Fanwood Memorial Library

What you missed

2008-02-03T15:33:00.000-05:00

It's a shame that you didn't get to the library on Sunday Feb 3 at 2pm to see our alternative superbowl programming. The Americana Family Jamboree featuring the Demolition String Band played a fantastic blue grass and more set with singing, banjo-playing, dancing, and fun! Included for a few songs were our own Dan Weiss with the wonderful Ms. MaryOlive.
More music is coming to the library in March, April, and in May (Fanwoodstock with be back with Mr Ray opening the show!). Check out our events calendar or come to the library to get a copy of our monthly events schedule.

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T09:01:00.000-05:00

Did we all make resolutions? Lots and lots? I hope the included coming to the library for all we have to offer. Books, magazines, books on tapes, dvds, reference, computers, and programming! Lots and lots.
If you check our events calendar, or receive the local Fanwood update by email (sign up available at the Borough site), or read the local newspapers you will find information about the many and varied things we have going on at the library.
Laughing Yoga
Tuesday, January 22nd - 7:15pm to 8:30pm Concerts WHERE: Fanwood Library - Fanwood Room
Let's not even think about the post-holiday blues and come LAUGH with us! Learn what is takes to laugh, laugh. laugh our stress away and put a smile on your face while doing it. Everyone can come, registration is required. For more information Call Nancy Kipping at (908) 322-6400Presented by Fanwood Memorial Library
4th Wednesday Film Series
Wednesday, January 23rd - 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Programs For Adults WHERE: Fanwood Library - Adult Department
The Four Fourth Wednesdays Film Series begins tonight. Selection TBA For more information Call The Library at (908) 322-6400Presented by Fanwood Memorial Library
January Book Discussion: The Whistling Season
Tuesday, January 29th - 7:15pm Adult Book Discussion Group WHERE: Fanwood Library - Adult Department
The January selection for our book discussion group is The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig. Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk of the library. For more information Call The Library at (908) 322-6400Presented by Fanwood Memorial Library
HISTORY of ANIMATION
Wednesday, January 30th - 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Programs For Adults WHERE: Fanwood Library - Adult Department
Tonight local film/video archivist Russell Scholl returns to present a whirlwind historical survey of animated shorts.From the earliest silent experiments to the Golden Age of animation, right up to today's computer-generated imagery, this program covers the waterfront. We won't visit only with the familiar characters (though we'll see some marquee names), tonight we'll also view the work of early American pioneers such as James Stuart Blackton, Windsor McKay and those who followed in their footsteps. Ample due will be given to the more experimental / non-commercial end of the spectrum as well. Included will be the wonderful and bizarre efforts of Melies, Starewicz and other early European innovators, as well as important later figures such as Svankmajer, Trnka and others.Fun! Violence! Propaganda! Claymation! Hot Jazz! Anime! It's all here.Prepare yourself for an evening of Extreme Entertainment.
And that's just January. In February there will be financial advice for Seniors, Romance writer Lois Winston, and a program celebrating the presidents.
So enough exercising (resolution # 3) and join us at the events at the Library.

On Chesil Beach

2007-11-27T13:35:00.000-05:00

The adult book discussion group is meeting tonight at 7:15pm. The book we will be discussing is ON CHESIL BEACH by Ian McEwan. Everyone is invited to join us tonight, or for any of our monthly book discussions. In December we will be reading Sleeping Arrangements by Laura Cunningham. Copies of the book are available at the front desk of the library.

Two Thanksgiving recipes

2007-11-19T16:58:00.000-05:00

Thank you all for the kind words about my baking: I owe it all to Sara Lee!

Candy's Pound Cake

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2/3 cup milk
3 cups flour
3 tsp baking powder
5 eggs
2 tsp vanilla

Cream together the cream cheese and butter; add sugar and mix until thoroughly blended. Then add milk, vanilla, and eggs. Follow with the flour and baking powder. Bake in springform pan or in an angel food pan at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Cranberry Upside-Down Cake
Maida Heatter

12 ounces (4 cups) fresh cranberries
5 ounces (1 1/4 sticks butter) at room temp.
1 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar
1 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg, large
1 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup milk
finely grated rind of 1 large orange (I used a clementine!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. You will need a 9 by 1 1/2 inch layer cake pan.

Using 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) of the butter, spread a bit on the sides of the pan and then spread the rest on the bottom of the pan. It should coat the pan. Sprinkle 1/2 cup plus the 2 tablespoons of sugar over the butter. Sprinkle the cranberries over the sugar. It's alot.

Beat the remaining 3/4 stick of butter until soft. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Then, on lowest speed, add the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt alternately with the milk until just combined. By hand add the rind.

Smooth the top.

Bake for 1 hour, the top will become brown while baking ( I baked it for 50 minutes).

Cool the cake in the pan. After 10 minutes run a knife around the edges to loosen. Ten minutes after (twenty in total) run the knife again. Then cover the cake with a flat cake plate, hold the pan and the plate firmly, and turn them both over. I knock it twice (for good luck) and remove the pan. If any of the cranberries stick to pan and not cake I just loosen them with the knife and place on the cake.

Maida adds lots of other instructions. She glazes the cake with red currant jelly, which is warmed to melt, and puts it on the cranberries so they glisten. She makes a ricotta cheese cream to serve with. She also likes vanilla ice cream with the cake. Anything Maida likes is okay by me. I once wrote her a letter and asked if she would be my second mother. She said she would think about it. We have a few Maida Heatter cook books in the library. They should be treasured!

If you make either cake, leave a comment and let me know how they turn out.
Happy Thanksgiving
Nancy

Holiday Cookies

2007-11-17T16:04:00.000-05:00

Care to share a holiday cookie? I'll post a family favorite and you can post one too!

Christmas Cornflake Wreath Cookies

Yields: 18 servings

"These cookies look like little Christmas Wreaths and are great fun for the kids to help with. Very Easy. People always look at these suspiciously, but once they try them, they can't get enough. Recipe may be halved."

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup butter

4 cups miniature marshmallows

1 teaspoon green food coloring

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups cornflakes cereal

1 (2.25 ounce) package

cinnamon red hot candies

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Microwave marshmallows and butter on High for 2 minutes. Stir, then microwave on High for 2 minutes more. Stir. (This can be done in a double boiler if one doesn't have a microwave.)
2.	Add and mix quickly the coloring, extracts, then cornflakes. Drop by spoonfuls in clumps on greased wax paper and decorate with 3 red hots each.
3.	Once cool, transfer to lightly greased serving/storage tray with lightly greased fingers.

Holiday Books

2007-11-17T15:55:00.000-05:00

For all of you who enjoy reading those special and inviting Holiday Books; we have put them on the bookshelf between the window and the copier in the front of the main room of the library. Come find a new book or an old favorite.
And don't forget that on December 16 at 2pm we will have a presentation of a one-man show of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. This performance will last approximately one hour, is appropriate for children ages 10 and up, and should be fantastic!

Adult Book Discussion

2007-11-07T12:07:00.000-05:00

The book for November 27 is ON CHESIL BEACH by Ian McEwan. Copies are available at the front desk at the Fanwood Library. Come get a copy, read the book, and join in on the discussion.
December 18 book is SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS by Laura Cunningham. Copies will be available after the November meeting.
Always interesting, lively conversations, and coffee!

The Kite Runner

2007-10-24T08:44:00.000-05:00

I just read a review of the film The Kite Runner. My advice is to read the book first, then see the movie. The book is wonderful and the review of the movie is the same!

Blogging :It's for everyone!

2007-10-01T09:51:00.000-05:00

I met a new friend yesterday and yet I know so much about him. His favorite shampoo, his favorite coffee, what market he goes to and so much more. That's because I read his blog. I know when he posts a new edition because I subscribe to it on a RSS feed. Who, that's a lot of information. But then again my new friend gives us a lot of information. How to cook and what to cook, where to eat, and how to act. All of it he does from Paris France.
Would you like to meet him? Or read his book? I know you will like my new friend!

Concert on the Lawn

2007-09-17T10:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was our Klezmer concert on the lawn. And what a success it was! Over 100 patrons of the library and, I suppose, the arts came to listen to an almost 2 hour rollicking good concert, performed under a blue sky, on an almost fall day.
If you enjoyed the concert perhaps you would like to listen to more klezmer music. If you check our catalog, under sear, type in klezmer, and up comes Pincus and the Pig: a klezmer tale based on Serge Prokofiev's Peter and the wolf.
Please check out our events calendar for more exciting events, on the lawn or inside the library, to come.

New Book Club New Book To Be Read

2007-09-09T13:20:00.000-05:00

Have you read Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenidies? This will be the first book that we are reading for our new book club. The group meets on the last Tuesday of the month, which in September is the 25th, at 7:00pm. Copies of the book are available at the library but if you have your own or have already read the book even better.
The next books to be read are Water for Elephants in October and On Chesil Beach in November. You can reserve these books now and start reading. We are also looking for suggestions for future book club reads so join us on the 25th and add to the discussion.

What a lucky day this is!

2007-09-09T13:17:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel that there is no one out there in the blogging world who has the time to read our blog. And then the most unexpected thing happens; I find some one who does read it! It makes me want to come back and post something new. Something interesting. Something, perhaps, fascinating. Something someone will read.
I better get thinking.

Have you seen this?

2007-08-21T16:12:00.000-05:00

I find this to be fascinating!

Four weeks to go!

2007-07-30T18:35:00.000-05:00

I heard some one say today that there are four weeks left until the end of summer. My guess is that this person uses the ancient 'school calendar', which states that summer officially ends the day after we don't labor ( and when we also stop wearing white shoes). If that is so well then YIKES!
I have so much that I haven't done. Mainly weeding the garden but also trips to the beach, concerts to listen to, outdoor BBQs that I plan on making and so much more.
And I am sure that a lot of our highschoolers out there have yet to start their summer reading. So let this be a reminder: Come get your books!.
Reminder to self: weed garden.

Tai Chi is coming back

2007-07-24T10:55:00.000-05:00

Could it be that we are halfway through summer? If that is true then it must be time to think about Tai Chi. It starts again on September 10th at a new time 8:45 am to 9:30am. Liz will be leading our faithful group once more. Registration will begin on August 15th at 10am and is limited. Put it on your calendar so you don't forget!

Must ReadJudyBlume

2007-07-12T13:28:00.001-05:00

Was that your mantra when you were a kid? If so check out the new book which will explain why this is so. Everything I needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume is new to our collection. Go back in time and find out why, yes, why, you are what you are because of Ms. Judy Blume!

Feedback

2007-06-28T09:31:00.000-05:00

Feedback is so important to us at the library. We want to know what books you are interested in us having in our collection, what events you would like to see, and what you think of our DVDs.
I mention this because last night we had a program at the library about blueberries. Once again, it was a standing-room only event, and everyone enjoyed hearing about the fruit and getting to eat some of it too! This morning I heard the rave reviews, and was asked would the speaker be back to give her impression of cranberries.
That is feedback. And that is what we want to hear.
If you have any ideas let me know. We listen, We need feedback.
And don't forget that our friendly partner, Scotch Plains Library, is having psychic Jane Doherty talking about her new book on July 17 at 7:00pm .

Do You Blog?

2007-06-21T10:07:00.000-05:00

You know that we do! Even people who will say that they HATE blogs read them. In fact you blog because you are reading one now. Our neighbor library Scotch Plains LIbrary has a blog that will be of interest to you. About books, the library and more. So, please, check it out.
And also check out one of my favorite blogs http://www.davidlebovitz.com/, about Paris, baking, life, and love.

Summer reading, part 2

2007-06-12T14:58:00.000-05:00

The summer reading list is up and running at the library. All members of the class of 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 can come to the library and pick up a copy of your required reading. While doing that you can also pick up a quick beach read, something interesting to read before sleep, something that will make the tv not turn on, or something new and exciting! The summer reading list books are located in the Young Adult section of the library.

The New York TImes Book Review Summer Reading

2007-06-04T16:18:00.000-05:00

I was away this past weekend and didn't get to look over the Book Review section until this afternoon, after I spied Dan checking out 10 days in the valley, because he read about it in the book review. (I didn't finish the book, just didn't like it, but I don't think I like her books, and that's why so many books are published so that I can read ones I like to finish.)
Anyway this post is going to be split in two: Books I plan to read this Summer (and I am always optimistic that I will get through most!) and past Summer reads that I have loved. I need you help on the second post but we will get to that then.
I have circles on pages 8, 14, 16, 17, 27, 35, 38, and 54. I have already read a few, yes, I put them on reserve so when they came in I started reading, like Literacy and Longing in L.A. (page 55) , A Thousand Splendid Suns (page 58 and a definite must read) and Abundance (page 4). Like the first loved the second and found the third to be of great interest.
The time is right for you to start our own summer reading list. Remember you can put books on hold from home (with your library card number and your pin number which is usually the last 4 digits of your telephone number) or come in and we will help you. But you better get started soon. There are a lot of great books to read this Summer!

Tai Chi

2007-05-22T11:42:00.001-05:00

Holy Moly we did it! For those of you who made it through all ten weeks, and I am proud to say that was quite a bit of us, I salute you. We must keep up our exercises for the summer so that we are ready to tackle new and exciting challenges in the fall class, beginning Sept 10 at 8:45am. In the mean time, we shall eat cake:

Crumb Cake

for the cake:

1 1/4 cups cake flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp slat
6 tbsp butter, softened
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
1/3 cup buttermilk

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with 'pam' and fit it with parchment paper.
In a bowl mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt to combine. Add butter ad mix until it resembles moist crumbs with no big clumps of butter. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat until light and fluffy or so. Plop in pan.
Crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1 1/4 cup cake flour
4 tbsp butter melted
(I added choco chips)
mix it all together, then place on top of batter evenly and all over so that everyone gets an even amount of crumbs and no one complains.
Bake for 35-50 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes. Dust with confectioner's sugar.

Hope you make the cake, hope you enjoyed the class.
Please come in and say hello to me this summer.

Special Event

2007-05-17T08:58:00.000-05:00

Tonight Fanwood's own Mindy Szeto will be presenting a program on "Sugar Buster: A Guide to Healthy Living and Eating". We will start at 7:00pm and everyone is invited to participate and learn how to live better and wiser.
See you there!

Kurt Vonnegut

2007-05-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

Kurt Vonnegut on libraries from his 2005 "A Man Without A Country" - the simple, beautiful and powerful swan song of this great American master.

"And while on the subject of burning books, I want to congratulate librarians, not famous for their physical strength, their powerful political connections or great wealth, who, all over this country, have staunchly resisted anti-democratic bullies who have tried to remove certain books from their shelves, and destroyed records that than have to reveal to thought police the name of persons who have checked out those titles.

So the America I loved still exists, if not in the White House, the Supreme Court, the Senate, the House of Representatives, of the media. The America I loved still exists at the front desks of our public libraries."
--Kurt Vonnegut (November 11, 1922 - April 11, 2007)
Thanks Kurt - 'And so it goes.' ... Dan

What I have on hold

2007-05-01T10:25:00.000-05:00

It is easy to place a hold on a book. You can come to the library and ask at the circulation desk to do it for you, you can place a hold while you are browsing at the computer catalogs, or you can do it from your home computer. You need to know your library card number and your pin number (which should be the last four digits of your telephone number). These are the books that I currently have on hold:

The thirteenth tale:a novel by Diana Setterfield. I was recommended by Jennie at the Scotch Plains Library.
Animal, vegetable, miracle: a year of food life by Barbara Kingsolver. A year of living the life of a localvore, eating only food from within a 50 mile radius. I love her fiction and I can't imagine being a localvore in Fanwood. Lots of fish I guess but what would be the cooking oil?
Nineteen minutes: a novel by Jodi Piccoult. This is summer reading at its best!
The Ministry of Special Cases by Nathan Englander. A long awaited second book.
The most famous man in America: the biography of Henry Ward Beecher by Debby Applegate. This book just won the Pulitizer for biography, and it continues my education in the years 1837 - 1864. Ask me about it.
The Yiddish policeman's union: a novel by Michael Chabon. Everyone who loved Kavelier and Clay raise their hand. That is why it's on my list.
What the dead know by Laura Lippman. It is going to be summer soon, Summer read anyone?

That's my list. Any opinions? What's on your list.

This library must be a 'happening' place

2007-04-28T12:51:00.000-05:00

Today is April 28th and it is a beautiful Spring day. The birds are chirping, the flowers growing, and most of the computers in town are broken. Say what? It must be so because today we have had a run of computer sign-ups by the students in town whose own computers are not working. I hope that you know that we have five computers on the main floor of the library that are for the public. We have time limits on them but you can use them for the Internet or for word processing. We only charge for printing (the first 50cents are on us) All you have to do is sign-up for a computer at the circulation desk and the next available one is for you.
I know we are a 'happening' place because of the turn-out for the Jazz concert last Sunday or for the Poetry Tea on Thursday. And we will still be a 'happening' place when the third annual Movies in May takes place on May 9, 10., and 11. Far out.

A good read

2007-04-23T19:04:00.000-05:00

How many of you have read We Need to Talk About Kevin? This book is some-what disturbing to read yet read it you will! Now Lionel Shriver has a new book out, The Post-Birthday World. It is not like 'Kevin' but it is a great book and, yes, a must read.

TAI CHI is Cancelled today

2007-04-16T09:28:00.000-05:00

The rain has entered the building and taken over our TAI CHI space for Monday, April 16. Hopefully we will be able to have class next week. Please call the library to make sure! Remember to keep practicing (scroll down and follow directions.) Nancy

Library Skills (not)

2007-04-12T09:07:00.000-05:00

There must be a manual for proper use of the library, or on library skills. I have found one on the internet that is perfect for my 'peeps'(people).

Shall We Wear a Scarlet Letter?

2007-04-11T10:42:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure how many of us have ever read The Scarlet Letter or how many of us in the future will read this book but this week it has taken on new meaning. Scarlett is the school color for Rutgers University, and our Scarlet Knights Women's Basketball team is what we are reading. Since their surprise rise to the NCAA championship in March to their press conference yesterday these ladies have been on a roller coaster ride and seem to be holding on to that rail, and not falling off. Relentless, athletic, and forceful on the basketball court and articulate, even tempered and composed in front of the press this proves to us how lucky we are that we, in New Jersey, can call them our Scarlet Knights.
I had very little thought about the controversy. Don Imus, never my favorite, was to me a buffoon who acted his part. He must somehow believe that since his ad revenues are great he can say and do as he pleases. Some one called him on it. That's what happens. He thought he would say "I'm a good person" and it would be over. Two weeks suspension? Fine, he says. I'll take it with dignity. But then the ladies took to the podium. And said just what we needed to know.. "I am someone's daughter."
That was it for me. She is right. If someone used those words when talking about my daughter I would want him gone. I would want the world to know you can't say things like this, you can't let people know you think things like this, and you shouldn't think things like this. We should want people to respect our daughters (and sons). And if you have a seat of power, be it being the coach or on national television or radio, you can't say these things and expect us not to react. They shouldn't be said at all. And that should be that. Think what would happen if you used the expression that Mr. Imus used at your workplace. Would you still have your job?

Perhaps we should wear a Scarlet letter in support of these fine ladies. Or just wear Scarlet. On Tuesday, when the team meets with Mr. Imus and he tries to repair the injustice served to the team.

TAI CHI Week 5

2007-04-09T12:51:00.000-05:00

Here are three photos to help remind you how to do our favorite, chinese walking. Follow along with the descriptions below:

1.(top photo) Left hand forward palm upright, right hand at your side, palm down. Left foot forward......

2. As you step forward with your left foot bring your left arm down to your hip and your right arm comes up and your right foot comes forward...

3.(bottom photo) and then....Right hand forward with palm up (holding melon), right foot forward, left hand at your hip, palm side down.

Knees soft, shoulders down, spine out, tail bone in, eyes forward...wait, there must be more to remember...oh, right, relax!

TAI CHI Weeks 4 & 5

2007-04-09T09:04:00.000-05:00

Wow! We are half way through our Tai Chi exercise program and already I feel better in my skin, and clothes! Now that our fearless leader Liz has been giving us cheat sheets to the program, we really don't need my blog updates. But update I will. Today I just wanted to remind you that both Fanwood and Scotch Plains libraries have books and DVD's on Tai Chi and other exercise programs. You will find the in non-fiction 613.7. If you need any help finding the books ask at the desk. If you need help with the exercises, well, I wish I could help!

Another book to put on your must read list!

2007-04-04T12:40:00.000-05:00

I just read the book Talk Talk by T.C.Boyle and loved it. It's about what happens when someone is a victum of ...never mind. If I were you I'd put it on my must read list.

What did April wear?

2007-03-31T10:04:00.000-05:00

Do you know the answer to that question? Tomorrow is the first day of April and we all know what that means. You'd be a fool if you didn't. To get ready for this annual day of mirth come to the library and start laughing. In different sections, fiction and non, you will find many opportunities to make merry. Oh, she work a New Jersey.

Tai Chi Week 3 (I didn't really mean it was torture)

2007-03-27T17:33:00.000-05:00

I was amazed how quiet the room was this past Monday during Tai Chi. We were concentrating and stretching and touching our toes that I thought I heard a pin drop! And I don't have to write down the exercised because our fearless leader Liz said that she will bring copies next week. At work this morning I demonstrated the one where you place your hand behind your head and the other hand goes behind your back, then turn your head and then turn you torso and look down. I was impressed that I could do it again. I am looking forward to next Monday.

What A Day!

2007-03-24T08:50:00.000-05:00

And I mean today. When I went for my walk it was nice but now, at 10am, as I am about to open the library, it is just beautiful. No clouds, crisp and clear. Which makes me think about gardening. I know the soil is still to wet, and just a few bulbs are popping here and there, but I can envision what is to come. And in my garden it will probably be many weeds and wild things.
I got to the library early to 'pull' a few gardening books and put them on a cart by non-fiction books. The gardening section is numbered 635 and we have over 150 volumes on the subject. There will be something for me and something for you. We also will be having a gardening program at the end of April, brought to you by Friends of the Library. Check out the events page at the library website for more information.

TAI CHI Week 2 or Knees loose elbows bent shoulders down

2007-03-19T16:37:00.000-05:00

Well, congratulations to all of us how made it through Week 2 of Tai Chi. Each week adds new exercises to our repertoire. Today we learned the 5 Posts: 1. Where we hold the beach ball, with our palms tilted towards you. 2. Now we reject the ball, with fingers pointed to each other and away from you. 3. Okay, on to 'praying' mantis with our fingers flat on the pulpit. 4. with back of hands together and fingers down (can you feel this in your back?) and 5. with hands by lower hip, palms pressing down.
We are building on getting stronger with each group of exercises. I wish I had started this before the snow last weekend so that I would have been better equipped to shovel the walk!
Thanks to Liz, our leader, for putting us on this new and exciting track and for ever reminding us: knees loose elbows bent shoulders down. I just love it.
If I am forgetting anything, please let me know. See you all on Monday. Nancy

Travel plans

2007-03-16T11:30:00.000-05:00

Why does it seem that when you make your travel plans you have to include time spent in the airport? You are adding that 'extra time' because it seems that airplanes are never on time. Yesterday my daughter was flying from Tampa to Newark and the flight was delayed 4 hours. She waited at the gate, boarded the plane, went out to the runway, turned around, went back to the gate, got off the plane, got back on the plane, and finally took off.
Had she first, checked our our new travel section across from the circulation desk, she would have seen a plethora of books and dvd's that would have interested her. From Frommer to Rough Guides to Globe Trekker, there would have been information about what to do in the airport while waiting; or she could have planned where she would like to travel to next. Even armchair travellers will find something in our collection. Come take a look. And, as always, when you do, don't forget to say hello to me at the Circulation desk.

TAI CHI at the Library

2007-03-12T16:02:00.000-05:00

Today was the first of 10 Tai Chi classes that we will be hosting at the library. The Fanwood Room was full of women and man who were willing to open their minds and stretch their muscles in a new and exciting way. I was not the best at the Chinese walk: keep knees bent, feet on the floor and heels on the ground. Step front, turn out foot to side, and then move on. This is what we are going to practice in Shoprite!
We also did 4 longevity exercises. 1. Open: arms straight out in front, palm down, move to side palm up. 2. Scooping: left arm behind on kidney, right arm out hand in scoop, and we are facing the scoop. Move arm like a water wheel, eyes following hand, with bent knees, circular over heard. If our legs are a little apart it is easier to been down lower when scooping the water. Repeat with other side. 3. Down and Up: with bent knees and soft fists, put one arm forward to throat level, and up and out down and in movement with the body.4. Holding baby: left had holds baby and right had holds feet. Show baby to the left (twist body) when turned keep stranger away from baby with lower arm, bring baby back to center and hug body with both arms, and work other side. 5. Feet together: feet together, not touching just not too far apart, hands out to center hands out to side, with a soft fist do fifth back thus ( not up and down).
Remember to roll your fingers while watching Television.
Is there any thing that I have forgotten? Let me know. Otherwise I am sorry for all who didn't come today or who is on the waiting list for Tai Chi. I can't wait for next Monday. Nancy

Books to Movies

2007-03-09T15:22:00.000-05:00

Doesn't it always seem that the book was better than the movie adaptation? Today I was looking for a movie to go to on Saturday night and so many come from books. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri is a favorite book, and it is opening this weekend. Notes on a Scandal is based on the wonderful book by Zoe Heller, What Was She Thinking. Bridge to Terabithia is just what the advertising says: the beloved novel comes to life! My plan is to see Zodiac. I haven't read this book but, yes, it started as a book, too.
I will be at the circulation desk tomorrow (Saturday). If you have any Books to Movies favorites come and tell me!

How I spent last Sunday morning

2007-03-06T10:55:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday was a holiday for me and therefore it was a reason to indulge in my favorite hobby--baking. Actually it is one of my three favorite hobbies (and I am sure I will mention these hobbies over and over in this blog!) : reading, knitting, and baking. I also love going to the theater and to the movies, listening to indie bands, walking on the beach and sunsets but that is besides the point.
The recipe I made came from a book written by Maida Heatter. I discovered her baking books when I was newly married and couldn't afford to buy the desserts that I wanted to eat. Her recipes are always complete, nothing left out, and always delicious. Even though these books are years old they are classics in baking, and perfect for anyone who wants to 'perfect' their baking. Other bakers who follow in Maida's footsteps are Dorie Greenspan, Beatrice Ojakangas and Marcy Goldman. When checking the catalog we have many baking books. located in the non-fiction section at 641.8, for you to look through, get ideas, and get baking!

CELTIC CONCERT at FML

2007-03-05T11:31:00.000-05:00

To keep that Saint Patrick's Day spirit going don't miss this SPECIAL CELTIC CONCERT featuring Pamela Wyn Shannon (guitar & vocals) & Lisa Gutkin (fiddle). It's Wednesday, March 28th - 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the library

This spirited blend of Traditional and Original Pastoral Folk Music (selections include music from Ireland and the British Isles * Songs in Gaelic and more) promises to be Great FUN for the whole family!!

Don't miss this unique opportunity to see and hear these two compelling performers. For more information Call The Library at (908) 322-6400

Must Read!

2007-03-01T15:56:00.000-05:00

Here's one of my new favorite books that you really should read. It will make you think about what you eat in a whole new way. It's The omnivore's dilemma : a natural history of four meals by Michael Pollan.
Take a look -- you won't be disappointed.

What are you doing this weekend?

2007-03-01T14:29:00.000-05:00

The weather report for Fanwood this weekend is not the best so this might be the time you came to the library to check out our DVD collection. We are always adding titles of old and new films, and we charge $1.00 per dvd for one week (with a limit of 4 dvds and if overdue, charge $1 per day) When I checked the shelves this afternoon we still had in 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' with Brad Pitt, the complete first season of 'Deadwood", and, one of my favorites, 'The Triplets of Belleville'. The Triplets is an animated feature with a grandmother, a faithful dog, and a Tour de France cyclist named Champion. Part mystery part jazz and a whole lot of fun. 'Flushed Away' and 'Marie Antoinette' are due back today and should be on the shelves when returned. We can't take 'holds' on dvds so come in to the library to pick up a favorite.
Is there a dvd that you would like the library to have in our collection? Leave a comment and we will take it under consideration. And the film 'For Your Consideration' will be back tomorrow too!

New at the Library

2007-03-01T13:03:00.001-05:00

What's new? This blog for one thing. Check back often for updates, reading suggestions, musings and more from the staff at your library.