The Book Thief: let the discussion begin!

For those of you who haven't yet read Mark Zusak's The Book Thief, but intend to, you might want to stop reading this blog for a little while, as there are bound to be spoilers as the MMPL librarians discuss the text. Those of you who have read it, please feel free to participate in the discussion with your comments.

I almost put this book down after the first few pages; I have to admit to having a problem with books in which the narrator blatantly directs the course of action and tells the reader what's going to happen, or how to observe something, or whatever. I know that there isn't any actual objective narration in a story--the author is always directing the course of the narrative--but I dislike the sense of overt manipulation of the reader in the use of a narrator like Death in this story.

But I persevered, and I felt that Death became somewhat less obtrusive as the author warmed up to his own story. I'm still not entirely sure why this novel needed the expository character of Death; I think it would have been just as moving without him, although the author's idea of Death and how he carries out his job was interesting itself.

MMPL Librarians' Book Club

The Librarians have decided to host their own book club (though probably not on a monthly basis--we're busy, ya know!), and the first book we've chosen is Mark Zusak's "The Book Thief."

We invite you to read along with us, and share your views using the comments section of this blog. We won't start discussing it until February, so you have some time. Hope you'll join us!

-MMPL Staff

Winter Programs at MMPL

2010 is bringing some great programming for our users. On Friday, 15 January at 9:00 a.m., John Howitt will be conducting a workshop entitled "Resumes and Interviews: Getting the Job You Want." The workshop is free, and participants are encouraged to bring resumes for critique.

In February we will be having another Big Winter Book Sale. The sale will be held here at the Library on Friday, 12 February (10 - 5) and Saturday, 13 February (10 - 2). We're looking for book donations and for volunteers to help set up, run and clean up the sale. Let us know if you're interested.

We will also be hosting a nature journaling workshop with Nancy Minnigerode at the Library and a family dance & music concert next door at Liberty Hall, so please check our Web site soon for dates and times.

We're pleased to announce that the FUN group is back at the Library on Friday mornings, and there are a whole host of kids' programs being planned for the next few months. So no need to be bored and mopey THIS winter! Come to the Library!

Who was that masked man?

Well, I'm fairly sure that he didn't actually wear a mask, but librarian Melville Dewey is the man responsible for inventing the classification system we use to shelve books in our library. Recently, some librarians have begun to discuss whether Dewey's system is outmoded and needs to be changed. Public libraries in Florida and Colorado are experimenting with a shelving system more like you would find in Barnes & Noble or Borders. User friendly and self service, this method of shelving books is meant to make access to our materials easier for our patrons.

Where do you stand on this issue? Are you a traditionalist? Would you like to see Dewey stay?Or, are you an innovator who would like the library to be more accessible and self service? One very important consideration as we consider this change is what our patrons want and need to make their experience of MMPL a positive one. I look forward to hearing from you!

Dine Around Cape Cod Restaurant Raffle.

At this library, we are fortunate to have the support of our local community. This is even more than usually apparent as we prepare for our summer fundraiser, "Dine Around Cape Cod". Wonderful local restaurants have donated a dinner for two to be raffled off to benefit the Library. You can buy your tickets here at MMPL and on July 4th at Cotuit Liquors in Marstons Mills. Generous sponsors to date are: The Red Inn, The Chatham Bars Inn, Lyric, The Regatta and The Wild Goose. Tickets are $10 or 3/$25. Where else could you get 5 dinners for 2 for $10!?

Beginning on Monday, July 6, the Library will open at 10 A.M. instead of 1 P.M. as has been the case. Mondays are busy for us and we hope these additional hours will better serve our patrons. Please let us know how our open hours work for you and your family.

Hoping for a sunny weekend!

Dollars and sense

Please join me, and Trustees Maureen McPhee and Ken Jenkins, for a public forum on 24 June at Town Hall to discuss the funding formula for Barnstable Libraries. The Town Library Committee, made up of two trustees from each Barnstable library, recently made changes in the formula that will effect how much funding each library receives. This is an informational meeting about those changes in the formula.

With Treasurer Al DeFlorio and Board member Howard Zabusky, I have been hard at work on our FY 10 Library budget. We have received funding reductions in our town appropriation, as well as reduced returns from our Annual Appeal. Although these reductions are not unexpected given our economic climate, they point out how important it is for each of us to do what we can to support the Library. The Library is busier than ever and is undergoing renovations, too. We need your help and we thank you!

Summer Fun at MMPL

At their meeting on Tuesday, the Development Committee, the group charged with raising operating funds for our Library, discussed our yummy summer raffle. Our prize this year is 5 dinners for 2 at special Cape Cod restaurants! For $10( or 3 for $25), you can buy a chance to dine in style with a companion at 5 different restaurants. This is a great way to support MMPL while enjoying a night out. Please come by the Library to purchase your tickets any time after 15 June. Or, watch for us selling our tickets at local stores during July and August.

Our Youth Service Librarian is busy preparing for our Summer Reading program. Sign up on 22 June at the Library to participate. All ages are welcome and our theme this summer is Outer Space! There are lots of activities for different ages and prizes, too. Please join us.