Thursday, February 18, 2010

Newsletter no. 16

February 2010

Downloadable audio (Overdrive) is almost here...!
We are very close to offering this new service to our customers. Overdrive provides the infrastructure and applications to support the down loading of audio books on to a variety of devices - PC, Ipod, MP3 etc. at home. Yes, you will be taken through it very soon after it becomes available, so that you will be able to promote it to our customers. For a preview of how it works visit Auckland City Libraries and click on “quick start guide” to scroll through and find out what it’s all about. For further information you can also explore the Overdrive website. You will hear more about this fabulous new service soon.

This month’s guest editorial is by Helen Beckingsale*……

For the last 10 years Storylines has followed up the New Zealand Post shortlist with a Notable Books List intended to take the place of a “long-list” as produced for some overseas book awards.
The Notable Books list also gives an opportunity to make special mention of books which are not eligible for awards but are an exceptional addition to our national children’s book heritage. These include Margaret Mahy’s Bubble Trouble in new picture format in 2009 and A.H. Reed’s re-illustrated Illustrated Myths and Legends of the Pacific in 2008.
The Word Witch, the beautifully illustrated collection of Margaret Mahy’s poetry, will fall into that category in 2010.
So, when you can’t find any of the New Zealand Post short-listed titles take a look at the Notable Books List and encourage young readers to look more widely at our great New Zealand children’s authors. If you must have an actual award winner or short-listed title go to: http://www.christchurchcitylibraries.com/Kids/LiteraryPrizes/

· Helen is Specialist Librarian – Children’s and Teens Services at ECB Library and is a member of the Management Committee of Storylines.


Best Reads…..


This month’s Best Reads have been provided by Sheryl at Albany Village…….
The Love of Her Life by Evans, Harriet
Bridge of Sand : A Novel by Burroway, Janet
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Galloway, Steven
The Husband by Koontz, Dean

Very Valentine by Trigiani, Adriana

The Help by Stockett, Kathryn
Constance by Thomas, Rosie


Assassin by Cain, Tom
A Reliable Wife by Goolrick, Robert
Don’t forget to email your “Best Reads” to Ann Hill so they can be shared with us all.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Newsletter no. 15

Newsletter no. 15
January 2010

Welcome to a new year of wonderful reading experiences

Guest editorial…
From time to time a member of staff will be invited to provide a guest editorial about their area of expertise. You never know when you may be invited!

Our first guest is Sean Murgatroyd*:While North Shore Libraries have had graphic novels for children and teens for some time, we have recently opened a great new collection for adults of this material! Graphic novels have come a long way from the superhero comics of years gone by and now cover a vast range of topics – from intimate, moving personal biographies such as Marjane Satrapi’s “Persepolis” to compelling artistic works like Joann Sfar’s “The Rabbi’s Cat”. The more you investigate this fascinating world the more you will find there is something for all tastes. For a great collection of constantly updating reviews, visit the Graphics Novel Reporter.
http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com/


*Sean is Specialist Librarian – Information Services at Northcote Library.

Best Reads 2009…

What were your best reads for 2009? Send a list of your most memorable reads to Ann Hill
and they will be shared over the next few newsletters. Here are a few that I would consider some of my Best Reads for the year in no particular order and for a variety of reasons:

City of Refuge by Piazza, Tom

The Piano Teacher by Lee, Janice

The Hour I First Believed by Lamb, Wally

The Color of Lightning by Jiles, Paulette

Burnt Shadows by Shamsie, Kamila

Baking Cakes in Kigali by Parkin, Gaile

The Help by Stockett, Kathryn

The Voluptuous Delights of Peanut Butter and Jam by Liebenberg, Lauren

Cutting for Stone by Verghese, Abraham

A Quiet Belief in Angels by Ellory, R. J.

Towelhead : A Novel by Erian, Alicia

The Lieutenant by Grenville, Kate

This Is Where I Leave You by Tropper, Jonathan

Hiroshima Joe : A Novel by Booth, Martin

Spooner by Dexter, Pete

The Personal History of Rachel Dupree by Weisgarber, Ann