OFF THE SHELF
Vol. 10 No 45. December 20, 2007

Your regular Off the Shelf editor, Assistant Library Director Elizabeth Dickinson, is home recuperating from recent surgery. Elizabeth will be off for a short leave of absence and we send her best wishes for a speedy recovery. In the meantime, Lorraine Barry will be guest editor.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Then come the wild weather, come sleet or come snow, we will stand by each other, however it blow.”
Simon Dach from Annie of Tharaw
(Longfellow's translation)

NEW PLANS FOR A NEW YEAR
Beginning in January, Off the Shelf will become a bi-weekly publication. Along with the usual list of upcoming and special events, you can look forward to regular contributions from all areas of the library.

A GREAT NEW RESOURCE FOR PARENTS

Check out the Children’s Room Book Review Blog at http://rplkidsstaffpicks.wordpress.com

What is it?
A blog (website) where the staff of the Children’s Room writes reviews of books we’ve read, movies we’ve watched, and music and audiobooks we’ve listened to. All of the reviews are written by us with you, our community of caregivers and children, in mind.

What’s in it for you?
Great recommendations from people you trust. We want this to be your first stop when you are looking for a new book to read or want an idea of something your child might enjoy. Also, you can share your opinions with others in the community by posting comments to the blog.

Why a blog?
Because blogs are, by their nature, interactive! We hope that you will post comments to our reviews, and share your thoughts with the community. Also, blogs are easy to update. We will be adding reviews constantly, so be sure to check back often.

How do you use it?
Head on over to http://rplkidsstaffpicks.wordpress.com. Or go through the link from the Children’s Room website: http://www.readingpl.org/kidspage.html
Once at the site, you can use the categories on the left to find books by genre or by age group. Or, you can use the search box to find something by keyword. For example, if your daughter loves baseball, type “baseball” in the search box to find all reviews that include that word.

Every review is linked to the Library Catalog. Simply click on the title of the item you are viewing and you can see whether or not it is on the shelf at the library, and even place a hold if you want that item.
To post a comment to a review, click on the title of a post and then scroll to the bottom of the page. Let us know what you think! – Ashley Waring, Children’s Librarian

BOOK CLUB BITS
There are some interesting books being talked about this month at the Library.

The Bibliobabblers (Adult Book Discussion Group) are working on Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson. This is the uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his humanitarian campaign to use education to combat terrorism in the Taliban's backyard. Anyone who despairs of the individual's power to change lives has to read the story of Greg Mortenson, a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993climb of Pakistan's treacherous K2, was inspired by a chance encounter with impoverished mountain villagers and promised to build them a school. Over the next decade he built fifty-five schools--especially for girls--that offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. Karen Burke will lead the discussion of this title on Tuesday, January 8 at 7 PM in the Library Conference Room. Books are available at the Circulation Desk and new members are encouraged and welcome.

Not-Too-Stuffy Book Group, a fun adult discussion group for everyone, meets in the lounge of the Reading Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street. Copies of each month's title can be picked up in the Book Nook at the Senior Center and at the library. The title for discussion next month is March by Geraldine Brooks. From Louisa May Alcott's beloved classic Little Women, Geraldine Brooks has animated the character of the absent father, March, and crafted a story filled with the ache of love and marriage and with the power of war upon the mind and heart of one unforgettable man. So march on down for the next meeting on January 17 at 1:00 p.m.!

And finally, there’s Slackers – the book club for people who don’t want to be committed (in more ways than one!) Each month a title is chosen and placed in the lap of the wire-haired display model on the main floor. You get to take one home and read it and then never have to go to a meeting to talk about it! Perfect for your busy schedule. You can fill out the comment card/bookmark and leave it in the book when you return it, and then we’ll at least know if you liked it. The Slacker title for this month is In the Fall by Jeffrey Lent. A moving tale of three generations in an American family, this epic story opens as the Civil War is ending. It takes place on the Pelham family farm in Vermont, where Union soldier Norman returns with his bride, a runaway slave called Leah. Their lives are shaped by a secret buried in the last days of slavery. Lent's writing is deeply introspective, intelligent, and beautifully descriptive. Join the growing ranks of Slackers and pick up your copy today!

NETGUIDE APPLICATIONS DUE BY JANUARY 4, 2008
Are you or do you know a high school student interested in learning more about the Internet and computer technology? Would you like to use your technology skills to assist other community members? If your answer is yes, Reading Public Library invites you to become a library Netguide. Netguides are high school students who assist in introductory Internet and technology classes and provide one-on-one technology training to people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Over the past year, Netguides have assisted in numerous classes and provided over forty “one-on-one” training sessions. Netguides and the people they assist have found the program to be a rewarding and learning experience.

How do you become a Netguide? Stop by the Reading Public Library’s Information Desk to obtain an application and information sheet. The deadline to apply is January 4, 2008.

Students participating in this program will gain invaluable computer and Internet experience. This is also a great way to earn your required service hours for the National Honor Society or any other church or community group. In addition, the Netguide program looks great on your college and job applications! If you need further information on the Netguide program, please contact the Information Desk at 781 942-6703 or rdgref@noblenet.org.


LIBRARY HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
Mon, Dec 24
Tues, Dec 25
Mon, Dec 31 Library closes at 5:00
Tues, January 1

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, December 27: Teen Movie Event. Looking for something to do during school vacation? The library will be showing a movie on the BIG SCREEN. The movie is TBD - what's your vote? Tell us what you would like to see at rdgteen@noblenet.org.
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 3: 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, January 4: 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, January 4: Application Deadline for High School Students who want to become Netguides

Monday, January 7: Drop-In Storytime for 2's and 3's and their caregivers. No registration necessary 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Monday, January 7: Drop-in Storytime for ages 4 - 6. No registration necessary. 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Monday, January 7: Monthly Book Delivery to Peter Sanborn Place. 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Tuesday, January 8: Curl Up (first annual Adult Winter Reading Program) Begins! This eight-week program is a self-service reading club. Complete a book or audiobook, fill out a slip and enter the drawing for our end of winter prize. Get ready to spend cozy winter times with a soft blanket, warm mug and a good book…or in other words…Curl Up!

Tuesday, January 8: LiveWires: Coffee & More – Film Series. Today’s event is a screening of the film, The Boynton Beach Club. A discussion will follow, led by Personal Coach Grace Durfee. Bring a brown bag lunch; the library will provide beverages. LiveWires is the library’s Lifelong Learning Program and is open to adults of any age. 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, January 8: Bibliobabblers Book Discussion Group. Karen Burke will lead a discussion of Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. No registration is necessary. 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 9: Friends of the Library Travel Program. “Explore Alaska’s Inside Passage” with Ray Tilton and Dave Delorey. These local adventurers will show slides and talk about their week-long charter with their families up the Inside Passage on a Nordic tugboat. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library Travel Series in memory of Bill McLaughlin. 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 10: Sing, Move, Create and Groove. Join Michele DeMartinis of Michele's Music School for a fun-filled movement and musical program! No registration is necessary for this free program for ages 4-8. Sponsored by the Reading Co-operative Bank. 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Thursday, January 10: Conversation Group. (see January 3 event for details). 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.


That's all for now,

Lorraine Barry
Head of Information Services