We're Back!

Happy New Year 2015!
Duly noted: we've been gone way too long from the blogosphere.

Seems as though not everything lends itself to a quick post and there are times when you are all looking for more content; different content; value-added tips and advice, and posts that have a longer online shelf life.

Here's to a great new year serving you in person and online at the East Hampton Public Library, CT.

Summer Reading 2014: A Whole Lot of Fizz BOOM, Sparked Reactions, and Literary Elements

Looking for a List... or Two? Or Three?
Summer reading season at the East Hampton Public Library CT, 2014 edition, officially opens on Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. sharp. We are so prepared to welcome your participation in what promises to be a fun summer filled with great books, a LEGO-themed BIG board game and incentive program for kids; a school-supply incentive program for middle-graders, and yes, an incentive program for high-school and adult readers.

Our LEGO BIG board game, ready to play. Roll the die.
Plot your strategy to get to a construction site!  

Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead!
This summer's programs have more than a little to say about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Check out 2014's suggested summer reading titles compiled for the Connecticut Department of Education by Linda Williams, Connecticut State Library:

Grades K-2 -- Grades 3-4 -- Grades 5-6 -- Grades 7-8 -- Grades 9-12.

You can find downloadable copies of the lists, which include plot summaries and series book recommendations, plus additional information about the Governor's Reading Challenge here.

2015 Nutmeg Award Nominees
Who doesn't know about Nutmeg Books? If by chance you don't, check out the lists of stellar titles nominated by school and public librarians and yes, student representatives.

Grades 2-4 -- Grades 4-6 -- Grades 7-8 -- Grades 9-12

East Hampton High School Summer Reading List
The lone change this year is many of the reading list titles are also available in e-book or e-audio format via OneClickdigital. Students must read one title from the list and another of their own choosing.

Grades 9-10 -- Grades 11-12

For Teens and Adults
Check this blog, the library's Facebook page, our monthly newsletters, in-library book displays, and at the library's front desk for next read suggestions all... summer... long.

Letters Home: A Family's History Made Personal and Real

"As Ever, Bill."
On Thursday April 17, we at the East Hampton Public Library were delighted, proud, and deeply moved to receive a new addition to our book collection.

In this book, As Ever, Bill: Letters Home -- a series of over 300 letters written between January 1943 and December 1945 -- East Hampton son William R. Knotek chronicled his service as 1st Lieutenant in the First Fighter Squadron Second Air Commando Group, United States Army Air Corp. Lt. Knotek also served in the 4th Combat Cargo Squadron. Both units participated in the China Burma India Theater of World War II.

Letters Home: A Pilot's Journey
Lt. Knotek served in the Army Air Corps, the forerunner of the United States Air Force. His letters offer first-person insights on what it was like to train on and fly premiere aircraft of the day and his experiences undertaking World War II Air Corp assignments. As with every active service soldier, caring for family and connection to home shine through.

Left to Right: Theresa K. Schlosser,
Jeanette Knotek, Robin Knotek Bova,
William Richard Knotek

Letters Home: A Family's Gift
In an electronic age -- the age of quick pics, 140 characters, and Hope U R well messages -- writing letters may seem to be old fashioned or passé. We think not and the Knotek Family may very well help change the view.

As Ever, Bill: Letters Home is currently included in our new book collection. The book circulates for 14 days. Enjoy this important slice of local and world history made personal and real.

Celebrate Spring!

Books For Kids
Spring begins this Thursday, March 20 and after the seemingly endless winter, boy, oh boy, is this good news! Enjoy our quick lists of new and regarded books to share with your favorite little one, all about spring and the upcoming holidays.

Chester's Colorful Easter Eggs by Theresa Smythe
Five Bouncing Bunnies by Jacqueline Rogers
Pete the Cat : Big Easter Adventure by Kimberly and James Dean
Ollie's Easter Eggs by Olivier Dunrea
Easter Traditions Around the World by M.J. Cosson
Here Comes the Easter Cat! by Deborah Underwood
The Easter Egg by Jan Brett
Who Hid the Easter Eggs? by Pirkko Vainio

The Littlest Levine by Sandy Lanton
Max Makes a Cake by Michelle Edwards
The Sweet Passover by Leslea Newman
The Longest Night by Laurel Snyder
The Passover Lamb by Linda Elovitz Marshall
Hoppy Passover by Linda Glaser

999 Frogs Wake Up by Ken Kimura
And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano
Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World by Laurie Lawlor
Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms by Julia Rawlinson
How Robin Saved Spring by Debbie Ouellet
Have Your Heard the Nesting Bird? by Rita Gray

Green Matters

Image courtesy of the Wesleyan
Student Assembly, Middletown, CT

Green Choices
This coming spring, which is not that far away, the library will be hosting a series of programs about green projects and initiatives you can take on yourself or with others. We'll also be developing a variety of resource lists, including online and in print, and posting them up in preparation for Earth Day (April 22) and through the end of May. Programs first...

Community Gardening
Wednesday, April 9, 6:30 p.m. Click to Register
Meet Barbara Wagner and Bill Deusing and join the discussion about what it takes to form an organic gardening community. Ms. Wagner is Executive Director of the Board of Directors of the Wind Hill Community Farm in Glastonbury, CT. Mr. Deusing, farmer, author, and environmental activist served as Executive Director of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (CT NOFA) for 12 years and currently grows fruits and vegetables on the Old Solar Farm located in Oxford, CT. We'll be chatting about organic community gardening as a means to promote local growing, healthy food choices, and environmental stewardship.

Beekeeping in Connecticut: History, Opportunities and Challenges
Thursday, April 24, 1:00 p.m. Registration Opens March 15
By request, the library welcomes back guest speaker Mark Creighton, Beekeeper & Agricultural Research Technician at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and CT’s Apiary Inspector. Mr. Creighton inspects 5,400 beehives in the state. Learn about beekeeping opportunities from an expert who also happens to be a hands-on urban beekeeper.

East Hampton Small Business Showcase: Positively Clean
Wednesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m. Registration Opens April 12
Meet, greet, and chat with Priscilla Connors, owner-manager of East Hampton's own Positively Clean. Learn about natural, non-toxic, no chemical ways to disinfect and deodorize your home, just in time for windows open spring. Ms. Connors is also a proponent of feng shui, which further informs the presentation.

Sustainable Landscaping
Thursday May 22, 1:00 p.m.
Registration Opens April 19
Gail Reynolds, UCONN Master Gardener Program Coordinator, will discuss planting gardens and landscapes to enhance the sustainability of your backyard's ecosystem. Gail lectures widely throughout our state and hails from Higganum.

eAudios and eBooks from OneClickdigital

News from the Front Desk...
Our OneClickdigital eAudio service receives a hefty workout each month. Seems as though you do like listening to high quality unabridged titles. New titles are added monthly.

If you are a regular service user, you may have noticed the addition of eBook content and the mixing in of the book symbol (e-read) with the headphone symbol (e-listen). Our start-up collection of OneClickdigital eBooks included classic reads and many ever-present summer reading list titles.

We have since moved to incrementally add popular titles, series books, gentle reads, contemporary romances, books for kids, best-sellers that seem likely to stand the test of time, and great reads you may have missed along the way. New titles are added monthly, including titles from major publishing houses.

Our overall e-read and e-listen collections include titles added by iCONN.org, our statewide information resource provider.

How to Use OneClickdigital

Step 1: Go to OneClickdigital and please do check out the user tutorial to get started.
Step 2: Login (if you have an existing account) or use your East Hampton Public Library card to Create a OneClickdigital Account
Step 3: Find and eAudio or eBook to download.
Step 4: Transfer to your device and start reading or listening.

Coming In March: A Companion e-Book Solution Service
In addition to OneClickdigital, we'll be launching our local 3M Cloud Library in March, including a start-up collection of 150 e-books. The start-up collection will feature many popular and regarded titles from major publishing houses, including most requested in print or e-book formats; no duplication with OneClickdigital. News to follow for all e-book lovers with an East Hampton library card...

February-March Concerts Coming Your Way!

Upcoming Concerts
If you love music, join us for any or all of our upcoming concerts scheduled in February and March 2014. All concerts are free and open to the public though for seating purposes, we do ask that you register online or give us a call. Love music? Find it here!

The Karkowska Sisters Duo
Saturday, February 22 @ 2PM
We could not be more excited or proud to welcome the Karkowska Sisters Duo to East Hampton, Connecticut. This internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning duo has performed in the United States and abroad with many featured performances in Poland. From Carnegie Hall to Lincoln Center, these two classical music performers have delighted and entertained all with their extraordinary blend of talent, music, and wonderful stories. We're still thinking "Oh, my!" and are sure you will, too. Click to register.

Photo: Dawn Indermuehle

Outlaws, Villains & Rogues with Rick Spencer
Thursday, February 27 @ 1PM
Join us for the music of multi-talented Rick Spencer and his performance of historical and popular songs from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The songs tell the stories of Captain Kidd, Jesse James, Stagger Lee, and Pretty Boy Floyd, among others. While performing, Spencer also discusses the possible reasons why we as a culture are so fascinated by mayhem, violence, and misdeeds. Rick is known internationally for his work as a historian, researcher, singer, songwriter and performer of music in the American folk tradition. Click to register.

Music from the Heart with Danny Quinn
Wednesday, March 12 @ 7PM
Look no further for an early way to celebrate St. Paddy's Day! Put a spring in your step and join us for an evening of Irish and American folk music delivered by regional (and library) favorite Danny Quinn. Danny has been a performer of Irish and American folk music for over three decades and has shared the stage with or opened for renowned artists such as the Clancy Brothers, Tom Chapin, Peter Yarrow, the Makem Brothers, The Chieftains and many others. Click to register.

A Cup O' Joe with State Troubadour Kristen Graves
Saturday, March 29 @ 11AM
Enjoy morning coffee, with or without caffeine, plus a performance and chat time with Kristen Graves, recently named Connecticut's 15th State Troubadour. Expect honesty, catchy songs, funny stories, and lyrics sure to engage and inspire. Kristen is a singer/songwriter and activist from Fairfield, CT who performs about 175 shows a year throughout the country. We're feeling very lucky to be one of 2014's 175. Coffee's on us. Click to register.

East Hampton (Connecticut) News: Digital Version

Say Hello to the East Hampton News Online
The East Hampton News was once a mighty print newspaper serving East Hampton, Connecticut. The paper was what we would today describe as a hyperlocal news outlet. The library and the Chatham Historical Society hold collections of the original newspapers and as you might expect, the paper copies have deteriorated and require careful handling.

An Essential Thank You to the Connecticut State Library
The library and the Connecticut State Library's (CSL) Preservation Office opened discussions about the potential to digitize the East Hampton News in summer 2013. The CSL held duplicate negatives of the East Hampton News on film: issues in 1887-1888 and issues from July 1, 1932 through Dec. 31, 1952.

With best preservation practice, technical, and logistical advice from Preservation Librarian Jane Cullinane and Gail Hurley from the iCONN office, the CSL allowed the library to borrow the duplicate negatives. Our digitization vendor, Advantage Preservation, has since then digitized the film and created a searchable database.

Using Our Database
Click here for free online access. Take advantage of the Help Button for best advice on how to craft a useful search that yields best results. If you need help, email the library or give us a call.

Special thanks to the Chatham Historical Society for supporting the project.

Oscar Nominated Book Tie-Ins

Inspired or Inspired by...

As might be expected a number of Oscar-nominated films were inspired by books. Read 'em before the March 2 Academy Awards ceremony if you haven't yet had the pleasure. Nominated films on DVD and/or Blu-ray where noted, currently available or coming soon.

Lone Survivor -- Long Walk to Freedom (March 18 release date)-- Mary Poppins, She Wrote -- The Great Gatsby (Blu-ray and DVD) -- The Book Thief (March 11 release date) -- A Captain's Duty (Blu-ray and DVD) -- Dirty Wars -- Philomena (April release date) -- Twelve Years a Slave (March 4 release date) -- The Wolf of Wall Street (March 25 release date) -- The Hobbit (Blu-ray and DVD)-- The Invisible Woman

Too Human Appearing Saturday, January 18, 2PM

Saturday Afternoon Concert
A quick look at the duo's talents, always supported by a jazzy upright bass player!
Click to register for this free concert.

Though music will be played on a winter afternoon, think summer...

Books for Young People: 2013 Roundup

List Making...
At every year's end, just about everyone weighs in with a best, most popular, or favorites list. In this spirit we have compiled a few quick lists of notable books named "best" by a range of reputable sources. All were published in 2013. If you have not yet had the pleasure, have fun catching up!

Horn Book's Best Picture Books
Building Our House by Jonathan Bean -- Journey by Aaron Becker -- Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown -- Have You Seen My New Blue Socks? by Eve Bunting -- Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle -- The Tiny King by Taro Miura -- Nino Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales -- The Dark by Lemony Snicket -- Mr. Wuffles by David Wiesner -- Gobble You Up! by Gita Wolf.

Publisher's Weekly's Best
Year of the Jungle by Suzanne Collins -- If You Want to see a Whale by Julie Fogliano -- Rosie's Magic Horse by Russell Hoban -- The Tortoise & the Hare by Jerry Pinkney -- Battle Bunny by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett -- Bluebird by Bob Staake -- Fog Island by Tomi Ungerer -- This Is the Rope: the Story of the Great Migration by Jacqueline Woodson.

PW and Horn Book shared a love for Mr. Tiger Goes Wild, The Dark, and Mr. Wuffles.

The Wall Street Journal's Best
Brush of the Gods by Lenore Look -- Locomotive by Brian Floca -- Picture Me Gone by Meg Rosoff -- Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang -- The Golden Day by Ursula Dubosarsky -- Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner -- Golden Boy by Tara Sullivan.

The WSJ also shared a love for Journey, Mr. Wuffles, and Rosie's Magic Horse, all mentioned above.

New York Times Best Illustrated Books
In addition to Fog Island, The Dark, Journey, and Locomotive, all mentioned above, the following six books also made the NYT's top 10 list of 2013's best illustrated books:
Ballad by Blexbolex -- My Brother's Book by Maurice Sendak -- Jemmy Button written and illustrated by Jennifer Uman & Valerio Vidali -- Holland by Charlotte Dematons -- Jane, the Fox and Me by Fanny Britt; illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault -- Mandela by Kadir Nelson.

School Library Journal's Best Picture Books
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt -- Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson -- Henry's Map by David Elliot -- Papa's Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming -- Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes -- Little Red Writing by Joan Holub -- The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig -- Sophie's Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller -- The Mighty Lalouche by Matthew Olshan -- Xander's Panda Party by Linda Sue Park -- Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal -- That Is Not a Good Idea! by Mo Willems.

SLJ titles shared with other "best" list-makers include If You Want to See a Whale, Journey, Mr. Tiger Goes Wild, Flora and the Flamingo, The Tortoise & the Hare, The Dark, Mr. Wuffles.

Winter Fun: January 2014's Special Events

Our Happy New Year Lineup
Scheduling programs in January can be a little tricky. The specter of snow -- from a dusting to mounds and mounds -- is always a concern. The good news is the Winter Solstice has passed; spring seeds are already on sale in our local garden shops, and positive thinking seems to go hand-in-hand with the turn of the calendar page. Here's hoping the weather cooperates so all may enjoy our lineup of January 2014's special events.

The Fashions of Downton Abbey with Kandie Carle
Rescheduled to March 22, 2:00 p.m.
American audiences will be returning to Downton Abbey, Season 4, on Sunday, January 5. A few days after the fever subsides, join us for an evening program featuring Kandie Carle, who will take us on a journey through Downton's Edwardian Era using vintage and reproduction clothing and accessories. Expect a visual delight full of wit, grace, and surprising audience participation. Learn more by enjoying an interview with Ms. Carle courtesy of author Evangeline Holland. Seasons 1-3 on DVD are available for reserve or checkout with Season 4 due for release in late January.

Let Your Light Shine! Winter Craft for Kids
Saturday, January 11, 11:00 a.m.
In January's Saturday morning craft session, you'll be using a variation of 'melt your own crayon shavings' to create a simple but awesome luminary sure to make any day feel special. LED tea light is included. For kids 4-8 (parent participation required) and a great craft to keep in your family's things-to-do quiver when you need to add a little light to an otherwise gloomy day.

Saturday Afternoon Concert with Too Human
Saturday, January 18, 2:00 p.m.
Welcome back Too Human (Ellen Schwartz and Roger Bruno) for music on a winter afternoon. This acoustic music act plays familiar jazz standards as well as originals that will rock your gentle soul. Ellen and Roger hail from New York and became professional songwriters in Los Angeles, on staff with music publishing giant Warner/Chappell Music, where they had their songs covered by many recording artists including Pat Benatar, Cher, Teddy Pendergrass, Martha Davis, Angela Bofill, Anne Murray and Nancy Wilson. Moving back east, they became Too Human...

Book Discussion Group : The Tiger's Wife
Wednesday, January 22, 6:30 p.m.
Join us to discuss The Tiger’s Wife by Téa Obreht, named one of the New Yorker's twenty best American fiction writers under forty and included in the National Book Foundation’s Five Under Thirty Five. The book tells the story of a young doctor arriving to an orphanage by the sea while on a mission of mercy in a Balkan country recovering from years of conflict. Library staff member Phil Carr moderates the always lively discussion.

Take a Break! (And Give Yourself a Break, Too)

Demystifying Technology with Abby Stokes

Thursday, January 23, 1:00 p.m.

Abby Stokes, author of Is This Thing On?" A Computer Handbook for Late Bloomers, Technophobes and the Kicking & Screaming, will be on site to present a reassuring, jargon-free, and totally straightforward talk to help late bloomers and technophobes better use and enjoy the wonders of the digital world. Practical how-to advice and a round of encouragement will be served!