New Librarian: Meet Katy Vera

Librarian Katy Vera has joined the staff at Fauxbrary, lending her expertise to our fantastic Children's Department. Ms. Vera is an expert storyteller, an avid reader of YA fantasy, and an excellent resource for book recommendations. Visit the Children's desk during the week to say hello to Ms. Vera, or to test her skills at Reader's Advisory. Welcome, Katy!

Wanted: Summer Reading Teen Volunteers

Looking for something to do this summer while school's out? Consider volunteering to be a Teen Summer Reading Leader at Fauxbrary!

We're looking for 5-6 smart, creative, dedicated, and energetic high schoolers to help us plan and manage summer reading activities. Here are some of the things summer reading volunteers get to do:

• Design and create publicity materials, like flyer, posters, and online videos
• Lead craft activities for younger readers
• Lead and participate in outdoor games and activities
• Assist librarians with set up and break down of events
• Attend grand finale celebration at Sugar Springs Amusement Park

If you are interested in volunteering, we would love to hear from you. The position requires a 2 month commitment, but we are flexible with summer vacations and summer school schedules. You can download an application and then bring it into the library. Remember, volunteering at the library is a great way to gain work experience, develop leadership skills, and have fun!

We can't wait to hear from you!

Having trouble trying to decide what to read next?

Do you have trouble finding what to read next? Have you read everything by your favorite author? Did you lose your to be read list? Do you know what the next book is in your favorite series? The following websites can help with all these issues and so much more:

LibraryThing: LibraryThing is an online application where you can keep track of the books you own, the books you want to read and/or the books you want to read. It is easy to sign up--all you need to do is create a username and password. The personal account is free until you've entered more then 200 items into your library. For each item in LibraryThing, users have created tags to describe the item and even written reviews. Some people even call LibraryThing a social network for book lovers. LibraryThing includes no advertisements, but uses bookstores like Amazon.com and AbeBooks for book information along with the Library of Congress.

GoodReads: GoodReads is a social network for readers. GoodReads' mission is to get people excited about reading. To sign up for GoodReads you must have an email address, but after that you are in and can start adding books to your shelf. GoodReads accounts are free, but there is advertisements on the site. GoodReads is specifically designed to keep track of the books you are reading or want to read. It allows friends to connect and recommend books to one another. You can also create book lists. GoodReads also connects with bookstores like Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com in order access book information.

Shelfari: Shelfari is also a social network for book lovers. Signing up for Shelfari does require an email address. Shelfari is free and allows readers to connect with friends and join groups to explore your reading interests. Shelfari is owned by Amazon.com.

Other Library Websites: Other library websites are great places to find books to read. Many libraries create book lists and have book reviews written by staff and sometimes even users. Here are a few to take a look at

• Multnomah County Library
• Hennepin County Library: Bookspace
• La Crosse Public Library: Reading Room

Check these out! Let us know what you like and what you don't like. If you have a favorite book/reading website share it with us in the comments. The Fauxbrary is looking for ideas to expand its services to YOU!

Author Visit: Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale, the acclaimed author of many young adult novels, will be paying a special visit to the Fauxbrary on the evening of Friday, April 29.

Hale will be reading from fan-favorite Goose Girl at 6:00pm, but much of the evening will be dedicated to Q&A and a discussion about folk tales in contemporary literature.

Hale has also generously agreed to hold one-on-one writing workshops with teens at the library on Saturday, May 1. Each session will be one hour in length, and a few openings remain. If you're a teen and you have a story, poem, or essay you're working on, drop in or give us a call to sign up. Hale would love to read what you have!

If you would like to learn more about Shannon Hale, you can visit her website.

My Sister's Keeper (audiobook)

A few years ago when I had a much longer commute, I listened to lots of audiobooks. One my favorites was My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

Anna, at the age of 13, decides to put a stop to her family using her body as tool to keep her sister alive. Her sister, Kate, has a rare form of leukemia that has required a variety of tissue donations from her sister, Anna, who was conceived for that purpose. Now, their mother wants Anna to give Kate one of her kidneys and Anna has had enough. Anna hires a lawyer and her battle begins. Picoult tells the story from a variety of the characters' perspectives and the audio recording uses different narrators for each characters' voice. As the listener you feel like you are listening to each character share their story, the narrators bring the characters to life. As always, Picoult uses twists and turns to make her readers want more. Once you've started this novel whether you are reading it or listening to it you will not want to put it down.

Why I was interested: I had read Plain Truth, also by Jodi Picoult and I wanted to try something else.

Why I finished it: I was drawn in by the narrators and the story. I wanted to know what happened to Anna and Kate.

I'd share it with: Readers who like books that make them think. Picoult has a way of making you wonder what is really right. You may start off sympathizing with one character only to discover in the end you feel completely different. Also, if a reader is a fan of Picoult this is a must read.

Other books to try: The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult and Cage of Stars by Jacquelyn Mitchard.

**Cover image from Amazon.com.