Library Notes May 2019
Published on May 08, 2019
Top 10 books
New Adult Fiction
The Gown by Jennifer Robson
Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan
Jess Castle and the Eyeballs of Death by M.B. Vincent
The Bonbon Girl by Linda Finlay
Ask me to Dance by Sylvia Colley
Falls Ende: Primus by Paul W. Feenstra
Brother Betrayed by Jenny Wheeler
The Forbidden Heir by M.J Scott
Not the Duke’s Darling by Elizabeth Hoyt
Double Jeopardy by Jenny Wheeler
Pam Coleman Community Engagement Librarian
2019: The Golden Year of TV and book adaptions
There have been some great book adaptations throughout the years. In the golden age of television, thanks to the new streaming services such as Netflix, Lightbox, Hulu or Amazon Prime, many new, popular TV series have sprung from the pages of best-selling novels. 2019 is set to be the year of adaption. Of note, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch,” is due to begin in May. George Clooney is directing and producing Joseph Heller’s classic novel “Catch-22.” Of course this month Game of Thrones, or GoT as it’s affectionately known by its fans, has been the most widely anticipated of TV shows in 2019. As an avid reader of the genre of high fantasy, I must confess to never having read the George RR Martin series (gasps all round).
However, I am unexpectedly, for those who know me, a huge fan of the TV series “The Crown.” Season three is expected to be released at some point in 2019, although Netflix has not yet confirmed an exact date. I wait with baited breath for the introduction of a new cast, notably Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth. In light of this, my eye was immediately drawn by the cover of the first title in today’s top ten list, “The Gown” by Jennifer Robson. It features a famous picture of the then, Princess Elizabeth from above featuring the 15 foot train of tulle embroidered with York roses, star flowers, ears of wheat, jasmine blossoms and smilax leaves, plus crystal beads and pearls. It was inspired by Botticelli and the work behind that art forms the story of the “The Gown.”
Robson’s story spans 70 years and follows two women Ann Hughes, a 25-year-old embroiderer in Hartnell’s London workroom and Miriam Dassin, a French emigre and Holocaust survivor, who becomes Ann’s co-worker and friend. Ann’s Canadian granddaughter links the story to present day as she investigates the significance of a box of exquisite embroidered flowers, left to her after her grandmother’s death in 2016, unfurling her grandmother’s secret past.
“The Gown” is sure to be a must read for fans of historical fiction. Robson is an Oxford trained historian and her eye for the detailed history of 1947 post war London, her vivid description of the making of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding dress, combined with its intimate drama makes for fascinating reading. The title is available to loan from our Rental Fiction collection. It can also be reserved online or at your local library.
What’s on
NEW! Toddler Time
Bring your toddler along to a fun, interactive story-time session where they will also enjoy music, songs and rhymes. Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō – Children’s Library, every Monday, 2pm
NEW! Coffee and Storytime
Come along and enjoy a coffee while your toddler joins in a fun, interactive story-time session with music, songs and rhymes. Shannon Library, every Wednesday, 1.30 pm
Large Print Appeal
The Large Print appeal runs through Horowhenua libraries from Wednesday 6 May until 17 May. Members of the public are invited to ‘sponsor’ a new large print book of their choice by donating $25 or $15. Donors can select a specific book from a display of new large print books at Shannon, Te Awahou or Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō. The gift is acknowledged by a donation plate, and the donor gets to be the first reader.
Exhibitions
RSA100: A celebration of our local Levin RSA, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, Wednesday,
May 3 to 29
Heritage room:
The Heritage rooms at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō are manned by volunteers 10am-12.30 pm Monday to Saturday.
Wednesday May 8:
Social crochet and coffee club: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 10.30am
Quiz Night 7pm Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō $5
Thursday May 9:
Raukawa Whanau Ora playgroup: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 9.30am-12.00pm
Lego Club Shannon Community Library 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Friday May 10:
Friday Lunchtime Concert: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 12am-1pm
Monday May 13:
Tai Chi classes Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō Main Space 10am
Tuesday May 14:
Raukawa Whanau Ora playgroup: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 9.30am-12.00pm
JP Service: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 11.30am-1.30pm
Wednesday May 15:
Social crochet and coffee club: Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō 10.30am
Quiz Night 7pm Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō $5