Wednesday, November 20, 2013

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

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

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

Saturday, November 02, 2013

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.