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Richard Russo is coming to Chelmsford!

On Monday, Nov. 5th, Richard Russo will be reading from his new book, Bridge of Sighs, and answering questions about his other books, including Chelmsford’s One Book, Empire Falls. Following the reading and Q&A session, Richard Russo will be available for book signings.

Due to an overwhelming response, there has been a change in venue and time!

The program will now be held at the McCarthy Middle School auditorium, at 7:30pm. The auditorium holds almost 600 people, so seating shouldn’t be an issue, even if you don’t already have a ticket.

For more information, see our Richard Russo web page, or contact the Library.

book signing, bridge of sighs, chelmsford library, empire falls, richard russo

That’s Funny: Humorous Books on a Variety of Topics

I don’t know about you, but I could use a good laugh today. No matter where you get your news – newspaper, TV or Internet – not much of it is good (the Red Sox notwithstanding) and certainly not likely to make you laugh (though you can always try skipping the front page of the paper and going right to the funnies.) School is back in session and the kids have lost their senses of humor. Only Mother Nature is in a joking mood, and she finds it hysterical to send the mercury from one end of the thermometer to the other, often in the course of a single day. If you’re in need of a chuckle like I am, the Library is here to help.

Start with a well known humorist or comedian: Dave Barry’s history of the millennium (so far) (Dave Barry), Insanity defense : the complete prose (Woody Allen), There’s nothing in this book that I meant to say (Paula Poundstone), Out of my mind (Andy Rooney), Real men don’t apologize (Jim Belushi).

Find humor in the everyday: Way off the road : discovering the peculiar charms of small-town America (Bill Geist), 50 bosses worse than yours (Justin Racz), House of testosterone : one Mom’s survival in a household of males (Sharon O’Donnell).

Perhaps you’d prefer some timely political humor: I am America (and so can you!) (Stephen Colbert), Unusually stupid politicians : Washington’s weak in review (Kathryn & Ross Petras), Remarkable Millard Fillmore : the unbelievable life of a forgotten president (George Pendle).

If the relatives have you down, lighten up with some family humor: I [love] my in-laws : falling in love with his family, one passive-aggressive, over-indulgent, grandkid-craving, Streisand-loving, Bible-thumping in-law at a time (Dina K. Poch), Mom loves me best : and other lies you told your sister (Linda Sunshine), You never call! You never write! : a history of the Jewish mother (Joyce Antler).

Reconnect with a comic strip favorite (Garfield (Jim Davis), Calvin & Hobbes (Bill Watterson), Dilbert (Scott Adams)), or try some of the new comix in Attitude, v. 1, 2 & 3: new subversive…cartoonists. Take a look at the hilarious and odd Rejection collection : cartoons you never saw, and never will see, in the New Yorker (New Yorker).

Or try one of these funny takes on “regular” topics like self-improvement: Faking it : how to seem like a better person without actually improving yourself (Ethan Trex), Who moved my secret? : the ancient wisdom that tells you it’s ok to be greedy (a parody) (Jim Gerard); sports: Andy Roddick beat me with a frying pan (Todd Gallagher); rock’n'roll: Mom, have you seen my leather pants? : the tale of a teen rock wannabe that almost was (Craig A. Williams); and the uncategorized: Ant farm : and other desperate situations (Simon Rich), 1001 things to do if you dare (Ben Masilow).

And these are just the books! We also have DVDs, videotapes and CDs of comedians and comedy films. So the next time you need a laugh, come by and see us, because there’s definitely something funny about the library.

books, chelmsford library, funny, humor, humorous

Did You Feel It?

Some area residents were woken up early Friday morning by their houses shaking. But it wasn’t the furnace or a fallen tree - it was an earthquake.

The tremor, occurring at 1:30 a.m., measured 2.5 on the Richter Scale, with the epicenter under the Littleton Town Common.

For more information on the earthquake, visit the US Geological Survey’s details page, or read a story from Boston’s NewsCenter 5. You can also report your experience to the USGS’ “Did You Feel It?” project.

chelmsford, earthquake

Doris Lessing wins 2007 Nobel Prize for Literature

Earlier this week, Doris Lessing was awarded the 2007 Nobel Prize for Literature.

The Swedish Academy chose her because they felt she was the writer who was “that epicist of the female experience, who with skepticism, fire and visionary power has subjected a divided civilization to scrutiny.”

Some of her novels include The Golden Notebook, The Good Terrorist, and her latest novel, The Cleft. You can search our catalog for more of her works.

More information about this award is available in a New York Times article, an AP Story, and the Nobel Prize website. More information on the author herself can be found on the official Doris Lessing website and in the NoveList database.

doris lessing, nobel prize, nobel prize for literature, 2007, chelmsford library, chelmsford public library

Children’s Room Mural Unveiled

Sunday’s reception to unveil the new mural in the Children’s Room was a huge success. 150+ people were in attendance to see the mural painted in memory of Steve Maloney.

Read the Chelmsford Independent’s story on the day, watch their video (also below), and see photographs of the mural as it was being painted.

But above all, stop by the Children’s Room and enjoy the mural yourself!

chelmsford, chelmsford library, childrens room, children’s room, mural, painting, steve maloney, steven maloney, children’s room