Thinking a " Little Chicken Soup" isn't quite enough to help a house-bound, newly-released hospital patient, I found myself considering a recently published, long-awaited bestseller as a get-well gift for a friend.
Or, should it be something different, maybe a little Feng Shui, or some Heloise to cheer her up? But what if she already had the book I was considereing? Now, I'm feeling ill trying to decide!
I realized then that the library was once again, the smart place to start my search! I could select a few magazines, videos, this might even be a great time to tackle a classic she's never had time to read; I could even bring home a cookbook for the husband! If the books were poor selections, I could come back to visit with another surprise!
Now where's that cookbook! If I'm ready for a visit I better start baking that casserole!

A little kindness goes a long way, especially when there's a horde of hungry munchkins waiting for a goodie!
Luckily, the Archdale Bakery and Lowe's Food are also interested in hungry munchkins; they have offered to donate goodies for our annual Halloween Party, which will take place Tues., Oct. 25 at 7pm. Mrs. Marian Tillman and Ms. Judy West, Archdale Alf's, have offered to judge our best-decorated mask contest.
Now, for the biggest treat...which mask should I bring in????

Ozella's Underground Railroad Quilt Code on display through the end of October.

This is one of the many quilt pieces in our lobby display case.

Bear's Paw: reminded fugitives to follow the actual bear's footprints, which would indicate the best path and also lead to food and/or water. This path would normally run through the Appalachian Mountains.

Stop by and read what the various patterns meant and put your name on the list for the book that reveals the code: Hidden in Plain View : A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad by Jacqueline L. Tobin, Raymond G. Dobard.

Thanks for reading,

George

A friend's dinner party introduced a new kitchen gadget I hadn't seen before. A simple, clear, plastic sheet draped over a special cookbook --the sheet gave protection from smudges, drips, floury fingerprints, keeping the aroma of spices and herbs out.
I thought how useful this could be. Protecting books is an important message we give to library patrons, young and old;
Wow, I need one of these! Then I realized that the old cookbooks I use (not as often as before and not the library copies) are like family photo albums, with drips and smudges recording the special 1st anniversary dinner (a rare combo of burnt and raw, all on the same plate!) or the birthday cake, or the honey drops for the baklava we offered the high school latin class.
I decided I didn't need that fancy gadget after all!

Book Sale Coming!

The Archdale Library Friends (ALF) is holding their bi-annual used book sale on Saturday, November 19, 2005 from 9-3. All proceeds benefit the Archdale Public Library.

Be sure to drop off your donations to the book sale at least a week in advance. Call 431-3811 for more information. Be sure to show up early…the best deals will go quickly!

Thanks for reading,
George

Second Annual Author Breakfast was a huge success!

Over 35 people joined Helen Goodman, Gail Gurley, Jon Farlow and Jerry Bledsoe (above l-r)for a reading/booksigning event on Saturday, October 8. Each author spent about 30 minutes discussing their writing, reading from their works and taking questions.

Wonderful refreshments were provided by ALF members. Kudos to Harriet for putting together such a memorable event. The question is, though, who will be there next year?

Thanks for reading,

George

Happy Opening to Archdale's littler sister branch!

Yesterday was the celebrated opening of the new Seagrove Library. What is special about this library is that the site plan and the blueprints were based on the designs that Dean Spinks did for Archdale back in 1992. So if you would like to step back in time and see what Archdale Public Library looked before the 1998 addition, be sure to stop by Seagrove and check them out. It is larger than the old Archdale building but retains the same layout and amenities.

Thanks for reading,

George

Halloween Treats @ the Archdale Library

In addition to great, spooky tales for all ages, here's a selection from a book of
"Halloween Nights...21 Spooktacular Poems":

The Scary Dictionary
The biggest book you'll ever see
Hides deep inside the library.

It sits upon an antique stand
Waiting for your trembling hand.

Don't be afraid, don't try to hide.
Just open it and look inside.

Words like Crawly, Creepy, Crud
That make your thumping heart go thud.

Words like Fear and Frankenstein
that send cold shivers up your spine.

Beward that awful burning need
To look inside and start to read.

'Cause every word that's mean and scary
Is found inside the dictionary!

Also:
"What to Wear on Halloween?"
Last year I went as Frankenstein,
the year before, a ghost.
This year I'd like to go as what
We kids all fear the most.

I've searched through stores all over town
For one old scary ghoul,
But none have masks that look just like
Our principal at school.

The Archdale Library will host it's annual Halloween Party on Tues., Oct. 25 from 7-8 pm; Our theme this year is a Masquerade Party--bring in a decorated mask or pick up one at the Archdale Library to decorate at home for a fun, spooky-time! Costumes are optional--Besides our Best Mask Contest, spooky stories & refreshments will be served--all children will receive a goody-bag! Please remember children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult/guardian.

New Adult Fiction Titles!

The March by EL Doctorow
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
Seven Lies by James Lasdun
First Warning by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
13 Steps Down by Ruth Rendell
Exposure by Talitha Stevenson

Give us a call at 431-3811 and let us know if you would like to request one (or more) of these titles.

Thanks for reading,
George

New Adult Nonfiction titles at the Archdale Public Library*...

Deal Breakers: When Does Mr. Right Become Mr. Not-On-Your-Life by Michele Avantario
For some women, it’s a moustache. For others, it’s a cheating heart. Whether you’re playing the field or are considering a trip down the aisle, you’ve got to determine whether to stick it out or move on in your pursuit of true love. Find out what your deal breakers are...

The Lady and the Panda by Vicki Constance Croke
The true adventures of the first American explorer (Ruth Harkness) to bring back China's most exotic animal.

The Better Brain Book by David Perlmutter
Tools for improving memory and sharpness and preventing aging of the brain.

The Indoor Plant Bible by Dorte Nissen
The essential guide to choosing and caring for indoor, greenhouse, and patio plants.

Reader's Digest Flower Gardening by Julie Bawden-Davis
A practical guide to creating colorful gardens in every yard.

Sweet Gratitude by Judith Sutton
Bake a thank-you for the really important people in your life.

Poker for Dummies by Richard Harrock
Bridge for Dummies by Eddie Kantar
The ever popular Dummies series return with two guides to very popular card games.

Kitty Bartholomew's Decorating Style by Kitty Bartholomew and Kathy Price-Robinson
A hands-on approach to creating affordable, beautiful, and comfortable rooms.

Thanks for reading,

George

*Reviews and synopses are borrowed and all of these titles can be requested at any RCPL location.