Fresh on the heels of Elizabeth Berg’s visit to the Quad-Cities, comes Robert Hellenga, author of many best selling novels. He is the keynote speaker Thursday, June 25th at Midwest Writing Center’s annual conference. This year, events are held at St. Ambrose University.
My favorite novel by Robert Hellenga is The Fall of the Sparrow, which is partially set at a liberal arts college in Galesburg (the author is a Knox College literature professor), and partly in Italy. Though there’s a insider feeling of intimacy when you’re familiar with the local references; the novel resonates with many themes. The main character is a classics professor and the reader learns about Latin, Greek, Persian rugs, as well as the blues, and shares Woody’s deep appreciation of Italian culture.
Just a reminder that the Davenport Library will be closed today in observance of Memorial Day. Both buildings will be open their regular hours tomorrow – Main 9:30 – 5:30 and Fairmount 12 – 8pm.
Some people think that libraries are stuffy, tomb-like places run by bespectacled octogenarians whose primary function is to go around shhhussshing others. Those of us who actually work in one know that’s far from the truth. One book I found that really hit the nail on the head as far as how libraries today really operate is 
For a nonfiction take on the subject, check out 
As far as children’s books, an old favorite of mine is 
Try the new version of the
:
Originally set aside to honor George Washington (whose birthday is actually February 22), Presidents’ Day has unofficially expanded to include Abraham Lincoln (born on February 12) and sometimes even some other former Presidents, depending on what state you live in.
This brand new bi-monthly publication from the makers of Consumer Reports magazine has the slogan “no hype, no ads, just great buys.” It looks like the result of a crossbreeding between Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping, and Hints from Heloise.
Today is a federal holiday, set aside to honor the Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. Born in Atlanta, King was a Baptist minister that became active in the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. His eloquent speaking ability inspired millions of people and he won the Nobel Prize in 1964 for leading nonviolent civil rights demonstrations. King was assassinated in April, 1968.