Library Closings

All libraries will be closed on New Year’s Eve, December 31 and New Year’s Day, January 1. All libraries will resume regular hours on Monday, January 3rd.

Today at the Library (12/28/10)

Storytimes
Storytimes will resume during the week of January 3.

Bookmobile Stops
There will be no Bookmobile stops this week.

Pick of the Week

Imbibe!: From Absinthe Cocktail to Whiskey Smash, a Salute in Stories and Drinks to "Professor" Jerry Thomas, Pioneer of the American Bar

by David Wondrich

A lively, historically informed, and definitive guide to classic American cocktails! Cocktail writer and historian David Wondrich presents the colorful, little-known history of classic American drinks-and the ultimate mixologist's guide-in this engaging homage to Jerry Thomas, father of the American bar. Wondrich reveals never-before-published details and stories about this larger-than-life nineteenth-century figure, along with definitive recipes for 100 punches, cocktails, sours, fizzes, toddies, slings, and other essential drinks, plus twenty new recipes from today's top mixologists, created exclusively for this book. This colorful and good-humored volume is a must read for anyone who appreciates the timeless appeal of a well-made drink-and the uniquely American history behind it.

Website of the Week

Hark, A Vagrant

Kate Beaton started out with just a history degree, and has managed to put it to good use in her online comic Hark, A Vagrant. The comic takes as its source history and literature, and is generally updated a couple times a week. Whether she draws her inspiration from the book covers of Edward Gorey, the life of Nicola Tesla, or (a favorite strip of this author's) Bram Stoker's Dracula, the resulting comics tend to be smart, irreverent, and very funny.

Library Closings

All Pamunkey Regional Library branches will be closed on Friday December 24, Saturday December 25, and Monday December 27. All libraries will resume regular hours on Tuesday December 28.

Today at the Library (12/23/10)

Storytimes
Storytimes will resume during the week of January 3.

Bookmobile Stops
Hanover County
The Learning Connection (Pole Green Rd.) 9:15 - 10:15 (see map)
Cool Spring Day Care (Cool Spring Church) 10:30 - 11:15 (see map)
King's Charter Village Center 1:30 - 2:00 (see map)
Pooh Corner Day Care (Lakeridge Pkwy.) 2:30 - 3:30 (see map)

Today at the Library (12/22/10)

Storytimes
Sorytimes will resume during the week of January 3.

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)

Today at the Library (12/21/10)

Storytimes
Storytimes will resume during the week of January 3.

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)

Today at the Library (12/20/10)

Storytimes
Storytimes will resume during the week of January 3.

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)

Pick of the Week

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand: A Novel

by Helen Simonson

You are about to travel to Edgecombe St. Mary, a small village in the English countryside filled with rolling hills, thatched cottages, and a cast of characters both hilariously original and as familiar as the members of your own family. Among them is Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired), the unlikely hero of Helen Simonson's wondrous debut. Wry, courtly, opinionated, and completely endearing, Major Pettigrew is one of the most indelible characters in contemporary fiction, and from the very first page of this remarkable novel he will steal your heart. The Major leads a quiet life valuing the proper things that Englishmen have lived by for generations: honor, duty, decorum, and a properly brewed cup of tea. But then his brother's death sparks an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village. Drawn together by their shared love of literature and the loss of their respective spouses, the Major and Mrs. Ali soon find their friendship blossoming into something more. But village society insists on embracing him as the quintessential local and her as the permanent foreigner. Can their relationship survive the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of culture and tradition? (Also available in large print and as a talking book.)

Website of the Week

Official NORAD Santa Tracker

For more than 50 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa’s Christmas Eve flight. Come back each day to receive updates from the North Pole and to discover new surprises in the Kids' Countdown Village.

Today at the Library (12/17/10)

Storytimes
Storytimes will resume during the week of January 3.

Bookmobile Stops
Call 559-0654 or 559-4073 for current stop information.

Due to inclement weather, the Goochland Branch Library will open at 10:00 a.m. Please call your local branch library for its current opening times.

Snow Closings

All Hanover County branches will be closing at noon today due to inclement weather.

This post will be updated as we receive information from our other counties.

UPDATE: The King & Queen Branch Library is closed today.

UPDATE 2: The Goochland Branch Library is closed today (11:00 AM).

UPDATE 3: The Upper King William Branch Library is closed today (11:00 AM).

UPDATE 4: The West Point Branch Library is closed today (11:00 AM).

Today at the Library (12/16/10)

Storytimes
Storytimes will resume during the week of January 3.

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)

In case of inclement weather, call (804) 559-0654 or (804) 559-4073 for information or check the Community Closings on NBC 12's web site.

Programs & Events
Atlee Branch Library
6th Annual Make It & Take It Ornament Class
Thursday December 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Ages 11 and up.
Make an ornament to take home or give as a gift.
Class size is limited. Registration required by December 9.
Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Atlee Library.

In case of inclement weather, call (804) 559-0654 for information or check the Community Closings on NBC 12's web site.

Goochland Branch Library
Board Game & Crafting Night for Teens
Thursday December 16 at 6:00 p.m.
Play board games and make a themed craft at the library.
Pizza, drinks, and dessert served! Sponsored by the Friends of the Goochland Library.

In case of inclement weather, call (804) 556-4774 for information or check the Community Closings on NBC 12's web site.

Today at the Library (12/15/10)

Storytimes
Storytimes will resume during the week of January 3.

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)

Today at the Library (12/14/10)

Storytimes
Storytimes will resume during the week of December 3

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)

Pick of the Week

Ah-Choo!: The Uncommon Life of Your Common Cold

by Jennifer Ackerman

Some colds are like mice, timid and annoying; others like dragons, accompanied by body aches and deep misery. In Ah-Choo!, Jennifer Ackerman explains what, exactly, a cold is, how it works, and whether it's really possible to "fight one off." Scientists call this the Golden Age of the Common Cold because Americans suffer up to a billion colds each year, resulting in 40 million days of missed work and school and 100 million doctor visits. They've also learned over the past decade much more about what cold viruses are, what they do to the human body, and how symptoms can be addressed. In this ode to the odious cold, Ackerman sifts through the chatter about treatments-what works, what doesn't, and what can't hurt. She dispels myths, such as susceptibility to colds reflects a weakened immune system. And she tracks current research, including work at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, a world-renowned center of cold research studies, where the search for a cure continues.

Website of the Week

Meet Me At The Corner

Founded by children's author Donna Cuthrie, Meet Me at the Corner, Virtual Field Trips for Kids, is a dynamic, interactive site which encourages individual expression and participation through video submissions from children worldwide. Through these video pod casts they hope to create a community of children, who learn the art of self-expression and storytelling through video. The site includes "How to" videos, such as How to Film a Video Podcast. A great resource for elementary and middle school-aged kids!

Today at the Library (12/13/10)

Storytimes
Storytimes will resume during the week of January 3.

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)

Today at the Library (12/11/10)

Programs & Events
Goochland Branch Library
Saturday Morning Movie
Saturday December 11 at 10:00 a.m.
See a great family movie about a group a very talented penguins. After the movie, make a fun craft to take home.
Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Goochland Library.

Today at the Library (12/10/10)

Storytimes
Today is the last day of the Fall Storytime Session. Winter/Spring Storytimes will begin during the week of January 3.

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
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
Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library
Teen Movie Night
Friday December 10 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.

Today at the Library (12/9/10)

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
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
Atlee Branch Library
6th Annual Make It & Take It Ornament Class
Thursday December 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Grades K-5.
Make an ornament to take home or give as a gift. Class size is limited. Registration required by December 2.
Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Atlee Library.

Today at the Library (12/8/10)

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)

Today at the Library (12/7/10)

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
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)

Programs & Events
Hanover Branch Library

The Origin of Nutcrackers
Tuesday December 7 at 5:00 p.m.

Local artist Glen Crider will talk about the origins of nutcrackers and display some of his work. We’ll have a Nutcracker-themed Storytime for children, too. Hanover Branch Library ornaments will also be on sale.
Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Hanover Branch Library Friends.

Today at the Library (12/6/10)

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)

Pick of the Week

Zombies vs. Unicorns

Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier, eds.

It's a question as old as time itself: which is better, the zombie or the unicorn? In this anthology, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier (unicorn and zombie, respectively), strong arguments are made for both sides in the form of short stories. Half of the stories portray the strengths--for good and evil--of unicorns and half show the good (and really, really bad) side of zombies. Contributors include many bestselling teen authors, including Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Maureen Johnson, Meg Cabot, Scott Westerfeld, and Margo Lanagan. This anthology will have everyone asking: Team Zombie or Team Unicorn?(Also available as a talking book.)

Website of the Week

Cursor*10

This week's website is actually an online game: the goal of Cursor*10 is to move your cursor up to the 16th floor by clicking on the stairs. Sometimes the stairs might be hidden in boxes, or you may have to press down on a panel for them to appear. You only get a limited time per cursor, and then the next round you run the course right along with your previous cursors. In order to make it to the top floor, you essentially have to collaborate with yourself: only by having all your cursors work together will you be able to succeed. Fun and challenging, and maybe a little addictive!

Today at the Library (12/4/10)

Programs & Events
Goochland Branch Library
Beads & Wire Jewelry Class
Saturday December 4 at 10:00 a.m.
Make a fun necklace or bracelet using different beading and wire techniques. All materials provided, but feel free to bring your own beads if you prefer.
Class size is limited. Call or visit the library to sign up.
Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Goochland Library.

Mechanicsville Branch Library

Holiday Make 'n' Take
Saturday December 4 at 3:00 p.m.
Children 3-12 years old are invited to make a crafts, listen to holiday stories and enjoy refreshments.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Mechanicsville Library.

Cochrane Rockville Branch Library
Parents' Morning Out
Saturday December 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Need to run some holiday errands? Drop the kids off at the library for a super Saturday of books, crafts, and fun. Lunch will be served, followed by a great movie for kids.
Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Rockville Library.

Today at the Library (12/3/10)

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)

Today at the Library (12/2/10)

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
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)

Programs & Events
Last day to register for Atlee Branch Library's Make It & Take It Ornament Class on December 9.

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Today at the Library (12/1/10)

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)

Programs & Events
Cochrane Rockville Branch Library

Write On! Kids Talk about the Library
Submissions accepted Wednesday December 1 – Friday December 31
Celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Cochrane Rockville Library building. We want kids 6 – 18 years old to bring in their original poetry, essays or short fiction pieces (2000 words or less) about the library and what it means to you. All participants will be recognized at our finale celebration in January.