An Embarrassment of Riches

An Autodidact's Delight - by Alison

The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings. I'm often reminded of this phrase when I look at the sheer amount of material the library houses, on such a wide range of topics. The other day I came across a DVD called The Art of Requeening. Was it a new method for playing chess? A treatise on the politics of filling royal vacancies? Actually, it turned out to be about bee culture and honeybee breeding. Who knew there was such a thing, and that the library owns it?

That's just the beginning. My friend borrowed a copy of The Bodhrán DVD, in hopes of learning the ancient art of celtic drumming. I've gotten some good out of the video course Understanding the Fundamentals of Music from the Teaching Company, publishers of CD and DVD lectures by professors from universities across the country. Another friend built a lovely bookcase by studying the art of biscuit joinery.

So what do you want to study? Want to learn fingerstyle guitar, Bollywood dancing, Hula, magic tricks East Coast Swing, the art of spey casting? There's a DVD for that. Maybe you want the Monks of New Skete to show you how to make your dog behave? There's a DVD for that. Perhaps you've been hunting and would now like to learn how to tan that deer you bagged? There's a DVD for that. You can even learn 5 string banjo from the inimitable Pete Seeger. Browse our whole list of instructional videos. Maybe you'll discover a talent you never knew you had.

A Thing of Beauty - by Laural I bought a book. As a librarian I don’t normally admit that but it happens. I buy what I think is the best, what I can’t live without and borrow the rest. I borrowed from the library 1000 Jewelry Inspirations by Sandra Salamony. I was so enthused by the pieces in the book I had to own it.
I’ve been making jewelry for fifteen years - mostly simple necklaces, earrings, and bracelets with beads using the techniques of wirewrapping and softflex wire with crimp beads. If you make jewelry or you love looking at jewelry you will love this book!  Salamony includes full color photos of excellent pieces by 200+ creators. In all there are 1000 photographs of fantastic beaded art.  Most styles are covered: peyote stitch, ribbon chokers, wire wrapping, crimp beading, metal working, and bewitched materials made into ethereal concoctions. This is a confirmation that there are artists out there using pliers, needles, beads, blowtorches, metal, gems and ingenuity. They are creating amazing necklaces, earrings, and bracelets for the pleasure of jewelry wearers and the community at large.  Be inspired - take a look at this beautiful book.