Starting this Saturday, September 3rd, the RVC library will be closed to the public (we'll still be here hard at work in the back) until Tuesday, September 20th. We are renovating to bring you a better, brighter library (new ceiling tiles, removal of the old skylight and all new lighting in the public areas). We urge you to stock up now on books to hold you over till our re-opening. I personally recommend the following:

Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
Sister by Rosamund Lupton
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly
Case Histories by Kate Atkinson
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
Room by Emma Donohue
The Coffins of Little Hope by Timothy Schaffert
The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown
Bent Road by Lori Roy
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin

Maurice Sendak's latest book, Bumble-Ardy, will be released on September 6. It is the first book he has written and illustrated in 30 years. To mark the occasion author Dave Eggers, who adapted Where the Wild Things Are into a novel called The Wild Things, interviewed Sendak in Vanity Fair.

Did you know that Babar the elephant turned 80 this month? And we just got a copy of his newest book. Check out this interview with author Laurent de Brunhoff, whose father, Jean, created the character when Laurent was six years old. And check out his new book, Babar's Celesteville Games.

Only four more weeks till autumn, my favorite season of the year! It's been a long, hot summer and the cool days of fall will be here shortly. In anticipation of the season, the editors at Amazon have compiled their suggestions of the top 10 books out this fall. Looks like some interesting reads from well known literary authors (Eugenides, Grossman, Murakami, Paolini, etc.) coming soon.

What's the first thing that attracts you to a book? After that interesting sounding title and attractive cover, the first line or two is what usually sells a person on reading a book. And, the last line lingers in our heads and sells us on the author's next book.

The following 100 best opening lines from books is an interesting look at some of the most memorable, and iconic, first lines in literature. Don't miss the 100 best closing lines as well.

I am going to begin a new fantasy trilogy. Whispers on the wind recommended this book for me to read.

For some kids, summer is a season to look forward to except for the dreaded summer reading lists. So, how many of you 'adults' have read the 10 books you really should have read in high school? I still have some work to do catching up on these classics as I've only read 6.

Calling all sports junkies! If you're interested in ESPN, baseball, basketball or parents behaving badly at their kids games, this list ~ Game On! 5 Winning Summer Sports Books ~ has your name on it. Get a book from the library, grab an adult beverage and head for the beach or the pool for optimal summer enjoyment.