Holiday Hours

Just a reminder - The Smyrna Library will close at noon on December 24th and won't reopen until Saturday, December 26th. We will also be closed on New Year's Day.

The Library has lots of new holiday movies and books. Come check them out. They're a great way to relax while the turkey's cooking.

Happy Holidays!!!

Happy Holidays

Do you need one more thing to make your holiday decorations perfect? Well, the Friends of the Library are holding a silent auction of six gorgeous wreaths. You better hurry though. The auction ends Saturday the 13th at 6:00 p.m.

NY Times Bestseller List

Every time I use the Library's new catalog, the wide variety of features amazes me. One of the coolest is the "Hot Titles" button.

Library users are always asking staff about books on the New York Times bestseller list. i.e. What's on the list? What's it about? - and most importantly - Does the library have it? The answer to those questions are no more than three clicks away.

If you log on to the Smyrna Library website and go to the catalog, you'll see a menu bar accross the top. Click on "Hot Titles" and a list of links will appear. These include award winning books, Oprah's selections, Publisher's Weekly and the New York Times Best seller lists.

Click on a list and you'll see bookcovers, reviews and plot summaries for the books. Click on a book cover and the catalog will search for a copy and if it's in. If the book is checked out you can reserve it online.

As my daughter says "Cool Beans." Check it out today.

2008 Election Information

This is going to be an important election for the United States and every citizen needs to be informed about the issues and the candidates.

Project Vote Smart (PVS) is a bipartisan project that provides biographical information, voting records, and issue positions of national, state and local candidates. In addition it has records on interest group ratings, copies of public statements and campaign finance records. It's your one-stop source for election information.

The Library has added a link to PVS in its database section. (Strategically placed in the middle.) Just going to the site is an interesting experience. You can see how elected officials vote in different states and develop a clear understanding of the major issues between the parties.

Check it out and exercise your most important right. Vote! If you don't, someone else will make the decision for you.

We've got all the new ones!

We've got Oprah's newest Book Club pick, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle! We've got Bill O'Reilly's bio as only he can tell it! And we've got another Stone Barrington adventure by Stuart Woods!Just three of the new choices you can pick up today at your Smyrna library.
Reserve them online with your library card number and personal PIN number.

Ruth

Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Have you ever wondered about the great questions of life like: What is existence? Is it ever moral not to tell the truth?

Philosophers have been trying to answer those questions for over two thousand years and they want to share their ideas with you. The Smyrna Library has added access to the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy on its database page.

Read what Socrates and Plato thought about good government. Review Descartes arguments proving individual existence and other philosophers saying not so fast. The Encyclopedia provides concise articles on all the major issues written by internationally recognized authorities.

If you read one article a day for a month and you'll be thinking like a philosopher for the rest of your life.

SABA Art Exhibit

The Smyrna Artists' Business Association (SABA) will be exhibiting a collection of locally produced art from its members in the upstairs display cases through October 31. SABA supports Smyrna's thriving local artist community and strengthens Smyrna's identity as an artist's city and a city of art.

Mark your calendars - SABA will also be holding the first ever Spirit Walk/Art Talk on October 18th. Fine art displays as well as family-friendly entertainment including music and storytelling will be featured. You definitely want to check this out.

From the Out House to the Brick House

A conversation with Walter Reeves. Walter Reeves is the most famous gardener in Georgia. He hosts programs on WSB-AM radio, GPTV and is a columnist for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. If you're active in gardening or interested in making your yard a showcase, this is one program you won't want to miss. This Thursday, the 25th at 7:00 p.m. in the Library meeting room.

New Language Software

Rossetta Stone has decided to quit providing access to their programs through libraries. Apparently, they feel they can make more by selling subscriptions to individuals. On September 15 we converted to Mango Languages. Try it out - It takes a different approach, but I think you'll like it.

Devil Bones -- New from Kathy Reichs

Kathy Reichs -- international number one bestselling author, forensic anthropologist, and producer of the Fox television hit Bones -- returns to Charlotte, North Carolina, where Temperance Brennan encounters a deadly mix of voodoo, Santería, and devil worship in her quest to identify two young victims.

Milestone Documents in American History

The new school year has started and the Smyrna Library has added a new online database that will make it easier to get good grades in history and government.

Milestone Documents in American History combines 133 full-text primary source documents with expert analysis and commentary. Students are able to see the actual documents online with clear explanations of each document's meaning and importance. Term papers practically write themselves.

Obviously, this site will be a treasure trove of information for history buffs as well as students. Call the library for your password and check it out.

Where there is smoke, there is Sandra Brown.

TV reporter Britt Shelley wakes up in bed next to the dead body of police detective Jay Burgess, and the authorities suspect foul play. That's all we can tell you for now. Check out this newest novel from the best-selling author Sandra Brown, and find out how it ends for yourself!

Ruth

Don't miss this Story

If we said "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" is about a boy and his dogs we'd be telling only the basic truth. This first offering by David Wroblewski took him 15 years to craft and it was worth every minute.

Don't miss this page turner!

Ruth

Great summer reading!

You'll want to check out her latest novel, Tribute, from Nora Roberts.

Looking for other great summer reads? Go to our (new) on-line catalog, click on Hot Titles and choose the New York Times Bestsellers link or the Publishers Weekly link to see what else is new. If a title is checked out,you can reserve the title from home (using your library card number and PIN) and we'll call you when the item arrives. Many of our titles are also available on CD-disc and you can reserve those on-line as well.

Have fun.

Ruth

Get ready to be dazzled!

Have you tried our new on-line catalog yet? From the library home page, click on Catalog and get ready to be dazzled. The site includes color item jackets, book review, summaries and Hot Titles as well as links to many reference sources we have not offered before. You may reserve and renew books online.
Also, to view your account activity, fines, reserves, etc. click on the My Account tab, then enter in your library card number. Your PIN number (a new feature) is the last four digits of your library card number. (You may change your PIN once in the My Account screen.)

Take some time to explore our new system. You'll be very glad you did.

Are you Fearless?

We have the latest Evanovich. Stephanie Plum is up to her usual antics. Come get yours today!

Ruth

Some thoughts for Father's Day

Want to do something special with Dad for Father's Day? Bring him to the library and check out the new bestseller by James Patterson:

Or check out one of our new DVDs, including:

And if dad's a fan of the Jeffery Deaver Lincoln Rhyme thrillers, check out:

Happy Father's Day to all the great dads of the world!

Ruth

Ready for adventure?

We've got four of the newest, thrilling adventures for great summer reading.

In this fifth book in the series, Clive Cussler has charted the exploits of the Oregon, a covert ship completely dilapidated on the outside but, on the inside, packed with sophisticated weaponry and intelligence-gathering equipment.

Robert Parker, author of the immensely popular Spenser, Jesse Stone and Sunny Randall series, Parker now eyes tales of the old West!

Alan Furst offers another bestseller with his newest spy thriller that takes place in Poland, 1937.

The 12th Jack Reacher novel, this one takes place in Colorado as the ex-military policeman finds big trouble once again.

Reserve your copies today.

Ruth

But wait there's more!

In addition to the Docents' displays in the art gallery, the Coordinator of Docent Volunteer Educators, Lisa Steinfeld, is exhibiting her photography in the library display cases upstairs. Her creative work includes color and black-and-white photographs and silver emulsion gel prints. This is an interesting exhibit combining classic studies with modern concepts.

We have Blu-ray discs

The library has just received our first selections of Blu-ray discs for checkout. Our collection includes:

• Enchanted


• Cars


• I Am Legend


• Ice Age


• Ratatouille


• The Die Hard Collection


• Kiss of the Dragon


• Scooby-Doo


• Entrapment


• And the series of five Harry Potter movies!

Head over to our DVD collection to check yours out. (Remember, you must have a Blu-ray disc player to view these DVDS.)

Want to learn more about Blu-ray? Click on:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray_Disc

Enjoy!
Ruth

High Museum Docents Exhibit in the Library Gallery

Docents from the High Museum of Art are exhibiting their works in the Library gallery upstairs. This interesting show displays art by the people that explain art to others at the Museum.

Kay Weeks is from Duluth and has been a docent for 11 years. She has been painting for 45 years and oil painting is her medium of choice.

Larry Skal is from John's Creek and has been a docent since 1992. His paintings are in watercolor, acrylic, and oils. Samples of each are on display.

Jane Lamkin is from Smyrna and is a Docent Emeritus at the High. She has been painting for 28 years and is exhibiting her water colors.

This is an interesting concept. See it today.

Three Biographies for different interests

This week's book order brings three very different books to choose from. Reserve your copy today.

After more than forty years of interviewing heads of state, world leaders, movie stars, criminals, murderers, inspirational figures, and celebrities of all kinds, Barbara Walters has turned her gift for examination onto herself to reveal the forces that shaped her extraordinary life.

Kirk Cameron, best known for his role as loveable teenage troublemaker Mike Seaver on the award-winning TV series Growing Pains pens his bio.

Simon Winchester brings to life the extraordinary story of Joseph Needham, the brilliant Cambridge scientist who unlocked the most closely held secrets of China, long the world's most technologically advanced country.

Here's what's new!

Question: What do Cokie Roberts, Nevada Barr and Tori Spelling have in common?

Answer: They each have a new bestseller and we've got them.

Ladies of Liberty, by Cokie Roberts. Women who shaped our nation.

Winter Study, by Nevada Barr. Park Ranger Anna Pigeon returns.

In Stori Telling, Tori Spelling tells her side of her tabloid-worthy life.

Reserve your copy today.

Ruth

DVDs for all your interests!

Here is a sampling of the newest DVDs to hit our shelves.

• The Bee Movie
• There Will Be Blood
• Charlie Wilson's War
• Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
• I am Legend
• Beowulf
• The Kite Runner
• Alvin and the Chipmunks
• Disney's Enchanted
• August Rush
• Dan in Real Life
• Love in the Time of Cholera
• Alvin and the Chipmunks
• Nancy Drew

Remember, checkout limit is five DVDs for seven days. Enjoy!

Ruth

More New Books!

Three new bestsellers just hit the shelves. Reserve yours today!

Ruth

New book order has arrived!

We have just received some titles that we know you've been hearing about, all Top Ten Bestsellers this week.



The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch was seen on Primetime Live with Diane Sawyer this week.



Where Are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark, another bestseller from this well-known author.



Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner, the sequel to her best-selling first novel, Good in Bed.

Go Green, Live Rich by David Bach. Bet you've seen him on Oprah!



Check out your copy today.

Ruth

Speaking of MLDV...

We've just added another 26 videos to the MLDV collection. Michael Chiarello's Napa television series features episodes on creating canola, ganache, California-style ribs and the 4 P's (polenta, pasta, pesto and prosciutto) as well as my personal favorite--choosing a complimentary California wine.

Call the library's Reference Desk (770-431-2860 x4) to get your password and start downloading your next dining experience.

Ciao,
Ruth

Introducing My Library DV (MLDV)

The library now offers over 500 videos, including award-winning movies, foreign and independent films from Film Movement, and lifestyle programming that you can download in minutes via your Internet connection and watch on your home computer workstation or laptop.

To get started, call the library's reference desk (770 431-2860 x 4) to request your My Library DV (MLDV) password. Then go to the library homepage, click on the MLDV link, then click on the icon that looks like this.

Follow the simple download instructions and you'll be set to watch Antiques Roadshow, Rick Steves' Europe, Globe Trekker, Today's Homeowner, Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home, as well as children's shows such as Caillou and Boobah.

We've just added 23 more videos to the MLDV roster, including the entire 6th season of America's Test Kitchen. You'll get ideas on how to make everything from Apple Pie to Zuppe. Yummm...

Enjoy!

Ruth

Art in the Library

Growing up within the dynamics of two divergent cultures Grace Hashimoto found constancy and purpose in creative expression - practicing music, creative writing and drawing in her formative years, progressing to formal training at Kyoto Art college where her studies focused on weaving and batik.
In her early 20's Grace married, took the name Hashimoto, and gave birth to a son - the perfect expression and promise of unity. Today, Ms. Hashimoto, her son and other members of her family continue to offer their unique bi-cultural perspective in their livelihoods both in the United States and abroad.
In Grace Hashimoto's art, one can see the sparse and elegant lines of eastern culture merge with the numerous colors and complexity of western culture in expressions of diversity and union.
Ms. Hashimoto's exhibit will be on display through April 30.

Living Wills Without Legal Bills

The Smyrna Library subscribes to Thomson Gale LegalForms. Thomson Gale Legalforms is an online database that contains thousands of state-specific, lawyer-prepared forms, so you can be sure you're using the right one. Examples of the forms include:

Bankruptcy - Bills of Sale - Contracts - Copyright - Divorce - Employment - Incorporation
Leases - Name Changes - Powers of Attorney - Real Estate - Taxes - Trusts - Wills

Thompson Gale Legal Forms can save you time and legal fees. The forms are available online 24 hours a day to Smyrna Library cardholders through our website. Call the Library's reference department today at 770-431-2860 to find out how you can logon to them at home or work.

Just arrived! Great Courses on DVD

The library has just received 7 new additions to our Great Courses lectures collection. Published by The Teaching Company, these DVDs (with accompanying booklets) offer lectures by some of the finest professors in the country.
Our most recent acquisitions include: A History of European Art -- Museum Masterpieces: The Louvre -- Classical Mythology -- The Nature of Earth: an introduction to Geology -- The Foundations of Western Civilization -- The History of Ancient Egypt and From Monet to Van Gogh, a History of Impressionism.
To see all of the Great Courses we offer, simply go to our on-line catalog and search by keyword:"great courses".
Enjoy.
Ruth

These Just In!

Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times best-selling author of Savannah Breeze and Hissy Fit. (This author was recently featured in the Sunday Atlanta Journal Constitution.)
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer, author of Twilight. (An oh-so-scary vampire young adult love saga.)
Variety is the spice of life!
Ruth

Have You Read Jodi Picoult Yet?

May we suggest some fiction that will knock your socks off?

Try reading Jodi Picoult. We can promise you that the characters in Jodi's novels will stay with you for a very long time.We carry all of her books and we've just received her latest effort: Change of Heart about which Publisher's Weekly writes:

"Picoult bangs out another ripped-from-the-zeitgeist winner, this time examining a condemned inmate's desire to be an organ donor."

Published comments about her earlier works include:

"Picoult has become a master-almost a clairvoyant-at targeting hot issues and writing highly readable page-turners about them…It is impossible not to be held spellbound by the way she forces us to think, hard, about right and wrong.”
—The Washington Post

“Picoult writes with a fine touch, a sharp eye for detail, and a firm grasp of the delicacy and complexity of human relationships.”
—The Boston Globe

"In My Sister's Keeper, the author has crafted a compelling story that is heartbreaking and literate in equal measure."

-Barnes & Noble

So head to the Fiction section and check out her novels today.

Ruth

If you'd like to know more about this popular novelist and her work go to: http://www.jodipicoult.com/

New Exhibits

There are two new exhibits in the library. Bob Meadows uses a wide variety of exotic and handmade papers with wood, leather and other materials to create one-of-a-kind artist's books in a wide variety of styles and formats. Examples of his work are in the library display cases. Grace Hashimoto is exhibiting her works in the art gallery. The sparse and elegant lines of eastern culture are merged with the numerous colors and complexity of western culture in expressions of diversity and union. Both exhibits will be in the library through April 30.

Attention DVD fans

You'll just love our newest additions to the DVD collection. Academy award winning films including Michael Clayton, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, In the Valley of Elah, Ratatouile, the Bourne Ultimatum and La Vie en Rose are available on the "New DVDs" rack in the main floor browsing room.
And you won't want to miss Becoming Jane, 3:10 to Yuma, Gone Baby Gone, and The Brave One!
Patrons can check out a total of 5 DVDs for 7 days for free. Check 'em out!

Ruth

Visit the Large Print Section

Located on the main floor and adjacent to the Fiction section is the library's Large Print section. You'll find many of the newest works by popular writers. For example, we just added new fiction by Diana Gabaldon, Debbie Macomber, Jack Higgins and Robert Parker.
Give your eyes a rest and check out the Large Print section of your library!
Ruth

For Michael Palmer fans

The library has just received the highly anticipated newest Michael Palmer thriller which combines politics and medicine. Booklist says about Michael Palmer: "Palmer is adept at tapping into people's natural fear of disease, doctors, and hospitals and converting that fear into unnerving suspense."
Check it out!
Ruth

New Books available for reserve

The library has just received a shipment of new books that you can place on reserve on-line or at the library. They include:

Dakota, by Martha Grimes, Honor Thyself by Danielle Steel and Oprah's New Discussion book (for March), A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle.

Hope to see you soon!

Ruth

WELCOME!

Exciting things are always happening at the Smyrna Public Library.

The Library has so many programs and services that people are surprised by what's available. We'll be using this blog to update everyone on new services and some of the good old services.

Let us know what you think about the blog. We'll be working hard to improve it and keep you informed.