Spring City Public Library

New Teen Pick!

2010-01-24T08:47:00.006-05:00

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Reviewed by Suzanne M., Director

Beautiful Creatures is a new young adult novel by first-time authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. It mix of Science Fiction, Fantasy, romance, the supernatural, and gothic elements is sure to excite teen readers.

Small, South Carolina town Gatlin never changes. No one new ever moves there and no one living there ever leaves. Ethan Wate is counting down the next two years until he can attend college far away from Gatlin, the memory of his mother, and his reclusive father. However, things begin to change in Gatlin when Lena Duchannes moves in with her uncle, the mysterious Macon Ravenwood. It turns out little Gatlin is full of big secrets, and nothing will ever be the same for Ethan Wate again.

Beautiful Creatures is a little lengthy, but readers will be satisfied they stayed with it. Told from the point of view of Ethan, it will appeal to both male and females. This book is available through the Chester County Library System. To learn more about Beautiful Creatures and its authors visit their website.

"Check Out" City of Silver

2010-01-13T09:39:00.004-05:00

City of Silver by Anna Maria Alfieri

Reviewed by Cathy S., Librarian

The medieval city of Potosi, high in the Peruvian mountains, is the setting for an intricate historical mystery. Author Alfieri immerses us in the culture, drama and dangers that beset the Spanish realm during the 17th century, with the Inquisition spreading even to the far barren reaches of this immensely wealthy city.

At the center is the sudden death of Inez de la Morada, the beautiful young daughter of Potosi’s mayor. At the time, Inez is under the care of Mother Abbess Maria Santa Hilda at the convent of Santa Isabella de los Santos Milagros. While the abbess conducts her own investigation into Inez’s untimely death, the Mayor and the local Commissioner of the Inquisition are determined to find their own answers. But another death tips the balance against the abbess.

With time running out, power, silver, and hidden secrets collide with the truths of what really happened. City of Silver is a fast-moving, intriguing story set against the rich backdrop of the New World.

City of Silver is available through the Chester County Library System. To learn more about author Anna Maria Alfieri, visit her website.

This Mystery Leads the Pack!

2009-12-29T12:33:00.005-05:00

New Tricks by David Rosenfelt

Reviewed by Cathy S., Librarian

How can an author combine brutal murders with adorable puppies? Rosenfelt manages to give us a great mix for the dog lovers and mystery lovers among us. Andy Carpenter is an attorney who is called in to represent a Bernese mountain dog puppy whose owner is found murdered. But, just like a puppy can dig holes in the strangest places, the plot thickens with more murders and suspects. The situations becomes dangerous when Andy’s longtime girlfriend is nearly killed. But who was the killer really after? Rosenfelt, formerly of TriStar Pictures and co-founder of the Tara Foundation dog rescue, engages us with his humor as well as a pretty gripping story!

Reserve your copy from the Chester County Library System today!

A Midnight Clear: Heartwarming seasonal pick!

2009-12-26T07:21:00.003-05:00

A Midnight Clear: Stories for the Christmas Season by Katherine Paterson

Reviewed by Cathy S., Librarian

Just in time for Christmas, I discovered this charming collection of stories by award-winning author, Katherine Paterson. Twelve stories illuminate what it means to be human—sometimes inhumane—in our relationships with family, friends, utter strangers. But even when a situation seems hopeless, there is redemption and hope. A man driving for his last visit to his dying father picks up a young hitchhiker who attempts to rob him; the chilly bond between a husband and wife melts at the sudden birth of their baby far from home; a teen home alone relents when a homeless family needs shelter; a young boy from the local church stumbles into an unlikely friendship. A delightful read for the season or anytime!

Kisses Counting Contest Winners!

2009-12-23T11:20:00.008-05:00

Our December contest has ended. Thank you to all the children who made guesses. There were 102 Hershey Kisses in the jar! To win, you had to be the closest to that number without going over.

Congratulations to our winners!

Myania L.

0 - 3 age group

Jen P.

4 - 6 age group

Brenna H . & Robin M. (tie)

7 - 9 age group

Laina H.

(10+ age group)

Prizes can be picked up at the Circulation Desk!

Stay tuned for our next contest in February!

Spring City Public Library Closed Saturday, December 19, 2009

2009-12-19T07:22:00.002-05:00

Any items due today will not be due back until Monday.

Enjoy the snow!

Holiday Fun for the Whole Family!

2009-12-16T10:41:00.006-05:00

Looking for something to do over the holiday vacation? Stop by the Spring City Public Library for guaranteed giggles! Marcy from Giggle Magic will be performing Tuesday, December 29 at 11:00.

Marcy has performed at libraries, childcare centers, and birthday parties all over the suburban Philadelphia area and always gets rave reviews. To learn more about Marcy's show Giggle Magic visit her website.

For more information or to register for the event, contact the library at 610-948-4130 or smacaulay@ccls.org. All ages welcome!

Don't miss out on the fun!

Gift Ideas for the Adults on Your Holiday List

2009-12-15T20:10:00.010-05:00

Fiction

Breathless by Dean Koontz

Ford County by John Grisham

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith

Under the Dome by Stephen King

Nonfiction

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

Good Eats by Alton Brown

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond

Superfreakonomics by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner

Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson

True Compass by Edward Kennedy

What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell

Christmas Books for Kids!

2009-12-14T12:28:00.010-05:00

Not sure what to read to the little ones at Christmas time? Here is a list of new and classic holiday favorites!

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever by Steven Kroll

The Christmas Baby by Marion Dane Bauer

Christmas Is... by Gail Gibbons

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas by Jane O'Connor

The Gingerbread Pirates by Kristin Kladstrup

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Humphrey's First Christmas by Carol Heyer

If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff

The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown

The Mitten by Jan Brett

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert E. Barry

Peef: The Christmas Bear by Tom Hegg

Santa Claus by Rod Green

Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner

Stick Man by Julia Donaldson

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

This is the Stable by Cynthia Cotten

'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

A Very Marley Christmas by John Grogan

You Can Go Home Again

2009-12-13T08:09:00.005-05:00

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen
Reviewed by Suzanne M., Director

In Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home, Rhoda Janzen chronicles the return to her parent's house following the most turbulent year of her life. Shortly after turning 40, her husband of 15 years left her for man. Reeling from this sudden shock and saddled with a brand new mortgage she could not possible afford alone, Janzen is involved in a very serious car accident and left with an astounding number of injuries. Unsure of how to proceed, she returns home to her family and her Mennonite roots.

Janzen's writing is incredibly smart and funny. Her memoir does not have the air of trying too hard--she is a naturally humorous story teller. Janzen's tales of growing up are both interesting and endearing. Most importantly, Janzen is not afraid to admit mistakes that she's made and accepts them all as part of her life's journey. Although she may not embrace the religious world she left behind, Janzen finds comfort in where she came from and where she is going from here-- proving that you can, indeed, go home again.

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress is available through the Chester County Library System.

Spring City Borough Tree Lighting

2009-12-11T14:55:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, December 12 Santa will conclude a day of touring the borough by lighting the Spring City Christmas Tree at 7:00 PM. There will be candy canes, hot cocoa, and cookies! Children will get to spend some time with Santa and tell him what they want for Christmas! Mrs Claus and other surprises are also in store! In addition, the winners of the Holiday House Decorating Contest will be announced. Don't miss this evening of fun for the whole family!

Sponsored by the Spring City Parks & Recreation Commission, Liberty Fire Department, and the Spring City Lions Club.

Holiday Happening & Book Sale

2009-12-07T14:42:00.004-05:00

Spring City Elementary School is hosting a Holiday Happening this Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 9:00 - 3:00.

The Spring City Public Library will be selling used and donated books and DVDs during this event. Prices range from 25 cents to $2. Over 3ooo items including hard covers, paperbacks, children's books, teen books, audio books, VHS tapes, and DVDs. All proceeds to benefit the library which lost 21% of its State Aid for 2010.

In addition to the book sale, there will be crafters, vendors, breakfast, stories with Santa, a Children's Holiday Shop, and raffles. Holiday Happening is sponsored by the Spring City Elementary Home and School Association.

Spring City Elementary School is located at 190 S. Wall Street in Spring City. For more info on the Holiday Happening contact 267-304-0960. For more information about the Book Sale please contact the Spring City Public Library 610-948-4130.

Please come out and support this wonderful event! It promises to be a fun day for the whole family!

Project Outreach

2009-12-03T13:52:00.004-05:00

With the holiday season upon us, it is important to remember the spirit of giving.

Project Outreach distributes food weekly at two local food pantries, and there are many families in need--not just during the holiday season but all year round. Please consider donating non-perishable food items. Call 610-948-5111 for more information on contributing to this wonderful organization.

Pantries are open every Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon at the Bard Community Center (Fourth Avenue and Washington Street) in Royersford and the First United Church of Christ (Chestnut Street) Spring City. Pantries are open to residents of the greater Spring-Ford area, including Spring City, Royersford, Limerick and Parker Ford. Food recipients must register at either pantry.

A very special "Thank you!" to all of our generous library patrons who donated food during our November Food for Films drive!

Calling all history buffs!

2009-11-27T07:31:00.001-05:00

The History channel, on November 15, premiered a five night special called WWII in HD. Many of the once black and white images were made into color, I would think to make the experience more real to the viewer. The beginning of the series starts off, of course, with the entrance of the United States into the war. Battle scenes are not, however, the only thing shown throughout the series. Life in both America and Europe are portrayed as well as narrative from characters are scattered throughout. The footage, at times graphic, is breathtaking. If you are interested in witnessing some pieces of this great war in our history, this is a documentary that should not be missed.

Make this your next Official Book Club Selection!

2009-11-23T11:02:00.006-05:00

Official Book Club Selection by Kathy Griffin

Reviewed by Suzanne M., Director

When I checked out Official Book Club Selection by Kathy Griffin I assumed the book would be very much like her stand-up act, as in full of celebrity gossip and foul language. However, I was surprised to find an straightforward and revealing memoir. Griffin candidly discusses her upbringing and subsequent journey into the world of entertainment. Her no-holds-barred approach to comedy is applied to Official Book Club Selection--Griffin is not afraid to admit her mistakes, bad choices, and embarrassments. Readers will discover that there is more to Kathy Griffin then her irreverent stage persona--she is sensitive, thoughtful, and fiercely loyal. Griffin fans will love this book, but due to it's refreshing honesty, Official Book Club Selection may win her some new fans as well. Definitely a stand-out among the flood of celebrity memoirs being published right now.

Official Book Club Selection can be reserved through the Chester County Library System online catalog. To learn more about Kathy Griffin visit her website.

New Teen Read: Viola in Reel Life

2009-11-22T06:31:00.009-05:00

Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani

Reviewed by Suzanne M., Director

Viola in Reel Life is the first teen novel by popular adult author Adriana Trigiani. In it, high school freshman Viola Chesterton is transplanted from Brooklyn, New York to an all-girl boarding school in the Midwest while her parents are filming a documentary in Afghanistan. An only child accustomed to a very small circle of friends, Viola is extremely uncomfortable living in a quad with four other girls. She resolves to get through this year as painless and as friendless as she can seeking solace in her video camera. However, life at The Prefect Academy for Young Women has other plans for Viola.

Due to the huge popularity of Trigiani's Big Stone Gap series, I had expected a little more from Viola in Reel Life. It was an adorable story, but very formulaic (girl faces adversity, girl is frustrated, girl has revelation, girl works hard, girl prevails). While a nice addition to the Young Adult collection, it is not a stand-out in this fast-growing genre. Girls in 6th - 10th grade will adore the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of Viola and her roommates, but lack of character development will make it difficult for Trigiani's adult fans to cross-over. Recommended to tween and teen girls looking for a sweet tale of friendship.

Reserve your copy of Viola in Reel Life through the Chester County Library System online catalog. To learn more about author Adriana Trigiani and her work, visit her website.

Library Hours for the Week of Thanksgiving

2009-11-20T10:55:00.007-05:00

Monday 10:00 - 8:00

Tuesday 10:00 - 8:00

Wednesday 10:00 - 5:00

Thursday - Closed

Friday - Closed

Saturday 10:00 - 5:00

Don't forget our "Food for Films" Thanksgiving Food Drive. It ends this Saturday, November 21. Please donate non-perishable items. For every 2 items donated, receive 1 free DVD rental! Items collected will be given to the Spring City Food Pantry.

The library staff wishes everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

What are you reading?

2009-11-18T12:14:00.003-05:00

Many readers have already discovered the wonderful world of online book logging. These sites allow you to keep track of the books you've read and books that you plan on reading. You can review and rate books and read what others have to say about the books you're interested in.

There are several different options for logging your books online:

These websites are free to use. You will need to create a user profile and provide a valid email address. These sites function as social networking sites so you can meet and chat with fellow book lovers if you choose. They also feature web 2.0 applications so you can link your online book log with other social networking sites you use such as Facebook.

Log on today and start building your virtual bookshelves!

Testing 1, 2, 3!

2009-11-15T07:26:00.003-05:00

The Guinea Pig Diaries: My Life as an Experiment by A.J. Jacobs

Reviewed by Suzanne M., Director

My brother-in-law and I have a running joke as to who is the biggest know-it-all in the family (it's him, by the way). So a couple of Christmases ago, he gave me A.J. Jacobs' book The Know-It-All as a gag gift. In it, Jacobs decides to read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica from cover to cover. This "gag" gift turned out to be funny, smart, and bursting with interesting factoids, and I immediately became a fan of Jacobs. Jacobs followed-up with The Year of Living Biblically in which he spent a year following The Ten Commandments complete with growing a beard and wearing a robe and sandals.

The Guinea Pig Diaries is Jacobs' third book and chronicles some of his smaller experiments. In it Jacobs outsources his life to a team in India, practices Radical Honesty, crashes the Academy Awards, follows George Washington's 110 rules for life, and dedicates one month to following his wife's every whim. A funny, light-hearted memoir, The Guinea Pig Diaries is also insightful and educational.

The smallest of Jacobs' three books, this one took me the longest to read. The middle drags slightly, and I wondered how much was filler to meet a publication deadline. Nevertheless, the beginning and end make this a worthwhile read. If you are a fan of Jacobs' previous works, then you will enjoy this one as well.

The Guinea Pig Diaries: My Life as an Experiment can be reserved through the Chester County Library System. To learn more about New York Times bestselling author A.J. Jacobs visit his website.

You've Got Mail!

2009-11-13T12:07:00.007-05:00

Do you love to read but are always stumped what to pick next? Subscribe to NextReads. NextReads offers free monthly or bi-monthly newsletters full of book recommendations in your favorite genres. These newsletters are sent directly to your email--an easy and convenient way to find books that interest you!

The newsletters available are:

Armchair Travel
Audio Books
Biography and Memoir
Business and Personal Finance
Christian Fiction
Fantasy
Fiction A to Z
Historical Fiction
History and Current Events
Home, Garden, and DIY
Horror
Kids' Books
Mind and Body Fitness
Mystery
Nature and Science
New York Times Fiction Bestsellers
New York Times Nonfiction Bestsellers
Picture Books
Popular Culture
Romance
Science Fiction
Spirituality and Religion
Teen Scene
Thrillers and Suspense
Tween Reads

You can select just 1 or 2 newsletters or all 25! Signing up is quick and simple--all you need is an email address. Click here to start receiving NextReads today!

Show your stuff!

2009-11-11T13:38:00.004-05:00

Do you have an interesting or unique collection you'd like to share with the community? Use our display case! The case is located in the center of the library where all of our patrons can appreciate and admire your collection. Sign up for a 1-month block to showcase your stuff! Examples include artwork, photographs, toys, dolls, and collectibles. For more information contact Suzanne, Director, at 610-948-4130 or smacaulay@ccls.org.

New Historical Fiction Picks!

2009-11-07T07:29:00.007-05:00

Harriet and Isabella by Patricia O'Brien and A Duty to the Dead by Charles Todd

Reviewed by Cathy S., Librarian

Most of us know that Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin, an eye-opening novel exposing the horrors of slavery. But I wonder if many of us know that she was one of a large and largely close-knit family? Harriet and Isabella by Patricia O’Brien is the story of the relationship between two sisters of the famous Beecher family. Harriet Beecher Stowe, author, and her younger sister, Isabella Beecher Hooker, determined suffragist, grew up very close to each other as well as to their brother, famous preacher, Henry Ward Beecher.

In 1887, Henry Ward Beecher is on his deathbed. His family is gathering around him, but there is a deep rift within the family that prevents Isabella from joining them. Some years before, Henry was at the center of a sensational scandal involving his relationship with the wife of one of his parishioners. A long, painful trial only served to rend the family apart and weaken Henry’s solid reputation. Harriet remained steadfastly loyal to Henry, while Isabella exhorted him publicly to admit to his guilt.

The question rises from O’Brien’s novelization of the relationships within the Beecher family, including also their other brothers and sisters and Henry’s wife and children, of whether justice was served during the trial and its aftermath. While Henry lies dying, will the strength of family ties withstand the struggle to overcome differences?

In A Duty to the Dead by Charles Todd, Bess Crawford is serving in the British nursing corps during World War I. She has been raised by her Army officer father to be keenly aware of her responsibility, honor and duty. In 1916, she is traveling on the hospital ship, Britannic, when it is sunk by a mine. Escaping safely, but with a badly broken arm, she returns to her home in Kent to recuperate.

Bess has just lost one of her fondest patients, mortally wounded Lt. Arthur Graham, who as he dies, makes a request of her to deliver a message to his brother, Jonathan. Bess’ sense of duty compels her to follow through, and so is launched into a family mystery that is only resolved after even more people die.

I hope Todd writes further adventures for Bess Crawford, just as he has written eleven Ian Rutledge mysteries. She is a strong, independent woman of the early 20th-century, who has to rely on her wits and innate courage to make sense of the underlying intrigue she steps unwittingly into as she seeks to do her duty for a friend.

Learn more about Harriet and Isabelle by visiting the book's website. More about A Duty to the Dead can be found on author Charles Todd's website. To reserve a copy of these books, visit the Chester County Library System Catalog online.

Warm Up @ the Spring City Library!

2009-11-06T06:38:00.002-05:00

On Monday, November 30 the Spring City Public Library will begin serving coffee! Come in from the cold and enjoy a hot cup while you use one of our computers with high-speed Internet or browse our updated book collection. Coffee will be sold for 50 cents a cup.

Thank you!

2009-11-04T09:51:00.004-05:00

A sincere "Thank you!" to all of our patrons that donated to the Sock it to Us! program during the month of October. We collected 46 pairs of socks that RSVP of Chester County will distribute to homeless men, women, and children this winter. Your generosity means so much to so many!

Please don't forgot about our Thanksgiving Food for Films program! For every 2 non-perishable food items you donate, you will receive 1 free DVD rental. All items collected will be given to the Spring City Food Pantry. Start your holiday season by giving to those in need!

"Check Out" Sacred Hearts

2009-11-02T11:53:00.008-05:00

Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant
Reviewed by Cathy S., Librarian

In 16th century Italy, there are only two respectable outcomes for a woman of means who reaches marriageable age: an arranged marriage or entrance into a convent, both of which involve a bridal dowry. Isabetta’s father arranged for her, as the elder sister of the family, to be engaged to a gentleman of some wealth and family name. But Isabetta, already in love with her music tutor—a young man with a glorious voice—will not acquiesce. Instead, her younger sister becomes the betrothed, and Isabetta is sent off against her will to Santa Caterina, the convent in Ferrara.

Desperate, Isabetta—now the novice Serafina—rails against her incarceration, setting off much discord in the usually tranquil convent. The Abbess Madonna Chiara, whose responsibility it is to maintain order and discipline among the many residents, assigns the dispensary mistress to oversee Serafina and to aid her transition into life as a novitiate. Suora Zuana, educated by her physician father, holds deep knowledge of the healing powers of herbs and plants, as well as the healing power of an unshakeable faith in the suffering and risen Lord. The convent relies on her abilities to calm and heal through her knowledge, as the Abbess also relies on Suora Zuana’s intelligence and discretion.

Music is an integral part of life at Santa Caterina and is a large part of its fame and reputation. The Choir nuns have heard that Serafina possesses the voice of an angel, but she refuses to share her gift, until an encounter with Sister Magdalena, an ancient mystic who possesses the gift of visions. Serafina seems to begin to settle into her new life—learning the medicinal arts under Suora Zuana’s tutelage and becoming one of the Choir’s featured singers as they prepare for their festal performance during Carnival time— but underneath still boils her determination to escape her confines and reunite with her lover. Could there possibly be a future for her and her true love?

Set against political upheaval, the purging of the Catholic Church during the Counter Reformation, Sacred Hearts is a beautifully drawn portrait of a woman’s life during this time. With clarity, Dunant shows us the conflicts and personalities of the convent’s residents against internal and external societal and religious mores. Serafina, Suora Zuana, the Abbess and Suora Umiliana, mistress of novices, are fully drawn women living fully their lives in the only way each understands their place to be.

Click here to reserve your copy of Sacred Hearts from the the Chester County Library System. To learn more about author Sarah Dunant visit her website.

Dog Days with Greg Heffley

2009-10-29T10:48:00.005-04:00

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney
Reviewed by Suzanne M., Director

Jeff Kinney's hit children's series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, is back! Dog Days, the fourth book, chronicles Greg Heffley's summer vacation and no one can make summer vacation seem as awful as Greg can! Instead of going to the pool or the beach or just enjoying the great outdoors, Greg is playing video games with the curtains drawn. Unfortunately for Greg, his mom has other plans.

Kinney's series is a phenomenon. Adults and kids alike can appreciate Greg's sarcastic yet utterly ignorant view of the world. A combination of egocentric but lazy, Greg's plans never seem to pan out and oftentimes his dopey friend Rowley is left in the lurch. You want to hate Greg Heffley... but you can't! The drawings are hilarious and all 4 books have many, many laugh-out-loud moments. It is no wonder this series has made even the most reluctant readers head to the library!

So how will Greg's summer turn out? Will he get to sleep all day and play video games all night? Or will Greg be thwarted by mom's dreams of fun family outings and creating a classic literature book club for the neighborhood boys? Reserve your copy of Dog Days to find out! And while you are waiting for Diary of a Wimpy 5 to be released, go see the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie when it hits theatres April 2, 2010.

This title is available through the Chester County Library System. Click here to learn more about author Jeff Kinney and the whole Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

Candy Corn Counting Contest Winners!

2009-10-28T14:22:00.011-04:00

Our October Contest has ended. Thank you to all the children who made guesses. There were 253 candy corns in the jar! To win, you had to be the closest to that number in your age group without going over.

Congratulations to our winners!

Lexi G.
0 - 3 age group

Emma G.
4 - 6 age group

Shane R.
7 - 9 age group

Laina H.
10+ age group

Prizes can be picked up at the Circulation Desk.

Stay tuned for our next contest in December!

"Check Out" South of Broad

2009-10-28T13:57:00.004-04:00

South of Broad by Pat Conroy

Reviewed by Cathy S., Librarian

I argued with myself whether I should read Conroy’s latest novel before or wait until after my visit to Charleston, South Carolina in the heat of August this year. I’m glad I waited! Not that everyone has to have visited the Holy City in order to enjoy this deeply engrossing tale, but I could truly feel the heat, humidity and humanity of one of the most beautiful southern cities.

As in many of Pat Conroy’s previous novels, he spins a tale that can be very real but outrageous. How can such a disparate group of young people come together—and stay together—as lifelong friends, or as long as their lives last? How can they withstand—or inflict--such harsh, even cruel, event? Leo King, as a rising high school senior, is working his way through court-ordered community service, after having fought his way back from a mental breakdown after finding his 10-year-old beloved older brother dead by suicide. His parents, both educators and his mother a former Roman Catholic nun, loom large in Leo’s recovery and life journey, as do several of the adults whom he works with and for as a young adult.

Learning and living in Charleston, with friends from that most aristocratic and privileged South of Broad neighborhood, and friends new-found that summer before senior year—a pair of orphans, brother and sister twins, and the cocky son of the first African American football coach at Leo’s new public school (he was expelled from his Catholic High School), Leo finds his way into an unexpected senior year with changes, challenges and confrontations that unfold for all of them.

Conroy starts this tale in 1969, then takes us 20 years ahead to center the action in Leo and his friends’ adult lives. He shows us, and describes in sometimes eloquent prose, how the past has shaped their present and futures, and how the darkness follows them. Their journey together to San Francisco to find and bring home one of their group cements them forever. Against the backdrop of Hurricane Hugo in September, 1989, more than one crisis develops, tragedy strikes, and Leo finds—again—despair then resurrection out of the mystery of his brother’s long-ago death.

If there is something that doesn’t quite ring true, it is the way Conroy puts such mature insight into the younger Leo. But Conroy shapes amazing characters and shows us how the bonds of family and friendship are the strongest forces tearing us apart and holding us together—stronger even than hurricanes.

Reserve your copy of South of Broad from the Chester County Library System today! To learn more about Pat Conroy visit his website.

Robert Langdon is back!

2009-10-27T12:32:00.006-04:00

America's favorite symbologist is back in Dan Brown's newest thriller. With an initial print run of 6.5 million, The Lost Symbol was the largest first printing in publisher Random House's history. Fans of The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons have made The Lost Symbol the fastest selling adult-novel ever.

The third Langdon installment begins in the U.S. Capitol Building where he learns his old friend and mentor, Peter Solomon, has been kidnapped. In order to save Peter, Langdon must crack an ancient Masonic secret--one that he doesn't believe truly exists. Langdon embarks on a wild scavenger hunt through Washington DC with secrets, codes, riddles, and symbols to guide him. Complicating matters is a seemingly sinister CIA agent with her own agenda.

Dan Brown has a knack for mixing enough history with his fiction to make his readers believe the unbelievable. The many twists and turns make The Lost Symbol a thrilling page-turner. To reserve a copy from the Chester County Library System visit the Online Catalog. To learn more about Dan Brown or this book visit http://www.danbrown.com/ or http://www.thelostsymbol.com/.

Annual Spring City Halloween Parade

2009-10-26T14:02:00.003-04:00

The Annual Spring City Halloween Parade will be held Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 6:30. The parade will start at South Main and Walnut Street. Costume contestants should pick up their entry numbers at Mowrey-Latshaw Hardware, Perry's Place, or George's Music NOW! For more information visit: http://springcitylions.org/halloween.htm

Rain date is Thursday, October 29.

This event is sponsored by the Spring City Lions Club.

Thanksgiving Food-for-Films Program

2009-10-25T07:50:00.006-04:00

During the month of November bring non-perishable items to the library. For every 2 items donated receive 1 free DVD rental!

Guidelines:

1. You must present donations at the circulation desk with your library card during normal business hours to receive your DVD coupon.

2. Donations are for free DVD rentals only and may not be combined with any other offer such as 2-for-1 rental days, or exchanged for fines, printing, faxing, or cash.

3. Food will be collected from November 2 - 21, 2009 at the Spring City Public Library only.

4. DVD coupons must be redeemed by January 31, 2010.

Examples of items that will be accepted:
Cans of beef stew, canned vegetables, canned soup, boxed dinners, boxed macaroni/pasta, unopened paper goods

All donations benefit the Spring City Food Pantry. Please see Suzanne, Library Director, with any questions about the program.

Start your holiday season off by giving!

"Check Out" Juliet, Naked

2009-10-24T16:57:00.010-04:00

Juliet Naked by Nick Hornby
Reviewed by Suzanne M., Director

Nick Hornby's latest novel Juliet, Naked is not something I would normally select to read. However, his previous works (High Fidelity, About a Boy, Fever Pitch, and Slam) were so well-liked, I decided to give his latest book a try.

As Juliet, Naked opens British museum curator Annie is ending a 15-year relationship with Duncan, an idiosyncratic professor. She is determined to stop wasting time and make a fresh start--wherever and whatever that may be. Through a series of circumstances, she strikes up an email flirtation with Tucker Crowe, a reclusive American singer who hasn't been heard from since 1986. Their exchange becomes friendlier and soon, through a separate chain of events, Tucker is on a plane to England with the hopes of meeting Annie. Two major complications await Annie and Tucker--Tucker's many children and ex-wives are all converging in England at the same time and Annie's ex-boyfriend's obsession with all things Tucker Crowe.

I really enjoyed this novel. The premise could have easily become preposterous, but Hornby just does it so well. Annie, Duncan, and Tucker were engaging characters supported by a unique group of family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances. A quick read, Juliet, Naked is a refreshing break from some of the dark story lines being published this fall.

You can reserve this book today through the Chester County Library System online catalog. To learn more about Nick Hornby visit: http://www.nicksbooks.com/

Wednesday is Phillies Day at the Spring City Library!

2009-10-23T13:27:00.002-04:00

Show us your Phillies Spirit!
Come to the Spring City Library on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 sporting your Phillies gear and receive a free DVD rental coupon.

Coupons will be issued only at the Spring City Public Library and must be redeemed by January 31, 2010. Coupons cannot be redeemed for cash, printing/copying/faxing, or library fines.

Sock it to Us!

2009-10-07T12:06:00.001-04:00

During the month of October, the Spring City Public Library will be participating in the Sock it to Us! program. Sponsored by RSVP of Chester County, Sock it to Us! collects new pairs of socks for men, women and children. The socks are then distributed to the homeless throughout the winter. You can find the Sock it to Us! collection box near the circulation desk starting Tuesday, October 13, 2009. Socks will be collected through Saturday, October 31, 2009. If you have any questions about the program, please see Suzanne or Cathy.
Even one pair makes a difference... donate today!

Welcome!

2009-10-07T09:20:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Spring City Public Library blog! This is where you can find the most up-to-date information about the library. We will post events, book reviews, new materials, and library updates so check back often! We would also love to hear from you--leave your comments, questions, and suggestions! Thanks for visiting us!

Suzanne, Director