Our Picks: Dads

Check out Youth Services' brand-new Our Picks! list for June 2008-- in honor of Father's Day (June 15th), it features the Youth Services Staff's favorite books about dads and fatherhood. You can view the full list here.

For a few books specifically about the Father's Day holiday, take a look at...

• Father's Day, by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Lizzie Rockwell, (Holiday) E ROCKW
• Froggy's Day With Dad, by Jonathan London, illlustrated by Frank Remkiewicz, E LONDO
• Hooray for Father's Day!, by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illustrated by John Wallner,(Holiday) E SHARM
  

This Week's Flowers

Wow! Pictured above is the Circulation Desk's current (and spectacular) flower arrangement, provided by Patsy Crucitti & Sons florist in Old Greenwich.

Feeling inspired? Browse through Perrot's books on flower arranging in this list, or stop by and take a look in 745.92.

Mystery/Thrillers for June 2008

Here are some great mysteries to read outside this weekend (perhaps on Sunday, when it won't be raining):


Frames
by Loren D. Estleman

A story that combines elements that will appeal to mystery fans and film buffs alike, the main character, Valentino, is a UCLA film archivist. He stumbles upon a corpse and priceless reels of film. It’s a race against time to solve the murder and lay claim to the film.



Quiver
by Peter Leonard

The author is Elmore Leonard’s son, and he has clearly inherited the writing gene! In this fast-paced debut novel, the action begins with the aftermath of a hunting accident between Kate’s husband and son.




Executive Privilege
by Peter Margolin

A private detective, Dana, is hired to follow a college student and report on her whereabouts. The girl meets with the president and is found dead the next day, so it looks as if someone connected to the White House is involved. Teaming up with a junior associate from a law firm, Dana and the lawyer must live long enough to solve the case.


--The Reference Librarians

Do your brain a favor: R E A D !

From the June issue of O, the Oprah Magazine:

When you can see Atonement in two hours and ten minutes (enacted by the very appealing James McAvoy, no less), or listening to it on audiotape, why bother working through the 371-page novel? For that matter, why trudge through the newspaper when you can turn on CNN? Why puzzle over a manual when you can YouTube the instructions? Everyone knows the book is always better than the movie, but is there any real advantage to getting your information by reading it? Yes, according to neuroscience: Your mind will most definitely thank you. Just like muscles, the brain benefits from a good workout. And reading is more neurobiologically demanding than processing images or speech."

So give your brain a good workout! Come on in to Perrot and let us help you to find just the right material to take care of that grey matter. . . READ!

Beach Reads (Book #3)

Beach Reads: Book #3
The Summerhouse
by Jude Deveraux

I stayed up all night to read my first Jude Deveraux novel, A Knight in Shining Armor, in 1989. The author has a particular talent for romantic time-slip stories, and while it’s unlikely that any novel will ever earn that kind of attention from me again (at the time I had three little kids and the middle of the night was probably the only uninterrupted reading time I could find), this one doesn’t disappoint.

“If I knew then what I know now . . .” Three women who met at the DMV on their shared 21st birthday and haven’t seen each other since make plans to meet at a cottage in Maine to celebrate their 40th. Just think of the years between 21 and 40: they’re loaded with life changes! Time has taken its toll in both the expected ways and in ways none of them ever would have imagine, and all three women wish they had it all to do again. What would YOU do if a mysterious woman named Zoya offered you a do-over? Be careful what you wish for!

Also, watch for the sequel to The Summerhouse, Return to the Summerhouse, which is due out on June 18.

-"Sandy Page"

Byram Library Book Sale, June 6th-8th

The Friends of Byram Shubert Library will be holding its popular book sale inside St. Paul's Lutheran Church, next to the 55 William Street entrance, from June 6th-8th, 2008.

This sale will be the biggest ever, with a guesstimated 75,000 books, CDs, DVDs, videos, audiobooks, and pieces of artwork, including loads of brand new items as well as many antiques! Includes a wide selection of everything, including fiction, esoteric reference, non-fiction, and sci-fi, as well as thousands of incredible children's books.

• For the best selection, come to a special preview day on Friday, June 6th from 5:30 P.M.-8:30 P.M. Admission to the preview is $15.00
• On Saturday, June 7th, from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., admission to the book sale is free
• On Sunday, June 8th from 12:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. is the “bag and box” sale day($3/bag or $5/box)

All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Byram Schubert branch library's programs and events. For specific questions, please call (203) 531-0426.

Author Annping Chin to Discuss Her Book, The Authenic Confucius

Author Annping Chin to Discuss Her Book, The Authenic Confucius

Perrot Library is celebrating “A Year of China” with several programs, including book discussions and outdoor films, this summer. As part of this program, Perrot will host author Annping Chin, who has written The Authentic Confucius: A Life of Thought and Politics. Chin is currently a professor at Yale University in the History Department, and her fields of expertise are Confucianism, Taoism and the Chinese Intellectual tradition.

In her current book, Chin unveils what is known about the life of Confucius and how his sayings have evolved over time. Confucius is called the “sage of ten thousand generations” since his teachings have survived for over 2,000 years. The wisdom of Confucius has survived many political upheavals in China, thus proving the timelessness of his thoughts and ethics.

In her book, Annping Chin has worked through the most reliable Chinese texts in her quest to sort out what is really known about Confucius from the reconstructions and the guesswork that has muddled his memory.

Chin skillfully illuminates the political and social climate in which Confucius lived. She explains how Confucius made the transition from court advisor to wanderer, and how he reluctantly became a professional teacher as he refined his judgment of human character, and composed his vision of a moral political order. The result is an absorbing and original book that shows how Confucius lived and thought: his habits and inclinations, his relation to the people of his time, his work as a teacher and as a counselor, and his worries about the world and generations to come.

We invite you to attend this free event on Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 at 7:30 P.M., in the Library. The author will sign copies of her book after the program.

Hooray for Mrs. Mac!: Kate McClelland to Be Next ALSC President

Kate McClelland Elected ALSC Vice-President

CHICAGO – Kate McClelland, Youth Services Librarian at Perrot Memorial Library, Old Greenwich, Conn., has been elected vice-president/president-elect of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). She officially assumes office at the end of the 2008 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

McClelland believes that as some traditional library services fade, service to children remains fundamental and, in an age of change, ALSC must be as innovative as its individual members and as dynamic as the children served.

“ALSC’s strategic plan includes our vision for a future in which all libraries welcome every child and all libraries acknowledge that children come first,” says McClelland. “Our members applaud this at the same time they know it is a tall order. ALSC, in recognizing that the welfare of children and of libraries is inextricably linked, asks our members, ‘How can we help you?’” [Read the rest of the official ALA press release here.]


[Photo above by Kristina Berlin. Copyright 2004 Greenwich Post Hersam Acorn Newspapers LLC Used with permission. All rights reserved. ]

Special Summer Event in Youth Services: Playtivity

PLAYTIVITY

will present an interactive drum and dance program at Perrot

on Wednesday, July 30th, 2008!

There will be two performances: a 4 P.M. show for pre-schoolers and their families, and a 7 P.M. Show for school-aged children and their families.

Free tickets are now available at the Youth Services Desk!


More About the Show:
Ashiko the Spider (Ananzi’s cousin)
When the African queen decided to have a celebration, she invited the best drummer in the village- Ashiko, but there’s only one problem….

Playtivity has created their own version of “Ananzi the Spider.” Using puppets to represent the village members, participants are invited to join in the party by dancing and playing music as they go in search of Ashiko. Everyone celebrates in a delightful surprise ending which kicks off a fun drum and dance party!

About Playtivity:
Playtivity is Virginia Lynn Anderson and Craig Norton, an energetic team who weave music, movement, humor and creativity into their performances! Their experience working together in schools, camps, hospitals and community events has inspired thousands of participants in their playshops. Playtivity is their full-time occupation.

Virginia specializes in the fields of healing and the creative arts and has developed and facilitated programs for adults and children since 1993. She has a broad range of training and experience that includes interior design, textile arts, and Tai Chi/Qi Gong. Craig is a professional percussionist, drum circle facilitator, and photographer. For the last seven years, he has dedicated himself to promoting, organizing, and hosting community-based drum circles in the Connecticut area. For more info, check out Playtivity's website at jestplaytivity.com.

DVD Diva: Kevin Kline

I would classify Kevin Kline as a "Renaissance actor," if such a term exists. In film, Kline has portrayed every type of character-- from comedies to dramas to Shakespeare. On Broadway, he has musical roles and won two Tony awards. Here is a small sampling of Kevin Kline's movies (in no particular order) that I have enjoyed (click on each DVD to view it in the catalog and place a hold):


The Emperor's Club
When a new student starts in Professor Hundert's class, little does he know that he will change his life forever.







I Love You to Death
A dark comedy about a devoted wife who discovers her pizza-making husband cheating on her, and decides to kill him for breaking her heart. Her plot includes the help of her mother, an oddball busboy and two drug-addled cousins.







The Ice Storm
Filmed in Fairfield County (New Canaan, Greenwich, and Stamford), this movie features two disfunctional families learning to cope with nature-- human nature.








The Big Chill
When seven college housemates reunite at the funeral of a friend, they discover that having entered adulthood as non-conformists, most now belong to the establishment.








The Pirates of Penzance
Gilbert and Sullivan's raucous and comedic operatic tale is captured in all its fun and glory in this production.





Click here for more Kevin Kline movies in the catalog.

Don't forget to listen to AM station WGCH 1490 to hear the DVD Diva's recommendations on-air!

Baby Reading

We got a kick out of this yesterday:

Beach Reads (Book #2)

BACK ON BLOSSOM STREET
By Debbie Macomber

Fans of Macomber’s earlier Seattle-set Blossom Street stories won’t be disappointed, and new readers will catch on quickly to this, the third in the series. Lydia Goetz’s knitting shop (A Good Yarn) continues to be a cynosure for unlikely friends. Lydia herself came to knitting as a way to be positive and productive during chemo; Colette, the 31-year-old widow who rents the tiny apartment above A Good Yarn, feels disloyal to her late husband when her heartstrings are tugged by another; and Alix, until recently the left-of-the-law renegade girl compelte with tats and piercings, is headed to the altar– with the town’s young minister! Her mother-in-law-to-be is set on a country club extravaganza– that’s the last thing Alix wants– and her fiance’s willingness to let others plan their day means second thoughts for Alix. Wholesome, sentimental, and just right for reading on the sand.


--Kathy

Memorial Day Closing Reminder

The Library will be closed for Memorial Day Weekend: Saturday, May 24th, Sunday, May 25th, and Monday, May 26th, 2008.

2008 Ezra Jack Keats Award Winners Announced

The Ezra Jack Keats Award is dedicated to fostering the talent of the new generations of children, artists, and authors who have succeeded Ezra Jack Keats. Keats was the distinguished author-illustrator of the classic Caldecott Award-winning The Snowy Day. The EJK award recognizes and encourages developing, talented authors and illustrators of children's books.

The 2008 Award Winners are....


New Writer Award Winner
Leaves
by David Ezra Stein

It is a young bear's first autumn, and the falling leaves surprise him. Eventually, he gets sleepy and burrows into the fallen leaves for a long nap. When he wakes up, there are suddenly brand-new leaves all around. School Library Journal calls the book an "introspective little gem."



New Illustrator Award Winner
The Apple Pie That Papa Baked
illustrated by Jonathan Bean

These are the apples, juicy and red, that went in the pie, warm and sweet, that Papa baked... for guess who! Booklist calls the illustrations "delightful," and notes that Bean "uses the best of old and new in artwork that harkens back to the works of Lois Lenski, Robert McClosky, and especially Wanda Gag."

2 Books and a DVD

[Click on each cover image to view that item in the catalog and to place a hold.]


Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, by John Perkins
This is a real page-turner-- an absolutely fascinating expose that reads like a gripping novel. It’s disturbing, informative, timely, and true.






In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, by Michael Pollan
An excellent reminder of what “real food” is and what food used to be, before processing, packaging, and the media. It’s an educational eye-opening experience, regardless of one’s dietary preference.





10 Questions for the Dalai Lama: One Man’s Journey through The Northern Himalayas (DVD)
A beautiful and poignant way to have an audience with the Dalai Lama, in your own home. “If you only had one hour, what would you ask?”



-Thalia

Golden Y Award Winners 2008

CONGRATULATIONS to Team Thunder, the winners of the Semi-Annual Y2C2 Jeopardy Tournament! They are the current holders of the coveted Wonderful Golden "Y" Award! (Yes, it looks like a lobster, but trust us, it’s also a wonderful golden ‘Y’-- stop by the Youth Services Department and see for yourself!)

The winning team: Shannon, Leigh, Cristian, Emily B., and Emily H.

If you’ll be a fourth or fifth grader in September, and you LOVE to read, think about joining Y2C2! Details are available here.

Passport Day, June 7th

The Old Greenwich Post Office is sponsoring another U.S. Passport Day at Perrot on Saturday, June 7th, 2008, from 9:30 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Photo services will also be available at the event, for $15. Bring your checkbook (Passport Fees are $82 for children under 16, and $97 for Adults), and your identification (you will need a previous passport or your birth certificate, as well as a photo ID).

If you'd like more information about Passport Day at Perrot, please call the Old Greenwich Post Office at 203-637-1405.

For general information about obtaining a U.S. Passport, visit the U.S. Department of State's Passport Page.

Y2C2's Favorite Book of 2007/2008 is....

Perrot's Young Young Critics' Club (Y2C2) has declared that its favorite book of 2007/2008 is....

THE WILLOUGHBYS
by Lois Lowry

The four Willoughby children-- Tim, twins Barnaby A and Barnaby B, and little sister Jane-- set about to become "deserving orphans" after their despicable and neglectful parents embark on a treacherous around-the-world adventure, leaving them in the care of an odious nanny. Lemony Snicket says of the book: "Lowry . . . here turns her quick, sly gaze to parody, a word which in this case means 'a short novel mocking the conventions of old-fashioned children's books stuffed with orphans, nannies and long-lost heirs.'"

See the rest of Y2C2's favorites here (click on the link on the Favorites Books of 2007-2008 link on the left), and learn more about the club while you're at it!

Experience the Sound on Sunday, May 18th

“Experience the Sound” will take place this coming Sunday, May 18th, from 1 P.M.-4 P.M. at Greenwich Point. This is the second time that Perrot Library has joined this program, which is organized by the Town of Greenwich Shellfish Commission. Many local groups will be there, displaying their connection to Long Island Sound through displays and hands-on activities. It’s a great day for families and those who enjoy a walk around the Point!

-Linda

Beach Reads (Book #1)

Elizabeth Berg’s The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted (and other small acts of liberation) is the perfect first beach book of the season! The thirteen short stories that comprise this collection are delicious little bites of life, full of wisdom, wit, want, and wildly vivid characters. Whether it’s an amusing bit about a woman who leaves her Weight Watchers meeting and heads directly for Dunkin Donuts, a poignant look at the confusing life choices of a once-upon-a-time-love, or a sentimental musing on the passing of a pet, you’ll connect with the people, the places, and the life-passages on these pages. I laughed out loud, cried real tears, and when I finished, wished for more. Each of these little gems is just about 15 pages long– perfect amuse-bouches for the beach. Brava, Berg!

--Kathy

Electronics Recycling Day

Stamford will be holding Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, May 24th, 2008, in Scalzi Park (at Bridge Street and Washington Boulevard) from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M.. The event is free, and they will be accepting computers, scanners, monitors, printers, VCRs, phones, DVD players, copiers, and fax machines.

-Wendy

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

The Town of Greenwich hosts two annual Household Hazardous Waste Days. The next one will be held this Saturday, May 10th, from 8 A.M. until 12 noon in the parking lot of Greenwich High School. This is an opportunity for all town residents to properly dispose of many toxic products that can’t go into the general waste system. See this list to find out what can be dropped off.

Please take advantage of this opportunity, especially right on the heels of Earth Day!

-Linda

Beethoven's Symphonies

Perrot has just added a stellar recording of Beethoven’s nine symphonies with Sir Georg Solti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This edition is newly re-mastered and includes a bonus CD of Solti in conversation with William Mann. All Music Guide says, "the performances here are big boned, heavy muscled, and very aggressive with highly dramatic conducting matched by hugely powerful playing."

-Nick

Shakespeare Colloquy Tomorrow Night

Anne Gilhuly will lecture on Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, tomorrow night, Wednesday, May 7th, 2008 at 7:30 P. M. in the Library.

The event will also feature dramatic readings from the work by players Florence Phillips and Dick Leonard.

New Adult Audiobooks

We’ve been adding some new titles to our collection of books on CD and books on tape. Many come from the Teaching Company, who have long been regarded for covering scholarly topics with lectures from excellent professors. Among the newest additions are

• Science and Religion, by Lawrence M. Principe of Johns Hopkins University (CDBOOK 201.65 PRINC)
• Great Authors from the Western Literary Tradition, which covers literature from Biblical times to the present (CDBOOK 809 GREAT)
• Emperors of Rome, by Garret G. Fagan of Penn State (CDBOOK 937.06 FAGAN)
  

We will be adding new titles each week.

--Linda

THE VOTES ARE IN!

Perrot's Young Critics' Club has declared that its favorite book of 2007/2008 is....

THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY

by Trenton Lee Stewart

A terrific read that will appeal to puzzle fans and those who love fascinating, complex plots revealed with wry humor. After passing a series of mind-bending tests, four children are selected for a secret mission that requires them to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.

See the rest of YCC's favorites here (click on the link on the Favorites Books of 2007-2008 link on the left), and learn more about the club!

Free Comic Book Day is Saturday, May 3rd

Free Comic Book Day is tomorrow, Saturday, May 3rd, 2008! Free Comic Book Day is a single day when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world are giving away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their stores.

Look up a comic book store near you here, then stop by and get some free comics! Here is a list of the comic books being given away this year. Each store has a selection of these titles. One of the free comics this year is an Owly comic, Owly and Friends, which features one Owly story plus three other tales.