Vol. 9 No 11 March 22, 2007

OFF THE SHELF
A WEEKLY LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
Vol. 9 No 11 March 22, 2007


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all.”
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis


THREE YEAR OLD STORYTIME
If you have a three year old at home, you can drop in to the Library on Wednesday mornings for a fun storytime program. There are a few spots remaining in both the 9:30 and 10:15 a.m. sessions. The upcoming dates are March 28, April 4, and April 11.


“PERK UP!”: TO STIMULATE, ENERGIZE, ENLIVEN….
If you need a quick information lift in the afternoon, take time to "Perk Up!" at the Library. The Reading Public Library is currently offering a special information series for parents and caregivers of young children. "Perk Up!" will run from 1:30 - 2:00 pm on Thursdays through April 12. Each week, the Library will present a different speaker on child - rearing issues. Topics include: finances, travel, nutrition, new books and kindergarten preparation.

In addition to interesting speakers and free coffee, librarians will hand out tips on how you can locate more information online via the Reading Public Library. Here is the schedule of the remaining "Perk Up!" programs:

March 29 - Pam Cote, Dietitian at Winchester Hospital, will offer kid-friendly nutrition advice.

April 5 - Nancy Aberman and Kathy Miksis, of Reading Public Library, will review new best-selling books for adults.

April 12 - Lois MacElhiney, former Reading kindergarten teacher, will explain how you can help your child get ready for kindergarten.

There is no registration for this series. Feel free to come to any or all programs. This series is for parents and caregivers. All adults are welcome to bring children as needed. For more information, please contact the Information Desk rdgref@noblenet.org , 781 942-6703. This series is federally funded with LSTA funds through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.


NEW SLACKERS TITLE: WHEN THE EMPEROR WAS DIVINE
Julie Otsuka’s debut novel, When the Emperor Was Divine, tells the story of a Japanese American family forced to live in an internment camp during World War II. In five chapters, Otsuka presents the points of view ofeach family member creating an intimate and detailed portrait of people living through one of America's darkest and most shameful periods: the internment of more than 110,000 Japanese Americans for 3 and a half years.

Though her story centers around this tragic time in American history, Otsuka’s powerful story of exile and racism is particularly resonant today. Have Americans learned from the injustice of the Japanese internment? In our country today are Muslims and Arabs being targeted for investigation? Has the terrible threat of terrorism created a climate of fear that allows for the erosion of all of our civil liberties? Join the discussion!

To be a member of the Slackers Book Club just read the book and fill out a comment card. Leave your comment card in the book when you return it. That’s all you need to do! There are no meetings, no deadlines, and no pressure! You will find copies of the book and comment cards on display near the Information Desk.


DOCUMENTING THE FAMILY: ORAL HISTORY AND GENEALOGY
"Stories - those that have been told across generations, as well as ourown - inform, inspire, teach, maintain moral codes, record events thatbecome history, establish family lines and genealogy, preserve customs,guide us, show us possibilities, open our hearts, make us laugh, andclarify all aspects of life."
from The Gift of Stories
by Robert Atkinson

Most of us who love libraries also love stories. Oral histories are stories that living individuals tell about their past, or about the pasts of other people. Interviewing family members often reveals stories, anecdotes, and family traditions. This information often exists nowhere else, and is a crucial first step in compiling a family history.

Who are your ancestors? What were the memorable events of their lives? What stories could they tell? Is there a revolutionary in your family tree? A pirate? A Puritan? Genealogy is more than just the recordingof names and dates. Compiling a family genealogy can help you to understand and appreciate the history of your family, and to get to know your ancestors in a way that is personal, educational, and rewarding.

On Tuesday, April 10, Coffee and More will present a special program on Oral History and Genealogy featuring Sharlene Reynolds Santo. Sharlene is a professional genealogist and has also been a long-time volunteer at the Library, researching local history questions and genealogy requests. She is the owner of Reynolds Roots, a professional genealogy business which was established in 1998. This is sure to be an interesting and educational program, so please join us! Coffee and More is at 10:00 a.m. and always includes coffee and refreshments!

LiveWires is the Library’s program for people age 55 and up. Each month LiveWires presents two programs: Coffee and More is our morning series, and LiveWires Presents is our evening program. Both series are funded by a Federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Although these programs are especially designed for those age 55 and up, all adult library programs are free and open to all. Hope to see you there!


WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
GENEALOGY RESOURCES ON THE WEB
http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~mabry/resource.html
This site provides hundreds of recommended genealogy links, email lists,and other resources. While the Internet is an amazing tool, it can be a bit overwhelming. Beginners are also encouraged to explore some of theLibrary’s books on basic genealogy research. Here are a few to get you started:

Tracing your Family History: The Complete Guide to Locating Your Ancestors and Finding Out Where You Came From by Lise Hull. (2006)

Family Tree Problem Solver: Proven Methods for Scaling the Inevitable Brick Wall by Marsha Hoffman Rising. (2005)

Scrapbooking Your Family History by Laura Best (2005)


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


BE A FRIEND!
The Friends of the Reading Public Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting many library programs and resources that would otherwise not be possible.

The next meeting of the Friends of the Library will be Monday, March 26. You are very welcome to come, meet some Friends, and help support the Library. If you can’t attend meetings, but would like to support the Friends financially, you can join by filling out the membership form at http://www.readingpl.org/membership.html


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

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.

Monday, April 2: Monthly Book Delivery to Peter Sanborn Place. 2:30 p.m.– 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 4: Computer Class — “Searching Tips.” Can’t find a book? Wondering if you really need to pay the Boston Globe online archive for that article? Interested in Google hacks? This class teaches you how to really savvy your online searches. Patrons must know how to use a mouse. Pre-register at the Information Desk, via e-mail, or call 781-942-6703. 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 5: “Perk Up!” Book Breaks. Perk Up! is a series of Reading Public Library Coffee programs for busy parents and caregivers. This week's topic is Book Breaks with Nancy Aberman and Kathy Miksis of the library. Enjoy quick book reviews of new best selling titles. 1:30p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 5: Conversation Group for English Learners. Is English your second language? Improve your English by conversing with other advanced English learners or practice your writing in a relaxed,welcoming, friendly atmosphere. 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

Friday, April 6: 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.

Tuesday, April 10: LiveWires: Coffee & More. Grab a cup of coffee and let's talk! Featured speaker is Sharlene Santo, professional genealogist, who will discuss the importance of oral history and will highlight genealogy resources at the library and town archive for those interested in getting started in genealogy. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, April 10: Bibliobabblers (Adult Book Discussion Group) meets to discuss History of Love by Nicole Krauss. Led by Elizabeth Dickinson, Assistant Library Director. Copies of this book are available at the Circulation Desk. All are welcome and no registration is necessary 7:00p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 12: “Perk Up!” School Days. Perk Up! is a series of Reading Public Library Coffee programs for busy parents and caregivers. This week's topic is School Days with former Reading Kindergarten Teacher, Lois Mac Elhiney. Help your child get ready for kindergarten. 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 12: Teen Author: Susan Campbell Bartoletti. The author of award-winning Hitler Youth will share her writing experiences. 7:00p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Friday, April 13: Library Closed for Staff Day

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.