Hidden Gems - Diana Wynne Jones

I was sadden to read today that British fantasy/science fiction author Diana Wynne Jones had died from Lung cancer at 76.  Although she is not a popular author at the moment in this area, she does have a huge fan base.  One of her most well-known books, Howl's Moving Castle, was made into a movie by Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away/ Ponyo) in 2004.

It wasn't until about 6-7 years ago, that I discovered her books.  In fact the movie, is really what got me into her books.  The movie was good, but the book was wonderful and since then I have been trying to catch up on the worlds I missed out on as a youth.

As I wandered through our library catalog, I noticed these fantastic gems had check out very few times in the past year, and yet the recently bought e-books were very popular.  So, I challenge you to discover or rediscover this author and the amazing, award winning worlds of Howl, Chrestimanci and Fantasyland!

Culture Kids do St Patrick's Day

Don't miss our St. Patrick's celebrations! Ms Janet will tell tales on Wednesday morning at 9:30am and then join us for Culture Kids to discover Ireland and celebrate St Patrick's Day in style!

Here are some fun St Patrick's Day facts to keep you going till the fun starts!

Did you know this religious feast day held on the anniversary of St Patrick's death in the fifth century has been going for over 1000 years?

Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Though this holiday is usually in Lent, a time of Christian fasting the Irish would dance, drink and feast—on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place not in Ireland but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762.

Original St Patrick was associated with the color blue. But over the years, it has changed to green. The phrase "the wearing of the green", meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing, derives from a song of the same name.