Vol. 9 No 12 March 29, 2007

OFF THE SHELF

A Weekly Library Newsletter

Vol. 9 No. 12 March 29, 2007


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“… a man is always a teller of tales, he lives surrounded by his stories and the stories of others, he sees everything that happens to him through them; and he tries to live his life as if he were telling a story.”

Jean Paul Sartre

SAVE THESE DATES!

The Library is always a busy place, but this spring we have some VERY special events coming up. You will want to mark your calendars now, and watch for more details in this newsletter in the weeks ahead!

Saturday, April 28: The Library will celebrate its 6^th Annual Open House. Have fun at your library! Activities for all ages, refreshments, music, door prizes, and more! The time is 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Find out why “Things are Hoppin’ at the Library!”

Sunday, May 6: The Friends of the Library's 15th Annual Spring House Tour. This year the tour will feature eight beautiful homes. The House Tour is fun, educational, and has become a beloved spring tradition in Reading! The time is 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Tickets will be on sale soon.

Friday, May 18: The Helen Nigro Speaker Series will present Nathaniel Philbrick, bestselling author of In the Heart of the Sea and The Mayflower. This program is sponsored by the Reading Public Library Foundation and will take place at the Parker Middle School at 7:30 p.m. More information coming in next week’s issue!

A BIG BIRTHDAY FOR BEN

Please join all of the Reading community in wishing local resident Ben Nichols a Happy 99th Birthday! Although Ben’s “real” birthday is April 8, we have invited him to join us for a birthday celebration as part of our Open House activities on Saturday, April 28.

We are baking the cake, but we need your help in making Ben’s birthday truly special. Beginning on Monday, April 2, you will find a gigantic birthday card on display near the Information Desk. This card has lots of free space so that YOU can add your birthday wishes. Please stop by and write a note! The card will be on display throughout the month of April and will be presented to Ben during our Open House celebration.

BAGS R US

The Library Tote Bags are back! The new bags have the same design as the last batch, but are now available in beautiful spring colors. These bags are made from sturdy canvas and are just the thing for families and teachers who take out LOTS of picture books, for students doing heavy duty research, or for any serious library user. (They make a great gift too!) Each bag comes with a snap button to close the bag and a place to hold your library card. These bags will not only help you get organized, but will also protect your library books and media materials from bad weather or other damage.

The bags are $15.00 each and are being sold by the Friends of the Library. Profits from the sale support the activities and programs sponsored by the Friends. Bags are on display at the Circulation Desk. To purchase, just ask!

THE HISTORY OF LOVE by Nicole Krauss

The monthly meeting of Bibliobabblers, the Library’s Adult Book Discussion Program, will take place in the Library Conference Room on Tuesday evening, April 10 at 7:00 p.m. The title for discussion will be The History of Love by Nicole Krauss.

The History of Love spans a period of 60 years and takes readers from Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe to present day Brighton Beach. The title refers to a book within the book, a strange and marvelous novel, written long ago by a heartbroken Leo Gursky, who lost his first and only love, Alma, when she fled from Poland to America just before the outbreak of World War II. As the novel opens, Leo is now an old man living in New York City, unaware that his novel has also survived the war and has changed the lives of those who have read it.

This will be my second opportunity to facilitate the book discussion group, and I am looking forward to it. I chose this book because it is one of my favorites…it is original, funny, tender and moving. As its wisecracking Jewish protagonist might say, this book gets you in your kishkes! I hope you will join me to discuss this unusual and beautiful story.

2 Teen Authors, 2 Weeks Apart, 2 Good To Miss!

AUTHOR VISIT ONE:

On Thursday April 12, 2007 at 7:00 pm, the Library will host a visit with author Susan Campbell Bartoletti. Bartoletti writes picture books, novels and nonfiction for young adults. Her presentation will offer an in-depth look at the research required to write her award winning book, Hitler Youth. What was it like to be a teenager in Germany under Hitler? In this program, Ms. Bartoletti will describe how she gathered primary source information, drawing on oral histories, diaries, letters, and her own extensive interviews with Holocaust survivors, Hitler Youth, resisters, and bystanders to tell the history from the viewpoints of people who were there.

This program is funded with LSTA funds administered through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served.

AUTHOR VISIT TWO:

On Thursday evening, April 26, the Library will be hosting Mitali Perkins, another outstanding young adult author. Ms. Perkins was born in Kolkata, India, but immigrated to America with her family while still a young child. She is devoted to the use of stories to help young people keep their “balance” when caught between cultures. Join us for a lively discussion with Ms. Perkins as she shares her thoughts on life, multiculturalism, and writing. We are grateful for the support of the Friends of the Library in funding this program.

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 childrearing issues.

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:

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 or charge for this series. 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.

LIVEWIRES!

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 adults are welcome.

COFFEE & MORE: TUESDAY, APRIL 10 at 10:00 A.M.

DOCUMENTING THE FAMILY: ORAL HISTORY AND GENEALOGY

On Tuesday, April 10, Coffee & 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 & More is at 10:00 a.m. and always includes coffee and refreshments!

LIVEWIRES PRESENTS: TUESDAY APRIL 17 at 6:00 P.M.
DINNER AND THE MOVIES

Mark your calendars! On Tuesday evening, April 17, you are invited to dinner and a movie! We will be screening Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter, a moving and beautifully made short film on the subject of dealing with aged and failing parents.

Although this is a difficult and often painful subject, the film is neither depressing nor medical. It has been described as “a life-affirming exploration of family relationships, aging and change, the meaning of memory, and love.” It is poignant, funny, and true.

(What more could you want from a documentary film?)

This award-winning movie will surely provoke thoughtful questions, sharing, and discussion. Carol Owen, a licensed social worker who specializes in geriatric issues, will lead the discussion following the movie.

A light dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. followed by the screening of the movie. Discussion will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. If you can’t make it for the dinner and movie, you are welcome to attend the discussion only.

Liberty Kids: The Midnight Ride & The Shot Heard Round World

In honor of Patriot’s Day, The Joshua Eaton Clocktower Committee will be hosting a family movie on Saturday, April 14, from 3:00 - 4:30 at the Reading Public Library. The movie is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided at no charge. Pre-registration is not necessary.

Ride with Paul Revere and William Dawes as they spread the word that the "British are coming!" Move onto the battlefields at Lexington and Concord as the Minutemen --citizens taking up arms--embark on the Revolutionary War and fire "the Shot Heard 'Round the World." The movie is geared to children ages 7 – 12.

Joshua Eaton was a Minuteman who answered the call to Lexington and Concord, along with 300 other men and boys from Reading. The Joshua Eaton Elementary School in Reading is named after this local Revolutionary war hero. The Joshua Eaton Clock Tower Preservation Committee (JECTPC) is a grassroots group of concerned Reading citizens that formed in June of 2006. Its goal is to restore the clock tower of the Joshua Eaton School. It was prompted to action because of Revolutionary War hero Joshua Eaton’s upcoming 250^th birthday in May 2007.

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
Museum of Hoaxes

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/

"Examining dubious-sounding claims and mischief of all kinds!"

What are the top 10 April Fool's Day hoaxes - and the 10 worst April Fool's Day pranks? What are the most famous frauds and oddities throughout history? And how gullible are you? Explore this website from the Museum of Hoaxes of San Diego, California. You can search the entries by time and subject. Take the gullibility test, submit stories and comments, or browse the forum.

BE A FRIEND!

As you look through the calendar of events listed below, please note how many of the Library’s activities are supported by the generosity of the Friends of the Library. Through your membership and the money raised as a result of their fundraising events, the Friends sponsor the Friday morning singalongs in the Children's Room, the Summer Reading Program, and many other children's and adult programs.

It’s easy to join the Friends. Just click on this link! http://www.readingpl.org/membership.html
The Friends of the RPL meet on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30p.m. in the Library Meeting Room. Please come and join us! Bring your enthusiasm and your great ideas.

WHAT’S HAPPENING @ YOUR LIBRARY!

All events listed take place at the Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, unless otherwise noted.

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 should be comfortable using 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. 1:30 p.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 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. 7:00 p.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 MacElhiney. 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. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Friday, April 13: Library Closed for Staff Professional Development Day, funded by the Friends of the Library.

Saturday, April 14: Chess for Kids. Bring a chess set. An experienced high school chess player will be on hand to answer questions and suggest strategies. No registration necessary. For grades 2 and up. 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Monday, April 16: Library Closed for Patriot’s Day Holiday

Tuesday, April 17: Monthly Book Delivery to Longwood Place. 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, April 17: LiveWires Presents. Tonight's LiveWires’ program topic is coping with aged and failing parents. We are featuring the film Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter, a PBS documentary by Deborah Hoffmann about a daughter's response to her mother's battle with Alzheimer’s. This film was nominated for a 1994 Academy Award.

A light dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. followed by showing of the film at 6:30 p.m. Following the showing of the film, Carol Owen, LICSW, a social worker specializing in geriatrics, will lead the discussion.

This program 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 Library is grateful to the Friends of the Library for providing additional funding for this event. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 18: 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

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.
Wednesday 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.