Construction Update

Things are progressing well with the new library. Here are some pictures of some of the things going on inside that might be harder to see from the street.

The picture above shows where the new Children's librarian's desk will go as well as a computer for searching the online catalog.

These two pictures show the windows overlooking the lawn behind the library. Arm chairs and study tables will be placed in front of theses windows for people who want to read or study.

Two Days After the Wedding by Joan Medlicott

In Medlicott's latest Covington novel, the three mature friends, Grace, Amelia and Hannah, who share a home, attempt to understand the men in their lives and figure out just what they want from them. Amelia, a photographer, is preparing for an exhibit of her work in New York, a long way from their small North Carolina town. Grace's boyfriend, Bob, moves next door. He's been asking her to marry him, and she refuses, but seems to need to keep apprised of his every movement in a way she didn't need to before. Hannah has been working with Max. He has asked her to marry him, and she has agreed, although nothing has been said of love, nor kisses exchanged. Even though they love their men, these gals also like their freedom. Is marriage more than just a compromise? Can they achieve some happy medium? Join the ladies and the rest of the colorful cast of characters in the latest of Medlicott's popular homey tales. reviewed by Maria Hatton for BookList

The Haunting of the Presidents by Joel Martin and William J. Birnes

The scandals of the White House have always commanded attention, but little has been acknowledged of the documented paranormal events that have shaken its stately columns and porticos for more than two centuries. They are, in fact, part of declassified, substantiated records dating back from George Washington through the Clinton administrations. Now, complete with actual transcripts of channeling sessions and seances, the history of paranormal phenomena in the presidential residence is revealed for the first time in a fascinating exploration of the country's most famous portal to the unknown.

Near Miss Day

On march 23, 1989, a mountain-sized asteroid passed within 500,000 miles of Earth, a very close call according to NASA. Impact would have equaled the strength of 40,000 hydrogen bombs, created a crater the size of Washington D.C. and devastated everything for about 100 miles in all directions.

For comparison, 500,000 miles is approximately 800,000 kilometers. The moon is approximately 400,000 kilometers from the earth and is close enough to effect tides.

What is your most dramatic near miss?

Two New Christian Fiction Series

An Untamed Land by Lauraine Snelling (Red River of the North v. 1)

Ingeborg and Roald Bjorklund leave Norway for the promise of free land and a good life in America. But little could they foresee the price they will have to pay to wrest a living from the virgin prairie. Will they survive the hardships of that first winter?

The Preacher’s Daughter by Beverly Lewis (Annie’s People v. 1)

One of Christian fiction's most beloved authors of the gentle read offers a new series called Annie's People, set in Paradise, Pa. It dishes up the same sort of faith-filled story line and Plain People characters Lewis's fans have come to expect. At age 20, Annie Zook is a budding artist, but her conservative Amish community forbids its members to draw or paint pictures. … Annie's best friend in the community, Esther Hochstetler, finds that her marriage to an abusive man has become a nightmare, while Annie's pen pal, the wealthy Colorado "Englisher" Louisa Stratford (conveniently an art teacher) visits Annie in Paradise to heal from a broken engagement. … Culinary details, glimpses into the workings of Amish life and strong character development help readers stay with the story's multiple changes of perspective. Plot hints in the final pages will keep Lewis's loyal fans eagerly anticipating the next installment. Reviewed by Publishers Weekly

The Minute Men by John R. Galvin

The concept of the farmer and shopkeeper pulling rifles off pegs on the wall to fight the British has been the typical image of the American minuteman. The fact that he may have had military training and drilled—and that April 19, 1775 was not his first battle—usually goes unmentioned. Winner of the American Revolution Round Table Award, The Minute Men will be of keen interest to those curious about the true history of some of America’s first soldiers.

Construction Update

Construction work at the new library job site is really picking up. The appearance of the building seems to change daily. If you haven't had a chance to drive by the construction site, take a look at these pictures and stop by the blog for regular construction updates.