While putting away books one day, I discovered I, Quantrill, a book written by Max McCoy, who is being touted as one of the best Western writers of today.  The title fascinated me as I had spent seven years in Kansas, and William Clarke Quantrill was known as the renegade outlaw who burnt many towns and killed many people during the Civil War in Kansas.  Quantrill’s name in certain areas today is spoken of in total disgust and hatred.  Amongst other areas that he destroyed, Lawrence, Kansas was burnt to the ground and all the male residents were murdered.  The book is written through the words of Quantrill himself; however, the ending chapters are written as though spoken by the nurse who cared for Quantrill.

Although starting as a soldier in the Confederate Army, he quickly became disenchanted with regular Army life, and started on his destructive path throughout Kansas and Missouri.  Both Frank and Jesse James became members of his band and each seemed to distinguish themselves in Quantrill’s murderous raids.

The book is well written; the chapters flow easily into each other; and it gives you a possibly more accurate picture of Quantrill than that written of earlier.  However, I am certainly happy that I was not a resident of either Kansas or Missouri during that time.

Happily Ever After is the last book in the “bride quartet”, a new series by Nora Roberts.  This is possibly the best of the three previous books as not only does the author seem to identify more fully with the character of Parker Brown, but she seems to have developed this character more fully.  Or perhaps it’s just that the strength of this woman becomes more apparent throughout the book.  I found the plot quite interesting, and the development of the characters into totally believable persons.  I now can easily understand how the cost of a wedding (with- out gowns) can easily run into 5 figures.  Glad my daughters are now married and that there are only two grand-daughters in both families!

To The Parents Of 3rd & 4th Graders:
Ms. Sue in the Library has started a Reading Hour at the Library on Saturdays beginning at 10:30 am.  Welcome are local students and of course, visitors.  We will be reading some of  the Magic Tree books, and the first tells of a teen-aged Louis Armstrong and his very early life in New Orleans.  Possibly accompanying the reading hour will be music as performed by Louis, well known as the King of Jazz.  Should be an interesting time for both the kids and the Story Teller.  Maybe after this one, we’ll hear about Kangaroos!
Moms, see Ms. Shirley or Ms. Sue in the Library for more information.

Attention: Bunco Players:
Tuesday, January 4th marked the last time the Bunco Group met in the Library; however, on Tuesday, February 1st at 7:00 p.m. This group of fun-playing women will begin meeting in the Back Room of the Community Center.  Cost is $5.00 per night; prior experience – being able to add the spots on the dice; and being prepared to have fun.  Our hostesses this evening will be Biddie Hileman and Sally Jones.  Call Joyce Jordan, 655-7999 or Shirley Gordon, 983-4365 for further information.

Have you seen the new calendar that we have in the Library?  If you wish to order one for your home, contact Shirley; cost is $15.

“When an old person dies, a Library burns down.”
Karin Gillespie

Port O’Connor Library Hours:
Monday and Tuesday:
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m AND 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday:
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: Closed
Saturday:  9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. * Sunday: Closed