Vol. 11, No 7. March 27, 2008

OFF THE SHELF
A BI-WEEKLY LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
Vol. 11, No 7. March 27, 2008



QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you Awant - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”
~Mark Twain



STOCK UP NOW!!
The Children's Room will be closed from Monday, March 31 through Friday, April 4 for new carpet installation. The more you check out, the less we have to move. All children’s items will have an extended loan period. A temporary Children's Room Desk and some materials, including Chumley, of course, will be available in the video area of the basement. Check the events list below for rescheduled programs.

The April 4th Sing-along will take place in the Meeting Room at 10:15 a.m. There will be limited waiting space, so please arrive close to the program starting time.
During the carpet installation, Storytimes will be canceled for the week and rescheduled as follows:
Tuesday AM – April 29th
2 & 3 year olds

Wednesday – April 30th
2, 3, & 4 year olds

Thursday – May 1st
4 & 5 year olds


LIVEWIRES
NUTRITION AISLE BY AISLE

Are you totally baffled when you enter the supermarket? Every aisle offers so many choices that it's often difficult to know how to make the best nutritional selections. And the problems begin in the very first aisle with butter, margarine, and all those substitutes!

Christine Mastrangelo, President and CEO of New England Nutrition Associates, is a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer specializing in nutrition education, weight management, sports nutrition, and senior living nutrition. Christine has had more than a decade of experience as a dietitian providing nutritional counseling, and she will
be at the Library to share her knowledge with you.

Offering guidance on how to shop your way through the grocery store, Christine will explain how to promote a 'total health' philosophy. So, bring your shopping lists and your questions and get focused on nutrition--aisle by aisle.



CIRC SECRETS: BOOKS ABOUT BOOKS
by Patty O’Donnell
As you would guess, working at a library often leads to behind-the-scenes discussions about books. I recently asked our staff to tell me the title of their favorite book about books. It seems I am not the only person who is intrigued by this subject. Without further ado, I present the RPL staff’s favorite books about books.
(* = more than 1 staffer chose this title!)

FICTION:
THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB by Karen Joy Fowler
A group of six friends, in Sacramento, gather to distract themselves from loss - a newly dumped Sylvia, Prudie's repressed disappointment, or Jocelyn, who has a life of unrealized dreams. All are devoted Jane Austen fans, except the lone man, Grigg, who has an ulterior motive for joining the chick-lit gang. There's plenty of pride (Prudie), prejudice (Jocelyn), sense (Sylvia), and sensibility (Sylvia's daughter Allegra). Throw in a fair amount of persuasion. Relationships and alliances unfold over the months.
DOUBLE BIND by Chris Bohjalian
Laurel Estabrook life changes drastically after being attacked. She goes from being outgoing to withdrawn, her photography and work at a homeless shelter are now her life. Laurel meets Bobby, a mentally ill man, at the shelter with a box of photos he won't let anyone see. When he dies she discovers that he photographed celebrities. Laurel becomes obsessed and searches for the truth of his former life.
*PEOPLE OF THE BOOK by Geraldine Brooks
In 1996, Hanna Heath, a young Australian book conservator is called to analyze the famed Sarajevo Haggadah, a priceless six-hundred-year-old Jewish prayer book that has been salvaged from a destroyed Bosnian library. When Hanna discovers a series of artifacts centuries old, she unwittingly exposes an international cover up.
THE SIXTEEN PLEASURES by Robert Hellenga
Set in 1966-1967, Margot Harrington, a twenty-nine-year-old American book conservator who takes a leave from her library job to join the international effort to save the art of Florence after the disastrous flooding of the Arno River.
*ANGRY HOUSEWIVES EATING BON BONS by Lorna Landvik
Life has dealt the women of Freesia Court many blows, but they have pulled together to face each challenge. As members of the Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons book group, they experience new lives full of laughter and love.
*THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield
A compelling emotional mystery about family secrets and the magic of books and storytelling. A dying writer bids a young bookshop assistant to write her biography.
THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Barcelona 1945-just after the war a boy named Daniel awakes on his eleventh birthday to find that he can no longer remember his mother’s face. To console his only child, Daniel’s widowed father, an antiquarian book dealer, initiates Daniel into the secret of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a library tended by Barcelona’s guild of rare-book dealers as a repository for books forgotten by the world, waiting for someone who will care about them again. This is where the story takes flight.

FANTASY/SCIENCE FICTION:
FAHRENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury
Novel of the despair faced by a simple man of the future, at the hollowness of his life and the increasing public disinterest in the workings of the government, which has taken complete control.
*THE EYRE AFFAIR by Jasper Fforde (first in a series)
In Jasper Fforde's Great Britain, circa 1985, time travel is routine, and literature is taken very, very seriously. England is a virtual police state where an aunt can get lost (literally) in a Wordsworth poem and forging Byronic verse is a punishable offense. All this is business as usual for Thursday Next, renowned Special Operative in literary detection. But when someone begins kidnapping characters from works of literature and plucks Jane Eyre from the pages of Brontë's novel, Thursday is faced with the challenge of her career.

MYSTERY:
THE BOOKMAN SERIES by John Dunning (the word “series” is exciting, no?)
Offer fascinating insights about rare and collectible books.

NON-FICTION:
THE GUTENBERG ELEGIES: THE FATE OF READING IN AN ELECTRONIC AGE by Sven Birkerts
What hath the inexpensive personal computer, the portable cassette player, and the CD-ROM wrought? Are books as we know them dead? And does--or should--it matter if they are? Birkerts, a renowned critic, examines the practice of reading with an eye to what the future will bring.
BIBLIOTHERPY: THE GIRLS’ GUIDE TO BOOKS FOR EVERY PHASE OF OUR LIVES by Nancy Peske &
Beverly West
Every woman knows…books are more than a way to kill time on a bus—they’re therapy that fits in our bag. Whether we’re wallowing in sullen perennial adolescence or our biological clock is ringing and we can’t find the snooze button, books are the dog-eared friends that help us deal with our baggage as we navigate life’s journey.
*84 CHARING CROSS ROAD by Helene Hanff
A New York writer with a passion for literature writes to a London bookstore in search of rare classics. A good-natured, reserved Englishman answers her request, beginning a relationship that spans two continents and two decades.
*READING LOLITA IN TEHRAN: A MEMOIR IN BOOKS by Azar Nafisi
Every Thursday morning for two years in the Islamic Republic of Iran, a bold and inspired teacher named Azar Nafisi secretly gathered seven of her most committed female students to read forbidden Western classics. The girls in Azar Nafisi’s living room risked removing their veils and immersed themselves in the worlds of Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Henry James, and Vladimir Nabokov. In this extraordinary memoir, their stories become intertwined with the ones they are reading.

YOUNG ADULT:
THE LIBRARY CARD by Jerry Spinelli
The lives of four young people in different circumstances are changed by their encounters with books.
THE EYRE AFFAIR by Jasper Fforde
BOOK CRUSH: FOR KIDS AND TEENS: RECOMMENDED READING FOR EVERY MOOD, MOMENT AND INTEREST
by Nancy Pearl (non-fiction)
Presents lists of recommended book titles for children and teenagers divided into three age groups and then further subdivided into more than 118 categories, including animals, folktales, girl power, autobiographies, comic books, and many others.
*THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak
Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau. This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

CHILDREN:
*INKHEART (first in series) by Cornelia Funke
Twelve-year-old Meggie learns that her father Mo, a bookbinder, can "read" fictional characters to life when an evil ruler named Capricorn, freed from the novel "Inkheart" years earlier, tries to force Mo to release an immortal monster from the story.
THE LIBRARY CARD by Jerry Spinelli
SHELF LIFE: STORIES BY THE BOOK – edited by Gary Paulsen
Newbery Honor author Gary Paulsen asked prominent authors to write an original story; the only restriction was that each story was to include mention of a book. The result is this collection. Some featured authors are Jennifer L. Holm, Joan Bauer, Margaret Peterson Haddix and Gregory Maguire.
NOTE TO READERS: Author Ken Bruen is a personal favorite. While he does not write about books, he does make unexpected literary references throughout his gritty Irish crime novels. I always read his books with pen and paper handy! Happy Reading……




BIBLIOBABBLERS
The Bibliobabbler title for April is SATURDAY by Ian McEwan and will be led by
Cherrie Dubois. The book group meets on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room. No registration is necessary and newcomers are always welcome. Books are available at the Circulation Desk.

In his triumphant novel, Ian McEwan, the bestselling author of ATONEMENT, follows an ordinary man through a Saturday whose high promise gradually turns nightmarish. Henry Perowne–a neurosurgeon, urbane, privileged, deeply in love with his wife and grown-up children–plans to play a game of squash, visit his elderly mother, and cook dinner for his family. But after a minor traffic accident leads to an unsettling confrontation, Perowne must set aside his plans and summon a strength greater than he knew he had in order to preserve the life that is dear to him.



NOT-TOO-STUFFY
The Not-Too-Stuffy Book Group will meet in the Lounge at the Senior Center on Thursday, April 17 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. The title for discussion is HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG by Andre Dubus. The discussion leader is local columnist and radio personality Deidre Reilly. Copies of the book are available at the Senior Center or the Library. Please join the group!



SLACKERS
The current Slacker selection is, MRS. KIMBLE by Jennifer Haigh.
Here’s what one Amazon customer had to say about this book:
“Ken Kimble is a chilling and complex creation masterfully drawn by first-time author Jennifer Haigh. He is what some would call a "serial husband," a man who has no trouble attracting women and marrying them before they get to know him very well. This deceptive and deeply unlikable man is revealed in bits and pieces by the three women he marries.”



BEN NICHOLS TURNS 100!
Ben Nichols, former Reading resident and local historian extraordinaire, with turn 100 years old on April 8. Ben currently resides in Pennsylvania near his daughter. To celebrate this auspicious occasion, we have a 100th birthday card at the Information Desk for anyone to sign through April 5th. The card includes a Ben Nichols Quiz. Answer sheets area available at the Reference Desk.



THE TEEN SPOT
Teen Crafternoon: Altered Books
Thursday April 17, 2008 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
"Altered Books" is a form of collage art. Students will recycle a book from the Book Sale room or bring one from home, and transform it into a personalized artistic expression.
Students may also work on "Artist Trading Cards (ATC)" which are smaller collage projects using the same materials.
If you like to cut, punch, stamp, fold, frame, crop, emboss, tint, journal, quill, set, or sticker stuff, then this is a perfect activity for you.
Open to teens in grades 6-12. The Reading Public Library will supply a variety of papers, glues, inks, stamps, punches, markers, scissors, trimmers and MORE. No registration required - this is a free event.

Teen Spot Now Wired!
Teens can now surf the 'net in the Teen Spot using our 2 new PC's! Starting April 1, 2008 the Teen Spot lounge and PC's will be reserved FOR TEENS from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. This means students in grades 6-12 will have a reserved space to hang out during these times.

Ears Needed: Teen Playaways are here
Playaways are small audiobooks that can be checked out and played
ANYWHERE! Just put in one AAA battery and plug in your headphones to
listen to the full recording of your favorite book. No more burning,
ripping or switching out cumbersome cd's; no more long downloads or
licensing issues. Just plug-in and play your book. Taking a long car
trip? The same FM tuners that works for most MP3 players will also work
with Playaways. Check out this list of cool teen Playaway titles.



UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE CHILDREN’S ROOM
Spring Storytimes – Registration Now in Progress!
Storytimes are some of the most important programs we offer in the Children’s Room. They are a wonderful way for your children to gain important pre-literacy skills like print and phonological awareness. The stories and songs help teach kids about patterns, rhythm, and repetition. Fingerplays encourage the use of fine motor skills, coordination and memory. But most importantly of all, storytimes are a ton of fun! Kids love visiting with Cocoa Moose and hearing great stories.

Mother Goose Lapsit Sign up.
Storytime for children under 2 and their caretakers! The Lapsit groups are starting Wednesday, April 30 and running for four weeks through May 21. We have space in both the 9:30 and 10:15a.m. classes. Come in or call the Children's Room at 781-942-6705 to register.

“Drop-In” Evening Storytimes
Tuesdays 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. (April 8, April 15, no Storytime 4/22 due to Spring Break) and April 29),
For ages 4 through 7.
No Registration necessary.
*April 1st Storytime is cancelled and rescheduled for April 29th.

Contact us in the Children’s Room for more information: 781-942-6705.
Check http://www.readingpl.org/kidsstorytime.html for updates.



STAFF DAY
On Friday, April 11, the Library will be closed so the staff may participate in our annual staff day. It is a day of renewal and an opportunity for us all to come together to learn a new skill.
We’ll be better than ever.



WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
DailyOM
Every weekday, DailyOM will send you (free) inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day.
http://www.dailyom.com/



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, April 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, April 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.

Saturday, April 5: Registration begins for the Town Forest Walk on April 23 (School Vacation Week). Call the Children’s Room to sign up. For Grades 1-5 with adults.

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

Tuesday, April 8: LiveWires: Coffee & More. Today's event features nutritionist Christine Mastrangelo, President of New England Nutrition Associates who will present information on health and wellness and answer nutrition questions. Join us at 9:30 for coffee. LiveWires is the library’s Lifelong Learning Program and is open to adults of any age. 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, April 8: Drop-In Evening Storytime. For children 4-7 years of age. Free. No registration necessary. 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 8: Bibliobabblers Book Discussion Group. Cherrie Dubois will lead a discussion of SATURDAY by Ian McEwan. No registration is necessary. 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 10: Teen Advisory Board. Teens in grades 6-12: Check out what's new in the Teen Spot; tell us what else we should be buying; Submit ideas for programs you'd like to have; Share reviews of books, music, movies and more! Teens are in charge of the Teen Advisory Board. We want to hear from you. Join us in our newly re-furnished Teen Spot and check out the new computers! 4:00 pm. – 5:00 p.m.

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

Thursday, April 10: 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.

Friday, April 11: Library Closed for Professional Development Day for Staff


Happy Spring!

Susan L. Beauregard
Reference/Young Adult Librarian


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.