"Local History" Tidbits, Tales and Treasures

Volunteers from Bernardsville Library's Edwin S. Spinning Local History Room will offer the public a historical overview of Bernardsville, New Jersey, on Saturday, July 13th, from 10 a.m. to noon in the library.  Referencing old maps, newspapers, and photographs, our volunteers plan to discuss noteworthy and perhaps even odd stories about the early days of our town.  Here's a wonderful opportunity to learn about notable houses, famous past residents, and lesser known, but equally fascinating tidbits from Bernardsville's local history.  Small group tours of the Spinning Collection will follow the presentation.  To sign up or for more information, please refer here.

My First Coup d'Etat

A memoir of his youth in Ghana from the current president of the nation, My First Coup d'Etat: and Other True Stories from the Lost Decades of Africa is the next selection for Bernardsville Library's book group, Memoirs and Coffee.  My First Coup d'Etat will be discussed on Tuesday, June 25, at 10:30 a.m. in the library.  Memoirs and Coffee is open to new members who may borrow copies of the book at the circulation desk.

Written by John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana since 2012, My First Coup d'Etat describes growing up in Ghana during the tumult of post-independence. The Wall Street Journal noted that “Mr. Mahama is at his best in describing this vanished world. He does so with the eye of a historian and the flair of a novelist...At times the lost world he describes seems almost magical, as if it were populated by fairies and demons rather than real people... His stories overflow with humanity.”

Library CAT at Work

Bernardsville Public Library's Collection Advisory Team (CAT) has just produced a new roster of recommended reading for our patrons.  These books are featured on shelving within the New Fiction area and may be borrowed immediately.  A blend of fiction, including thrillers, mysteries, and romance, is currently on display there.

The Collection Advisory Team consists of members of the community who are active library members willing to make suggestions for the library's collection development.  Their collaboration with our librarians enables Bernardsville Public Library to broaden the appeal of its collections and to ensure that community input is considered.  It's great to have a CAT in our library!