NEWSLETTER

September 2006
Volume 3, Number 9

Your Library--Busier Than Ever Last Year!
English Conversation Groups to Begin This Fall
Special Volunteer Opportunity: Reading Roundup Program
Volunteer Literacy Tutor Orientation
CyberTalk: Now What? Storing & Editing Digital Images
Anime Feature: Chrono Crusade
What's Cooking @your library: Cooking With Wild Seasonal Foods
Film Feature: Monster Thursday
Annual Fall Book Sale
Book Discussion Groups (New Non-Fiction Group!)
Computer Classes: Internet Basics, Microsoft Word & Special Topics on the Web
September Exhibit: Oil Paintings by Eli Cedrone
September 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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• the number of times materials were borrowed increased by 11% (books increased by 7%; audio/visual materials increased by 23%)
• the estimated number of people who visited the library increased by 2%
• the number of people who attended programs or events at the library increased by 22% (attendance at children's programs increased by 18%; attendance at adult, teen and all ages programs increased by 41%)
• the number of reference questions answered increased by 2%
• hits on the library's Web site increased by 29%
• public computers were used approximately 443,456 times!

As a result of an overall 33% increase in the number of hours open to the public during Fiscal 2006, statistics for the branch libraries alone also reflect increased use:

• the number of times materials were borrowed from branch libraries increased by 8%
• the estimated number of people who visited a branch library increased by 7%
• the number of people who attended programs or events at branch libraries increased by 29%

The library staff strives to provide responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable service to all library visitors in the most equitable and accessible way possible. With the welcome increase of activity in the library comes increased demand for service. We know that at times it may seem very busy at the library, and lines may be longer than normal. There are times when we are so busy that it may be difficult to provide more personal service to everyone. We thank you for your patience and hope you will continue to take advantage of the many resources the library has to offer. Please feel free to visit, call or e-mail us for assistance whenever you need it.

For information about your library account, call 617-376-1301.
For information about children's services, call 617-376-2411.
For help finding books or other materials, accessing the library's online resources, or finding any other information you need, call 617-376-1316 or email quref@ocln.org.

The entire Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2006 is available on the library Web site.

English Conversation Groups to Begin This Fall
Would you or someone you know like an opportunity to practice your oral English skills in an informal and supportive setting? The Library may be able to help! Beginning this fall, the Library will begin hosting one or more free English Conversation Groups for advanced beginner and intermediate level English speakers. To find out more, please call Megan at 617-376-1331.

Special Volunteer Opportunity: Reading Roundup Program
Reading Roundup is a multigenerational program which brings together older adults and first and second graders for reading enjoyment.

From October to May each year, adult volunteers meet each Tuesday afternoon from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the Adams Shore Branch. They are paired up with one or two students per session for a combination of reading to each other and fun. "Fun" can be anything from coloring to playing Boggle. The students attend the Snug Harbor School and are bused to the library through a partnership with the Germantown Neighborhood Center. The reading levels of the children vary, but all receive encouragement. Many strong bonds form each year between the adults and the children, providing a rewarding volunteer experience.

If you love books and enjoy children, this may be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. To find out more, call Lori at the Adams Shore Branch at 617-376-1325.

Volunteer Literacy Tutor Orientation
The Thomas Crane Library's literacy program, LVM-Quincy, is offering an orientation for people interested in becoming basic reading tutors. LVM-Quincy provides free, one-on-one tutoring in basic reading and writing to adults on the South Shore. Orientation is provided twice a year and gives potential tutors information about the basic reading program so that you can decide if the program is compatible with your skills and interests and whether you want to make this volunteer commitment. For more information about LVA-Quincy and the orientation, go to the Literacy Project Web site.

The orientation will take place at the Main Library on Thursday, September 7 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. For more information or to register for this program, call 617-376-1314 or fill out an online application (select "Volunteer", scroll to the bottom of that page and select "Application").

CyberTalk: Now What? Storing & Editing Digital Images
Get up to speed on everything digital this year, from editing photos to downloading audiobooks, at a free series of presentations for adults on a variety of current technology topics. The CyberTalk programs will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the community meeting room at the Main Library.

On September 12, join professional photographer Ron Goodman and find out how to store and organize digital photo files on your computer, including the preparation of images for e-mailing and setting up picture sites on the Internet. You will also learn basic editing techniques such as cropping, levels, contrast, color control and printing using Picasa and Photoshop Elements software. Bring in your own photographs for critique and an analysis of how to make them more effective and aesthetically pleasing through the use of editing software. To register for the program, call 617-376-1316 or e-mail quref@ocln.org.

Ron Goodman is a college instructor of photography. He has had many one-person shows and received numerous awards for his art. His own images will be used as part of the presentation.

Mark your calendar for upcoming CyberTalk programs, including Buying a Computer on October 10 and Online Shopping: eBay & More on November 14. All programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

Anime Feature: Chrono Crusade
Chrono Crusade, a 2004 anime television series directed by Koh Yuh, will be screened on Thursday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Main Library.

The year is 1928. Jazz is hot, bootleg liquor is king and the idle rich of a nation have discovered a horrifying new past-time: summoning demons! To combat this growing threat, a new order of Holy Warriors has arisen. This is the story of Sister Rosette, an elite Exorcist in the Order of Magdalene, whose soul has been bound by alchemy to that of the devil Chrono. Armed with Sacred ammo, they form an unstoppable team, ready to wage war at a moments notice… because when the gates of hell are opened, someone's got to put the devils back!

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: Cooking With Wild Seasonal Foods
This fall, find out What's Cooking @your library at a free series of programs featuring a variety of food topics, from edible herbs to holiday pies. Programs will be held on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. at the Main Library.

On September 17, join wild foods enthusiast and herbalist Iris Weaver in discovering some of the wonderfully tasty and nutritious vegetables and other delectables that grow in your yard or the local park. Cooking With Wild Seasonal Foods begins a with a one-hour walk at the Crusher on Rock Island to meet locally available, tasty, and safe plants to spice up your autumn cuisine. You will learn where they grow, what they look like, and what parts are used for food. To join the walk, meet at the intersection of Rhoda Street and Pawsey Street at 1:30 p.m. For more information about the walk, call 617-472-0799.

In the cooking portion of the program, which begins at 3:00 at the Main Library, Ms. Weaver will prepare several dishes that include the plants you have just met and demonstrate how delicious wild foods can be. You will go home with a list of edible wild plants, and a selection of recipes to help you continue to enjoy them. You will never look at weeds the same way again!

In case of rain, the walk portion of the program will be held on Sunday, October 1 at 1:30 p.m.; the cooking presentation will be held September 17 rain or shine.

This program is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library and the Quincy Park Dept. Environmental Treasures program.

Watch for upcoming What's Cooking @your library programs, including Chinese cooking in October and pie-making in November!

Film Feature: Monstser Thursday
Due to the popularity of our summer Foreign Film Series, the Library will begin screening first-run independent and foreign films in the Main Library community meeting room every third Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. beginning this month. 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.

SEPTEMBER 21: Monster Thursday [Norwegian with English Subtitles]
Directed by Arild Ostin Ommundsen, Norway
Official Selection, Sundance Film Festival, Iceland Int'l Film Festival, Cleveland Int'l Film Festival, Bergen Int'l Film Festival
Old friends Even and Tord live on Norway's west coast. A handsome career guy and an excellent surfer, Tord marries Karen, whom Even has always loved. Despite the fact that Karen is expecting a child, Tord goes on a business trip to Singapore and asks Even to look after Karen while he is gone. With Tord away, Even decides to make his move-he even decides to learn to surf to impress Karen. But which way will the waves break?

"Monster Thursday marks the emergence of an electrifying new voice in Scandinavian cinema."-Trevor Groth, Sundance Film Festival

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.

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.

Book Discussion Groups
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 September 1, 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!

This month the group will meet on the third Friday, September 15 to discuss Letters from Yellowstone by Diane Smith. 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 September 20, the group will be discussing Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl. 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, September 6, 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, September 20, 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, September 11, 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! WHAT'S IN YOUR LIBRARY
Date: Monday, September 25
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
This class takes you behind the scenes of the library's books, newspapers and magazines, where you will discover music, movies, and a treasure trove of online resources and web sites. Search beyond the walls of Thomas Crane and learn how to request a book or article from other libraries, find phone numbers or addresses for local or out-of-state businesses or individuals, read articles from Consumer Reports, search for obituaries in the Patriot Ledger, and explore business, career, legal and career resources. This class will help you discover how to use the library's web site to find information you need, both inside and outside the library.

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.

September Exhibit
Artist Eli Cedrone presents an exhibit of her oil paintings from September 6-30 in the Coletti Reading Room on the first floor of the Main Library. A public reception will be held on Thursday, September 7 from 6:00-8:30 p.m.

New works on display are a series of small oil sketches called "apuntes" which were created over this past summer. The images of figures on the beach in direct sunlight or landscapes evoke a moment captured in time. Through her work, Ms. Cedrone says she tries to "describe the profound in the commonplace. My concerns are with the expressive qualities of light captured in paint as much as they're about new ways to consider the landscape in contemporary painting. By dividing my time between studio work and painting en plein aire, painting is a way of sharing a portion of my life with others."

Eli Cedrone has spent her lifetime creating. Upon graduating from the School of Art & Design in Boston, Eli studied art in Italy and at the MFA. Her professional career began as an art director in 1982 at Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising in Bermuda. This was followed by work as an illustrator and mixed-media artist in Laguna Beach, CA. Today, Eli paints full-time and teaches art at her gallery in Hingham.

Grandaughter of Lucia Coletti, Ms. Cedrone shares a lineage with the designers of the library's Coletti addition where her work will be exhibited. Constructed in 1939, the addition was designed by Paul and Carroll Coletti, and sculptor and longtime Quincy resident Joseph A. Coletti's ornamentation and bas-relief sculptures of riveters, granite cutters, and two entwined cranes grace the exterior of the building.

September Events for Children

FALL STORYTIME REGISTRATION
Registration for spring storytimes and elementary explorations begins Friday, September 8 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.

STORYTIME WITH MICHELLE
Join storyteller Michelle Andrews for stories, songs, rhymes, and more for children aged 2-5 accompanied by an adult, on Saturday, September 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library. No registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.

MAD SCIENCE: CURRENT EVENTS
In this electrifying Mad Science of Greater Boston workshop, the children will take a tour of the electron freeway. The roadside attractions include hands-on activities and illuminating demonstrations. The children will begin their exploration of electricity-in-motion with a vivid demonstration of the existence of a transferable electrical charge using balloons, an electroscope and their heads! Problem-solving and scientific know-how are explored when the children tackle the problem of creating a circuit that will light a bulb, and then turn to a hands-on exploration of more complex series circuits.

Two sessions of this program will be held on Saturday, September 16 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 Tuesday, September 5. 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, 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.

Last Modified: August 24, 2006
©Thomas Crane Public Library, Quincy, Mass. 02169