Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King!

All Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Libraries will be closed on Monday, January 16th to honor the birth anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Libraries will reopen on Tuesday, January 17th for their normal hours.

Ways you can celebrate the holiday:

• Listen to King's "I Have a Dream" speech online or watch the video on YouTube.
• Place holds on items relating to King in the library catalog. Or download the eAudiobook Martin's Big Words for your kids!
• Participate in the Martin Luther King, Jr  Day of Service.  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"  Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities. The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems.
• Plan your visit to The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (“The King Center”) in Atlanta!  Established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King, The King Center is the official, living memorial dedicated to advancing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through various programs and partnerships, they strive to educate the world about his life and teachings, inspire new generations to further his work, and strengthen causes and changemakers continuing his efforts today.
• Take part in Albuquerque's Martin Luther King Holiday Parade on Sunday!  Help commemorate Martin Luther King's work, message, and inspiration at the MLK Holiday parade. The event begins 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15 at University and Martin Luther King Boulevard NE, heading west to Harry E. Kinney Civic Plaza. (You can also find information about the city's holiday closures on the same page.)
  

Free eBook Sources

Perhaps you are one of the lucky ones who received an eBook reader or other gadget for Christmas.  Perhaps you are an early adopter and already have one or use your computer to the same effect.  Maybe you are waiting to check out an eBook Reader from the library before you make a decision (Kindles coming soon!).  No matter which camp you are in, the library's eBook collection has been surging in popularity. 

But wait!  The library is not the only source of free eBooks.  Below is a brief list of places on the web where you can find free eBooks in a variety of formats.  Many of the sites offer public domain (out-of-copyright) works, so frequently you have a great deal of choice in which edition and which site to download those from.  Enjoy!

Amazon.com has a large selection of free titles, both books in the public domain and new books that are special offers from publishers.  For public domain books, search by title or visit the Kindle Popular Classics collection.  For free new books, the best place to check is the Best Sellers in Kindle Store Top 100 Free list.  These are in the .azw format, which can be read on a Kindle or through one of the various free Kindle apps.

Barnes and Noble has similar freebies on their website, with both publishers' special offers and free classics.  These are in the .epub format, which can be read on a Nook, though the Nook app, or on a reader which supports epub files by using Adobe Digital Editions.

Baen Books, a publisher of science fiction and fantasy, has a selection of free eBooks in many formats.  Their Free Library aims to offer the first in a series when available.

Girlebooks is a good resource for classic and contemporary ebooks by female writers. Girlebooks ebooks are hand-crafted and professionally formatted into multiple ebook formats to accommodate most ereaders, & most titles are free. All of their ebooks, even the ones in the ebook store, are DRM free (no digital rights management). This means that once you download the ebook, it is yours forever no matter what ereader you use to read it.

Digital Book Index has a large catalog of (mostly) free academic and scholarly eBooks in many formats.  This is a great resource for primary sources.  The catalog pulls results from many different contributors and shows format availability. 

Inkmesh is an eBook search engine.  It has links to free promotional books for the Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony and others.  It also allows you to search for a title (both eBook and eAudiobook) and compare prices at different websites.  Since most prices are set by the publisher, this may not be as helpful as it seems, though occasionally a special can be found.

Lastly is the biggie, Project Gutenberg.  This is the site to go to for out-of-print works, with more than 36,000 available.  Project Gutenberg titles can be read by almost any device available.  For more information on how to transfer them to your device, see these directions.

Stewart O'Nan

I was reading the Indie Next List Preview this morning, & it mentioned the new book by Stewart O'Nan, The Odds: A Love Story.  In fact, the review listed, by Cathy Langer of Denver's Tattered Cover book store, was downright glowing: "This is a small novel that packs an emotional wallop... Both suspenseful and sweet, I loved this gem of a novel."

Stewart O'Nan is a name I have come across in the library over the years, but I have never read one of his books. However, recently I was looking for books with "night" in the title (sometimes I am called upon to do such random searches) & I came across his Last Night at the Lobster.  I found the blurb intriguing: "Managing a failed seafood restaurant in a run-down New England mall just before Christmas, Manny DeLeon coordinates a challenging final shift of mutinous staff members, an effort that is complicated by his love for a waitress, a pregnant girlfriend, and an elusive holiday gift."  Yes, that's right, it's last night at a Red Lobster!   I had always assumed O'Nan was Irish, but in fact, he is an American author who has taught at the University of New Mexico.

I feel like I should know more about Stewart O'Nan!  His first two books, In the Walled City & Snow Angels, won literary prizes, & in 2008 a movie came out based on the latter.  In 1996, Granta named him one of America's Best Young Novelists.  Another book, A Prayer for the Dying, was a New York Times Notable Book. But somehow, he has slipped under my radar all this time.

In his last novel, Emily, Alone, Stewart O'Nan writes about an 80-year-old widow (this is a sequel to an earlier book, Wish You Were Here).  Everyday People is set in a black Pittsburgh neighborhood (O'Nan is from Pittsburgh) one week in 1998.  The Night Country features "the haunting presence of the wisecracking undead" [BookPage reviews].  The Circus Fire is an account of the big top fire that killed 167 people in Hartford, Connecticut in 1944.  An avid Red Sox fan, O'Nan has also written, with Stephen King, Faithful: Two Diehard Boston Red Sox Fans Chronicle the Historic 2004 Season, which our library system has in English, Spanish, & large print.  Wow!  Publisher's Weekly noted this book's "warmth, personality [and] depth".  A lot of reviews of O'Nan's work praise his empathy, versatility & compelling writing.

ABC Libraries' catalog lists about 15 Stewart O'Nan titles.  I hope you will consider reading one this year..I know he's made my list!

Looking for something to do?

With the change of year, it seems like people are focused on making changes to their lifestyle, whether it be learning something new or getting more organized or just getting out of the house more! Or, maybe you have relatives in town & want to take them out to an event. With that in mind, I'd like to introduce you to a tool to help you in your quest: the library's program calendar.

There are 17 branches in the library system, & most of them have programs monthly, ranging from storytimes to music to crafts.  There are a couple of ways to search for programs online: by branch (click on the links under "Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library Locations" to reach individual branches' LibGuides); in the catalog (for instance, a keyword search of "computer" should bring up some classes); or, if you just want to see what's going on in the whole system, visit our program calendar!  The calendar doesn't limit you to branch, but you can choose the type of program on the right.

I hope 2012 will be the year you'll take advantage of all the programs your library system has to offer!  Here's a list of some of the system's January programs throughout the system to whet your appetite:


10th- Lomas Tramway Library: AMP Concert: Sadaqah
Tuesday
6 p.m

The music of Sadaqah takes you on a journey of the Silk Road and the caravan routes of Ancient Arabia. Sadaqah blends music of Greece, Turkey and the Arabic Countries. They present music of the Armenian, Kurdish, Hebrew people including music from Andalusia. Each musician is well versed in this genre and brings his or her own background of traditional western music, flamenco or folk styles to the mix.


11th- Lomas Tramway Library: Piano Lessons with Ben Franklin
Tuesday
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Did you get a Keyboard for Christmas or your birthday and just never knew what to do with it? Bring your own keyboard and take a series of 5 free, hands on lessons, beginning January 11th at 6:30pm. Registration required.


14th- Juan Tabo Library: Conquering Clutter – Or Is It Hoarding?
Workshop with professional organizer Kit Anderson
Friday
1 p.m.

Is your space more cluttered than you'd like? Is it interfering with your life? Come hear tips from a professional organizer on conquering that clutter. Learn why the clutter builds up and when to consider it hoarding. Start the new year off right with a cleaner, more organized home or office! Kit's latest book, The Faster I Work the Behinder I Get, will be available for sale.


14th- Main Library: Extreme Couponing and Smart Shopping
Saturday
11:00 a.m.

Learn how to use coupons and become a smart shopper by stretching your money further. Registration required. Please call 505-768-5141.


14th- Cherry Hills Library: United Blood Services Mobile
Saturday
10 – 2 p.m.

Be a hero. Donate blood.


17th- Juan Tabo Library: Lecture and Q&A: Hidden Thyroid Problems
Tuesday
2pm-3pm

One in thirteen Americans has a thyroid disorder and over half of these people are unaware that their thyroid is the reason they don't feel well! Join Dr. Vernon Redd for a lecture and Q&A session about hidden thyroid problems and what you can do to feel better. Bring your questions!


18th- Alamosa Library: Snowflake Craft with Miss Tina
Wednesday
3 – 5 p.m.

Make a 3-D snowflake. All ages welcome. No registration required.


19th- South Valley Library: AMP Concert: Sadaqah
Thursday
4 p.m.

The music of Sadaqah takes you on a journey of the Silk Road and the caravan routes of Ancient Arabia. Sadaqah blends music of Greece, Turkey and the Arabic Countries. They present music of the Armenian, Kurdish, Hebrew people including music from Andalusia. Each musician is well versed in this genre and brings his or her own background of traditional western music, flamenco or folk styles to the mix.


20th- Westgate Library-Holiday Craft
Friday
2 – 5 p.m.

Join us to make a paper plate snow man or a snowflake. This craft is for ages 5 and up.


21st- Special Collections Library: Centennial Speaker Series
Saturday
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

“Asking for the Inestimable Right: New Mexico's State Government of 1850” by Tim Kimball. In 1850, New Mexico began its quest for statehood. Slavery, anti-Catholicism, and racism doomed this first attempt in a complex drama that ran for another 62 years. Held in Botts Hall at Special Collections Library.


21st- Los Griegos Library: Memoir Writing Workshop with presenter Marcia Rosen
Tuesday
3 – 4:30 p.m

Participate in this memoir-life writing program, where you will create a record of your life. This workshop will cover the process of writing, developing and structuring your memoir in your voice.


24th- Lomas Tramway Library: Library Teen Movie Night
Tuesday
5:30 p.m.

Teens can enjoy a movie with other teens at Lomas Tramway. Movies shown on Tuesday Teen Movie Nights are specially selected for teen audiences, but adults are welcome to attend.


25th- Lomas Tramway Library: Teen Wii Tournament
Wednesday
4 p.m.

Teens in are invited to participate in a Teen Wii Tournament at Lomas Tramway Library. The games to be played will be announced prior to the tournament, for more information call 505-291-6295.


25th- Taylor Ranch Library: Music and Movement Theatre
Wednesday
5:30 - 7 p.m.

Music and Movement Theatre presents "Peanuts at the Circus." No registration required.


26th- Los Griegos Library: Poetry Discussion Group
Thursday
2 – 3 p.m.

Explore poetry of New Mexico poet, Levi Romero.


28th- East Mountain Library: Japanese Taiko Drumming
Saturday
2 p.m.

Join this introductory class in the art of Japanese Taiko, a group drumming ensemble featuring drills and thrills, full of active movement to enrich and enliven your spirit. Please come dressed for a workout! All instruments provided.


28th- San Pedro Library: Centennial Storytime for Grownups
Saturday

Come to a special Centennial edition of our monthly Storytime for Grownups and listen to storyteller Mark Maravetz read The Milagro Beanfield War by John Nichols.


28th- Main Library: Celebrate the Centennial
Friday
10:30 – 12 p.m.

Join David Schneider on the 2nd Floor of the Main Library for a discussion of some of the best books ever written about New Mexico history. The Friends of the Public Library will have copies of many New Mexico favorites available for sale as part of this event.


28th- Cherry Hills Library: Chinese Flute Music
Monday
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Ages 6-12. Marta Dee, musician and teacher, will play the “hsao” and “ti-tze” classical flutes and talk about Chinese philosophy expressed through music. This program is designed for children but adults may enjoy listening also.


29th- Cherry Hills Library: National Puzzle Day
Sunday
1 – 5 p.m.

Challenge yourself and solve various puzzles while visiting the library. Tease your brain! We'll have word, number and jigsaw puzzles available around the library. Add to a puzzle in progress or work an entire puzzle on your own.


Please note that some programs require registration.  If you have questions about a program, please contact the library branch.

...and they're off!

I realize a lot of you may be spending your free time watching championship football playoffs as we get closer & closer to the Super Bowl, but for those of you whose new year's resolutions include becoming more active, here are a couple of local sporting events you might want to give a whirl:


The 39th Annual Chama Ski Classic
January 14-16

39th Annual Cross Country Ski Events including both Freestyle & Classic Style Races; Snowshoe Race; Combined Ski/Snowshoe Events; at Windy Point, just below Cumbres Pass on Hwy 17.

They are planning a full weekend of fun events!

• Yurt & Ski tours
• Chile/Chili Contest
• Avalanche Rescue Clinic
• Telemark Skiing Clinic
• Afternoon Yoga
• Broom Hockey & Frisbee Golf
• Costume Contest
• Ski Waxing Clinic
• Beginner to Advanced XC Skiing Techniques Class
• Live Music & Beer Tasting 
• Awards Ceremonies

Duke City All-Comers Indoor Track & Field Meet
January 21, 2012

6-9pm
Admission: Free

Albuquerque Convention Center
401 2nd St NW

Open to any high school, age group, masters athlete able to participate.  Events include long jump, shot put, pole vault, high jump, sprint, hurdles & relay.

New Mexico Centennial

On January 6, 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state in the U.S.!  Celebrate our state's centennial in a myriad of ways this month (& beyond!), including:

• Get the centennial stamp!  It's expected to be issued to January 6th.
• Pick up a copy of "ABQ Artopoly: Centennial Edition" - a visually delightful board game produced in a collaborative effort by art organizations &  venues throughout the community.  To be officially launched by Mayor Berry on January 26th, you can get your copy now at  Framing Concepts Gallery, Weems Gallery, & other local galleries.
• Visit the Pueblo Cultural Center starting February 4th for "100 Years of State & Federal Policy: Its Impact on Pueblo Nations".  This new exhibition will reflect upon major events and milestones tied to federal and state policy since 1912 and their lasting impacts upon Pueblo people.
• Check out the Centennial Shop for commemorative gear, including clothing, calendar, & mug.
• Visit Cherry Hills Library on January 6th for centennial drop-in activities, Alamosa Library for a craft & biscochitos, or Lomas Tramway Library on the 6th for a special storytime, the Van of Enchantment, & a chile-ristra-making craft for kids!  Or, starting January 19th, join Juan Tabo Library's new book club, Read Around New Mexico! Check the branch websites for event times. 
• Visit Congregation Albert on January 8th from 10 am - 3 pm for "New Mexico Statehood Centennial: A Celebration of Writing".  A panel of New Mexico authors will discuss how the landscape & history of the state infuses their writing.
• Check out something about New Mexico from the library! Don't forget, you can search by keyword or subject. There is a lot of material available!  You might want to search for something more specific than "New Mexico", such as "New Mexico history".

For more, make sure to check out the centennial's official site & Facebook page! There are events scheduled all year long, so you can pace yourself & keep the centennial spirit for the entirety of 2012.

Weird, Fascinating Science Fiction & Fantasy

2011 was a good year to be a reader of science fiction and fantasy, although lately every year has been a good year: Not only are the books getting more popular...they're getting more interesting, evolving and morphing in weird, fascinating ways.  They're also interbreeding with other genres to produce wild new hybrid forms, like historical science fiction romances and hard-boiled fantasy detective novels. They're commenting on current events and swapping DNA with literary novels.
~from "Fired Up: The Year's Best Science Fiction, Fantasy" by Lev Grossman


The article recommends:


A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin

The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne Valente

Rule 34 by Charles Stross

Delirium by Lauren Oliver


Also consider:


The Magician King by Lev Grossman

Of Blood & Honey by Stina Leicht

Robopocalyse by Daniel H. Wilson

Roil by Trent Jamieson

Regicide by Nicholas Royle

Among Others by Jo Walton

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi

Seed by Rob Ziegler

Mind Storm by K. M. Ruiz


I'd also like to put in a plug for one of my favorite science fiction writers,  Joan Slonczewski, who finally has a new book, The Highest Frontier, out this year!  I'm not sure it's a "new hybrid form", but Booklist says it's "a must-read for all sf fans".