OFF THE SHELF
A WEEKLY LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
Vol. 9 No 10 March 15, 2007


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware."
- Martin Buber


LIVEWIRES PRESENTS
TERRY HEKKER STIRS UP A RUCKUS!
Here are some words that describe Terry Hekker: feisty, funny, courageous, determined, wise…

Here are some words that describe her life: unpredictable, challenging, rich, rewarding, inspiring…

Terry Hekker wrote a book in 1980 that made her famous. Ever Since Adam & Eve was a passionate defense of her decision to turn her back on a career and instead dedicate her life to being a wife and a mother. Coming at the end of the Seventies, when feminism was in full swing, Hekker became a celebrated poster child for old-fashioned values. She wanted her job choice of 'homemaker' to be considered as valid as those of up-and-coming women bankers, bosses and company directors. The book sold well, and Hekker became a celebrity, appearing on the Today Show, Oprah, and other prime time talk shows. But that was then.

Today, Hekker is planning a follow-up book. Its working title is bluntly honest: Disregard First Book. For her life did not turn out as she planned. After 40 years of marriage and five children, her husband left her for a younger woman. With no prior warning, at the age of 63, she suddenly found herself divorced, broke, with no job skills, scared and angry. But Terry Hekker was determined to start over…

On Tuesday evening, March 20 LiveWires Presents “Terry Hekker Stirs Up a Ruckus.” Ms. Hekker will be joining us, and will talk about how she faced her fears and reinvented her life. This is a program about dealing with change, and living with courage, creativity, and humor. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Livewires programs are especially designed for people age 55 and up. However, all adults are welcome at all library programs. I hope to see you there!


LOST YOUR HAT? YOUR GLOVES? YOUR KEYS? YOUR MARBLES?
We currently have a diverse collection of lost hats, gloves, coats, and keys. If anyone is missing any of these things, please check the Lost and Found at the Circulation Desk. Items not claimed by the end of the month will be donated to charity.


FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY CONCERT SERIES
The Friends of the Reading Public Library will present the Lello Molinari Jazz Trio on Saturday evening, March 17, at 8:00 p.m. Please join us for an evening of wonderful music featuring contemporary jazz originals, standards, and classic Italian songs. The Trio consists of Lello Molinari, bass; Frank Carlberg, piano; and Marcello Pellitteri, drums. The concert will be held in the Library's Meeting Room and is free of charge and open to the public.


OLD, NEW, FICTION TOO!
In honor of St Patrick’s Day, here are a few titles to help you shake your shamrock!

Celtic Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs (1958)
CHILDREN'S 398.2 J
Not just for children!

All Will Be Well: A Memoir by John McGahern. (2006)
Now in his early 70s, award-winning novelist McGahern grew up in rural Ireland, the oldest of seven children in a dysfunctional, devoutly religious family. The writing is lyrically beautiful and rich in details of Ireland of the '40s and '50s.

My Dream of You by Nuala O'Faolain. (2001)
FICTION OFA
A story within a story: Kathleen, the 50-year-old narrator, is searching for love and identity in her return to her homeland, At the same time, she is a writer who is researching the historical tale of an Englishwoman's adulterous affair with an Irish stablehand 150 years previously.


SUPPORT TEEN SUMMER READING!
We need your help! The Teen Summer Reading Program is in need of prizes for our upcoming summer program. This summer’s theme is based on graphic novels and will be called “Graphically Speaking.” Donations may include items such as Red Sox tickets, Lowell Spinner tickets, electronic devices such as MP3 or CD players, school supplies, teen furniture, music CDs, all types of gift certificates and anything else you think tweens and teens would enjoy (students entering grades 6 through 12). The more students read, the more prizes they win. Please help us to have the best summer program ever this year!


NEW BOOKS, MOVIES, AND MORE
To see the list of library materials purchased this month, follow this link: http://www.readingpl.org/lists.html


WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
MLB Spring Training
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/events/spring_training/
Will 2007 be our year? Check out the Sox, and their rival teams in Spring Training. This Major League Baseball site provides news, schedules, results and photos, along with video and audio clips. Let's play ball!


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

Friday, March 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, March 17: Friends of the Reading Public Library Concert Series.
Join us for an evening of jazz with the Lello Molinari Jazz Trio. Concerts are held in the Library's Meeting Room and are free of charge and open to the public. 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 20: Monthly Book Delivery to Longwood Place. 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 20: LiveWires Presents. LiveWires is a monthly series of programs for active, older adults featuring book, movies, and special guests. Discover new options for this chapter of life! Tonight's guest, author Terry Hekker, was faced with reinventing her life when her husband left her after 40 years of marriage. Come hear how Terry overcame these obstacles with humor and spirit. Light refreshments will be served. 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 21: DDR for Kids in grades 1-5. Join in the Dance Dance Revolution! Teen teachers will be on hand to help everyone learn the finer points of this hot new activity! No registration necessary. 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. for beginning dancers; 4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. for more experienced dancers.

Wednesday, March 21: Computer Class — “Geek Out, Don’t Freak Out! –Digital Cameras.” Stop by with your digital camera and the user manual for this hands-on, how-to workshop. Do you know a digital camera expert? Bring them by to share their tips! Pre-register at the Information Desk, via e-mail, or call 781-942-6703. 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

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

Tuesday, March 27: Word of Mouth. Informal monthly discussion of what people have been reading lately 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 29: Conversation Group for English Learners. 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.


That’s all for now,

Elizabeth Dickinson
Editor


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