Tuesday, March 3, 2009

NATIONAL FOOD DRIVE: ORCHESTRAS & LIBRARIES FEEDING AMERICA

March 23 - March 29

"The Soloist" by Steve Lopez has been selected as the 2009 United We Read community-wide readling selection. The film will be released in April 2009. Author Steve Lopez will be coming to Kansas City the Fall of 2009.

Participating in the food drive:

Kansas City Symphony
UMKC Conservatory of Music
Cass County Public Libraries
Mid-Continent Public Libraries
Kansas City Kansas Public Libraries
Kansas City Missouri Public Libraries
Olathe Public Libraries
Park University Library
Penn Valley Community College Libraries
Rockhurst University Libraries
VA Medical Center Libraries
St. Joseph Medical Center Libraries

Benefits Kansas City Area Harvesters

2009 UNITED WE READ: THE SOLOIST by Steve Lopez

The Soloist:

Based on the author's remarkable friendship with Nathaniel Ayers - a homeless, schizophrenic, Juilliard-trained musician - this wonderful memoir will inspire readers and stimulate discussion and programming around the themes of homelessness, mental illness, the redemptive power of music, and the healing nature of friendship. Not only is this memoir published in hardback and paperback, but it is a major motion picture being released this spring by Dreamworks.

Monday, September 29, 2008

FALL 2008 ONE BOOK PROGRAM

The Silver Lining: The Benefits of Natural Disasters by Seth R. Reice
Thursday, October 9, at 6 p.m.

When confronted with the destruction and human suffering of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina or the South Asian tsunami, people want to know if measures can be taken to prevent such environmental and societal damage. A contrary view advocates that such devastation is necessary and beneficial for ecosystems. In The Silver Lining: The Benefits of Natural Disasters, Seth R. Reice argues that the effects of natural disasters represent stages of essential processes for species and habitat renewal. Should we save an old-growth forest or let it burn? What form (if any) should river system flood protection take? Come to our One Book program of The Silver Lining on Thursday, October 9, at 6 p.m. for what is sure to be a lively discussion.

6 p.m. Welcome reception - Main Reading Room, Linda Hall Library
6:30 p.m. Lecture: The Role of Fire in Missouri's Natural Communities by Larry Rizzo, Natural History Biologist, Missouri Department of Conservation
7 p.m. Book discussion

This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, but seating may be limited. To ensure your seat, please R.S.V.P. by emailing Jenny Bruenger at bruengej@lindahall.org or calling (816) 926-8725.

OCTOBER PERIODIC ROUNDTABLE BOOK DISCUSSION

Rocket Boys: A Memoir by Homer H. Hickam, Jr.
October 27, 2008 at 6 p.m.
The book discussion will be facilitated by Linda Hall Library Reference Librarian Jenny Bruenger. Rocket Boys is a story about growing up at the dawn of the Space Age. Stunned and excited by Russia's launch of the Sputnik satellite, and awe-struck by the work of physicist and astronautics engineer Werner von Braun, fourteen-year old Hickam is inspired to put together a team of boys to practice amateur rocketry in his hometown of Coalwood, West Virginia. Rocket Boys is an all-American story of determination, teamwork, and hope that has inspired many. The book has been translated into eight languages and is studied in over 300 schools.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, but seating may be limited. To ensure your seat, please R.S.V.P. by emailing Jenny Bruenger at bruengej@lindahall.org or calling (816) 926-8725.

Monday, August 11, 2008

WHAT CHA' BEEN READING?- AUGUST 2008

Alicia Alhvers- KCPL
DARK LOVER by J.R. Ward
LOVER ETERNAL by J.R. Ward
HIS MAJESTIES DRAGON by Naomi Novik
THE LAST TWILIGHT by Marjorie Liu

Terri Clark- MCPL
BREAKING DAWN by Stephenie Meyer

Jenny Ellis- SJPL
BREAKING DAWN by Stephenie Meyer
THIS CHARMING MAN by Marian Keyes

Beverly Sanderson- NKCPL
LOST DUKE OF WYNDHAM by Julia Quinn
AND ONLY TO DECEIVE by Tasha Alexander

Amy Fisher- MCPL
AGNES AND THE HITMAN by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer
LIVING DEAD IN DALLAS by Charlaine Harris
NEW MOON by Stephenie Meyer

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

WHAT CHA' BEEN READING?- JANUARY 2008

RATING: 1-5 STARS

Rita Miziorko- KCKPL
ECHO PARK by Michael Connelly **
PLUM LUCKY by Janet Evanovich **
HOW DOCTORS THINK by Jerome Groopman *****

Kaite Stover- KCPL
MY FELLOW AMERICANS by Keir Graff *****
LITTLE BROTHER by Cory Doctrow *****

Helen Hokanson- JCPL
BRENDAN PRAIRIE by Dan O'Brien ****

Andrea Kempf- JCCC
THE BOOK OF DAHLIA by Elisa Albert ****
LOVE LIFE by Ray Kluun ***
SYLVIA by Leonard Michaels ***
THE HAKAWATI by Rabih Alameddine *****
ABSENT by Betool Khedairi ****
A PIGEON AND A BOY by Meir Shalev ****

Cindy Guyler- JCPL
SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Zafon *****
PLAIN TRUTH by Jodi Picoult ***

WILLIAM STAFFORD MEMORIAL POETRY RENDEZVOUS

William StaffordMemorial Poetry Rendezvous
April 10-12, 2008

For many poets, and readers in general, William Stafford is theunofficial Dean of Kansas Poetry. Join local poets, including Bill's sonKim Stafford from Oregon, in celebration of the gifts and influences ofone of the greatest voices of twentieth centure American poetry.

Thursday, April 10th, Hutchinson
1:15 p.m. workshop
Kim Stafford and the Hutchinson Community College Creative Writingclass.

7:00 p.m. Poetry & Music
Kim Stafford, Jim French & Company

Friday, April 11th, Newton
Kim Stafford presentation at the Newton Public Library

Saturday, April 12th, Flying W Ranch, Clements, KS
10:30 a.m. Poetry in Kansas: The Future
Denise Low, Kim Stafford & Company
Informal meeting for poets and writers to discuss ongoing association.

1:00 p.m. William Stafford & Kansas
Kim Stafford

2:30 p.m. William Stafford: His Art & Influence
Moderator: Tom Averill
Panelists: Harley Elliott, Amy Fleury, Steven Hind, Jonathan Holden,Denise Low, Kevin Rabas, Bill Sheldon, and Kim Stafford

3:30 or 4:00 p.m. Audience/Panelists Converstion

5:00 p.m. Supper at the Ranch (Josh Hoy, chef)

6:30 p.m. Campfire Music and Poetry
Kim Stafford, Anne Wilson, Jim Hoy & Company

For more information or to register contact:
Steven Hind
503 Monterey Pl.
Hutchinson, KS 67502
(620)662-2292
Shind4444@cox.net