Author Ray Bradbury dead at 91

Science-fiction author, Ray Bradbury passed away at home in California at the age of 91.

He did not see himself as a science fiction author despite his most famous work beingFahrenheit 451, where books are burned in a futuristic fascist state. He authored 27 novels and more than 600 short stories. As for where he got his ideas from? He was quoted in the New York Times in 2000 as saying,
Bradbury, “the auto was only 20 years old. Radio didn’t exist. TV didn’t exist. I was born at just the right time to write about all of these things.”

Have you read Fahrenheit 451 or any of Ray Bradbury’s short stories? What are your thoughts on his works and style?

Image from empmuseum.org.

 

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Time to check under those beds and in those lockers…

for our LIBRARY BOOKS!

image from guardian.uk

Yes, it is that time again to search high and low for all library resources that were borrowed from Burnaby North’s library. They are now due. Beware that if they have not been returned by May 30th, we will be hunting you down. So bring them in now!

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And the Winner of Vikings Read 2012 is…

House Rules by Jodi Picoult!

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Vikings Read Winner Celebration and to everyone who participated in Vikings Read 2012.

We look forward to seeing everyone in October for the next exciting edition of Vikings Read!!!

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Vikings Read 2012 – And the winner is…..

Did you vote for Vikings Read 2012?  Curious about who the winner is?

The winner of Vikings Read 2012 will be announced this Thursday, May 24th in the Library at lunch.  Be sure to join us then to discover which book every Viking should read!!!

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Want to be a Reading Buddy?

What is Reading Buddies?
Reading Buddies is a program where teens and children are paired up for one-on-one reading in a safe, fun and friendly environment. The goals of this program are to provide children with extra reading practice and to provide teens with leadership skills and community involvement. Hours worked at Reading Buddies can be put towards the community service hours requirement for graduation.Teens must be entering grade 9, 10, 11 or 12.

Where:
The McGill Branch Library, 4595 Albert Street
Dates:
Every Thursday, July 5 – August 2
Time:
The program runs from 3:45 to 4:45 pm. Teens are expected/required to be at the library from 3:30 to 5 pm.

What qualifications do I need to be a Reading Buddy?
* Entering grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 in September
* Patience and enthusiasm
* Strong English-language skills and an ability to communicate well
* A willingness to work and cooperate with fellow teens and coordinators
* Must be available for all five sessions of the program
* Resident of Burnaby (No residents of other municipalities will be accepted)

Will I be trained as a Reading Buddy?
* A basic orientation will be provided by the library (ongoing training may be given at each session)

How do I apply?
* Application form: Please print out the teen application form, fill it in and drop it off at your local BPL branch .
* Deadline for application: Your application must be received by Friday, June 8th. Apply early!
* Interview: You will be invited to a short, informal interview at the library on Saturday, June 16th from 11 – 1 pm. This is an opportunity for us to meet you and answer any questions you may have.
* Criminal record check: If you interview successfully, you will need to obtain a criminal record check at your local RCMP detachment. More information will be provided at the interview.

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Maurice Sendak (June 10, 1928 – May 8, 2012)


Maurice Sendak, image from the Associated Press

“And he sailed off through night and day
and in and out of weeks
and almost over a year
to where the wild things are.”
– Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak, author and illustrator of childhood favourites such as Where the Wild Things Are, In the Night Kitchen, and Bumble-Ardy, passed away on May 8th as a result of a stroke. He received the Caldicott Medal for Where the Wild Things Are in 1964.

Have you read any of Sendak’s books? If so, which is your favourite?

 

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