Rotten Tomatoes: Movies Reviews and Previews

Don't let the name of this web site fool you (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/). In the world of movie reviews and trivia, it is anything but rotten. In fact, it is what companies like Midwest Tapes use to rate the selections that librarians will ultimately choose from. Below is taken from the web site:ABOUT ROTTEN TOMATOES
Like most of you, we love movies … all kinds of movies. Whether it's the latest sci-fi mindbender, visual effects romp, or intimate and personal character-driven independent film, we're there front and center. Life before RT and our Tomatometer was fairly tough when it came to organizing weekends of movie watching at the local cineplex. Sure, we could rely on our local critics or word of mouth, but where was the consensus? Why should we rely on a single critic who may have a particular taste in film different from ours? Couldn't we organize and collect all of the reviews from a variety of sources (newspaper, online, magazines) and average them into a single score? We could and did.

Over 7 million readers each month use RT globally as a dependable, objective resource for coverage of movies and DVD. With more than 250,000 titles and 850,000 review links in its ever-growing database, RT offers a fun and informative way to discover the critical reaction on movies neatly summarized via the Tomatometer.

Worcester County Writers Project Update

As many of you know, in 1987 Worcester author and activist Michael True authored and the Worcester Public Library published "Worcester Area Writers, 1680-1980", a volume which has served as an important resource for anyone interested in the literary history of Worcester County. Now, a group of WPL staff and local scholars, including Michael True are working on updating and expanding this work. Ultimately, the updated version will be made available electronically and a limited edition of print copies will be created as well. Our goal, as we begin this project, is to be as inclusive as possible within the criteria the committee has outlined.

Since we first met, on February 11th 2008, we have compiled a list of well over 300 writers with strong connections to Worcester County and are now looking for anyone we might have missed! We would appreciate your input as to writers you would like to see added to the new edition. We are considering all types of published works, both fiction and nonfiction, including, but not limited to, works of history, science and biography, as well as literary works including poetry, essays and drama. Works for children and young adults are also of interest. In general textbooks and self-published items will not be included but the work of any writer who was born, resided or worked in Worcester County at any point throughout its history will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please include as much biographical and bibliographic information on the writers you would like to include as possible.

With these few criteria in mind, we encourage you to send your suggestions to Worcester Local History Librarian Joy Hennig, (jhennig@cwmars.org). If you have questions, would like to participate in our project, or would simply like to attend one of our committee meetings to see what we are about, please feel free to contact Joy as well.

We look forward to hearing from you.

U.S. Government Documents Through Interlibrary Loan

If you locate a U.S. Government Documents in the Worcester Public Library OPAC and the record indicates "Library Use Only", in most cases that item may be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan for Use in your Library. The exceptions are the very old documents which are in fragile condition.

Books and More Store WPL

Patrons at The Worcester Public Library frequently ask when will the book sales be held throughout the year. We mention to them that they no longer have to wait for a specific date to great some wonderful bargains. Below are the details and operating hours of this little, but packed with treasures shop.

Library Book Store 508 799-1686

Hours:
Tuesday through Thursday 11:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday (Jan 9 to May 18): 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Library Bookstore is located at the parking lot entrance of the Worcester Public Library. The store sells high quality used books and other media, book-related gifts, office supplies, and Worcester-related items. All proceeds from the store support programs at the Main Library and its branches. Friends of the Worcester Public Library get 10% off purchase in the store.

The store is operated by The Friends of the Worcester Public Library, Inc. The Friends depend entirely on volunteers to staff the bookstore. In order to expand our hours, we are currently seeking additional volunteers. If you are interested in working in The Library Bookstore for a weekly shift of two or more hours, particularly mornings or evenings, please stop by the store or contact the volunteer office at 799-1675. We ask for a minimum commitment of at least three months for students and six months for adults. Volunteers get 25% off purchase in the store.