Thursday, August 28, 2008

August Book Discussion Club - "Snow in August"

A group of 11 people met on Wednesday for a lively discussion of the book, "Snow in August" by Pete Hamill.

Topics that were discussed included: the book's exploration of the Jewish and Catholic Religions, the Yiddish language, the setting (Brooklyn at the time when Jackie Robinson played his first games as a Dodger), and the tantalizing ending of the novel.

To see some of the discussion questions ask a library staff member to help you find the book discussion guide using NoveList (a subscription website that Oak Bluffs Library Card holders can access through the library's website).

Next month's discussion will be about the critically acclaimed novel, "A Yellow Raft In Blue Water" by Michael Dorris. Please join us on Wednesday, September 24 at 10:30am for another thought provoking book discussion group meeting. New attendees are always welcome!

If you liked "Snow in August" by Pete Hamill, you may also like to read:

Gabriel García Márquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude (1970)

Myla Goldberg, Bee Season (2000)

Elinor Lipman, The Inn at Lake Devine (1998)

Michael Chabon, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay (2000)

Pete Hamill, A Drinking Life (His Autobiography)

Leo Calvin Rosten, The Joys of Yiddish (a great source for learning more about Yiddish)

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month!

Excerpt from the American Libraries Association Website:

"September is Library Card Sign-up Month - a time when the American Library Association and libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all.


The observance was launched in 1987 to meet the challenge of then Secretary of Education William J. Bennett who said: "Let's have a national campaign...every child should obtain a library card - and use it." Since then, thousands of public and school libraries join each fall in a national effort to ensure every child does just that.


Library cards are generally free to those living in the library's service area. In most cases, borrowing privileges are granted on the spot. Some libraries may require some form of identification, proof of residency or the signature of a guardian.


Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning."

Thursday, August 21, 2008

The Bibliophiles, Inc. - Celebrate at the OBPL!

A lively and thoughtful 20th anniversary celebration of The Bibliophiles, Inc., the nation’s longest standing, continuously operating African American reading group, took place at the Library on Thursday afternoon.

A crowd of approximately 60 people filled the Library's Meeting room to honor several of the group's "Living Legends": Ezola Adams, Cynthia Lemon, Frances May, and LuElla Peniston. Many of whom frequent the Oak Bluffs Public Library!

Many entertaining anecdotes were shared by the groups members, exemplifying the appreciation and joy that this group possesses for literature and learning.

The Bibliophiles, Inc. made a generous donation to the library as part of their celebration, and the library staff would like to thank all of the members of the reading group for the donation and for including the library in their festivities.

Phyllis Meras & Betsy Corsiglia - Book Talk & Signing!

Phyllis Meras and Betsy Corsiglia recently visited the Library for a book talk & signing of their collaborative effort, "Martha's Vineyard: Quiet Pleasures".

The book consists of a selection of Phyllis Meras' best nature essays, accompanied by the beautiful photographic work of Betsy Corsiglia. It vividly portrays the natural beauty of Martha's Vineyard as well as the unique culture of those that visit and live on the Island. Here is a link to the book on amazon.com: Martha's Vineyard: Quiet Pleasures

Phyllis and Betsy entertained the crowd with anecdotes regarding the creation of the book, and their previous experiences in their respective professions. It was another wonderful author/photographer event at the Oak Bluffs Public Library! Thank you Betsy and Phyllis!

Saturday, August 02, 2008

July Book Discussion Group - "Blackbird House"

We all enjoyed this book by prolific novelist Alice Hoffman which offers twelve beautifully written, interconnected stories, all taking place in the same Cape Cod farmhouse over the course of generations. Many interesting characters peopled the stories and provided us with a wealth of subjects for discussion.

For many, this was the first work by Alice Hoffman they had read. Needless to say, it won't be the last. Suggestions for other Alice Hoffman books are: Practical Magic, At Risk and Angel Landing.