I was the blogger who was going to read all the Harry Potter books this summer. Well, here it is Labor Day, the official end of summer, and I have a confession to make. I only re-read the first one! What a disappointment. I have no excuse except that other books got in my way-specifically books by Stephenie Meyers.
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By BETH VRABEL
For the Daily Record/Sunday News
Area libraries are challenging readers to trade the muggy, late-summer days of central Pennsylvania for the bitter cold of winter in the Adirondacks as part of the annual One Book, One Community program.
This year's book selection, announced Wednesday afternoon at Pequea Valley Public Library in Intercourse, Lancaster County, is "The Grace That Keeps This World" by Tom Bailey.
Finish reading 'One Book: "The Grace That Keeps This World"' »
Fans of Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight' series won't have to wait much longer to see their favorite novel on the big screen.
"Twilight," the film adaptation of Meyer's best-seller, will now open Nov. 21.
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke ("Lords of Dogtown"), the big screen "Twilight" will introduce Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), a 17-year-old girl who falls in love with the utterly dreamy Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). She's a mortal. He's a
vampire. Swooning ensues.
East Berlin Community Library will hold its annual book sale during Colonial Day, Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sale tables will be set up outside the library at 105 Locust St. Parking will be available behind the library for $3 a car.
I am not a picky reader. Most of the books I find come from second-hand stores and thrift shops. Half the time, I don't know when they were even written, until I look at the copyright date. 
I picked up "Icy Sparks" by Gwyn Hyman Rubio for $2 at The York Emporium. It was written in 2001. And even though it was an Oprah's book club pick, I never heard of it. I think I picked it up because I liked the cover and the back blurb sounded good.
Tonya Pyles, administrative assistant for the York County Literacy Council, and Rebecca Wright, council volunteer, set up books for the York County Literacy Council Book Give-Away.
What better way to celebrate International Literacy Day (Sept. 8) then with a free book.
York County Literacy Council is sponsoring three free book give-aways:
Sept. 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Harp & Fiddle Restaurant, 10 N. George St., York;
Sept. 6, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Starbucks, 2503 E. Market St., Springettsbury Township;
Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alex Pizza on the Hanover Square.
Even though Danielle Steel recently released her 75th book, she still battles insecurity.
"I still never finish a book without being terrified I can't write another one. I never start one without being terrified I can't finish it," Steel says.
Read more about Steel and her latest book, "Rogue," on this Sunday's Books page.
The Mason-Dixon Public Library will hold a sale of new and nearly new books from noon to 8 p.m. Sept. 5 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 6 at 250 Bailey Drive, Stewartstown. This is a special sale of mostly hard-covered books, with most priced at $2. Proceeds will go the library's building fund. For details, call the library at 993-2404.
The Central Pennsylvania Romance Writers will have a creative writing session from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 6 at the Cleve J. Frederickson Camp Hill Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill.
Members also will sell their books.
For details, call 717-938-1298 or 717-691-6655.
By Gloria Fogal
Daily Record/Sunday News
The book: "Secrets on St. Croix" (PublishAmerica, $19.95)
The author: Joan Mallgrave, 68, of Manchester Township has lived in York for 13 years. She was vice president of the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union before retiring.
Quote: "The book is targeted to older women who can identify with a mystery novel heroine who is over 65, has wrinkles and age spots and possibly even replacement parts."
