To
read or not to read
By
Glypie Grider
Staff Writer
It’s
a full-service library.
The Owen County Public Library stocks shelves full of books, movies
and CDs, catering to the wide interests of its patrons.
Wi-fi capability allows the most techno-savvy to access the Internet,
and amateur historians regularly use the microfilm machine to
trace their genealogy.
And don’t forget about classifying your latest collection
of black widow spiders. The library can do that too.
“I’m happy to say it was in a jar,” joked library
director Cathy Matthews, referring to an instance in which a patron
brought his spider to the library in order to classify it.
Matthews explained that during the summer months patrons sometimes
bring in their amphibians, spiders and insects and use available
field guides for classification.
A turtle has been the only amphibian visitor this summer, but
as Matthews pointed out, “The summer has just begun.”
Party time at the library
A marionette show today, a Kentucky author and a “critter
crusade” tomorrow.
Plus a Halo 2 LAN party on Saturday.
It seems there’s a party every day at the library this summer.
Outreach librarian Becky Doolin said the summer “Get a Clue
@ Your Library” reading program is going strong, now entering
its third week. The series runs through June.
The Halo 2 video game match is a recent addition to the library
programs, and Doolin’s son, Matt, was largely responsible
for bringing it to the library.
“He was always playing it at home with his friends and thought
it would be a good idea to have it at the library,” Becky
Doolin said. Only older children are allowed to participate, and
students are responsible for providing the equipment. The library
provides light refreshments and a meeting room.
A night at the movies
Video and DVD loans are popular items at the library, with upwards
of 100 loans since the first of the year for some. “Talladega
Nights,” “The Da Vinci Code” and “The
Notebook” top the most-watched list.
New releases, classics — even silent movies — are
available to patrons free of charge for a week.
The library also leases copyrights to movies and shows them on
a big screen in the meeting room. A viewing of “The Bridge
to Terabithia” is slated for Monday at 5:30 p.m.
Did you read about it?
Mossy Creek sounds just like Owen County.
There’s a friendly face at every window, and a story behind
every door.
No wonder the Mossy
Creek books are among the most popular finds at the Owen County
Public Library this year.
The series, written collectively by six different women, is a
humorous account of the lives of Mossy Creek citizens. The mayor
cleans her own gun, and the Police Chief doesn’t need one.
People stop in Mama’s All You Can Eat Cafe and catch up
on the local gossip. The book tagline is: “The town that
ain’t going nowhere and don’t want to.”
“It’s a surprise in some ways that some of the bigger
authors like James Patterson and John Grisham don’t go out
as much,” Doolin said. “It’s the lighter stuff
that people want,” she added, noting that the Mossy Creek
series is a light summer read and ideal for reading on the beach.
Doolin also recommended books on CD for long drives. Nora Roberts,
a common name in the romance genre, is among the most loaned.
Mystery/suspense books are also popular.
Similarly, music CDs are ideal for long drives. Country music
tops the list, with names like Alan Jackson, Randy Travis and
Willie Nelson leading the way. The library also offers rock, classical,
jazz and music for kids.
Harry Potter news
It comes as no surprise that J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter
book series is the most popular overall at the library.
Adults and younger readers both check out the works, in novel
form and on CD.
The highly-anticipated seventh installment in the series is slated
for a July 21 release, and Doolin said the library usually buys
three copies. There is a waiting list for the audio CD, and while
the library hosted a Harry Potter party in the past, there are
no finalized plans yet for this year.
Other popular finds
Teenage author Christopher Paolini’s “Eragon”
and “Eldest” books are also popular, but classic juvenile
fiction like “Charlotte’s Web” and the Nancy
Drew series are going off the shelves too.
“I think they’re making a comeback in connection with
the movie release,” Doolin explained.
Graphic novels (comic books) are popular with male readers, Doolin
said, and the “That’s not my ...” board book
series is a familiar find with the preschool and younger age group.
Star Wars books are also making a comeback, Doolin said. “I
think it has a lot to do with the 30 year anniversary of Star
Wars,” she said.
Librarians regularly set up book displays which helps increase
circulation, Doolin said.
The library also steps outside its rather busy home on North Main
Street and brings library materials to elderly, handicapped patrons,
and childcare providers through its “Books on Wheels”
program.
The library is open Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with
extended hours on Monday until 8 p.m.
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