Library News

Well the pressure is really on now.  The deadline for this article came forward because of ANZAC Day and of course it had never occurred to me that would happen, so here I am frantically slapping on the keys trying to get it in a bit However Mike is so patient and forgiving I’m sure he won’t mind me being late.   Not Mike’s fault – I haven’t been at work for two weeks and missed the email.  

There isn’t much to talk about, however, as you know that never seems to stop me from wittering on ad infinitum.  Lots of great new non-fiction books in this past month.  As my spy has been down to Unity books in Wellington and made a list of all the good new stuff, I have obediently gone and bought them all.  So the little back room I told you about last month is having a clear out of some of the old stuff to make room for all the new books.  

I challenge everyone (especially Gary) to come and have a look at the new non-fiction as there are definitely books there to suit everyone’s taste.  There was an interesting interview on National Radio last week about the Octopus and how intelligent they are (I put the singular as I can’t remember at this moment what the plural is).  I happen to have two new books on the octopus brain and other similar animals, one of which I have read and it is fascinating, so I can recommend those.  

There is a list just out on the internet (of course), of the 20 most influential non-fiction women’s books published, of which we have quite a few.  I can’t list them here but do ask if you want to know or check out our Facebook page as they are also there.  We do have quite a few of them in the library.  One is The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks, which I recommend often as it is one of my favourite books.  However, here I am sitting at home and reading lots of comfort genre which in my case is murder.  I’m trying different authors so I know who are good and can made recommendations from personal experience.  

So far Quintin Jardine has been a big hit as I do love Edinburgh and he really brings the city alive – the murders aren’t too bad either and the story complex.  An added bonus is there are over 20 books in the series and still going so we can keep on enjoying them.  

Am finally finishing off Dana Stabenow as well, although Kate Shugak is one of my heroines and not a new read.  Another new read is Fred Vargas.  A woman writer translated from the French and set in Paris, the detectives are quirky and she has made a compelling series.

 Am loving Jo Nesbo too, although a well-known author to most of you, he is new to me.  Anyway, enough of me, school holidays are over and I should be back at work already or soon depending on when Mike delivers the papers.  

My thanks as always to our volunteers and we have a number of new ones as well as losing one – thanks Mary for all your help, it was a pleasure having you at the library and keep in touch.  Also thanks again to all the donators of books, prizes and other ephemera.  

A message to the Friends, sorry I haven’t been in touch much.  It has been a really hectic and busy year (hence my need for a good rest).  Thanks for joining the Friends of Martinborough Library and I promise I will be in touch soon.  Enjoy the gradual slide into Winter everyone and come and see us soon.

Shirley