Staff Picks for Conquering Concepts with Kids

concept1Sometimes a book or series is so striking to me that I have to share and recommend the books to anyone I think would also appreciate it. One series for young readers is on my recommended list for everyone who works with Preschool through first grade level learners who need to tackle or reinforce important concepts. Jane Brocket has a series of great books called Clever Concepts. They tackle things like color, texture, and shape. Things that are important but can be hard to explain fully, because of the vast amount of possible examples. Each of the books includes full color photographs and clever text that does a great job of exploring the topics in ways that make the ideas a little more accessible to young readers.

Spiky, Slimy, Smooth: What Is Texture?
Ruby, Violet, Lime: Looking for Color
Spotty, Stripy, Swirly: What are Patterns?
Circles, Stars, and Squares: Looking for Shapes
1 Cookie, 2 Chairs, 3 Pears: Numbers Everywhere
Cold, Crunchy, Colorful: Using Our Senses
Rainy, Sunny, Blowy, Snowy: What are Seasons?
Stickiest, Fluffiest, Crunchiest: Super Superlatives

conceptbtmI really love this series and immediately began singing its praises to everyone who would listen, including those who order our children’s books and the members of the library staff who also work in elementary schools.

If these books only whet your appetite on conquering concepts with the children in you life you could also take a look at: 10 Hungry Rabbits: Counting and Color Concepts by Anita Lobel, Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett,
You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang, Hello, Squirrels!: Scampering Through the Seasons by Linda Glaser, You Can’t Taste a Pickle with Your Ear by Harriet Ziefer, or any number of the board books from DK, National Geographic or Scholastic.

Technology Is Good for Seniors

senior-man-and-woman-using-a-computer-laptop

I’ve tutored many seniors in using technology, and our sessions typically begin the same way. The student announces, “I’m no good with computers! I’m computer illiterate. I can’t learn this stuff.” I then disagree and say anyone can learn technology, no matter their age, and in fact, everyone should learn. Just because you didn’t grow up with internet and touch screens doesn’t mean you can’t learn how to use them. We all have to start somewhere.

Once you begin learning, you’ll be very glad you did. From email and social media to advanced topics in file management—seniors are embracing tech as they see the value it can bring to their lives. The next time you feel like saying, “I don’t use computers” or “I have no use for a tablet” consider this list of reasons to start learning tech today!

  • You can bring the world to you. As we age, our mobility is sometimes restricted. Some seniors no longer drive, and others have health issues impeding their ability to go where they wish. Technology can even the playing field by bringing the entire world to your doorstep.
  • You can keep up-to-date on news and current events through online media.
  • You can research the latest information on topics from medical conditions to travel to cooking to gardening—the sky’s the limit.
  • You can stay in touch with friends and family through social media, messages, and email. Apps like Skype, FaceTime, and other video chat applications allow you to actually see and talk with friends and loved ones who may live far away.
  • You can stimulate your brain with hundreds of thousands of games. Many seniors especially enjoy Words with Friends, a form of Scrabble, that lets you play against people all over the world.
  • You can buy clothes, prescription eyeglasses, medical supplies, laundry detergent, olive oil, cat food—anything you can think of, and usually with free shipping to your doorstep. You can even order perishable groceries through services like Stop & Shop’s PeaPod and ShopRite from Home and arrange a day and time for them to be delivered.
  • And most important to us libraries — You can READ! Tablets like iPads and Kindles and e-readers are wonderful for those seniors who enjoy reading but struggle with aging eyes. Book text can be made larger and brighter allowing a more comfortable reading experience. E-readers are also very light. The newest Kindle is only 6.3 oz, much lighter than a standard hardcover book. Thousands of titles are available right now for FREE through your local library.

Are you ready to start learning? No excuses!  4abc340cf5d893ff4bf6ebc17b29c221


Technology Help – Need device advice? Schedule a one-on-one lesson in the basics of computers, laptops, tablets, and eReaders. Call the library at 203-272-2245 to make an appointment or come to our monthly Drop-in Tech Help program.

New Fiction Coming Soon! July/August 2016

coming soon

Want a little heads up on when your favorite author is publishing a new book?  Here are some of the new fiction hardcover books coming out in July and August.  Clicking on the title will bring you to our catalog where you can place a hold if you’d like.

JULY

whitefernAndrews, V.C. Whitefern – The long-awaited sequel to My Sweet Audrina, one of V.C. Andrews’s strangest, most beloved books—and now a Lifetime movie! Whitefern swallowed Audrina’s childhood—and now the sprawling Victorian mansion threatens her adult life too.

 

innocentsAtkins, AceThe Innocents – A former high school cheerleader is found walking a back road completely engulfed in flames.

 

 

killer lookFairstein, LindaKiller Look – When murder rocks New York City’s Fashion Week, Alex Cooper along with Detectives Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace, must reveal the grime beneath the glitz to expose the culprit—unless a wolf in model’s clothing gets to them first.

 

fallingGreen, Jane Falling – Eight years ago, Emma Montague left behind the strict confines—and rather dull boyfriend—of her upper-crust English life and moved to New York City, where she immediately found success in finance. But her soulless, cutthroat, all-consuming job was another life she didn’t want.

drinking gourdHambly, Barbara Drinking Gourd – Following the murder of a chief ‘conductor’ of the Underground Railroad, Jubal Cain, the coordinator of the entire Railroad system in Mississippi, is accused of the crime. It’s up to Benjamin January to step in and find the true killer – before their covers are blown.

night and dayJohansen, Iris Night and Day – Protecting Cara Delaney from the enemies who want her dead leads Eve to be their target. It will take everything she has to rescue Cara, and doing so will put that which is dearest to her at risk.

 

make me love youLindsey, JohannaMake Me Love You – A sparkling, passionate tale of an earl’s daughter who must convince a mysterious viscount to marry her and end his vendetta against her brother.

 

another oneLovesey, PeterAnother One Goes Tonight – Two police officers are about to head home after a long night shift when they receive one last call: a suspicious nude person has been spotted. En route to the call, the patrol car spins off the road, killing one of the exhausted cops instantly and leaving the other in critical condition.

chance developmnetsMccall Smith, Alexander Chance Developments – While gathering material for a photography book about Edinburgh, Alexander McCall Smith found himself inspired to create stories about the people captured in a number of particularly striking photos.

 

white bonePearson, Ridley White Bone – When ex–military contractor John Knox receives a text from partner Grace Chu warning that she fears her cover may have been blown while on assignment, he jumps into action.

 

secret language ofRose, M. J.The Secret Language of Stones – As World War I rages and the Romanov dynasty reaches its sudden, brutal end, a young jewelry maker discovers love, passion, and her own healing powers in this rich and romantic ghost story.

 

outfoxedRosenfelt, David Outfoxed – Lately, Defense lawyer Andy Carpenter has been involved in a county prison program where inmates help train dogs the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization he runs, to make them more adoptable, benefiting both the dogs and the prisoners.

 

magicSteel, DanielleMagic – A tale set against a backdrop of the glamorous annual White Dinners in Paris traces the experiences of longtime participant Jean-Philippe Dumas, who reflects on friendship, love and magical possibilities on a life-changing night.

 

land of theWood, BarbaraLand of the Afternoon Sun – The story of a woman finding her own personality and strength in the West against a breathtaking desert landscape that changes constantly and shows its deadly side in poisonous snakes, flash floods and sand storms, with dramatic moments of forbidden romance, reversals, treachery, betrayal and, ultimately, triumphs.

AUGUST

die like an eagleAndrews, Donna Die Like An Eagle – Meg and Michael coach their twin sons’ youth baseball team and tangle with Biff Brown, the petty, vindictive league head. On opening day, Biff’s lookalike brother is found dead at the ball field. Biff has an alibi–and Meg suspects he may actually have been the intended victim.

crowned andBowen, Rhys Crowned and Dangerous – With Darcy driving me out of London in a borrowed motor car, I soon discover that he isn’t planning to introduce me to the pleasures of sinning in secret—as I had hoped—but to make me his wife!

 

puppetBrown, Dale Puppet Master – Recruited into the FBI to help track down criminals behind a massive financial scam, a robotics genius is swept up by a dangerous conspiracy that compels him to unleash the most powerful cyber weapons the world has ever seen.

 

jealous kindBurke, James Lee The Jealous Kind – An atmospheric, powerful, coming-of-age story set in 1950s Texas, as the specter of the Korean War looms.

 

surrend new yorkiCarr, CalebSurrender, New York – Many dedicated years working for the NYPD didn’t mean much when criminal psychologist Trajan Jones was fired from the force. Now living in exile in upstate New York, Trajan is reduced to teaching an online course in criminal investigation.

a time of tormentConnolly, John A Time of Torment – Dangerous and driven private investigator Charlie Parker returns in the latest gripping thriller, in which ungodly fears haunt a strange and isolated community.

 

knit your ownFerris, Monica Knit Your Own Murder – Local knitters are participating in a fundraising auction to save a community center, creating a growing pile of stuffed animals and toys right in front of the auctioneers as the audience bids. Among those contributing the most knitted goods is temperamental businesswoman Marsha Hanover—who keels over halfway through the event.

sunday kind of loveGarlock, Dorothy Sunday Kind of Love – The New York Times best-selling author of Twice in a Lifetime presents a latest heartland America romance that explores the challenges of finding love in unexpected places.

 

three sistersGregory, PhilippaThree Sisters, Three Queens – Raised in the coldly ambitious nursery of their grandmother Lady Margaret Beaufort (The Red Queen) Margaret and Mary Tudor are destined to be queens. The lives of these three women intertwine,  as each survives childbirth, war, and political treachery.

brokenGriffin, W.E.B.Broken Trust – Having investigated his share of gruesome murders, Philadelphia Homicide Sergeant Matt Payne is beginning to think nothing can shock him – until the case of a young socialite’s death lands on his desk.

 

sweet tommorrowsMacomber, Debbie Sweet Tomorrows – Jo Marie Rose and Mark Taylor return in the conclusion to this wonderful series set in Cedar Cove, as new guests check in to the Rose Harbor Inn—where happily ever afters await those who need them most.

 

liar's keyNeggers, CarlaLiar’s Key – An FBI legend, a mysterious antiquities specialist and a brazen art thief draw top FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan into a complex web of blackmail, greed and murder.

 

bullPatterson, James Bullseye – Tracking a pair of killers who are targeting an extremely popular United States president, detective Michael Bennett puts himself in the line of fire to prevent an assassination and the re-ignition of the Cold War.

 

first starPhillips, Susan Elizabeth First Star I See Tonight – A star quarterback and a feisty detective play for keeps in this sporty, sexy, sassy novel.

 

 

damagedScottoline, LisaDamaged – Named the guardian ad litem of a middle-school boy with emotional issues on whose behalf she is suing the Philadelphia school district, Mary DiNunzio is confronted by elite lawyer Nick Machiavelli and risks her engagement in her obsessive investment in the case.

 

rushing watersSteel, Danielle Rushing Waters – An interior designer, her independent architect mother, a British investment banker, an ER doctor who survived Hurricane Sandy and two NYU students are thrust together when a major hurricane descends upon New York City and wreaks unimaginable devastation

 

family treeWiggs, SusanFamily Tree -Love. Success. A handsome husband, a beautiful home. These are the things Annie Rush can call her own. These are the foundations of her charmed life in Los Angeles.  But in an instant, that life is shattered. And as Annie sifts through the ashes, she must face the shock and pain of a devastating loss.

 

smooth operatorWoods, Stuart Smooth Operator – When President Kate Lee calls Stone Barrington to Washington on an urgent matter, it’s soon clear that a potentially disastrous situation requires the kind of help more delicate than even he can provide .

What’s All the Hoopla?

What is Hoopla?
hoopla
For those that have never explored our digital offerings, Hoopla is a free service that is available to Cheshire library card holders (just like Overdrive)! All you need to register is your library card number, and then you create your own user name and password, which you will use to sign in from your computer or mobile device. (If you are a cardholder from another library, you may have access to the service through your own library. If you are unsure check with your home library.)

hoopla Welcome Header CPLHoopla offers users digital access to videos (movies & TV), full music albums,  audiobooks, e-books & comics  and more twenty-four hours a day. While there is a limit to how many items you can borrow per month with this service (six per user per month) as long as you are not binge watching a television series, this should not cause much frustration. Many people use this service to watch movies without having to wait their turn on a holds list. I tend to use it to watch the harder to find titles like Anime or Foreign Films that are less likely to be found in our physical collection.

The varied genres and search categories Hoopla offers can make it easy to find the documentary that was recommended but you somehow never got to see, or that weird children’s movie that your kids keep asking for but your old VHS or DVD is no longer working.  My husband, who is not a big reader, has caved to the influence of myself, a coworker, and some of his favorite shows, and started reading graphic novels. What we do not hand him, he reads via Hoopla. I have since used the service for the same thing.

Want to take a moment and browse the huge collections available via Hoopla? Well, no time like the present! Take a quick gander at all the Audiobooks, Movies, Music, Comics, Ebooks, and  Television Shows at your fingertips!

Want to know some of the curious and simply interesting things I have found via Hoopla just to get you started? How hoopla3about the non-fiction mythology guide Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes, or a book with instructions and patterns for Quick & Easy Crochet Cowls. Perhaps the very first episode of the original Lone Ranger television show or the Audiobook of The Scarlet Pimpernel is more your speed? Do you want to help you children learn french with the help of cartoon dinosaurs, or maybe try a new work out from Jillian Michaels? Personally, I am currently reading the hoopla2first graphic novel of Lucifer, while my husband is pursuing a variety of titles after having finished up all the published volumes of The Walking Dead.

The variety is huge! Frankly, I am sometimes overwhelmed by the the choices and have to pace myself so that I do not hit my limit of materials before the end of any given month- simply because there are so many choices and I am too excited to read or watch something right now to hold back from clicking that borrow button.

Need some technical help with Hoopla or still have some questions? Please comment below and I will answer any questions I can, and if I do not know the answer I will get the information for you. If you do not want to wait for me to get back to a computer to answer, you can also try our information page, the official hoopla support page, or give us a call at 203-272-2245 and choose the reference desk option.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in July

As we head into July’s  hot & muggy days, remember that Cheshire Library is an official “Cooling Station” – come in, get out of the heat, and enjoy some great programs while you’re here!

Please note: Cheshire Library will be CLOSED Saturday July 2 and Monday July 4 for Independence Dayjuly-4th-13-flag-happy-july-fourth-facebook-timeline-coverSummer Saturday hours (9am-1pm) are in effect starting Saturday July 9.

maxresdefaultThe Head-to-Toe Movement Show

Wednesday Jul 6, 2016, 10:00  –  11:00 AM

This movement-focused 60-minute performance is designed to engage children in physical activity using awesome music, original stories, incredible visuals, exciting games and interactive music technology to promote fitness, healthy eating, going to your library and celebrating music! For children ages 2 & up and their caregivers. Please register on our website.

k18408634Family Yoga

Friday Jul 8, 2016, 1:00  –  2:00 PM

Lani Rosen-Gallagher from Full of Joy Yoga will present a yoga class that is fun for the whole family. Kids of all ages are welcome. We will do lots of partner poses, group poses and of course relaxation. Connect with your whole family in a fun class. For all ages, no registration required.

imageStorytime at Cheshire Park

Tuesdays:  Jul 12, 19, 26,  2016, 11:30 AM  –  12:30 PM

Meet us at the Cheshire Park Pavilion this summer for a special program! Bring your lunch and we will read stories and have fun with our parachute. Look for our Cheshire Public Library banner. If it’s raining, we will see you on the next sunny Wednesday! Please use the entrance located at the intersection of Highland Ave. and Stony Hill Rd., Cheshire, CT 06410. For ages 3 & up. Drop-in, no registration required!

imageAfternoons of Awesome

Tuesdays:  Jul 12, 19, 26,  2016, 4:00  –  5:00 PM

Every Tuesday afternoon is awesome at the Library! School-age kids are invited to have fun with art, science, technology, and games. We’ll explore something new every week! For ages 7-12, please register on our website.

exps20852_PSG143429D03_05_4bCookbook Club

Wednesday Jul 13, 2016, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

It’s a new kind of book club – welcome to the CPL Cookbook Club!

  1. Check out a cookbook related to our July theme: Summer Side and Salads. (Visit our “Summer Sides & Salads” display near the catalog computers in the lobby.)
  2. Try one or more recipes at home.
  3. Come to Cookbook Club. Wednesday, July 13th at 6:30pm in the Mary Baldwin Room. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Ages 18 and up only.  By registering for this program, you acknowledge that you may choose to consume food that has not been prepared in a commercial kitchen.
  4. Share your thoughts (and dishes). Join library director Ramona Burkey and Deputy Director Deb Rutter to discuss your cookbook reviews and all things culinary. Bring your cookbook and a prepared dish (if you can) to share with the group.

75062f43caaa6f7be5b9f5e3183a70dbMove & Groove with Mr. Gym

Friday Jul 15, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Get physically fit through music and creative movement with “Mr. Gym”, a children’s singer and songwriter from Connecticut. For ages 3 & up, no registration required.

Screen Shot 2016-06-09 at 2.27.59 PMStretching and Balance

Wednesday Jul 20, 2016, 6:00 PM
Are you concerned about falls? Learn ways to improve balance and flexibility with simple exercises you can do anywhere!!! Come to the Cheshire Public Library and attend 40 minute workout combining stretching, balance and coordination activities presented by Donna Paxton, Health & Wellness Instructor from the YMCA Cheshire Community. For adults, no registration required.

1166007.largeHow to Attract Hummingbirds, Songbirds and Butterflies to Your Garden

Thursday Jul 21, 2016, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

Join us for a presentation by Shaun Roche, Visitor Services Manager at Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.  He will share a few simple tips to make your home into a refuge for wildlife and learn the essentials of a good habitat, food, water, shelter for hummingbirds, birds and butterflies.  Please register on our website.

Zingalingz Music and Fitness Class

Diverse group of children in a dance fitness class

Friday Jul 22, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Circle of Friends Music of Southington is proud to present Zingalingz, a music and fitness program for children ages 5-12. Our specially designed movements and activities can help kids gain the important benefits of increased fitness and greater learning power. No registration required.

Screen Shot 2016-06-09 at 3.00.23 PMThe Healing Power of Meditation

Wednesday Jul 27, 2016, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Matthew Raider, MD presents the latest clinical research on how meditation can improve our physical, mental and spiritual health. This evening you will have a chance to practice some simple techniques that can reduce stress, enhance relaxation and promote inner growth. For adults, no registration required.

Screen Shot 2016-06-09 at 3.05.45 PMShell Craft Class

Thursday Jul 28, 2016, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

Please Join Gail Farrar as she demonstrates how to make a seashell craft.   Each attendee may choose one object to make (Frame, Box etc.). Her shell craft hobby started as a gift idea and has grown into a thriving business in her retirement.  Class is free but space is limited. Please register online for this adults-only class.