Tuesday, 13 November 2007

Elizabeth Gaskell


The new BBC adaptation of Cranford begins soon. Why not read the book first or try one of Elizabeth Gaskell's other novels from the Library:
Cranford
Cranford in the 1840s is a small Cheshire market town on the cusp of great change. The railway is pushing its way relentlessly towards the town from Manchester, bringing fears of migrant workers and the breakdown of law and order. The arrival of handsome new doctor, Frank Harrison from London causes a stir; not only because of his revolutionary medical methods, but also because of the effect he has on many of the ladies' hearts in the town...

Mary Barton

Mary's father is a mill-hand and staunch fighter for workers' rights. When the owners ignore their workers' requests for better treatment, the men decide to murder Henry Carson as a warning, and nominate Barton to fire the gun. Mary's beloved Jem is arrested for the crime, and Mary has to face the agony of proving his innocence by incriminating her father.


North and South

A moving story of the developing relationship between southern-born Margaret Hale and John Thornton, the young northern mill-owner.


Cousin Phillis

Newly arrived in Eltham, young Paul Manning eagerly takes up his position as clerk to Mr Holdsworth, a railway engineer. His distant cousins - the robust and learned Reverend Holman, his wife and their clever daughter Phillis - warmly welcome him into their home.Although drawn to Phillis, who is as beautiful as she is innocent, he feels himself to be her unequal. When Mr Holdsworth, a handsome, well-travelled young man, meets the Holmans they are captivated by his wit and knowledge of the world. An enchanted summer ensues as Paul and he become regular visitors to Hope Farm. There is the promise of love ... but where, Paul wonders, will is lead to?

Monday, 12 November 2007

Back Again

At last I have a chance to update the blog after quite a few months of inactivity. Life in Hutchie Library has been busy - we have said goodbye to Mrs Fair and welcomed Miss Crole as our new Library Assistant. We have also changed our Library System to one called Oliver, which has caused some problems - as IT changes often do!
On a more positive IT note over the summer holidays our laptops were replaced by lovely new ones so S6 and staff can now borrow them to use wirelessly in the Library - without having to wait half an hour to log-on!
We have been disappointed this month by the postponement of the visit by Chris Ryan to the school, unfortunately due to his ill health. However we are hoping he will visit in May instead.

Thursday, 21 June 2007

Carnegie Medal Winner Announced


The winner of the Carnegie Medal for 2007 has been announced as Just in Case by Meg Rosoff. For more information go to http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/2007awards/

Wednesday, 16 May 2007

Readers' Resolutions

Perhaps the wrong time of year for these!

Courtesy of Camille DelVecchio of the Penfield Public Library in New York.

1. Reread a book you loved as a child.
2. Finally read that classic you’ve been avoiding.
3. Try a book of poetry.
4. Spend a while just browsing in the library.
5. Read a book written in the year I was born.
6. Create a journal and keep notes about the books and magazines you read.
7. Read a book on the history of your city/town.
8. Read a book written from a point of view totally opposite to your own.
9. Read a book about a place you’ve never been.
10. Reread a book that you just didn't ”get”.
11. Ask a librarian to find you a book you wouldn’t have chosen.
12. Read a book written by an overseas author.

Friday, 20 April 2007

Carnegie Medal 2007 - Shortlist Announced

The books shortlisted for this year's Carnegie Medal were announced today. They are:

The Road of the Dead by Kevin Brooks Available from Library

A Swift Pure Cry by Siobhan Dowd Available from Library

The Road of Bones by Anne Fine Coming Soon

Beast by Ally Kennan Available from Library

Just in Case by Meg Rosoff Available from Library

My Swordhand is Singing by Marcus Sedgewick Coming Soon


For more information on the award and this year's shortlisted books go to:

http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/2007awards/carnegie_shortlist.php

P.S. My favourite so far is My Swordhand is Singing by Marcus Sedgewick - a chilling take on the vampire myths of Eastern Europe.