Garlock. G-A-R-L-O-C-K, first name Dorothy. If you haven’t heard of this author or read any of her books, you are in for many delightful reading adventures! Many customers approach the check-out counter in Rapides Parish Libraries with a copy of her newest book, On Tall Pine Lake, hugged in their arms like a cherished friend. Often they relate they had never read a book with a romance sticker until they had this lady’s books recommended to them whenever they asked for a book or author suggestion.
     Ms. Garlock has been called “the voice of America’s heartland.” Others consider her style as captivating as that of Louis L’Amour. She began writing in 1976 after a 14 year career as a bookkeeper/columnist for a small newspaper. She has had more than 20 million books in print world wide, with titles translated into 18 different languages. At least 37 titles are still in print. Rapides Parish Libraries own over 35 different titles written by her, and many are in large print for easier reading.
     The style of this author is so captivating that many customers start reading her books and read none other until they exhaust the list of those available. She has the ability to transport one from our favorite reader’s chair to the covered wagon seat, complete with the sound of the bullwhip prodding the oxen along. Her portrayal of each character is so colorful that an emotional bond will form between them and the reader until one reads far longer than the reader intended!
     Her reputation as a history buff is supported on her website, www.dorothygarlock.com where 30 original recipes are located, alongside the books they are found in. Take a few minutes, go to her website and read how the first settlers in our country prepared such favorites as watermelon pickles, potato bread, cornmeal mush, catfish chowder, fried venison steaks, vinegar pie, sugar cookies, cottage cheese, and fried ham with redeye gravy.
     If you don’t have a home computer, Rapides Parish Library offers free computers using your library card. If you aren’t comfortable using a computer to browse the Internet, we also offer free computer classes. Call or visit your local branch and pick up a flyer for the dates, times, and sites where the free computer classes are held.
     Ms. Donna Rhame Crawford is the Branch Manger of the Hineston Branch Library.