Today at the Library (8/13/10)

Storytimes will resume during the week of September 13.

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 August 13 at 6:00 p.m.
See a great movie with your friends.
Pizza served! Sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Goochland Branch Library
Salad Supper/Summer Reading Finale
Friday August 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Share delicious salad & desserts and talk about your favorite summer reads.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Goochland Library.

Today at the Library (8/12/10)

Storytimes will resume during the week of September 13.

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 - 2:20 (see map)
All Aboard Child Dev. Center (7147 Stonewall Pkwy.) 2:30 - 3:15 (see map)

Today at the Library (8/11/10)

Storytimes will resume during the week of September 13.

Bookmobile Stops
Goochland County
Goochland Elementary School 10:15 - 11:00 (see map)
Elk Hill Farm 12:45 - 1:45 (see map)
Courthouse Commons Shopping Center 2:15 - 3:15 (see map)

Programs & Events
Hanover Branch Library
Submerge Yourself in Scrapbooking
Wednesday August 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Add more memories to your scrapbook or start a new a new one. Bring photos or create pages to finish at home. Snacks served!
Sponsored by the Hanover Branch Library Friends.

Today at the Library (8/10/10)

Storytimes will resume during the week of September 13.

Bookmobile Stops
Hanover County
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)

Today at the Library (8/9/10)

Storytimes will resume during the week of September 13.

Bookmobile Stops
King William County
Guardian Angels (2372 King William Road) 10:30 - 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)

Due to a nearby traffic accident earlier today, Internet access at the Mechanicsville Branch is not available. If you are planning to visit the branch to use or search the Internet at one of our public computers, you may want to call (804) 746-9615 for updates. Wi-Fi access and internet access at other branches is unaffected.

Pick of the Week

Shades of Grey

by Jasper Fforde

Part social satire, part romance, part revolutionary thriller, Shades of Grey tells of a battle against overwhelming odds. In a society where the ability to see the higher end of the color spectrum denotes a better social standing, Eddie Russet belongs to the low-level House of Red and can see his own color—but no other. The sky, the grass, and everything in between are all just shades of grey, and must be colorized by artificial means. Eddie's world wasn't always like this. There's evidence of a never-discussed disaster and now, many years later, technology is poor, news sporadic, the notion of change abhorrent, and nighttime is terrifying: no one can see in the dark. Everyone abides by a bizarre regime of rules and regulations, a system of merits and demerits, where punishment can result in permanent expulsion. Stunningly imaginative, very funny, tightly plotted, and with sly satirical digs at our own society, this novel is for those who love the author's Thursday Next series but want to be transported somewhere equally wild, only darker; a world where the black and white of moral standpoints have been reduced to shades of grey. (Also available as a talking book.)

Website of the Week

RxList

RxList is an online medical resource dedicated to offering detailed and current pharmaceutical information on brand and generic drugs. Founded by pharmacists in 1995, RxList is the premier Internet Drug Index resource. Their staff continuously reviews and updates the site with articles written by pharmacists and physicians and data provided by credible and reliable sources like the FDA and First Data Bank, Inc. to ensure the most accurate and beneficial information is provided.

Today at the Library (8/7/10)

Programs & Events
Mechanicsville Branch Library
Meet Author J. Lloyd Morgan
Saturday August 7 at 11:00 a.m.
Ages 11 & up
Mr. Morgan will talk about his new novel for teens, The Hidden Sun, and answer questions from the audience.
Snacks served! Sponsored by the Friends of the Mechanicsville Library.

Today at the Library (8/6/10)

Storytimes will resume during the week of September 13.

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 - 2:15 (see map)

Programs & Events
Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library
Summer Reading Program Finale
Friday August 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate summer and reading at an outdoor concert with the God Fearin' Snake Handlers. Don't forget to enter our prize drawings.
Ice cream served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Today at the Library (8/5/10)

Storytimes will resume during the week of September 13.

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

Programs & Events
Mechanicsville Branch Library
Personal Safety & Self-Defense for College Students
Thursday August 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Jeff Grant will show you how to keep your belongings secure and teach you basic self-defense techniques.
Snacks served! Sponsored by the Friends of the Mechanicsville Library.

A New NoveList Plus Is Coming!

NoveList Plus, the readers' advisory database that helps you find great books to read, is scheduled to begin its transition to a new and improved version on August 4. NoveList Plus will be temporarily unavailable during the transition period.

During that time, you will still have access to the NoveList Plus Beta site. Clicking on the NoveList Plus links from http://www.pamunkeylibrary.org/databases_by_alpha.htm or http://www.pamunkeylibrary.org/databases_by_subject.htm will take you to a "NoveList is Temporarily Unavailable" page where you’ll see a link to the NoveList Plus Beta site. While certain features are not available in the beta version, (like personal folders and linking to our PamCat catalog) you will still have access to the complete NoveList Plus database.

If you have any questions about NoveList Plus or any other readers' advisory service, please e-mail ask@pamunkeylibrary.org.

Today at the Library (8/4/10)

Storytimes will resume during the week of September 13.

Bookmobile Stops
Goochland Library
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
Curt Strutz the Bassmeister
All ages.
The Bassmeister brings the excitement of fishing into the lives of children and adults in "Fishing for Laughs" with ventriloquism, fast-paced comedy, and audience participation. Don’t miss the "Bass Beauty Pageant!"
Hanover Branch Library Wednesday August 4 at 10:00 a.m.
Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library Wednesday August 4 at 1:00 p.m.
West Point Branch Library Wednesday August 4 at 4:00 p.m.

Today at the Library (8/3/10)

Storytimes will resume during the week of September 13.

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
Curt Strutz the Bassmeister
All ages.
The Bassmeister brings the excitement of fishing into the lives of children and adults in "Fishing for Laughs" with ventriloquism, fast-paced comedy, and audience participation. Don’t miss the "Bass Beauty Pageant!"
Atlee Branch Library Tuesday August 3 at 10:30 a.m.
Upper King William Branch Library Tuesday August 3 at 1:30 p.m.
King and Queen Branch Library Tuesday August 3 at 4:00 p.m.

Pick of the Week

Reading Comics: How Graphic Novels Work and What They Mean

by Douglas Wolk

Suddenly, comics are everywhere: a newly matured art form, filling bookshelves with brilliant, innovative work and shaping the ideas and images of the rest of contemporary culture. In Reading Comics, critic Douglas Wolk shows us why this is and how it came to be. Wolk illuminates the most dazzling creators of modern comics-from Alan Moore to Alison Bechdel to Dave Sim to Chris Ware-and introduces a critical theory that explains where each fits into the pantheon of art. Reading Comics is accessible to the hardcore fan and the curious newcomer; it is the first book for people who want to know not just what comics are worth reading, but also the ways to think and talk and argue about them.

Website of the Week

American Elf

James Kochalka invented the daily diary comic strip, spawning a grassroots comics movement that has swept across the globe. Every day Kochalka draws a little comic strip about something that happened to him that day. As simple as that concept might seem, in Kochalka's hands it becomes something astounding and surprising... wickedly funny at times and deeply moving at others. Drawn with verve and confidence by a cartoonist at the height of his powers, it is ambitious, hilarious, moving, and quite addictive! (For those of you who prefer to read your comics on paper, the library also has the first print collection of American Elf.)

Storytimes will resume during the week of September 13.

Bookmobile Stops
King William County
KW Summer Camp (Cool Spring Primary School) 10:00 - 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)

Programs & Events
Curt Strutz the Bassmeister
All ages.
The Bassmeister brings the excitement of fishing into the lives of children and adults in "Fishing for Laughs" with ventriloquism, fast-paced comedy, and audience participation. Don’t miss the "Bass Beauty Pageant!"
Mechanicsville Branch Library Monday August 2 at 10:30 a.m.
Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch Library Monday August 2 at 1:00 p.m.
Cochrane Rockville Branch Library Monday August 2 at 4:00 p.m.
Goochland Branch Library Monday August 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Today at the Library (7/30/10)

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.

Programs & Events
King and Queen Branch Library
Casting Workshop
Friday July 30 at 2:00 p.m.
All ages
Learn how to cast a fishing line. Fishing rods provided.
Sponsored by the Friends of the King & Queen Library.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
BINGO
Friday July 30 at 3:00 p.m.
All ages
Enjoy a few games of BINGO and win prizes!
Sponsored by the Friends of the Mechanicsville Library.

Cochrane Rockville Branch Library
Friday Family Film Festival
Friday July 30 at 12:30 p.m.
All ages
Bring lunch and a friends to see a great movie at the library!
Dessert & beverages served.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Rockville Library.

Today at the Library (7/29/10)

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.

Programs & Events
Upper King William Branch Library
River Critters
Thursday July 29 at 1:00 p.m.
All ages
Brad Davis of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers Association will bring his hawk, "Chief," and talk about the animal life found around the twin rivers.
Sponsored by the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers Association.

Today at the Library (7/28/10)

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
Goochland Elementary School 10:15 - 11:00 (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 (7/27/10)

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 - 2:30 (see map)

Programs & Events
Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library
Beaded Keychain Workshop
Tuesday July 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Ages 11-19
Registration requested by July 20.
Snacks served! Sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Hanover Branch Library
Luau on the Library Lawn
Tuesday July 27 at 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy a special luau-themed Storytime with crafts and fun.
Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Hanover Branch Library Friends.

Today at the Library (7/26/10)

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) 10:30 - 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
Atlee Branch Library
Movie Monday
Monday July 26 at 2:00 p.m.
All ages
Beat the heat with a cool summer movie.
Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Atlee Library.

Goochland Branch Library
A Visit with Little Squirt & Friends
Monday July 26 at 1:00 p.m.
All ages
Meet Little Squirt, a miniature horse from Broken Road Farm, and some of his farm friends, including bunnies, chickens, a goat, a lamb, and a pig.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Goochland Library.

Cochrane Rockville Branch Library
Dinner and BINGO Night
Monday July 26 at 6:00 p.m.
All ages
Join us for night of fun and prizes.
Fried chicken and beverages served. please bring a side dish to share.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Rockville Library.

Pick of the Week

Apocalypse Chow: How to Eat Well When the Power Goes Out

by Jon Robertson with Robin Robertson

Right now, somewhere in America, a storm has knocked out the electricity. With Apoclypse Chow, Jon Robertson delivers a very practical guide to eating with elegance even when the refrigerator, stove, and microwave are rendered powerless. With simple tips on how to shop, store, and prepare gourmet food, this book will help anyone who is forced to dine in the dark. Discover how the right nonperishables and a little creative heat can turn into renowned chef Robin Robertson's savory Almost-Instant Blak Bean Chili, Pantry Pasta Salad, and Fire-Roasted Blueberry Cobbler, among many others. This book is a valuable resource for anyone who feels (or maybe really is) powerless in the kitchen but still in search of culinary delight.

Website of the Week

The Encyclopedia of Earth

The Encyclopedia of Earth is an electronic reference about the Earth, its natural environments, and their interaction with society. The Encyclopedia is a free, fully searchable collection of articles written by scholars, professionals, educators, and experts who collaborate and review each other's work. The articles are written in non-technical language and will be useful to students, educators, scholars, professionals, as well as to the general public.

Today at the Library (7/24/10)

Programs & Events
Goochland Branch Library
Basic Computer Class
Saturday July 24 at 10:00 a.m.
Interested in learning how to use a computer? We can help!
Find out about the parts of a computer, learn how to use a mouse, begin to explore & search the Internet, and set up an e-mail account.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
Annual Antiques and Collectibles Appraisal Fair
Saturday July 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Ages 18 & up
Dealers from Hanover County’s Antique Village will provide free verbal appraisals for your antiques & collectibles. No oil paintings or dolls, please. There is a limit of two (2) items, & they must be brought in without assistance.
Dealers include Joe Lipscomb from Antique Village, John Whiting from Whiting’s Old Paper, Fred Schneider of The Civil War Room, & a book dealer.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Mechanicsville Library.

Today at the Library (7/23/10)

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
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 1:15 - 2:00 (see map)

Programs & Events
Cochrane Rockville Branch Library
Friday Family Film Festival
Friday July 23 at 12:30 p.m.
All ages
Bring lunch and a friends to see a great movie at the library!
Dessert & beverages served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Rockville Library.

Today at the Library (7/22/10)

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
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 Center Day Care (Lakeridge Pkwy.) 2:30 - 3:30 (see map)

Programs & Events
Hanover Branch Library
Lunchtime Book Group
Thursday July 22 at 12:30 p.m.
Olive Kittredge by Elizabeth Strout
Bring a bag lunch. Dessert and drinks provided.
Sponsored by the Hanover Branch Library Friends.

Atlee Branch Library
Teen Movie Night
Thursday July 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Beat the heat with a free movie at the library.
Snacks served! Sponsored by the Friends of the Atlee Library.

Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch Library
Submerge Yourself in the Wii
Thursday July 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Ages 11-19
Bring your Wii games to the library for a night of fast-paced fun with your friends. We will provide the Wii & a few games.
Snacks served! Sponsored by the Friends of the Montpelier Library.

Today at the Library (7/21/10)

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)
Broadview Shopping Center 1:45 - 2:30 (see map)
James River Estates (East Brook Run Dr.) 3:00 - 3:30 (see map)

Programs & Events
Mechanicsville Branch Library
Basic Computer Class
Wednesday July 21 at 9:00 a.m.
Interested in learning how to use a computer? We can help!
Find out about the parts of a computer, learn how to use a mouse, begin to explore & search the Internet, and set up an e-mail account.

Set Sail with Steve Somers, the Amazing Teacher
All ages
Ahoy mates! Gear up for a high-seas adventure with Captain Steve and his friends as they take your kids on an amazing voyage in search of good character using magic, puppetry, and music.
Hanover Branch Library Wednesday July 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library Wednesday July 21 at 1:00 p.m.
West Point Branch Library Wednesday July 21 at 4:00 p.m.

Today at the Library (7/20/10)

Storytimes
Richard S. Gillis, Jr.,/Ashland Branch Library
Tuesdays
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)

Programs & Events
Today is the last day to register for the Beaded Keychain Workshop at the Ashland Branch Library on Tuesday July 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Set Sail with Steve Somers, the Amazing Teacher
All ages
Ahoy mates! Gear up for a high-seas adventure with Captain Steve and his friends as they take your kids on an amazing voyage in search of good character using magic, puppetry, and music.
Atlee Branch Library Tuesday July 20 at 10:30 a.m.
Upper King William Branch Library Tuesday July 20 at 1:30 p.m.
King and Queen Branch Library Tuesday July 20 at 4:00 p.m.

Today at the Library (7/19/10)

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
KW Summer Camp (Cool Spring Primary School) 10:00 - 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)

Programs & Events
Set Sail with Steve Somers, the Amazing Teacher
All ages
Ahoy mates! Gear up for a high-seas adventure with Captain Steve and his friends as they take your kids on an amazing voyage in search of good character using magic, puppetry, and music.
Goochland Branch Library Monday July 19 at 10:00 a.m.
Montpelier Branch Library Monday July 19 at 1:00 p.m.
Cochrane Rockville Branch Library Monday July 19 at 4:00 p.m.
Mechanicsville Branch Library Monday July 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Pick of the Week

Role Models

by John Waters

Here, from the incomparable John Waters, is a paean to the power of subversive inspiration that will delight, amuse, enrich - and happily horrify readers everywhere. Role Models is, in fact, a self-portrait told through intimate profiles of favorite personalities - some famous, some unknown, some criminal, some surprisingly middle-of-the-road. From Esther Martin, owner of the scariest bar in Baltimore, to the playwright Tennessee Williams; from the atheist leader Madalyn Murray O'Hair to the insane martyr Saint Catherine of Siena; from the English novelist Denton Welch to the timelessly appealing singer Johnny Mathis - these are the extreme figures who helped the author form his own brand of neurotic happiness. Role Models is a personal invitation into one of the most unique, perverse, and hilarious artistic minds of our time.

Website of the Week

Webrangers

The National Park Service provides activities for children. This site lets them experience activities similar to those found in the organization is onsite Park Rangers program. Participants can choose to complete activities as a visitor or can enter a user name and password to design their own ranger station and earn online patches for their work. The activities are rated as easy, medium, and hard and include topics such as learning about trees, animals, historical events, and the effects of nature on the park.

Today at the Library (7/17/10)

Programs & Events
Mechanicsville Branch Library
Perfectly Pampered
Saturday July 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ages 11-19
Receive a manicure, facial, braiding and/or learn about hair fusion.
Services provided by students from the Hanover Center for Trades & Technology. Signups required.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Mechanicsville Library.

Upper King William Branch Library
Make n’ Take Beaded Earrings
Saturday July 17 at 1:00 p.m.
For adults & teens.
Create your own beaded earrings. Materials will be provided.
Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Upper King William Library.

Today at the Library (7/16/10)

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 - 2:15 (see map)

Programs & Events
Goochland Branch Library
Mad Science: Up, Up, & Away
Friday July 16 at 10:00 a.m.
Ages 5-11
See a fun, fast-paced, and educational performance that introduces you to the principles of air pressure.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Goochland Library.

Cochrane Rockville Branch Library
Friday Family Film Festival
Friday July 16 at 12:30 p.m.
All ages
Bring lunch and a friends to see a great movie at the library!
Dessert & beverages served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Rockville Library.

Submerge Yourself Game Night
Friday July 16 from 5:45 to 8:00 p.m.
Ages 11-19
"Submerge Yourself" in fun & water games.
Dinner served! Sponsored by the Friends of the Rockville Library.

Today at the Library (7/15/10)

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
Submerge Yourself Video Night
Thursday July 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Ages 11-19
Watch a cool video with your friends.
Pizza, drinks, and dessert served! Sponsored by the Friends of the Goochland Library.

Today at the Library (7/14/10)

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
Goochland Elementary School 10:15 - 11:00 (see map)
Elk Hill Farm 12:45 - 1:45 (see map)
Courthouse Commons Shopping Center 2:15 - 3:15 (see map)

Programs & Events
Hanover Branch Library
Family Fun Movie Night
Wednesday July 14 at 6:30 p.m.
All ages
See a great movie at the library with your family.
Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Hanover Branch Library Friends.

Upper King William Branch Library
Family Game Night
Wednesday July 14 at 6:30 p.m.
All ages
Play classic board games with your friends and families.
Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Upper King William Library.

Today at the Library 7/13/10

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
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
Hanover Branch Library
Club Builders Luau
Tuesday July 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Ages 11-19
Mix & mingle and make new friends.
Snacks served! Sponsored by the Hanover Branch Library Friends.

Today at the Library (7/12/10)

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) 10:30 - 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
Magician Rob Westcott
Monday July 12 at 10:30 a.m.
All ages
Thrill to amazing magic tricks, puppetry, music, and more!
Sponsored by the Friends of the Mechanicsville Library.

Pick of the Week

The Devil's Rooming House: The True Story of America's Deadliest Female Serial Killer

by M. William Phelps

A silent, simmering killer terrorized New England in1911. As a terrible heat wave killed more than 2,000 people, another silent killer began her own murderous spree. That year a reporter for the Hartford Courant noticed a sharp rise in the number of obituaries for residents of a rooming house in Windsor, Connecticut, and began to suspect who was responsible: Amy Archer-Gilligan, who’d opened the Archer Home for Elderly People and Chronic Invalids four years earlier. “Sister Amy” would be accused of murdering both of her husbands and up to sixty-six of her patients with cocktails of lemonade and arsenic; her story inspired the Broadway hit Arsenic and Old Lace. The Devil’s Rooming House is the first book about the life, times, and crimes of America’s most prolific female serial killer. In telling this fascinating story, M. William Phelps also paints a vivid portrait of early-twentieth-century New England.

Website of the Week

HubbleSite

Nearly 400 years after Galileo first observed the heavens through a telescope, we continue to seek answers to age-old questions about the universe. And while the technology has evolved over the centuries, the inquiry remains essentially the same: What's out there, where did it come from, and what does it mean? The people at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) are working hard to study and explain the once-unimaginable celestial phenomena that is now made visible using Hubble's cutting-edge technology. In the course of this exploration, they continue to share the grace and beauty of the universe with the rest of us through this site.

Today at the Library (7/10/10)

Programs & Events
Goochland Branch Library
Watercolor Workshop
Saturday July 10 at 10:00 a.m.
Ages 18 & up
Local artist Shirley Sprouse will demonstrate basic watercolor techniques.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Goochland Library.

Mechanicsville Branch Library
Summer Craft Splash!
Saturday July 10 at 11:00 a.m.
All ages
Cool off and create a variety of summer-themed crafts.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Mechanicsville Library.

West Point Branch Library
Dance Dance Revolution & Rock Band Party
Saturday July 10 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Ages 11-19
Jam & boogie with your friends & your favorite video games. Win prizes, too!
Pizza served! Sponsored by the Friends of the West Point Library.

Today at the Library (7/9/10)

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
Call (804) 559-4073 for more information about scheduled Bookmobile Stops today.

Programs & Events
Lois Wickham Jones/Montpelier Branch Library
Friday Night at the Movies
Friday July 9 at 7:00 p.m.
All ages
See a great family movie at the library.
Popcorn and drinks served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Montpelier Library.

Cochrane Rockville Branch Library
Friday Family Film Festival
Friday July 9 at 12:30 p.m.
All ages
Bring lunch and a friends to see a great movie at the library!
Dessert & beverages served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Rockville Library.

Today at the Library (6/8/10)

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 - 2:20 (see map)
All Aboard Child Dev. Center (7147 Stonewall Pkwy.) 2:30 - 3:15 (see map)

Programs and Events
Richard S. Gillis, Jr./Ashland Branch Library
Critters Don't Need Litter
Thursday July 8 at 1:00 p.m.
All ages
Meet animals who teach us about the dangers of littering and find out how you can help everyone live in a healthy, litter-free world. Presented by the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

King and Queen Branch Library
Teen Game Night
Thursday July 8 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Ages 11-19
Play board & computer games with your friends at the library.
Pizza served! Sponsored by the Friends of the King & Queen Library.

Today at the Library (7/6/10)

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.

Today at the Library (7/5/10)

All branches of the Pamunkey Regional Library will be closed on Monday July 5. Have a safe and happy Independence Day holiday!

Pick of the Week

Can't Stop, Won't Stop : A History of the Hip-Hop Generation

by Jeff Chang

Forged in the fires of the Bronx and Kingston, Jamaica, hip-hop became the Esperanto of youth rebellion and a generation-defining movement. In a post-civil rights era defined by deindustrialization and globalization, hip-hop crystallized a multiracial, polycultural generation's worldview, and transformed American politics and culture. But that epic story has never been told with this kind of breadth, insight, and style. Based on original interviews with DJs, b-boys, rappers, graffiti writers, activists, and gang members, with unforgettable portraits of many of hip-hop's forebears, founders, and mavericks, including DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Chuck D, and Ice Cube, Can't Stop, Won't Stop chronicles the events, the ideas, the music, and the art that marked the hip-hop generation's rise from the ashes of the 60's into the new millennium. Here is a powerful cultural and social history of the end of the American century, and a provocative look into the new world that the hip-hop generation created.

Website of the Week

Animal Fact Guide

Animal Fact Guide houses information about interesting and endangered animals around the world. Each article features an animal's physical characteristics, habitat (with a distribution map), diet, breeding patterns, unique traits and behavior, and when applicable, conservation and tips on what you can do to help. If you want to learn more about a particular animal you have seen on the site, they have listed other good online resources at the bottom of that animal's fact page. And not only can you read articles about animals around the world, you can also download free animal coloring pages, word searches, mazes, and desktop wallpapers!

Today at the Library (7/2/10)

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 - 2:15 (see map)

Programs & Events
Cochrane Rockville Branch Library
Friday Family Film Festival
Friday July 2 at 12:30 p.m.
All ages
Bring lunch and a friends to see a great movie at the library!
Dessert & beverages served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Rockville Library.

Today at the Library (7/1/10)

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)
Bon Secours Child Care (8210 Meadowbridge Rd.) 2:30 - 3:30 (see map)

Programs & Events
Mechanicsville Branch Library
Teen Movie Night
Thursday July 1 at 5:30 p.m.
Ages 11-19
See a great movie at the library with your friends.
Popcorn & drinks served! Sponsored by the Friends of the Mechanicsville Library.