New Storytime Schedule

A new year, a new storytime schedule. Parents and caregivers, please mark your calendars with new days and times for storytimes in the Children's Department. The schedule will go into effect on January 5, 2009. There is no advance registration for any of these programs. Drop in when you're free! Baby Lapsit will meet Thursdays at 10:15 am. Time to enjoy music with other babies & their cargivers. Lap sitters only please! Toddler Time (walkers up to age 3) will meet Mondays & Fridays at 10:15am. Songs, rhymes and games for toddlers. Pre-school storytime (ages 3-5) meets Tuesdays & Fridays at 11:15 am. Stories and a craft for all preschool children. For older preschoolers ages 4 to 7, we meet Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. All preschool storytimes include a craft. Pajamarama (ages 2 and up) continues to meet Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Bring your blanky and snuggledown for good stories with our wonderful volunteer, Mr. Keith. Bilingual Storytime !Vamos a Leer¡ meets on the following Thursdays at 11:15 a.m. January 15 February 19 March 19 Bilingual storytime is led by Migda Carrera of Parents' Place. Stories, songs, and activities in Spanish and English, followed by a craft.

Laptop users: speak your minds

We started to notice heavy laptop use throughout the library a while ago, especially after we added a wifi connection. We've also provided more table space and power outlets in the lower level for laptop users… but there is a feeling that we could be doing more.

If you are a laptop user, what types of software, gadgets, accessories, furniture, or supplies would help you to be more productive? Which of these would you pick as your top two wishes, as a laptop user?

• More soft seating, with outlets
• More table and chair seating, with outlets
• More "quiet" space for working, away from conversations and noise
• More group space where you could work with other laptop users collaboratively
• Printing from your laptop to a library printer
• More help from library staff to solve technical problems
• Laptops to borrow, for use in the library
• Anything else?

Leave a comment on the blog to let us know what you think is most needed, or email us at ask@stratfordlibrary.org.

Origins of the Stratford Library Association

Our library -- a gift from Birdseye Blakeman

Did you know that the Stratford Library really owes its existence to Mr. Birdseye Blakeman?

Blakeman was a wealthy New York businessman who wanted to do something for the town of Stratford, where his ancestors had been among the original English settlers. He had made his fortune as a book publisher.

This 1894 article from the New York Times reported on his gift to the town. Mr. Blakeman seems to have been a modest fellow and did not want the library named after him.

Best Holiday Movies

Let the haggling begin! Here are my picks for the 5 best holiday movies of all time. Notice I am purposely leaving out my brother's favorite movie, A Christmas Story, because it makes me grimace. Send a comment with your top choices, and don't forget to check out all of these at the Library! Looking for more? Check out the TV holiday movie schedule for a list of everything on the tube.

5. It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - I placed this one on the list out of guilt, because I know it *should* make the list, but it's not a personal top pick. It's a little too schmaltzy for me. I considered adding The Bishop's Wife, or the modern re-make, Preacher's Wife, but I think this movie gets more TV play, and edged out the others.

4. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) - Classic doesn't begin to describe Peanuts and Christmas. Small town America, adults who only talk in Wha wha wha whas, and poor Charlie Brown who gets stuck with the tree which ever after bears his name, the 'Charlie Brown tree.' Bossy Lucy with her help booth, and usually bad advice (but we never want her to stop giving it). And don't forget Snoopy, whose yoga pose on top of the dog house is the ultimate relaxation. This movie makes you appreciate the little things about the holiday.

3. The Polar Express (2004) - I think this is my newest classic. Beautiful, soft animation, tons of action, music, and color, and a delightful storyline make this one to share with the whole family. I receive it as a gift last year (thanks, Mom!), and hope that we can spare a few minutes to watch it this holiday season.

2. White Christmas (1954) - I can't imagine the season without Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. The 'Sisters' song has everyone in stitches, and the Vermont inn, with or without snow, puts everyone in a festive mood. Vera Ellen's dancing makes you want to get up and tap along; I'm not sure how Danny Kaye kept up with her.

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) - He's green. He's greedy. He has a sweet dog named Max. I'm not sure there's anyone who will dispute this choice, but if you do, I have three words for you. Cindy Lou Who. It's an indisputable fact that her pouty face could probably impact international diplomacy for the better. And then there's the music and Boris Karloff's narration. Did I mention he's green? And Dr. Seuss! The words twist around you like snow drifts and then ... pow! smack you in the face like a well aimed snowball. Yes, the Grinch tops the list and for good reason. Hope you get a chance to watch this one at least once.

Try this cookbook

Have you noticed all the shows on the Food Network & the Travel Channel about barbecue?

Pork, Ribs, Brisket, Texas, South Carolina, Kansas……It all looks so good but way too complicated to try at home (at least for me) and I don’t know of any good barbecue places around here. I have become hooked on watching these shows and was really craving some good barbecue, so I was curious when I came across this new book at the library: Cheater BBQ: Barbecue Anytime, Anywhere, Any Weather by Mindy Merrill and R.B. Quinn.

Well, I tried it- so good & so easy! We made the "Ultimate Cheater Pull Pork" in a crock pot – it came out great. They have recipes for both ovens and crock pots. I won’t spoil the “secret ingredient”, you will find out when you get the book. It includes enough recipes for different meats, rubs and barbecue sauces to appeal to many tastes/preferences. You can find all the ingredients at the supermarket. You have to check it out & try it. I am going to make the "Ultimate Cheater Brisket" this weekend.

Ideas for Gift Giving

Looking for a special gift for that special young person in your life? The Children's Department has created a list of 'Ideas for Gift Giving.' Here are a few highlights of the list. Please stop by the Children's Department for a copy of the entire list.

Younger Picture Books

Bats at the Library by Brian Lies The nighttime escapades of bats in the stacks with charming rhymes and detailed pictures to explore. Oodles of Animals by Lois Ehlert. 64 animal favorites shine in Ehlert’s trademark collages. A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker. Bear doesn’t want ANY visitors! He just wants to eat his breakfast in peace. But what happens when a persistent mouse won’t take no for an answer? Intermediate

A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee. James and Eamon live it up during a visit to their grandparents. Moxy Maxwell Does Not Like Writing Thank-You Notes by Peggy Elizabeth Gifford. The intrepid Moxy tries yet again to procrastinate on her Christmas thank-you letters. Scanimation Picture Books by Rufus Butler Seder (all ages); Swing! and Gallop!Animals in motion! The books employ a new technology called Scanimation, which brings each page to startling life. It's impossible not to flip the pages over and over again! The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. A major motion picture this year, and a Newbery winner, this book tells the story of a small mouse with a big heart. What to Do About Alice? by Barbara Kerley. A picture book biography of the lively life of young Alice Roosevelt, daughter of Teddy Roosevelt Older Juvenile Literature

39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick RiordanAmy and Dan Cahill forfeit a fortune to follow clues all over the world. Masterpiece by Elise Broach. James, a boy, and Marvin, a beetle, try to prevent the theft of a Durer miniature. The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne BirdsallThe delightful Penderwick girls decide to try to help their father date. Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor. After her parents divorce, Addie moves into a run-down trailer with her unpredictable mother, but she remains optimistic about a normal family life. Audio Books for Family Listening

Clementine by Sarah Pennypacker read by Jessica Almasy. Spunky Clementine is never at a loss for words … or adventure. (Ages 6 up) The Mysterious Benedict Society and sequel by Trenton Lee Stewart read by Del Roy. 4 gifted children infiltrate the school of an evil mastermind. (Ages 9 up)

Pirates in Stratford -- 1892

Freedom from Want

This picture of a family at the dinner table, painted by Norman Rockwell for the Saturday Evening Post, is probably the most well-known image of a modern Thanksgiving. Not many people remember, though, that Norman Rockwell painted this picture to illustrate Franklin Delano Roosevelt's idea that "Freedom from Want" is one of the "four essential human freedoms" that all humanity deserves to enjoy.

In a 1941 speech, President Roosevelt explained his vision of the Four Freedoms:

The first is freedom of speech and expression -- everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way -- everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want -- ... economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants -- everywhere in the world. The fourth is freedom from fear -- ... [that] no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor-- anywhere in the world.

That is no vision of a distant millennium. It is a definite basis for a kind of world attainable in our own time and generation.

All four of Norman Rockwell's "Four Freedoms" pictures were made into posters by the War Bonds office during World War II. The original paintings were shown all over the US and raised over $100 million dollars to support the war effort.

Memorable Thanksgivings in the Movies

Thanksgiving doesn't get to star in as many movies as Christmas does.... and just like in real life, Thanksgiving in the movies has its ups and downs. Here are a few memorable Thanksgivings in film (both good and bad!) that you can share with your loved ones over the holiday weekend.

Hannah and Her Sisters Woody Allen's 1986 drama about three sisters is one of his very best. Indulge in some Manhattan-real-estate envy as the characters celebrate Thanksgiving dinner in Mia Farrow's real-life apartment, with several members of her family playing the roles of children and relatives. Barbara Hershey, Michael Caine, Diane Wiest, Carrie Fisher, and Woody Allen also star.

Home For The Holidays A cast of heavy-hitters lined up to star in Jodie Foster's directorial debut about Thanksgiving dinner with the family -- Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., Claire Danes, and Anne Bancroft. Just like real life, the resulting mix of personalities is sometimes humorous and sometimes a nightmare.

The Ice Storm In Ang Lee's adaptation of the Rick Moody novel, an unhappy suburban neighborhood is struck by tragedy on Thanksgiving Day around the time of President Nixon's resignation. Starring Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and young rising stars Tobey Maguire, Elijah Wood and Christina Ricci.

Miracle on 34th Street Yes, this is a Christmas movie, but it kicks off at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. And for some people, the Christmas season officially begins the day after Thanksgiving. The adorable little Natalie Wood makes this film a winner no matter how many times you've seen it.

Planes, Trains, Automobiles Airports and car rental lots are nobody's idea of great place to spend Thanksgiving. But what if you were also stuck with John Candy for the whole time? Blizzards, transfers, strikes, and delays keep buttoned-down executive Steve Martin and out-of-control John Candy joined at the hip for days in this classic John Hughes comedy.

Cooking with Children

I can't think of anything more joyous around the holidays than time in the kitchen with children. It can be a little messy, and maybe a few ingredients get left out, but it's still pretty great.

So ... why not check out a few of our cookbooks? Retire those tired old recipes and try some new ones that are kid friendly.

The Mash and Smash Cookbook. With the Bubbling Yo-Yo shake and the Squishwich, you'll be jumping and crunching all over the kitchen.

On another note, there's the Laura Ingalls Wilder Country Cookbook. Miracle Rolls, Gingerbread, and other traditional favorites will warm you in cold weather.

Trying to downsize this holiday season? How about Gifts to Make and Eat? Fudge, Chocolate pretzels, and raspberry vinegar are just a few of your gift giving options.

My last pick is To Every Season: A Family Holiday Cookbook. There are recipes for every holiday (I didn't know Father's Day meant Blueberry Pancakes or that we could make Eggless Eggnog).

Stop by and let us know how the recipes worked; we love to hear your success stories :) C

Art, the Great Mystery

Recently, the Children's staff have been enjoying the book Masterpiece by Elise Broach. Although it takes place in contemporary times in New York City, its true center is the life and work of artist Albrecht Durer. A boy, James, and a beetle, Marvin, attempt to protect one of Durer's drawings from theft. Elise Broach has also written one of this year's Nutmeg nominees, Shakespeare's Secret. Two children seek out a hidden diamond necklace which may reveal important information about the great Bard himself. Kids who enjoy art mysteries might also like the books of Blue Balliett or the unforgettable From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Enjoy! :) C

Christmas books - already? Yes!!!

Christmas books, you say? Already? Yes! For the fans of novels set at Christmas, these books are readable all year long. But now, we have a reading list of some of this year's newly-published stories. There's even a thriller novel called "The Spy Who Came for Christmas" by David Morrell. Come in to the library, or give us a call, or check online to reserve your copy of a holiday tale! And don't forget to ask at the Reference Desk for the complete list of this year's festive new arrivals.

The library has free and reliable car repair info for you.

Are you a do-it-yourself car repair person? Do you need an easy to use, reliable place to find FREE car repair information? If the answer is Yes, then you need to know about the Stratford Library's car repair database called: Auto Repair Reference Center. Because it's a library service, this car repair data is available for free to anyone with a Stratford library card. Don't have a card yet? Come in and sign up for one -- it's free and takes about five minues. Just bring something that shows that you live in Stratford and you'll be on your way to all the benefits of having a library card.

This database contains information on:

• Approximately 25,000 vehicles from 1954 to the present
• More than 65,000 technical service bulletins & recalls issued by the original equipment manufacturer
• Wiring diagrams for easy viewing and printing
• Labor time guide & estimator
• Specifications & maintenance schedules
• Quick tips, a complete guide to vehicle ownership & maintenance
• Over 100,000 factory drawing and step-by-step photographs

Best of all, you can use this database in the library AND from home. You can find it listed on the library's home page under "Databases."

At this time of year you see lists made by music critics or deejays telling what they think are the "Best CDs of the Year." Here at the Library we read a lot of those lists when we buy CDs for the library. But did you know we also want your suggestions for music CDs? Maybe you heard a song on the radio and you want to hear the whole album. Or maybe you're interested in something new, but you don't want to buy it until you've heard it. The library can purchase almost any music CD that you ask for, put it in the library's collection, and then call you when it is ready to borrow. We usually can have a CD ready for you to borrow seven to ten days after you first ask for it. You can make suggestions about what CDs we should buy through email (ask@stratfordlibrary.org) or by filling out a card at the Reference Desk. Just be sure to tell us your name and phone number so we can let you know when it has arrived. Here are some CDs that were recently purchased because a library user asked us to add them to the library: Teddy Pendergrass: Life is a Song Worth Singing Lucinda Williams : Little Honey

Keith Jarrett: Live in Tokyo Bruni, Carla: Comme Si de Rien N'etait

Philadephia Symphony: Complete Symphonies of Brahms

Almost finished.....

The painting project on the main floor of the Library is entering the final stage. When you come in on Monday you will find the Reference Desk and a few of the computers blocked off. Don't worry, you can find the Reference Staff hard at work in the lobby, by the Internet Sign Up Station. We can still help you with all your questions, so keep asking. Things should be back to normal by the end of the week. Stop by and check out the freshly painted ceilings while you browse for your books, dvds & music. Thanks for your patience!

Election day in Stratford

Election Day news from Mayor James Miron

I am pleased to share with you important information regarding Election Day - this Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

I encourage you to visit http://www.townofstratford.com/to obtain information regarding the seven referendum questions on the ballot in Stratford, including Question 7 regarding the proposed sale of Long Beach West to the US Fish & Wildlife Service. While at the Town's website, please take a moment to view the video of Long Beach West created and donated by Stratford resident Sib Law of Saxon Mills, LLC. Additionally, I will be conducting information sessions regarding all seven referendum questions and a presentation will be made by a proponent and opponent of the sale of Long Beach West to US Fish & Wildlife. The final sessions will be held Wednesday, October 29 at 7 pm at the Birdseye Municipal Complex and Thursday, October 30 at 7 pm at the Library.

The Third Annual Election Day Food Drive is being held again this year. In these tough economic times, it is crucial that we as a community help our neighbors and families who might otherwise go hungry. Please bring canned goods and/or non-perishable food items to your polling place. Collection containers will be set up at each of Stratford's polling locations on Election Day, from 6am-8pm. All donations will be delivered to local food pantries in preparation for the upcoming holiday season.

Stratford Health Department is once again offering a "Vote & Vax" flu clinic at the Johnson House on Election Day from 5pm-8pm. If you vote at the Johnson polling location, you can cast your vote and get your flu shot all in one visit. The Stratford Health Department's flu clinic will be offering both types of flu vaccines by injection and by nasal spray. All Stratford residents (9 years and older) are welcome to get their flu shot at the "Vote & Vax" clinic on November 4 - those residents over 18 years will, of course, have to vote in their own designated polling location.

Please exercise your right to vote and encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do the same. Visit http://www.townofstratford.com/ for your polling location or an absentee ballot application.

Therapy Dog Reading Program

Therapy Dog Reading Program for Kids at the Library Thursday, October 30, 6:30 - 8:00 PM Saturday, November 15, 10:30 - Noon In the Therapy Dog Reading program, a child can read out loud from a favorite book to a specially trained, calm, friendly therapy dog. It helps the children develop self esteem, as well as improving their enunciation, vocabulary, and expressive oral reading skills. Children may sign up for 15 minute slots to read to the dogs, by coming in to the Children’s Department, or calling 385-4165. The therapy dogs are friendly, non-judgmental, and good listeners. Reading to the dogs is especially meaningful to many children, including:

• Children who may feel nervous reading aloud to adults
• Children whose literacy skills may not be at grade level
• Children who have reading or speech difficulties
• Children from homes where another language is the dominant one, who are learning English
• Children who are afraid of other dogs find that these dogs are so very gentle and move so slowly, that they feel very safe with our therapy dogs.

Then there are the children who are voracious readers and just love to read aloud to an appreciative audience! Our founding member of the Therapy Dog reading program is Sue Monroe. She comes on a regular basis with Paddington, a certified therapy Newfoundland and Lola, his “little” sister Newfie, a therapy dog in training. They are certified through R.E.A.D. Reading Education Assistance Dogs, www.therapyanimals.org/read Sue was our first, and for many years our only volunteer with a therapy dog. She began coming to our library in 2004 with her award winning Newfoundland, Salle. Over the years we have celebrated Salle’s birthday each year with a party for all the children who came to know and love her, and when the sad time came for Salle to depart this world, some of the reading children attended, and spoke at, her memorial service. Now we celebrate Paddington’s and Lola’s birthdays with parties in the late spring or early summer, and Paddington has followed in Salle’s paw prints and taken up his big sister’s proud position as chief Newfoundland therapy dog in the Children’s Room, teaching his little sister and apprentice, Lola, through example, how to charm the children with his winning personality and good listening skills. Sue has a very gentle, hands off approach and lets the child form a relationship with Paddington, only intervening to facilitate the bonding. Call 385-4165 to get the latest schedule for Paddington.

Ten Thousand Electric Guitars Groovin' Real Loud

Monterey Pop: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7 pm Woodstock: Tuesday, Nov. 2, 7 pm Films are free and open to the public; recommended for adult audiences.

Were you at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967? How about Woodstock in 1969? Come to the library and share your memories with the tribe as we revisit those historic gatherings in our rock concert film series. Or if you're too young to remember those days of love-beads and headbands, come see how your grandparents' generation used to have fun in the 1960s (hint: clothing optional).

As part of our ongoing rock concert film festival, the Stratford Library will be showing Monterey Pop on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7 pm. The first major rock concert film, Monterey Pop was shot at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival during the “Summer of Love”. Director D.A. Pennebaker’s expansive documentary captures the essence of the feel-good hippie festival which launched the careers of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Otis Redding. The Mamas and the Papas, Simon and Garfunkel, and Ravi Shankar also turned in stellar performances. Guest speaker at the film will be writer/photographer Jeff Wignall. He spent many years as a concert photographer and has photographed hundreds of acts, among them Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones. For the past 15 years he has also hosted a Tuesday-afternoon show on WPKN 89.5 FM in Bridgeport.

Two weeks later, we'll continue the "musical trip" with a free showing of Woodstock, on Tuesday, November 4, at 7 pm. WPKN programmer Ken Best, who has a long career in music journalism and is the author of a history of rock and roll, will introduce the film. Come and groove with the Who, Santana, Country Joe and the Fish, Richie Havens, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and a sea of muddy hippies.

Internet nostalgia

Google turns ten years old this month, which reminds us of how much fun it is to explore the "olden days" of the Internet on the The WayBack Machine, part of the Internet Archive.

The folks at the WayBack Machine have archived millions of web pages so you can look back nostalgically on how much simpler -- and often uglier -- were the early days of the World Wide Web.

Maybe you remember learning how to use Yahoo when it was mostly a long list of blue text on a white background

Looks like the New York Times didn't quite know what to do with a computer screen in 1996.

And take a look at the Stratford Library's first web page in 1998 -- we've come a long way!

Consumer Reports

The Consumer Reports monthly magazine rates products and services, offering invaluable help in determining quality and truth-in-advertising. For example, the latest issue (November 2008) includes a cover story of "100 Top Products", and the issue also features additional articles about electronics, appliances, exercise equipment, and cars. This month, the magazine produces other articles such as "The Great Turkey Cook-Off" and "Get Ready for Digital TV". Stop by the Adult Services Reference Desk, and ask to see the latest Consumer Reports!

Did you know that you can also read the the magazine online - at home or at work - for free? You can by going to the ICONN database, click on "individual resources" then "general onefile" from there click on "publication search", type in Consumer Reports and hit search. You will get a list of the Consumer Reports publications that are available on ICONN. Select the magazine by clicking on it. You will now be at a page that gives magazine info - go to the drop down menu where you can then pick the year and the issue you are looking for.

It is lots of clicking - but worth it. Please call if you have questions 203-385-4164

Be an informed voter

Does it seem like every election cycle, there are more and more outrageous rumors about the candidates? Have you heard that one of the candidates "won't swear on a Bible," or that one of the candidates "tried to ban Harry Potter books from a library?" Both rumors are false, but how can you prove it?

You can separate the truth from what's misleading and the out-and-out lies by looking at several reliable, responsible websites which are dedicated to combating lies and rumors.

FactCheck.org is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, "consumer advocate" for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. They are located at the Annenberg Center for Public Policy at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Center for Responsive Politics is a nonpartisan, independent and nonprofit research group tracking money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy. Their website is OpenSecrets.org

Snopes.com is a website that debunks "urban legends," rumors, email chain letters, and other hazards of the modern information age.

As my grandmother used to say, "Keep an open mind, but not so open you can hear the wind whistling between your ears."

Do you have a Fax Machine?

YES! The Stratford Library now has a fax for public use. Stop by the Reference area to use it. The machine takes credit cards, debit cards or you can buy a prepaid fax card (good for 6 pages). It is convenient and super easy to use.

In Theaters & on Library shelves everywhere

Did you see The Duchess starring Keira Knightley this weekend? How about Appaloosa starring Viggo Mortensen & Ed Harris? Want to know more? Then read on-

The Duchess is based on the life of Georgiana Spencer Cavendish. She was the great, great, great, great aunt of Diana, Princess of Wales and had quite a life. The library has a biography about her- Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman.

If you like Appaloosa, you may want to read the Robert Parker book by the same title the movie was based on.

You might be suprised how many books are turned into movies.... check out this website and then come into the Library for the books and the movies.

Spanish Heritage Event

Stratford Library is hosting a Spanish heritage program on Saturday, September 27th in the Lovell Room-----12pm to 3pm. This wonderful event will provide food, entertainment and information about Spanish culture populations, promoting cultural diversity in our community. Open to the public---young and old! Free.

Calling all Book Clubs.........

Are you always looking for ‘good’ discussion books? Do you need a bunch of questions to make your discussion more interesting? Do you want to find similar books to the title you are discussing? Make sure you try the library’s BRAND NEW online resource, NoveList Plus. It has both fiction and nonfiction books-for all ages. Click here to get there. You can also find a link to NovelList Plus in the Databases section of our website To find book discussion guides: Once you are in NoveList Plus, click on Book Discussion Guides in the left column – you can find guides for Adults, Teens and Kids. Each guide contains author info, a book summary (great for those who did not quite finish the book), a list of questions (with answers) and a list of further/suggested reading with short summaries. There are new titles added all the time. It is a great resource & fun to browse around in. We love this database and we hope you will too. Please let us know what you think.

Guilty pleasure reading

The celebrity biography-Everything you didn't need to know, but can't resist reading about....

Wild Boy: My Life in Duran Duran by Andy Taylor -One of MTV's favorite 80s boys.

Life with My Sister Madonna by Christopher Ciccone - Written by Madonna's brother, with an ax to grind.

sTORI Telling by Tori Spelling- Was her life really like 90210 and Dynasty? Losing It: and Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time by Valerie Bertinelli -TV's good girl marries a rock star & life gets messy.

Considering Doris Day by Tony Santopietro -America's sweetheart, not as sweet as we think?

Up Until Now: the Autobiography by William Shatner -Star Trek captain lets you into his life.

Don't Hassel the Hoff by David Hasselhoff -Baywatch, Knight Rider, America's Got Talent: get the scoop on his charmed life.

Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Me by Pattie Boyd - The inspiration behind famous songs tells her story.

The Heroin Diaries: a Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star by Nikki Sixx -A hard living, rock star life.

W.A.R.: the Unauthorized Biography of William Axl Rose by Mick Wall -Another hard living, rock star life.

Slash/Slash by Slash -Even more rock star lifestyle.

Julie Andrews: an Intimate Biography by Richard Stirling & Home: a Memoir of My Early Years by Julie Andrews -Two books, two different points of view.

Willie Nelson: an Epic Life by Joe Nick Patoski - Get the details on his long, crazy and sometimes controversial life.

Audition: a Memoir by Barbara Walters -Lots of secrets revealed here.

Tonya Tapes: the Tonya Harding Story in Her Own Words by Lynda D. Prouse - How can you resist this one? A Lion's Tale: Around the World in Spandex by Chris Jericho -WWE wrestler's story.

Send Yourself Roses: Thoughts on My Life, Love and Leading Roles by Kathleen Turner - Actress with that sultry voice has had rough times.

These are just a few of the most recent books. If you are interested, there are plenty more.

Free computer training on the Career Coach bus, Sept. 5

The CTWorks Career Coach will roll up to the Stratford Library on Friday, Sept. 5, from 10 am - 3 pm, to provide computer training and career services to any person who wants their help. From 10 am - noon, the staff on the bus will conduct a two hour session "Introduction to Microsoft Word." From 1 pm to 3 pm, the staff will teach a more advanced class, "Microsoft Word part 2." The classes are free but advance registration is requested. Call us at 385-4164 or stop by the library. If the class is not filled, the extra computer workstations are available for you to use for your job hunt. You can use their high speed Internet access, fax, scanning, and print resources at no cost to you!

What’s onboard? On board the Career Coach bus you will find the latest technology, including:

• 10 student workstations
• 1 instructor’s PC
• Wireless capacity for 10 additional laptops
• A dedicated server for quick response time Satellite high speed Internet
• ADA-compliant lift

The Career Coach is available to anyone 16 and over, at no cost.

Future visits of the Career Coach to the Stratford Library will be the first Friday of the month: Friday Oct. 3, Friday Nov. 7, Friday Dec. 5, from 10 am - 3 pm each day.

Newport Folk Festival film at Library, 9/2

On Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 7 pm, the Library invites you to a free screening of the documentary film Festival! , about the Newport Folk Festival in the early 1960s.

Festival! is a terrific (and not often seen) concert film with stirring performances by Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Peter Paul and Mary, Son House, Donovan, Pete Seeger, and many more folk legends in the early 60s. It's also a nostalgia-inducing snapshot of an era just before the "youth culture" of the 1960s took hold. Director Murray Lerner interviewed the young folk fans in the audience, who are idealistic, well-educated, and just starting to question whether they want to lead the same kind of lives as their parents.

The film captures the dramatic episode at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival when Bob Dylan "went electric," upsetting the folk fans who had come to think of him as their favorite artist. For many people, the moment that Bob Dylan "left folk music" is the day that the "real" 1960s began. From then on, electric rock and roll would be the voice of the youth culture.

Festival! directed by Murray Lerner Tuesday, Sept. 2, 7 pm Free admission. Suitable for all ages. Hosted by author Steve Otfinofski. Stratford Library, 2203 Main St., Stratford CT (just off I-95's exit 32)

For directions or more information, see the library's website at http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/ or call us at 385-4164/385-4161.

Taste of the summer

Last week, the New York Times ran a story on how canning fruits and vegetables in your own kitchen is making a big comeback. Canning has always appealed to people who want to save money by growing and preserving their own food, but the "local food" movement has spurred interest in canning as well. Shoppers are discovering the wonderful flavors of locally grown food in farm markets (like Stratford's weekly farm market) and they are now realizing that canning and preserving is a way to keep the delicious flavors of summer on hand all winter.

If you're interested in canning and preserving, stop by the library and check out a book or two. We have do-it-yourself books on practically every topic, from canning to beekeeping to repairing your car.

What's on the New Book Shelf this week

Staging Your Comeback: A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45 by Christopher Hopkins - This is a fun book to look at & get some ideas to update your look. Full of "before " & "after" photos. Italian Grill by Mario Batali - The TV chef's latest cookbook - delicious! For parents, two very different, yet timely topics: Overcoming School Anxiety by Diane Peters Mayer and So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Kids by Diane E. Levin Ph.D & Jean Kilborne Ed.D Butterfly by Thomas Marent - Gorgeous, gorgeous, facinating photos - a must see. From the Miller Antique experts, so you know the advice is sound: Care & Repair of Antiques & Collectibles by Judth Miller Royal Affairs: A Lusty Romp Through the Extramarital Adventures That Rocked the British Monarchy by Leslie Carroll - History with a spicy twist. Vet Confidential: An Insider's Guide to Protecting Your Pet's Health by Louise Murray D.V.M. - Tips on choosing a vet, what to expect at your pet's exam, pet insurance, vaccinations and more. Napkin Origami: 25 Fun & Creative Ideas for Napkin Folding - Who knew? Get ready for the Library's 60s Rock Film Festival with this book - Join Together: 40 Years of the Rock Music Festival by Marley Brant The Man Who Made Vermeers: Unvarnishing the Legend of Master Forger Han Van Meegeren by Jonathan Lopez - Art World Scandal. For writers: How Not to Write a Novel: 200 Classic Mistakes and How to Avoid them, Misstep-by-Misstep by Howard Mittleman & Sandra Newman - The title says it all. and Shimmering Images: A Handy Guide to Writing a Memoir by Lisa Dale Norton - Seems like everyone is writing a memoir, make yours stand out. All the new books are located in lobby.

Indie rock music comes to Stratford and settles down

When you think about "celebrity residents of Stratford," you might have to go back to the 1950s when Katherine Hepburn summered in a Stratford cottage while she starred at the Shakespeare Theatre. But recently, an indie rock band with a cult following has moved to Stratford -- the husband-and-wife musical duo Mates of State. Playing together since 1997, Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner have toured all over the world and appeared on TV shows like "Conan O'Brien." Even if you think you haven't heard of them, you may have heard their swirling, upbeat, slightly psychedelic music on a commercial for AT&T Wireless, here seen on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM7O81fGeR0 You won't catch Mates of State practicing in their Stratford garage this summer since they'll be on the road playing at Lollapalooza and the Austin City Limits festival. So if you're interested in checking out what your Stratford neighbors are up to, come down to the Stratford Library and borrow one of our Mates of State CDs.