All Hallows' Eve

Did you know the word Halloween comes from a Scottish variation of "All Hallows Even' (evening). It was first used in the 16th century. All Hallows day means  mass-day of all saints. Halloween also has pagan influences. With preparation for winter, bonfires were lit, feasts and rituals held.
Jack 'o lanterns may have come from faces carved in turnips in the Scottish highlands! As early as 1895, in Scotland, children were going door to door wearing costumes and carrying turnip lanterns. They were given coins and cakes.

General Election 2012

Here in Taos county, we are in the middle of early voting for the 2012 presidential election. If you've followed the debates and are not clear on  whether the candidates are pro or con on certain issues, you can go to ProCon to see where they stand. Another site for fact checking is PolitiFact.
In case you didn't know about State Go Bond B on the ballet this election, it is to authorize $9.7 million to purchase books, electronic resources for school, public and academic libraries in New Mexico.
If you're not sure where to vote on election day, Taos County has a map of the precincts.
Don't forget November 6th!

Young Adult Books: Not Just For Young Adults Any More

Thanks at least in part to the universal appeal of the Harry Potter, Twilight and Hunger Games series, 55% of Young Adults books are now being purchased by adults, mostly by those ages 30-44. 78% of those book buyers say they are purchasing the books for themselves.

Reading Trends of Young Adults

According to a report from Pew Research Center's Internet and American Life Project, 8 out of 10 young adults age 16-29, have read a book in the last year. That's compared with 7 out of 10 adults reading a book in the last year. The findings of this report are meant to be positive, but I find them a little discouraging.

Events This Saturday, October 20th

The last book sale of the year will be this Saturday from 8am to 1pm at the Farmers Market. Thank you to the friends of the Taos Public, for all their hard work in making these Summer book sales a big success!

Also, the winners of this years teen art show will be announced this Saturday at 1:30pm. This year, Lloyd Rivera is the judge. Take a look at our talented teen art entries in the community room. You have until Friday to vote for your favorite. Thanks to those teens who submitted their artwork!

Become a "Friend" of the Taos Public Library

"Libraries bring people and ideas together" ALA

This Saturday, November 13th, from 10 am to 1:30 pm in the library community room will be a membership drive for the Friends of Taos Public Library. Join us for a book sale, readings by Taos High school students, and refreshments.
For a little more than a price of a latte, you can support your local library. Just $10.00 a year (and up)! Donate $50.00 or more to receive a free, sturdy, book bag.
Hope to see you there!

2nd Annual Teen Art Show!

2nd Annual Teen Art Show

October 15th-October 20th

Deadline to submit artwork is October 12th by 5pm!

Winners will be announced Saturday, October 20th at 1:30 pm

Special guest judge and local artist Lloyd Rivera

Read more for rules and regulations.