The Cranford Library -- www.Cranford.com/library -- Cranford, NJ 07016

The Reader

The Newsletter of the Cranford Public Library &
The Friends of the Cranford Public Library
May-June 2013

Books & Bagels!

The library is pleased to introduce a new program for adults called Books & Bagels. The next Books & Bagels session will take place on Saturday, May 4, at 10:00 a.m. in the library's Raddin Room. The format is simple. Just bring a few of your more recent favorite reads and tell your fellow group members what you like about them. The books can be new or old, fiction or non-fiction, classic or contemporary. There is no required reading, and you will have the opportunity to learn about books recommended by other members of the group. Plus, refreshments will be served, courtesy of the Friends of the Cranford Public Library! Registration is not required. Subsequent sessions will take place on June 1, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 2, all Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Attend as many or as few sessions as you like. For questions about Books & Bagels, contact Sally Hanford at 908-709-7272, ext. 2104 or s-hanford@cranfordnj.org.

The Readers’ Forum

The Readers’ Forum, the library’s lively, book discussion group, will meet in the Fridlington Room on Monday, May 20, at 7:00 p.m. to consider A Hologram for the King by Dave Eggers. New members are always welcome!

Fourth Annual Adult Summer Reading Program

Why should kids have all the fun? Adults 18 years of age and older are encouraged to register for the Adult Summer Reading Program at the main desk beginning Thursday, June 13. The program will run for eight weeks and include a read-a-thon with weekly random drawings for prizes, plus three grand prizes ($75 gift certificates to three great Cranford restaurants) awarded at the end of the program.

Need to Learn a Language? Pronunciator Is Here!

The library recently added the Pronunciator language learning system to its array of online resources. With 60 of the world's most popular languages and esl courses in 50 languages, Pronunciator is focused on quickly building conversational skills through online drills, scored quizzes, audio lessons, and phrasebooks. Pronunciator offers five instructional levels for each language (including one for children), covering vocabulary, verbs, simple sentences, and conversation. To access Pronunciator, go the library page at cranford.com/library and click on the Pronunciator logo. You will need your library card number.

From the Children's Room
Story Time Yoga

Certified children's yoga trainer Pamela Nixon is offering a series of four Story Time Yoga sessions for children aged 5 and younger with a caregiver. Registration starts May 1 (in person or by phone) in the Children's Room. Space is limited. Sessions will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. on May 15, May 22, May 29, and June 5 in the library's Raddin Room.

Children’s Summer Reading Program

Children old enough to read or to be read to are invited to “Dig into Reading” this summer! Registration begins on Monday, June 17. Children who live in Cranford or attend school full-time in Cranford are eligible. Registration must be done in person. Children are encouraged to report the amount of time they have read each week so that they can receive weekly prizes. For every five hours a child reads or listens, he or she will receive a ticket to be used at the carnival held at the conclusion of the program. The summer reading program will also feature a series of special family programs.

Kids and Parents, Check Out Pebble Go!

The library recently added Pebble Go, a discovery database for children in pre-K through fourth grade, to its collection of databases. Choose among Animals, Earth and Space, Biographies, and Social Sciences. To access Pebble Go, go to cranford.com/library, click on the Resources tab, and then click on Pebble Go. Use cranford as the user name and learn as the password.

Looking for a Good Listener?
Children who would like to read to a welcoming, non-critical listener are invited to read to a certified therapy dog (and trainer). Sessions are on the second Tuesday of the month, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Children's Room. Please register in the Children’s Room.

MUZZY Language Courses for Children Now Available

Thanks to funding from the Friends of the Library, the Children’s Room has a full set of bbc muzzy language courses. The courses cover eight languages and feature the award-winning video character muzzy, compelling stories, and delightful songs to bring language to life. The muzzy sets may borrowed for two weeks at a time.

Sign Up for a Library Card and Receive a Free Pencil Kit!

Children are invited to register for a library card and receive a free 10-piece pencil kit! To receive a library card, a child must be able to print his or her first and last name and must be a Cranford resident or attend school full-time in Cranford. The kits are courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

From the Teen Zone

Teen Meeting, Monday, May 6, 4:00 p.m. – book discussion, teen advisory meeting, and craft fun! ² Anime Movie, Monday, June 3, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Howl’s Moving Castle. Share this captivating journey while snacking on Japanese treats like Pocky Sticks! ² Study Nights. High school students, make the most of studying for final exams with designated study space in the Cranford Community Center, extended hours, and refreshments. Tuesday, June 18, Wednesday, June 19, and Thursday, June 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. ² Teen Summer Reading Program – Like to read? Win prizes? Join the Teen Summer Reading Club! This summer’s theme is “Beneath the Surface.” For teens ages 12 to 18 or entering grades 7 through 12 in September. Sign up begins Tuesday, June 19. Join the club, read books, attend programs, win prizes! ² Movie Bash – Tuesday, June 25, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Celebrate the beginning of summer! Join us as we bash a loser movie, eat snacks, toss popcorn, and have a hilarious time!

News from the Friends of the Cranford Public Library

Friends of the Library Scholarship Applications Now Available

The Friends are offering a $1,000 scholarship to a Cranford resident who is currently pursuing or intends to pursue a graduate degree in library science or media specialist. The award is not based on need. The candidate must furnish proof of acceptance to an accredited university, a letter of reference, and an essay. Applications are available at the library reference desk. Completed applications are due by May 15, 2013.

“Our Daughters, The Soldiers” – A History of Women in the U.S. Armed Forces

The Friends invite you to this lecture by Dr. Helen Brudner of Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dr. Brudner will trace the trials and triumphs of women who have served and are serving in the U.S. armed forces with a special emphasis on World War II and current times. Wednesday, May 1, at 7:00 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center. The program is funded by the Horizons Speakers Bureau of the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Admission is free and all are welcome

“The Boys of Summer: The Incomparable Story of the 1950s Brooklyn Dodgers”

"The Boys of Summer" is a one hour slide show, lecture, and audio program presented by Dr. James P. Kane. Live again the story of the Brooklyn Dodgers and their lively fans. Monday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center. Admission is free and all are welcome. The program is sponsored by the Friends.

Friends of the Library Classic, International and Documentary Film Series

The Friends’ classic films continue with Funny Face (musical, 1954) on May 7, followed by: And Then There Were None (mystery, 1945), May 14; The Count of Monte Cristo (adventure, 1934), May 21; Love Is News (comedy, 1937), May 28; So Proudly We Hale (war drama, 1943), June 4; We’re No Angels (comedy, 1955), June 11; Pursued (western, 1947), June 18; and Gun Crazy (noir, 1949), June 25. Shows are on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. The international films continue with My Afternoons with Margueritte (France, 2010) on May 13, and Elsa & Fred (Spain, 2005) on June 17, at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. The next documentary film, First Position (2011), will be shown on Monday, June 3, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The films are shown in the Cranford Community Center. Admission is free. All are welcome.

A History of the Jersey Shore

The Friends invite you to join regional historian Kevin Woyce for a breezy tour of Jersey Shore history, from the days of pirates, shipwrecks, and lighthouses, to the founding of today’s most popular resorts. Wednesday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center. Admission is free. All are welcome.

“Bach 2 Rock” with Electric Violinist Caryn Lin

The Friends are pleased to present electric violinist Caryn Lin on Wednesday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center. Ms. Lin begins with a simple Bach minuet. She then uses the five string electric violin and sound effects to transcend that "solo" sound by "looping”—that is, creating sound loops live that she adds to and embellishes, playing in essence, live duos and trios with herself. Admission is free. All are welcome.

Bargains Galore at the Friends of the Library Used Book Sale

Wednesday, June 5, 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday, June 6 and 7, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, June 8, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the library’s Friendly Book Cellar. Most items are priced between $.25 and $2.00. On Saturday, fill a bag with books for just $8.00! Proceeds benefit the library!

"The Irish Language in the 21st Century"
The Friends are pleased to welcome Irish language teacher Paul Ferris to the Cranford Community Center on Monday, June 10, at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Ferris will talk about the Irish language, its relationship to other Celtic languages, and its current status. Mr. Ferris has an M.A. in Irish Studies from NYU, and has taught Irish for NYU's Speaking Freely program and at Drew University. He studied Irish in Galway, and was a member of the executive board of the North American Assoc. of Celtic Language Teachers. Admission is free. All are welcome.

Program on Molly Picon, Star of Yiddish Theatre

The Friends invite you to Dr. Diane Cypkin’s musical salute to the legendary Molly Picon on Wednesday, June 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center. Dr. Cypkin, a Professor of Media, Communication, and Visual Arts at Pace University, will tell the life story of the First Lady of the Yiddish Stage through the countless songs she sang. Admission is free and all are welcome.

“Spielberg: Through the Eyes of a Child”
The Friends invite you to join Chris Messineo, Director of the New Jersey Film School, who will talk about the art of Steven Spielberg and analyze scenes from Close Encounters, E.T., Empire of the Sun, and Jurassic Park on Thursday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cranford Community Center. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Library Hours
Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed Saturday, May 25, and Monday, May 27, for the Memorial Day Weekend
Closed Saturdays in the summer beginning June 29

Phone: 908-709-7272 • Email: library@cranfordnj.org • Web: cranford.com/library

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