The Logan Library is pleased to announce that we now offer Transparent Language software. Transparent Language is an interactive immersion program that enables language learners to take basic vocabulary and quickly progress to more advanced comprehension and use. Grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening, pronunciation skills, and more are emphasized through the use of native language texts, videos, and stories that immerse you in the foreign language.


The Transparent Language software is stored on a USB key. After you check out the Transparent Language software, simply plug the USB drive into any computer and follow the prompts to install the program. The USB acts as a "Key" that allows you to use the program as long as the drive is inserted into your computer. The program remains on your computer and stores all of your information, so you can access it the next time you check out the software from the library.


We offer Transparent Language Software for the following 9 languages:

• English
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Hebrew
• Italian
• Japanese
• Russian
• Spanish

Remember, in addition to Transparent Language the Library also offers language learning tools on books, CD, and DVD. Contact the library if you have any questions.

Here is another reading pick from the Logan Library Staff.


Book: Wire in the Blood by Val McDermid
Recommended by: Melanie, Librarian
Award winning British mystery author, McDermid, has created gritty, intense characters in this riveting psychological thriller. Not for the squeamish, the book follows Dr. Tony Hill, a psychological profiler, as he helps the police find a sadistic serial killer. A BBC TV series is based on McDermid's books.


Want more reading suggestions? View previous staff picks.

The library will be closed on Wednesday, November 11 for Veterans Day. We will resume normal business hours on November 12. Enjoy your holiday.

Here is another reading pick from the Logan Library Staff.


Book: Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett
Recommended by: Danielle, Bridgerland Literacy Director
Terry Pratchett once again takes you to Discworld to visit strange yet familiar characters. In Unseen Academicals, Ankh-Morpork's benevolent Tyrant, Ventinari once again has plans for city improvement. Ventinari has decided the aged, overweight wizards of Unseen University will learn to play football and as an inspiration to the rest of the city, they will play and win a match without using any magic.


Just as in any Discworld book, things are always a bit more complicated than they first appear. In addition to adding football to the University, Pratchett brings in new characters to add flavor to the already smelly Ankh-Morpork. Mr. Hix of the Department of Post-Mortem Communication is particularly entertaining.

Want more reading suggestions? View previous staff picks.

The flu season is quickly approaching. To complicate matters, in addition to the seasonal flu, we also need to worry about H1N1, otherwise known as swine flu. The following websites have reliable up-to-date information about H1N1 and seasonal flu.

• Flu.gov
• Bear River Health Department
• Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

Here is another reading pick from the Logan Library Staff.


Book: Death Makes a Holiday: A Cultural History of Halloween by David J. Skal
Recommended by: Joseph, Nonfiction Acquisitions
In this short history of America's second-most popular holiday, author Skal examines several ways Halloween has influenced our culture. After first attempting to disprove some of our favorite legends about the holiday (there is apparently no evidence that Jack O'Lanterns originated in Celtic Europe, as many assume), Skal tells us of the strange way the Salem witch trials have been co-opted by enterprising New-Agers in modern Salem, Mass. He also leads us through several decades of American haunted house building and takes us into the middle of clashes over gay rights during San Francisco's Halloween street parades. Finally, he comprehensively takes us through 90 years of Halloween at the movies and, in what are perhaps his most compelling observations, Skal examines how the attacks of September 11 affected the holiday and what it all means for America. Like any good cultural history, there are also many intertwining references to other curious information which leave you wanting to know more. An informational and enjoyable read to get you in a spooky mood.


Want more reading suggestions? View previous staff picks.

Registration for the next block of Storytime starts Monday, today, October 12. You can register online, by phone, or in person at the library. This block of Storytime runs six weeks from October 27 to December 10. For more information, visit our Storytime page.

Here is another reading pick from the Logan Library Staff.


Book: Here's the Story by Maureen McCormick
Recommended by: Jason, Adult Acquistions Librarian
"Here's a story" that shows that we all have challenges and life's hurdles to overcome. An entire generation of Americans grew up thinking that Marcia Brady was the perfect American girl. This is her story that shows that all is not always as it seems and sometimes we need help to surmount our problems.


Want more reading suggestions? View previous staff picks.

Each month the Logan Library publishes a list of books, DVDs, and CDs that were added to our collection in the previous month. You can browse these lists by age level and type of item, and you can place a hold on anything you would like to read or watch.


View items added to our collection in September or in other months.

This week is Banned Books Week. Banned Books week is an annual event that celebrates freedom to read or the freedom to express one's opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular. Banned Books Week stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. To see a list of books that others have attempted to ban, view The American Library Association's (ALA) list of Frequently Challenged Books. While you are on the ALA website take a look at their list of Banned and Challenged Classics. Chances are that you will find one of your favorites on that list.

Celebrate your freedom to read by selecting a book from a list of banned books available at the Logan Library.