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)