Iwo Jima Remembered

Sixty-five years ago today, on March 26, 1945, the Battle of Iwo Jima ended. It had begun five weeks earlier on February 19 and saw some of the fiercest fighting of World War II. More than 22,000 Japanese soldiers and 4,500 Americans lost their lives during the battle.

The historic "Raising of the Flag at Iwo Jima" photo was taken by Jack Rosenthal on the fifth day of the battle. It was awarded a Pulitzer Prize that year and used as a model for the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial near Arlington National Cemetery.

For more about Iwo Jima, browse these books:

Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley

Iwo Jima by Eric Hammel

Uncommon Valor, Uncommon Virtue: Iwo Jima and the Photograph That Captured America by Hal Buell

Indestructible: The Unforgettable Story of a Marine Hero at Iwo Jima
by Jack Lucas

So Sad to Fall in Battle: An Account of War by Kumiko Kakehashi

Image is public domain.

Librarians’ Best Book Blogs

If you are looking for great reading, definitely ask a librarian. Cyberspace is chock full of book bloggers, but these four by librarians are definitely worth a look (according to 101 Book Blogs You Need to Read).

Reading 2.0

Hip Librarians

Booklist (American Library Association)

One Librarian's Book Reviews

And don’t forget the Good Reading section on our Web site.

Enjoy your next book!

Irish Voices

There are many great reasons to listen to books. First of all, it makes driving easier. Secondly, we can practice our multi-tasking by listening and doing other things. Thirdly, it’s a great way to focus the brain on something pleasant while we are doing other things some of us find unpleasant such as exercise. But today I was reminded of another reason to listen to books ... sexy accents. An Irish guest was on the radio this morning, and I enjoyed listening to him speak, even if he was speaking of, well, something unpleasant. It made me think of my trip to Ireland, Irish ceili dancing, Irish pubs and my favorite Irish writers and stories. If you’re in the mood to hear an Irish accent this week of St. Patrick’s Day, try any of these stories available either via download or on CD or cassette from Fairfax County Public Library:

Ireland by Frank Delaney

Born in Shame by Nora Roberts

Evening Class by Maeve Binchy

Darling Jim by Christian Moerk

Mary Mulrenan
Fairfax County Public Library

Meet Local Authors

Several local authors will be discussing their books at library branches in the near future.

David E. Morine will discuss Two Coots in a Canoe Saturday, March 20 at
2 p.m. at Great Falls Library. No registration is necessary. Listen to a BookCast interview with the author and Library Director Sam Clay on the library's Web site.

 

Kirstin Downey, author and former Washington Post writer, will discuss The Woman Behind the New Deal, which chronicles the historic career of Frances Perkins, first woman appointed to the Cabinet Tuesday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at Kings Park Library. Registration required. Listen to a BookCast interview with the author on the library's Web site.

 

Jamie MacVicar, author of The Advance Man: A Journey Into the World of the Circus will discuss his book Wednesday, March 24, 6:45 p.m. at Reston Regional Library. Registration required. MacVicar will also appear Wednesday April 7, 7:30 p.m. at Oakton Library and Saturday, April 24, 2 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson Library. Look for a BookCast interview with the author posted on the library's Web site on March 20.

Check Us Out on Channel 16

A new edition of Fairfax County’s cable TV program “Check It Out” is now running on local Channel 16. In this segment learn about great books on America's most intriguing cartoonists; the climbers that have scaled Mount Everest; and the food and drink Americans consume. The children's corner introduces us to Dewey the famous library cat. All of the books featured are available for check out at Fairfax County Public Library.

Catch “Check it Out” at these times:

Sundays: 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Tuesdays: 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 9:30 p.m.
Friday: 12:30 p.m.
Saturday: 12:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

You can also watch on your computer at the above days and times on the Channel 16 Web page with Live Video Streaming or anytime with Video on Demand.

Mary Mulrenan
Fairfax County Public Library

DELAYED CHOCOLATE LOVER’S FESTIVAL ARRIVES

Rescheduled due to the “snowpocalypse,” the City of Fairfax Chocolate Lover’s Festival takes place this weekend -- March 6 & 7. City of Fairfax Regional Library is joining the fun with its own special events. Register online or call the branch to register at 703-293-6227.

All events will be held at the City of Fairfax Regional Library.

Scouts and Crafts, March 6 at 10 a.m. Girl Scout Troop #1194 provides simple craft activities for children ages 4 to 8.

Chocolate Covered Fairy Tales, March 6 at 11 a.m. Award-winning storyteller Gary Lloyd delights all ages with delicious versions of selected fairy tales. Cosponsored by the Friends of the City of Fairfax Regional Library.

Puppet Show From the 1930s. March 6 at 1 p.m. Katcha and the Devil, a shadow puppet show from The Federal Theater Project, will be presented by Lynnie Raybuck. Sponsored by the American Library Association Public Programs Office with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. All ages.

Glass Harp Music, March 6 at 2 p.m. World famous harpist Jamey Turner performs on the Glass Harp. Cosponsored by the Friends of the City of Fairfax Regional Library.

Magical Moments, March 7 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Jonathan Austin presents magic, movement and fun for all ages. Cosponsored by the Friends of the City of Fairfax Regional Library.

The Vienna - Falls Church Chorus, March 7 at 2 p.m. A quartet from the chorus will perform in the lobby.

Does Curiosity Lead to Happiness?

Can a book help you find happiness? Can we even define happiness? A subject matter search of the library’s collection using “happiness” uncovers 198 titles. I’m surprised. I thought there would be many more.

One researcher, Todd Kashdan, Ph.D., believes curiosity leads to happiness. In his book Curious? he asserts that joy, purpose and personal growth happen when we are mindful, when we explore what’s novel and when we live in the moment and embrace uncertainty. He says those of us who seek certainty and control and who stay snug in our comfort zones, are not on the path to happiness.

Intriguing thoughts.

Mary Mulrenan
Fairfax County Public Library