Mr. Miody and his dahlias

(click to view a larger version)

Pictured next to two of his amazing Double A dahlias is Stanley Miody, a frequent patron of the Perrot Library. Mr. Miody was kind enough to bring these fresh cut dalias, picked from his garden, to brighten up our front desk. He was a pilot in WWII, and has been married to his wife, Claire, for 65 years.

Author Tracy Kidder: Two Books, One Night

New York Times best-selling author Tracy Kidder will discuss his books, Mountains Beyond Mountains and Strength in What Remains, on Thursday, November 5th, 2009, at 7 P.M. at the First Congregational Church of Old Greenwich. The author will sign books at 6:30 P.M., and a reception will follow the talk at 8 P.M. in Perrot's children's wing.

Please arrive early for Mr. Kidder's talk, as seating is limited.

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For those of you who loved Mountains Beyond Mountains, and ran to the book store for Tracy Kidder's new book Strength in What Remains, the author will be sharing his experience of writing about two incredible men.

Mountains Beyond Mountains
In medical school, Paul Farmer found his life’s calling: to cure infectious diseases and to bring the lifesaving tools of modern medicine to those who need them most. Kidder’s magnificent account takes us from Harvard to Haiti, Peru, Cuba, and Russia as Farmer changes minds and practices through his dedication to the philosophy that “the only real nation is humanity.” At the heart of this book, is the example of a life based on hope and on an understanding of the truth of the Haitian proverb “Beyond mountains there are mountains"—as you solve one problem, another problem presents itself, and so you go on and try to solve that one too.

Strength in What Remains
Kidder once again delivers the masterful story of a hero for these modern times. Deo grew up in the mountains of Burundi, and survived a civil war and genocide before seeking a new life in America. In New York City he lived homeless in Central Park before finding his way to Columbia University. But Deo’s story really begins with his will to turn his life into something truly remarkable; he returns to his native country to help people there, as well as people in the United States.

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Please visit Tracy Kidder's website for more information about the other and his books: http://www.tracykidder.com/

Book Recommendation: Stitches

Stitches: A Memoir, by David Small
741.5973 SMALL





Award-winning children's book illustrator David Small (Imogene's Antlers, So You Want to Be President?) recounts his nightmarish childhood in this amazing and disturbing memoir, which takes the form of a graphic novel. The text and illustrations are spare, but so evocative. You will be inspired by Small's escape from his repressive and angry household, as well as by his growth into a successful and talented adult. This book is not for the faint of heart, but is most definitely a rewarding read.

-Vicky

Children's Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman to Speak at Perrot

Perrot is pleased to host the national Children's Poet Laureate, Mary Ann Hoberman, on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009, at 7:30 P.M. She will speak about the importance of poetry in children's lives.

Mary Ann Hoberman has written many children's books and won a number of awards, including the National Book Award for Children's Literature.

In Hoberman's own words:

“I have always loved language and particularly language as manifested in poetry. From as far back as I can remember, I was making up little songs and stories and verses for my younger brother, my dolls, and most particularly for myself. And from my earliest childhood I knew I wanted to be a writer.But it was only when I had children of my own that my desire found a focus in writing poetry for children. This is the vocation that allows me to bring together everything that delights me about language-- rhyme, rhythm, repetition, word play-- and to pass it along to new generations of children. I'm now an old woman but the children are always young!”

For more information please visit Mary Ann Hoberman's website at:
http://www.maryannhoberman.com/

New Magazine Subscriptions!

Perrot now has subscriptions to Entertainment Weekly, Runner's World, Men’s Fitness, and Women’s Health.

Reminder: Our magazines (aside from the current issue) circulate for 1 week. Current issues may be enjoyed anywhere in the library.

Our Picks: Dogs & Libraries

Take a look at Youth Services' Our Picks! lists for August 2009 (woof woof! all about dogs!) and September 2009 (our faves about the library).

Spaces Available in 4s and 5s and Spotlight

Spotlight, our after school story and crafts program for 2nd and 3rd graders, still has spaces available for the fall! The theme for this program session is Natural Wonders. The program meets Wednesdays at 4 P.M. on September 30th, October 7th, October 14th, and October 21st. Participants also receive tickets to our evening of scary stories, NIGHTMARES, on October 26th at 7 P.M. Call the Youth Services Desk to sign up your child (637-8802).

We also have spaces available in both sessions of our Fun for 4s and 5s program: one session meets on Mondays at 1 P.M.; the other meets on Thursdays at 11 A.M. Again, simply call to sign up your child!

Latest Graphic Novels in Youth Services

The Hobbit: An Illustrated Edition of the Fantasy Classic [place hold]
First published in the U.S. more than sixty years ago, J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit has become one of the best-loved books of all time. Tolkien's fantasy was then adapted into a fully painted graphic novel, which became a classic in its own right.

Warriors: Tigerstar & Sasha, Volumes 2 and 3 [place hold- vol. 2] [place hold- vol. 3]
In Volume 2, Sasha has decided to forge a life outside of the Clans and away from Tigerstar's evil plots and plans. But life as a rogue is much harder than she expects, and Sasha soon starts to lose hope. In Volume 3, Sasha return to the forest to raise her kits but fears that Tigerstar will return.

Ponyo [place hold- vol. 1] [place hold- vol. 2]
You've seen the movie, now read the graphic novelization of the latest Hayao Miyazaki classic. We have volumes one and two, with three and four coming soon. HAM!!!!

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 or email webmaster@perrotlibrary.org!

Book Recommendation: Old Is the New Young

Old Is the New Young: Erickson’s Secrets to Healthy Living, by Mark Erickson, et al.

I took this out at first because the title intrigued me-- is old the new young? This book takes many of our myths about aging and turns them around. It covers how to be healthier, happier and more active. Financial considerations are also discussed. Featuring many interviews with people in adult communities and retirement homes, the book captures the best about growing older. . . or should I say younger?

-Linda

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 use your library card) at the Youth Services Desk during September and you will receive a sweet treat!

Don't forget-- program registration

Don't forget-- registration for fall children's programs is going on now through August 31st. Pick up a registration card for the program of your choice at the Youth Services Desk (don't forget to bring a stamp).

View the Fall 2009 Program Schedule. For complete registration instructions, click here.

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

See Our Summer Reading Contest Winners!

Youth Services' Summer Reading Contest has ended, and now you can see all of our winners! We gave away one prize each week, plus a very special GRAND PRIZE.

Please have a look at our winners here!

Thanks for playing. :)

Photos From Lou Del Bianco's Performance

The afternoon of July 30th saw Perrot friends and family of all ages gather in our beautiful Radcliffe Green to clap, sing, and play along with children's storyteller and musician, Lou Del Bianco. See all the fun we had!

You can also borrow several of Lou Del Bianco's CDs from the Library... take a look here.

P.S. This event was made possible by the generous donations of the members of the Perrot Memorial Library Association. Are you a member? THANK YOU!

The Kindles are coming, the Kindles are coming!

Perrot Library is adding two Kindle readers to its collection for the public to use.

We will have one Kindle that is preloaded with popular fiction and non-fiction. Patrons can check this unit out for one week. Think of it– lots of books all together in one small package!

We also have a Kindle DX, the larger edition, which will have daily newspapers pre-loaded– including The New York Times-- as well as some papers that we don’t normally subscribe to: The Times (UK), The Boston Globe, The International Herald Tribune, and more.
It’s a great way to catch up with global news in one sitting. This Kindle will be available for in-library use only. The Reference Desk will hold your driver's license or passport until the Kindle is returned.

Both Kindle readers will be available at the Perrot Reference Desk beginning on Monday, August 3rd!

Don't Miss It-- Movie in the Park This Saturday!

Perrot is pleased to host another summer movie at Binney Park in Old Greenwich!

We will be showing the 1987 film The Princess Bride (rated PG) in the park this Saturday, August 1st, 2009, at 8:30 P.M.

[Showing is cancelled in the event of inclement weather.]