Recent book reviews by our patrons

Take a look at what our patrons had to say about what they've been reading:

The Quickie by James Patterson was "a great read. As with any book by this author that I've read, it was a can't-put-down page turner." On a scale of 1 - 5, JP gives it a 4.

East of Eden by John Steinbeck is a "wonderful, powerful novel packed full of issues relating to the struggle of good versus evil. A great summer read." JB gives it a 5.

Maggie by Charles Martin "was the sequel to The Dead Don't Dance. Both books were very good. . . I can't wait to read the next one!" CH gives it a 5.

The concept of Ibid by Mark Dunn "is intriguing -- the text is lost and only the footnotes are published. Mark Dunn's Ella Minnow Pea is one of my favorite books, so I had high expectations of Ibid. Although packed with amusement, it was not as enjoyable to read as I had hoped." CB gives it a 4.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is "a world of fantasy come to life. The maturity of the characters is more pronounced. The Order of the Phoenix brings the world of Harry Potter to a whole new level." RH gives it a 5.

New Fiction

New today:
William Bernhardt's Strip Search

Liam Hearn's Heaven's Net is Wide

Kathy Reichs' Bones to Ashes

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's The Wheel of Darkness

See you soon at the new book display!

The end of summer was NEVER more fun!

The laughs, the giggles, the chuckles, and the "Wow!"s let you know that Saturday's visit from children's performer Mark Daniel was a BIG success! A special thanks to the Library Services and Technology Act Grant which brought Mark (and his rabbit, Mikey) to the library! The kids heard about some great books, made friends with a dinosaur, and yes, we ALL had a LOT of laughs! The summer finale might be over, but the reading -- and the fun -- will continue through the year! See you soon . . . at the library!

New books for a new week --

Nothing starts a week off better than new books at your library. Drop in and check out our latest additions:

Kate Christensen's novel The Great Man. Her name sounds familiar? That's because Christensen is also the author of The Epicure's Lament.

The Art of Power, a non-fiction work by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, author of Peace is Every Step.

Margaret Maron's new novel, Hard Row, is the newest of the mysteries featuring Deborah Knott.

And don't forget author Jacquelyn Mitchard's new novel, Still Summer. Many of you will be familiar with this author of The Deep End of the Ocean, A Theory of Relativity, The Breakdown Lane, The Most Wanted.

Ever wonder what librarians do for fun . . .??

It's too hot for anything serious . . . so just sit back and enjoy some crazy photos from the National Library Cart Drill Team competition -- where teams of librarians compete in choreographed drill exhibitions featuring, you guessed it, library carts! With nutty emcees Mo Willems (author of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus) and Jon Scieszka (author of The Time Warp Series and The Stinky Cheese Man), you know it was a fun time!

30 Ways to Use Your Library Card

Libraries aren’t like they used to be –- now, they’re even better! Here are just 30 of the ways your library can enrich your life. Visit your library, and you’ll see the limitless opportunities that await you.

1. Plan your next vacation
2. Browse your favorite Web sites
3. Learn how to use a database or computer catalog
4. Reserve the latest mystery
5. Check out a DVD
6. Trace a long-lost friend
7. Learn about the history of your city or town
8. Prepare your resume
9. Get new ideas for redecorating your home
10. Attend a preschool story hour
11. Get the latest health information
12. Research the purchase of a new car
13. Trek to another planet in a science fiction novel
14. Learn the answer to a reference question
15. Research your term paper
16. Decide which computer to buy using a consumer guide
17. Check your stock portfolio
18. Borrow an audiobook for your next roadtrip
19. Use the library’s resources to create a new business plan
20. See an art exhibit
21. Find a recipe
22. Ask for recommended reading for teens
23. Make photocopies
24. Send or receive faxes
25. Get a book through interlibrary loan
26. Check out the latest fashion magazine
27. Get to know your librarian
28. Find the latest romance paperback
29. Find out the name of that old movie actor you saw on the late show
30. Find a quiet spot and curl up with a good book

See us at our locations in
Abbeville, Calhoun Falls, and Donalds

New and notable --

Look for these new titles from popular authors like Eric Jerome Dickey, Fern Michaels, Robin Cook, and Alexander McCall Smith:

Waking with Enemies by Eric Jerome Dickey

Up Close and Personal by Fern Michaels

Critical by Robin Cook

The Careful Use of Compliments by Alexander McCall Smith

Heaven is Real by Don Piper

What's not to love?

Love good books, movies, and music? Love checking them out for free? Love the chance to win great prizes from local spots? Then the Summer Reading Program for Adults is for you!

This week's winner won a $20.00 gift certificate from Fireflies. In coming weeks, we'll be featuring prizes from Windows on Main, the Inn to Art and Balance, and more!

The adult summer reading program -- what's not to love?