Shakespeare Looking Better All The Time

A new portrait of Shakespeare, recently discovered by a group of Shakespeare scholars and art historians in London, appears to be the only known likeness to have been painted in his lifetime. It shows a man much more handsome than in previous renderings. Is this the Shakespeare who inspired the Queen's devotion?

What do you think? While we would not call it a "pin-up", the picture is not the solemn-faced, balding image that has been conveyed by engravings, busts and portraits accepted by scholars as the best available likeness of English literature’s most famous figure.
Check out some of these titles to learn more about the mystery of the man who was Shakespeare:

The Quest for Shakespeare by Joseph Pearce. Ignatius Press, c2008.

The Lodger: his life on Silver Street by Charles Nicholl. Viking, 2008.

Shakespeare : the world as stage by Bill Bryson. HarperCollins, c2007.

Resources for Economic Hard Times

Washington State Library has put together a list of Internet links to assist library customers during these economic hard times. The links are available at Washington State Library’s Webjunction.
In this economy libraries are busier than ever. Rick Scott of Oak Harbor visits the library at least once a week. During the past year he and his wife were here almost every day while he was searching for a job. He used the microsoft programs available on the library computers to improve his skills and to create and submit resumes to potential employers. In January, Rick found a job in his field at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. "It took a lot of perseverance" he said. "The equipment and the resources at the library made it possible to find a job." Microsoft tutorials are available free at the library, along with many books that can teach basic computer skills. For more information on job hunting, check out Sno-Isle Libraries The Way of the Job Hunt.

Feeling lost? Book a Librarian for a free 30 minute tutorial on using the Internet, email, catalog or any of the library's online resources.

Spring Forward Now, Slump Later

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How much does an hour cost? Given the current economic situation, it might not be the best time for us to lose an hour of sleep. Like it or not, however, Daylight Savings time has arrived in Washington State. Most of us will become truly aware of it only when Monday morning rolls around. Just when we were finally getting up with the sunrise, we are pushed back into the dark once more.
An hour does not seem like much, but sleep is a vital element of our health and well-being, to say nothing of our mood. If those around you are cranky this week, cut them a little slack. And try to go to bed early - remember, it's actually 10:00 (or is it 8:00)?
Pick up some great books on sleep from your local library, or just read a book that puts you to sleep - there are plenty out there. Mary
The power of sleep[on CD - read by the author] by Kelly Howell. Books on Tape, p2008.
7 keys to sleeping through the night by Barry Krakow. Wiley, c2007.
The insomnia solution : the natural, drug-free way to a good night's sleep by Michael Krugman. Warner Books, 2005.

Whidbey Reads 2009: The Highest Tide

More than 100 people from all over Whidbey Island attended last week’s Whidbey Reads 2009 kick off in Oak Harbor with Book-It Repertory Theatre performing a dramatic reading of The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch. Now in its seventh year, the two-month long community reading program is set to draw a great mix of adults, teens and families at a variety of programs and discussions scheduled in all Whidbey communities.
The Highest Tide is a book that speaks to so many different people in a variety of ways. Library customers are invited to pick up a copy of the book and discussion guide at their local library or book store, join a discussion or attend a program relating to the topic, and attend the grand finale event with author Jim Lynch in person at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00, or on Wednesday, April 22, 7:00 pm in Langley at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. The events are free and open to the public; seating is limited.
Find more information about Whidbey Reads 2009 by visiting our web site www.sno-isle.org/communityrelations/whidbeyreads . Partners to this year’s programming line-up include the Friends of the Whidbey Island Libraries, Island County Beachwatchers, trimbathcreative.com, Oak Harbor School District, Skagit Valley College, Hedgebrook and the Burke Museum. The programs are underwritten by Oak Harbor Wal-Mart and the Institute of Museum of Library Services, administered by the Office of the Secretary of State, Washington Library Division. Jim Lynch’s visit is also supported by Honeymoon Bay Coffee, Best Western Harbor Plaza and the Langley Motel. We are extremely grateful to all our partners and sponsors.