The Latest for the College Bound

Money and You
We regularly update our collection of books about choosing a college and funding a college education. Though a few others are on their way, latest arrivals on scholarships include:

Best Scholarships for the Best Students
Kaplan Scholarships 2011
Ultimate Scholarship Book 2011
2011 Scholarship Handbook

Surf's Up
For information on grants, student aid, scholarships or planning ahead for the college-bound kiddo(s) in your home, try:
CT State Department of Higher Education
CT Higher Education Trust
FAFSA®
FinAid!®

Surfers Beware
There are many scholarship sites on the web; some front for third party companies who'd love to get to know you. If the web site doesn't give you a clear picture of who is providing the information, walk your mouse away. For help on this topic, consider using your local library card to log in to Consumer Reports for information about college costs, savings plans, money management advisories, and scams in general.

Local Scholarships
A number of local civic, cultural, and sports groups award scholarships to EHHS students. Amounts range from modest to hefty. Check with experts in the EHHS Guidance Office.

Eeew, Yuck, Gross!

Educational, Too...
If you are looking to engage a reluctant reader and raise awareness about health, environmental topics or cultural differences, give any of these eeew books a try. The titles will probably appeal to fans of the Captain Underpants series and are mainly for fun; not school reports.

Sanitation Investigation Series
Each of three books in this series explains the history and science of life's little unmentionables. Though the yuck factor is high, the public and personal health information is very good. (Grades 2-3)

Gross Body Science Series
Plenty of ick to go around but with surprisingly useful lessons about how your body attacks germs and about personal hygiene : brushing your teeth, covering your sneeze, washing your hands. For slightly older readers in grades 4-5.

Extreme Cuisine
Learn about how one person's 'swatable' bug is another person's delicacy. One title with a couple of others on the way. Adults might also like to take a peek at Strange Foods by Jerry Hopkins or Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre Foods show on the Travel Channel.

The Fairies Flew In....

"All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust." ~ J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)

This past weekend the library hosted a fairy fair during which we constructed fairy houses which were placed in our illuminated tree. In addition, we enjoyed fairies themed treats and games. We also read great fairy stories! In case you missed the fun, check out these great fairy books:

Younger Readers
Alice the Fairy by David Shannon
You Think It's Easy Being the Tooth Fairy by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt
The Mud Fairy by Amy Young

Older Readers
The Fairy Rebel by Lynne Banks
The many fairy books in the Rainbow Magic series by Daisy Meadows
The Spiderwick Chronicles by Toni DiTerlizzi (also a movie)
The Night Fairy by Laura Schlitz
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie (multiple formats plus a biography)

DVDs For Families
Tinker Bell
Peter Pan
Barbie of Swan Lake

Upcoming Events
Click here for latest listing of upcoming events for all ages @ your library.

Post by Kathleen Sands

East Hampton Rotary Club News : FIRST LEGO League Now Forming

Information Forum Scheduled
The East Hampton Rotary Club is offering an open invitation to local kids, ages 9-14, who would like to explore the world of cutting-edge science, technology, and engineering.

If you would like to learn more about how to work as a team to design, build, and program a robot using LEGO bricks, sensors, motors, and gears -- and to use your team robot to solve a real world problem -- meet with program leaders this Friday, January 28th, from 6-7 p.m. in the library's community room. This is a family forum so parents are encouraged to participate.

For overview information click here to download a flier or contact Chris Voelker @ chrisowensvoelker@snet.net

Surf's Up
First Connecticut
Connecticut First Lego League

One, Two, Three, Four...

Tax Time! News About Federal Taxes
You won't find tax forms in your mailbox this year; the IRS eliminated the mailings to help reduce costs.

In 2011, Post Offices and participating libraries (like ours) will be the main distribution points for paper tax forms and instructions. Paper forms sent from the IRS to us may be obtained for free; form holders are set up in the library's lobby. We suggest you call ahead to see which forms and corresponding instruction sets are available.

Other options to obtain tax products, tax preparation, and help with filing tax returns include:

• Download forms and instructions online @ IRS.gov
• Visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is available to those who meet certain income restrictions.
• IRS Free File provides options for brand-name tax software or online forms plus electronic filing. For more information, visit IRS Free File on IRS.gov and exercise caution on the 'free' part.

AARP Tax Assistance via the East Hampton Senior Center
Our town's Senior Center annually hosts tax help sessions for those age 60 and over, led by trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors.

Contact the Senior Center at 860-267-4426 to make an appointment for any of the following dates : Wednesdays, February 2nd and 16th; Tuesdays, March 8th and 29th; or Thursday, April 7th. All appointments take place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Snow to Shovel and Things to Do...

"Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat!" ~ Bullwinkle
With more snow predicted for next week (ugh) plan ahead for family activities, both outdoor and indoor. On the indoor front and absent a rabbit, put some books in your favorite hat; ride out the storm, and have some fun...

Magic Tricks
In before the storm comes a new four-part series of books for young magicians. The series includes tricks for beginner, apprentice, expert and master levels. Many of the tricks call for everyday items you already have in your home; e.g., spoons, pennies, paper bags, etc. Not superb but super for can-do kids and/or reluctant readers.

Related Reading and Viewing
Hee-Haw-Dini and the Great Zambini by Kim Kennedy
The Magic Rabbit by Annette Cate
Night of the New Magicians by Mary Pope Osborne
Enigma : A Magical Mystery by Graeme Base
Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke
Escape! : The Story of the Great Houdini by Sid Fleischman
Scooby-Doo! Abracadabra-Doo (DVD)
Small-Scale Magic, Party Tricks and Optical Illusions by Nicholas Einhorn

Healthy Eating

Who Knew a Blender Was a Go-to Gizmo?
By all accounts yesterday's workshop about what a raw foods diet really means was informative, enjoyable, and had a tasty outcome. We thank all who attended and appreciate your taking time out of your busy day to join us. We also thank our presenters, Sioux Wimler and Sabrina Granniss.

Further Reading
If you are interested in learning more, here's a few subject clicks that lead to books; though there will be some overlap in the search results :
Raw foods -- Vegetarian
Vegan -- Natural foods

Related Reading and Viewing

Each of these titles has a different point of view, frequently debated and often hotly so. As always, pick and choose.

Food Matters by Mark Bittman

Harvest of Hope : A Guide to Mindful Eating by Jane Goodall

The China Study by T. Colin Campbell

Food Inc. or King Corn (documentary fims)

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

Super Size Me by Morgan Spurlock (documentary film)

The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

Just Food by James E. McWilliams

Take a Poll!

The library is looking to offer an ongoing series of programs focused on healthy lifestyles. One component of our overall effort will focus on healthy eating. Please take a moment to participate in the first of series of overlapping polls about healthy lifestyle topics that might interest you. Look to the right-hand column on this blog to vote.

Crime Reads from Colder Climates

In from Sweden...
Stieg Larsson's novels haven't yet faded into memory; many are still reading the books or listening to/watching media versions of the author's Millennium Triology. Fans of the series are also asking, when the last page has been turned or the last frame fades to credits, "What are we going to do now?"

Well, good news! Because of Larsson's fantastic success, mainstream publishers have donned their earmuffs and mittens and gone-a-hunting into the wilds of Sweden and Denmark for more mysteries of merit.

What they found was the writing team of Anders Roslund (ex-journalist) and Borge Hellstrom (ex-criminal) who bring us two loosely connected mysteries featuring Det. Supt. Ewert Grens. Like Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander, Grens never stops digging.

Try Three Seconds, about an infiltrator who has worked his way into the Polish mafia operating inside the Swedish prison system. Though this one has caught most of the buzz, don't forget Roslund/Hellstrom's earlier novel, Box 21.

Post by Phil Carr

Personal Investing and Finance

Books About Money

Here's a few of the latest and greatest about personal finance and investing in uncertain times. This short list includes popular titles, updated standards, and a few classics.

Common Sense on Mutual Funds

The updated 10th anniversary edition of John C. Bogle's classic.

The Little Book That Still Beats the Market
Joel Greenblatt's updated guide to formula investing.

Debt Free for Life

This one hit the best seller lists last week. Author David Bach's a regular on TV money shows.

Making the Most of Your Money Now

A revised edition of Jane Bryant Quinn's primer on money management.

The Great Reflation

J. Anthony Boeckh, financial advisor and former economics professor, analyzes what happened before 2008 and what will happen in the post-2008 economy. Pair this one with The Big Short by Michael Lewis or Matt Taibbi's Griftopia.

Reclaim Your Nest Egg

Ken Kamen's title matches up well with The Hard Times Guide to Retirement Security by Mark Miller, The Smartest Retirement Book You'll Ever Read by Daniel Solin, or the inelegantly titled Rule Your Freakin' Retirement by Michael Parness.

The Black Swan : The Impact of the Highly Improbable
The older and new edition are both available; the latest includes essay analysis of the 2008 meltdown.

Asset Allocation for Dummies
A guide to lowering your risk, maximizing your gain.

Against the Gods : the Remarkable Story of Risk
Peter L. Bernstein's 1996 title about the history of risk-taking still peppers the must-read lists of radio/TV financial commentators and advice givers.

For the ambitious DIY investor, try the latest on options and commodities trading.

Let It Snow!

Snow Lover's Tool Kit
Today's snow will be with us for a while (we're guessing July); so why not make the best of it? Here's a few suggestions for those who enjoy snow up close and personal or from afar...

Snow Play : How to Make Forts, Slides, Winter Campfires, plus the Coolest Loch Ness Monster and 21 Other Brrrilliant Projects in the Snow by Birgitta Ralston

Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast : 50 Classic Ski Tours in New England and New York by David Goodman

Snowboarding Skills : the Back-to-basics Essentials for all Levels by Cindy Kleh

The Snowflake : Winter's Secret Beauty by Libbrecht, Kenneth

It Happened in Connecticut by Diana Rosskin McCain (chapter on 1888 blizzard)

Crazy for the Storm : A Memoir of Survival by Norman Ollestad

For Kids
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Snowballs by Lois Ehlert
Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams
Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton

Surf's Up
For skiers, check out Ski Central for a listing of CT's ski centers.

Guinness World Record?

Root for Deepika This Saturday @ your library
Take some time this Saturday to support local 12 year-old kiddo and puzzle assembler, Deepika Ravichandran. She's looking to break a Guinness World Record ™ as the youngest and fastest to complete the GWR Hasbro puzzle.

Event starts at 12 noon and goes to 1 p.m. in the library's Community Room. If you would like to attend, please try to be on time and prepare to shush(!).

To learn more about what Deepika's accomplished to get to this point, in GWR's rigorous terms, click here. Also visit Deepika's Active Giving site and give if you can.

See you Saturday...

National Radon Action Month

Healthy Homes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has again designated January as National Radon Action Month. The Chatham Health District is in turn promoting radon awareness in each of its member towns, via town halls and public libraries. The East Hampton Public Library is a participating site.

Stop by the library and pick up a free radon testing kit; a limited number of no cost kits are available.

Healthy Communities
Please do take time to visit the Chatham Health District's website to learn more about localized public health programs sponsored and forwarded by our town via local area collaboration and District membership.

Fantastic Fiction for Kids

Just Imagine...
Have you ever found yourself hooked on a great series? Then you'll understand why Mehera Beatrice Crosby is devastated to learn her favorite book series will no longer be published. She was waiting for Book 5 forever and now she will not know how everything ended!

Read Imaginalis by J. M. DeMatteis (Abadazad series) to find out if Mehera can answer the call for help and save her favorite book characters!

Other Great Fantasy Books and Series
For fantasy and series fiction fans, we offer a quick recap of popular titles and titles you may have missed along the way. We've noted other series by listed authors that elementary or middle school readers might also enjoy.

Inheart, Inkspell, Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke
The Search for WondLa by Toni DiTerlizzi (Spiderwick Chronicles)
Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games series)
Beast Quest by Adam Blade
Falling In by Francis O'Roark Dowell (Phineas L. MacGuire series)
OZ Series by L. Frank Baum
Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Post by Kathleen Sands

Altered Art

Finding Your Artistic Voice

If you're at least a tad artsy or interested in paper crafts of a different order, why not explore the wonderful world of altered art? Since you can use everyday objects to create an objet d'art, altered forms are easy on your budget and a great way to recycle. The form doesn't necessarily rely on traditional artists' skills (drawing or painting) but does promote interest in learning more about them.

Here's a short list of titles on or related to the subject plus info on an upcoming library-sponsored workshop:

Altered Art : Techniques for Creating Altered Books, Boxes, Cards & More by Terry Taylor

Altered Books, Collaborative Journals, and Other Adventures in Bookmaking by Holly Harrison

New Directions in Altered Books by Gabe Cyr

Artist Trading Card Workshop : Create Collect Swap by Bernie Berlin

Print Workshop : Hand-Printing Techniques and Truly Original Projects by Christine Schmidt

Upcoming Workshop

Library staff member and altered bookmaker Phil Carr is slated to lead a workshop about artist cards, a form of altered art, on January 13, 1 p.m. Make your own 2½ x 3½" cards during the program using a number of techniques ranging from simple to extravagant. Information on how to participate in worldwide trading card swap groups will also be discussed. Click here to register for this free workshop.

Additional 'How-to' Titles
If you and your kids are interested in engineering, you might like to experiment with pop-up construction projects. More traditional books about bookbinding will also be helpful to undertaking an altered book project.