September 11 : 15 Years Later

The events of September 11, 2001 changed the world forever. We here recommend a few regarded titles, fiction and non-fiction, for a generation of readers too young to remember that fateful date. As always, choose for yourself and how to inform and/or shield your children.

Fiction for Older Children & Tweens
Nine, Ten: a September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes

All We Have Left by Wendy Mills

Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai

For Early Elementary School Kids
Fireboat : the Heroic Adventures of John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman

14 Cows for America written by Carmen Agra Deedy ; in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah ; illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

Seven and a Half Tons of Steel by Janet Nolan ; illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

A Look Back : Family Discussion Titles
America is Under Attack : September 2001 : the Day the Towers Fell by Don Brown

What Were the Twin Towers? by Jim O'Connor ; illustrated by Ted Hammond

September 11, 2001 : Attack on New York City by Wilborn Hampton

These and many other titles about the subject with recommendations at the front and Children's Services desks.

Library Card Power : Online Learning with Lynda.com

Learn Something New
Use your East Hampton Public Library card as a key to open the door to a high quality online learning resource.

Lynda.com offers over 3,000 interactive video courses taught by experts. Learn a new skill for work or just for fun. Lessons are for all skill levels and include a wide variety of topic areas including business skills and software, web design and development, music, photo and video editing, and 3D design and animation.

How to Use Lynda.com
Use your library card to access Lynda.com at the East Hampton Public Library or at home through an Internet browser. If you don't remember you pin number, give us a call @ 860-267-6621.

When you log in the first time, you will be required to set up a Lynda.com account. This account will keep track of your course progress. For help, check out this tutorial: How to use Lynda.com or, search for a course of interest and get started.

The library version of Lynda.com provides access to all the same courses provided to company and individual subscribers, and all are free to East Hampton Public Library CT resident cardholders.

Summer Reading 2015: Every Hero Has a Story, Unmask! or Escape the Ordinary!

Every Hero Has a Story! What Will Your Story Be?
Summer reading season at the East Hampton Public Library CT, 2015 edition, officially opens on Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. sharp. Join us and welcome a summer filled with great books, a BIG board game and incentive program for kids; a school supply incentive program for middle-grade readers, and yes, an incentive program for high school and adult readers.

Our Board Game
Make your way through a cityscape using a chance roll of the die plus strategy. Move to 'make it' spaces and show what you can do! Small prizes and tickets to a Barnes & Noble gift card giveaway will be awarded along the way with drawing for four $50 Barnes & Noble gift cards scheduled on Saturday, August 15.

Summer Reading Lists
This year, East Hampton Public School students at all levels are invited to consult one consolidated list of recommended summer reading titles compiled for the Connecticut State Department of Education by Linda Williams, Connecticut State Library.

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

Each grade-level list gives plot summaries for featured books, including favorites and classics, plus a list of series titles you might like to read your way through over the summer. You can find copies of the list(s) plus additional information about the Governor's Summer Reading Challenge at the library or by clicking here.

2016 Nutmeg Book Nominees
Do you know about Nutmeg Books? If you've inadvertently missed this cruise to great summer reads, here's an all aboard pass to a selection of titles nominated by school and public librarians and yes, student readers! And the nominees are:

Elementary 2016 Nominees -- Intermediate 2016 Nominees -- Teen 2016 Nominees -- High School 2016 Nominees

You can find copies of the Nutmeg lists, which include plot summaries, at the library or you can click here.

The Joy of Summer? Read as a Family and Register Today!
Register for the program here then use the site to track your personal success at making reading for pleasure -- and just because you want to -- a part of your summer.

Throughout the summer, we'll be posting here and on our library Facebook page about how to connect to your next great read -- suggested, required, or maybe -- just your choice.

We'll also keep you informed about regarded titles in a different format (e-book and e-audio), all sure to strike your fancy.

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.

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.

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

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:

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.

Essential Graphic Novels

The World According to DC
Saddle up graphic novel fans : here's a quick list of previous and latest additions to our adult and young adult graphic novel collections. Even if you are new to the genre, enjoy any of these titles, from superhero tales to cutting edge stories. Happy summer!

Saga of the Swamp Thing : Book 1 -- Fables Vol. 1 : Legends in Exile -- Batman : The Killing Joke -- All-Star Superman -- Kingdom Come -- The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen -- Batman : Earth One -- Green Lantern : Rebirth -- American Vampire, Vol. 1 -- Blackest Night

Final Crisis -- JLA, Vol 1 -- Identity Crisis -- Batman : Hush -- Joker -- The Flash : Rebirth -- Superman Earth One, Vols. 1 & 2 -- Planetary, Vol 1.

Out of the Laboratory and On to the Shelves

Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Mid spring brings good times to fans of science fiction/fantasy books as well as fans of suspense fiction looking to read outside the box. Find standalone greats; ongoing series adds, and a few long-awaited entries from favorite authors with many titles recommended by Geek Magazine.

We've mixed in a few other impressive reads you may have missed along the way.

Early June Goodies
The Beautiful Land by Alan Averill
The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes
Abaddon's Gate by James S.A. Corey; third in the Expanse Series; follows Leviathan Wakes and Caliban's War.
Earth Afire by Orson Scott Card and Aaron Johnston ; second in the Formic Wars prequel series to Ender's Game; follows Earth Unaware.

Mid-Month 
The Long War by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter; follows The Long Earth.
Sea Change by S.M. Wheeler
Love Minus Eighty by Will McIntosh; author of Hitchers.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman and the author's first novel for adults since Anansi Boys (2005).

Ready to Read
The Cassandra Project by Jack McDevitt and Mike Resnick
Domino Falls by Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due; second in the Devil's Wake Series; follows The Devil's Wake.
The Rapture of the Nerds by Cory Doctorow and Charles Stross
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
Burdens of the Dead by Mercedes Lackey, Eric Flint and Dave Freer; Heirs of Alexandria Series, in order Shadow of the Lion, Rough Magic, A Mankind Witch, Much Fall of Blood
.Every Boy Should Have a Man by Preston Allen

Preparing for the Big Tests

Familiarity and Success: Over the Summer and in to the Fall
If you're a high school student interested in maximizing your performance on a standardized test -- especially given so many for-fee or free options available -- consider adding ePrep to your overall test preparation toolkit.

What's ePrep?
ePrep is test-prep service offered by the library, free to library card holders. The service offers training programs for the SAT, ACT, PSAT, PLAN, and middle and upper level SSAT exams.

How Does ePrep Work?
Try interactive lessons accompanied by videos in which experts explain the best secrets and approach to choosing the right answer to common test questions. ePrep doesn’t tell you which bubble to fill in with your trusty number 2; it explains why a certain answer is correct and helps you learn from your mistakes. You’ll also use practice tests and quizzes under timed conditions to make sure you’re on the right track.

We'll here add a video explanation of how ePrep works.

How Do I Sign Up to Use ePrep?
First up, you'll need an East Hampton Public Library card. Stop by the library to obtain a new card or renew your oldie. With card in hand, you may use the ePrep service 24-7, on your time, and at your own pace. Click here to sign up for the service and explore the bubbles over the summer and in to the fall...

Memorial Day 2013

War and Remembrance
In the week leading up to Memorial Day, we offer suggestions for thoughtful reading, listening, and viewing.

Books and Reading
Observe Memorial Day with a great book. Recently published titles, fiction and non-fiction:

Cronkite's War : His World War II Letters Home
Amercian Sniper by Chris Kyle
Trident K-9 Warriors : My Tales from the Training Ground to the Battlefield with Elite Navy SEAL Canines by Mike Ritland
Blackhorse Riders : a Desperate Last Stand, an Extraordinary Rescue Mission, and the Vietnam Battle America Forgot by Philip A. Keith
The Long Walk : a Story of War and the Life that Follows by Brian Castner
Shade It Black : Death and After in Iraq by Jess Goodell
Those Who Have Borne the Battle : a History of America's Wars and Those Who Fought Them by James Wright
The Girls of Atomic City : the Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II  by Denise Kiernan
The Secrets of Mary Bowser : a Novel by Lois Leveen
Blood of War by Larry Bond and Jim DeFelice (Red Dragon Rising Series, 4)
The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers
Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes


Image courtesy of
Wikipedia

On DVD
Quick list 25 regarded films :
The Big Red One -- The Messenger -- South Pacific -- Tora! Tora! Tora! -- Mr. Roberts -- Black Hawk Down -- Platoon -- Saving Private Ryan -- Flags of Our Fathers -- Glory -- They Were Expendable -- Patton -- From Here to Eternity -- Boy in the Striped Pajamas -- The Great Escape -- Bridge on the River Kwai -- M*A*S*H -- Red Badge of Courage -- Deer Hunter -- Thin Red Line -- Hurt Locker -- Full Metal Jacket -- Paths of Glory -- Midway -- Gallipoli

Fiction for Youth
Vietnam (Series) by Chris Lynch
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
Once by Morris Gleitzman
Somebody Please Tell Me Who I Am by Harry Mazer and Peter Lerangis

Books for Kids
Memorial Day by Robin Nelson
Memorial Day Surprise by Theresa Martin Golding
Memorial Day by Amy Margaret
The Wall by Eve Bunting
Wee Sing America by Pamela Conn Beall and Susan Hagen Nipp
Knit Your Bit : a World War I Story by Deborah Hopkinson
Dogs on Duty : Soldiers' Best Friends on the Battlefield and Beyond by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
War Horse or Shadow by Michael Morpurgo
Nurse, Soldier, Spy : the Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero by Marissa Moss
Phantoms in the Snow by Kathleen Benner Duble