Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

February 2008
Volume 5, Number 2

Wireless Internet Service Extended at the Main Library
Income Tax Information
Magazine Feature: Gardening
Main Library Orientation Tour
National Issues Forum: The Energy Problem
Concert at the Crane: Dr. Fidgety Dixieland Jazz Duo
Foreign Film Feature: Adam's Apples
Concert at the Crane: Fumito Nunoya Marimba Recital
Go Places @your library: Journey to Poland & Russia
Ask the Career Experts
Film Feature: The Namesake
National Issues Forum: The New Challenges of Immigration
February Book Discussions & Drop-in Groups
February Exhibit: Photography by Charles Colby
February Events for Children
What's New in the Library Collection
Staff Picks: What We're Reading
Calendar of Events
Friends of the Library

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Wireless Internet Service Extended at the Main Library
The wireless Internet signal has recently been extended into the Children's Room and the Richardson building at the Main Library. The service in the Children's Room is available for children and their adult caregivers only. Access in the Richardson building is open to all. To use this free service, all you need is a laptop with wireless Internet capability. For assistance or more information, please see our Wireless Internet User's Guide or ask for a printed User's Guide at the Main Library.

Income Tax Information
Check out the library's recently updated income tax information page for information about state and federal tax forms, online tax help, and free local tax preparation services.

Magazine Feature: Gardening
Start planning ahead for this year's garden season with these magazines at your library:

Better Homes and Gardens

Birds and Blooms

Fine Gardening

Horticulture

Organic Gardening

You may browse current and older issues of magazines in the Main Library Richardson building and at the branch libraries. Magazines may be checked out for two weeks and renewed for another two weeks if no other holds are waiting. If the issue you want is not available, it's easy to search and place holds in the library catalog. Go to our Catalog Help page to find out how--or just ask a librarian for help.

Main Library Orientation Tour
Take a guided walk through the library at a free orientation tour of the Main Library at 40 Washington St. on Saturday, February 2 at 10:00 a.m. Chinese interpretation will be provided. All ages are welcome to join the orientation tours.

National Issues Forum: The Energy Problem
You are invited to participate in a National Issues Forum on the topic of The Energy Problem: Choices for an Uncertain Future at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 3 at the Main Library. National Issues Forums provide an opportunity for citizens to gather, talk, listen and learn together about urgent issues our nation faces, in hopes of finding workable solutions.

America's way of life seems threatened by unstable sources of energy, while many see growing evidence of environmental damage. As demands for energy escalate, both in this country and in rapidly developing nations, we may soon reach a point of no return. It is time to face the difficult choices that must be made to ensure a sustainable future. During the Forum, participants will consider three possible approaches to the problem: reducing our dependency on foreign energy; developing non-fossil fuel alternatives; and reducing consumer demand for energy.

National Issues Forums (NIF) is a nonpartisan, nationwide network of locally sponsored public forums for the consideration of public policy issues. It is rooted in the simple notion that people need to come together to reason and talk - to deliberate about common problems. NIF does not advocate specific solutions or points of view but provides citizens the opportunity to consider a broad range of choices, weigh the pros and cons of those choices, and meet with each other in a public dialogue to identify the concerns they hold in common. Although all forum activity is locally organized, moderated, and financed, the materials used are produced by the Kettering Foundation of Dayton, Ohio, among others, and promoted by the National Issues Forums Institute.

There is no fee to participate in National Issues Forums. Free booklets on the topic are available for participants to read prior to the Forum. To register and obtain a booklet, please call 617-376-1316 or e-mail quref@ocln.org. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

Concert at the Crane: Dr. Fidgety
A free performance by the Dr. Fidgety Dixieland Jazz Duo will be presented on Sunday, February 10 at 3:00 p.m. at the Main Library. Banjoist and vocalist Jimmy Mazzy and tubist Mike Milnarik will take you on a wonderful journey into some of America's most important music. Music from Raye Henderson, Fats Waller, W. C. Handy and much more will all be a part of this traditional jazz--yet very unique--duo's concert.

Jimmy Mazzy has recently been voted no. 1 Traditional Jazz Banjoist and No. 2 Male Singer in the Jazzology and Mississippi Rag readership polls. He has made over 30 recordings. Mike Milnarik has a very eclectic musical background, having performed with symphony orchestras, brass groups, jazz ensembles, and many other world class organizations. He has also been heard on numerous recordings as well as radio and television broadcasts. This dynamic duo shares a passionate vision of performing and preserving American music of the eartly 20th century known as Traditional Jazz. Mazzy and Milnarik are both members of the highly acclaimed Dr. Fidgety Dixieland Jazz Band.

This free performance for all ages is sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

Foreign Film Feature: Adam's Apples
Attend a free screening of this recently released Danish film on Thursday, February 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.

Ivan is an insanely optimistic preacher who takes in convicts to help around the remote, rural church he ministers to. His current charges are a psychotic Saudi immigrant addicted to robbing gas stations and an alcoholic tennis pro convicted of sexual assault. His newest "helper" is Adam, a vicious neo-Nazi anxiously biding his time before he can return to hell-raising. Grasping the extent of Ivan's crazed, preternatural determination to look on the bright side of everything--Adam immediately decides to shake him out of his rose-colored stupor.

"A funny, politically incorrect and, somewhere deep down, thoughtful black comedy"--Variety

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.

Concert at the Crane: Fumito Nunoya
A free solo marimba recital by Fumito Nunoya will be presented on Sunday, February 24 at 3:00 p.m. at the Main Library.

Acclaimed by the Boston Herald as "agile and terrifically talented", and by the Houston Chronicle as "magnetic... impressive", Nunoya will perform a unique program of Western classical and contemporary music and Asian folk tunes, including "Chaconne" by J.S. Bach and "Red Dragonfly" by Japanese composer Kosaku Yamada.

Born in Japan, Fumito Nunoya began playing the piano at age seven and the marimba and percussion at age seventeen. He graduated from Yamagata University with a music education degree in 2001 and received a master’s degree in marimba performance at The Boston Conservatory. He has won top prizes at many national and international competitions and made his U.S. concert debut with the Houston Symphony in 2005. Nunoya has presented solo recitals around the world as well as performances with chamber ensembles such as the Odate Wind Ensemble, the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Odate Magewappa Japanese Drumming Group.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

Go Places @your Library: Journey to Poland and Russia
Travel to contemporary Poland and Russia at a free slide presentation on Monday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.

The program will feature a variety of social, artistic, and architectural images taken in the summer of 2007 by Fulbright scholar Robert C. Anderson. Anderson traveled with 15 other professors and teachers, exploring art, architectural and educational issues, and meeting with many educational, diplomatic and political leaders. Professor Anderson will highlight and discuss architectural changes in Poland and Russia and a number of the buildings and important sites from his travels, including Chopin's birthplace, the home of Marie Curie, the American ambassador's residence in Moscow, the Kremlin, and more.

Robert C. Anderson received an M.A. from the Architectural Association of London, a B. Arch. from the Boston Architectural Center, and a B.F.A. from Massachusetts College of Art. He is a trained designer and watercolourist, an historian of architecture, interior design, and art, has a strong affinity for the landscape and history of New England, England, Ireland, and Scandinavia, and has traveled extensively throughout Europe. After many years of teaching as an adjunct professor at various colleges in greater Boston, Anderson is very happy to have found a permanent home as a full-time Assistant Professor at Endicott College, where he teaches Architectural History and Interior Design.

Ask the Career Experts
Are you hunting for a job or considering a career change? Come to the library for customized advice about the job search process, career exploration, resumes, networking and more, provided by career counselors and employment coaches from Career Moves at Jewish Vocational Service.

This free service will be available by appointment only, on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Main Library, beginning February 26. To make a half-hour appointment, please call Judy Bottkol at 617-399-3162.

Ask the Career Experts is offered by the Library in partnership with Jewish Vocational Service of Boston, a non-sectarian organization that provides job search, employment assistance, education, training, career development, and support to individuals from all backgrounds.

Film Feature: The Namesake

Join us for a screening of The Namesake on Thursday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library. Based upon the bestselling novel by Jhumpa Lahiri, this epic family saga stars Kal Penn as Gogol Ganguli, a suburban teenager caught between his Indian roots and his American birthright. Gogol and his Indian-born parents must somehow strike a balance between age-old traditions and modern-day sensibilities as they search for a patch of common ground.

"Brims with intelligence, compassion, and sensuous delight"--Chicago Tribune

Rated PG-13 for sexual content and mature themes. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

National Issues Forum: The New Challenges of Immigration
You are invited to participate in the second National Issues Forum on the topic of The New Challenges of Immigration: What Should We Do? at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 2 at the Main Library.

The U.S. has traditionally defined itself as a land of opportunity, a refuge from persecution, and a nation of immigrants. Today, more people than ever are trying to enter this country. While most Americans believe that, historically, immigration has strengthened the U.S., many people now question whether immigration is good for America. Is it time, once again, to change our immigration policies? If so, how? Join with fellow citizens to talk, listen and learn together about this urgent issue that our nation faces, in hopes of finding workable solutions.

National Issues Forums (NIF) is a nonpartisan, nationwide network of locally sponsored public forums for the consideration of public policy issues. It is rooted in the simple notion that people need to come together to reason and talk - to deliberate about common problems. NIF does not advocate specific solutions or points of view but provides citizens the opportunity to consider a broad range of choices, weigh the pros and cons of those choices, and meet with each other in a public dialogue to identify the concerns they hold in common. Although all forum activity is locally organized, moderated, and financed, the materials used are produced by the Kettering Foundation of Dayton, Ohio, among others, and promoted by the National Issues Forums Institute.

There is no fee to participate in National Issues Forums. Free booklets on the topic are available for participants to read prior to the Forum. To register and obtain a booklet, please call 617-376-1316 or e-mail quref@ocln.org. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

January Book Discussions & Drop-in Groups

Embers cover FRIDAY MORNING BOOK DISCUSSION
This book discussion group meets on the second Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. The focus of this group is world literature. On Friday, February 8, the group will discuss Embers by Sandor Marai. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library checkout 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 20, the group will discuss Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: an African Childhood by Alexandra Fuller. 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.

Where Death and Glory Meet cover 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 7, the group will discuss Where Death and Glory Meet: Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry by Russell Duncan. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library checkout desk. For more information, call Will at 617-689-8320.

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 on Friday, February 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!

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 11, we'll talk about BREAKFAST. You are invited to bring one of your favorite recipes to share. For more information, call 617-376-1325.

MOVIE MATINEE @North Quincy Branch
See a variety of films selected with older adults in mind at this weekly program, most Wednesdays at 2:15 p.m. at the North Quincy Branch. Films include travel, humor, and biography as well as full-length feature films.

February Exhibit: Photography by Charles Colby
Local photographer Charles Colby presents an exhibit entitled People, Places and Things from February 1 to 29 in the Coletti reading room of the Main Library. The exhibit will feature a variety of photographic subjects, including the North End, Route 66, and both personal and environmental portraits. A public reception will be held on Saturday, February 16 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

After graduating from North Quincy High School in 1951, Mr. Colby was stationed in France as an ambulance driver for the U.S. Army. There his interest in photography first developed, with the help of a patient instructor and a photographic lab. After discharge, Colby continued to take photographs and gradually progressed from black and white with a range finder to color slides and a single lens reflex Exacta. After wearing out the Exacta, he switched to a point and shoot Canon and color film, documenting his family through the years. Mr. Colby joined the South Shore Camera Club after retirement and currently shoots with a digital Canon XTi and does most of his own printing.

February Events for Children

DROP-IN STORYTIMES WITH MICHELLE
Join storyteller Michelle Andrews on Saturday, February 2 and 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library for stories, songs rhymes and more for children ages 2-5 accompanied by an adult. The program on the 16th is our monthly bilingual storytime and will be presented in English with Cantonese and Mandarin interpretation. No registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Library.

SATURDAY FUN FOR LITTLE ONES
Join us on Saturday, February 9 at 10:00 a.m. for Moovin' and Groovin' with Su Eaton. This high energy concert includes songs, game sand lots of creative movement. This program is for children ages 0-4 accompanied by an adult. No registration is required but space is limited to the first 125 people. When we reach the capacity, we will have to close the doors. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Library.

CHILDREN'S MOVIE: Disney's The Jungle Book

Join us for a free screening of this classic 1967 Disney animated film on Tuesday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library. The Jungle Book tells the story of a young boy Mowgli who was raised by animals in the jungle. When tiger Shere Khan threatens to return to their part of the jungle, the other animals decide that Mowgli must return to the man village in order to ensure his safety. Parents must remain with younger children. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

ZUMBA KIDS!
Can you Zumba?! Join fitness instructor Patti Hoff for an introduction to the hottest new dance and fitness program out there on Thursday, February 21 at the Main Library. Two sessions will be offered--one at 10:00 a.m. for ages 3-7 and one at 11:15 for ages 8-11. Registration is required, beginning Monday, February 4. Due to space limitations, this program is limited to Quincy residents. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Library.

MAD SCIENCE: Matter of Fact
This Mad Science of Greater Boston workshop for children ages 4-8 introduces kids to the building blocks of the universe through hands-on fun, discussions and demonstrations. They'll learn about the fundamentals of chemistry, from atoms to the structure, dynamics, characteristics and possible combinations of simple to complex molecules. The children will learn and observe the difference between physical and chemical changes and examine both atoms and molecules. To cap it all off, participants will find out just how much fun polymers can be as they make their very own Mad Science putty.

This workshop will be held on Saturday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library.

Registration is required, beginning Monday, February 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

BOOK CLUBS
The Library offers three book discussion groups for kids: Night Owls 3 for third graders, Night Owls 4 for fourth graders, and the Phoenix for grades 5-8. Each group meets once a month at the Main Library. Call or stop by the Main Library Children's Room for more information or to register.

What's New in the Library Collection
Browse for new books, audiobooks, and DVDs in the Readers' Links section of our website or sign up to receive updates in your e-mail. There are booklists for every age and interest, including bestsellers, fiction and mystery, large print, audiobooks, books for kids and teens, DVDs, and more. Each booklist is published monthly and features titles, reviews, and links to the library catalog, so reserving the titles you want is quick and easy.

To see lists of other new materials, check out the New in the Library lists in the Old Colony Library Network online catalog. To see only new titles owned by a Quincy library, go into the catalog from our Catalog Search page. To see new titles owned by all libraries in the Old Colony Library Network, go into the catalog from the OCLN website using the catalog search box, without logging in with your library card number.

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.