December 2013 - Gardiner Public Library

Icy Images at the Library

June 5, 2017December 28, 2013 by Gardiner Public Library

Ice berries!

Love the reflection of the lights!

Weeping in the snow . . .

A tangle of ice . . .

The path looks like a brook.

Interesting “claw” on the icicle!

A tangle of ice AND snow.

F-f-f-rozen Hydrangea.

A peek between the branches.

What a cold looking snarl of limbs.

Lilacs in the snow . . .

The leaves are hanging on for all they are worth.

Biography anyone???

May 29, 2017December 21, 2013 by Gardiner Public Library

Maybe it’s the tendency to take stock at the end of the year, but when I was approached about writing this week’s blog my mind immediately jumped to biographies. I went to that section of the library to see what titles would jump out at me. I stopped after the first six. Now I’m not saying these are “must reads”. I’m just saying that I enjoyed reading these, they have stuck with me as a good read, and consequently I have often recommended them to others. The subjects span genres and here’s what I like about each one:

The Bucolic plague by Josh Kilmer-Purcell. A classic fish out of water story as two New Yorkers do the unthinkable: start over with a herd of goats as gentlemen weekend farmers in upstate New York. “It’s a story about approaching middle age, being in a long-term relationship, and realizing the city no longer feeds you in the same way it used to”. This adventure also became a short reality show called The Fabulous Beekman Boys on the Planet Green network.

Cheaper by the dozen by Frank Gilbreth, Jr. This is the wonderful story of a family with 12 children at the beginning of the 20^th century. The forward reads, “To Dad, who only reared twelve children and to Mother who reared twelve only children.” Several movie versions of this original story have been made…along with sequels. Read this original book – and find out what the catch-phrase “visiting Mrs. Murphy” is all about.

Gypsy Boy by Mikey Walsh. “This is an eye-opening memoir of growing up gypsy. Mikey was born into a Romany Gypsy family. They live in a secluded community, and little is known about their way of life. Growing up, he didn’t go to school, he seldom mixed with non-Gypsies, and the caravan became his world. His family’s legacy had a hidden history of violence and grief. Eventually Mikey was forced to make an agonizing decision – to stay and keep secrets, or escape and find somewhere to belong.” It’s a world I never knew much about and perhaps am glad to keep it that way after reading this emotional memoir.

Miss Tallulah Bankhead by Lee Israel. Tallulah was a major star of Broadway and an electric personality. Truly larger than life. It is a shame that her talents and that personality (she had a deep gravelly voice and called everyone Darling) are fading into the past. This biography will bring her back to life and make her unforgettable to you also.

Naked by David Sedaris. This is the first I had read by the now famous comedic writer. The stories involve his early life with his family who are all characters in their own rites. What sold me on him was the title story of this book in which he decides to spend time at a nudist camp. It’s a real hoot!

Diana Ross: an unauthorized biography by J. Randy Taraborelli. Oh well, why the heck not? She’s lasted in our culture and consciousness since the early 1960s. Besides conquering the music world and becoming associated with glamour and fashion, she has been nominated for an Oscar and an Emmy for her acting. Mary Wilson gave her side of the story of The Supremes in “Dreamgirl: my life as a Supreme” – some of it not so flattering to Diana. Taraborrelli tries to balance the good, the bad, and the ugly behavior of one the last century’s biggest divas.

Quoted material has been taken from each book jacket.

Scott Handville, Assistant Library Director

Great Holiday Reads

May 29, 2017December 14, 2013 by Gardiner Public Library

Okay, let’s admit it, the holidays are very stressful. Celebrants scramble through stores looking for the perfect gift knowing that as time gets closer to the holidays supplies dwindle and panic can set in! The staff suggests taking some time for your self and yes, check out a good book to read.

As they say at all the retail spots, we have something for everyone but here, you can have it all for free! Come on in and re-read a classic…when was the last time you read Gift of the Magi by O’Henry? I know that we have all seen the great renditions of Dicken’s classic, A Christmas Carol but everyone should go back and read the original Charles Dickens tale; it is filled with wonderful characters and great ghosts using the backdrop of Victorian London. After reading this story you KNOW what they mean when people say that a person is a great Dickensonian character. You will also discover why Marley’s ghost had a handkerchief tied around his head and honestly, it is rather macabre!

Please, let’s not forget the great children’s classics. Go now and read Dr Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas…he is truly a mean one that Mr. Grinch! Sometimes crying is a great stress buster too. We can help you tear up by suggesting Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl; the story of a young girl who clearly never caught a break over the holidays. There are many different versions of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore and some have exquisite illustrations. Come in and check them out (literally) and make that story part of your family’s tradition.

So, if reading does not defeat the panic that is building up all around you, you just may want to consider attending our Saturday workshop, Holistic Healing Energy with Jeannie Sullivan . She can help you get your chakras aligned and your energy in balance and that will certainly alleviate your stress.

Whatever you do over the holidays please know that all of us at the Gardiner Public Library wish you great holidays to be spent with great friends and families and, when the year comes to an end, we will welcome in the New Year with some more great titles!

Anne Davis, Library Director