Holiday Closing

The Library will be closed on Monday, October 10, in honor of Columbus Day. Stop by and pick up a book about Columbus' voyages.

New Nonfiction

Several new nonfiction books were put on the shelves today. They include: Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream by Barbara Ehrenreich; Growing Up Too Fast: The Rimm Report on the Secret World of America's Middle Schoolers by Dr. Sylvia Rimm; Mark Twain: A Life by Ron Powers; My Detachment: A Memoir by Tracy Kidder; Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: And Other Things I've Learned by Alan Alda; Night Draws Near: Iraq's People in the Shadow of America's War by Anthony Shadid; Talking Back: To Presidents, Dictators, and Assorted Scoundrels by Andrea Mitchell; and Where God Was Born: A Journey by Land to the Roots of Religion by Bruce Feiler. Stop by the Library or call to have any of these titles put on hold for you.

New Oprah Book Club Selection

Oprah Winfrey departed from choosing classics for her book club today, when she chose A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. Frey's book is nonfiction, and details his addiction and rehab. Oprah says "It's a gut-wrenching memoir that is raw and it's so real." To reserve a copy of this title, call or stop by the library, or go to owwl.pls-net.org to place your hold.

Board of Trustees Meeting

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held in the Library's meeting room at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, October 13th.

Evening Program

Victor Harris is returning to the Sodus Free Library with a new lecture entitled "Burn This Hand First: Heresy, Common Prayer, and the King has a Nosebleed!" While church/state controversies simmer in the contemporary arena, Harris will examine the origins of the conflict and how it evolved during the chaotic succession crises of the English monarchy. Central figures such as Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and James II will receive comprehensive examination, and a supporting cast of “Praise God” Barebone, Titus Oates, and James Nayler will be included in the discussion. Harris earned his Bachelor's degree in History and Master's in Library Science at SUNY Geneseo. He taught history at the high school level for several years, received the University of Rochester Excellencein Teaching Award, and now works for the New York State Research Foundation. He researches, writes and lectures on historic and literary topics. There is no registration or fee for this event, scheduled for Tuesday, September 27th, at 7 p.m.

Banned Book Week

Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year. Observed since 1982, the annual event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met.

“[I]t’s not just the books under fire now that worry me. It is the books that will never be written. The books that will never be read. And all due to the fear of censorship. As always, young readers will be the real losers.”—Judy Blume

September Books-Sandwiched-In

At noon on Monday, September 19th, the Friends of the Sodus Free Library will present a Books-Sandwiched-In featuring Friends' President Kass Vande. Kass will be reviewing Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry, a novel of familial love and obligations set in Bombay, Inda. As Kass has made several trips to India visiting her daughter Kasha, she will also be showing slides of the area. The cost of $3 includes sandwich, beverage, and a slice of homemade pie. The library opens at 10 a.m., so come early and browse around; the doors to the lunch room will open at 11:45. Registration is required, and can be made in person at the library or by calling (315) 483-9292.

Library Card Sign-Up Month

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month - a time when the American Library Association and libraries across the country remind parents that the most important school supply of all is @ your library®--it's your library card.