Have you signed up for our Adult Winter Reading Program yet? If not, sign up here. Pick up your program activity log from the Information Desk at the library, or print one off from this link.  

Once you are registered, you can accumulate grand prize drawing slips to be eligible to win either a Kindle Paperwhite, a portable DVD player, or an MP3 player.

We'll host an after-hours party on Friday, February 20, 6:00pm-8:00pm. There will be adult beverages, light appetizers, and fabulous door prizes! Come party with us. Pre-registration required.

 On the 3rd Monday of each month at 10:00am, we show a classic film and serve free coffee and donuts! We encourage you to stay afterwards to talk about the film and spend a little time socializing; we'll provide a few discussion questions (or some such) and offer a small display of related books to check out each month.  

January 19 -  Some Like it Hot with Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis.  

Note: We have a special guest joining us--a cast member will share inside scoop about Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and the making of Some Like it Hot--don't miss this extraordinary opportunity!

February 16 - Casablanca with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman

March 16 - North by Northwest with Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint

April 20 - The Searchers with John Wayne

The Marion Public Library is partnering with the North Liberty Community Library to present the  2015 All Iowa Reads author Robin Oliveira in a great evening program! Oliveira is the author of My Name is Mary Sutter.  

Whether you've already read this compelling community reads book, or if it's still on your to-do list, be sure to make plans to join us in North Liberty (520 W Cherry St, North Liberty, IA 52317) to meet and share with Oliveira. She'll have plenty of time for your questions following her program, and copies of her book will be available to purchase.  

We are very excited about this library partnership opportunity right here in the  Cultural Corridor! 

Our fiction group meets at Wit's End Coffeehouse (630 10th Street) every third Tuesday (September through May) at 4:00pm. The library springs for a round of treats at Wit's End; beverages are available to purchase. Out of respect for the proprietor, please do not bring in your own food or drinks. Cathy's shop is a fun, casual, and comfy place to talk books. We hope you'll join us for this great discussion group.

January 20 - The Returned by Jason Mott

It's a French television show, a US television show, but it's also a book--with multiple prequels-all on the theme of the presumed-dead suddenly reappearing. Confused? We'll discuss the book, sort out all its permutations, and certainly leave with still plenty to contemplate.

February 17 - The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

Loosely based on real-life abolitionist and women's rights activist Sarah Grimke, The Invention of Wings reveals how an intelligent woman of privilege was just as much a prisoner of her times as the slave girl, Hetty, who was given to Sarah as a birthday gift when she was 11 years old.

"It is impossible to read this book and not come away thinking differently about our status as women and about all the unsung heroines who play a role in getting us to where we are." (Oprah)

Sounds like our kind of book!

History Club

 

The History Club, in collaboration with the Marion Historical Society, meets the second Thursday every month (EXCEPT December) 3:30-5:00pm at the Heritage Center (590 10th St).  This is a terrific opportunity to: 

 

Be enlightened - by understanding and appreciating difference and diversity

Be amazed-truth is often stranger than fiction.

 

Be inspired-A single individual acting with great conviction can change the world.

 

New members welcome! You're guaranteed to part of a lively, thoughtful discussion about important people and events in history...or your money back!

 

February 12 - Asia's Cauldron: The South Sea and the End of a Stable Pacific 

by Robert D. Kaplan

March 12 - Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie

What books have been important to you (or, your favorites) and why?

My favorite books as a child and for many years after are the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I read them several times and later read them to my children. Because I was a teacher, I have enjoyed the Miss Read books. I can relate to many of her classroom experiences.

How would you describe your reading life?

I enjoy reading gentle books and often read books for older children. Since I am a quilter, I enjoy reading books that have quilting as a theme. I prefer fiction and especially historical fiction. A cup of tea and a good book are my way of relaxing.

How do you find your next book?

I collect lists of books by favorite authors, get suggestions from friends, and always read the books on the Children's Choice list.

What have you read lately that you'd recommend?

For quilters, I recommend the series by Jennifer Chiaverini or Marie Bostwick. Ann Rinaldi write excellent historic fiction for children and Saving Zasha by Rani Barrow is a story about the last German Shepherd in Germany during the war.

A long time ago I was the Story Lady at the Marion Library and later I took our children there for Story Hour. The staff is helpful and friendly and I feel at home there.