The Garden City Public Library has opened its new reading room for its periodical collection. Magazines and newspapers are displayed so that the covers of the current issues can be easily seen by patrons who wish to browse for reading material or to locate a particular publication. The new shelving lifts up to allow patrons easy access to prior issues, which are stored within the unit and immediately behind the current issue. Library patrons can enjoy the new arm chairs and tables in this brightly lit, windowed room, which occupies the corner of the building along Seventh Street and Hilton Avenue. Comfortable oversized reading chairs will also be placed in this newly decorated area. New study carrels have also been assembled for patrons to work near the reference area as part of the Library's ongoing renovation. YAK & SNACK

Joan Bauer, popular young adult author of humorous fiction, has a hit with Thwonk, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. This is the story of A. J., an aspiring photographer who has a personal cupid. What wish should she have granted? What would you wish for? Be careful.... Read the book and come to the Library on Wednesday evening, February 13 for discussion, just in time for Valentines Day. Refreshments will be served. Group meets at 7 PM. Pick up a copy of the book and register now.

THREE APPLES BOOK AWARD

In April the list of nominated titles for first Teen 3 Apples Book Award, a New York State Teen's Choice Award, were announced in this column. Beginning January 1, 2008, teens are invited to vote for their favorite from this list. The list follows:

* Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

* A Child Called It by David Pelzer

* The Clique by Lisi Harrison

* Eldest by Christopher Paolini

* Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss

* Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

* Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

* Heat by Mike Lupica

* Holes by Louis Sachar

* My Brother Sam Is Dead by James Collier

* The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

* Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman

* Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

* The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

* Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

* Ballots are available at the Young Adult desk. For more information on this award visit the website: http://www.3applesbookaward.org

VALENTINE WREATH WORKSHOP

Registration began on Saturday January 26th for a Valentine craft project for Young Adults. At this workshop which will be facilitated by Joanne McGerty, students will create a wreath on a wooden frame with fabric and lace. The workshop, to be held on Saturday, February 9th, will begin at 2 PM and will last approximately 75 minutes. Sign up at the Young Adult desk, by phone or by email.

' TWEENS & TEEN

MOVIE NIGHT HAIRSPRAY

Wednesday, February 20 at 6:30 PM the Young Adult Department will be showing the 2006 hit movie Hairspray for all in grades 6-12. This movie is rated PG-13 and stars Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames, Billy Crudup and Michelle Monoghan. Great music, great drama, laughs and adventure await all who come to this February Break showing. Refreshments will be served. Please register so that there will be snacks and drinks for all. Registration began Wednesday, February 6th.

Registration for all YA programs may be done in person at the Young Adult desk, by phone to the Young Adult Librarian (516-742-8405) or by email to mkelly@gardencitypl.org.

Have you tried Live Homework Help yet? Those who have used it, report that it is a life saver. The tutors are helpful and instructive. Frustration over a homework problem is cured in less than a half an hour. Log on through the library's web site, simply use your library card number and you are on your way to solving those homework dilemmas

Lunch Bag Book Talk

The Thirteenth Tale

Thursday, February 14th 12:00-2:00

Reference Librarians Mrs. Flanagan and Mrs. Byrne are pleased to be spicing up Valentine's Day with another popular Lunch Bag Book Talk on Thursday, February 14th from 12:00 to 2:00. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield has been selected. The Thirteenth Tale is a gripping and spellbinding novel with a haunting quality. The story within the story extends beyond mesmerizing in a way that will transfix every reader.

Author Diane Setterfield has a gift for making each beautifully constructed sentence draw her reader deeper into her tale. Hairs will prick the napes of necks when she introduces the girl in the mist, and goose bumps will rise on arms when Margaret meets Aurelius Love. Throughout the story, the three-dimensional sense of emotion literally pulses with Margaret's despair, her elation, and then her loss.

Registration, which begins Sunday, January 27, is limited to Garden City residents and must be done in person. Remember to bring lunch. Drinks and desserts will be supplied. For further information, contact Laura Flanagan at The Garden City Public Library at 742-8405.

Newly Renovated Periodical Room Opens

News From The Children's Room

Valentines Day is in the air and we have a great craft for your loved one! Decorate cookies with Marie Ilardi (for ages 2 1/2 - 5 with an adult) on Saturday, February 9 at either 9:30 or 10:45 AM. Prior registration is required. Check with children's room at the library for availability.

February 19 at 11:00 AM the library will present a puppet show by Liz Joyce and Goat on a Boat! No registration is necessary. For the entire family!

Winter story times continue with some openings still available. Check with a librarian in the children's room at (516)742-8405, ext. 216 or register on line at www.gardencitypl.org .

Book club discussions continue on in February starting with the Second Grade, Chapter Chats reading and discussing the book Horrible Harry and the Kickball Wedding by Suzy Kline on February 13; New Friends In A Book (3rd Graders) on February 27 with the book Third Grade Detectives "Cobweb Confession" by George E. Stanley; Go Forth (4th Graders) on February 27 with the book Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech; and Page Turners (5th Graders) on February 25th with the book Report Card by Andrew Clements.

Please check the library website www.gardencitypl.org for upcoming events and registration dates. Funding for these programs has been provided by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library. Priority for registration and participation is given to children who are Garden City Public Library cardholders.