Join us for Preschool Story Time Wednesdays at 10:15 am.  This event is geared for 3-6 year olds but younger siblings are welcome.   This month Miss Cathy will read on the following themes:

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Washington County Cooperative Library Services is having a photo contest for the best photos of Washington County. Emphasis is on landscapes that convey the look and feel or the county. Images of people, pets, and domestic or captive animals will not be accepted. Each entrant may enter two digital photos. Prizes will be awarded in each age category. For official rules, entry forms and prize details, click on the News and Events link at www.wccls.org. Deadline for entry is April 30, 2008.

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Thank you to everyone who helped make the annual plant and book sale a success! Everyone who donated items for the sale and everyone who purchased them helped to ensure the success of the library’s summer reading program.

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The writing workshop held by the Friends last month was a huge success and has spawned interest in having more workshops, including ones for youth. An on-going writers’ group may be formed if there is enough interest. Watch this space for updates.

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Join us for Craft Night hosted by the Friends of the Banks Public Library on March 5th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the Community Room. Mark your calendars and bring your favorite craft project to get inspired by working with other others! Coffee, tea and light snacks are provided.

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The Library has lots of resources for researching school projects including books, magazines and on-line periodicals. Come into the library or check out the cooperative's new website to learn more: www.wccls.org.

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The Friends of the Banks Public Library can always use your support.  You can make a tax deductible donation, become a member, volunteer, or bring your recycling to Swatco on the second Saturday of each month.   Money that the Friends raise helps the library purchase Cultural Passes, upgrade equipment and purchase books and movies.

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Spring is a great time of year to visit some of the gardens that participate in the library cultural pass program. The Banks Public Library has passes for the Chinese Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Pittock Mansion. Or if it’s a rainy spring day, check out some indoor sights at the Rice Rock and Mineral Museum, the Art Museum or the Children’s Museum. If you’ve never used a cultural pass before, you need to register at the library. You can use passes from different libraries, but you will have to register at each one. You can make a reservation before you sign-up.  Just call the library to find out if the date and location you would like is available.

Your account must be in good standing with no overdue books to check out a pass. The pass is good for one day only and there is a $10 late fee if it is not returned on time.  Cultural passes are supported by contributions from local businesses.

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On the Shelf 

Usually this spot is reserved for descriptions of the hot new titles in our library. However, this month will be a bit different. Instead, I am going to talk about some of the fabulous old books on our shelves.  Books that aren’t hot titles have the benefit of being more likely to be on the shelf. And maybe I’ll mention an author or a topic that you haven’t thought of and send your reading in a new direction. 

Twenty Wishes, by Debbie Macomber. Macomber is back with another Blossom Street book. This novel follows Anne Marie Roche as she looks to find happiness again. She is 38, childless and a recent widow.  Along with several other widows, Anne Marie starts a list of 20 things she always wanted to do but never did. The story unfolds as she learns that happiness is more than finding a man and that wishes come true in unexpected way.

Careless in Red, by Elizabeth George.  George fans have been waiting for this novel to see how Lynley will go on after the death of Helen. While he is in retreat, trying to recover, he comes across another murder. It is the work of a clever killer and Lynley is soon a witness and possible suspect.  Detective Lynley will have to let go of the past long enough to solve a devious crime.

Spells and Sleeping Bags by Sarah Mlynowski. This is the third in a series of novels from young adults that follows a young witch as she comes into her powers. This time Rachel Weinstein is leaving Manhattan to spend the summer at Camp Wood Lake. Now she has to deal with thirsty mosquitoes and an out-of-control spell that zapped away her clothes. This book stands alone or check out Bras & Broomsticks and  Frogs & French Kisses.

The Apostate’s Tale by Margaret Frazer. Set in 1452, this medieval mystery finds the nuns of St. Frideswide’s priory preparing for the end of lent when a runaway nun returns, bringing her illegitimate child. She claims she is penitent but worldly problems follow her into the convent.

Betrayal by John Lescroart. San Francisco defense attorney Dismas Hardy and Detective Abe Glitsky are reunited in a story filled with the big themes that are worthy of them: the intersection of love, betrayal and a desperate search for the truth in a critical matter of national security.

Hopefully, I’ve suggested something you’d like to read that you haven’t heard of or had forgotten about. For more ideas, visit the library and ask for a recommendation.

Friends of the Library website