Grisham's Lastest Book Is Here

John Grisham's latest book, The Associate, is now available for checkout at your Library.

Three months after leaving Yale, Kyle McAvoy becomes an associate at the largest law firm in the world, where, in addition to practicing law, he is expected to lie, steal, and take part in a scheme that could send him to prison, if not get him killed.

To find out what happens to Kyle McAvoy come by to the library to checkout this new release.

New Books from the New York Times Best Seller List

Fiction

1. PLUM SPOOKY, by Janet Evanovich. The bounty hunter Stephanie Plum hunts an evil genius and his sidekick, who are hiding in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens.

3. BLACK OPS, by W. E.B. Griffin. An Army officer and special presidential agent is targeted for death — but by whom?

4. SCARPETTA, by Patricia Cornwell. The forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta takes on a new assignment in New York.

6. CROSS COUNTRY, by James Patterson. Alex Cross chases the leader of a lethal teenage gang.

7. FIRE AND ICE, by Julie Garwood. A reporter and her bodyguard uncover a conspiracy in Alaska.

9. ECLIPSE, by Richard North Patterson. A San Francisco lawyer agrees to defend a Nigerian reformer whose wife he loved in college.

10. THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. A journalist travels to the island of Guernsey to meet residents who resisted the Nazi occupation.

11. FROM DEAD TO WORSE, by Charlaine Harris. Following a deadly explosion at a vampire summit, the cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse faces danger.

12. RUNNING HOT, by Jayne Ann Krentz. Two members of the Arcane Society, dedicated to paranormal research, encounter a group of criminal sensitives.

13. A MERCY, by Toni Morrison. In 17th-­century America, a slave mother urges a Northern farmer to buy her daughter so that she can have a better life.

15. DIVINE JUSTICE, by David Baldacci. Members of Washington’s Camel Club rally to save their leader, who is hiding out in the town of Divine, Va.

Nonfiction

4. AMERICAN LION, by Jon Meacham. Andrew Jackson in the White House, by Newsweek’s editor.

10. A BOLD FRESH PIECE OF HUMANITY, by Bill O'Reilly. The Fox News commentator on his upbringing and career.

Christmas Tour of Homes: White Wings

White Wings

311 North Wall Street
Home of Sallie Ballard

White Wings was built between 1833 and 1835 as the home of Sarah Robinson. It was originally a simple late Federal cottage with small portico. After her death in 1853, the house was acquired by Charles Meeks, a native of New York. Meeks was a banker in Natchez and was engaged in the grocery business at the time of his death. Meeks owned the house from 1854 until he died in 1902, during which time he made two major enlargements. Between 1864 and 1886, Meeks added an addition with master bedroom at the rear and between 1892 and 1894, another bedroom with bay window was added. The wing additions to the house were the source of the name White Wings.

White Wings and neighboring Choctaw have a family connection. Stephen Kelly, the nephew of Charles Meeks of White Wings, married Julia Davis, the daughter of George Malin and Elizabeth Davis who lived at Choctaw. Before his death in 1883, George Malin Davis also owned three other great Natchez mansions: Cherokee, Concord (burned 1901), and Melrose, which remained the home of the Davis family until 1976.

After Meeks’ death, White Wings remained in the family as the residence of a niece, Abbie Clark Sanford. In 1928, the Sanford heirs lost the property, which was sold at public auction. In 1929, the house was purchased by John R. Junkin, late Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives. The house remains in the Junkin family and is today the home of Junkin's daughter, Sallie Junkin Ballard. Sallie inspired and worked tirelessly to raise the money for the citywide planting of 2000 crepe myrtle trees as a millennium project for the year 2000.

Christmas Tour of Homes

Sunday, December 7, 2 - 5 pm

$15.00 one ticket ($25 two tickets)

Christmas Tour of Homes: The Van Court Town House

Van Court Town House

510 Washington Street
Home of Benny Riddle & Cliff Davis

The Van Court Townhouse was built in 1835 for James Ferguson by the Natchez contracting firm of Neibert & Gemmel. It is a rare combination of Federal and Greek Revival architecture. Both styles blend at the front entrance, where a beautiful Federal style fanlight crowns the front door, which is framed by Grecian pilasters. The lacy cast iron porch was probably added in the 1850s. The rooms are arranged in a side hall plan. Note the graceful hallway staircase extending with unbroken handrail from the first to the third story.

Present owners, Cliff Davis and Benny Riddle, have created a new and original ambience with their careful renovation of this historic townhouse at the corner of Washington and North Union. Respectful nods to the history of the original 1835 house are seen throughout, with such touches as the handsomely framed black and white renderings by architect Hayes Town, discovered through Cliff’s research. Also of note is the lovingly restored 1850 carved rosewood grand piano in the front hallway, which displays photographs of the original owner. Throughout the interior are many antique furnishings and accessories that showcase Benny and Cliff’s love for collecting, as well as Benny’s many years as a visual artist.

Come see Van Court in all her glory. See the Italian marble mantels festooned with magnolia and magnificence, as well as the uniquely beautiful banister draped for the holiday from the first to the third floor.

A visit to this home and its lovely garden will truly give you an early Christmas treat!

Christmas Tour of Homes

Sunday, December 7, 2 - 5 pm

$15.00 one ticket ($25 two tickets)

Christmas Tour of Homes: Myrtle Bank

Myrtle Bank

408 North Pearl Street
Home of Barbara & David Haigh

This Spanish Colonial style cottage predates 1817, with later additions through the1870s. Named for the high bank where it stands, it has a raised basement encircled by brick pillars. In 1835, Alfred and Eliza Cochran bought Myrtle Bank from George Overaker for $3000, enlarging it to its present classical one and a half stories with a wide front gallery.

Among later owners were Anna Dunbar Postlewaite and Benjamin Wade. In 1858, The Natchez Young Ladies Institute occupied the house. A gazebo built about 1875 was moved to a neighboring yard but returned in the 1970s. In 1957, Thomas Gandy bought Myrtle Bank, restoring it to its 19th-century state. He designed and built brick patios, walkways, raised flower beds, and a fish pond. He saved thousands of glass negatives of three Natchez photographers, developed and enlarged the pictures in his dark room at Myrtle Bank, and hand tinted the pictures. He and his wife Joan published several books of these images.

Current owners, Barbara Gilbert and David Haigh, have changed little. The cast iron mantels, imposing Cornelius Baker parlor gasolier (originally at Brandon Hall), and traditional punka are significant features. Visitors will see antiques inherited by Barbara from her Peck and Gilbert ancestors. The library showcases the Haigh’s collection of McCarty pottery and Southern images. On the third floor, the boys’ room displays collectibles from the Miller Brothers’ 101 Ranch and Wild West Show, and the girls’ room has a vintage doll house and dolls.

Myrtle Bank will be splendidly decorated for Christmas. Guests may walk the grounds as well.

Christmas Tour of Homes

Sunday, December 7, 2 - 5 pm

$15.00 one ticket ($25 two tickets)

Christmas Tour of Homes: Maywood

Maywood

1 Elm Street
Home of Barbara & Ed Colwell
(Refreshment Center)

Maywood, located on historic Elm Street between Airlie & Riverview, was built by Fredrick and Marian Brown, circa 1928. Although new by Natchez standards, this home incorporates many recycled architectural elements in its Colonial revival style. These include the front entrance, interior stairway from the foyer, fireplace mantles, and some windows. Over the years, the home has been expanded to add a master bedroom wing, an enlarged kitchen, and family dining area. Beautiful granite counters grace cabinets and large cooking island alike.

This home, often referred to as The Dupre House, was owned by the original owners’ daughter and son-in-law, Mimi and Charles Dupre for years. In 2000, Barbara and Edward Colwell moved to Natchez from Chicago, purchased the house, and renamed it Maywood. Rather than alluding to trees on the property or the time of year the house was bought, this is a name in Barbara’s family, stretching back for generations. The Colwell’s daughter carries the name as a middle name now.

Interior renovations reflect Edward’s skills as a gentleman carpenter and woodworker. Projects both small and large have kept him busy and happy since buying the house. Also, he is an expert cook, and the family entertains often, showcasing his culinary mastery.

The Christmas season is a favorite here because Maywood lends itself to traditional Christmas decorations in every room. Look for at least five Christmas trees, a beautiful wreath on the front door, and various other decorations throughout the house. Enjoy the centerpiece on the dining table where refreshments will be offered by The Friends of the Library.

Christmas Tour of Homes

Sunday, December 7, 2 - 5 pm

$15.00 one ticket($25 two tickets)

Christmas Tour of Homes is Soon!

On the first Sunday of December of every year, the Friends of the Library sponsor the Christmas Tour of Homes. Everybody loves this tour. The tickets are only $15 for one or $25 for two tickets, and you get to tour four beautiful homes not usually open to the public. Tour the homes in order you wish - and remember that one is always a refreshment center. Plus, they are all decorated for Christmas.

You can buy your tickets at the Library anytime we're open - or at any of the homes on the day of the event. Listed below are the homes on the tour this year. In later posts, I'll feature each house including a picture.

Maywood

1 Elm Street

Home of Barbara & Ed Colwell

(Refreshment Center)

Myrtle Bank

408 North Pearl Street

Home of Barbara & David Haigh

Van Court Town House

510 Washington Street

Home of Benny Riddle & Cliff Davis

White Wings

311 North Wall Street

Home of Sallie Ballard

Hope to see you there!