Library News and Notes: The best: Books, events, 2012 activities

Last year contained exciting events and activities in the library, and 2012 already promises many innovative, interesting collaborations from local citizens and groups.

Best of 2011, Part II

Because of grants and gifts from such benefactors as the Friends of the Library and the Mae B. Adams Trust, the library RFID check-in/check-out system has streamlined the process for both patrons and staff. With an update from three to five "bins," materials can be checked in and reshelved in a matter of minutes. The library has been able to maintain its hours, in large part because of this and other technological innovations.

Milton Chen, author of "Education Nation" and director emeritus of the George Lucas Educational Foundation, brought his expertise, his vision and his enthusiasm to Carson City this year; and he has returned three more times to collaborate with the library, school administrators and K-16 educators.

Even though there is a special focus geared to Carson High School, this visionary teamwork can make a significant difference in both the formal and informal learning opportunities for our citizens.

Local author Heidi Ayarbe's published her third young adult novel, "Compulsion," in May, with much fanfare at the library, area schools, Comma Coffee and what is now Sasafras (formerly B'Sghetti's). The novel, with its Carson City setting, deals with obsessive-compulsive disorder and resonates with teens and adults alike.

Library Programming

Carson City's BookMasters - Toastmasters Book Club premieres at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the library auditorium and will meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Toastmasters, an organization that enables members improve communication, leadership and public speaking skills, also can be invaluable to those wanting to ignite a career, polish interview skills, and enhance self-confidence. These fine folks are also responsible for one the bookcase displays for January.

A surprising number of Carson City residents travel the world seeking exotic vistas and unique trekking experiences. Russ Law will present the perfect program for those adventurers as well as for those who want to experience the thrills of travel vicariously. Mr. Law's program, "Earth, Wind, Fire & Sherpa: High-Altitude Trekking and Entry-Level Climbing near Mt. Everest" begins at 6 p.m. Thursday in the library auditorium.

Gold, finding it, mining it and selling it, has influenced Nevada's past and present. The Carson City Historical Society will present numismatics (the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, and paper money), expert and owner of the Northern Nevada Coin Stores, Allen Rowe, who will enlighten his audience regarding the buying and selling of coins and currency. Anyone who has looked at an old coin collection or dealt with currency from an estate will find this program essential. The doors open at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, and the presentation begins at 6:30.

Saturday, Jan. 21 brings opportunities for both writers and researchers, with two group meetings. The History Research Group meets at 10 a.m. in the auditorium, and the Sierra Writer's Group meets at 1 p.m. Both groups have access to quality print and digital research, and provide a chance to share thoughts and ideas with peers.

The library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Best Books of 2011

Both Youth Services Librarian Amber Sady and Library Board of Trustees scholar Robert Kennedy picked "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. According to Amazon, this book, which depicts life in the South during the 1960s, has been on bestseller lists for longer than any other hardcover fiction title since "The Da Vinci Code."

Sandy Foley, current chairperson of the Library Board of Trustees and Nevada Appeal contributor, could not put down "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand. The book shed new light on the struggles of the military fighting in the Pacific during World War II and the plight of prisoners of war.

Susan Antipa, Adult Services Librarian, could not choose between "The Lacuna" by Barbara Kingsolver and "Island Beneath the Sea" by Isabel Allende. "The Lacuna" portrays Mexico and the United States in the 1930s and includes such colorful characters as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and Leon Trotsky. Allende's novel, also historical fiction, focuses on Haiti in the late 1700s.