southworthspotlight

Wednesday wars by Gary Schmidt

2010-05-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

I am usually a book reader not listener, but sometimes the readers make books come ALIVE! This is one everyone should read!
here's the bookdweeb review:
When Holling Hoodhood starts seventh grade, he knows two things for sure. First, he is the son who will one day inherit Hoodhood and Associates (his father’s architecture firm). Second, his new teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates his guts. He first discovers this fact on Wednesday, when the Jewish and Catholic students leave for religious study, and Holling, the only Presbyterian, must stay behind with Mrs. Baker. Mrs. Baker tortures him with meaningless chores each Wednesday, until one day, she comes up with a new punishment. She forces him to read Shakespeare.

Through reading and performing Shakespeare, Holling learns two things. First, he can choose to be more than the son who will one day inherit Hoodhood and Associates. Second, Mrs. Baker probably doesn’t hate him.

The political and social unrest of the Vietnam era bubble under the surface of this strongly felt coming-of-age novel. Schmidt peppers his deeply funny story with poignant moments of loss, growth and missed chances. Even if some plot twists seem too good to be true (like when Holling gets to play with the Yankees), Holling brings a unique, believable voice that will speak to young and not-so-young readers alike. A beautifully crafted novel about finding hope and strength even in the most uncertain of times.

After reading this book, I understand why many people were shocked when Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! beat out The Wednesday Wars for the 2008 Newbery Medal. I enjoyed the winning book, but there’s no doubt in my mind, The Wednesday Wars should have won.

Audiobook Note: Joel Johnstone’s narration fits Holling perfectly. He sounds age appropriate, and does a great job of tackling both the funny and serious moments.

2009-11-09T18:15:00.000-08:00

Movies!

2009-08-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

We have a new series on DVD at the library- Slings & Arrows - a Canadian show for Shakespeare fans and others!

The title is taken from Hamlet (Act 3, Scene 1) in the famous soliloquy:

"To be, or not to be: that is the question:

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,

And by opposing end them?"

Each season's production problems mirrors the play the company is performing. Season one tackles Hamlet, Season Two : Macbeth and Season Three: King Lear.

The Big Steal

2009-07-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

This book is to antique lovers what the Friday Night Knitting Club is to Knitters. A fun mystery with an antique twist. A quick read with a different flavor!

If you like Twilight, you HAVE to read this series!

2009-07-26T05:03:00.000-07:00

Okay- you read all 4 Meyer books and still want more. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare is well written and extremely inventive with all things vampire, werewolf, fey and a twist as well with angels and demons and Nephilim. We have all three in the series at Dryden- City of Bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass.

Whatcha readin'?

2009-07-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

Our adult summer reading programs are in full swing now! The adults have risen to the challenge with the adult summer reading book reviews- master the Art of Reading @ the library! Reviews are pouring in and chocolate is being consumed! We give you chocolate for book reviews and chances to win prizes as well. Grab a book or pick up your favorite and letus know what you think!

Lincoln manuscript sets a record at Christie's auction!

2009-02-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

Join us for an Auction party!

2009-02-10T16:44:00.001-08:00

On Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. we will watch the Christie's auction on-line as the Lincoln Manuscript goes up for auction!

New York Times- Article on Lincoln manuscript

2009-02-10T16:38:00.000-08:00

By WENDY MOONAN
Published: January 15, 2009

“Now that the election is over, may not all, having a common interest, reunite in a common effort, to save our common country?”

That line comes from a speech given by Lincoln at the White House on Nov. 10, 1864, just after his re-election.

Christie’s is selling the original handwritten copy of that speech on Feb. 12, the bicentenary of Lincoln’s birth.

The four-page text is written on large heavy sheets of white paper marked with pale blue lines. Lincoln’s script is large, clear and even; there are a few cross-outs and corrections.

Chris Coover, a senior specialist in books and manuscripts at Christie’s in New York, said it was one of only two speeches handwritten by Lincoln that are now owned privately.

“Lincoln did not make that many speeches while he was president,” Mr. Coover said. “Some speeches for which no manuscript exists, if there is any text at all, are known only from stories by reporters.”

Speaking about the Civil War, which was still dividing the country, Mr. Lincoln struck a philosophical note. “Human nature will not change,” he said. “In any future great national trial, compared with the men of this, we shall have as weak, and as strong; as silly and as wise; as bad and good.”

It is the first time the manuscript has been for sale. It remained with Lincoln’s papers until 1916, when his son, Robert Todd Lincoln, gave it to Representative John A. Dwight of New York to thank him for his efforts to secure congressional financing for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. Dwight’s widow later gave the manuscript to the Southworth Library Association in Dryden, N.Y. (near Ithaca), which is now selling it.

Christie’s predicts that the sale of the manuscript will bring between $3 million and $4 million.

The last Lincoln manuscript sold by Christie’s, a handwritten address delivered on April 11, 1865, sold for $3 million in 2002.

2009-02-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

Being defeated is often

a temporary condition.

Giving up is what makes it permanent

TEEN TAKEOVER

2008-10-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

Dance, dance Revolution! Guitar Hero!
It's gaming night again for teens at the Southworth library.
Thursday night, October 23, the teens take over. we will open after hours from 7 - 9 for teens only! Check it out!

Teen Advisory Group starting up again!

2008-09-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

Teens! Help to plan our programs, activities and teen space at the library! After hours on Thursday, September 25, from 7:00 to 8:30 in the teen room. Come early, come late, come with ideas, grab some pizza and get involved!

Our fantastic Booksale is coming up!

2008-09-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

The Library Volunteer Booksale will be at the Dryden Fire Hall on North Street from Thursday September 18 (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.), Friday (same times) and Saturday (9 a.m. to NOON). There are boxes and boxes of excellent books priced from 25 cents to $3. Check it Out and support your local library!

Zora Neale Hurston-Their eyes were watching God

2008-08-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

School started again for me already and my class on Multicultural Literature and Resources required this reading by Zora Neale Hurston- It is remarkable in its poeticism and her use of the vernacular. It really is worth the effort that it takes to read and it does takes some work!

Southworth Library Teen Space Facelift

2008-08-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

The Teen Space at the library has been given a new look thanks to a generous donation from Cargill DeIcing Technology in Lansing NY. They provided funding for the carpeting and the furniture to make our teen area "the best spot in the library" according to our teens! Thanks, Cargill!

Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortenson

2008-08-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

If you want some true life inspiration, this book is a must read. It actually should be required reading for everyone. The amazing effect of one ordinary man with extra-ordinary compassion (and a general lack of care for the "things of this world") will astound you. I wanted to organize my town to fund a school when I finished this book and will try to not just read but DO! Mortenson, an ex-military man whose "mission is to promote peace (and fight terrorism)...one school at a time" is mentioned several times as a Nobel Prize potential. He is certainly a modern hero.

step 2

2008-02-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

learning how to add stuff to the blog

entering the spaceage in learning 2.0

2008-02-02T06:31:00.000-08:00

entering the space age in learning 2.0