Vol. 9; No. 36 October 11, 2007

OFF THE SHELF
A WEEKLY LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
Vol. 9; No. 36 October 11, 2007



QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Remember that the book which bores you when you are twenty or thirty will open doors for you when you are forty or fifty—and vice versa. Don’t read a book out of its right time for you.”

Doris Lessing
Introduction to the Golden Notebook (1971)


Doris Lessing was born in Iran in 1919, and grew up in southern Africa. She later wrote many novels and stories about the legacy of British colonial rule. Growing up, Lessing noticed that the British settlers were often cruel to the native people who worked as laborers and servants, and these memories became material for her books.

In addition to her books about colonialism, she wrote books about life in England, science fiction and cats. She published a group of novels called the Children of Violence series in the 1950s. In 1962, she published The Golden Notebook, the story of the struggles of a woman writer. This is considered a feminist classic, and is probably her best-known work. Today Lessing was announced as the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. At 87, she is the oldest person to ever receive the literature prize.

For more about Doris Lessing, go to:

http://www.dorislessing.org/


PRINTING UPDATE
To meet the increased demand for printing services, the Reading Public Library recently purchased two new printers. Users, printing on the first floor, may now use the Library's high capacity black and white printer to print on both sides of the paper. This enhancement saves,time, money, and paper. Users can still opt for one- sided printing, as needed, by making a quick change in the printer options.

There are two options for those needing to print in color. You may make an appointment to use our Business Center which has a new color printer as well as a scanner and shredder. To make an appointment stop by the Information Desk, email us at rdgref@noblenet.org or call 781 942-6703. OR…You may also head up to the Children's Room where all computers are connected to a color printer.

Effective October 15, 2007, printing is 15 cents per page.



SPOOKS AND SPIRITS ALL AROUND
SCAREY STORIES WITH TONY TOLEDO
Everyone loves a ghost story! Tony Toledo is one of New England’s best loved storytellers, and really knows how to tell a tale that will make your spine tingle! Tony will be joining us on Monday evening, October 22nd for a program of Halloween stories---- for big kids only! (children in Grades 3 to 5.) No registration necessary, just come--- if you dare!

For more information about Tony Toledo, go to

http://www.tonytoledo.com/.
The program begins at 7:00 p.m. The Children's Services Department is grateful to the Friends of the Library for funding this program.



FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY CONCERT SERIES OCTOBER 20
Piotr Buczek, violinist and Don Krishnaswami, violist. This wonderful concert is free and open to the public. It will take place on Saturday, October 20 at 8:00 p.m. The concert series is sponsored by the Friends of the Reading Public Library.



SAVE THE DATE! GIRLS’NIGHT OUT!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2. 7:00 p.m.
Need some help with wardrobe revamping? Do you wonder which styles flatter you, and which you should avoid? Are you in need of some fashion tuning?

Join the Friends of the Library and let Emily Neill, author of Closet Smarts, teach you to flatter your figure with clothes that you already own. Tickets for this special event are $15.00 each and are on sale now!



WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
FAMILY CAREGIVING 101

http://www.familycaregiving101.org/
Take a look at the Family Caregiving 101 Web site. If you're caring for a loved one who is ill or disabled, this site was created for you. It's a great place to find assistance, answers, new ideas and helpful advice — for you and your loved one.



BE A FRIEND!
Joining the Friends of the Reading Public Library is only a few clicks away! Check out our updated Membership page

www.readingpl.org/membership.html

for our NEW automated payment feature. The Friends of the RPL are pleased to offer this easy and fast on-line payment option in addition to the traditional mail-in method. If you join as a new Friends member by October 31, 2007, your name will be entered into a drawing for a Barnes and Nobles gift card! Your donation helps to support the many wonderful programs that our Library has to offer. Please consider becoming a member of the Friends today!



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.

Saturday, October 13: Teen Advisory Groups. Join our groups and make a difference, not just at the library, but also in our community! Fun, Food and Friends... see you there!
Lambda Alpha Gamma for Grades 6-8. 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Sigma Lambda Alpha for Grades 9-12. 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 17: Computer Class — “Microsoft Word: Tables & Graphics.” Learn about using tables and graphics to format your Word documents. Requires basic Microsoft Word skills. Need basics? Make a Netguide appointment to learn basic Word before you register. 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, October 18: The Not-Too-Stuffy Book Group for Seniors meets to discuss Second Glance by Jodi Picoult. Copies of the book will be available at the Senior Center Book Nook or at the Library. 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Center Lounge

Thursday, October 18: English Language Conversation Group. 7:00 p.m. –8:45 p.m.

Friday, October 19: 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.

Saturday October 20: Friends of the Reading Public Library ConcertSeries. Piotr Buczek, violinist and Don Krishnaswami, violist. All concerts are free of charge and open to the public. 8:00 p.m.

Monday October 22: Drop-In Storytime for 2's and 3's. Stop by for a fun half hour of stories, songs, fingerplays and a visit with Children's Room mascot, Cocoa Moose! No registration necessary. 9:30-10:00 a.m.

Monday, October 22: Drop-in Storytime for ages 4 - 6. No registration necessary. 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Monday October 22: Dare to be Scared! Storytelling with Tony Toledo. Get ready for Halloween with SCARY STORIES - for kids in grades 3-5
ONLY!!!!!! Welcome back Reading favorite, storyteller Tony Toledo! Sponsored by the Friends of the Reading Public Library. Free. No registration necessary. 7:00-7:45p.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.