Vol. 9 No 9 March 1, 2007

OFF THE SHELF
A WEEKLY LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
Vol. 9 No 9 March 1, 2007


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

‘If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise:attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it."
- H. G. Wells (1866-1946)


SOLD OUT!
Tickets for the Reading Group Round Table which will be held on Monday evening, March 5, are no longer available. This special (and extremely popular!) event features author Mary–Ann Tirone Smith, author of Girls of Tender Age.

If you have a ticket and will not be able to attend, please return your ticket to the Library so that it may be used by another person. Reading residents who do not have tickets may call the Library’s circulation desk to be put on the wait list.


LIVEWIRES: COFFEE AND MORE
THE HARMONIOUS HOME
If asked to describe your home, what words come to your mind? Messy? Cluttered? Disorganized? Is the attic overflowing? The basement filled with junk? There comes a time in almost everyone's life when they decide they need or want less "stuff."

For those of us age 55 and up, the time may be now! Often individuals decide to downsize or eliminate many of their accumulated possessions because they want to realize the benefits of a simpler life. Or they may be considering a move to a smaller home, apartment, or assisted living facility. Whatever the motivation, learning to let go is a challenge!

This month Coffee and More presents a program that will help you learn how to downsize and declutter. On Tuesday, March 13, our special guests will be Amy Coumounduros, Lori Hamlin, and Monette Verrier of The Harmonious Home, a local professional organizing business. These local experts will provide the tips and strategies you need to get organized! You can find more information about the Harmonious Home at their website: http://www.theharmonioushome.com/

The program begins at 10:00 a.m. Light refreshments will be served, and YOU are invited! I hope to see you there!


YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU'LL FIND WHEN YOU OPEN A BOOK!
Recently we discovered a gift certificate inside a book that was donated to the Library. If you think this might be yours, please call the Library and ask to speak with Elizabeth Dickinson.


BIBLIOBABBLERS: STILL LIFE BY LOUISE PENNEY
When the body of Jane Neal, a middle-aged artist, is found near a wood land trail used by deer hunters outside the village of Three Pines, it appears she's the victim of a hunting accident. Summoned to the scene, Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec, an appealingly competent senior homicide investigator, soon determines that the woman was most likely murdered. Gamache questions the locals seeking a motive, but is unable to pinpoint one as everyone seems to love the late Miss Neal. As he continues to dig, Gamache begins to uncover clues that slowly bring the culprit into focus.

This is a fantastic Canadian police procedural starring a methodical detective who works a case in which finding a motive seems almost impossible as the victim has no apparent enemies. However, as good as the case and Armand are, the feel for Quebec with its bilingual culture in many ways steals the show as Louise Penny provides a keen sense of location.

This novel is a fun read, and will also be a fun book to discuss! Bibliobabblers will meet on Tuesday evening, March 13, at 7:00 p.m. The discussion will be led by Sheila Young.


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 without their efforts. The Friends’ annual fundraiser, The Spring House Tour, has become a beloved local tradition. In addition, they manage the Used Book Sale Room, located on the lower level of the Library, and hold other fundraising activities throughout the year.

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/friends.html


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
Green Energy Calculator
http://www.nwf.org/energy/greencalculator.cfm
How much impact do you have on the environment? The Green Energy Calculator can help you estimate the amount of carbon dioxide you generate towards global warming. This National Wildlife Federation site provides tips to lower energy usage, save money and help the Earth.


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

Stop by the Children’s Room Desk or call 781-942-6705 to register for any available spaces in the Storytime Programs (ages 2-6) or in the MotherGoose Lapsit Program for children under 2 and their caretakers.

Thursday, March 1: 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, March 2: Infant Toddler Sing-along. with Peter Sheridan. Noregistration necessary. Sponsored by the Friends of the Reading Public Library. 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Monday, March 5: Monthly Book Delivery to Peter Sanborn Place. 2:30 p.m.– 3:00 p.m.

Monday, March 5: Reading Group Round Table. Author Mary-Ann Tirone Smith will be here to discuss her riveting memoir, Girls of Tender Age. Tickets required. 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 7: Computer Class — “Basic Computing.” This class will cover the basics of how to get around a Windows XP computer, including folders, file management, and more, with one-on-one assistance from our Netguides. 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.

Saturday, March 10: 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.

Tuesday, March 13: LiveWires: Coffee and More. Grab a cup of coffee and let's talk! Today's event will feature Amy Coumounduros and other partners from THE HARMONIOUS HOME, a professional organizing business.10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, March 13: Bibliobabblers (Adult Book Discussion Group) meets to discuss Still Life by Louise Penny. Led by Sheila Young. Copies of this book are available at the Circulation Desk. All are welcome and no registration is necessary 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 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.