February 2012 RPL Book Group Title: Royal Feud: the dark side of the love story of the century by Michael Thornton.

February 14, 2012     Discussion led by Peggy White

This book details the intense thirty-year animosity between the Queen Mother Elizabeth and the Duchess of Windsor, the effect on Britain’s royal family, and the accord finally established between them. This retelling of the abdication of Edward VIII to marry American divorcee Wallis Warfield Simpson will undoubtedly be enjoyed by those who enjoy hobnobbing, however vicariously, with royalty.

Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012: Not-Too-Stuffy Book Group Reads One Good Dog by Susan Wilson

(Senior Center Lounge, 1-2 p.m.)  After Adam March loses his job, his wife, and the life he has worked so hard to achieve, he must fulfill a community-service obligation at a soup kitchen, where he meets Chance, a pit bull bred for fighting who ends up being Adam’s best shot at redemption. Barbara Currie will lead this discussion.  Copies of the book are available at the Library or at the Senior Center (ask at the front desk.)  Link to the catalog. 

LiveWires Presents: A Financial Fire Drill

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012
7:00 p.m.

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) is the largest membership organization for personal financial planning experts in the U.S. and includes professionals from all backgrounds.  Tonight’s presentation, by a member of this organization, will provide handouts to assist people in working through how to cope with a loss of income due to job loss or other adversity.  The presenter will also tell how to manage investments during uncertain market conditions.

It’s Coming! It’s Coming!

Microsoft Office 2010 is coming to RPL!
Look for it on our PCs by the end of January.  We’ll have tip sheets, guide books and links to online tutorials.
The library is also offering a Microsoft Word workshop.

Microsoft Word 2010
Monday January 23
7:00 -8:30 p.m.
Registration is required for the workshop.  Please sign up at the Information Desk    781-944-0840, rdgref@noblenet.org or online at the library calendar.

High School Student Volunteer Opportunity – Deadline to Apply January 14

Are you a high school student interested in the Internet and computer technology? Would you like to use your skills to assist other community members?

The Reading Public Library welcomes you to fill out an application to become a volunteer Netguide.  Netguides assist in introductory Internet and technology classes and/or provide one-on-one technology training to patrons of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.

This is a great way to get your required service hours for the National Honor Society or any other church, school or community group.  In addition, the Netguide program looks great on your college and job applications! Read on …

HAVE A QUESTION? TEXT US!

Reading Public Library now offers text reference service .  Using the service is easy.  Text “rplinfo” to 66746 for instructions, then ask your question.

We, of course,  do not charge for this service; however, your phone carrier’s regular text message and data rates apply. Check our Ask a Librarian! page for more information about this service.

New Slacker Title: Corduroy Mansions by Alexander McCall Smith

January 2012
In London’s Pimlico neighborhood lies a tenement described in architectural guides as “a building of no interest whatsoever.” But the residents of Corduroy Mansions are a captivating collection of quirky characters.–including a literary agent, a wine merchant, a thoroughly unpleasant member of Parliament, and a vegetarian dog. The author traces their amusing foibles and interactions through the ins and outs of neighborliness in all its unexpected variations.

Want something for that eBook reader?

Thursday, January 19, 2012
7:00 p.m.

Did you get a new eReader this holiday season? Are you thinking of getting one for the new year?  Join us on Thursday, January 19th for an informative and fun evening learning about a variety of different eReaders.   Our librarian experts will walk you through the process of downloading eBooks from OverDrive, our free downloadable media service.  You will also have the opportunity to try out the iPad, Nook, Kindle and other eReaders at our eReader Petting Zoo.

Calling All Chess Fans!

Saturday, January 21
3:00-4:00 p.m.

Do you want to learn how to play chess?  Are you a bit rusty, and need a refresher?  Or are you a seasoned player looking for playing partners?  Whatever description fits you, this chess program is for you.  We will have tables set up for players of all abilities, plus High School and Middle School volunteers ready to teach chess beginners of all ages.  (Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult.)  Chess sets will be provided.

Great Decisions Discussion Series

Begins February 2, 2012
7:00 p.m.

Would you like to learn more about U.S. foreign policy in an engaging community forum?  The Library will host a Great Decisions series for nine weeks.  The series begins on February 2 and continues on Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (with a snow date of April 5).   This series will discuss many of the important foreign policy topics facing the United States.

The topics are:  Middle East Realignment, Promoting Democracy, Mexico, Cybersecurity, Exit From Afghanistan & Iraq, State of the Oceans, Indonesia, and Energy Geopolitics.

The discussions will be led by Dr. Craig Brandt, a former naval officer who has also been a professor at the Air Force Institute of Technology and dean of academic affairs at the Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management.

Attendance is by pre-registration only; registration begins in January.  There is a $20 fee for the briefing book.