Matte or Glossy?

Okay sometimes it just happens. A newspaper advice column appears before my eyes and the next thing I know I have read the whole thing. It happened to me last week as I read a rather poignant plea for help.The letter started Dear So and So, a few of my friends have told me I'm dull. What should I do?

Well, Ms. Advice Columnist took a very calm approach. Her first response was not "with friends like these who needs enemies." Instead she began a discussion of different personalities and how some of us have a matte finish and some have a glossy finish. And some of her best friends are in fact a little dull but they are good listeners, reliable and comforting.

This holiday season many gift givers are going to be evaluating ebook devices. You have seen the glossy tablets that are the life of the party. Pretty colors shining luminously from the screen, images swirling and gliding across the screen. These devices provide access to media of all types. But there is something to be said for the devices that are more single in purpose --- mainly to read a book. Typically these use e-ink and they mimic the traditional reading experience. The Amazon Kindle, the Barnes and Noble Simple Touch Nook are examples of ereaders that use this technology. They are less of an investment, sturdy and have a long battery life. They may look dull, but let's say they have a matte finish and could be a reader's best friend.

Want help researching an ereader? Talk to us at Readers Services. We have devices for you to practice with or checkout, and we'll walk you through the options to use library ebooks so you don't have to spend money getting ebooks. Also our Downloadable MyMediaMall walk in sessions can be helpful.
For more information call 847-376-2840.

CNET.com has handy reviews of devices as well.
Sony PRS-T1
Amazon Kindle
Barnes and Noble Simple Touch Nook
Complete CNET ereader list

Thank you

Different people use libraries for various purposes: locating a book before a long flight, discovering a new movie director, working on a term paper, learning a new language, researching a snow-blower purchase, viewing summer blockbusters now out on DVD, downloading ebooks, or re-reading an old favorite, among others. In many cases, we at the library are lucky enough to assist in these pursuits. During this season set aside to remind us of all that we are thankful for, I want to thank you, the Patrons of the Des Plaines Public Library, for letting us share your story.

The chance to interact with people, learning new things, hearing great stories, and understanding how people tick is a fundamental reason we are here at the desk, and one that is fulfilling for me as much as I hope it is for you. Any time you come to the library and need any kind of help, have any questions, or just want to say hello, stop by our desk: we'd love to talk with you! I wish all of you had the juiciest of turkeys, the tastiest of pumpkin pies and the happiest of family memories on Thanksgiving Day 2011. And most importantly, thank you.

Making a List, Checkin It Twice

Gonna find out what book to read next. I know the holidays are here because I have more than 40 books on reserve. How did that happen? It's because in November and December all the "Best of" lists come out. I love the lists. Let all the smart people go and read everything and narrow it down so I only read the good stuff. Usually I find enough books to get me through a good portion of the following year. There are:

Tthe National Book Award and all the Finalists
The Man/Booker Prize Long List
The New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2011
Kirkus Reviews Best of 2011
Amazon's Best of 2011
Publisher's Weekly
and Library Journal

Some of the (very good) books that I have read as a result of these lists are:

Nightwoods by Charles Frazier

Train Dreams by Denis Johnson

The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollack

and
I Want My Hat Back (a kids picture book, but it made my day, so much that I had to include it).

What were some of the best books you read in 2011?