Shepherd Park/Juanita E. Thornton Neighborhood Library

Author talk: Harriet Elam-Thomas

In September 2005, Ambassador Harriet Elam-Thomas retired as career minister from the United States Senior Foreign Service after 40 years of distinguished service. Her work included diplomatic assignments in Europe and Africa and in various federal and international agencies. When Mrs. Elam-Thomas first began her career at the U.S. Department of State, there were few colleagues who looked like her.

The Man Who Invented Christmas

Book to Screen

In late 1843, Charles Dickens was desperate. Sales of his published works were dwindling and his creditors were demanding payment. He had to do something--fast! What happened after a public speaking event would revive Dickens's career and a holiday season.

Read Feed: Summer Serial Reads

Exciting discoveries. Power plays. Wondering who is trustworthy. Fantastic and alternate worlds. Over the summer, I read the latest installment from a few series that I've been following. Within the Sanctuary of Wings by Marie Brennan

Race Class Politics Cappuccino City cover

Author Talk: Derek Hyra

In recent years, the Shaw/U Street neighborhood has experienced a dramatic transformation.What was once an open-air drug market has been replaced by new residential complexes and businesses. However, not everyone has benefited from the redevelopment in the neighborhood. Long-time residents and small businesses have moved out of the neighborhood or have had to adjust to the arrival of young, relatively wealthy newcomers. With the changes from gentrification, what does it mean for the future of the Shaw/U Street neighborhood and the District?

Emma by Kaoru Mori

Staff Recommendation

In late Victorian London, William Jones goes to visit his retired governess Mrs. Stowner. He hasn't seen her in several years. During his visit, William notices Emma, Mrs. Stowner's young maid. Their meeting is the beginning of a romance in the manga series Emma by Kaoru Mori, English translation by Sheldon Drzka.

Handy Tech Manual

iPad for Seniors

Are you a senior who has a new iPad and need help getting started? Check out My iPad for Seniors, fourth edition, by Michael Miller.

Chasing the Eclipse

On August 21, there will be a total solar eclipse covering the continental United States for the first time since 1979. Here are two new titles about the eclipse for your reading pleasure and making the most of your viewing experience. Copies of the books are available to check out and download from the library system.

District of Construction

You've seen them in photos, books, and movies. Have you wondered about how they came to be built? Washington, D.C. features a variety of architectural designs in homes, public buildings, and monuments. With building as the theme for this year's summer reading, below are a selection of books about building and architecture in the District.

Prime Suspect: Tennison

Begins Sunday, June 25 on WETA

In January 1992, the British police procedural mystery "Prime Suspect" series began its inaugural American broadcast on PBS's "Mystery!", starring Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Jane Tennison. Novelist and series creator Lynda La Plante was inspired by the women who worked at Scotland Yard. The show was a success and six more seasons followed. The series finale aired in late 2007.

Dunbar High School's Classic Age 1870-1957

Documentary Screening

Local film producer Marvin T. Jones will screen his documentary "Dunbar High School's Classic Age: 1870-1957", telling the story of the first public high school for African-Americans in Washington, D.C. Named for the poet Paul Lawrence Dunbar, the school was noted for its outstanding education and the success of its alumni. Famous Dunbar graduates include General Benjamin Davis, Sr., Nannie Helen Burroughs, and Charles Hamilton Houston. After the film, Mr. Jones will lead a discussion about the legacy of Dunbar High School.