This Day in History...

Have you ever wondered what historical events happened on your birthday? Anniversary? Today? Well now you can with the History Channel's "This Day In History" website. Did you know that today, for example, is the anniversary of the disastrous 1906 San Francisco earthquake? Or that in 1775 on this day was Paul Revere's famous ride, warning "...the Redcoats are coming!"? Also taking place on April 18, 1956 was the wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Ranier of Monaco...

Visit the website at www.history.com/this-day-in-history.

Book Review- "Caught" by Harlan Coben

This book has been praised as one of Coben's finest works in years; it is reminiscent of his earlier novels when the pages were filled with twists and astonishing thrills. Dan Mercer is a teen social worker who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thinking he is going to help a troubled girl, he finds himself caught up in a Internet predator sting that ruins his reputation. Reporter Wendy Tynes soon finds out, however, that not all is as it seems, especially when she is witness to a murder. Wendy goes on a hunt to make sense of the murder she saw, find out how this correlates to five college roommates whose lives are falling in ruins, and learn how this all connects to the disappearance and possible murder of a teenage girl.

Find out what's happening in Chicago!

I just wanted to share this great website with you:

http://eventful.com/chicago/events

Eventful lists upcoming events in Chicago and its surrounding areas. It's a great source for finding upcoming concerts, exhibits, sporting events, festivals, conferences, and so much more! Not sure what to do this weekend? Make sure to stop at Eventful -- you'll have plans in no time!

Computer Drop-In Session: What is it?

I am guessing since you made it to this blog, you are pretty comfortable with using a computer and navigating the Internet. That being said, I'm sure many of the computer classes offered at the library are a bit too basic for you. That is why Sara and I (your reference librarians) decided to start offering the Computer Drop-In Session. This is not a class; it's more like a 30 minute tutoring session. There are no handouts, no lesson plan-- just you, me, and a computer. Take this time to ask us your burning computer questions, and we'll do our best to answer them (please note: Sara and I are fairly intelligent when it comes to computers, but by no means are we technology geniuses. Please keep that in mind if you stump us).

What are some of the things we can help you with? Well, how about:

• Set up a Facebook account
• Attach photos and documents in your e-mail
• Create snazzy fliers for upcoming events
• Get resume help with special software
• Start your own blog!

And there is plenty more! All you need to do is stop by the reference desk at least a day before the session and sign up for your 30 minute spot! Our next session is on Tuesday, April 13 from 2pm to 4pm. I hope to see you there!

Movie Review - "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief"

It's a big movie with an all-star line up, including Sean Bean, Pierce Brosnan, and Uma Thurman. Based on Rick Riordan's popular series of the same name, "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" tells the story of Percy Jackson, an ordinary kid who discovers that he's the son of a Greek god. Soon life is anything but ordinary when Zeus's lightning bolt is stolen-- and Percy is the prime suspect. Together with two friends, Percy begins a cross-country journey to find the bolt, all while encountering monsters straight out of Greek mythology.

The cast was astounding, especially Uma Thurman as the snake-haired Medusa. The special effects rival that of the Harry Potter movies. The adventure and action sequences are just the right balance of kid-friendly and adult entertainment. All this being said however, I was disappointed by how loosely the movie followed the book. A lot was cut-out or changed in the movie adaptation that I would have liked to see on the big screen. My advice? Read the book first, especially if you plan on reading the rest of the series.

Book Review - "Twenties Girl" by Sophie Kinsella

"Twenties Girl" by Sophie Kinsella

Lara is a sweet yet slightly naive Londoner who has been given the unfortunate task of tracking down her recently deceased great-aunt's necklace.  Of course, it wouldn't be so unfortunate if the one demanding the necklace was none other than Great-Aunt Sadie herself, appearing to Lara in the prime of her life as a 1920s flapper!  Although the relationship is rocky at first (why wouldn't it be with a brash and nagging ghost?), Lara and Sadie discover love and respect for one another by the end.

If you've enjoyed Kinsella's other books (notably the Shopaholic series), I really think you'll like this book.  It has a little bit for everyone (chick lit, paranormal, mystery, and romance), so I urge you to pick this one up today!

April Programs at the Library

Youth Services Programs:

• Spring Storytimes: Lapsit (for children up to 23 months)
  Mondays at 10am
• Spring Storytimes: 2 and 3 Year-Olds
  Tuesdays at 11am and 1:30 pm
• Spring Storytimes: 4 and 5 Year-Olds
  Wednesdays at 11am and 1:30pm
• Spring Storytimes: 6 to 9 Year-Olds
  Saturdays at 10am (no storytime on April 3)

Young Adult Programs:

• Writers Group
  Thursday, April 8 at 6pm

Adult Programs:

• Refreshing Yoga (waiting list only)
  Tuesdays at 4:30pm (no yoga on April 27)
• Taste and Talk Series: "Into the Beautiful North" and South of the Border Snacks! Wednesday, April 7 at 7pm
• Computer Drop in Session
  Tuesday, April 13 at 2pm
• Adult Book Discussion Group, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" by Steig Larssen
  Wednesday, April 14 at 7pm
• Internet Basics
  Tuesday, April 20 at 2pm

Please call the library or visit our event calendar to sign up for any of these great programs!