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NEWSLETTER
March 2006
Volume 3, Number 3
New Online Business Database: Mergent
Online
Library Receives EqualAccess Libraries Grant
Free Tax Preparation for Low/Middle Income Taxpayers at Main Library
Quincy Reads Together: Use What You Know to Write a Mystery
Quincy Reads Together: Crime & the Cultural Landscape Reading & Discussion Series
DISCOVER IT @your library: Childhood Nutrition for Parents
Anime Feature: Castle of Cagliostro
DISCOVER IT @your Library: Get Your Act Together and Get Organized!
8th Annual UNScrabble Fundraiser for Literacy
Quincy Reads Together: Meet the Author: Katherine Hall Page
Ongoing Programs for Adults: Book Discussion Groups & More
March Exhibits
March Events for Children
What's
New in the Library's Collection
Recommended Spring Reading
Calendar of Events
Friends of the Library
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Back Issues
New Online Business Database: Mergent
Online
The Library has added a new online database that takes the place of Moody's Manuals, a business service well known for its coverage of publicly held company financial information and industry overviews. Available both from within the library and from your home or office with a Quincy library card, Mergent Online covers both US and international companies, plus extensive statistical data on over 100 countries, corporate bond portraits, Moody's debt ratings and Equity Research Reports.
Library Receives EqualAccess Libraries Grant
The Thomas Crane Public Library is one of 15 Massachusetts
libraries selected to participate in the EqualAccess
Libraries professional development program. EqualAccess
helps librarians assess, and in collaboration with local organizations,
address their community's most pressing needs. EqualAccess
focuses on building librarians' community programming skills,
expertise in youth, health or lifelong program development,
and ability to use technology to expand and enhance programs
and services.
EqualAcess has already been successfully implemented in Arizona and Pennsylvania. In Massachusetts, where EqualAcess is newly established, the program represents and enthusiastic partnership between the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and Libraries for the Future, a national organization dedicated to information equity, literacy and the preservation and renewal of libraries. Massachusetts is the first state to award participating EqualAccess libraries a $5,000 Library Services and Technology grant as part of the program.
Two librarians from the Thomas Crane Library will attend a four-day professional development institute this spring, which will provide them with tools to develop and expand community-responsive programming. The Library has chosen youth and lifelong access for its focus and will develop and implement programs in these areas following the institute, using the $5,000 grant.
Free Tax Preparation for Low/Middle Income Taxpayers 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.
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.
For information about tax forms and other tax preparation services available in Quincy, go to our income tax information page.
Quincy Reads Together: Use What You Know to Write a Mystery
Been a housewife? A domestic worker? Single parent? Lived in a creepy
old house? You think your life's been boring--but exciting plots are
buried in your own expertise. Find the clues to the novel only you can
write on Saturday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
A four-person panel from the New England chapter of the international
organization Sisters
in Crime will share their expertise and answer questions at this
special event for aspiring mystery writers and mystery fiction fans
alike. Panelists include medical thriller author Gary
Braver, Leslie
Meier, creator of the mystery series featuring reporter and amateur
sleuth Lucy Stone, "living history" mystery author Leslie
Wheeler, and John
M. Prophet, author of mysteries for young adults.
This free program for adults and teens is part of this year's Quincy Reads Together: Mystery By The Book community reading program. Sponsored by the Bill Flynn Foundation.
Quincy Reads Together: Crime & the Cultural Landscape Reading & Discussion Series
This six-part reading and discussion series continues on Tuesday evenings in March, and April. Each session will include a short presentation by Curry College English Professor Fedo, followed by a group discussion. All sessions will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
The remaining books and discussion dates are as follows:
- 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 are 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 free program is part of this year's Quincy Reads Together: Mystery By The Book community reading program. Sponsored by the Bill Flynn Foundation.
DISCOVER IT @your library: Childhood Nutrition for Parents
Join registered dietitian Yeemay Su Miller for one or both of these workshops on children's nutrition.
On Wednesday, March 8, Ms. Miller will talk about feeding your infant and preschooler covering such topics as breastfeeding and infant formulas, introducing solid foods, preventing food allergies, helping children choose nutritious foods and portion sizes for children.
On Wednesday, March 22, the discussion will be on nutrition for school age children and teenagers. Special topics applicable to this age group include; the importance of breakfast, healthy snacks, eating on-the-go, preventing eating disorders and recognizing the warning signs and nutrition and peer influences.
Both workshops begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library. A question and answer session will be included with each discussion. This program is a lecture and discussion intended for adults not children. 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 600's section this month. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
For more information, call 617-376-1301.
Anime Feature: Castle of Cagliostro
Join us for a screening of the Japanese anime movie "Castle of Cagliostro" on Thursday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
 "Hayao Miyazaki (Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro) achieved his first international hit with this delightful 1979 adventure yarn. Quick-paced, high-spirited, and loaded with wit, Cagliostro is a dandy throwback to the caper pictures of the '60s. International man of mystery Lupin III stumbles back into the picturesque European duchy of Cagliostro with his faithful and gruff sidekick, Jigen. They will encounter, in no particular order, a runaway bride, a magical ring, an evil count with a dastardly plan, an inspector bent on catching Lupin, perilous rooftop chases, hooded guards with superhuman powers, a well-used dungeon, a counterfeiting scheme, and an ancient mystery promising grand treasure. Lupin deploys an array of Bond-type gadgets, razor-sharp wit, and a surprise up both his sleeves. Despite the hail of bullets, this caper is great fun, never taking itself seriously." (Amazon.com)
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.
DISCOVER IT @your library: Get Your Act Together and Get Organized!
Can't conquer the clutter? Just plain overwhelmed? Find out how to Get Your Act Together at an organizing workshop on Saturday, March 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
Through a lively combination of lecture, exercises and group discussion, this free workshop will highlight common problems and outline strategies for success. You'll learn proven organizing techniques you can put to immediate use in your home or office. You'll leave knowing you can gain control of your time and life!
 Maxine Gautier, founder of Out from Under Professional Organizing, has been organizing homes, offices and lives in the Boston area for the past six years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Her practice also includes helping prepare houses for the real estate market.
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 600's section this month. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
For more information, call 617-376-1301.
8th Annual UNScrabble Fundraiser or Literacy
Join us for an evening of fun and games at the 8th annual
UNScrabble Fundraiser to benefit the Library's Literacy Project.
The registration fee is $15 per person. Space is limited so
reserve your table now! Call 617-376-1314 for more information.
The fundraiser is sponsored by Literacy Volunteers of America--Quincy and Altrusa International, Inc. of Quincy.
Quincy Reads Together: Meet the Author: Katherine Hall Page
Join acclaimed mystery author Katherine Hall Page for a reading and book signing on Sunday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
A master of the Agatha Christie-like traditional mystery, Katherine
Hall Page is the author of two ongoing mystery series. The first of
these revolves around Faith Fairchild, a Massachusetts
caterer and minister's wife whose amateur crime investigations are laced
with some of the recipes she puts to use in her catering business. The
second of Page's mystery series is aimed at young readers and features
three 8th grade girls known as Christie and Company.
Page is one of only two authors ever to be nominated for an Agatha Award
in three different categories, and is an Agatha winner for both Best
First Mystery and Best Short Story. She was also nominated for an Edgar
award for Best Children's Mystery for Christie and Company Down
East. Her latest book Faith Fairchild book, The Body in the
Snowdrift, was deemed "perfect" by critics.
About her Faith Fairchild novels, Page says, "I imagine Faith standing by a pond, its surface a mirror perhaps reflecting some white birches or catching the flight of a heron. Everything looks quite perfect and serene, but if she takes a stick and pokes it beneath the surface, who knows what lies below--what secrets will emerge from the murky depths? The difference between what seems and what is, has been a theme throughout all the books. It's the tension between appearance and reality that taps into our greatest fears."
Page was born and grew up in New Jersey. College brought her to Massachusetts, where she continues to lives with her family. Before her career as a full-time writer, Ms. Page taught at the high school level for many years.
This free event for adults and children in grades 4+ 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 March 1, the
group will be discussing Hotel
du Lac by Anita Brookner. 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 March 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 March 10, the group will be discussing The Color of Water by James McBride. 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 March 15,
the group will be discussing To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. 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.
March Exhibits
Quincy resident and retired scientist Frank Madden will display landscape and space photography from March 5-31 in the Coletti reading room at the Main Library.
Mr. Madden's interest in photography led him to invent the first disposable camera for the top-secret Corona Project during the Cold War. Madden was one of five chief engineers who designed the spy satellites, cameras, film and film retrieval method that provided the first good look from space at what the Soviet Union was doing. Between 1960 and 1972 the Corona cameras provided 860,000 images of the Earth's surface that are still helping global environmental studies.
Mr. Madden was raised in Dorchester and served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. He graduated from Northeastern University in 1951 with a degree in mechanical engineering. While he was working on the Corona Project, he and his wife were raising their family in Quincy. In 2005, Mr. Madden received the Charles Stark Draper Prize for his work on the Corona cameras, awarded by the National Academy of Engineering.
March Events for Children
SPRING STORYTIME REGISTRATION
Registration for spring storytimes and elementary explorations begins Friday, March 17 at 9:00 a.m. The children's department offers weekly storytimes for children ages 4 months to 7 years. For program details pick up a schedule at any library location or check our storytime schedule page. Each child may register for only one storytime. Children must be of age by the first meeting. Call or stop by the program location to register. Please note that programs fill very quickly. Registration is limited to Quincy residents.
STORYTIME WITH MICHELLE
Saturday drop-in storytimes return on March 4 and 11. 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.
SIGN WITH YOUR BABY
Join instructor Sheryl White for an introductory workshop on using sign language with babies and toddlers on Sunday, March 12 at 1:30 p.m. at the Main Library. Learn about the benefits and how to teach your hearing baby how to communicate before they can speak. 52 ASL signs will be introduced. This program is for families with very young children ages 0-4. No registration is required. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
Quincy Reads Together: WHO WROTE THE WHODUNIT? YOU DID!
Join storyteller Alicia Quintano on Tuesday, March 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Main Library as she uses games and exercises to help you create your own strange tale of mystery and adventure. Registration is required, beginning Monday, March 6, and is limited to Quincy residents. This program is for ages 9 and older.
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.
MAD SCIENCE: MAD MESSAGES
Discover the exciting world of remote controlled toys with LEGO Spybotics--a system of remote controlled interactive gaming robots that play action and strategy games on Saturday, March 18 at the Main Library. Learn about how the Spybot's robot positioning system works to communicate with Spybots and their controllers, how to avoid obstacles and the special characteristics of each robot.
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, March 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.
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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