Banned Humor

Banned books week is about to come to a close for 2013.  Many libraries celebrate this week by taking previously challenged or banned books and locking them behind glass.  Anyone else need a headscratch?

Far more preferable: let's talk about it, think about, laugh about it, and maybe even (GASP) read it!
Want to know more?  Head to the ALA website listing the most challenged books of the last ten years, and their challenge reasons (possibly legitimate to downright nonsensical).  Then go forth and destroy your mind with reading!

They're Coming! They're Coming!!!

Ever wonder why you can't find some of your favorite authors on OverDrive? Or scratch your head at why there are bestselling tittles that you can find almost everywhere except the library's ebook collection?

It's frustrating, but true: there are some books and some authors that library's simply can't get for you in digital form.  The good news is that more and more publishers are coming around and making their books available for readers to get through their public libraries.  Such is the case this week, when we found out that Penguin, one of the bigger publishers holding out on digital content, as arrived at an agreement with OverDrive as to how we can make their titles available to you!

I could bore you with the details, or cut to the chase: start keeping an eye on our OverDrive Collection because some of your favorite authors are going to start popping up--ones that you may have missed before.  We're adding new titles daily and they include some of the greats like Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb, Jodi Picoult, Ken Follett, Julie Garwood, Catherine Coulter, Daniel Silva and Jayne Castle!

Can you tell we're geeked about this?  If there's an author that you've been looking for on ebook, keep checking back, or feel free to drop by and let us know that you've been looking for someone.  Your also welcome to hop on our website and fill out this quick form, and we'll do our best to get your suggestions added to our collection.

Welcome to OverDrive, Penguin!  And to all of you, Happy Reading!

Attention Book Groups

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Harold Fry, a retired sales representative and beleagured husband of Maureen, gets an letter from an old friend, Queenie, who tells him she is dying of cancer.  He decides to send her a letter, and then instead of mailing it suddenly takes it upon himself to walk 600 miles across England to deliver it to her.  He sets off totally unprepared with no phone, no food and the wrong clothes for a long journey.  As he walks he reflects on his life and his failings as a husband and a father.  His wife, Maureen actually begins to miss him as he travels.  As he walks we find out more about his life and his past.  Available as a Book Group To Go bag  

Attention Book Groups

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Before Louisa and Will meet, Will was a rich man from a wealthy family, closing multi-million dollar deals, skydiving and scaling mountains for entertainment, and playing the field with beautiful women, until a freak accident paralyzed him.  Lou, on the other hand, has spent her whole life in a tiny English town, has had the same boyfriend for seven years, and reluctantly takes the job of caring for Will after she loses her job in a café.  When Lou takes the job and they meet each other, they don't get along at first, but as time goes by they begin to care for each other, and eventually fall in love.  Lou tries to convince Will that life is still worth living.  Available as a Book Group To Go bag.

Registrations are now open!

This fall Herrick will be offering a science program for kids in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades called "Fun with Physics."  Miss Heather, a Hope student who has been with us in the past, will be the teacher for this hands-on class.  Unfortunately we have to limit the number in attendance so sign up today.  You may register your child here or give us a call at 616-355-3736.

We are also still taking registrations for Literacy Heroes training.  If you like to read with kids and have an hour or more each week to volunteer you could make a difference in a child's life!   Training will take place on Monday, September 23, at 7:00 pm.  You may register for the training session here or call 616-355-3736 and we will sign you up.

There's a fun family craft program coming up too.  Families will be able to submit a craft for this competition!  So put on your thinking caps and start getting some ideas together.  More details to come!

Attention Book Groups

The Great Michigan Read for 2013-2014 is Annie's Ghosts: A Journey Into a Family Secret.  It is a 2010 Michigan Notable Book written by Washington Post Associate Editor and Detroit native Steve Luxenberg.

Steve Luxenberg always thought his mother was an only child.  However, shortly before she died she casually mentioned that she had a disabled sister who was sent away at age two.  After his mother died Steve began looking for information on this sister.  As he dug, he discovered more and more untruths about his mother's life.  His aunt had not been sent away at age two but at age 21.  More lies surfaced.  He used his journalism skills while trying to remain empathetic to his mother as he uncovered the past.  The book is part memoir, part history and part detective story.   This title is available as a Book Group To Go bag.

For more information on Great Michigan Reads go to michiganhumanities.org.