Mystery book

This object was sold at auction in New York in 2008 for $1500. Notice how the side is decorated to look like an antique book, with raised ridges on the "spine" and a red label for the "title."

Is it the world's most expensive decorator Kleenex box?

It's not a Kleenex box. It is a 17th century French travelling commode, in the shape of a book. The auction catalog helpfully noted that the size is "Folio" -- the largest size for a book. This antiquarian "book" has full calf leather covers elaborately decorated with a stamped geometric design, and an attractive spine with a "title" label in red morocco leather trimmed with gilt.

The auction house did not know who was the original owner of this antique. They guessed it might have been a military commander or some other important person who would have spent a lot of time travelling in "uncivilized" lands but still wanted to travel in style and comfort.

What is the title of this strange biblio-pot? "Historia Universalis," or "A universal history." Perhaps that was the maker's comment on the "universality" of the object's function!

Putting the "fun" in fundraising

Coming up on Saturday, Aug. 21, Short Beach will be the site of a "MADD Dash" to raise funds for the Connecticut chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. You can participate in either the 5K run or the 2 mile walk, and there's a "kids' fun run" for eleven and under. Trophies will be awarded to the top winners with special prizes for the top Stratford winners.

The 5K (3.1 miles) course is scenic and flat, and the organization couldn't be any worthier, so take a look at their website to sign up: www.hitekracing.com/madd/.

Meanwhile, back at the library...

Everyone who has been involved in an advocacy or charitable group knows that a frustratingly large amount of time has to be spent on fund-raising. Don't reinvent the wheel: come to the library and borrow some resources when you find yourself searching for new and better ideas to raise money.

	The Accidental Fundraiser: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Money for Your Cause by Stephanie Roth and Mimi Ho. This book is a terrific resource for new fundraisers, or even veterans who need to brush up on the basics. The authors have found a way to turn fundraising into a manageable process with worksheets and step-by-step, detailed instructions.
	Great Fundraising Ideas for Youth Groups, by David Lynn and Kathy Lynn. Although this book was written with church groups in mind, most of the ideas can be adapted to any youth program. A creative collection of over 150 ways to raise money for youth activities and charity projects.

Shakespeare carries on

Shakespeare in the Sun
Saturday, Aug. 14, 2 pm.
Grounds of the Stratford Festival Theatre

A summer tradition in Stratford is the outdoor performances given by the Hudson Shakespeare Company at the Library. Performing with a minimum of props and costumes, but a maximum of drama and flair, the Hudson Shakespeare Company bring Shakespeare's words to life in the town named after his own.

The last play in the series will be The Tempest, on Saturday, Aug. 14, at 2 pm. As a special event, this last performance will be on the grounds of the Stratford Festival Theatre. Bring a chair and a picnic to enjoy the last play of the summer season.

O wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world That has such people in't!"

The Brakettes Wow at DeLuca Field

The Brakettes are the most famous name in softball, with 28 national championships, 3 ISF World Championships, 19 ASA National Hall of Famers, and 11 Olympians. Since 1947, the Brakettes have made Stratford their home, and thousands have seen the Red and White work their magic on the field.

And though it seems like summer is only half-way over, it's the last week of the Brakettes's regular season. Have you gone out to DeLuca Field to catch a game by these hometown heroes yet? In a world where tickets to big-league professional sports games cost hundreds of dollars apiece, the fantastic athletes of the Brakettes offer sports lovers the kind of classic team action and up-close excitement that you may have thought disappeared in your childhood.

The Brakettes are a jewel of Stratford, so swing on by DeLuca Field and show them some hometown love. The last games of the year are at home, except for the WMS Championship series at West Haven's Biondi Field. Bleacher seats are very reasonable -- less than the cost of a movie.

• 7/24 Saturday LADY GATORS, PA -- HOME GAME 7:00 p.m.
• 7/25 Sunday LADY GATORS, PA -- HOME GAME 12 noon
• 7/27 Tuesday ST. LOUIS SAINTS, MO -- HOME GAME 7:00 p.m.
• 7/28 Wednesday POLAR CRUSH, WORCESTER -- HOME GAME 7:00 p.m.
• 7/29- Aug 1 WMS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, Biondi Field, West Haven, CT.

If seeing the Brakettes in person sparks an interest in softball in your family, you might want to pick this up at the library to get you started towards softball stardom: Winning Softball for Girls, by Mark Gola.

And after summer is over, carry the enthusiasm for the game into the school year with this innovative book of science projects: Home Run! Science Projects With Baseball and Softball, by Robert L. Bonnet.

Settle into Summertime- Have you read these yet?

Fabulously Fashionable by Holly McQueen - You can't go wrong with a British chick lit title like this! Publisher's Weekly call the heroine "chamingly inept". Fortunate Harbor by Emilie Richards - With a storyline involving five girlfriends in Florida, what could be a better "girlfriend/beach" read? Homecoming by JoAnn Ross - When former Navy SEAL and bad boy Sax Douchett returns to small-town Shelter Bay, Oregon, the adjustment is tough. And what to do about Sheriff Kara Conway, his best friend's girl? Grab this paperback and settle in at the beach! The Island by Elin Hilderbrand - It was to have been "mother-daughter time" on Tuckernuck Island off Nantucket before daughter Chess got married. But then, Chess ends the engagement, and her former fiance dies. Promises to Keep by Janet Green - One summer, a family gathers together in Maine, after each person receives a shocking note. Restless by William Boyd - Her mother was a spy during World War II - but the daughter only found out recently! Still Missing by Chevy Stevens - Realtor Annie O'Sullivan is abducted and held by a psychopath for a year. This suspenseful novel unfolds a Annie remembers the horror, and works with her therapist. Thin, Rich, Pretty by Beth Harbison - Years before, two girls had a contentious relationship at summer camp. Library Journal calls this a "juicy read between book club picks". The Family Beach House by Holly Chamberlin - Take a seaside estate in an Ogunquit location and mix in some family drama and what do you have? A beach book! Uptown by Virginia DeBerry & Donna Grant - When circumstances bring Avery Lyons back to Harlem after 20 years in the Foreign Service, she must find her own way through family turmoil and triumph, selfishness and selflessness.

Summer Reading

Does it feel like the only things you read these days are your to-do lists? Well, let us offer you a few different reading lists to make your summer a fun one, at least "reading-wise"! Stop by the various service desks at the Library, and we'll be happy to offer booklists that we've created, and we'll also show you a terrific database called "NoveList", so that you can create your own list of titles and authors to try.

Recipe for a Wonderful 4th of July weekend

Recipe for a Wonderful 4th of July weekend On Friday night, start with a free concert in Boothe Park by the US Army's fantastic big band, the Jazz Ambassadors. Add an enthusiastic audience to create a mix of patriotism and fun. Now mix in a trip to Short Beach on Saturday night for a free fireworks show. Bake well in the late day sun and enjoy with a picnic supper. Serves a crowd -- so come early for the best seats! For more information about either event, call the town's Recreation Dept. at 203-385-4052 or check their website, www.townofstratford.com/recreation Free Concert! The U.S. Army's Jazz Ambassadors Friday, July 2 • 7:00 p.m. Boothe Memorial Park (Bring a chair or blanket) Rain venue: Flood School Auditorium Stratford’s Annual Fireworks Saturday, July 3rd Atwood Express Band Concert on deck at 7:00 pm Lynn Lewis + Friends at Gull's Landing at 7:30 pm Fireworks display at 9:30 pm Short Beach Park Why not borrow some patriotic music from the library to add to the spirit of your holiday? Kate Smith, Lee Greenwood, and Glenn Miller are among the stars performing classic American favorites on this CD, "Stars and Stripes Forever." You haven't really heard Sousa marches until you have heard them played by the Marines --Sousa wrote many of these marches while bandmaster of the Marines. The Ceremonial Brass, Max Impact, The Singing Sergeants and They Symphony Orchestra -- all performers of the United States Air Force Band -- collaborated on several of the pieces on this inspiring collection, "Home of the Brave."