Celebrate the 'Tweets' During February 2015

Bird Month at the Library
Birds bring a welcome splash of color, flash of motion, gentle sounds, and dreams of spring into our lives, especially during the winter months. This February, join us for a celebration of our feathered friends. Throughout the month, we'll connect you to bird-lover resources, events, regional and national efforts, and local programs.

Birders: The Central Park Effect
Documentary Film Screening
Wednesday, February 11, 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy this magical documentary about the extraordinary variety of wild birds that can be observed both seasonally and year-round in Central Park, the only 'wild' piece of territory in the New York City area along the migratory route.

Featuring spectacular wildlife footage capturing the changing seasons, the film reveals that Central Park acts as a magnet for the millions and millions of birds migrating along the Eastern Seaboard twice every year.  Desperate for a rest-stop, the tiny birds funnel in to this oasis of nature amid a sea of steel and concrete – a phenomenon known as the “Central Park Effect.”

Watch the trailer then enjoy the full film in the company of fellow bird lovers.

The Secret Lives of Owls
Presented by Horizon Wings
Tuesday, February 17, 1:00 p.m.
Owls have always been surrounded by an air of mystery, probably because most are nocturnal and not easily spotted in the wild. This is your chance to be only a few feet away from two eastern screech owls, a barn owl, a barred owl, and a great-horned owl! Discover the extraordinary features of owls, including exceptional eyesight, hearing, and ability to fly silently.

Take Your Child to the Library Day, 2015 Edition

Saturday, February 7, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Among many other activities, give an early tip of the hat to owls by crafting an owl corner-page bookmark. The owl is exceptional, sturdy, and ready to read the field, just like you! Do drop in for our 'Owl Love You Forever' bookmark craft, 11:30 - 12:30 p.m., and for other Take Your Child to the Library Day events scheduled throughout the day. Registration where noted.

Nature Connections

Since 1989, the National Bird Feeding Society has recognized February as the month to feed wild birds. Visit All About Birds, a service of the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, for information about feeding basics, including the vitals of keeping your feeders clean, healthy, and safe.

The Audubon Society also offers information about backyard feeders with recommendations about which type of feeder you might use to create a refuge for different birds.

Watch for upcoming book and web site recommendations -- new, regarded, and essential -- about how to enjoy the tweets in your life through the remaining winter months if not all year round.

Great Backyard Bird Count

February 13-16, 2015

Participating in the 'count' is a great family activity and also a great way to get to know other bird-loving families in your community. Learn about how to participate by counting birds in your backyards and neighborhoods. The purpose is to learn more about birds and how to protect them and the environment we share. We'll be offering info and bird-friendly stories to support the effort and we'll be counting at the library, too! Be there for the 18th Annual Backyard Bird Count!

   

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

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...

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.

Tuesday Film Night : Read All About It

Overcoming...
Join us at 6:30 p.m. in the library Community Room on Tuesday, July 30, for July's film night.

The Plot
Based on a real-life story, the film opens as Maria (Naomi Watts), Henry (Ewan McGregor) and their three sons begin their winter tourist vacation in Thailand. On the morning of December 26th, a terrifying roar rises up from the center of the earth, and, without warning, a towering wave pushes in from the sea and rips through the hotel. The unexpected 2004 tsunami killed approximately 240,000 in 14 countries; the film tells the story of one family’s harrowing struggle to survive. Rated PG13.

Further Reading and Viewing
Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala
The author's debut book recounts her experiences as a survivor of the 2004 tsunami that killed her parents, husband, and two young sons in Sri Lanka.

Wave Destruction : the Stories of Four Families and History's Deadliest Tsunami by Erich Krauss
A compelling account of four native Thai families in the village of Nam Khem, devastated by the 2004 tsunami. The author arrived as a relief worker 12 days after the final wave struck.

The Wave : In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks and Giants of the Ocean by Susan Casey
Less about tsunamis and more about the ever-popular topic of nature's extremes. The author explores rogue-wave connections to commerce, science, and sport.

The Raging Sea : the Powerful Account of the Worst Tsunami in U.S. History by Dennis M. Powers
A 1964 Alaskan earthquake sent four gigantic waves to Crescent City, CA. The author recounts the effects of the only destructive tsunami to hit the U.S.

Japan's Killer Quake (Documentary Video)
An in-depth examination of the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

From the NOAA: Tsunami Teacher Basics
This NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) video describes the science of a tsunami; depicts wave impact; and includes first-person accounts of lives affected.

Love Indie Films?

Say Hello to IndieFlix!
The East Hampton Public Library launched IndieFlix today.

What's IndieFlix? This online streaming movie service offers you free access to award-winning shorts, feature films, and documentaries. You can choose from a range of titles, including films from major festivals such as Sundance, Cannes, Tribeca, and more.

Why IndieFlix? The service allows us to offer films you might not otherwise have easy access to and which we might not otherwise be able to buy in physical format. The service complements our DVD and Blu-ray collections.

What You Need to Use IndieFlix
Watch movies on any Internet-enabled computer, smartphone, or tablet with a web browser. Also available on Roku, xBox game console, and Apple TV via Apple devices. You'll also need your trusty East Hampton Public Library card. Use your card and the "Create New Account" click in the upper right hand corner.

Finding the Right Film for You
Once you have established your free account, you can browse films, "Channel surf", or use a variety of "Mood Filters" including genre, film length, or rating. Rating classes are All Ages, 13+, and 17+.

Parent Alert! Since IndieFlix films are not rated by the MPAA, you will be asked to acknowledge the following warning "Be advised that films on IndieFlix have not been rated by the MPAA and may contain offensive language, scenes of violence, and sexual situations." As always, choose for yourself or for your child, just as you would for video content in our DVD and Blu-ray collections.

People... People Who Read People

Biography and Memoir
If you are sometimes fascinated with famous people in history, sports, literature, or popular culture -- or are always up for reading a compelling memoir -- here's a few short lists of selections worth considering.

Hello, Sports Fans!
Terry 'Tito' Francona led the 2004 Red Sox to the team's first World Series victory since 1918. Mike  Piazza's autobiography endured more than a little criticism over on Baseball Nation. "Big Bad Bruin" Derek 'Turk' Sanderson's autobiography is bound for big-screen movie treatment. Retired Tennessee Vols coach Pat Summitt's autobiography is also available, just in time for NCAA tournament season, aka March Madness.

Singers, Songwriters, Actors, Gurus
From serious to dishy, read the latest on Barbra Streisand, Rita Moreno, Penny Marshall, Andrew McCarthy, Bruce Lee [video], Valerie Harper, Dennis Hopper, Leonard Cohen, or Clive Davis.

Writing Lives
Buzz has it that Syliva Plath's semi-autobiographical classic, The Bell Jar, will be movie-converted soon. The greater buzz relates to a new book cover, created in line with the 50th anniversary of the book's publication. Chuckles for the mashups. Read about Plath's life in several great books.

Louisa May Alcott devotees will find much to enjoy in Marmee & Louisa by Eve LaPlante. Pair this one with Eden's Outcasts by John Matteson.

Lastly, if you don't know much about celebrated and controversial French author George Sand, or her oh-so notorious 19th century love life, spend a little page time with The Last Love of George Sand.

In My Life
Each of these memoirs might find a place on your must-read list.

The Backyard Parables by Margaret Roach (reflections on gardening)
Chanel Bonfire by Wendy Lawless (dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship)
Dwarf : a Memoir by Tiffanie DiDonato ("adapting to a world when it won't adapt to you.."
The Heavy : a Mother, a Daughter, a Diet -- a Memoir by Dara-Lynn Weiss (bookend to Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mother)
Her : a Memoir by Christa Parravani (achingly brilliant memoir of enduring love, loss, and identical twins)
Raising Cubby : a Father and Son's Adventures with Asperger's, Trains, Tractors, and High Explosives by John Elder Robison (Aspergian father raising his Aspergian son)
Shouting Won't Help : Why I - and 50 Million Other Americans - Can't Hear You by Katherine Bouton (a personal and public discussion of hearing loss)
A Still Point of the Turning World by Emily Rapp (emotionally fearless and loving reflections on raising a little boy with a fatal disorder)
Still Points North by Leigh Newman (growing up in the wilds of Alaska)
The Ordinary Acrobat : a Journey Into the Wondrous World of the Circus, Past and Present by Duncan Wall (from Ringling Brothers to Cirque du Soleil, join the circus with a turn of a page)

Golden Statue Season

And the Nominees Are...
A list! A list! Your kingdom for a list! Oscar-nominated films always attract attention. Here goes; most available for hold with library stars on book-to-film titles. Popcorn not included.

Best Picture
Amour (April 2013)-- Argo* (February 19) -- Beasts of the Southern Wild -- Django Unchained (April 16) -- Les Miserables (March 22)* -- Life of Pi* (March 12) -- Lincoln* (March 26) -- Silver Linings Playbook* (Estimated March 2013) -- Zero Dark Thirty (March 19)

Animated Feature Film Nominees
Brave -- Frankenweenie -- Paranorman -- The Pirates! Band of Misfits -- Wreck-It Ralph (March 5)

Documentary Feature Films
5 Broken Cameras -- The Gatekeepers -- How to Survive a Plague (February 26) -- The Invisible War -- Searching for Sugar Man

Actor/Actress Nominations for Films Not Nominated for Best Picture
The Master (February 26 Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams) -- Flight (Denzel Washington) -- The Sessions (Helen Hunt) -- The Impossible (April 23 Naomi Watts)

Writing (Original Screenplay)
Let us not leave out Moonrise Kingdom, a film not mentioned elsewhere.

For all that is Oscar, click here.