Nov 30, 2010

Today at the Library (11/30/10)

Storytimes
Richard S. Gillis, Jr.,/Ashland Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
Mother Goose 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:45 a.m.
Family Storytime 11:15 a.m.
Family/Bedtime Storytime 6:45 p.m.

Nov 29, 2010

Today at the Library (11/29/10)

Storytimes
Richard S. Gillis, Jr.,/Ashland Branch Library
Mother Goose Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Toddler Storytime 10:45 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m.

Programs & Events
Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library
Genealogy Databases Workshop
Monday November 29 at 6:00 p.m.
Find out more about the library's genealogical databases, Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest.

Call (804) 798-4072 for more information.

Pick of the Week

She's a killer, boys!
by Douglas Perry
There was nothing surprising about men turning up dead in the Second City. Life was cheaper than a quart of illicit gin in the gangland capital of the world. But two murders that spring were special - worthy of celebration. So believed Maurine Watkins, a wanna-be playwright and a "girl reporter" for the Chicago Tribune, the city's "hanging paper." Newspaperwomen were supposed to write about clubs, cooking and clothes, but the intrepid Miss Watkins, a minister's daughter from a small town, zeroed in on murderers instead. Looking for subjects to turn into a play, she would make "Stylish Belva" Gaertner and "Beautiful Beulah" Annan - both of whom had brazenly shot down their lovers - the talk of the town. Love-struck men sent flowers to the jail and newly emancipated women sent impassioned letters to the newspapers. Soon more than a dozen women preened and strutted on "Murderesses' Row" as they awaited trial, desperate for the same attention that was being lavished on Maurine Watkins's favorites. In the tradition of Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City and Karen Abbott's Sin in the Second City, Douglas Perry vividly captures Jazz Age Chicago and the sensationalized circus atmosphere that gave rise to the concept of the celebrity criminal. Fueled by rich period detail and enlivened by a cast of characters who seemed destined for the stage, The Girls of Murder City is crackling social history that simultaneously presents the freewheeling spirit of the age and its sober repercussions.

Website of the Week

America's Story is a site brought to you by the Library of Congress. It was designed especially with young people in mind, but there are great stories for people of all ages, and children and their families will want to explore this site together. You can discover what Abraham Lincoln had in his pockets on the night he was assassinated. (You will be surprised.) Or you can read about Buffalo Bill Cody and his "Wild West" show; the heroism of Harriet Tubman, who helped many slaves escape bondage; the music of jazz great Duke Ellington; or the inventions of Thomas Edison. (You will even be able to see his first motion picture!) So take some time to explore what the site has to offer!

Nov 27, 2010

Today at the Library (11/27/10)

All branches of the Pamunkey Regional Library system will be closed Thursday November 25, Friday November 26, and Saturday November 27. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, November 29.

Nov 26, 2010

Today at the Library (11/26/10)

All branches of the Pamunkey Regional Library system will be closed Thursday November 25, Friday November 26, and Saturday November 27. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, November 29.

Nov 24, 2010

Today at the Library (11/25/10)

All branches of the Pamunkey Regional Library system will be closed Thursday November 25, Friday November 26, and Saturday November 27. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, November 29.

Today at the Library (11/24/10)

Storytimes
Atlee Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.

Goochland Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 11:00 a.m.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.
Family Storytime 11:15 a.m.

Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch Library
Mother Goose 9:15 a.m.
Family Storytime 10:00 a.m.

Upper King William Branch Library
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.
Mother Goose Storytime 11:30 a.m.

Bookmobile Stops
Goochland County
Salem Pre-School (Salem Baptist Ch., Cardwell Rd.) 10:00 - 11:30 (see map)
Elk Hill Farm 12:45 - 1:45 (see map)
Courthouse Commons Shopping Center 2:15 - 3:15 (see map)

Nov 23, 2010

Today at the Library (11/23/10)

Storytimes
Richard S. Gillis, Jr.,/Ashland Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.

Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
Mother Goose 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:45 a.m.
Family Storytime 11:15 a.m.
Family/Bedtime Storytime 6:45 p.m.

Bookmobile Stops
Hanover County
Childtime (8266 Windmill Watch Drive) 9:15 - 10:00 (see map)
Bell Creek Child Development Center (7620 Left Flank Rd.) 10:15 - 11:30 (see map)
Legacy Park (Pole Green Road) 11:45 - 12:30 (see map)
Covenant Woods (7090 Covenant Woods Drive) 2:00 - 2:45 (see map)

Programs & Events
Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library
Computer Basics II
Tuesday November 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Find out how to do basic tasks in Microsoft Word and how to use Internet Explorer to surf the web.
Space is limited, so call (804) 798-4072 or visit the library to sign up.

Nov 22, 2010

Today at the LIbrary (11/22/10)

Storytimes
Richard S. Gillis, Jr.,/Ashland Branch Library
Mother Goose Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Toddler Storytime 10:45 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m.


Bookmobile Stops
King William County
Guardian Angels (2372 King William Road) 9:45 - 10:15 (see map)
Rehoboth Baptist Church (5904 Acquinton Church Rd.) 10:45 - 11:15 (see map)
Mattaponi Indian Reservation (Rt. 640 to Rt. 625) 1:45 - 2:30 (see map)
King William Courthouse (Rt. 30) 2:45 - 3:15 (see map)

Programs & Events
Mechanicsville Branch Library
Resume Workshop
Monday November 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Learn tips on how to improve your resume for today's job market.

Space is limited, so call (804) 746-9615 or visit the library to sign up.

Pick of the Week

That's a bit unusual, I must say!
by Libba Bray
Can Cameron find what he’s looking for? All 16-year-old Cameron wants is to get through high school—and life in general—with a minimum of effort. It’s not a lot to ask. But that’s before he’s given some bad news: he’s sick and he’s going to die. Which totally sucks. Hope arrives in the winged form of Dulcie, a loopy punk angel/possible hallucination with a bad sugar habit. She tells Cam there is a cure—if he’s willing to go in search of it. With the help of a death-obsessed, video-gaming dwarf and a yard gnome, Cam sets off on the mother of all road trips through a twisted America into the heart of what matters most. (Also available as a talking book.)

Website of the Week

Shorpy.com is a vintage photo blog featuring thousands of images from the 1850s to 1950s. You can search the site by topic, or you can browse the photos as they're posted. The photos provided are high-definition and frequently quite beautiful. They make history come alive! (The site itself is named after Shorpy Higginbotham, a teenage coal miner who lived 100 years ago.)

Nov 20, 2010

Today at the Library (11/20/10)

Programs & Events
Atlee Branch Library
Saturday Cinema
Saturday November 20 at 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy a great movie filled with laughter and adventure for all ages.
Popcorn and drinks served.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Atlee Library.

Nov 19, 2010

Today at the Library (11/19/10)

Storytimes
Hanover Branch Library
Family Storytime 10:45 a.m.

Rockville Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:45 a.m.

West Point Branch Library
Family Storytime 11:00 a.m.

Bookmobile Stops
King & Queen County
Kiddie Korner (Rt. 629, Walkerton) 10:00 – 11:15 (see map)
Bruington Baptist Church (Rt. 14) 11:30 - 12:00 (see map)
Walkerton Post Office 1:15 - 2:30 (see map)


Programs & Events
Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library
Teen Movie Night
Friday November 19 at 6:00 p.m.
See a great movie at the library. Bring a friend!
Pizza served! Sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Nov 18, 2010

Today at the Library (11/18/10)

Storytimes
Atlee Branch Library
Mother Goose Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Family Storytime 10:45 a.m.

Goochland Branch Library
Preschool Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Mother Goose Storytime 11:00 a.m.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.

Family Storytime 11:15 a.m.

Bookmobile Stops
Hanover County
Goddard School (Sliding Hill Rd.) 9:30 - 10:45 (see map)
Omni Park Place (101 Omni Rd.) 11:15 - 12:00 (see map)
Primrose School (Atlee Commons Rd) 2:30 - 3:30 (see map)

Programs & Events
Goochland Branch Library
Teen Movie Night
Thursday November 18 at 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy a movie and pizza with your friends.
Pizza, drinks, and dessert served.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Goochland Library.

Hanover Branch Library
Lunchtime Book Group
Thursday November 18 at 12:30 p.m.
The World to Come
by Dara Horn
Drinks and dessert served.
Sponsored by the Hanover Branch Library Friends.

Cochrane Rockville Branch Library
Finding Thalhimers
Thursday November 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Local author Elizabeth Thalhimer Smartt will talk about her new book, Finding Thalhimers.
A book signing will follow.

Refreshments served.

Nov 17, 2010

Today at the Library (11/17/10)

Storytimes
Atlee Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.

Goochland Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 11:00 a.m.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.
Family Storytime 11:15 a.m.

Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch Library
Mother Goose 9:15 a.m.
Family Storytime 10:00 a.m.

Upper King William Branch Library
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.
Mother Goose Storytime 11:30 a.m.

Bookmobile Stops
Goochland County
Bundle of Joy Day Care (74 Plaza Dr.) 10:15 - 11:30 (see map)
Dover Baptist Church (Rt. 621) 12:00 - 12:30 (see map)
Broadview Shopping Center 1:45 - 2:30 (see map)
James River Estates (East Brook Run Dr.) 3:00 - 3:30 (see map)

Programs & Events
Hanover Branch Library

Teen Gaming Night

Wednesday November 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Ages 11 and up.
Try your hand at some fun Wii and board games.
Snacks served! Sponsored by the Hanover Branch Library Friends.

Nov 16, 2010

Today at the Library (11/16/10)

Storytimes
Richard S. Gillis, Jr.,/Ashland Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
Mother Goose 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:45 a.m.
Family Storytime 11:15 a.m.
Family/Bedtime Storytime 6:45 p.m.

Bookmobile Stops
Hanover County
Childtime (7452 Old Hickory Drive) 10:00 - 11:00 (see map)
Tuckaway Child Care (6857 Cold Harbor Rd.) 11:15 - 12:00 (see map)
Christian Village (Lee Davis Road) 1:30 - 2:15 (see map)
Cool Well Townhouses (Community Center) 2:30 - 3:15 (see map)

Nov 15, 2010

Pick of the Week

WHERE'D THE SPOON GO???
by Sam Kean
The Periodic Table is one of man's crowning scientific achievements. But it's also a treasure trove of stories of passion, adventure, betrayal, and obsession. The infectious tales and astounding details in this book follow carbon, neon, silicon, and gold as they play out their parts in human history, finance, mythology, war, the arts, poison, and the lives of the (frequently) mad scientists who discovered them. We learn that Marie Curie used to provoke jealousy in colleagues' wives when she'd invite them into closets to see her glow-in-the-dark experiments. And that Lewis and Clark buried mercury capsules across the country and their campsites are still detectable by the poison in the ground. Why did Gandhi hate iodine? Why did the Japanese kill Godzilla with missiles made of cadmium? And why did tellurium lead to the most bizarre gold rush in history? From the Big Bang to the end of time, it's all in The Disappearing Spoon.

Website of the Week


This neat site is an interactive periodic table providing in-depth information on every element. Just click on any element in the periodic table, and you will be taken to a page for that element, complete with atomic information, photos, characteristics of the element, and even embedded videos. The site also features a searchable Chemistry Dictionary, as well.

Today at the Library (11/15/10)

Storytimes
Richard S. Gillis, Jr.,/Ashland Branch Library
Mother Goose Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Toddler Storytime 10:45 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m.


Bookmobile Stops
King William County
King's Grant (McKendree Church) 11:00 - 11:30 (see map)
Marle Hills (Oxford Lane) 11:45 - 12:30 (see map)
McCauley Park 1:30 - 2:00 (see map)
Fun Farm (Commons Park Drive) 2:30 - 3:30 (see map)

Nov 13, 2010

Today at the Library (11/13/10)

Programs & Events
West Point Branch Library

Second Saturday Matinee
Saturday November 13 at 1:00 p.m.
All ages.
See a great movie about toys at the library.
Refreshments served.
Sponsored by the Friends of the West Point Library.

Nov 12, 2010

Today at the Library (11/12/10)

Storytimes
Hanover Branch Library
Family Storytime 10:45 a.m.

Rockville Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:45 a.m.

West Point Branch Library
Family Storytime 11:00 a.m.

Bookmobile Stops
King & Queen County Library
Scott’s Store (Walkerton) 10:30 - 11:00 (see map)
King & Queen Senior Ctr. (Bethlehem Baptist Ch., Rt. 14) 11:15 - 11:45 (see map)
King and Queen Courthouse (Rt. 14) 1:15 - 2:00 (see map)

Programs & Events
Mechanicsville Branch Library
Family Movie Night
Friday November 12 at 6:00 p.m.
See a great family movie about toys who who have many adventures on their way to new home. (This is a change)
Refreshments served.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Mechanicsville Library.

Cochrane Rockville Branch Library
Teen Movie Night
Friday November 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Join your fellow Hogwarts fans for a costume contest, dinner, and a movie. Take a look back as we get ready for the latest installment of our favorite movie series.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Rockville Library.

Nov 11, 2010

Today at the Library (11/11/10)

Storytimes
Atlee Branch Library
Mother Goose Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Family Storytime 10:45 a.m.

Goochland Branch Library
Preschool Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Mother Goose Storytime 11:00 a.m.

King & Queen Branch Library
Family Storytime 11:15 a.m.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.
Family Storytime 11:15 a.m.

Bookmobile Stops
Hanover County
Kiddie Kingdom (813 Thompson Street) 9:30 - 10:45 (see map)
Bundle of Joy Day Care (3322 King's Charter Dr.) 11:00 - 11:45 (see map)
The Pines at Cold Harbor (Stonewall Pkwy.) 1:30 - 2:15 (see map)
All Aboard Child Dev. Center (7147 Stonewall Pkwy.) 2:30 - 3:15 (see map)


Programs & Events
Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch Library
Read to Sam
Thursday November 11 at 6:00 p.m.
Meet Sam the Dog and read your favorite story to him. Sam loves books and children!

All branches of the Library will be open today. Remember our veterans and all they have done for us this Veteran's Day.

Nov 10, 2010

Today at the Library (11/10/10)

Storytimes
Atlee Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.

Goochland Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 11:00 a.m.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.
Family Storytime 11:15 a.m.

Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch Library
Mother Goose 9:15 a.m.
Family Storytime 10:00 a.m.

Upper King William Branch Library
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.
Mother Goose Storytime 11:30 a.m.

Bookmobile Stops
Goochland County
Salem Pre-School (Salem Baptist Ch., Cardwell Rd.) 10:00 - 11:30 (see map)
Elk Hill Farm 12:45 - 1:45 (see map)
Courthouse Commons Shopping Center 2:15 - 3:15 (see map)

Nov 9, 2010

Today at the Library (11/9/10)

Storytimes
Richard S. Gillis, Jr.,/Ashland Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.

Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
Mother Goose 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:45 a.m.
Family Storytime 11:15 a.m.
Family/Bedtime Storytime 6:45 p.m.

Bookmobile Stops
Hanover County
Atlee Christian Academy (8391 Atlee Rd.) 9:15 - 10:30 (see map)
Rainbow Station (8218 Atlee Road) 10:35 - 11:15 (see map)
Toddler University (Rt. 301) 11:30 - 12:30 (see map)
Covenant Woods (7090 Covenant Woods Drive) 2:00 - 2:45 (see map)

Programs & Events
Mechanicsville Branch Library

Computer Basics II Class
Tuesday November 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Want to learn more about computers? We can help!
Find out how to do basic tasks in Microsoft Word and how to use Internet Explorer to surf the web.

This class is full, but you can call (804) 746-9615 or visit the library to get on a waiting list for future classes .

Nov 8, 2010

Today at the Library (11/8/10)

Storytimes
Richard S. Gillis, Jr.,/Ashland Branch Library
Mother Goose Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Toddler Storytime 10:45 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m.

Bookmobile Stops
King William County
Guardian Angels (2372 King William Road) 9:45 - 10:15 (see map)
Rehoboth Baptist Church (5904 Acquinton Church Rd.) 10:45 - 11:15 (see map)
Mattaponi Indian Reservation (Rt. 640 to Rt. 625) 1:45 - 2:30 (see map)
King William Courthouse (Rt. 30) 2:45 - 3:15 (see map)

Pick of the Week


byAnnabelle Gurwitch and Jeff Kahn
In this hilarious and ultimately moving memoir, comedians and real-life married couple Annabelle Gurwitch and Jeff Kahn prove that in marriage, all you need is love—and a healthy dose of complaining, codependence, and pinot noir. After thirteen years of being married, Annabelle and Jeff have found “We’re just not that into us.” Instead of giving up, they’ve held their relationship together by ignoring conventional wisdom and fostering a lack of intimacy, by using parenting as a competitive sport, and by dropping out of couples therapy. The he-said/she-said chronicle of their intense but loving marriage includes an unsentimental account of the medical odyssey that their family embarked upon after their infant son was diagnosed with VACTERL, a very rare series of birth defects. Annabelle and Jeff’s unforgivingly raw, uproariously funny story is sure to strike both laughter and terror in the hearts of all couples (not to mention every single man or woman who is contemplating the connubial state). Serving up equal parts sincerity and cynicism, You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up is a laugh-out-loud must-read for everyone who has come to realize that being “in love” can only get you so far.

Website of the Week


Animal Corner is a large and continually expanding encyclopedia featuring mammals, birds, insects, marine life and reptiles from around our planet. Students are able to use the search facilities to find information on an animal they are discovering. The animal features include animal photographs and extensive information on their habitats, behaviour, reproduction and more. Animal Corner has information on endangered animals including their history and scientific classification. Natural history is also featured on many animals.

Nov 5, 2010

Today at the Library (11/5/10)

Storytimes
Hanover Branch Library
Family Storytime 10:45 a.m.

Rockville Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:45 a.m.

West Point Branch Library
Family Storytime 11:00 a.m.

Bookmobile Stops
King & Queen County
Kiddie Korner (Rt. 629, Walkerton) 10:00 - 11:15 (see map)
Bruington Baptist Church (Rt. 14) 11:30 - 12:00 (see map)
Walkerton Post Office 1:15 - 2:30 (see map)

Nov 4, 2010

Today at the Library (11/4/10)

Storytimes
Atlee Branch Library
Mother Goose Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Family Storytime 10:45 a.m.

Goochland Branch Library
Preschool Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Mother Goose Storytime 11:00 a.m.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.

Family Storytime 11:15 a.m.

Bookmobile Stops
Hanover County
Goddard School (Old Hickory Rd.) 9:45 - 11:30 (see map)
New Hanover Christian School (10058 Chamberlayne Rd.) 1:00 - 2:00 (see map)
Bon Secours Child Care (8210 Meadowbridge Rd.) 2:30 - 3:30 (see map)

Nov 3, 2010

Changes to Library Online Databases Effective Nov. 3

Starting today, you will notice a few changes to our databases when you visit either of our database pages (by subject) or (alphabetically). Database and other online resource descriptions have been rewritten or moved to make finding what you need easier

As of today, we no longer subscribe to the Testing & Education Reference Center. If you are looking for college & career advice or test prep resources, try our Testing Preparation pathfinder.

Our newest database is Newsbank, an easy-to-search database containing electronic editions of local, regional, and national U.S. newspapers. Each paper provides local and regional coverage of companies, politics, sports, industries, cultural activities, and more. Paid ads are excluded. Local papers included in NewsBank are the Goochland Gazette (full text from 12/6/2006), the Mechanicsville Local (full text from 3/6/2007), and the Richmond Times-Dispatch (full text from 1985).

Go to NewsBank in the Library or from Work Home or School
Remember to have your library card number handy if you are using NewsBank outside of the library.

If you have any questions about these changes or any of the library's databases and other online resources, please email ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or see a staff member.

Today at the Library (11/3/10)

Storytimes
Atlee Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.

Goochland Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 11:00 a.m.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
Toddler Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.
Family Storytime 11:15 a.m.

Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch Library
Mother Goose 9:15 a.m.
Family Storytime 10:00 a.m.

Upper King William Branch Library
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m.
Mother Goose Storytime 11:30 a.m.

Bookmobile Stops
Goochland County
Bundle of Joy Day Care (74 Plaza Drive) 10:15 - 11:30 (see map)
Broadview Shopping Center 1:45 - 2:30 (see map)
James River Estates (East Brook Run Drive) 3:00 - 3:30 (see map)

Nov 2, 2010

Today at the Library (11/2/10)

Storytimes
Mechanicsville Branch Library
Mother Goose 10:00 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 10:45 a.m.
Family Storytime 11:15 a.m.
Family/Bedtime Storytime 6:45 p.m.

There will be no Storytimes at the Ashland Branch Library today because it is a polling station. The library will be open from 10-6 today.

Bookmobile Stops
Hanover County
Advent Day Care (Advent Christian Church, Studley Road) 9:45 - 10:45 (see map)
Liberty Christian School (8094 Liberty Circle) 11:00 - 11:45 (see map)
Christian Village (Lee Davis Rd.) 1:30 - 2:15 (see map)

Minnieland Private Day School (7386 Creighton Pkwy.) 2:30 - 3:15 (see map)

Nov 1, 2010

Pick of the Week


by Peter Chapman
In this powerful and gripping book, Peter Chapman shows how the pioneering example of the importer United Fruit set the precedent for the institutionalized greed of today's multinational companies. The story has its source in United Fruit's nineteenth-century beginnings in the jungles of Costa Rica. What follows is a damning examination of the company's policies: from the marketing of the banana as the first fast food, to the company's involvement in an invasion of Honduras, a massacre in Colombia, and a bloody coup in Guatemala. Along the way the company fostered covert links with U.S. power brokers such as Richard Nixon and CIA operative Howard Hunt, manipulated the press (that later backfired), and stoked the revolutionary ire of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. Chapman weaves a dramatic tale of big business, deceit, and violence to show how one company wreaked irrevocable havoc in the "banana republics" of Central America, and how terrifyingly similar the age of United Fruit is to our age of globilization.

Website of the Week

Aviary is a powerful suite of browser-based design tools intended to help you express your creativity. For instance, it allows you to apply effects and filters to your photos, or to create new images from scratch. It also has an application that allows you to remix or edit audio tracks, and it even has an application that lets you simulate dozens of musical instruments to make your own music or ringtones. There are videos and tutorials that show you how to use the different tools that are provided, and you can browse the different things that people have created. And best of all, it's free to use, and free to create an account!

Today at the Library (11/1/10)

Storytimes
Richard S. Gillis, Jr.,/Ashland Branch Library
Mother Goose Storytime 10:00 a.m.
Toddler Storytime 10:45 a.m.
Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m.


Bookmobile Stops
King William County
King's Grant (McKendree Church) 11:00 - 11:30 (see map)
Marle Hills (Oxford Lane) 11:45 - 12:30 (see map)
McCauley Park 1:30 - 2:00 (see map)
Fun Farm (Commons Park Drive) 2:30 - 3:30 (see map)