New At The Library: A way to go online and learn to become proficient in many computer programs that can be modified for you. Currently, the main library in Port Lavaca has classes for all residents online in the following software programs: Computer & Internet Basics, E-mail Basics, Social Media (Facebook, etc.), OpenOffice, and Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook. All you have to do is to visit our Library, sign up at the desk and then go online. What a painless and non-stressful way to learn!
There is always something special about renewing the acquaintance of an author previously enjoyed, but had been put aside later. This was the case for me with Dick Francis, an Englishman and a former steeplechase jockey for the Queen Mother. Mr. Francis writes mysteries, all connected in some manner with the world of racing; his style of writing is crisp and easily read. His plots are well thought out and the characterizations of the people in his books are totally believable. Obviously, I enjoy his books and I was delighted to discover several I’d not read in the past. Proof will tell you more about the distilling, bottling and sales of single malt scotch than you can imagine, and Comeback takes you from Miami to England and the involvement of a group of veterinarians and their work. We also have a number of other books as written by Dick Francis that I’m certain you will enjoy.
A new author at our Library is Ben Coes who has written two books: Power Down and Coup D’etat, starring Dewey Andreas, a former soldier and member of First Special Forces Operational Detachment, or Delta. He has spent the last year recuperating on a ranch in Australia from a bullet wound inflicted by a terrorist who is determined to succeed in killing him. Then, from Australia we jump to Pakistan, a country that is extremely unstable with the new government as formed by a blind power-hungry cleric. But the plot jumps when Pakistan drops an atomic bomb on Northern India, thereby setting the stage for World War III and the annihilation of the peoples of Earth.
I found this book somewhat difficult to read; almost every page was alive with initials or acronyms for government agencies both in the United States and throughout the world. But the worst problem for me was the lack of the development of Mr. Coes’ characters. His devotion was strictly to the plot, which did move. But with the lack of pure characterizations, the plot was insufficient. However, male readers seem to enjoy the writing; guess it’s a girl thing to desire believable people in a book!
TO OUR WINTER TEXANS:
The Port O’Connor Library is located at 6th & Adams next door to the Fire Station. Our hours are:
Monday: 9 — 1; 2 — 6
Tuesday: 9 — 1; 2 — 6
Wednesday: 1 — 6
Thursday: 12 — 5
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: 9 — 1
Sunday: CLOSED
We welcome any visitor in this area to our Library during those hours; we currently have 5 computers available for use, and an outstanding selection of books and DVDs Just takes a current Library card and we will be happy to issue one!
We still have books for sale at the Library, thankfully, with donations from residents coming in regularly. Luckily for Shirley and me we have received a number of current books that cover a variety of subjects; even some for handcrafting special items. The monies received from these sales go to add to our DVD collection and to purchase additional books – many times those missing from a series. Do come and check them out! You won’t be disappointed!
“When an old person dies, a Library burns down.”
Karin Gillespie
