The future of the Libraries

By now, most of you should have heard that we are planning for the future of the libraries. What does that mean? Well, we aren't even sure at this point but this is what we do know:
1. There are long standing issues with both of the libraries the most important being, lack of parking, lack of space, accessibility.
2. If we don't start to devise a plan for the future, the State will no longer give us our Grant-in-Aid which adds $33K to our budget. There are minimum standards that each public library must meet to be eligible to receive GIA. We have requested waivers for our lack of handicapped accessibility in the past but the Office of Library and Information Services will no longer grant those requests if we do not start to plan for a facility or facilities with access.
3. We are out of space! Truthfully, we never had the space to accommodate today's library. We need to have more space for technology, adequate space for programs and meetings, space for teens and children, quiet study space and comfortable reading space. Space, space, space!
4. We are rethinking the two library system in Foster. Everyone loves these quaint buildings but does it make sense to have two libraries that duplicate collections and services? Would the town be better served if one location changed it's purpose?
These are the things we know and the questions we are asking our community. Help us come up with the best solution for our libraries. Call, email or stop by and put in your two cents!

My wicked obsession!

OK, here comes a confession-my children are neglected, my laundry is overflowing, and my husband feels like a widower. What you may ask could illicit such behavior from an otherwise responsible middle aged woman? I'll tell you in one word---"Twilight"! No, not the time of day, but the young adult novel by Stephanie Meyer. I am completely obsessed with this series which includes Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. Breaking Dawn was just released last month as the final book in the series (we'll see!) and the movie version of Twilight will be released in November.

My obsession started innocently enough. My 13 year old daughter who has never been much of a reader suddenly was sneaking under the covers with these books and a flashlight! She Googled everything that was Twilight and was constantly shoving the movie trailers under my nose. Professional and personal curiosity got the best of me and on an 8 hour round-trip to New Hampshire, I started and finished the first novel. Multiple car wrecks could have been all around me but I would have never noticed; I couldn't tear myself away.

Alright, I'm a little embarrassed because as I mentioned before, these books are intended for teens and the story is about a romance between two teens, one a vampire the other not. They are star-crossed lovers who are predestined to be together but with their obvious differences, how can this work? Throw in another supernatural love interest and it all seems impossible and yet...

Is this some sort of mid-life crisis? Perhaps but if you log onto twilightmoms.com you will see that I am not alone. Apparently there are hundreds of women in their 30's-40's who are as obsessed as I am.

Hopefully I've peaked your interest and you will discover this phenomenon for yourself. If you do, we invite you to come to our Twilight series book discussion in November and share your thoughts with us while we toss back a few (virgin) Bloody Marys! KC

Non-fic pick!

Are you a local Rhode Islander? Check out "Rhode Island Curiosities"(pick it up at Foster Public Library)! It is full of Rhode Island's favorite and often unusual landmarks (the Big Blue Bug being one of them). You'll read about the origin and history of each curiosity. The author adds his bit of wit, too!

Barbara's mystery reading

Linda Fairstein's latest book, Killer Heat, is a great thriller. The action is fast-paced and set in the city of New York. Manhattan D.A. Alex Cooper along with her detectives Mercer and Mike set out to find a serial killer. Fairstein gives us a lot of New York city history along the way and keeps the reader entertained.

Barbara's mystery reading

Check out author, C.J. Box. You follow Jim Pickett, game warden, as he oversees areas in Wyoming and Idaho. Box's writing is very descriptive and the action keeps you reading. He has nine books published...should read them in sequence!

I found another author (new to me) - Randy Singer. If you like lawyer books these are for you. Each book features a different story around a courtroom trial. These books are impossible to put down.

Eva's Blabbery

The Foster Libraries are now subscribing to Rhode Island's own food magazine, Edible Rhody. It's a beautifully presented look at the truly local sources of great food here in our state. From fresh greens, shellfish and pasta to farm-raised meats and hand-made cheeses, there is something for every appetite. If you've been wondering where to get good things to eat whose production supports our local economy and uses more natural resources, take a look at this quarterly magazine.