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New & Noteworthy
at the Westfield Memorial Library |
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Newsletter Highlights
In the Spotlight
News and Events
Programs for Children
TGIF
Friends of the Library
Music
Films
Founded in 1879, the Westfield Memorial Library strives to provide the Westfield community an environment that promotes a love of reading and ensures free access to ideas and information.
Newsletter Archive
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Complete Summer 2008 Newsletter
(in Adobe PDF format)
Library Hours
Monday-Thursday
9:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Begins 6/21)
Sunday
Closed in the Summer (Begins 5/25)
Friends of the Library meeting
June 2, 2008
Library Closings
June 13, 2008
July 3 5:00 pm
July 4, 2008
July 5, 2008
August 30, 2008
September 1, 2008
Board of Trustees Meetings
June 26, 2008
Blood Drive
June 4 Donate Blood 3—8:00 pm
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 Lynda Breznitsky, Reference Librarian, and Head of the TGIF program
Lynda first joined the Library nine years ago as the Sunday, part time reference librarian. Then she became a permanent, part time employee and now works 22.5 hours a week. Lynda brings over 30 years of experience as a school librarian to the Library.
Tell us about your educational background.
I earned a BA in English, with a minor in library science, from Shepherd College, now Shepherd University, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, my home state. I went back to school and earned a Master’s of Library Science from Rutgers in 1992. This was right before all the libraries changed over to databases.
How is working in a public library different from working in a school library?
The library is different from a school in that the school librarian’s job is much more structured and multi-faceted. You have to write lesson plans for class visits, order and process books, and manage circulation. In a reference librarian’s job, you never know what will come up in the course of a day, but I really enjoy digging for answers. And, I deal with all ages in a public library.
What kind of reference questions do you deal with in a typical day?
It could be as simple as helping someone find a phone number to as complex as helping someone else research their ancestors. In that case I’ll show the patron the two databases they can access—one from home and one from the library. I’ll hook the patron up with legitimate internet websites. I also enjoy helping people select books for reading pleasure. I stay familiar with the best sellers, both fiction and non-fiction; I read book reviews; and I read quite a lot myself. Plus, I never hesitate to ask my colleagues for help.
The Library’s TGIF programs on Friday afternoons include classic movies, performers, and speakers who discuss music, history, travel and art. How do you decide what events you’ll have?
First, let me say that we’re very fortunate to have a program like this. I’ve gotten to know the group pretty well, and the people are well educated and interesting. I have an idea of the kinds of things that will appeal to them, and I try to vary the programs. I frequently consult Chase’s Calendar of Events for ideas. Picking out topics is really fun.
What do you like to read?
Mysteries, suspense and court room novels.
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Announcing the New
art gallery
While you’re browsing the library for your favorite books or working on your laptop in our new internet lounge, take a moment to stop and view the creations of local artists.
June and July Sherman Fuller — Photographs of Japan
August and September Jim Fuess — Acrylics
For information, contact Lauren Ryan, Head of Adult Services at 908.789.4090 X 4140. |
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Noted New Jersey Shore
Author and Poet Frank Finale
Wednesday, June 25
7pm
Get ready for summer with readings from the author of To the Shore Once More and the children’s book A Gull’s Story.
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The Camden 28
Directed by Anthony Giacchino
Wednesday, June 18 7:00 pm
How far would you go to stop a war? In the summer of 1971, protests against the Vietnam war are spreading across America. In Camden, New Jersey, a group of 28 activists, mostly conscientious objectors from the Catholic left, plan to break into a local draft board office and destroy records. But little do they know that a mole has infiltrated their operation, and within hours of beginning their mission, they are rounded up and arrested by the FBI, under the personal authority of J. Edgar Hoover. Additional interviews and archival footage. 83 minutes
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Presenting the Acclaimed
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
The Professional Theatre Company in Residence at Drew University
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Wednesday, July 9 7:00 pm “The Learned Ladies” by Moliere
From the master of classic comedy comes this uproarious tale of three women enthralled with one very untalented poet. Sparkling with wit and intelligence.
Wednesday, July 30 7:00 pm “Richard II” by Shakespeare
Richard II is the deeply relevant tale of one man's inner struggle between his essential humanity and the absolute power of his office. A timeless story.
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Register by calling 908.789.4090 X4140. Both programs open to Westfield Memorial Library and MURAL cardholders.
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Summer Music Programs
Jazz Quartet Performance
Gordon James
Wednesday, June 11 at 7:00 pm
Trumpeter and Flugelhornist Gordon James calls his music both “funky and lyrical.”
Hear the quartet play James’ own unique compositions:
a blend of Jazz, Latin, R&B, Pop and World Beat.
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Friday, June 20
2 - 4 pm
Harpist Merynda Adams
For two hours the library will be filled with the beautiful and delicate sounds of the harp.
No need to register, come and relax to the music. |
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Come swing with this 6 piece band!
They play it all: from ‘40’s swing to rock standards
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James L. Dean
Big Band
August 6 from 6:30—8:30 pm |
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A Potpourri of Song
By Two Tenors
Vladimir Gudov and Douglas Witter
Wednesday, July 23 7 pm
What a wonderful way to spend a summer evening! Listen to classically trained tenors sing operatic arias, Broadway show tunes, Gershwin selections, as well as songs from Russia, France, Germany, Italy, England and Wales.
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Register by calling 908.789.4090 X4140.
Both programs open to Westfield Memorial Library and MURAL cardholders.
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International Film Festival
Registration for ALL films begins June 1 and is open to
Westfield Memorial Library and M.U.R.A.L. cardholders.
All films begin at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m
(After the Wedding to be shown at 2 and 6:30 pm)
The Italian
Russian, Rated PG 13, 99 minutes Monday, July 14
Set at a bleak orphanage in rural Russia, the story opens when six-year-old Vanya is introduced to an Italian couple who are hoping to adopt him. He escapes from the orphanage on a journey to find his mother, who may still be alive. Young Vanya is heartbreakingly realistic.
My Best Friend
French, Rated PG 13, 95 minutes Monday, July 21
Catherine refuses to believe her unpopular business partner, Francois, has a best friend, so she sets a trap to catch him in a lie. Francois scrambles to find a best friend and asks a local cabby named Bruno to play the part, but what ultimately is the price of cheating at a friendship?
After the Wedding
Danish, Rated R, 120 minutes Monday, July 28
Desperate to save an orphanage in India from closing, a man returns to Denmark to convince a wealthy businessman to help. What starts out as a meeting at a wedding turns into a series of devastating surprises, revelations and confessions.
Offside
Persian, Rated PG, 99 minutes Monday, August 4
The Tehran soccer stadium roars with 100,000 cheering men, and only men. Girls are not allowed into the stadium, and the ones who are caught there, and the soldiers who guard them, end up playing their own sort of game. It’s far more compelling than the championship.
Riding Alone
Mandarin, Rated PG, 109 minutes Monday, August 11
An aging Japanese fisherman makes a heartfelt pilgrimage to rural China on behalf of his dying son and discovers the true meaning of kindness. This very different kind of road picture is sincere and emotional, with a playful sense of humor. Be sure to bring plenty of hankies.
Band’s Visit
Arabic, Hebrew, Rated PG, 87 minutes Monday, August 18
On an ordinary day, the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra arrives in Israel from Egypt for a cultural event, only to find there is no delegation to meet them, nor any arrangements to get to their destination. What follows is a special night of quiet happenings and confessions as the band makes its own impact on the town, and the town makes its own impact on them.
Westfield Memorial Library
550 East Broad Street, Westfield NJ 07090
908-789-4090
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Summer Fun for Kids
Storytimes and Activities
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Join Catch the Reading Bug! this summer at the Westfield Memorial Library and discover the amazing world of insects. The 2008 Summer Reading Program is open to young people, preschool through Grade 6. Children will earn prizes for their reading.
Pre-readers can join our Little Listeners club, earning prizes for listening to books. Registration begins on June 16, and continues through August 16. For more information, call the library at 908.789.4090 x 3.
Share the excitement! Have you read a book that you loved? Is there a series you think everyone should read? Please let us know by writing a short book review, and we’ll post it for everyone to enjoy. Forms will be available at the Children’s Desk.
James and the Giant Peach Read-aloud Get comfy as Children’s Librarian Mrs. Cooney reads the classic novel by Roald Dahl in four sittings. Full of humor and surprises, it’s about an orphan who escapes from two wicked aunts and embarks on a series of adventures with six giant insects he meets inside a giant peach. For children aged 5-10. Time: 7-7:45 pm. Dates: July 1, 8, 15, and 22. Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only. Children must have own card.
Around-the-World Tales Got the travel bug? Ms. Carol wants company as she reads tales from far away. For children aged 6-10. Time: 3:30-4:15 pm. Dates: Tuesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 and August 5. Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only. Children must have own card.
Thursday Bug Movies for Kids! Perfect for the hottest afternoons. Parent or caregiver attends with child. Age is at the discretion of parent. Time: 3-4:30 pm. Dates: July 10 (Antz), 17 (A Bug’s Life) and 24 (James and the Giant Peach). Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only. Children must have own card.
Bugs & Poems: Perfect Together! Fly to the library for Children’s Librarian Ms. Jill’s poem-reading and poem-sharing session. Then, let your imagination buzz as you create some new poetry. For elementary aged-children. Date: Thursday, July 31, at 3:30 pm.
Insects as Pets What’s your favorite insect? Fireflies? Beetles? Caterpillars? If you’ve ever tried to keep a bug alive in a jar, and succeeded, come tell us how you did it. If you failed, tell us what happened. Children’s Librarian Ms. Molly has some information about catching bugs, keeping them alive, learning from them, and then setting them free. Bring a live insect to the program, if you happen to have one. For children aged 4-10. Time: 3:30 pm. Date: Thursday, August 7. Open to full-service or MURAL card holders. Children must have own card.
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Monday Preschool Storytime Listen to stories and do an activity. For children born before December 31, 2004 and not yet in kindergarten. Time: 10-10:30. Dates: July 7, 14, 21, 28 and August 4, at 10:00 am. Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only. Children must have their own card. |
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Wednesday Tots’ Storytime Listen to stories and do an activity. For children born between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005. Parent or caregiver attends with child. Time: 10-10:30 am. Dates: July 9, 16, 23, 30 and August 6. Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only. Children must have their own card. |
Wednesday Family Storytime Cool down with some afternoon stories! For families with children born before December 31, 2005. Time: 2:00 pm. Dates: July 9, 16, 23 and 30. Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only. Children must have their own card.
Friday Toddlers’ and Babies’ Group Enjoy stories, songs, finger plays and movement activities. For children born after January 1, 2006. Parent or caregiver attends with child. Time: 10-10:20. Dates: July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8, 15. Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only. Children must have their own card.
| Paws to Read Certified therapy dogs love to be read to by youngsters who need practice reading aloud to friendly, non-judgmental ears. Sessions will be 15 minutes long. Call the library to sign up in advance. Wednesday nights, July 16, 23, 30 and August 6. Evenings. Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only. Children must have their own card. Call for an appointment! 908.789.4090 x 3. |
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Aesop’s Fables Attend a terrific play, by and for kids. Aesop’s Fables, by James Brook, brings to life the best-loved fables of all time… The Fox and the Crow, The Hare and the Tortoise, The Donkey in the Lion’s Skin, and The Fox and the Sour Grapes. Presented by the Roosevelt (Middle School) Children’s Theatre Troupe. Free of charge and open to the public, age four and up. Monday, June 2, 3:45 pm. Don’t miss it! |
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LEARN @ OUR LIBRARY
TGIF! Fridays: An Exciting Series of Programs for Adults
Join us at the Library on Fridays for a series of free Programs designed to both enlighten and entertain. Light refreshments will be served.
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SPECIAL EVENT
Blood Pressure Screening sponsored by the Westfield Regional Health Department on the 3rd Friday of each month 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
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For further information about TGIF programs, please call the
Library’s Reference Department at 908-789-4090, ext. 4130
No registration necessary! All programs begin at 1:30 p.m.
May 23
Norman Rockwell: Examine the life and works of this great “artist of the people”.
May 30
Classic Movie Week; “Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer”
starring Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, Shirley Temple and Harry Davenport.
June 6
ITALY’S CITIES:
Tour such amazing cities as Venice, Milan and Florence.
June 20
GEORGE GERSHWIN REMEMBERED:
Revel in the life and music of this magnificent and versatile composer.
June 27
CLASSIC MOVIE WEEK: “STAGE DOOR”
starring Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball and Eve Arden.
July 11
TRAVEL ENGLAND:
Discover London and other exciting areas of England.
July 18
AMELIA EARHART:
Learn about the “First Lady of Flight”—her life, her adventures and her disappearance.
July 25
CLASSIC MOVIE WEEK: “ROYAL WEDDING”
starring Fred Astaire and Jane Powell.
August 1
VAN GOGH:
Celebrate the life and works of this renowned artist.
August 8
THE BRONTE SISTERS: Examine the life of these literary sisters.
August 15
CLASSIC MOVIE WEEK: “WUTHERING HEIGHTS”
starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon (1939).
PLEASE NOTE:
AUGUST 22—NO TGIF
AUGUST 29—NO TGIF
SEPTEMBER 5—NO TGIF
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News from The Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library
35th Annual Book Sale Raises Close to $20,000
The Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library would like to thank all the people who supported our book sale by donating and purchasing books. Nearly $20,000 was raised this year. What makes the sale so significant to the community is that the proceeds fund many of the extras that differentiate our library from so many others: fascinating speakers and musicians, sought-after scholarships and the new Museum Pass Program.
We are grateful to all of you who labored before, during and after the event. Over 170 people of all ages worked from the days prior to collection day to the final cleanup.
Even the leftover books went on to live useful lives. We donated them to the Fanwood Library and Jefferson School for their future book sales, Soldiers in Iraq, libraries in the Philippines, The College Women’s Club of Summit and the Family Services-Therapeutic Child Center-Chapman Safe Home in Waterbury, Conn.
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