We are midway through the summer of teen programs.

Yesterday was the third of the TALK IT UP/SPEAK OUT book discussions, and we all had a great time! The coolness, though, was when the lights went out as we were in the middle of the TALK IT UP discussion of SHAKESPEARE'S SECRET.

An unexpected blackout in the Library!!

(Of course, when is a blackout ever really expected anyway!) We all left the Monroe Room and wended our way about to the front of the Library to find that the lights had come on...so we just continued our discussion and the mass consumption of chocolate!

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Yes, it's BASTILLE DAY!

TODAY IS THE BIRTHDAY OF HAROLD BLOOM!

You may not know him yet, but if you ever chance to require literary criticism of any sort, you will doubtless encounter his work. We have many books, edited by Mr. Bloom, sitting pretty on the Library shelves awaiting your introduction. A great writer himself who has written criticism of his own work as well, Bloom's collection of critical reviews of literature and authors is legend!

"In the finest critics, one hears the full cry of the human. They tell one why it matters to read."

Yeah, I know, I haven't blogged in a good long while, but it's not for lack of intent. Nay, intent was certain, it's just that late June was way bizzy for me, including a wonderful family wedding (mayhap you will see pics, whenever!), and now I am in the Adirondacks on a long-awaited and well-earned vacation.

Sitting on the porch overlooking a lovely lake and gazing at Pharoah Mountain in the misty distance...yes, a vacation is just what I needed. (A rainy day in the Adirondacks is way better than a sunny day in NJ anytime!)

But I shall return, and next week I will see many of you at Book Discussion on Thursday, and maybe even at Literary Magazine on Tuesday! (Check my summer schedule at wyckoff-nj.com, if you please,)