Ladies and Gentleman, the Beatles!

February 7, 1964
February 7, 2014 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' arrival in America. If you are up for a walk down memory lane -- and a long one at that -- enjoy a quick list of recent and classic books about this influential British band who forever changed musical history and American culture.

The Beatles: All These Years by Mark Lewisohn
Presents the first volume in a planned trilogy on the iconic band, documenting their early years in Liverpool and Hamburg and the role of American music in shaping their ambitions.
Beatles vs. Stones by John McMillian
The author, an assistant professor of history at Georgia State University, compares and contrasts the careers of the two greatest rock 'n' roll bands of the 20th century. Who's your favorite?
Beatles : the BBC Archives: 1962-1970 by Kevin Howlett
A carefully curated collection of the surviving transcripts of the Beatles' appearances on BBC Radio and Television from 1962 to 1970, featuring commentary from the author. Listen to the Live at the BBC music CDs while you read.

The Beatles Anthology by the Beatles
An oral history style book of the band though 1970. In a word? Epic. Pair it with the eight volume video series of the same name.
The Beatles by Hunter Davies
Described as the only authorized biography of the Fab Four, Davies spent 18 months with the band between 1967 and 1968.
You Never Give Me Your Money: The Beatles After the Breakup by Peter Doggett
Chronicles the band's break-up and subsequent legal feuds.

For Younger Fans
The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny) by Katherine Krull and Pal Brewer
Q: How do you find all this business of having screaming girls following you all over the place? George: Well, we feel flattered . . . John: . . . and flattened. Enjoy a lighthearted look at the Fab Four's sense of humor.

Who Were the Beatles? by Geoff Edgers
An easy to read narrative about the their Liverpudlian childhoods, first leaps into rock music, what Beatlemania was like, and why the band broke up.
Yellow Submarine, story adapted by Charlie Gardner
Pair the picture book with the animated film.
Beatles: Leading the British Invasion by Diane Dakers
An unvarnished look on the Beatles as a band and as individual performers.

Loving the Beatles in a LEGO Kind of Way...

New Year, Healthier You!

Online Health and Wellness Information for Families
'Tis the season for resolutions. If you are looking for reputable resources about health and wellness topics or about health or medical concerns for yourself or for a family member, several options are available to help you get the answers you need.

MedlinePlus
MedlinePlus is the National Institutes of Health's go-to web site for consumer health information. Produced by the National Library of Medicine, it brings you information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in language you can understand. MedlinePlus offers reliable, up-to-date health information, anytime, anywhere, for free.

Health Information for Ages 60+
NIH Senior Health is designed with older adults in mind. The site comes equipped with readability tools and highlights health and aging topics of interest to older people -- such as Alzheimer's disease, balance problems, shingles, diabetes, and glaucoma. A special section features personal stories of older adults who regularly engage in exercise and physical activity, highlighting the benefits gained from walking, jogging, dancing, swimming, yoga, etc.

Healthnet: Connecticut's Consumer Health Information Network
Healthnet is a program that provides health information to the public. Experienced medical information professionals will research a medical topic for you and provide you with a free customized packet of information based on your specific need. The services are provided to Connecticut residents by the University of Connecticut Health Center’s Lyman Maynard Stowe Library. You may also use the Health Center Library to do your own research.

iCONN.org: Connecticut's reSearch Engine
Check out a stunning array of free databases available to any Connecticut resident with a library card. Scroll down to the Health and Science section and please be sure to peruse a wealth of link-to resources under Other Health Resources.

Chatham Health District : Living Healthy
The Chatham Health District serves the towns of East Haddam, East Hampton, Haddam, Hebron, Marlborough and Portland and provides an array of public health programs. The District's web site offers links to resources about healthy living and creating healthier physical and social environments.

Holiday Programs Coming Your Way...

We've Got Music! We've Got How To! We've Got Movies! Who Could Ask for Anything More? 
Hope all enjoyed a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday weekend with friends and family. We'd like to keep the holiday spirit going with a more formal online announcement of upcoming holiday programs scheduled for December 2013. Enjoy holiday music on a weekday evening; get crafty as an adult or kiddo; take in a classic holiday film, or dance your socks off as a family! Here's the lineup:

Home for the Holidays: Concert with the Larry Gareau Trio
Tuesday, December 10, 6:30 p.m. [Click to Register]
Set aside the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and treat yourself to an evening concert filled with the sweet sounds of your favorite seasonal music. Enjoy familiar carols, traditional tunes, and winter standards -- all with a jazzy twist. Local favorite The Larry Gareau Trio presents a concert sure to eliminate any holiday stress and put you on a smooth groove.

Area Business Showcase: Holiday Centerpiece Design with It's So Ranunculus
Thursday, December 12, 1:00 p.m. [Click to Register]
Welcome floral designer Leah O'Hearn to the library! In this afternoon how-to program, you'll get expert advice and design/make a holiday centerpiece using winter greens, seasonal berries, ornaments, pine cones, and ribbons to suit your style and fit your own home decor. Registration is limited with a $10 per person fee to defray the cost of supplies.

The Tenth Reindeer: Holiday Craft for Kids
Saturday, December 14, 11:00 a.m. [Click to Register]
You all know the story about Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Rudolph and the rest of Santa's nine. Name them all then craft your very own 10th reindeer, great for holding holiday treats. The 10th reindeer will be small but mighty, just like you! The craft is appropriate for ages 4-8; registration is limited and parent participation is required.

Happy Holidays! Song Dance and the Possibilities with Brian Gillie
Saturday, December 14, 2:00 p.m. [Click to Register]
Flying reindeer? Dancing snowmen? Kids invent outrageous new versions of some old, holiday song favorites and then create a hip, holiday dance to a funky seasonal tune; all while exploring language, poetry, music and pop culture. Presented by Brian Gillie, a long-time performance-educator with Young Audiences of CT and Master Teacher with the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. For families with older kids, younger kids, and music lovers of all ages. Make an inter-generational day of it @ your library. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Film Night: A Christmas Carol Classic
Tuesday, December 17, 6:30 p.m.
View and discuss one of many film adaptations of Charles Dickens' classic holiday story, A Christmas Carol. The 1951 version we'll show is in black & white and purists beware, there is side story that wasn't part of Dickens' original story. The film stars Alastair Sim -- in our humble opinion the best Scrooge of all Scrooges ever! Join us to view a film, and story, about community and family. Library staff member Phil Carr moderates the discussion.

In Another Time, In Another Place: Historical Fiction for Young People

Living History
Word has it reading historical fiction is on many a local to-do list. We here offer a quick list of books you might consider in your quest for a great read. Our list includes classics, award-winners, books by popular authors, graphic novels, and a few that stretch the definition of historical fiction but are just plain fun. All are meant to challenge your perceptions of people who lived in another time, in another place, and to encourage further reading. Our best advice is choose a book about an historical period that interests you and that one special book that is not at all hard to enjoy... or too easy to read.

Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine
The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages -- The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai -- Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

The Coffin Quilt by Ann Rinaldi
Dark Water Rising by Marian Hale
Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle by Nan Marino
Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
VIII by H.M. Castor

Donner Dinner Party by Nathan Hale
Great American Dust Bowl by Don Brown
Little White Duck by Andrés Vera Martínez
One Dead Spy by Nathan Hale -- A Bag of Marbles by Kris

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Extra by Kathryn Lasky
The Agency by Y.S. Lee
Hear the Wind Blow by Mary Downing Hahn

A Million Shades of Gray by Cynthia Kadohata
Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons by Ann Rinaldi
I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison -- The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay -- Keoko by Linda Sue Park

Ghosts of the American Road: Wednesday Evening Music

A November Evening Concert 
The library will be CLOSED on Monday, November 11, in honor of Veterans Day.

On Wednesday, November 13, 7:00 PM, the library will be hosting a FREE concert featuring Ghosts of the American Road, a Texas-based Americana music duo travelling through our area by way of the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference (NERFA). At the concert, you'll meet singer-songwriter Kevin Higgins and musical partner, Barbara Malteze. With seven Texas Music Awards between them, this duo is all set to deliver musical poetry/storytelling at its best. Check out the duo's songs here and here.

Click here to register online for this free concert or give us a call at 860-267-6621.

Honor: A Tribute by Ghosts of the American Road

Temperatures Falling But Programs Rising! Upcoming Library Events

November Programs for All Ages
Join us in November for any of a variety of programs for adults, tweens and teens, and of course, little people! Whether it's discussing a good book; learning to play an oh-so trendy game; making a cool craft; enjoying a concert or a movie -- or learning about useful ways to fund a college education from expert advisers -- we've got a little something for everyone coming your way.

Hope to see you in November as the leaves keep falling, as the holidays approach, and well before we all start stressing about winter!

College Funding Strategies : Navigating the Financial Aid Process
Tuesday, November 5, 6:30 p.m.
If you missed the "college guys" in September, meet them in November. If you have children heading to college soon or sooner, join us for a presentation on college funding strategies, funding options, and navigating the financial aid process. The seminar will be presented by LPL Financial Associates. Nothing to sell; just free advice for parents across the financial spectrum. Click here to register if you plan to attend this free program.

Be Creative @ your library : Turkey Day On the Way!
Saturday, November 9, 11:00 a.m.
Join us on a Saturday morning and make a nifty, not to mention colorful holiday centerpiece sure to please you and your family. The cool thing about this bird is on the BIG DAY, you can invite your family members to write down something they are thankful for on each of the paper feathers. Give thanks! For ages 4-8; click here to register and sign up to be creative.

Munchkin!
Wednesday, November 13, 3:00 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Munchkin is a mega-hit card game about dungeon adventure. You and your friends compete to kill monsters and grab weapons, magic items and treasure. Then use these items to defeat monsters or thwart your friends. There will be a variety of differently themed Munchkin games to play including: Fantasy, Vampire/Werewolf, Apocalypse, Superhero, Pirates, Zombies, and Sci-Fi. For grades 6-8; click to register.

Evening Concert : Ghosts of the American Road
Wednesday, November 13, 7:00 p.m.
Welcome duo Kevin Higgins and Barbara Malteze for an evening concert all about storytelling through song. Enjoy vocals over guitar and piano and the melodic poetry that is this pair's signature sound. Please do catch this award-winning, Texas-based Americana music duo as they travel through our area by way of the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance Conference (NERFA). Check out the tunes; then click to register for this free concert.

Small Business Showcase : Crafty Cakes and Cupcakes!
Thursday, November 14, 1:00 p.m.
Take a Break! Meet and greet Cindy Sullivan, co-owner and the baker behind Crafty Cakes and Cupcakes, one of the latest additions to the East Hampton Village Center's open-for-business list! Learn about how to get crafty and plan for way cool desserts for the upcoming holiday season. Click to register to let us know you will be attending this local showcase event.

Library Book Discussion Group : The Geography of Bliss
Wednesday, November 20, 6:30 p.m.
Join us and discuss The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner, a memoir by a self-professed "grump" who traveled to many different countries around the world looking for the secret to happiness. Throughout his quest, the author weaves in classical thoughts on the nature of happiness and healthy rounds of humor. What makes you happy? Library staff member Phil Carr moderates. Discussion book copies are now available for pick-up at the front desk. Join the conversation! Click here to add to your events.

Library Film Group : Much Ado About Much Ado
Tuesday, November 26, 6:30 p.m.
Looking for a different film take on Shakespeare's comedy? You asked and here you have it! We'll be viewing the 1996 film featuring Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington, Michael Keaton, and Kenneth Branagh. Compare and contrast to Joss Whedon's version or enjoy this one on its own. No matter which you view or prefer, the Bard's 16th century play comes complete with mischief, jealous scheming, and laughter all around.

Beware of Zombies: Coming to a Village Near You...

Shiver and Laugh: Zombie Makeup Workshop
Saturday October 26 @ 11:00 a.m.

Join us as we study the altering art of zombification with assistance from professional makeup artist, Caroline Wilcox. There will be eye-fooling pins, scabs, welts, burns, sores, and other gruesome crud sure to displease the humans or trick the creeping hoard.

Go gross! Go funny! Go theatrical! But above all, use the experience to create your own story about how to survive in a zombie-infested world!

The program is open to tweens, teens, and interested adults. Click here to register online or give us call at 860-267-6621 for more information.

Just For Fun: Zombie Jamboree
If you are a fan of the TV series, The Walking Dead, you're likely to have tuned into the background music now and again. Great history of zombie-centric tunes here, with a recurring jamboree theme. Here's one version mentioned:

Witch Hunt!

Connecticut History Series:
New England's Other Witch Hunt : the Hartford Crisis of the 1660's
Everyone knows about the witch hunt at Salem in 1692. But few people know that in the years before Salem, Connecticut was New England's fiercest witch prosecutor. The first person hanged for witchcraft in New England came from Windsor, and every single person indicted for witchcraft in Connecticut in its early years was convicted and hanged.

Thursday, October 24, @ 1:00 p.m.
East Hampton Public Library Community Room

Dr. Walter Woodward

Join Dr. Walter Woodward, Connecticut State Historian, as he brings the events surrounding Hartford’s terrifying and deadly witch panic to life. Dr. Woodward will explore the context, actions, and consequences of this horrific event that occurred a generation before the Salem witch trials.

Why did people believe in witches? Why were most accused witches women? How could people be so afraid of witches’ powers that they were willing to kill their neighbors? How did the Hartford witch hunt change witchcraft prosecution in Connecticut and in New England?

You’ve always known about Salem…now learn about the rest of the story.

Sign Up to Attend
All East Hampton Public Library events are free and open to the public. For seating purposes, registration is encouraged. You may call the library at 860-267-6621 to let us know you will be attending or you may click here to register online.

If Fall Goes Well: Upcoming Library Events

Fall In!
The breezes are cooler and the leaves have already started to show their colors. Harvest season is here and Halloween is just around the corner. Fear not and enjoy the bounty of public programs the library will offer in October 2013.

Early October Programs
Here's a quick list of early October programs for adults and/or teens, all of them free and open to the public. Phone, stop by the library, or check out our online events calendar any time to find latest news on these and other upcoming events! Registration required where noted.

Tuesday, October 8, 6:30 p.m.
Movie Night at the Library
View and discuss the latest book-to-film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Directed by Baz Luhrman and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby, this version is both faithful to the story and visually intense. But is it better than the book? Big screen, comfy chairs. Phil Carr moderates.

Wednesday, October 9, 7:00 p.m.
Researching the Unexplained: CT's Own Ghostbusters!
The CPRS was founded in 1995 by paranormal researchers Joseph Franke and Orlando Ferrante. Meet the duo as they discuss paranormal activity in our home state. View video and photographs of ghostly images, listen to audio and more! This program is appropriate for adults-teens.
Please register if you plan to attend.

Thursday, October 10, 2:00 p.m.
Sustainability Series: Raising Chickens in Your Backyard
Take a Break and meet Dr. Michael Darre (rhymes with 'dairy'), professor at the University of Connecticut and Extension Poultry Specialist for Connecticut and New England. Dr. Darre will present info on breeds, housing, management, nutrition and health of chickens. Even if you are or aren't an aspiring chicken or small poultry flock owner, UConn's "chicken man" will cover topics relevant to a backyard poultry farm. Please register if you plan to attend.

Rock-n-Roll... Library Style!

The Roots of Rock-n-Roll with Brian Gillie
The East Hampton Public Library is proud to kick off its 16th Annual Saturday Afternoon Concert Series on Saturday, September 28, @ 2 p.m.

A Musical History Lesson
Get ready for a high-energy, fun-filled afternoon with Brian Gillie, long-time international performer, swing dance choreographer, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

Unlike any history lesson you will ever see, Mr. Gillie will use impersonations, costumes, props, original sound bites, stand-up piano-playing, radio commercials and attitude to reveal the story of rock's origins through gospel, rhythm and blues, and country and western. Meet the personalities and songs that shaped the music of doo-wop, Motown, girl groups, surfin', soul, novelty tunes and much more: Little Richard to Beach Boys, Chuck Berry to Beatles, Elvis to Supremes.
sh BOOM!

Click here to register for this FREE concert... with a sneak peak...

Back to School: Teachers in Film

Teachers Rock!
Back to school season is well underway. In the spirit of the season, we offer a quick list of great films about school, teachers and their students. Bet you have a story about that one special teacher who inspired and changed you, too.

Mr. Holland's Opus -- Dead Poet's Society -- To Sir With Love -- Good Will Hunting -- Lean On Me -- Goodbye Mr. Chips -- Won't Back Down -- Detachment -- Freedom Writers -- Billy Elliot -- Finding Forrester -- The Great Debaters -- The History Boys -- Election -- The Class -- Music of the Heart -- Mona Lisa Smile -- Fame -- Rushmore -- The Miracle Worker -- Coach Carter

Connecticut's Fall Fairs 2013 Edition : Be There!

Haddam Neck Fair and Then Some
2013's Fair Season is well underway. If local reports about July and August's fairs and this weekend's Haddam Neck Fair offer any indication, we're all in it for the long summer-to-fall-fair-haul!

Planning Ahead
Click here to download the 2013 CTAgFairs brochure which features a listing of upcoming September and October Fairs. The brochure includes a reduced rate ticket order form for 2014. Plan ahead to save some $ next year!

A Little Bit of History
Enjoy a quick look at Connecticut's agricultural fair history, courtesy of the Connecticut State Grange. If you'd like to learn more about the Grange movement in 19th-20th century America, consider reading The Grange, 1867-1967 : First Century of Service and Evolution by W. L. Robinson.

Also check out the history of the upcoming Durham Fair and Hebron Harvest Fair and keep on tracking events offered via the Brooklyn Fair, this one considered the oldest continuously active fair in the U.S. Happy fall!

Fall In! Football, Falling Leaves, and Authors You Love...

Fall Forecast? Looking Good!
Though it is still officially summer, summer reading season may very well be in your rear view mirror. We therefore offer a very quick look ahead at fall titles by your favorite authors. Expect fiction sequels and standalone wonders as well as new entries from admired and award-winning non-fiction authors. Place your reserves...

Never Go Back by Lee Child
The latest in the Jack Reacher series. Due out September 3.

MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood
The third in the author's post-apocalyptic, speculative fiction series. Due out September 3, the book follows Oryx & Crake and The Year of the Flood.

Who Asked You? by Terry McMillan
The title responds to the opinionated masses, "because people are always voicing their opinions when nobody asked for it," McMillan says. "It's millions of them out there. And most of them are in your family." Due out September 17.

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
He-e-e-e-r-e's Danny! Whatever happened to Danny Torrance, the boy from the author's 1977 novel, The Shining, and who wouldn't be curious to find out? Due out September 24.

Bleeding Edge by Thomas Pynchon
A taut mystery-thriller set in the New York days before and after 9/11. Due out September 17.

The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri
A novel by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the short story collection, Interpreter of Maladies. Due out September 24.

The October List by Jeffrey Deaver
A standalone from a Thriller Award-winning novelist. Early buzz has it Deaver's clever story is similar in flavor to the film Memento... but with pages. Due out October 1.

Thankless in Death by J.D. Robb
The 38th full-length Lt. Eve Dallas mystery from Robb's "in death" series. Follows 2013's Calculated in Death and 2012's Delusion in Death. Due out September 17.

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell
How do people adapt and overcome their weaknesses? Gladwell explores the topic in his latest book, due out October 1. Watch an author interview on CSPAN2's BookTV.

Thank You for Your Service by David Finkel
In this sequel to 2009's The Good Soldiers, the author, who was embedded with the 2-16 Infantry Battalion in Iraq, follows the stories of several of the 2-16's soldiers as they took on the process of reintegrating into American society. Due out October 1. Finkel's first book will be the subject of an upcoming library book discussion.

Books to Film

To Read the Book Before or After? That Is the Question...
Late summer and early fall promise to be great seasons for films both classic and contemporary with something for everyone. We're sure the age-old question about which is better, book or film, will hold steady and spark debate...

Fall Into Film
Salinger : Touted as "an unprecedented look inside the private world of J.D. Salinger", the ultra-reclusive author of The Catcher in the Rye, this documentary features over 150 interviewees. Read ahead or watch the trailer via IMDB.

The Family : An ex-goodfella turned stool pigeon and his family are relocated from New Jersey to France by the FBI's witness protection program. The film is based on the novel Malavita (Badfellas for 2010 English translation) by Tonino Benacquista. Watch the trailer with all-star cast via IMDB.

Inequality for All : Former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich looks at income inequality in this documentary by Jacob Kornbluth. The film was funded by way of Kickstarter. The book tie-in is Reich's 2010 title, Aftershock.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 : Prepare for big screen sequel by joining us for a first film refresher course on Thursday, August 22 @ 1:00 p.m. in the library Community Room. Watch the trailer for part two via IMBD. Both films are based on the picture book by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett.

Great Expectations : The latest of many versions of Dickens' classic novel features an all-star cast. Watch the trailer via IMDB. If you're really in a Dickens mood, one of our copies also includes A Tale of Two Cities. Go for both!

Romeo and Juliet : The latest version of Shakespeare's classic story of forbidden love is due for limited U.S. release this fall. Watch the trailer for the new film via IMDB. Catch the earlier, futuristic film version with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes or read/listen to the play.

Carrie : Everyone's favorite telekinetic high school student rides again in this latest adaptation of Stephen King's 1974 novel. Watch the trailer via IMDB then go retro with the 1976 version of the film starring Sissy Spacek, John Travolta, and Piper Laurie.

Philomena : The story of a forced adoption; mother and child, politics and religion. The film stars Dame Judy Dench but we may have to wait for this film to hit U.S. screens. Based on Martin Sixsmith's book, first published in 2009 and due on our shelves in September.

As I Lay Dying :  William Faulkner's 1930 novel is widely considered a 20th century classic. James Franco stars in and directs this film adaptation, the story of the Bundren family's travels across the Mississippi countryside to bury Addie, their wife and mother. Watch the trailer via IMDB.

Who's Your Favorite Super Hero?

Paul Merklein

Be One...
Thursday, August 15th
Hey kids! Summer reading season has been in full swing since June 22 and you have been digging in and exploring your super hero reader powers since then. As of now, we're just over the half-way mark to the back-to-school finish line so prepare to start celebrating your accomplishments!

Meet Paul Merklein @ 2:00 p.m.
Join us in the library Community Room for a family program led by our guest super artist. Combining dynamic art, comedy and audience participation, the "Amazing Artist" and "Magic Marker Wizard" will draw famous faces, including super heroes… and people right from the audience! Who will he draw next? Be there and be brave! Click to register.

Meet Paul Merklein @ 3:30 p.m.
If you are a tween or teen, or a parent with an interest in helping your artistic tween or teen kid explore their interest in drawing, join us in this afternoon program. Our guest instructor will no doubt inspire students to use their imaginations, discover their super powers, and have fun drawing! Click to register.

Cool Video... Cool Merklein...