Books

Is it Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" or a Nancy Drew mystery? "Anne of Green Gables" or "The Great Gatsby?" "To Kill a Mockingbird" or "The Cat in the Hat?" What's your favorite book of the last century? cont. from lifestyle It might be something hot on today's best-seller list, or something written in the early 1900s. Some books have a way of sticking with you, and we'd like to know what they are. Tell us which titles you treasure. We'll print them Sunday, Dec. 12. Contact us in the following ways: Leave a message at 301-791-6877.

julieg@herald-mail.com Escape into a world of magic and mystery or revisit one of the greatest formative years of American history. The adventures of heroes Harry Potter and George Washington are sure to be hits this summer with the upcoming releases of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and David McCullough's "1776. " Here's a sample of other books some librarians at Washington County Free Library believe will be popular summer reading. Some of the books have been released so it might be easier to check them out now. Others already could have reserve lists.

The Boonsboro Elementary School team took first place in Washington County Free Library's annual Battle of the Books competition Saturday at Eastern Elementary School. The team name is “Magnetized M.O.B. (Masters of Books).” Team members included Gina Gabianelli, Marianna Lawrence, Maggie Mathews, Alex Gibson, Connor Lawrence, Melanie Carter, Claire Seibert and Christopher Li.

Rockland Woods Elementary School recently participated in a one-month reading challenge. Students were challenged by media specialist Pamela Rubisch to read 4,444 books as a way to celebrate her 44th birthday.  Tracking sheets were given to students who were told to write down every book they read for one month to see if the school could break the goal.  By the end of the month, students read 11,063 books and were rewarded with a  birthday costume...

I'm an addict. There I've said it. I'm addicted to several things, but the one I'm talking about in this column is books. I am a voracious reader and that costs me money, time, a broader behind and a larger girth. None of the costs is really good for me, but I can't help it. Like I said, I'm addicted. Although I read books in a variety of genres, mysteries and historical fiction are my favorites. My favorite authors are James Patterson, W.E.B. Griffin and Jeff Shaara. (And Nelson De Mille, Ralph Peters, John Grisham, David Baldacci, Bernard Cornwell, Ken Follett …)

These books were read by teams in this year's Battle of the Books contest: Addie Across the Prairie Anne of Green Gables Best Christmas Pageant Ever Dear Mr. Henshaw Doll in the Garden Door in the Wall Horror in the Haunted House House of Dies Drear House of Sixty Fathers Incredible Journey Island of the Blue Dolphins Mouse and the Motorcycle Owls in the Family Sign of the...

HALFWAY-No books can be found on 7-year-old Elizabeth Marick's bed when she goes to sleep at night, but by morning, evidence of the first-grader's bookish ways usually surfaces. "I've found at least seven books on her bed and a couple of dead flashlights," said her mother, Christina Marick. Elizabeth, who loves nature books and "Magic Tree House" books, was one of several children who got free books on Saturday at Valley Mall as part of Washington County Reading Day. Washington County Free Library librarians and volunteers stocked tables in the center of the mall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with books to give out to children, who mostly were elementary-school age. More than 1,000 books were handed out, said Kathleen O'Connell, the library's assistant director.

Adam Martens looks over a book Monday at the Boonsboro Middle School Book Fair. Money raised from the fair, which continues through Friday, will be used to purchase items such as a scanner and additional books for the library media center.

HAGERSTOWN Head Start of Washington County Inc. is offering thousands of free books to the community - books they received from NBC's "Today" show. The books are mostly outdated textbooks and manuals for aged software programs. Executive Director Paul Pittman said it is possible that Head Start might have to redonate the books if the public is not interested in the titles. Head Start is a private, nonprofit agency that provides comprehensive child and family development services to low-income, at-risk populations throughout Washington County . At least three UPS trucks delivered 247 boxes filled with books two weeks ago, he said.

The Hagerstown Branch of American Association of University Women will hold the AAUW Used Book Sale April 19 to 21, at the Arc of Washington County building, at 1000 Florida Ave. in Hagerstown. Twenty-thousand books, sorted into dozens of categories, including old and rare, current and choice, children's, and collectibles, will be displayed on tables for the shoppers' convenience. Books on tape, videotapes, CDs and DVDs will also be available. Most hardbacks cost $1 to $3 and small paperbacks cost 50 cents.  Hours are: Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Saturday, the books will be sold at half price from 9 a.m. to noon, and at $5 a bag from noon to 3 p.m. Proceeds from the sale will provide scholarships for local students.  For more information, call 301-733-2007.