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NEWSLETTER
November 2006
Volume 3, Number 11
Playaway Digital Audiobooks Now Available
New Large Print Books Now on Display
Library Completes Updated Technology Plan
Anime Feature: Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex V. 1
What's Cooking @your library: Pies, Pies, Pies
CyberTalk: Click & Buy--Discover Online Shopping
Film Feature: Be With Me
Concert at the Crane: Takademi
Book Discussion Groups (New North Quincy Branch Group!)
Computer Classes: Internet Basics, Microsoft Word & Special Topics on the Web
November Exhibit: Watercolors by Yinghong Mei
November Events for Children
What's New in the Library's Collection
Recommended Fall Reading
Calendar of Events
Friends of the Library
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Back Issues
Contact Us
Playaway Digital Audiobooks Now Available
Borrow a Playaway and enjoy listening to library audiobooks
without cassettes, CDs, or downloading--just plug in your
earphones and turn on the light-weight player. Wear it around
your neck or stick it in your pocket. From novels to biographies,
languages to business bestsellers, Playaway comes pre-loaded
with your favorite content.
The Library has purchased an initial collection of 50 Playaways for both adults and children. More titles will be added as they become available from Playaway. Find them on the shelf at the Main Library near the CD/cassette audiobooks. Find them in the library catalog by searching for "Playaway" as a keyword. If you don't own a pair of earphones, you can purchase a pair from the library for $1.50.
For more information about Playaways, ask a librarian or call 617-376-1301.
New Large Print Books Now on Display
Now you can see what's new in large print at the library! We will no longer be shelving new large print titles with the rest of the large print collection. Instead, new titles have a special "NEW" label and are displayed separately in the Large Print section of the Main Library (first floor). The Library adds about 20 new large print titles to its collection each month and now you will be able to quickly and easily browse these new titles.
Library Completes Updated Technology Plan
Since 2001 when the new Main Library opened, use of library technology services has increased steadily both at the Main Library and the branch libraries. Between 2002 and 2004, visits to the library Web site increased by 170%. Between 2003 and 2005, the number of people using public computers in the library increased by 58% to nearly 9,000 people in an average week. At the same time, the Library was unable to fund hardware and software upgrades, and staff layoffs resulted in fewer staff available to maintain the existing technology. Currently, all of the Library's public use computers are five or more years old and no longer meet the needs of library users.
Upon completion of a new five-year long-range plan in the fall of 2005, the Library needed a new technology plan to support the service priorities identified in the long-range plan and to address the increased demand for technology services. In November 2005, a technology planning committee with representatives from various library departments began evaluating existing technology services and potential new technology projects.
The new technology plan identifies what technology is needed to support the Library's long-range service priorities, including which technologies to sustain, expand, add, and/or phase out; establishes a three-year schedule for technology upgrades; and identifies technology implementation goals to assist in the budget planning process.
The complete Technology Plan is now available on the Library Web site.
Anime Feature: Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex Vo. 1
This month's anime feature will be shown on Thursday, November
9 at the Main Library.
In a future Japan, Major Motoko Kusanagi operates as a key agent of Section 9 of internal security under Chief Aramaki. Together with her support crew and a group of quadraped enforcement droids who operate with childlike enthusiasim, they confront the numerous threats facing Japan. However, their opponents are predominately capable of using the advanced technology around them to their considerable advantage and it will take all the talents of Section 9 to stop them.
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.
What's Cooking @your library: Pies, Pies, Pies
Brush up on your piemaking skills and get ready for the season of feasting at a demonstration of Pies, Pies, Pies on Sunday, November 12 at 3:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
This free demonstration will include a variety of sweet and savory creations. Chef Patrick Noé will share tips and tricks for the experienced pie maker as well as the pastry-challenged and prove that making pies can be both easy and fun!
Registration is required for this program. To register, call 617-376-1316, email quref@ocln.org or stop by the Main Library Reference Desk (top floor).
Patrick Noé is currently an instructor of culinary arts at Quincy High School. Before becoming a full-time teacher, Noé worked for 20 years as a restaurant chef in and around Boston. He is best known as the chef-owner of Café Celador in Harvard Square. From 1994 to 1999, Noé served a menu of French bistro-style food, and Café Celador was named Best French Bistro by Boston magazine. Noé has worked as a restaurant and menu consultant and has taught cooking classes at a variety of venues, including Boston University, The French Library, Boston Center for Adult Education, and in private homes. Born in France and still a frequent visitor to that country, Noé credits his French-Catalan grandmother and his Parisian father (also a restaurateur) for his never-ending search for the perfect meal.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
CyberTalk: Click & Buy--Discover Online Shopping
Can't stand the thought of fighting the crowds at the mall this holiday season? Have you ever wondered why your neighbor seems to have all her holiday gifts bought and wrapped by mid-November? She has discovered the advantages of shopping online--and you can, too! Get a step-by-step introduction to the world of online shopping on Tuesday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
Explore two (or more) of the world's most popular shopping Web sites: eBay and Amazon.com. The seminar will cover everything from registering for a user ID, searching tips and tricks, auction vs. traditional sale, payment methods and things to look out for. Once you learn the basics, you'll feel comfortable shopping just about anywhere on the Web. No registration is required for this free program.
Film Feature: Be With Me
Monthly adult film screenings are held in the Main Library community meeting room every third Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m.
NOVEMBER 16: Be With Me [English, Cantonese, Hokkien, Mandarin with English Subtitles]
Directed by Eric Khoo, Singapore
Official Selection, Cannes Film Festival
Winner, Stockholm Film Festival (FIPRESCI Prize for Best Film and Best Cinematography)
Winner, Flanders Int'l Film Festival in Ghent (The Sabam Prize for Best Screenplay)
Winner, Toronto Film Festival (Best Director)
Be With Me is a tapestry of three stories woven around the themes of love, hope, tragedy and redemption. Although the main characters come from different backgrounds and lead different lives, they are bound by one common desire--to be with their loved one. Unbeknownst to them, these different souls will share the same stage in a play written by Fate. The protagonists in the movie are fictitious bar one--Theresa Chan, a courageous deaf and blind woman whose life story inspired the film.
"Be With Me will hypnotize and fill you with constant emotions and pure sensations."--Premier Magazine
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: Takademi
Experience the music and dance of South India in the second in a monthly series of performances for all ages. This special series will feature music, dance, and stories from a variety of cultural traditions and will be held on Sunday afternoons from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the Main Library.
On November 19, the South Indian music and dance group Takademi will present a demonstration and performance of Mohiniyattam, a traditional Indian dance form native to Kerala in South India. The performance will include three pieces by three prolific composers, known as the south Indian "trinity" (Tyagaraja, Muttuswami Diksitar and Syama Sastri). The pieces will include stories from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
 Takademi features dancer/choreographer Dahlia Nayar, classical Indian singer Vidya Sitaraman, and percussionist Doug MacKenzie. Dahlia Nayar is a dancer, dance teacher and choreographer based in the Pioneer Valley. She trained in Kerala under the tutelage of Sobha Antherjanam, a direct disciple of Kaliamma Kuttiamma, also known as the "Mother of Mohiniyattam". Since moving to Massachusetts in 2002, she has been teaching children and adults in weekly classes and school residencies. Vidya Sitaraman is an exponent of the ancient art of South Indian classical music. She studied vocal music for 15 years under the tutelage of Sri Vaigal Gnanaskandan, a direct disciple of the great Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. She has performed in All India Radio and Doordarshan (Indian Television). She has given several performances in the U.S, including the New World theatre at UMass, and several classical dance recitals. She is currently an adjunct instructor of music at Amherst College. Douglas MacKenzie plays guitar and studied South Indian rhythmic patterning and the mrdangam under the late T. Ranganathan at Wesleyan University. After Ranganathan's death in 1987, Doug continued his study under Karaikudi R. Mani, Palghat Raghu, and Ramnad Raghavan, each a renowned drummer in India. He is the recipient of a Ford Foundation Fellowship to collect and transcribe the compositions of Ranganathan.
Mark your calendar for upcoming Concerts at the Crane, including the Chesara trio (lyrical songs from different lands through the ages) on December 17 and the Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble on January 21. All performances are sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
Book Discussion Groups
NEW! WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON 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, November 15 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. For more information, call 617-376-1330.
NEW! TUESDAY EVENING LET'S TALK GROUP @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 November 7, Let's Talk Cookbooks!
 FRIDAY BOOKED FOR LUNCH
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 November 3, 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!
 FRIDAY MORNING BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
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, November 10, the group will discuss The Walking Tour by Kathryn Davis. 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 GROUP
This group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the
Main Library. On November 15, the group will discuss Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library checkout desk. New members are welcome to drop in anytime. For more information, call Megan at 617-376-1331.
 NEW GROUP! THURSDAY EVENING BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
This group will meet the first Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the
Main Library. The focus of the group will be non-fiction books. Topics may include history, politics, art, or current issues, depending on the interests of the participants. On November 2, the group will discuss In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library checkout desk. For more information, call Will at 617-689-8320.
Computer Classes: Internet Basics, Microsoft Word & Special Topics on the Web
We are excited to offer several computer classes this fall.
All classes are free but space is limited and registration
is recommended. Please call 617-367-1316 to sign up. Classes
are held in the Main Library Computer Lab on the second (top)
floor.
Classes are based on the assumption that you have some 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). We can schedule one-on-one mouse tutorials upon request.
INTERNET BASICS I
Date: Wednesday, November 1
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
This introductory class covers basics such as web features, how to find web addresses, and how to do easy searches on web sites like Google and Mapquest. Warm up your fingers before class with online mouse-ercises! There will be time after class for questions and practicing.
INTERNET BASICS II
Date: Wednesday, November 15
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
In this follow-up class, we will review the basic concepts covered in Internet Basics I, plus have time for questions related to your personal web interests. In addition, we will help you set up a free Yahoo! e-mail account or learn more about the one you already have. We'll review how to compose, send, forward and reply to messages, attach files, and create and use an address book.
INTRODUCTION TO WORD
Date: Monday, November 6
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Whether you want to create a simple letter, complete a class assignment or write a bestselling novel, this class will help you open, save, format, edit, spell-check and print a document. You also will learn several tips and shortcuts.
Discover! HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES ON THE WEB
Date: Monday, November 27
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Curious about new cures and medicines? Interested in finding a yoga class, a dentist, a book on prenatal care, nutrition information, or ratings for nursing homes? This class will introduce you to print and online resources on a range of health- and wellness- related topics, classes and materials.
November Exhibit
Quincy resident Yinghong Mei will exhibit her watercolor paintings from November 13-30 in the Coletti Reading Room on the first floor of the Main Library.
Currently a nursing student at Quincy College, Yinghong Mei has loved art since she was very young. She won art prizes as a child in China and an honorable mention at the 2006 Quincy Art Association juried art show. She has exhibited at the South Shore Art Center and the New England Art Center. Her watercolors are expressions of her imagination and reflect her aesthetic perspective toward the world.
November Events for Children
FALL STORYTIME REGISTRATION
Registration for the second session of fall storytimes and elementary explorations begins Friday, November 3 at 9:00 a.m. (1:00 p.m. at the Adams Shore and North Quincy branches). 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 the program information page on our Web site.
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.
ENGLISH/CHINESE STORYTIME WITH MICHELLE
Bring your child to a free English/Chinese drop-in storytime on the third Saturday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library, beginning November 18. 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: EARTHWORKS
Find out that the Earth beneath your feet is more than meets the eye in this introductory program on Earth science. In this Mad Science of Greater Boston program, children will become geologists in training as they discover what the Earth is composed of and how various forces combine to create rocks and minerals. They'll also uncover the forces that create earthquakes, the natural faults in the Earth's crust and even how mountains are formed. Participants will build their own sedimentary stacker as a take home to continue the investigation of Earth science.
Two sessions of this program will be held on Saturday, November 18 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, November 6. 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.
STORYTIME WITH MICHELLE
Join storyteller Michelle Andrews for stories, songs, rhymes, and more for children aged 2-5 accompanied by an adult on Saturday, November 25 at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library. No registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
TOE JAM PUPPET BAND VARIETY SHOW
The Toe Jam Puppet Band presents interactive educational children's entertainment that grownups can actually enjoy on Saturday, November 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the Main Library. The performances are very active, encouraging kids and parents to sing and dance along with the band as they entertain with a unique combination of original songs, masterful shadow puppetry and storytelling.
For all ages. No registration required. Funded by a South Coastal Bank C.A.R.E.S. grant.
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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