Dunbarton Reads: News and Reviews

Season's Readings

2011-12-15T16:55:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite reads this time of year is Agnes Sligh Turnball's "Little Christmas". The story originally appeared in the Farm Journal for December 1947. Christmas was over, but Margaret Greaves was far from satisfied with the festivities. Despite the presence of all her children, something had been missing. On the evening of Twelfth Night, could celebrating "Little Christmas" make things better? It's worth a try... (Nancy)

Other recommendations:
There Once was a Christmas Tree by Jerry Smath
Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
The Christmas Revolution by Barbara Cohen
The Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Hate by Janice Cohn and Bill Farnsworth
Hanukkah! by Roni Schotter
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

Do you have a favorite seasonal read? Post it in our comments. And Happy Reading!!!

Safe Shopping (Repost from 2007)

2011-12-02T12:29:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year again, so I thought this old blog entry was worth repeating. ~Nancy

With all the recent recalls of toys and appliances and TV stands...how can you keep up with what's been recalled? Most stores do post notices of recalls of items they have sold. But what if you bought something months ago? Or received it as a gift?

There are a couple of websites that keep track of recalled items. The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers updates by RSS feed or email at their website: www.cpsc.gov. Recalls and notices from six federal agencies are collected at www.recalls.gov. Both sites have archives going back at least 10 years, in some categories the archives go back to the establishment of the agency in charge.

Also available on both sites are the safety guidelines each federal agency has established for various products. The CPSC site also offers tips for keeping safe while decorating for the holidays, the use of portable heaters, and other useful information to keep you and your family safe. Recalls.gov includes links to the six participating agencies' websites for even more helpful information.

Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday season!

Shine by Lauren Myracle

2011-11-29T19:37:00.002-05:00

Shine by Lauren Myracle

Reviewed by Joyce Ray

Step into Shine, a Blue Ridge Mountain world so real it’s like walking the dusty roads of Black Creek, North Carolina and solving a mystery with sixteen-year-old Cat. Author Lauren Myracle’s YA novel will grip you and keep you turning pages until Cat uncovers the perpetrator of a hate crime against Patrick, her gay childhood friend.

While Patrick lies in a coma after being beaten and tied to a gas station pump, Cat peels away the evidence layer by layer. Suspecting that the local sheriff is taking the easy way out by blaming the crime on unknown out-of-towners, she launches her own investigation.

Each discovery draws Cat closer to completing the puzzle. And each bit of knowledge increases her personal danger. Someone in her landscape dotted with drug pushers and meth users wants desperately to keep her from learning the truth. In her determination to avenge the crime against Patrick, Cat discovers the inner strength she needs to heal her own ugly wound. By story’s end, Cat emerges from the protective shell she has created around herself and faces the boy who once violated her.

My fury sizzled and popped until I wasn’t just mad, but crazy mad, as if I’d struck a match and lit myself on fire. What happened to Patrick was wrong. What happened to me was wrong. Every single thing was wrong, and when that great blaze of wrongness reached my core, my heart swelled and roared and cast it back out, leaving behind a white-hot clarity like nothing I’d ever experienced.

Myracle is a master story-teller. Shine is literary fiction at its best. Multi-layered characters, a strong sense of place, a suspense-filled plot all work to build a novel that dares to tell the truth about guilt, fear and love.

You may pick up Lauren Myracle’s Shine because you’ve heard about her roller coaster ride compliments of the National Book Award committee; first Shine is a nominee, then it’s not. But for whatever reason you read Shine, you’ll be glad you did.

Balloons and Letters and Geeks, Oh My!

2011-11-23T12:10:00.004-05:00

Happy Fibonacci Day to all the geeks out there.

We are still expecting Drew's Balloons today at 2 pm. Come be amazed by the intricate art of balloon twisting. There's so much more than just weiner dogs and swords.

For those needing something to occupy young minds this long weekend, considering entering the Letters About Literature contest. Students are asked to write a letter to a favorite author (living or dead) and describe how the author's work has impacted the reader's world view. State level winners will receive cash and gift cards worth $150. National winners will receive additional gift cards and grant money for their local school or library. The contest is open to grades 4 through 12. Letters entered in LAL 2012 must be postmarked no later than January 6, 2012 and must be recieved at LAL Central no later than 1/17/2012. Each entry must have an official entry coupon attached.

Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving, and gets to enjoy some time with family and friends.

We've Gone Mobile!

2011-11-19T11:20:00.002-05:00

I just set up this blog for optimized viewing on mobile devices. Now you can keep up to date on library news and check out books we've reviewed from your smart phone or other mobile device.

We've also combined the book reviews and library news blogs.

Let us know what you think. And feel free to tell us what you're reading!

Summer Reading Wrap-up, Part II

2011-08-16T17:56:00.000-04:00

The Dunbarton Public Library extends a big THANK YOU to all our Summer Reading Program participants! Together we read just over 1500 books, which is the second highest total in the past 10 years.

Receiving certificates for completing the summer reading program were: Hudson Arce, Laurel Arce, Madison Arce, Tamara Bowne, Angelo Constant, Anthony Constant, Adee Cooper, Chip Cooper, Deb Cooper, Henook Cooper, Jon Cross, Katie Cross, Lisa Cross, Erin Davies, Olivia Dodd, Wyatt Dodd, Andrea Douglas, Cassiopeia Dubrow, Carol Fisk, Pam Goodick, Linda Groleau, Elizabeth Hanson, Kris Hanson, Carol Kilmister, Julia Kilmister, Lauren Kilmister, Ian Klements, Rebecca Klements, Falon Labrecque, Nancy Lang, Beryl Leggett, Zane Liddle, Heather Luby, Shannon Luby, Colleen Madden, Herbie Madden, Vivian Madden, Chiara Petretta, Owen Petretta, Lisa Poirier, Mike Poirier, Leslie Pond, Riley Pond, Anja Stadelmann, Jana Stich, Jurgen Stich.

If you missed the finale on August 12, please stop by the Library to pickup your certificate and prizes. If you counted books this summer but did not return your log, please bring in your log or let us know your book total soon.

Summer Reading Wrap-up, Part I

2011-08-15T16:32:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to everyone who completed the summer reading program. If you missed the finale, you can pick up your certificate and prizes during regular library hours.

A special thank you to everyone who participated in the Geo-cache quest. Congratulations to the Arce Family on winning the grand prize. We're leaving the caches out until after Old Home Day for those who haven't found them all yet.

Astronomy Night TONIGHT at 7:30pm.

2011-08-08T13:31:00.000-04:00

The clouds are supposed to clear around 9, so we should be able to see some stars and moon craters and other neat stuff! Introductory talk and kids' activities will be indoors, then we'll head out for s'mores and star gazing when it gets dark. See you there!

Geo-Cache Quest #6

2011-07-30T00:45:00.000-04:00

Geo-cache Quest #6 (7/30)
This is the last one... and it's a multi-part quest.

Parking: N43 06.182 W071 36.972
Cache part 1: N43 06.211 W071 37.014

When you find part 1 at the coordinates above, you will get the coordinates to part 2.

The first container is smaller than the others have been.

Bring in the 'secret code' from each cache for an entry into the raffle. One lucky hunter will win a FULL YEAR of FREE FINES! You will get a bonus entry if you tell me something about the code (what it means, why you think I pick it...) or a "gee whiz" fact about the locale.

Codes must be turned in by August 10 to enter the drawing. (That's the day your reading log is also due!)

Next Week at the Library

2011-07-26T20:38:00.000-04:00

Two fantastic events are coming up!

On Friday, August 5, we invite folks to a pot luck supper at the library. Please contact Collen Madden to sign up and for more details. We need a head count by August 2.

And on August 8, we are holding the rescheduled Astronomy Night, sponsored by the Barlow/Dubrow and the New Hampshire Astronomical Society. This program begins at 7:30 pm on Monday. S'mores will be provided!

Geo-Cache Quest #5

2011-07-23T01:45:00.000-04:00

Geo-Cache Quest #5 (7/23/11)

Parking: N43 08.669 W071 39.290

Cache: N43 08.667 W071 39.282

Don't forget: you don't need to wait until you have all 6 codes to report in. Our supply of passports is limited, so come in soon to get one.

Geo-Cache Quest #4

2011-07-16T02:00:00.000-04:00

Geo-Quest #4 (7/16/11):

Parking: N 43 06.954 W071 38.340
Cache: N 43 06.964 W071 38.381

Each reported code gets you one entry in the final drawing. If you can supply a fact about the code (take a guess at how I chose it or what it means) you will get an extra entry.

And don't forget to bring in your reading log! We've had less than 200 books reported so far.... that's less than 10% of the total we need if Mrs. D is going to kiss a pig!

Geo-Cache Quest #3

2011-07-09T02:02:00.000-04:00

Here are the co-ordinates for the 3rd cache. Remember, you can report the code to the Library as you find them... you don't have to wait until you have all six. Each reported code gets you one entry in the final drawing. If you can supply a fact about the code (take a guess at how I chose it or what it means) you will get an extra entry.

Parking: N 43 08.359 W071 37.625

Cache: N 43 08.356 W071 37.638

Summer Reading Incentives

2011-07-05T16:02:00.000-04:00

We'd all like to think that our kids would spend the summer reading just for the fun of it. But for some children, extra incentives are needed to keep them reading when not in school. Here's a sampling of the incentives available.

The Dunbarton Public Library's summer reading program awards a certificate and public recognition to all our readers, as well as small prizes and a fun-filled finale! If we collectively read at least 2000 books, Mrs. D will even kiss a pig.

TD Bank is again offering to add $10 to a new or existing youth saver account for each child who reads 10 books this summer. Details are available here: http://www.tdbank.com/summerreading/ And if you complete that program by August 1, you will also get a certificate for 2 tickets to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats Summer Reading Night on August 9th. (Fisher Cats v. Erie SeaWolves at 7:05 pm) Readers can also participate in a pregame parade around the field.

Barnes & Noble offers a free book when a child reads 8 books: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/index.asp

Scholastic offers a summer challenge for digital prizes for minutes read: http://www.scholastic.com/summer/

Pizza Hut's BookIt program has a summer component: http://www.bookitprogram.com/

Search the web for more programs... there are many, many more out there. Try "Summer Reading Incentive program" to start. Many of these websites also offer tips for parents on ways to encourage reading.

Please note: mention in this post does NOT constitute endorsement of any of the programs by the Dunbarton Public Library. (Except of course, for our own program... we heartily endorse participation in that!)

Geo-Cache Quest #2

2011-07-02T01:33:00.000-04:00

Quest #2 (7/2/11)

Parking: N43 04.575 W071 37.971

Cache: N43 04.598 W071 37.968

Bring the code to the Library to get a stamp in your passport, and an entry in the final drawing. Bonus entry if you can tell me something about the code.

Geo-Cache Quest #1 Co-ordinates

2011-06-25T01:44:00.000-04:00

Quest #1 (6/25/11)

Parking:

N43 06.138 W071 36.722

Cache:

N43 06.185 W071 36.727

Please be sure you have the correct datum entered into your GPS. On the “set up” page, sub page “units” under “datum” it should be WGS84 (world geodetic survey done in 1984).

Geo-Cache Quest: How to Play

2011-06-25T01:35:00.000-04:00

Geo‐Cache Quest
Dunbarton Public Library
Summer 2011

How to Play:
Each week, the coordinates to one of the six caches will be released. This will generally happen on Saturday, with the coordinates posted to the Library website, Facebook page, and at the Library. If you would like the coordinates sent to you by email, please let us know.
1. Use the “parking” coordinates to get to the general area. Please observe any signs regarding parking in the area, and be sure your vehicle is not blocking the road or any driveways.
2. Enter the “cache” coordinates in your GPS unit and click on “go to” (or the equivalent). Follow the heading given on your GPS unit and watch the distance scroll down. When you are within a few feet, you may want to start looking for the cache.
3. When you find the container, note where it was. Open the lid to get the secret code and to sign the log. If you take any of the swag, please leave something for the next person.
4. Return the container to its hiding spot.
5. Bring the code to the Dunbarton Public Library to get a stamp in your passport.

Notes:
Keep in mind that the accuracy of your GPS unit is subject to interference from weather, tall trees and buildings, power lines, and even your own body.
Be prepared for anything! Bring along sunscreen, bug spray, bottled water and extra batteries. Bring a pen or pencil and paper to jot down the secret code.
Be respectful of others and the environment. Leave the area as you found it. No digging is required to find the caches, but they may be under rocks or leaves.
Watch out for Muggles! If you spot others looking for the cache, ask if you can join them or if you should wait at the parking area until they are finished.
Have Fun!

Summer Geo-Cache Quest

2011-06-15T11:57:00.000-04:00

Join the Geo-Cache craze!

The Library has hidden six caches around the town, each representing a different foreign locale. Find all six, report the secret code to the Library, and be entered in a special raffle. There will also be "first to find" prizes and "swag" to swap.

Coordinates will be released on a weekly basis beginning June 25.

Need help or a GPS unit? Sign up at the Library and we will match you with an experienced Geo-cacher.

Town Wide Read: Walden by Henry David Thoreau

2011-04-09T21:40:00.000-04:00

There's still plenty of time to get involved with the Town Wide Read of Walden. Check out these events:

Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30pm

We are thrilled to host a visit from Beth Krommes, the 2009 Caldecott Winner for her children’s book The House in the Night. Beth was featured recently in the Concord Monitor, and has been in the national spotlight as she shared her beautiful book.

Wednesday, April 13 at 1pm The Dunbarton Library is underwriting a visit by Susan Lockwood, “The Loon Lady,” to the elementary school for a visual and auditory study of these fascinating birds. Thoreau cherished the loons he heard at Walden Pond.

Tuesday, April 19 at 7pm (NOTE CHANGE OF DATE) Denise Askin, a St. Anselm College professor, will facilitate a discussion on the relevance of Walden: self reliance, environmental protection, etc. Copies of the book are available for loan at the library. Or download a digital copy here.

Saturday, April 23 at 2pm Kris Hanson, a local artist and contributor to Dunbarton’s town calendar, will lead a guided outdoor “en plein aire” sketching activity for ages 8 and up. Hot chocolate will follow at the library.

No April Fool's Joke

2011-04-01T08:10:00.000-04:00

The Library is closed today, April 1, due to the snow. No fines will be charged for today.

We will be open tomorrow, Saturday April 2, from 10 to 2.

Saturday, April 2 at 1:30pm For our celebration of Earth Day and Spring and one of America’s most pivotal books, Deb Cooper will facilitate a group creation of A Dunbarton Alphabet Book, inspired by Thoreau’s world. Each family who participates will “adopt” a letter and illustrate its page. The final nature drawings will be formally bound into a book which will proudly sit in the library. Art, nature and book lovers are heartily invited!

Storm closing 2/25/11

2011-02-25T09:45:00.000-05:00

The Library is closed today, Friday, February 25, due to the storm. Please stay safe and warm!

LEGO Club will meet tomorrow from 10:30-1:30. Drop by whenever you can for as long as you can.

As always, when the weather may affect driving conditions: please check the library blog, website, or Facebook page, call us at 774-3546, or check the closing listings on WMUR.com to see if we have closed before venturing out.

Lots to do at the Library this week

2011-02-22T13:44:00.000-05:00

It may be school vacation week, but there's plenty happening at the Library. We have programs scheduled for every age, and all for free! So come on over, enjoy time with friends and neighbors, and beat the late winter blues.

Tuesday:

Knitting 1:30-3:30 pm. Other hand crafts also welcome.

"Liberty is Our Motto: Songs and Stories of the Hutchinson Family Singers" 7:00 pm. Learn about the Hutchinson Family of Milford, superstars of the mid-1800's. Sponsored by the New Hampshire Humanities Council.

Wednesday:

Story time for ages 18 months and older 10:30 am.

Book discussion: The German Bride by Joanna Hershon 12:00 pm. Bring a bag lunch, beverage and dessert provided.

Thursday:

NH Author Kristina Schram 4:00 pm. Kristina is the author of the young adult fantasy The Chronicles of Anaedor : The Prophecies.

Pajama Tales 6:30 pm. Story time for all ages. Wear your pjs if you dare!

Friday:

Lego Club 10:30 am - 3:30 pm. Drop by anytime to build with your friends.

Saturday:

Lego Club 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. Drop by anytime to build with your friends.

Hope you can join us for one or more of these events. And don't forget to check out all the books, magazines, and movies we have to fill the rest of your week!

Web Sites to Check Out

2011-01-19T11:10:00.002-05:00

I recently learned about 2 sites that might be of interest to readers.

Kathy Patrick, owner of "Beauty and the Book", has teamed up with Random House to produce an online book discussion series. The Beauty and the Book Show premiered January 18, and will present a new episode each Tuesday for the next 12 weeks. Each episode features an interview with an author about his/her latest book.

Stymied by all the eBook formats? BookBee has created a "Newbies guide to eBooks", an easy-to-read, graphic guide to help you determine which format(s) and software work with your reader.

Found an interesting book related site? Share it in the comments or send us an email about it.

~Nancy

Closed for the storm

2011-01-18T13:17:00.000-05:00

The Dunbarton Public Library is closed today due to the storm.

The Book Group Tea scheduled for this evening will be rescheduled. We are looking at Thursday, January 20 or Tuesday, February 1 as possible dates. Please let us know which you prefer.

Please remember to call before heading out when the weather is bad.

NO Story Time Jan 12

2011-01-11T14:47:00.000-05:00

With 6-12 inches of snow predicted for tomorrow, we are canceling story time.

It is likely that the Library will be closed for the day. Please call before heading out, or check this blog for updates.

Just a reminder: when the weather is "iffy", please call the Library before you head in our direction. We may be closed, or closing early, and we'd hate for you to make an unnecessary trip.

Winter reminders

2011-01-04T16:28:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder... please call the Library before coming when the weather is bad. We may be closed, or closing early, and don't want you to make an unnecessary trip. Due dates will be extended to the next day we're open, and no fines are charged for days we are closed.

You can also renew most books and movies by phone if you cannot make it to the Library for any reason. (We are unable to renew some inter-library loan items or items that have been reserved by another patron.)

So be safe... stay home when the roads are bad or if you're not feeling well.

Book Discussion Schedule: January to June 2011

2010-11-26T12:43:00.000-05:00

Our "Travel the World" series continues into the new year with stops in China, Germany, Mexico, Massachusetts, and Poland. All discussions are held on Wednesdays at noon. Bring a bag lunch and we will provide beverage and dessert.

January 26: Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok
February 23: The German Bride by Joanna Hershon
March 30: Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea
April 27: Walden by Henry David Thoreau
May 25: Amandine by Marlena De Blasi

June will be a book/movie discussion with details to follow.

The full schedule, including details about the books, is available here. Copies of the books will be available 3-4 weeks prior to the discussion.

Book Discussion Schedule: January to June 2011

2010-11-26T12:30:00.004-05:00

January 26: Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok
February 23: The German Bride by Joanna Hershon
March 30: Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea
April 27: Walden by Henry David Thoreau
May 25: Amandine by Marlena De Blasi

Two Fundraisers and a Contest Alert

2010-11-06T12:20:00.000-04:00

Don't forget to visit the Fort Eddy Road Borders on Thursday November 11 or Friday November 12 to support the Dunbarton Public Library's Benefit Days. Bring along the special voucher, and the Library will receive a percentage of net sales. As a special treat, Anja Stadelmann and Eden McInturff will be performing on Thursday at 5:30 pm. Enjoy the music, get a start on your holiday shopping, or purchase an item from the Library's Wish List.

We are taking orders for the 2011 Dunbarton Farms Calendar. This year's calendar features photos (and a painting) of farms, barns, livestock, and produce seen around the town. They make great gifts, and if you prepay by November 12, we are offering a 10% discount off the regular $15 price!

Finally... do you know a "Fancy Nancy"? HarperCollins, the publisher of the Fancy Nancy books, is holding a contest for Fancy Nancy fans ages 3 to 8. The winner will appear in a future Fancy Nancy book. More details, official rules, and a chance to vote for your favorite entry can be found at http://photocontest.fancynancyworld.com/

Fancy Nancy Fantastic Fan Photo Contest

Old Home Day 2010

2010-09-21T18:09:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Mary Stadelmann, winner of the large mum raffle. And thank you to everyone who purchased mums to support the Library!

Read: Knock Your Socks Off!
Thanks to everyone who marched in the parade with us!

Pictures from the Coroner's Inquest

2010-07-31T11:09:00.000-04:00

Prosecutor U. B. Bad (Mark Kilmister) prepares to question a witness.

Do Bee Handsome (Fred Mullen) gives his testimony.

Many spectators enjoyed the proceedings.

Miss Gilda B. Good (Audra Breault) explains her actions as Judge I. B. Cool (Norm Roberge) looks on.

For a full report on the evening and more pictures, check out the Teen Blog at http://dunbartonteens.blogspot.com/.

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much

2010-07-07T11:40:00.003-04:00

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession
By Allison Hoover Bartlett
Read by Judith Brackley
Published by Tantor Media, c2009

In The Man Who loved Books Too Much, journalist Allison Hoover Bartlett dives into the world of antique books... and book thieves. John Gilkey is the unrepentant thief of thousands, perhaps millions, of dollars worth of rare books. Ken Sanders is a rare book dealer who spends years trying to catch Gilkey, and is obsessed with finding where the stolen books have been hidden. Allison's quest begins as an idea for an article on what motivates a book thief such as Gilkey. As she follows the story and interviews Sanders, Gilkey, and others, she becomes more and more involved with the story. Gilkey treats her as his confessor; and Sanders questions the wisdom of her getting so close to Gilkey.

Judith Brackley does an excellent job reading the book, with a pleasant pace and tone that helps draw the listener into the story. (and kept me entertained when detours extended my trip by a couple of hours)

So what drives one man to collect books using legitimate means and another to feel that his "acquiring the books for nothing" is justified? And how can a known thief continue to steal? You'll have to read or listen to The Man Who Loved Books Too Much to find out.

Reviewed by Nancy Lang

Fund-Raiser Thank You.

2010-06-19T12:46:00.000-04:00

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who supported our Usborne Book Sale fund-raiser! Sales passed the $750 mark, so we will receive 15% towards the Museum Reimbursement program. We also received most of the titles on our original wish list, so look for new books in the children's collections.

If you missed the sale, you can order online through Tuesday, June 22 to increase our profit. Any orders placed after the 22nd will count toward a future sale, so you can help the Library at any time.

Thank you for your support!

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

2010-04-27T19:31:00.002-04:00

We recently (well, back in January) held a contest that involved writing a review, blurb, or summary of Rick Riordan's "The Lightning Thief", the first book in his Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.

Ayla Wamser and Sam Shearin won the random drawings for free tickets to the Lightning Thief movie. All the entries were winners in their own right, and are reproduced in the comments for your enjoyment.

Legos and Movies and Books, Oh My!

2010-04-20T18:14:00.000-04:00

The LEGO Club meets Saturday, April 24 at 10:30am and Tuesday, April 27 at 4:00pm. Come build an "energy machine" with your friends!

April's Book Discussion choice is Judas Horse by April Smith. Join the discussion on Tuesday, April 27 at 6:30pm or bring your lunch on Wednesday, April 28 at noon.

Vacation Week Movies: Join us on Wednesday and Friday at 2 pm for a couple of great family flicks! Wednesday's show will be "The Princess and the Frog" and on Friday, we will show "Justice League: Tale of Two Earths".

There will be NO story time April 28 & 29, due to vacation week scheduling.

Online Book Sale: Visit http://www.usbornechampions.com/SU/SharingUsborne.htm and click on Dunbarton Public Library Fundraiser. The Library earns a percentage of all sales, which will go towards our Museum Reimbursement Program. If you'd like to purchase a book for the Library, our wish list is available on the web site. We will also have a selection of books on display at the Library June 8-15.

Vacation Week at the Dunbarton Public Library

2010-02-23T18:09:00.000-05:00

It's school vacation week, and things are hopping at the Library!

The LEGO Club met today, and will meet again on Saturday at 10:30 am. Join in the fun as we build items to celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Beware the creepy-crawlies when Reptiles on the Move visit the Library on Friday at 2pm.

For adults, we have two discussions of Nancy Clark's "July and August" scheduled for Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm and Wednesday at noon. The noon session will be attended by the author, and participants are invited to bring a bag lunch.

The weather forecast for this week is 'iffy' (there is a winter storm warning in effect) so please call ahead to be sure that the library is open and events are taking place as scheduled.

Oh the weather outside is frightful....

2009-12-09T10:50:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder... please call the Library before coming when the weather is bad. We may be closed, or closing early, and don't want you to make an unnecessary trip. Due dates will be extended to the next day we're open, and no fines are charged for days we are closed.

You can also renew most books and movies by phone if you cannot make it to the Library for any reason. (We are unable to renew some interlibrary loan items or items that have been reserved by another patron.)

So be safe... stay home when the roads are bad or if you're not feeling well.

And yes, we ARE CLOSED today, Wednesday, December 9, 2009.

Holiday Happenings

2009-11-24T13:51:00.000-05:00

Watch our new slide show of upcoming events:

Thanksgiving: Closed Thursday & Friday

Holiday Concert featuring R. P. Hale Thursday, December 3 at 7pm

Christmas: Closed Thursday & Friday

Book Discussion: Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
December 29 at 6:30 pm & December 30 at Noon

New Year's Eve: Wizard of Oz movie at 4pm
New Year's: Closing at 6pm on Thursday, Closed Friday

Don't Forget! The 2010 Dunbarton Artists Calendar makes a great Holiday gift!!!!!

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

2009-10-14T14:03:00.005-04:00

Katsa is a Graceling, in a land where folks who have a special grace or skill are often feared or exploited. Katsa's grace is killing, and her uncle, King Randa of Middluns, uses her to punish those who cross him. Trying to put her skills to a good use, Katsa forms The Council, an informal group of her close friends and a wide range of supporters throughout the Seven Kingdoms.

During a Council mission, Katsa first meets Prince Po of Lienid. Po is also a Graceling, graced with combat skills nearly equal to Katsa's own. Training together, they begin to learn each other's secrets. But can they trust each other enough to save Po's cousin? And work together to learn who was behind the kidnapping of Po's grandfather?

Graceling is a well written first novel, full of sword play, fist fights, adventure and even a little romance. It has been nominated for the Flume Award: New Hampshire Teen Readers' Choice.

Reviewed by Nancy Lang

Flu: The Story of the Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918

2009-05-18T15:10:00.002-04:00

Flu: The Story Of The Great Influenza Pandemic by Gina Kolata

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fascinating account of the search for the virus that caused the 1918 Influenza pandemic. The author also covers some of what scientists have learned from flu outbreaks throughout the 20th century, including how influenza strains from pigs and chickens can be transmitted to humans (and vice versa), and how they can combine to form new, more violent, strains. She also covers the Swine Flu vaccination efforts of 1976 and the problems and lawsuits it caused for the government.

Because the book was published in 1999, I felt the story was not complete. In 1997-1998, the virus that caused the 1918 flu was finally discovered in a few samples of lung tissue preserved from victims and in a body buried in the permafrost of Alaska. Still, questions remained. What caused the flu to breakout in multiple countries at nearly the same time? Had there been a related virus traveling the world 2-3 years before that eventually emerged as the H1N1 virus of 1918? And why did the flu kill so many the 20-40 year old age range, a group that usually had the highest survival rating in other epidemics?

Flu offers an interesting history of influenza outbreaks and research. With explanations in plain English of how viruses spread and change over time, this is valuable reading for anyone worried about the current pandemic.

View all my reviews.

The Lowdown on Downloadable Audios

2009-03-27T13:57:00.000-04:00

The New Hampshire Downloadable Audio Book Consortium is now offering select titles in MP3 format from Overdrive. These MP3 files are compatible with iPods and Mac computers, as well as PCs and other players. Please see nh.lib.overdrive.com for additional details.

Also new to the Audio deal: Ratings! You can now sign in and rate audios you've downloaded. Once a sufficient number of ratings have been posted, users will be able to search by ratings... so please consider rating those titles you've already listened to.

Now that the weather is improving, you can listen to a book while you walk or do yard work.

Elephant Run by Roland Smith

2009-03-04T14:42:00.002-05:00

Excellent!! Amazing!!

Submitted by Olivia Dodd

Note: Elephant Run has been nominated for the 2009 Great Stone Face Award. Voting will take place during National Library Week, April 12-18.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2009-02-11T13:59:00.002-05:00

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Reviewed by Lauren Kilmister

I first heard about The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins when it was recommended by Twilight author Stephenie Meyer on her website a few months ago. I didn’t think about the book again however, until a few weeks ago when I saw it in the Dunbarton Public Library. Trusting past reviews, I tried the book out – and was instantly hooked.

The overall plot of The Hunger Games is unique – teenagers fighting to the death for fortune and glory. It takes place in the future, and what used to be The United States is now a country divided into 12 districts still recovering from a brutal civil war. The Hunger Games serve as a punishment for the revolutions – a teenage boy and girl are randomly chosen from each district, 24 contestants in all, to fight to the death – a fate no one wants. In District 12 resides Katniss Everdeen, a strong-willed teen providing for her mother and younger sister. As the reader will soon discover, the course of her life is changed by The Hunger Games.

I would recommend this book to everyone if I could, but the violence insists it should be read by kids over twelve. Filled with suspense, danger, humor, and a little romance, The Hunger Games is addictive – with many hours of sleep lost to it. The Hunger Games might sound scary and a little bit stupid, but I assure you it’s worth every second you’ll spend reading it.

Dealing with severe cold

2009-01-14T13:12:00.000-05:00

The cold weather is a GREAT REASON to stock up on books and movies from the Library!

Important information from the Department of Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: (Contact: Jim Van Dongen, 603-223-3641)

HSEM URGES PRECAUTIONS DURING SEVERE COLD

CONCORD, N.H. – The N.H. Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is encouraging everyone in the state to take precautions to protect themselves during the extreme cold that is predicted for the rest of this week.

“Exposure to extreme cold can result in frostbite and hypothermia,” said Christopher M. Pope, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “We strongly urge people to dress in layers and take other precautions to protect themselves and their families.”

Pope offered a number of other suggestions for staying safe in extremely cold weather:

Monitor weather conditions via broadcast news reports or the Internet.
Limit time outdoors, especially by the elderly, the very young and pets. Anyone participating in outdoor recreational activities should dress for extreme conditions.
Seek immediate medical attention for persons showing signs of frostbite or hypothermia. Indications of frostbite are a loss of sensation and a pale appearance in body extremities. Warning signs of hypothermia are incontrollable shivering, slurred speech, disorientation and exhaustion.
Exercise caution when using alternative heating sources, such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Never use an outdoor appliance, such as a charcoal or gas grill, for indoor heating or cooking.
Be a good neighbor. Check on the welfare of elderly or disabled relatives or friends to ensure their safety.
Insulate pipes to keep them from freezing and allow a trickle of water to run from the faucet farthest from the service entrance.
If pipes freeze, do not use an open flame to thaw them. Use a hair dryer or other non-flame heat source.
Keep an emergency kit in your home that includes flashlights and fresh batteries, a battery-powered radio, bottled water, non-perishable food and a first aid kit.
Ensure that your car is properly winterized. Keep the gas tank at least half full and keep a jumper cable, tow rope, blankets and a flashlight and fresh batteries in it for emergencies.

The National Weather Service is predicting extremely cold temperatures throughout New Hampshire through the weekend.

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

2008-07-29T18:58:00.004-04:00

Spiderman (or maybe Superman or Batman) meets the Men in Black in James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge's The Dangerous Days of Daniel X.

Daniel was only three when his parents were killed... and now he has to fill their role as an alien hunter. Fortunately, Daniel has some special skills... like creating people and things out of stray molecules. And he has the friends he creates to keep him company... and watch his back.

Ergent Seth, Number 6 on The List, is Daniel's next target. Seth wants to take over the Earth, eliminate the human race, and move in his horse-headed fellow creatures. In the meantime, he's kidnapping little kids and forcing them to deal drugs from his base in Malibu.

Daniel's never gone after anyone this high on The List before... can he defeat an alien whose powers may be greater than his own? Will he survive to go after his parents' killer?

Written to appeal to ages 10 to 110, Daniel X could become the next Harry Potter. It's that good!

~Nancy

Dear American Airlines

2008-07-17T14:56:00.000-04:00

Dear American Airlines, by Jonathan Miles

Bennie Ford is just trying to get to his estranged daughter's wedding/commitment ceremony. His ticket was to take him from New York to LA, with a 45 minute stop in Chicago. Unknown circumstances force his plane to land in Peoria, where the passengers are boarded on a bus to O'Hare. Eight hours later, Bennie's still in O'Hare, and missing the rehearsal dinner. Frustrated by the delay, he begins writing a letter to American Airlines, demanding a refund.

His letter quickly dissolves into a massive missive which is part autobiography, part commentary on his fellow stranded passengers and the airport personnel, and part Polish literature... Bennie is in the process of translating a novel from Polish to English, and he includes portions in his letter.

Ranging from hilarious (some of Bennie's antics while under the influence) to heart-breaking (his mother can no longer talk, so she converses via messages written on post-it notes), Jonathan Miles has crafted a novel that gives new meaning to "airplane reading".

Magic Street

2008-05-06T18:42:00.000-04:00

I'm listening to Magic Street by Orson Scott Card, one of the many titles available to download with our new Downloadable Audiobook Service. Mac Street was found in a plastic grocery bag near a drain pipe when he was only hours old. Adopted by the neighborhood nurse, he knows he's different. His 'cold dreams' show him the deepest desires of people in his neighborhood...and all too often, those dreams come true in the worst possible way. Who is this homeless man the professor refers to as "The Bag Man", Cecil calls "Mr. Christmas", and Mac thinks is really Puck, the trickster fairy? Who is he really? And what's with the motorcycle lady?

I finished the book...a terrific story, with lots of plot twists, exciting happenings, and secret identities revealed. A bonus on the audio version...author Orson Scott Card talks about how he came to write the book, and how the characters and plot were developed.

One note on Magic Street: The Science Fiction Book Club did label this book for explicit language, meaning it has more 'course' language than other books of the same genre and reading level.

If you like potty humor, you'll like this book.

Originally posted on the Teen Blog by Nancy in October, 2006.

An Abundance of Katherines

2008-05-06T18:13:00.000-04:00

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green is the tale of Colin Singleton, child prodigy. Now a high school graduate and unsure of his genius status, Colin has just been dumped by his 19th Katherine. Yes, he has only dated girls named Katherine. Determined to ease his depression, Colin's friend Hassan "I'm not a terrorist" Harbist decides they need to go on a road trip.

Driving along in Colin's car, known as "Satan's Hearse", the two friends find themselves in Gutshot, Tennessee, home to the grave of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. There they meet Lindsay Lee Wells, her boyfriend (TOC... the other Colin), and find themselves a job taking oral histories of the residents of Gutshot. Colin's obsessions with anagrams and trying to develop a formula to predict how long a relationship will last and who will do the dumping become the backdrop of an adventure that includes hunting feral pigs, a factory that makes the strings for tampons, and the puzzle of how a dead Austro-Hungarian archduke ended up in a grave in Tennessee.

Can Colin create a theorem that works? Why is Lindsay's mother so insistent that they stay out of the house during her "working hours"? What is really going on? And does any of it really matter?

Math can be beautiful. Read An Abundance of Katherines and you'll see why.

Punished

2008-05-06T18:11:00.000-04:00

I just read Punished! by David Lubar. It's been nominated for the Great Stone Face Award (grades 4-6 get to vote next month for the winner) but I think it's got appeal for older folks as well.

Logan has gone to the library with his friend Benedict to start work on a report they've been assigned. Benedict starts a game of tag, but it's Logan who gets caught running through the reference room. Professor Wordsmith says he needs to be punished... and suddenly Logan is speaking in puns!

The only cure is find seven examples each of oxymorons, anagrams, and palindromes before time runs out, and Logan ends up speaking in puns forever.

Can he do it? Read Punished! by David Lubar to find out.

Originally posted on the Teen blog on 3/09/2008 by Nancy

Hit The Road

2008-05-06T18:07:00.000-04:00

Hit the Road, by Caroline B. Cooney

Ready for some laughs? Brittany Anne Bowman (Brit to her friends) has had her license for 11 days. Do her parents leave the car for her while they're off to Alaska? No, the car will be parked in the airport parking lot for the next two weeks. Brit will be parked at her 86-year-old grandmother's house, dependent on Nannie's aids for transportation. Because Brit's mother cut up Nannie's license and sold her caddy.

Nannie, of course, has other plans. Within minutes of Brit's parents' departure, a GMC Safari van pulls up. Nannie has rented the van, with a plan to pick up Flo on Long Island, then head up to Massachusetts to kidnap Aurelia from the secure ward of the nursing home her son stuck her into. After changing Aurelia's will to leave everything to their alma mater, they will pick up Daisy and arrive in Maine in time for their 65th college reunion. Nothing can stop Buttermeres, after all.

Or can they be stopped? Nannie can't see over the steering wheel. Brit's too young to legally drive a rental car. Nannie's nosy neighbor calls the police about the torn up lawn. Then there's the highway...and the ferry...and Aurelia's greedy son...and the police...

Will "The Girls" make it to the reunion? Will Brit still have a license by the time her parents get home?

Hit the Road and read all about the big adventure!

(Originally posted by Nancy on the Teen Blog, 11/08/06)

Safe Shopping

2007-12-11T17:20:00.000-05:00

With all the recent recalls of toys and appliances and TV stands...how can you keep up with what's been recalled? Most stores do post notices of recalls of items they have sold. But what if you bought something months ago? Or received it as a gift?

There are a couple of websites that keep track of recalled items. The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers updates by RSS feed or email at their website: www.cpsc.gov. Recalls and notices from six federal agencies are collected at www.recalls.gov. Both sites have archives going back at least 10 years, in some categories the archives go back to the establishment of the agency in charge.

Also available on both sites are the safety guidelines each federal agency has established for various products. The CPSC site also offers tips for keeping safe while decorating for the holidays, the use of portable heaters, and other useful information to keep you and your family safe. Recalls.gov includes links to the six participating agencies' websites for even more helpful information.

Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday season!

Want to know if we own a book?

2006-12-15T14:01:00.000-05:00

Do you ever wonder if the library has a particular book? Of course, you can always call the library to ask...but what if we're not open? Think you're out of luck?

You're not. You can check the New Hampshire Union Public Access Catalog (otherwise known as NHU-PAC) to see if we own a title. You can search by title, author, subject or ISBN, or browse by any index. Advanced Searching allows you to limit the results by location...our code is HSSO.

The NHU-PAC won't tell you if the title is actually available, but you can see if we own it. Almost everything we've added to the collection since 1991 has been tagged, and many items acquired prior to then have also been tagged.

If you'd like a demonstration of how to search the NHU-PAC, stop by the library any time we're open.

Top Ten Re-Read Books

2006-10-27T13:14:00.000-04:00

A recent report listed these 10 books as the most frequently re-read books in America.

J. R. R. Tolkien - The Lord of the Rings
Charles Dickens - A Christmas Carol
Harper Lee - To Kill a Mockingbird
Shakespeare's collected works
F. Scott Fitzgerald - The Great Gatsby
Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice
J. K. Rowling - Harry Potter series
Laura Ingalls Wilder - Little House on the Prairie series
A. A Milne - Winnie the Pooh
Alice Walker - The Color Purple

How many have you read more than once? What are you favorite books to read again and again?