Happy Birthday to the Salzmann Selections blog!!!  May 18th is the first birthday for this blog, which has been an absolute joy to write, and, I hope, to read. Today’s selection is going to be a little look back at all that has happened this year at the library.?

We received a grant of 224 books from the International Society for Science and Religion that has been a great addition to the library. The DVD collection has grown by leaps and bounds, not just in size but also in popularity as many DVDs are returned just in time to be checked out again. These include movie favorites as well as documentaries such as the ever-popular “Catholicism” series. The new books we are buying are proving extremely popular to the patrons. Two of our bimonthly book clubs had the author present when we discussed the book, a nice treat. We have been able to make several trips to St. John Cathedral to display our books there. We’re also working to do the same with other parishes. The article in the Catholic Herald has helped people realize the library is available and they’ve stopped in. Our circulation numbers have steadily improved, including handing out more than 150 library cards to new patrons. The shelf-shifting of the entire library collection is almost complete with only three shelves left…approximately 65,000-70,000 titles moved.?

Things have really changed personally for me as well. During this past year, I became engaged to Rachel Skogseth, with the wedding being this October. I have purchased a house in Cudahy, becoming a south-sider, something I never would have thought possible. I have seen my hours increase to full-time status here at the library, and thus been able to quit my second job and devote myself more to the library. Although I’ve listed only three things, I find them rather major developments that seem to consume most of my time.?That is a brief look back at some of the things that have happened over the past year, and I look forward to what I can say next year when we look back on the Salzmann Selection’s second birthday.

As always, if you have any ideas and comments for things I could change, please let me know. If you have any books that you have read or have read the books I mention, please leave a comment. We here at Salzmann also want to know what people are reading. Comments are always appreciated - anything I can do to make this better I will strive my best to accomplish.

Here is some basic information about the library:

• Our standard hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, 12 to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Our address is 3257 S. Lake Dr., St. Francis, WI 53235, right next to Henni Hall, due west of the South Parking Lot.
• The library’s phone number is (414) 747-6479. If you would like to contact me through email, it is mschrauth@sfs.edu.
• There is free Wi-Fi available.
• "Like" us on Facebook – Salzmann Library.
• The library catalog is available online.

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Monthly book review time!  Today’s review is on a book of which many of you will know the main character, Timothy Cardinal Dolan. The book is the recently released second edition written by his brother, Bob Dolan, entitled “Life Lessons, from my life with my brother Timothy Cardinal Dolan,” published by Tau Publishing. This second edition was written by Bob to include a chapter on the 2012 consistory in Rome and more photos as well.?

This book more than ever shows Cardinal Dolan for who he is, an ordinary man called to do extraordinary things for the faith. Bob Dolan shows his brother in a different light, telling stories from them together as children all the way up to stories that happened at the consistory. He alternates his chapters: one chapter tells stories about Cardinal Dolan and experiences of his throughout his life, usually centered around a turning point of some sort…whether it was his call to study in Rome or his coming to Milwaukee to be archbishop of the diocese. The next chapter is what Bob calls a “Life Lesson” chapter, in which they have a conversation relating to different matters of the faith, usually with Cardinal Dolan explaining to Bob (and to us) the teachings.

There are many points throughout this book that made me laugh, and also many that made me think about what Cardinal Dolan was saying, and how it made so much sense. It is written in a simple, straight-forward style that was enjoyable, and can be read by people of all ages. If you want to see a slightly more personal side to Cardinal Dolan, I highly recommend this book.?

“60 Minutes” calls Cardinal Dolan the American Pope. After reading this book, he is, in my view, as “All-American” as it can get, and that is not a bad thing.

As always, if you have any ideas and comments for things I could change, please let me know. If you have any books that you have read or have read the books I mention, please leave a comment. We here at Salzmann also want to know what people are reading. Comments are always appreciated - anything I can do to make this better I will strive my best to accomplish.

Here is some basic information about the library:

• Our standard hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, 12 to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Our address is 3257 S. Lake Dr., St. Francis, WI 53235, right next to Henni Hall, due west of the South Parking Lot.
• The library’s phone number is (414) 747-6479. If you would like to contact me through email, it is mschrauth@sfs.edu.
• There is free Wi-Fi available.
• "Like" us on Facebook – Salzmann Library.
• The library catalog is available online.

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Library shelf-shifting update, another room done! The stacks where we house the BV-BX books are completed, and we should have room to add books for years to come again. Now only one more left to do.

This past weekend I went to the Engaged Enrichment Day with my fiancé at the Cousins Center. First off, it was well done, and Lydia and Jenny deserve major credit for how everything went. I thought it was well worth it, as the presentations and speakers gave us so much information about how to better our relationship with each other, as well as strengthen our relationship with God.

This made think about what we have here at the library in regards to these topics, and indeed, we have quite a lot. We have many books and several DVDs on marriage preparation, as well as books about relationships in general. If you are already married, there are also many books available for you as well. Whether it be growing your relationship or just reading books on spirituality for married couples, the library can help you out.

As always, if you have any ideas and comments for things I could change, please let me know. If you have any books that you have read or have read the books I mention, please leave a comment. We here at Salzmann also want to know what people are reading. Comments are always appreciated - anything I can do to make this better I will strive my best to accomplish.

Here is some basic information about the library:

• Our standard hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, 12 to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Our address is 3257 S. Lake Dr., St. Francis, WI 53235, right next to Henni Hall, due west of the South Parking Lot.
• The library’s phone number is (414) 747-6479. If you would like to contact me through email, it is mschrauth@sfs.edu.
• There is free Wi-Fi available.
• "Like" us on Facebook – Salzmann Library.
• The library catalog is available online.

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On Sunday, April 29th, Saint Francis de Sales Seminary will be having an open house for anybody who would like to come and visit. The day begins with Mass at noon in the Seminary Chapel, and then the open house from 1 to 3 p.m., with tours, activities and refreshments. Here is the opening paragraph from the website:

“Saint Francis de Sales Seminary is opening its doors this spring to all who wish to meet our seminarians and see this beautiful Catholic icon, its exquisite and historic nature and picturesque wooded setting. The event will focus on how every individual is distinctly called to live God's unique mission for them. Bring your family, school and Christian formation groups, confirmation classes and friends. Make an afternoon of it!”

The library will also be open during this time, and we look forward to you stopping in if you haven’t been here before, or visiting us again if you have already. One will be able to sign up for a library card at this time as well.

As always, if you have any ideas and comments for things I could change, please let me know. If you have any books that you have read or have read the books I mention, please leave a comment. We here at Salzmann also want to know what people are reading. Comments are always appreciated - anything I can do to make this better I will strive my best to accomplish.

Here is some basic information about the library:

• Our standard hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, 12 to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Our address is 3257 S. Lake Dr., St. Francis, WI 53235, right next to Henni Hall, due west of the South Parking Lot.
• The library’s phone number is (414) 747-6479. If you would like to contact me through email, it is mschrauth@sfs.edu.
• There is free Wi-Fi available.
• "Like" us on Facebook – Salzmann Library.
• The library catalog is available online.

Comment (0)

I know that I have done book reviews off and on throughout this first year, but this one will mark something different. The plan is, God willing and the creek don’t rise, to have now a monthly book review, probably in the middle of the month. That way you will know when a new book review will appear, and it will also keep me on track to continue reading these new books. As I mentioned in a previous blog, these will be mainly religious books unless I read something incredible that I think everybody should read.?

So, without further ado, here is the new Salzmann Selection monthly book review.

The book this month, “Common Nonsense: 25 fallacies about life…refuted,” is written by Fr. Cliff Ermatinger, pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Milwaukee and a local author whom I wrote about in my Feb. 24th blog. In the book, published in 2005 by Circle Press, Fr. Cliff tries to bring a common sense approach to “…trite sound bites that you are know are wrong but can’t say why.”?

Although it is a philosophical book, Fr. Cliff does not delve so deeply into philosophy that somebody with little interest in philosophy, like myself, will go cross-eyed and fall into a trance while reading. He starts each section with the fallacy, then goes a little more in-depth on the fallacy, gives his answer to the fallacy and then articulates the reasoning against it.?

Although some of the topics could be dry, Fr. Cliff does a great job throwing humor in when he can, whether it is just a funny analogy or a simple story about his former experiences. He makes his arguments clearly and concisely, never straying from the topic but making points flow into a logical conclusion. He also does not delve deeply into major theological points, although definitely referring to God and religion throughout, preferring to answer many of these points with common sense and logical thinking. However, at the end of fallacy #25 he does give his recommendation where to go for further information.

If you like having information at your disposal for debates with friends, or just want to feel more informed, I recommend this book.

As always, if you have any ideas and comments for things I could change, please let me know. If you have any books that you have read or have read the books I mention, please leave a comment. We here at Salzmann also want to know what people are reading. Comments are always appreciated - anything I can do to make this better I will strive my best to accomplish.

Here is some basic information about the library:

• Our standard hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, 12 to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Our address is 3257 S. Lake Dr., St. Francis, WI 53235, right next to Henni Hall, due west of the South Parking Lot.
• The library’s phone number is (414) 747-6479. If you would like to contact me through email, it is mschrauth@sfs.edu.
• There is free Wi-Fi available.
• "Like" us on Facebook – Salzmann Library.
• The library catalog is available online.

Comment (0)

We here at Salzmann Library would like to wish everybody a Happy and Blessed Easter…I used to serve for a priest who would say, “He is risen…he is risen indeed.” I hope everybody gets to enjoy their weekend.

Also, I want to mention that next week I will be starting a new feature for the Salzmann blog, a monthly book review. I realize that I have been spotty with my book reviews, and believe that if I set up a monthly one, it will be something that people can look forward to. The books will be religious in nature unless I read something incredible in another topic and feel I have to share it with you.

As always, if you have any ideas and comments for things I could change, let me know. If you have any books that you have read or have read the books I mention, please leave a comment. Comments are always appreciated. We here at Salzmann also want to know what people are reading. Anything I can do to make this better I will strive my best to accomplish.

Here is some basic information about the library:

• Our standard hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, 12 to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Our address is 3257 S. Lake Dr., St. Francis, WI 53235, right next to Henni Hall, due west of the South Parking Lot.
• The library’s phone number is (414) 747-6479. If you would like to contact me through email, it is mschrauth@sfs.edu.
• There is free Wi-Fi available.
• "Like" us on Facebook – Salzmann Library.
• The library catalog is available online.

Comment (0)

First off, a quick note for the library’s Holy Week schedule (can you believe that it is next week already?!). We will close on Holy Thursday, April 5th, at 4 p.m., be closed through the Triduum and will reopen at noon on Tuesday, April 10th.

I cannot believe that we are only a week away from Holy Week (less than that for the start of it). This Lent has seemed to fly by for me. However, this just means we are moving toward another Church season, Easter. I remember in grade school the priest trying to explain that Easter is not just one day but seven weeks, which invariably led to the question,  “Can we eat candy like its Easter for seven weeks?” (These were the younger years of grade school).

It is a time of celebration, and celebration does include prayer and jubilation. If you want to find something, or try to help explain to your child that Easter lasts seven weeks and it is more than eating candy, Salzmann can help, both with children and adult books on Easter.

In a personal update, I can finally make it official (was not saying anything so that I could not be blamed for jinxing it); I just closed on a house this past week. A really nice place in Cudahy (never in my wildest dreams thought that I would be a south-sider), and I am extremely excited to move in there in the upcoming month.

In two weeks (due to Holy Week next week), I know everybody has been waiting for it (drum roll)…will be the long awaited return of Mark’s book review! For more information, you will have to tune into next week’s blog. Same bat-time, same bat-station (I do hope that many of you get that).

As always, if you have any ideas and comments for things I could change, let me know. If you have any books that you have read or have read the books I mention, please leave a comment. Comments are always appreciated. We here at Salzmann also want to know what people are reading. Anything I can do to make this better I will strive my best to accomplish.

Here is some basic information about the library:

• Our standard hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, 12 to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Our address is 3257 S. Lake Dr., St. Francis, WI 53235, right next to Henni Hall, due west of the South Parking Lot.
• The library’s phone number is (414) 747-6479. If you would like to contact me through email, it is mschrauth@sfs.edu.
• There is free Wi-Fi available.
• "Like" us on Facebook – Salzmann Library.
• The library catalog is available online.

Comment (0)

We have received some nice donations lately. I am not completely sure who has donated them, but they have given us some really nice DVDs. What was really nice is that there are about 25 DVDs on different saints and blessed persons. They are from a series hosted by Bob and Penny Lord, which is based on different books that they have written together. Maybe you have seen them as they appear weekly on EWTN.?

The nice thing about these DVDs is that many of them are on little-known saints, and, therefore, give us a broader range of DVDs. I have been growing the collection with many of the “bigger” names, but these are perfect for people wanting a half hour’s worth of information on saints like St. Dominic Savio, Blessed Margaret of Castello, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, etc. These will be added in the next week, so make sure to stop in and check them out.  ?

Now I do have to make mention of this, as March Madness begins, a good luck to our state teams in the tournament…go Marquette and Wisconsin. ?

This happens to be my favorite several weeks of the year. Fall is by far my favorite season, but this three-week stretch is excellent. The NCAA tournament, Opening Day, St. Patrick’s Day, the weather (usually) starts getting nicer, just makes for an enjoyable time of the year for me.

As always, if you have any ideas and comments for things I could change, let me know. If you have any books that you have read or have read the books I mention, please leave a comment. Comments are always appreciated. We here at Salzmann also want to know what people are reading. Anything I can do to make this better I will strive my best to accomplish.

Here is some basic information about the library:

• Our standard hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, 12 to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Our address is 3257 S. Lake Dr., St. Francis, WI 53235, right next to Henni Hall, due west of the South Parking Lot.
• The library’s phone number is (414) 747-6479. If you would like to contact me through email, it is mschrauth@sfs.edu.
• There is free Wi-Fi available.
• "Like" us on Facebook – Salzmann Library.
• The library catalog is available online.

Comment (0)

Today, I want to remind everybody of the upcoming events happening this month either at or sponsored by the Salzmann Library.

Thursday, March 15th will be our first Soup and Substance Lecture, presented by Marquette Ph.D. candidate Lincoln Rice, entitled “Dr. Arthur Falls and the Heresy of the Mythical Body of Christ.” The soup portion will begin at 6 p.m. with the presentation and discussion to begin at 7 p.m. If you do plan to attend, please RSVP to either myself or call the library so that we know how much soup/bread/etc. to provide.?

Thursday, March 22nd will be the second Soup and Substance Lecture, presented by Marquette history professor and Saint Francis de Sales Seminary alumni Fr. Steve Avella, entitled “You mean we can eat meat on Friday?: the 1966 change in the Friday abstinence discipline.” That also will have dinner beginning at 6 p.m., and please RSVP for that one as well. These two events will take place in the cafeteria at Henni Hall, which is the main building on the seminary campus.?

Then the following Thursday, March 29th is going to be our bimonthly book discussion here at Salzmann Library, starting at 6:30 p.m. The book that is being read is an “oldie but a goodie" called “Diary of a Country Priest,” by George Bernanos. Whether you have read the book or not, you are more than welcome to attend and join in the discussion. We hope to see you at any or all of these events.

As always, if you have any ideas and comments for things I could change, let me know. If you have any books that you have read or have read the books I mention, please leave a comment. Comments are always appreciated. We here at Salzmann also want to know what people are reading. Anything I can do to make this better I will strive my best to accomplish.

Here is some basic information about the library:

• Our standard hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, 12 to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Our address is 3257 S. Lake Dr., St. Francis, WI 53235, right next to Henni Hall, due west of the South Parking Lot.
• The library’s phone number is (414) 747-6479. If you would like to contact me through email, it is mschrauth@sfs.edu.
• There is free Wi-Fi available.
• "Like" us on Facebook – Salzmann Library.
• The library catalog is available online.

Comment (0)

On Feb. 8th, the Marquette Knights of Columbus hosted its annual Ciszek Lecture.  I, unfortunately, did not find out about it until that Monday, so I was not able to mention the lecture beforehand on this blog, but it was an excellent presentation by Fr. Cliff Ermatinger. The title of the lecture was “Who is Speaking – the Discernment of Spirits.”

Fr. Cliff did an excellent job with this lecture. One thing that he said that really struck me was his explaining that patience was such a key to discerning God’s will. An impulse to go out and immediately do something is usually not the correct way; continual prayer and asking God for guidance is the way to figure out what God is trying to say. In this hectic world, patience is not always the easiest virtue to possess, I know.

The Catholic Herald recently had an article about Fr. Cliff, who serves St. Anthony Parish and School in Milwaukee. If you want to read more about Fr. Cliff, and he definitely has had an interesting life, you can find the article here.

Also, Fr. Cliff has written five books, four of which we have here at the library with the fifth book on order and arriving soon. These books include “St. Therese of Lisieux: Spouse & Victim,” “Letters from the Desert,” and “St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer.” These are not really thick books, but very powerful.

As always, if you have any ideas and comments for things I could change, let me know. If you have any books that you have read or have read the books I mention, please leave a comment. Comments are always appreciated. We here at Salzmann also want to know what people are reading. Anything I can do to make this better I will strive my best to accomplish.

Here is some basic information about the library:

• Our standard hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, 12 to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Our address is 3257 S. Lake Dr., St. Francis, WI 53235, right next to Henni Hall, due west of the South Parking Lot.
• The library’s phone number is (414) 747-6479. If you would like to contact me through email, it is mschrauth@sfs.edu.
• There is free Wi-Fi available.
• "Like" us on Facebook – Salzmann Library.
• The library catalog is available online.

Comment (0)