What are you reading?

During a staff meeting today, we were talking about how to get to know people.  One person talked about a question that is an easy icebreaker in library circles:  What are you reading now?  Former Iowa First Lady, Christie Vilsack, often uses that question when she meets new people.  As a librarian and book lover, that question is always easy for me.  I can hardly remember a time when I wasn't reading a book (except for some fuzzy months when each of my daughters was born.  During that time I was pleased if I had the attention span to finish an article in Redbook magazine). 

Right now I am reading Heather Gudenkauf's second novel, "These Things Hidden."  Gudenkauf lives in Dubuque with her husband and three children.  She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in elementary education and is currently a literacy coach working with teachers. I liked her first novel, "The Weight of Silence."  If you like Jodie Picoult you might like Heather Gudenkauf.  Both authors write about contemporary issues and use multiple narrators.  Picoult's novels often lead to a court case whereas Gudenkauf keeps it closer to home with plenty of Iowa settings and sensibilities.  I'd love to hear what you are reading. You may email me at dawnh@dubcolib.lib.ia.us.  Or stop by the library. We all love to talk about what we're reading and offer reading suggestions.

Summer programs continue at the Dubuque County Library this coming week.  Monday the 11th is our first grand prize drawing for the Read @ Home program!  It's not too late to sign up for the August drawing.  There is a toddler storytime at our Asbury Branch at 9:00 on Monday. 

Holy Cross is the place to be on Tuesday.  There is a storytime at 10:30 and at 11:20 is the Friends Forever program presented by Jessica from the Riverview Center of Dubuque.  At 6:00, Holy Cross resident and world traveler, Julie Habel will share tales from her travels to the lands down under:  Australia and New Zealand. 

Wednesday, July 13th there will be a storytime at Epworth at 10:30 and at l:00 at Farley Memorial Hall, Jenny Ammon from Dubuque County Conservation will talk about Native American stories, games, and history.  The program will also be presented on Thursday at 1:00 at the Peosta Community Center.  Peosta storytime on Thursday is at 10:30. 

On Friday there is a 9:00 storytime at Asbury and a Tween program at 10:30.  We travel to Africa at 1:00 with a slide show presented by Mary Beth Wagner.  And if that's not enough, at 6:30 there will be a program to teach you how to make your own book.  Your handcrafted book will be great for photos, journaling, doodling, or whatever strikes your fancy.  Space is limited for the adult craft program so please call 582-0008 to sign up.

Tonight I will be reading "Goodnight Moon," "Runaway Bunny," "Bob the Dinosaur," and "One Monday Morning."  My three-year-old grandson is here for the weekend.  I wish you all good reads.
Dawn