OFF THE SHELF
A BI-WEEKLY LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
Vol. 11, No 9. April 24, 2008
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer." – Ted Williams, American left fielder in Major League Baseball
GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
The Friends of the Reading Public Library would like to present a Girls’ Night Out at the Library Series, “Window Boxes That Wow!” Jan Richenburg of Pettengill Farms in Salisbury, MA will demonstrate how to take those boring old window boxes and turn them into the envy of the neighborhood. Please join us on Thursday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Reading Public Library Meeting Room. Tickets are $15 and are available now at the Circulation Desk. Only a limited number of tickets are available. Get yours early! Plus, a window box will be raffled off at the end of the evening!
BASEBALL FEVER AT LIVEWIRES
The Reading Public Library is joining Red Sox Nation with the next LiveWires program. Adam Pachter, editor of FENWAY FICTION and FURTHER FENWAY FICTION will be the featured speaker at LiveWires Coffee & More on Tuesday, May 13 at 10:00 a.m. These two collections of short stories are the first all-fiction anthologies inspired by the Boston Red Sox.
At the event, Adam will read from his own work and that of other contributors to the FENWAY FICTION series. The stories look at the Red Sox through humor, drama, mystery--and even a bit of Shakespeare. He will also discuss how he came to assemble this Sox-oriented fiction. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
This LiveWires program is funded by the Friends of the Reading Public Library and an anonymous donor. Come early for coffee!
BOOK CLUB BITS
There are some very interesting books being talked about at the Library.
BIBLIOBABBLERS (Adult Book Discussion Group)
The Bibliobabblers are reading TRUTH AND BEAUTY by Ann Patchett. The author of BEL CANTO turns to nonfiction in a moving chronicle of her decades long friendship with the critically acclaimed and recently deceased author, Lucy Grealy. What happens when the person who is your family is someone you aren’t bound to by blood? What happens when that person is not your lover, but your best friend? In her frank and startlingly intimate first work of nonfiction, TRUTH AND BEAUTY, Ann Patchett shines light on the little explored world of women’s friendships and shows us what it means to stand together. This is a tender, brutal book about loving a person we cannot save. Karyn Storti will lead the discussion of this title on Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Library Conference Room. Books are available at the Circulation Desk and new members are encouraged and welcome.
NOT-TOO-STUFFY
The Not-Too-Stuffy Book Group will meet in the Lounge at the Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street on Thursday, May 15 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. The title for discussion is CUSTODY by Nancy Thayer. Copies of the book are available at the Senior Center Book Nook or the Library. The discussion leader will be lead by Deirdre Reilly. Please join the group! No registration necessary.
SLACKERS – The Book Club for People Who Don’t Want to be Committed
Check out the main floor display for the current Slacker – I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK by Nora Ephron. With her disarming, intimate, completely accessible voice, and dry sense of humor, Nora Ephron shares with us her ups and downs in latest book. A candid, hilarious look at women who are getting older and dealing with the tribulations of maintenance, menopause, empty nests, and life itself. This is aging lite – but that might be the answer.
POPCORN PICKS – by Jamie Penney
In spring a young librarian’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of…baseball.
It’s April, the Red Sox are in first place, and Manny’s coming up on 500 home runs. What else would you want to do but watch some movies about baseball? The Library has all your faves: “Bull Durham” (1988), “Field of Dreams” (1989), “A League of Their Own” (1992), “The Natural” (1984), “Major League” (1989), “The Bad News Bears” (1976), “Eight Men Out” (1988), and “Fever Pitch” (2005). And not to leave the Yankees out of this -“Pride of the Yankees” (1942) and “The Bronx is Burning” (2007). We have great documentaries too: Ken Burns’s “Baseball”, “Touching the Game: the Story of the Cape Cod Baseball League”, “Faith Rewarded” and “Champions Again”, about the 2004 and 2007 Red Sox championships, to name just a few. Each of these films shines a light on some aspect of this rich, complex game and the people who love it, from fans to managers to players.
I’d like to highlight here a couple of less well-known, quirky little gems. “Game 6” (2005) stars Michael Keaton as Nicky, a playwright with a lot of personal problems whose latest play is about to open on Broadway. Unfortunately, opening night coincides with Game 6 of the 1986 World Series between Nicky’s beloved Red Sox and the Mets – and it’s looking good for the Sox to win their first championship in almost 70 years. Nicky skips opening night to hang out in a bar and watch the game as he’s sure it will help him work through the many issues in his life. Of course, any good baseball fan will tell you exactly where (s)he was when Mookie Wilson's ground ball rolled through Bill Buckner's legs, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. (I was with my then-boyfriend watching at his dad’s house. All 3 of us cried.) If this movie had come out before the Sox won it all in 2004, it would probably be too painful for a New Englander to watch. But perhaps now we can enjoy this slice of baseball history with more composure and only a little squirming.
“The Bingo Long Traveling All-stars & Motor Kings” (1976) is a comedy about a bunch of charismatic, renegade players from the Negro League in 1939, that defect from their teams and travel around challenging all-white teams and racial segregation. The team is so outlandish and entertaining that they start to cut into the attendance of the established Negro League teams. Wackiness ensues. The great cast is headed by Billy Dee Williams, James Earl Jones and Richard Pryor.
As Walt Whitman (may have) said, “I see great things in baseball. It’s our game, the American game. It will repair our losses and be a blessing to us.” And as Sherm Feller (definitely) said, “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to Fenway Park.”
If you’d like to see a clip of Jamie at a Red Sox game last year, with my Reading Public Library sign, check out the website of the week.
MASSACHUSETTS STATE PARKS PASS
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation invites you to explore 450,000 acres of parks, campgrounds, forests, mountains and beaches right in you own backyard! The Library now offers a Mass. State Park pass. The Massachusetts ParksPass entitles the bearer to free parking for one carload of visitors at over 50 facilities in the Massachusetts State Parks system that charge a day-use parking fee. Enjoy a wide range of recreational opportunities including hiking, swimming, mountain biking and much more!
The 2008 Great Park Pursuit is offering two special event days: May 17th (Park Serve Day) and June 7th (Camp Out!). Take a minute to read about these event opportunities! http://www.mass.gov/dcr/
ZOO NEW ENGLAND LIBRARY PASS
Zoo New England is the non-profit organization that manages Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham. The Library offers a pass to these two “wild” places! The Zoo New England Library Pass includes a set of four cards, providing free admission for 2 adults and 4 children per visit to Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo. So the next time the kids say they are bored, take them to the zoo! Check the availability of passes at:
http://www.libraryinsight.com/mpbymuseum.asp?jx=rd
BOSTON BY FOOT PASS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE LIBRARY
BOSTON BY FOOT offers guided walking tours of Boston featuring its history and architecture.
http://www.bostonbyfoot.org/
We have a Monday-Wednesday-Friday pass, a Tuesday-Thursday pass, and two weekend passes. Each pass provides free admission for groups of up to four people. The passes are good from May to October only (Apparently people don't want to walk in the winter!) This great new addition has been provided by our wonderful Friends of the Library!
THE TEEN SPOT
TEEN GAMING NIGHT - Open Wii & DDR on Thursday, May 1 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to drop in and check out some Wii games and DDR on our PS2 console. This is an open play event and games include: DDR Max, DDR 2, Mario & Sonic @ Olympic Games, Boogie, Wii Playground, and Rayman Raving Rabbids 2. Teens are welcome to bring additional games for group play! As usual, junk food and drinks will be available! Equipment, games and refreshments are funded by the Friends of the Reading Public Library and by a federal LSTA grant through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
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 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. classes. Come in or call the Children's Room at 781-942-6705 to register.
“Drop-In” Evening Storytimes
Tuesdays 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. on April 29
For ages 4 through 7.
No Registration necessary.
Contact us in the Children’s Room for more information: 781-942-6705.
Check http://www.readingpl.org/kidsstorytime.html for updates.
SUMMERTIME IS VOLUNTEEN TIME!
Volunteen Applications will be available starting Thursday, May 1. This popular summer program is open to students entering 6th through 12th grade in the Fall. Volunteens are an important part of our Teen and Children’s summer reading programs. These volunteers are responsible for assisting with summer program registration, decorating, word processing, and many other duties vital to the success of our programs. Students have the opportunity to volunteer in either the Teen Spot or the Children’s Room. The application deadline is Saturday, May 17 at 5:00 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to take part! There are a limited number of spots available.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Our own Jamie Penney at a Red Sox Game last September.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVemubxFxbc
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.
Tuesday, April 29: Word of Mouth. Informal monthly discussion of what people have been reading lately. 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29: Drop-In Evening Storytime. For children 4-7 years of age. Free. No registration necessary. 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 1: Volunteen Applications Available. Students going into Grade 6 through grade 12 may pick up an application at either the Children's Room Desk or the Information Desk. Applications will also be available online at www.readingpl.org/weblog/teen.html. Applicants must be available for a total of 10 hours of service in either the Children's OR Teen Department. All applications must be returned by May 17 at 5:00 p.m. Enrollment is limited.
Thursday, May 1: Girls’ Night Out at the Reading Public Library presents “Window Boxes That Wow!” with Jan Richenburg of Pettengill Farms in Salisbury, Massachusetts. Sponsored by the Friends of the Reading Public Library. Tickets are $15 each and are on sale at the circulation desk (limited number of tickets available). 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 1: Teen Gaming Night - Open Wii & DDR. Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to drop in and check out some Wii games and DDR on our PS2
console. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friday, May 2: 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, May 3: Friends of the Reading Public Library Concert Series. Join us for an evening of music with the Nashua Flute Choir. Concerts are held in the Library's Meeting Room and are free of charge and open to the public.
8:00 p.m.
Monday, May 5: Monthly Book Delivery to Peter Sanborn Place.
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Saturday, May 10: Mother/Daughter Teen Flicks. Teens in grades 6-12, and mothers (and dads, siblings, and friends) are invited to hang out and catch a Saturday afternoon flick. To celebrate Mother's Day, this month's movie is: Freaky Friday. Monday through Thursday are rough but Friday is just plain freaky in this remake of the Disney classic. Dr. Tess Coleman and her daughter Anna have the typical combative mother/daughter relationship. They don’t see eye to eye on anything until one magical night a fortune cookie’s curse causes them to switch bodies. They must find a way to switch back before Tess’s wedding and also find some respect for each other along the way. This is a free event and refreshments will be served. 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 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! 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 13: LiveWires: Coffee & More. Today's event features Adam Pachter, editor of FENWAY FICTION and FURTHER FENWAY FICTION, the first all-fiction anthologies devoted to the Boston Red Sox. Books will be available for purchase and for signing. Funding for this program is made possible by the Friends of the Reading Public Library. Join us at 9:30 a.m. for coffee. LiveWires is the library’s Lifelong Learning Program and is open to adults of any age. 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, May 13: Bibliobabblers Book Discussion Group. Karyn Storti will lead a discussion of TRUTH AND BEAUTY by Ann Patchett. No registration is necessary. 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 15: The Not-Too-Stuffy Book Group for Seniors meets to discuss CUSTODY by Nancy Thayer. Led by Deirdre Reilly, local columnist and radio show host. 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, May 15: Teen Crafternoon--Scrapbooking, Cards, Altered Books & More. Do you like to cut, punch, stamp, fold, frame, crop, emboss, tint, journal, quill, set, or sticker stuff? Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to the library to explore the creative world of paper crafts. Drop in and work on a new project OR bring your own scrapbook, photos, or altered book. The Library will supply a variety of papers, glues, inks, and other supplies. Free event, no registration required. Supplies are provided with funds from the Friends of the Reading Public Library and with federal LSTA grant funds through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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.
