Back by popular demand, local author and psychiatrist Dr. Gordon Livingston returns to Howard County Library to discuss his latest book How to Love.

Dr. Livingston opens with the astute observation that although everyone has relationships, we typically only receive on-the-job training in this area of our lives. Since there is no formal training process for relationships, he urges people to use pattern recognition: "The object is to recognize what traits and behaviors get us more of what we want in life – happiness – and less of what we seek to avoid – emotional pain, especially loneliness." With his characteristic straightforward and humorous style, Dr. Livingston explores the types of people we should avoid, the ten character traits we should look for in people, and ways to improve existing relationships.

The chapters are broken into short, easily digested sections, with themes such as: “When all is said and done, more is said than done,” “The trouble with parents is by the time they are experienced they are unemployed,” and (my favorite) “If it weren’t for marriage, men and women would have to fight with total strangers.”

Register online and join us on December 3, 7:00 pm at the Central Library to learn "how to love."

Andrea Misner – Administration Office

Howard County Library announces a new initiative, Pass the Book. During Teen Read Week 2009, the Library will distribute copies of  The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld to teen readers throughout the community.

The Secret Hour follows Jessica Day as she arrives in Bixby, Oklahoma, only to discover she’s at the center of a strange convergence of mystical energy. Sharing "the secret hour" between midnight and 12:01 with four of her classmates, Day finds herself on the front lines of a battle for the future of humanity; primeval "slithers" and "darklings" are using the secret hour to find their way back into our reality, intent on reclaiming the planet. The Midnighters must harness the unique properties of the secret hour to fight back using their own special abilities.

The Secret Hour is a great book to share, and with Pass the Book you’ll have the chance to introduce this title to readers in Howard County and beyond. Teens receiving a specially labeled copy of The Secret Hour are encouraged to read the book, track the book (by registering their copy at hclibrary.org/passthebook) and pass the book to another teen reader. Readers can return to the web site to see where their books have traveled. Throughout the year they will have the opportunity to participate in online discussions and challenges based on events in the novel. A display in each branch features read-a-like titles and the other books in the Midnighters series — Touching Darkness and Blue Noon. A number of Midnighter-themed events are also planned in connection with this initiative, including Midnighter Lore at Central Library, Slither Repellant at Elkridge Branch, and Triskaidekamania at Savage Branch.

Copies of The Secret Hour will be available on Monday, October 19. Join us online and in-person throughout the year for quizzes, reviews, and Midnighter-themed events as we pass this exceptional teen adventure around Howard County and beyond.

John Jewitt – Savage Branch

Judith Scott

Judith Scott, a former English teacher and Ellicott City mother of three, has written an honest, inspiring, and totally absorbing memoir chronicling her daughter Emily’s story and how this little girl changed and molded the story of her marriage and her family. Out Came the Sun is written so artfully, in short chapters in the present tense, that I felt as though I was experiencing everything right along with Judith. I couldn’t put down her book until finally, at 2:00 am, I finished it, moved to tears and completely awake.

A few months after Emily’s birth in October of 1996, the Scotts receive a devastating diagnosis: Emily suffers from Partial Trisomy 13, a genetic mutation so rare – involving a duplication and inversion of genetic material on the 13th chromosome – that Emily’s doctors have no experience treating patients with this particular anomaly.

What comes next is Judith’s journey in learning how to care for Emily, to cope with her daughter’s myriad physical and developmental issues, and to help her realize her unrecognized potential, soaring far beyond one doctor’s initial proclamation that she “will not walk or talk or read.” The Scotts’ story is one of hardship, struggle, and pain, but also one of understanding, hope and ultimately, joy and acceptance. Emily exceeds all expectations, learning to walk, read, and talk with a special assistive communication device. Now 13, Emily attends school in Howard County, where she is enrolled in an Academic Life Skills class. She is also a big sister to Lauren and Evan Scott.

Judith’s eloquent words speak for themselves:

You can see that the book came from a place of great pain, trumped ultimately by peace. I am so inspired by Emily every day, yet mindful that our arduous journey with her will never be over. I hope my book reaches anyone who has struggled (and who hasn’t?) but still can find reserves to continue on. That’s my genuine "voice" in the book, telling our story in the present tense, since the entire experience is always present to me.

Meet Judith Scott at 7:00 pm on November 3 at Central Library, where she will read from and discuss Out Came the Sun. Books available for purchase and signing. Register here or by calling 410.313.7800.

Lisa Bankman – Administration Office

Learn how to seek grants, identify partners, and find resources.

Presented by Kim Patton, Training Coordinator
The Foundation Center

Central Library
Wednesday, October 14; 7:00 pm
Register online, in person, or by calling 410.313.7860

Elaine Johnson – Central Library

I dare you. I dare you to pick up this book and read it. I dare you to read it and not come away inspired to grab your camera (whether it’s a point and shoot or a single lens reflex).  Learning to See Creatively is a treasure-trove of inspiration. Bryan Peterson presents real-life stories of the classes he has taught, and the happenstance of being in the right place at the right time, adding a wonderful dimension to the point he’s trying to make in each chapter. If that doesn’t work for you, maybe the exercises will. I loved the way the exercises encourage you to see differently, from a new perspective. I’ve learned so much from reading this book; it is quickly becoming my photography bible. But if those two things don’t engage you, then certainly his beautiful photography, sprinkled liberally throughout the book, will.

Peterson has encouraged me to be a better photographer. He has motivated me to keep trying, to keep learning, to see things differently or creatively. I’m getting out of my rut and shooting from different angles, in different situations, with different exposures. I still have a great deal to learn, but this book certainly jump-started my photography education.

To expand your skills even more, check out two classes that are happening this fall: Fun With Your SLR Camera — Exposure & Composition and Lenses & Lighting. These classes are being offered by the same two instructors who taught the DSLR class in the spring. I attended that class and got so much out of it.  Every attendee requested that the instructors return to teach separate classes. (They presented so much good information, there wasn’t enough time for it all). I am looking forward to both classes. Hope to see you there so that we can be inspired together.

Beth Tribe – Central Library

Jan Elvin’s father William Elvin served as a lieutenant in Patton’s Third Army and helped liberate the Ebensee Concentration Camp; as she was to realize in retrospect, her father’s civilian life was plagued by horrific nightmares of combat and the camps. After his death at age 86, the author read her father’s riveting WWII journals of the Allied offensive in Germany. She subsequently interviewed family members and fellow soldiers in a quest to understand the effects of post traumatic stress disorder on members of her family.

Please join us at Miller Branch on Thursday, October 1, 7 pm for Ms Elvin’s tender, thoroughly researched, and revealing story The Box from Braunau: In Search of My Father’s War. Register online or by calling 410-313-1950.

Ginny Leslie – Miller Branch

Ever Grier, a Professor of Student Development at Montgomery College, offers advice for parents on how to support their children’s transition into the world of higher education. This informative class is relevant to parents of high school juniors and seniors who are exploring college options.

Central Library
Wednesday, September 30; 7:00 pm
Register at hclibrary.org
Or call 410.313.7860

Elaine Johnson – Central Library

Would you like to learn more about the social web? This fall, Howard County Library staff presents classes to help you understand and safely enjoy several popular social networking sites.

Shelfari – Learn how to make a virtual book shelf and keep up with what your friends are reading.
Monday, September 21; 7:00 pm or Monday, October 5; 7:00 pm

Tweet, Tweet: All a Twitter About Twitter – Learn what Twitter is, how you can use it and how to follow someone. Discover several other social web applications that tie into Twitter.
Wednesday, September 23; 7:00 pm

Facebook 101 – Introduction to this social networking site, including how to set up an account (Must have a valid email address.)  Wednesday, September 30; 7:00 pm
Facebook 102 – Learn more specifics about uploading photos, applications, privacy settings (Must have a valid email address.)  Wednesday, October 7; 7:00 pm

Flickr 101 – Learn how to use this popular photo-sharing site, as well as basic photography tips.  (Must have a Yahoo account to attend class.)  Thursday, October 15; 7:00 pm
Flickr 102 – Learn how to use this popular photo-sharing site, as well as advanced photography tips. (Must have a Yahoo account to attend class.)  Tuesday, October 27; 7:00 pm

Social Web – Introduction to the world of the social web with demos of Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, Friendfeed, LinkedIn, and Facebook.  Wednesday, October 28; 7:00 pm

YouTube – Introduction and tour of the site. Thursday, October 29; 7:00 pm
YouTube II - Hands-on class where you will earn how to upload your videos.  (Must bring a short video, up to three minutes, on USB drive to upload in class.)  Thursday, November 12; 7:00 pm

LinkedIn – Learn about the social networking site LinkedIn and how you can use it professionally. Tuesday, November 17; 7:00 pm
 
Join our passionate staff as we untangle the social web for you.

Beth Tribe – Central Library

Dr. Mike Cranfield, director of the world-renowned Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP), discusses his work providing health care to endangered gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda, and The Democratic Republic of the Congo. MGVP is a rare conservation program offering treatment to an endangered species in its natural habitat. Dr. Cranfield is also Director of Research and Conservation at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.

We invite everyone ages 11 and up to join us for an exciting look at Dr. Cranfield’s work with endangered gorillas on Wednesday, July 8 at 7:00 pm at Central Library. Register online or call 410.313.7860.

Elaine Johnson – Central Library

Learn how to improve your employment outlook. Daishelle Carrington from the consulting firm Professional Instincts teaches resume and interviewing skills. She also discusses tips and techniques on ways to advance in your current job.

This free seminar will be held at Central Library on Monday, June 8 at 7:00 pm. You may register online or by calling 410.313.7850.

Eve Olsen – Central Library