Americans flock to libraries

As times get financially tougher in the United States libraries are experiencing increased circulation figures. According to a press release from the American Library Association libraries have clocked up a 10% increase in both items borrowed and library visits since the last economic downturn in 2001.

ALA President Jim Rettig said, “During tough economic times, people turn to libraries for their incredible array of free resources, from computers to books, DVDs and CDs, for help with a job hunt or health information. The average annual cost to the taxpayer for access to this wide range of resources is about $31, the cost of one hardcover book. In good times or bad, libraries are a great value!”

Worst writing of 2008

The annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest awards prizes for the worst writing of the year. Named after the infamous author whose novel began: 'It was a dark and stormy night...' contestants submit the opening scentences of imaginary novels. This year's top honours went to Garrison Spik for his steamy opener comparing love to a New York street:

"Theirs was a New York love, a checkered taxi ride burning rubber, and like the city their passion was open 24/7, steam rising from their bodies like slick streets exhaling warm, moist, white breath through manhole covers stamped 'Forged by DeLaney Bros., Piscataway, N.J."'

Book week winners

The winners of the 2008 Children's Book Week awards have been announced! View details of all the winners here. Manly Library has copies of all the shortlisted and award winning books. Search the online catalogue to view availablity and place your holds.

The garden of last days

by Andre Dubus III. Heinemann, 2008

Cover photography Getty Images, Corbis Images.

Those who enjoyed Dubus’ previous book, House of Sand and Fog, will be quick to pounce on his new long novel, The Garden of Last Days. Three characters find themselves in the Puma Strip Club in Florida – Bassam, a young Muslim with contempt for Westerners; AJ, a father recently separated from his wife and missing his son; and April, a dancer at the club, who has had baby-sitter problems. The novel is told from multiple viewpoints., allowing Dubus to take us into the lives of these three individuals and their families with great intimacy. Again, Dubus explores how the USA strikes someone from an alien, hostile culture. The narrative is compelling, and you will want to skip ahead to find out whether your worst fears are to be realised. This is much more than a run-of-the-mill thriller – fiction writing of the highest calibre.

- John.

Prime Minister's literary awards

The Prime Minister's literary awards are a new initiative to boost the visibility of Australian authors on the world stage. The 2008 shortlist can be viewed here.