Six Picks : Books About Books

April 13, 2015March 17, 2015 / Louise / Leave a comment

For book lovers, nothing beats a good book. Except, maybe, a good book about books! Bibliophiles rejoice, here are 6 great novels that celebrate the written word and those who treasure it.

1. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. In a world where you can actually get lost (literally) in literature, Thursday Next, a notorious Special Operative in literary detection, races against time to stop the world’s Third Most Wanted criminal from kidnapping characters, including Jane Eyre, from works of literature, forcing her to dive into the pages of a novel to stop literary homicide.

2. The Reading Group by Elizabeth Noble. The Reading Group follows the trials and tribulations of a group of women who meet regularly to read and discuss books. Over the course of a year, each of these women become intertwined, both in the books they read and within each other’s lives.

3. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. Meggie, 12, lives a quiet life alone with her father, a bookbinder. But her father has a deep secret–he possesses an extraordinary magical power – he can “read” fictional characters to life. Trouble begins when one of those characters abducts them and tries to force him into service.

4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Living with a foster family in Germany during World War II, a young girl struggles to survive her day-to-day trials through stealing anything she can get her hands on, but when she discovers the beauty of literature, she realizes that she has been blessed with a gift that must be shared with others, including the Jewish man hiding in the basement.

5. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. A boy named Daniel selects a novel from a library of rare books, enjoying it so much that he searches for the rest of the author’s works, only to discover that someone is destroying every book the author has ever written.

6. Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan. After a layoff during the Great Recession sidelines his tech career, Clay Jannon takes a job at the titular bookstore in San Francisco, and soon realizes that the establishment is a facade for a strange secret.

Book Club Picks – Politics and Social Sciences

March 8, 2015February 17, 2015 / Linda / Leave a comment

Pick up one of these books for a lively discussion at your next book club meeting.

Carry On, Warrior: thoughts of a life unarmed by Glennon Doyle Melton – A New York Times essayist shares her journey from a self-destructive college student to a devoted family woman and teacher while illuminating the importance of trusting in a higher power and being truthful about life’s challenges.

The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinopche – A discussion of teachings on which the “Tibetan Book of the Dead” is based examines the possibility for healing that can occur when death is viewed as another chapter of life.

Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink – A Pulitzer Prize-winning doctor, reporter and author of War Hospital reconstructs five days at Memorial Medical Center after Hurricane Katrina destroyed its generators to reveal how caregivers were forced to make life-and-death decisions without essential resources, an experience that raised key issues about practitioner responsibilities and end-of-life care.

The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins – Addresses key scientific questions previously explained by rich mythologies, from the evolution of the first humans and the life cycle of stars to the principles of a rainbow and the origins of the universe.

The President’s Club by Nancy Gibbs – Traces the history of the presidential fraternity conceived by Harry Truman and Herbert Hoover during Eisenhower’s inauguration, exploring the ways in which the nation’s Presidents depended on, sabotaged and formed alliances that had world-changing impacts.

The Unwinding – by George Packer – Paints a picture of the last thirty years of life in America by following several citizens, including the son of tobacco farmers in the rural south, a Washington insider who denies his idealism for riches, and a Silicon Valley billionaire.

Glitter and Glue: A Memoir by Kelly Corrigan – Presents an account of the author’s perspectives on motherhood, which have been shaped by her job as a nanny for a grieving Australian family and her character-testing experiences with her daughters.

Saturday Night Widows by Becky Aikman – Describes the author’s experiences as a young widow and the pivotal relationships she forged with five other widows, recounting the stories of their losses and bravery as exchanged throughout a year of monthly Saturday night meetings, during which the author met and fell in love with her current husband.

Book Club Picks – Historical Fiction

January 25, 2015January 16, 2015 / Linda / Leave a comment

Cold winter nights are perfect for settling into a great historical fiction book!

The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro – After receiving a large inheritance from a complete stranger, London socialite and newlywed Grace Monroe searches for the identity of her mysterious benefactor and uncovers the story of a unique woman who inspired one of Paris’ greatest perfumers, which transforms her own life.

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger – Looking back at a tragic event that occurred during his thirteenth year, Frank Drum explores how a complicated web of secrets, adultery, and betrayal shattered his Methodist family and their small 1961 Minnesota community.

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman – A tale inspired by the tragic first-century massacre of hundreds of Jewish people at Masada presents the stories of a hated daughter, a baker’s wife, a girl disguised as a warrior, and a medicine woman who keep doves and secrets while Roman soldiers draw near.

The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell – Captured and raised by Danes in the ninth century, dispossessed nobleman Uhtred witnesses the unexpected defeat of his adoptive Viking clan by Alfred of Wessex and longs to recover his father’s land.

The House Girl by Tara Conklin – A novel of love, family, and justice follows Lina Sparrow, an ambitious first-year associate in a Manhattan law firm, as she searches for the “perfect plaintiff” to lead a historic class-action lawsuit worth trillions of dollars in reparations for descendants of American slaves.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in January

January 1, 2015January 1, 2015 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Happy New Year! We hope one of your resolutions this year is to take advantage of the wonderful things your library has to offer. We’ve got lots of BRAND NEW programs for kids and teens starting in January, and great programming for adults as well. Take a look at what’s coming up:

NEW Sunday hours for 2015!

Sundays 1:00 – 5:00 PM

The library begins its winter hours – adding from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, January 4 through March 29, 2015! Come see us!

Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Monday Jan 5, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club meets once per month on a Monday evening. Far From the Maddening Crowd will be discussed at the January 5th meeting.
There is limited seating for this event. For more information regarding this program, contact Jennifer Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org.

College Financial Aid Seminar

Tuesday Jan 6, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

This seminar will provide parents and students of all ages with tips on securing the best possible financial aid package. Throughout the presentation, presenter Jennifer Philips will explain the various student loans, grants and scholarships available, the critical financial aid forms and deadlines, the various components of a financial aid offer and how to best compare and appeal offers in extenuating circumstances. This is a very popular program and has the potential to fill up quickly. Register on our website.

Kids Coding Corner

Thursday Jan 8, 2015, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Learn the foundations of coding using Scratch Jr., a free application available on iPads. Participants will learn how to use Scratch Jr. and what coding is in this first class.
For children in grades Kindergarten to 2nd. Register on our website.

Tune Time for Tots

Wednesdays 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM

NEW at Cheshire Library! Enjoy music and movement in this high energy program. Children will dance and use musical instruments. Children must be accompanied by a care giver. Ages birth to 2 years old. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Pajama Storytime

Thursday Jan 15, 2015, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Join us for stories, songs, videos and a craft, PJs optional!
This is a multisensory celebration of literacy with a seasonal theme.
For children ages 3 – 8. Register our website starting on January 1st.

Teen Time

Friday Jan 16, 2015, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

This program will feature a variety of activities: games, teen tech projects, domino racing, arts & crafts… you name it- you’ll just have to show up to find out what we’ll be doing! For grades 6 through 12– no registration required, come whenever you feel like it. The more the merrier- bring your friends and have a ball at the library!

Tween Tuesdays

Tuesdays 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Every Tuesday is a TWEEN Tuesday! 🙂
Starting on January 20, 2015, librarian Nicole Dolat will be doing a regular after school program every Tuesday for kids ages 7-12. No registration required – just come when you can! We’ll do any of a variety of activities: board games, Zentangles, duct tape wallets, playing with squishy circuits…you’ll just have to come to find out what we’ll be doing on any given Tuesday. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. FOR AGES 7-12.
Come, brings some friends (or make some new ones), and have some fun at the library!

Essential Apps for Smartphones and Tablets

Wednesday Jan 21, 2015, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

There are literally hundreds of thousands of apps available for smartphones and tablets, but where do you start? Library staff will show you a few of the most popular apps for work, play, and everything in between. Bring your device so you can download the apps for yourself. Register on our website.

ZenDoodle

Friday Jan 23, 2015, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

When you draw a ZenDoodle, you’re creating a work of art, but you’re also deliberately creating a mood, a focus and a state of mind. You don’t have to be a Michaelangelo to create a great ZenDoodle… because they’re based around following a series of steps focused on a set of patterns, it’s easy for beginners to get started. With ZenDoodle art, you absolutely can’t fail, so join us and let your creativity soar! Grades 6-12, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Fab Film Saturday: THE MAZE RUNNER (2014)

Saturday Jan 24, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Thomas wakes up in an elevator, remembering nothing but his own name. He emerges into a world of about 60 teen boys who have learned to survive in a completely enclosed environment, subsisting on their own agriculture and supplies from below. A new boy arrives every 30 days. The original group has been in “the glade” for two years, trying to find a way to escape through a maze that surrounds their living space. They have begun to give up hope. Then a comatose girl arrives with a strange note, and their world begins to change. Based on the popular young adult series of books by James Dashner. Running Time 1 hour, 53 minutes. Rated PG-13.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

Weekend Concert Series: Yale’s Society of Orpheus and Bacchus

Sunday Jan 25, 2015, 2:00 PM

Yale University’s Society of Orpheus and Bacchus is the second longest-running a cappella group in the nation. Accompanied by an eclectic songbook that features jazz, folk, gospel and contemporary arrangements, this all-male ensemble of talented and dedicated singers has performed for countless audiences the world over, delighting thousands while sharing their love of music and laughter across generations. This program is free and opened to the public, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Family History: How to Research Your Genealogy

Tuesday Jan 27, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

This program will demonstrate how to begin the search for your ancestors. Become a detective by uncovering the details of your family’s arrival in the U.S., where they lived, the occupations they engaged in, their triumphs, and their tragedies. Register on our website.

Tea Party and Storytime

Saturday Jan 31, 2015, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Enjoy a Fancy Nancy and Pinkalicious storytime with craft followed by a tea party (juice and cookies will be served). Children are encouraged to dress up. For children ages 3-7 years old. Register on our website starting January 15.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in December

December 2, 2014November 21, 2014 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

It may be cold outside, but we’ve got some hot programming at Cheshire Library this December. Mark your calendars for:

Personal Preparedness

Tuesday Dec 2, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Alicia Hanke of the Chesprocott Health District will provide residents with information and tips on how to prepare for potential emergencies. Hanke will focus on 3 components to living prepared: building a kit, making a plan, and staying informed. Register on our website.

The Ancient Art of Paper Cutting

Thursday Dec 4, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Martha Link Walsh, who has practiced the ancient art of paper cutting for over 40 years, will give a brief overview of its history, present a demonstration, share her “secrets” of the craft, and discuss her book, A Paper-cut Christmas – Legends of the Gift Giver. Register on our website.

A Seussified Christmas Carol, with Cheshire Community Theatre

Saturday Dec 6, 2014, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

A whimsical reinvention of Dickens’ most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets. With zoot fruited juices and binka bird geese, from Bed-Headed Fred to Timmy Loo Hoo, this is a tale of glorious holiday cheer! Register on our website.

Jewelry Jam

Monday Dec 8, 2014, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

The holidays are right around the corner. Come in for a free, fun evening of jewelry making. Kim Larkin, a Cheshire resident and jewelry maven, will teach attendees how to create wonderful, unique necklaces. Attendance is limited, please register on our website.

Cheshire Cats Classics Club – The War of the Worlds

Monday Dec 8, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club meets once per month on a Monday evening. The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells will be discussed at the December meeting.

There is limited seating for this event. For more information regarding this program, contact Jenn Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org

Music Together Workshop

Wednesday Dec 10, 2014
2 sessions: 10:00 – 10:45 AM, and 11:00 – 11:45 AM

Music Together® s an internationally recognized early childhood music program for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, kindergartners, and the adults who love them. This research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum strongly encourages adult involvement and emphacizes actual music experiences rather than concepts about music. Register on our website beginning December 1.

Holiday Read-Aloud with FEA

Wednesday Dec 10, 2014, 3:30 – 4:15 PM

Come and read with the Future Educators of America (FEA) from Dodd Middle School. Dress in red or green to get in the holiday spirit! There will be stories, crafts, and a snack. For ages 3-6. Register on our website beginning December 1.

Holiday Silly Song Sing-a-long

Friday Dec 12, 2014, 10:30 – 11:30 AM

Silly Song Sing-a-long is a mix of popular children’s songs, musical games, dance movements, and rhythms. Children and adults will be encouraged to participate and act silly along with Edward Leonard and his guitars, drums, and maracas. This program is designed for children ages 5 and under, but all ages are welcome. Register on our website beginning December 1.

Fab Film Saturdays: Muppets Most Wanted

Saturday Dec 13, 2014, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

There’s plenty of fun for the whole family as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal and the entire Muppets gang head out on a world tour. But mayhem follows the Muppets, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper. Running Time 1 hour, 47 minutes. Rated PG. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

Maker Fun

Thursday Dec 18, 2014, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

We’ll have several seasonal crafting stations around the room and children will be able to make several art projects to take home with them at the end of the two hours. The framework of the program will be very loose, so children will be free to work at their own speeds and do only the crafting that interests them. For children ages 4 and up, [children must be accompanied by an adult]. Register on our website beginning December 1.

Joy to the World: Holiday Music for Classical Guitar & Mandolin

Saturday Dec 20, 2014, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Local audience favorites Judy Handler and Mark Levesque return to the Cheshire Library with a new concert for the holidays featuring traditional and contemporary holiday music with an international flavor. The audience will have a chance to join in at the end of the program on some rhythm instruments! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.