Friday, November 16, 2012
Black Friday, tips to find the deals
Never fear though! The number one tip to prepare for Black Friday is to plan ahead (number three: fanny packs, warning! link contains swears). You want to have a shopping list, know where the best bargains are, and when the stores open.
While I've always been a fan of sorting through all the ads in the Thursday paper after stuffing myself with turkey, the internet means that you could've started your planning last week. Luckily this also means you don't have to go from store website to store website, but can find all the Black Friday ads in one place. You still might need to visit the store's pages to verify the local opening hours, but at least you can check if there any deals worth showing up at six a.m. first.
Websites that collect Black Friday Advertisements:
bfads.net
blackfriday.com
Websites that compare prices at various retailers:
www.bizrate.com
www.shopping.com
pricegrabber.com
But maybe you're on the hunt for some particular item, rather than just looking for the best door busters. Wading through dozens of circulars to find which stores have the sales you need, even electronically, can be a headache. If you know exactly what you want, a site that compares prices can be useful, but best bargain doesn't always mean best. First you'll want to compare televisions or blenders or leaf blowers to find which brands and models will do what you need them to.
This is when you should check Consumer Reports (they also have price comparisons). You might be familiar with Consumer Reports from their annual buying guide or their monthly publications, and both are available at Carnegie-Stout. But did you know that Carnegie-Stout also has access to Consumer Reports' online site?
You can find Consumer Reports in our list of Library Research Databases by clicking here. If you are at home you will be asked to enter your library barcode and PIN, but everyone can search their Buying Guides and Recommendations from a computer inside the library. You can even print off your findings for ten cents a page (black & white).
If you're not able to access Consumer Reports from home, and Carnegie-Stout isn't open, you can still read some of their advice at www.consumerreports.org. You can also turn to the product reviews on personal blogs, websites like Amazon (although these are not always trustworthy), or from a trusted friend or neighbor. Alternatively, you can take a look at the product reviews offered by:
Good Housekeeping (we have the magazine to flip through too)
CNET (technology and electronics)
And because librarians are most often asked to help select and operate eReaders, the first place you should check is OverDrive's list of compatible devices. This will tell you if your new eReader will play nicely with our eBooks. And if you're the lucky recipient of a shiny new eReader this holiday season, we'll be here to help you learn how to check out and download those eBooks.
Reviews and comparisons of eReaders:
Consumer Reports (you may need to go through the library's website to see all information)
Good Housekeeping
CNET
And if all this is too much for you, remember, you can always stay home and celebrate Buy Nothing Day instead.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Deus ex Libro
Recently I've enjoyed several series that feature the interference of the gods in the lives of mortals, especially one particular mortal singled out for the gods' attention and all the chaos that comes with it. Each of these series are also fast-paced with first-person narration and darker humor, but after that, they're all a little different.
Hounded by Kevin Hearne
The first book in Hearne's Iron Druid chronicles is an action-packed romp through Celtic mythology in the Arizona desert. Atticus O'Sullivan is the last of the druids, and he's been on the run for centuries, what with having stole the vengeful god of love's sword. Despite his great age, Atticus is more of a footloose twenty-something than a wise mystic, but at least he has his trusty partner, Oberon, the wisecracking Irish wolfhound.
Readers may also enjoy: Storm Front by Jim Butcher, see Andrew's review here.
Black Blade Blues by J.A. Pitts
Somewhat more serious and moody, J.A. Pitts' series follows Sarah Beauhall as she struggles to find her balance as an adult. Between student debt, a non-existent relationship with her family, two jobs (blacksmith and prop master for a local b-studio) and relationship troubles with her girlfriend, the last thing she needs is to become the wielder of Gram, an ancient Norse blade made for killing dragons. Personal growth, vast conspiracies, epic battles, and an old homeless man who might be Odin.
Readers may also enjoy: Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey.
Urban Shaman by C.E. Murphy
Urban Shaman, the first book in C.E. Murphy's Walker Papers series, is a bit more menacing in tone. Set in the Pacific Northwest, the series starts as Joanne Walker's life falls to pieces. Her mother just died, she's about to be fired from her job as a police mechanic, and the woman she's trying to help claims that she's being hunted by Cernunnos, god and leader of the Wild Hunt. But Cernunnos isn't the only god taking an interest in Joanne's life. It's sarcastic and violent, with interesting characters, and a murder mystery for good measure.
Readers may also enjoy: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs, see Amy's review here.
First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
The first book in Ms. Jones' fast-paced series featuring Charley Davidson, private investigator and grim reaper. The story is irreverently funny to balance the darkness of the crimes, and when you add in a deliciously steamy romantic sub plot, you get a fun and suspenseful read. I won't spoil the surprise by revealing the identity of Charley's supernatural lover because the reveal sets up the next book in the series. The narrator of the audio book (available as a download through OverDrive) does an excellent job of matching the novel's tone.
Readers may also enjoy: Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson.
If you're looking for more books where ancient gods interfere with the modern world try:
Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Staff Picks: Audiobooks
Audio Book Concept by dalydose |
You can always stop in to browse or ask at the Recommendations Desk for suggestions, and don't forget our collection of Downloadable Audiobooks (and eBooks too). If you're planning a big road trip for this summer, you might want to submit a Personal Recommendations request!
Janet Evanovich's mystery series featuring bounty hunter Stephanie Plum are a favorite of many staff members. One for the Money, the first book in the series, is narrated by C.J. Critt. Set in New Jersey, the books have a colorful cast of characters and some hot love interests. Amanda says this series "will have you laughing so hard its difficult to see the road."
If you're looking for a laugh, Sharon recommends The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson or anything by Ellen Degeneres. Mr. Bryson's hilarious memoir of growing up in 1950s Iowa would be a good choice for a family with older kids on a long trip, and is available on CD and as a downloadable file. At this time, Carnegie-Stout only owns Ms. Degeneres' latest, Seriously- I'm Kidding, as an audiobook, but we do have a number of other witty comediennes you might want to check out too!
Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games trilogy is narrated by Carolyn McCormick (Dr. Elizabeth Olivet on Law and Order), and Sharon and Angie say it's worth the wait for these popular books! Ms. McCormick is also the narrator for James Patterson's popular Women's Murder Club series, and Chelsea Cain's series featuring serial killer Gretchen Lowell. You can search for a favorite narrator in our catalog under Author as Last Name, First Name. Then select CD Audio Book under Item Types on the left.
Other Favorite Audiobooks include:
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (Biog)
Blood Red Road by Moira Young (YA)
By Myself and Then Some by Lauren Bacall (Biog)
Echo Park by Michael Connelly (Fiction)
Elizabeth the Queen by Sally Bedell Smith (Biog)
The Help by Kathryn Stockett (Fiction)
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher (YA)
I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron (814.54 EPH)
Life by Keith Richards (Biog)
Marley and Me by John Grogan (636.752 GRO)
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (Fiction)
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (YA)
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (Fiction
Will Grayson, Will Grayson byJohn Green (YA)
Friday, April 27, 2012
Spotlight: From the Web to the Stacks.
From Allison's staff review of Eden by Keary Taylor, to the excitement around 50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James, authors, readers, and publishers are discovering that success and great reads can be found outside the traditional sources. Of course, the stories we hear about are those authors who've made the jump to traditional publishing like Amanda Hocking, author of young adult paranormal romances and self-made millionaire.
Read Alike Suggestions for Amanda Hocking
The Frenzy by Francesca Lia Block 17 year-old Liv has had more than your typical teenage struggles and concerns. When she turned 13 she discovered that she's not as human as she thought.
Evermore by Alyson Noel The first book in the Immortals series, who discovered her psychic powers after a tragic car accident.
Tithe by Holly Black Sixteen year-old Kaye has seen faeries all her life, which is just another way that marks her as different, like her rock musician mother. Then she saves a mysterious young man who claims to be a knight of the faerie court.
Wings by Aprilynne Pike, Fifteen year-old Laurel discovers, after growing wings, that she is a faerie.
Read Alike Suggestions for 50 Shades of Grey
You may also want to check out these discussions where readers have suggested their favorite erotica authors: Dear Author and Read React Review
The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice (writing as A.N. Roquelaure)
Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
Saddled and Spurred by Lorelei James
Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
Other Books Available at Carnegie-Stout that started out on the internet
- John Dies at the End by David Wong: a darkly comic horror novel originally published as an online serial
- Hark a Vagrant by Kate Beaton, comics: often featuring historical figures
- 5 Very Good Reasons to Punch a Dolphin in the Mouth by Matthew Inman: comics, often silly, NOT for children
- Julie and Julia by Julie Powell: cookbook and memoir (also a movie!)
- Your Hate Mail Will Be Graded by John Scalzi: from the blog of the popular science fiction author
- Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern: a collection of tweets from the popular Twitter account
- 420 Characters by Lou Beach: a collection of microfiction originally published on Facebook
- Escape from Cubicle Nation by Pamela Slim: advice from a blog on careers
- Pioneer Woman by Ree Drummond: memoir and cookbook
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Be Tech Savvy @ Carnegie-Stout
Photo by: Josh Fassbind, flickr.com/photos/ joshfassbind/4683365102 |
Stop by the Recommendations Desk to browse through our collection of books & DVDs that will help you get started with your new device. We also have step-by-step guides to help you use the library's downloadable collection, and of you're new to computers, we also offer computer classes to help get you started.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Sony Readers are here!
The Sony Reader PRS-350, now available at your library! |
Each Sony Reader will be preloaded with up to 7 eBooks of your choosing from our downloadable collection. You can keep the Reader for 14 days.
You can browse our collection of eBooks here: http://tinyurl.com/7jn9nvg. Note: Sony Readers are compatible with Adobe EPUB and Adobe PDF eBook formats only.
To check out a Sony Reader, stop by the Reference Desk on 2nd floor. You must be a a full-service library card holder in good standing and be 18 years or older. Please bring with you your library card and a valid government-issued photo ID.
If you have any question, please give us a call at 563-589-4225 or e-mail us at yourlibrarian@dubuque.lib.ia.us.
Many thanks to the Carnegie-Stout Library Foundation, the Dubuque Racing Association and the City of Dubuque for helping us build the C-SPL's eBook collection!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Library eBooks on your Kindle: A how-to guide
First, visit our Downloadable Collection site and browse for a title. Once you’ve found an eBook you’d like to check out, look under the “Format Information” heading. Add the title to your cart, making sure you select the Kindle Book edition.
When you’re ready to check out, go to “My Cart” and select “Proceed to Checkout.” Sign in with your library card number and your PIN, and then click “Confirm checkout.”
Once you’ve checked out your eBook, you will be taken to the Download screen.
Click on “Get for Kindle”. You’ll be taken to the Amazon.com website, and click on “Get Library Book” (you may need to sign in to your Amazon account).
To manage your public library Kindle eBooks, sign into your Kindle Library on Amazon.com. eBooks that you have borrowed from the library will be marked with “public library” by the title.
When an eBook expires, it will remain on your Kindle until you delete it, but you will be unable to open the eBook. Expired eBooks will be marked with “Loan Ended” on your Home screen.
Happy e-reading!
~ Allison, Adult Services
Thursday, September 22, 2011
OverDrive and Kindle, partners at last!
This means you can check out a copy of Alexandra Fuller's new autobiography Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness or The Warlock, latest in the Nicholas Flamel series!
There's hundreds of other great titles to chose from! Not sure where to start? Check out some of these great titles, or ask the Recommendations Desk for a suggestion. We have new releases, classic titles, romance, mystery, horror, and don't forget our downloadable audio books!
Monday, June 27, 2011
More Free Resources for Your eReader
391 Places for Free Books Online: This site should keep you busy for a while. The author has arranged his links by genre as well as a straight alphabetical listing. He's even included a few links for free downloadable audiobooks.
Books on the Knob: Each day the author of this blog links readers to free eBooks, sharply discounted eBooks, and other promotions. While there are links for most popular eReaders, the blog's author started out by directing people toward deals for the Kindle so it skews a bit in Amazon's direction.
And don't forget, the Dubuque County Library System also provides access to OverDrive for their library patrons through NEIBORS. If you have any questions, comments, or run into a technical problem, don't hesitate to contact Carnegie-Stout at (563) 589-4225, through this handy Contact Us form, or in person!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Palace of Mirrors
I have read many of Haddix’s series “Shadow Children” and really enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to this title. It is much lighter than that series, but her writing style is still outstanding. This title is filled with humor and written for grades 5-9. It is the story of Cecelia, a princess who is in hiding as a peasant. Her parents (the king and queen) were killed just after she was born, so advisers whisked her away to a secret spot to wait for her turn to become the princess she always knew she was.
With her childhood friend, Harper, she travels to the palace to take her “rightful place.” A bit of intrigue, a bit of romance and some complications ensue. Ella, from Just Ella, also by Haddix, makes an appearance to help sort things out.
This new fairy tale is part of a growing trend of princess stories written for middle school girls, but stands out as one of the best, alongside Ella Enchanted (Gail Carson Levine) and Princess Academy (Shannon Hale.)
Friday, March 4, 2011
Old Workhorses
Chances are you've already heard about librarians' dismayed reaction to publisher HarperCollins new eBook policies. HarperCollins points out that print books eventually wear out and need to be replaced, generating sales and income for authors, booksellers, and publishers. eBooks, on the other hand, never wear out and never need to be replaced. If a library only needs to buy a book once to have it forever, the publisher argues, the book industry will miss out on sales that it needs in order to afloat. HarperCollins' solution: henceforth all eBooks they sell to libraries will need to be repurchased once they've been checked out 26 times.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Free Resources for Your E-Reader
Don't forget, Carnegie Stout Public Library is holding a one-session class to introduce students to Overdrive, an online service accessible both in the library and from home. Overdrive allows library patrons to download free audio books, eBooks, and music. Downloaded media may be accessed on a home computer or portable electronic device. For more information or registration check out our website.
Unfortunately, if you have a Kindle, you will be unable to use the library’s collection of eBooks. Amazon has chosen a proprietary form of software and will not allow libraries to check out eBooks that work with their software. You may of course purchase e-books directly from Amazon. However, there are several places to download eBooks for free. Many of these sites have older titles that are copyright free and some are new titles by aspiring authors.
ARTICLES:
Check out these two articles which discuss Google books, currently the largest collection of digital books. There is also a lot of good information regarding the Kindle.
Laura Miller from Salon has an article discussing Google eBooks.
http://www.salon.com/books/laura_miller/2010/12/07/google_ebookstore/index.html
And check out this explanation of Google books by The Tattered Cover bookstore:
WEBSITE LISTS:
We have also put together a list of websites where you may download eBooks for free. Many of these sites can also be used for Nooks, Kobo and Sony Readers, as well as simply reading on your PC. There are several different types of formats available, such as: ePub, PDF, HTML, Mobipocket, and Txt. You will need to check to see if your device can read the particular format.
http://www.suite101.com/content/free-ebook-websites-a318293
This article lists several of the free sites.
http://ebook-store-review.toptenreviews.com/top-7-free-ebook-websites.html
Top Ten Reviews reviews seven free sites.
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/20-best-websites-to-download-free-e-books/
Hongkiat.com has a blog post listing the twenty best websites for free e-books. The blog also added another 16 extra listings. The post was updated about a year ago and a second set of websites can be found here.
INDIVIDUAL WEBSITES:
Here is a partial list of the sites where you can download free e-books, with an informational quote from each website.
http://www.gutenberg.org/
“Project Gutenberg is the place where you can download over 33,000 free eBooks to read on your PC, iPad, Kindle, Sony Reader, iPhone, Android or other portable device. “
http://www.free-e-books.net/
“Free-e-books.net is the Internet’s #1 online source for free eBook downloads, eBook resources and eBook authors.”
http://www.getfreee-books.com/
“Getfreee-books.com is a free e-books site where you can download free books totally free.”
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/Free-e-books/379001668/
Claims to have thousands of free eBooks, but only about 100 or so are listed. Can be used on iPad, iPhone, Android, NOOK, and PC.
http://manybooks.net/
“There are more than 29,000 eBooks available here and they're all free!”
http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/
“Listing over 900,000 free books on the Web”
http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-e-books/b/ref=sv_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&node=1286228011
Look on the left under Special Features/Free E-Book collections. “Free classics and out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books, as well as limited-time free promotional e-books available for Kindle.”
http://www.smashwords.com/
“Discover Great E-books from Indie authors and publishers.”
http://www.kobobooks.com/
299 titles in multiple formats.
http://www.archive.org/details/texts
“The Internet Archive Text Archive contains a wide range of fiction, popular books, children's books, historical texts and academic books.”
http://books.google.com/e-books
“Read nearly 3 million free eBooks and hundreds of thousands of titles that are ready for purchase; you can read all of your favorite books using just about any device with an Internet connection. You can read Google eBooks on the Web, with Android phones, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and supported eReaders.. You can't use your Kindle to read any eBooks you buy from Google.”
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Dubuque History at Google Books
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Free Audiobook Downloads
Tired of waiting for library materials with a long list of holds? The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown is now available as a downloadable audio book on the Carnegie-Stout Overdrive site. You can listen to it on your computer, mp3 player or iPod. If a title is currently checked out, you can place a hold and be notified via email when it is available. Items in the collection can be checked out for seven days. Other new and upcoming titles include: Dreamfever by Karen Moning, U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton, That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo and Nutureshock by Po Bronson. The most popular titles overall for Dubuque listeners remain the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer.
Our growing collection now includes eBooks in either the new Adobe EPUB or standard Adobe PDF format as well as downloadable music, and video. Look for the Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf, a local Dubuque author. The eBook collection can be read on your PC, Mac or Sony Reader.
To check out materials from this collection, you just need a full service library card and Internet connection . Go to the E-Branch Library tab on our website at www.dubuque.lib.ia.us and click on the Download Audio Books and Music link to access the Overdrive collection. Use your library barcode number and PIN to log in and follow the instructions for getting started if you are a first time user. Some titles like the Soloist by Steve Lopez can be burned to CD; the icons by each title indicate format and options for viewing or listening. Check it out @your library!