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NEWSLETTER
March 2007
Volume 4, Number 3
Library System Going Offline March 5-8
Help Plan Our 125th Anniversary Bash!
New Magazines at the Library
Parent911 Website Now Available
Main Library Tour
Film Feature: Little Miss Sunshine
What's Cooking @your library: Food for Life
CyberTalk: Spring Cleaning Your Computer
Film Feature: The Great Match
Concerts at the Crane: Irish Troubador Tom O'Carroll
Film Discussion Series: The World War I Years
Literacy Project Spelling Bee Fundraiser
An Inconvenient Truth Film Screening & Discussion
Drop-in Book Groups
Monthly Book Discussions
March Exhibit: Roots, Markers & Memories
March Events for Children
What's New in the Library's Collection / New DVDs
Recommended
Reading
Calendar of Events
Friends of the Library
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Back Issues
Contact Us
Library System Going Offline March 5-8
The Old Colony Library System will be replacing its aging computer server with a much faster, new server in early March. The entire system, including the online library catalog and all library account functions, will be unavailable from 6:00 a.m. on Monday, March 5 until 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 8.
During this maintenance period, limited library services will
be available:
- You will be able to check out up to five items per person
- All items will be checked out for two weeks only
- You will not be able to renew items, place reserves, or pick up reserved items
- If you check out materials before March 5 that are due during the maintenance period, they will automatically be due on Friday, March 9 and will not accrue any overdue charges
- You will not be able to pay outstanding charges on your library account
- No new library cards will be given out during the maintenance period
- The library catalog will not be available to users OR staff to look up particular books or other materials
- You will be able to reserve museum passes by telephone but not online
If you have any questions, please call 617-376-1301 or send us e-mail qucirc@ocln.org. Thank you for your patience during this time!
Help Plan Our 125th Anniversary Bash!
On May 30, 1882, the original Richardson building of the Thomas Crane Library was dedicated. To commemorate the occasion and celebrate 125 years of service to the community, the Friends of the Library are planning a wine tasting gala on Friday, June 8. Volunteers are needed to help plan and organize this special event, which will also raise money to fund library programs for all ages. The next planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library meeting room. All are welcome to join the planning committee. If you would like to attend a committee meeting or participate in some other way, please contact Friends President Harold Crowley by e-mail or by phone at 617-471-6881 or hcro1868@apl.com.
New Magazines at the Library
Did you know that the Library subscribes to over 180 current magazines? Recently, a few new magazines have been added to the collection:
Everyday with Rachael Ray
Each issue contains seasonal 30-minute recipes, travel get-aways,
a home cook idea sharing network, new cooking tools and gadgets,
menu planners, and a No Recipe Zone with secrets of popular
dishes that require no recipe.
PCPhoto
Articles, reviews, and technical instructions with a focus on digital cameras and imaging.
Career World
Especially for students in grades 7 to 12 as they begin to explore career paths and educational options. Articles and essays provide information about career trends (including salary scales) and practical tips for job hunting or starting a business. Students can also read about colleges and scholarships, vocational training, and job interview skills.
To find these and other great magazines, come to the Main Library and head for the historic Richardson building. If you need help, just ask a librarian!
Parent911 Website Now Available
If you are a concerned parent of a tween or teen and you missed last month's Parent911 CyberTalk program, you may want to peruse a special website prepared by Library staff. The Parent911 provides an eye-opening tour of the most popular virtual hangouts and online games for young people, and gives you some advice on keeping your children safe on the Internet.
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, March 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 April 7 and May 5.
Film Feature: Little Miss Sunshine
Come to a free screening of this critically acclaimed comedy on Thursday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
When pudgy, bespectacled seven-year-old Olive voices her desire to take home the coveted Little Miss Sunshine crown at an upcoming beauty pageant, her wildly dysfunctional family sets out on an interstate road trip to ensure her a clear shot at realizing her dreams. Nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Motion Picture of the Year! Rated R.
"This indie, a sweet, tart and smart satire about a family of losers in a world obsessed with winning, is an authentic crowd pleaser. There's been no more satisfying American comedy this year"--Newsweek
Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
What's Cooking @your library: Food for Life
Research shows that as much as 50% of all cancer may be diet related. The right food choices can reduce your risk of developing cancer-and help you beat the disease after it has been diagnosed. Find out how healthy eating can also be deliciously simple at Food for Life: Fueling Up on Low-Fat Foods & Favoring Fiber on Sunday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m. at the Main Library.
Avoiding fatty fare is an important first step in preventing and surviving cancer. Dietary fat can mean higher rates of hormone-related cancers such as breast and prostate cancer, and can also hinder the immune system. In Fueling Up on Low-Fat Foods, you will see low-fat dishes made from whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruit prepared with little or no added fats, and sample the healthy results.
Without fiber in your diet, you are less able to get rid of toxins, waste hormones, excess cholesterol, chemicals and other undesirables, which can lead to a higher cancer risk. Fiber is especially important in preventing colon cancer and even helps the immune system function properly. In Favoring Fiber, you will enjoy a fiber-rich meal as you work toward your goal of 40 fiber grams per day.
The Food for Life nutrition and cooking program was designed by physicians, nutrition experts, and registered dietitians at The Cancer Project, a non-profit organization committed to teaching people about the benefits of a healthy diet for cancer prevention and survival. The Food for Life program offers real recipes and shows you how to prepare simple delicious healthy meals at home.
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.
CyberTalk: Spring Cleaning Your Computer
Is your PC running slower than ever? Have slo-mo Internet surfing and pop-ups got you down? Are you worried that you've downloaded a virus? If so, it's time for some spring cleaning! Put the duster and polish away-this kind of cleaning is mostly internal and easier than you think. So get ready to explore some easy and cheap ways to get your computer back in the fast lane with Spring Cleaning Your Computer on Tuesday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
Learn how to clean and disinfect your PC, minimize clutter, and maximize disk space to bring an underperforming machine back from the grave. Discover how to uninstall your computer's unnecessary programs, clean up the hard disk, remove those annoying autostart programs, delete temporary files and clean out your old emails. No registration is required.
Film Feature: The Great Match
Attend a free screening of the recently released film The Great Match on Thursday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
This film tells the adventurous story of three heroes, none of whom have ever met, but who nevertheless have two things in common: firstly, they all live in the farthest-flung corners of the planet and, secondly, they are all three determined to see on TV the final in Japan of the 2002 World Cup between Germany and Brazil. The protagonists in this 'global' comedy are: a family of Mongolian nomads, a camel caravan of Tuareg in the Sahara, and a group of Indios in the Amazon. They all live about 500 kilometres away from the next town--and the next television--making their task a particularly daunting one. Nevertheless, these inventive people possess the resourcefulness and the willpower to achieve their goal.
"A visually breathtaking, gently comic homage to the indigenous communities that are its subject and to soccer's power to penetrate lives"--Jonathan Holland, Variety.com
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: Irish Troubador Tom O'Carroll
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day this year with a free concert of Irish songs and stories for all ages on Sunday, March 18 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
This lively performance features the wit and wisdom--and a variety of traditional instruments--of Tom O'Carroll's native land. Dublin born folklorist, folksinger and multi-instrumentalist Tom brings a wealth of stories, humor, and history to his performances. He has played at concerts, festivals, colleges, libraries and pubs all over the U.S. and Canada, as well as his native Ireland, including a stint for one month in Seoul, South Korea. Whether playing a plaintive air on the tin whistle or singing and playing rousing traditional songs to the accompaniment of the guitar or the bodhrán (Irish drum), Tom will captivate all with this entertaining program of Irish culture.
This free performance is sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
Film Discussion Series: The World War I Years
Revisit and understand the tumultuous events of a formative period in American history at The World War I Years: America Becomes a World Power, a free six-part film viewing and discussion series presented at the Main Library beginning Tuesday, March 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Given the current state of world affairs and America's recent decisions to go to war in the Middle East, the historical era of the Great War couldn't be more timely. Now more than ever it is essential to understand how the United States rose to power and the after effects at home from a war fought abroad. The World War I Years explains how the events of this era catapulted America into being a super power and continue to affect our lives today.
Broken down into six sessions--Road to War, Over There, Modern War, The American People in Wartime, Peace Making and After the War: The Turbulent Years--this essential series consists of informative and lively lectures by Newbury College Professor of History Dan Breen, film screenings, readings and discussions. Films will be screened and discussed at the library every Tuesday evening from March 20 to April 24.
The World War I Years: America Becomes a World Power series is made possible by National Video Resources and sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library. No registration is required.
Literacy Project Spelling Bee Fundraiser
Good Night Moon, Charlotte's Web, Hop on Pop--do you remember these books being read to you as a child? Do you remember the favorite stories you read countless times to your own young children? One of our basic reading students, E.J., sought literacy tutoring at the Library when he discovered that he was going to be a father and he wanted to be able to read to his new baby. After tutoring he now reads small storybooks to his daughter. "I think it's a great program. It changed my life forever and I love it!"
Help adults like E.J. learn to read by supporting the Literacy Project's major fundraising event of the year--the First Annual Adult Spelling Bee on Wednesday, March 21 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Clifford Marshall School in Quincy. Master of Ceremonies Hank Morse of WROR FM will cast his unique spell on the evening and Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea J. Cabral will be the word pronouncer.
If you love to read and you spell well, consider participating in this special event as a speller. Shy? You won't be spelling alone or out loud. You will be part of a team of three spellers. Each team will spell on a white board and hold up the answer for the judges to see. Refreshments, a raffle, prizes, and surprises will make this a fun evening for a good cause.
How can you help support this event? There are several ways:
- Get a team together of your friends, family and/or coworkers. The competition consists of three-person adult teams spelling progressively more difficult words. Entry fee is $300 per team, which some teams help offset by finding sponsors.
- Want us to place you with a team? Entry fee is $100 per individual, which some people help offset by asking family, friends or co-workers to help sponsor them.
- Not a good speller? You can sponsor a speller or spelling team, donate an item for a raffle or make a monetary contribution to the Literacy Project instead.
Please consider helping us create opportunities for our adult students to learn to read and change their lives by participating in this fun event. All proceeds benefit the Literacy Project and will be used to purchase reading and writing software to reinforce learning and also teach a most necessary skill: using the computer to communicate and search for information.
The deadline for registration is March 1, 2007. Sign up early to ensure your spot and have time to prepare your team. Space is limited to 25 teams.
For more information, to register, to sponsor a speller, or donate to the Spelling Bee, please contact Elaine Kline by e-mail or by phone at 617-376-1314.
LVM-Quincy provides free, one-on-one tutoring in basic reading and writing to adults on the South Shore. With support from the Thomas Crane Public Library, we provide tutor training, staff development programs and student support services. Since 1985 when the program was established, 1,926 adults have been tutored a total of 75,749 hours.
An Inconvenient Truth Film Screening & Discussion
Still wondering whether global warning is myth or reality? Or convinced there's a problem but not sure what YOU can do about it? Come to a free screening of the critically acclaimed documentary An Inconvenient Truth on Sunday, March 25 at 1:30 p.m. at the Main Library. Following the movie, stay for a discussion with local officials and environmental activists and find out how your community is responding to the situation and how you can help--and also save on your energy costs!
In this Academy Award nominated film, former Vice President Al Gore presents an eye-opening and compelling view of the future of our planet, cutting through myths and misconceptions about global warming and urging that we act now to save the earth. After the screening, find out how you can become part of the solution with members of the Quincy Environmental Network, Green Start, the Massachusetts Climate Action Network, and Quincy City Council Environmental and Health Subcommittee members Leo Kelly and Kevin Coughlin.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library and the Quincy Environmental Network, in cooperation with the Quincy City Council Environmental and Health Subcommittee.
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 March 12, we'll warm up with SOUP. 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 March 6, Let's Talk GARDENING. 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, March 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, March 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, March 9, the group will discuss River Thieves by Michael Crummey. 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, March 21, the group will discuss The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle. 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, March 1, the group will discuss Belles of New England: The Women of the Textile Mills and the Families Whose Wealth They Wove by William Moran. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library checkout desk. For more information, call Will at 617-689-8320.
March Exhibit: Roots, Markers & Memories
Quincy resident Mary C. Lee will exhibit her painting and collage from March 1 to March 31 in the Coletti Reading Room on the first floor of the Main Library.
Ms. Lee's art explores landscape and the impressions of specific, physical spaces. Her mixed media collage combines original photographs, found images and objects to form a psychological landscape. Her work incorporates themes including a sense of place, travel, memory, loss, transformation, impermanence, and home.
Ms. Lee was born and raised in San Diego, California and received
her BFA from San Diego State University. After MFA courses
at the University of California, Santa Barbara and working
as a graphic designer, she returned to SDSU for her secondary
teaching credential in Art and ESL. She recently completed
her Masters in Teaching in Creative Arts at Bridgewater State
College and currently teaches art at Abington High School.
March Events for Children
SPRING STORYTIME REGISTRATION
Registration for spring storytimes will begin Friday, March 16 at 9:00 a.m. (1:00 p.m.at Adams Shore and North Quincy Branches). For storytime schedule details, visit the library or go to the Children's Programs page.
Registration is limited to Quincy residents and each child may only register for one storytime. Children must be of age by the first meeting. Call or stop by the storytime location to register. Programs fill very quickly.
STORYTIME WITH MICHELLE
Join storyteller Michelle Andrews for stories, songs, rhymes, and more for children aged 2-5 accompanied by an adult on Saturday, March 3, 10, and 31 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: Itsy Bitsy Yoga
This program is especially designed for very young children to do with an adult. Three sessions will be offered on Saturday, March 10 at the Main Library. Because children develop motor skills at different ages, the programs are designed to fit different developmental stages rather than ages. Each child should be accompanied by an adult and both should be wearing loose, comfortable clothing that will allow for stretching.
10:00 a.m.: Session 1 is for infants ages 6 weeks to just crawling
10:45 a.m.: Session 2 is for very young children who have been crawling for a while and are trying to walk, up to age 2
11:30 a.m.: Session 3 is for walkers, runners, and jumpers ages 2-4
Registration is required, beginning Monday, March 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.
ENGLISH/CHINESE STORYTIME WITH MICHELLE
Bring your child to a free English/Chinese drop-in storytime on Saturday, March 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: MOVIE EFFECTS
Sit in a director's chair and discover why science is the real star on the big screen! In this Mad Science of Greater Boston workshop, exciting demonstrations and hands-on activities allow participants to explore how amazing special effects in movies are achieved through science and technology. The children will investigate the concept of 3-D, learn about the effect, and how the technique was first pioneered using red/blue anaglyph glasses. And, the children will put their movie making skills to the test by creating their very own mini animation booklet to take home.
Two sessions of this program will be held on Saturday, March 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, March 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.
TRICKSTER TALES
Feeling in a tricky mood with April Fool's Day is coming? Join Children's Librarian Cathy DeVeer for an evening of Trickster Tales on Tuesday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the North Quincy Branch.
Learn how Wiley outsmarts the Hairy Man and a small cat gets the best of a large ogre. You'll also be asked to test your own skills by solving some very tricky puzzle stories. This program is recommended for ages 8 and older. No registration required.
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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