Thursday, December 22, 2011

Eco-Tots- Crafts & Stories at Greenwich Point

Eco-Tots
Winter at the Beach with Mommy & Me
For Children Ages 2-4

 
Join your child and discover the beauty of nature at the Seaside Center at Tod’s Point! Share in the experience of learning and make memories with your child. Spend one hour learning about the creatures of Long Island Sound, making a craft to take home and listening to a nature story. Each program meets weekly for one hour. Child must be accompanied by parent or caregiver.

 
Wednesdays
9:30—10:30 AM
January 11th, January 18th, January 25th, and February 1st, 2012
Location: Floren Family Environmental Center, Innis Arden Cottage at Greenwich Point
$60 per child

For more information, or to register, call: 203-406-3312 or e-mail alisha@soundwaters.org.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Golden Y Award Winners, Winter 2011

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the Semi-Annual Young Young Critics' Club (Y2C2) Jeopardy Tournament!

The winning team, Team Anonymous (L-R): Ajax, Emma, Stephanie, Kate, and Edward 

They are the current holders of the coveted Wonderful Golden "Y" Award! The winners have demonstrated their mastery of trivia questions related to the books that the Club has read during the past year. (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!)

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Youth Services Staff Picks: Yearly Round-Up

Hey! Did you know that Youth Services makes a monthly list of recommendations? We pick a new, timely theme each month, and then pick our favorites! We have lots of lists from you to choose from. Here's a look back at all of our picks from 2011:
Have a suggestion for a topic you'd like us to cover? Comment on this post!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Children's Program Registration Is Going on Now!

Registration for Youth Services' Winter/Spring 2012 Program Session is going on now through Sunday, January 8th, 2012. [View the winter program schedule]
  • Our program registration is by lottery
  • You must have an active library card in good standing to register
  • Obtain a registration postcard for the program(s) of your choice from the Youth Services Circulation Desk
  • Fill out ALL of the required information. Incomplete applications will not be considered
  • Address the reverse of the card to yourself
  • Affix a first-class stamp (44¢)
  • Drop off your card at the Youth Services Desk by January 8th
  • Registration cards will be mailed back to you within a week of the close of registration
Questions? Please give us a call at 203-637-8802, or comment on this post.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Youth Services' Holiday Gift-Buying Guide 2011

Each year our Youth Services Librarian and young readers put together a list of recommended books to buy for holiday gifts. Our list features picture books, books for beginning readers, books for middle graders, and books for ages 12 and up.

View the list online, or pick up a paper copy at the Youth Services Desk.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Perrot Presents The Grace Notes on Dec. 3

Perrot Memorial Library is pleased to host a musical performance of carols by the Grace Notes in the Radcliffe Children's Wing on Saturday, December 3rd, 2011, from 3:30 PM-4:30 PM.

The Grace Notes, a women's a cappella group, has been dedicated to providing music to our community for more than 40 years. The free performance will be followed by A Stroll Among the Luminaries in Binney Park at 4:30 PM. The Luminaries is a project of Boy Scout Troop 11 with Family Centers of Greenwich, and will feature a brilliant candlelight display throughout the Park. 

The Old Greenwich First Light Festival, sponsored by the Old Greenwich Merchants' Association, follows later that evening. The festival transforms Old Greenwich into a winter wonderland, decked out in its finest holiday trimmings! Other attractions will include horse-drawn carriage rides, activities and food hosted in the local shops, and of course, a visit from Santa Claus himself. Bring the whole family!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Hugo, the Movie Adaptation of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Opens Soon!

The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Hugo, the film adaptation of Brian Selznick's award-winning book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, opens in theaters on Wednesday, November 23rd. Be sure to read the book before you see the movie! Hugo was directed by Martin Scorsese, and stars Asa Butterfield as Hugo, along with ChloĆ« Grace Moretz, Jude Law, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Ben Kingsley.

You can read more about the movie at Publishers Weekly, and view the trailer on the movie's website. You can also view some video clips of Brian Selznick talking about the book when he visited Perrot's book clubs in 2007.

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Changes in the Watt (Media) Room

The Library has had many requests for Blu-rays, and, as a result, our Blu-ray collection has grown. Please note the following: All children's Blu-ray movies will now be located with the regular children's DVDs and all non-fiction Blu-rays will now be located with the regular non-fiction DVD collection.

Monday, November 07, 2011

NEW Museum Pass- The Bruce Museum

Now available to borrow from the Youth Services Desk-- two museum passes for the Bruce Museum, right here in Greenwich! You may borrow a pass for 3 days, and it entitles you to free admission for up to 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 18.

Consistently voted the "Best Museum" by area media, the Bruce Museum is a regionally based, world-class institution highlighting art, science and natural history in more than a dozen changing exhibitions annually. The permanent galleries feature the natural sciences encompassing regional to global perspectives.


More information at: http://www.brucemuseum.org/

[See a list of all the museum passes you can borrow from Perrot]

Thursday, November 03, 2011

Family Program at the Greenwich Historical Society

Greenwich Historical Society Family Program
How Do You Know a Hero?
Paper Crafts Workshop with Timothy Bellavia

Sunday, November 13th, 2011

Kids of all ages will enjoy this paper crafts workshop led by award-winning children's author, illustrator and educator Timothy D. Bellavia. How Do You Know a Hero? will challenge boys and girls to design their very own action figures by transforming plain templates into police officers, firefighters and paramedics. Kids can deck out their heroes with uniforms, badges and other pintsized accoutrements replicated from objects and photos showcased in the Historical Society’s current exhibition, Everyday Heroes: Greenwich First Responders. They’ll then set their creations’ heroic feats against scenes from the exhibition. The How Do You Know a Hero? workshop was designed to promote understanding of the importantrole first responders play in daily life. This workshop is a new spin on Bellavia’s well known franchise We Are All The Same Inside® workshop in which children create individual characters with the goal of learning to recognize our common humanity while embracing diversity.

Workshops will be held at 1:00, 2:30 and 4:00 PM

Vanderbilt Education Center, 39 Strickland Road, Cos Cob, CT

$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers.


For additional information, please call 203-869-6899, Ext. 10.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Upcoming Event: Our Old Stones, A Talk with Andrew Pighills

Our Old Stones: A Talk with Andrew Pighills
Monday, November 7th, 2011, at 7:30 PM
Radcliffe Children's Wing, Perrot Memorial Library

Andrew Pighills, an accomplished stone artisan, gardener, and horticulturalist, will give a talk on old stone walls, accompanied by photographs of walls in and around Greenwich. Mr. Pighills received his formal horticulture training with The Royal Horticultural Society. He has spent 31 years creating gardens and building dry stone walls in his native England, in and around the spectacular Yorkshire Dales and the English Lake District.

Dreaming of Chanel- A Talk with Charlotte Smith

Dreaming of Chanel
Dreaming of Chanel: A Wardrobe Full of Stories- A Talk with Charlotte Smith
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011, 7:30 PM
Radcliffe Children's Wing, Perrot Memorial Library

The Chanel suit: it is one of the 20th century's most iconic garments. Seen by many as the epitome of style, its classic silhouette is instantly recognizable, and yet owning one is, for most women, only a dream.

Author and curator Charlotte Smith will return to Perrot to discuss her latest book, Dreaming of Chanel, which reveals the backdrop and dreams attached to pieces of clothing, whether they are made by famous designers or unknown dressmakers. She chronicles the lives and times of the wearers, and what evolves is a fascinating history of style and couture throughout the ages. Ms. Smith is the curator of the Darnell Collection, Australia's largest private collection of over 3,000 items of vintage clothing and accessories, which she inherited from her American godmother, Doris Darnell. Ms. Smith will enhance her stories with examples of some of the fabulous pieces from the collection.

Friday, October 07, 2011

Elimination of Mailed Overdue Notices

Due to rising costs, Perrot and Greenwich Libraries have stopped mailing paper overdue notices, effective October 1st.
 
Currently, patrons with email addresses in their library card records receive courtesy notices (reminders of when books are due), notices of holds that are ready to be picked up, as well as overdue notices by email. We will continue to send out all of these notices. 
 
If you do not have an email address in your library card record, you will no longer receive overdue notices by mail.
 
If you would like to add an email address to your library account, please let us know at your next visit and we will be happy to assist you.
 
You can also add an email address by accessing your account from home. Log in to your account with your name and library card number, click Submit, and then click on the Modify Personal Info button. At this point you can either add or change your email address. When you are done, click Submit.
 
If you have any questions or concerns about this new policy, please comment on this post, or give us a call at 203-637-1066.
 

Thursday, October 06, 2011

New Book Recommendations from the Reference Desk

What We're Reading at Perrot- New Book Recommendations from Our Reference Desk

Bottom of the 33rdBOTTOM OF THE 33RD: HOPE AND REDEMPTION IN BASEBALL'S LONGEST GAME, BY DAN BARRY
[Non-Fiction] "Getcha Beer heah!" For baseball’s longest game ever played, one would need more than just a beer. On April 18, 1981, Holy Saturday, just after dusk, the game between the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rochester Red Wings was underway. It played on and on into the night. What a good look into the lives of many people: umps, players, bat boys who carried on with the integrity of the game in the forefront. Enjoy this wonderful baseball book as our own baseball season is almost ending. Once reviewer writes: "…a pitch-perfect and seamless meditation on baseball and the human condition."

Read the rest of our list of recommendations!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Library E-Books Now Available on Your Kindle

You can now access free library e-books via your Kindle device!

“Libraries are a critical part of our communities,” Jay Marine, director of Kindle at Amazon, said in a statement. “And we’re excited to be making Kindle books available at more than 11,000 local libraries around the country.”  Read more at the New York Times.

The Greenwich Library System Overdrive downloadable eBook collection features over 8,000 titles that are compatible with the Kindle. Choose from a wide selection of fiction, nonfiction and children's titles, with more to come.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Greenwich and Branches Closed Sept. 26th / Perrot Will Be Open

Greenwich Library and the Byram and Cos Cob branches will be closed all day on Monday, September 26th so that staff may participate in a Strategic Planning session. Perrot WILL be open on the 26th for our regular hours, 9 AM to 6 PM.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Upcoming Event: Da Vinci's Sweet Tooth: Desserts of the Renaissance

Da Vinci's Sweet Tooth: Desserts of the Renaissance
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
7:30 P.M.
Radcliffe Children's Wing
Perrot Memorial Library

Celebrate Italian Heritage Month by learning about the history of Italy's sweets! Noted food historian and author Francine Segan will regale the audience with a fascinating presentation on the festivities of the Renaissance, featuring a tasting of classic Italian sweets. Hear about the lavish desserts, intriguing table manners, and unusual dining customs of the time.

Francine Segan is the author of four cookbooks, including Opera Lover's Cookbook: Menus for Elegant Entertaining, which was nominated for both the James Beard and IACP awards. Her latest book, Dolci: Italy's Sweets, will be available for purchase at the event. You can view several recipes from Ms. Segan's book in this article from the Wall Street Journal.

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Spaces Available in 4s and 5s and Spotlight Programs for Kids

Spotlight, our after school story and crafts program for 2nd and 3rd graders, still has spaces available for the fall session! The theme for this session is Thrills and Chills. The program meets Wednesdays at 4 P.M. on September 21st, September 28th, October 5th, and October 19th. Participants also receive tickets to our evening of scary stories, NIGHTMARES, on October 26th at 7 P.M.

We also have spaces available in our Fun for 4s and 5s program, which meets on Mondays at 1 P.M. from September 12th through November 14th (there is no program on October 10th).
 
Please call the Youth Services Desk (203-637-8802) to sign up your child for either of these programs!

Thursday, September 01, 2011

Perrot Will Be Open on Saturday, September 3rd

With several thousand Greenwich residents still without electricity, Perrot has decided to open the Library this Saturday, September 3rd, for our usual hours (9 AM to 5 PM)

We will be closed on Sunday, September 4th, and Monday, September 5th for Labor Day Weekend.

Greenwich Library will also be open on Saturday from 9 AM-5 PM, but the Cos Cob and Byram Branches will be closed Saturday through Monday.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month


September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and Perrot wants to make sure that all children have the smartest card of all– a library card. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.

Sign up for a library card (or just check out a book) at the Youth Services Desk this month and you will receive a sweet treat!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Back-to-School Books


Youth Services has several lists of picture books to help your kids with the back-to-school process! Take a look at the lists below, or stop in to the library-- we have back-to-school books displayed in both our picture book area and our fiction section.
Have any of your own favorites you'd like to share? Please comment on this post!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Upcoming Event- Breaking In: How to Get Published in the 21st Century

Breaking In: How to Get Published in the 21st Century
Wednesday, September 21st, 2011
7:30 P.M.
Radcliffe Children's Wing, Perrot Memorial Library

A panel of authors and a literary agents will share their experiences and advice on getting your book published.

Panelists include:

"Free Entertainment, for Life" at Your Public Library

Free Entertainment, For Life
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/08/21/greene.books/index.html?hpt=hp_c2
There are so many wonderful books that have been written over the centuries, books that will thrill you and make you cry and change you and bring laughter to you and keep you up all night. Even if you did nothing else for the rest of your life but read, you would only be able to get to the most infinitesimal percentage of books that you would be destined to adore. They're just waiting for you -- waiting to be found, right now.


And in most cases, even in these rugged and scary economic times, they're free.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Children's Program Registration Is Going on Now!


Registration for Youth Services' Fall 2011 Program Session is going on now through Friday, September 2nd, 2011. [View the fall program schedule.]
  • Our program registration is by lottery
  • You must have an active library card in good standing to register
  • Obtain a registration postcard for the program of your choice from the Youth Services Circulation Desk
  • Fill out ALL of the required information. Incomplete applications will not be considered
  • Address the reverse of the card to yourself
  • Affix a first-class stamp (44¢)
  • Drop off your card at the Youth Services Desk by September 2nd
  • Registration cards will be mailed back to you within a week of the close of registration
Questions? Please give us a call at 203-637-8802, or comment on this post.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Youth Services Graphic Novel Pick

A great new graphic novel we just had to share--

Bad Island, by Doug TenNapel
When Reese is forced to go on a boating trip with his family, the last thing he expects is to be shipwrecked on an island-- especially one swarming with weird plants and animals! What starts out as a bad vacation turns into a frantic adventure, as the castaways must find a way to escape while dodging the island's lethal inhabitants. With few resources, and a mysterious entity on the hunt, each secret unlocked could save them. . . or spell their doom.

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

New Graphic Novels in Youth Services

Sidekicks [ click here to place a hold on this book ] *****Staff Pick*****
Captain Amazing, hero of Metro City, is so busy catching criminals that he rarely has time for his pets at home. He doesn't even notice when they develop super powers of their own. So when he announces he needs a sidekick, his dog, hamster, and chameleon each decide to audition. Then archvillain Dr. Havoc returns to town, and suddenly the Captain's in serious trouble. Can the warring pets put their squabbles aside and work together to save their master?

Mameshiba: On the Loose! [ place hold ]
Meet Mameshiba, the cute little bean dogs with bite! Starring in their first ever adventures, they rescue friends, explore outer space, and offer interesting bits of trivia when you least expect it!

Atlas [ place hold ]
After commanding the Titans in their war against the Olympians, Atlas was forced to hold up the heavens on his shoulders. His life was a tragic story of a long God fighting boredom on Mount Olympus. While monitoring from above, Atlas tracked the emergence of super-powered beings donning capes and tights. Growing restless and craving adventure, Atlas decides to take the world in his hands and become one of the Earth's newest heroes!

The Never-Weres [ place hold ]
Late in the next century, the human race faces extinction. An incurable virus has left the world with no new births since the last generation. Doom is all but certain, yet three of the world's last surviving teens are determined to carry on. When the friends stumble upon the decades-old mystery of a missing girl, it leads them deep into a shocking secret. It will take all their skills to uncover the truth the just might save the world.

Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity [ place hold ]
Hakata Soy, former space hero, is doing his best to keep his head down at Astronaut Academy. Things aren't going so great, though. The most popular girl in school has it in for him. His best friend won't return his calls. And his new roommate is a complete jock. Hakata just wants to make a fresh start. But how will he find time to study Anti-Gravity Gymnastics and Tactical Randomness when he's got a robot doppelganger on its way to kill him?

Have a graphic novel or manga series you'd like to see at Perrot? Please comment on this post or e-mail webmaster@perrotlibrary.org!

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Youth Services Fall Program Schedule Now Available

The Youth Services Fall 2011 Program Schedule (.PDF) is now available.

Our program registration is by lottery. Pick up a registration postcard for the program(s) of your choice from the Youth Services Circulation Desk, beginning on Monday, August 15th, 2011. The registration period ends on Friday, September 2nd, 2011, so make sure you have returned your card by that day.

[See detailed registration instructions]

If you have any questions, please comment on this post!

Monday, August 01, 2011

Summer Reading Wrap-Up

Thanks to everyone who participated in Youth Services's 2011 summer reading program and weekly contests! This year's theme was "BE A SUPER STAR- READ!"

Please take a look at the four happy winners of our weekly contests! They each won a neat prize pack for finding a little star that was hiding in a different spot in the children's room each week in July.

Over 300 kids signed up for our summer reading program and read over 900 books in total! This year, Perrot made a donation based on each book read by our summer readers to the Greenwich Alliance for Education. The Alliance helps get books to kids in Greenwich who can't afford them. So thanks, readers-- each book you read helped support a great cause!

If you were one of our very special signer-uppers, you can still keep track of the books you read, even though our "official" program has ended! You can either take your reading record home with you, or leave it here in the library. We will also continue to give out prizes for books read (while supplies last, so HURRY!).

We'd also like to give a special mention our teen volunteers, who helped record books for our reading program participants. This year we had 62 volunteers, who together worked nearly 500 volunteer hours. Thanks, guys!

And remember, we still have another month of summer left, so please KEEP READING!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Greenwich Time Article About Harry Potter

Kathy Jarombek, a.k.a Mrs. J, head of Youth Services at Perrot, was quoted in a recent article in the Greenwich Time about the final Harry Potter film: "Final Potter film works its magic in Greenwich theaters"

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Upcoming Event: Page-Turners

PAGE-TURNERS
What to Read on a Rainy Sunday Afternoon



Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011, at 7:30 P.M.
Rand Room
Perrot Memorial Library



If you like to read for fun, come talk about easy reading books and rattlin' good stories. Here are a few authors of thrillers, true adventures, and stories of dangerous women in danger-- Jennifer Crusie, Suzanne Collins, Stieg Larsson, Linda Howard, C.S. Forester, Anne Mustoe, Daniel Silver, John Sandford, Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, Nevada Barr, and J.K. Rowling.


To learn of other books you might enjoy, Kevin McCarthy, Lucy Hedrick, and Karen Watt will lead an exchange of information about good books for women (the girl winds up with the right guy) and men (the bad guy gets his).


And who are your favorite page-turning authors?


Bring along your own list and take home new suggestions!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Single Stream Recycling Begins August 1st

Single stream recycling comes to Greenwich on August 1st, 2011! Singe Stream Recycling permits combining an expanded list of household recyclables in one bin. This single weekly collection program replaces blue bin and mixed paper collection.

What type of container is required for Single Stream Recycling?
Choose any large clean bin that best fits your needs. It must have a lid to keep paper from blowing away. Recyclables MUST be loose (recyclables CAN’T be in bags)!

What should I recycle?
It is easier now to define the few items you can’t recycle because there are so many items that you can recycle using single stream recycling. See the List of Recyclables. Place any of your single stream recyclables into your one large container.

What can’t I recycle?
Anything that is not listed on the List of Recyclables for single stream AND/OR is not accepted for recycling at the Holly Hill Facility. Trash and garbage are not recyclable (Definitions of Trash and Garbage). Tissues and plastic wrap (sandwich wrap) are not recyclable. Anything contaminated with food or chemicals are not recyclable.

Who will collect my Single Stream recycling?
Each week, your waste hauler will collect recycling one day and trash on another. He will coordinate with you. The Town will discontinue blue bin and mixed paper pick-ups when Single Stream Recycling begins.

What do residents without a waste hauler do with their recyclables?
Holly Hill will accept household trash and single stream recyclables from residents with a Holly Hill Facility dumping permit sticker or a current year’s beach parking sticker. There is no charge for residential trash or recyclables delivered to the Holly Hill Facility but every vehicle MUST display one of the aforementioned permits.

How will Single Stream impact me or my family?
The town estimates the average household will increase its recycling volume by 4 fold and inversely decrease trash volume. Experiences vary, but citizens in other single stream municipalities have seen their total waste go to 80% recyclables and 20% trash by volume.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

2011 Kathy Krasniewicz Memorial Scholarship Winners

Perrot Library Announces the 2011 Recipients of the Annual
Kathy Krasniewicz Memorial Scholarships

The Perrot Memorial Library Board of Directors is pleased to announce Jenn Florence and Billy Mills as the winners of the second annual Kathy Krasniewicz Memorial Scholarships. These scholarships, in memory of Perrot’s beloved Children’s Services Librarian Kathy Krasniewicz, are two $2500 cash prizes awarded to high school seniors who either participated in the library’s Young Critics Club or were employed in its Youth Services Department. Both this year’s award winners were recognized for their active membership in the Young Critics Club as Middle School students.

Jenn Florence
Jenn Florence, a graduate of Greenwich High School, will be attending Skidmore College in the fall and is also the recipient of the 2010 Columbia Book Award and the 2011 Greenwich Arts Council Creative Achievement Award. Several of her poems were published in the 2011 Greenwich Literary Magazine.



Billy Mills

A graduate of Rye Country Day School, Billy Mills was a sportswriter for his school newspaper, a singer in various performing groups at school and church, as well as a National Merit Finalist and an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. He will be attending Pomona College. Billy Mills summed up the influence Young Critics had on him “I was immediately lured to the Young Critics by the book discussions and advanced galleys … Mrs. K's passion for reading was contagious and made the program fun for all of us. In fact, I became so interested in books that I began writing book reviews for Just Books Too.”

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Storyteller/Musician/Cartoonist Keith Munslow- sign up for tickets today!

Keith MunslowKeith Munslow will be presenting a family show for ages 5 and up at Perrot on Thursday, July 28th, 2011, at 4 P.M. Keith is an award-winning performer who combines rock solid funky piano playing, soulful singing, hilarious stories, and lightning fast cartooning! He has entertained thousands of children (and adults!) at schools and festivals throughout New England-- and beyond.

Sign up for FREE tickets at the Youth Services Desk!

More information about Keith Munslow at his website: http://www.keithmunslow.com/

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Youth Services Graphic Novel Picks

Anya's Ghost [click here to place a hold on this item ] *****Staff Pick*****
Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who’s been dead for a century. Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya’s normal life might actually be worse. She’s embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she’s pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend— even a dead one— is just what she needs. But Anya’s new B.F.F. isn’t kidding about the “forever” part. . .

Mal and Chad: The Biggest, Bestest Time Ever [place hold] *****Staff Pick*****
Mal is a super kid genius and Chad is a talking dog, but no one knows it. What's it like to be so extraordinary and yet so invisible? Not even Megan, Mal's secret crush, has any idea that Mal is anything more than a dork. Fortunately, Mal and Chad are best friends with a penchant for adventure. . . even if the time-traveling does get them grounded by Mal's mom. Introducing the first in a series of illustrated chapter books by talented newcomer Stephen McCranie.

We've also been getting in some new Pixar graphic novels-- look for books with new adventures with the characters from The Incredibles, Cars, Wall-E, and Finding Nemo. Since books in these series are often written by different authors, we're trying to put these in by title so they're easier to find (for instance, look for The Incredibles under J GN INCRE).

Have a graphic novel or manga series you'd like to see at Perrot? Please comment on this post!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Movies in the Park 2011

Perrot is pleased to present our fifth annual series of Movies in the Park in Binney Park. This year we are featuring Rudy and Millions. Bring your picnic, your chairs, and enjoy!


RudyRudy (Rated PG-13, 98 minutes)
Saturday, July 23rd, 2011, 8:30 P.M.
[No rain date]

Rudy Ruettiger wants to play football at the University of Notre Dame, but has neither the money for tuition nor the grades to qualify for a scholarship. Rudy redoubles his efforts to get out of the steel mill where his father works when his best friend dies in an accident there. Overcoming his dyslexia thanks to his friend and tutor, D-Bob, Rudy gains admission to Notre Dame and begins to fight his way onto the school's fabled football team. -Synopsis from Fandango


*****************************************************


MillionsMillions (Rated PG, 114 minutes)
Saturday, August 20th, 2011, 8:30 P.M.
[Rain date Sunday, August 21st]

When 9-year-old Damian finds a bag of money in his back yard, he and his brother Anthony decide to try to spend it without telling their father. Seeking advice from the imaginary saints with whom he converses, Damian struggles with his own morality, and attempts to spend his money in a more altruistic way. News of the mysterious loot inevitably attracts attention, however, and Damian is faced with an increasingly hairy situation. Based on the book by Frank Cottrell Boyce. -Synopsis from Fandango

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Perrot's Summer Reading Club and Contest for Kids



Summer is here! And that means it's time to sign up for Perrot's summer reading club! You can participate (and win prizes for reading!) from June 29th through July 29th.

To sign up for our summer reading club, simply go to our volunteer table by the computers in Youth Services. Our friendly teen volunteers will sign you up, tell you the rules and start a reading record for you. You'll also get to put your name up on the bulletin board! We'll keep your reading record here in the library. When you've read a book, just tell a volunteer next time you're in the library and they'll write it in your reading record. After you read your first, third, and fifth books, you will win a prize! Also, this year, for each book you read, Perrot will make a donation to the Greenwich Alliance for Education.

Parents, you can also take home a reading record for your littlest ones. We have special sheets for books read aloud with your child. Children get a sticker for each book they've read with a grown-up.

We're also having a contest this summer! Our summer reading theme is BE A SUPER STAR- READ! Each week in July, you will have to find a star that will be HIDING somewhere in the children's room. When you know where the star is, come to the desk to fill out a guess slip. (Try not to yell it out so you don't give it away!) We will have a random drawing from all our correct guess slips each week in July. We have 4 great prize bags to give away, which will contain books as well as star-themed prizes!


Be sure to join us at Perrot this summer and BE A SUPER STAR- READ!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Children's Summer Registration Cards/Program Openings

Registration cards for summer children's programs have been mailed back. Expect to receive your card in the next day or two. If you need to know your child's registration status right away, please don't hesitate to call (203-637-8802) and we can check the rosters for you.

Also, we still have room in our Stuff & Nonsense and Spotlight programs. Stuff & Nonsense is for kids entering Grade 1, and will meet Mondays at 4 PM on July 11, 18, 25, and August 1st. Spotlight (on Super Stars) is for kids entering Grades 2, 3, and 4, and will meet Wednesdays at 4 PM on July 6, 13, 20, and 27. Please call if you would like to sign up your child for either of these programs!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

New Book Recommendations from the Reference Desk

What We're Reading at Perrot


What We're Reading at PerrotTHE CROSSING PLACES AND THE JANUS STONE (RUTH GALLOWAY MYSTERY SERIES), BY ELLY GRIFFITHS
[Mystery] It is so much fun to come across a new mystery writer! Ms. Griffiths is clever and intelligent. Her main character is a forensic archaeologist named Ruth Galloway. She is slightly overweight and very well-versed in discoveries made in the mounds and fens and bogs of seaside England. Both books capture you with cleverly plotted stories. One book does lead into the next and I can hardly wait for the third. Ruth is the most unlikely of heroines. The men in her life go to all sorts of extremes to protect her from herself and from those who feel she is getting too close to the truth. The history told in these books is great fun. Enjoy!

Read the rest of our list of recommendations!

Reminder- Express DVDs

Hi, DVD lovers, this is your DVD Diva back from a long sabbatical. Have you noticed our Express DVD’s located across from the adult circulation desk? This collection of DVDs comprises the most recent releases, and changes every month. Express DVDs cannot be reserved or renewed and can only be taken out for three days. Some of the current titles are: Company Men, with Ben Affleck; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt 1; Just Go With It, with Jennifer Anniston; and The King's Speech, with Colin Firth, just to name a few. So next time you visit the Perrot, take a look at what’s available on the Express Shelf!

Monday, June 06, 2011

Have You Seen the Latest Recommendations?

Looking for a great book for kids?

Check out the last few months of Youth Services' Staff Picks:

Our book clubs' yearly favorites lists are also a great resource for recommendations:

Looking for suggestions on a particular topic? Comment on this post!

School Visit Books

During the month of May, Mrs. Jarombek visited area schools to share new and exciting books.

You can see the full list for some great recommendations here: http://www.perrotlibrary.org/schoolvisitlist11.html

Friday, June 03, 2011

Children's Program Registration Is Going on Now!

Registration for Youth Services' Summer 2011 Program Session is going on now through Saturday, June 18th, 2011. [View the summer program schedule.]

Our morning preschool programs are drop-in during the summer, but you still need to register for Stuff & Nonsense (for kids entering 1st grade) and Spotlight (for kids entering 2nd/3rd/4th grade). We also have a special by-registration cross-stitch program this summer (see schedule above).


  • Our program registration is by lottery

  • You must have an active library card in good standing to register

  • Obtain a registration postcard for the program of your choice from the Youth Services Circulation Desk

  • Fill out ALL of the required information. Incomplete applications will not be considered

  • Address the reverse of the card to yourself

  • Affix a first-class stamp (44¢)

  • Drop off your card at the Youth Services Desk by June 18th

  • Registration cards will be mailed back to you within a week of the close of registration

Questions? Please give us a call at 203-637-8802, or comment on this post.

Connecticut Trails Day Celebration 2011

Dust off your favorite hiking shoes and grab your water bottle. Connecticut Trails Day 2011 is almost here! This year's celebration will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 4th and 5th, as part of National Trails Day. The theme is "Made With All Natural Ingredients." Our natural ingredients should be easy to find with 193 Trails Day events scheduled in 115 towns on over 500 miles of trails across Connecticut.

There will be outdoor activities for everyone—including hiking, biking, trail maintenance, kayaking, educational walks, bird watching, geocaching, and more. These events are guided by knowledgeable volunteers from local hiking clubs, parks and recreation departments, state agencies, conservation organizations, historic groups, naturalists, educators, and land trusts.

Don't miss out on this fun-filled weekend, which will provide many opportunities to discover new places and experience the outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors.

See an electronic version of the events booklet, or pick up a copy in the library (at our bulletin board).

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Perrot Marched in the Memorial Day Parade

Perrot marched in Old Greenwich's 2011 Memorial Day Parade!

Memorial Day Parade Staff were joined by members of our Young Critics and Young Young Critics Book Clubs.

We promoted our summer reading theme, Be a Super Star: Read!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Mary Lee Callahan

Perrot is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mary Lee Callahan, beloved Perrot Library staff member. Mary was a fixture in the Children's Room for many years, and after her retirement, went on to work part-time at the Adult Desk. Our thoughts and love are with Mary's family.

MARY ELIZABETH WHITE CALLAHAN, known as Mary Lee, of Cos Cob passed away at home, of cancer, on May 27, 2011 at age 75, with her daughters by her side. Born in Waltham, Mass., she was the beloved daughter of the late John B. White and the late Veronica D. White. She was married to the late John Nally Callahan for 42 years. A longtime resident of the Greenwich area, she worked for many years at Perrot Memorial Library and volunteered at Hill House. She is survived by her loving daughters, Katherine M. Callahan and her husband Mark Mance of Montana and Meghan Callahan and her husband Charlie Whitaker of London, UK; her brother, John White; sister, Jane Fink, Sister Marita Callahan S.P, Marge Ducharme; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Bruce White and her niece and goddaughter, Mary Kate Ducharme Sawyer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 31 at 11:30 am at St Catherine of Siena Church in Riverside. Calling Hours are Monday, May 30th from 4 to 8 p.m. at Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home, 31 Arch St, Greenwich. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Greenwich Point, P.O. Box 711, Old Greenwich, CT. 06870 www.friendsofgreenwichpoint.org or to The Perrot Memorial Library, 90 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich, CT 06870 www.perrotlibrary.org.

Published in the Greenwich Time, May 28th, 2011.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Event Reminder- Shakespeare Talk

Anne Gilhuly will give a talk on William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing on Tuesday, May 31st, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. in the Library. Actors Florence Phillips and Dick Leonard will read scenes from the play.

Book Giveaway

Hermione Granger invites you to pick up a free copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, available at the Youth Services Desk!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Youth Services Summer Program Schedule

The Youth Services Summer Program Schedule is now available.

Please note that for the Summer 2011 session, all our preschool programs will be DROP-IN, limited to the first 20 children and their caregivers to sign in before each program.

Our Stuff & Nonsense and Spotlight programs will still be by registration only. We will also be offering a special cross-stitch program, Pass It On (for kids entering grades 3, 4, and 5), taught by members of the Embroiderers' Guild of America.

Pick up a registration postcard for the program of your choice from the Youth Services Circulation Desk, beginning on Tuesday, May 31st, 2011. Don't forget to bring a stamp! The registration period closes at 5 PM on Saturday, June 18th, 2011. Our programs are selected by lottery. You may view our complete registration instructions online and see descriptions of our program offerings.

If you have other questions, please comment on this post!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

NEW Museum Pass-- Discovery Museum and Planetarium

Now available to borrow from the Youth Services Desk-- a museum pass for the Discovery Museum and Planetarium in Bridgeport. You may borrow the pass for 3 days (reminder: all museum passes now circulate for 3 days), and it entitles you to free admission for up to 2 adults and 4 children.

The Discovery Museum is a hands-on interactive museum for all ages, with over 65 exhibit areas featuring "see, hear and touch" explorations of science, technology and ideas. Join us at Connecticut's premiere science museum and planetarium and rediscover the world around you! More information at: http://www.discoverymuseum.org/

See a list of all Perrot's museum passes.

Monday, May 09, 2011

Greenwich Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

The Town of Greenwich's Household Hazardous Waste Collection will be held this Saturday, May 14th, 2011, from 8 A.M. until 1 P.M. in the parking lot of Greenwich High School.

At the Collection, all Fairfield County residents can properly and safely dispose of many toxic products that can’t go into the general waste system (some examples: gasoline/oil/fuel, antifreeze, oil-based paints and stains, thinners, spray paints, pesticides/herbicides/fungicides/rat poison, chemical fertilizers, household cleaners and polishes, pool chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, and household batteries).

Please take advantage of this opportunity! Toxic chemicals that are not disposed of properly can leak from hazardous products and eventually find their way into our water sources and soil.

Thursday, May 05, 2011

Shakespeare Colloquy: Much Ado About Nothing

Anne Gilhuly will give a talk on William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing on Tuesday, May 31st, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. in the Library. Actors Florence Phillips and Dick Leonard will read scenes from the play.

Anne Gilhuly, a Classics teacher at Greenwich Continuing Education, leads the continuing series of Shakespeare talks at Perrot, which have included Henry V, Othello, The Tempest, As You Like It, and Twelfth Night, among others. This is the thirteenth year that Perrot has sponsored these programs about Shakespeare's plays.

Much Ado About Nothing is this year's Shakespeare on the Sound selection! The play will be performed at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, July 5th-10th (except Mondays), following performances at Pinkney Park in Rowayton from June 16th-26th (except Mondays).

Teens: Looking for a summer volunteer opportunity?

. . .Perrot needs you! Perrot is looking for teen volunteers for its Youth Services department to help run the summer reading program for kids!

Who can be a Perrot Library Summer Teen Volunteer?
Anyone going into Grade 7 and up who can volunteer at least 5 hours during the summer.

When do volunteers work?
From June 29th to July 29th, whenever the library is open. You can set your own schedule and sign up for shifts any hour that the library is open—mornings, afternoons and evenings.

Why volunteer?
• To help others
• To learn job skills
• To earn community service hours
• To meet other teens and have fun!

How do I become a Summer Teen Volunteer?
Easy! Just pick up an application at the Youth Services Desk, have a parent or guardian sign it, and drop it off.

How do I learn what to do?
All volunteers must attend a 1-hour training session in June where we’ll teach you everything you need to know.

Have more questions?
Please call Kathy Jarombek, Director of Youth Services, at 203-637-8802.

Monday, May 02, 2011

YCC's Favorite Book of 2010/2011 Is...

The Young Critics' Club (YCC), Perrot's book club for 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-graders, has declared that its favorite book of 2010/2011 is....


THE QUEEN OF WATER
by Laura Resau and Maria Virginia Farinango

Born in an Andean village in Ecuador, Virginia lives with her large family in a small, earthen-walled dwelling. In her village, it is not uncommon to work in the fields all day, even as a child, or to be called a longa tonta-- stupid Indian-- by members of the ruling class of mestizos, or Spanish descendants. When seven-year-old Virginia is taken from her village to be a servant to a mestizo couple, she has no idea what the future holds. This poignant novel, based on a true story, will make you laugh and cry, and ultimately, it will fill you with hope.



See the rest of YCC's favorite books from 2010/2011!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Y2C2's Favorite Book of 2010/2011 Is...

The Young Young Critics' Club (Y2C2), Perrot's book club for 4th- and 5th-graders, has declared that its favorite book of 2010/2011 is....


A Tale Dark and GrimmA TALE DARK AND GRIMM
by Adam Gidwitz
In this mischievous and utterly original debut, Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales. As readers follow the siblings through a forest brimming with menacing foes, they learn the true story behind (and beyond) the bread crumbs, edible houses, and outwitted witches. Hansel and Gretel learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after.



See the rest of Y2C2's favorite books from 2010/2011!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Change to Museum Pass Loan Period

We have decided to change the loan period on our museum passes so that more of our patrons will be able to utilize them. Effective immediately, the loan period for museum passes will be 3 days. Late fees will remain at $1/day.

A list of all of Perrot's museum passes is available here. Borrow passes from the Youth Services Desk.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Golden Y Award Winners, Spring 2011

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the Semi-Annual Young Young Critics' Club (Y2C2) Jeopardy Tournament!



The winning team, The Fadoodles (L-R): Kate, Serelle, JJ, Nico, and Lydia


They are the current holders of the coveted Wonderful Golden "Y" Award! The winners have demonstrated their mastery of trivia questions related to the books that the Club has read during the past year. (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!)

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Easter Closing Reminder

Perrot will be closed for Easter on Friday, April 22nd; Saturday, April 23rd; and Sunday, April 24th.

Please note that Greenwich Library and the Byram and Cos Cob branches will be closed on Friday, April 22nd, and Sunday, April 24th, but will be open on Saturday, April 23rd (9 AM-5 PM).

Friday, April 15, 2011

Greenwich Town-wide Clean-up Day, April 30th

Town-wide Clean-Up Day Saturday, April 30, 2011 (9:00 AM to noon) Sponsored by Greenwich Green and Clean Bring your Friends! Bring your Kids! Join with your Neighbors!

  • Stop by any Town Firehouse from 8 AM to Noon

  • Receive Certificates for Community Service

  • Trade collected trash for spring plants

  • Fill our Dumpsters until 4 PM

  • To volunteer, or to report a dirty site, please call 203-531-0006 or e-mail grgreenclean@aol.com

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Take a look at the Nook!

If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of the e-book collection on the Overdrive page, come in to have us download an e-book onto our Nook e-reader-- that you can borrow. The Nook is checked out for one week per patron and we can load titles for you to read that week. Please call the Reference Desk to set up an appointment– we will download your selection and give you a brief overview of how this works. Call us at: 203-637-3870.

Friday, April 08, 2011

Discount certificates for the CT Science Center in Hartford

Perrot has a limited number of discount certificates to the Connecticut Science Center. The certificates offer 20% off general admission for up to 4 people and are for one-time use (they do not need to be returned to the Library), so get them while they last! Ask for a certificate at the Youth Services Desk. More about the Connecticut Science Center: With 150 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art 3D digital theater, four educational labs, plus daily programs and events, the Connecticut Science Center, located in Hartford, CT, offers endless exploration for children, teens and adults. Every part of science will be at a visitor's fingertips, from Physics to Forensics, Geology to Astronomy. http://www.CTScienceCenter.org/

Friday, April 01, 2011

Library Catalog Maintenance, Tuesday, April 5th

Greenwich Library will be replacing the server than maintains our online library catalog on Tuesday, April 5th. This means patrons will not have access to our library catalog, the Community Answers database and the Greenwich Time Index during that period. The system should be back in operation on Wednesday, April 6th. Thank you in advance for your patience while the update is completed.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Survey About Perrot Picture Book Collection- Please Help

Youth Services is looking into more intuitive, user-friendly methods of organizing our children's picture book collection. One idea is to separate popular subjects into their own special areas, making it easier to find our most-requested material. Please help us by taking a very brief (30-second! :) ) survey-- let us know which subject area you would most like to see featured in its own collection.

Take the survey here:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/picturebooksurvey

If you have any additional thoughts, please feel free to comment on this post.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Greenwich Time Article About Craig Austrie

The Greenwich Time featured an article about Craig Austrie's talk at Perrot on Saturday:
Austrie: Young athletes can beat the odds with hard work

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The Latest in Movie Adaptation News

  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, based on the second book in Jeff Kinney’s bestselling middle-grade series, lands in theaters March 25th. Zachary Gordon reprises his role as Greg Heffley, with Steve Zahn and Rachael Harris returning as Greg’s parents; Devon Bostick is also back as older brother Rodrick.
  • Mars Needs Moms, based on the picture book by author-cartoonist Berkeley Breathed is in theaters now. In this article at the LA Times, the author describes describes how his work grew from a picture book to a Hollywood movie, with lots of worries about how his plot-driven progeny would change.
  • The Atlantic discusses the casting of the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games, based on the novel by Suzanne Collins. Finding the right Katniss is a "daunting decision." Young Oscar-nominated actresses Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone) and Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) are reportedly the current top contenders for the roles.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Latest Lists of Book Recommendations

What We're Reading at Perrot-- the latest book picks from the Reference Desk
http://www.perrotlibrary.org/great_reads/greatreads-mar11.html

Our Picks! for March 2011: Books About Baseball-- selections on a theme from Youth Services Staff
http://www.perrotlibrary.org/our_picks/ourpicks-mar11.html

Friday, March 04, 2011

Now Available to Borrow at Perrot: Video Games!

Perrot is pleased to announce its new gaming collection. We will be offering E and T-rated games to borrow for the Wii, PlayStation 3, and XBOX 360. Games are kept in the Waid Room (with the DVDs). They may be checked out for 1 week, and late fees are $1/day. Patrons are limited to 2 video games at a time, per card.

Some of our first titles on offer include:
  • Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (XBOX 360)
  • Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii)
  • FIFA Soccer '11 (XBOX 360)
  • Forza Motorsports 3 (XBOX 360)
  • Gran Turismo 5 (XBOX 360)
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Wii)
  • Harvest Moon (Wii)
  • Infamous (PS3)
  • Just Dance 2 (Wii)
  • Katamari Forever (PS3)
  • Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii)
  • The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon (XBOX 360)
  • The Legend of Zelda (Wii)
  • Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 (Wii)
  • Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Wii)
  • Little Big Planet 2 (PS3)
  • Madden NFL '11 (XBOX 360 and PS3)
  • NBA 2K11 (XBOX 360)
  • NHL '11 (XBOX 360)
  • Okami (Wii)
  • Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution (PS3)
  • The Sims (XBOX 360)
    Skate 3 (XBOX 360)
  • The Spiderwick Chronicles (XBOX 360)
  • Spider-man (XBOX 360)
  • SpongeBob's Truth or Square (XBOX 360)
  • Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 (Wii)
  • Super Smash Bros. (Wii)
  • Ultimate Alliance 2 (XBOX 360)
  • Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3)
  • Uncharted 2 (PS3)
  • We Ski and Snowboard (Wii)
  • Wii Fit Plus (Wii)
  • Wii Sports (Wii)
  • Wii Sports Resort (Wii)

You may view the full list of titles here and place holds. More games are coming soon.

Anything you'd like to suggest for our collection? Please comment on this post!

Upcoming Events at Perrot

Talk with Former UCONN Basketball Star Craig Austrie
Sunday, March 20th, 2011, at 3 P.M. in the Library
Stamford native and former UCONN basketball star Craig Austrie will speak to kids and parents about his philosophy of succeeding in sports even when they odds may seem to be against you. Based on his own experience, Austrie acknowledges that everyone has some limitations, but with commitment, discipline and dedication, everyone can develop the confidence they need to succeed.


Greenwich Reads Together: Discussion of The Book Thief
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011, at 7:30 P.M. in the Library
Greenwich Reads Together is a community-wide reading experience which will engage all of Greenwich in exploring a single book. Perrot Library will be hosting a discussion of Marcus Zusak's The Book Thief led by a facilitator from the American Pen Women. Set during World War II in Germany, Zusak's groundbreaking novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist, books. This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.


Writing Your First Novel: From Page One to Publisher, with Howard Roughan
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011, at 7:30 P.M. in the Library
Author and Riverside native Howard Roughan will lead a unique discussion on writing your first novel. He will also be talking about his solo novels, The Up and Comer and Promise of a Lie, as well as his numerous collaborations with James Patterson. This is a wonderful opportunity for aspiring writers, publishing enthusiasts, and book lovers alike to learn about the process from an expert. Copies of Mr. Roughan's books will be available at the event for purchase and signing.


American Rose: The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee
Wednesday, May 4th, 2011, at 7:30 P.M. in the Library
Best-selling author Karen Abbott will discuss her recently released book, American Rose: A Nation Laid Bare: The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee. Abbott's book tells the gripping and expansive story of America's coming of age in the Roaring Twenties, through the extraordinary life of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous adult entertainer, and the world she survived and conquered.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Perrot Newsletter

The Spring 2011 edition of Perrot's newsletter, PrƩcis, is now available!

Watch for your copy in the mail, pick up a copy in the library, or read it online (in PDF format).

Monday, February 14, 2011

Bargain magazines

Beginning this week, we will be discarding all 2009 magazines. They will be available for sale for 25 cents each (please pay at the Adult Circulation Desk) at Perrot's For Sale shelf, located to the right of the bulletin board in the main building. We also have discarded books available for 25 cents; all other items are $1.00.

Friday, February 11, 2011

51st Annual Lions Club Pancake Fry

Old Greenwich Lions Club is holding their 51st Annual Pancake Fry on Saturday, March 12th, 2011 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center at 90 Harding Road in Old Greenwich. Fun for the whole family! There will be door prizes, a delicious bake sale and entertainment for all. $6.00/per person in advance or $7.00 at the door, $1.00 discount for children ages 6-11 and FREE admission for kids 5 & under. Advance tickets are available for purchase at Perrot!

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

The latest graphic novels in Youth Services

Zita the Spacegirl
[click here to place a hold]
When her best friend is abducted by an alien doomsday cult, Zita leaps to the rescue and finds herself a stranger on a strange planet. Humanoid chickens and neurotic robots are shocking enough as new experiences go, but Zita is even more surprised to find herself taking on the role of intergalactic hero. Before long, aliens in all shapes and sizes don't even phase her. Neither do ancient prophecies, doomed planets, or even a friendly con man who takes a mysterious interest in Zita's quest. [Ages 8+]

Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard Volume 1
[place hold]
Inside the June Alley Inn, located in the western mouse city of Barkstone, mice gather to tell tales, each trying to outdo the other. A competition, of sorts, begins. The rules: Every story must contain one truth, one lie and have never been told in that tavern before. Legends of the Guard is a new Mouse Guard anthology series featuring the work of artists and storytellers handpicked by series creator David Petersen. [Ages 12+]

Tower of Treasure
[place hold]
An acrobat in a traveling circus, 14-year-old orphan Dessa Redd flies through the air with ease. Still, she is weighed down by troubling memories. but when her ragtag circus troupe pills into the city of Kingsbridge, Dessa feels a tickle of hope. Maybe here in the royal city she will finally find her twin brother-- or the mysterious man who snatched him away when they were just children. [Ages 8+]

Castle Waiting, Volume 2
[place hold]
With its long-awaited second volume, Linda Medley’s witty and sublimely drawn fantasy eases into a relaxed comedy of manners as Lady Jain settles into her new life in Castle Waiting. Unexpected visitors result in the discovery and exploration of a secret passageway, not to mention an epic bowling tournament-- these are just a few of the elements in this delightful new volume. [Ages 13+]

The Amulet of Samarkand: A Bartimaeus Graphic Novel
[place hold]
Nathaniel, an eleven-year-old magician-in-training, thinks he's ready to take on more challenging spells. With revenge against the proud and ambitious Simon Lovelace on his mind, he masters one of the toughest spells of all and summons Bartimaeus, a 5,000-year-old djinni, to assist him. But summoning Bartimaeus and controlling him are two different things entirely. . . Jonathan Stroud, along with two acclaimed comic artists, turns his beloved best-selling first book in the Bartimaeus trilogy into a spellbinding graphic novel sure to excite and delight fans across all magical planes. [Ages 9+]


Look for these and other great new graphic novels in the new book bin in Youth Services. Have a graphic novel series you'd like to see at Perrot? Comment on this post!

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Chocolate lecture and tasting-- WEDNESDAY, 2/9

Chocolate: A Culinary and Historic Tour, with Francine Segan
This Wednesday, February 9th, 2011, at 7:30 P.M.
Radcliffe Children's Wing, Perrot Memorial Library

Francine Segan, noted food write and lecturer, will conduct a culinary and historic tour of chocolate, most loved of all confections. She will follow chocolate's journey from its New world origins, to Europe, to the treat the world knows and loves today. Ms. Segan will explain chocolate's transformation from bean to bar through a guided tasting of various types of fine chocolates (participation in the chocolate tasting is limited to the first 75 attendees).

Friday, February 04, 2011

Two new museum passes in Youth Services

Now available to borrow from the Youth Services Desk-- museum passes for the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, and for Connecticut's Old State House in Hartford.
  • ALDRICH CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM, 258 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT, http://www.aldrichart.org: FREE FAMILY ADMISSION [Admission for children 18 and under is always free] The Aldrich is one of the few non-collecting contemporary art museums in the U.S. Exhibitions feature work by emerging and mid-career artists, and education programs help adults and kids to connect to today’s world through contemporary art.
  • CONNECTICUT’S OLD STATE HOUSE, 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT, www.ctoldstatehouse.org: FREE admission for two adults and two children. As Connecticut’s original state capitol from 1797 to 1873, the Old State House is one of the oldest remaining state houses in the nation. Explore the home of Connecticut’s early state government, including restored legislative chambers, executive branch offices, and courtroom with interactive tours.

Here is a complete list of all the museum passes we have available to borrow. Please ask for passes at the Youth Services Desk. We also have information and brochures on all our locations available for you to browse. Passes may borrowed for one week. Late fees are $1/day.

Thursday, February 03, 2011

Youth Services' Handy-Dandy Book Recommendations

Hey! Did you know that Youth Services makes a monthly list of recommendations? We pick a new, timely theme each month, and then pick our favorites! We have lots of lists from you to choose from. Here's a look back at all of our picks from 2010:

January 2010: Books About Bears
February 2010: Books About Winter Sports
March 2010: Books About Inspirational Women
April 2010: Books About Springtime
May 2010: Staff Grab-Bag
June 2010: Books About Horses
July 2010: Vacation Fun
August 2010: Folk and Fairy Tales
September 2010: Books to Make You Laugh
October 2010: Ghost Stories
November 2010: Books About Airplanes
December 2010: Gifts and Giving

For January 2011, our theme was Easy Reader Favorites.
And, we've just posted our latest list of Our Favorite Award Winners and Notable Books of 2010.

Check this page each month to see the latest list!

Have a suggestion for a topic you'd like us to cover? Comment on this post!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Two who made the world more beautiful

In the evening Alice sat on her grandfather's knee and listened to his stories of faraway places.

When he had finished, Alice would say, "When I grow up, I too will go to faraway places, and when I grow old, I too will live beside the sea."

"That is all very well, little Alice," said her grandfather, "but there is a third thing you must do."

"What is that?" asked Alice.

"You must do something to make the world more beautiful," said her grandfather.
- from Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney



Kathy Krasniewicz and Kate McClelland

Mrs. K and Mrs. Mac

Two who made the world more beautiful

Kathy and Kate


We miss you today and always

Monday, January 24, 2011

Tax Forms Available

Perrot has copies of both federal and state income tax forms available (ask at the Reference Desk).

Or, you can get tax forms online here:

Tax help and information:


For live tax help from the IRS, call 1-800-829-1040, Monday through Friday, between 7 A.M. and 10 P.M.

The closest IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center is located at 24 Belden Avenue in Norwalk. They provide these services. You must schedule an appointment in advance. Their telephone number is 203-840-4195.

Perrot Library Community Survey

The Perrot Memorial Library is conducting a Long Range Strategic Planning process. Your thoughts and ideas are invaluable to assist us in planning for future library services, programs, and collections. Please take a few minutes to complete our online survey.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PerrotLibraryCommunitySurvey

Thank you for your help!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Greenwich Reads Together: The Book Thief Discussion at Perrot in April

Greenwich Reads Together is a community-wide reading experience which will engage all of Greenwich in exploring a single book. In Winter/Spring 2011, the whole community will explore a single book through discussions, programs and lectures. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, was selected for its high literary quality, reflection of universal issues, and capability of generating thought-provoking discussion and appeal to a diverse population.

Perrot Library will be hosting a discussion of The Book Thief led by a facilitator from the American Pen Women on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 7:30 P.M.

The Book ThiefSet during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak's groundbreaking novel, The Book Thief, is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist, books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau. This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

Copies of The Book Thief are available to borrow now at the Adult and Youth Services Desks. Or place a hold online.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Two Upcoming Events at Perrot

Writing Your First Novel: From Page One to Publisher, with Howard Roughan
Wednesday, January 26th, 2011, at 7:00 P.M.
Radcliffe Children's Wing, Perrot Memorial Library

Author and Riverside native Howard Roughan will lead a unique discussion on writing your first novel. He will also be talking about his solo novels, The Up and Comer and Promise of a Lie, as well as his numerous collaborations with James Patterson. This is a wonderful opportunity for aspiring writers, publishing enthusiasts, and book lovers alike to learn about the process from an expert. Copies of Mr. Roughan's books will be available at the event for purchase and signing.

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Chocolate: A Culinary and Historic Tour, with Francine Segan
Wednesday, February 9th, 2011, at 7:30 P.M.
Radcliffe Children's Wing, Perrot Memorial Library
Francine Segan, noted food write and lecturer, will conduct a culinary and historic tour of chocolate, most loved of all confections. She will follow chocolate's journey from its New world origins, to Europe, to the treat the world knows and loves today. Ms. Segan will explain chocolate's transformation from bean to bar through a guided tasting of various types of fine chocolates (participation in the chocolate tasting is limited to the first 75 attendees).

Friday, January 14, 2011

2011 Children's Literary Award Winners

The winners of the 2011 major literary awards for children were recently announced at the American Library Association's Midwinter Conference in San Diego.

[Click on each title to view in the catalog and to place a hold.]

Caldecott Medal Winner
A Sick Day for Amos McGeeA Sick Day for Amos McGee, illustrated by Erin E. Stead (written by Philip C. Stead)
Every day Amos McGee spends a little bit of time with each of his friends at the zoo, running races with the tortoise, keeping the shy penguin company, and even reading bedtime stories to the owl. But when Amos is too sick to make it to the zoo, his animal friends decide it's time they returned the favor.


Newbery Medal Winner
Moon Over ManifestMoon Over Manifest, by Clare Vanderpool
Abilene Tucker feels abandoned. Her father has put her on a train, sending her off to live with an old friend for the summer while he works a railroad job. Armed only with a few possessions, Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kansas, aiming to learn about the boy her father once was. Abilene is disappointed to find that Manifest is just a dried-up, worn-out old town. But her disappointment quickly turns to excitement when she discovers a hidden cigar box full of mementos, including some old letters that mention a spy known as the Rattler.


Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia
Eleven-year-old Delphine has it together. Even though her mother, Cecile, abandoned her and her younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern. Even though her father and Big Ma will send them from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to stay with Cecile for the summer. And even though Delphine will have to take care of her sisters, as usual, and learn the truth about the missing pieces of the past. Rather than spend time with them, Cecile sends Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern to a summer camp sponsored by a revolutionary group, the Black Panthers, where the girls get a radical new education. Heartbreaking and funny, this is an unforgettable story told by a distinguished children's author.


Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave, illustrated by Bryan Collier (written by Laban Carrick Hill)
Dave was an extraordinary artist, poet, and potter living in South Carolina in the 1800s. He combined his superb artistry with deeply observant poetry, carved onto his pots, transcending the limitations he faced as a slave. In this inspiring and lyrical portrayal, Laban Carrick Hill's elegantly simple text and award-winning artist Bryan Collier's resplendent, earth-toned illustrations tell Dave's story, a story rich in history, hope, and long-lasting beauty.


Geisel Award Winner (for beginning readers)
Bink and Gollie, by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGee, illustrated by Tony Fucile
Meet Bink and Gollie, two precocious little girls-- one tiny, one tall, and both utterly irrepressible. Setting out from their super-deluxe tree house and powered by plenty of peanut butter (for Bink) and pancakes (for Gollie), they share three comical adventures involving painfully bright socks, an impromptu trek to the Andes, and a most unlikely marvelous companion. No matter where their roller skates take them, at the end of the day they will always be the very best of friends.


Sibert Award Winner (for non-fiction)
Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot, by Sy Montgomery, photographs by Nic Bishop
On remote Codfish Island, off the southern coast of New Zealand, live the last ninety-one kakapo parrots on earth. These trusting, flightless, and beautiful birds-- the largest and most unusual parrots on earth-- have suffered devastating population loss. Now, on an island refuge with the last of the species, New Zealand’s National Kakapo Recovery Team is working to restore the kakapo population. With the help of fourteen humans who share a single hut and a passion for saving these odd ground-dwelling birds, the kakapo are making a comeback.


For the complete list of this year's award winners and honor books, take a look at the ALA website.