Wendy Corsi Staub Visit

On Tuesday, December 28, 2010, The Friends of Barker Library hosted a visit with local author Wendy Corsi Staub. Mrs. Staub spoke about her local roots, about her writing process and about her newest thriller Scared to Death. It was a wonderful event. For more about Wendy Corsi Staub's visit to the area, check out this article from the Dunkirk Observer.

Databases

All databases are now operational. Thank you for your patience.

ebooks are coming soon!

The Barker Library will soon be offering ebooks through Overdrive, the same service you may already be using to download audiobooks. Interested in purchasing an ereader? Click here to find out more about devices. Or, click here to see a list of ereaders that are compatible with Overdrive. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

Databases

Due to technical problems, the Library's databases are temporarily unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Holiday Hours

In celebration of the Christmas and New Year holidays, the Barker Library will be closed:

Friday, December 24, 2010
Saturday, December 25th, 2010
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, January 1, 2011

We wish you a happy holiday season!

Holiday Open House

Please join the Barker Library as we celebrate the season!

Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 15, 2010, 10am-6pm

Refreshements will be served.

You should read one of these!

Here are some more recommndations from Barker Library patrons like you:

Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
"Good historical novel. The first of three. This covers WWI period....and follows four families. Very worthwhile. Can't wait for #2!"

Fool by Christopher Moore
"A re-telling of Shakespeare's King Lear from the point of view of the court jester - who's the one instigating it all."

"Author Louise Penny's mysteries are very good."

Happy reading!

Wendy Corsi Staub Visit

The Darwin R. Barker Library is pleased to announce that New York Times bestselling author and Dunkirk native Wendy Corsi Staub will be visiting the Barker Library.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010, 2-3pm

Join us as we celebrate her new release, Scared to Death.
All readers welcome!
This event is sponsored by the Friends of Barker Library

Announcement for Barker Library Book Club Members

The Barker Library Book Club's next selection will be In the Blink of an Eye by Dunkirk native and New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Wendy Corsi Staub.

An Unusual Town...Lily Dale, New York, is no ordinary town. A sleepy summer resort village, it is home to a population of psychics, and the place where Julia Garrity and Kristin Shuttleworth formed a fast friendship that would only be broken...by death. Ten Summer Street is no ordinary house. It was in the huge Victorian that Kristin saw something fifteen years ago on Halloween night. Something that would haunt her for the rest of her days.

We will be discussing this title at our next meeting on Saturday, January 15, 2011, 2-4pm. See you there!
If you are not a member of the Barker Library Book Club and would like to join, please feel free to send us an e-mail anytime at barker@netsync.net.

Food for Thought from Mr. Twain

"A public library is the most enduring of memorials, the trustiest monument for the preservation of an event or a name or an affection; for it, and it only, is respected by wars and revolutions, and survives them." Mark Twain

If you're looking to find out more about Mark Twain, America's most famous author and humorist and a BIG fan of the public library, these new titles are available at the Barker Library:

Autobiography of Mark Twain, Volume 1 by Mark Twain
Mark Twain : Man in White : the Grand Adventure of His Final Years by Michael Shelden
Mark Twain : the Adventures of Samuel L. Clemens by Jerome Loving

It was a scary weekend at the Barker Library!

Do you know any of these ghosts and ghouls?

Creative Containers Workshop

Join us Saturday, November 6, 2010, 1-3pm for Creative Containers.
Local artist Margaret Braun will demonstrate how to turn everyday kitchen containers into decorative holiday gifts. Supplies for one container will be furnished. This class is appropriate for all ages, however, children under ten must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and space is limited. Please call the Circulation Desk at 672-8051.

If you've enjoyed The Secret Life of Bees...

...Visit our display!
The Barker Library Book Club's current selection is The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. If you've enjoyed this title and you are looking for your next book, check out our book display in the browsing area near the Circulation Desk.

A reminder to book club members...
Our next meeting will be Saturday November 13th, 2010, 2-4pm. And if you are interested in joining the Barker Library Book Club, please feel free to send us an e-mail anytime at barker@netsync.net

Reader Recommendations

Here's some more book recommendations from Barker Library patrons just like you:

Hallelujah! the Welcome Table: a Lifetime of Memories with Recipes by Maya Angelou
"A great recipe book with stories. Thank you!"

Lily Dale: Believing by Wendi Corsi Staub
"A very enjoyable and quick read. A lot of local icons."

Happy reading!

Children's Concerts

Woodwind Quintet
Saturday, October 2, 2010
10:30am and 11:30am
The Musical Journeys Program of the SUNY Fredonia School of Music present two performances designed to introduce young children to musical instruments. All are welcome!

Reader Recommendations

Here are some more book titles recommended by Barker Library patrons:

This Just In: What I Couldn't Tell You on TV by Bob Schieffer
"Good background history of the 60's, 70's and 80's."

Saving Sammy by Beth Maloney
"Well-written and entertaining, yet true! A must-read for parents to be aware of health care issues."

The Last Child by John Hart
A gripping story. Will keep you riveted until the end."

Happy reading!

Announcement for Barker Library Book Club Members

To all book club members:
Our next meeting will be Saturday, November 13th, 2010 in the Library's Steele Meeting Room. We're excited to announce that our next selection is The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.
If you would like to reserve a copy, please visit the System Catalog or call the Library at 672-8051 today. See you in November!

New Museum Hours

The Darwin R. Barker Barker Historical Museum is now open:

Tuesdays 4pm-8pm
Saturdays 1pm-5pm

Step Up Your Job Search

Please join us for Your Job Search Online: An introduction to the best Internet resources for exploring careers and finding jobs.

Saturday, September 18, 2010, 2pm-4pm
Or
Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 2pm-4pm

To register for this hands-on class, please visit the Circulation Desk or call us at (716)672-8051. Class size is limited.
Participants are welcome to bring their own laptop computers.

Reader Recommendations

Looking for your next summer read? Check out one of these Barker Library reader recommendations:
The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean
"Fascinating and funny look at obsession and Florida nuttiness."

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park (Newbery Award Winner)
"Teaches about values without really preaching - they're just part of the story. Four out of four stars."

Open: an Autobiography by Andre Agassi
"Don't like tennis? Neither did he. One of the most compelling books I've read."

Happy reading!

Book Club Meeting

Just a reminder to Barker Library Book Club members...
Our next meeting will be on Saturday August 14, 2010, 2-4pm. We will be discussing Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind. And if you can't get enough Gone With the Wind, please check out the book diplay near the circulation desk for other books you might enjoy.

What should I read next?

What have you been reading? We want to know!
Have you read something fantastic? Are you looking for something great to read? Check out the purple binder at the library's Circulation Desk. Share your book or author recommendations with other library users OR browse through reviews written by readers like you. Books recommended by our patrons are displayed in the library's reference area.
And, if you are searching our online catalog from home and need a recommendation before you start placing requests, you can check this blog. We periodically post reader recommendations on this page.
Happy reading!

Barker Library Reader Recommendations

Looking for something to read? Try these titles recommended by library patrons like you!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer
"Once you get past the title, the book is wonderful!"

School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister
"Any 'foodie' would love it! Beautifully written."

Feast of Love by Charles Baxter
It will break you heart, but then fix it again."

Victorian Dazzle

Come celebrate Victorian Dazzle at the Barker Library!
Saturday, July 17, 2010, 11am
Storytime in the Children's Room will feature works by Victorian author Beatrix Potter. Then, join us in the Steele Room to make and decorate your very own Victorian toy.

Read This!

Check out these reader recommendations:

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
"A must read!"

The Other by David Guterson
"If you liked Snow Falling on Cedars, you willl also like The Other. It is quite different, but the same Guterson magic.

Water, Stone, Heart by Will North
Real people and a gripping story set in the picturesque village of Boscastle, England. You won't want this book to end!

Happy Reading!

Storytelling Program

Join us on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 4pm for storyteller AnneMarie Jason.
This special event is sponsored by the Friends of Barker Library.

Summer Storytime

Regular Storytime hours will end as of Friday June 25, 2010.
Summer Storytime will be held on Fridays at 10am from July 16, 2010 - Labor Day.

Reader Recommendations

Here's a few more reading recommendations from Barker Library patrons:

Highest Tide by Jim Lynch
"A nice coming-of-age story of a young boy. If you liked The Secret Life of Bees, you'd probably enjoy this."

Lucinda's Rustic Italian Kitchen by Lucinda Scala Quinn
"One of the best cookbooks I've ever used. Read it and it's like you had an Italian grandmother who taught you the family's kitchen traditions. Excellent."

Almost Moon by Alice Sebold
"As usual, Alice Sebold fills the narrative with language so descriptive one is totally caught up in the story's plot."

Happy reading!

Summer Museum Hours

Beginning Monday, June 14th through Saturday, August 28th, 2010, the Barker Museum and Genealogy Library will be open the following hours:

Monday 10am-2pm
Tuesday 4pm-8pm
Wednesday 1pm-5pm
Saturday 1pm-5pm

Please note: On Saturday, July 17th, the Museum will be open from 10am until 5pm for Victorian Dazzle.

Announcement for Barker Library Book Club Members

Our next meeting will be Saturday, August 14th, 2010 in the Library's Steele Meeting Room. Our second selection will be Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.
If you would like to reserve a copy, please visit the System Catalog or call the Library at 672-8051 today.

More Reader Recommendations

Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott
"Louisa May Alcott can never go out of fashion"

Unwind by Neal Shusterman
"Gripping. How do authors think up these things?"

Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder
"Inspiring story of a refugee from Burundi who comes to America to heal and to return with a mission of hope"

Happy reading!

Don't know what to read next?

If you are searching our online catalog from home and need a recommendation before you start placing requests, you can check this blog. Starting today, we will periodically post some reader recommendations on this page. Here's a few to get you started. Happy reading!
Waxwings by Jonathan Raban - "A complex and interesting story"
Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman - "If you liked Steel Magnolias, you'll enjoy this."
The Gates by John Connolly - "Physics and the supernatural...brilliant storytelling."

Reader Recommendations

What have you been reading? We want to know!
Have you read something fantastic? Are you looking for something great to read? Check out the purple binder at the library's Circulation Desk. Share your book or author recommendations with other library users OR browse through reviews written by readers like you. Books recommended by our patrons are displayed in the library's reference area.

Classical Guitar Concert

Please join us for a concert.
Classical Guitar by Stephen Brew
Monday, April 26, 2010
5:30-6:30pm

Painting Class

"Our Feathered Friends"
Come join us for a springtime painting class!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
1pm - 3pm
Learn how to use acrylic paints to paint beautiful song birds.
This class is suitable for children 8-10 years of age.

Announcement for Barker Library Book Club Members

It's official! The Barker Library has a book club!
Our first meeting will be Saturday, May 15th, 2010 in the Library's Steele Meeting Room. Our first selection will be We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates.
If you haven't signed up for our book club yet, time is running out, so call us at 672-8051 or visit the Circulation Desk today.

Children's Concert Series

The SUNY Fredonia School of Music presents two half-hour performances by a
Harp Quartet
Saturday, April 10, 2010
10:30am and 11:30am
These concerts are specially designed for preschool aged children to experience music up close. Come join us!

The Barker

Next time you visit us, make sure you pick up a copy of our new joint library and museum newsletter, The Barker. Volume 1, Number 1 includes profiles of our staff members, a book review and an informative article about inventors from Fredonia. Each issue promises to fill you in on "what's new at the Library - and old at the Museum!"

Barker Library Book Club

Do you love books? Do you love to talk about books?
If you are an adult, if you are friendly, opinionated and fit the above description, then you may be interested in becoming an inaugural member of our book club.
Tentatively, our book club will meet four times per year on Saturday afternoons.
To register, please visit the Circulation Desk or call the library at 672-8051 by April 1, 2010.
We need at least 10 members to make our book club a reality.

PICASA Workshop

Barker Library is offering a repeat of our popular workshop, Managing Your Digital Photos.
The workshop will provide hands-on training using Picasa software (available free from Google).
It will include training on: how to transfer photos from a camera to a computer, sorting and arranging digital pictures using Picasa, improving the quality of pictures, how to e-mail pictures, printing pictures from Picasa, and creating Web-based albums that can easily be shared with others.
The workshop is free and will be held on Saturday, March 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enrollment is limited so sign up early by calling 672-8051.
Participants may use a library-owned laptop or bring their own laptop with WiFi capability and Picasa3 already installed.

Tax Forms

It's that time again...
April 15th is right around the corner. Visit the table in our reference area for commonly-used Federal and New York State tax forms. Our staff will be happy to help you find other forms from the binder of reproducibles kept behind the Circulation Desk or sign up to use a public Internet workstation to search the IRS(http://www.irs.gov) or New York State Department of Taxation (http://www.tax.state.ny.us/) web sites to search for the forms you need. Copies and print-outs are $.10 per page.

Pre-School Storytime

Join us for Pre-School Storytime! Stories, films and music for little ones and the people who love them. Please take note of our new time - Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30a.m.

My Antonia Book Discussion

On Saturday February 20, 2010, 2-3:30pm, the Barker Library will be holding a book discussion of this year's Big Read title, My Antonia by Willa Cather. Register at the Circulation Desk for our book discussion and receive a free copy of My Antonia along with a Reader's Guide. Refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!

Big Read Open House

Please join us for an Open House as we celebrate this year's Big Read title, My Antonia. Come visit the library and sign up for our upcoming book discussion, check out our bulletin boad and displays and enjoy a musical performance by Kathy and Hannah Petersen.
Saturday February 13th, 2010, 2pm-4pm
Refreshments will be served.

The Big Read 2010

Join the Chautauqua Cattaraugus Library System and SUNY Fredonia as our community reads this year's title, Willa Cather's MY ANTONIA.
This classic novel of the American immigrant experience teems with romance, violence, tenderness, cruelty, comedy, and tragedy—all bustling side by side in a narrative at once compassionate and gripping.
Please visit our blog again for upcoming events.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Kids, why do you love the library? Let us know in a Valentine!
Drop off your Valentine in our mailbox and then visit the Circulation Desk for a sweet treat! Your card will hang in the Children's Room for the holiday.
Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at the Barker Library!

OverDrive Training

OverDrive is a growing collection of audiobooks that may be downloaded to your computer, transferred to an MP3 player or even burned to a CD. If you are interested in learning how to use OverDrive, please join us for a training session on one of the following dates:
Saturday January 16, 2010, 2:30-4pm
Tuesday January 26, 2010, 2:30-4pm
Please visit the Circulation Desk or call the library to register.
Patrons are welcome to bring their own laptop computers and portable listening devices with USB cords.