Caught Reading: Looking for Jake and Other Stories by China Miéville

Coming hot on the heels of his Arthur C. Clarke Award winning novels Perdido Street Station and Iron Council, this book collects of the shot stories by this prolific and talented young fantasy writer. Most of the stories in this collection are set in modern London, with fantastic events happening to normal people like the journalist who receives information that certain locations around London can shift at will with dangerous consequences. Another quirky and ominous story finds an unwitting man used as a courier for unknown information against his will. Miéville can also write more traditional fantasy as well as the mind-bending story “Familiar” shows. A witches’ familiar (An animal, either a pet or a spiritual entity, who serves the Witch as a magical helper) is cast off only to re-build itself and confront its former master. Anyone with a taste for adventure is highly encouraged to read these fascinating stories by a brilliant young writer.

Send comments to: OBPL

Caught Reading: Crusader’s Cross by James Lee Burke

When you are a recovering alcoholic, every day is a struggle. Dave Robicheux, ex police detective and sometimes private eye, is haunted by his past which includes a magical summer in his younger days when he and his brother Jimmie met a mysterious woman on the Galveston waterfront. His search for the full story of the woman draws him back into work for the New Iberia, Louisiana police department and the search for a serial killer who is terrorizing southern Louisiana. He also has to confront his own alcohol-inspired demons.

Burke captures pre-Katrina Louisiana perfectly (I wonder how his next book in the series will describe the devastation) with hypnotic descriptions of the landscape and culture. As you might infer from the above description, this is a dark book filled with much soul-searching and a considerable amount of violence. But if you can endure that, there is a riveting story here, filled with fascinating characters. It is a dark night of the soul, but one you won't soon forget.

Send comments to: Tim

Young Adult Programs

The Old Bridge Central Library hosts a wide variety of programs for teens. The left picture shows teens learning the basics of caricaturing with artist Paul Matusz, and to the right we see Young Adult Librarian Theresa holding court during the Dance Dance Revolution contest.

Send comments to: Theresa

Caught Reading

One Shot by Lee Child

Don't look now but Jack Reacher is back in Lee Child's latest thriller and this is the best one yet. When the local Indiana police accuse James Barr of the sniper killing of 5 innocent people, Barr demands that they "get Jack Reacher". Barr is attacked in prison and ends up in the hospital while ex army/cop Reacher tries to unravel who the bad guys really are. All the evidence is simply too perfect and yet nothing is as it seems. Jack dives into his investigation like no other character - a real page turner.

- by Lynn Sacs, Reference Department

The Library Has Gone to the Dogs!

The Library hosted its first in a continuing series of pet related programs on Sunday. Here are some upcoming entries in the series:

• “Doggone Safe”November 6, 2005 @ 2:00 PM Dog bites are considered to be a serious health issue today. Most bites are by the family dog or dogs known to members of a family. How can you prevent this from happening in your family? Join us for the ‘Be a Tree” program which is bite prevention seminar for school-age children and their families. Learn to read dog body language and how to act safely around dogs.
• 
  “Abby the Labby” November 13, 2005 @ 2:00 PM Join author, Wendy Wyatt, as she shares her story of “Abby the Labby.” The program teaches children and families how to care for young pets and prevent pet abuse. Mrs. Wyatt will autograph her books which will be available for purchase on this day.
• 
  Puppy and Kitten Health Care” Date & time TBA Local veterinarian, Dr. Anita Greenberg, will lead a discussion on proper health care and nutritional needs of young puppies and kittens.

Send comments to: OBPL

November Teen Calendar

Young-Adult Librarian extraordinaire Theresa has released the November schedule of exciting teen events:

Sunday, November 6, 2005 – Teen Advisory Board at 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 6, 2005 – Sunday Matinee “Herbie: Fully Loaded” 2:30 p.m.

Monday, November 14, 2005 – Make-it-Take-it Duct Tape crafts 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 27, 2005 – Teen Advisory Board at 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 27, 2005 – Sunday Matinee “Madagascar” 2:30 p.m.

Monday, November 28, 2005 – Book Discussion “Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes” 7:00 p.m.

Back in Business

The Library's Internet connection has been repaired, and all electronic services are available. Thank you for your patience.

Send comments to: OBPL

Internet computers are down

Please note that due to an electrical fire at the builing housing the Library system's main computer server, the Main and Branch Libraries do not have wired access to the Internet. The wireless connection is still working. Technicians are working to restore service, thank you for your patience.

Send comments to: OBPL

Digital Photography Presentation

Saturday, October 15 at 1:30 p.m. – Digital Camera Presentation: Digital camera authority Holly Higgins presents a program on how to get the most from your digital camera. Did you get a camera as a gift, and give up because it was too complicated? Never fear! Dust it off, bring it with you and become a digital photo whiz in no time! To register for this fun and informative program, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

Send comments to: OBPL

Shells from the Shore!

OBPL staff member Marcy Kagan presents a Children's Program with selections from her famous seashell collection.

Send comments to: Marcy

Caught Reading: Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

Fantasy writer Neil Gaiman's (sort-of) followup to 2002's American Gods (one of my all time favorite novels) finds loveable loser Charles "Fat Charlie" Nancy at the funeral of his estranged father, who just so happens to be the trickster god Anansi. After the funeral, things go haywire for Fat Charlie as his long lost brother who inherited Anansi's powers comes to pay him a visit. Soon Fat Charlie has lost his job, his fiancee, and is one the run from the law. Only a trip to the world of the gods can save him... If you enjoy fantasy mixed with a dash of madcap humor, this is a story for you.

Send comments to: Tim

Caught Reading: The Innocent, by Harlan Coben
Harlan Coben's latest is fantastic. From the very first page, you are hooked. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next. Coben's style is truly enjoyable. If you have never read Harlan Coben, give this one a try. And if you like suspense mixed with a lot of humor, try his Myron Bolitar series -- these funny and thrilling page-turners are well worth a shot.

Send comments to: Sara

Breast Health Month

The Old Bridge Public Library will present a program entitled Maintaining Breast Health Throughout Your Life presented by registered nurse Janet Hostrup, director of the Community Health Education Department of Bayshore Community Hospital. To register, please call the Library's Reference Desk, (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033 or e-mail Anita.

Jazz Guitarist Joseph Frame Saturday, October 8 at 1:30 p.m. in the Central Library. Frame brings his unique blend of jazz and bossa nova to the Library for a wonderful afternoon of gentle fingerpicked guitar. His music is sure to appeal to all ages as his repertoire draws from the richly harmonic arrangements, by such masters as Charlie Byrd and Gene Bertoncini, of the music of the Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, creator of the musical genre now known as bossa nova; as well as some original pieces. For more information, please call (732) 721-5600 ext. 5033.

Send comments to: OBPL

October is National Breast Health Awareness Month, and the Library has a display to call awareness to this important topic.

Send comments to: OBPL

Library Hosts Domestic Violence Awareness

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Old Bridge Domestic Violence Response Team will have a display at the Old Bridge Central Library during the month of October. Old Bridge Domestic Violence Response Team members will be in the Library from 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. to pass out literature and explain the group’s mission on the following days: October 3, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24 & 25. They will be at a table in the former art gallery area. For more information, contact the Team at (732) 721-5600 x3260.

Send comments to: OBPL

Old Bridge Fall Festival

Saturday was the Old Bridge Fall Festival with a huge crowd and perfect weather.

Send comments to: OBPL