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NEWSLETTER
February 2006
Volume 3, Number 2
Free Tax Preparation for Low/Middle Income Taxpayers Available at Main Library
Library Announces Privacy Policy
Quincy Reads Together Again
Lunar New Year Celebration
Quincy Reads Together: Crime & the Cultural Landscape Reading & Discussion Series
Basic Internet Classes
Orientation for Literacy Volunteers
DISCOVER IT @your Library: Who's Watching You? Owls of the World
Anime Feature: Fruits Basket
Quincy Reads Together: C.S.I. Exposed
Ongoing Programs for Adults: Book Discussion Groups & More
February Exhibits
February 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
Free Tax Preparation for Low/Middle Income Taxpayers Available at Main Library
This year the Main Library will be an AARP Tax-Aide site, providing free tax counseling and preparation services in English and Cantonese for low and middle income taxpayers, especially those over the age of 60. IRS-certified volunteers will be available to assist eligible taxpayers from February 15 to April 12. The service will be provided by appointment only on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Tax returns will be limited to e-filing only, for both Federal and Massachusetts returns.
Beginning February 1, sign up for a time slot with an AARP volunteer at the Reference Desk on the top floor of the Main Library. No appointments will be made over the phone. Taxpayers are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early for their appointment and to bring necessary documents with them. A list of required documents is available at the Reference Desk. For more information about this free service, call 617-376-1316.
OTHER TAX PREPARATION SERVICES IN QUINCY
The AARP Tax-Aide service is also available at the Quincy Senior Center (83 Saratoga St.). Call 617-376-1245 for more information.
The Quincy Community
Action Program is also offering free tax return preparation
and electronic filing to those with incomes of approximately
$50,000 or less, by appointment only. The service will be
offered on Thursday evenings (Vietnamese language assistance
available) and Saturdays (Cantonese language available). For
more information or to schedule an appointment, call 617-479-8181
x100.
The IRS office in Quincy (1250 Hancock St., Presidents Place) offers assistance to walk-ins on Mondays only from 8:30-1:30 and 2:30-4:30.
Library Announces Privacy Policy
In January, the library Board of Trustees approved a comprehensive
Privacy
Policy for the library. The policy affirms the library's
commitment to protect the privacy of its users. The policy
applies to library transactions of all kinds, including borrowing
of library materials, computer database and Internet searches,
and reference questions.
Quincy Reads Together Again
The Thomas Crane Public Library is hosting its second annual community reading program, this time focusing on the popular literary genre of mystery fiction instead of on a single book. Everyone is invited to participate in Quincy Reads Together: Mystery By The Book by reading the featured selections, joining a book discussion, or attending a special event. The program runs from February through April and is funded by a generous grant from the Bill Flynn Foundation.
 Although mystery fiction is often considered to be an escapist genre, it actually tells the reader a great deal about the real world. The kind of crime, the novel's setting and characters, the detective's social class, gender and style all reveal the realities of the society in which the author lived. Mystery fiction is also a favorite genre for recreational readers of all ages.
The centerpiece of this year's Quincy Reads Together is a six-part reading and discussion series for adults entitled "Crime and the Cultural Landscape". Related special events include appearances by popular New England mystery authors Jane Langton, William Tapply, and Katherine Hall Page, crime scene investigation and mystery writing programs for children and adults, and a Mystery Movie Marathon for kids of all ages.
In his weekly Patriot Ledger column "City Seen", Bill Flynn was the first person in the city to endorse the library's initial community reading project. After his untimely death in January 2004, the library dedicated Quincy Reads Together to Bill Flynn. The Flynn family vowed to continue their support annually, through the Bill Flynn Foundation.
Read a book, come to an event, join the fun!
For more information about Quincy Reads Together, call 617-376-1301.
Lunar New Year Celebration
 Celebrate the Year of the Dog during an afternoon of traditional Asian music, song, and dance on Saturday, February 4 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Main Library. Featured performers include musicians and singers from the Sum Sing Music Association and folk dancers from the Vietnamese Samantabhadra Buddhist Center in Braintree. Other performances will include kylin (dragon) dancing and erhu (Chinese violin) playing. Free refreshments will be provided by Quincy Dynasty Chinese restaurant.
This free event for all ages is sponsored by the Thomas Crane
Public Library, South
Shore Elder Services, and Quincy
Dynasty restaurant. For more information, call 617-376-1301.
Quincy Reads Together: Crime & the Cultural Landscape Reading & Discussion Series
As part of this year's Quincy Reads Together: Mystery By The Book community reading program, the Thomas Crane Public Library will present a six-part reading and discussion series entitled "Crime and the Cultural Landscape" on Tuesday evenings in February, March, and April.
Although mystery fiction is often considered to be an escapist genre, it actually tells the reader a great deal about the real world. The kind of crime, the novel's setting and characters, the detective's social class, gender and style all reveal the realities of the society in which the author lived. The books selected for this series--representing over 100 years of British and American mystery writing--explore the relationship between the genre and the changing social and political climate of their times.
The series theme was developed by the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities and discussions will be led by Professor David Fedo of Curry College. Each session will include a short presentation by Professor Fedo, followed by a group discussion. All sessions will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
The books and discussion dates are as follows:
- February 7: A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan
Doyle
- February 21: The Mysterious Affair at Styles
by Agatha Christie
- March 7: The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
- March 21: Shroud for a Nightingale by P.D. James
- April 4: Death in a Tenured Position by Amanda
Cross
- April 18: Bonecrack by Dick Francis
Come to one, some or all of the discussions. No registration is required. Copies of the books will be available in various formats, including large print and audio editions, and can be picked up at the Main Library at least two weeks before each discussion date. This program has been sponsored by the Bill Flynn Foundation. For more information, call 617-376-1301.
Basic Internet Classes
An Introduction to the Internet class will be offered in the Main Library
computer lab on Wednesday, February 8 at 10:00 a.m. This class covers
Internet basics such as Web browser features and how to do a Google Web search.
A follow-up class will be offered on Wednesday, February 15 at 10:00 a.m.,
reviewing basic concepts, offering time for you to ask specific questions
relevant to your own personal interests, and providing help setting up a free
Yahoo! e-mail account.
Both classes require that you have 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).
Both classes are free and require no advance registration.
Orientation for Literacy Volunteers
The Thomas Crane Library's literacy program, LVA-Quincy, is offering an
orientation for people interested in becoming basic reading tutors on Thursday, February 9 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Main Library. LVA-Quincy
provides free, one-on-one tutoring in basic reading and writing to adults on
the South Shore. Orientation is provided twice a year and gives potential
tutors information about the basic reading program so that you can decide if
the program is compatible with your skills and interests and whether you want
to make this volunteer commitment. For more information about LVA-Quincy and
the orientation, go to About LVA-Quincy.
For more information or to register for the orientation, call
617-376-1314 or fill out an online application (select
"Volunteer", scroll to the bottom of that page and select "Application").
DISCOVER IT @your library: Who's Watching You?: Owls of the World
Everyone loves owls, but how many of us have ever seen a live owl up close? Explore the world of owls with naturalist Marcia Wilson and six lively owls on Saturday, February 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Main Library.
In this fun and interactive program suitable for adults and children aged seven and older, you will meet these secretive birds of prey up close. Marcia will introduce owls of New England and beyond, and their unique adaptations with a slide show of photos by well-known wildlife photographer Mark Wilson. Some, owls, such as Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Eastern Screech-Owls, are more common than you may think. Others, such as Short-Eared Owls and Great Gray Owls, are a rare sight here. Marcia will share the field marks, signs and naturalist's skills that you can use to find wild owls without disturbing them, while introducing you to six live owls up close. Everyone will be treated to a hooting lesson, as well as tips on how to attract and protect owls near you.
 Naturalist Marcia Wilson brings over 30 years of experience in natural history and field ornithology to her environmental education programs. Growing up in southeastern Massachusetts with birding parents, Marcia became entranced by birds at an early age. After earning a B.S. in Biology, she moved to Nantucket, where she worked with rare Piping Plovers and Least Terns for The Trustees of Reservations. Now, Marcia and her husband Mark Wilson teach children and adults throughout New England about the natural world with their Eyes on Owls live owl programs.
This free program is one of a yearlong series of programs and displays
highlighting the library's collections by its classification system, the Dewey Decimal System. DISCOVER IT @your library--in the 500's section this month. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
For more information, call 617-376-1301.
Anime Feature: Fruits Basket
Join us for a screening of the Japanese anime series Fruits Basket on
Tuesday, February 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library. 
The
Sohma family is cursed. When a member of the family is embraced
by a person of the opposite gender, they transform into an
animal of the Chinese Zodiac. The Sohma family has kept this
curse private for generations, but when a young girl stumbles
upon their secret, life at the Sohma house changes forever.
Two episodes of this series will be shown, depending
on available time. 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.
Quincy Reads Together: C.S.I. Exposed
If you are a fan of TV's C.S.I., you've probably wondered how much of what you see is the real thing. Get the lowdown from Massachusetts State Police forensic scientist Paul J. Zambella and Quincy Police Detective Nancy Coletta at "C.S.I. Exposed" on Thursday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
In her presentation, Detective Coletta will show slides from actual crime scenes and discuss how evidence is collected and processed. Mr. Zambella will discuss criminal investigations from the forensic science point of view, demonstrating some of the actual tests that are performed on physical evidence that Detective Coletta might find during her investigation, such as how fingerprints are developed and how blood and other biological fluids can be detected.
Paul Zambella has a BS in biology and a Master's Degree in forensic chemistry. He has investigated more than 400 crime scenes, including several high-profile cases, and provided court testimony for over 300 cases. He has worked as a forensic scientist for the Mass. State Police Crime Laboratory for 31 years and has been an instructor of forensic science at Northeastern University for 27 years. Detective Nancy Coletta has a BS in sociology, criminology and law, and Master's Degrees in forensic science criminal investigation and criminal justice.
This free event is part of this year's Quincy Reads Together: Mystery By The Book community reading program, which features mystery and detective fiction. Sponsored by the Bill Flynn Foundation.
Ongoing Programs for Adults
FIRST WEDNESDAY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
This group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at
the Main Library. On February 1, the group will be discussing Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library checkout desk. For more information, call 617-376-1301.
FIRST FRIDAY BOOKED FOR LUNCH
Read any good books lately? Looking for something new to read?
Bring a brown bag lunch and join other readers in a lively
exchange of authors and titles on the first Friday of each
month. The next meeting is on February 3,
from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Main Library atrium (outside
the cafe). If you have read a book you would like to share
or are looking for something new to read, this is the group
for you.
SECOND FRIDAY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
 This book discussion group 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.
On February 10, the group will be discussing The Book Borrower by Alice Mattison. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library
Children's Room desk. For more information, call 617-376-2411.
 THIRD WEDNESDAY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
This group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 7:00-8:30
p.m. at the Main Library. On February 15,
the group will be discussing The
Hot Zone by Richard Preston. Copies of the book are available
at the Main Library checkout desk. For more information, call
617-376-1331.
WEEKLY WEDNESDAY MATINEE
See a variety of films selected with older adults in mind at this weekly
program held at the North Quincy Branch Library at 2:15 p.m. every Wednesday.
Films include travel, humor, and biography as well as full-length feature
films. For more information, call the North Quincy Branch at 617-376-1320.
February Exhibits
SOUTH SHORE CAMERA CLUB
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Photographers from the South
Shore Camera Club will exhibit a variety of their
award-winning photographs February 1-18 at the Main Library.
Come in and enjoy viewing this exhibit and vote for your
favorite photo. The South Shore Camera Club meets every Tuesday, except for the first Tuesday of the mouth, from September to June, at 7:30 p.m. at the Quincy Point Congressional Church, 444 Washington Street, Quincy. We invite anyone who is interested to attend a meeting and get to know us.
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Hanging It Up For the Season
by Barry Nelson |
PLACES BY GEORGE STEPHEN
Pen & crayon sketches and montages from around the world by architect and Hingham resident George Stephen will be on exhibit from February 19-March 4.
Mr. Stephen was born in Aberdeen, Scotland and studied architecture in Scotland and London before emigrating to the United States. His work in the Boston area has included Director of Rehabilitation Design for the Boston Redevelopment Authority and Regional Architect for the National Park Service. In addition to architectural practice, he has written many books and articles on the rehabilitation of buildings, including New Life For Old Houses, and was joint author for Bob Vila's This Old House.
The exhibit includes sketches of buildings and landscapes in 11 of the countries which Mr. Stephen has visited or stayed in, ranging from the north of Scotland to Patagonia in the south of Chile.
February Events for Children
STORYTIME WITH MICHELLE
Saturday drop-in storytimes return on February 4, 11 and 18th. Join storyteller Michelle Andrews for stories, songs, rhymes, and more for children aged 2-5 accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
DISCOVER IT @your library: WHO'S WATCHING YOU?: OWLS OF THE WORLD
Everyone loves owls, but how many of us have ever seen a live owl up close? Explore the world of owls with naturalist Marcia Wilson and six lively owls on Saturday, February 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the Main Library.
This free program suitable for adults and children aged seven and older is one of a yearlong series of programs and displays
highlighting the library's collections by its classification system, the Dewey Decimal System. DISCOVER IT @your library--in the 500's section this month. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
For more information, call 617-376-1301.
MAD SCIENCE: MAD MESSAGES
Learn how to send messages using special codes on Saturday, February 18 at the Main Library. Become a detective as you use your observational skills to solve the mystery in some cool messages and secret formulas.
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, February 6. Stop by the Main
Library Children's Room or call 617-376-2411 to register. Sponsored by the
Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
Quincy Reads Together: WHODUNIT?
Crime Scene Investigators use techniques such as observation, logic biology and chemistry to determine the culprit of a crime. Now it is your turn to use various scientific techniques to gather clues and solve a mystery!
There will be a 10:00 a.m. session for children ages 6-9 and an 11:30 a.m. session for ages 10-13. Registration is required, beginning Monday, February 6. Stop by the Main Library Children's Room or call 617-376-2411 to register.
This free event is part of this year's Quincy Reads Together: Mystery By The Book community reading program, which features mystery and detective fiction. Sponsored by the Bill Flynn Foundation.
DISCOVER IT @your library: FUN WITH FOSSILS & DINOSAURS
Join intrepid fossil hunter Paulette Morin as she introduces you to the prehistoric world on Thursday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library. Learn the who, what, where and when of dinosaurs. In addition to dinosaur lore and storytelling there will be more than 100 fossil specimens to examine. This program is for families with children ages 5 and older. No registration is required.
This free program is one of a yearlong series of programs and displays
highlighting the library's collections by its classification system, the Dewey Decimal System. DISCOVER IT @your library--in the 500's section this month. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
For more information, call 617-376-1301.
SATURDAY FUN FOR LITTLE ONES: BARN BABIES
Barn Babies returns with approximately 20 baby animals for you to pet and learn about. Included are a diapered goat, a little potbellied pig and lots of bunnies, chicks, puppies and kittens. This program is for families with very young children, ages 0-5.
Five sessions of this very popular program have been scheduled on Saturday, February 25 at 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. Space is limited so that each child will have an opportunity to handle the animals.
Registration is required, beginning Monday, February 6. Each child may only be registered for one session and registration is limited to Quincy residents. Stop by the Main Library Children's Room or call 617-376-2411 to register. 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. Stop by the Main Library Children's Room or call
617-376-2411 for more information or to register.
NIGHT OWL BOOK CLUBS
These discussion and activity groups for children in 3rd and 4th grades meet monthly at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library. Night Owl 3 (for 3rd graders) meets on the second Monday of each month. Night Owl 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.
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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