In October, 2004 my column was devoted to the American Library Association’s “Notable Books of 2004---ALA’s Guide to Best Reading”. The response was phenomenal with many patrons requesting the pamphlet from the Library Association. In selecting new fiction for the library, I depend on the advice of my co-workers, book club members, Columbus Public Library patrons, family, friends, national book reviews, various newspaper and magazine reviews. The more sources I have to choose from, the broader the range of books.
 
I’d like to start an annual tradition in my column. Since many readers depend on me to inform and enlighten them as to the best choices for their reading pleasure and enjoyment, I thought it only right that I publish some of the selections of my fellow Library staff. You’ll be able to see the vast array of genre’s chosen by my “cohorts in crime”. Hopefully, these lists will prompt you to create your own “Best List”. Please submit that list by January 17th, 2005. We will have a random drawing by an independent (and impartial) person, to select the reader whose “Best List” will be published in my column in the Columbus Telegram on Sunday, January 23rd, 2005. Keep in mind, the theme is “Best Books I’ve Read in 2004”.

Please keep the list to ten (10) titles or under, you can include fiction or nonfiction, and you must have the exact title and author. In order to be considered for publishing in the Telegram, you must provide your name, address, and phone number.

Here are the lists from some of my co-workers, take a moment to peruse them, and then start your own---don’t forget to submit it by January 17th, 2005.

Our fearless leader, Bob Trautwein is quite an eclectic reader. His taste runs toward the nonfiction, rather than fiction. Dare I say, if your interests are pretty diversified, feel free to borrow from Mr. Trautwein’s list.
1. “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel (FIC)
2. “Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini (FIC)
3. “Walking to Canterbury: A Modern Journey through Chaucer’s Medieval England” by Jerry Ellis (NF)
4. “The Road to Santiago” by Kathryn Harrison (NF)
5. “ Pilgrimage to the End of the World” by Conrad Rudolph
6. “The Pilgrimage to Santiago” by Edwin Mullins
7. “The Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China” by Jung Chang

Donna Thiem, our own computer genius, says she reads for relaxation. I love her list of fiction; it certainly provides a respite from her problems. Her nonfiction tends to be in the biographical genre.
1. “Why you crying? : my long hard look at life, love, and laughter” by George Lopez (NF)
2. “Shepherds abiding” by Jan Karon (FIC)
3. “A Paper Life” by Tatum O’Neal (BIO_NF)
4. “Remember When” by Judith McNaught (FIC)
5. Garden of Angels” by Lurlene McDaniel (FIC)

Matt Asche our intrepid “jack-of-all-trades” building maintenance man loves a good mystery/suspense thriller:
1. “A State of Fear” by Michael Crichton
2. “Bums Rush” by G.M. Ford
3. “Slow Burn” by G.M. Ford
4. “Last Ditch” by G.M. Ford
5. “Angels & Demons” by Dan Brown
6. “Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown
7. All of the James Lee Burke (author) novels with the fictitious character “Dave Robicheaux”

Ellen Stewart has more literary knowledge than anyone I know. As one of the “pages” at Columbus Public Library, her command of the Dewey numbers for the nonfiction area is incomparable. She knows Fiction authors, be they Science Fiction or Mystery or Western or one of the Classics---I don’t think I’ve ever stumped Ellen.
1. “Sinister Pig” by Tony Hillerman
2. “The Adventure of English” by Melvyn Bragg
3. “An Army At Dawn” by Rick Atkinson
4. “Scooby Doo: the Essential Guide” edited by DK Publications
5. “The Mauritius Command” by Patrick O’Brian
6. “Double Shot” by Diane Mott Davidson
7. “The Five People You Meet In Heaven” by Mitch Albom
8. “Eats, Shoots, and Leaves” by Lynne Truss
9. “Corporal Works of Murder” by Sr. Carol Anne O’Marie
10. “The War of 1812” by Donald Hickey
As only Ellen could do, she had an addendum. “The authors Philip Roth & Elizabeth Peters didn’t make the cut, but came in #11 & #12.”

Dianne Clause has worked in all areas of the library. Currently, she’s down in cataloging. She has the most enviable job; she actually gets to touch or work on every single book that comes through our Library. There is a popular new genre called “Inspirational Fiction”. Dianne’s list wouldn’t be complete without it. If you enjoy a truly uplifting, engrossing storyline be sure and choose a book from these titles.

1. “Uncommon Hero” series by Dee Henderson: “True Courage” ; “True Honor” ; “True Valor” ; “True Devotion”
2. “O’Malley” series also by Dee Henderson: “The Guardian”; “The Negotiator’; “The Rescuer”; “The Healer”; “The Protector”; “The Truth Seeker”; “Danger in the Shadows”
3. “Dark Harvest” by Karen Harper
4. “Murder List” by Julie Garwood
5. All the “Cat Who...” books by Lillian Jackson Braun

Along with the winner of the contest-“The Best Books I’ve Read in 2004”-the rest of the lists from my co-workers will also appear in the ColumbusTelegram on January 23rd, 2005.

Recent donations to the Columbus Library Foundation include a memorial from Mr. and Mrs. Richard Luebbe in memory of Aaron Holland and a memorial from Marjorie M. Osten in memory of Florence White, the mother of Robert White of Columbus. Also, the Calico Quilt Club gave a donation to the Foundation.