E-Reading for the Computer-Bound

Bless you, Flavorwire!
Finding free e-reading material can be a challenge--especially for those of us unwilling to commit a device.  I don't mind scouring the web, digging around for e-stories, but the challenge of finding a story in its entirity?  By a current author?  That can maddening. But this week, Flavorwire did the digging and published a ready-made list of short stories available (for free!!) on the web.
See this???  It's the happiest website you're going to see this week, starting off with the title story of George Saunders' new book Tenth of December. (Did I mention that has a hold list?)
The list of authors is stunning and the stories?  Well, there's no waiting...
Happy Reading!

Attention Book Groups

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski, one of Oprah's Book Club choices, is Herrick's latest Book Group to Go Bag.  A tale reminiscent of "Hamlet" that also celebrates the alliance between humans and dogs follows speech-disabled Wisconsin youth Edgar, who bonds with three yearling canines and struggles to prove that his sinister uncle is responsible for his father's death. (Description from Novelist)

Attention Book Groups

M. L. Stedman's popular debut novel, The Light Between Oceans, is now available as a book group to go bag.  Following is the description:  "A novel set on a remote Australian island, where a childless couple live quietly running a lighthouse, until a boat carrying a baby washes ashore"--.

Next Up for O'Reilly

When you've got a theme that works for you, you might as well run with it, right?  So sayeth Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard, co-authors of the wildly popular Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy.  But where do you go from telling the detailed assassination stories of two of the most popular figures in American history?

Answer: turn to world history.

Earlier this week, at the end of his show The O'Reilly Factor, Bill O'Reilly announced that he and Dugard had collaborated for on a third title, Killing Jesus.  According to O'Reilly, "My co-author and I have uncovered some amazing things about the execution of Jesus of Nazareth and how it all tied into Roman power."

The book is scheduled for release on September 24 of this year.

Happy Reading!

iPad Boot Camp for Beginner's is back!

New iPad for Christmas?
Ready for some tips & tricks?
Like the hands-on learning approach?

Head to the iPad Beginner's Boot Camp with your iPad on Monday, March 4, 2013 where Bill Badran, from BandA Tech Solutions, will put you through the paces of how-to's and optimization tips for your iPad.  No registration required.  Join us in the Hazel Hayes Auditorium on the lower level.

Free Market Research Reports Available through Library Website

Businesses and non-profit organizations alike have similar marketing questions.  Who are our potential and current customers?  What are their needs?  Who are our competitors?  How should we differentiate our products or services?  Finding the answers is easy using free online market research tools available through business databases on the library's website.  Simply log in using your library card number and PIN to access online tools that create exportable reports with just a few clicks of the mouse.

• ReferenceUSA  is a business directory database for accessing information about business clients and competitors, community residents, and individual consumers.  Information is searchable by company name, SIC or NAICS code, geographical location, number of employees, and other factors.
• BusinessDecision utilizes powerful mapping technology to help present information in graphically appealing, easy to read, charts, graphs, and reports.  This tool includes demographic and income profiles for geographic areas, consumer household data, and market profile information.
• BusinessInsights: Essentials allows the user to research, analyze, and compare companies and industries using industry, product, and association information.

So go ahead, run that report that will impress your boss, or help achieve your mission in a new area, or help prove the case for a business idea to your local bank.  HDL's business databases and other online business tools are available to you online 24-7.

Top Three Ways to Celebrate African American History Month at HDL

Herrick District Library has some great opportunities for you to learn more about the individuals who helped shape African American history.  Here are this year's top recommendations for learning a lot in a short amount of time:

3.  Visit the Biography in Context database.  Log in using your library card number and PIN, and you'll be taken to a homepage with rotating banners featuring historical and contemporary figures in black history.  Over 150 African Americans are featured in the database, each with a page listing information about him or her from reference books, newspapers and magazines, media sources, photography files, and/or academic journals.  Biography in Context contains 600,000+ biographies covering more than 525,000 individuals, making it a great resource to use any time you'd like to learn more about an important historical or contemporary figure.

2.  Check out the US History subject guide with Black History Resources.  View video files, find out about newly released books, see eReference materials and databases, and peruse the list of recommended websites to visit.

1.  Children and families are welcome to attend the Special African American Story Time on Saturday, February 23 at 11:00am, main library children's area, second floor. The Underground Railroad will come alive once again when Rosie Chapman reenacts the role of conductor Harriet Tubman. Tubman will retell her tale of escape from slavery complete with songs and movement. The morning will also feature a book dedication by the Juneteenth organization, featuring Holland's mayor, Kurt Dykstra, who will read from a book about Juneteenth.  Book copies will be provided to event participants by Ready for School.