Just what are Playways, anyway?

You may have noticed an addition to the media department collection by the audiobooks: Playaways. Playaways come pre-loaded with one particular title, require your own set of earphones or earbuds (we sell earbuds at the Circulation Desk for a $1.00, if you don't have a pair yourself), and one AAA battery to operate. We carry both fiction and non-fiction titles. To search our Playaway collection in the catalog, use the search terms "digital player."

They're an excellent option for those who don't have an MP3 player, but want the portablility they offer. A patron recently stopped by the media desk and asked if we were planning to expand that collection because "they're great for walking; you can just turn it on and go." They're also a convenient option for your car (if you have the proper cables for audio output) because you won't have to change out discs while driving.

Consider checking out a Playaway the next time you visit the library and see how you like it!

Some recent additions to the collection:

The Road by Cormac McCarthy Find it in the catalog!

Dirty Martini by J.A. Konrath Find it in the catalog!

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Find it in the catalog!

You On a Diet: The Owner's Manual by Michael Roizen & Mehmet Oz Find it in the catalog!

Free movies in May!

Starting May 1 you can pick up tickets for Twilight (PG-13), showing May 21 at 6 PM, and Bedtime Stories (PG), showing May 23 at 2 PM, at the Media Desk. Audience capacity is limited to 80 people, so be sure to stop by for your free tickets.

DVDs out April 21st

New to DVD this week: a pair of Oscar-nominated prestige pictures and the much-anticipated Notorious B.I.G. biopic.

Frost/Nixon
Notorious
The Wrestler

Reserve a copy for yourself by visiting the Dundee Library's online catalog.

Put the "Two Fat Ladies" into your DVD player

Two Fat Ladies (2008)
* Complete 4-Series Collection
* Jennifer Paterson and Clarissa Dickson Wright

I love watching this cooking show, which originally aired on the BBC (and later on the Food Network). Each episode finds Jennifer Paterson and Clarissa Dickson Wright traveling by motorcycle and side motorcar to a new location (and kitchen) in Britain. Actually, sometimes they don’t even have a kitchen; in one episode they prepare food in a tent! They are so entertaining together; Jennifer often breaks into song, and Clarissa is quite knowledgeable about history, especially as it relates to food. The show is also fun to watch because you get to see the beautiful landscapes of places like Cornwall, Northumberland, and the Lake District. Just some of the people Jennifer and Clarissa cook for include Benedictine nuns, lumberjacks (yummy), lacrosse and cricket players, and barristers.

So many cooking shows on the air today emphasize quick meals. I think Two Fat Ladies is refreshing for its laid-back, no-need-to-rush attitude. In lieu of a food processor or blender Jennifer and Clarissa use a mortar and pestle. Instead of a high-speed mixer they use a bowl, spoon, and plenty of arm strength to whip together butter and sugar. At the end of each episode Jennifer relaxes with a drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other as she and Clarissa discuss the day’s events. Their humor combined with their love of food make this show a must-view. No matter what recipes are featured, I’m always in a better mood after watching a Two Fat Ladies episode. Sadly, Jennifer Paterson died in 1999, so the four seasons (or series) included in this set comprise this show’s entire run.

Check out these DVDs today, or click on the catalog link below to put them on hold. Bonus: included in the DVD set is a booklet containing eight recipes!

Find it in the catalog!

DVD news

The Dundee Twp. Public Library announces that DVDs are now FREE! As of May 1, 2009 the fines for DVDs will be $1.00 per day.

What we're listening to...

Night Falls Over Kortedala by Jens Lekman:
When I first heard this album from Swede Jens Lekman, a year and a half ago, it was quite a surprise. I found it to be thoroughly enjoyable both now, and then. It's different, quirky, and lush. All the songs on this album are keepers, but the songs that I most enjoy are "Your Arms Around Me" and the-I-have-no-idea-what-this-means "Kanske är jag kär i dig," which has the best ending to a song I think I've ever heard. Really. This CD might not be for everyone, but it would definitely be coming with me to that desert island.

Find it in the catalog!

What we're listening to...

Twilight: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack:

I think the music perfectly matches the mood of this movie. Rob Pattinson, Edward Cullen himself, even contributes the acoustic guitar track “Never Think.” While Pattinson is a dreamy vampire, he is very difficult to understand when he sings. My favorites from the soundtrack include “Eyes on Fire” by Blue Foundation and “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” by Iron & Wine.

Find it in the catalog!

What we're listening to...

With Blasphemy So Heartfelt by Jessica Lea Mayfield: The 19-year-old singer/songwriter's first full-length record, produced by fellow Ohioan Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. Song of the moment: "For Today."

Find it in the catalog!

DVDs out April 7th

Didn’t get to see these movies when they were out in theaters?

Bedtime Stories Find it in the catalog!

The Day the Earth Stood Still Find it in the catalog!

Doubt Find it in the catalog!

The Tale of Despereaux Find it in the catalog!

Yes Man Find it in the catalog!

They are out on DVD tomorrow, so be sure to reserve a copy today. All you have to do is use your library card number to place these movies on hold.