 2004-03 specifically provided that:

If the Board shall determine that it has become impractical to accomplish any of such improvements or portions thereof by reason of local or State circumstances, including, but not limited to, changed conditions or needs, regulatory considerations, incompatible development or costs substantially in excess of those estimated, the System shall not be required to accomplish such improvements and may apply the bond proceeds or any portion thereof to other portions of the improvements, to other capital purposes of the System, or to payment of principal of or interest on the bonds, as the Board may determine by resolution. In the event that the proceeds of sale of the bonds, plus any other money of the System legally available, are insufficient to accomplish all of the capital improvements making up the Projects, the System shall use the available funds for paying the cost of those improvements for which the bonds were approved that are deemed by the Board most necessary and in the best interest of the System; and

WHEREAS, as required by law, the proposition to incur such indebtedness and issue such Bonds for the Projects was approved by the voters of the System at a special election held on September 14, 2004; and

WHEREAS, at the time of their approval, the following projects were included among the Projects in the Capital Improvement Plan:

• Boulevard Park: Essential upkeep and maintenance of the library over the next 10 years.
• White Center Library: A new 10,000-square-foot replacement library on the current site; and

WHEREAS, as described in a memorandum (the “Capital Plan Revisions Memo”), a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A hereto and incorporated by this reference, KCLS staff has advised the Board that the local circumstances supporting the proposed projects at the Boulevard Park and White Center libraries have changed, and has recommended that the two facilities be consolidated into a single, new facility located south of the current libraries and between the two communities; and

WHEREAS, KCLS staff cited a number of factors to support its recommendations, including:

• Impact of the Burien Library
• Distribution of Square Feet per Capita
• Unresolved Annexation Issues
• Changing Nature of Library Services
• Operational Budget Constraints

WHEREAS, the Board Planning Committee carefully considered the Capital Plan Revisions Memo and referred the matter to the entire Board for further consideration;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF THE SYSTEM AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Findings. Based on the information presented by KCLS staff in the Capital Plan Revisions memo, the Board hereby makes the following findings regarding changed local circumstances:

(a)    Impact of Burien library. Since its opening in 2009, the Burien Library has proven to be a destination library that not only serves the City of Burien, but also the broader North Highline area and draws library users from throughout the area, including South King County and Seattle, demonstrating that a well-located larger library will serve more people. Libraries in the area will need to complement the services at Burien.

(b)    Distribution of Square Feet per Capita. After accounting for potential growth in the area, the square feet per 1,000 of population in the North Highline area is notably higher than the System average. In addition, growth trends during the past decade are inconsistent with growth projections for the area. If the population does not grow to the expected level, the disproportionate number of square feet per capita will be intensified.

(c)    Unresolved Annexation Issues. Altering the capital plan to pursue an option that is not dependent upon annexation allows KCLS to select a site and plan for a new library immediately while construction costs are favorable. It also allows KCLS to select a new location that provides adequate distance between the North Highline libraries and the Seattle city limits.

(d)    Changing Nature of Library Services. KCLS’s Services Strategy positions the System to serve members of the community that are not currently being served within the library buildings. With the new Library2Go outreach vehicles and expansion of online services, KCLS will reach many more patrons who otherwise would not use the library.

(e)    Operational Budget Constraints. The economic decline that began in 2008 has impacted KCLS’s revenue stream. Revenue in 2012 will decline for the first time in the history of the System. Operating one consolidated and centrally located library results in significant annual savings in operational costs.

Section 2. Capital Plan Revisions—North Highline Area. Based on the findings regarding changed local circumstances set forth in Section 1, the Board hereby determines that it has become impractical to accomplish the proposed projects at the Boulevard Park and White Center libraries at this time as set forth in the Capital Improvement Plan and orders that the Capital Improvement Plan be revised to replace those two projects with a single project to consolidate the operations of those two libraries into a single, new facility to be located south of the current libraries and between the two communities. The Board further authorizes the application of Bond proceeds to pay all or part of the capital costs of such new library facility.

Section 3. Immediate Effect. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. Adopted this 29th day of November 2011.

• Richard Eadie, President
• Jessica Bonebright
• Rob Spitzer
• Jim Wigfall, Secretary
• Lucy Krakowiak

by Ralph Nichols

In late June, the King County Library System Board of Trustees deferred a proposal to consolidate the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries into a new facility (read our previous coverage here).

Board members voted 3-0 to put the issue on hold pending more information about a possible annexation by Burien of the North Highline unincorporated area.

Since then, Burien has officially begun the annexation process, which could result in the remaining unincorporated area becoming part of the city.

Despite this move by Burien, however, consolidation of the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries in a new facility will be considered again by the KCLS trustees at their monthly meeting at the Service Center in Issaquah at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29 (location info here).

Two years ago this month, KCLS Director Bill Ptacek made his first attempt to consolidate the libraries in an all-but-secret deal to buy Puget Sound Park on 1st Ave. S. just north of SW 128th St. before Burien formally annexed that area.

North Highline residents critical of the proposed action say a new building would deprive two disadvantaged neighborhoods of conveniently located libraries.

They also note the consolidated library would likely be located less than two miles from the downtown Burien Library, which opened in mid-2009.

The B-Town Blog has left a voice-mail asking Ptacek for comment, and will be gathering other reactions as well.

“Pursuing a consolidated library at a new location is favored for several reasons,” KCLS staff said at a recent planning meeting. “Operating one centrally located library will result in significant annual savings in operational costs; and a larger library will provide a higher level of service and increased access to library resources than two smaller libraries.”

The Capital Improvement Plan bond issue approved by voters county wide in 2004 includes funds for a new White Center Library and major upgrades to the Boulevard Park Library.

“At this time,” however, “staff is recommending that the KCLS Board of Trustees direct them to pursue the consolidation of the White Center and Boulevard Park libraries into a consolidated library at a new location.”

A site selection is already under way, staff reported, and “construction costs are more favorable now than later.”

A key factor in the staff decision to proceed is the unresolved issues involving annexation of North Highline.

The preliminary agenda for the board’s Nov. 29 meeting will be posted at www.kcls.org late Wednesday afternoon. The complete agenda with links to attachments will be posted on Nov. 25.

Science and Management of Addictions (SAMA) will be holding its monthly ‘Youth In Recovery’ night on Wednesday, Nov. 23rd from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Burien Library.

“Last month we had 30 attendees at this event; everyone enjoyed the movie “Mars needs Mothers,” according to an email. “Congratulations to our gift card winners to: McDonalds, Dairy Queen and Sub Way. We are looking forward to another active evening working on some harvest/Thanksgiving crafts, WII games, music and enjoying one another. Mark your calendars for the 23rd — early Turkey Day!! Please share with others interested in joining us, especially any young adult you may know that is celebrating their recovery!”

SAMA focuses on eliminating the disease of substance addiction in youth by advancing research, education and treatment. Family Navigator Service is available for families and community outreach.

Here’s more about SAMA from their website:

Our mission is to eliminate the disease of substance addiction in youth by advancing research, education and treatment. Our vision is that young people and their families find the resources they need to overcome the disease of substance addiction. We will accomplish our mission by supporting research on the science and management of addictions, by assuring availability of effective substance abuse prevention and treatment services, by providing information about substance abuse treatments, and by advocating for research and treatment of substance addiction.

Here are the details:

WHAT: ‘Youth In Recovery’ night.

WHEN: Wednbesday, Nov. 23rd from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m..

WHERE: Multipurpose Room of the Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd Street, 243-3490.

CONTACT: For more info, email info@samafoundation.org, or call (206) 322-7262 or 1-888-922-7262.

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.

Science and Management of Addictions (SAMA) will be holding its monthly ‘Youth In Recovery’ night on Thursday, Oct. 27th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Burien Library.

There will be FREE food, prizes, games and “lots of fun,” according to an email.

SAMA focuses on eliminating the disease of substance addiction in youth by advancing research, education and treatment. Family Navigator Service is available for families and community outreach.

Here’s more about SAMA from their website:

Our mission is to eliminate the disease of substance addiction in youth by advancing research, education and treatment. Our vision is that young people and their families find the resources they need to overcome the disease of substance addiction. We will accomplish our mission by supporting research on the science and management of addictions, by assuring availability of effective substance abuse prevention and treatment services, by providing information about substance abuse treatments, and by advocating for research and treatment of substance addiction.

Here are the details:

WHAT: ‘Youth In Recovery’ night.

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 27th from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (held monthly on every third Thursday).

WHERE: Multipurpose Room of the Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd Street, 243-3490.

CONTACT: For more info, email info@samafoundation.org, or call (206) 322-7262 or 1-888-922-7262.

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.

Norm Hollingshead will give a free preview of Seattle Opera’s upcoming production of one of the most popular operas ever written – Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ – at the Burien Library Multipurpose Room from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. this Wednesday, Sept. 21st.

“Bizet’s sexy thriller about a soldier’s ill-fated obsession with the ultimate femme fatale is arguably the world’s most popular opera,” reads the Seattle Opera website. “Featuring truly brilliant orchestration, an unrivaled procession of hit tunes, and a stage full of gypsies, smugglers, factory girls, and ‘tor-ee-a-dors, Carmen packs all the sizzle of Spanish culture into an irresistible theatrical event.”

Here’s more about Hollingshead from his website:

Norm Hollingshead gives more than 100 opera-related lectures each season.  Many of these lectures are “Opera Previews” related to upcoming Seattle Opera productions. Norm retired in June of 2007 after 35 years as a middle-school teacher in the Seattle Public Schools.  Opera is his hobby and he was lucky enough to have been invited to give an “opera preview” lecture for the Seattle Opera Guild in May of 1976 and he has been giving “opera previews” and other “opera-related lectures” ever since.  In the new millennium Norm was averaging 90 to 100 lectures a year but since 2008 the number of lectures has increased to more almost 180 in 2011 (including 70 or so in middle school classrooms).

Here’s more on ‘Carmen’ from the KCLS website:

Ever since its’ premiere in 1875, Carmen’s glorious melodies have conjured up images of a fantasy Spain for generations of opera-lovers. Yet many Carmen-lovers forget that this opera is really a tale of sexual obsession and murder. It doesn’t seem possible that an opera that begins with such dazzling crowd scenes outside a picturesque tobacco factory could end with a fatal encounter between two star-crossed lovers, alone on a side-street outside the bull-ring. Such is the amazing power of Bizet’s music that the opera’s tragic ending makes perfect dramatic sense.

Seattle Opera’s production of Carmen opens on October 15.

These Carmen previews will be presented by local opera expert, Norm Hollingshead, who will illustrate his commentary with recorded musical excerpts.

VIDEO:
Here’s a scene of singer Julia Migenes doing the song ‘Habanera’ from ‘Carmen’ in a film (this is NOT from the Seattle Opera production):

Click here to view the embedded video.

‘Carmen’ will run from Oct. 15th – Oct. 29th at the Seattle Opera. More info here.