"Why Is It a Sin to Read for Fun?"

This is the title of an article in the newest edition of Newsweek, and the question it poses certainly deserves an answer. Here at RCPL, our patrons check out a variety of books for a variety of purposes, and many of them, and many of the employees here, myself included, enjoy reading for fun. So I ask you, the reader(s) of our blog, to thoughtfully consider whether reading for fun is really without merit.
In the body of the article, which focuses on Jodi Picoult, a very popular choice here at the library, the writer, Jennie Yabroff, includes a quotation by author Zadie Smith: "'...readers fail when they allow themselves to believe that fiction is the thing you relate to and writers the amenable people you seek out when you want to have your own version of the world confirmed and reinforced.'" For her part, Picoult acknowledges that "her popularity, as well as her accessible writing style, means she'll never win a Pulitzer Prize."
So, what say you, our patrons and readers? Is Smith's quotation an accurate assessment of why readers choose fiction? Is writing in an accessible manner really a Pulitzer deterrent? Is reading for fun really all that bad?

Our Verdict:
Not all books are created equal. However, flowery prose and a distinct lack of mainstream popularity should not a Pulitzer win. Not all readers enjoy Dickens, Twain, or Fitzgerald. However, many readers who do also enjoy the occasional foray into more fluffy fiction. And Picoult, whose prose is quite lovely, if a bit simple, certainly does not deserve literary oblivion merely because her works are accessible and popular.
As for reading for fun, books can take us places we may never visit. They are doors and windows we can open, and cliffs from which we can plunge into any world we choose, and some we wouldn't choose. There is nothing wrong at all with taking pleasure from such experiences.

-Katie Britt

Updates, and the Importance of Local Authors

Hello, readers, and our apologies - that is, all of us here at RCPL - for the lag in postings! The library can be a bustling place, and has been lately. We're quite glad for the rise in traffic and circulation! Also, we would like to say a fond farewell to Ann, our exiting circulation assistant, and a glad hello to Madelene, who has officially become a circulation assistant. And lastly, next week, April 13th through April 19th, is National Library Week! Come in and browse our shelves, and show your appreciation for your local library! And know, patrons, that we appreciate all of you as well!
Now, concerning a matter of local interest, at the end of this month, the Lebanon branch of the library will host two local authors for readings and signings. Neva Bryan, author of St. Peter's Monsters, will visit us on Thursday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. Nancy Hill Johnson, whose work, Raised by Flesh, Wood, and Plastic, celebrates the life of her mother, will make her appearance the following Saturday, April 25th, at 11:00 a.m. Books will be sold, and light refreshments will be served at both events.
Personally, as a voracious reader, I would of course encourage attendance of book readings and signings as a rule. I especially encourage attendance of readings and signings by local authors. Just as it is important to buy locally grown produce and support locally owned and operated businesses, it is important to support local writers. So, come out and let these talented ladies know how much you enjoy the work they've done!

--Katie Britt

Books-by-Mail

The Russell County Public Library reminds the community that the library maintains a books-by-mail program. This is a program available to all county residents who are homebound and physically unable to visit the library. Patrons of the service may request up to four books at any time. The library will mail the books and pay for all postage costs, including a pre-paid return envelope. Patrons may request specific titles or favorite genres of books. They may also make recommendations for titles or specific areas of interest. Anyone interested may call the library at 889-8044.

Read more books...without turning a page

It may NOT be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but if you like to read and don't have time, downloadable books may be just the thing. Downloadable books are audio books that you download to your mp3 player. So you have that nice voice reading the books to you.

Remember how much you enjoyed it as a kid when someone would read to you? And it no longer means having "Sam I am" or the Berenstein Bears read to you. It's classics, mysteries, thrillers...the list goes on. So click and see.
http://swvapub.lib.overdrive.com

On the website you can browse book titles, and get clues about which player is compatible with the service. (Yes, you ipod users will find an increasing number of titles available to dowload.)

No renewals. No more overdue books. No more overdue fines! The book just becomes inaccessible on your player at the end of the two week check-out period. If you didn't finish the book, don't delete it. Just check it out again; when you begin to download again, the Overdrive service just changes the 'due date' on the book and makes it accessible again. All from the comfort of your home.

Several public library systems in southwest Virginia have joined forces to provide this great service. This great new service is brought to you by your local public library and powered by Overdrive, a leader in digital media services.

Multi-task all you want...just make sure that reading a book is on that list of tasks. Now you can walk, clean house or mow the grass...while listening to a good book.

http://swvapub.lib.overdrive.com

Kelly

IMAGINE...kids reading

The Imagination Library is coming to Russell County. Imagine lots of preschool children reading. Isn't it a beautiful picture?
Wait, you say. Preschool children can't READ. Well, no, they can't. But all the research shows that reading to kids and exposing kids to print on a page is preparing them for success in school and in life. Hearing new words when being read to prepares children to read those words for themselves. So that means you should be reading to the child in your life.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a foundation that provides books to preschool children at no cost to the family. Local groups pay for the cost of mailing the books to the children. In Russell County, the Russell County Rotary Club has joined the Friends of the Library and the Lebanon Lions Club to get the Imagination Library off the ground. Registration brochures are available in the public libraries and at other sites in the county. Online registration will be available soon.
Why blog about it? Well, hey, we are THE LIBRARY!! Of course we think reading is a cool and wonderful thing. One of the primary goals for the library is to create young readers. The Imagination Library helps do that. Each month a child gets a book mailed to his or her home. The book is just right for the child's age; so the babies get board books (simple books designed to survive the teething stage!), while older children get books that help them get ready for school (think numbers, letters and colors.) In fact, the last book is Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, which arrives the month the child turns 5.
What can you do? Well, you can make a contribution. A contribution of $30 (payable to Russell County Imagination Library, POB 545, Lebanon, VA 24266) will pay the cost of mailing books to one child for one year. And, of course, you can read to a child. :)

Just imagine...lots of happy readers. It's easy if you try. Set a good example; read something today.

posted by Kelly