Greg Burns's blog | Harris County Public Library

Evelyn Meador Progress Report, Early January, 2011

Submitted by Greg Burns on Tue, 01/11/2011 - 2:33pm

The pictures say it all, I think.

From the front.

From the back.

From the side.

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Alternative Histories of the West

Submitted by Greg Burns on Fri, 01/07/2011 - 4:12pm

Alternate history is a genre that blends elements of science fiction, fantasy and history into a 'what if' scenario that explores the implications of a different outcome in a particular historical event. The stories asks questions like, "where would we be if Germany had won the second world war?" Or perhaps, "what would the world be like now if electricity had not been discovered and we relied on steam power for all our needs?" Over the last couple of decades this genre has come into its own gaining new fans and attacting some excellent writers. In the last few years, the Old West has become the subject of focus for some very unusual alternative history stories.

territory

Westerns

Rounding Up the West 2010

Submitted by Greg Burns on Tue, 12/21/2010 - 3:28pm

In spite of what the critics say (that westerns are dead) good stories are still being published every year. Here are some titles published in 2010 worth putting in your saddlebag. You'll find some familiar names as well as some new ones on the list. They run the gamut from straight-up westerns to historical romances to tales of the modern west. This is not a comprehensive selection, but it's a good place to start. You can take what you like and leave the rest.

For more details on any title below, just click on the picture.

Westerns

Brickwork Taking Shape at Evelyn Meador

Submitted by Greg Burns on Thu, 12/16/2010 - 12:49pm

The brick veneer on the outside of the library is almost complete. Several different styles of brick are being used. I think this gives the building a very distintive look. I can't wait to see the finished product!

front

entry

What a great way to end 2010!

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Christmas With a Western Flavor

Submitted by Greg Burns on Tue, 12/07/2010 - 4:27pm

If you love Christmas like most of us do, but prefer a little western flavoring, here are some titles that might help you get into the spirit of the season.

Westerns

Room With a View Too

Submitted by Greg Burns on Fri, 11/19/2010 - 5:54pm

A few days ago Ms. Pearson and I were able to get our first look at the new building from the inside out. Here are a couple of photos you might enjoy. How about that view of the park?!

interior

That hanging circular metal frame in the center of the picture is for the lighting over the children's information desk.

park view

This picture is a bit dark, but it gives you a good idea of the view.

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Where the Wild West Still Lives On

Submitted by Greg Burns on Tue, 11/16/2010 - 4:50pm

They may not riding horses and they may not be fighting indians, but the job of the men and women of the United States Border Patrol seems mighty close that of the peacekeepers of the Old West. From drug dealers and terrorists to illegal immigrants, the Border Patrol gets it all. In Desert Duty: on the line with the U. S. border patrol, we get a candid in-your-face look at what it takes to be a part of this unique team. The authors, Bill Broyles and Mark Haynes call this duty a 'hero job', and once you read what these people have to deal with, you'll understand why.

Westerns

Evelyn Meador With Windows!

Submitted by Greg Burns on Mon, 11/08/2010 - 3:40pm

One of the first things on our wish list when we started planning for the new library was windows. Situated next to the park and the hiking trails, we wanted to take advantage of the scenery in our design. The architects were in full agreement and created glass walls for the front and back side of the building. These walls give the building a lwonderful light, airy and somewhat see-through feel. We are all really excited about this look.

Stay tuned for further developments!

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Love, Love on the Range

Submitted by Greg Burns on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 5:42pm

I recently discovered and interesting fact: the romance genre is currently outselling all other genres in the fiction market. More specifically. an estimated $1.358 billion in sales in 2010. What does this have to do with westerns? A lot actually. Historical romances are a vital part of the romance realm and many of these are set in the west, both the old west and its modern incarnation. So, if you like your romances with a western flavor or you like your westerns with a dash of romance, check out some of our new titles.

maverick