Meet Ms. Scott, the newest member of the Forest Park Library staff.  Ms. Scott is our Children’s Librarian and she has planned lots of exciting programs and activities for the children that come into Forest Park. She can help you select a book or help you do research for a project. She can read you a story or help you with the Children’s special “AWE” computer.  What else can she do?  Well come on in and find out.  She will be delighted to meet you. 

Bunnicula written by Deborah and James Howe

Got an extra steak in your freezer?  Well maybe you can use it to rid your house of a vampire.  At least that’s what Harold the Monroe’s family dog and Chester the family’s Cat believe.  One day, the Monroe’s bring home a rabbit that they found at a theater while watching the movie Dracula. They decide to name the rabbit Bunnicula. Now, this rabbit acts perfectly normal during the day, but at night, well that’s a different story.  Harold and Chester notice how the rabbit changes at night.  So, Chester and Harold decide to do something about this strange bunny.  You have to read this funny story to see what Chester and Harold do with the steak.   Bunnicula is the first book in a series.       

Mr. Sunny is Funny! Written by Dan Gutman    

A.J. is ecstatic that summer is here and that means no school and no busy body Andrea Young for 90 days. Three months of freedom.  Who could ask for more?  A. J. a recent graduate of second grade begins his vacation from “Ella Mentry School” with thoughts of nothing but fun, fun fun.  But, as luck would have it, things start to go wrong for A. J. as his summer of fun turn into a summer filled with wacky adventures. Join A. J. and his friends in this book which is part of the series called My Weird School Daze.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid written by Jeff Kinney

 Greg Heffley’s mother suggests that he keep a diary.  But to Greg, diaries are for sissies. So, he decides to keep a journal instead. In his journal, Greg writes about some of the bad choices and some of the mistakes that he has made.  He also writes about life as a middle school student, his family and his friends.  This book is a lot of fun to read.  Written in the form of a diary, Greg’s journal will have you laughing from beginning to end. 

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key written by Jack Gantos

Joey takes after his grandmother and his father.  All three are “wired”.  Joey can spin like a top.  He can run until he drops.  He is a good little boy who raises his hand in school because he knows the answer but when its time to answer, he forgets what he’s suppose to say.  Joey is on medication for what bothers him but, when the meds wear off, he can feel himself moving in the wrong direction, spinning out of control.  Read this hilarious award winning story of Joey and his family.  And don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to read all of the books in this series. 

     Red Leaves by Thomas H. Cook

This is the story of a family tragedy. One so devastating that it completely rips apart each member of the family. The story is told by Eric Moore, the father of fifteen year old Keith. One day, Keith is asked to baby sit an eight year old girl. The next morning the little girl disappears. Keith, the last one to see her, immediately becomes the number one suspect. While the police investigate the little girl’s disappearance, Eric does his own investigation. He starts to suspect not only his son, but every member of his family. So, as the story unravels so does Eric. As he gets closer and closer to what he believes is the truth, he finds out that the truth can have a dark side. Filled with suspense, this page turner will make you gasp as you reach the stories climax. All is not what it seems and every one in this story seems to harbor a deep dark secret.

   Some Love Some Pain some Time by J. California Cooper

Not in the mood for suspense? How about a little romance? In J. California Cooper’s collection of ten short stories, you’ll find some love, some laughter and maybe some tears. But, you’ll enjoy every minute of it. Told in the first person, ten African American women share their stories of inspiration and hope. Those that are looking find the love they need. Those that find themselves in difficult relationship manage to escape them. You will find yourself cheering them on. This is a fun read and perfect for the summertime.

  The Good Guy by Dean Koontz

This is a fast-paced fun thriller that will keep your head spinning as you try to keep up with the story of the good guy, Tim Carrier. Tim Carrier, our hero proves that chivalry is not dead and that there is such a thing as a knight in shining armour. The damsel in distress is Linda Paquette. Through a series of unfortunate events, Tim Carrier finds himself the lone protector of Miss Paquette from an over zealous hit man. As in Dean Koontz’s other books, you will find this one hard to put down. Give it a go. You will be glad that you did. 

 The Forest Park Branch Library is now wireless along with the other Pratt Library locations.

Reading Fun

We would like for you to include us in your staycation (vacation at home) plans this summer.  We are offering loads of exciting programs and activities for everyone to enjoy.  We have our annual Summer Reading program for children, and for teens.  For the first time, we are offering a summer reading program for adults called Beach Blanket Bingo. 

Under construction

Our meeting room is getting a much needed face lift.  So the knitting and quilting programs have been delayed until September.  Please check the Compass or our Calendar for dates and times.

Something new and exciting is coming to the neighborhood. The Wayland Village Senior Apartment Complex is under construction.  The new building will consist of 90 apartments for people 62 and older. It will be finished sometime in 2011.