Finding interesting websites was my New Year’s resolution this year and one I have a good chance of keeping (much, much easier than losing weight or getting more exercise!). The following is a list of fun, interesting websites that are worth bookmarking:

• Massachusetts Libraries
  Check out the new website for Massachusetts libraries from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). It’s easy to use, visually appealing and gives you answers to common questions about libraries in Massachusetts.
• Today’s Front Page
  If you’re interested in what’s happening around the world, take a look at “Today’s Front Page.” Over 500 newspapers from around the world send their headlines to “Newseum.” Area maps of the world are displayed on a toolbar. Click on the area of interest, and the resulting map will display location dots of corresponding newspapers. Click on the dot and the front page of the newspaper appears. Some newspapers are in the language of the country. Lots are in English.
• Having Fun with Images
  Put your name in lights! Use the following website to create your message for the “Godzillatron” at the University of Texas. Save the image to your computer and then dazzle your friends
• Use this website to create blinking neon signs for your blog, website or to email to friends.
• Booklists
  Because this is a library column, we have to have something on books! This website consists of booklists on themes, places, characters, and plots of crime novels, annotated booklists focused on fiction for adults, kids, and teens; a calendar of authors’ birthdays and some resources for book groups. It was originally part of the Waterboro Public Library website but moved to this new site in late 2007.
• Very Short List
  Everyone gets tons of emails daily, but “Very Short List” is an email worthy of the 5 minutes or less that you spend reading it. “VSL” sends you an email, five days a week about ONE “cool” thing. It could be a book, CD, movie, TV show or web video – it’s always interesting, to the point and doesn’t drown you in a sea of words.

Upcoming Events

• Singer Peter Sheridan shares songs, music and stories with young children Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. on January 19, February 2, March 8 and 22. Contact the Youth Room for Tickets.
• Author William Martin discusses his new book The Lost Constitution, on Thursday January 24, in the Lecture Hall, at 7 p.m. Contact the Reference Desk at 781-246-6334, x2 to reserve seats.
• Frosty’s Magic Birthday, a magic show with Greg McAdams will be in the Lecture Hall on Friday January 25 at 4:00PM. Kids 5 and older will be amazed at Greg’s sleight of hand. Contact the Youth Room to register.
• Chess for grades 5 and up, Friday January 25, 3–5 p.m. Sign up at the Youth Room Desk.
• Drop in story times for four and five year-olds is on Tuesdays at 11:00 or Fridays at 9:30. Winter II session January 8 – February 15. Spring session: March 11 – April 18.

Categories: Adult Programs, Book Discussion Groups, Library News
Tags: author, author program, chess, Greg McAdams, Massachusetts libraries, Peter Sheridan, storytimes, websites, William Martin