The Other Half of My Heart by Sundee Frazier Book Review

Minni and Keira King are twin sisters and best friends who live in Port Townsend, Washington. The day they were born, they made news around the world: Keira is black like their Mama and Minni is white like their Daddy. They may look like a checkboard to the rest of the world, but they are a close-knit family.

When they turn 11, their Grandmother Johnson wants them to come to North Carolina to participate in the Miss Black Pearl Preteen of America program. Keira is excited to participate but Minni wants nothing to do with it. The girls, who have done everything together, decide they can get through this experience together. Grandmother Johnson can be quite formidable, but the girls often find ways to get back at her for her meanness. But as the week progresses, Minni learns how Keira feels living in almost all-white Port Townsend and their relationship grows tense. Will they make it through the week together or will the bond they've always shared be shattered?

Recommended for children ages 9 and up.

Writer's Society

Every 3rd Thursday of the month the Writer's Society of New Jersey meets in the library. They talk about their stories or poems, critique each other's work, and help each other on the road toward publication.

Interested? It's free and everyone is welcomed! Come on in tonight from 5-7:30pm and join the society!

Interview workshop!

Job Interview Workshop will be held on Monday, July 18 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. where Bob Marino will teach you the most important tips to acing the job interview.

Lilian Jackson Braun display

Stop in and check out our Lilian Jackson Braun table display. I was sad to learn that she passed away in June at the age of 97. I am a fan of her "cozy mystery" series, The cat who..... Her protagonist, Jim Qwilleran, was a journalist, inheritor of great wealth, solver of mysteries and owner of two Siamese cats, Coco and YumYum. Also, he dated the local librarian, Polly (what's not to like?) I enjoyed the small town ambience, the kooky characters, and, yes, the predictability. Did I mention that the cats help to solve the mysteries? There are 29 books in the series, written between 1966 and 2007. I especially recommend the audiobook versions.

Jinx by Meg Cabot book review

I finished another Meg Cabot book today. Jinx is a stand alone book and not a part of a series. As usual Meg did not disappoint.

Wherever Jean "Jinx" Honeychurch goes, bad luck seems to follow her. From the day she was born, when lightning hit the hospital where she was born, trouble has always followed her. Something or someone always gets broken or hurt (especially Jinx)whenever she is around. She hopes her bad luck will end when she moves from Iowa to New York City to live with her aunt and uncle and to finish out the school year at her cousin Tory's school. She soon realizes that she can't escape her bad luck and her cousin has an interesting theory about why she has such bad luck.

Recommended for teens who have read other Meg Cabot books, particularly teens in high school.

Notes From a Totally Lame Vampire by Tim Collins book review

Older fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series will enjoy reading the first book in Tim Collins's series, Notes From a Totally Lame Vampire.

Nigel is a teenage vampire who is approaching his 100th birthday. His vampire parents tell him that his family, which includes his parents and little sister, are the only vampires that have survived. Life for Nigel is quite disappointing and as the title says "lame." He doesn't have the strength or speed of most vampires; he's unable to mesmerize humans and he is not beautiful or attractive to humans. When new girl Chloe starts at Nigel's school, he falls in love with her. But can he share his secret with her and will she return his love?

Recommended for grades 8th and up.

Blood Pressure and Glucose Screening

Did you know that every other week the Bayada Nurses come into the library to offer free screening? They'll take your blood pressure and test your glucose levels. This month they'll be in the library on Monday July 11 and Monday July 18 from 10-12.

Come on in: it's free!

What's going on today

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Young Writers Club, ages 9-13 (Register – Children’s)
To register call (856) 794-4244 ext. 4246

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Resume Workshop with Bob Marino (Community Event Room)

Need resume and interview help? We have the programs for you!

Bob Marino will host 3 workshops during July designed to help you. Please bring our resume and cover letter for individual help.

Russian books

Some new fictional books in Russian have arrived. See the Community languages aisle and look for the "new book" sticker.

Princess in the Spotlight by Meg Cabot (audiobook version) Book Review

I haven't come down from my Meg Cabot high and I plan to read or re-read as many of her books as possible. I recently finished listening to Princess in the Spotlight which is narrated by Anne Hatheway. As in The Princess Diaries, Anne Hatheway does a spectacular job bringing the book to life.

Princess Mia is back in Princess in the Spotlight. The excitement hasn't calmed down since she found out she is the Princess of Genovia. First she has her first exclusive TV interview with Beverly Bellerieve which she is strongly protesting against. Then, a surprising announcement from her mother who is dating Mr. G, Mia's algebra teacher. And, Mia has a secret admirer. Could it be her crush, Michael?

Recommended to readers who read the first book as well as anyone who enjoys reading princess stories. I would recommend this series for those in 7th grade and up.

What's going on today

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Resume Workshop with Bob Marino (Community Event Room)

Need resume and interview help? We have the programs for you!

Bob Marino will host 3 workshops during July designed to help you. Please bring our resume and cover letter for individual help.

6:00 p.m. Play Scrabble (Doris Tripp Room)

Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich book review

I just finished the latest Stephanie Plum book and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. Number sixteen (Sizzling Sixteen) was a little bit of a disappointment and how long can a series go before it fizzles. But I thought Janet Evanovich did a good job with Smokin' Seventeen. Stephanie Plum (personally my favorite bounty hunter) is back. The bail bonds office is being rebuilt after it was burned down at the end of Sizzling Sixteen. During construction, they're working out of Mooner's mobile home. Nothing ever seems to go right for Stephanie: one of her FTAs may be a vampire; her mom is trying to set her up with Dave, a guy from high school; bodies keep getting dumped on the site of the new office and possibly the biggest surprise of all: someone wants Stephanie Plum dead. Definitely recommended to fans who have read the rest of the series. And if you like humorous mysteries, make sure to check out book 1, One for the Money.

What's going on today

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Puppy Tales, ages 6-12 (Children’s Department)
For more information call (856) 794-4244 ext. 4246

Olive Kitteridge: Review

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

I read this book as part of the monthly book club here at the library. I liked it a lot even though at times the format of short stories connected through the title character was a little hard to keep track of. I liked Olive's proving of self-awareness. The author gives insight and point of view without over-interperting, so that the reader can relate (especially to Olive) from many directions.

Would you recommend this book? YES

Available at the library in regular print and large print as well as a downloadable audio. For more information on downloadable audios, click here.

This review was submitted as part of the Vineland Public Library's 2011 Adult Summer Reading Giveaway.

Week 2 winner!

Week 2's winner of the 2011 Adult Summer Reading Giveaway is Lashonela Murray! She'll receive a $5 gift certificate to either Rita's Water Ice or Friendly's, her choice.

Week 1 winner!

The winner of our first week of the 2011 Adult Summer Reading Giveaway is Eloise Sulzman! The prize is 1000 Dollars & an Idea: Entrepreneur to Billionaire by Sam Wyly

Library Closed

The library will be closed Saturday July 2, Sunday July 3, and Monday July 4 due to the 4th of July holiday. We'll reopen at 10am on Tuesday July 5. See you then!

Library Closed

The library will be closed Saturday July 2, Sunday July 3, and Monday July 4 due to the 4th of July holiday. We'll reopen at 10am on Tuesday July 5. See you then!

Library Closed

The library will be closed Saturday July 2, Sunday July 3, and Monday July 4 due to the 4th of July holiday. We'll reopen at 10am on Tuesday July 5. See you then!

July DVD list

This month's choices are located to the right. Please only choice one television show you'd like to see added to our collection.

If you have suggestions you'd like to see voted on, please email the Reference staff and we'll add it to a future poll.

Time For New Books!

We just got some new books today! Here are some of my favorites.

Are You Awake? by Sophie Blackwell
Edward just can't sleep which causes a long night for his mother. Asking his mom if she's awake, she answers no. "Why not?" he asks. "Because it's still nighttime," she answers. This story contiues in this vein until finally they've stayed awake almost long enough to see the sun. Parents with non-sleepy children will sympathize with Edward's mom. (JE Bla)

How to Hug by Maryann Macdonald
Do you know how to hug? This book introduces lots of different types of hugs. The colorful pastel illustrations with children and animals show how much fun hugging can be. (JE Mac)

Back of the Bus by Aaron Reynolds
This is the story of Rosa Parks, told from the point of view of a young boy. He and his mother are riding at the back of the bus one day when it comes to a stop. While he doesn't understand what's going on, he realizes something bad is happening. This is a simple introduction to Rosa Parks. (JE Rey)

Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer
Fans of fairy tales will enjoy this clever book of poetry. As the title suggests, each page contains two poems which are mirror images of each other. It's amazing how wording affects the meaning of a story and shows that there really are two sides to every story! (J 811.54 Sin)

Remember to ask the Children's Librarian for the exact location of these books!