As community services librarian, I am delighted when shut-in patrons, who are visually and often physically challenged, tell me how much they enjoy the books I choose for them. Their small talk on book reviews often leads to engaging conversation about personal experiences and life stories. These discussions make my visits to private homes and care centres both meaningful and pleasurable. And, so it was that the idea of shut-in patron participation in our CPL blog came to me. They dictated the reviews - I took the notes. Patrons welcomed the idea that they would be encouraging others to read what they had enjoyed. When their blogs appeared on our website, patrons were delighted, phoning their family and friends to log on, double click on the chocolate cake icon, and see their names and reviews online. The following are book reviews that have appeared in Coquitlam Public Library's blog, "I was told there would be cake."
Tuesdays With Morrie (CD book) - reviewed by patronBus Gerow (88 years)
I began having difficulty reading street signs so I thought I needed a change of glasses. My ophthamologist told me I had a disease called wet macular degeneration, that causes one to slowly lose one's vision. Today, five years later, I have lost core vision, but still have my peripheral vision. I can no longer read, drive, do repairs, or even see the value of small coins. A friend told me about audiobooks available at the library. At Coquitlam Public Library's Poirier branch, I met Teresa, the Community Services Librarian, who explained how the library assists the partially blind. Libraries provide a large number of printed books that have been read onto CDs. They also have a number of portable CD players one can use prior to buying a unit. I have listened to over 20 books. Of these, one stands out so much I listened to it twice because it is so profound.The title is Tuesdays with Morrie written by Mitch Albom.An old man, a young man and life's greatest lessons.Everyone should read this book.
Robinson Crusoe (CD book) reviewed by patron Bus Gerow
I am a member of the audiobooks service of the Coquitlam Public Library. Over the past three weeks, I have been enthralled listening to the trials and joys of Robinson Crusoe picked for me by the Community Services Librarian Teresa. Written by Daniel
Defoe, this is a story about a young man who refused all parental help and instead went to sea as a sailor.Five years later, he was the sole survivor of a shipwreck on an uncharted island. Here begins an amazing story of survival and growth stretching over some 20 years. A well-presented recordingof a classic work. I know you will enjoy the 10 discs.
Watership Down (regular print), reviewed by shut-in patron Arline Stockdale (96 years old)
This is the second time I read Watership Down by Richard Adams, written in 1972. It is about an imaginary conversation among rabbits; more specifically, it is about the life story of rabbits. The author treats the rabbits as if they are live people and converses with them about how they live. The rabbits overgrow and overpopulate Watership Down, a fictional place in England.This is a beautiful story, full of humour and there is a human element to it - like rabbits are people. A lot of English people will have heard about this book. It is a very favourable book. Last year, I wanted to get a copy of this book for an eight-year-old boy, but he was too young.Maybe later, when he is older.
My son in Toronto found your library and called my friend in Calgary who knew about the library's shut-in service and called Teresa. This service has added a boon to my life.
I just wish I had started earlier to appreciate it more because my reading and my capacity to write are diminishing now. This is a good service and I love it.I am very grateful.
Sacred Arias by Andrea Bocelli (music CD), reviewed by patron ArlineStockdale
Lately, I have been enjoying this Andrea Bocelli CD; it includes him singing "Ave Maria", the version composed by Bach and Gounod. I have been looking for this recording for a long time. I would like to thank the library, especially the Community Services Librarian Teresa who found this for me very quickly. This is a great recording!
There are about six composers of "Ave Maria", but this one(sung by many others) has been my favourite since I was a teenager. I am now 96 years old and more than thankful that Teresa found it for me. Nobody else was able to do that. Thank you!
Winter Garden (CD book), reviewed by shut-in patron Elizabeth McRobbie
I am 90 years and I have been living at the Madison Care Centre in Coquitlam for the past year. I have been getting audio books from CNIB in Toronto, but my daughter registered me with the Audio Book Services with the Coquitlam Public Library. I like reading stories set in Scotland, love stories and especially family stories. The Community Services Librarian, Teresa, brings me audio books, both books on CD and MP3, which I thoroughly enjoy. I have never had this kind of service before. I enjoyed Winter Garden by Hannah Kristen very much. It brought back memories of the time during World War II when I was in Scotland. I remember the siege of Leningrad, but I did not realize to what extent these people were deprived of food and life's necessities. The story shows that one of the children died of malnutrition. This book brought home to me what a terrible time that was for these people caught in the middle of war. This was completely a family story. I found the historical facts most interesting.
Please check for these and other titles in audiobook formats at your local libraries. For more information on Coquitlam Public Library's Outreach Services, please check Home Bound Services, found under Using Your Library on the menu to the left on our homepage.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published every Wednesday. Teresa Rehman is the community services librarian at Coquitlam Public Library.
