Behind the Scenes: Book Nook & Book Bulletins

This is the staff room on the 5th floor of the Central Library. The window is one of several that comprise an "art in public places" work called "Geometric Progression."

The books in the window are publishers' pre-publication galley proofs sent to our local newspaper to be reviewed, and passed along to the library. We can't add them to our collection, nor can they be sold by the Friends of the Library. I found the "Tale of Despereaux" amongst them last year, and discovered the recent works of two talented Jamaican authors, Andrea Levy and Lorna Goodison. Because they are not cataloged, I have picked up titles far outside the usual range of books I would normally choose, and have been challenged to read outside my comfort zone.

If you are also interested in discovering new reading interests without any financial outlay, try our Book Bulletins for adults and kids. Just click a topic and provide your e-mail address to receive a monthly announcement of recent titles in that area. There's a link on our web site - just click on the Book Bulletin graphic to see the list and sample the titles before subscribing. Titles on the lists are selected from our collection by Sacramento Public Library staff.