Get your passport stamped on another plane this summer (with science fiction!)

I just finished Changing planes by Ursula K. Le Guin and it got me thinking about all the traveling one can do with science fiction without ever leaving the couch or spending a dime (unless you bring your books back late, then it's a dime--still the best deal in town).  I'm also looking for something to get my mind off the creepy invasion of monster underground insects about to happen any day now.  You won't believe how many cicadas are about to envelop the East Coast.  What better distraction than say, reading about creepy invasions of monster insects from other worlds. Am I right?!  So where am I going and where have I just returned from?  Some new places, some old favorites:


Changing Planes: Using Cincinnatian Sita Dulip's method of utilizing the extreme discomfort of traveling through airports to slip off to other planes, one woman visits 15 other worlds and describes interplanary life and leisure.  This book is well worth a visit, in my humble opinion.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Phillip K. Dick
Originally published in 1968, this novel served as the inspiration for Blade Runner (1982), which is also an awesome movie.  How often does that happen?

Just go there with him: it's a fantastic journey. I just (finally) read this one and that's all I'm going to say about it.

The Long Earth and The Long War (due out in June) by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter
Another story of interplanary travel, this time from Discworld creator Terry Pratchett.  This was recommended to me by my go-to-sci-fi-librarian-friend so I have high hopes although so far the review from the other side of the sofa is kind of "meh" but we'll see how it turns out.  I have the ebook on my phone.


MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood (COMING SOON!)
I can't say enough for this series.  Oryx and Crake and Year of the Flood are two of my favorite books.  I'm so excited for the final book this fall, and I am aware that I have posted about these before thank you.  That's just how good they are.
The new film adaptation of Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game is hitting cinemas soon so I need to hurry up and finally read that (Oh shh! I was getting to it!)


The Cave by Jose Saramago.  Not exactly sci-fi though his books often take on supernatural themes and he does such a marvelous job of unsettling the reader by taking them someplace real, but not quite real.   The Double had such a satisfyingly disturbing ending that I can hardly wait to explore The Cave.  


Also making me pause to pick it up every time I walk past it, over and over until I finally break down and check it out, (and geez I already have a lot of books checked out) is Pure, the first book in a trilogy of the same name by Julianna Baggott.  I just spied Fuse, which is book two, on the new books shelf.  Here we go again...

Let me just say that I am a fan of the idea of downer vacations: traveling to places far worse than home to make going home feel like a vacation.  Why not travel to a dystopian alternate reality to make us appreciate how few actual zombies we have to deal with in Virginia in 2013?

Upgraded eBooks site coming soon!

Those of you who like to download eBooks from the library will notice some changes in the next few weeks as we upgrade our eBook website to the "next generation" of service.  This enhanced site will introduce several new features:

·         A streamlined checkout process with fewer steps/screens to click through

·         Graphics that help you see right away whether an eBook is available for checkout

·         Improved tools for browsing and searching the eBook collection 

·         "OverDrive Read," a new browser-based eBook format that will allow you to read almost any eBook in our collection directly from your internet browser (Adobe ePUB and Kindle formats will still be available, too)! 

To learn more about the new site and features, click here. Richmond Public Library Overdrive

Teen Tech Week- Geek Out@ RPL

In March, the Main Library will be offering special events and programs during the week of March 5-10, 2012 for teens and tweens.

What is Teen Tech Week?  

Teen Tech Week is a national initiative aimed at teens, their parents, educators and other adults. Its purpose is to ensure that teens are competent and ethical users of technologies, especially those that are offered through libraries.

Some slots are limited. Must register to attend.

Here are the programs for Teen Tech Week.

Using Microsoft Publisher to Create Cool Advertisements
Monday, March 5, 2012
4:30-6:00 p.m.
Lower Level Computer Lab (Ages 10-18)
Only twelve Slots Available
Show your skills by designing your own 'Read' poster or bookmark.

eBook Madness for Teens
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
4:30-6:00 p.m.
Children’s Activity Room
An interactive workshop on how to download eBooks and eReaders with different gadgets.

Gaming@ your Library Part 1
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
4:30-6:00 p.m.
Lower Level Computer Lab (Ages 10-18)
Only Twelve Slots Available
Do you want to create your own video game and play it? This is an opportunity to use your creative skills to create an online game. For the first part of the program we are going to explore different games and do a quest that will show you how a game is created and allow you to get pieces to create your own.

Gaming@ your Library Part 2
(Must attend Part 1 of the Gaming Program)
Thursday March 8, 2012
4:30-6:00 p.m.
2nd Floor Computer Lab (Ages 10-18)
Only Twelve Slots Available
After part 1 of the gaming program, you will now have the opportunity to build your own game.

Geek Out with Pinterest
Friday, March 9, 2012
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Lower Level Computer Lab (Ages 10-18)
Only Twelve Slots Available
Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that allows you to collect and share things that interest you with others.

Teen Tech Week Wrap-Up Party
Friday, March 9, 2012
5:00-6:00 p.m.
For all those who attended, come celebrate this wrap-up party for Teen Tech Week! Snacks and drinks will be provided!

Spring Tech Sessions

This Spring, we're starting a Tech Sessions series at the Main Library to help intermediate technology users navigate today's complicated information landscape. During the next few months and beyond, we'll be offering workshops on social media, Internet searching and security, eBooks, and more. Here are the Tech Sessions coming up in March, April, and May.

from humedini via Flickr

eBook Madness!
Want to learn more about eBooks and eReaders? Do you have questions about your device? Stop by for this informal session, play with some gadgets, and get your questions answered.

Main Library - Gellman Room
Friday, March 23rd, 3:00 - 5:00 pm


Facebook Clinic
Are you lost on Facebook but want to stay in touch with friends and family? Come to this informal open house computer lab clinic and bring your questions. Some general Facebook instruction will be provided, but the class format will be open to suit the needs of attendees.

Main Library - Conference Room G, Lower Level
Thursday, March 22nd, 3:30 - 5:30 pm


Internet Security Workshop
Are you concerned about your online safety and privacy? Come to this workshop for tips on ensuring your information is secure while you’re online.

Main Library - 2nd Floor Computer Lab
Saturday, April 21st, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm


Advanced Online Searching Workshop
Delve deeper into the Web! Use advanced search engine features and learn about research databases provided by Richmond Public Library.

Main Library - 2nd Floor Computer Lab
Saturday, May 5th, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm


Do you have a suggestion for a Tech Session topic? We'd love to hear from you. E-mail dana.smook@richmondgov.com or leave a comment below.

Downloadable eBooks and Audiobooks Now Available

Have you heard about our new downloadable eBook and audiobook service? Through our website, you can now download audiobooks and eBooks for your computer, cell phone, iPod, or eReader for FREE using your library card.

 

 

First, visit http://richmondpubliclibrary.lib.overdrive.com/, where you can browse and search available books in various formats. Once you’ve found an item you want to check out, add the selection to your “cart.” You'll then be prompted to enter your library card number. If an item is checked out by someone else, you can place a hold on it, and you’ll receive an e-mail when the title is available.

 

Click on “Download” to enjoy your selected book. Once downloaded, you can read or listen to your book using a variety of devices, including Kindle, iPad, Nook, and others. At the end of the lending period (2 weeks), your books will automatically expire and disappear from your device—no late fees!

 

You may have to download Overdrive software in order to enjoy this eBook service. To listen to audiobooks, you’ll need the Overdrive Media Console, and for EPUB and PDF eBooks, you’ll need Adobe Digital Editions. This software is all available for free through the Richmond Public Library Overdrive site. There are also Overdrive apps available for many devices, like Android phones and iPods, which help make finding books and managing checkouts even easier.

 

Take a few minutes to visit our Overdrive site. You're sure to find some interesting books to download. If you need assistance using the service, visit the Overdrive help page or call your library branch. Enjoy!

RPL Director on CBS 6

Over the weekend, our director, Harriet Coalter, appeared on the CBS 6 Saturday Morning Early Show to talk about the eReaders our patrons can now borrow. Check out this interview and learn about what the Nooks can offer you! Anyone over 18 with a valid RPL card can check out one of the Nooks for 2 weeks.