Crime Comes... to the Library

Stieg Larsson's The girl who... series is quite popular at the Library. Although we have several copies of each of his books, there is a waiting list for each title. So, Henry decided to find some "read-alikes" for people who enjoy Scandinavian crime fiction.

Henry has put together a great display that showcases authors like Henning Mankell, Peter Hoeg, and Hakan Nesser.


We have all three of Larsson's books, even though his latest, The girl who kicked the hornet's nest, will not be released in the U.S. until May, 2010. Henry asked his mother to pick up a few copies for him when she went to Europe. Voila! We have three copies in the collection. Good job, Henry!





For those of you who are not familiar for Larsson, Henry has included a short biography of him in the display. Be sure to check it out the next time you come downstairs.

The nights are long and cold. What better way to spend the evening than to curl up with a good crime... novel?

Holiday fun... at the Library

The 53rd annual Los Gatos Children's Parade took place last Saturday. The Library had a wonderful float that celebrated our new library.

The day before the parade, Peggy, Linda, and several Friends of the Library decorated the truck. And on Saturday it was "show time."

Henry, Heidi, and Jenn, as well as their children, rode on the float. The parade made its way down Santa Cruz Ave and onto East Main Street. As the float passed groups of children, Peggy heard many of them calling out "There's Heidi! There's Heidi!" It seems our Children's Librarian is a celebrity in our town.

As usual, the parade was a huge success. Heidi, Jenn, and baby Miles look especially pleased with their morning's adventure.

Getting Ready... at the Library

Every year Silicon Valley Reads selects a book for the entire Silicon Valley community to read. They choose a book that is relevant to Silicon Valley, is appropriate for both adults and young adults, and is the work of a living author. In defense of food : an eater's manifesto, by Michael Pollan, has been chosen for 2010.

The official kick-off for Silicon Valley Reads is January 27, 2010, but we have lots of things you can do to "get ready" for it.


The Los Gatos Library has added a companion book to our "local" read, Cool Cuisine, taking the bite out of global warming, by Laura F. Stec and Eugene C. Cordero. Did you know that our food choices can reduce global warming as effectively as buying a new fuel-efficient vehicle? I didn't, until I read Stec's book.

Michael Pollan has written several books, and the Library has them in a variety of formats. You can even download one of his books to your iPod!

In addition to books, we have three DVDs that are relevant to Pollan's work: Food, Inc., The Botany of Desire, and King Corn, You Are What You Eat.

There will be two drop-in book discussions in February (Henry promises there will be refreshments), and the Friends are planning a Friday Night Forum in February or March.

So, get ready now for Silicon Valley Reads!

The Gift of Giving... at the Library

Last week, two barrels were put in the Children's Room to collect books and toys for needy children. As you can see, they were completely empty, and waiting for donations.


I went up to the Children's Room this morning, and was happy to see that the barrels are already starting to get filled. The barrels will be in the Children's Room for several more weeks, so you still have time to donate new books and toys.



While I was taking pictures in the Children's Room, Jenn was on duty answering questions and helping patrons find good books to read. Welcome back, Jenn, we're really glad to have you back!

Things are Popping... at the Library

We bought this popcorn maker last Spring, and have used it for several programs. Now, Heidi has started "Popcorn Fridays," and the popcorn maker will be put into service at least once a week.







Every Friday afternoon, popcorn will be available in the Children's Room to any child who has read a book. Each child can write the name of his/her book on a paper popcorn kernel, and it will go up on the bulletin board. Heidi hopes the board will be covered with "popcorn" by Christmas.

Catching up... at the Library

Last year, most of the staff dressed up for Halloween because it fell on a Friday when we were all here. This year, however, Linda was the only one who really got into the spirit of things. She started her day by reading stories at one of our local elementary schools. She then came to the Library, and graced us with her "witchy" presence. Except for the fake moles on her face, she actually was a very glamorous witch. Check out that hat!








Jenn also stopped by with her "dinosaur," Miles. This was Jenn's last day as a visitor to the library, because she came back to work on Monday, after her maternity leave. Be sure to stop by the Children's Desk and welcome her back.









Henry has introduced a new Bestseller Collection: DVDs!
They are located in the DVD section on a top shelf. Don't be surprised, though, if the shelf looks pretty empty most of the time. Henry put the DVDs out on Friday afternoon, and within two hours only two were left!
They are first come, first serve, and holds can't be placed on them. So when you come in, make sure to check the shelf to see what has just been returned.

SF Chronicle and NYT Best Seller lists

SF Chronicle and NYT Best Seller lists are now available as a sub-link in our online catalog! It even tells you what number on the list the book is, but we have not figured out how to make then sort in order yet.