Vol. 9 No 21 May 24, 2007

OFF THE SHELF
A WEEKLY LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
Vol. 9 No 21 May 24, 2007


QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Some books are undeservedly forgotten. None are undeservedly remembered.”

W.H. Auden, Anglo-American poet
Reading, 1963


SURVEY COMING SOON!
Very soon the Reading Public Library will be mailing a survey to every household in Reading. Please watch for this in your mail! This survey is very important to all of us who work at the Library: it will help us to understand your priorities and concerns, and also allow us to plan for the Library’s future. Your participation is important and necessary!

You will receive one survey per household. The person making out the survey for your household should be an adult. All answers are confidential; you are not required to identify yourself by name.

The Library has commissioned Research in Marketing (RIM) an independent research company to tabulate and analyze the survey results. Please return your completed survey to RIM using the postage paid return envelope enclosed in your survey form.

We would appreciate it so much if you would complete and mail your survey as promptly as possible. The Library is in the process of developing a strategic plan for the future. This survey is a key step in that process. Helping the Library get a better understanding of what you think helps us to provide the best possible service to the public. THANKS in advance!



HARRY POTTER PRE-SALE
The Friends of the Reading Public Library have ordered a limited number of the newest Harry Potter title, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, for people to purchase through the Library. Library patrons may order and prepay for their books at the Circulation Desk, beginning Friday, June 1. The discounted price for library users is $22.00.

On Friday, July 20, the Library will close at 5:00 p.m. and then reopen at 11:45 p.m. Pre-purchased books will be available for pick up at the stroke of midnight (barring an act of Voldemort). Also, the Library will contact the first group of customers who have "holds" on library copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, so that they can check out their books at midnight.

Other "Harry Potter" happenings include live readings, and the opportunity to take a quiz to see which "house" you belong in (hope it's not Slytherin!) So take a nap and spend midnight on the 20th at the Reading Public Library. Join us for "Late Night With Harry Potter!"



IT’S YOUR NATURE
Now that the beautiful weather is finally here, I want to remind you about the Library’s new Massachusetts State Parks Pass. This pass provides free parking at State Parks in the Boston area, including Breakheart Reservation, Halibut Point, Lynn Shores Reservation, Mystic River Reservation, Middlesex Fells Reservation, Beaver Brook Reservation, and many more. You can see a listing of all the parks included in the pass at

http://www.massparks.org

And mark your calendar for Tuesday, July 10, when Coffee and More will host Ray Faucher, Atlantic District Manager for the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Mr. Faucher will present a program on the recreational and educational opportunities available at our State Parks. Coffee and More is at 10:00 a.m., refreshments are served, and all are welcome

You can reserve this new pass online at our website, or by calling the Circulation Desk.



CHILDREN’S SUMMER READING….IT’S M.A.G.I.C.!
On June 18, the doors of M.A.G.I.C. (Magical Academy for Genuinely Imaginative Children) will open! Children are invited to take a fantastic carpet ride through the world of books and to use their reading to help make another child’s wish come true through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

As in past years, children who sign up for the summer reading program will track their reading time throughout the summer. The more hours they read, the more money will be donated to Make- A-Wish by the Friends of the Library! Summer reading provides opportunities for fun, new friends, LOTS of great reading, and the chance to help others. Sign up starts on Monday, June 18.

Alexander the Jester will perform at 3:00 and 7:30 pm on Tuesday, June 26, for our Kickoff Program. Free tickets for this fun program will be available starting June 18, in the Children’s Room. A complete summer schedule will be ready for you to pick up starting the second week of June. School age children will hear all about it during our “school visits.” You can also visit the Reading Public Library table at Family and Friend’s Day on the Common on June 30th for special raffles and more
information.

Don’t miss the fun of wizardry, magic, drama, music, Harry Potter Parties, Tea Party, Sing-Alongs, Vehicle Day, World of Owls, sculpture, chess and more. More details coming soon!



BE A FRIEND!
Wouldn't now be a great time to join the Friends? . For information about how to join the Friends, go to

http://www.readingpl.org/membership.html


RAISE A GLASS OF BLESSINGS
BIBLIOBABBLERS WILL MEET TUESDAY, JUNE 12 at 7:00 P.M.
The monthly meeting of Bibliobabblers, the Library’s Adult Book Discussion Group, will take place in the Library Conference Room on Tuesday evening, June 12 at 7:00 p.m. The title for discussion will be A Glass of Blessings by Barbara Pym.

In her books, Barbara Pym probes the human condition, seen through the prism of commonplace events. The world has changed enormously in the twenty-one years since she wrote her last book, but the “entirely recognizable world” she created, remains forever intact, beckoning readers to return to her books time and time again.

In A Glass of Blessings, Pym explores the world of Wilmet Forsyth a comfortable, well-off woman who is bored with her husband and who encourages the attention of other men. She fancies herself in love with Piers Longridge, the brother of a close friend, and imagines that he is her secret admirer. There is also subplot featuring a gay couple, and lots of details about life in the English countryside in the 1950’s. Although humor from another era often seems dull and dated, Barbara Pym’s novels still sparkle “as brightly as jewels on the literary landscape.”

I hope that you will join us for the discussion of this graceful and entertaining novel. The group will be led by Harold Bond, and all are welcome. Copies of A Glass of Blessings are available for loan at the Library. Just ask at the Circulation Desk.



WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
CREATE A VIRTUAL GARDEN
Click on the link below. When you get a black page, click your mouse anywhere (then everywhere) on the page. Then try a click and drag over the black page.

Happy spring!

http://www.procreo.jp/labo/flower_garden.swf


OFF THE SHELF TAKES A VACATION
I will be on vacation for the next two weeks so Off the Shelf will be taking a vacation also! Publication will resume on Thursday, June 14. Please be sure to check the Library website for information on all our events, and pick up a monthly calendar on your next visit to the library! Arrivederci. Vederla presto!


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.

Friday, June 1: 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.

Friday, June 1: Order Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! The Friends of the Reading Public Library will take orders beginning today for the newest Harry Potter title. Library patrons may order and pre-pay $22.00 for their books at the Circulation Desk. On Friday, July 20, the Library will close at 5:00 p.m. and will reopen at 11:45 p.m. for midnight pickup of these pre-purchased books, as well as other Harry Potter happenings. More details will follow on this fun event.

Monday, June 4: Monthly Book Delivery to Peter Sanborn Place. 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Monday, June 4: Friends of the Library Annual Meeting Want to find out more about being a Friend of the Library? The Friends are people who value and support the Library. The Annual Meeting is an opportunity for those who may be interested in joining to learn more about the Friends organization. The business meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and is open to all. The “Meet and Greet,” from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., is a time to socialize with old Friends and new Friends, an opportunity to meet the Friend’s officers and some of the Library staff, and a time to thank the people who have generously given of their time to the Library. Refreshments will be served. 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 7: 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.

Saturday, June 9: LiveWires AARP Driving Program Part 1. Free classroom safety course for those previously registered. Light snacks will be provided or participants may bring their own lunch to eat during the break. 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 12: LiveWires: Coffee and More. Grab a cup of coffee and let's talk! Featured speaker is Julia Fox Garrison, author of Don't Leave Me This Way, Or When I Get Back On My Feet, You'll Be Sorry, who will speak about patient advocacy and empowerment, as well as her personal struggle with the medical system in the aftermath of a stroke. Lorraine Barry, Head of Information Services, will present health resources available through the library's online databases. This program is
jointly sponsored by the LINKS and LiveWires grants. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, June 12: Bibliobabblers (Adult Book Discussion Group) meets to discuss A Glass of Blessings by Barbara Pym. Led by Harold Bond. 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, June 14: Conversation Group for English Learners. (see June 7 event for details) 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

Saturday, June 16: LiveWires AARP Driving Program Part I1. Free classroom safety course for those previously registered (see June 9 for details). 9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.


That’s all for now,
Elizabeth


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.


Please drop us a line at rplfeed@noblenet.org to let us know what you think.

Visit the RPL website at www.readingpl.org