Vol. 9 No. 14 April 5, 2007

OFF THE SHELF
a weekly library newsletter
Vol. 9 No. 14 April 5, 2007


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Writing is not an end in itself but life transmuted into radiance.”

Brooks Atkinson, writing in The New York Times



LIVEWIRES REMINDERS
Tuesday April 10. Coffee and More presents professional genealogist Sharlene Santo. 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!

Tuesday, April 17, at 6:00 p.m. Join us for dinner and a movie! LiveWires Presents screens Complaints of a Dutiful Daughter, a film about coping with aged and failing parents. Discussion following the film will be led by Carol Owen, a social worker specializing in geriatrics.

LiveWires programs are funded with a LSTA grant administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. These programs are designed for people age 55 and up, but are free and open to all.



THE HISTORY OF LOVE BY NICOLE KRAUSS
LOVE IT! HATE IT!
On Tuesday evening, April 10, Bibliobabblers (the Adult Book Discussion Group) will be meeting to discuss The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. I chose this book because I love its originality, humor, and heart. I love its quirky characters. I love the way the author slips from one voice to another, from one time period to another, and then brings it all together at the end.

Since this is one of my favorite books, it was a shock to me to hear from an Off the Shelf reader who hated it! Well, controversy and differing opinions make for a great discussion! I hope that you will join the conversation and let’s explore what makes this book great (or not)! The discussion begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room. All opinions are welcome! I hope to see you there!



BASED ON ACTUAL EVENTS
Author Susan Campbell Bartoletti’s love of history is apparent in her books that include both fiction and nonfiction. In all of her work, Bertoletti emphasizes compelling characters, a believable plot and an active writing style. Her most recent book, Hitler Youth, is an example of how she puts the “story” into history to make it exciting as well as educational.

On Thursday evening, April 12, Ms. Bartoletti will present a talk at the Reading Public Library which will offer an in-depth look at Hitler Youth, which was chosen as a 2006 Newbery honor book. 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 is sure to be a fascinating look behind the scenes at how one of today’s most outstanding young adult authors chooses a topic, researches, and writes. 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.



BOOKS BY SUSAN CAMPBELL BARTOLETTTI
Look for these great books on the display near the Information Desk.

Fiction
2000 - A Coal Miner's Bride: The Diary of Anetka Kaminska, 1896, Dear America Series
2003 - The Journal of Finn Reardon, Newsie, New York City, 1899, My Name is America Series

Non-Fiction
1996 - Growing Up in Coal Country
1999 - Kids on Strike!
2001 - Black Potatoes: The Story of the Great Irish Famine, 1845 to 1850
2005 - Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow a Newbery Honor's Book.

For more information about Susan Bartoletti Campbell, go to http://www.scbartoletti.com/



AND DON’T FORGET!
Mitali Perkins, another outstanding young adult author will be visiting the Library on Thursday evening, April 26. She will speak about her experience as an Indian American, and how living between two cultures has affected her life and writing. This program is funded with support from the Friends of the Library. It begins at 7:30 p.m. and all are welcome.



WHAT TO READ?
Booktalks for the Reading Women's Club by Lorraine Barry, Eileen Barrett, and Kathy Miksis.

Need some suggestions for YOUR book club? Or just looking for a great read? Recently librarians Lorraine Barry, Eileen Barrett, and Kathy Miksis provided a program of book talks for the Reading Women’s Club. They would like to share their list with you!!

Because the entire list would be too long to print in this issue, I will print one section each week. The first section is for those of you who love historical novels:

Past Lane
Widow’s War by Sally Gunning
Charity Girl by Michael Lowenthal
Suite Francaise by Irène Nemirovsky
Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir



WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES
The Library will be closed all day on Friday, April 13, in order to allow staff members to attend an all-day in-service training. This is the Library's seventh annual Staff Development Day, which is funded by the Friends of the Reading Public Library. Staff Day provides the staff with an opportunity to evaluate current services and do strategic planning. We appreciate the support of the community in giving us this time to learn new skills and plan for the future.

The Library will also be closed on Monday, April 16 in observance of Patriot’s Day. Even though the library will be closed, the library’s web site is available twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week at http://www.readingpl.org./ Using your pin number, you may renew and request books through the website. We also want to remind you that the library's research databases are available for home use. Just go to our website and click on "Online Resources."

The Library will be open all day on Saturday, April 14. We hope to see you then!



WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
2006 CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/artsandliving/seasonal/cherryblossom/06/index.html
With snow on the ground, and more on the way, I thought you all might enjoy a vicarious breath of spring. This week the cherry trees are blooming in Washington, D.C., making our nation’s capital one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The famous trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, signal the coming of spring with an explosion of life and color, surrounding the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin in a sea of pale pink and white. This site has lots of gorgeous pictures, information about the Cherry Blossom Festival, and special features. Be sure to check out the time/lapse photography!



HOP ON DOWN TO OPEN HOUSE
Stop by the Library's sixth annual Open House on Saturday, April 28! Have FUN at your library! Special programs will include David Polansky’s “Laughter in the Library” concert, storytelling for the whole family, art and music performances by Reading students, Dance Dance Revolution, refreshments, fabulous door prizes; and much, much more! Find out why things are hoppin at the Library!



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 need your help in making Ben’s birthday truly special. We have created a gigantic birthday card for Ben which you will find 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.



THE FRIENDS ANNUAL HOUSE TOUR IS HAPPENING MAY 6
This year, the Friends House Tour will feature seven beautiful homes, and the historic Quannapowitt Playhouse. As always, the emphasis is on history, charm, and imaginative décor. When you purchase your tickets, you will also receive a tour guide which describes the architectural details and history of each home. The houses chosen reflect a variety of styles, including colonial, Victorian, Greek revival, and contemporary.

Tickets will go on sale at the Circulation Desk on Tuesday, April 16 at $25 each, cash or check. Discounted tickets are available for Friends of the Library members ($20). All checks should be made out to the Friends of the Reading Public Library. The proceeds from this event go to fund the programs and services provided by the Friends of the Library, such as the Children and Teen Summer Reading Programs, the Children's Room Sing-a longs, the Concert Series, museum passes, and much more! Join your friends and neighbors! It's a wonderful way to celebrate spring!



BE A FRIEND!
Wouldn't now be a great time to join the Friends? In addition to supporting the Library, you can take advantage of the special ticket price for Friends members. For information about how to join the Friends, go to http://www.readingpl.org/membership.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



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

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. All are welcome and no registration is necessary 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 Professional Development Day for Staff

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 final illness (Alzheimer’s). This film was nominated for an 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 free and open to all adults. 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

Wednesday, April 18: Computer Class — “Microsoft Excel for Beginners.” If you’ve never used Microsoft Excel, or if you’re still a beginner, this class will give you the basic skills. Patrons must 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.