NetLibrary's October eBook

NetLibrary's October eBook of the Month

Access PA, in partnership with NetLibrary and Salem Press is providing online access to the full text of Great Events from History: The 20th Century, 1971-2000, edited by Robert F. Gorman.

The ideal reference tool for students and general readers at all academic levels, Great Events from History: The 20th Century, 1971-2000 includes 1,083 individual essays covering topics ranging from personal computers to the rise of the Internet to groundbreaking advances in biotechnology. Events covered include the curriculum-oriented geopolitical events of the era, from the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War in 1973 to the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. Essays also address important social and cultural developments in daily life: major literary movements, significant developments in the arts and motion pictures, trends in world population and immigration, and landmark social legislation.

Designed to increase awareness of online resources and highlight the value of the Access PA eBook collection, the October eBook of the Month will be available to Access PA and POWER Library participants with free, unlimited access October 1-31. Access to this eBook is available while at your participating library, or from home through your participating local public library's web site. It is provided through the generous support of Salem Press, and with the support of Commonwealth Libraries and the Access PA/POWER Library program.

Originally posted via email: Access PA News - 10/03/08‏ By: Access Pennsylvania, HSLC

My Stroke of Insight

My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey by Jill Bolte Taylor takes the reader through her experience with a stroke in the left hemisphere of the brain. It was an interesting look at how a stroke patient thinks before, during and after the event. Taylor is able to combine her professional knowledge (Harvard trained brain scientist) with first hand experience in a way that is accessible to all. Whether you know someone who has had a stroke or just curious about how the brain works, this book is for you.

Pitch and Throw, Grasp and Know: What is a Synonym?

Brian P. Cleary's Words are Categorical series is a great way for kids to learn the different parts of speech, not to mention a quick and easy refresher for anybody. Pitch and Throw, Grasp and Know begins with the definition of a synonym (A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.) before the title page. Each colorful page contains a sentence to help make it clear what words are synonyms ("They're words like, toss and pitch and throw, comprehend and grasp and know."). The illustrations feature multi-colored cats in various silly scenes. For example on the page that "the fridge was raided," the poor little cats are peering into the empty fridge with a few items scattered around the floor.

50 Ways to Paint Furniture

50 Ways to Paint Furniture: The Easy Step-by-Step way to Decorator Looks by Elise C. Kinkead

Tired of the same old look on your wooden furniture? This book is great for anybody who is willing to put the time into painting your furniture the right way (you know, start by using denatured alcohol, then sand, then primer, then paint). Each of the projects seems like they would take a couple days each with with drying time but the results are fabulous. Ideas include steel-wool stria, photo montage, torn paper, faux tiles, faux goatskin, as well as chalkboard and my favorite checkerboard tabletop.

The Last Lecture

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”
--Randy Pausch

The Last Lecture has become an instant hit across America. Carnegie Mellon professor, Randy Pausch's advice on how to achieve your childhood dreams and how to live your life resonates for many people. His certain death diagnosis provided the opportunity for this man to share his optimistic viewpoint with the world. Highly recommended for everyone!

Down & Dirty!

Down & Dirty!: 43 Fun & Funky First-Time Projects & Activities to Get you Gardening by Ellen Zachos

This book is great for those of us who like the idea of gardening but don't really know how to get started. The sections of the book include Basics, Adventures, Projects, and Plants. The photographs include are bright additions to the book. Sample projects include raised-bed gardens, irrigation systems, herb garden in a window box, hummingbird gardens. If you are new to gardening or looking for some new ideas, consider checking out this book.