Vol. 9; No. 39 November 1, 2007

OFF THE SHELF
A WEEKLY LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
Vol. 9; No. 39 November 1, 2007



QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: when you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip.”

Elmore Leonard
popular American author



FASHION AND STYLE! AT THE LIBRARY?
You bet! Join us tomorrow evening (Friday, November 2) when the Friends of the Library present “Closet Smarts," a program that will teach you how to feel fantastic by dressing well. Boston fashion consultant, Emily Neill, will show you how to analyze your figure’s strengths and weaknesses, how to select the colors that flatter you most, and choose clothes that will make you look and feel great---whatever your size, shape, or age.

Tall, short, thin or plus sized, Emily will address the common problems facing each body type. Big hips? Small on top? Short legs? Find out what works and what doesn’t for each shape in every style – skirts, pants, suits, jackets and more. Emily will show you how to minimize weaknesses, play up your best points, and make the most of the clothes you already own.

Give yourself a treat! It’s going to be a good time! The program begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 each and are available now at the Library’s Circulation Desk, or at the door.



RAISING A READER
Begin with Lapsit! In January, the Library will again be offering two lapsit sessions each week. The Lapsit program provides an introduction to stories, songs, nursery rhymes, and finger plays for children under two years of age. All participating babies must have an adult lap to sit in! Advance Registration begins today! Sign up now for either the 9:30 or 10:15 a.m. program. Registration is ongoing for each four-week session.Reading residents will be given preference. Please call the Children's Room at 781-942-6705 for registration and more information.



LIVEWIRES NEWS!
Great news! The Friends of the Library have made a very generous donation to continue the LiveWires program. The Friends do so many great things for our Library! We appreciate all the hard work that goes into their fundraising activities, and thank them for their wonderful,unfailing support.

Nancy Aberman and I are currently looking at a variety of ideas for programs, and hope to have a new schedule of events available soon. But first, we need your help. The Friends have done their part. Now we need you to do yours. Please consider signing up for one of the lifelong learning focus groups that will be happening soon. Focus groups are scheduled on Tuesday morning, November 13, at 10:00 a.m. and also on Tuesday evening, November 27, at 7:00 p.m. Each focus group will last about an hour.

To confirm your participation in one of these groups, please email me at dickinso@noblenet.org or contact Nancy at aberman@noblenet.org. These focus groups are open to all adult library users. Please spread the word and feel free to invite others who might be interested in participating. Your input at these focus groups will help us to know what kinds of programs you would most enjoy and what times work best for you. If you haven’t signed up already, we need to hear from YOU soon! Thanks!



WOULDN’T NOW BE A GREAT TIME TO SIGN UP FOR THE FRIENDS?
The Friends membership year is starting now. Join today. It’s easy to do. Just go to their new updated Membership page

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

It’s now possible to pay your membership fee online (or you can use the traditional mail-in method.) Say thanks for all the Friends do for the community, the Library, and for you!



TECH TIP: NOVEMBER -- THE MONTH FOR WRITERS!
by Andrea Mercado, Reference & Techie Librarian

You know that book you've always wanted to write? November is your month! NaNoWriMo (short for National Novel Writing Month) is back! The goal is to write 50,000 words in 30 days starting at midnight on November 1 and ending November 30. No editing, no judgments, just writing.

If you need writing resources to help you along the way, we have a copy of the NaNoWriMo guide No Plot? No Problem! by NaNoWriMo founder Chris Baty in the Reference section. You can read more about NaNoWriMo and how to get started at:

http://www.nanowrimo.org

Let's say that 50,000 words is just too huge a commitment (what with Thanksgiving falling just around crunch time at the end of the month),but you still want to rise to a writing challenge. Try NaBloPoMo,(National Blog Posting Month). NaBloPoMo may sound like you have marbles in your mouth, but the premise is clear and simple: write a blog posteveryday. That’s it! What could be simpler? If you don't have a blog,it's easy to set up a free blog through the following sites:

http://www.wordpress.com

http://www.blogger.com

Once you have your blog set up, just join the group:

http://nablopomo.ning.com

For more books on writing and publishing, or help setting up your blog,stop by the Information Desk. We'll be glad to help!



BIBBLIOBABBLERS
On Tuesday evening, November 13, Bibliobabblers, the Library’s adult book discussion group, will meet at 7:00 p.m. to discuss The Hurricane of 1938. Join the discussion, and share your own memories of the actual event, or your reactions to Goudsouzian’s re-telling. All are welcome! Copies of this book are available for loan at the Library. The discussion will be led by Peggy White.



WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
HURRICANE HUNTERS

http://www.hurricanehunters.com

Hurricanes have been much in the news and much on our minds. Check out these photos and information from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the Hurricane Hunters of the Air Force Reserve. Especially cool is the Cyberflight into the Eye.



CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR TO VISIT RPL
Celebrate Children's Book Week at the Library by meeting READING picture book author/illustrator Scott Magoon on Wednesday, November 14, at 2:00 pm! Scott will share his new book, The Luck of the Loch Ness Monster: A Tale of Picky Eating and will also answer questions about being an author and illustrator. Ever wonder how the Loch Ness Monster came to be? What has oatmeal got to do with it? Come share this fun tale! Books will also be available for sale and autographing. This free program is especially appropriate for children in Grades K-3.



NATURE’S IMAGES
The Friends of the Reading Public Library are proud to host acclaimed nature photographer Jake Mosser. Mr. Mosser will present “Nature’s Images,” a program featuring stunning photographs from the world of nature. Mr. Mosser will explain the what, where and how involved with each photograph, will give tips, and answer questions regarding nature photography.

The program will take place on Wednesday evening, November 14, at 7:00 p.m. and will be held in the Library’s large Meeting Room. “Nature’s Images” is the second installment of this year’s exciting new series of travel and photography programs sponsored by the Friends of the Library, in memory of our long-time Friend Bill McLaughlin. The program is free and open to all. Please join us. Light refreshments will be served.



DISCONTINUATION OF DOWNLOADABLE eAUDIOBOOKS
Effective December 1, the Reading Public Library will no longer offer access to downloadable eAudiobooks. The Library has decided instead to provide more funding for books on CD and books in the new playaway format.

More titles on CD and Playaway are coming soon! To see a list of the currently available titles, type in “Books on CD” or “playaway” as a subject search in our online catalog.



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, November 1: Mother Goose Lapsit Signup Begins for 2008. Storytime for children under 2 and their caretakers! Register for a 4 week session at the Children's Room Desk. Call 781-942-6705 for information. Sessions at 9:30 or 10:15 a.m.

Thursday, November 1: Conversation Group. 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, November 2: Infant Toddler Sing-along. with Michele Demartinis. No registration necessary. Sponsored by the Friends of the Reading Public Library. 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Friday, November 2: Friends of the Library present Emily Neill, author of Closet Smarts. Learn to flatter your figure with clothes you already have! Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased at the Circulation Desk. 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 3: Teen Advisory Groups. Join our groups and make a difference, not just at the library, but in our community! Fun, Food and Friends... see you there!

MS Library Advisory Group (Grades 6-8). 1:00 p.m.
HS Senior Library Advisors (Grades 9-12) 3:00 p.m.

Monday, November 5: Drop-In Storytime for 2's and 3's and their caregivers. No registration necessary 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Monday, November 5: Drop-in Storytime for ages 4 - 6. No registration necessary. 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

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

Wednesday, November 7: Computer Class — “Microsoft Excel: Formats,Formulas, & Sorts.” Learn about data formats and sorts, as well as formulas and calculations. Requires basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Need basics? Make a Netguide appointment to learn basic Excel 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, November 8: Conversation Group. 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

Monday, November 12: Library Closed for Veterans Day Holiday

Tuesday, November 13: Lifelong Learning Opportunities Focus Group. Reading residents, please join us to discuss future programming ideas for adults. Sign up in person at the Information Desk, by e-mail to rdgref@noblenet.org or call 781-942-6703. 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday, November 13: Bibliobabblers Discussion Group. Peggy White will lead a discussion of The Hurricane of 1938 by Aram Goudsouzian.. No registration necessary. 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 14: Meet Children's Book Author/Illustrator Scott Magoon! Celebrate Children's Book Week and meet a real author/illustrator. This new Reading resident will share with you his new book, The Luck of the Loch Ness Monster: A Tale of Picky Eating! He'll also answer all your questions about being an author and illustrator. Books will be available for sale and autographing! For ages 5-8 especially. 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Wednesday, November 14: Friends of the Library Travel Talk in Honor of Bill McLaughlin. Tonight’s feature is “Natures Images” with accomplished photographer Jacob Mosser III of North Reading. This diverse selection of photographs is suitable for anyone with an interest in nature, and ideally suited for those inclined to record nature’s beauty with a camera. Questions and comments from the audience are encouraged. 7:00 -9:00 p.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.