The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the English Oxford Dictionary By Simon Winchester

It is indeed the story of the making of the Oxford English Dictionary and two men that were instrumental in its creation, but who never met until its completion. When the dictionary was about to be published the contributors wanted to honour a valued contributor only to find out that he resided in a mental institution. Dr. W.C. Minor, an American Civil War criminal who was considered both a genius and a lunatic had submitted more than ten thousand definitions for the first Oxford English Dictionary. This story details the lives of these two very different but similarly impassioned men.

I found this book to be fascinating. Simon Winchester is an incredible researcher, storyteller and beautiful writer!!! I wish he had been my history teacher. The way he weaves the two men's life stories throughout the book is exquisite and even though you know about the doctor from the beginning you want to read it to the end to see how the professor discovers the truth.

Review by Jan R.

For the Month of May, we have been featuring Young Adult fiction on one of our displays. We encouraged customers to share some of the teen books they have recently read and post them on our whiteboard under the categories of Loved it, Hated it or Don't know. Most of the stick-it notes fell under the Loved it category. So, if you are looking for a new book why not try out one of these titles? Feel free to add your favourite teen books in the comment section below.

A Fault in the Stars by John Green

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

Abarat by Clive Barker

Birthmarked by Caragh O’Brien

Bitterblue by Kristen Cashore

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Feed by M.T. Anderson

Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kitridge

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Locked in Time by Lois Duncan

Paper Towns by John Green

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

Steampunk: An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories by Kelly Link

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The City of Ember by Jeanne Duprau

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Z for Zachariah by Robert C O’Brien

The Calgary Public Library is turning 100-years-old and the whole city is invited to our centennial birthday block parties on June 2. Every library will be hosting a great party with events that include awesome music, games, and so much more fun! The party runs from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and all ages are welcome.

Take a look at Signal Hill's event lineup and join us for an exciting day!

Drop-in Family Storytime........ 10:30 - 11:00 am (Special surprise guest at 11:00 - Are you Curious?)

Balloon Artist...........................11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Face Painting........................... 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

BBQ Burgers & Hot dogs......... 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Puppet Show........................... 12:00 - 12:30 pm

Throwing Jacks Jazz Combo.... 12:30 - 1:00 pm

Cake Cutting Ceremony........... 1:00 - 1:30 pm

Refreshments.......................... 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Ruah Classical Trio................... 1:30 - 2:00 pm

Roving Magician....................... 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Funny Fest Comedy.................. 2:45 - 3:30 pm

See you June 2nd!

Did you know that the Signal Hill Library now offers drop-in family storytime on Saturday ALL YEAR ROUND?

Bring the entire family and join us for stories, songs and rhymes in the open area from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays!

Does it seem like you and your family are always using one technology gadget or another? Signal Hill Library invites you to “unplug” at our Digital Detox Day on Sunday, February 26^th! Turn off your phone, unplug your iPod and join us for an afternoon of creative learning and enjoyment, or just a cozy read in one of our comfy chairs.

Join us by the fireplace at 2:00 p.m. for Mischief, Mayhem, and Murders of Calgary – historical spine-tingling tales with Johanna Lane of Calgary Ghost Tours. No registration required.

Adults, there’s still space to register in Decorative Painting – Faux Finishing. Create a scrapbook of easy faux finishes. Chantal Pegg will show you how to unleash your inner artist by using acrylic paints to decorate objects around the home. This program run from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Register online, in person or by calling 403-260-2620. Please bring $10.00 for supplies.

If you haven't been to the Signal Hill library since its renovation, now is the perfect time to come explore the additional bright and spacious 7000 square feet.

Until then, visit us here to find out the latest details about what is happening in our branch, including recommended reads, upcoming programs and special events.

Use your library card to access computers for two hours each dayBorrow game pieces with your library card and challenge a friend to chess, checkers or backgammon