Books, Bytes & More Newsletter
June 2018
In This Issue
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NWRLS Library Locations

Headquarters:
Bay County Public Library
850-522-2100

Panama City Beach
850-233-5055

Parker
850-871-3092

Springfield
850-872-7510

Corinne Costin
Gibson Memorial Library
Port St. Joe
850-229-8879

Charles Whitehead
Public Library
Wewahitchka
850-639-2419

Harrell Memorial
Public Library
Bristol
850-643-2247

Jimmy Weaver
Memorial Library
Hosford
850-379-3300

Featured Items 
 
 
The Mars Room
by Rachel Kushner

From twice National Book Award-nominated Rachel Kushner, whose Flamethrowers was called "the best, most brazen, most interesting book of the year" (Kathryn Schulz, New York magazine), comes a spectacularly compelling, heart-stopping novel about a life gone off the rails in contemporary America. It's 2003 and Romy Hall is at the start of two consecutive life sentences at Stanville Women's Correctional Facility, deep in California's Central Valley. Outside is the world from which she has been severed: the San Francisco of her youth and her young son, Jackson. Inside is a new reality: thousands of women hustling for the bare essentials needed to survive; the bluffing and pageantry and casual acts of violence by guards and prisoners alike; and the deadpan absurdities of institutional living, which Kushner evokes with great humor and precision.
 
War on Peace
by Ronan Farrow

War on Peace won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in Public Service. American diplomacy is under siege. Offices across the State Department sit empty, while abroad the military-industrial complex has assumed the work once undertaken by peacemakers. We're becoming a nation that shoots first and asks questions later. In an astonishing account ranging from Washington, D.C., to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North Korea in the years since 9/11, acclaimed journalist and former diplomat Ronan Farrow illuminates one of the most consequential and poorly understood changes in American history. 
 
The Light Within Me
by Ainsley Earhardt

The author shares details of her spiritual journey, family, and Christian faith, and how they all served to shape her successful career in journalism.
 
The Crooked Staircase
by Dean Koontz

In this riveting high-stakes novel, Jane Hawk tracks the powerful DOJ operative at the center of the murderous conspiracy that killed her husband, a decorated Marine, and now threatens others closest to her. Dark, ingenious, utterly relentless, the Jane Hawk thrillers are Dean Koontz at his celebrated best, a brilliant, deeply affecting synthesis of his singular gifts for heart-stopping suspense, unparalleled characterization and atmosphere, and twisting, chillingly topical storylines--all driven by an unforgettable, take-no-prisoners heroine. 
   
The Overstory
by Richard Powers
 
A novel of activism and natural-world power presents interlocking fables about nine remarkable strangers who are summoned in different ways by trees for an ultimate, brutal stand to save the continent's few remaining acres of forest.
 

Measure What Matters
by John Doerr
In the fall of 1999, John Doerr met with the founders of a start-up whom he'd just given $12.5 million, the biggest investment of his career. Larry Page and Sergey Brin had amazing technology, entrepreneurial energy, and sky-high ambitions, but no real business plan. For Google to change the world (or even survive), Page and Brin had to learn how to make tough choices on priorities while keeping their team on track. They'd have to know when to pull the plug on losing propositions. And they needed timely, relevant data to track their progress--to measure what mattered. Doerr taught them about a proven approach to operating excellence: Objectives and Key Results. Everyone's goals, from entry level to CEO, are transparent to the entire organization. The benefits are profound. This book will help a new generation of leaders capture the same magic.

 

The Hellfire Club
by Jake Tapper
 
Charlie Marder is an unlikely Congressman. Thrust into office by his family ties after his predecessor died mysteriously, Charlie is struggling to navigate the dangerous waters of 1950s Washington, DC, alongside his young wife Margaret, a zoologist with ambitions of her own. Amid the swirl of glamorous and powerful political leaders and deal makers, a mysterious fatal car accident thrusts Charlie and Margaret into an underworld of backroom deals, secret societies, and a plot that could change the course of history. When Charlie discovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of governance, he has to fight not only for his principles and his newfound political career...but for his life. 
   
The Forgotten Road
by Richard Paul Evans
The second novel in the New York Times bestselling trilogy from Richard Paul Evans about a man on an inspirational pilgrimage across Route 66 to find his way back to himself.
   
Love and Ruin
by Paula McLain
 
In 1937, twenty-eight-year-old Martha Gellhorn travels alone to Madrid to report on the atrocities of the Spanish Civil War and becomes drawn to the stories of ordinary people caught in the devastating conflict. It's the adventure she's been looking for and her chance to prove herself a worthy journalist in a field dominated by men. But she also finds herself unexpectedly--and uncontrollably--falling in love with Ernest Hemingway, a man on his way to becoming a legend. Paula McLain brings Gellhorn's story richly to life and captures her as a heroine for the ages: a woman who will risk absolutely everything to find her own voice.

   
I've Got My Eyes 
on You
 by Mary Higgins Clark
After a party when her parents are away, eighteen-year-old Kerry Dowling is found fully dressed at the bottom of the family pool. The immediate suspect is her boyfriend who had a bitter argument with her at the party. Then there is a twenty-year-old neighbor who was angry because she didn't invite him to the party.
Or is there someone else who has not yet been seen on the radar? Kerry's older sister Aline, a twenty-eight-year-old guidance counselor, is determined to assist the Prosecutor's Office in learning the truth. She does not realize that now she is putting her own life in danger...
   
Our Towns
by James and Deborah Fallows
 
For the last five years, James and Deborah Fallows have been traveling across America in a single-prop airplane, visiting small cities and meeting civic leaders, factory workers, recent immigrants, and young entrepreneurs, seeking to take the pulse and discern the outlook of an America that is unreported and unobserved by the national media. Attending town meetings, breakfasts at local coffee shops, and events at local libraries, they have listened to the challenges and problems that define American lives today. Our Towns is the story of their journey to twenty-one cities and towns: the individuals they met, the stories they heard, and their portrait of the many different faces of the American future.
How to Walk Away
by Katherine Center
  

Margaret Jacobsen is just about to step into the bright future she's worked for so hard and so long: a new dream job, a fiance she adores, and the promise of a picture-perfect life just around the corner. Then, suddenly, on what should have been one of the happiest days of her life, everything she worked for is taken away in a brief, tumultuous moment. In the hospital and forced to face the possibility that nothing will ever be the same again, Maggie must confront the unthinkable. First there is her fiance, Chip, who wallows in self-pity while simultaneously expecting to be forgiven. Then, there's her sister Kit, who shows up after pulling a three-year vanishing act. Finally, there's Ian, her physical therapist, who won't let her give in to her pity and who sees her like no one has seen her before. Sometimes the last thing you want is the one thing you need. Sometimes we all need someone to catch us when we fall. And sometimes love can find us in the least likely place we would ever expect.
Beach House Reunion
by Mary Alice Monroe
  

Continuing the saga of her bestselling Beach House series, Mary Alice Monroe weaves together a tale of the struggles and triumphs of the historic Rutledge family of Charleston, South Carolina. Beautifully wrought and rich with keen insight, this is an illuminating tale of continuance, resilience, and one family's enduring love.
The High Tide Club
by Mary Kay Andrews
    
When ninety-nine-year-old heiress Josephine Bettendorf Warrick summons Brooke Trappnell to Talisa Island, her 20,000 acre remote barrier island home, Brooke is puzzled. Everybody in the South has heard about the eccentric millionaire mistress of Talisa, but Brooke has never met her. Josephine's cryptic note says she wants to discuss an important legal matter ... Over a few meetings, the ailing Josephine spins a tale of old friendships, secrets, betrayal and a long-unsolved murder. She tells Brooke she is hiring her for two reasons: to protect her island and legacy from those who would despoil her land, and secondly, to help her make amends with the heirs of the long dead women who were her closest friends, the girls of The High Tide Club.

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Thank you for choosing to receive the library newsletter, where you will learn about upcoming programs and the many services provided in our libraries.
Summer Reading Programming

Northwest Regional Library System

All branches of the Northwest Regional Library System are offering Summer Reading Programs for school-aged children. The programs fit this year's theme: Libraries Rock! Summer breaks from school can cause a student to lose up to one month of instruction. The library aspires to help students prevent the 'summer slide' by providing a variety of engaging, educational programs that encourage discovery.  Programs are free to attend. In addition to programming, a valid library card is a great resource over the summer.  Books, DVDs, eBooks, audiobooks, ukuleles, and mountain dulcimers are all available to check out for 3 weeks at a time. You can check out up to 20 items with your library card. Our libraries really do rock!
Inked Art Exhibit Opening
Bay County Public Library
Friday, June 15th at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Inked will be on display throughout the month of June in the Bay County Public Library galleries to showcase artwork created by tattoo artists. Join us for an after hours art opening with light refreshments. During the opening, enter to win cool giveaways such as temporary tattoo packs from Tattly and Litographs. The winners will be announced around 7:30 p.m.    

Local featured artists are from A Sailors Grave Tattoo Parlor and Time Piece Tattoos: Darren Anderson, Lance McIntosh, Katelynn Rhea, Sean Flood, Derek Nail and Joshua Gonzalez. Additional artists include Shaun Topper (Captured Tattoo in California), Mowgli Olenason (Coven Tattoo in Colorado), Cynthia Rudzis (Maryland), and Tea Cake (London).
Youth  Classes @ Your Library

Bay County Public Library

Read Rock & Rhyme (3 - 5 year olds with caregiver) 
Thursdays, June 14th, 21st, and 28th @ 10:30 a.m.

Library Lab Rats: Bridge Building
Wednesday, June 13th @ 2:00 p.m.
Bring your engineering hats to the library! Explore what makes bridges strong and build your very own bridge to see how much weight it can hold.

Gypsy Rhythm Dancers
Thursday, June 14th @ 2:00 p.m.
The Multicultural Education Program through the
Junior League of Panama City encourages global arts awareness. Explore traditions and customs from various countries through dance and music. Sponsored by the Junior League of Panama City.

Robot Rock! Coding Intro for Kids 
Monday, June 18th @ 4:00 p.m.
Explore the science of robotics with Dash, the library's robot friend! Use the simplified Blockly interface to program the behavior of Dash and tell him to complete tasks! Sign up in advance with the Children's Department or call 850-522-2118.

Gulf Coast Exploreum!
Thursday, June 21st @ 2:00 p.m.
The Science Squad will perform some of their most amazing experiments including chemical reactions, liquid nitrogen and explosions! BOOM!

Thumb Piano Craft
Friday, June 22nd @ 3:00 p.m.
Don't just sit and twiddle your thumbs this summer. Craft a thumb piano to pluck out musical melodies instead!

Library Lab Rats: Kids' Chemistry
Wednesday, June 27th @ 2:00 p.m.
Observe the wild interactions of chemicals and conduct an
experiment!

HOOPLA
Thursday, June 28th @ 2:00 p.m.
Come watch amazing hula hoopers
perform tricks and teach the art of hula hooping. Audience participation included!

Panama City Beach Public Library 

Book Babies (0 - 4 years with caregiver) 
Tuesdays @ 10:00 a.m. 

Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews 
Wednesday, June 6th @ 2:00 p.m.
Sing and dance along with this talented group of
musicians for our "Libraries Rock!" Summer Reading
Program Kick-off! We will have egg shakers, kazoos, and rubber duckies to loan out so everyone can participate. 

Gypsy Rhythm Dancers
Wednesday, June 13th @ 2:00 p.m.
The Multicultural Education Program through the
Junior League of Panama City encourages global arts awareness. Explore traditions and customs from various countries through dance and music.  Sponsored by the Junior League of Panama City.

Gulf Coast Exploreum!
Wednesday, June 20th @ 2:00 p.m.
The Science Squad will perform some of their most
amazing experiments including chemical reactions, liquid nitrogen and explosions! BOOM!

Audubon Society Bird Identification and Calls 
Wednesday, June 27th @ 2:00 p.m.
Join Ron Houser of the Audubon Society and learn how to identify different native birds. We may even persuade him to make some bird calls!

All Summer Reading Programs are sponsored by the
Panama City Beach Public Library Foundation.

Springfield Public Library

Come Learn About the Dulcimer!
Wednesday, June 6th @ 2:00 p.m.
Kathy Krausnick will introduce the sweet songs of the mountain dulcimer. Plus a chance to play a dulcimer!

Storytime Pat Nease
Wednesday, June 13th @ 2:00 p.m.
Local storyteller, Pat Nease, will share some awesome stories.

Springfield's Heroes
Wednesday, June 20th @ 2:00 p.m.
Both the Springfield Fire Department and Police Canine Unit will visit and give demonstrations!

Balloon Animals & Pizza!
Wednesday, June 27th @ 2:00 p.m.
Watch Angela and Abby make animals out of  balloons. Then join us for a fun Pizza Party!



Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library in Port St. Joe
 
FLYP Kick-Off with the Gypsy Rhythm Dancers
Saturday, June 2nd @ 1:00 p.m.
The Multicultural Education Program through the Junior League of Panama City encourages global arts awareness. Explore traditions and customs from various countries through dance and music. Sponsored by the Junior League of Panama City.

Li'l FLYP (Ages: 3 - 5 years)
Mondays, June 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th @ 10:30 a.m.
Let's Listen / Let's Move / Let's Make Some Noise / Let's Rock!

FLYP (Ages: 6 - 10 years)
Tuesdays, June 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th @ 1:00 p.m.
Rock Around the World / Instruments! / Sounds of Nature: Just Listen / Sound Science: Storms and Ears.

FLYP Flight! Wrap-up (Grades K - 8th)
Saturday, June 30th @ 11:00 a.m.
The Atlantic Coast Theater presents 'Flight!' The performance explores the history and future of flight though creative staging, original music, and audience participation. Get inspired to reach for the stars!

Charles Whitehead Public Library in Wewahitchka 

Li'l FLYP Tiny Mites (Ages: 3 - 5 years)
Mondays, June 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th @ 11:00 a.m.

FLYP (Ages: 6 - 10 years)
Tuesdays, June 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th @ 3:00 p.m.

Jimmy Weaver Memorial Library in Hosford

Storytimes
Saturdays @ 10:30 a.m. 
TEEN Libraries Rock! Summer Programming
at Bay County Public Library
Anime Club
Monday, June 11th @ 4:00 p.m.
Watch anime and talk about manga!

Science Rocks!
Tuesday, June 12th @ 3:00 p.m.
Make crystals out of Borax! Leave them to sit over night and collect them later.

Songwriting with Anthony Peebles
Tuesday, June 19th @ 4:00 p.m.
Get songwriting tips from local musician, Anthony Peebles, who is known for his folk rock sound.

World Music Experience
Monday, June 25th @ 3:00 p.m.
Join us for a music guessing game, crafts, and a regional snack.

Library Lions Teen Book Club
Tuesday, June 26th @ 4:00 p.m.
Share a Science Fiction title you've enjoyed! Snacks provided by the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries. 
Adult Libraries Rock! Summer Programming at Bay County Public Library

Ukulele Social Club 
Saturday, June 2nd  @ 10 - 11:30 a.m.
The first part of the class is for beginner basics. The second part is for jammin'! We will have a few loaner instruments available but you are encouraged to bring your own.

The Beatles Trivia Night
Monday, June 4th @ 6:30 p.m.
Making nowhere plans for nobody? Try Beatles trivia!
Bring your game on and your best team to win trivia. Best
imitation of John, Paul, George, or Ringo wins a Fab prize. Teams can pre-register by calling Reference Librarian, Sondi Galanti, at 850-522-2107.

Guitar Hero vs Rock Band
Monday, June 18th @ 6:30 p.m.
Do you have what it takes to be the next music legend?
Battle to be the champion with Guitar Hero and Rock Band video games.

Beginning Dulcimer Class
Friday, June 22nd  @ 1 - 3 p.m.
The first part of the class is a beginner mountain dulcimer
lesson, and then a jam session! We will have a few spare
instruments, but you are encouraged to bring your own.

Dulcimer Workshop with Jessica Comeau
Saturday, June 30th @ 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Beginner mountain dulcimer lesson with professional dulcimer player, Jessica Comeau. We will have a few loaner
instruments, but you are encouraged to bring your own.
Nancy Springer Author Visit


Panama City Beach Public Library
Tuesday, June 12th @ 2:00 p.m.

Bay County Public Library
Tuesday, June 12th @ 6:00 p.m.

Nancy Springer is the award winning author of  The Books of Isle fantasy series, the  Enola Holmes mystery series, and a plethora of other novels. Come learn about her latest release,  The Oddling Prince.  Program is free to attend.  Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Northwest Florida Music Teachers Association
Sandra Pierce, Head of the Youth Services Department, and Emily Breezee, NW Florida Music Teachers Association.
 
The Northwest Florida Music Teachers Association donated $837 to the Bay County Public Library Youth Services Department towards music related materials and programming. The donations were collected from a series of fantastic concerts held at the library!
Book & Film Clubs

STEAM & Culture 
Book Club
Bay County Public Library
Tuesday, June 5th  @ 6 p.m.
The Drunken Botanist: The Plants that Create the World's Great Drinks by Amy Stewart

For more information, please call 850-522-2107.

BCPL Book Club
Bay County Public Library
Thursday, June 14th @ 10 a.m.
Citizens of London by Lynne Olson

The BCPL Book Club meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. For more information, please call 850-522-2107.

Beyond the Lens: Book and Film Series
Bay County Public Library
Tuesday, June 19th  @ 5:30 p.m.
Film:  The Monuments Men (2014) PG-13
Book:  The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel

Beyond the Lens meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month.  For more information, please call 850-522-2107.  
Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries.

Grace + Grub Book Club
Bay County Public Library
Wednesday, June 20th @ 10:00 a.m.
Where Secrets Sleep by Marta Perry

For more information, please call 850-522-2107. 
Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries.

Film Fan Club
Bay County Public Library
Wednesday, June 27th @ 5:30 p.m.
Film: Spaceballs   (1987) PG

Hang out and watch cult classic movies at the library every fourth Wednesday of the month. 
Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries.

Beach Book Club
Panama City Beach Public Library
Wednesday, June 6th @ 10:30 a.m.  
Wonder by R. J. Palacio

The Beach Book Club meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. For more information, please call 850-233-5055.

Springfield Library Book Club
Springfield Public Library
Thursday, June 21st @ 1 p.m.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

For more information, please call 850-872-7510.

Library Book Club
Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library
No meeting in June.

The Library Book Club usually meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Coffee and tea provided. For more information, please call 850-229-8879.
Classes and Programs @ Your Library

Bay County Public Library

Color + Crafts
Friday, June 1st @ 9:00 - 11 a.m.
Adult coloring supplies provided. You can also bring in your knitting, crocheting, sketchbook and craft projects to work on!!

Paint Like Bob Ross
Tuesday, June 26th @ 6:00 p.m.
Paint a scenic scene along with Bob Ross' The Joy of Painting. Supplies will be provided. Limited space. Please call 850-522-2100 or visit the library front desk to register. 

Virtual Reality for Seniors
Thursday, June 28th @ 2:00 p.m.
Experience deep sea diving, a trip to Venice, or even a moonwalk from the comfort of the library using Virtual Reality (VR) technology.

Panama City Beach Public Library

Sea Needles
Fridays @ 10 a.m.
Bring your needlework crafts to work on at the library. Sea Needles meets every Friday at 10 a.m.

Jimmy Weaver Memorial Library in Hosford

Craft Day
Thursdays @ 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Bring your favorite craft or learn something new!

Family Game Nights
Monday, June 25th @ 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Every 4th Monday of the month. Show your skills and make new friends as we enjoy playing Pictionary, board games, and Bingo!

Charles Whitehead Public Library in Wewahitchka

Family Search
Explore your family's genealogy every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Blueberries and Preserving
Friday, June 22nd @ 11:00 a.m.
Learn tips on preserving blueberries! Presented by Gulf County Extension Agents, Ray Bodrey and Melanie Taylor.
June Summer Movie Raffle

Panama City Beach Public Library
During the month of June, adults that check out 5 or more DVD's and/or audiobooks can win a chance for two movie tickets to the Grand Movie Theatre Pier Park.  For more information, call the library at 850-233-5055.
Library Outreach

Port Saint Joe Saltair Farmers' Market
Heather Ogilvie (pictured) and Nancy Brockman were at the Port Saint Joe Saltair Farmers' Market this past month to share all the cool things libraries have to offer.  Would you like the library to be present at your community event? Contact Heather Ogilvie, Outreach Librarian, at 850-522-2103. 
New E-books and Downloadable Audiobooks 

We recently added new items to our digital collection, including: 

Rich People Problems
by Kevin Kwan

Kevin Kwan, bestselling author of Crazy Rich Asians and China Rich Girlfriend, is back with an uproarious new novel of a family riven by fortune, an ex-wife driven psychotic with jealousy, a battle royal fought through couture gown sabotage, and the heir to one of Asia's greatest fortunes locked out of his inheritance. 

Barracoon
by Zora Neale Hurston

A newly published work from the author of the American classic Their Eyes Were Watching God, with a foreword from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker, brilliantly illuminates the horror and injustices of slavery as it tells the true story of one of the last-known survivors of the Atlantic slave trade-abducted from Africa on the last "Black Cargo" ship to arrive in the United States.

Sometimes I Lie
by Alice Feeney

Amber wakes up in a hospital. She can't move. She can't speak. She can't open her eyes. She can hear everyone around her, but they have no idea. Amber doesn't remember what happened, but she has a suspicion her husband had something to do with it. Alternating between her paralyzed present, the week before her accident, and a series of childhood diaries from twenty years ago, this brilliant psychological thriller audiobook asks: Is something really a lie if you believe it's the truth?

You can check out e-books and downloadable audiobooks for free from your library. All you need is your library card number and PIN. Forgot your PIN? Just give us a call at 850-522-2100 or stop by your local branch and we'll set one up for you.

To access e-books and downloadable audiobooks, click here or:
Go to www.nwrls.com
Click on Books, Etc.
Click on eBooks & eAudio
Click on OverDrive  to find books  
Need assistance with e-books and downloadable audiobooks? Just call us at 850-522-2107 or stop by your local branch.