Read a Banned Book

Arlington Public Libraries are observing Banned Books Week:

"Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read" is observed during the last week of September each year. Observed since 1982, this annual ALA event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. This year, 2008, marks BBW's 27th anniversary (September 27 through October 4).

You can also check out the most challenged books of the 21st century (PDF). My favorite: Captain Underpants. I can just imagine the outraged parent now. "There is no bigger threat to our children than Captain Underpants!"

the hottest titles in town

I went to the Plaza Library the other day to get a library card and there on the shelf in front of me was the movie (Persepolis) which I had just gotten from Netflix. I could save money and start getting my movies here!

It turns out that the Arlington libraries are very current places with lots of new releases and wifi hot spots. Unfortunately the Plaza branch is only open during business hours, but the other branches stay open till 9 pm Mon/Tues/Wed and Central is open till 9 pm Sunday through Thursday!

In addition to a great selection of dvds, they of course have books and research databases but they also have Movie Screenings and special events!

For example, today at 1 pm they are screening Music and Lyrics and next Wednesday they are leading a discussion on Heath Ledger's films (also listed on What's Up Arlington Newsletter).

Rosetta Stone Found at Arlington Library

You know those Rosetta Stone language learning stands you see in the mall? I think those look so cool. Estoy muy mal with languages, but I think it would be very cool to learn.

Anyways, I always thought it was be nice to find those at the library, but figured they were too "hip" and pricey to be at the library.

Well, no more. You can now access Rosetta Stone online through Arlington library.

Here's the scoop:

What is it?
A tool for learning languages, the Rosetta Stone provides tutorials to practice reading, listening, speaking and writing skills--all done on the computer!
What Will I find?
Choose from 5 languages for self-paced, individual language instruction: Practice in the Library for reading, listening, and writing skills.
Arabic
Chinese (Mandarin)
English (US)
French
Spanish (Latin American)

Find out more info and get started here.