Blog | Cobb County Public Library SystemBlog | Cobb County Public Library System http://www.cobbcat.org/blog Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:32:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5 Online Book Club: Narrative Nonfiction http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3296 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3296#comments Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:12:45 +0000 Julia http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3296

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]]> One of these could be yours! We're giving away a mug each week to a commenter.

One of these could be yours! We’re giving away a mug each week to a commenter.

Each Tuesday we’re posting a new entry in our Online Book Club to share with you what you’re reading. Join in with the conversation! We’re focusing on a specific genre each week. Leave us a comment about what you’re reading or what you think about the genre, and you could win one of these super-cute reading-themed coffee mugs. We’ll pick a winner each week from the comments below.

If you’re a reader, don’t miss out on winning one of the great prizes at the end of the summer: we’re giving away a Kindle (courtesy of the family of the late Mrs. Bernice B. Franklin, a library trustee and long-time library supporter) to one lucky book reviewer, and the library system is also giving away an iPad (courtesy of the generous folks at Cobb EMC). All you have to do to enter to win the drawings is write a review. Get started today!*

Today we’re reading books in the Narrative Nonfiction genre, and today’s post is brought to us by Dorothy, a Reference Librarian at the Central Library.

 

Genre: Narrative Nonfiction (or Creative Nonfiction)

What is Narrative Nonfiction? Reads like a novel but this style of writing is based on actual people and events.

What do you like about this genre? For me it’s all about the storytelling. These are not dry, dusty textbooks. The plots are intriguing, the characters are memorable and there is dramatic tension.

in cold blood devil in the white city unbroken

What was your favorite book when you were young?  I discovered “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote as a teenager. It is still the scariest book I’ve ever read.

What was the most recent book you enjoyed?  “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson

Name one of your favorite books. I guarantee you will cry at least once before you finish the story of Louis Zamperini’s inspiring life in “Unbroken: a World War II story of survival, resilience and redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand.

Other books in this genre:

“Behind the Beautiful Forevers” by Katherine Boo. The dramatic and sometimes heartbreaking story of families striving toward a better life in one of the twenty-first century’s great, unequal cities. In this fast-paced book, based on three years of uncompromising reporting, a bewildering age of global change and inequality is made human. Annawadi is a makeshift settlement in the shadow of luxury hotels near the Mumbai airport, and as India starts to prosper, Annawadians are electric with hope. Abdul, a reflective and enterprising Muslim teenager, sees fortune in the recyclable garbage of richer people. Asha, a woman of formidable wit and deep scars from a rural childhood, has identified an alternate route to the middle class: political corruption. And even the poorest Annawadians, like Kalu, a fifteen-year-old scrap-metal thief, believe themselves inching closer to good times. But then, as the tenderest individual hopes intersect with the greatest global truths, the true contours of a competitive age are revealed.–From publisher description.

“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. Documents the story of how scientists took cells from an unsuspecting descendant of freed slaves and created a human cell line that has been kept alive indefinitely, enabling discoveries in such areas as cancer research, in vitro fertilization, and gene mapping.

“Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer. A history of Mount Everest expedition is intertwined with the disastrous expedition the author was a part of, during which five members were killed by a hurricane-strength blizzard.

“Zeitoun” by Dave Eggers. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, longtime New Orleans residents Abdulrahman and Kathy Zeitoun are cast into an unthinkable struggle with forces beyond wind and water. In the days after the storm, Abdulrahman traveled the flooded streets in a secondhand canoe, passing on supplies and helping those he could. A week later, on September 6, 2005, Zeitoun abruptly disappeared– arrested and accused of being an agent of al Qaeda.

Have you read these books? Do you like the Narrative Nonfiction genre? Let us know in the comments below and you could win the a library-themed coffee mug!

*Limit of 10 entries per person for the Kindle; each person will be entered to win the iPad once.

]]> http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3296 5 Library in the Spotlight: East Cobb Library http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3323 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3323#comments Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:57:31 +0000 Julia http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3323

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]]> Did you know that there are 16 branches in the Cobb County Public Library System? We’re highlighting a different one each week! This week, we’re at the East Cobb Library.

This location opened its doors to the public on February 1, 2010. The East Cobb Library is located in the corner of the Parkaire Landing Shopping Center, next to Kroger.

Basic Details:

Hours:

Monday-Wednesday: 10am-8pm
Thursday-Saturday: 11am-6pm
Sunday: Closed

Address:

4880 Lower Roswell Rd. Suite 510-B
Marietta, Georgia 30068

Contact the library: (770) 509-2730

Visit the library’s webpage for more information.

Featured Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, June 18, 2013
  • The Dead Do Tell Tales. Mike Gerhard from the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office will present a program about the forensic science of performing autopsies and what they reveal. Examine accident photos and learn about what it’s like to work as a medical examiner. Due to the graphic nature of this program, participants must be at least 13 years old. No exceptions will be made. Registration is required; register at the library.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
  • Teen Magazine. Calling all teens! Do you enjoy writing? Drawing? Manga? Anime? We need you to create Cobb County Library’s first online teen magazine. For our first meeting, we will discuss magazine format and layout, types of articles you would like to submit, and of course, the magazine needs a title. Future meeting dates will be decided at end of meeting. For grades 6 & up. Refreshments will be served. (Registration is required; register at the library.)
  • Civil War Presentation. Please join us for this Civil War program presented by Brad Quinlin. He will show a film about the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield and discuss his work researching the lives of soldiers during this time period. Please sign up at the Adult Information Desk for this special event.
Tuesday, July 02, 2013
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
  • Teen Sci-Fi Film Fest. Join us each Tuesday for movies like “The Hunger Games,” “I Am Number Four,” and “Inception.”
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Saturday, July 27, 2013
  • Learning about Pre-Diabetes. Please join us for this discussion by Dr. Louise Chang. She will describe Pre-Diabetes, talk about what we can do about it and how to modify one’s lifestyle to limit or prevent full-blown diabetes. Please sign up online or at the Adult Information Desk to attend this special program.

The East Cobb Library also has story times for babies, toddlers, and preschool age children! Check their calendar for a full listing of events at this location.

Gallery

East Cobb Library East Cobb Library East Cobb Library Children's Department East Cobb Library Teen Zone Library sign East Cobb staff during the Grand Opening

Fun Trivia:
Did you know that the East Cobb Library replaced the old Merchant’s Walk Library? Do you remember when it was in that location?

]]> http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3323 0 Willard’s Weekly Winner – June 17 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3089 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3089#comments Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:00:53 +0000 Shannon http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3089

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Hello, everyone!

Yesterday was Father’s Day so I wanted to choose a winner this week that honored fathers. Or, in this case, the author’s grandfather. It’s called Grandfather’s journey by Allen Say. This book won the Caldecott Medal in 1994. Allen Say’s grandfather, the story’s main character, was born in Japan, but he traveled to and decided to live in California. There is more to the story, but I do not want to give away any surprises!

I have never traveled to another country, but I think it would be fun! Have you traveled to another country? Or have you lived in another country? What was it like? Maybe someday you will write a book about your journey!

Happy reading!

Your friend,

Willard

]]> http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3089 0 Fat Boy Chronicles by Diane Lang and Michael Buchanan http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3172 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3172#comments Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:55:02 +0000 Maria http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3172

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]]> Editor’s note: Librarian Maria has brought us a new book in her series on bullying. Thanks, Maria, for bringing these reviews to us!

Title: Fat Boy Chronicles

Authors: Diane Lang and Michael Buchanan

Find it in your library »

 

Fat Boy ChroniclesBeing the new kid in a new high school is tough, but it’s a little harder for Jimmy than for most. At 5’5”, Jimmy weighs 187 pounds. He is continuously tormented and ridiculed about his weight. His one friend at school is bigger than he is. Needless to say, both get their fair share of being humiliated on a daily basis. Luckily, Jimmy has a super supportive family to help buffer the abuse he gets at school.

“I’m getting used to all the picking stuff, but that’s not what’s getting me – it’s feeling invisible. I go hours at a time without anyone noticing I exist.”

Inspired by a true story, this book is written in a diary format. It is a quick read, but still thoughtful and rich in description of what it’s like to be Jimmy. There are many things I liked about this book, but I thought one diary entry in particular was really interesting. In it, Jimmy states, “I’m getting used to all the picking stuff, but that’s not what’s getting me – it’s feeling invisible. I go hours at a time without anyone noticing I exist.”

I had never thought about how feeling invisible could hurt as much as being teased. It’s a different perspective for me. Sadly, both sound like painful experiences. Jimmy is a fighter, though, and he is a lot stronger than he realizes. I liked Jimmy, and if you read this book, I think you’ll also be rooting for him.

]]> http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3172 0 Weekly Events Spotlight: June 17-22 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3305 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3305#comments Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:14:29 +0000 Julia http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3305

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]]> possum and mice readingWondering what’s going on at the library? We’ve got programs about mushrooms, dogs, ants, puppets, video games, art, fossils, archaeology, and more… there’s something for everyone this week!
We’ve highlighted a few can’t-miss events the week of June 17-22. (You can check our calendar for the full list.)  Take a look, and we’ll see you at the library!*And don’t forget to sign your child up for ourSummer Reading Program; tweens, teens and adults should write book reviews for the chance to win a Kindle. Everyone who participates this summer will be entered into the drawing to win an iPad!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
]]> http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3305 0 Throwback Thursday http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3069 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3069#comments Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:00:27 +0000 Shannon http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3069 inside the Central Library while it was in the Old Marietta Post Office, 1963

inside the Central Library while it was in the Old Marietta Post Office, 1963

Do you notice the card catalog in the lower left-hand corner of the picture? Do you miss the physical card catalog or do you prefer today’s online catalog? Why?

]]> http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3069 0 Online Book Club: Fantasy http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3034 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3034#comments Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:42:27 +0000 Julia http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3034

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]]> One of these could be yours! We're giving away a mug each week to a commenter.

One of these could be yours! We’re giving away a mug each week to a commenter.

Each Tuesday we’re posting a new entry in our Online Book Club to share with you what you’re reading. Join in with the conversation! We’re focusing on a specific genre each week. Leave us a comment about what you’re reading or what you think about the genre, and you could win one of these super-cute reading-themed coffee mugs. We’ll pick a winner each week from the comments below.

If you’re a reader, don’t miss out on winning one of the great prizes at the end of the summer: we’re giving away a Kindle (courtesy of the family of the late Mrs. Bernice B. Franklin, a library trustee and long-time library supporter) to one lucky book reviewer, and the library system is also giving away an iPad (courtesy of the generous folks at Cobb EMC). All you have to do to enter to win the drawings is write a review. Get started today!*

Today we’re reading books in the Fantasy Genre, and today’s post is brought to us by Shannon, a Youth Services Librarian at Vinings. You know her from her weekly Willard posts, her Japanese entries, and her “I read these books!” posts. (She writes a lot on the blog, thankfully!)

Take it away, Shannon!

 

Genre: Fantasy

What is Fantasy? According to J.R.R. Tolkein, fantasy must contain “first, the creation of an internally consistent secondary world and second, the use of Faerie (the use of magic and enchantment)”.

from Genreflecting: a guide to popular reading interests by Diana Tixier Herald

What do you like about this genre? Fantasy allows me to experience a world that is sometimes a bit different and sometimes completely different from my own, and it nurtures my love of make-believe.

Such Wicked Intent The Little Prince Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

 

In the Genre:

What was your favorite book when you were young? The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (check our catalog for the book: http://cbpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/default/search/results?qu=”the+little+prince”). An aviator whose plane is forced down in the Sahara Desert encounters a little prince from a small planet who relates his adventures in seeking the secret of what is important in life.

What was the most recent book you enjoyed? Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel (check our catalog for the book: http://cbpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/default/search/results?qu=”such+wicked+intent”). When his grieving father orders the destruction of the Dark Library, Victor retrieves a book in which he finds the promise of not just communicating with the dead, but entering their realm, and soon he, Elizabeth, and Henry are in the spirit world of Chateau Frankenstein, creating and growing a body.

Name one of your favorite books. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (check our catalog: http://cbpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/default/search/results?qu=alice%27s+adventures+in+wonderland). A little girl falls down a rabbit hole and discovers a world of nonsensical and amusing characters.

 

More of these can be found in our OverDrive Collection: 

Tender Morsels, by Margo Lanagan: Tender Morsels is a dark and vivid story, set in two worlds and worrying at the border between them. Liga lives modestly in her own personal heaven, a world given to her in exchange for her earthly life. Her two daughters grow up in this soft place, protected from the violence that once harmed their mother. But the real world cannot be denied forever–magicked men and wild bears break down the borders of Liga’s refuge. Now, having known Heaven, how will these three women survive in a world where beauty and brutality lie side by side?

A Great and Terrible Beauty, Libba Bray: It’s 1895, and after the suicide of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma’s reception there is a chilly one. To make things worse, she’s been followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spence’s most powerful girls–and their foray into the spiritual world–lead to?

Have you read these books? Do you like the Fantasy genre? Let us know in the comments below and you could win the super-cute library-themed coffee mugs!

*Limit of 10 entries per person for the Kindle; each person will be entered to win the iPad once.

]]> http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3034 6 Library in the Spotlight: Central Library http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3231 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3231#comments Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:58:36 +0000 Julia http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3231

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]]> We’re continuing our tour of the 16 branches in the Cobb County Public Library System, and this week, we’re at the Central Library! This location is about two blocks east of the Marietta Square in downtown Marietta.

There’s always something fun going on at this library, which opened to the public in 1989. The Central Library is a busy location, with lots of activities, visitors, and meetings. The Central Library is also where you’ll find the Georgia Room and the Hattie Gaines Wilson Youth Services Department. This building also houses the library system’s administration and support services (including mail room, technical operations, digital services, and more!).

Basic Details:

Monday-Wednesday: 10am-8pm
Thursday-Saturday: 11am-6pm
Sunday: Closed

266 Roswell Street
Marietta, Georgia 30060
(770) 528-2320

Visit the library’s webpage for more information.

Featured Upcoming Events:

The Central Library also has story times for babies, toddlers, and preschool age children! Check their calendar for a full listing of events at this location.

Gallery

Central Library Storytime Fun! Central Library Seating Stepping Stone Statue Central Library Central Library Central Library Hattie Gaines Wilson Youth Services Department Georgia Room Central Library Presentation Fun at the Central Library Georgia Room - Central Library

Fun Trivia:
Did you know that the statue in the lobby of the Central Library is called “Stepping Stone,” and it was donated to the library using contributions from the community?

]]> http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3231 0 Willard’s Weekly Winner – June 10 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3092 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3092#comments Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:00:32 +0000 Shannon http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3092

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]]> inventionofhugocabret

Hello, everyone!

This week’s winner is a book that is really neat. Most Caldecott Medal winners are picture books or story books, but this book is a chapter book! It is called The invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. It won the Caldecott Medal in 2008. It is a very long book, 533 pages!, but that is because it is full of so many pictures. Half of the story is told in words and half of the story is told in pictures.

I like this book a lot. It is about a boy who lives in a Paris train station in 1931. That’s 82 years ago! That’s a long time! Things were very different back then. I like looking at the pictures in the book and seeing all the differences. What differences will you spot?

Happy reading!

Your friend,

Willard

]]> http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3092 0 Weekly Events Spotlight: June 10-15 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3174 http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3174#comments Sun, 09 Jun 2013 13:29:25 +0000 Julia http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?p=3174

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]]> Dig Into SloganWondering what’s going on at the library this week? You can check our calendar for the full list, but we’ve highlighted a few can’t-miss events for you here. Take a look, and we’ll see you at the library!

*And don’t forget to sign your child up for our Summer Reading Program; tweens, teens and adults should write book reviews for the chance to win a Kindle. Everyone who participates this summer will be entered into the drawing to win an iPad!

Monday, June 10, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Friday, June 14, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
]]> http://www.cobbcat.org/blog/?feed=rss2&p=3174 0