The Word on the Street

"NM Bookmobiles: Books for those without libraries"
by Sue Major Holmes for the Associated Press

http://www.google.com/hostednews/AP/article/ALeqM5jy-QffQahJk8Gnbsi13zvfPEUIjAD9B3O6I80



Three bookmobiles compose New Mexico State Library's on-the-road library program. In Ramah, New Mexico (pop. 407) is at least a one-hour drive from the nearest library. The traveling library offers 3,500-4,000 titles, CDs, DVDs and magazines. Since the librarians know the customers, they bring books they think readers might like or that have been previously requested. Holmes estimates the bookmobiles visit more than 100 communities once monthly.

This is interesting with talk of budget cuts for libraries and the move to e-books. Also, it's in a small, rural town (like what we're supposed to be reporting on for this class today) so it was interesting to see her approach.





"The Same Pooh Bear, but an Otter Has Arrived"
by Felivia R. Lee for The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/05/books/05pooh.html



In 1926, A.A. Milne's first Pooh book, "Winnie-the-Pooh," was printed. On Monday, the first Pooh sequel will be released. Trustees at the Pooh Properties Trust chose David Beedictus, an English writer who has adapted his writing to fit the characteristics of Milne's original writing. Critics are awaiting the sequel and hoping for the best-- that it maintains the original whismy and voice and causes new readers to fall in love with Pooh.

This is interesting for readers, writers and educators becuase it's the first time someone other than Milne has writen about Pooh and friends and questions arise regarding whether the new perspective will tarnish the classics.