Local libraries

THE BEATITUDES CONTESTS FOR READERS AND BOOK CLUBS: FOR READERS: Lyn LeJeune will give away five signed copies of The Beatitudes to the first 5 readers who can answer this question: Although set in New Orleans in 2005, The Beatitudes is loosely based on Dante’s second book in The Divine Comedy, Purgatorio. During Dante’s time, (b.1265-d.1321) elaborate fairs, pageants, and processions were frequent in Florence, his hometown, and all over Italy. Saint’s days and other community events... Read Full Story

Carry “The Blue Book” called The Beatitudes. Imagine this: the great seeing eye camera from Google Earth focuses in on a man and a woman and a child each carrying a blue book. It is The Beatitudes, the symbol of the written word; it is their signal to the world that words and books must be preserved and cherished so that humanity, good humanity, will continue to exist. The phenomenon captures the media….instead of a bracelet they CARRY A BOOK; THE BLUE BOOK CALLED THE BEATITUDES. Soon... Read Full Story

The muncipal library in this inner city suburb actually began in 1949, but until 1998, it was housed in totally inadequate space that once had been a church. The new building--constructed after a 14 year fight by les Ami(e)s de la bibliothèque-- opened its doors March 31, 1998, and has been bursting with activity ever since. It now bears the name Robert Bourassa, after a former premier of Quebec who lived in Outremont for decades. Yesterday morning I spent a very pleasant hour talking about... Read Full Story

I am planning a booktour to promote the Beatitudes Network: Rebuilding the Public Libraries of New Orleans. Here's the promo. If anyone would like me to come and give the hour-long lecture to any group of fifty participants or more, please email me at lynlejeune@cox.net. Tour starts August 2007 so please try to book early. Join The Beatitudes Network…… a beatitude is someone who acts selflessly in the service of others. REBUILDING THE PUBLIC LIBRARIES OF NEW ORLEANS... Read Full Story

Seattle times has a great article on how  some libraries have adapted to changing consumer lifestyles and technology innovations that have been happening around them. The web has literally changed the way information has become available and shared by consumers. Some libraries have therefore morphed to become Community Hubs A place for new experiences - study rooms, a place to meet & socialize, little eating area etc. A place for multimedia experiences -  check emails, watch videos, DVDs... Read Full Story

This is our group blog, which is unique because any Zimbio member can post an entry to it. Some members blog about recent news and trends related to the portal topic, others recount relevant personal stories. You can also comment on and rate existing blog entries, to voice your opinion and to help the community identify which members and entries on the portal are must-reads. Got an interesting idea or story to share with other members of this portal? Well, then put on your journalist’s... Read Full Story

“The best love story I ever read,” I found myself saying last night as I led the first of a series of book discussions in an assisted-living residence not far from where I live. The Outremont library is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week and part of the festivities involve a number of activities bringing the library into the community. The Résidence Outremont, on the top two stories of a five story office and apartment building on a major shopping street, is home to about three... Read Full Story