Friday, March 28, 2014

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.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

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

…More


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

…More


No Good Deed No Good Deed
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

Saturday, March 22, 2014

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.