Weekly Library News. February 14, Black History Month

Transcription

1 Weekly Library News February 14, 2018 Black History Month February is traditionally Black History Month, a time to honor and observe the contributions of African-Americans in our history and culture. This week we recognize some of the many Black authors whose books, fiction, poetry, history, and biography are a vital component of American literature. Some of these titles are new, some older, all important to our collection. We are all familiar with Walter Mosley s mysteries, but how many have read Chester Himes mystery stories set in Harlem: If He Hollers, Let Him Go, is a classic. Speaking of Harlem, Mat Johnson s Hunting in Harlem is fresh, funny and horrifying. We have ordered his earlier novel Drop, which Publishers Weekly calls nuanced, elegant and witty. Johnson s Loving Day, is considered a satire worthy of Mark Twain. But this is Black History month, so let s look at some history. How about Barracoon: the story of the last Black cargo, by Zora Neale Hurston, famous for Their Eyes Were Watching God. This is a biography of a man enslaved for fifty years after slavery was outlawed. Slavery was an evil institution, but some may not be aware that freed Blacks themselves owned slaves. The Known World, by Edward P. Jones, is a modern masterpiece. Read it and be changed forever. In the not so distant past is Esi Edugyan s Half-Blood Blues, a tale of Berlin in 1939, jazz, race, love and loyalty, which was a Man Booker Prize finalist in A recent addition to Anglo- African literature is Ayobami Adebayo s debut novel Stay With Me, about a Nigerian couple facing fertility issues and polygamy. The magazine says, This confident and fearless writer challenges us to think about marriage from all perspectives. When They Call You a Terrorist: a Black Lives Matter memoir, is Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele s reflection on humanity and a call to action by one of the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement. An American Marriage, by Tayari Jones, is an exploration of love, loyalty, race, justice, and both Black masculinity and Black womanhood in 21 st Century America. Finally, the poetry we mentioned earlier. Wild Beauty, by Ntozake Shange, is a treasure in both English and Spanish. Here are more than 60 original and selected poems by an author who is credited with bringing women s issues out of the shadows. And we can t forget Maya Angelou, whose Complete Poetry is a newish (2015) and complete collection of poems that reflect the author s life. There are too many more books to mention in a short column, but ask us and we will suggest more wonderful, inspiring and transformative works of literature by Black authors.

2 Center Book Group The Center Book Group will meet on Tuesday, February 19 th at 10am at the Milford Senior Center to discuss The Good Neighbor: The Life & Work of Fred Rogers by Maxwell King. Fred Rogers, of course, is the phenomenon who gave the world, Mister Rogers neighborhood which aired on public television from With his cardigan, sneakers, and gentle manner, Mister Rogers taught children about the world. Using puppets, he invited kids into the Land of Make Believe. As King skillfully shows, there was more to Fred Rogers and his legacy than the show which was satirized and mocked at times. Interviews, other writing by Rogers, and thoughtful analysis make for an impressive first full-length biography of the teacher/broadcaster. Newcomers are always welcome to come to these informal, but informative discussions. To reserve a copy of The Good Neighbor or for more information about the Center Book Group, call the Information Desk at , ext. 2. Adaptations Book Group Join us on Wednesday, February 20, when the Adaptations Book Group meets at 6:30 in the Young Adult Room to discuss Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver. This debut novel, now also a movie, is smart, complex, and heartbreakingly beautiful. For popular high school senior Samantha Kingston, February 12 Cupid Day should be one big party, a day of valentines and roses and all the privileges that come with being at the top of the social pyramid. And it is.until she dies in a terrible accident that night. However, she still wakes up the next morning. In fact, Sam lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she ever imagined. Pick up a copy of Before I Fall at the Information Desk to read and enjoy before the discussion group meets. Cookbook Club A few cooking enthusiasts met for the first Cookbook Club meeting last Wednesday, and perused the chosen book: The Best Mexican Recipes, published by America s Test Kitchen. They will each pick a recipe from the book, cook the dish and bring it to the next meeting on March 13. Should you have missed the meeting, there are two copies of the book available at the Information Desk. At the meeting on March 13, another cookbook will be offered. This could be a fun group, trying new recipes and learning about the cooking of different cultures. The Milford Library has an exceptional collection of cookbooks from which to choose. Stop by and pick up The Best Mexican Recipes, or come next month for the next book. Interested? Call or Mary Frances at the library at X219 or mfbest@cwmars.org. The second meeting is scheduled for 6:30pm Wednesday, March 13, in the Quarry Room on the lower level of the Library. Page 2

3 Tax Forms and Tax Appointments The Milford Library has received all the Tax Forms for both the Federal and Massachusetts Resident and Non-Resident returns. They are on the cart near the door. We now have a few appointments for Tax Assistance available, owing to the addition of one more volunteer each week. Once these additional appointments are filled, we will be taking names on a Wait List. Interested persons may call the library to check on appointment availability or have their name placed on the Wait List and as cancellations arise, names will be called to fill slots in the order they were received. Tax volunteers can assist senior citizens and low persons with preparation of both Federal Massachusetts tax returns. Some guidelines are necessary: No complicated tax returns permitted (no Rental Properties, stocks, bonds, etc.) Assistance is intended for senior citizens (including Circuit Breaker refunds) and low income persons. No high incomes will be assisted. Spanish Language Films We have a great collection of Foreign Language DVDs here at the Milford Town Library. Each month, to encourage more use of these films, we feature a selection from a different language on the shelves near the New Biographies. For February, we are featuring movies in Spanish all have English subtitles. Here are a few Spanish films you might, or might not, have encountered. Guantanamera, is a romantic comedy about love and breaking the rules from the Directors of Strawberry and Chocolate an irresistible and funny Academy Award nominee. Fans of Che Guevara (as I am) will find two (really three) films here to enjoy. The two part Che is a fascinating exploration of the revolutionary icon. The Motorcycle Diaries is the film version of Che s own autobiographical tale of two friends who hop on a motorcycle for an exciting road trip across Latin America. With Cuba on our minds, don t miss watching Buena Vista Social Club featuring the rediscovered talents of Cuba s foremost folk musicians. Nicotina is a thriller that takes place in Mexico City lots of action here. We have many other great Spanish language films available. Take one home and enjoy, and maybe practice your Spanish while you re at it. Chess (for all) at the Library Interested in playing or learning the game of Chess? Seek no further. The Milford Chess Club, which met formerly at the Senior Center, now meets on Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 5pm in the Library s Granite Room downstairs. All chess players (or those who would like to learn) from age five and up are welcome to come to the Chess Club. There are multiple chess sets available and teachers to help you learn to play. Unisex Restrooms Page 3

4 Wait no more! The Milford Town Library now has two Unisex Restrooms on the main floor instead of separate rooms for Men and Women. This should facilitate less wait time for restroom availability in the future. Downstairs restrooms remain gender segregated. Display Case - Fabric Artist Throughout February, the work of Dawn Haupt will be featured in our adult display case. Dawn is an award winning designer, crafter, artist and illustrator with over 30 year experience. She has pieces in private collections in Ireland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Arizona. Two beautiful arm bouquets are on display, both making use of feathers, branches, fabric, and fire sculpted flowers. Smaller pieces or sense-arium using natural and found objects are little places for the senses to wander and wonder. Much of her work incorporates wire work, painting, and assemblage. She considers herself a multi undisciplined artist. I m expressing my unique view of the world, hoping to inspire others to do the same, in celebration, rather than competition. Children s Program Local Author Children are invited to a Storytime on Saturday, February 23, at 11:30am to meet local author Annie ) C Annie Cronin Romano as she reads from her book, Before You Sleep. Contemporary Book Group The Contemporary Book group will meet on February 27, at 6pm in the Children s Program Room to discuss The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian. This is Bohjalian s 20 th novel, and it s a high-flying thriller. Cassie, a flight attendant in her 30s, on her way to alcoholism, wakes up after a night of over-drinking to find a dead (murdered) man in the bed beside her. Things go from bad to worse for Cassie. She lies all the time, never admitting to knowing anything about the man or the murder. As she remembers more about the night before, it becomes apparent that there was a lot going on that she knew little about. Stay tuned. You ll stay up all night with this one. For more information about the Contemporary Book Group, please call Shelley at , ext. 2 or ssgammat@cwmars.org. Blind Date Time! We had such a good time doing a Mystery!!! display that we decided to run a February datethemed display in honor of Valentine s Day. As a holiday, it has some rabid fans and some equally enthusiastic detractors. Know what doesn t have a ton of haters? Movie night. In February, we invite you to check out Blind Date With a Movie. Check the introductory nametags on the wrapped packages from the Round Table, and select the movie you think will furnish the right Page 4

5 viewing experience for you. Take a chance on one of our picks. Or live on the wild side! Have a marathon! Try two or three! As always, if you partake of a selection, we d love your feedback. Like it? Hate it? Send your hot take to milfref@cwmars.org. Rotate Insulin Injection Site Jo Fleming, Patient Educator Coordinator at MRMC continues to provide needed diabetes tips. She cautions against injecting insulin into the same area repeatedly. It can cause scar tissue to form and prevent the insulin form being absorbed properly. Be diabetes smart and keep yourself and the needle moving! Bruins PJ Drive The Milford Town Library will once again be a drop-off location for the Boston Bruins PJ Drive. This year makes the 12 Annual drive which collects new infant to teen sized pajamas to be distributed to needy Milford area children. Donations are being collected in the Library s Children s Room from February 1 to March 15. We thank you in advance for your generosity. February Newsletter The Milford Town Library monthly newsletter has a new edition for the month of February. With items featuring displays, book groups, ESL classes and more. Pick up your copy of MTL at the Information or Circulation Desk. Winter ESL Classes FREE ESL Drop-in Classes have returned. These classes are for adults 16 years and older and NO pre-registration is required. Please note that childcare is NOT provided and children may not be left unattended in the library. Some adult students ask older siblings, relatives or friends to remain with young ones in the children s room during class so they are able to focus during class and allow others to focus as well. Beginners: Mondays 6-7 pm, Intermediate I: Tuesdays 7-8 pm, Intermediate II: Tuesdays 8-9 pm Reading: Wednesdays 6-7 pm, Grammar: Wednesdays 7-8 pm January class calendars can be found at the Circulation and Information Desks. Citizenship Classes Citizenship Classes, offered by Catholic Charities, will continue on Thursdays, from 6 to 8 pm beginning January 17 th after the holiday hiatus. Enrollment is open and rolling. Classes are free, but the text costs $ Page 5

6 Ongoing Programs Food Pantry donations from the library have been greatly appreciated. Donations are delivered weekly by a staff member. Museum Passes are available to many area museums, zoos and attractions thanks to the Friends of the Library. Membership to the Friends of the MTL continues to be only $10 a year. Book Sale Table has items for all ages replenished weekly. Visit us: Library News is compiled weekly by Reference Librarian Mary Frances Best Page 6