Rain Barrel Basics

Quick!
Capture that rain water while you can.
Want to know how to do that?

Join us on  Monday, July 30, 2012 at 7:00pm to learn about rain barrel basics and for a chance to win an unfinished barrel.

From Page to Screen -- Life of Pi

So here's one that's been a long time in the making...

And I'm thinking, after watching the trailer, that I may have missed some key scenes in the book (glowing whale? Does anyone else not remember that bit?)--the good news is that I (and you, of course) still have time to (re-)read the book!  The movie is set to release on December 14 of this year.
Oh, and did I mention it's by Ang Lee?  That means I'm pretty sure it's going to be good and am officially willing to take a shot, whatever's up with the glowing whale.  Also?  In the role of Richard Parker?  Seriously spot-on.
Happy Reading!

From Page to Screen -- The Hobbit

New trailer released at Comic Con:

An Unexpected Journey is scheduled to release on December 14, 2012.
There and Back Again will be released on December 13, 2013.
And you had to know I would say it--there's still plenty of time to read the book!

"Rotten Tomatoes" for Readers

For years now, movie goers have delighted in a unique interactive website known as Rotten Tomatoes.  The concept is fairly simple: movies are listed on the website, users can log in and rate the movie giving it anywhere from 1 to 5 stars and leave comments. Movies are then given a rating on the "tomatometer" (cute, huh?).
Anywho, there's a new website that serves a similar function for readers called I Dream Books.  The rating system is a less original "readometer" and the graphics less exciting (little smiley clouds? Really?), but you'll also see critics reviews on the main page for each book, and when you log in, you can also create a "to read" list for yourself.
Not quite as much fun as actually hurling a tomato, but useful for those of us who find ourselves quite unable to stay on top of everything we think we want to read.
Happy reading!

Still looking for the great summer read?

I realized something this morning: we're half way through summer. I have yet to have my perfect summer fling with the best book I've ever read (well, since last summer and, of course, until next summer).
How's your summer?  Are you in the same boat?
The good news is, we can help!  This summer marked the launch of Herrick's new matchmaking service, finding just the right book for each reader.  Click here to get to the questionnaire.  After filling in the form, click submit.  Then, all you have to do is sit back and wait while we review your answers and a list of books we think you'll enjoy!  Your list will arrive via email within about a week.
Questions? Give us a call at the Reference Desk: 355-3720.
Happy Reading!

Fine. I'll post about it.

So, there's a bit of a phenomenon currently going on in the reading world.  Maybe you've heard about it?  Little ditty called 50 Shades of Grey?
Whatever your feelings on the books or their topic, the uproar is hard to miss.  And part of me feels a little remiss for not writing anything before now.  So without further procrastination, here's the highlights...
1.  Those rumors that it's being made into a movie?  Getting closer to reality. Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti (of The Social Network fame) have been chosen as the producers.  All kinds of rumors about casting are circulating, but none that I feel like we can post here and say "YES! THIS is a trustworthy source!" So I'll let you do your own fantasy casting until more information has been released.
2. USA Today posted an article that, love it or hate it, take an interesting look at what might be so fascinating people.  Check it out: 10 Reasons '50 Shades of Grey' Has Shackled Readers. I'd say the title was a clever play on words, but...
3. Are you familiar with the website goodreads?  If not, take a poke around, they do fun stuff there like this: a geographic analysis of the popularity of 50 Shades. Useful information? Probably not--but still interesting.  And as an added bonus: a short list of read-alikes--for those who just can't get enough!
No doubt I'll cave and post again--but in the meantime, what are your thoughts on 50 Shades?

Summer Tech Fun

Hold on tight as Timothy Haines takes you on a guided tour of Flikr and YouTube. Learn how to connect and share your summer fun, tech style. 

Monday, July 16 @ 6:00pm 
or
Tuesday, July 17 @ 9:30am

Meet in the lower level Computer Lab


What's your Pinterest?

Learn  how to use this fun online tool for sharing & organizing your virtual interests.

Join us in the lower level Computer Lab on

Thursday, July 12 at 2pm
or
Saturday, July 14 at 9:30am.

Attention Book Groups

True Sisters is a historical fiction novel which tells the true story of the Mormon Handcart Tragedy.  In 1856 a group of Mormons, many of them new converts from Europe, travelled from Iowa to Salt Lake City pushing handcarts instead of riding in covered wagons.  Unfortunately, the group left too late in the spring to arrive at their destination before winter storms arrived, resulting in disastrous consequences.

Available as a Book Group to Go Bag

Attention Book Groups

If you have read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen or seen the movie you know all about the aloof Mr. Darcy, the beautiful Elizabeth Bennett and her sisters, and the vile Mr. Wickham.  In the novel by PD James the story continues.  Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are now happily married and living at Pemberley.  Suddenly, late one evening Elizabeth's silly sister Lydia arrives in a carriage, screaming that Mr. Wickham has been murdered and stately Pemberley is thrown into a murder mystery.

Available as a Book Group To Go Bag

The Mennonite Returns!

Holland's favorite Mennonite has a sequel in the works!  Rhoda Janzen, author of Mennonite in a Little Black Dress appeared in the Book Buzz section of USA Today last week.  Janzen is an Associate Professor of English at Hope College and her first memoir sold over 500,000 copies.
Keep an eye on the blog--her new book, Does This Church Make Me Look Fat? A  Mennonite Finds Faith, Meets Mr. Right and Solves her Lady Problems is set to be released on October 2 and we'll be able to start taking holds soon.
Happy Reading!