September, a glorious time to enjoy the tail-end of summer, is also an invitation to the wonders of fall. Apples, warm sweaters, and falling leaves bring fond memories of childhood past. But did you know it is also National Library Card Sign-Up Month?  Those of you reading this already know of all the benefits of having this small card. It opens the door to rooms of wonder, enjoyment and education.

However, there are many out there who haven't made this discovery. Why not share this special card with friends and family? It is one of the best values for your money and certainly a great gift to give to others. Make a connection today and invite someone to come into New City Library for their free card. While you're at it, come in and check out materials too. And thanks for supporting the library.

It’s school time again!  Summer is still reluctant to let go of its lingering heat.  Nevertheless, it signals the advent of autumn with its brisk air driving the warmth away.  I love the fall season as parents get their kids ready for school and summer fun is winding down.  With the pressure of getting it altogether, there is no better time than now to find ways to put those meals on the table amidst the back-to-school pandemonium.

Do you dream of the misty Highlands of Scotland?  Is tartan a turn-on?  Do you long for a hero who's earthy, untamed, and perhaps a wee bit stubborn?  Have you ever wondered if it's true what Scots don't wear beneath their kilts?*  If your answer to any of these questions is "yes," it's time to prep your armchair for a literary visit to Scotland!

Why Scotland in August?  The Cowal Highland Gathering, known worldwide as the largest, grandest Highland Games in the world, kicks off today.  I suppose you could cook yourself a nice haggis or try your hand at caber tossing to commemorate the event (though for your own safety, don't try either of these at home), but for me, this is the perfect opportunity to talk about Scottish romances.

One of my favorite things to eat all year round is dumplings.  Not the cooked balls of dough made from flour, potato, or matzo meal (I love those too) but the ones that are filled with luscious bits of meat, shrimp, vegetables, and cheese.  There are so many kinds of dumplings made from various regions of the world.  It is a global fare that includes the samosa and karchori from India, Korean mandu, Japanese fried gyoza, Chinese wonton and potsticker, the Russian piroshki, Ukrainian vareniki, Poland’s pierogi, Turkish manti, and kreplach from the Eastern European Jews.  Let’s not forget our favorite, ravioli !

I know what you're thinking: June is the classic month for weddings.  Why am I writing about them in July?

Well, marriages don't always go quite as scheduled.  The bride turns out to have been married before... and never quite got around to the divorce.  The groom gets cold feet and breaks it off at the last moment (by text message.  At the altar.).  A well-meaning mobster sends a far-too-sexy hit man to keep a protective eye on the bride.  The fiance fakes his own death to get out of marrying a bridezilla.  One's betrothed pretends to elope with a completely fictional lover the day after the engagement.  

Alright, perhaps these aren't the usual  reasons a wedding doesn't come off as planned, but they make for some very entertaining beach reads.  Be warned: for the would-be brides (and grooms) in these romances, there may not be a happily-ever-after in the offing... at least, not with the mates they expected!