Style Guides

MLA (Modern Language Association): There are many MLA style guides available; the most comprehensive is the book published by the Modern Language Association. For basic help, a number of electronic guides are also available, such as this one at Purdue.

APA (American Psychological Association) may be a style required, and again the American Psychological Association published a book on the subject. A more condensed guide online is also available through Purdue's OWL lab.

Chicago (University of Chicago Press) is often used in newsletters and marketing-related publications: annual reports, and brochures. The Chicago Manual of Style is available as a book as well as online.

AP (Associate Press) is used by journalists and media representatives. The Associated Press Stylebook is available as a searchable online tool or in book form. A simple introduction is discussed at the OWL at Purdue.

Grammar Help

The Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University has extensive resources for grammar, mechanics, and citations.

It's fun and it's helpful. Check out Grammar Girl, Quick & Dirty Tricks for Better Writing

Arthur & George (Julian Barnes)

Funny how two people's lives can be so interesting to a reader, even before the twists and turns of the plot ensnare you in their stories. Such is the case with Julian Barnes' 2006 novel, Arthur & George. These characters as you might guess from the title are Arthur and George, seemingly ordinary blokes, until their fictionalized characters become recognizable in history as Sir Aurthur Doyle and George Edalji, a solicitor who gained notoriety in England for being unjustly accused of a crime he didn't commit. Arthur, already a world acclaimed crime writer, inventor of the one and only Sherlock Holmes, feels compelled to help George who has written to Arthur of his case. A case of two men, whose philosophies propel them forward into what become at length undesirable and barely enduring. For Arthur, whose grows up in a family of women, honor is a missive he holds upright, almost as if he lays it upon this pedestal. While George is blighted by his own adherence to the law he believes to the bitter end will save him. Barnes is a gifted writer, whose shifts back and forth between these two men's lives lived simultaneously feels natural. Albeit the tangent of their meeting begins late in the book, when the intrigue of a crime fighter against the prejudices of a small village unfolds, there is much before and after to keep a reader up late nights reading.

It's About Time Writers' Reading Series' at the Ballard Library

'It's About Time Writers' Reading Series' at the Ballard Branch Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, 6 – 7:45 p.m.

The Ballard Branch welcomes the 244th meeting of the "It's About Time Writers Reading Series," featuring author readings and open mikes.
Full Description Celebrate the second anniversary of the Ballard Branch's collaboration with the "It's About Time Writers Reading Series!"

This month's presentation features Lyn Coffin, Oliver De La Paz and Matt Briggs, with a short lecture on The Writer's Craft. Between author readings, open mike time is available for three minutes per person.
Event Notes Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. Registration is not required.
Contact Info Ballard Branch 206-684-4089 or Ask a Librarian

Greg Mortenson at Seattle Pacific University

The Seattle Public Library presents Greg Mortenson at Seattle Pacific University Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009, 7 – 9 p.m.

Seattle Pacific University
Royal Brougham Pavilion
3414 Third Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119

Greg Mortenson discusses “Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

Join us for a special evening with Greg Mortenson, author of the international bestseller, “Three Cups of Tea.” Mortenson will show images and discuss his new book, “Stones into Schools.”

Since the 2006 publication of “Three Cups of Tea,” Mortenson has traveled across the U.S. and the world to share his vision with hundreds of thousands of people. He has met with heads of state, top military officials, and leading politicians who all seek his advice and insight.

“Stones into Schools” picks up where “Three Cups of Tea” left off in 2003. Mortenson recounts his relentless, ongoing efforts to establish schools for girls in Afghanistan; his extensive work in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan after a massive earthquake hit the region in 2005; and the unique ways he has built relationships with Islamic clerics, militia commanders, and tribal leaders even as he was dodging shootouts with feuding Afghan warlords and surviving an eight-day armed abduction by the Taliban.

Mortenson will discuss his vision to promote peace through education and literacy, as well as touching on military matters, Islam, and women -- all woven together with the many rich personal stories of the people who have been involved in this humanitarian effort.

This program is presented in partnership with The Elliott Bay Book Company. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Library events and programs are free and open to the public. Tickets and reservations are not required. Seating is limited to the first 2,000. First come, first served. Free parking is available on campus. Doors will open at 6:15 PM.

Contact for more info: *Central Library 206-386-4636 or Ask a Librarian