The library was lucky enough to get a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities for a program called "Picturing America." Click here to explore the site. NEH sent the library 50 beautiful print reproductions of classic American art, including paintings, architecture, sculpture, and fabric creations.

Currently we have Audubon's painting of a flamingo on display and a collection of some of our books about birds nearby for check-out. Every few months I'll put a new picture on display & titles that speak either to the theme of the piece or that discuss the artist's life and works. Next to the reproduction is a Reference book which discusses each piece in detail; right now it's opened to an explanation of Audubon's beautiful ornithological study. The "Picturing America" display is next to the elevator inside the library's main level. --Liz

Joni Mitchell

If, like me, you were slightly obsessed with Joni Mitchell & her music back in the '60s and '70s, two new books will take you back to that special musical time. Will You Take Me as I Am by Michelle Mercer focuses particularly on Joni's breakthrough album, Blue. Mercer interviews some of the young people who hung out with Joni and the real "Carey" in Crete; she discovers the background for the hauntingly beautiful song "River;" and reveals some of biographical sources for my personal favorite, "The Last Time I Saw Richard." Mercer also looks at Joni's other albums from that time & I really enjoyed her analysis and background on my favorite Mitchell album, Hejira (does everyone know that the cover of that album was taken Madison's own Picnic Point??).

Sheila Weller's Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon--and the Journey of a Generation is also a fascinating book. Weller talks about the importance not only of these women's music, but the influence and inspiration they provided to women at that time. I recommend both these titles to music lovers & historians of that period. --Liz

Join us on Wednesday, June 10, 7:00 p.m. to learn about the best and most unusual places to eat in Wisconsin. Mary Bergin, author of Sidetracked in Wisconsin and Hungry for Wisconsin will take us on a visual culinary journey to good food in all parts of the state. This program is the kick-off for the Adult Summer Reading Program. For more information about the Adult Summer Reading program check out this link or call 827-7403 or email mid@scls.lib.wi.us.