NEWSLETTER

October 2006
Volume 3, Number 10

New Online Genealogy Resource: Who Will You Find?
Relieve Your Test Anxiety--Try Online Tutorials & Practice Tests
Annual Fall Book Sale
CyberTalk: Buying a New Computer: What You Should Know
Anime Feature: Trigun
Concert at the Crane: Janice Allen, Songteller
Film Feature: Who's Camus Anyway
What's Cooking @your library: Quick Fix Low-Fat Chinese Meals
Book Discussion Groups (New Wollaston Branch Group!)
Computer Classes: Internet Basics, Microsoft Word & Special Topics on the Web
October Exhibit: Photography by George Watson
October Events for Children
What's New in the Library's Collection
Recommended Fall Reading
Calendar of Events
Friends of the Library

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New Online Genealogy Resource: Who Will You Find?
Uncover your family history at the library with a new online genealogical resource called Ancestry Library Edition. Whether you are a beginner exploring your roots or an expert genealogist, Ancestry offers a wealth of information in an easy-to-use format, including

• Over 4,000 databases and 4 billion names
• U.S., U.K., Canada, Ireland, and other countries
• Census data, maps, military, immigration, DAR records, slave stories, and more
• New content added every week

You can explore Ancestry at the Main Library or any of the branch libraries in Quincy. Access from home or office is not available. For more information, call 617-376-1316 or stop by the Main Library Reference Desk.

Relieve Your Test Anxiety--Try Online Tutorials & Practice Tests
LearningExpressLibrary is an online test preparation system that helps adult learners and students of all ages succeed on academic and licensing tests. Find study guides and practice tests for

• History and Civics Review for U.S. Citizenship
• Elementary, Middle and High School Skills Improvement (MCAS Preparation)
• ACT, SAT, TOEFL, GED and graduate school entrance exams
• Career exams, including civil service, military, real estate, cosmetology, law enforcement, nursing, fire fighting, and paramedic

To access LearningExpressLibrary, register as a new user with your Quincy library card number as your user name and pick a password you'll remember. Then you can use LearningExpressLibrary any time, from home, school, office or in the library.

If you need help accessing or using LearningExpressLibrary, call 617-376-1316 or email quref@ocln.org.

Annual Fall Book Sale
Don't miss the Friends of the Library Annual Fall Book sale. Books, videos and audios for adults and children will be for sale, with prices starting at 50 cents. On Sunday, buy materials for $2 a bag (bags provided). Proceeds from the Friends book sale are used to sponsor museum passes and a variety of events for adults and children. Sale dates and times are:

Friday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 1, 1:30 - 4 p.m.

If you are a member of the Friends, or would like to join, come to the Friends of the Library Preview Sale on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Visit the Friends Web page for more information about the Friends.

CyberTalk: Buying a New Computer: What You Should Know
Purchasing a new computer can be confusing. Should you buy a desktop or a laptop? PC or Mac? Should your Internet service be dial-up or broadband? Wired or wireless? Find out what your options are before you buy on Tuesday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.

Whether you're trading your old computer in for a newer, more powerful model or looking to buy a second computer for the home--or even contemplating a first-time buy, it pays to know exactly what you'll get for your money. This free program will de-mystify the jargon and guide you through the most important considerations before you make your purchase. No registration is required. Mark your calendar for upcoming CyberTalk programs, including Online Shopping: eBay & More on November 14 and Handheld & Mobile: Technology on the Go on December 12. All programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

Anime Feature: Trigun
This month's title is Trigun, a 1998 anime television series created by Yasuhiro Nightow, will be shown on Tuesday, October 12 at the Main Library. Trigun takes place in the distant future on a deserted planet. Vash the Stampede is a gunfighter with a legend so ruthless that he has a $60,000,000,000 bounty on his head. Entire towns evacuate at the rumor of his arrival. However, the real Vash the Stampede is not the same man that rumor portrays him to be. The enigmatic and conflicted lead character in Trigun is actually more heroic in nature; as well as a complete and utter idiot at times.

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.

Concert at the Crane: Janice Allen, Songteller
Travel the world at your library this year in a new 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 October 15, songteller Janice Allen will take you on a rhythmic journey from the Georgia Sea Islands to the African continent. With a range of African and African-American percussion instruments and her trademark a cappella vocals, Janice specializes in a blend of African-American spirituals, gospel and Broadway musical songs. Janice is also famous for getting an entire audience to dance and sing traditional African-American children's circle games.

Janice Allen has toured nationally and made frequent concert appearances in Africa and Japan. Janice conducted the Boston children's choir that was featured at the Nelson Mandela Celebration at Boston Esplanade Hatch pavilion before a live audience of over 200,000 people and a national television audience. She is winner of the 1989 Boston Parent's Paper Children's Entertainer of the Year award and has performed in lead roles in Black Nativity, Revels and the Wheelock Family Theater production of The Sound of Music. Her performance at the Thomas Crane Library will entertain and inspire music lovers old and young.

Mark your calendar for upcoming Concerts at the Crane, including Takademi (South Indian music and dance) on November 19 and the Chesara trio (lyrical songs from different lands through the ages) on December 17. All performances are sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

Film Feature: Who's Camus Anyway
Monthly adult film screenings are held in the Main Library community meeting room every third Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m.

OCTOBER 19: Who's Camus Anyway [Japanese with English Subtitles]
Directed by Mitsuo Yanagimachi, Japan
Winner, Tokyo International Film Festival (Best Picture)
Official Selection, Cannes Film Festival and New York Film Festival
At a university in Tokyo, film students are working on a disturbing class project-a movie about a murderous student. The director, his assistant, and other members of the class have personal problems with life and love, and the story unfolds 'just like in the movies'. "A sly story told with bold, outrageous style...Who's Camus Anyway bristles with ferocious energy and wit"--The New York Times.

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: Quick Fix Low-Fat Chinese Meals
In the second What's Cooking @your library program for adults this fall, chef Norma Chang will show you how to prepare a healthy and delicious Chinese dinner in under 30 minutes, on Sunday, October 29 at 3:00 p.m. During this enjoyable, interactive, and highly conversational program, you will learn helpful kitchen hints, practical do-ahead ideas, time-saving tips, and how to make substitutes.

Norma Chang, The Travelling Gourmet, is a food lover who enjoys sharing her skills and ideas with others through her many food related activities. Norma believes that cooking should be fun and that the food we prepare should not only be good for you, but should look and taste good too. Norma has worked in the catering and food service industry, and has published several cookbooks. Her cooking programs incorporate her time-tested recipes and Asian culture into a fun, informative and delicious experience.

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).

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, beginning October 18. The group will meet from 2:00-3:00 p.m. For more information, call 617-376-1330.

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 October 6, 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, October 13, the group will discuss The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder. 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 October 18, the group will discuss Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. 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. At the first meeting on Thursday, October 5, the group will discuss Black Mass: the True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI, and the Irish Mob by Dick Lehr. 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 and do not require advance registration. They are held in the Main Library's Computer Lab on the top (2nd) 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: Wednesdays, October 4, 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: Wednesdays, October 18, 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! Special Topics on the Web
This special series of workshops will introduce you to a wealth of online resources. A different topic is planned for each month--come to one, two or all three!

Discover! TRAVEL RESOURCES ON THE WEB
Date: Monday, October 23
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Whether you want to take public transportation to the airport, check out airline schedules, or plan an exotic vacation, this class will introduce you to a variety of print and online travel resources. We will explore the library's collection as well as several web sites for planes, trains and automobiles, hotels, sightseeing tours, etc.

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.

October Exhibit
Photographer George S. Watson of Milton will exhibit his photographs from October 1-31 in the Coletti Reading Room on the first floor of the Main Library. A public reception will be held on Sunday, October 8 from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

60+ Years of Photography showcases work from the time Mr. Watson first used a camera in 1938 to digital images he has recently created in Photoshop. The exhibit will show how the reverse-color process and Color Key film was used to manipulate images before the advent of the personal computer and digital photography. Works on display will include both color and black and white pictorial, panoramic, and portrait photographs.

Mr. Watson joined the Photographic Society of America (PSA) and the Boston and South Shore Camera Clubs in 1965. He has exhibited in PSA-sponsored salons in the U.S. and 29 foreign countries, achieving PSA star ratings in nature and photo-travel slides and color print divisions and Galaxy rating in color slides. In 1967, Mr. Watson was among the top 25 exhibitors of color slides in the world.

October Events for Children

STORYTIME WITH MICHELLE
Join storyteller Michelle Andrews for stories, songs, rhymes, and more for children aged 2-5 accompanied by an adult every Saturday in October 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
Liz Buchanan will present a concert of traditional and original music for young children aged four and younger, accompanied by an adult on Saturday, October 14 at 2:00 p.m. No registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

FOURTH ANNUAL PUMPKIN CONTEST
The Library is sponsoring its fourth annual Great Pumpkin Character Contest. At home, decorate a small pumpkin as your favorite book character and bring the decorated pumpkin to the Main Library Children's Room between Monday, October 16 and Friday, October 20. Judging will be on Friday, October 27.

CONTEST RULES
• Decorate a small pumpkin, no bigger than an adult sized head (approximately 26 inches around), as a character from a book.
• Pumpkins may NOT be cut or pierced. Cut and pierced pumpkins spoil quickly.
• Use materials such as yarn, fabric scraps, magic markers, paint, cardboard, stickers and glitter to decorate your pumpkin.
• Pumpkins may be submitted by individuals or a whole family. Each entry should have a 3x5 index card attached. Write the name of the character and book title on one side and your name and telephone number on the other.
• All participants will be recognized. Prizes will be awarded based on originality, creativity and relevance to the book.
• Pumpkins may be brought to the library from Monday, Oct. 16 to Friday, October 20.
• Judging will be on Friday, October 27.
• Pumpkins may be taken home after the judging. All pumpkins must be picked up by 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 31. Any pumpkins remaining in the Children's Room will be discarded first thing on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 1.

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.

Last Modified: September 25, 2006
©Thomas Crane Public Library, Quincy, Mass. 02169