Attention Blackberry Users of Overdrive Media Console

Effective April 10, 2014, the OverDrive Media Console (OMC) mobile app for BlackBerry will no longer be available to download on BlackBerry, BlackBerry 10, and Playbook devices.

BlackBerry users with the app installed prior to April 10 will be able to continue downloading eBooks and audiobooks via OMC. However, no further development or testing will be dedicated to it.

In the past year, OMC for BlackBerry has experienced a steady decline in downloads. Only .3% of all visitors to digital library websites come from a BlackBerry device. After much consideration, OverDrive has decided to remove the app from BlackBerry App World and continue to focus our development efforts on more widely used platforms such as iOS and Android—both of which have moore daily downloads than BlackBerry has monthly.

Book Review-The Blackhouse

Who doesn't like a good mystery?  I'm particularly drawn to psychological mysteries, so when a book has both a murder and a psychological twist, so much the better. Peter Mays' book The Black House takes place on the Isle of Lewis, the northern most island in the Hebrides, off Scotland.  Fin MacLeod grew up there, but moved to the mainland after high school, to attend college and escape. He became a police officer, so when someone on the island is murdered, and the m.o. is similar to a murder that he is investigating, he is naturally sent to help the investigation.  As it turns out, he knew the victim, having grown up with him. The book is told in the third person when describing current events, but in Fin's voice when he is remembering the past.  We get glimpses into his childhood and the reasons behind his desire to leave the island.  His knowledge of the people in some ways helps him narrow the search for the killer down, but in some ways leads him astray. The Isle of Lewis is so well described it is a character in its own right. I enjoyed this book very much.  The twists and turns were very satisfying, and learning about such a foreign landscape was very interesting.  There are two more books in the series, The Lewis Man and The Chessmen (which has not yet been published in the US.)

The Blackhouse By May, Peter 2013-02 - Thorndike Press 9781410455635 Check Our Catalog From acclaimed author and television dramatist Peter May comes the first book in the Lewis Trilogy--a riveting mystery series set on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, a formidable and forbidding world where tradition rules and people adhere to ancient ways of life. …More

Other books by the same author.

Lewis Man By May, Peter 2012-01 - Quercus 9780857382207 Check Our Catalog …More

Complimentary Reads

The Good Son By McLean, Russel D. 2009-12 - Minotaur Books 9780312576684 Check Our Catalog …More

No Good Deed No Good Deed By Scott, Manda 2008-12 - Bantam 9780307488831 Check Our Catalog Her writing has been called "powerful and subtle," ("The Times, U.K.) her plotting "original and shiver-count high." ("The Times, U.K.) Now Manda Scott has written a powerful thriller debut, the terrifying tale of a lone woman pitted against an enigmatic killer--a man who deals out death without a second thought.... NO GOOD DEED For Detective Inspector Orla McLeod, violence is a way of life. As a child, her own world was ripped apart by a brutal, unforgettable moment of terror. So when the Special Branch operation she is spearheading goes disastrously wrong, she will do everything she can to protect the nine-year-old boy caught in the cross fire. For Jamie Buchanan was the sole witness to an act of savagery committed in cold blood by a man rapidly becoming one of the most feared criminals in Europe. Orla and her partner, Luke Tyler, had risked their lives to infiltrate Tord Svensen's criminal world. Together they had gone deep undercover in a Glasgow tenement to get close enough to bring him down. Then in a series of harrowing events, everything in Orla's life would change forever. Now Orla finds herself haunted by the memory of what happened--and tormented by the guilt she feels over her own survival. What keeps her going are the promises she made to her partner Luke and to orphaned Jamie Buchanan. Jamie is the only person who's seen Tord Svensen's face, the only one able to ID him. Officially pulled off the Svensen case, Orla spirits Jamie away to the only place she feels safe, a lonely cottage under the shadow of a snowcapped Scottish mountain. But there will be no sanctuary for them in the Highlands. For, like Orla, the hunter who pursues them knows exactly what todo to survive. And that means putting both Orla and her vulnerable young charge in the grave. Chilling, intense, and stylishly written, No Good Deed places Manda Scott among the forefront of today's best thriller writers. "From the Hardcover edition. …More

Raven Black By Cleeves, Ann 2008-06 - Thomas Dunne Books 9780312359676 Check Our Catalog Outstanding Praise for "Raven Black" " " "A fine and sinister psychological novel in the Barbara Vine style. Cleeves is part of a new generation of superior British writers." ---"The Globe and Mail" (Canada) "A riveting read." ---Val McDermid, author of "A Place"" of Execution" "Beautifully constructed . . . brings alive the tensions in a place where everyone knows everyone else and nothing can be forgotten. Raven Black is lively and surprising." ---"Times Literary Supplement" (UK) "Ann's characterization is worthy of the best writers in the field. . . . Rarely has the sense of place been so evocatively conveyed in a crime novel." ---"Daily Express" (UK) "With a cast of well-drawn and convincing characters and an unexpected conclusion, "Raven Black" is the perfect novel to while away the long winter evenings by the fire." ---"The Tribune" (UK) ""Raven Black" shows what a fine writer [Cleeves] is . . . accomplished and thoughtful." ---"The Sunday Telegraph" (UK) "Cleeves is a very good writer---strong on atmosphere, plot andpeople." "---The Times" (UK) …More

The Various Haunts of Men By Hill, Susan 2007-04 - Overlook Press 9781585678761 Check Our Catalog BookPage Notable Title Weaving together a variety of subtly interrelated narratives, British author Hill (Air and Angels) embeds a thoughtful reflection on alternative medicine into a taut and suspenseful mystery, the first of a new crime series featuring Chief Inspector Simon Serrailler. …More

The Wrong Kind of Blood: An Irish Novel of Betrayal By Hughes, Declan 2006-03 - William Morrow & Company 9780060825461 Check Our Catalog After 20 years in Los Angeles, Ed Loy returns home to Dublin to bury his mother. Suddenly, a tragic homecoming could prove fatal for the grieving private investigator. …More

Want to see all the staff picks?  In Encore (our catalog) search for HPL Staff Picks. To sign up for this, or any of our newsletters, check out our Newsletter sign up page.

Upcoming events at HPL

SPRING PLAYDATE & STORYTIME FUN 11:00 AM THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7. Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. The session will end with a craft project. SIGN UP IS REQUIRED--Call 231-722-7276 Ext. 230 to register.

BALLET IN THE LIBRARY SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2014 11:00 AM AGES 3-7 11:30 AM AGES 8-11 Get out those tutus and tiaras and learn about ballet. Join Ms. Pattie from Cassel Gymnastics and Dance for an introductory ballet lessson, music and movement.

SPRING PLAYDATE & STORYTIME FUN 6:45 PM MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7. Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. The session will end with a craft project. SIGN UP IS REQUIRED--Call 231-722-7276 Ext. 230 to register.

Geocaching 6:00 PM, Tuesday, April 1: Geocaching Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online. Learn the ins and outs with Scott Miller of Whitehall, a Charter member of Groundspeak, the organization for Geocachers, and an EarthCache Master, Bronze Level. Scott has found over 1200 caches and has hidden 41. He has been Geocaching since 2001 and is President of the Executive Committee, Michigan Geocaching Organization for 2014. Free and open to the public. For more information about Geocaching: http://www.geocaching.com/

SPRING PLAYDATE & STORYTIME FUN 11:00 AM THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014 FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7 Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. Each session ends with a craft project. REGISTRATION REQUIRED--Phone 231-722-7276, Ext. 230 to sign up.

Scrapbooking 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 5: Scrapbooking Learn the basics of scrapbooking! Hear tips and get assistance in creating memorable scrapbooks, collages, and other gifts for your loved ones. They make great gifts for birthdays, graduations, and other special occasions. Bring your own pictures, newspaper clippings, cards, and other memorabilia, as well as the book you want to put them in. We will provide the rest iincluding paper, scissors, stickers, embellishments, letters, stencils, a Cricut die-cut machine, and much more! Lead by Jacqui Bernhardt.

SPRING PLAYDATE & STORYTIME FUN 6:45 PM MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2014 FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7. Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. The session will end with a craft project. SIGN UP IS REQUIRED--Call 231-722-7276 Ext. 230 to register.

Hackley Handy Crafts 6:00 PM, Monday, April 7: Hackley Handy Crafts Join craft maven Nancy Hartman on the first Monday of each month. Learn a new craft or practice one you already know. These are geared towards older teens and grownups. This monht’s craft is upside down hanging planters. Please bring a clean, empty 2-liter bottle. This is free, and open to the public. Brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library.

Anyone Can Learn to Draw 6:00 PM, Tuesday April 8: Anyone Can Learn to Draw Patty Warner has been drawing and teaching drawing for many years. She will help build your confidence and give you tips and instructions on drawing. Class size is limited, so call 231-722-7276 or visit the circulation desk to register. Brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library.

Tech Wednesday Databases 3:00 pm, Wednesday, April 9: Tech Wednesdays-Databases Tech Wednesdays are 30-60 minute long mini watch-and-learn classes on technical topics. They are held in the Julia Hackley Room twice a month at 3:00 pm and are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring your own laptop and follow along.

SPRING PLAYDATE & STORYTIME FUN 11:00 AM THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014 FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7 Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. Each session ends with a craft project. REGISTRATION REQUIRED--Phone 231-722-7276, Ext. 230 to sign up.

Self Publishing Workshop with Rose Hammond 2:00 - 4:00 pm, April 12: Self Publishing Workshop with Rose Hammond Join Rose Hammond as she explains the ins and outs of self publishing. Ms. Hammond has self published a number of books and will share her knowledge of how to be successful. Space is limited, so please sign up by calling 231-722-7276.

ORIGAMI WITH THE "M. JR. WRAPPERS" 2:00 PM SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014 Origami is one of the coolest art forms around. You can make anything by folding paper. Join Jeff Closz and team as they take paper folding to a whole new level.

What to read while waiting for ...

King and Maxwell By Baldacci, David 2013-11 - Grand Central Publishing 9781455521319 Check Our Catalog David Baldacci brings back Sean King and Michelle Maxwell--former Secret Service agents turned private investigators--in their most surprising, personal, and dangerous case ever . . . …More

Are you patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for that best seller?  Here are some suggestions!

The 9th Girl By Hoag, Tami 2013-06 - Dutton Books 9780525952978 Check Our Catalog Number-one "New York Times"-bestselling author Hoag brings back her fan-favorite Minneapolis investigators Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska in a haunting new thriller. Hoag's most recent books have been among the biggest bestsellers of her career. …More

All Necessary Force By Taylor, Brad 2012-01 - Dutton Books 9780525952626 Check Our Catalog Retired Delta Force officer Taylor--whose debut thriller, "One Rough Man," was a national bestseller--continues his electrifying Pike Logan series. …More

Best Kept Secret By Archer, Jeffrey 2013-04 - St. Martin's Press 9781250000989 Check Our Catalog "New York Times"-bestseller Archer continues his beloved Clifton Chronicle series as Harry and Emma finally begin building a happy life--but a dangerous family enemy is about to resurface. This book opens a moment after the end of "The Sins of the Father." …More

Blood Memory By Iles, Greg 2005-11 - Pocket Star Books 9780743454155 Check Our Catalog Suspended from a serial murder case in New Orleans, FBI forensics expert Catherine "Cat" Ferry returns to her small Mississippi hometown, where she uncovers evidence of her father's murder from years earlier. Cat soon realizes it may be related to the current murders. …More

Damascus Countdown By Rosenberg, Joel C. 2013-03 - Tyndale House Publishers 9781414319704 Check Our Catalog All eyes are on the Middle East. Israel has successfully launched a first strike on Iran, taking out all of their nuclear sites and six of their nuclear warheads--and causing The Twelfth Imam to order a full-scale retaliation. The U.S. and the CIA are caught in the middle. …More

Dead Zero By Hunter, Stephen 2010-12 - Simon & Schuster 9781439138656 Check Our Catalog BookPage Notable Title Bob Lee Swagger tracks down an AWOL Marine sniper who resurfaces to complete his last mission, in the latest installment of Hunter's bestselling series. …More

The Death Trade By Higgins, Jack 2013-12 - Putnam Adult 9780399165894 Check Our Catalog The master of suspense returns with a cutting-edge tale that pits his heroes Sean Dillon and Sara Gideon against the nuclear ambitions of Iran. …More

Fault Line By Eisler, Barry 2010-04 - Ballantine Books 9780345505095 Check Our Catalog Smart, fast-paced, and terrifyingly real, "Fault Line" is a tale of personal and national betrayal, a war of emotions, and a conspiracy that has spiraled out of the realm of professionals to the streets of America. …More

Hand of Evil: A Novel of Suspense By Jance, J. A. 2008-01 - Thorndike Press 9781410403216 Check Our Catalog A deserted stretch of road is the perfect place to drive a man to his grave--literally. The "New York Times" bestselling author of "Web of Evil" returns with a chilling new novel of spine-tingling suspense. …More

The Last Man By Flynn, Vince 2013-08 - Pocket Books 9781416595236 Check Our Catalog Mitch Rapp heads to Afghanistan to track down a missing CIA agent. With Afghanistan crumbling around him, Rapp must be as ruthless as his enemies and as deceitful as people in his own government if he has any hopes of completing his mission. Available in a tall Premium Edition. …More

Mounting Fears By Woods, Stuart 2009-09 - Signet Book 9780451227751 Check Our Catalog President Will Lee is having a rough week. There are some loose nukes in Pakistan that might just trigger World War III if his diplomatic efforts fall short. It's up to Lee, Holly Barker, Lance Cabot, and few others to save the world--and the upcoming election. Available in a tall Premium Edition. …More

The Rule of Nine: A Paul Madriani Novel By Martini, Steve 2010-06 - William Morrow & Company 9780061930218 Check Our Catalog Defense attorney Paul Madriani tracks an extremist hellbent on destroying the entire Supreme Court in one deadly stroke, in this latest in the "New York Times"-bestselling series. …More

Suspect By Crais, Robert 2013-01 - Putnam Adult 9780399161483 Check Our Catalog The explosive new masterpiece of suspense from the #1 "New York Times"-bestselling author. LAPD cop Scott James is not doing so well. Eight months ago, a shocking nighttime assault by unidentified men killed his partner, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed, and ready to explode. He is unfit for duty--until he meets his new partner. …More

Touch & Go By Gardner, Lisa 2013-02 - Dutton Books 9780525953074 Check Our Catalog Bestseller Gardner, author of "Catch Me" and "Love You More," returns with a heart-thumping thriller about what lurks behind the facade of a perfect family. A family appears to have been abducted, with only a pile of their most personal possessions remaining behind. …More

Vigilante By Cannell, Stephen J. 2011-12 - St. Martin's Press 9780312646110 Check Our Catalog In the latest novel by acclaimed producer and "New York Times"-bestselling author Cannell, LAPD detective Shane Scully and his partner Sumner Hitchens investigate a crime with ties to the sometimes violent world of reality TV. …More

The Zero Game By Meltzer, Brad 2011-10 - Grand Central Publishing 9781455508198 Check Our Catalog The "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Millionaires" and "The First Counsel" returns to Washington, D.C., with the story of an insider's game that turns deadly. …More

Upcoming Events at HPL

Jacqui Bernhardt.

LEGO MANIA FAMILY FUN DAY 2:00 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014 Create your own world with LEGOS and DUPLOS. Come on in. We will supply the LEGOS and DUPLOS; you supply the imagination.

SPRING PLAYDATE & STORYTIME FUN 6:45 PM MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014 FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7. Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. The session will end with a craft project. SIGN UP IS REQUIRED--Call 231-722-7276 Ext. 230 to register.

The Listening Room-Ray Kamalay's Musical Flea Market The Listening Room 6 pm, Monday, March 24: Ray Kamalay’s Musical Flea Market: Trifles and Treasures from our Melodious Past From the time Ray Kamalay picked up the guitar so many years ago, he was looking towards the past. While his young colleagues screeched with distortion and feedback on their new electric guitars, Ray learned sweet chords on his acoustic. Instead of listening to the radio for songs to learn, Ray proceeded to the dusty archives in libraries and antique stores. By the time he was in high school, Ray was endlessly fascinated by old and even ancient music. That fascination continues. Whether its Delta blues or J. S. Bach, the music of Ireland or the music of Brazil, Ray has built a remarkably diverse and historic repertoire of music that is familiar, intriguing and fun. His beautiful voice and wry humor are matched by his fine mastery of the guitar. It is remarkable that anyone can play so many different styles of music so well. But Ray doesn’t leave it at that. Besides the occasional joke (all “family” material, of course), Ray often tells the stories of the songs themselves, drawing the audience closer. All of which exposes not only his fine talent, but his great love of the music itself. Ray calls it “The Musical Flea Market: Trifles and Treasures From Our Melodious Past”. Brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library. “Kamalay’s purely acoustic guitar is an accomplished musical conception...but his main purpose is to sing great songs.” -Lazaro Vega, WBLV-FM “Ray wraps himself around the music in a manner that is not only stylistically but technically faultless.” -Kalamazoo Gazette “...and I thought I’d gone to heaven when Ray Kamalay and Joel Mabus rode high, hard and handsome duelling their swing guitars.” -Village Voice (review of the Philadelphia Folk Festival) “Ray has put together a collection of songs that deserves to be reviewed over and over again.” -Hazen Schumacher, NPR’s Jazz Revisited Ray Kamalay is a Detroit native who has been a professional musician since 1974. He has performed at some of the most prestigious venues including the Edinburgh Festival, Interlochen and the Philadelphia Folk Festival. In 1998, his work with Howard and Ralphe Armstrong was nominated for the W. C. Handy Award.

SCORE: Building a Website 5:30 PM, Tuesday, March 25: A well-designed website makes your small business visible (to the whole world.) This brings customers to your doorstep, creates credibility, communication and e-commerce with your customers. How will you design and launch your website? Unlike posting on social media, you have complete control of your website. This workshop targets those new to website creation and marketing on the Internet This workshop will include: Help with design decisions-DIY vs contractor created Costs: designing a website to fit your budget Analytics: measuring the effectiveness of your site How to name your site Importance of content Utilizing social media Legal Issues Lead by Bob Fountain. Brought to you through Score, a national organization of active and retired businessmen and women who volunteer their time to share their expertise with small businesses as well as new business start-ups. Their objective is to help America’s small businesses grow and prosper.

Tech Wednesday-Android Phones 3:00 pm, Wednesday, March 26: Tech Wednesdays are 30-60 minute long mini watch-and-learn classes on technical topics. They are held in the Julia Hackley Room twice a month at 3:00 pm and are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring your own laptop and follow along. March 26 Android Phones

SPRING PLAYDATE & STORYTIME FUN 11:00 AM THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7. Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. The session will end with a craft project. SIGN UP IS REQUIRED--Call 231-722-7276 Ext. 230 to register.

BALLET IN THE LIBRARY SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2014 11:00 AM AGES 3-7 11:30 AM AGES 8-11 Get out those tutus and tiaras and learn about ballet. Join Ms. Pattie from Cassel Gymnastics and Dance for an introductory ballet lessson, music and movement.

SPRING PLAYDATE & STORYTIME FUN 6:45 PM MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7. Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. The session will end with a craft project. SIGN UP IS REQUIRED--Call 231-722-7276 Ext. 230 to register.

Geocaching 6:00 PM, Tuesday, April 1: Geocaching Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online. Learn the ins and outs with Scott Miller of Whitehall, a Charter member of Groundspeak, the organization for Geocachers, and an EarthCache Master, Bronze Level. Scott has found over 1200 caches and has hidden 41. He has been Geocaching since 2001 and is President of the Executive Committee, Michigan Geocaching Organization for 2014. Free and open to the public. For more information about Geocaching: http://www.geocaching.com/

SPRING PLAYDATE & STORYTIME FUN 11:00 AM THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014 FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7 Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. Each session ends with a craft project. REGISTRATION REQUIRED--Phone 231-722-7276, Ext. 230 to sign up.

Scrapbooking 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 5: Scrapbooking Learn the basics of scrapbooking! Hear tips and get assistance in creating memorable scrapbooks, collages, and other gifts for your loved ones. They make great gifts for birthdays, graduations, and other special occasions. Bring your own pictures, newspaper clippings, cards, and other memorabilia, as well as the book you want to put them in. We will provide the rest iincluding paper, scissors, stickers, embellishments, letters, stencils, a Cricut die-cut machine, and much more! Lead by Jacqui Bernhardt.