Summer reading...
By York Public Library Assistant Director Sudie Blanchard
Storyteller and puppeteer Pat Spalding brought the magic of stories to life at the York Public Library on July 27 for a standing-room-only crowd. Spalding's visit was part of the summer reading program, "Paws, Claws, Scales, and Tales," as she shared stories of ordinary animals and extraordinary deeds at the free event.
Courtesy photo
YORK VILLAGE - Books, books and more books.
That's what you find in libraries, and sometimes the challenge is finding what to read next.
Librarians call this "reader's advisory." We are trained to help all ages find just the right "next book" and we encourage you to ask us the next time you are stumped.
Our readers with internet access also have access to an online product called "NoveList" that can help in this respect, even when the library is closed. Head to our website at www.york.lib.me.us and click on the link to MARVEL. When you click on "Literature" you will see a link to "NoveList." After you read the latest news and additions on the first page of NoveList, take some time to explore the rest of this resource.
Under the "For Readers" tab, for example, you'll find links to "Author Read-Alikes." Head to this section if you've read everything by a particular author and want suggestions of other writers with the same style.
In the "For Readers" area, you'll also find book discussion guides (a real boon for book groups) and annotated booklists to guide your reading.
You'll find lists of award-winning fiction under the "Browse Lists" tab.
These are just a few highlights in NoveList.
If you need help getting started with NoveList or any other MARVEL database, please ask a library staff member for assistance.
Coming Events
Story hours continue through the summer on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. in the Children's Room. These stories are planned for pre-schoolers, aged 3 to 5, and conclude with a simple craft activity.
Those with infants and babies will enjoy Miss Kate's Wednesday Lap-sit story sessions, which begin at 10:30 a.m.
Animal-themed films are shown in the Community Room each Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. through the end of August. Remaining in the series are "Finding Nemo" on Aug. 8, "Beethoven" on Aug. 15 and "Lady and the Tramp" on Aug. 22.
On Thursday, Aug. 10, at 10:30 a.m., the third and final presentation in this year's Family Fun Series features "Double Vision," two performing artists who offer a zany mix of juggling, mime, comic characterization, mystifying illusions and classic vaudeville. This event is co-sponsored by the library and York Parks and Recreation Department and Kennebunk Savings Bank, and the Friends of the York Public Library have helped fund the series this year.
On Sunday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m., the Summer Film Festival continues with family favorite "The Sound of Music," starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. This film, based on the true story of the Von Trapp family and their daring escape from Austria at the beginning of World War II, won 5 Oscars. An added feature this evening will be a family sing-along featuring tunes from the show. Admission and popcorn are free.
Here's some "Food for Thought:" For a second year in a row, on Thursday, Aug. 17, dine at a local restaurant and help the library at the same time. Local eateries will be helping the library raise funds by giving a portion of the day's "take" to the library. We will provide a list of participating restaurants as the day approaches. We thank these local businesses in advance for their support. What a difference it makes!
The Summer Film Festival concludes on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. with a showing of the romantic comedy "Pat and Mike." The film, starring Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, won an Oscar in 1953 for Writer's Best Story/Film/Play. Admission and popcorn are free.
