Osceola Library News

Friendship on the Nile

2012-09-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

History is revised in Enid Shomer's debut novel The Twelve Rooms of the Nile. Before they forged their places in history, Florence Nightingale and Gustave Flaubert traveled on the same boat along the Nile. Although the two likely never met during their journey, Shomer has turned this historical coincidence into remarkable fiction. Both searching for purpose in life, Nightingale and Flaubert begin a friendship through which they are able to share their deepest wishes and greatest fears. If you're looking for a novel to dive into during Read a New Book Month this September, The Twelve Rooms of the Nile is a fascinating choice.

Julia Child's 100th Birthday

2012-09-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

Before Rachael Ray and Martha Stewart, Julia Child was the original rock star of the kitchen. Not a natural at cooking, she enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu in 1948 after experiencing a life-changing meal in Paris. Thirteen years later she published Mastering the Art of French Cooking, which remains a cookbook staple in kitchens across America. Dearie by Bob Spitz, timed to coincide with what would have been Child's 100th birthday, describes her incredible life story and explores how she acted as a role model for post-war American women, changing both the kitchen and the culture in the process.

New Beginnings -- and Endings

2012-09-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

In the age of Pinterest and Youtube, do we really need another knitting book? If you're talking about Cast On, Bind Off by knitting guru Leslie Ann Bestor, the answer is definitely yes. Divided into categories such as stretchy or decorative, this how-to-guide outlines 33 cast-on and 21 bind-off methods that are sure to become your secret weapons in knitting. Complete with step-by-step instructions and color photographs, this user-friendly guide is handy for beginners and experts alike.

September is Hispanic Heritage Month

2012-09-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

September 15 begins the month-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Mark the occasion by picking up Julia Alvarez's A Wedding in Haiti, a memoir chronicling her hilarious and life-changing experiences in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Years after Alvarez promises a friend she will attend his wedding, she must fulfill her pledge by traveling across the turbulent nation of Haiti, bribing officials along the way. A year later, she and her husband make the same journey, this time to find her friend in the devastation of the 2010 earthquake that struck the island nation. Once we have become involved in a relationship, Alvarez declares, we are transformed by our obligation to it.

A Wallflower Blossoms

2012-09-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

More than 10 years after its publication, the popular teen novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower is appearing on the big screen. Written by Stephen Chbosky and set in west Pennsylvania in 1991, the book chronicles the letters of Charlie, a freshman in high school, to an anonymous friend. Struggling to fit in while dealing with his friend's recent suicide, Charlie finds a place in a group of friends and a new outlook on life. Check out this thought-provoking novel before you see the movie version, which was adapted for film and directed by the author himself.

An Environmental Pioneer

2012-09-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, a book that rocked the chemical industry with an indictment of the pesticide DDT and its harmful effects on wildlife. Now from William Souder comes a biography of the unassuming nature writer who helped to jumpstart the environmental movement with her groundbreaking book. On a Farther Shore chronicles Carson's life and legacy as a reformer, nature lover and friend.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month

2012-08-31T14:40:00.000-04:00

September is Library Card Sign-up Month. Stop by your local library to sign up for the most important school supply of all — a library card.
A message from the American Library Association's Campaign for America's Libraries

Failure to Launch

2012-08-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

The title of Sally Koslow's book says it all: Slouching Toward Adulthood: Observations from the Not-So-Empty Nest is an investigation into the "adultescent" phenomenon. Koslow, a mother of two "adultescents" herself, explores the reasons behind the growing population of college graduates moving back home. The product of economic hardship and over-qualification, young adults are remaining dependent on their parents through their 20s and into their 30s. Using personal experience and humor, Koslow draws on research and interviews to understand the current generation's unwillingness to leave the nest. Her findings reveal that the prolonged dependency might not just be the fault of the young adults, but also the fault of their helicopter parents.

Back to School Inspiration

2012-08-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Part memoir and part instructional manual, Deborah Kenny's Born to Rise chronicles her journey to open charter schools in Harlem neighborhoods that had some of the lowest test scores in the state. After the loss of her husband from leukemia, Kenny decided to quit her job and build a charter school, all while raising three children on her small savings. She focused on developing talented teachers rather than a strict curriculum, and the strategy has paid off as her Harlem Village Academies have ranked first in math scores across New York's public schools. Although her plan took 10 years to develop, Kenny has created a culture of students and teachers who are reaching their highest potential. Teachers and parents alike will enjoy this inspiring tale of one woman who tackled the educational system and succeeded.

Check it out today!

Garden Meets Grill

2012-08-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

Just the thought of summer conjures memories of backyard grilling and fresh summer fruits and vegetables. To make summer even more memorable, Karen Adler and Judith Fertig have combined the two in their latest cookbook, The Gardener & the Grill. With recipes like Brats with Grilled Kale, Grilled Summer Slaw with Gorgonzola Vinaigrette and Stir-Grilled Nectarines, these two grilling experts take backyard BBQs to the next level of health and sophistication. For grilling novices out there, Adler and Fertig even include specialty grilling techniques to make sure that your grilling turns out just like theirs. Check out The Gardener & the Grill for a summer cookbook that can last all year long.

Check it out!

The Bourne Legacy in Theaters

2012-08-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

With the movie version of The Bourne Legacy arriving in theaters this month, consider checking out the latest installment of the Jason Bourne saga, Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Imperative by Eric Van Lustbader. The novel unfolds as Jason Bourne rescues a man from the ocean whose gunshot wound to the head has nearly killed him. The man wakes with no memory, reminding Bourne of his own amnesia and setting him off on a journey to find the identity and purpose of the amnesiac before they are both killed. The secret that Bourne uncovers could change the future of the world.

Check it out!

50 Years of Secrets and Scandal

2012-08-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

Since her death 50 years ago on August 5, 1962, Marilyn Monroe has become the stuff of legend. Biographies of the actress abound, often painting her as a damaged victim of abuse. Marilyn: The Passion and the Paradox goes beyond the recycled information of the past, revealing the control that Marilyn had over her self-created sexy persona and her career. Lois Banner, with her credentials as a professor of gender studies and feminist historian, was able to gain access to new sources close to Marilyn and learn new details about her childhood and foster families. Marilyn: The Passion and the Paradox will appeal to both fans and Marilyn newcomers.

Place a hold on it today!

ESOL and Citizenship classes

2012-08-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Presented in Partnership by Osceola Library System and the Adult Literacy League of Orlando, the weekly ESOL class at Hart Memorial Central Library will be changing times on Mondays to 10:30 am, beginning in August.

In addition, a Citizenship Class will be offered Hart Memorial Library every Monday at 9:30 am, starting in August. The Citizenship class is one hour long.

There is no charge for either class. Both are taught by Vince Scalise- who has been with the Adult Literacy League for 11 years. The Library and ALL are excited to offer these great classes to the Osceola Community. More classes may be added at various branches as ALL teachers/volunteers have availability.

Neat Fact: Statistics show that 94% of those that take Citizenship Preparedness Classes do pass the test on their first try. Students who participate in Vince's Citizenship class have a 100% pass rate!

Citizenship Class
Every Monday (except 9/3, 11/12, and 12/24 due to Library Holiday Closures)
9:30 am- 10:30 am at the Hart Memorial Central Library in the Roseada Room
List of Exact Dates

Learn about the process of becoming a citizen, and prepare for the U.S. Citizenship interview and exam. Study United States history and government for the examination with Vince Scalise, a favorite teacher from the Adult Literacy League who has taught Citizenship classes for 11 years. Presented in Partnership by the Osceola Library System and Adult Literacy League of Orlando.

More information is available by contacting the Library's Programming Department (407.742.8888) or by calling the Adult Literacy League (407.422.1540)

ESOL Class
Every Monday (except 9/3, 11/12, and 12/24 due to Library Holiday Closures)
9:30 am- 10:30 am at the Hart Memorial Central Library in the Roseada Room
List of exact dates

Presented in partnership by the Osceola Library System and Adult Literacy League, this weekly two hour course is taught by Vince Scalise, a favorite teacher who has facilitated ESOL classes for 11 years.
The Library also provides print and audiovisual materials for ESL students and tutors; computer classes and other programs in Spanish and English; online databases such as MANGO LANGUAGES; and space for tutoring, classes and meetings.

More information is available by contacting the Library's Programming Department (407.742.8888) or by calling the Adult Literacy League (407.422.1540)

Gearing Up for the Games

2012-07-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

The opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games is on July 27, a day when people all over the world will turn their eyes to London. History buffs, however, will enjoy looking back on the long history of Olympics. Journalist David Davis' Showdown at Shepherd's Bush takes readers to the London Olympics in 1908 and tells the story of three men who competed in the first modern Olympic marathon. All three men had humble roots, and the account of their race is gripping, particularly the contentious outcome. Davis' book also offers a fascinating account of an era when sports were just beginning to attract rabid spectator interest and sports photography was gaining popularity.

Having trouble downloading ebooks to your Kindle?

2012-07-24T07:00:00.001-04:00

The Library has classes that can help you download books to your Kindle. Sign up for:

Exploring Kindle, eBooks, and OverDrive
Learn how to browse, checkout, and download Library eBooks to a Kindle using OverDrive. Bring your own Kindle or explore the Library’s Kindle. After class, learn how you can borrow an eReader from the Library for further discovery.
Required: A valid Osceola library card.
Recommended: Amazon.com account.
Level 2
When: 7/26/2012 at 2:00 PM at the Buenaventura Lakes Library

Can't make the class? Book a Librarian for a 30 minute personalized one-on-one training session. Call 407-742-8888 to make the appointment.

Attention Orange County Reciprocal Library Card Users

2012-07-20T09:25:00.003-04:00

Orange County Residents are invited to purchase a non-resident Library card for a $25 annual fee, a small price to pay for the greatest deal around!

As of July 1, 2012: Due to a decision by Orange County to dispense with the reciprocal borrowing agreement with the Osceola Library System and Osceola County residents, Osceola Library System will issue no new reciprocal cards to Orange County residents nor will reciprocal cards be renewed.

Cards active on July 1, 2012, will be honored until their expiration date or June 30, 2013, whichever is earlier.

Please contact the Library 407-742-8888 with questions or concerns.

Friend the Library!

2012-07-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

Don't just Friend the library on Facebook, friend us in person by joining the Friends of the Library in your community! Find out how you can help your local library by going to a Friends of the Library Meeting. Click here for dates, times, and locations.

Awards and Top Lists

2012-07-13T16:06:00.000-04:00

Looking for something to read this summer? Check out these award winning novels from your local library!


Agatha Award	ALA Notable Fiction
ALA Notable Nonfiction	Anthony Award
Audie Award	Booker Prize
Bram Stoker Award	Christy Award
Costa Book Award	Edgar Award
Hugo Award	James Beard KitchenAid Book Award
National Book Award for Fiction	National Book Award for Nonfiction
National Book Award for Poetry	Nebula Award
Nobel Prize for Literature	PEN/Faulkner Award
Pulitzer Prize for Biography	Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
Pulitzer Prize for History	Pulitzer Prize for Nonfiction
Pulitzer Prize for Poetry	RITA Award
Stonewall: Barbara Gittings Literature Award	Stonewall: Israel Fishman Nonfiction Award

Woman of Mystery

2012-07-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Never mind romance-laden cozies--hard-core grittiness is now the norm in female-penned suspense novels. One of the best thriller writers at work today is Gillian Flynn, whose third book, Gone Girl, shot to the top of bestseller lists shortly after its release. The clever story of a toxic marriage is narrated in alternating chapters by the husband/wife team of Nick and Amy Dunne, who offer up contradictory accounts of events leading up to the violent abduction of their daughter. Gone Girl is a page-turner that has earned Flynn comparisons to some of the genre's finest talents--don't miss it.

After reading this book (or any other), be sure to pick up a raffle ticket at the library, review the book, and return it to enter into a drawing for a prize, as part of the Adult Summer Reading Program.

Sweet Summer Reading

2012-06-21T11:19:00.000-04:00

Dorothea Benton Frank is always a summertime favorite, and her new novel, Porch Lights, is perfect for poolside or beach reading. Frank transports readers to Sullivans Island, South Carolina, which she has chronicled in a dozen best-selling novels. In Porch Lights, widow Jackie takes her 10-year-old son to Sullivans Island to reconnect with family after the death of her husband. Jackie and her mother Annie, like so many mothers and daughters, don't have the smoothest relationship, but the healing power of family transforms Jackie's return to her childhood home into an unforgettable summer. Packed with Lowcountry charm and Frank's trademark humor, this family story is sure to delight readers.

After reading this book (or any other), be sure to pick up a raffle ticket at the library, review the book, and return it to enter into a drawing for a prize, as part of the Adult Summer Reading Program.

Summer Reading Program "The Great Monster Hunt"

2012-06-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

When Duck wakes one morning, she hears a funny pshh pshh! noise from under the bed. Too afraid to look, she jumps out of bed and finds a friend to help. Soon Pig and a brave band of friends are heading Duck’s way to save her from the terrifying monster…….

Craft Activity: Night Mask

Click here for dates and times

Summer Reading Program Kick Off Event

2012-06-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Come to the Osceola Library and celebrate the beginning of the Summer Reading Program with crafts and a special presentation by Bruce Schwedick. Listen to Mr. Schwedick’s wonderful stories and enjoy the opportunity to meet some of his reptile friends such as Banana Boy, the albino snake.

Designing Your Library

2012-06-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Please provide your input by taking our short community survey.

English
Espanol

Library Strategic Planning Meetings

2012-06-02T16:07:00.000-04:00

The Osceola Library System strategic planning process follows the model set out by the American Library Association in its document, The New Planning for Results. The community-based planning process developed by ALA does not begin with a focus on the library. Rather, the process invites key community stakeholders to identify a vision for the community served by the library.

This helps library planners to determine what the community values and how the library can make a contribution toward achieving the community vision. This, in turn, helps the County officials and library administrators answer the question "What difference does the library make?"

Planning Advisory
Committee Meetings

The PAC will hold meetings at
Hart Memorial Central Library
from 9am-1 pm on the following dates:

Saturday, May 12
Saturday, June 30
Saturday, July 28

The public may attend and
observe at these meetings,
but will not participate.

Community Meetings

The general public is invited to attend and provide input.

Buenaventura Lakes Branch
Multipurpose Room
Monday, June 4 from 6-8 pm

Veterans Memorial- St. Cloud Branch
Robert E. Fiske Room
Tuesday, June 5 from 6-8 pm

Kenansville Branch
Kenansville Community Center
Wednesday, June 6 from 6-8 pm

Poinciana Branch
Multipurpose Room
Monday, June 11 from 6-8 pm

West Osceola Branch
Multipurpose Room
Wednesday, June 13 from 6 –8 pm

Hart Memorial Central
Lillie Room
Thursday, June 14 from 6-8 pm

Storytimes, crafts, and more!

2012-05-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Take your kids to the Library for fun storytimes, crafts, and games!

Toddler Tales
Walkers from 18-36 months are invited to dance, sing, do finger-plays, and listen to great stories. These storytimes help encourage emerging language skills.
■ BVL     Mondays at 10:00 am
■ VMSC     Tuesdays at 10:00 am
■ PC     Wednesdays at 10:00 am
■ HMC     Thursdays at 10:00 am

PreSchool Rockin’ Readers
Preschoolers and their grownups are invited to theme-based storytimes geared for the interests and development stages of three-five year old. Join in songs, flannel board stories rhymes, and books-of course! This interactive program builds early literacy skills.
■ BVL     Mondays at 11:00 am
■ VMSC     Tuesdays at 11:00 am
■ PC     Wednesdays at 11:00 am
■ HMC     Thursdays at 11:00 am

Baby and Me
It's a baby and parent meet-and-greet at the Library! Grownups and little ones up to 18 months are invited to socialize at this stay-and-play program. Come to the Library for networking, sharing and some early literacy activities with infants.
Children birth to 18 months
■ VMSC     Tuesdays at 9:15 am

Mother Goose Storytime
Join this big ol' fun storytime for toddlers and preschoolers. A mixture of favorite stories, songs, and fingerplays geared for toddlers and preschoolers will delight & entertain.
Toddlers and preschoolers
■ WO    Fridays at 10:30 am

Kidz Kaboom
Hey Kids! Imaginations go KABOOM in this afterschool program for 1st to 5th graders. Investigations, exploration and creativity skills are the only things needed to join in this fun program series. A different theme is featured each month for cool activities, stories, games, crafts, and more.
■ VMSC            Tuesdays at 4:00 pm
■ BVL             Wednesdays at 2:30 pm
■ PC             Wednesdays at 3:00 pm
■ HMC             Thursdays at 4:00 pm