I recently logged on to the Bentonville Public Library web site and was pleased to read that their circulation has increased by 5,000 check-outs over last year. While we are far from that large a circulation increase, we are certainly holding our own in circulation and new library cards issued. It is very interesting to note how patrons' reading choices vary and that keeps us searching for titles to hold their interest.
Our patron count was down a little this past week and we believe that is due to a combination of factors -- very hot temperatures and everyone getting ready for the opening of school. How fortunate today's students are that they have air-conditioned classrooms. I remember sitting in sweltering hot classrooms trying to concentrate on what was being taught. But that was a half-century ago.
Library hours
1 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays
If you haven't yet added your name to the wait list for Harper Lee's "Go Set a Watchman," you may want to do it soon. This book has been number one on the New York Times Best Seller List for three weeks now.
"The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins is a psychological thriller set in the environs of London and has been on the Times Best Seller List for 29 weeks. I have read this book and while not my favorite read, it was interesting.
"The English Spy" by Daniel Silva, "Code of Conduct" by Brad Thor, and "The Rumor" by Elin Hilderbrand are also on The Times list and are available for checkout. We try to obtain new releases by popular authors as soon as they are available.
For anyone wanting to take a road trip, don't forget the 16th annual Bargains Galore on 64 -- Highway 64 from Fort Smith to Beebe. It is 160 miles of yard sales and flea markets along Hwy. 64. Additional information is available at www.bargainsgaloreon64.org. If that is not to your liking, you might prefer the 44th annual Northwest Arkansas Bluegrass Festival at Beacon Part, five miles north of Harrison city limits on Ridgeway Loop. It includes great bands, jam sessions, and plenty of camping spaces. For information, go to www.harrisonarkansas.org.
See you at the library!
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Editor's note: Peggy Maddox is the librarian of the Pea Ridge Community Library. She can be reached at the library at 451-8442 or by mail at P.O. Box 9, Pea Ridge, AR 72751. The Pea Ridge Community Library has a Facebook site.
Editorial on 08/12/2015