Goodreads Spring Challenge Starts March 1

by | Feb 28, 2017 | Adult Arena, Teen Zone, Tween Scene | 2 comments

We’re about to start our next Seasonal Reading Challenge!

Each season (Winter, Spring, and Fall) a new challenge with a series of reading related tasks is posted. Each task is assigned a point level and then it’s up to you to decide which tasks you’ll attempt (or if you want to try to finish them all) and then find the books that fit. This challenge is a great way to discover new books as well as to have a chance to win some great prizes.

The Spring Challenge runs from March 1 through May 31.  Any books read during that time period can be used to complete tasks.  For example, if you don’t join until May 1st, you can still count any book you’ve read since March 1.

The Challenge is open to any patron over the age of 10 who has a library card at the Madison Library District. When you join, please give us your library card number, so we can verify you are one of our patrons.  We have a Goodreads table in the library with brochures explaining how to play and books that fit some of the tasks.  You can chose to play with paper forms (which will be available on the Goodreads table) or online at The Madison Library District Goodreads Seasonal Challenge.

If you have any questions feel free to ask a librarian next time you visit the library.  We hope you’ll all play!

 

“The Last Days of Night” by Graham Moore is an Electrifying Read

“The Last Days of Night” by Graham Moore is an Electrifying Read

by | Feb 10, 2017 | Adult Arena, Blog, Staff Picks | 0 comments

“The Last Days of Night” by Graham Moore is an Electrifying Read

Everyone should read this book! What are you looking for in a novel?

Legal thriller? – check.
Espionage? – check
Romance? – check
Techno suspense? – check
Dastardly villains? – check
Truly innocent souls? – check
Laugh out loud humor? – check
Gasps of horror? – check
Social commentary? – check
History? – check
Science? – check
A book that makes you smarter? – check
And doesn’t hurt while doing it? – check

An incredibly well written bit of historical faction surrounding legendary figures that most of us know little about. Only a story based in reality could be this weird. Edison vs. Westinghouse joining with Tesla – and sure, why not, let’s get Bell involved as well! I really appreciated Mr. Graham’s brief end notes explaining what was and was not real. (Almost all of it was. The biggest change was condensing the timeline of the events.) This book is a mind-blowing page turner that I would recommend to, literally, everyone! An electrifying read! (Sorry, couldn’t help myself – but it really is.)

Find it in our catalog
“Norse Mythology” by Neil Gaiman – Coming in February!

“Norse Mythology” by Neil Gaiman – Coming in February!

by | Dec 7, 2016 | Adult Arena, Blog, Staff Picks | 0 comments

“Norse Mythology” by Neil Gaiman – Coming in February!

Thanks to W. W. Norton & Company for supplying an advance reading copy of this title in exchange for a fair and honest review.

First, let me say that all the Marvel inspired Loki lovers will have a complete turn of affections after completing Gaiman’s retelling.

Secondly, I have read Norse mythology in the past and found little that was memorable, too many gods, all nebulous and unsympathetic. I realize now that Norse mythology is completely griping. It was just never told by the right storyteller.

I can easily envision Mr. Gaiman bundled near a crackling fire on a frigid night surrounded by a group wrapped in his words and trying to make sense of the harsh world around them. Perhaps it’s thousands of years ago, or in his retelling perhaps it is now. Perhaps that final chapter of the world’s destruction is in our near future. Everything feels very real and very now.

A work worthy of any bookshelf!

 

 

Save a House Elf

Save a House Elf

by | Sep 14, 2016 | Adult Arena, Teen Zone | 0 comments

Come in to the library and check out our interactive Harry Potter display. While you’re at it, bring in a pair of new socks to “free a house elf” and receive $1 (up to $10) off your overdue fines. All socks need to be donated by September 30 when they will be given to the Family Crisis Center. Thank you for your generosity.