Book Nook Cafe discussion

Here is the thread to discuss Kindles, Nooks, e-Reading, and audiobooks.

Share your thoughts and tips right here. :)

Read a good book on your eReader? Listened to a terrific audiobook? Did you find a terrific audiobook reader? Have an audiobook or eReader book you want to warn others away from? Dish here ! :)

Find any good deals on eBooks or audio books?

We want to hear all about it.

I never was much into audio books. Lately, though, I have been listening to audio books while I play a silly little Facebook game *sigh. I figure that qualifies as multitasking LOL I also have a book going on my ereader or a regular written book.
I like audio books because, for some odd reason, they give me a different "visual" than a written book. I also think I am more inclined to listen to a book that I probably wouldnt read. That being said....
I love love love my ereader (Kindle Paperwhite). I dont keep books but for a few of my favorites and my cookbook collection (and I even whittled that down). I had so many books ( had to dust them too!!) and I read them and donated them. I now use almost exclusively my Kindle and audiobooks. I have so much more room and was able to get rid of some bookshelves. I buy books for the Kindle or borrow them from the library. The Kindle also is a bit easier for my arthritis in my hands and easier to transport.
I know nothing about the other brand of ereaders. I have not heard anything bad about the Nook but that the selection is a bit limited. Amazon has alot of books! I have never really tried IBooks. The library system I use is geared to use Kindle (also epub, etc..)...just click the Kindle button and it goes to your ereader. Easy peasy. I am not sure how other library systems are set up.

I say give them a try!

I love audio books and listen to audio on the go while running, walking and most importantly cleaning. Not all books work for me on Audio but the great thing with Audible.com is if I am not liking the book for any reason I can return no questions asked. One of my favourite audio books is Burial Rites by Hannah Kent but I have numerous I have enjoyed.

My audio books will decrease in 2019 because I'm retiring and won't have the daily commutes. I really enjoy listening while driving. Like Dem, I do have to choose carefully: a book that is easy to listen to while concentrating on the road. Murder mysteries, family sagas, some informational-type non-fiction (biography/memoirs/history) work well for me. If I miss a clue or date, I'm okay with it and can still understand what's going on.
Some that I have really enjoyed in the car:
The Martian
Any Stephanie Plum book
Any Flavia de Luce book
The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O.
The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World
Magpie Murders
The Lost City of the Monkey God
The Flying Troutmans


Also like Dem, I often listen to audiobooks while out running and walking (but not cleaning). It's like listening to someone tell you an interesting story.
Some that I have enjoyed while running/walking:
Minding Frankie
The World to Come
Hey Nostradamus!
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats

Rosie wrote: "I never was much into audio books. Lately, though, I have been listening to audio books while I play a silly little Facebook game *sigh. ."

I hear you. One of my New Year Resolutions is to not waste so much time online with Facebook and games. The only game I play is
Bejeweled Blitz. Do you play that ?

I need to check my libraries website and see if they have a easy book for me to listen to while I am doing cardio at the gym. For me, I do best with nonfiction. I usually go for memoirs or biographies.

I haven't downloaded one in awhile. No real reason. I just been listening to music instead. I think I am going to surf over to my libraries website right now. Thanks for the motivation !

Alias Reader wrote: "Rosie wrote: "I never was much into audio books. Lately, though, I have been listening to audio books while I play a silly little Facebook game *sigh. ."

I hear you. One of my New Year Resolutions..."


No but I do play CROSS STITCH. It is a total time waster but I do it while listening to an audiobook. I like the fact you can upload your own photos and use those instead of buying theirs. I ue ones I have taken or ones I have found on the net. I love shnauzers so I have a ton of those. I also have a ton of pics of people reading or sewing LOL

Rosie wrote: "No but I do play CROSS STITCH. It is a total time waster but I do it while listening to an audiobook."

That's a good idea to listen to a book while online.

Audiobooks



--- A Well Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts
by Therese Anne Fowler; narrated by Barrie Kreinik

What happens: Alva Smith, penniless but pedigreed, sets her sights on William K. Vanderbilt, heir to a railroad fortune. She soon learns that while money may provide security, it can't buy happiness.

Narration: Barrie Kreinik imbues her portrayal of the independent-minded Alva with energy and edge.



---- Almost Everything: Notes on Hope
by Anne Lamott; narrated by Anne Lamott

What it's about: This candid, funny essay collection from the bestselling author of Hallelujah Anyway reflects on hope, encouraging readers to rely on its power even when things look grim.

Narration: Anne Lamott's calm reading capably complements her own inspirational insights.



---- Heavy: An American Memoir
by Kiese Laymon; narrated by Kiese Laymon

What it's about: In his compelling and complex memoir, Kiese Laymon examines the burdens of the frequently policed and politicized black male body. Growing up obese in 1980s Mississippi, his was no exception, and he grappled with abuse, anorexia, and addiction.

Narration: Laymon's rich, poetic cadence makes for an evocative and thought-provoking listen.



---- A Very Large Expanse of Sea
by Tahereh Mafi; narrated by Priya Ayyar

What it's about: When Shirin (loves break-dancing, wears a hijab) starts at a new school the year after 9/11, she's unsurprised by the anti-Muslim hostility she faces. She knows better than to let her guard down -- not even for Ocean, a classmate who seems genuinely into her.

Narration: Priya Ayyar skillfully embodies the inner turmoil of this realistic young adult novel's sympathetic 16-year-old protagonist.



---- The Greatest Love Story Ever Told: An Oral History
by Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman; narrated by Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman

What it's about: In this frank and bawdy conversation, "mismatched" couple Megan Mullally (Will and Grace) and Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) chat about their lives and love.

Narration: The pair's raucous rapport is reminiscent of comedy podcasts; music performed by Mullally peppers each chapter break.



------ The Library Book
by Susan Orlean; narrated by Susan Orlean

What's the story? In April 1986, a devastating fire engulfed the main branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, destroying over one million books and leading to the building's seven-year closure. Was it an accident...or arson?

Narration: Susan Orlean's Audiofile Earphones Award-winning recording offers plenty of warmth, humor, and intrigue.



------ Trust Me
by Hank Phillippi Ryan; narrated by Saskia Maarleveld

What it's about: the improbable connection between Ashlyn Bryant, an accused murderer who vehemently denies her guilt, and Mercer Hennessey, the journalist assigned to cover Ashlyn's likely conviction.

Narration: Saskia Maarleveld's well-paced narration draws readers into this twisty, intricately plotted thriller.



----- Dracul
by Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker; narrated by Pete Bradbury, Vikas Adam, and a full cast

What is it: Co-written by Bram Stoker's great-grandnephew, this atmospheric "prequel" to Dracula re-imagines the origins of the 1897 classic -- and of Stoker himself.

Narration: Led by narrator Pete Bradbury and Earphones Award winner Vikas Adam as Bram Stoker, a full cast brings the riveting Gothic horror novel's well-developed characters to life.



----- Family Trust
by Kathy Wang; narrated by Joy Osmanski

Featuring: terminally ill patriarch Stanley Huang, and his prospective heirs, who wonder how much he's really worth while considering their own failures and successes as second-generation Taiwanese Americans.

Narration: Joy Osmanski skillfully juggles multiple accents and tonal shifts to portray a large cast of characters.



------ The Stars Now Unclaimed
by Drew Williams; narrated by Brittany Pressley

What happens: In this action-packed space opera, an agent of the Justified sect recruits gifted teens from worlds destroyed by the Pulse weapon, attempting to stay ahead of rival sect Pax.

Narration: Winner of the Audiofile Earphones Award, Brittany Pressley's measured narration underscores the escalating emotional stakes of this first in the Universe After series.

Alias Reader wrote: "I need to check my libraries website and see if they have a easy book for me to listen to while I am doing cardio at the gym. For me, I do best with nonfiction. I usually go for memoirs or biograph..."

Here are a couple of memoirs that I really liked as audio books, where I wasn't sure at first, but would highly recommend them now: Dirty Chick: Adventures of an Unlikely Farmer and You're Never Weird on the Internet.


One of the best non-fiction audiobooks I've run across in my decades of listening: Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea.

John wrote: "Alias Reader wrote: "I need to check my libraries website and see if they have a easy book for me to listen to while I am doing cardio at the gym. For me, I do best with nonfiction. I usually go fo..."

Thank you, John ! I will check them out.

Just finished on audio

My review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/2652712745

I am currently listening to Lonesome Doveand really enjoying the audio version.

Lonesome Dove. That's an oldie and I guess now classic. I've never read it but I know it is some readers favorite book.

I'm listening to A Better World by Marcus Sakey

I had listened to the first book in the series Brilliance and I'm curious to see what happens now.

I wish i had a better brain, so i could read or listen to books while doing other things. I seem to always have an internal voice, even when playing mindless games, so that i cannot listen & play. This is probably a good thing, in that i am sure i'd get nothing else done, so perhaps it's my mind disciplining me??

I must say that though it is nonfiction, i suspect those who prefer listening to fiction might find the above mentioned The Library Book, written and read by Susan Orlean might be an easy one to read. The story is almost as absorbing as most novels. Just a thought...

In keeping with my 19 for 2019 New Years resolutions & my Habit Tracking goals, I downloaded from my library
Better than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives by Gretchen Rubin

I hope to listen to it while doing my cardio at the gym.

The book should be very instructive, Alias. I like the questions listed. I've been thinking a bit about habits since you mentioned your 19 in 2019. Over the years we all change habits but as soon as they are part of our lives we often forget we didn't used to do that. Not all, smoking is something smokers remember they used to do but chomping on ice or cracking knuckles are things some folks forget--or at least people i know forget they used to do that.

As for positive habits, who remembers creating the habit of brushing their teeth? What about flossing? Drinking plenty of water? Making your bed? Drinking coffee? The last two i remember because they were both started regularly later in my life (coffee only 10 years ago). Just some of my random thoughts...

The book is okay. I don't know how much it will add to my habit project.

The #1 thing that has really helped me is creating a Habit Tracker.
It's easy and quick to create. It has keep me accountable and on track ! :) It's part of the bullet journal I created for myself. I'm still working on the BuJo and seeing what works and doesn't for me. It's a fun project.

Mine habit tracker looks like this. I put the habit I want to create going down the sheet. Across the top I put the date. I use one sheet for a month. Then when I complete the habit for the day, I color in the box.

So by the end of the month you'll have a quick visual on how well you did overall, as well as for specific habits. That's a handy chart. Good luck.

Until my recent purchase of a refurbished Kindle Paperwhite, I hadn't realized that from those devices one can return a Kindle format library book directly, with it completely disappearing from one's account. No more being forced to go to the content and devices shelf, and then deleting it twice.

Interesting the things we learn about our machines and what they can and cannot do. On this trip i learned that i cannot checkout or return an eBook if i have changed my iPad clock! I'm not sure why but I tried several times, then clicked on Overdrive's Help section & learned that was the issue. Weird.

----- Game Changers: What Leaders, Innovators, and Mavericks Do to Win at Life
by Dave Asprey; narrated by Dave Asprey and Rick Adamson

What it is: an exploration of the productivity techniques and personal growth strategies of notable professionals at the top of their respective fields.

Narration: Fans of Asprey's Bulletproof Radio podcast will recognize his genial voice; Rick Adamson adds authoritative weight to the research discussed.



------ The Dakota Winters
by Tom Barbash; narrated by Jim Meskimen

What happens: 23-year-old Anton Winter comes of age with a little help from his friends. Chock-full of 1980s culture and sprinkled with celebrities (both real and imagined), this engaging and imaginative novel casts a nostalgic spell.

Narration: Jim Meskimen impersonates multiple celebrities (including John Lennon) in his entertaining reading.



----- The Mansion
by Ezekiel Boone; narrated by George Newbern

What it's about: When tech developer Shawn Eagle asks his estranged ex-business partner Billy Stafford to troubleshoot Eagle Logic's new smart home AI software Nellie, the promise of a big paycheck prompts Billy to accept. But Nellie's menacing glitches exacerbate the discord between the pair and begin wreaking deadly havoc...

Narration: George Newbern's sardonic narration emphasizes the tension between Shawn and Billy.



----- The Truths We Hold: An American Journey
by Kamala Harris; narrated by Kamala Harris

What it is: a candid and inspiring memoir from California Democratic Senator Kamala Harris, who recently announced her 2020 presidential run.

Narration: Harris' clear, resolute reading reflects her experience as a politician.


----- Josephine Baker's Last Dance
by Sherry Jones; narrated by Adenrele Ojo

What it's about: iconic entertainer Josephine Baker's rise from poverty to stardom, her work for the French Resistance during WWII, and her civil rights activism.

Narration: Adenrele Ojo's admiring tone informs her passionate narration of this riveting biographical novel.


---- No Traveller Returns
by Louis L'Amour and Beau L'Amour; narrated by Scott Brick

The premise: The SS Lichenfield departs the Philippines with its hold full of naptha, a highly flammable oil compound. The threat of a possible explosion hangs over the entire voyage, haunting the crew and increasing the tension in every interaction on board.

Narration: Scott Brick's stoic, gravelly narration complements the novel's suspenseful and foreboding plot.



----- Two Can Keep a Secret
by Karen M. McManus; narrated by Sophie Amoss and Kirby Heyborne

What it's about: Ellery is new to Echo Ridge, Vermont, but she knows its grim history of missing and murdered girls. When a fresh crime wave begins, Ellery is compelled to investigate the sinister secrets beneath the small-town charm.

Narration: Sophie Amoss' shifting tones convey YA heroine Ellery's journey from apathy to resourcefulness; Kirby Heyborne provides an emotional reading as Ellery's twin brother Ezra.



----- The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington
by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch; narrated by Scott Brick

What it's about: the Hickey Plot, a 1776 scheme orchestrated by prominent New York politicians to kidnap and murder George Washington.

Narration: In this AudioFile Earphones Award-winning recording, Scott Brick makes history come to thrilling life.



----- Why Religion? A Personal Story
by Elaine Pagels; narrated by Lynde Houck

What it's about: religion scholar Elaine Pagels' story of her relationship with spirituality over the course of her life and career, with insights from neurologists and social scientists about the purpose faith serves for humanity.

Narration: Lynde Houck's calm, intimate reading underscores a cathartic exploration of Christianity.



----- Hearts of the Missing
by Carol Potenza; narrated by Laura Jennings

What happens: Someone's killing locals in New Mexico's Tsiba’ashi D’yini Reservation and violating Native American spiritual tenets in order to disturb the victims' eternal rest.

Narration: Laura Jennings' captivating whisper-soft narration heightens the atmosphere of this action-packed mystery.

I own a long-discontinued 5" Sony eReader that fits in my pockets quite nicely. Currently, for downtime when I don't have a bag with me, I've loaded How to Speak Brit: The Quintessential Guide to the King's English, Cockney Slang, and Other Flummoxing British Phrases, many short entries on words (terms) I often know but am interested in the origins or specific meanings and usage.

Etymology is a fascinating topic. John, it's a neat idea to have a book about it on hand this way. Clever man to think of that. Enjoy!

I thought I would mention that Amazon has the Kindle version of
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind--Yuval Noah Harari on sale for $4.

Even though I own the hard cover, I purchased the kindle version. The hardcover is very heavy. I don't know if it's the paper it's printed on or what. Even the paperback version I picked up in the store was too heavy. So I jumped on this Kindle version on sale.

Isn't that curious? It isn't particularly large either, at least i don't think under 500 pg. is large. It must be about the paper used. It's becoming challenging to hold those heavy books as i read. Between that & small print, i'm finding eReading much preferable.

Listening to Steinbeck's The Wayward Bus, which is very well narrated, but slow to get started.

John wrote: "Listening to Steinbeck's The Wayward Bus, which is very well narrated, but slow to get started."

That was a Book Nook Cafe Group Read back in 2010.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I don't have a Kindle or the Sapiens book. It's on my TBR list, though.

Some books are heavier than they look. It must be the paper they are printed on.

John, I have a copy of The Wayward Bus somewhere on my bookshelves. My Mom bought it for me when she visited Steinbeck's home (??…..it may have been some other place that Steinbeck lived or worked at). After all these years I still haven't read it.

I'm currently listening to the audio of An Echo in the Bone while out jogging. It's very good but oh so long! 46 hours in total. I won't be able to renew the audio long enough to listen to all of it. I'll have to take it back to the library to check it right back out again.
I can only renew a book/audio 3 times before it has to be returned to the library.

Thanks for that link, Alias. I see the group read it when i was overseas to celebrate my 50th birthday. However, i read it in Dec. of that year (last book of the year, in fact), making no comment on the thread. It may be because it didn't call to me the way other works by John Steinbeck do. Listening to it the way John is doing probably increases enjoyment, though.

Petra, that's an interesting renewal policy for your library system. I like it, even though i am a major offender in keeping books for months--determined to finish them.

Petra wrote: "I can only renew a book/audio 3 times before it has to be returned to the library. ..."

The one library system I go to allows a huge amount of renewals as long as there isn't a waiting list. I have had books checked out for an entire year before!

I bailed on The Wayward Bus finding the characters unlikable, especially one guy who felt that the term woman and pig were as interchangeable terms as begin and start.

I'm planning to start listening to the novel 600 Hours of Edward as its replacement.

Julie, when my kids were teens we checked out books that way...until they forgot they had them & ran up a huge fine! A rule was set for our household. Still, we did appreciate the idea behind it. And i still do need that system--i rarely finish my Presidential bios in under 3 month!

John, i can understand leaving that book behind, the specific thing you mentioned really bothered me, too. I hope the Lancaster book is better. I see it's the first in a series, which is interesting given the description.

John wrote: "I bailed on The Wayward Bus finding the characters unlikable, especially one guy who felt that the term woman and pig were as interchangeable terms as begin and start.

I'm planning to..."

As you can see in our group thread, I wasn't a fan of the novel either.

-----Queenie
by Candice Carty-Williams; narrated by Shvorne Marks

Starring: young Jamaican British journalist Queenie, who finds herself in a downward spiral after a relationship ends.

Narration: British actress Shvorne Marks imbues her spirited reading with disarming candor and humor.



-----The Night Tiger
by Yangsze Choo; narrated by Yangsze Choo

Introducing: Ji Lin, a seamstress who moonlights as a dance-hall girl in 1930s colonial Malaysia, and Ren, an 11-year-old Chinese houseboy who has made a promise to carry out his employer's dying wish.

Narration: Author Yangsze Choo skillfully alternates her characters' voices -- Ji Lin's is soft, while Ren's is high-pitched and tinged with innocence.



-----Craftfulness: Mend Yourself by Making Things
by Rosemary Davidson and Arzu Tahsin; narrated by Joan Walker

What it is: a refreshing take on the concept of mindfulness practice, grounded in the value of creativity.

Narration: Joan Walker's enthusiastic narration livens up the instructive elements of this self-help guide and will make creatives and novices alike eager to start a new crafting project.



-----The Vanishing Man
by Charles Finch; narrated by James Langton

Featuring: Charles Lenox, a 26-year-old sleuth and Oxford grad in 1853 London; his butler Graham, who assists with cases; his clever neighbor, Lady Jane Grey; and Lancelot, his mischievous 12-year-old cousin.

Narration: James Langton underscores the characters' class differences by giving privileged characters' voices a dramatic flair and offering more humble readings when portraying London's lower-class denizens.



-----Black Leopard, Red Wolf
by Marlon James; narrated by Dion Graham

What it is: a lush and, at times, surreal Afrofantasy novel by the author of A Brief History of Seven Killings.

Narration: Dion Graham imbues his AudioFile Earphones Award-winning reading with an immersive growl, multiple accents, and skillful singing.



-----The Raven Tower
by Ann Leckie; narrated by Adjoa Andoh

What it's about: Protecting the kingdom of Iraden is a god known as the Raven, whose chosen incarnation, or "Lease," gains great power in exchange for ritualistic self-sacrifice.

Narration: In this AudioFile Earphones Award-winning recording, Adjoa Andoh performs a compelling range of well-rendered voices and accents.



------Finding Dorothy
by Elizabeth Letts; narrated by Ann Marie Lee

Starring: Maud Gage Baum, wife of author L. Frank Baum, and Judy Garland, the 15-year-old actress portraying Dorothy in MGM's 1939 adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Narration: Ann Marie Lee's ability to perform multiple distinct male voices (including real-life MGM studio head Louie B. Mayer) is a standout in this AudioFile Earphones Award-winning recording.



-----The Widows
by Jess Montgomery; narrated by Susan Bennett

Starring: Lily Ross, a pregnant mother of two whose Ohio sheriff husband was recently murdered; Marvena Whitcomb, a coal miner's widow, labor organizer, and the mother of a missing teenage girl.

Narration: Susan Bennett ably portrays the vocal differences between resolved Lily and mild-mannered Marvena.



-----Opposite of Always
by Justin A. Reynolds; narrated by Nile Bullock

Starring: high school senior Jack, whose romance with college freshman Kate is clearly meant to be -- why else would her sudden death send him back in time to the night they met, kicking off a cycle of do-overs in which he tries, again and again, to save her?

Narration: Nile Bullock's youthful voice and lively yet earnest reading help convey Jack's determination to save the girl he loves.



-----On the Come Up
by Angie Thomas; narrated by Bahni Turpin

What it’s about: When her fiery performance at a rap battle goes viral, 16-year-old Bri knows that her newfound fame could be her family’s ticket to survival -- but she doesn't know how to deal with the onslaught of people trying to label her.

Narration: Bahni Turpin's raw and spunky narration captures Bri's vulnerable coming of age.

madrano wrote: "Julie, when my kids were teens we checked out books that way...until they forgot they had them & ran up a huge fine! A rule was set for our household. Still, we did appreciate the idea behind it. A..."

I just learned the other day that the number of renewals allowed is 20, which I found out by reaching the limit. Since you get them for 3 weeks each time, that's 63 weeks I had a book. I returned it unread. :-) I get emails reminding me when things are due. I think that is typical now. In the olden days you actually had to remember that stuff!

Julie, feel fortunate. I've been part of three library systems in the digital age and none has emailed reminders that books are due.

I smiled big that you returned the book unread. This is too familiar. Clearly we need to train our minds/brains to read while we sleep!

Alias, i imagine Finding Dorothy would be a delight to hear. Every time Baum spoke in the book i imagined the old-time actor Frank Morgan's voice.

For paper books my NYC library allows 99 renewals if there are no holds on the book. They also send an email reminder a few days before the due date.

My two local libraries are three/four week loans for print books; both are maximum of two renewals. We get expiration notices.

Where I live, you get a book for 3 weeks and get one renewal for 3 more weeks. Movies and other stuff get less time.

madrano wrote: "Julie, feel fortunate. I've been part of three library systems in the digital age and none has emailed reminders that books are due...."

What? That's crazy! Are these little town type places or something?

To be fair, my first digital-age library was Multnomah County in the Portland, Oregon, area but that was only until 2002. They introduced me to their digital card catalog but there were no ebooks back then, i guess. For all the goodness of this system, they never sent notices of any kind about overdue books--and we had plenty! Heck, we feel as though we paid for their renovations.

Next was Montgomery County, Maryland. I don't think digital books were prevalent then, but regardless, i had no apparatus. Their digital card catalog was better than Oregon's because i could reserve a book online. Still, there were no notices until a book was weeks overdue.

I'm skipping the one for Gun Barrel City, Texas, (actually a Tri-County Library in Mabank, Tx) because they didn't even have a digital card catalog online. Still, no notification of late or soon due books.

Presently we are in Richardson, Tx, a Dallas suburb. They have a great digital library with reserve notice & ebooks. They will call when a paper book is in but not a digital one. There is no notice of late books.

I'm impressed that so many places mentioned here have notifications and am baffled that our system doesn't. I cannot say how the larger Dallas County Library handles this, as i know no one who is part of that system. However, back in the '70s they sent someone to your door if you were over a month late on books!

If they have system online showing what is available and they use a computer to track what is checked out by who....how hard can it be to implement emails? Maybe they WANT you to have to pay fees! :-)
There is actually a place called Gun Barrel City, Texas?? Ha.

Julie, you make a good point, maybe they do want us to pay fees. I must say the library we now most use also insists upon seeing our IDs every 3 years, to make certain we still live at the address they have on file. We have never had to do that in over 50 years of using public libraries. It's not that we object, really, except that it seems to occur when we are on the road and they will NOT accept emails on this--they must see the proof in person.

Sadly, yes, there is a Gun Barrel City, Texas. It is as right-wing as you might expect. During the '08 election ours was the sole Obama sign in all the neighborhoods we visited. We were gone by the next election. Oddly, though, the town was only created in 1960, the result of creating Cedar Creek Lake (Texas has only one natural lake, all the others are human-made). If the name was from the 1800s, i could at least understand the name better.

A voice call to say your book is ready? How very 1980s!

Overdrive automaticalky emails patrons when their ebooks and audiobooks are available; must be checked out within four days.

Seattle Public Library checks ID annually I believe? Late fees after a certain point are turned over to a collection agency, who will obtain court garnish/attachment eventually if no resolution possible.

John wrote: "A voice call to say your book is ready? How very 1980s!

In NYC

Overdrive automatically emails patrons when their ebooks and audiobooks are available; must be checked out within four days.

I also get a robo call when my paper book is ready for me to pick up. I will get an email notice when my book is due in a few days.

Overdrive is an email to download the book.

I can borrow up to 99 items at a time on my library card.

Loan Periods:

Books – 3 weeks

Audiobooks – 3 weeks with a limit of 10 items on one account
Videos, DVDs, CDs and magazines – 1 week with a limit of 10
CDs and a combined total of 10 videos and DVDs.

There is a maximum of 99 renewals for each item

The fines are:
Books/Magazines: $0.15/day
Audiobooks, CDs and CD-ROM software: $1/day
DVDs & Videos: $1/day

Borrowing privileges are suspended when fines or fees reach a $15 threshold. You cannot place holds, renew, or check out material until your account falls below the threshold.

If you lose or damage any of the items checked out to your account, you will be charged the full replacement cost of each item.

Borrowers with unpaid balances of $25 or more may be contacted by a collection agency. A $10.00 collection fee is placed on accounts that reach this threshold. If you are referred to the collection agency, you must pay your balance in full before your borrowing privileges are restored.

I think it is reasonable. The library for me is priceless !

One of my libraries offers Recorded Books (RB Digital) along with Overdrive; however, the selection isn't the greatest.

Precious cartoon, Alias.

I’m impressed with the various library policies across the nation. My library has 3 week checkouts for books, one week for movies and 3 for music and such. I’m pleased with that.

Alias Reader wrote: ""

This cartoon makes me smile! Our library just charges for the missing book - no harming of parents involved. LOL! We have 3 week checkout for everything and it will renew twice if there are no holds on the item.