Watch our video below to learn how!
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Get a text from the library!
Our online catalog now allows you to place a hold on an item, then get a text message when it's in! You can also look up the call number of a book, DVD or audiobook that we have available, then get a text with that information to make it easier to find.
Watch our video below to learn how!
Watch our video below to learn how!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Computer Classes at the Main Library
————————–—— Level 1 ——————————
Computer & Internet for Beginners (4 sessions) Fridays, 9:30-11 am, 3rd Floor lab
The first two weeks of this class will build your basic computer skills by teaching the parts of the computer and practicing with mouse and keyboard. The second two weeks will teach you how to go online and perform basic Internet searches. Register on the 2nd Floor Reference Desk or call 508-799-1655 ext. 3.
New! Clase Básica de Computadora (4 sessions)
Jueves, 1:00-2:00 pm , 3rd Piso, Laboratorio de Computadora
Si necesitas ayuda con computadoras, esta clase es para ti. Cubrimos la información más básica: cómo usar el ratón y el teclado, abrir programas, y usar el internet para buscar información. Cada mes empieza un nuevo semestre de 4 clases. Para registrarse, llame al 508-799-1655 ext. 3 o registrarse en persona en el escritorio de consulta en el segundo pisa.
———————–——–————–— Level 2 ——————————–—————
Open Lab with Staff Assistance (Drop-in) Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m., 3rd Floor lab
Audience: Students, Job Seekers and Adult Learners with basic computer skills
Drop-in lab designed for people who need extra computer time to work on job applications, Microsoft word documents, or those who need assistance setting up a library account, email, downloading ebooks or audiobooks. No registration required.
College Admission Essays, Resume & Job Assistance, Research Help
Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 2nd Floor Ref. Desk
Audience: Students, Job Seekers, Adult Learners
Assistance with writing resumes and cover letters, finding information on a topic, editing, content organization and citations. Register on the Events Calendar on the library’s website or call 508-799-1655 ext. 3.
Resume Help
Wednesdays, Walk in 9:00-10:00 am, or by appointment, 10:00-11:30 am, 2nd Floor
Wednesdays, Walk in 9:00-10:00 am, or by appointment, 10:00-11:30 am, 2nd Floor
Audience: Students, Job Seekers, Adult Learners with a draft of a resume and basic computer skills
Bring your typed resume on paper or flash drive and receive feedback from Dr. Terry Chapman, volunteer professional career consultant. Register at the 2nd Floor Reference Desk or call us at 508-799-1655 x3.
—————–——–————–— Technology Demystified!——————————
**These are one session intermediate classes, for adults who have taken the Level 1 class, are comfortable with keyboard and mouse, and have a working e-mail address. Register online by going to www.worcpublib.org and clicking “Events and Activities,” then searching for the class using the calendar on the right.
**These are one session intermediate classes, for adults who have taken the Level 1 class, are comfortable with keyboard and mouse, and have a working e-mail address. Register online by going to www.worcpublib.org and clicking “Events and Activities,” then searching for the class using the calendar on the right.
Linked-In: Friday, May 9, 11:30—1, 3rd Floor lab
This class will teach you how to create an effective, eye-catching profile on the networking site Linked In. It will also cover job search techniques using Linked-In and other free websites.
Facebook: Friday, May 16, 11:30-1, 3rd Floor lab—additional Friday sessions June 6 & July 11
Explore the uses of Facebook, set up an account, find “friends,” and understand privacy settings.
PowerPoint: Friday, May 23, 11:30-1, 3rd Floor lab—additional Friday sessions June 27 & July 25
When you go to almost any lecture today, you will notice that the speakers have organized their information into PowerPoint slides. If you are working or in school, you will eventually be asked to give a talk using these slides. This class will prepare you, start to finish. The only thing left is dealing with your nervous butterflies!
———————–——–————–— Always available ——————————–—————
Drop-In eBook Help
Audience: Anyone interested in downloading e-books to their personal computer or devices
Stop by any reference desk to ask questions and get help downloading eBooks to your eReader or Smartphone. Please bring your device! No registration required.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Tutor.com
ONE Live tutors are available from 3 PM - midnight every day for one-on-one help, on any subject for students grades K-12 and for adults looking for resume assistance or career help. To start a session with a tutor, click here or start from our website, www.worcpublib.org, and click "Online Databases" then "Tutor.com." You can create an account which will allow you to login and save tutor sessions. All you need to create an account is your Worcester library card and an email address.
You will be asked to select a subject and grade level to start a tutoring session. While in the session, you can upload documents to work on with the tutor. They may also give you links to online resources which will be saved in your Tutor.com account.
TWO In addition to the live tutoring, there are other resources which are available 24/7. These include study resources such as flashcards, links and worksheets; test prep resources such as practice tests; and career resources.
PLUS - download the Tutor.com app on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and receive free tutoring on the go.
Need help? Ask a librarian.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
From the Children's Room
It’s hard to tell what happened in February from beneath the piles and piles of snow! Here in the Children’s Room at the Main Library, we’re digging our way out and hoping to find some spring weather as we tunnel into March. Whether or not Mother Nature heeds our cry, we have some exciting programs in
the works.
Start off the month right by saying “Happy Birthday!” to the man behind The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham. Stop by for Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Bash on March 3. This month we’ll also kick off our new program series, Artist-at-Work, with a visit from painter and illustrator Nancy McBride. Her work will be on display all month, and she will demonstrate her craft on March 29th. Do you have artistic aspirations of your own? Learn to Draw Manga with graphic artist and teacher extraordinaire Jamie Buckmaster during our bi-weekly workshops on March 14 and March 28, or join us for an Equinox Craft on March 20. 
Love stories? We have programs for all ages - our Spring Storytime Session starts the first week of March. Sign up for Toddler Time or Preschool Storytime, or drop by on Tuesdays for Baby Time or PJ Storytime on March 4 and March 18. Read to Nemo, our favorite Newfoundland, on March 11, or Act out African Folktales on March 15 with storyteller Laura Partridge. Older kids can join us for the final M.C.B.A Book Club of the season on March 12 to discuss Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai; if you can’t make it, be sure to vote for your favorite before the deadline on March 14! We’re also instituting bi-weekly Family Feature Films, so join us for movies on March 7 and March 21.
All programs are free and open to the public. For more details, including ages and times, keep an eye on our calendar and on Facebook. We hope to see you in March!
Teen Zone
The Teen Department is welcoming a new staff member this month, and with it even more teen programs! We are now offering both a book club and a writing club every month for teens. In March, the Teen Reads book club will be discussing YA novel Winger by Andrew Smith on Tuesday, March 18th from 5:30-6:30. The Spilled Ink writing club will meet on Wednesday March 26th from 6-7:30 for another writing workshop to improve skills and get the creativity flowing for aspiring writers!
Another new program that is beginning this spring is a Studio Art 101 class for teens. We will be inviting professional artists to teach different forms of art for free at the library! On March 15th, registration will open for a series of classes taught by painter and illustrator Nancy McBride on April 4th, 11th and 18th. The classes are free but space is limited, so make sure you sign up! Additional teen programs in March include a Teen Advisory Group meeting on March 11th from 4-5:30, a Crafternoon on March 14th from 4-5, Edible Art on March 28th from 4-5, Learn to draw Manga classes on March 14th and 28th from 3-4, Chess Club every Thursday from 3:30-5, Level Up video gaming every Wednesday from 4:30-6, and many meetings of the Turtle Soup teen magazine group!Monday, February 24, 2014
February 2014 Staff Book Recommendations
February 24, 2014
The Creation of Anne Boleyn
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013
By Susan Bordo
Available as a digital download through Overdrive on the Worcester Public Library’s web page, Bordo’s book is a serious look at the religious, psychological, emotional, political, historical, fictional, non-fictional, and media interpretations of the relationship between Henry VIII and his doomed second wife, Anne Boleyn. Make no mistake: this book is not for the casual Anne Boleyn curiosity seeker that may hold a passing interest in reading about her, nor for any thin-skinned fan of some of the more popular Tudor period fiction writers. Bordo seems to have an overpowering aversion to seeing any fiction, with its interpretive creations, being construed as fact, especially facts that she does not see as facts, by readers. Bordo herself is a Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky and specializes in gender studies, feminist philosophy, and popular culture. Thus her interest in Anne Boleyn is very broad and certainly spans writings across time, and also the cultural context of each author and each author’s claims to their particular “spin” on Anne Boleyn.
One of Bordo’s focal points is body image and its language, so she is very critical of Hilary Mantel’s and Phillipa Gregory’s descriptions of Anne’s supposed physical flaws, such as small “duckies”, moles, a third nipple, and jaundiced complexion all of which indicate or imply satanic connections. Her mission is to restore Boleyn to her proper historical significance, as a strong, independent woman, free of the myths of any creative baggage hoisted upon her by historians, creative writers, playwrights, and filmmakers and directors. She is not a big fan of the very popular but soap opera-like Tudor series with its wonderful period clothing, constant drama, and frequent bedroom romps. However, she does like Natalie Dormer’s brainy interpretation Anne Boleyn, while hating Natalie Portman’s bitchy Anne in The Other Boleyn Girl. Bordo’s book is a very interesting critique and cultural interpretation on the subject of Anne Boleyn, but you should be prepared to have done substantial homework on recent print and film interpretations of her life and fall from grace with Henry VII. Additionally, be prepared for scathing remarks about novelists and movies that you might have really enjoyed. If you haven’t done the homework, her criticisms will be lost but the language she dresses them in can be enjoyed nevertheless.
--Bill
February 18, 2014
My Age of Anxiety: Fear, hope, dread, and the search for peace of mind
By Scott Stossel
“According to the National Institute of Mental Health, some forty million Americans, nearly one in seven of us, are suffering from some kind of anxiety disorder at any given time, accounting for 31 percent of the expenditures on mental health care in the United States.”
Among these anxious millions is author Scott Stossel, editor of The Atlantic, great-grandson of a well-respected and mentally ill Harvard dean. In this book, Stossel thoroughly yet concisely summarizes the concept of anxiety as it has been observed throughout the ages. Despite the modern development of SSRIs and benzodiazapenes, philosophers and physicians have wrestled with both the soul’s unrest and its possible cures for many centuries.
Stossel describes the history of mental illness treatment in a well-researched, page-turning style. While the title suggests a heavy, depressing read, it is the reader’s good fortune that Stossel possesses a wry, self-deprecating sense of humor that he uses to full effect while chronicling his own lifelong battle with anxiety. Highlights include a hilarious tale of incontinent mayhem while visiting the Kennedy compound in Hyannis in a chapter entitled “The History of My Nervous Stomach”, which details his still-continuing journey toward lasting serenity. Also examined is the nature-versus-nurture argument, weighing the roles of each in developing neuroses.
Admittedly written to help save himself, Stossel does an admirable job of educating and entertaining on a devastating topic. Similar to the work of contemporary science writer Mary Roach, My Age of Anxiety will teach you tons and make you laugh out loud.
--Christina
February 10, 2014
Rose Under Fire
By Elizabeth Wein
Elizabeth Wein’s historical fiction novel follows protagonist, Rose Justice, an American flygirl working for the English Air Transport Auxiliary during World War II. Rose, a pilot, a poet, a friend, a daughter, is captured by the German Luftwaffe while flying over France following D-Day. She was not strictly supposed to be flying in Europe as a female civilian pilot. She is escorted over the front line and into the Third Reich’s territory where she’s imprisoned in the infamous women’s camp Ravensbruck.
This is a book about life and death and the evil of which humans are capable. Though Wein’s book is fictional, it is exquisitely researched, and as a result, it reflects the true horror of what happened to millions of prisoners during Hitler’s regime. Wein relied on actual witness testimony to fill in the details of her story and bring it to life. Rose’s poetry, as well as excerpts from Edna St. Vincent Millay, lend a lyrical beauty to a bleak story. This companion to Code Name Verity stands on its own as a beautiful, page-turning piece of literature.
--Chelsea
February 3, 2014
The Creation of Anne Boleyn
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013
By Susan Bordo
Available as a digital download through Overdrive on the Worcester Public Library’s web page, Bordo’s book is a serious look at the religious, psychological, emotional, political, historical, fictional, non-fictional, and media interpretations of the relationship between Henry VIII and his doomed second wife, Anne Boleyn. Make no mistake: this book is not for the casual Anne Boleyn curiosity seeker that may hold a passing interest in reading about her, nor for any thin-skinned fan of some of the more popular Tudor period fiction writers. Bordo seems to have an overpowering aversion to seeing any fiction, with its interpretive creations, being construed as fact, especially facts that she does not see as facts, by readers. Bordo herself is a Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky and specializes in gender studies, feminist philosophy, and popular culture. Thus her interest in Anne Boleyn is very broad and certainly spans writings across time, and also the cultural context of each author and each author’s claims to their particular “spin” on Anne Boleyn.
One of Bordo’s focal points is body image and its language, so she is very critical of Hilary Mantel’s and Phillipa Gregory’s descriptions of Anne’s supposed physical flaws, such as small “duckies”, moles, a third nipple, and jaundiced complexion all of which indicate or imply satanic connections. Her mission is to restore Boleyn to her proper historical significance, as a strong, independent woman, free of the myths of any creative baggage hoisted upon her by historians, creative writers, playwrights, and filmmakers and directors. She is not a big fan of the very popular but soap opera-like Tudor series with its wonderful period clothing, constant drama, and frequent bedroom romps. However, she does like Natalie Dormer’s brainy interpretation Anne Boleyn, while hating Natalie Portman’s bitchy Anne in The Other Boleyn Girl. Bordo’s book is a very interesting critique and cultural interpretation on the subject of Anne Boleyn, but you should be prepared to have done substantial homework on recent print and film interpretations of her life and fall from grace with Henry VII. Additionally, be prepared for scathing remarks about novelists and movies that you might have really enjoyed. If you haven’t done the homework, her criticisms will be lost but the language she dresses them in can be enjoyed nevertheless.
--Bill
February 18, 2014
My Age of Anxiety: Fear, hope, dread, and the search for peace of mind
By Scott Stossel
“According to the National Institute of Mental Health, some forty million Americans, nearly one in seven of us, are suffering from some kind of anxiety disorder at any given time, accounting for 31 percent of the expenditures on mental health care in the United States.”
Among these anxious millions is author Scott Stossel, editor of The Atlantic, great-grandson of a well-respected and mentally ill Harvard dean. In this book, Stossel thoroughly yet concisely summarizes the concept of anxiety as it has been observed throughout the ages. Despite the modern development of SSRIs and benzodiazapenes, philosophers and physicians have wrestled with both the soul’s unrest and its possible cures for many centuries.
Stossel describes the history of mental illness treatment in a well-researched, page-turning style. While the title suggests a heavy, depressing read, it is the reader’s good fortune that Stossel possesses a wry, self-deprecating sense of humor that he uses to full effect while chronicling his own lifelong battle with anxiety. Highlights include a hilarious tale of incontinent mayhem while visiting the Kennedy compound in Hyannis in a chapter entitled “The History of My Nervous Stomach”, which details his still-continuing journey toward lasting serenity. Also examined is the nature-versus-nurture argument, weighing the roles of each in developing neuroses.
Admittedly written to help save himself, Stossel does an admirable job of educating and entertaining on a devastating topic. Similar to the work of contemporary science writer Mary Roach, My Age of Anxiety will teach you tons and make you laugh out loud.
--Christina
February 10, 2014
Rose Under Fire
By Elizabeth Wein
Elizabeth Wein’s historical fiction novel follows protagonist, Rose Justice, an American flygirl working for the English Air Transport Auxiliary during World War II. Rose, a pilot, a poet, a friend, a daughter, is captured by the German Luftwaffe while flying over France following D-Day. She was not strictly supposed to be flying in Europe as a female civilian pilot. She is escorted over the front line and into the Third Reich’s territory where she’s imprisoned in the infamous women’s camp Ravensbruck.
This is a book about life and death and the evil of which humans are capable. Though Wein’s book is fictional, it is exquisitely researched, and as a result, it reflects the true horror of what happened to millions of prisoners during Hitler’s regime. Wein relied on actual witness testimony to fill in the details of her story and bring it to life. Rose’s poetry, as well as excerpts from Edna St. Vincent Millay, lend a lyrical beauty to a bleak story. This companion to Code Name Verity stands on its own as a beautiful, page-turning piece of literature.
--Chelsea
February 3, 2014
“Maybe we just lived between hurting and healing. Like my father. I think that’s where he lived. In that in-between space. In that ecotone. My mother, too, maybe. She’d locked my brother somewhere deep inside of her. And now she was trying to let him out.”
This lyrical novel tells a story of friendship, family, and self-discovery. Ari is angry and sad all the time and doesn’t know why. His brother is in prison and his parents won’t open up to him. Dante is enlightened, intelligent, and keeping a secret from his parents. Though Ari seems emotionally closed off, the reader discovers that this boy hides a deep well of confusion, curiosity and pain beneath his cold façade. In contrast, Dante is an open book. He shares his feelings freely and cries over injured birds and friends alike. But he is hiding a truth from his family that he fears will disappoint them. The two boys seem like opposites, but when they meet at the pool one day, they form a friendship that will endure trials, pains, and revelations.
Throughout the novel Dante and Ari ask themselves philosophical questions about life, the universe and everything. Each struggles with his identity; Dante feels at odds with his Mexican heritage, while Ari clashes with his family and denies the transforming nature of his friendship with Dante. This beautiful and compelling young adult novel will appeal to readers young and old. Its emphasis on self-discovery and coming-of-age make it particularly appropriate for older teen readers.
--ChelseaTuesday, February 18, 2014
OverDrive’s Big Library Read is back in 2014!
OverDrive has announced the next title for the Big Library Read project! This year patrons from around the world can borrow “Keys to the Kitchen” by Food Network star Aida Mollenkamp starting February 17th through March 5th by visiting the digital catalog page. Patrons will be able to select a lending period which begins at the date of checkout. The eBook will be available for simultaneous use, meaning no holds or waitlists for users. Title will automatically expire at the end of the lending period. There are no late fees!
To borrow the title simply go to Worcester Public Lirbary's digital downloads page and click on OverDrive. You’ll see the title on the home page ready to checkout. A valid library card is required.
Big Library Read is an international program that gives libraries and library patrons unlimited simultaneous access to a popular title during the program, creating a virtual, global book club.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Winter in the Teen Room
This February in the Teen Room we will be welcoming the return of many programs that took a hiatus over the winter! Learn to Draw Manga classes resumed on January 31st and will run every other Friday through April 11th from 3-4pm. Crafternoons will be returning on Fridays, and we will be trying out a new program, Edible Art! Teens can come make edible creations on the last Friday of every month, starting on February 28th.
We will also be welcoming middle grade author Anna Staniszewski to our Spilled Ink writing club on February 26th from 6-7:30. Anna will run a writing workshop for aspiring teen writers, talk about her latest book, and answer questions about pursuing writing as a career! Our chess club, which meets on Thursdays from 3:30-5:30, will welcome instructor Donna Alarie to our meeting on February 20th. Donna will do an in-depth workshop on strategy, catering to all ability levels.
And don’t forget about our teen magazine: Turtle Soup! This magazine features articles, poetry, stories, photography and artwork by Worcester teens. If you are a teenager who would like to get involved or submit a work to the magazine, contact Teen Librarian Samantha at sbodine@worcpublib.org.
In 2014, make your New Years' resolution to read more! We have brand new copies of all of the best series including The Hunger Games, Divergent, Beautiful Creatures, Skip Beat!, One Piece and an expanding manga section!We had lots of fun programs in December, including a gingerbread house workshop that yielded many amazing gingerbread fortresses! Make sure to check out our calendar of events for January, as we continue to have a great series of teen programs!
Don't forget about our Spilled Ink writers group for teens which meets on the last Wednesday of every month. Our January meeting will be held on the 29th at 6pm and we will have poet Alex Charalambides come in to conduct a poetry writing workshop! This program is free and no registration is required.
January 31st will be the first class in the new session of Learn to Draw Manga classes taught by artists Andy Fish and Jamie Buckmaster. These teen drawing classes take place every other Friday from 3-4pm and are free and open to all teens.
February Fun in the Children's Room
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It may be cold out, but school is clearly heating up! Are you working on your science fair project? Researching a famous individual? We’re here to help! Of course, we have books (beat out the competition and besure to place a hold) but also consider using our online databases. All you need is your library card to access reliable resources. Need help? Ask a friendly librarian at the desk or call 508-799-1671.
For your scientific needs, we recommend Science Online, which has a section dedicated to Science Experiments. Browse this database for project ideas. They’re organized by area, from Biology to Weather and Climate, and each suggestion includes the procedure, materials, and background information.
Try Biography in Context to get the facts about historical figures, athletes, and celebrities -- the famous and the infamous. Find articles, videos, and photographs from encyclopedias, journals, and other excellent sources.
We want you to take full advantage of our online resources, but we’d also love to see you in the children’s room! We’ve had a blast in January, with storytimes, story-acting, legos, videogames, valentine-making, and more. In February we’ll be celebrating the Chinese New Year, watching the Winter Olympics, learning to draw manga, playing board games, and staying warm. Keep an eye on the calendar and on Facebook for up-to-date information. Also, come by and meet our new Youth Services Coordinator, Chantell McDowell! She will be joining us in early February. Hailing from North Carolina, she’ll need a warm welcome! We hope to see you soon!
Monday, January 27, 2014
January 2014 Staff Book Recommendations
January 27, 2014
Rivington Was Ours: Lady Gaga, the Lower East Side, and the Prime of Our Lives
By Brendan Jay Sullivan
Rivington Was Ours is available both as an ebook, downloadable through Overdrive on the Worcester Public Library’s web site and in print format through CWMARS. Just for the record, Lady Gaga’s real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. Sullivan, a dee-jay, known as Vh-1, playing clubs on the Lower East Side in New York in the mid- 2000s, became a close friend of Lady Gaga and his book covers the chaotic night club and relationship scene of those days. Sullivan’s book is a detailed chronicle of the daily life (mostly night life), of Lady Gaga, her boyfriend, and Sullivan and his female friend and a shifting montage of clubs, musical performances spreading word of mouth, late night dramatics, and emerging collaborations that eventually put Lady Gaga into the national spotlight and fame.
Sullivan’s description of Lady Gaga’s family is an interesting part of the book. Her flamboyancy certainly did not spring from her family. They are portrayed in contrasting normalcy to Gaga’s early striptease and nearly nude musical performances. The club scene in the Lower East Side is depicted as a relentless, drug and alcohol-fueled scene that could provide a temporary thrill for straight people and a potentially dangerous environment for those who perpetually live in it. Sullivan’s book details the nuances of romantic relationships that he developed and also those of Lady Gaga’s boyfriend. These relationships are far from idealistic and Sullivan portrays them honestly.
The story culminates in a music video shoot and then a TV shoot…the rise to fame for Gaga is suddenly underway and Sullivan has done a great job in portraying the bittersweet year and a chaotic New York scene that served as a training ground for a now iconic pop star.
--Bill
January 21, 2014
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
By Jesse Andrews
Loss and death are important themes for younger readers. It can be difficult, though, to find a young adult novel which handles these issues without feeling maudlin or insincere. John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars is a wildly popular example of a young adult novel which speaks about death and loss without condescending to its readers or being insincere. Jesse Andrews’s debut novel stands beside Green’s as a book ringing with truth, humor, and grief. Like TFIOS, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl deals with juvenile cancer while maintaining a sense of humor. Just as Green perfectly embodies the mindset of a teenage girl in his narrator, Hazel Grace, Andrews similarly channels the teenage boy in Greg S. Gaines, amateur filmmaker and navigator of the social jungle of high school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Here’s the deal: Greg’s mom finds out that his classmate, Rachel (who sort of used to be Greg’s fake girlfriend back in middle school), has aggressive leukemia. Never passing up an opportunity to guide her children in Doing the Right Thing, she forces Greg to reconnect with Rachel. This leads to the crumbling of Greg’s carefully developed non-identity at school. He’s spent years never getting too close to anyone lest he succumb to the horror of high school social politics. Now, seen with a girlfriend dying of cancer, it’s impossible to lie low. Greg struggles with his emotions of resentment and anger over Rachel’s sickness. He feels guilty that he doesn’t care in the way he thinks he should. Does this make him a bad person?
This is no sappy love story—Andrews describes grief, guilt and human emotion with a refreshing lack of anything coming close to “sappy.” In fact, after finishing this novel, I’d say that the laughter to tears ratio is about 10:1. The raunchy comedy of Greg’s best friend, Earl, will appeal to male readers in particular. Andrews frequently shifts between prose and screenplay format, making this a quick read and ideal for reluctant readers.
--Chelsea
January 6, 2014
Stella Bain
By Anita Shreve
The popular Massachusetts author Anita Shreve's latest novel, Stella Bain, is sure to be read by many book clubs and might as surely appear on the silver screen at some point. Stella Bain is a somewhat complicated novel set primarily during the World War One era in New England, France, and England. The novel, although historical to a degree, explores many contemporary themes, including marriage, abuse, war, psychology, post traumatic stress disorder, amnesia, homosexuality, parenting, love, and woman's place in society. Shreve deftly maneuvers her characters through these themes to the novel's conclusion.
This novel is difficult to discuss without giving away important story elements since so many things are intimately connected. Shreve's prose is clear and concise and keeps the reader moving along and wanting to know what will unfold next. The combat and recovery descriptions are written well and link up logically with the amnesia that Stella suffers while on the front lines in France. Her amnesia is a major plot element in the novel and the subsequent court hearing that follows. The novel is very entertaining and to continue discussing it is to risk unraveling the tightly connected plot. However, one quote from the book, hopefully, will intrigue a potential reader: "The solemnity and horror of the war has, perhaps for the first time, entered the chill courtroom."
--Bill
Rivington Was Ours: Lady Gaga, the Lower East Side, and the Prime of Our Lives
By Brendan Jay Sullivan
Rivington Was Ours is available both as an ebook, downloadable through Overdrive on the Worcester Public Library’s web site and in print format through CWMARS. Just for the record, Lady Gaga’s real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. Sullivan, a dee-jay, known as Vh-1, playing clubs on the Lower East Side in New York in the mid- 2000s, became a close friend of Lady Gaga and his book covers the chaotic night club and relationship scene of those days. Sullivan’s book is a detailed chronicle of the daily life (mostly night life), of Lady Gaga, her boyfriend, and Sullivan and his female friend and a shifting montage of clubs, musical performances spreading word of mouth, late night dramatics, and emerging collaborations that eventually put Lady Gaga into the national spotlight and fame.
Sullivan’s description of Lady Gaga’s family is an interesting part of the book. Her flamboyancy certainly did not spring from her family. They are portrayed in contrasting normalcy to Gaga’s early striptease and nearly nude musical performances. The club scene in the Lower East Side is depicted as a relentless, drug and alcohol-fueled scene that could provide a temporary thrill for straight people and a potentially dangerous environment for those who perpetually live in it. Sullivan’s book details the nuances of romantic relationships that he developed and also those of Lady Gaga’s boyfriend. These relationships are far from idealistic and Sullivan portrays them honestly.
The story culminates in a music video shoot and then a TV shoot…the rise to fame for Gaga is suddenly underway and Sullivan has done a great job in portraying the bittersweet year and a chaotic New York scene that served as a training ground for a now iconic pop star.
--Bill
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
By Jesse Andrews
Loss and death are important themes for younger readers. It can be difficult, though, to find a young adult novel which handles these issues without feeling maudlin or insincere. John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars is a wildly popular example of a young adult novel which speaks about death and loss without condescending to its readers or being insincere. Jesse Andrews’s debut novel stands beside Green’s as a book ringing with truth, humor, and grief. Like TFIOS, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl deals with juvenile cancer while maintaining a sense of humor. Just as Green perfectly embodies the mindset of a teenage girl in his narrator, Hazel Grace, Andrews similarly channels the teenage boy in Greg S. Gaines, amateur filmmaker and navigator of the social jungle of high school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Here’s the deal: Greg’s mom finds out that his classmate, Rachel (who sort of used to be Greg’s fake girlfriend back in middle school), has aggressive leukemia. Never passing up an opportunity to guide her children in Doing the Right Thing, she forces Greg to reconnect with Rachel. This leads to the crumbling of Greg’s carefully developed non-identity at school. He’s spent years never getting too close to anyone lest he succumb to the horror of high school social politics. Now, seen with a girlfriend dying of cancer, it’s impossible to lie low. Greg struggles with his emotions of resentment and anger over Rachel’s sickness. He feels guilty that he doesn’t care in the way he thinks he should. Does this make him a bad person?
This is no sappy love story—Andrews describes grief, guilt and human emotion with a refreshing lack of anything coming close to “sappy.” In fact, after finishing this novel, I’d say that the laughter to tears ratio is about 10:1. The raunchy comedy of Greg’s best friend, Earl, will appeal to male readers in particular. Andrews frequently shifts between prose and screenplay format, making this a quick read and ideal for reluctant readers.
--Chelsea
January 6, 2014
By Anita Shreve
The popular Massachusetts author Anita Shreve's latest novel, Stella Bain, is sure to be read by many book clubs and might as surely appear on the silver screen at some point. Stella Bain is a somewhat complicated novel set primarily during the World War One era in New England, France, and England. The novel, although historical to a degree, explores many contemporary themes, including marriage, abuse, war, psychology, post traumatic stress disorder, amnesia, homosexuality, parenting, love, and woman's place in society. Shreve deftly maneuvers her characters through these themes to the novel's conclusion.
This novel is difficult to discuss without giving away important story elements since so many things are intimately connected. Shreve's prose is clear and concise and keeps the reader moving along and wanting to know what will unfold next. The combat and recovery descriptions are written well and link up logically with the amnesia that Stella suffers while on the front lines in France. Her amnesia is a major plot element in the novel and the subsequent court hearing that follows. The novel is very entertaining and to continue discussing it is to risk unraveling the tightly connected plot. However, one quote from the book, hopefully, will intrigue a potential reader: "The solemnity and horror of the war has, perhaps for the first time, entered the chill courtroom."
--Bill
Friday, January 24, 2014
Chinese New Year Celebration
Everyone is welcome to attend our free Chinese New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 2:30 pm in the Saxe Room!
Come celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Horse with performances by the Mulan Performing Arts Group. Chinese music with special Chinese musical instruments, traditional dances and songs will be presented. Light special Chinese New Year treats will be provided.
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We thank the Worcester Public Library Foundation and Friends of Worcester Public Library for sponsoring this program. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Worcester Arts Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
http://www.worcestermass.org/arts-culture-entertainment/worcester-arts-council
http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/
Friday, January 17, 2014
New Music Recommendations
Looking to discover some new music? Whatever your taste, the library has it. In addition to CDs, our music database Freegal has popular new releases along with classical, alternative, jazz and more. Here are some recommendations from one of our librarians. Click the link to download tracks from Freegal - you can keep these mp3s forever!
If you like: Danceable pop with a rock edge, 2013's HAIM - Days are Gone is a great listen. Featured track: "The Wire."
If you like: Danceable pop with a rock edge, 2013's HAIM - Days are Gone is a great listen. Featured track: "The Wire."
If you like: Indie rock and electronica, 2012's Passion Pit - Gossamer. If you like: Funk/soul, or R& B, 2013's Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings - Give the People What They Want.
If you like: Folk or alternative country, 2010 compilation Folk Music for What Lies Ahead. Featured track: Sharon van Etten's "Say So What"
If you like: Hip hop or rap, 2013's Childish Gambino - Camp.
Also, Freegal now has music videos available. If you're looking for a visual to go along with a song you enjoy, search for the song or artist title in the box on top. You will get results for both songs and videos to download.
To get to the main Freegal page, visit our website www.worcpublib.org and click Digital Downloads on the left, then scroll down and click Freegal. You can also download the Freegal app on your tablet or smartphone. To use Freegal, you will need a valid library card number and your password.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
New Year's Resolutions at the Library
Whatever your New Year's resolutions were this year, the library would like to give you a leg up on making them happen! In addition to our classes and programs we created a book display on the first floor of books related to some common resolutions. You can also click here to view a list of similar titles, and place a hold on one from home if it's checked out. The resolutions include: learning to use your computer or tablet, learning a new language, exercising, eating better, and finding a new job. If you'd like help finding books related to other resolutions, you can, as always, ask a librarian.
Happy 2014!
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