Book page thief sentence halved

An Iranian scholar who stole pages from priceless books at Oxford's Bodleian library and the British Library has had his sentence halved. Read On.

A peek inside America's book bag: Titles to entice President Obama

by Julia Keller

Chicago Tribune (MCT)

29 April 2009We know he’s busy. We understand that. We’re not even the slightest bit miffed that he seemed to ignore our advice, because heaven knows, advice is something that presidents get plenty of. The suggestion box at the White House, we suspect, always runneth over.

A few weeks ago, this column took as its mission the persuading of President Obama to give only books as gifts to the leaders of other nations. Not jewelry, not sculpture, not scarves. Just books.

Read On.

“The Journey” The 3rd Annual Altered Book Art Project

In 2006 the Library and the Palm Springs Art Museum joined together to create this unique book/art program. This is the third year for the program and each year artists are invited to participate to create an original work of art from discarded library materials. Participating artists come to a ‘Book Grab’ in the fall where they select their books, videos, DVDs and CDs from a selection weeded out of the Library’s collection. Over the course of several months they create one-of-a-kind art works.

The exhibit was unveiled at the Library and will be on display until Saturday, May 9th. All the pieces will then be auctioned off via an online auction during the last ten days of the exhibit to equally benefit both the Library and the Palm Springs Art Museum.  

Three new poetry collections: Review

Jeremy Noel-Tod examines Darwin: a Life in Poems by Ruth Padel, The Cinder Path by Andrew Motion and Angels Over Elsinore by Clive James. 

Read more on the Telegraph website.

Jerry Harp's Poem "Testament"

"Testament"

I give my body to the grass, 
the roots, and the weather. 

I give my ears to sunlit piercings, 
my fingers to the fellowship of clouds. 

I toss this dirt across your grave. 
To the dirt I give my hands, 

to the roses my eyes. 
My teeth I give to the wooded path 

where I burn myself like incense 
and swallow stones instead of bread. 

-- Jerry Harp, Portland 

Jerry Harp's books of poems are "Creature" (Salt, 2003), "Gatherings" (Ashland Poetry Press, 2004) and "Urban Flowers, Concrete Plains" (Salt, 2006). Hisstudy of Donald Justice, "'For Us, What Music?' The Life and Poetry of DonaldJustice," is forthcoming from the University of Iowa Press. He teaches atLewis & Clark College. 

This appeared in the Oregonian on Sunday March 29, 2009 
Submissions to the Poetry column should be addressed to Poetry, The Oregonian, 1320 S.W. Broadway, Portland, OR 97201. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Submissions without an SASE will not receive a response. E-mail submissions may be sent to poetry@news.oregonian.com. 

A CLOSER LOOK: Marianne Boruch

THE INNISFREE POETRY JOURNAL

www.poetryvideos.com

A great web site, with great videos, run by great people, Vince and Patty Wixon! 

Check it out! 

Dreams and Nightmares of the West

An interesting article on myth and reality in Oregon. THis article appeared in the Southern Oregon Mail Tribune 

Rare Potter drawings go on sale

From the BBC

New Book, Exhibit Present Rare Photographs of Music Legend Bob Marley

From Voice of America 

Museum brings some Hogwarts to Hyde Park

In Chicago at the Museum of Science and Industry over 200 props from the Harry Potter films will be on display in an Exhibit that will surely bring in the crowds.  From the article:"The artifacts will be displayed in settings inspired by film sets, including the Great Hall, Hagrid's hut, and the Gryffindor common room."

Washington and Lee U gets book back, 145 years later

 From the AP Wire: RICHMOND, Va. – Washington and Lee University has a missing library book back on its shelves — nearly 145 years after it was stolen by a Union soldier during the Civil War.

James Joyce Exhibit to open at UNC

Exhibit Of Rare Books By James Joyce, Others Opens April 17

OCLC + Gates Foundation

As U.S. libraries see the gap widening between demand and funding, OCLC Inc. is working with a $5 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to launch a campaign aimed at boosting public support. This is from the Ohio University Newspaper. 

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Seamus Heaney turns 70, and still is sharing with us his wisdom

Two thirds of all poetry books sold in the UK last year were by Heaney. He is still offering to a wide audience wisdom about, art, life, and culture. 

Fanny Howe wins the Ruth Lilly Poetry Award

From the LA Times.

John Felstiner asks in the title of his new book, Can Poetry Save the Earth?

Stanford  Prof. John Felstiner's new book he includes some wonderful poetry. He asks us the question, can Poetry save our Planet? The compiled poems of poets like William Carlos Williams, and  eight year old  El'Jay Johnson may give you pause to think... Here is a link to NPR and Felsteiner's reading of William Stafford's 'the Well Rising.'

Amazon Restricts Collectable Book Category

Amazon restricts it's collectable book category. 

The Book, 1500-2009

An Interesting and Illustrative piece by Larry Weinberg

Wall Street Bookman

Shelving Done Right? From Wall Street to Bookman for the rich! This article is from the New York Times. 

Major Books in Houston continues to thrive.

Major Books continues to provide books to the Medical Community, epen in the wake of Amazon, and other online relators. How do they do it, well the old fashion way,  customer service. 

Bookstores in Pike's Place Market

More bookstores are getting recognition in Pike's Market in Seattle. If you get a chance to go there, make sure you make the trip down the street to Wessel & Lieberman's. The best bookstore in Seattle. 

Ted Spencer is retiring as Curator of the Baseball Hall of Fame

The 27 year veteran of Cooperstown is retiring. I am sure there is a lineup a mile long for that job. Great work Ted! The Hall is a better place because of you! 

6 new visions for new Smithsonian Museum

Six new plans have been unveiled as concepts for a new museum on African American History and Culture. This story is from Art Daily.

Have you wondered where Dick Cheney's Archives are Going?

Well, here is your answer.....kinda......

An exhibit of Book Illustrators

The Akron Art Museum is holding an exhibition of the works of Leo and Diane Dillon. 

chairman of the Boston Red Sox picks his top 5 baseball books

Tom Werner's favorite 5! 

From The week online.

Norton Kicks of Poetry Month with Poems Out Loud

WW Norton is sponsoring Poems Out Loud, as a way to kick off National Poetry Month