Please feel free to send in your favourite book or author quotes. Here are a few more!
If you steal from one author, it's plagiarism; if you steal from many, it's research.
Wilson Mizner (1876-1933)
I never read a book before reviewing it; it prejudices a man so.
Sydney Smith (1771-1845)
Books describe customs and morals; books do not prescribe them
Theophile Gautier (1811-72)
There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written.
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
What use is a book that does not even enable us to travel into a land beyond books?
Friedrich Nietzcsche (1844-1900)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Second Saturday Craft Book Sale - September 11
Save the Date!
Crafts! Hobbies! Quilting!
Our Second Saturday Sale will have a large variety of books dealing with your favorite past times. This sale will be held in the library foyer from 10 am - 4 pm.
Watch this space for additional deals!
Crafts! Hobbies! Quilting!
Our Second Saturday Sale will have a large variety of books dealing with your favorite past times. This sale will be held in the library foyer from 10 am - 4 pm.Watch this space for additional deals!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Dick Francis crossfire
The latest Dick Francis book is entitled Crossfireand is another galloping read. This is the first time I haven't bought his book in hardcover hot off the press (sorry to all the friends that always borrowed my copy). But I was traveling and couldn't resist an engrossing read on the airplane. I have a very long history of reading either Terry Pratchett or Dick Francis on transatlantic flights! Thank heavens they have produced many books! Mr Francis died earlier this year, but one of his sons has been writing with him for some time, and researching for even longer. I have thought it a fairly smooth transition.
Every book has been about some element of British horse racing. In this one a soldier returns home to his mothers stables wounded from the war in Afghanistan. There have been a number of irregularities with her horses and he sets about investigating. It was perhaps more formulaic than usual, you know what to expect in many of his books, but he still enters into the English subconscious with startling accuracy. The war, plight of soldiers, life of the stable, the economy and social order are all taken to task, revealing rather unpleasant truths.
I will look forward to Felix Francis' continuation, in his own right. In fact waiting for the next book, next year is going to be hard.
Every book has been about some element of British horse racing. In this one a soldier returns home to his mothers stables wounded from the war in Afghanistan. There have been a number of irregularities with her horses and he sets about investigating. It was perhaps more formulaic than usual, you know what to expect in many of his books, but he still enters into the English subconscious with startling accuracy. The war, plight of soldiers, life of the stable, the economy and social order are all taken to task, revealing rather unpleasant truths.
I will look forward to Felix Francis' continuation, in his own right. In fact waiting for the next book, next year is going to be hard.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Botticelli Secret, Marina Fiorata
I simply loved Fiorata's The Glassblower of Murano (set in the 1600s), and awaited her second novel with relish. The Botticelli Secret is set 200 years earlier (1480s) in Florence (and many other Italian cities)! and is a captivating read. The painting by Botticelli for the Medici family of La Primavera (the goddess Flora) is the subject of this fictional account. Fiorata researched many scholarly tomes to include much factual information, while giving this a fast paced romantic thriller read. I enjoyed reading about the painting, as much as the main characters as they develop. Luciana, the model for the painting, is an interesting choice for heroine. Part model, 'full time whore', humourous, and completely fascinating. The account starts because she is angry at not being paid for her modelling, so she steals the unfinished painting! Brother Guido is her counterpart, counterpoint: education, refined, naive. La Pimavera was one of Fiorata's favourite paintings - and the books has as many secrets as the painting has opinions!
Vanora Bennett's Portrait of an Unknown Woman is another intricate interesting read about historical figures, and history within paintings. At that book review I said I would never look at paintings the same way again, although I have always tried to determine what the painting meant, what was hidden in plain sight.
Fiorato recommended several books for further reading, which I have also particularly enjoyed: Katherine (Anya Seton), My Lady's Crusade (Annette Motley), Leper of St Giles (Ellis Peters) and Lady of Hay (Barbara Erskine).
Vanora Bennett's Portrait of an Unknown Woman is another intricate interesting read about historical figures, and history within paintings. At that book review I said I would never look at paintings the same way again, although I have always tried to determine what the painting meant, what was hidden in plain sight.
Fiorato recommended several books for further reading, which I have also particularly enjoyed: Katherine (Anya Seton), My Lady's Crusade (Annette Motley), Leper of St Giles (Ellis Peters) and Lady of Hay (Barbara Erskine).
Morning coffee!
There will be a morning coffee at Caribou Coffeenorth (next to Noodles, Target at 41st St. and Hwy 52) TOMORROW Wednesday 22nd September from 7:30 to 9:30am. This event is being sponsored by the RSVP for the RSVP Library Volunteers. They so generously provide funds for one of our parking places which truly helps our volunteers!
Special thanks to Caribou Coffee too for their generous caffeine support when we need it!
Special thanks to Caribou Coffee too for their generous caffeine support when we need it!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Scotland 2010
Edinburgh was the first UNESCO city of literature. It is certainly a place where people get involved with words, holding one if not the largest book festivals in the world. But it is also home to many authors, writers, poets,past and present. The city now has a literature quarter along the High Street, between the castle and the palace! Besides one of my favorite museums -the writer's museum, there are new venues such as the Scottish book trust, the Scottish storytelling centre and the Scottish poetry library. There are 26 lending libraries as well as the national library, a repository for published works (as well as priceless manuscripts and volumes of early authors). There is also a wonderful array of bookstores!
Scotland has a long literary history from its parliament passing the first compulsory education law in 1496, publishing industry beginning in 1508, the amazing Scottish enlightenment, to its current literary status in the world. Edinburgh isn't quite built on books, but it has always been filled with writers, as well as a destination spot for literary travelers.
I share two quotes that you might recognise:
"Did not such strong connections draw me elsewhere, I believe Scotland would be the Country I should chuse to spend the Remainder of my days in." Benjamin Franklin on visiting Edinburgh
"It seemed as if the rock and castle assumed a new aspect every time I looked at them; and Arthurs Seat was perfect witchcraft. I don't wonder that anyone residing in Edinburgh should write poetically." Washington Irving.
They certainly write poetically about their whisky too. I will have much to talk about on our Celtic Evening celebration!
Scotland has a long literary history from its parliament passing the first compulsory education law in 1496, publishing industry beginning in 1508, the amazing Scottish enlightenment, to its current literary status in the world. Edinburgh isn't quite built on books, but it has always been filled with writers, as well as a destination spot for literary travelers.
I share two quotes that you might recognise:
"Did not such strong connections draw me elsewhere, I believe Scotland would be the Country I should chuse to spend the Remainder of my days in." Benjamin Franklin on visiting Edinburgh
"It seemed as if the rock and castle assumed a new aspect every time I looked at them; and Arthurs Seat was perfect witchcraft. I don't wonder that anyone residing in Edinburgh should write poetically." Washington Irving.
They certainly write poetically about their whisky too. I will have much to talk about on our Celtic Evening celebration!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Book Quotes
More Book Quotes to start your day!
"Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all."
Henry David Thoreau (1817-62)
Learning is acquired by reading books; but the much more necessary learning, the knowledge of the world, is only to be acquired by reading men, and studying all the various editions of them.
Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl Chesterfield (1694-1773)
You may judge a man's knowledge by the marginalia in his books. Chinese Proverb
Life being very short, and the quiet hours of it few, we ought to waste none of them in reading valueless books. John Ruskin (1819-1900)
"Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all."
Henry David Thoreau (1817-62)
Learning is acquired by reading books; but the much more necessary learning, the knowledge of the world, is only to be acquired by reading men, and studying all the various editions of them.
Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl Chesterfield (1694-1773)
You may judge a man's knowledge by the marginalia in his books. Chinese Proverb
Life being very short, and the quiet hours of it few, we ought to waste none of them in reading valueless books. John Ruskin (1819-1900)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Book Quotes
Some interesting Book Quotes = thoughts for the day!
A modern author would have died in infancy in a ruder age. Henry David Thoreau (1817-62)
Reading is not a duty, and has consequently no business to made disagreeable. Augustine Birrell (1850-1933)
I was always of opinion that ....The only help a youth wants is to be directed what books to read, and in what order to read them. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
"Ellen, I was crazy to read your book; but I never found anybody I could borrow it from!"
reportedly said by a friend to Ellen Glasgow (1874-1945)
A modern author would have died in infancy in a ruder age. Henry David Thoreau (1817-62)
Reading is not a duty, and has consequently no business to made disagreeable. Augustine Birrell (1850-1933)
I was always of opinion that ....The only help a youth wants is to be directed what books to read, and in what order to read them. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
"Ellen, I was crazy to read your book; but I never found anybody I could borrow it from!"
reportedly said by a friend to Ellen Glasgow (1874-1945)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Visiting Author Series 2010 - 2011
These are fantastic, interesting, unusual reads that are important for us to read. You won't be disappointed in any of these titles.
This is the line up - be sure to save the dates, mark your calendars now!
The Visiting Author Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Rochester Public Library.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
A Celtic Evening - Fundraiser for Rochester Public Library
We have extended the earlybird registration to October 15.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Tortoise and the Hare, Elizabeth Jenkins
What a delight it was to re-read this book. I happened across it, with a new introduction (2001) by Hilary Mantel, while perusing the Library shelves. I was obviously in the mood for a bit of Jane Austen: the attention to social detail, the insightful historical perspectives, the splendid nuanced writing laced with gems of observations on the human condition.
The Tortoise and the Hare is her 6th of 12 novels (published in 1954), detailing the marriage of Evelyn and Imogen Gresham (he an aging barrister, her an ingenue) trapped not only in their social standing, but in their own self interests. I love the opening sentence of Mantel's review "Apart from a war, what could be more interestng than a marriage?" There is of course 'another woman', their one son, and a variety of village characters that fascinate and repel while being exquisitely and acerbically described. The post note in this edition was also extremely illuminating (Carmen Calil, 1997) who in an interview with Jenkins discovered that this novel was largely autobiographical! And while you may detest Evelyn (I certainly did), Jenkins comment "well of course you didn't know him" slightly throws you, while fitting in completely with the story. Are you sure you is the tortoise and who is the hare? Have they changed?
If you like Jane Austen or Elizabeth Ironside, this is definitely comparable. Most enjoyable!
This is a perfect book for a rainy chilly autumn day - today!
The Tortoise and the Hare is her 6th of 12 novels (published in 1954), detailing the marriage of Evelyn and Imogen Gresham (he an aging barrister, her an ingenue) trapped not only in their social standing, but in their own self interests. I love the opening sentence of Mantel's review "Apart from a war, what could be more interestng than a marriage?" There is of course 'another woman', their one son, and a variety of village characters that fascinate and repel while being exquisitely and acerbically described. The post note in this edition was also extremely illuminating (Carmen Calil, 1997) who in an interview with Jenkins discovered that this novel was largely autobiographical! And while you may detest Evelyn (I certainly did), Jenkins comment "well of course you didn't know him" slightly throws you, while fitting in completely with the story. Are you sure you is the tortoise and who is the hare? Have they changed?
If you like Jane Austen or Elizabeth Ironside, this is definitely comparable. Most enjoyable!
This is a perfect book for a rainy chilly autumn day - today!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
MPR in Rochester
Greetings MPR Fans - I hope you will consider joining us at the Rochester Art Center on October 5th from 5:30 -7:00 pm.Please join Cathy Wurzer, Minnesota Public Radio’s Morning Edition news host, to learn more about how she prepares for and presents her daily, early-morning broadcasts.
The regional leadership of Minnesota Public Radio will also be on hand for food, drink and a discussion about the future of public broadcasting in Minnesota and the United States.
The event is free, but we request your registration at http://www.mpr.org/rochester.
If you have questions, please contact MPR’s Rochester Studios at 507-282-0910.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Once and Future Celt Bill Watkins
A bookreview in preparation for our Celtic Evening on November 30th (Fundraiser for the Library!!)
(I loved the bit of 'he loves language and isn't afraid to use it'!)
The Once And Future Celt (third of his trilogy!)
Twenty-one year old Bill is stranded in a Gypsy camp with an injured foot, cared for by the beautiful, unattainable Riena. The Gypsies, or Romany, suffer a negative reputation in Britain, a notion that Bill's stay challenges. With his prowess on the fiddle and keen interest in their culture, the Gypsies-and Riena-grow to accept him. Bill discovers that his Celtic roots may not be so different from the misunderstood Romany.
After making his way back to his parents' home in Birmingham, he has difficulty finding work in recession-ravaged England. When he finally lands a position loading dishes at a university cafeteria, he tells his proud Irish mother only the "university" part. Meanwhile, his Welsh father takes him to his ancestral homeland to reveal family secrets. In search of a new love, Bill soon leaves home again and on his travels he comes full circle in his spiritual journey to be a true Celt.
The Once and Future Celt is an engaging, hilarious meditation on the power of family, identity, the origins of language and the opposite sex. It completes a trilogy started by A Celtic Childhood and Scotland Is Not for the Squeamish, and is a gem of a memoir on its own.
Reviews:
"This is a delightful and often touching book, full of sly rebellion. Bill Watkins has a perfect ear for the more nonsensical sides of the heritage instinct, and a shrewd eye on where he came from-and where he's going. Delicious." -Frank Delaney, author of the novels Tipperary and Ireland, and the six-part BBC series The Celts
"The title of The Once and Future Celt hints at the good natured whimsy which pervades this delightful book. Watkins has composed a personalized picaresque exploration of what the scholarly constructs of 'Celtic' mean to ordinary Britons in the context of modern, post-imperial Britain. Based upon a narrative of his own adventures as a footloose young man and drawing upon his personal Welsh and Irish heritage, the author has created an engaging quest for the 'Camelot of the Mind.' Episodes featuring the genuine 'other culture of Romany ('gypsies' or travelers) and the made-up 'other' worldly culture of undergraduate medieval role-players will lead readers to wonder how much 'Celtic' is a product of individual invention and how much a label based on historical traditions. This book will appeal both to those who enjoy a fast-paced read populated with an array of well sketched characters and to those who enjoy ruminating about the issues which it explores."
- Frederick Suppe, President, Celtic Studies Association of North America
"They say the third time's the charm. Bill Watkins' first two books had charm in spades, but the third in his trilogy tells you the 'why' to the other two books' 'what.' In The Once And Future Celt, a young man at once wise beyond his years and goofily open to the whims of the universe sets out on the road shortly before his twenty-first birthday to find his true purpose in life. He encounters Gypsies, privileged-but-clueless college students, his contentious but loving parents, bureaucratic officiousness and strange fellow sojourners on his way. In his travels he also finds love, wisdom, the key to his Celtic roots and his future path (hence the title). Bill Watkins is a born storyteller, descended from a long line (on both sides) of Celtic yarn-spinners. He manages to be disarming, funny, entertaining and possesses a keen grasp of human nature and its foibles, often all within the same sentence. Read this book and be mightily entertained."
- Sherry Ladig, contributing editor, Scottish News In Minnesota
"It's obvious that Bill Watkins loves language. And he is not afraid to use it. A very enjoyable read."
- Alphie McCourt, author of A Long Stone's Throw
"His knack for storytelling is the equal of any Irish bard, and he knits together fact and legend like a finely crafted Celtic knot." -Minneapolis Observer Quarterly (Winter 2008)
"Frank, hilarious and honest . The Once and Future Celt is a strong choice for anyone who enjoys real-life, down-to-earth storytelling." -The Midwest Book Review (August 2008)
(I loved the bit of 'he loves language and isn't afraid to use it'!)
The Once And Future Celt (third of his trilogy!)
Twenty-one year old Bill is stranded in a Gypsy camp with an injured foot, cared for by the beautiful, unattainable Riena. The Gypsies, or Romany, suffer a negative reputation in Britain, a notion that Bill's stay challenges. With his prowess on the fiddle and keen interest in their culture, the Gypsies-and Riena-grow to accept him. Bill discovers that his Celtic roots may not be so different from the misunderstood Romany.
After making his way back to his parents' home in Birmingham, he has difficulty finding work in recession-ravaged England. When he finally lands a position loading dishes at a university cafeteria, he tells his proud Irish mother only the "university" part. Meanwhile, his Welsh father takes him to his ancestral homeland to reveal family secrets. In search of a new love, Bill soon leaves home again and on his travels he comes full circle in his spiritual journey to be a true Celt.
The Once and Future Celt is an engaging, hilarious meditation on the power of family, identity, the origins of language and the opposite sex. It completes a trilogy started by A Celtic Childhood and Scotland Is Not for the Squeamish, and is a gem of a memoir on its own.
Reviews:
"This is a delightful and often touching book, full of sly rebellion. Bill Watkins has a perfect ear for the more nonsensical sides of the heritage instinct, and a shrewd eye on where he came from-and where he's going. Delicious." -Frank Delaney, author of the novels Tipperary and Ireland, and the six-part BBC series The Celts
"The title of The Once and Future Celt hints at the good natured whimsy which pervades this delightful book. Watkins has composed a personalized picaresque exploration of what the scholarly constructs of 'Celtic' mean to ordinary Britons in the context of modern, post-imperial Britain. Based upon a narrative of his own adventures as a footloose young man and drawing upon his personal Welsh and Irish heritage, the author has created an engaging quest for the 'Camelot of the Mind.' Episodes featuring the genuine 'other culture of Romany ('gypsies' or travelers) and the made-up 'other' worldly culture of undergraduate medieval role-players will lead readers to wonder how much 'Celtic' is a product of individual invention and how much a label based on historical traditions. This book will appeal both to those who enjoy a fast-paced read populated with an array of well sketched characters and to those who enjoy ruminating about the issues which it explores."
- Frederick Suppe, President, Celtic Studies Association of North America
"They say the third time's the charm. Bill Watkins' first two books had charm in spades, but the third in his trilogy tells you the 'why' to the other two books' 'what.' In The Once And Future Celt, a young man at once wise beyond his years and goofily open to the whims of the universe sets out on the road shortly before his twenty-first birthday to find his true purpose in life. He encounters Gypsies, privileged-but-clueless college students, his contentious but loving parents, bureaucratic officiousness and strange fellow sojourners on his way. In his travels he also finds love, wisdom, the key to his Celtic roots and his future path (hence the title). Bill Watkins is a born storyteller, descended from a long line (on both sides) of Celtic yarn-spinners. He manages to be disarming, funny, entertaining and possesses a keen grasp of human nature and its foibles, often all within the same sentence. Read this book and be mightily entertained."
- Sherry Ladig, contributing editor, Scottish News In Minnesota
"It's obvious that Bill Watkins loves language. And he is not afraid to use it. A very enjoyable read."
- Alphie McCourt, author of A Long Stone's Throw
"His knack for storytelling is the equal of any Irish bard, and he knits together fact and legend like a finely crafted Celtic knot." -Minneapolis Observer Quarterly (Winter 2008)
"Frank, hilarious and honest . The Once and Future Celt is a strong choice for anyone who enjoys real-life, down-to-earth storytelling." -The Midwest Book Review (August 2008)
Friday, September 10, 2010
Fall into a Good Book - Contest
It's time for another exciting literary contest!
Fall into a Good Book
The weather is cooperating. There are bushels of new books in both the library and the Friends' Bookstore just waiting to be read. Fall is a fabulous time to lose yourself in timeless novels or non-fiction. Reveal your Autumn reading through literary leaves.
Remember, a picture is worth a 1000 words.
Deadline to submit your photo is October 8th.
Ready your thinking caps for the spooky October contest on favorite thrillers or mysteries.
Official Rules:
All entries must be electronic and emailed to: friendsbookstorerochmn@gmail.com
All entries will be posted on the Friends and Friends’ Bookstore Blog where positive comments will help determine the winning entry.
Photographs must be original and all winning individuals must agree to sign a release form for publication within our newsletters and social media sites.
Winning entries may be published in newsletters and posted on our social media sites and displayed in the Library/Friends’ Bookstore. Winner(s) may remain anonymous if they so choose.
The content of the entry must be suitable for viewing by an audience of all ages.
No more than one entry per person per contest.
Only one prize per entry.
The prizes consist of donated books; a variety of children’s, young adult, fiction, non-fiction, etc. will be available to choose from. Every effort will be made to find a book of the winner’s choice.
If your entry contains any copyrighted material the entrant will be responsible for securing the licensing rights and giving appropriate credits.
A qualified panel will review all entries and decide the contest winners.
Each entry will be graded on the following criteria:
1. Quality of entry – style, content, and enthusiasm
2. Does the entry relate to the topic?
3. Creativity of entry
4. Blog Comments
5. Overall impression
Fall into a Good Book
The weather is cooperating. There are bushels of new books in both the library and the Friends' Bookstore just waiting to be read. Fall is a fabulous time to lose yourself in timeless novels or non-fiction. Reveal your Autumn reading through literary leaves.
Remember, a picture is worth a 1000 words.
Deadline to submit your photo is October 8th.
Ready your thinking caps for the spooky October contest on favorite thrillers or mysteries.
Official Rules:
All entries must be electronic and emailed to: friendsbookstorerochmn@gmail.com
All entries will be posted on the Friends and Friends’ Bookstore Blog where positive comments will help determine the winning entry.
Photographs must be original and all winning individuals must agree to sign a release form for publication within our newsletters and social media sites.
Winning entries may be published in newsletters and posted on our social media sites and displayed in the Library/Friends’ Bookstore. Winner(s) may remain anonymous if they so choose.
The content of the entry must be suitable for viewing by an audience of all ages.
No more than one entry per person per contest.
Only one prize per entry.
The prizes consist of donated books; a variety of children’s, young adult, fiction, non-fiction, etc. will be available to choose from. Every effort will be made to find a book of the winner’s choice.
If your entry contains any copyrighted material the entrant will be responsible for securing the licensing rights and giving appropriate credits.
A qualified panel will review all entries and decide the contest winners.
Each entry will be graded on the following criteria:
1. Quality of entry – style, content, and enthusiasm
2. Does the entry relate to the topic?
3. Creativity of entry
4. Blog Comments
5. Overall impression
Thursday, September 9, 2010
September Calendar of Book Events
September is a big reading month - perhaps the weather, perhaps school?
It is the Literacy Month, yesterday also the UN International Literacy Day.
September is the National Library Card sign up month
The Last Week of September is Banned Book Week (see the library's web site for a list of 100 banned books - that you won't believe were ever banned. Charlotte's Web???)
the 17th September is Bestselling Books Day - head to any of the Best Sellers Lists and give a book a go! (The Nike slogan of 'Just do it' = applies to reading too!
September 25th is National Book Festival on the National Mall (Library of Congress). It will be hosted by President Obama and his wife Michelle. Their web site has a list of authors and ways to participate.
Please feel free to add comments of events, especially local, that you know!
It is the Literacy Month, yesterday also the UN International Literacy Day.
September is the National Library Card sign up month
The Last Week of September is Banned Book Week (see the library's web site for a list of 100 banned books - that you won't believe were ever banned. Charlotte's Web???)
the 17th September is Bestselling Books Day - head to any of the Best Sellers Lists and give a book a go! (The Nike slogan of 'Just do it' = applies to reading too!
Please feel free to add comments of events, especially local, that you know!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
International Literacy Day 8 September 2010
UNESCO launches new Knowledge and Innovations Network for Literacy (KINL)
UNESCO is launching a new Knowledge and Innovations Network for Literacy (KINL) that will enable researchers and practitioners all over the world to link up and share information and best practices. The network’s launch will be a highlight of International Literacy Day celebrations* on 8 September at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The annual 2010 International Literacy Prize awards ceremony and a round table on Literacy and Women’s Empowerment are the other main events of the Day. In addition, UNESCO’s Director-General Irina Bokova will be in New York to give a keynote address at the international conference “Literacy: an essential foundation for development” at the United Nations. The opening address will be given by former First Lady of the United States Laura Bush, who is Honorary Ambassador for the UN Literacy Decade (UNLD).
"Literacy and women's empowerment" is the theme of International Literacy Day 2010, in line with the UNLD thematic calendar. While women’s empowerment is at the core of the global development agenda, girls still account for more than half of the 67.4 million out-of-school children in the world, and two-thirds of the 796 million adult illiterates are female.
Ms Bokova stressed in her message for the Day, “Investing in women’s literacy carries very high returns: it improves livelihoods, leads to better child and maternal health, and favours girls’ access to education. In short newly literate women have a positive ripple effect on all development indicators. This international day aims to mobilize everyone’s attention to the urgent need for increased commitment to literacy, especially for girls and women.”
On 8 September at Organization Headquarters in Paris, the award ceremony for UNESCO’s 2010 International Literacy Prizes, which recognize innovative approaches to literacy education, will be held from 9.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Room IV. The two awards of the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize, supported by the Republic of Korea, have been attributed to projects in Cape Verde and Germany. Programmes in Nepal and Egypt are receiving the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, supported by the People's Republic of China. The Honourable Mention of the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize goes to a project in Colombia and the Honourable Mention of the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy to one in Malawi.
The awards ceremony will be followed by the launch of the Knowledge and Innovations Network for Literacy (KINL) (11 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., Room IV). Created with support from Verizon Foundation and Microsoft, the Network is a virtual workplace where literacy researchers and practitioners can link up, share knowledge and debate literacy topics on line. The network will generate knowledge and innovation in support of the acquisition and use of literacy, and promote advocacy, policy formulation and programme delivery, as well as cooperation and partnerships. It will be operational beginning 1 November 2010. Participating in the launch will be UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Cheick Modibo Diarra, who is Microsoft Corporation’s Chairman for Africa and Literacy Champion; and Marc Gosselin, representative of Verizon Foundation.
“Promoting literacy requires action from both the public and private sectors; we are all stakeholders in the fight to eradicate illiteracy,” said Dr. Diarra about KINL. “Microsoft shares UNESCO’s belief that technology can play an important role in doing so by providing access to education solutions and curriculum for both basic and digital literacy and helping more people participate in the global information society.”
Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston said, “If we are to create a seismic shift in the literacy landscape, education and literacy leaders from around the world must be able to communicate with one another and collaborate. The Knowledge and Innovations Network for Literacy will provide literacy leaders from every nation with easy access to the resources needed to ensure that every child is literate. The Verizon Foundation is proud to partner with UNESCO on this transformational project.”
After the launch, the International Literacy Day Roundtable on Literacy and Women’s Empowerment (11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Room IV) will be chaired by Qian Tang, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education. It will include presentations by Cheick Modibo Diarra and Khunying Kasama Varavarn (Thailand), recipient of a UNESCO medal for life-time contribution to literacy and non-formal education; and Raafat Radwan, First Undersecretary of the Egyptian Ministry of Education and Director-Manager of the General Authority for Adult Literacy. Finally, the Literacy in Action roundtable (3 to 4.30 p.m., Room IV) will bring together the 2010 Winners of the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize and the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy to present their programmes, followed by discussion.
At the same time, UNESCO’s offices around the world will be organizing a variety of events to mark International Literacy Day. (from their website)
UNESCO is launching a new Knowledge and Innovations Network for Literacy (KINL) that will enable researchers and practitioners all over the world to link up and share information and best practices. The network’s launch will be a highlight of International Literacy Day celebrations* on 8 September at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The annual 2010 International Literacy Prize awards ceremony and a round table on Literacy and Women’s Empowerment are the other main events of the Day. In addition, UNESCO’s Director-General Irina Bokova will be in New York to give a keynote address at the international conference “Literacy: an essential foundation for development” at the United Nations. The opening address will be given by former First Lady of the United States Laura Bush, who is Honorary Ambassador for the UN Literacy Decade (UNLD).
"Literacy and women's empowerment" is the theme of International Literacy Day 2010, in line with the UNLD thematic calendar. While women’s empowerment is at the core of the global development agenda, girls still account for more than half of the 67.4 million out-of-school children in the world, and two-thirds of the 796 million adult illiterates are female.
Ms Bokova stressed in her message for the Day, “Investing in women’s literacy carries very high returns: it improves livelihoods, leads to better child and maternal health, and favours girls’ access to education. In short newly literate women have a positive ripple effect on all development indicators. This international day aims to mobilize everyone’s attention to the urgent need for increased commitment to literacy, especially for girls and women.”
On 8 September at Organization Headquarters in Paris, the award ceremony for UNESCO’s 2010 International Literacy Prizes, which recognize innovative approaches to literacy education, will be held from 9.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Room IV. The two awards of the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize, supported by the Republic of Korea, have been attributed to projects in Cape Verde and Germany. Programmes in Nepal and Egypt are receiving the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, supported by the People's Republic of China. The Honourable Mention of the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize goes to a project in Colombia and the Honourable Mention of the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy to one in Malawi.
The awards ceremony will be followed by the launch of the Knowledge and Innovations Network for Literacy (KINL) (11 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., Room IV). Created with support from Verizon Foundation and Microsoft, the Network is a virtual workplace where literacy researchers and practitioners can link up, share knowledge and debate literacy topics on line. The network will generate knowledge and innovation in support of the acquisition and use of literacy, and promote advocacy, policy formulation and programme delivery, as well as cooperation and partnerships. It will be operational beginning 1 November 2010. Participating in the launch will be UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Cheick Modibo Diarra, who is Microsoft Corporation’s Chairman for Africa and Literacy Champion; and Marc Gosselin, representative of Verizon Foundation.
“Promoting literacy requires action from both the public and private sectors; we are all stakeholders in the fight to eradicate illiteracy,” said Dr. Diarra about KINL. “Microsoft shares UNESCO’s belief that technology can play an important role in doing so by providing access to education solutions and curriculum for both basic and digital literacy and helping more people participate in the global information society.”
Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston said, “If we are to create a seismic shift in the literacy landscape, education and literacy leaders from around the world must be able to communicate with one another and collaborate. The Knowledge and Innovations Network for Literacy will provide literacy leaders from every nation with easy access to the resources needed to ensure that every child is literate. The Verizon Foundation is proud to partner with UNESCO on this transformational project.”
After the launch, the International Literacy Day Roundtable on Literacy and Women’s Empowerment (11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Room IV) will be chaired by Qian Tang, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education. It will include presentations by Cheick Modibo Diarra and Khunying Kasama Varavarn (Thailand), recipient of a UNESCO medal for life-time contribution to literacy and non-formal education; and Raafat Radwan, First Undersecretary of the Egyptian Ministry of Education and Director-Manager of the General Authority for Adult Literacy. Finally, the Literacy in Action roundtable (3 to 4.30 p.m., Room IV) will bring together the 2010 Winners of the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize and the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy to present their programmes, followed by discussion.
At the same time, UNESCO’s offices around the world will be organizing a variety of events to mark International Literacy Day. (from their website)
Second Saturday Sale September 11th
The Friends' Bookstore is having another Second Saturday Sale in 5 days - Sept 11th. This time we are highlighting books on Crafts, Hobbies and Quilting. Join us (and Paige Turner!) for some absolutely wonderful books to get you started on the holiday season (dare I say that when it is only JUST September?)! Plan ahead, start early, and enjoy the craft process.
We have also had a wonderful selection of magazines and books newly arrived - we appreciate EVERY donation. Thank you for your generosity which in turn helps the Rochester Public Library. Every booksale and every book sold in the Bookstore enables our library to buy additional books, computer programming, supports author visits or other community events. Many of the books donated also are added directly to the shelves, either replacing worn copies or becoming a new book.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Kindle Reads
With all the excitement about several long trips and filling the Kindle with things to read, I have downloaded many books. As in MANY books. The vast majority were free books, but not the classics (I do have an archive of some of my favourites which I return to often). This time I found several titles of Zane Grey that I recall nearly verbatim! (My father is an avid western reader and we shared quite a few authors; I have also seen many a cowboy movie!) Then there were several of my favourites by Gene Stratton Porter - I was so thrilled when these were re-issued a few years ago thinking more people would read them. Nearly a local author! (Wisconsin, but also with an ecological message). I suppose in a way they were the Romance novels that I read, not being exposed to the Harlequin kind. Further back in time, I was astonished to find Thornton W Burgess on the Kindle! Old Mother West Wind stories. Reddy Fox, Old Mr Toad, and so many other long lost friends. I am definitely looking forward to becoming reacquainted with them after 40+ years! I have started to think of other books to look up too = some of my earliest scifi for example - John Wyndham. Anya Seton.
And then of course, there is the use of the iPad with the Kindle app. Trying to find ONE device that will function as lightweight portability to read, listen, access, etc. I hate to confess that I love the slide on the iPad instead of the Kindle. Most especially when reading non-fiction, or when re-reading old familiar tales. I was appalled at myself to be in the comfort of my own home, reading the Kindle though. Back to my books! I have so many that need reading! So many books have recently been published! Yet another list of 20... More details/reviews later!
And then of course, there is the use of the iPad with the Kindle app. Trying to find ONE device that will function as lightweight portability to read, listen, access, etc. I hate to confess that I love the slide on the iPad instead of the Kindle. Most especially when reading non-fiction, or when re-reading old familiar tales. I was appalled at myself to be in the comfort of my own home, reading the Kindle though. Back to my books! I have so many that need reading! So many books have recently been published! Yet another list of 20... More details/reviews later!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Read 'em and eat contest
A number of bookclubs and book lovers come to Jaspers for discussions or reading over morning coffee or lunch each week. (E-books have been visible too!) The friendly staff at Jaspers have always been accomodating and enjoy some of the selections. This group (the BBC) always brings napkins that they enjoy reading too.
Jose chose several books for his children after submitting this photo!
FALL INTO A GOOD BOOK will be the title of our next contest = details next week! Enjoy the long weekend ahead, with all those reading opportunities!
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