Who's Your Favorite Super Hero?

Paul Merklein

Be One...
Thursday, August 15th
Hey kids! Summer reading season has been in full swing since June 22 and you have been digging in and exploring your super hero reader powers since then. As of now, we're just over the half-way mark to the back-to-school finish line so prepare to start celebrating your accomplishments!

Meet Paul Merklein @ 2:00 p.m.
Join us in the library Community Room for a family program led by our guest super artist. Combining dynamic art, comedy and audience participation, the "Amazing Artist" and "Magic Marker Wizard" will draw famous faces, including super heroes… and people right from the audience! Who will he draw next? Be there and be brave! Click to register.

Meet Paul Merklein @ 3:30 p.m.
If you are a tween or teen, or a parent with an interest in helping your artistic tween or teen kid explore their interest in drawing, join us in this afternoon program. Our guest instructor will no doubt inspire students to use their imaginations, discover their super powers, and have fun drawing! Click to register.

Cool Video... Cool Merklein...

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.

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.

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.

Who Are You? Who? Who?

A Different Kind of Tree
Summer can be a great time to introduce your kids to family history or to tackle a more adult version of a long-deferred genealogy project.

Building the Tree With Your Kids
Enjoy some great advice on how to incorporate easy-fun family history activities into your summer routine, offered by Maureen Taylor at genealogy.com. How-to and fiction books for junior genealogists include:

Basic Genealogy for Kids by Bonnie Hinman
Design Your Family Tree by Amie Jane Leavitt
How to Research Your Ancestry by Tamra Orr
Using Technology to Find Your Family History by Tammy Gagne
Climb the Family Tree, Jesse Bear by Nancy White Carlstrom
Fancy Nancy : My Family History by Jane O'Connor
Seven Brave Women by Betsy Hearne

Jump-Start Services on the Web : Pick and Choose
Quick list and as is always the case with any web-based service, read before you click:

Geni : Free Family Tree builder.
Census Finder : A directory of free census records.
1940 Census Records : 1940 census records released by the US National Archives April 2, 2012 and brought online through a partnership with Archives.com.
Cyndi's List : A list of pointer links to genealogical research sites online.
Ellis Island Immigration : Electronic archive of passenger lists from Ellis Island's immigration records; free with registration.
Family Search : A free service from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Heritage Quest : Search U.S. federal censuses, family and local histories, and primary-source documents.
Roots Web : Self-described as the oldest and largest free genealogy site; supported by Ancestry.com.

The Latest Summer Game?

Image courtesy of Flickr User
woodleywonderworks

Learning a Second Language
Summer can be a great time to kick back and take on a personal enrichment project at a more leisurely pace.

If learning a second language is on your to-do list -- or if introducing your kids to a new language sounds like fun -- use your East Hampton Public Library card to sign up for a free Transparent Language Online service account. This web-based language-learning program offers more than 80 languages, including English as a second language for a variety of non-native English speakers.

Want to Learn While You Travel or Commute?
Once your create your free account, you may also use the Go Mobile tab with your Apple iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or Android powered device and use the three steps to download and run the app.

Websites
Live Mocha
Connect to a large online language learning community.
Open Culture
Free lessons in 40 languages.
Google Translate
Use it to translate sentences or to translate entire web sites.

So have fun this summer and perhaps dabble in the prospect of ¡El que habla dos lenguas vale por dos! The person who speaks two languages is worth two!

Summer Reading Season 2013

Super Hero Alias Word Search Courtesy of the
TX State Library & Archives Commission

Let the Fun Begin!
Summer reading season @ your library officially opened today, June 22; sort of like shopping after Thanksgiving or opening day of fishing season... but with books!

Though we'll Dig Into Reading this summer, kids ages 6-12 will also be invited to read with a bit of superhero flair! In this spirit, and though we'll highlight many different types of  'superheroes' throughout the summer, here's a quick list of books featuring classic comic book heroes and their arch nemeses:

Batman by Ralph Cosentino -- Batman : Super-Villains Strike by Michael Teitelbaum
Batman vs. Joker adapted by N.T. Raymond
DC Super Heroes Storybook Collection -- Joker on the High Seas by J.E. Bright
Lex Luthor and the Kryptonite Caverns by J. E. Bright -- Superman by Ralph Cosentino -- Superman in the Fifties -- Superman in the Sixties -- Superman in the Seventies -- I Am Wonder Woman by Erin K. Stein
Sword of the Dragon by Laurie Sutton -- Wonder Woman : the Story of an Amazon Princess by Ralph Cosentino -- The Amazing Spider-Man : an Origin Story adapted by Rich Thomas and Jeff Clark
Green Lantern : Fear the Shark by Laurie Sutton -- Guardian of Earth by Michael Dahl
The Light King Strikes by Laurie Sutton -- Savage Sands by J.E. Bright
Flash! Master of Mirrors by Laurie Sutton -- Shell Shocker by Scott Sonneborn
Black Manta and the Octopus Army by Jane Mason

Just for Fun
A great and artful send-up of Superman's life from one of our favorite (parental caution) YouTube channels.

Debut Fiction

Attention Getters
Summer's a great time to kick back and read a popular author's inevitable bestseller. It may also be a great time to step off the treadmill and try something a little different.

Here's a quick list of debut novels and if the raves are any indication, one or more just might break through. Give 'em a try.

Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham
The hilarious story of a struggling young actress trying to get ahead--and keep it together--in New York City.
The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton DiSclafani
Exiled to an equestrian boarding school in the South at the height of the Great Depression for her role in a family tragedy, strong-willed teen Thea Atwell grapples with painful memories.
We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo
A young African girl negotiates life in Zimbabwe and America.

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
The over-the-top story of three super-rich, pedigreed Chinese families.
Note to Self by Alina Simone
The author takes on our Internet-age obsessions.
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra
A love story in Chechnya during the war with Russia. Pair or compare: The English Patient or The Tiger's Wife.

The Blood of Heaven by Kent Wascom
A preacher's son flees the hardscrabble life of his itinerant father, falls in with a charismatic highwayman, then settles with his adopted brothers on the rough frontier of West Florida. In a word? Epic.
No One Could Have Guessed the Weather by Anne-Marie Casey
Women's fiction with a New York backdrop.
The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison
A chilling psychological thriller about a marriage.

The Execution of Noa P. Singleton by Elizabeth Silver
A death row inmate receives an offer of help from an unlikely source: her victim's mother. Sounds like a great pick for John Grisham fans.
Southern Cross the Dog by Bill Cheng
An epic literary debut in which the bonds between three childhood friends are upended by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927.
Eleven Days by Lea Carpenter
A story about a woman's son, missing from a Special Operations Forces mission.
Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich (July)
Ahh; summer romance.

It's Never Too Early for a Summer Read

A View from the Beach: Sears Park

Ninety Degrees In the Shade...
Though it is still spring, the recent temps reminded us of the joys of summer : relaxation, time with our families, and a great book or two ready to read. We offer a quick list of high-buzz (mostly) women's fiction titles you might like to add to your summer reading list and your trusty tote. The list includes new and forthcoming titles, plus a few greats you may have missed along the way.

Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
Fast forward eight years after Andy quit her job working for Miranda...

The Silver Star by Jeannette Walls
From the author of the Glass Castle and Half Broke Horses.
Ladies' Night by Mary Kay Andrews
High caliber contemporary romance from a local favorite.

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
The third novel by an internationally acclaimed author. The author's first novel, The Kite Runner, is a perennial entry on high school summer reading lists.

All That Is by James Salter
A sweeping story of love and betrayal by a PEN/Faulkner Award winner.

The Late Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow
A breezy novel whose main character happens to be, well... dead.

Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
Heavy buzz about the latest from the author of The American Wife. (June 25)

Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams
True love prevails in a novel set in Rhode Island, 1938, year of the infamous hurricane.

TransAtlantic by Colum McCann
Literary fiction from the National Book Award-winning author of Let the Great World Spin.

No One Could Have Guessed the Weather by Anne-Marie Casey
A debut novel featuring four women living the Manhattan life. (June 13)

Best of Us by Sarah Pekkanen
Four college friends on a luxury vacation + unspoken conflicts + a looming hurricane.

Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand
Attend a wedding in Nantucket as conceived by the author of Summerland. (June 25)

The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell
A police stenographer is accused of murder in 1920s Manhattan.

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler
Rosemary and Fern; we'll leave it at that. Explore new territory with the author of The Jane Austen Book Club.

The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane by Kelly Harms
Meet two Janine Browns, same-name winners of a dream home in Maine. (July 9)

The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P. by Adelle Waldman
A woman writes about what a modern man thinks about women, love and sex. Have fun watching the early thumbs ups and thumbs downs before release of this debut novel. (July 16)

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...

A Squirrel Walks On to the Beach...

Hijinx Ensue!
On the humor for kids front, give it up for Scaredy Squirrel, a little guy who is afraid of pinching lobsters, unicorns, confetti, porcupines, Godzilla, germs, pirates, menacing seagulls, Bigfoot, scary sharks, killer bees, and walruses!

Scaredy makes complicated plans to avoid his fears but ultimately learns to face situations that are not nearly as scary as he first thought. The series author is Melanie Watt.

Also try similarly-themed Big Chickens by Leslie Helakoski or for older kids, the Alvin Ho Series by Lenore Look.

Funny Cats!

Chester the Cat by Melanie Watt
Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel
Pete the Cat by Eric Litwin
Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton
Cat Skidoo by Bethany Roberts
Cat Count by Betsy Lewin
Opera Cat by Tess Weaver -- That Cat Can't Stay! by Thad Krasnesky -- Fat Cat by Margaret Read MacDonald -- Simon's Cat by Simon Tofield

Funny Mice!
Mice and Beans by Pam Munoz Ryan
Cavemice by Geronimo Stilton
Babymouse by Jennifer and Matthew Holm -- Benny and Penny by Geoffrey Hayes -- Cinco de Mouse-O! by Judy Cox -- Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk --  Mice by Rose Fyleman -- Mousetronaut by Mark Kelly -- Penny by Kevin Henkes -- Tumtum & Nutmeg by Emily Bearn

Funny Series Books!
Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee
Stink by Megan McDonald
Babymouse by Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce
My Weird School by Dan Gutman
Shredderman by Wendlin Van Draanen -- Lunch Lady by Jarrett Krosoczka -- Spaceheadz by John Scieszka -- Vordak the Incomprehensible by Scott Seegert -- Dork Diaries -- Rachel Renee Russell

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

Great Books for Kids, Tweens, Teens...

Children's Book Week 2013
Children's Book Week, 2013 edition, begins today. This evening, in a gala celebration held in New York City, 2013's Children's Choice Book Awards will be delivered to "Book of the Year" authors. The great thing about the Children's Choice Book Awards is it is the only national book awards program where winning titles are selected by young readers of all ages.

And the nominees are...

Kindergarten to Grade 2 Book of the Year
Big Mean Mike by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Scott Magoon
The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? by Mo Willems
I’ll Save You Bobo! by Eileen Rosenthal, illustrated by Marc Rosenthal
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, created and illustrated by James Dean, story by Eric Litwin
Nighttime Ninja by Barbara DaCosta, illustrated by Ed Young

Third to Fourth Grade Book Book of the Year
Bad Kitty for President by Nick Bruel
Get the Scoop on Animal Poop! by Dawn Cusick
Just Joking by National Geographic Kids
Pluto Visits Earth! by Steve Metzger, illustrated by Jared Lee

Fifth and Sixth Grade Book of the Year
Dork Diaries 4: Tales from a Not-So-Graceful Ice Princess by Rachel Renée Russell
Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
Pickle: The (Formerly) Anonymous Prank Club of Fountain Point Middle School by Kim Baker, illustrated by Tim Probert
Rebel McKenzie by Candice Ransom
Stickman Odyssey, Book 2: The Wrath of Zozimos by Christopher Ford

Teen Book of the Year
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, Book 1) by Marissa Meyer
City of Lost Souls (Mortal Instruments) by Cassandra Clare
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Rapture: A Fallen Novel by Lauren Kate

Author of the Year
John Green for The Fault in Our Stars
Jeff Kinney for Diary of a Wimpy Kid 7: The Third Wheel
R. J. Palacio for Wonder
Rick Riordan for The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus, Book 3)
Veronica Roth for Insurgent

Illustrator of the Year
James Dean for Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
Anna Dewdney for Llama Llama Time to Share
Ian Falconer for Olivia and the Fairy Princesses
Robin Preiss Glasser for Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet
Mo Willems for The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?