Fundraiser

 Book Sale FUNDRAISER 

Is a book sale still a profitable fundraiser? It looks like an older customer is the majority of the shoppers. How do readers feel about purchasing someone else’s books?There are people who like the crispness of a new book. There are those who prefer digital. Libraries have been having sales to raise money to assist their library for years. I have found many to add on baked goods, puzzles and other items to improve their sales.

Children’s Books

My Favorites 

The Giving Tree is a sweet story of all the ways the tree can help its favorite boy as he grows up. Is it symbolic for a parent? That is my opinion.

Love You Forever can literally make anyone cry. I only heard it read as a young adult. Love between a mother and child is the topic.

Charlotte’s Web is one of the few I recall from childhood. I was very surprised to see it on a banned book list. It is considered blasphemous due to the talking animals. Seriously? Do these people not realize it’s fiction? 

Please comment on your favorite children’s book. Thanks.

Banned Books

 Hot Topic 

I recently went to a group meeting at a local library. Their series topic was banned books. Each month they discuss one of these books. This month happened to be a book I had read years ago, Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. I remember it was about a school shooting but didn’t understand why that subject would be banned. It turns out it isn’t about the shooting or bullying, it’s about the date rape. Specifically the use of the word erection. You may feel the word was unnecessary to describe part of the event. Radio stations have word changes to be able to play some songs. Would that change opinions?

There was a deep discussion about bullying and its effects on teenagers. Should they be charged as an adult? The book was written in 2007. With a little bit of research, we see the number of school shootings are up. Considering bullying is nothing new and guns in homes are not new, what is making the difference? So much to talk about with this issue.

Library Renovation

 Center Harbor, NH Library 

This library first built in 1903 is looking to renovate. It is a rather small space using only the upstairs. The plan is to renovate the downstairs in order to double the size. Most libraries of this age have expanded by adding to the back of the building. Often not keeping with the original design due to the cost. Center Harbor has a unique advantage of having the unused room. A fun feature is an old vault that use to be used by town residents. They have added outdoor seating facing Lake Winnipesaukee. Also visible to the winter home of the Mt. Washington cruise ship.

I truly hope that the town and the people approve the new plan to expand their indoor space.

James Patterson

 Author Review 

Or should I say James Patterson and….

When I first discovered Patterson I loved everything he wrote. I knew I didn’t need to read the jacket cover to decide to pick up the latest. Until… a few books into the Cross series, I couldn’t believe how many times this guy got shot and survived. Then came the “bird” books as I call them. I am not into fantasy at all. Now I read the synopsis offered and consider the story theme. Have you noticed most of his books are now coauthored? It’s true that he couldn’t put out the number of books per year alone. His stories hit many genres including thriller, romance and children’s books. If you stop by any book sale you will find at least 20 of his titles at each. 

I have heard how he is quite generous with students, educators, libraries and independent bookstores.

He believes better readers create better humans. A considerable amount of money has been put towards literacy for years now. Thank you Mr. Patterson, you have my respect.

Bridgton Library

Bridgton, ME

Opened in 1896. It has two floors with elevator access to both. They have a great outdoor space for reading or socializing in front of their building. A bright and cheerful first floor for their children’s room. The Bridgton Public Library’s primary purpose is to serve the community as its information and cultural enrichment center. Providing access to educational, informational, and recreational resources in a friendly, safe atmosphere while being responsive to the changing needs of the community.

 

Bridgton Books

Bridgton, ME

New, used and discounted books fill this quaint shop.Very few of the books are sold at full price.Take your time and browse till your heart’s content. Also many book themed sundries to choose from. Located in the center of a great little village to stroll through. The mural is on the side of their building. The shop opened in 1993. Can’t forget to mention the cat who also roams the aisles with you! https://www.bridgtonbooks.com/