FDLPL

Another great story by one of my favorite authors. As with her other books, reading Porch Lights made me long to visit the South Carolina Lowcountry, specifically Sullivan's Island, the setting for most of her books and where the author was born and raised. The way she describes the grasslands, amazing sunsets, and the gentle ocean breezes make it sound like paradise.

Extended until October 31, the Fond du Lac Reads Book Spine Poetry Contest: Talking About Tolerance challenges visitors to the Main Library to "write” a poem about tolerance using the words on the spines of books, movies or CDs at the library.

In 1974, 9-year-old Michelle LeBeau arrives in fictional Deerhorn, Wisc., to live with her father’s parents. She’s the daughter of a white American father and a Japanese mother. The townspeople – especially her classmates – are not accepting.

The annual Wisconsin Regional Art Program show returns to the Fond du Lac Public Library gallery in October.

Veteran travelers Valerie and Wayne Graczyk will share their photos, memories and stories from their extensive travels at Experience Tuscany, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 24, at the Fond du Lac Public Library. The program is free. No registration required.

Children 12 and under are invited to enter the Fond du Lac Public Library’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Kids can get creative and use whatever they like to decorate whole pumpkins (not hollowed out) and drop them off at the Children’s Desk Saturday, October 20, and Sunday, October 21. All children who enter will win a prize.

Each entry must be accompanied by an entry form. The forms and contest rules can be picked up at the Children’s Desk. Decorated pumpkins should be picked up by Saturday, October 27.

Paranormal explorer Curt Strutz, cast member of the cable show, Paranormal Generation, will present an exciting program rich in history, storytelling and personal experiences. Visiting the Beyond will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 8, at the Fond du Lac Public Library. The program is recommended for teens and adults.

Kids ages 6 to 12 who could benefit from practicing their reading are invited to participate in Paws to Read Monday evenings and Saturday mornings at the Fond du Lac Public Library.

Paws to Read pairs young readers with certified therapy dogs in a relaxed setting. Studies have shown that reading aloud to dogs helps put children at ease. Kids benefit from the dogs’ patience, acceptance and comforting presence while they practice reading and build skills.

Silver Sparks by Starr Ambrose is a contemporary romance with lots of "sparks". The story begins with Maggie Larkin being groped by arrogant Hollywood playboy Rafael de Luca (Rafe) in a posh Alpine ski resort in Two Bears Mountain, Colorado. Little does he know that he picked the wrong fiery redhead to try and dazzle with his so-called irresistible charms. When grinding her three-inch heels into his toes doesn't work to fend off his unwanted attentions, Maggie is left no choice but to drive her palm up into his perfect, surgically enhanced, nose to get her point across.

People starting out using computers can get a helping hand at Introduction to Computers, a series of four classes at the Fond du Lac Public Library.

The hands-on classes will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. September 17, 18, 24 and 25. Each class will tackle a computer skill: how to use a mouse, how to find things on the internet, basic terminology and commands (such as cut/copy/paste) and an introduction to email. Participants will be working on library computers. Laptop owners can bring their devices; make sure to note that when signing up.