Community Conversations

Across a crowded room

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:17:00 GMT

Rebound relationships are best avoided, but I think Destiny steered me into this one.

It was springtime 2011, New York City. I'd left the convention floor of Book Expo America to lug a bunch more free prepublication books down to the mailing center. I piled my treasures into my designated shipping box and was making for the escalator when a random glance propelled me the opposite way.

The object of my interest languished forlornly on the "free for the taking" table--that sad collection point for items that other attendees had picked up but ultimately ditched as their own containers overflowed.

The stylish 30s black-and-white Conde Nast cover art sported an intriguing title: Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. I scooped it off the table and gladly afforded it space in my Round Rock-bound parcel. That castoff copy of a first novel proved to be a favorite of the past year.

Your loss, jilter of Rules of Civility! Thanks to you, I attained double rewards: a top-notch novel and the satisfaction of recognizing a prize discarded by another.

Not that Rules of Civility needs me anymore; the reviews are admirable (as evidenced in the author's snazzy website). It's also a preferred choice of book groups, currently No. 14 on The List in Book Movement.

Bestsellers are wonderful in their glitzy way, but breakout books and underappreciated gems offer you the joy of discovering something fabulous before all your friends do.

Perfect matches can lurk right under our noses in editor's choice and reviewers' "best of" lists. One feature you'll really enjoy (cover graphics for all titles!) is Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2011 spotlight; In Best Fiction, you'll spy bestsellers like 11/22/63 and The Night Circus right alongside lesser-knowns like This Burns My Heart and We the Animals.

To fine-tune selections to your very specialized tastes, don't miss the lists displayed on the left after you select a tab: dozens of categories including Nonfiction, Debut Fiction, Pulse-Pounders, Indie Contemplative Fiction, Book Apps for the Very Youngest Readers, and much more.

Like me, you'll know a good thing when you see it.

Daddy Daughter Dance this Saturday at CMRC! Get your tickets now!

Roger Heaney — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:45:00 GMT

The Daddy Daughter Dance at the Clay Madsen Recreation Center is a perfect time to create a special and memorable experience with your daughter! Dress up, take pictures and dance the night away! Enjoy dancing to all types of music, a dance contest, refreshments, activities and professional photography at the event. This year's theme is : "You Are My Shining Star"

There will be 2 identical dances for 2 age groups this Saturday, February 4:

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. - Girls age infant through 7
8:00 to 10:00 p.m. - Girls age 8 and up

Tickets are only $7 per person and can be purchased online at www.roundrockrecreation.com or in person at the Clay Madsen Recreation Center or the Parks & Recreation office located at 301 West Bagdad, Suite 250. You may also purchase tickets by phone by calling 218-5540.

Both dances are identical. If you have multiple daughters, we recommend selecting one of the two dances for you all to attend. This event usually sells out so get your tickets early!

No applications, just send money

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:17:00 GMT

I was that close--nearly made it out the back door before Elaine spotted me and inquired where I was headed.

"The retirement system/457 plan seminar over at the McConico Building," I admitted, hastening to add, "but I'm only going to learn about investments, NOT because I'm about to retire. Even if I were old enough any time soon, I couldn't in the foreseeable future." With the door swinging shut, I called back, "You know, not until I'm eighty or ninety..."

OK, the last part was probably exaggerated; time and the economy will tell, won't they? But retirement systems work best for those who remain in place for many years. As a clergy spouse who's relocated often enough to miss out on serious benefit accumulations anywhere, I needed all the information I could get.

And then there's the job market. Due to a dearth of library jobs and an abundance of clever, accomplished library school graduates in the area, even a 10- or 20-hour library opening elicits a feeding frenzy of applications. Speculation about a not-gonna-happen retirement was best avoided altogether.

Post-seminar, I have devised a two-point plan: read up on investment strategies and start a penny jar to fund lottery ticket purchases.

I even have pointers for your short-term planning, but thankfully they involve fiction rather than finances. I haven't gotten my hands on pre-publication copies of these, so file the list under "risky strategy" if you wish. But these forthcoming books already have booksellers and reviewers talking and thus merit a heads-up:

Due out in June, debut novelist Suzanne Joinson's A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar: The publisher likens its appeal to Major Pettigrew's Last Stand and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Library Journal deems it "atmospheric" and "highly recommended".
From Jeff Shaara, A Blaze of Glory: A Novel of the Battle of Shiloh will be published in late May: Author and subject speak for themselves, right?
Capital by John Lanchester, expected in August: Isn't this an ominous (in a good way) premise? The setting is 2008 in London, and residents on Pepys Road are all receiving postcards with the same message: "We want what you have."
From Chuck Palahniuk, expect Invisible Monsters Remix in June: Yes, the library has Invisible Monsters, and you may have read it. But this edition promises new chapters and scenes, a "director's cut."
Chrystle Fiedler's new series featuring naturopathic remedies starts with Death Drops in February: Will Dr. Willow McQuade find the killer? Will readers agree with some critics who think less emphasis should go to homeopathic cures and more to the mystery itself? Fans of cozy mysteries should investigate.
From Mark Haddon, The Red House should hit stores and libraries in June: The author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime envisions an engaging contemporary family scenario.
Mary Kay Andrews' Spring Fever sounds perfectly timed for June: Always a Southern delight, Andrews is a favorite of mine. Take this one to the beach or--on audio--add entertainment to your drive.
In late May, look for Alex Grecian's The Yard: Scotland Yard, that is--you'll find the Yard's first forensic pathologist on the trail of Jack the Ripper.

Fun Filled February Ahead for Teens

Jane Dance — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:01:00 GMT

We have lots happening in February that teens will want to join in with. To kick off we have Early Release Gaming on February 1st from 2:00pm-3:30pm in the Teen Room. We will have Wii and Gamecube games available. See you there!

On February 18th, we have a Post Valentine's Chocolate Party - EAT YOUR HEART OUT! There will be no hearts, no roses; just half price candy that no one bought for you! We will watch a fun chocolate themed movie @12:30pm, have a trivia quiz and other chocolate games. There will be an optional chocolate cookie exchange. And of course we will have refreshments to wash down the candy! Find us in meeting room C from 12:00pm-3:00pm.

At Book Club on February 21st, author Jennifer Ziegler will be there to talk about her new top selling novel Sass and Serendipity, and of course you can get her autograph too!

Share your ideas for the new Rabb House Redevelopment Project Community Rental Facility

Roger Heaney — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:52:00 GMT

We want your input! The Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a design charrette open house to gather community input on the new Rabb House Redevelopment Project Community Rental Facility. The design charrette is an opportunity for residents and local business owners to be involved in the actual design of the project and the surrounding outdoor area. City staff and the design consultants will spend the meeting drawing multiple ideas and design concepts. The charrette format allows the residents and business owners to sit at a table with the design professionals and help them create a design concept for the project.

Join us 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the Allen R. Baca Center Grand Room located at 301 W. Bagdad, Bldg 2.

City staff and the design teams will be present at the meeting to present and gather feedback on the proposed design concepts. The input gathered at this meeting will result in the development of a final design concept that will be presented to the City Council. For more information call 218-5540. This is a drop by event and no registration is required.

Where everybody knows your name

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:44:00 GMT

Is it right that I appreciate bad book reviews more than good ones?

By "bad", I mean uncomplimentary assessments, not poorly written texts. Book selectors aren't glass-half-empty folks, but we need to be pragmatists, given that library budgets can't accommodate all forthcoming titles. We value the rare unvarnished indicators of titles less likely to please our readers.

A sample from today's reading raises a bright red flag: "Pretension leaps from the very first page of this trivial, tepid reworking..." The reviewer goes on to explain precisely where the flaws exist, in his/her opinion. I'll check with other sources before deciding; the process works.

Author shorthand is also wonderfully useful for book buyers. Much can be said about style and quality in few words by equating a newer writer's effect to that of a famous author. Hinting that "followers of Tom Clancy may enjoy" or that "fans of Julian Barnes are likely to appreciate" nicely encapsulates tone, pacing, theme, and so forth.

Selectors, readers, and publishers all find this device helpful. For authors, there'd be two rewards: First, finding yourself mentioned along with, say, a bestseller like Nora Roberts or a prizewinner like Jonathan Franzen; secondly, just imagine hearing that a newcomer is being compared to you!

I thought it would be fun to look up archived early reviews for some authors whom we all know. When these household names were initially published or auditioning a new series, in whose literary footsteps did they appear destined to follow?

John Grisham: His first, A Time to Kill (1989) had a small initial print run, so I searched our Novelist database for his next,The Firm (1991). From Kirkus Reviews: "Grisham does not cut as deep or furnish the occasional shining paragraph that Scott Turow does, but he writes a stripped, cliché-free page that grip and propels."
Janet Evanovich: Having initially published romances as Steffie Hall, she hit her stride with One for the Money (1994), the first Stephanie Plum title. Not only did the series opener merit status as a New York Times Notable Book, a Booklist review claimed that "...Evanovich's writing is as smooth, clever, and laugh-aloud funny as Robert Parker at his best."
Leila Meacham: San Antonio resident Meacham made a big splash in 2010 with Roses. Meacham's hefty (and hugely enjoyable) family saga merited no fewer than three name-droppings in the same Publisher's Weekly review. Margaret Mitchell was evoked shortly after this bit: "...may herald the overdue return of those delicious doorstop epics from such writers as Barbara Taylor Bradford and Colleen McCullough."
Stuart Woods: He'd published a number of successes, including the notable Chiefs (1981) already, so we shouldn't be surprised that a Kirkus reviewer of New York Dead (1991), first in the Stone Barrington series, compared the author to--himself. "Silky-smooth cop thriller", "Woods's best since Under the Lake."

Sure, some very grand awards beckon--Pulitzer, Nobel, American Book Awards, the Orange Prize, Man Booker Prize, etc. But you can't tell me that authors don't aspire to a very practical honor, that of having proven so popular with a bookstore chain or library audience that the institution automatically pre-orders anything you publish.

Congratulations, you're now a Standing Order!

Round Rock Parks and Recreation hosting Play for All Abilities Park Volunteer Day!

Roger Heaney — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:09:00 GMT

Round Rock's Play for All Abilities Park is almost completed and will open with a Grand Opening Celebration February 2012! The City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Play for All Abilities Park Volunteer Day and we need at least 300 people to help. Come join us for this historic occasion as we put the finishing touches on this one of a kind park. Come join us Saturday, January 28 from 9:00am to 12:00 noon and help us Sod various park areas, paint, general clean up and other light construction duties.

Please RSVP your attendance and we look forward to seeing you at the Play for All Abilities Park Community Volunteer Day! Please check out the latest VIDEO UPDATE on the park progress. Any questions can be directed to Roger Heaney at rheaney@round-rock.tx.us.

The case of the cold blooded co-worker

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:06:00 GMT

Well, if the rest of us hadn't already known who the Favored Employee around here is, we'd figure it out this week. One of our group has been lavished with attention--photos and videos online, a front page article in the Round Rock Leader, and parties. We see how the public adores her and how she's kept her figure sleek into middle age. Why shouldn't other City workers resent Rocksssanne?

But she's as popular with library staffers as she is with our customers. Twelve years into her employment with the City of Round Rock, she's about to turn fifteen (birthday, January 20), and she's in fine form. The fact that nobody wants to eat lunch with her doesn't mean a thing!

Rockssanne, the ideal choice for a library mascot, serves as a fine examplar of public relations. She also lends the library a bit of novelty. She even relates to our customers' interest in animals of all kinds. Every day, we answer questions and supply resources about domesticated creatures (Chicken Breeds and Care, Training the Hard-to-Train Dog), wildlife native to our area ( Texas Snakes: A Field Guide ), prehistoric beasts (The Kingfisher Dinosaur Encyclopedia), even insights into animals' perceptions and behavior (Temple Grandin's Animals in Translation or Animals Make Us Human).

Wouldn't it be nice, I thought, to interview Rocksssanne? And then I remembered: she is a snake, and I possess no Harry Potter-like translation skills. If other library staffers do, they're keeping this information to themselves. Instead, let's imagine how such a dialogue might have gone:

Me: Rocksssanne, I'm honored to have this opportunity. You're looking great, by the way.

Rocksssanne: Thanksssss!

Me: I know you have many customers to entertain, so let's just do a few quick "Inquiring minds want to know" queries, OK? A favorite activity?

Rocksssanne: I always look forward to getting out of my house for a little stretch and playtime. Jane and Andrea will hang out with me and let me explore around their desks. Naturally, I'm interested: each of them has a computer--with a mouse!

Me: Your favorite color?

Rocksssanne: I'm kind of nearsighted, and colors don't excite me that much. Smells, on the other hand...

Me: Favorite food?

Rocksssane: You don't want to know.

Me: Favorite movies?

Rocksssanne: I bet you thought I'd say Snakes on a Plane, or Python, or maybe one of the Anaconda movies. My tastes are actually eclectic. I also enjoy documentaries about very small mammals (sort of a Food Network for my kind). Also, I'm fond of classics with a lot of movement and physical comedy, like The Lady Eve. Those animated credits are a hoot, and Barbara Stanwyck sssslithers almost as well as I do.

Why wait for the 2020s?

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:16:00 GMT

You'd think it was Valentine's Day already. I can practically see the little cartoon hearts and Cupids floating around.

The reason: two Christmas-gift Kindles and their newly smitten recipients in my family.  With these devices on site (neither belongs to me), our Focus Quotient has declined markedly. Whenever the slightest lull in conversation, pet activity, or televised sports occurs, the Kindle owner instantly re-fixates on that little screen. Every so often, my own reading, working, or thought is interrupted by a delighted exclamation--again, not from me--about some just-realized feature of the e-reader.

I'm happy for them, really I am.  But the non-Kindle world still has its own diversions.

One example is the library's Graphic Novels collection for adult readers.  Still located on second floor, the GNs just emerged from the far side of the circulation counter to a showier location beside the New Fiction shelf at the top of the stairs. With this shift from a "you know where to find them if you like them" venue to the new "Who knew? Try one!" locale, we're hoping for a Kindle or Nook-like response--discovery and excitement for browsers.

Graphic Novels are for everyone, even if everyone doesn't know this yet.  These illustrated stories represent a vast range of style and content. More than just comic books (not that comics aren't great) graphic novels offer long-running series, take on social issues, create fantasy worlds, and experiment with new visual techniques. I'm a certain type of GN novel reader; I don't care for manga or its filmed counterpart, anime. That segment of the collection I'll leave to the those with a proper appreciation. On the other hand, Persepolis is a favorite.

Here is a wonderful list from Graphic Novel Reporter, full of intriguing GN possibilities.

My second non-Kindle find almost qualifies as a Graphic Novel; instead, you'll find it in the New Fiction section.

Admirers of Nick Bantock's lavishly illustrated Griffin and Sabine books should look for The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston. Every single page of Scrapbook is covered with ticket stubs, magazine clippings, photographs, report cards--a museum-like array of 1920s ephemera. With artfully arranged pages and brief typed captions, Preston reveals Frankie's adventures (and misadventures) from 1920 through 1928.  I would love to see more books like this one.

You can follow up with Sophie Kinsella's Twenties Girl, Carola Dunn's Daisy Dalrymple series, or Kerry Greenwood's Phyrne Fisher series.  Actually, Hildegarde Dolson's hilarious We Shook the Family Tree (out of print, sadly) features the most Frankie-like narrator--who claims that the very day she arrived in New York City, the stock market crashed.

My guess is that Hildegarde would have liked manga but Frankie wouldn't. But I'm pretty sure that both would-be sophisticates, given the option, would have gladly traded their daring stashes of cigarettes and lip rouge for an e-reader.

Daddy Daughter Dance Saturday, February 4, 2012

Roger Heaney — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:21:00 GMT

There will be 2 identical dances for 2 age groups on Saturday, February 4, 2011:

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. - Girls age infant through 7
8:00 to 10:00 p.m. - Girls age 8 and up

Both dances are identical. If you have multiple daughters, we recommend selecting one of the two dances for you all to attend. This event usually sells out so get your tickets early!

Play for All Abilities Park - January 2012 Update

Roger Heaney — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:43:00 GMT

Status: Under Construction (85% complete)
Est. Completion: January 2012

The Play for All Abilities Park is on schedule to open to the public February 2012 with a Grand Opening Celebration. More information on the Grand Opening event will be available soon! The park has a new official address: 150 N. A.W Grimes Blvd. Round Rock, Texas 78664.

Park Amenities: park for children and adults of all abilities, including Large Playscape Pod, Retreat Pod, Rock Band Pod, Sensory Pod, Swing Area, and Village Pod. Each pod was designed specifically with children with disabilities in mind to ensure the pods offered valuable developmental, social, and recreation opportunities for children of all abilities.

Current Project Progress:

90% of concrete work is completed
Playground equipment for Large Playscape Pod, Sensory Play Pod, and Swing Area is installed
Poured-in-place surfacing to be installed
Trees planted
Fence installation to start January

Entering the resolution-free zone

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:31:00 GMT

For all I know, the Twilight Zone marathon (original 1950s-60s iteration) on Syfy Channel could still be broadcasting. It certainly underscored many of our household activities on New Year's weekend. As I stirred blackeyed peas, unhooked tree ornaments, and dragged boxes of lights back up the attic ladder, Rod Serling was all the while demonstrating his hypnotic appeal.

Who could pay complete attention to anything else--or imagine changing the channel--when William Shatner, Art Carney, Charles Bronson, Martin Landau, and a host of other acting luminaries were embroiled in time travel, eerie parallels, and paranormal hijinks, usually culminating in a "gotcha" conclusion laced with irony?

Production values have evolved, but the cerebral creepiness of the Zone still sets a high bar for television entertainment.

It also provides a great model for self-improvement in the coming year. Instead of composing an annual "to do" list meant to transform ourselves into other beings--organized, punctual, socially brilliant--we could behave like Twilight Zone protagonists. Just envision creative strategies instead of a personality overhaul.

Like Serling's heroes and heroines, we may prove amazingly resourceful in dealing with challenges that beset us. Those characters would have used the library and internet, too, had those options only been offered:

Baffled by financial/investment jargon? Try courses in Investing 101: Stocks, Bonds, & Mutual Funds or Personal Finance 101: How to Manage Your Money by going to the library's home page and enrolling in Universal Class for free.
Frustrated because your job provides few opportunities for exercising your creativity? Find inspiration and instructions for spare time projects in the Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center database.
Tired of always being the last one in your group to hear about trendy books, especially those inspiring movies coming soon to your area? Take a look at the Book Movement website and check out EarlyWord's "Books to Movies & TV" feature.

Don't get me wrong: January goal setting presents an uplifting opportunity. It's just been my experience that a problem-solving approach fares better than, say, unrealistic vows like permanently banishing that on-again off-again seven pounds.

And would you believe that a co-worker just walked in with a plate of double chocolate cheesecake squares? To my credit, I don't recall saying "yes" (at least verbally). My hand simply reached toward it, as though I had been transported into another dimension, in which a hand could have a mind of its own and I was powerless to stop it. It was eerie!

City of Round Rock offers Christmas tree recycling services

Roger Heaney — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:30:00 GMT

The City of Round Rock encourages residents to recycle their Christmas trees on Saturday, December 31, 2011 and Saturday, January 7, 2012 at the Round Rock Brush Recycling Center located at 310 Deepwood Drive.

Round Rock residents will get more than just a good feeling from recycling their Christmas trees, the City will give away small trees (while supplies last) and provide volunteers to help unload trees for residents who bring their Christmas trees for recycling during these special events. Additionally, residents may bring their Christmas trees for recycling to the Round Rock Brush Recycling Center during any regular operating day.

Residents must remove all decorations, nails, wires, ornaments, tree stands, lights, and tinsel before bringing in their tree to the recycling center. The trees will be shredded into a fine, usable mulch which is free to Round Rock residents for pickup at the recycling center. The mulch can also be purchased by contractors and non-residents for $5 per cubic yard.

The center is open from Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The center is closed on Sundays.

Local businesses can also drop off their Christmas trees, and for a small fee ($15 per truckload), businesses that sell Christmas trees can recycle their leftovers as well. For more information, contact the city of Round Rock Forestry Manager Emsud Horozovic at (512) 218-5540.

The advantages of being two-faced

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:52:00 GMT

The second day after Christmas--time for two annual post-Yule pursuits: eating cookies and confronting my holiday hypocrisy. I have no qualms about scooping up epic post-season markdowns mere hours after The Day, yet I choose to be deeply offended by the sight of a discarded tree consigned to the curb after the same brief interval.

So much for graceful transitions. Faced with returning to work and gearing up for a new year after a long festive weekend, we'd do well to consider Janus' approach. According to Oxford Dictionaries Online, Janus (namesake for the month ahead) figured in Roman mythology as the guardian of doorways and gates and is typically shown with two faces, one looking forward and one backward.

And I've just encountered two authors who neatly represent Janus' visual field: William Dean Howells and James Hornfischer.

Amid last week's Christmas lore and holiday staff picks, I rediscovered Howell's story, "Christmas Every Day". The library has a print copy, but you can read it online. Not only will Howells' droll tale likely echo your own views (about ending celebrations while they are still celebrative), it samples an American literary legend whose significance would be difficult to exaggerate.

Though Howell's language can sound a bit dated, he was ahead of his time in terms of style, editorial influence, and fostering rising talents. His short story "Editha", also accessible in print and online, is one of my favorites and vividly conveys the timeless consequences of romanticizing war.

Janus would appreciate this pairing: Howells' forward-looking fiction of past eras and James Hornfischer's contemporary nonfiction looking backward to history. Naval historian and literary agent Hornfischer has published The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour; Ship of Ghosts: The Story of the USS Houston, FDR's Legendary Lost Cruiser and the Epic Saga of Her Survivors; and Neptune's Inferno: The U.S. Navy at Guadalcanal.

Not only has Mr. Hornfischer appeared on the The History Channel and C-SPAN's Book TV and other venues, he'll be live and in person at the January 16, 2012 discussion meeting for the Round Rock New Neighbors book group (check out their blog).

You don't have to be a new resident to attend this lively group, which convenes on the third Monday of each month at 1:00 P.M. at the La Frontera Barnes & Noble. You aren't required to possess a prior attendance record to enjoy Mr. Hornfischer's appearance. Group members have been invited to read any or all of Hornfischer's titles--all available at Barnes & Noble-- in order to gain maximum benefit from this exciting author event, but come anyway if you haven't finished (or even started) your reading yet.

Those cookies won't last through 2011, but 2012 evidently has treats in store.

We believe Yule love these

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 01:48:00 GMT

Our family's new holiday ritual: If the Christmas lights are on when you pull into the driveway, proceed to the row of aging candle lights outlining the flower bed. Twist the bulb on the fifth candle from the end. It will come back on, which means that its neighbor will stop flickering, thus encouraging its neighbor to blink. Should you be the one who switches on the lights, wait about an hour; then go outside and proceed...

Fortunately, I've found a new set of identical lights for next year. I didn't even consider another variety. The current outdoor scheme suits the house perfectly and coordinates with our neighbors' outdoor decor. In such situations, surely it's permissible to employ the "if it ain't broke..." approach?

Yet, it's only fair to acknowledge how favorably other Christmas traditions have evolved over time. Had our ancestors continually resisted innovation, we might still anticipate visits from a bishop (possibly accompanied by a turban-wearing sidekick) instead of a benevolent, red-suited grandfatherly type of Santa. "Mincemeat" would still denote exactly that instead of a spicy (and potentially spiked) fruit and nut mixture. Being granted Christmas day off work would be deemed a very special favor. And so forth.

From our library resources on holidays, I've been boning up on Christmas history with these two: Inventing Christmas: How Our Holiday Came to Be by Jock Elliott and Christmas: A Candid History by Bruce David Forbes. I just now returned them so that you, too, can learn about surprising origins of holiday traditions, the banning of Christmas celebrations, and why we owe a debt to Washington Irving, Thomas Nast, Queen Victoria, and FDR.

For a faster but equally rewarding read, check out the list below: all-time Christmas favorite books, selected by staffers at Round Rock Public Library. These will delight children and adults alike. A shiny new copy could also be the ideal gift for a host or hostess or just about anyone on your shopping list.

I'm grateful to the discerning co-workers who recommended these wonderful stories: Andrea, Candy, Chip, Chris, Janette, Linda C., Elaine T., Mary, Pat M., Pat B., Regina, Shara, Tricia, Virginia.

The Classics

The Night Before Christmas (A Visit from St. Nicholas) by Clement Clark Moore
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
The Dick and Jane books learn-to-read books
The Bible: especially Matthew, Luke, Isaiah
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Newer treasures

Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera
Peter Claus and the Naughty List by Lawrence David & Delphine Durand
Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Olive, the Other Reindeer by J.otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh
Jan Brett books, e.g., The Wild Christmas Reindeer
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
Must Be Santa (based on the song) by Tim Moore

Especially appropriate for older children and adults for read-aloud: Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo

Featuring a woodcutter theme: The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski and Elijah's Angel : A Story for Chanukah and Christmas by Michael J. Rosen

Serving up an extra bit of whimsy and humor: The Night before Christmas, in Texas, That Is by Leon A. Harris and The Lump of Coal by Lemony Snicket

Parks Development Updates Issue #5

Roger Heaney — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:25:00 GMT

Settlement Park: Project completed.
Take a look at the completed project:

Play for All Abilities Park
Status: Under Construction (70% complete)
Est. Completion: January 2012

Park Amenities: park for children and adults of all abilities, including Large Playscape Pod, Retreat Pod, Rock Band Pod, Sensory Pod, Swing Area, and Village Pod. Each pod was designed specifically with children with disabilities in mind to ensure the pods offered valuable developmental, social, and recreation opportunities for children of all abilities.

Current Project Progress:

90% of concrete work is completed
Playground equipment for Large Playscape Pod, Sensory Play Pod, and Swing Area is installed
Poured-in-place surfacing to be installed in mid-December
Trees to be planted mid-December
Fence installation to start late December

Buck Egger Park
Status: Construction (50% complete)
Est. Completion: February 2012

Park Amenities: parking lot, synthetic turf multipurpose field, and grass multipurpose field

Current Project Progress:

Parking lot and sidewalk complete
Chemical stabilization near completion
Synthetic turf field scheduled to be completed by end of year
Natural grass field scheduled to be completed by mid-January

Rock Hollow Park
Status: Construction (80% complete)
Est. Completion: January 2012

Park Amenities: +/- ½ mile of concrete trail replacing existing asphalt trail, ADA accessibility improvements

Current Project Progress:

Approx. 80% of concrete trail installed
Construction should be complete by Christmas
Tree planting tentatively scheduled for January

Clay Madsen Recreation Center
Check out the final improvements to the center:

Municipal Office Complex (MOC) Plaza
Status: Under Design (delayed due to re-design of Brown/Florence Street Improvements)
Est. Completion: Design – November 2011
Construction – August/September 2012

Park Amenities: concrete plaza, performance lawn, areas designed for street festivals, “pillars of the community”, secondary performance stage/shade structure, amphitheater overlook/bat viewing area, improvements to amphitheater, electrical system for street festivals, landscape areas, Brown/Florence Street Improvements, MOC parking lot improvements

Current Project Progress:

95% plans completed, awaiting re-design of Brown/Florence Street
TCEQ WPAP revision to be submitted in January/February timeframe, 3-4 month review

Rabb Park/Brushy Creek Trail Restroom Building
Status: Construction
Est. Completion: January 2012

Park Amenities: Building with 3 unisex, accessible restrooms

Current Project Progress:

Site utilities installed
MEP rough-in complete
Slab to be poured next week

OSPV Triple Crown Complex Restroom Building
Status: Construction
Est. Completion: Design – October 2011
Construction – January 2012

Park Amenities: 4-6 stall restroom building, site utilities and sidewalks

Current Project Progress:

Contract awarded by City Council on November 22nd
Construction to start mid-December

Memorial Park Bridge Repair
Status: Construction (75% complete)
Est. Completion: December 2011

Park Amenities: Repair 100’ pedestrian bridge crossing Brushy Creek that was damaged in September 2010 flood

Current Project Progress:

Steel beams and railings have been replaced
Finish welding to be complete next week
Decking to be installed over next two weeks

Somerset Park
Status: Construction (10% Complete)
Est. Completion: February 2012

Park Amenities: renovation of playground, concrete trail, shade structure, site furnishings (picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains) and possible basketball court

Current Project Progress:

Demolition and removal of all existing amenities is complete
Rough grading work underway

Chisholm Valley Park
Status: Construction (15% complete)
Est. Completion: February 2012

Park Amenities: renovation of playground, shade structure, +/- ½ mile of concrete trail, multipurpose rec field, site furnishings (picnic tables, benches, drinking fountains), trees

Current Project Progress:

Demolition and removal of existing amenities complete
Rough grading is underway

Rabb House Redevelopment Project
Status: Design
Est. Completion: Design - Spring 2012

Park Amenities: design and construction documents for the redevelopment of Rabb House (damaged in September 2010 flood)

Current Project Progress:

Architectural agreement finalized and to be authorized at January 12th City Council Meeting

OSPV Reuse Water Project
Status: Design
Est. Completion: Spring 2012

Park Amenities: removal/replacement of existing irrigation system valves, heads, etc. to comply with reuse water requirements. Renovation of existing irrigation system at Lakeview Pavilion area, Football Complex, Cricket Field, etc.

Current Project Progress:

Utility Dept. to start mainline work and point of connections late-December or early January
Compliance repairs and time sensitive renovations tentatively scheduled for January 2012
Major renovations tentatively scheduled for Feb/March 2012

Kensington Greenbelt Improvement Project
Status: Design
Est. Completion: Design - March 2012
Construction – September 2012

Park Amenities: replacement of existing trail, playground, site furnishings and addition of pavilion structure

Mesa Village Improvement Project
Status: Planning
Est. Completion: Design – May 2012
Construction – October 2012

Park Amenities: replace existing asphalt trail with decomposed granite, replace existing pavilion, and improvements to existing multipurpose field

Brushy Creek Regional Trail Gap Project
Status: On-hold
Est. Completion: Spring 2013

Park Amenities: +/- 2.5 miles of Brushy Creek Trail from Sonoma subdivision, across Brushy Creek, connecting to Rabb Park and AW Grimes Blvd multi-use path. Also connects to Greater Lake Creek Trail totaling approx. 7 miles.

Current Project Progress:

R.O.W. acquisition negotiations on-going

Mary had a little stereotype

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:03:00 GMT

At our house, It's a Wonderful Life is only the third most popular Christmas movie, after the George C. Scott version of A Christmas Carol and Love Actually. It's a very solid #3, though, and we happily anticipate the 2011 viewing. My husband and daughter never miss an opportunity to laugh and point in my direction during a certain incident.

You know the scene: it's been established that, because George Bailey was not born, his destined wife Mary obviously would have been denied any other other chance at marriage (despite the fact that she is charming, intelligent, and beautiful). Therefore, after the makeup crew has done its best to render Donna Reed ugly and pathetic, we are presented with the most dread-inspiring fate imaginable (even worse than being single) for any woman. Mary has become a--gasp of horror--librarian ! Noooooooo!

Not surprisingly, we female librarians prefer the cinematic role models of Katharine Hepburn (Desk Set) or Parker Posey (Party Girl). Marian the Librarian in The Music Man has an enviable wardrobe, a fabulous voice, and a whole lotta spunk, but she doesn't appear to enjoy her work, does she?

Of course, since then we've profited from a variety of dynamic representations, including blogs like LibrarianinBlack and Days and Nights of the Lipstick Librarian.

Fictional characters now avoid the stern and the hapless, as well. Jess Lourey's character Mira James is a part-time librarian and part-time reporter; Richelle Mead and Michele Bardsley have created vampire librarian characters. Speaking for myself, I believe we'd rather be associated with a paranormal type than a pitiful one.

It's a Wonderful Life has aged remarkably well given that some other foundational tropes have, like the concept of library careers for unmarriagables, gone out of style. You could view Mr. Potter, the misanthropic financier, as a case in point. Meryl Streep's turn as the evil magazine editor in the movie based on Lauren Weisberger's The Devil Wears Prada demonstrates that nowadays fashion and women can challenge banking and men for power-grabbing any time.

As for the seediness of boarding houses as portrayed in Clarence's what-if scenario, it's been supplanted by the entertaining bed & breakfast scene in series like those written by Mary Daheim. And what about the notion that the college degree so envied by George Bailey guarantees a significant post-graduation job offer and future success in life? Books like Boomerang Kids: A Revealing Look at Why So Many of Our Children Are Failing on Their Own, and How Parents Can Help, along with a plethora of fiction featuring educated slackers, can dispel that expectation once and for all.

Of course, it's only fair to mention that two themes--angelic intervention and the romantic power of the high school reunion party--have definitely retained their fascination for readers and moviegoers over the decades.

And Mary's librarian chapeau? It would be the height of fashion right now.

Winter Reading

Shara Sala — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:21:00 GMT

Activities are fairly quiet this month but the library is still a good place to find some warmth. Teen Book Club will be hosting one of our favorite authors on the 20th. April Lurie will be stopping by to discuss her book The Less-Dead. Please join us!! Teen Book Club is followed by the Teen Advisory Board (TAB). These discussion are open to everyone and help form future events.

Some other recommended reads for your Winter vacation are April Lurie's Brothers, Boyfriends and Other Criminal Minds. Divergent by Veronica Roth is very popular. Jane has ordered more copies of The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Also on order is the newest book in The Tiger's Curse series: Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi and The Future of Us by Jay Asher. They will be available soon!

The Round Rock Public Library has recently introduced BookMyne. This is an app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch with busy library users in mind. An Android version is scheduled to be released later this year. With this app you can search the library's catalog or even scan a barcode on the book cover, then search for it in the library. A few clicks later you can put the books on hold or check your account, even renew checked-out books. You can browse best-sellers and lists of award-winners. This app will also allow families to switch between multiple library accounts. Simple to use. Just go to the App Store and download the free app, BookMyne!

The library will be closed the 24th, 25th and 26th in observance of the Christmas holiday!

Happy Holidays! We will see you at the library!

...And a squirrel in a live oak tree

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:05:00 GMT

I have elected not to heed the holiday gift suggestions from major advertisers (i.e., buy everyone on your shopping list a car, big-screen TV, or smartphone.)

But here's a prime reading tip for you or for a guest who arrives at your house having already finished all his/her bestsellers while languishing in airports. Stef Penney's The Tenderness of Wolves is a wonderful find. Penney's forthcoming The Invisible Ones is due out in January. When reviewers find an author's second novel "mesmerizing" but still harken fondly back to the first novel, you know you have to get your hands on the earlier one--now.

The Tenderness of Wolves--Costa Award winner for 2006--represents wide appeal: a crime to solve, a historical, adventurous setting (1867 in Canada's Northern Territory); and the sort of accomplished prose and characterization that prompts you to pester your true love with "let me just read you a couple of lines."

And speaking of your true love, please consider my local interpretation of a classic holiday song. For each traditional gift, I spotted a modern equivalent in our library catalog. The Twelve Days of Christmas don't begin until December 25, but don't wait to come by or log on to enjoy your library:

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming
CD: Global Drum Project

Eleven pipers piping
Nonfiction book: Highlander: The History of the Legendary Highland Soldier (or, Ultimate Guide to Plumbing: Complete Projects for the Home)

Ten lords a-leaping
DVD: BBC Series The Tudors

Nine ladies dancing
Nonfiction book: American Rose...The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee

Eight maids a-milking
Fiction book: Moo: A Novel by Jane Smiley

Seven swans a-swimming
Fiction book or CD audio: The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova

Six geese a-laying
Children's book: Spinster Goose: Twisted Rhymes for Naughty Children

Five golden rings
Nonfiction: The Green Bride Guide: How to Create an Earth-Friendly Wedding on any Budget

Four calling birds
Children's book: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

Three French hens
Nonfiction: Lunch in Paris: A Love Story, with Recipes

Two turtle doves
Fiction book: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

And a partridge in a pear tree
Library database: Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia

Christmas Family Night this Friday, December 9th!

Roger Heaney — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:55:00 GMT

Annual Christmas Family Night takes place this Friday, December 9th! The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a welcome from Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw, followed by the illumination of the street and water tower with holiday lights. Then Santa makes his grand entrance in a horse-drawn sleigh.

During Christmas Family Night, downtown historic Round Rock is decorated with small wooden houses which "house" various free games and activities. This free event includes activities for the entire family including live music, dancers, candle making, carriage rides, game booths, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and more.

Children can bring their "wish lists" for Santa Claus (pictures are a nominal fee) and parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras for pictures with Santa. Plus, enjoy free hot dogs, popcorn, hot chocolate, and other refreshments, activities and snacks. Enjoy performances throughout the evening. Numerous booths will feature activities and crafts for children from cookie decorating to candle making.

Christmas Family Night is organized by the City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department and made possible thanks to the help of community groups and organizations that donate their services to offer this fun and free event to the community. Free parking is available in the City Hall parking garage, at the library and along side streets.

Schedule:
6:30 p.m. -- Mayor's welcome and tree & water tower lighting ceremony
6:35 p.m. -- Santa arrives
7:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m. -- Three performance areas with local performers and artists

The Round Rock Public Library hosts a puppet show and has Christmas ornament crafts, letters to Santa and a craft sale. Don't miss this FREE annual holiday event!

2nd Annual Reindeer Run scheduled for Sunday, December 11th

Roger Heaney — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:16:00 GMT

The Rotary Club of Round Rock Sunrise and the Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department present the second annual Reindeer Run, a 5k timed run and family fun run to raise funds for building a Play for All Abilities Park now currently under construction at Rabb Park. The 2011 Reindeer Run takes place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, December 11 at Old Settlers Park.

Packet pickup and registration information:
Packet and t-shirt pickup is now under way at the Round Rock Parks and Recreation main office from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. until December 9th. Registration and packet pickup will also take place at the event.

Cost:
Adult $25 per participant includes t-shirt, Youth (11-17) $20 includes t-shirt, Kids (2-10) FREE with parent or guardian-no shirt and no registration required.

Schedule:
5:00 p.m. - 5k Timed Run (no walkers)
6:15 p.m. - 5k Family 5k Fun Run at dusk

Register online now at www.5r5k.org, in person at the event, or at the Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department main office.

Participants enjoy holiday decorations and Christmas music as they run/walk through the City of Round Rock's premiere park! The event will also feature holiday crafts and activities for the entire family and refreshments will be served, compliments of Starbucks Coffee. More information about the park can be found at www.roundrocktexas.gov/playforall

Poetry Book is Here!

David Sharp — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:33:00 GMT

Well, it took a little longer (months) than we had intended, but the poetry book is here!

Musings: An Anthology of Poetry by the Citizens of Round Rock is a collection of poems written by and published for the citizens of our fair city. The library has, thus far, purchased a circulating copy and a copy to retain in the library (soon to hit the shelves).

The poems collected in this volume were submitted as a part of the library's celebration of poetry during National Poetry Month this past April. Poems were submitted by way of blog, e-mail and plain old pen and paper (A napkin in one case). Other poems were written piecemeal by patrons of the library who contributed a line or two in passing to growing poems posted on the pillars in the library. Come and enjoy the verses of your own friends and neighbors. And join the celebration in April 2012 by submitting some of your own poems to the second volume of Musings.

If you would like a copy of your own, join us for Christmas Family Night to take place this Friday, December 9th. The Friends of the RRPL have purchased several copies which they will make available for sale during the festivities. Or you can purchase your own copy for $10 at http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?fListingClass=0&fSearch=musings+round+rock

Writing for amateurs, bowling for vampires

Linda Sappenfield — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:49:00 GMT

Should I go with the classic "You like me, you really like me!" or the even more classic "Thank you, thank you very much"? Of course, my novel will deservedly never see the light of day, so my National Book Award acceptance speech is not a major concern. (However, if I ever need a book jacket photo it'll be black and white and include my Scottie dogs).

I'm nevertheless thrilled to have reached the 50,000 word goal for National Novel Writing Month--three days early. I was spurred on to completion by the artistically motivated realization that the Christmas lights won't put themselves up.

Responding to my description of the story line, a couple of colleagues have said, "That really does sound like an interesting premise" and "I'd read that book!" All of which proves an important point: I have wonderful colleagues. But I already knew that.

Here's what I did learn: apparently journal-keeping really is as vital as all those professional writers have claimed. I never progressed beyond good intentions to start a writer's journal and realized in the course of creating my novel--many times--how useful a collection of impressions and details could have proven to be.

I did, however, collect enough thoughts about the novel-in-a-month scheme to compose several new slogans for NaNoWriMo; these definitely reflect the ups and down of the sometimes exhilarating, occasionally despairing experience:

"Sleep is overrated."
"The caffeine deficient need not apply."
"Just make it stop."

That said, I'll try NaNoWriMo again. I enjoyed inventing characters and developed a deeper understanding of novel construction. Also, repeat participation would bring me closer to other would-be and published authors. The writing community can be a powerful source of support, and not just for other novelists.

This November 2011 article from Library Journal provides a great illustration from Bouchercon, the annual world mystery convention. Teams of authors and related participants (including Charlaine Harris' Bowling for Vampires team) competed and auctioned their autographed shirts to raise $29,000 for a local library foundation.

The authors' good works didn't end there. Attendees voted on and presented the annual Anthony Awards for mystery writing; check out the 2011 winners here. If you're on the lookout for the very best new mysteries, bear in mind that awards highlight up-and-comers along with established stars, so readers will also get great leads by consulting the Shamus and Macavity Awards lists. Finally, for a comprehensive overview of the mystery genre, don't miss Anthony Award winner (for best website/blog) www.stopyourekillingme.com.

My own valuable prizes include a colorful certificate proclaiming me to be a "Winner" in NaNoWriMo 2011--and an opportunity to catch up on my sleep.

Book groups are like snake oil

Linda Sappenfield — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:08:00 GMT

Both sound tempting and address issues other than the one you intended.

Of course, snake oil only answers the question of what to do with a portion of your money. The right book club can update you as efficiently as the internet (but with no ads and no Kardashian stories).

As menu planner/cook/host for a November book club meeting, I was grateful that the assigned book featured so many food options: brunch, country club snacks, hamburger combo, Midwestern comfort foods, even Indian pudding. I'd always wanted to try that; if you're curious as well (Is a long-baked blend of milk, molasses, and cornmeal as great as it's been cracked up to be?) here's a hint. Serve this dessert with ice cream; those who don't love it can claim that they filled up on the topping. At least I thought it was tasty.

You'd have to read the book--William McPherson's Testing the Current--to understand how the centerpiece (large hurricane globe filled with Beanie Babies) illustrated one of the novel's metaphors and elicited a chortle from the group.

And you should read it, particularly if you favor nostalgic glimpses into bygone eras; autobiographical detail and humor figure prominently, too. I recently described it to someone as Red Sky at Morning meets Proust. That was intended as a compliment all around. Sadly, Testing the Current is out of print; it's available via interlibrary loan and worth the wait.

Actually, not everyone in the group approved this choice, but disagreement always generates a livelier discussion. Yet even for those who prefer another writing style, Testing obviously drew out many connections to individual personal experience.

That's really what book groups are about. Those who attend regularly discover that such involvement enhances their connections in general:

Everyone in our group has either renovated a kitchen or built a house in the past few years. Thus, we've viewed multiple "reveals", not to mention gotten the lowdown on tile vs. laminate.
Book clubbers also tend to be indie film fans; you can hear live reviews from people you trust.
Previously read titles promote great follow-ups. Because one of our recent titles was a biography of Gertrude Bell, someone just emailed me the news that Angelina Jolie has signed on to play Bell in the planned biopic.
With an assigned book on your radar screen, you focus your information intake; our next one is Julian Barnes' Talking It Over. Barnes just published The Sense of an Ending, and I won't have been the only one who made a point of catching his NPR interview, knowing that other groupies would be listening. That kind of peer pressure is good.
But it's still OK not to finish your Indian pudding.

2nd Annual Reindeer Run registration is now open!

Roger Heaney — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:36:00 GMT

The Rotary Club of Round Rock Sunrise and the Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department present the second annual Reindeer Run, a 5k timed run and family fun run to raise funds for building a Play for All Abilities Park now currently under construction at Rabb Park. The 2011 Reindeer Run is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, December 4 at Old Settlers Park.

Cost:
Adult $25 per participant includes t-shirt, Youth (11-17) $20 includes t-shirt, Kids (2-10) FREE with parent or guardian-no shirt and no registration required.

Schedule:
5:00 p.m. - 5k Timed Run (no walkers)
6:15 p.m. - 5k Family 5k Fun Run at dusk

Participants enjoy holiday decorations and Christmas music as they run/walk through the City of Round Rock's premiere park!