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NEWSLETTER
December 2006
Volume 3, Number 12
New Museum Pass: Peabody Essex Museum
Funding Your Future: Financial Planning Seminar for Retirees
Anime Feature: Witch Hunter Robin, V.2
Concerts at the Crane: Chesara
Film Feature: Men at Work
Drop-in Book Groups (New Adams Shore Cookbook Group!)
Monthly Book Discussions
Computer Classes: Internet Basics
December Exhibit
December Events for Children
What's New in the Library's Collection
Recommended WINTER Reading
Calendar of Events
Friends of the Library
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Back Issues
Contact Us
New Museum Pass: Peabody Essex Museum
In response to requests from library users, the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library have funded a new museum pass for Quincy residents. Now you can borrow a pass that will admit two adults to Salem's Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) at no charge (young people aged 16 and under are always free).
The Peabody Essex Museum's collections--2.4 million works of art, architecture, and culture--are singular among American museums and are considered to be among the finest in the nation. Its galleries showcase American Decorative Art, Native American Art, Maritime Art, African and Oceanic Art, and Asian Export Art from Korea, Japan, China, and India. The Museum's photography collection is especially strong in Asian, maritime, and architectural images, including 19th-century photographs of Japan, China, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia that constitute an artistic document of life in Asia before the sweeping changes of the 20th century.
In February 2006, the Museum was named one of the ten best art museums for kids by Child Magazine. Child cited the Museum's popular Art & Nature Center as one of the highlights of PEM's family offerings. The Art & Nature Center is an innovative exhibition space for families and K-6 school groups that features art with dynamic interactive stations that highlight the connections between art and nature.
While you are at the Museum, a separate charge of $4 (youth 16 and under free) admits you to Yin Yu Tang, a late Qing dynasty merchants' house originally located in southeastern China. Re-erected at the Peabody Essex Museum, the house is now open to visitors. Explore the house to discover a rare example of the region's renowned architecture and to learn about the daily life of the Huang family, who lived in Yin Yu Tang for over 100 years.
For more information or to reserve a museum pass, go to our Museum Pass page, call 617-376-1301, or ask at the circulation desk at the Main Library (first floor).
Funding Your Future: Financial Planning for Retirees
Recently retired or thinking of retiring soon? Concerned about managing your finances on a fixed income? Find out how to set up your income, eliminate common mistakes, and avoid wasted time and worry at a free financial planning seminar on Wednesday, December 6 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the Main Library.
The seminar, led by Quincy resident Arthur B. McRae, will develop a hypothetical portfolio based on participants' concerns and resources and will use it as a basis for discussing the various types of accounts, products, and sources of advice that are available to retirees. Registration for this free program is recommended. For more information or to register, call 617-376-1316, email quref@ocln.org, or stop by the Reference Desk on the second (top) floor of the library.
Arthur McRae has 30 years experience in the financial industry. Before retiring in 1993, McRae was General Director of Retirement Security at John Hancock Financial Services, where he managed the development of both products and financial planning systems. He is a graduate of Northeastern University and The American College's Chartered Life Underwriter program and has completed the study requirements for the Chartered Financial Consultant and National Securities Dealers Registered Representative designations.
 Anime Feature: Witch Hunter Robin, V.2: Belief
This month's anime feature will be shown on Thursday, December 14 at the Main Library.
Witch Hunter Robin is an anime series featuring 15-year old Robin Sena, a "craft" user with pyrotechnic abilities who signs on with a special witch-hunting organization called STNJ after one of their teammates is killed in the field. Robin begins unravelling the secrets of both the witches and STNJ.
The program is intended for adults and teens aged 13 and older and is not suitable for younger audiences. For more information, call 617-376-1301.
Concert at the Crane: Chesara
Enjoy lyrical music from around the world in this month's Concert at the Crane. This special series will feature music, dance, and stories from a variety of cultural traditions and will be held on Sunday afternoons from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the Thomas Crane Public Library, 40 Washington St., Quincy.
On December 17, the Chesara trio presents an eclectic concert featuring piano, viola, and voice. The program will include music by Handel and Ralph Vaughan Williams, romantic songs by Verdi, Puccini and Faure, American standards by Jerome Kern and Irving Berlin, and Chinese folk songs.
Chesara pianist Linda Papatopoli has been active as soloist and accompanist here and abroad since receiving her Masters with honors from the Boston Conservatory. Ms. Papatopoli was finalist in the U.S. International Piano Competition and first-place winner in Pennsylvania's Youth Competition. She has accompanied at the Metropolitan Opera Studios, for the Pavarotti International Voice Competition, and for the Von Trapp Family Singers, and has soloed with the Brookline Symphony and as recitalist in numerous area venues.
Violist Susan Bill has taught music, piano and violin, in Quincy schools for the last 10 years. A violist with the Quincy Symphony, Ms. Bill has also performed in countless professional and community performances including concert appearances with Tony Bennett. In recent years she has devoted her energy to being music director of her choir, and also developing the skills of young ensemble performers in the Quincy area.
Soprano Lai Wong has sung at Italian festivals in the Boston area, in community celebrations in the Quincy area, in an opera café and a restaurant in northern California, and at public and private celebratory events. Ms. Wong lives in Quincy.
Mark your calendar for upcoming Concerts at the Crane, including The Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble on January 21 and Chu Ling Dance Academy on February 11. All performances are free and sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
Film Feature: Men at Work
You are invited to a screening of the recently released film Men at Work [in Farsi with English subtitles] on Thursday, December 21 at 7:00 p.m.
This film tells the hilarious story of four old friends who, driving back from a failed skiing trip, encounter a strange and enormous rock. The men's frivolous attempt to dislodge the rock gradually disintegrates into a tale of betrayal, defeat and renewed hope. The heroes of the film are doctors, engineers and businessmen in the throes of mid-life crises. Their middle class problems and the absurd phallic rock venture give rise to great humor.
Directed by Mani Haghighi of Iran, Men at Work won Best Film at the Traverse City Film Festival and Best Screenplay at the Fajr International Film Festival.
"A wonderfully offbeat comic allegory"--Aaron Hillis.
Although this film is not subject to rating by the Motion Picture Association of America, it is not recommended for ages under 17 without parental permission. Films for the series are obtained through the library's membership in Film Movement, the exclusive distributor of curator-selected films from the world's top film festivals, including Cannes and Sundance.
Drop-in Book Groups
 COOKING WITH BOOKS @Adams Shore Branch (New Group!)
Love to cook? Love to read cookbooks? Join other food lovers
on the second Monday of each month to review new cookbooks,
share favorite recipes, and perhaps take a turn at cooking
something for others to sample. This group will meet from
6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Adams Shore Branch Library, 519 Sea
St., Quincy. On December 11, the focus will be cookies.
You are invited to bring a favorite cookie recipe to share.
For more information, call 617-376-1325.
 LET'S TALK @North Quincy Branch
Drop in and find out about great new and tried-and-true books the library has on a variety of popular topics such as gardening, cooking and travel. Library staff will highlight a different subject each month on the first Tuesday evening of the month from 7:00-8:00 p.m. You are also invited to share YOUR favorite books and other resources on this month's topic, or any other good books you've come across lately. On December 5, Let's Talk Crafts! For more information, call 617-376-1320.
BOOK CHAT @Wollaston Branch
If you like to read and enjoy talking about books, drop by and join other readers for an informal chat about books on the third Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is Wednesday, December 20 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. For more information, call 617-376-1330.
BOOKED FOR LUNCH @Main Library
Read any good books lately? Looking for something new to read? Bring a brown bag lunch--or grab a sandwich or salad at the library café--and join other readers for an informal conversation about books on the first Friday of each month. The next meeting is Friday, December 1 from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Main Library atrium. The group meets near the café--just look for the brown Booked for Lunch sign on the table. Drop in anytime and check out this friendly group!
Monthly Book Discussions
 FRIDAY
MORNING BOOK DISCUSSION
This book discussion group usually meets on the second Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m. As a convenience to parents with small children, the group will meet in the Main Library Children's storytime room and little ones are welcome. Age appropriate activities will be available to entertain the children while we talk. Adult readers of all ages are welcome to participate, with or without children!
On Friday, December 8, the group will discuss West With the Night by Beryl Markham. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library Children's Room desk. For more information, call Julie at 617-376-2411.
 WEDNESDAY
EVENING BOOK DISCUSSION
This group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the
Main Library. On Wednesday, December 20, the group will discuss The Debt to Pleasure by John Lanchester. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library checkout desk. New members are welcome to join anytime. For more information, call Megan at 617-376-1331.
 NEW
GROUP! THURSDAY EVENING BOOK DISCUSSION
This group will meet the first Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the
Main Library. The focus of this group is non-fiction books of local and regional interest. On Thursday, December 7, the group will discuss Another Bull**** Night in Suck City: a Memoir by Nick Flynn. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library checkout desk. For more information, call Will at 617-689-8320.
Computer Classes: Internet Basics
All classes are free but space is limited and registration is recommended. Please call 617-367-1310 to sign up. Classes are held in the Main Library Computer Lab on the top floor.
Classes are based on the assumption that you have some experience using a mouse and keyboard. If you do not, or if you have any questions, please call 617-376-1316 or stop by the Main Library reference desk (second floor). We can schedule one-on-one mouse tutorials upon request.
INTERNET BASICS I
Date: Wednesday, December 6
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
This introductory class covers basics such as web features, how to find web addresses, and how to do easy searches on web sites like Google and Mapquest. Warm up your fingers before class with online mouse-ercises! There will be time after class for questions and practicing.
INTERNET BASICS II
Date: Wednesday, December 13
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
In this follow-up class, we will review the basic concepts covered in Internet Basics I, plus have time for questions related to your personal web interests. In addition, we will help you set up a free Yahoo! e-mail account or learn more about the one you already have. We'll review how to compose, send, forward and reply to messages, attach files, and create and use an address book.
December Exhibit
Talented amateurs on the staff of the Thomas Crane Library will exhibit their work from December 1 to 29 in the Coletti Reading Room on the first floor of the Main Library. Works on display will include quilts, cross-stitch, painting, collage, photography, altered books and more. Come and see what we do in our spare time when we're not reading!
December Events for Children
STORYTIME WITH MICHELLE
Join storyteller Michelle Andrews for stories, songs, rhymes, and more for children aged 2-5 accompanied by an adult on Saturday, December 2 at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library. No registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
SATURDAY FUN FOR LITTLE ONES: Mother Goose & Little Bo Peep
Mother Goose and Little Bo Peep return with a program of nursery rhymes, songs and puppets on Saturday, December 9 at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library. This program is for children aged 0-3, accompanied by an adult. No registration required.
ENGLISH/CHINESE STORYTIME WITH MICHELLE
Bring your child to a free English/Chinese drop-in storytime on Saturday, December 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library. Join storyteller Michelle Andrews for stories, songs, rhymes and crafts for children ages 2-5 accompanied by an adult. This special storytime will be interpreted in Cantonese and Mandarin. No registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
MAD SCIENCE: MAGNETS
Experience the pull of magnetism! Ever been an atom in a magnet? Find out exactly what magnets like to "hang" out with in this Mad Science of Greater Boston workshop. Visit the North and South poles and frolic in invisible fields. Build cool magnet chains and play with some of the wildest forces in the universe.
Two sessions of this program will be held on Saturday, December 16 at the Main Library. There will be a 10:00 a.m. session for children ages 7 and older and an 11:15 a.m. session for ages 4-6.
Registration is required, beginning Monday, December 4. Stop by the Main Library Children's Room or call 617-376-2411 to register. Due to space limitations, this program is limited to Quincy residents. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
DROP-IN CRAFT: EGYPTIAN COLLAR
Drop in and make your own Egyptian collar. This activity is suitable for younger children while school-age siblings are attending another library program. Craft supplies will be available at:
Adams Shore Branch on Tuesday, December 26 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Main Library on Wednesday, December 27 from 10:00 a.m. to noon
North Quincy Branch on Thursday, December 28 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Wollaston Branch on Friday, December 29 from 10:00 a.m. to noon
HAVING FUN WITH PYRAMIDS & PHAROAHS
Paulette Morin presents this exploration of ancient Egypt on Wednesday, December 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the Main Library. Unwrap a mummy, look at King Tut's Tomb and explore the pyramids. This program uses a multimedia/PowerPoint presentation and storytelling and is best suited for school age children.
No registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
INTRODUCTION TO ARCHEOLOGY
Children age 6 and over will learn how archaeologists explore the past through hands-on interactive activities on Thursday, December 28 at 2:30 p.m. at the North Quincy Branch Library. After an introduction to archaeology, we will examine an archaeologist's field pack and excavate the Code Rose site, a simulated archaeological site complete with mysteries and features. Participants will dig a square, recover artifacts, identify and date them and discuss how they contribute to the story of what happened at the site. Remember to wear clothes suitable for a dirty job.
Registration is required, beginning Monday, December 4 at 9:00 a.m. Visit the North Quincy Branch or call 617-376-1320 to register. Due to space limitations, this program is limited to Quincy residents. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
PHOENIX BOOK CLUB
This book discussion program for children in grades 5-8 meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library, beginning in October. Please register early so you will have plenty of time to read the book. Stop by the Main Library Children's Room or call 617-376-2411 for more information or to register.
NIGHT OWLS BOOK CLUBS
These book discussion and activity groups for children in 3rd and 4th grades meet
monthly at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library, beginning in October. Night Owls 3 (for 3rd graders) meets on the second Monday of each month. Night Owls 4 (for 4th graders) meets on the third Monday. Stop by the Main Library Children's Room or call 617-376-2411 for more information or to register. Space is limited.
Friends of the Library
Become a Friend of the library! Your Friends membership fee ($10 for individuals, $15 for families) helps support museum passes and events for all ages. For more information about
the Friends, go to the Friends
of the Thomas Crane Public Library page or pick up a brochure at the library.
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