CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY

For Those Of You Who Judge Books By Their Covers…

Maybe we need these signs at the CPL, what do you think?

H/T to r/books!

William Shakespeare - The Most Interesting Man In The World

In honor of Shakespeare’s 449th birthday week, we thought it would be fun to compile a list of little known facts about one of the most important playwrights in the history of mankind. 

1. Born and died on April 23rd.
2. Introduced almost 3,000 words to the English language, including ‘Puking,’ ‘Swagger,’ and ‘Eyeball.’
3. His wife was named Anne Hathaway.
4. Shakespeare performed in many of his own plays.
5. Abraham Lincoln’s assassin John Wilkes Booth was a famous Shakespearean actor.
6. According to the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, Shakespeare wrote about one-tenth of the most quotable quotations ever written or spoken in English.
7. The Shakespeare blood line ended in 1670 with the death of his granddaughter, Elizabeth.
8. Shakespeare’s parents, along with his children were almost certainly illiterate. 
9. Shakespeare’s father, John was appointed the official ‘Ale Taster’ of Stratford-upon-Avon meaning he was responsible for testing and tasting bread and malt liquors.
10. He married his wife, Anne Hathaway when she was three months pregnant.

Edible Book Festival 2013

This is a delicious idea from the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. 

It’s a simple recipe for fun:

• 1 book you love
• 1 creative way of interpreting it with food
• Assorted edible ingredients

That’s it! All ages are welcome to participate in transforming a favorite book into a culinary masterpiece based on the content or appearance of your book, from puns to literal interpretations. This is one of our most popular programs—and it’s FREE.

Click here to learn more about the Edible Book Festival, taking place today!

Goodnight iPad: A Parody for the Next Generation

Oh, how times have changed.

“In a bright buzzing room, in the glow of the moon-and iPhones and Androids and Blackberries too-it is time to say goodnight…

Modern life is abuzz. There are huge LCD WiFi HD TVs and Facebook requests and thumbs tapping texts and new viral clips of cats doing flips. Wouldn’t it be nice to say goodnight to all that? Like the rest of us who cannot resist just a few more scrolls and clicks, you may find yourself ready for bed while still clinging to your electronics long after dark.

This book, which is made of paper, is a reminder for the child in all of us to power down at the end of the day. This hilarious parody not only pokes loving fun at the bygone quiet of the original classic, but also at our modern plugged-in lives. It will make you laugh, and it will also help you put yourself and your machines to sleep. Don’t worry, though. Your gadgets will be waiting for you, fully charged, in the morning.”

Click here to buy Goodnight iPad today!

The Book Tent