From: Much Ado About Muffin
Series: Merry Muffin Mysteries
By: Victoria Hamilton
Website: Victoria Hamilton Mysteries
I am a librarian.
And I am in a wheelchair.
Those two things don't have a lot to do with each other. I'd like to think I'd be a librarian even if I was born with legs that worked and a body that does all I want. I've always loved to read, but maybe if things had been a little easier I would have become a teacher instead, because I love to engage with people, too. However... I'm fortunate that being a librarian is really about teaching anyway. It's about reaching out and imparting the love of reading and learning. As a librarian I visit classrooms and senior's homes with books and it gives me an outlet for that 'teacher' side of me.

And then there is Isadore Openshaw. I know what people see when they look at her. She's difficult, moody, and sullen. She shuns contact with people. She doesn't want 'charity' and she doesn't take kindly to pitying looks. She reads voraciously, everything I have and in no particular order. It took me a while, but I got to understand why. Isadore is one of those who doesn't 'get' people. Reading is a way, for her, of trying to understand and interpret the world around her. I hope I help, because I make sure she has a safe place to come where she can feel accepted - every human needs acceptance - and useful. Every human needs that too, to be useful, or at least all the best ones do. Isadore does a lot of tasks for me and helps me shelve the heavier books and the top shelf books.
What I guess I'm saying is, in a cold and often cruel world, the library is a safe haven. Do you go to the library, and if so, is it mostly for the books, or do you use the other programs they offer?
~::~
A Note From Victoria...
Today, I'm giving away a copy of Much Ado About Muffin. If you wish to enter and already have the book, I'm open to replacing it with another of my books, if I happen to have a copy available!
Just follow these guidelines please:
Canadian and US entries only, please!
Enter by Midnight, Monday, January 23rd.
Include your first name in your comment/entry.
Give me a valid email address is whatever form you wish eg: yourname (at) yourserver (dot) com
Coming soon...
Book 6 of the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, Leave It To Cleaver, late spring 2017!
Book 5 of the Merry Muffin Mysteries, Muffin To Fear, summer of 2017!
I do love the library! I actually buy all my books, but I go there to use their free programs. I took a few classes for Photoshop. Very lucky we have wonderful library programs.
ReplyDeleteI use the library often. I borrow some books, DVDs for my Dad and use some of the programs.
ReplyDeletekaren(dot)kenyon(at)rogers(dot)com
I love the library but do not go often now. I do go for Books on DVD.
ReplyDeleteDebby
debby236 at gmail dot com
I'm at the library often enough that the librarians pull my books off the hold shelf when they see me come in.
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon(.)net
Looks like a very interesting read. And appreciate the chance to get the book. Our library is fairly new. The old one was small, and very crowded. They had no room for anything but books. But they finally got approved for building a new library. It is spacious, airy, large windows all around. They have half a dozen programs going. Meeting rooms of a couple different sizes where clubs and such can meet. AND. My favorite. A reading room. Half dozen comfy overstuffed chairs by a fireplace, where one can sit and read if they so desire. And a dozen computers where you can come and get online for an hour or so. A childrens section where the kids can browse for books and they have a Saturday morning reading hour. You can also borrow from their extensive DVD, most all the movies are family friendly, and an audio collection of books. For the handicapped and home bound, you can call tell them what you want and they will have it ready for pickup. Love going there and reading by the fireplace. Della at deepotter (at) peoplepc ((dot) com
ReplyDeleteAs a school librarian I love books with librarians as characters! When I was in junior high I walked to the public library on Saturdays and spent the afternoon reading in a chair in a quiet corner. Great memories.
ReplyDeleteskforrest1957(at)gmail(dot)com
Libraries are my favorite place to escape to. I go several times a week to browse and pick up books on hold for me. Libraries are a haven for me and ever since I was very young I have been a member of the library where we live. I love libraries and ours has a great meeting room, dvd's but the books are my ultimate love. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI have wonderful memories of my mother taking me and three sibling to the library just about once a week. I am a retired librarian now and active in our local Friends of the Library.
ReplyDeleteI love both series by Victoria Hamilton. I look forward to reading these two new books.
agavigan@cox.net
I love the library and use it a lot but it's different from going to the big library when I was a child. Now all of libraries are part of the county system so smaller. Reserving books on line is so simple. There are still programs available but mostly for the children so I don't attend anymore. Thanks for the giveaway. Enjoy all your series.
ReplyDeletesally
sallycootie(at)gmail(dot)com
I go to the library often. Mostly to check out books. When my son was younger we went for the children's programs but he has outgrown them now. In two years we will have a brand new library and I am so looking forward to that.
ReplyDeleteTina, dty66@md.metrocast.net
I love the library! I've loved since I was a little girl, going with my mom and then always going to the library in my school. I still go today. Thanks for the opportunity to win Much Ado About Muffin! Vicki toriacat@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThe library is one my favorite places to visit on the weekend. Thanks for the chance. My name is Jessie and my email is Zeta(at)iwon(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love going to the library for books and DVDs. I haven't tried using any programs there except for when I was a kid and did the summer reading program. Love your books! Melissa. mcastor07@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for your wonderful post which resonates with me. Libraries and reading are my passion and my entire form of entertainment. Without libraries I would be lost. I was introduced to the public library by my mother when I was very young and continue to support them, attend their programs and talks and take out books each week. When I was ill books gave me hope and lifted my spirits. They provide me with so much enjoyment and pleasure. Anne. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWhile I buy many books, I love my library. The librarians know me by name! I can't afford my reading habit so the library helps there! I love your books. Pam mommatoodle(at)msn(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI still go to library or books I can't wait to download on my kindle..thx for chance..love both series..Cheryl
ReplyDeletegreeneyes2755(at)yahoo(dot)com
I still go to library or books I can't wait to download on my kindle..thx for chance..love both series..Cheryl
ReplyDeletegreeneyes2755(at)yahoo(dot)com
I volunteered at school libraries and it's hard work. Keeping track of every book. Finding them when misplaced.
ReplyDeleteI mostly use the library for books, but I also participate in some of the programs. I especially love the author events.
ReplyDeleteJana - turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com
What a marvelous ode to libraries!
ReplyDeletelibbydodd at comcast dot net
I usually go for the books. I have offered to volunteer but they are not taking any more volunteers at the present time. kckendler at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI use the app Overdrive to check books out from my library. Works from home and is really great.
ReplyDeletecactuspare(at)cox(dot)net
I started using a bookmobile when I was very young. I have been employed at a big city library. I was the entire staff of a small town library when we were getting started and getting certified. And I go for books. I love libraries almost as much as I love reading. Annette annettena at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteWe have a wonderful public library here. I'm there all the time taking out books 📚 and attending workshops and events. Our libriarians are so friendly and extremely helpful. It's my happy place!
ReplyDeletedonnaing1@gmail.com
I used to really adore libraries when I was a kid. I still do, but I find most of my reading materials through other means. I have a deed admiration for the specialty libraries, such as the Marion H. Skidmore Library in Lilydale, NY which houses the largest collection of Spiritualist books in the world! I thank God for the librarians and historians who save our written word daily!
ReplyDeleteKathy: cozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com
This is a great series by a favorite author...I am a retired teacher and love public and school libraries for all they provide beyond just checking out books. I also love bookmobiles! Now, I get my reading materials from Amazon, book sales, and friends...But, my favorite book lover is a librarian and we share wonderful stories.
ReplyDeletekat8762(AT)aol(DOT)com
I have loved libraries and books and newspapers since I was a little girl. Thanks for chance. Janngrogan@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI haven't used my library for a long time. I was really put off several years ago when I took in several bags of brand new, unread, current best-seller books that I had won and they would only put them in the book sale for .25 - $1.00 each!
ReplyDeleteAs a child in the 40s/50s I was at our Carnegie library at least once a week. When my 3 boys were growing up we went every 2 weeks, taking along the neighbor kids, too.
Karen: kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
I love libraries! I spent a lot of time at the library growing up. My Mom loved to read and my sister and I both inherited her love of books. I don't go to the library much these days but I do like to go the library's book sales. Great post, I really enjoyed reading about the library.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
I love libraries! I spent a lot of time at the library growing up. My Mom loved to read and my sister and I both inherited her love of books. I don't go to the library much these days but I do like to go the library's book sales. Great post, I really enjoyed reading about the library.
ReplyDeletediannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
I love libraries. I use to work at one for fifteen years. I still use it all the time. Libraries are my friend.
ReplyDeleteJhdwayne(at)peoplepc(dot)com
Call me old fashion but i love taking actual books out of the library. Makes me feel goo. Karen. karen.koval@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love going to the library. Over the summer they held a free lunch program for kids from low income families. Ours kids thought it was great because they got to eat in the library. utaker555(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteLove my library.and shared your post. Love reading cozy mysteries.
ReplyDeletejudytucker1947atgmaildotcom
I have the first in this series on my to read shelf. I can't wait to get to it! Awilcox1182@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI go for the books and movies.
ReplyDeleteTheresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love the library, always have! I don't go so much anymore because of my work schedule. Easier to just buy the books I want to read.
ReplyDeletedebbie.erickson14@gmail.com
I always buy my books but I love going to classes at the library. I went to one on making candy that was a lot of fun and I'm always looking to see what other classes they offer. hcalhoun78@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI've read the #1 in the Merry Muffin series and searched through the library to see if they have any more of the series - with not much luck :( would love to win!!!!
ReplyDeleteoh, email address: em.milka(at)hotmail(dot)com
DeleteI love the library, because I can't afford to buy books anymore. I use to belonged to several book clubs and I bought alot of books that I wanted to keep.I do buy alot of e-books, but I still prefer holding a book. If I can't find the books at our libraries I can use this site where we can get more books from alot more branches in our state. I love culinary mysteries and I want to start this series next. I love your Vintage Kitchen Mysteries I'm on the most recent one. I hope you are going to continue the series. twinsm0ther@aol.com
ReplyDeleteMy library rocks really big time! Despite cutbacks our library system is an outreach center, a test taking space, the new downtown branch is beginning voTech for the refugee community.
ReplyDeleteals(at)foxgull(dot)com
I love a library. I don't visit as often as I like because I have so many books on the kindle, as well as many in print I've bought at garage sales, goodwill, even stores.
ReplyDeleteI've read the first few Merry Muffins mysteries and love them. I will continue to get them in print, because I want to keep them (where I can find them; books get lost in the many on kindle).
I like Hannah. She's a favorite character, and smart.
. . . . . Donna
donna (dot) durnell (at) sbcglobal (dot) net
I adore libraries. I go to mine about 3 times a week. I love checking out real books and doing research at the library the old fashioned way. I cannot afford to buy books. I love the library for all that it offers and represents of our past and to those of us that love reading. My Mom taught us to speed read by challenging us at the library when we were little. so Libraries are near and dear to my heart.
ReplyDeleteI love your mysteries, they are one of my cozy favorites. seascapelife at (gmail dot com)
i lvoe libraries i just haven;t been to one in awhile as they are closed by the time my mom picks me up for dinner on our Wednesday night together. I would love to read the giveaway in print and that would be wonderful. thank you so muck ptclayton2@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI love this series & would love to win a copy to catch me up to date. I would also love to win so I can donate it to my small town (900+) library which is just starting to stock cozies & needs everyone I can buy or win. Doward doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI'm a librarian and would love this book! I love cozy mysteries, and it looks as though a cat or two is involved! stlreadn (at) Gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI've always loved the library. Some of my fondest moments when my children were young was weekly Story Time at our local library. No matter where we lived, when they were small, one of the first things we did while settling into our new neighborhood, was find the local library.
ReplyDeletebecky at craigmay dot com
I've worked at several libraries, mostly volunteering. Love being around books, Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteBabe
babemomara@att.net
I do love the library, I don't go often enough.
ReplyDeleteKaye
kaye dot killgore at comcast dot net
I love to take my kids to the library, I wish my mom had taken me as a child. It feels awesome, it smells like books, I love it.
ReplyDeletekonecny7@gmail.com
I have always loved libraries. Probably should have been a librarian, but life interfered - maybe in the next lifetime. I did work in a seminary library while I was there in school & a little afterwards & loved it!
ReplyDeletejan_healthandhealing@yahoo.com
I love the library and taking my grandchildren there. I also borrow e-books from my library. Thank you for this chance.
ReplyDeletepeggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net
I like the library for research, I love genealogy! I moved to a new area so I have to check out the library here. patkuhn05(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteLove the library
ReplyDeleteDiane
quickchangeus at yahoo dot com
I love the library. I can't imagine not having one to go to. Marla mbradeen@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWithin the last year, I have renewed by love of libraries! They were my respite/sanctuary when I was a child. As an adult, I felt as if I had to buy all of my books& ebooks. Glad I have gotten past that notion. I would be thrilled to win. Also, can I tell you how utterly delighted to read that you're going to continue the Vintage Kitchen series!!Huzzah!!!! Thank you for offering the giveaway. Kimberley-- kim7corn(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI worked at our local library as a custodian for 21 years.My goal was to make it a clean and safer place for the employees and the people who enjoy it. I also helped a little with the children's department. My boys thought it was great to be able to check out books and mom took them back when she went to work. And I could keep an eye out for the new books coming out for my favorite authors.Thanks for this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteForgot my info: jluebke(at)frontier(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love the library. I used to spend all my free time at the library growing up. I go to the library as often as I can. I love books! Thank you for this chance! areewekidding@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI'm a school librarian and my students know my favorite genre is mystery!
ReplyDeleteThanks fir a chance to win a copy of your book!
San Francisco,CA
Gail, gailwoo53@gmail.com
I used to live in the library until they came out with Ereader's. I haven't been in one now in about 10 years. That is really sad because I love libraries. I'm going to have to make a trip to one next week. Just to smell that great smell of books. Thank you for this chance to win a book. spike5271943@aol.com.
ReplyDeleteI go to the library for the books (print and e-book) and the occasional DVD.
ReplyDeleteWendy
wskwared at yahoo dot com
I am a retired librarian who loves to read about libraries and librarians. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteConnie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
I used to go to the library every Saturday. My parents would drop me off while they grocery shopped. I devoured every Erle Stanley Gardner book they had before I reached 6th grade. bobwiesmann-at-ggmail-dot-com
ReplyDeleteI love books therefore I love libraries. I worked in the local library when I was in college. Best job ever!!
ReplyDeleteI have always loved Libraries... it is some of my earliest memories going with my Grandmother...and the stack of books she would come home with which always included one or two for me...Love to read your book. Please enter me.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Another retired librarian here... Melanie
ReplyDeleteteabird17 at yahoo dot com