Quote of the Week

The medicine chest of the soul
— Inscription over the door of the Library at Thebes.

Staff Picks

Check the blog every Wednesday for updates on what our staff is reading and recommendations for our new and all-time favorite books. What is your favorite book? Post your answer in the comments section below. To see all previous Staff Picks posts, simply type "Staff Picks" in the search box at the top left of this blog and click the "search blog" button.

Dancing at the Rascal Fair by Ivan Doig - recommended by Valerie
Big sky country is the setting for this family tale- you'll find yourself yearning for a simpler life after reading this book.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon - recommended by Stephanie

An intriguing mystery with a teenage autistic detective. It may sound strange but it is a wonderful story told through the eyes of this intense autistic teen. The world of this teen is both funny and scary. A guaranteed great read.

My Life in France by Julia Childs - recommended by Christine
If you love food and love to cook, then you will love this book. She lived a very interesting life

Marley and Me by John Grogan - recommended by Megan

A fun read for all dog lovers and dog owners. My dog loved the book so much she took it outside, chewed it up, and even tore out her favorite pages.

Quote of the Week

"Librarian is a service occupation. Gas station attendant of the mind"
— Richard Powers in The Gold Bug Variations p.35, 1991.

Homework Help Volunteer Assistants WANTED at the Mission Viejo Library

The Mission Viejo Library offers the Homework Help for elementary school children struggling to understand and complete their homework on Wednesdays from 3:30- 6:00pm beginning Sept. 19.

Parents may sign up their children one week before scheduled appointment. The service is provided by adult volunteers with strong knowledge of elementary school subjects.

We are currently accepting application for Homework Assistants volunteer positions. If you want to gain a valuable teaching experience, make a difference in children’s life, and get community service hours, please contact The Mission Viejo Library at 830-7100 ext 2250.

Staff Picks
Check the blog every Wednesday for updates on what our staff is reading and recommendations for our new and all-time favorite books. What is your favorite book? Post your answer in the comments section below.

On Gold Mountain by Lisa See - recommended by Stephanie

If you enjoyed Amy Tan's Joy Luck Club, you will enjoy this story. Gold mountain is what the Chinese laborers called California during the building of the transcontinental railroad. This is a biography of three generations of Chinese and Americans by noted author Lisa See. It is a history of northern California during the 1860-1920s and Los Angeles in the 1920-1995. Lisa See will be at the Mission Viejo Library on Sept 25 at 7pm.

Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough - recommended by Mike

It is a very interesting book and shows how business and the environment can be beneficial to each other rather than always making compromises between the two. The author promotes "being good" and nourishing the environment through intelligent design and business rather than "being less bad" and attempting to minimize our damage to the environment which is not sustainable. The authors give many examples of design projects they have already completed for major companies. They also talk about the design of the actual book which is very interesting.

Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou - recommended by Megan
This is one of my all-time favorite books. Her writing style is beautiful. You will be amazed by her experiences and the awesome strength she shows as a mother, a writer, and a woman.

Real Style: Style Secrets for Real Women with Real Bodies by Sam Saboura - recommended by Valerie
A woman's best friend is her tailor! And Spanks:) Read this for more great style tips.

Quote of the Week

"A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved. "
-- Kurt Vonnegut

Staff Picks
Check the blog every Wednesday for updates on what our staff is reading and recommendations for our new and all-time favorite books. What is your favorite book? Post your answer in the comments section below.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini - recommended by Nick
This book was amazing. The story had many ups and downs. Just when you read something very sad you get uplifted with the next turn of the story. This book can really show a person how things happen in daily life in Afghanistan, besides the horrible war situation.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini - recommended by Nick
By the author of The Kite Runner, this book is purely amazing. Although it is fictional it really puts you in the daily life of 3 Afghan families. What was 3 separate stories in the beginning becomes one great amazing tale in the end. This book is a must read.


Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins - recommended by Megan
A truly unique and entertaining story. It will make you laugh and get you thinking. A tale filled with love, philosophy, and best of all - a quirky sense of humor.

Early Autumn: A Story of a Lady by Louis Bromfield - recommended by Christine
A lovely Novel that won the Pulitzer prize in the 1920’s About a 40ish upper class woman who falls in love.

Adult Summer Reading Program Wrap-up Party

Thursday, August 2nd

7:00 p.m. in the Heritage Room

Join us for a chance to meet other avid readers and find out who wins the grand prize - a $50 gift certificate to California Pizza Kitchen and two movie tickets. You will also have a chance to win additional small prizes. Refreshments will be provided. We hope to see you there.

Do You Have Travel Plans?

It is currently taking three (3) months or more to obtain a U.S. Passport using routine services. Plan ahead! Apply for your passport at least 6 to 12 months in advance of your trip. In fact, make sure your passport is current (at least by 6 months) before booking reservations.

If this is your first time applying and your were born in the United States be sure you get a certified copy of your birth certficate (one that is issued by the County or State of birth).

The U.S. Passport Agency will not accept damaged or badly worn, unreadable birth certificates as proof of citizenship. If yours is in that condition, get a replacement copy of your birth certificate. You may wish to get a second copy to have on hand.

As of January 1, 2008, U.S. Passports will be required for all border crossings. The demand for passports could more than double at that time and you could experience even greater delays.

The library can help you get your passport. Visit the Passport section of our website for more information.

Take a Look at our New Magazines
The Library has added 14 new magazines to its list of subscriptions. The first issues will begin arriving in July. As with our current subscriptions, we will keep all back issues of these new magazines for 2 years. All magazines (except for the most current issue) can be checked out for one week.

Better Homes and Gardens Creative Home

Commentary

Communication Arts

Coastal Living

Cuisine at Home
Diabetic Cooking
Domino
Everyday with Rachel Ray

Maximum PC

Muscles and Fitness
Natural Health
Simple and Delicious
Sporting News

The Week