From today’s New York Times comes this interesting piece about how the drop in crime rates in New York City has forced local mystery writer’s to look in other places for inspiration.

If you have arrived here, from one of our NextReads newsletters, welcome aboard! We hope that you are enjoying that service and are discovering lots of great books to read as a result. The next question is perhaps you would care to share those great books? By sharing we mean would you be interested in leading an online book discussion here on our book blog? If so, terrific! Please register here on this blog and let us know that you would like to lead a discussion and we will contact you with additional information. So once again welcome and let’s start reading and sharing your Next great Read!

President Harry Truman’s  daughter and acclaimed mystery author Margaret Truman has died at the age of 83. Her popular “Capital Crimes” series spanned over 20 titles and are perennial favorites here at the library.

Just finished this one, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Sure to generate a lively debate, from a variety of viewpoints, both political and otherwise. Reviews here , here and here. Copies are available at several area libraries including Waterford. So read the book, register with this blog and start the discussion!

One of the most important services libraries have provided to generations of readers is something we call Reader’s Advisory. Basically we keep track of what we and our patron’s are reading so that we can recommend those books to others who may be looking for their next favorite read! With the rise in interest and popularity of social networking and user generated content, it’s only natural that the concept of reader’s advisory would be integrated into the Web 2.0 revolution that’s transforming how we use the Internet. There are several sites that allow you to “catalog” your book collection virtually and share with other like minded book lovers, with more sure to come. Check out LibraryThing or GoodReads. And then come back here and share with us, what you’ve discovered, so we can pass it along to someone else. That’s how Reader’s Advisory works…sharing our passion for reading and great books, no matter the method.

Since many of us will be new to this book discussion idea, (at least the virtual aspects of it via a blog), I’ve added a few links to book review sites and blogs that you might check out as a jumping off point. Scroll down to the Blogroll and give them a look. I will try to update it regularly with new options to try.

Well then, how about letting the rest of know all about them? That’s the basic premise for the newest feature of the Waterford Library Website. Once you register with the blog and are approved, you can join the discussion about what you and your neighbors are reading! Better yet, by requesting to be a contributor, you can start and lead a discussion about your current favorite, or a classic you are rediscovering, whatever you feel will generate some lively book-related discussion. We will strive to keep this as neutral and apolitical a zone as possible and personal attacks of any kind will not be tolerated.  But other than that, the rules are pretty minimal. So climb aboard and let’s get some discourse going about whatever book-related topic you care to share your knowledge!