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NEWSLETTER
February 2007
Volume 4, Number 2
Historical Boston Globe Database Now Available
Main Library Tour
What's Cooking @your library: Let's Bake Bread
Anime Feature: Fruits Basket, v.2
Architectural Gems of Quincy Center Walking Tour
Concerts at the Crane: Chu Ling Dance Academy
CyberTalk: Parent 911--Wut R Ur Kidz Doin Online?
Literacy Volunteer Orientations
Film Feature: A Simple Curve
Eyes on Owls
Made in China Film Fest
Drop-in Book Groups
Monthly Book Discussions
February Exhibit: Artwork by Adah Shumway
February Events for Children
What's New in the Library's Collection / New DVDs
Recommended WINTER Reading
Calendar of Events
Friends of the Library
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Back Issues
Contact Us
Historical Boston Globe Database Now Available
The Library has recently added a new online database that gives access to the Boston Globe newspaper from its first issue in 1872 through 1923. Proquest's Boston Globe Historical database offers a digital reproduction of every issue from cover to cover--not just news stories and editorials, but also photos, graphics, and advertisements. Researchers will be able to study significant events as they appeared in contemporary news accounts, such as Lizzie Borden's 1893 trial for the axe-murders of her family, or the Sacco-Vanzetti trial, one of the most controversial trials of the 20th century.
This database is only available from within the Library--just ask at the reference desk on the second (top) floor of the Main Library for help accessing Boston Globe Historical. For more information, please call 617-376-1316, send email or ask a librarian.
Main Library Tour
Take a guided walk through an architectural jewel in the heart of Quincy--and find out what's there for you--at a free orientation tour of the Main Library on Saturday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. All ages are welcome to join the orientation tours. Interpretation in Cantonese and Mandarin will be provided.
Upcoming orientations are scheduled for March 3, April 7 and May 5.
What's Cooking @your library: Let's Bake Bread
Ready for some much "kneaded" cold weather comfort? Find out how to beat the winter doldrums with fresh-from-the-oven bread at Let's Bake Bread with Anneli Johnson, a free demonstration on Sunday, February 4, from 3:00-4:30 p.m. at the Main Library.
Learn how to make a traditional yeast dough, from mixing and kneading to shaping of various loaves and rolls. Introduce your taste buds to pulla, a cardamom-flavored sweet bread found in every Finnish bakery. With bread baking on location and samples to go around, you will enjoy the taste and aroma of fresh baked bread and gain the confidence to re-create the experience at home.
Born in Finland, homemaker and nutritionist Anneli Johnson learned about bread and pulla baking while working in her family's restaurant and baking for her family at home. She has taught courses in Scandinavian cuisine, guest lectured for college events, and coordinated numerous local cooking demonstrations.
Registration is required for
this program. For more information or to register,
call 617-376-1316, email quref@ocln.org
or stop by the Main Library reference desk on the top floor.
Sponsored by the Friends
of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
Anime Feature: Fruits Basket, v.2
This month's anime feature will be shown on Thursday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
After her mother's death, Tohru Honda finds herself living with the Sohma family and finds out the terrible Sohma secret: When a member is hugged by the opposite gender they turn into the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. As rivals clash and doors get smashed, life at the Sohma house has changed completely!
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.
Architectural Gems of Quincy Center Walking Tour
Explore the architectural jewels of downtown Quincy on a free walking tour on Saturday, February 10 at 10:00 a.m.. The tour will begin at the Main Library and include several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Discover the Romanesque beauty of the historic Richardson building of the Crane Library, designed by renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson and built in 1882. The building includes many unique features such as hand carved woodwork and John LaFarge stained glass windows. The tour will continue to the United First Parish Church, considered the finest existing Greek Revival church in New England, designed by noted architect Alexander Parris, who also designed Quincy Market in Boston. Other sites on the tour include the Adams Academy, home of the Quincy Historical Society, built in 1872 in High Victorian Gothic style, and old City Hall, another Greek Revival style structure designed by Solomon Willard and Isaiah Rogers. The tour will conclude at the Granite Trust Company building, now the home of Bank of America, a notable example of Art Deco architecture built in 1929 and designed by architect John Williams Beal.
Your tour guides will be librarian Mary Clark, architect and Quincy Historic District Commission vice chair Anthony Ricci, and Quincy Historical Society executive director Ed Fitzgerald.
The tour will begin in the Richardson Building of the Main Library. If the weather is inclement the tour will take place on Saturday, February 24 at 10:00 a.m. Sponsored by the Quincy Park Department's Environmental Treasures Program and the Thomas Crane Public Library. For more information, call 617-376-1301
or 617-472-0799.
Concert at the Crane: Chu Ling Dance Academy
Experience the world of Chinese dance at this month's Concert at the Crane on Sunday, February 11 at 3:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
 Dancer/choreographer Chu Ling and her students present a performance of Chinese traditional and contemporary dance. The program will include both solo and ensemble performances of a variety of original pieces choreographed by Chu Ling, including a Taiji and ribbon performance, Xinjiang and umbrella dances.
A native of Shandong, China, Chu Ling graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy and has over 25 years of stage experience as a dancer and choreographer. Chu Ling was the Chief Arts Director and Choreographer for the GuangDong Opera and Dance Orchestra of China. She has taught and performed at many institutions in the greater Boston area and founded the Chu Ling Dance Academy in 1998. Students from the Academy have performed at the last four Boston First Night celebrations.
Mark your calendar for upcoming Concerts at the Crane, including Irish troubadour Tom O'Carroll on March 18 and Telling Kurdish Tales on April 22. All performances are free and sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
CyberTalk: Parent911--Wut R Ur Kidz Doin Online?
Your 5th grader wants to hop on the Internet and play RuneScape. Your 6th grader wants a membership in Club Penguin. And despite all the recent headlines about online predators, your 9th grader spends way more time chatting with friends--and strangers--on myspace.com than she spends doing her homework. If you're the parent of a tween or teen and you've ever worried about what your child is doing--or wants to do--on the Internet, don't miss Parent 911 on Tuesday, February 13 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Main Library.
This free program will take you on a lively tour of the most popular virtual hangouts and online games, and give you pointers on how to keep your children safe on the Internet. You'll surf the Web, see typical myspace.com profiles, learn how to decrypt chat shorthand, and find out what educators, law enforcement, the media, and teens themselves have to say about life online.
According to the most recent Pew Institute survey, teens' use of the Internet for social networking--and for finding information on everything from sex to football to stamp collecting--has risen 24% in the last four years. That trend is expected to continue or accelerate. During a fun evening of Web surfing and discussion, find out what the Social Web looks and feels like so you can help your kids stay safe online.
Volunteer Literacy Tutor Orientation
The Thomas Crane Library's literacy program, LVM-Quincy, is offering two orientation sessions for people interested in becoming basic reading tutors on on Tuesday, February 13 and Thursday, February 22 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Main Library. LVM-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 or to register for an orientation, call 617-376-1314 or fill out an online application (select "Volunteer", scroll to the bottom of that page and select "Application").
Film Feature: A Simple Curve
You are invited to a screening of the recently released Canadian film A Simple Curve on Thursday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m.
 Kris Lemche gives a stellar performance as Caleb, a charming small-town entrepreneur determined to keep his woodworking shop afloat in spite of the relentless idealism of his business partner and father, aging hippie draft-dodger Jim. When wealthy American Matthew arrives, Caleb sees a chance to turn his fortunes around provided he can keep Jim distracted long enough. Juggling mounting debts, freeloading hippie houseguests, and a budding love life, Caleb strikes a secret deal with Matthew that could set him up for good if it doesn't destroy his entire way of life.
"As richly written and directed as it is photographed and acted, A Simple Curve is anything but a facile look at the father-son relationship or the end of the hippie dream....It never stoops to conquer, or resorts to cheap laughs, although it has an abundance of gentle humour. A Simple Curve possesses wisdom that is rare for film these days, let alone a debut."--Peter Howell, Toronto Star
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.
Eyes on Owls
 Everyone loves owls, but have you ever seen a live owl up close? Join naturalist Marcia Wilson and photographer Mark Wilson as they introduce us to some of the local owls of New England and others from around the
world on Sunday, February 18 at 2:30 p.m. at the Main Library.
In this fun and interactive family program for adults of all ages and children aged five and older, you will learn how to identify different types of owls and participate in a hooting lesson. No registration is required but is space is limited to the first 125 people; when the meeting room capacity is reached, we will have to close the doors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
Made in China Film Fest
Discover the richness and range of contemporary Chinese cinema during a special Made in China Film Fest this month at the Main Library. Five films will be screened from Saturday, February 24 through Tuesday, February 27, highlighting a variety of genres including comedy, romance, drama, and martial arts. All screenings are free and sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
Not One Less (1999)
Saturday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m.
Wei Minzhi is a stubborn 13-year-old who takes a substitute teaching job in a tiny provincial town because they can't afford anyone else. When one troublemaking boy heads off to the city to help support his starving family, Wei sets out to bring him back--because she won't receive her bonus if any students are missing. "Extraordinarily rich....a splendid, assured piece of storytelling. It may be the greatest film ever made about obstinacy, which it reveals to be not only a virtue, but also a species of grace."-The New York Times
(Rated G)
Happy Times (2001)
Saturday, February 24 at 2:00 p.m.
Zhao is an aging bachelor who hasn't been lucky in love. Thinking he has finally met the woman of his dreams, Zhao leads her to believe he is wealthy and agrees to a wedding far beyond his means. His simultaneous efforts to sustain this imposture and to raise money set the movie into motion. "A wise, gentle and sad new comedy....the movie is finally a consideration of how two people who mean nothing to each other can slowly and accidentally find a deep and unexpected connection."-The New York Times
(Rated PG for strong language)
Magnificent Butcher (1979)
Sunday, February 25 at 2:00 p.m.
When a kung master's goddaughter is murdered by his own lustful son, Wong Fei-hung's mischievous student Butcher Wing is blamed. Wing's brother is killed in an attempt to cover up the truth. Now he must fight to clear his name and get revenge. This movie brings together two of the greatest martial arts filmmakers--Sammo Hung Kam-Bo and Wol-Ping Yuen--in their only creative collaboration, with an A-list cast that includes several legendary kung fu actors. "Easily ranks as one of the best kung fu movies of all-time....a jaw-dropping classic."-Kung-Fu Cinema
(Rated PG-13 for violent content, some sexuality & profanity)
Quitting (2001)
Monday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m.
This is the story of Jia Hongsheng, a rising Chinese movie star of the early 1990s, from the cutting edge of China's artistic movement, through a period of conflict with himself and his parents, to a mental institution and finally on the quest to rediscover himself and his family. The role of Jia Hongsheng is played by the actor himself, and nearly all of the other characters in the film, from his parents to his fellow inmates at a psychiatric hospital, also play themselves. "Generational confusion in a country that has changed drastically in a very short time was also the subject of [Director Yang] Zhang's first feature, the warm, popular Shower. With Quitting, he has removed sentimentality from the theme and presented it with unflinching honesty, a quality he shares with his fearless cast."-The New York Times
(Rated R for drug content)
2046 (2004)
Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m.
2046 is a hotel room, a futuristic story, and a state of mind. Starting in 1966, we see ladies' man and newspaper hack Chow on various Christmases as he lives, loves, and writes in a decrepit hotel and nearby restaurants. After an affair with old flame who lives in the Oriental Hotel, Chow moves into the adjacent room and meets the two women whose stories will cast shadows over his own. "In this ecstatically beautiful film, walls never tumble, only women do....an unqualified triumph."-The New York Times
(Rated R for sexual content)
Drop-in Book Groups
 COOKING WITH BOOKS @Adams Shore Branch
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 meets from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Adams Shore Branch Library, 519 Sea St., Quincy. On February 12, we'll celebrate CHOCOLATE. You are invited to bring a favorite 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 February 6, Let's Talk TRAVEL. 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, February 21 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, February 2 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, February 9, the group will discuss Kntting by Anne Bartlett. 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, February 21, the group will discuss The Barbarians are Coming by David Wong Louie. 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.
 THURSDAY EVENING BOOK DISCUSSION
This group meets 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, February 1, the group will discuss Outwitting History: The Amazing Adventures of a Man Who Rescued a Million Yiddish Books by Aaron Lansky. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library checkout desk. For more information, call Will at 617-689-8320.
February Exhibit
Quincy resident Adah Shumway will exhibit her artwork from February 1 to 28 in the Coletti Reading Room on the first floor of the Main Library. A public reception will be held on Thursday, February 8 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
The title of the show--Nature--describes the content quite literally. The works are a combination of flat and sculptural pieces which all use real objects from nature. Adah is most interested in the intricate details of texture, color, and shape, which can be found in the natural world. She attended Mass Art and received her BFA in Fibers. Since her graduation she has worked for several local artists as well as at Gateway Arts, a day program for developmentally challenged adults. She has also exhibited her artwork locally and in Vermont. The purpose of her art is to help each person who views it to notice nature and its beauty wherever they are.
February 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, February 3 and Saturday, February 10 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: Singalong with Peter Sheridan
Come dance and sing along with popular local children's musician Peter Sheridan on Saturday, February 10 at 2:30 p.m. at the Main Library. This highly interactive program uses a variety of musical instruments and favorite songs new and old. So come "Shake your Sillies Out" and learn a new song. This program is for children ages 0-4 accompanied by an adult.
No registration is required but is space is limited to the first 125 people; when the meeting room capacity is reached, we will have to close the doors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
ENGLISH/CHINESE STORYTIME WITH MICHELLE
Bring your child to a free English/Chinese drop-in storytime on Saturday, February 17 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: THE SCIENCE OF ART
Get your left and right brains working together and discover the links between science and art. In this Mad Science of Greater Boston workshop, children will explore the features that are important to both artists and scientists. They'll mix and separate colors, uncover art forgeries and discover that science is an important part of art. They'll learn about distorted images and even make a distorted image of their own to take home.
Two sessions of this program will be held on Saturday, February 17 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, February 5. 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.
EYES ON OWLS
Everyone loves owls, but have you ever seen a live owl up close? Join naturalist Marcia Wilson and photographer Mark Wilson as they introduce us to some of the local owls of New England and others from around the
world on Sunday, February 18 at 2:30 p.m. at the Main Library.
In this fun and interactive family program for adults of all ages and children aged five and older, you will learn how to identify different types of owls and participate in a hooting lesson. No registration is required but is space is limited to the first 125 people; when the meeting room capacity is reached, we will have to close the doors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
STORYTIME WITH DIANA KANE
Join local storyteller Diana Kane as she presents Beyond Books, an interactive storytelling event for children ages 2 and older accompanied by an adult on Tuesday, February 20 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wollaston Branch Library. Props, puppets and songs get the audience involved in stories from around the world. Because space is limited, registration is required for this program. Call 617-376-1330 or stop
by the Wollaston Branch library to register beginning Monday, February 5. 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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