Wednesday, August 25, 2010

39 Clues Movie Sneak Preview

39 Clues Draws to a Close
If you have been following the brother and sister team in this series, you are probably anticipating 39 Clues book #10. This book, Into the Gauntlet by Magaret Peterson Haddix, is the last in the fast paced mystery and adventure series and is due out on August 31st.

For anyone new to 39 Clues, the library has copies of all of the previous nine books in the series. Once you start reading the series, it will be hard not to root for Amy and Dan as they work to finally find out all the answers to their questions.

39 Clues fans may also be happy to know that there is an online component to the series. Check out Scholastic Book Group's 39 Clues website and a teaser/trailer for the upcoming movie.




Further Reading
If you liked 38 Clues, try the following books/series:
Percy Jackson and the Olympians... Series by Rick Riordan
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff
Peter and the... Series by Dave Barry
Bone Series by Jeff Smith
Gods of Manhattan by Scott Mebus
Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Post by Kathleen Sands

Telephone Daze...

National "Do Not Call List"
We have and we're sure you too have received alarming emails that go something like this...

'REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month. REMINDER..... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.'

Scary stuff. Especially if you've ditched your land line or use your cell as a refuge from offers to thatch your roof or take a 30 day tour of Bali for $99.

No matter which phone plan arrangements you've made, the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) National Do Not Call List has accepted cell phone numbers since 2003. Registrations become effective within 31 days of signing up. There is no cut-off date or deadline for registrations.

Also check out the FTC's advice about 'do not call' scams.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Fribrary Time Hits the Road

Green-Theme Trip to the CRRA Trash Museum in Hartford, CT
As part of our year-long series of go-green programs, offered in collaboration with the Rockfall Foundation, the library organized a trip to the Trash Museum in Hartford, CT on August 13th. This trip gave a boost to our commitment to educate children in 4th and 5th grade about the environment and ways to protect and preserve it.

For this Fribrary Time trip, the library also reached out to a local childcare center, Kids of Chatham Organization (KOCO), to help ensure that many children in our community were able to participate in the program.

Trash Museum Recap
At the museum, our guide showed us the various types of recyclables. We were then able to look down through large windows and via cameras at the center's activities. We learned how the trucks arrive and tip their contents onto the "tipping floor." Next, machines and workers begin the sorting process, using a variety of technology, such as magnets, and hand sorting. We also played an "I Spy" game in the Trash Palace, a small castle erected completely of ... garbage!

Finally, we were shown some fun items that can be made from recyclables. Our guide pointed out to us that so many items we use every day can be recycled and reused many times over before a final trip to the trash. A fun and educational time was had by all, adults included!

Next Up in Our Go-Green Series
Our next Fribrary Times Goes Green program is scheduled on August 27th at 3:30 p.m. Register today for this program led by graduate students in UCONN's Center for Urban Transportation and Planning!

Post by Kathleen Sands

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Fribrary Time Kids Go Green

Road Trip!
There is still time to register for our library's Fribrary Time field trip to CRRA's Trash Museum, located in Hartford. The trip is scheduled for this Friday, August 13th. School bus leaves the library parking lot at 1:45 p.m. sharp, with a scheduled pick-up at KOCO shortly thereafter.

The Five R's : Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Rethink!
Once we arrive in Hartford, you'll be treated to a guided and interactive exploration of the museum exhibits that will help explain all aspects of waste management. You'll view the working recycling center and also take part in a hands-on activity! What better way to learn what happens to your trash after you trash it?

The field trip is open to kids entering grades 4-6 in fall 2010; parent permission to participate is required.

Call the library at 860-267-6621 for additional information about the trip. This is one of an ongoing series of environmental education events sponsored by the library, in collaboration with Middlesex County's Rockfall Foundation.

Magic-Filled Days at Sears Park

Ed 'Pop' Dazzles Yet Again!
Since summer 2005, the library has delivered outreach services to Sears Park campers in collaboration with the East Hampton Parks & Recreation Department.

Outreach services include making it easy for campers to read during summer (we deliver books once a week and check them out to campers) and our two town departments also
co-host an end-of-summer entertainment program. Ed 'Pop' (Popielarczyk) performed his magic show today before a very engaged audience of kiddos and adults. Hope you all had a great time!

Short video here:

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Blackjack Progam Rescheduled

Blackjack the Smart Way with Richard Harvey
Richard Harvey, bestselling book author, will demystify the game and teach you a thing or two about how to increase your odds of winning at the blackjack table on Wednesday, September 15, beginning at 7 p.m. in the library community room. The event was rescheduled owing to a number of requests from our patrons.

About the Workshop
The workshop will include a multi-media presentation, demonstrations, practice hands, and a discussion of theoretical math models, shuffling studies, and player strategies. All playing levels, including beginners, are welcomed to attend though registration is required. Even if you don't gamble (but like math) the program will prove to be very interesting.

About Richard Harvey
Harvey is the author of a number of blackjack guides including Blackjack the Smart Way and is recognized as one of the top authorities on the subject. His blackjack program has been a popular feature at many public libraries throughout our state.

Sunday, August 08, 2010

Summer Reads : From Paper to Screen

Books and Movies
Many recent and upcoming films have a connection to books and literature. Here's a few local favorites : some fluff, some not so fluff.

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell with DVD due for release in mid-October.

Alice in Wonderland, based on Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Check out Jabberwocky if you dare!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, based on the book by Roald Dahl. Click here for other Dahl-inspired books-to-film and bet you'll be surprised Dahl wrote the screenplay for a Bond movie!

On the Nicholas Sparks schmaltzy pleasure front, try Dear John or The Last Song; the latter is due for DVD release August 17.

Lise & Ceil Friedman's Letters to Juliet: Celebrating Shakespeare's Greatest Heroine, the Magical City of Verona, and the Power of Love looks at one of Shakespeare's most beloved characters and tells the story of the volunteers who have been answering the thousands of letters from all over the world received in Verona addressed to Juliet since the 1930s. The book-based film is due for DVD release on September 14.

Also check out the The Lovely Bones or Extraordinary Measures and make sure you've read Charlie St. Cloud or Eat, Pray, Love before you buy your tickets.

Friday, August 06, 2010

Hot Fiction Picks from Favorite Authors

Steamy Days, Steamy Reads
Summer 2010 has been warm and as the cliche goes we don't mind the heat but hate the humidity! If you're a weather geek, you can check out the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's State of the Climate Report. Better yet, tough it out at the beach with a good read. Books can add steam of the welcomed variety...

One Day by David Nicholls
Over twenty years, snapshots of an unlikely relationship on the same day -- July 15th -- of each year. Expect a movie; this one is ready-made for big screen treatment and is somewhat reminiscent of Same Time Next Year and Groundhog Day.

Star Island by Carl Hiaasen
This latest off-beat novel from the very funny Hiaasen stars twenty-something singer Cheryl Bunterman (aka Cherry Pye) and recurring characters Chemo and Skink. Plenty of pop-culture humor to satisfy anyone who laughs at the celebrity gossip industry.

Queen of the Night by J.A. Jance
This mystery novel (after Day of the Dead) features former homicide detective Brandon Walker and his wife, novelist Diana Ladd. Murders, cold case and new, impact the Tohono O'odham Nation residents and their [Arizona] neighbors. The novel is dedicated to the late Tony Hillerman.

Hangman by Faye Kellerman
The latest in series (after Blindman's Bluff) featuring Lt. Peter Decker and his wife, Rina Lazarus.

The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory
Fans of Tudor England historicals will surely appreciate Gregory's latest about Margaret Beaufort, grandmother of King Henry VIII, and key player in the War of the Roses. Second in The Cousins' War series (after the White Queen) from the author of The Other Boleyn Girl.

Scarlet Nights by Jude Deveraux
If you read Days of Gold, take a trip back to Edilean, VA and enjoy the characters, both old and new.

Burn by Nevada Barr
Next in a series of Anna Pigeon novels (after Borderline) takes the ranger to the Jazz National Heritage Park in post Katrina New Orleans.

Due for Release on Tuesday, August 10
Tough Customer by Sandra Brown
Cure by Robin Cook
The Vigilantes by W.E.B. Griffin (Badge of Honor ; v. 10)
Veil of Night by Linda Howard

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

Back to School
As back to school days are quickly creeping up on us and that yearly school physical looms in the near future, take a moment to learn about vaccinations for your child. Whether this is your child's first experience with immunizations or they are due for new ones, below is a short list of new books that discuss the topic.

With many aspects to consider (personal beliefs, religious background, schooling preferences, medical philosophy, etc.), we've included web site links as well.

The Everything Parent's Guide to Vaccines by Leslie Young
Should Vaccinations Be Mandatory? Noeel Merino, editor
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vaccinations by Michael Joseph Smith and Laurie Bouck

Vaccine Safety Manual for Concerned Families and Health Practitioners by Neil Miller

Surf's Up
Centers for Disease Control (includes the CDC's recommended schedule for adults and children)
American Academy of Pediatrics
Vaccination Risk Awareness Network

Post by Kathleen Sands

Consumer Reports : The Thoughtful Shopper's Companion

Did You Know? Trusted Advice is Only a Click Away
If you missed the news along the way, the EHPL offers online access to Consumer Reports. What do you need to access the service? One thing: a valid East Hampton Public Library card!

About Consumer Reports Online
Known as one of the most trusted resources for information and advice on consumer products, this award-winning website contains information that enables consumers to make better purchasing decisions on the products they are shopping for. In addition, users will find advice and tips on saving money on home improvement plans, how to shore up personal finances, ways to improve health and much more.

Ratings, Reviews, Recommendations, Report Cards
Consumer Reports provides ratings and reviews, recommendations and buying advice across several franchises. Each product includes an overview and a ratings report card, as well as tester reviews & recommendations. Additional information includes brand reliability and user reviews, plus news, blogs, forums and video content.

Logging In
Grab your East Hampton Public Library card, click here, and enter your library card barcode number (no spaces please) in the Patron ID field.