Adults

Today marks the much-anticipated return of everyone’s favorite mystery-solving symbologist, Robert Langden.  This time, the professor finds himself in Florence, where he must unravel a conspiracy rich in the lore of Dante’s Inferno and various other masterworks of the Italian Renaissance.

Not sure what to read next?  The Fiction Department staff has plenty of great recommendations featured on this month’s new displays.   The second round of individual staff picks has begun, and their selections are on display next to the main fiction desk.   In the spotlight this time are Hannah and Justin.   Their suggestions range from literary classics to horror and science fiction, with just about everything in between.  A sample of their discerning reading taste is listed below:

Among Hannah’s favorites are:
The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy  F  MCC

Are you a gamer?  Whether you enjoy old school classics videogames or more modern fare, we’ve got a selection of documentaries that will interest you!

April 23 is a big day for books:  Shakespeare’s birthday, Cervantes’ death day, and UNESCO’s International Day of the Book.  It is also World Book Night, a world-wide celebration of adult literacy.  Volunteers of enthusiastic readers go out into their communities and pass out special editions of books, hoping to share their love of reading with non-readers, particulary those who don’t have regular, easy access to books of their own.  Thirty titles are selected each year and publishers donate copies to participants for the event. This is only the second year World Book Night has been celebrated in the United States, having originated in the United Kingdom the year before, but it is growing in popularity.  In the Birmingham a

The Girl Who Walked Home Alone: Bette Davis, a Personal Biography by Charlotte Chandler

I am not a teenager, but I love teen books.  Does this make me a weirdo?  NO!  Young adult literature is a vibrant, growing genre.  The stories focus on friendship, family dynamics, difficult choices, true love -- universal themes that resonate with both teens and adults.  That's why April 18, 2013 has been declared Teen Literature Day.  If you're an adult who has never picked up a teen fiction book, this is a great day to change that.  If you're a teenager, hooray!  This is a holiday made just for readers like you!  Let's all head to the Teen Spot, grab a book, and get this party started.

It's going to be big.  It's going to be fun.  It's going to be here before you know it.  Passport to the World will take over Hoover Public Library from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013.  It is our all-departments, all-ages FREE cultural diversity event spanning all seven continents.  There will be a lot, and I mean A LOT, of stuff going on during that three-hour timespan.  Passports will be issued at the event to help you navigate, but here's a quick breakdown to help you start making your travel itinerary today.

This Saturday, the library is hosting two great programs on the Plaza:

Jones-Warren Construction and Home Depot are back for another You Can Do It @ the Plaza. This week, they'll be talking about how to make the most out of the storage space you have. It's the season for spring cleaning, so come by and learn tips from the professionals. The presentation begins at 10:30 am.

Purl @ the Plaza is also back this Saturday. Bring your own yarn and meet other enthusiasts for an afternoon of knitting and good conversation. The fun lasts from 3:00-5:00 pm.

Public Speaking for Dummies by Malcolm Kushner

This book is for anyone who has to give a speech or presentation and has anxiety about public speaking. You can use this friendly guide as your own personal arsenal of tools to overcome stage fright, and learn how to speak with confidence. You will also discover how to build a rapport with your audience, add power with body language, create visual aids and address international and virtual audiences. From researching your topic and preparing the room to crafting a riveting address, the tips in this book will help you deliver a masterful presentation.

As we enter a new month, we have some exciting new displays in the Fiction Department:

This bunny is so adorable!  I want to snuggle him.  But I can't get distracted right now.  I have to convey important information about the Hoover Public Library's hours during Easter weekend.
Friday, March 29, 2013          LIBRARY CLOSED FOR GOOD FRIDAY
Saturday, March 30, 2013      Library open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 31, 2013        LIBRARY CLOSED FOR EASTER

Okay, now I'm off to snuggle a bunny.  Happy Easter!

March Madness isn’t  just about basketball anymore:  Putting aside the sillier bracket satires that abound this time of year, ranking just about anything you can imagine in popular culture--from internet memes to movies and snack foods or even this year’s cheeky “Sweet Sistine” papal bracket--there’s one contest that’s worth following:  The Morning News’ Tournament of the Books.

Looking for something FUN and FREE to do this Friday night? Gather your friends, your favorite games, and join us for our second round of Game Nite on the Plaza.  Good People Brewing Company will be on hand again with free samples of their delicious local brews (ID requried) and door prizes will be awarded to lucky attendees. In addition to the beer tasting, we'll have popcorn for munching and Coffeeology Coffee Cafe will stay open after-hours.

Did L. Frank Baum have any idea what he started when he wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900?  His creation extended into a series of fourteen books, but it has also inspired countless other book series, TV shows, theatrical productions, and movies.  The latest cinematic ode comes to the big screen this Friday, March 8, 2013.  Oz: The Great and Powerful imagines the origins of Baum's beloved wizard character.  With a big-name cast (James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams), a blockbuster director (Sam Raimi), and the backing of Disney, it is sure to be a hit.  I know I'm excited about it!

Want to be transported somewhere over the rainbow?  Want to find out more about the man behind the magic?  Here's a list of Hoover Public Library books and movies that can help.
Original L. Frank Baum series
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The Marvelous Land of Oz 
Ozma of Oz
Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz
The Road to Oz (can borrow from other JCLC libraries)
The Emerald City of Oz
The Patchwork Girl of Oz (can borrow from other JCLC libraries)
Tik-Tok of Oz
The Scarecrow of Oz (can borrow from other JCLC libraries)
Rinkitink in Oz
The Lost Princess of Oz
The Tin Woodman of Oz
The Magic of Oz (can borrow from other JCLC libraries)
Glinda of Oz