Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

November 2007
Volume 4, Number 11

New Online Literary Reference Center
Wanted: Volunteer English Conversation Group Leaders
Magazine Feature: Travel
Film & Discussion: Of Stars & Shamrocks
Living Green in Quincy: Your Green Home
Main Library Orientation Tour
Silent Movie Show Returns!
Health Matters @your library: Heart Health--Who Should You Call?
Meet the Author: William Martin
Film Feature: The Way I Spent the End of the World
What's Cooking @your library: Let's Bake Whole Grain Bread
Let's Talk About It Reading & Discussion Series: Neighbors, The World Next Door
November Book Discussions & Drop-in Groups
November Computer Classes: Internet Basics & MS Publisher Basics
November Exhibit: Photography by Laurel Blanchard
Film & Discussion: Bonjour Shalom
Healthy Spa Party
Upcoming Events for Children
What's New in the Library's Collection / New DVDs
Recommended Reading
Calendar of Events
Friends of the Library

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Online Literary Reference Center
Now you can quickly find a variety of literary perspectives from respected sources and save your online search results in a folder for future reference. Literary Reference Center is a comprehensive database designed especially for high school and college students, with information from major respected reference works, books, and literary journals.

Literary Reference Center includes plot summaries, synopses, articles of literary criticism, author biographies, full-text from hundreds of journals, book reviews, poems, short stories, author interviews, and images of key literary figures. The database also features a guide to citing sources in different doormats, a literary-historical timeline, a glossary of literary terms, and a guide to literary research.

It's easy to search Literary Reference Center by keyword, or browse by Most Studied Works or Most Studied Authors. You can also conduct targeted searches by criteria such as literary genre or character, and author information. Then save your research results using the online personal Folder feature.

To search Literary Reference Center from outside the library, all you need is Internet access and a Massachusetts library card. Go to Literary Reference Center and click on the "From Anywhere" link. Type in your library card number and then follow the on-screen prompts.

Access to Literary Reference Center is funded by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the six Regional Massachusetts Library Systems with your state tax dollars. For more information or help searching this database, please call 617-376-1316 or ask a librarian!

Wanted: Volunteer English Conversation Group Leaders
Would you like to...

work with people from other cultures and countries?
help limited English speakers connect with their new community?
learn techniques and activities to help adults speak English more fluently?

If your answers are YES, consider becoming a volunteer facilitator for the Library's new English Talk Time program for ESOL adults. The first Talk Time program will meet for 10 weeks on Saturday mornings from January 19 to March 22, 2008. Talk Time is not an English class; it is an opportunity for adults learning English to practice what they already know.

We are looking for volunteers to work and train with an experienced ESOL specialist. Training will occur before, during and after each Talk Time session. After the first 10-week Talk Time, the trained volunteers will facilitate their own 10-week Talk Time group at a time and place convenient for them.

If this unique volunteer opportunity interests you, please call 617-376-3295 or e-mail quenglishtalk@ocln.org for more information.

Magazine Feature: Travel
Whether you're planning your next trip or just traveling from your armchair, find some great travel inspiration in these magazines at the Main Library:

Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel

Conde Nast Traveler

National Geographic Traveler

National Parks

Travel and Leisure

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. Here's how:

Searching for magazines

In the Search For box, type the title of the magazine.
Click in the circle next to Keyword.
Select Periodical Title.
This search will bring up magazines with your keyword(s) in the title. Click on Display Full Details of the magazine you want to see holdings in all Old Colony Library Network libraries.

Placing holds on magazine issues

After clicking on Display Full Details to see the magazine you want, click on the Hold (with image of hand) button.
Choose the library where you would like to pick up the item.
Use the checkboxes to select the copy or copies you want.
Click on Place Hold.

Film & Discussion: Of Stars & Shamrocks
Discover the ties that bound two underdog communities together with a free viewing and discussion of the documentary film, Of Stars and Shamrocks: Boston's Jews and Irish on Monday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m., at the Main Library.

Watch how the myth of a land of opportunity and acceptance was shattered by bigotry, exploitation, exclusion and discrimination as both Jewish and Irish immigrants settled in Protestant Brahmin Boston in the late 19th century. Directed by Boston College professor John Michalczyk in 1995, this provocative film chronicles the interaction between the two ethnic communities over the last 100 years. Diane Costagliola, Adjunct Instructor of English at Simmons College and a member of the library staff, will lead an informal discussion following the film.

This film is being shown in conjunction with a reading and discussion series of Jewish Literature called Let's Talk About It. Funding was made possible through a grant provided by Nextbook and the American Library Association. The program is free and open to all.

Living Green in Quincy: Your Green Home
"Green up" your house, condo or apartment and be part of the local climate change solution at a free seminar on Thursday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.

Bob Botello and Jim Foster of Green Source Supply and Design in Braintree will provide a lively overview and demonstration of practical alternative products and methods to make your home more environmentally friendly while saving money. There will also be a presentation of the "Low Carbon Diet" concept. A variety of complementary materials will be available to help you implement these ideas in your home. Light refreshments will be served.

This program is presented by the Quincy Environmental Network Climate Action Committee in cooperation with the Quincy City Council Environmental Committee and the Thomas Crane Public Library.

Main Library Orientation Tour
Take a guided walk through the library--and find out what's there for you--at a free orientation tour of the Main Library at 40 Washington St. on Saturday, November 3 at 10:00 a.m. Chinese interpretation will be provided. All ages are welcome to join the orientation tours.

Silent Movie Show Returns!
Enjoy an entertaining evening of not-so-silent movies with silent movie master pianist Richard Hughes on Monday, November 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Adams Shore Branch Library (519 Sea St.).

Learn a little about the silent movie era and hear examples of the "mood music" that was used to accompany silent movies. Then watch Easy Street starring Charlie Chaplin plus several early shorts produced between 1896 and 1905. The movie industry put plenty of charm and personality in these old films due to skillful pantomime acting, and Richard Hughes makes them come alive with live musical accompaniment. Don't miss this opportunity to experience an authentic Silent Movie Show!

Richard Hughes began playing the piano at the age of seven, beginning with classical music and later boogie-woogie, ragtime and pop. For the past ten years, he has compiled many silent movie scores taken from authentic 'mood music' that was played during the 1920's. This music enhanced the movie scenes by making them 'come alive' in the third dimension. Recently, Richard has released a DVD of three Charlie Chaplin films with original musical scores that synchronize to the films. Hughes travels around Massachusetts doing hundreds of movie shows a year at schools, community centers, libraries, historical societies, and senior centers and finds that audiences of all ages laugh at the quick-paced slapstick style of acting that is reminiscent of the old Vaudeville days.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

Health Matters @your library: Heart Health--Who Should You Call?
Are you or a family member at risk for a heart attack or stroke? Find out what action to take when on Wednesday, November, 7 at 9:30 a.m. at the Main Library. The free program, presented in both English and Chinese, will include a presentation by a primary care physician and a Quincy Medical Center cardiologist, followed by a question & answer period.

Learn about the risk factors for heart attack and stroke, how to recognize the symptoms, and who you should see depending on your needs. Should you call your doctor? When do you need to see a cardiologist? When should you go straight to the emergency room and what should you expect there? Find out the answers to these questions and more at this free seminar.

This program is the first in a monthly bilingual health series at the Library co-sponsored by Quincy Medical Center, South Shore Elder Services, Quincy Asian Resources, and the Thomas Crane Public Library.

Meet the Author: William Martin
Meet author William Martin and hear about his latest book on Friday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Main Library.

Martin is best known for his historical novels, which have chronicled the history of Boston, New England, and the nation. His first novel Back Bay spent fourteen weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List. His subsequent work has established him, in the words of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, as a "master story-teller". Martin is the recipient of the New England Booksellers 2005 award for fiction, which goes annually to an author whose "body of work stands as a significant contribution to the region's literature".

Martin's latest book is a fast-moving thriller, an enthralling family saga, an examination of constitutional issues, and a paean to New England and its people. The Lost Constitution chronicles the hunt for a rare annotated draft of the U.S. Constitution that disappeared in 1787. The search ranges across several New England states and two centuries of American history, and ends at Fenway Park on the first night of the World Series.

All are welcome at this free event sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library. Copies of The Lost Constitution will be available for purchase.

Film Feature: The Way I Spent the End of the World
Attend a free screening of this recently released Romanian film on Thursday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.

Bucharest 1989 - Last year of Ceausesu's dictatorship. Eva, 17, lives with her parents and her seven-year-old brother Lalalilu. One day at school, Eva and her boyfriend accidentally break a bust of Ceausesu. They are forced to confess their crime before a disciplinary committee. Eva is expelled from school and transferred to a reformatory establishment. There she meets Andrei and decides to escape Romania with him. Lalalilu is more and more convinced that Ceausescu is the main reason for Eva's decision to leave. So, with his friends from school, he devises a plan to kill the dictator.

"...charmingly told first feature...works confidently within a traditional, anecdotal storytelling framework, enlivened by young Dorotheea Petre's luminous perf...Pic joins a spate of fine recent Romanian films"--Deborah Young, 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.

What's Cooking @your library: Let's Bake Whole Grain Bread
Explore the world of home-baked whole grain breads with Anneli Johnson on Sunday, November 18 at 3:00 p.m. at the Main Library.

Learn about the benefits and varieties of whole grains and how easy it is to incorporate them into your home baking. Whole grain breads are high in complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, and fiber, and low in fat and cholesterol. Not only are whole grains good for your health, they are also delicious. Discover how to bake wholesome and aromatic loaves and rolls for your family and friends and try your hand at some "dough rolling"!

Born in Finland, homemaker and nutritionist Anneli Johnson learned about bread 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, e-mail 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.

Let's Talk About It Reading & Discussion Series
Explore Jewish literature and culture in a free five-part reading and discussion series at the Main Library. Led by a local scholar, Let's Talk About It: Jewish Literature - Identity and Imagination will feature lively discussions of contemporary and classic books related to the theme, Neighbors: The World Next Door. Sessions will be held the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.

The delicate, often tortuous relationship between neighboring cultures animates this discussion series, which traces the Jewish experience from Muslim Spain to Bolshevik Russia to contemporary America. The November 26 session will explore Neighbors by Jan T. Gross, an account of a massacre that occurred in Jedwabne, in northeastern Poland, in July 1941. Piecing together eyewitness testimony and trial records with a deft historical imagination, Gross details the "potent, devilish misture" that led Poles to turn on their Jewish neighbors.

Remaining books will be discussed once per month at the library:
December 17: The Assistant by Bernard Malamud
January 14: Mona in the Promised Land by Gish Jen

Discussions will be led by Dr. Jeslyn Medoff, Adjunct Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. For more information or to register for some or all of the sessions, call 617-376-1305 or e-mail letstalkseries@gmail.com. Copies of each book will be available at the library for all registered participants.

The Thomas Crane Library is one of over 250 libraries nationwide receiving grants to host the Let's Talk About It series developed by Nextbook and the American Library Association.

November Book Discussions & Drop-in Groups

Outermost House 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, November 9, the group will discuss The Outermost House by Henry Beston. Copies of the book are available at the Main Library checkout desk. For more information, call Julie at 617-376-2411.

Rebecca cover 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, November 14, the group will discuss Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. 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.

Samuel Adams 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, November 1, the group will discuss Samuel Adams by Mark Puls. 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, November 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!

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 November 19 (third Monday this month because of the holiday), we'll talk about SIDE DISHES. You are invited to bring one of your favorite recipes to share. For more information, call 617-376-1325.

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 21 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. For more information, call 617-376-1330.

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. This month's showings will be on November 7, 14, 21 and 28.

November Computer Classes

INTERNET BASICS
Discover the common features found on most websites as you learn about links, navigation and scrolling with hands-on practice. Then, use Google to do some basic web, image and news searches.

This two-session course will be held on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Main Library computer lab. Participants may register for either the November 6 and 13 course OR the November 20 and 27 course. Participants must have experience using a mouse.

To register, please call 617-376-1316 or stop by the Main Library reference desk. Due to the popularity of this course, we ask that you only sign up once.

DESIGN BASICS WITH MS PUBLISHER
Want to create greeting cards, posters and brochures but not sure where to begin? Microsoft Publisher is a desktop publishing application that makes it easy to create special designs. This three-session class, held on Thursdays, November 1, 8 and 15 at 7:00 p.m., will introduce you to the basics of Publisher and will guide you through the creation of a poster, greeting card and brochure.

Participants must be familiar with Microsoft Windows XP and Word. To register, call 617-376-1316 or e-mail quref@ocln.org.

November Exhibit: Photography by Laurel Blanchard

There's something for everyone in this eclectic exhibit of photographs by Quincy native Laurel Blanchard, on display from November 2 to 30 in the Coletti Reading Room. A public reception with light refreshments will be held on Sunday, November 4 from 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Having grown up in Quincy Point and spent her summers in New Hampshire, Laurel Blanchard cultivated a love for nature and the small creatures that inhabit it. As a rock 'n roll drummer who played professionally for 13 years, she also discovered wonderful images worth capturing on long road trips, among them a number of city nightscapes. But it was not until 1984, when she put down her Kodak Instamatic and bought a real 35mm camera, that her hobby became a true avocation. Her fascination with lenses has allowed her to shoot everything from butterflies and birds to fall reflections, cats in costume, and those silent skylines she so admired when traveling with rock bands.

This particular exhibit offers a sampling of her wide range of interests, with a nod to some familiar locations New Englanders can appreciate. Several of the photos on display have won awards in Quincy Art Association juried shows, been selected in Patriot Ledger Best Photo contests, or been chosen for calendars and Christmas cards.

Film & Discussion: Bonjour Shalom
View and discuss the documentary film Bonjour Shalom on Monday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library. Bonjour Shalom, directed by Gary Beitel and Richard Elson, focuses on the municipality of Ouremont in Montreal, where a community of Hasidim live side by side with French-speaking neighbors.

Intent on preserving their traditional lifestyle, the Hasidim distance themselves from outsiders. The French Catholics respond to their little-understood neighbors with a mixture of curiousity, frustration and mistrust. Through evocative personal interviews and scenes from daily life, the film examines the complex dynamics involved in this clash of cultures.

The film will last 53 minutes, followed by an informal discussion led by Diane Costagliola, Adjunct Instructor of English at Simmons College and a member of the library staff.

This film is being shown in conjunction with a reading and discussion series of Jewish Literature called Let's Talk About It. Funding was made possible through a grant provided by Nextbook and the American Library Association. The program is free and open to all.

Healthy Spa Party
Join Erin Boles of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition and esthetician Christine Way-Cotter for an informative and interactive evening to support the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics on Monday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Adams Shore Branch (519 Sea St.).

Find out how common body, skin and personal hygiene products are being linked to cancer and reproductive harm. Learn how to limit your exposure, make better choices, and even how to make some of your own products! There will be samples to take home. Light refreshments will be served.

Christine Way-Cotter is the owner and sole operator of Skinsations Day Spa in Norwell. She specializes in herbal skin care, massage, yoga and other healing therapies. Christine uses many of her herbs to create Sea/Cret Garden, a line of homemade skincare products made with natural and organic ingredients, without the use chemicals and synthetic preservatives.

Erin Boles, M.S.W., is the Associate Executive Director of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition and leads the coalition's public affairs and grassroots efforts. She also acts as MBCC's liaison to the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow and the national Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Co-sponsored by the Quincy Environmental Network and the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition.

Upcoming Events for Children

SCARY STORIES
Be prepared to be scared with children's librarian Cathy deVeer and a host of creepy tales on Tuesday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m. at the North Quincy Branch. This program of classic scary stories (and some humor) is for children ages 8 and up who enjoy a bit of a fright. These stories will be scary so parents are urged not to bring younger children. No registration required.

SATURDAY FUN FOR LITTLE ONES
Join Storyteller Susie Lord for a fun-filled program of stories and songs as she presents "Susie Magoozy's Silly Stories" on Saturday, November 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library. This monthly series is especially designed for very young children ages 0-4 accompanied by an adult. No registration required. 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, November 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 monthly storytime will be interpreted in Cantonese and Mandarin. No registration required. 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 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library. No registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

MAD SCIENCE: Che-Mystery
Eliminate the mystery in chemistry! This Mad Science of Greater Boston workshop introduces children ages 4-8 to the world of chemistry through hands-on fun, discussions and demonstrations. The children will explore one of the most exciting and fundamental sciences by experimenting with and observing various chemicals, potions and solutions in action. They'll begin their exploration with a demonstration of the difference between physical and chemical reactions, watch Styrofoam reduced to a puddle of goo, and see camphor provide the chemical equivalent of an outboard motor...all chemistry in motion. The kids will then get to apply their knowledge of chemical processes to grow their own crazy crystal gardens and make their own "chemical" soda pop.

This workshop will be held on Saturday, November 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library.

Registration is required, beginning Monday, November 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

NIGHT OWLS BOOK CLUBS
These discussion and activity groups for children in 3rd and 4th grades meet once a month. Call or stop by the Main Library Children's Room for more information or to register.

PHOENIX BOOK CLUB
This book discussion program for children in grades 5-8 meets on the second 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.

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.