Have you used the self-checkout machines at the library? If you’re in a hurry, have only a few items or wish to side-step a line, self checkout is your answer. Fast, easy to operate and issuing itemized receipts, these machines allow library visits to be quick as a flash. It’s perfect for picking up popular items such as personally reserved books, DVDs or CDs. Look for the self checkout machines in various locations of the Central and Crean Mariners Libraries. Staffers will be pleased to demonstrate the ease of use in order to make your next trip to the library even more enjoyable. Practice on the self checkout machines with these new non-fiction, eclectic titles listed below.
“Halsey’s Typhoon: The True Story of a Fighting Admiral, an Epic Storm, and an Untold Rescue” by Bob Drury: This true account reads like a suspense novel. Follow Admiral William “Bull” Halsey’s Pacific 3rd Fleet as they face a devastating category-four typhoon while advancing on Tokyo during World War II. The storm capsized three naval destroyers. This military history weaves adventure, tragedy and ultimately triumph in a little-known episode from the war in the Pacific.“The Lady in the Palazzo: At Home in Umbria” by Marlena De Blasi: So you can’t visit Italy this summer? Reading Marlena De Blasi’s adventures in Orvieto is as close to traveling there as possible. This charming memoir describes her and her husband’s new home, a 15th century palazzo’s former ballroom, and includes her inner thoughts about customs and life in modern-day Umbria. It’s like receiving letters from a friend who also happens to be a fabulous chef and food writer.“Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire: The Method and Madness Inside Room 56” by Rafe Esquith: If the Daily Pilot’s recent five-part series about the No Child Left Behind Act interests you, wait until you read Esquith’s teaching philosophy and methods. This title presents a personal, inspiring guide to transforming education for first-generation immigrant students. The author describes the methods for exposing students to classic culture, thereby enabling them to score in the top 1% on standardized tests.“Flower Confidential: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful in the Business of Flowers” by Amy Stewart: Ever wonder how the gorgeously cut flowers in the floral shop and grocery store appear there magically fresh and fragrant, day after day? Amy Stewart uncovers all aspects of the amazing story about the cut flower industry. From the history of flowers to present-day displays, you will never look at a gerbera daisy with the same eyes again.“Mysteries of the Middle Ages: The Rise of Feminism, Science, and Art From the Cults of Catholic Europe” by Thomas Cahill: This is the fifth volume in Cahill’s internationally bestselling “Hinges of History” series. Examining the rebirth of scholarship, art, literature, philosophy and science in the so-called Dark Ages, Cahill assembles a historical mosaic that sets the foundation for our modern world. Immerse yourself in the pageantry and pursuit of knowledge that gripped human imagination during the years from approximately 500 to 1500 AD, also known as the Medieval Period.“Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution” by Caroline Weber: Read this fascinating study before you see Sofia Coppola’s movie, “Marie Antoinette,” about the ill-fated Queen of France. This is a delicious concoction about the sartorial effects of style, elegance and over-the-top extravagance in an era that was notable for its revolutions and emphasis on equality and the rights of man. The paradox of her life was that the powerful fashion images she used to secure her triumphs were also the means of her undoing.
is written by Newport Beach Reference Librarian Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeach library.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.
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