Happy Birthday to Neil Gaiman! (November 10)

November 9, 2015September 28, 2015 / Sharon Tyler / 1 Comment

As of November 10, 2015 Neil Gaiman is 55 years old. He is a supporter of libraries, the arts, and is everything that this librarian could want in an author. Neil is the author of books from a wide range of genre’s, and for every age group. His body of work is extensive, and includes many groundbreaking volumes. He is also the father of three children from his first marriage, now grown adults, and a new baby just born on September 16 with his wife Amanda Palmer who is a singer, song writer, performance artist, and author. To make him even cooler in my eyes, he is also good friends with singer/songwriter Tori Amos and godfather of her daughter. I am admittedly a bit of a fangirl.

Gaiman began his writing career in England as a journalist. His first book was a Duran Duran biography that took him three months to write, and his second was a biography of Douglas Adams, Don’t Panic: The Official Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Companion. Soon afterward he collaborated or creating in graphic novels such as Violent Cases, Black Orchid, and Sandman. Over the years he has added picturebooks, children’s fiction, adult fiction, television, film, and theater to his body of work. This includes writing for one of my favorite shows, Doctor Who. He also does the narration for most, if not all, of the audiobook versions of his work.

Neil and his works have won many nominations and awards over the year. A few of the awards include: Kurt Vonnegut Jr Award For Literature, Boston Public Library Literary Lights For Children, CBLDF Defender of Liberty, The “Galaxy” Award (China) for Most Popular Foreign Author, Horn Book Honors, Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Books, ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice: Books for Youth, Hugo Award, IndieBound Award, and many, many more.

Here is a sampling of his works, though far from comprehensive. They are in no particular order.
Picturebooks:
Chu’s Day
Chu’s First Day of School
Chu’s Day at the Beach
The Wolves in the Walls
Blueberry Girl
Crazy Hair
Instructions: Everything you’ll Need to Know on your Journey

Children’s and Young Adult Books:
Fortunately, the Milk
M is for Magic
The Graveyard Book
Coraline
Hansel & Gretel: a Toon Graphic
Odd and the Frost Giants
Interworld
The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains
The Books of Magic
Marvel 1602

Adult Books:
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
The Make Good Art Speech
Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances
Anansi Boys
American Gods
Stardust
Good Omens
Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fictions and Illusions
Neil Gaiman’s Lady Justice. Vol. 1

My Most Frequently Recommended Children’s Authors

November 4, 2015October 5, 2015 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

One of my favorite things about working in the library is getting the chance to do reader’s advisory. This is librarian jargon for answering questions about what book a patron (or their child) might enjoy reading next. On our part it involves discovering what the reader is most interested in, and what kind of books they usually enjoy most. While I might occasionally get stumped in the adult fiction category, when it comes to books for children (or teens) I could go on for hours. We all have our favorites, particularly if given free reign to mention any genre of book we enjoyed, or when we find a patron that has enjoyed some of the same books that we loved as well.

There are several authors that most parents, librarians, and parents think of first and fondly, such as E.B. White, Beverly Cleary, C.S. Lewis, Judy Blume, Lemony Snicket, Roald Dahl, Kate DiCamillo, and more. Once the typical go to books have been read, or dismissed by the young reader since the parents suggested them, I have several of my own go to authors that I usually recommend. Here is my “short” list.

Tamora Pierce has several series, all connected by the fantasy world they are set in and some overlapping events and characters. You do not have to read all of the series to enjoy the others. The first series is Song of the Lioness, about a young girl who defies all the odds to become a knight. She has books in both the children’s and young adult sections of the library. Other series include Beka Copper, the Daughter of the Lioness or Trickster series, Circle of Magic, and Protector of the Small.

Michael Buckley has one stand alone novel (Undertow) for young adults and two wonderful series for children. The Sisters Grimm is a mystery series about orphaned sisters Sabrina and Daphne Grimm who are sent to live with an eccentric grandmother, who just happens to live in a town with a variety of fairy-tale characters. NERDS is a series that combines all the excitement of international espionage and all the awkwardness of elementary school. The series features a group of unpopular students who run a spy network from inside their school. With the help of cutting-edge science, their nerdy qualities are enhanced and transformed into incredible abilities!

Tom Angleberger has a selection of fun and fast paced books that are great for reluctant readers. There is Fake Mustache, the Origami Yoda series, the Qwikpick Papers series, and Horton Halfpott. All of his books have silly humor, illustrations, and realistic characters in less believable situations.

E.D. Baker tends to writes books that take our assumptions about princesses, magic, and fairy tales and makes us look at them with new eyes. First came The Frog Princess which started a series. Soon after came The Wide-Awake Princess and its follow ups. There is also the stand alone (at least so far) A Question of Magic and the start to another series with The Fairy-Tale Matchmaker.

Other great authors, that rarely disappoint readers willing to give them a chance include Avi, Shannon Hale, Neil Gaiman, Jonathan Stroud, Gail Carson Levine, Ben Hatke, Jennifer Holm, Vivian Velde Vande, Holly Black, Matt Christopher, Diana Wynne Jones, Lois Lowry, Louis Sachar, Jerry Spinelli, Andrew Clements, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Cornelia Funke, and so many more. Still looking for suggestions, or need a specific recommendation for you or your child? Swing by the Children’s Room and any of us will be glad to help and share our favorites!

Mindfulness, Meditation, and More

November 2, 2015November 2, 2015 / Sharon Tyler / 1 Comment

Looking into ourselves using meditation and mindfulness is the big new trend. However, I know many people that use other things to center themselves and meditate. I know people who use yoga, running, cooking, painting, photography, gardening, knitting, or other endeavors. Anything can be meditation, if done in a way that makes you more aware of yourself and soothes you.

I crochet to meditate. There is something about the rhythm, the textures of the yarn, counting, and so on that help me center myself and slow my mind down after a busy day, or to get me ready to face a busy day. The simple act of using a hook to shape yarn to create something soothes me in a way that can only be matched with how lost I can get in a fantastic book or singing a song that I know so well I do not need to actually think about the notes or words anymore.

I have also tried traditional meditation and guided mindfulness exercises. While some have served to soothe and calm my mind, I much prefer using a tactile focus rather than sound or breathing based techniques. I think it is important for everyone to find a way to meditate; whether it with with the expected breathing and mental focus of meditation and mindfulness exercises, the rhythm of running or working with yarn, or the process of sifting flour and kneading dough for the perfect bread. There have been recent studies about how coloring is a wonderful form of meditation.

Here are some of the best books that have come my way that might come in handy if you are looking to learn about meditation, or to turn one of your favorite activities into a form of mediation or mindfulness.

How to Train a Wild Elephant: and Other Adventures in Mindfulness by Jan Chozen Bays

One Zentangle a Day: a 6-Week Course in Creative Drawing for Relaxation, Inspiration, and Fun by Beckah Krahula

Moving into Meditation: a 12-Week Mindfulness Program for Yoga Practitioners by Anne Cushman

The Mindful Mandala Coloring Book: Inspiring Designs for Contemplation, Meditation and Healing by Lisa Tenzin-Dolma

Crochet Master Class: Lessons and Projects from Today’s Top Crocheters by Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss

In Search of the Perfect Loaf: a Home Baker’s Odyssey by Samuel Fromartz

Turning the Mind into an Ally by Sakyong Mipham

Wherever you Go, There You are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Take a Deep Breath: the Haiku Way to Inner Peace by Sylvia Forges-Ryan, Edward Ryan

Meditation for Dummies by Stephen Bodian

If you would like a free class in mindfulness come to our Hypnosis Works! Hypnosis for Stress Reduction & Relaxation program on November 5th at 6:30pm.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in November

October 30, 2015October 26, 2015 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Lots of things to be thankful for this month at Cheshire Public Library. We begin our Sunday hours (1-5) with a new free performance every week! Lots of other great programs on the calendar, as well. Here’s a sampling:

The Nutcracker by the Brass City Ballet

Sunday Nov 1, 2015, 3:00 PM

Where else but in the magical ballet, The Nutcracker, will you see Snowflakes drifting, Flowers waltzing, Mice & Soldiers battling, and Sugarplums dancing? Brass City Ballet brings excerpts of this classic Christmas tale to life with a shortened version of the beautiful classic. No registration required.

Genetic Genealogy

Monday Nov 2, 2015, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Certified Genealogist Nora Galvin will examine the use of DNA analysis by those researching their family history. This lecture will discuss the types of tests available, explain what can be learned from each test and identify the companies that offer the tests. There will be discussion of strategies for figuring out relationships based on DNA data. Seating for this event is limited. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4. This program is funded by the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library.

Color Yourself Calm

Wednesday Nov 4, 2015, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

De-stress with a night of relaxing activities for adults. Drop in any time from 6pm to 8pm and enjoy coloring pages, soothing music, warm drinks, and other calming crafts. All the necessities will be provided, but feel free to bring your own favorite coloring books, coloring supplies, yarnwork, or other projects. This program will take place on the library’s Upper Level.

Hypnosis Works! Hypnosis for Stress Reduction and Relaxation

Thursday Nov 5, 2015, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Join James M. Vera, CH.t Certified hypnotist, for an evening of stress reduction and relaxation. Discover what hypnosis is and what hypnosis is not and experience a group relaxation session using mindfulness. Hypnosis can be used to help manage pain, reduce anxiety and stress, increase sports performance, improve scholastic performance, and control bad habits. Please register online.

It’s Time For Tea

Saturday Nov 7, 2015, 2:00 – 3:30 PM

Come join us for a presentation by R.C. Bigelow Tea on the history and benefits of tea. Bring a friend and your favorite tea cup for this fun event. A cup of tea and light refreshments will be served. Space is limited, please register early. Please register online or call 203-272-2245 ext.4.

The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe

Sunday Nov 8, 2015, 2:00 PM

Step with us through the door of an old wardrobe and enter a snowy world laced with fantasy and wonder. This delightful play is entertainment for the whole family, while still providing insight about the emotional climate of childhood during World War II. Additionally, the play uses elements of traditional English folklore, Greek mythology, and of course 20th century literature to educate the audience. No registration required.

Forensics

Thursday Nov 12, 2015, 6:30 PM

Are you curious about forensic science? crime scene investigations? blood pattern analysis? Join Peter Massey, Training Coordinator for the National Crime Scene Training and Technology Center at the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science at UNH for an evening of forensic science. Please register online or call 203-272-2245 ext.4.

Hard Tango Chamber Band

Sunday Nov 15, 2015, 2:00 PM

Experience tango as you’ve never heard it before as five members of JP Jofre HTCB – JP Jofre, bandoneon, Eric Silberger, violin, Amy Kang, cello, Chris Johnson, bass and Pablo Cafici, piano – come to Cheshire Public Library. No registration required.

Black Bears in Connecticut

Tuesday Nov 17, 2015, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Felicia Ortner, who’s been involved in bear research in Connecticut for 25 years, will describe the resurgence of this remarkable survivor that once was extinct here and is now rapidly increasing, numbering in the many hundreds of individuals. There are bear sightings throughout the year in Cheshire and surrounding towns. Ortner, a Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist and a bear enthusiast, provides education about bears and helps dispel misunderstandings. Please register online or call 203-272-2245 ext. 4.

Silk’n Sounds

Sunday Nov 22, 2015, 3:00 PM

Silk’n Sounds is the Greater New Haven’s premier women’s a cappella chorus. The chorus recently took 2nd place in the 2015 Harmony Inc. Area 2 Contest, qualifying to compete in the International Competition in November, and winning multiple awards. This concert is free and open to the public, no registration required.

Quilts of Valor

Tuesday Nov 24, 2015, 7:00 PM

The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts of valor. Please join us to learn more about the QOVF and to see and touch some beautiful quilts. Please register online or call 203-272-2245 ext. 4.