Posts from Port Richmond Library

Do you like the movie Shrek? Guess who wrote the book that the movie was based on? Mr. William Steig.

He wrote some wonderful books for children of all ages. Preschoolers and kindergarteners might enjoy some of the timeless classics like Doctor De Soto and

Readers of my prior blog posts will already be well versed in the fact that exercise and a healthy diet are not really my forte. Oh, I do perform what I like to regard as "modified calisthenics" when shelving books on the lower and upper shelves of my local library (although I am sure Richard Simmons would likely disagree with my characterization of that duty as officially "exercise"). And I like to think of my escorting a patron to a particular 

Do you love reading powerful, passionate and provocative books? Then you should give these authors a try.

Brenda Jackson is a true romance novelist. Whether it's about the ultimate betrayal or a relationship, she writes about all matters of the heart. Her books grow steamier by the page. They will entertain any reader who dares to dive into her romance books.

Since being employed by the New York Public Library, I have often been on the receiving end of many queries regarding books to recommend on various topics. One of my friends from junior high school days, Nicole, has exponentially increased her solicitations for my opinion regarding books containing spiritual advice.

The exact nature of the friendship between Nicole and I may be properly understood by listening to the catty bantering contained in the lyrics of "Bosom Buddies" from the Broadway show, Mame. Nicole has enjoyed a scintillating career 

Family is a topic that often takes on added significance around this time of year, as during the holiday season, many interact with relatives successfully avoided—er, um, I mean, not visited due to other pressing obligations the rest of the year. Knowing one's family history is of vital importance medically speaking, and, on a psychological level, being aware of one's familial roots assuages the feeling of being cast adrift in the world. Additionally, this year, I experienced a special interest in ascertaining information on my family.

Experiencing a surfeit 

That time of year has descended upon us yet again—it is time to celebrate the macabre, to relish the goblins and embrace the demons (no, I am not referring to fast approaching interactions with family members during Thanksgiving that many experience, although one of my family members is suspiciously too financially enriched in October.  The apparent financial windfall enjoyed by the relevant family member every October has given rise to some rather nasty rumors that he is receiving royalties on the literal plethora of devil costumes donned by various entities on Halloween. 

This post is a revised and updated version of an article that originally appeared in The Staten Island Historian, Winter-Spring 2002, Volume 19, New Series 2 published by the Staten Island Historical Society.

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The Port Richmond Branch of The New York Public Library is rich with stories. It stands at 75 Bennett Street on the North Shore of Staten Island, N.Y., two blocks from the Kill Van Kull. A gift from the steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, the historic red brick building faces Veterans’ Park and P.S. 20 in the Port Richmond