AMNESTY Week...Calling All Library Materials

The book Jr. checked out for a 1st grade project...and he just started 4th grade.
The DVD in the trunk of your car that you never got around to dropping off.
The novel you finished in 1996 but didn't return.
Even the CD due back last week, but now it's 2 days overdue.
If you return ANY overdue item from any library in the Luzerne County Library System (shown on your card) to the Osterhout Free Library during the week of October 1, you will not be charged any fines or fees.

So bring back those overdue items so other library users can check them out, and also avoid fines and fees blocking your account! No questions asked! (Offer ends October 6.)

Playaways are here today

Audiobooks. Books on tape. Recorded books. Downloadable audiobooks. Library patrons have been enjoying these for years. Some listen to them while relaxing, or working around the house, or while commuting in the car.

Recently the Osterhout library has begun offering a brand new technology called Playaways. With these, all you need is a set of headphones (almost any set should fit the standard jack). There's no downloading or switching discs required. You may be wondering how you will listen to an audiobook with no tape, CD or mp3 player. The answer is simple: the "book" and the "player" are one and the same! And it only weighs about 2 ounces. And it's actually smaller than a pack of cards.

Each Playaway comes in a plastic container about the size of a VHS tape, with a foam insert to protect the unit. The simple operating instructions are on the inside cover. There's also a spare battery included (each battery should last about 7 hours.)

On your next library visit, you can browse our initial collection of 20 Playaways, "the first pre-loaded digital audiobook," near the New Book display. Current titles include such favorites as Dan Brown's Angels & Demons, Lisa Scottoline's Dirty Blonde and Janet Evanovich's Motor Mouth. (Earbud headphones are also available for sale at the Circulation desk for $2, so you will have your own pair to keep.)

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Now that "Junior" has doubled his number from 8 to 88, why not read more about the racer?

Dale Earnhardt Jr. : inside the rise of a NASCAR superstar (796.720 LEM)and Driver #8 (B Earnhardt, D).

And if you know any "junior" readers who are interested in this speedy driver, they might want to read a book about him too (JB Earnhardt Jr. D).

If racing's not your sport of choice, we have books about many other sports and athletes.

Planet Earth and Helen Mirren as 2 Elizabeths

PLANET EARTH





Some have called this the greatest nature series ever made. The 11-part BBC series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, will take you on a guided tour of the planet we call home, from the comfort of your easy chair, showing you amazing sights along the way: From Pole to Pole, Mountains, Fresh Water, Caves, Deserts, Ice Worlds, Great Plains, Jungles, Shallow Seas, Seasonal Forests, Ocean Deep.

5 DVDs, 550 minutes, hi-definition. (Also includes 10-minute bonus featurette with each episode + 150-minute companion series Planet Earth: The Future.)

ELIZABETH I

Perhaps a historical miniseries is more your cup of tea? Check out this 2006 HBO production about the love life of Good Queen Bess starring Helen Mirren as the Queen and Jeremy Irons as the Earl of Leicester. Running time: 211 minutes.

The QUEEN

Moving from the time of Shakespeare to the end of the 20th century, Helen Mirren becomes another Queen Elizabeth (II). This 2006 motion picture portrays the current monarch's behaviour in the aftermath of Princess Diana's death. No matter the era, both films explore the human side of royalty: Heavy is the head that wears the crown (Shakespeare, Henry V).

Check out these titles, or any of our other DVD selections!

It's Raffle Time -- 100 Prizes!

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From now through October 21 (the day of the Author Fest, see below) you may purchase a

raffle ticket

to support the library. Tickets may be purchased at any service desk in the library...the Circulation Desk up front, in the Children's Department, or at Information Services.

(You can also buy tickets at any branch...North, South or Plains!)

You may purchase one chance for $2.00, or 3 chances for $5.00.

This money goes directly to the Osterhout Library.

There are 100 fantastic prizes from area businesses.

Drawing for the raffle will be held on October 21, 2007.

Don't miss this opportunity to win one of a hundred great prizes while showing your support for your community's public library!

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AuthorFest Fast Approaching

You won't want to miss this year's Author Fest, to be held on Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 1:30 pm at Genetti Best Western in Wilkes-Barre. This ticketed event is presented through the cooperation of the Tudor Bookshop and the Luzerne County Library System. The tickets can be purchased for $16 each at the Osterhout Free Library and its branches. (As an extra bonus, at the event, you will receive a $5 coupon off any book purchased that day!)

This year's roster of authors includes

• Elizabeth Joy Arnold
• Jill Bialosky
• June Cross
• Laura Dave
• Stephen Hunter
• William Lashner
• Jane O'Connor
• Duane Swierczynski
• Dave White
• Lauren Willig

Please join us for an afternoon of autographs, shared thoughts and sweet treats in the company of these 10 writers! Nibble exquisite desserts, sip rich coffee or fragrant tea, and share your thoughts with these writers.
(When you're at the library purchasing your ticket, don't forget to check out our display of materials by these authors or pick up some Fall reading by other great authors!)

Summer Book Club Ends

Congratulations to Marcia Aston of Wilkes-Barre, winner of the August drawing. August will be the last month for the summer reading contest. Thank you to all who participated. We hope to hear from you again soon.

A Night of Hypnosis for Weight Loss

Come join us on Thursday night, September 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Osterhout Free Library for a night of hypnosis for weight loss. Chris Halbohm, a certified hypnotist, will talk about the mysteries of the mind and how to make them work for you. He will also perform demonstrations. If you would like to attend please call 570-823-0156, extension 214 to reserve your place.