Vol. 9; No. 28; August 9, 2007

OFF THE SHELF
A WEEKLY LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
Vol. 9; No. 28; August 9, 2007


QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn.”
Mary Catherine Bateson


WE’RE BACK!
Last week, Librarian Nancy Aberman and I attended the Lifelong Access Libraries Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This was an extraordinary opportunity for us to learn about services and programs for people age 55 and up. Our sessions were wide-ranging and included such subjects as new research on older adults, theories of positive aging, lifelong learning and civic engagement, volunteering, life planning, community collaboration, new technologies, and practices for leading change within a library. Presenters at the conference included writer and anthropologist Mary Catherine Bateson, author Richard Restak, and many other nationally known thinkers.

We were two of only twenty librarians selected from a nationwide pool of applicants who applied to attend the Institute. Sharing our ideas and learning from others was definitely one of the most valuable aspects of the conference. It is our hope to stay in touch with our new colleagues and to continue the conversation, sharing, and learning!

We came home overloaded with ideas and information, but also excited about the wealth of possibilities for older adults. We are very grateful to the American Libraries Council for providing scholarships for us to attend, and to the Library’s Trustees and our Director, Ruth Urell, for encouraging and supporting our participation. In the words of one of the Fellows, the Institute was “brilliant, provocative, inspiring absolutely first rate." Thanks for an incredible experience!


AND AWAY WE GO!
Whether you are an armchair traveler, or are actually planning an upcoming trip, you will want to join us for “Hit the Road.” Enjoy international treats as you hear about the latest trends in travel, cruises, and international adventures. Featured speakers for this program will be Michael Pittsley, Travel Manager for AAA, and Librarian Lorraine Barry, who will present tips on finding and using online travel information.

This program will be held at the Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street, on Tuesday, August 14 at 10:15 A.M. You don’t need to be a senior to attend. All travelers and armchair adventurers are welcome! Find out about the hottest destinations. What is togethering? Geotourism? Edutravel? Bring your questions, plans, and dreams!

This program is part of the Library INsight Knowledge Series (LINKS), an LSTA grant funded project, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.


THE MOST FANTASTICAL OF FOWLS
Owls have long held a fascination for people, whether as symbols of good or evil, of wisdom, or harbingers of doom. But owls are not symbols, cuddly toys, or characters in a Harry Potter story. This program shows how real owls use their specialized powers of sight, hearing and flight to survive and thrive. (The owls are never flown during the program). Jim Parks of Wingmasters will bring 5-6 live owls of different species to amaze you with their exceptional powers. Experience the fascinating world of owls on Tuesday evening, August 14. at 7:00 p.m.! This program is for children in grades 1 through 6; no registration necessary. Bring your camera!


OUT OF ORDER!
If you have visited the Library this week, you know that the elevator is not working. We are waiting for a part which is being manufactured and then shipped. Unfortunately this process is slower than we’d like. Please ask for assistance if you cannot use the stairs and need materials located on the basement level or the second floor. We are very sorry for the inconvenience, and hope everything will be back to normal soon!


STORIES THAT FLY WRITING CONTEST
Sponsored by Certainly Wood & the Reading Public Library
Ninety-five children participated in the contest by contributing an original magical story. At the annual Ice Cream for Authors Party over two hundred young authors and their families enjoyed ice cream sundaes while listening to many stories being shared.

The Envelope Please:
Grade 2
1st place Julia Lynne Haase
2nd place Colin Canavan
3rd place Olivia Blumenshine
Hon. Men. Rachael Murrin
Hon. Men. Joshua Liberman
Hon. Men. Brian Tannian

Grade 3
1st place Matthew Baynes
2nd place Molly Skinner
3rd place Brooke Claroni
Hon. Men. James Avtges
Hon. Men. Anna Barbo
Hon. Men. Nicole Joyal

Grade 4
1st place Hunter Lambroff
2nd place Claire Walsh
3rd place Larisa Anna Kreismanis
Hon. Men. Julia Sullivan
Hon. Men. Erica Jessen

Grade 5
1st place Grace Tully
2nd place Andrew Grottkau
3rd place Althea Wolfe
Hon. Men. Christopher Parks
Hon. Men. Peter Satterthwaite

Grade 6
1st place Gabrielle Weatherbee
2nd place Allison Claroni
3rd place Julia Crowley
Hon. Men. Leah Lattanzi
Hon. Men. Ruby Struble

Congratulations to all of the authors who participated!


LIVEWIRES PRESENTS DINNER AND A MOVIE
HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT

"How do you merge into this thing called a couple and still keep a little part of yourself?"--Finn Dodd (Winona Ryder), about marriage

Finn Dodd is a 26-year-old college student who's engaged to Sam, a nice, handsome carpenter. But Finn feels very confused about many issues in her life, including her impending marriage. For help in resolving her problems, Finn pays a visit to the quilting bee--seven older female relatives and friends who create quilts together. Each member of the bee imparts valuable advice to Finn, recounting important memories and events of their lives.

In addition to Winona Ryder who stars in the film, the cast is made up of Ellen Burstyn (the grandmother), Anne Bancroft (the great-aunt), and Maya Angelou, Kate Nelligan, Jean Simmons, Lois Smith and Alfre Woodard as Finn's extended family. The film moves from one quilter’s story to the next, each story told in flashbacks that reveal pasts filled with anguish, disappointment, humor, passion and adultery.

It is a film that is as rich, ambiguous, and complex as life. It is a pleasure to watch and will surely provoke an interesting discussion. Please join us on Tuesday evening, August 21. There will be a light dinner served at 6:00 p.m., followed by screening of the film. Roberta Taylor will facilitate the discussion following the film. Ms. Taylor is a psychotherapist and life coach who previously facilitated the LiveWires discussion of Nobody’s Fool, the first film in our series.

LiveWires is the Library’s program for people age 55 and up; however, younger library users are most certainly welcome. The Library’s programs are open to all adults. LiveWires is funded by an LSTA grant, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.


TEEN SCENE
Don’t forget that there are lots of great activities for teens at the Library this summer. On Thursday, August 9, (today!) there is a crafternoon project at 3:00 p.m. This week’s project is T-shirt art. Bring a light colored t-shirt and your own great ideas! At 6:30 p.m. drop-in for DDR (Dance, Dance Revolution). And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the ICE CREAM EVENT on Thursday, August 16, at 6:30 p.m. (Final raffles and “Create Your Own Comic” awards will be given out)


TECH TIP: LEARN TO LOVE YOUR COMPUTER @ Reading Public Library by Andrea Mercado, Reference & Techie Librarian

The Reading Public Library computer class calendar will be announced in early September. Can't wait that long for a computer class? The Netguides are here to help you with your computer learning needs through one-on-one training sessions. For details and to fill out an appointment request form, visit the Netguides page on the library web site:

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

The service is FREE and open to the public. PLEASE NOTE: The Netguides are available through the end of August, then on a brief hiatus in September, returning October 1. Appointment requests will still be accepted throughout September.

We need your help and feedback in developing the new class schedule. Take advantage of this opportunity to help us improve the class offerings by filling out the "RPL Computer Classes: What do you think?" survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=KvuDn5EsIrHhNBBu2RhXFQ_3d_3d

The survey is also available through a link on the library's home page, as well as in paper format at the library. Thank you in advance for all of your helpful feedback!


SAVE THE DATE!
Vehicle Day is Tuesday, August 21, 7:30-9:30 A.M.
Vehicle day is one of the Library's most beloved annual programs. Every year we host an array of very "big wheels" which is guaranteed to provide thrills and excitement for kids of all ages. This year Vehicle Day has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 21 from 7:30 to 9: 30 a.m. Save the Date!


WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Sunscreen Summary
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens/summary.php
Sunscreens - what works and what's safe? The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has investigated 785 name-brand sunscreens to find the safest and most effective. Their website contains best and worst lists, top selling brands, and lots of information on sunscreens in regards to health risks, standards, and related websites. Have a sunburn-free summer!


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, August 9: Teen Crafternoon. Join us for an afternoon of creative crafts! This is a FREE drop-in event for students entering grades 6-12. Stop by, bring a friend! THIS WEEK: T-shirt Art***Students must bring a white or light t-shirt! 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 9: DDR for Teens. Drop-in DDR (Dance, Dance Revolution) for students entering grades 6-12. Stop by, bring a friend and have some fun! Refreshments will be served! 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Friday, August 10: Preschool Films. Enjoy some great short films based on picture books! For preschoolers and caregivers. No registration necessary. 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Tuesday, August 14: Hit The Road. Enjoy International treats as you hear the latest trends in travel from cruises and group trips to international adventures. Presented by AAA Travel Manager, Michael Pittsley. Plus, Librarian Lorraine Barry, Head of Information Services, will present tips on finding online travel information available through the library. 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Please note: this event takes place at the Senior Center.

Tuesday, August 14: Wingmasters presents “World of Owls.” Jim Parks of Wingmasters brings 5-6 live owls of different species to demonstrate their specialized powers. They aren't kindly philosophers or cuddly Disney creations but superbly equipped nocturnal hunters! Children in grades 1-6 are invited to come and learn all about them. Free. 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 15: Chess Workshop 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 children entering grades 2 to 6. 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 16: Teen Ice Cream Party, Awards & Raffles. 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Friday, August 17: Preschool Films. Enjoy some great short films based on picture books! For preschoolers and caregivers. No registration necessary. 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Tuesday, August 21: Vehicle Day. Vehicle Day! Children of all ages, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, are invited to visit a collection of really big working vehicles, old and new, in the Library parking lot! 7:30 – 9:30 A.M.

Tuesday, August 21: Monthly Book Delivery to Longwood Place. 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, August 21: LiveWires Presents. Screening of the film, How to Make an American Quilt, followed by a discussion facilitated by Roberta Taylor, professional psychotherapist and Life Coach. A light meal will be served at 6:00 p.m.; film will begin at 6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to all. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 22: Reader's Theater #2. Develop your acting/reading skills in this fun and simple form of theater! No memorization necessary. For children in grades 3 to 6. Register at the Children's Room desk or by calling 781-942-6705 starting July 18. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.


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.