Vol. 9 No 7 February 15, 2007

OFF THE SHELF A WEEKLY LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
Vol. 9 No 7 February 15, 2007


QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Weather forecast for tonight: dark. ”
- George Carlin


The Library will be closed on Monday, February 19 for President’s Day.


FEBRUARY IS “I LOVE TO READ” MONTH!
February is the perfect time to curl up with a good book! Every day, new books are added to our permanent collection, so stop by to see what’s new!

Not sure what to read next? Check out the Reader’s Advisory page. Try More Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood by Nancy Pearl. 2005

Too many books, not enough time? Master Reader [downloadable audiobook]: The Work-Smarter, Speed-Reading, Speed-Thinking Course by Edward L.Fritsch and Nate Rosenblatt. Made available electronically by NetLibrary, 2006.

(To find out how to access downloadable eAudiobooks, go to the ListenUp Reading webpage at http://www.readingpl.org/listenup.html. MP3 players are available for loan)

Give the gift of reading to others? The Between the Lions Book for Parents: Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Child Learn to Read 2004.
Read it Loud! : A Parent's Guide to Sharing Books with Young Children by Monty Haas & Laurie Joy Haas. 2000.

Please join the Library staff in observing I Love to Read Month. How will you celebrate? Send your good ideas to me at rplfeed@noblenet.org !


THE GREAT MAGAZINE GIVEAWAY
Did you know that the Library receives almost 200 different magazines? The selection includes everything from weekly news magazines to the latest fashion journals and magazines for children and teens. As new issues continue to arrive, we must make space for them, and space is severely limited. So… once a year, the Library hosts the “Great Magazine Giveaway!” This year’s annual Giveaway will be held this Saturday, February 17, from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Old magazines are great for all kinds of arts and craft projects including collages, decoupage, scrapbooking and mosaics. Other magazines like Smithsonian, National Geographic, Popular Mechanics, and Popular Science have great articles which can provide lots of lovely reading for long winter evenings. Recipes, home decorating ideas, projects and activities for kids and lots more! Come early and bring your own bags!


CSI: THE REAL DEAL
CSI fans will not want to miss this opportunity to learn how forensic scientists solve real life crimes. On Tuesday, February 20 at 7:30p.m., Massachusetts State Police forensic scientist, Paul J. Zambella, will separate fact from fiction in a lively presentation at the Reading Public Library. He will discuss criminal investigations from the forensic science point of view by demonstrating some of the actual tests that he performs on physical evidence.

Paul Zambella has investigated more than 500 crime scenes, including several high-profile cases, and provided court testimony for over 400 cases. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in biology and a Master’s Degree in forensic chemistry. Mr. Zambella has worked as a forensic scientist for the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory for 31 years and has been an instructor of forensic science at Northeastern University for 27 years. His presentation is free and open to adults and students in 6th grade and up.

Mr. Zambella’s presentation is part of the Reading Public Library’s LINKS: Online @ the Library program. LINKS (Library INsight Knowledge Series) is made possible by an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant, funded through the Library Services and Technology Act and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The $10,000 grant will finance a series of programs and guides promoting the depth and quality of online resources available via the Reading Public Library.

According to Lorraine Barry, Head of Information Services, “Reading residents have access to tremendous state and locally funded online resources. Whether you want to research school assignments, investigate health and consumer information or track down the latest business data, all you need is a library card. Grant funds will allow us to bring a series of great speakers to the community and show residents how to find related information online.”

The Library is collaborating with the School Department and Elder/HumanServices Department to bring these programs to a wide segment of our community. Librarians initially promoted the online resources through four teacher workshops held at RMHS, Parker and Coolidge Middle Schools. The CSI program is the first in a series of LINKS programs aimed at teens. Other teen programs include a presentation from the iAbolish, American Anti-Slavery Group (March date TBA) and a visit with author Susan Bartoletti Campbell (April 12). The LINKS: Online @ the Library grant will also sponsor spring mini-workshops for parents of young children and a summer program series for older adults.

For more information about Paul Zambella’s visit or the LINKS: Online @ the Library program contact the Library at 781 942-6703 or rdgref@noblenet.org. Residents may access Library online resources at http://www.readingpl.org/onlineresources.html


TECH TIP: REGISTER FOR COMPUTER CLASSES ONLINE!
By Andrea Mercado, Reference and Techie Librarian

Our new class schedule begins this month, starting with the "Getting Started with eBay" class next Wednesday, February 21, followed by a "Geek Out, Don't Freak Out!" session on MP3/Audio players (and our new Listen Up Reading! eAudiobook Program) on Wednesday, February 28.

With the new class session come a new way to register for classes: the online calendar. If you live in Reading and have a PIN number for your library card (you can get a PIN number by visiting the Circulation Desk in the library), you can register yourself for classes through the library calendar online from home, work, or anywhere with access to the web.

Once you're in the calendar, locate the class of your choice, and click on the little hand holding the pen to view the registration window. Enter your library card number (the number under the barcode on the back of your card) and your PIN number, and you're all set! And, if you add your email address to your library account the next time you visit the library, we can send you an email reminder of the class two days before the class meets.

For more information and details, visit the Computer Classes section of the library website at http://www.readingpl.org/referencequestion.html#classes for the class schedule, more information on registering, and a link to the calendar. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Information Desk by phone at 781-942-6703, by email at rdgref@noblenet.org , or in person.


DANCE, DANCE, DANCE
On Wednesday, February 21, get down and dance! From 3:30 to 5:00, the Library will be hosting Dance Dance Revolution. Teen teachers will be on hand to help kids in grades 1-5 learn all about this hot new game! Beginners will dance from 3:30-4:15. More experienced dancers take to the mat from 4:15-5:00. No registration necessary.


OWL PROWL
WITH RACHEL BAUMGARTNER & DAVE WILLIAMS
There is something magical in being out in the woods at night... silvery moonshine on the snow, the soft rustling and murmuring of the wind, and, perhaps!, the quiet excitement and joy of discovering an owl. Parents and children in grades 2 and up are invited to enjoy a guided hike in Reading Town's Forest on Thursday, February 22. Your guides will be Children's Librarian Rachel Baumgartner and teacher/birder Dave Williams. Afterwards enjoy a cup of cocoa and owl stories back at the library. Group size is limited, so please sign up at the Children's Room Desk or call781-942-6705. For more information about Reading's Town Forest, go to http://www.ci.reading.ma.us/conservation/townfor.htm


HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!
“Li Min draws a magic circle with her stories, so that rare occurrence of being one with the story-teller, entering her land, seeing her visions, hearing her voices, happens."
Celebrate Chinese New Year with Li Min Mo, a professional storyteller and artist who was born in China and has lived in many parts of the world. Li Min has been teaching art, drama, storytelling and history to children and adults, winning praise and awards for her work for over 20 years. On Friday, February 23 she will present a special New Year program for children in grades K through 5. After sharing some traditional Chinese tales and treats, she will help children try their hand at Chinese calligraphy. The program will begin at 10:30. This program is free, and no registration is necessary. For more information about Li Min Mo, go to http://www.liminmo.com/


NEW BOOKS, MOVIES, AND MORE
To see the list of library materials purchased this month, follow this link http://www.readingpl.org/lists.htmlor go to the library homepage at http://www.readingpl.org/ and click on Book, Audio and Video Lists.


WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Preparing, Protecting, Preserving Family Treasures
http://www.loc.gov/preserv/familytreasures/index.html
This week’s website was suggested by Off the Shelf reader, Cheryl Johnson.

This website provides simple instructions, as well as links to morec omprehensive information for *Preparing, Protecting, Preserving* many types of family treasures. Using this information, you will have the means to prepare ahead of time, to protect every day, and if need be to preserve your family treasures after a disaster. Proper care, handling, and storage of your treasures will help to ensure that they are available for generations to come. No one likes to think about disasters, whether natural or man made, but thinking ahead and preparing, together with knowledge about first steps, can save those family treasures from ruin.


WHAT’S HAPPENING @ YOUR LIBRARY!
All events listed take place at the Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, unless otherwise noted.

Friday, February 16: Infant Toddler Sing-along with Peter Sheridan. No registration necessary. Sponsored by the Friends of the Reading Public Library. 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Saturday, February 17: Annual Magazine Giveaway. Come early and bring a bag to take home older magazine issues. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Monday, February 19: Library Closed for President’s Day Holiday

Tuesday, February 20: Monthly Book Delivery to Longwood Place. 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, February 20: Pajama Storytime for ages 4-8. Throw your coat over your PJ's and travel to the library to enjoy some great stories! No registration necessary. 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 20: LINKS* presents “CSI: For Real.” If you are a fan of TV's “C.S.I.,” you'll want to be here as Massachusetts State Police forensic scientist Paul J. Zambella reveals how crime scene technology is used in real life. For adults and students in sixth grade and up. *LINKS: Library INsight Knowledge Series. 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 21: DDR for Kids in grades 1-5. Join in the DanceDance Revolution! Teen teachers will be on hand. No registration necessary. 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. for beginning dancers; 4:15 p.m. – 5:00p.m. for more experienced dancers

Wednesday, February 21: Computer Class — “Getting Started with eBay.”(Rescheduled from 11/21/06) If you’ve heard of eBay, but you don’t have the slightest idea of how to start buying or selling, this is the class for you. Pre-register at the Information Desk, or call 781-942-6703. 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 22: Owl Prowl for Grades 2-5. Go out into the night forest in search of Great Horned and Screech Owls! This walk will be led by teacher/birder David Williams. Afterwards enjoy a cup of cocoa and owl stories back at the library. Register in the Children's Room or by calling 781-942-6705. One adult needed for every three children. Directions will be given upon registration. . 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 22: Conversation Group for English Learners. 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

Friday, February 23: Celebrate Chinese New Year with storyteller Li Min Mo. Join in the celebration of the Year of the Pig with storyteller Li Min Mo! For children in grades K-5. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

That’s all for now,
Elizabeth Dickinson
Assistant Director

LIBRARY HOURS
Mondays 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursdays 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Fridays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.