Monday, December 05, 2011

Planning Ahead : Adult Book Discussion Group

Reading Outside the Box
Our library book discussion group reconvenes in January with a three-part series about great American authors.  The spring series explores --  dah, dah, dah -- the fictional land of the master spy. All are welcomed to attend the discussions.  Books are generally available for checkout a month before each discussion date.  Library staff member Phil Carr moderates. 

Winter 2012 Series : 20th Century American Writers
Join us for an exploration of the life and often troubled times of three great American writers as seen through the eyes of the people who knew them well.

Tuesday, January 24, 6:30 p.m. : Running With the Bulls by Valerie Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway’s personal secretary and daughter-in-law tells her story, both exhilarating and sorrowful.

Wednesday, February 22, 6:30 p.m. : John Cheever : A Life by Blake Bailey
Bailey’s definitive work chronicles the personal struggles of one of America’s foremost fiction writers, arguably best known for The Wapshot Chronicle.
 
Wednesday, March 21, 6:30 p.m. : A Ticket to the Circus by Norris Church Mailer
Norman Mailer’s sixth and last wife describes her 30-year relationship with the not infrequently controversial author.
 
Spring 2012 Series : I Spy a Book Discussion
When this winter winds down (let's hope this one is not at all like the last), expect more detailed info on spring 2012's spy novel series.

Saturday, December 03, 2011

What a Bargain!

Pinch That Penny
Cost conscious patrons might enjoy radio/web bargain guru Clark Howard's latest : Living Large in Lean Times.  Follow up with Suze Orman's The Money Class : Learn to Create Your New American Dream, a book about employing new financial strategies during difficult days.  Orman's tome pairs up nicely with The New Frugality : How to Consume Less, Save More, and Live Better by Chris Farrell.

Couponing
Try the Coupon Moms' book and website.  Connecticut resident Gina Juliano can also help you get very serious about couponing, discount deals, and sales you won't want to miss.

For Seniors
Four local supermarkets offer discount shopping days to seniors... ahem, older adults.
Noel's Supermarket : 5% discount offered only on Monday and Wednesday for age 62 and up.
Ted's IGA : 5% discount offered everyday for age 62 and up.  First apply for a Ted's card; then apply for senior discount.
Tri-Town Foods : 5% discount offered only on Wednesday and Thursday, for age 65 and up. First apply for Tri-Town card to get senior discount.
Westchester Marketplace : 5% discount offered Tuesday through Thursday for seniors.  For discount, just tell the cashier when checking out.  Also on site is a full service post office; very convenient.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Pemberley Revisited

Pride, Prejudice, and P.D. James
Due out next week is the U.S. edition of Death Comes to Pemberely by critically acclaimed British crime novelist, P.D. James. The author, a life-long admirer of Jane Austen's classic novels, takes us back to Pemberley where a murder tale unfolds.

Though we've only read excerpts from the book, we predict this one will find its way in to the land of must-read.  Fans of Austen or James?  Place your holds...

Further Reading, Listening, and Viewing
Fans of Austen's books probably won't need a refresher course on Pride and Prejudice (different formats, incarnations or loosely based-on, parody) any more than P.D. James fans are likely to forget the likes of Devices and Desires, Children of Men, Original Sin, or Certain Justice.

If you are a fan of one author but don't know much about the other, consider reading outside the box!

About Jane Austen
A Jane Austen Education : How Six Novels Taught Me About Love, Friendship, and The Things That Really Matter by William Deresiewicz
Jane Austen : A Life by Claire Tomalin
Jane Austen, Obstinate Heart : A Biography by Valerie Grosvenor Myer

Surf's Up

Enjoy an interview with P.D. James, courtesy of the U.K.'s Telegraph or visit The Republic of Pemberley.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Spiritual Matters

Inspirational Reads
Here's a short list of new titles on religious and spiritual topics.

Beyond Religion : Ethics for a Whole World by Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama delivers a familiar and compelling message on compassion, wisdom, and morality. Release date is Tuesday, December 6.

Man Seeks God : My Flirtations with the Divine by Eric Weiner
Weiner (The Geography of Bliss) travels to Turkey, China, Israel, and Nepal, among other places, on a midlife spiritual quest.

The Rise and Fall of the Bible : The Unexpected History of an Accidental Book by Timothy Beal
Learn about the history of the Bible from Beal, a professor of religious studies at Case Western Reserve University.

Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong
Religion historian, Armstrong (The Case for God), argues for compassion and living the Golden Rule as an everyday enterprise. Armstrong was instrumental in creating The Charter for Compassion, a project funded by TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design), a non-profit devoted to "ideas worth spreading".

In the Shadow of the Buddha : Secret Journeys, Sacred Histories, and Spiritual Discovery in Tibet by Matteo Pistono
Part travelogue, part spiritual memoir, part controversial political reportage, the author, a practicing Buddhist, chronicles his travels to Tibet.

The Torah Revolution : Fourteen Truths That Changed the World by Reuven Hammer
The author, an influential Conservative rabbi, explores the underpinnings of Jewish faith and belief.

Evolutionary Enlightenment : A New Path to Spiritual Awakening by Andrew Cohen
For fans of Deepak Chopra (The Shadow Effect), the present moment awareness movement, or Eckhart Tolle.

Unprotected Texts : The Bible's Surprising Contradictions About Sex and Desire by Jennifer Wright Knust
Knust, a Baptist pastor and theology professor, explores challenging and controversial topics in both the Old and the New Testament.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Happy Holidays!

Mix and Match for Kids
From October 1 to December 31 of each year, we have a close bunch of holidays that we celebrate in different ways.

With Halloween long behind us, Thankgiving this week, and December's holiday season just around the corner, here's a selection of kid friendly holiday resources to jump start your late-year family celebrations.

Thanksgiving Day!
FREE
(Federal Resources for Educational Excellence)
Check out online resources about Thanksgiving provided by the Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institute, National Archives and more!

Books and Reading
Here's a few of the latest books added to our kiddo December holiday reading collections:
A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel
Harvest of Light by Allison Ofanansky
Babymouse: A Very Babymouse Christmas by Jennifer Holm
A Christmas Tree for Pyn by Olivier Dunrea
Home for Christmas by Jan Brett
Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah by Olga Ivanov and Aleksey Ivanov
Lighthouse Christmas by Toni Buzzeo
The Littlest Evergreen by Henry Cole

Monday, November 21, 2011

Chocolate, Wine, Cheese... MMmmm

Holiday Entertaining
If you missed last Saturday's seminar on pairing chocolates with wine and cheese for maximum flavor and effect, stop by the library to pick up an information sheet distributed during the program.

You might also like to mark your calendars for a second program presented by the gourmet chocolatiers from Klassic Kreations. On December 3rd, we'll be exploring savory appetizers paired with heart-healthy chocolate, plus holiday tablescaping ideas.

Books and Reading
Here are but a few off-beat books related to last Saturday's program topic :
Unquenchable : a Tipsy Quest for the World's Best Bargain Wines by Natalie MacLean
Food Presentation Secrets by Cara Hobday & Jo Denbury
Chocolate : A Bittersweet Saga of Light and Dark by Mort Rosenblum
A Passion for Cheese by Paul Gayler
Cheese & Wine by Janet Kessel Fletcher
Making Artisan Chocolates by Andrew Garrison Shotts

Walking In a Winter Wonderland : Village LIONS Fundraiser

Sleigh Bells Ring! Are You Listening?
The library's main reading room is now adorned with a superb selection of wreathes, table-top trees, gift baskets, and other festive items you might like to add use for holiday decorating and entertaining.  All of the items were created and donated by local residents, organizations, and businesses.

Silent Auction
All items will be on display through Saturday, December 3. Browse the collection, place your bids, then mark your calendars and join the Village Lions in the library Community Room on Sunday, December 4 for a gala reception and auction results. Details to follow.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors
This is the third year for the inventive Belltown Winter Wonderland Fundraiser which celebrates our community's creative and generous spirit. The program also offers an easy way to spend your dollars locally, with assurance that your dollars will stay in our community. All funds raised from the auction will go to the East Hampton Fuel Bank.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Turkey Day!

"Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence." ~ Erma Bombeck

Thanksgiving, a great American tradition, brings to mind parades, feasts, football, family, friendship, and above all -- gratitude.  As we all plan for the upcoming holiday, here's a few quick lists of practical and enjoyable books.

Meal Planning
The library offers oodles of cookbooks that speak to a variety of preferences and lifestyle choices.  Supplement or trade any of these more traditional titles and plan a perfect holiday meal.
New Thanksgiving Table by Diane Morgan
Thanksgiving 101 by Rick Rodgers
Betty Crocker Complete Thanksgiving Cookbook
Thanksgiving Entertaining by Lou Seibert Pappas
Gather : Memorable Menus for Entertaining..by Georgeanne Brennan
Happy Holidays from the Diva of Do-Ahead by Diane Phillips

Football Favorites
From classic to sublime; a few with DVD companions:
The Blind Side by Michael Lewis
Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger
Paper Lion by George Plimpton
North Dallas Forty by Peter Gent
Carry the Rock : Race, Football, and the Soul of an American City by Jay Jennings
Pigskin Warriors : 140 Years of College Football's Greatest Traditions..by Steven Travers
The Glory Game : How the 1958 NFL Championship Changed Football Forever by Frank Gifford

Books for Kids
Check out our Children's Services' holiday book section for these and other fun titles:

Five Silly Turkeys by Salina Yoon
Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
Fancy Nancy : Our Thanksgiving Banquet by Jane O'Connor
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson
An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott
One Is a Feast for Mouse by Judy Cox
Amelia Bedilia Talks Turkey by Herman Parish

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Reading a Life...

Biographies and Memoirs
Last February, publisher Alfred K. Knopf used Twitter to ask people why they read biographies. If the responses resonate with you, here's a quick list of the latest, all about fascinating people.

Technology
Walter Isaacson's biography of globally successful hi-tech genius entrepreneur, Steve Jobs, is available in book and audio CD formats. Also on CD is The Steve Jobs Way : iLeadership for a New Generation by Jay Elliot. Your kids might enjoy Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and the Personal Computer by Donald B. Lemke.

American Authors
Just One Catch : a Biography of Joseph Heller by Tracy Daugherty
And So It Goes : Kurt Vonnegut, A Life by Charles J. Shields
Blue Nights by Joan Didion
Hemingway's Boat by Paul Hendrickson

American History
Jack Kennedy : Elusive Hero by Chris Matthews
Pair this one with Jacqueline Kennedy : Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis or for kids, Kennedy Through the Lens by Martin W. Sandler.

World History and Art
Try Catherine the Great : Portrait of a Woman by Pulitzer-winning biographer Robert K. Massie (Nicholas and Alexandra and Peter the Great). Art history fans might try Van Gogh : the Life by Steven Naifeh & Gregory White Smith.

Sports
Sports fans will find Los Angeles Laker Jerry West's memoir, West by West, a compelling read. Also try the biography of the late Walter Payton, star running back for 1985's Super Bowl winning Chicago Bears.  Baseball fans will appreciate Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca's memoir, A Moment in Time : an American Story of Baseball, Heartbreak, and Grace.

Film
Immerse yourself in books about influential film critics Pauline Kael (The New Yorker) and Roger Ebert, Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times.  Also find Marc Eliot's biography of the late "King of Cool" film icon, Steve McQueen.

Popular Music/Popular Culture
Pick and choose bios (solid and sort-of) : Judy Collins, Mick Jagger, Harry Belafonte, Bill Cosby, Ellen DeGeneres, Michael Moore.  For a big stretch on the idea of "biography", documentary films about Pearl Jam and George Lucas offer fun viewing.

Saturday, November 05, 2011

Kid Classics

Never Out of Style
Here's a quick list of perennially popular picture book titles that have stood the test of time. If you and the latest little person in your life haven't had the pleasure, curling up with any of these kid classics will be a fun reading ride!

In some cases, favorite characters appear in additional books that you can enjoy, too.

Swimmy by Leo Lionni
Corduroy by Don Freeman
Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins
Shy Charles by Rosemary Wells
On the Day You Were Born by Debra Frasier
Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes
Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion
Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel
Good Morning Chick by Mirra Ginsburg
Little Gorilla by Ruth Bornstein
Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats
Five Little Monkeys Jumping On the Bed by Eileen Christelow
Chicken Soup with Rice : A Book of Months by Maurice Sendak
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
"More More More" Said the Baby : 3 Love Stories by Vera B. Williams

Thursday, November 03, 2011

NaNoWriMo? Get Going!

Logo courtesy of National
Novel Writing Month
It's National Novel Writing Month
If there's a book inside you, give a look at the NaNoWriMo website.  Sign up for a free account, post your daily word counts, and track your progress as you work towards writing 50,000 words in a month.  That about 175 pages in 30 days.

If you need a push, gentle shove, or kick in the pantalones to get started, check out Nanowrimo's Pep Talk Archive.  Your favorite authors offer inspiration...

Steampunk!

More Than Old-Fashioned Contraptions...
If you are interested in how the future was conceived in the past, join us at the library for a couple of Steampunk-related programs. If you would like to read ahead on the subject, click for a few recommended books, including the Steampunk Bible.

On Tuesday, November 15th, we'll be showing The Time Machine (the ultimate Steampunk gizmo) based on 1895's same-name speculative novel by H.G. Wells. If you grew up with this film, we invite you to join us and share your comments.  Click on over and watch the trailer.  Film discussion program begins at 6:30 p.m.; all are welcomed.

On Thursday, November 17, Our Take A Break Series will feature an overview of Steampunk as a genre in both fiction, film, and art. Also use your creativity to make yourself a Steampunk-inspired brooch.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Hierarchy of Needs

Lights! Heat! Wi-fi!
As the black-cloud-power-outage-funk continues to lurk overhead, happy to say we've served 77 wi-fi users and the day's nowhere near over.  We're open until 8 p.m.  There's a film showing at 6:30 if you're interested; enjoy the melodrama of 1954's The Last Time I Saw Paris.    

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Books to Film

Today's Book Is Tomorrow's Movie
Check out upcoming, book-based additions to our film collection and books now in the process of being turned into major motion pictures.  Since Hollywood takes seriously the message to reuse and recycle, there are a few remakes. Adds a little spice to the which is better discussion, don't you think?

Water for Elephants : The film version of Sara Gruen's bestselling romantic, bygone era novel comes to us on DVD Tuesday, November 1.  Also on Tuesday comes Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, based on Lisa See's 2005 novel about female friendships in 19th century China and in modern Shanghai.

Breaking Dawn Part 1, fourth in Stephenie Meyer's megahit Twilight series, arrives on the big screen November 18.  Big frowny face : you'll be waiting at least a year for Part 2.  Counter with a big smiley face : David Fincher's big-budget version of Stieg Larsson's international sensation, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, is due for release on December 21.  Compare and contrast to the Swedish film.

Let's get quirky! Cameron Crowe directs the film version of Benjamin's Mee's memoir We Bought a Zoo.  Of course, Mee's actual zoo (England) has for movie purposes been moved to Southern California. Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson star in this feel good holiday movie due for big screen on December 21.

Reading Ahead : More Books to Film Adaptations
Here's a dozen books with last best news about big screen or DVD status.  See you at the front desk or at the movies!

The Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell ~ Big Screen, 2012
Coriolanus by William Shakespeare ~ Big Screen, January 2012
The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings ~ Big Screen, November 16
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safron Foer ~ Big Screen, January 2012
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald ~ Big Screen, 2012
The Help by Kathryn Stockett ~ Blu-Ray/DVD on December 6
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick ~ Big Screen, November 23
Moneyball by Michael Lewis ~ Big Screen, Still Showing
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay ~ DVD on November 22
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas ~ Big Screen, Still Showing
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John Le Carre ~ Big Screen, December 9
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver ~ Big Screen, January 2012

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Best Friends Forever... Interspecies Style

For Animal Lovers
On the too-cute-for-words front, National Geographic science writer Jennifer S. Holland delivers a spectacular visual tribute to the power of friendship and empathy among animals of different species.  Unlikely Friendships include an orangutan and a kitten, and owl and a spaniel, a white rhino and a billy goat, and a seeing-eye cat and a blind mutt.  With 47 stories in all, this a great book to share with the family.

Similar Books for Children
How to Clean a Hippopotamus : a Look at Unusual Animal Partnerships by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page
Owen & Mzee : the Language of Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff and Dr. Paula Kuhumbu
Two Bobbies : a True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship & Survival by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery
Suryia and Roscoe : the True Story of an Unlikely Friendship by Bhagavan "Doc" Antle, with Thea Feldman
Koko's Kitten by Francine Patterson

Surf's Up

National Geographic News : Author Interview with Jennifer Holland
Daring Duos : Unlikely Animal Friends (Slide slow courtesy of Our Amazing Planet)

Friday, October 21, 2011

What's Cooking? Holiday Programs for Foodies

"I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate." -- Julia Child, celebrity chef and cookbook author

Join us in November and again in December for programs about the joys of good food : healthy, delicious, and delightfully presented.  All of our program leaders are small business owners based in Connecticut.  Get new ideas for the upcoming holiday party season, share your own secrets with others, and network, network, network!

All of the programs are free and open to the public. Please let us know if you plan to attend a program by using a date link to register.

Soup's On! Healthy Recipes from the Conscious Cook
Saturday, November 5, 2 p.m.
Our presenter, Robin Glowa, a.k.a. The Conscious Cook, is a certified holistic health counselor and member of the Northeast Organic Farmer's Association.  In this workshop, Robin will share healthy and hearty soup recipes, all great additions to a tailgating party, holiday gathering, or family-friendly menu. Samples provided... yum!

Perfect Pairings with Klassic Kreations
Saturday, November 19, 2 p.m.
Kim Larkin (right) and Kelly Ferreira (left) are sisters and the owners of a commercially licensed chocolate company, Klassic Kreations Gourmet. Meet with these gourmet chocolatiers who will present on bringing together different types of chocolates, wines, and cheeses for maximum flavor and effect. Sample and find inspiration for your next friends and family gathering.

Celebrating the Holiday Table
Saturday, December 3, 2 p.m.
The Klassic Kreations duo will return to the library on a very-big-day in East Hampton. Plan a full day of fun all around town, including a stop at the library for advice on healthy and yummy holiday options, easily prepared.  From savory appetizers to tea breads to a sweet ending of heart-healthy chocolate, great food and tasty recipes will be shared.  Learn a bit about tablescaping and how to create a lovely and inviting holiday table, too!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

CT Sings! Is There a Song Inside You?


CT Sings! Songwriting Workshop for Kids
Chuck Costa
Our 2011-2012 CT State Troubadour, Chuck Costa, is currently traveling our state gathering songs about Connecticut, written by Connecticut children.  Mr. Costa will be making a stop at the library on Saturday, December 10.

Making Music @ your library
East Hampton children in grades 2-5 are invited to participate in a two-hour workshop. Chuck will guide you through the fundamentals of the songwriting process (rhyme, rhythm, metaphor, and melody) and walk you through the steps it takes to go from an original idea to a finished song.  Important goals of the workshop are to support your creativity while at the same time asking you to use your critical thinking/problem solving skills, and work as a team.

The workshop is limited to 20 kids; click here to register.


Surf's Up

Our 2011-2012 State Troubador sings an original tune. Video courtesy of Ann Nyberg, WTNH anchor and online host of Ann Nyberg's Network Connecticut.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

20th Annual Connecticut Children's Book Fair

See Your Favorite Authors in Person!
On November 12th or 13th, join the fun at the 20th Annual Connecticut Children's Book Fair hosted by UCONN on its Storrs campus. You will get a chance to hear from famous children's authors including Mo Willems, Tomie dePaola, and Jane Yolen. Expect to learn about new and exciting upcoming books, get autographs, and enjoy the company of other kids and families who enjoy a good read! For more information, click here.

Book Fair Authors
Here's a quick list of books by just a few of the authors who will be participating in the Book Fair:
Elephant and Piggie Series by Mo Willems
Strega Nona Series by Tomie dePaola
Swindle by Gordon Korman
How Do Dinosaurs...?  Series by Jane Yolen
Can You See What I See? Series by Walter Wick
Pop-up book titles written, adapted, or engineered by Robert Sabuda
Year of the Rat plus others by Grace Lin

Book Fair Illustrators
Book Fair participants also include spectacular, award-winning illustrators whose artwork helps add enjoyment to a story.  Meet Betsy Lewin, Ted Lewin, and Matt Tavares, to name a few.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Boo!

Spooky (and Not So Spooky) Halloween Reads for Kids
Halloween is just around the corner.  Check out our Holiday Book section -- a good place to start --  for a range of spooky stories sure to provide excitement and of course, some belly laughs!  For a quick list of recent titles, click here.

You might like also to choose from a list of other seasonal titles, including several local favorites and a few classics.

Nate the Great and the Halloween Hunt by Majorie Sharmat
The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson
Monsters on Machines by Deb Lund
The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches by Alice Low
Scary School by Derek the Ghost
Dragonbreath Series by Ursula Vernon
Ghoulish Goodies by Sharon Bowers
Monsters Don't Eat Broccoli by Barbara Jean Hicks
The Boy of a Thousand Faces by Brian Selznick
Thelonius Monster's Sky-high Fly Pie by Judy Sierra
Dogzilla by Dav Pilkey
Plumply, Dumply Pumpkin by Mary Serfozo

Booriffic Upcoming Event!
Register today to attend our annual shindig for kids, scheduled for Saturday, October 29, 10 a.m. in the library Community Room.  Lynn Lewis and Friends will provide the entertainment; great for kids ages 6 months to 8 years-old.  Come in costume (no masks, please) and join the party!   

Inventory...

American History, Presidents, Politics

Destiny of the Republic : A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
This one is tells the story of our 20th President James A. Garfield and the story of his assassin, Charles Guiteau. 19th Century medicine and names of the day play a role in this deftly written page-turner which reads like a thriller.

Killing Lincoln : the Shocking Assasination that Changed America Forever by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
Political commentator O'Reilly and author/adventurer Dugard offer a point-of-view take on the Lincoln assasination.

Jacqueline Kennedy : Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy : Interviews with Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., 1964
Shortly after President John F. Kennedy's assassination, Jacqueline Kennedy began the task of documenting and preserving her husband's legacy.  The interviews with Arthur Schlesinger were sealed for half a century.  (Annotated book plus eight CD set.)

In My Time : A Personal and Political Memoir by Dick Cheney
The former Vice President tells his life story and dicusses his forty year career at the highest levels of American power and politics.

The Black History of the White House by Clarence Lusane
The author describes the mansion's place in African American history, from George Washinghton to today.

That Used to Be Us by Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum
A Pulitzer Prize winner and a foreign policy expert examine 21st century challenges.

Confidence Men by Ron Suskind
Draws on hundreds of hours of interviews and in-depth research to relate the complete story of the nation's financial meltdown, from the trading floors of lower Manhattan to the power corridors inside the Beltway.

Washington by Ron Chernow
A National Book Award winning author offers a page-turning examination of our nation's founding and our accomplished and politically savvy first president.

Friday, October 07, 2011

Back to School and Extra Healthy

"E" is for Exercise
Check out our collection and services for ideas on how to create and share exercise activities with your children.  Explore upbeat exercise routines or yoga calm, martial arts overviews, or set your own moves to fun music!

Video Helpers : On DVD
Happy Healthy Monsters or Elmocize: Join the Sesame Street Gang as the learn about nutrition and exercise.

Kidz Bop Dance Moves: Megan Honore of High School Musical fame leads the dance party. Use your new moves with tunes on any of the latest Kidz Bop music discs.

Rock 'n Learn Alphabet Exercise: Learn letters while exercising with Alphabet Al!

Denise Austin's Fitkids: Use elements of dance, hip-hop, sports drills, yoga and stretching to keep moving and have fun.

Karate for Kids: Learn a little about basic karate techniques and karate as a non-competitive fitness option. Fribrary Time kids (grades 4-5) might also like to check out our martial arts overview program scheduled for Friday, November 18.

Kids Yoga Adventure: Strengthen and tone muscles, increase flexibility, and improve coordination in a fun and healthy way.

Books and Reading
From Head to Toe by Eric Carle (picture book)
Children's Book of Yoga by Thia Luby
The Busy Body Book by Lizzy Rockwell
Exercising by Robin Nelson
Keeping Fit by Sylvia Goulding

Surf's Up
BAM! Physical Activity (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Kids and Exercise (Nemours Foundation)
Children and Sports (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education & Research
Exercise and Children (Recommended links from Medline Plus)

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Health Insurance and You

Consumer Report Cards
Our State's Insurance Department recently released the October 2011 edition of Consumer Report Card on Health Insurance Carriers in Connecticut. This annual publication provides "a comparison of all Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and the fifteen insurers with the highest premium volume in Connecticut".

The report may be helpful in choosing an insurance plan or comparing overall customer satisfaction across plans.  The report does not include information regarding Medicare, Medicaid and other entitlement programs.

Click here to download a copy of the 2011 report, listed first under the "Publications" heading.

From Consumer Reports Online
You may also use your library card to access Consumer Reports and review health insurance plans ranked by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).  Click here and go to the Consumer Reports access page; type your East Hampton Public Library barcode in the library barcode box to enter the site.

Books & Reading
Here's a quick title list about healthcare topics or the ongoing health care debate:
Long-term Care: How to Plan and Pay for It by J.L. Matthews
Social Security, Medicare and Government Pensions by J.L. Matthews
Why Our Health Matters by Andrew Weil
Deadly Spin by Wendell Potter
Clinical Trials: What Patients and Healthy Volunteers Need to Know by Lorna Speid
Complete Idiot's Guide to Social Security and Medicare by Lita Epstein
Treat Me, Not my Age by Mark Lachs
Sick: the Untold Story of America's Health Care Crisis and the People Who Pay the Price by Jonathan Cohn

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

What's New? Universal Class!

Knowledge is Power...
Why not learn something new today? The library now offers over 500 free online continuing education courses through Universal Class TM. These self-paced, non-credit personal development and enrichment classes are led by real instructors who will give you continuous feedback on your progress.

Quick Facts About Universal Class TM
  • You will need to create an account and have a valid e-mail address to sign up for courses.
  • You may take as many courses as you like but may enroll in no more than five (5) courses at a time.
  • You have up to six months to finish any course.
  • You have access to your course 24/7 via the Internet.
  • Attend class and complete assignments on your schedule.
  • These are non-credit courses, provided for your personal enrichment. They are not intended to be a substitute for any state, government, licensing, or educational requirements.
  • Each course has a real instructor who you may communicate with using email.
Create an Account
Click here to access Universal Class TM. For validation purposes, enter your East Hampton Public Library in the "Enter Code" field.  Follow the instructions to register for the service/create an account.  We hope you'll take some time to explore this new addition to our portfolio of online services!



Saturday, October 01, 2011

Doggie Detectives

Chet & Bernie & Friends
Spencer Quinn (a.k.a. suspense novelist Peter Abrahams) offers his fourth in a series of humorous mysteries featuring P.I. Bernie Little and Chet, his faithful dog sidekick and the book's narrator.  Keep on having fun with this series, which we wrote about last year.

Read-Alikes
Not all as cozy and cute as the above but well worth a spin.
A Nose for Justice by Rita Mae Brown
Duplicity Dogged the Dachshund by Blaize Clement
The Hard Way by Carol Lea Benjamin

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Election 2011: East Hampton Candidates Conversation Scheduled

Tune In or DVR the Get Real Show
East Hampton Town Council candidates will gather for a ‘candidates conversation’ on town issues on the Get Real show on Monday, Oct. 3 on [Comcast] cable channel 15 at 7pm. During consecutive Monday nights in October, council candidates will debate and share thoughts and positions on the issues effecting the town. All three political parties are slated to appear with candidates. The format of the show is free flowing and conversational between the candidates. Topics are chosen for their timeliness and impact on the community.

The Get Real Show airs each Monday at 7pm on [Comcast] cable channel 15.

This information was provided to the library as a press release from the show's producer, Josh Piteo.  Mr. Piteo is a candidate for Town Council on the Republican slate.