NYPL Blogs: Lifelong Learning

Free Websites to Practice English at Home

Hilary Schenker — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 14:33:36 -0400

Adults work on their English speaking, reading, and writing skills at The New York Public Library

At The New York Public Library's Adult English Language and Literacy Program, where adults work on basic English and literacy skills, we're often asked for recommendations of websites for adults to practice English at home. Below you'll find online resources—some with a focus on listening, some on vocabulary, others on grammar, and some with a range of activities. Happy learning!

ABCYa
This is a website for kids, but who says adults can't use it, too? The site includes educational games organized by grade level, from 1st to 5th, and is particularly good for spelling and phonics. There are games to practice vowels, uppercase and lowercase letters, Dolch sight words, synonyms and antonyms and more.

Activities for ESL Students
Grammar and vocabulary practice for all levels, including many bilingual quizzes for beginners. Also includes a link for teachers, with conversation questions, games, and many other ideas to put to use in the classroom.

BBC Learning English
An array of wonderful activities for practice, some relating to current events. Includes videos, quizzes, vocabulary practice, idioms, crosswords, and much more, though all with British accents.

Dave's ESL Cafe
A forum for both ESL teachers and students around the world. Includes quizzes, grammar explanations, and discussion forums for students. For teachers, includes classroom ideas on all subjects as well as discussion forums.

Duolingo
Free English courses for speakers of Arabic, Chinese, Czech, French, German, Greek, Hindi,Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish,Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Start at the basic level or take tests to move to higher levels. Practice vocabulary and grammar with short lessons that are like playing a game. You will need to sign up with an email address or a Facebook account.

Easy World of English
An attractive, user-friendly website including grammar, pronunciation, reading and listening practice and an interactive picture dictionary.

ESL Bits
Audiobooks, news stories, short stories, songs and radio dramas. Choose between faster or slower listening speeds and read along with the texts of the stories and songs. For intermediate and advanced learners.

GCF Learn Free
A well-designed site with interactive tutorials for everything from operating an ATM machine to reading food labels. This link will take you to the section on reading which has resources for English language learners as well, including stories to listen to and read along, and picture dictionaries.

Language Guide
This is an online picture dictionary, with everything from the alphabet to parts of the body to farm animals.

Learning Chocolate
Vocabulary exercises organized by theme.

Many Things
This website includes matching quizzes, word games, word puzzles, proverbs, slang expressions, anagrams, a random-sentence generator and other computer-assisted language learning activities. The site also includes a special page on pronunciation, including practice with minimal pairs. Not the fanciest or most beautiful website, but with lots to see and use and no advertising.

Oxford University Press
This site from Oxford University Press has activities to practice spelling, grammar, pronunciation, and listening. A bit difficult to navigate, so more suitable for advanced learners and savvy internet users.

TV 411
This site includes videos with native speakers explaining key reading concepts like critical reading, summarizing and scanning, and key life skills like signing a lease and reading a medicine label. Following each video is a comprehension quiz. Click on the blue tabs across the top lead for lessons on reading, writing, vocabulary and finance.

Ventures Arcade
An online supplemental tool to the Ventures textbook series to practice vocabulary and grammar in theme-based contexts.

VOA English
Multimedia source of news and information for millions of English learners worldwide.

WeSpeak NYC
We Speak NYC (formerly We Are New York) is the City’s English Language Learning program. It provides civic-focused instruction through videos, web and print materials, and free community classes in all five boroughs.

Also, for NYPL cardholders, remember that Mango Languages is available to you through the Library. It features ESL lessons for Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese speakers. (First time users must create a profile in order to access Mango Languages.)

Have a favorite website for practicing English to recommend? Let us know in the comments. If you have questions about accessing our online resources, please reach out to Ask NYPL.

You can read this blog post in Spanish or Chinese.

TASC Resources: Find Free Classes and Test Prep for the High School Equivalency Exam (Formerly GED)

Lauren Lampasone, Senior Librarian, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 10:34:54 -0500

Seward Park, interior views, people studying at Seward Park Adult Reference. Image ID: 100916

New York State’s high school equivalency test is called the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC).

There is no cost to take the TASC in New York State.
The five sections of the test are Reading Literacy, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
The test is available in both paper based (PBT) and computer based (CBT) format. It is not available to take online.
TASC is available in English and Spanish, Braille, and audio versions for visually impaired.
Test takers are allowed two free retakes per calendar year.

There are many organizations across New York State that provide assistance with test preparation. On this page are websites with information about this important test and free classes that can help you prepare for it.

Other than passing the TASC assessment, the pathways to a High School Equivalency Diploma in New York are to successfully complete 24 college credits or to successfully complete the National External Diploma Program (NEDP).

The New York Public Library offers the following programs that may help you in your pursuit of the credential:

ESOL Classes: for non-native speakers to improve listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Adult Basic Education Classes: for students who already speak English but want to improve their reading and writing.
Other upcoming programs and classes regarding TASC

Study Guides Available at the Library

High School Equivalency Examinations -- Study Guides
Click "Place Hold" in the catalog to reserve study materials and pick them up at the location of your choice. You will be notified by phone or email when items are ready for you, and you'll have one week to check them out.

Learning Express Library
Create a FREE account with your library card to access online TASC tutorials and practice tests as well as other education and career resources.

General Information

New York State Education Department
Find a testing center in the Bronx, Manhattan or Staten Island.
The website of the NY State HSE (High School Equivalency) Testing Office will help you find test centers and preparation classes in New York State. It also presents information on prep materials, fraud warnings, status reports, and other useful tips. Currently, NYSED supports the operation test centers statewide through a network of both public and private sites, including: school districts, BOCES, CBOs, EOCs, community colleges, correctional facilities, county jails, OCFS facilities, and private residential facilities.

Prepare for the Test

NYC Department of Education
Programs available for Ages 17-21 and Ages 21+.

NYC Office of Workforce Development Find a Class
This page offers a straightforward way to locate an adult education program in New York City, from ESOL and basic reading and writing, to High School Equivalency exam prep and job training. In Spanish and other languages.

The CUNY Adult Literacy/HSE/ESL Program (PDF)
CUNY conducts free TASC, ESOL and Basic Education (BE) classes in its 14 campuses.

Literacy Partners
Adult students are placed in pre-HSE classes based on their reading level, between 5th and 8th grade. Classes build on the skills acquired in the organization's Adult Basic Education (ABE) program.

Community Impact at Columbia University
Offers TASC, Spanish TASC, ESOL and CUNY Assessment Test (CAT) Prep support. Once you register for TASC you will be asked to sit a placement test to determine your readiness to sit the TASC test.

The Door
The Door is dedicated to helping young people obtain their HSE and move on to employment or further education. Check out its Arts Access segment, which is a HSE program designed specifically for students who want a career in the arts.

Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation
Pre-HSE and Adult Basic Education classes are conducted in both English and Spanish.

Harlem Center for Education
Offers an intensive 13-week preparation program.

Union Settlement Association
Union Settlement, located in East Harlem, offers comprehensive HSE classes for all ages and levels. Students are assessed individually, with classes designed around their abilities.

Additional High School Equivalency (HSE) Resources

YouthBuild USA
Low-income youths between the ages of 16 and 24 are given the opportunity to work toward their TASC or high school diplomas by building affordable housing in their communities. Emphasis is placed on leadership development and community service. A national organization, it has locations in the five boroughs.

Queens Library
Queens Library’s Adult Learner Program administers the computer-based version of TASC at five locations, and offers the National External Diploma Program (NEDP), geared towards those who prefer an alternate route to the HSE diploma.

Brooklyn Public Library
The Brooklyn Public Library holds part-time pre-HSE classes in various branches for adults who speak English and want to improve their reading and math skills in preparation for their HSE exam. They also provide testing for the TASC exam or you may enroll in NEDP (National External Diploma Program.)

Prisoner Reentry Institute
HSE Connect is a collaboration between PRI and the Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC). Supported by the NYC Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity, HSE Connect assists adults with legal system involvement in attaining their High School Equivalency (HSE) and further education.

NYC Department of Youth and Community Development
Advance & Earn is a new training and employment program for youth between the ages of 16-24. Advance & Earn provides support for High School Equivalency (HSE) test preparation, employer-recognized trainings, credentials and certifications, and paid internships.

Testing Accommodations

New York State high school equivalency examinees seeking accommodations may apply at tasctest.com. Applicants will need to select and work with an official test center in their community to complete the application.

This is an update to a post that was originally published on July 18, 2012 and March 2, 2016.

NYPL, NCTE, and Scholastic Discuss Summer Learning

Shauntee Burns, Outreach Librarian — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 14:45:39 -0400

Mark your calendars: On Wednesday, June 12 at 8 PM EDT, Youth Education Services for The New York Public Library will be participating in a Twitter chat with Scholastic and the National Council of Teachers of English all about summer learning!

We'll be sharing tips and ideas to keep kids engaged all summer long and highlighting our Summer Reading program. You can follow along and join in the conversation by using the hashtag #SummerLearningChat.

Here are the three fantastic participants leading the conversation:

Pam Allyn is the Senior Vice President of Innovation and Development at Scholastic Education.
Shauntee Burns-Simpson is the Manager of School Support at The New York Public Library and will be tweeting from @nypl
Franki Sibberson is the president of the National Council of Teachers of English.

We can't wait to see the conversation unfold, and we hope you'll be joining in! To help you prepare for the chat, here are the questions Scholastic will be asking participants:

What is the summer slide and why is it so important to address?
What are some of the biggest obstacles to summer learning, and what can we do to overcome them?
How can we change perceptions around summer learning and turn it into something joyful and fun?
What are some tips for how educators and community partners can work together to set students up for success?
What can parents do to encourage their children’s summer learning?
What are some things you’re doing within your organizations and communities to combat the summer slide?

Update: the #SummerLearningChat has happened and it was a fun success! Please find what we discussed below.

Let’s kick things off with Q1! #SummerLearningChat @pamallyn @ShaunteeBS @frankisibberson pic.twitter.com/UoIPZSQ8m2
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) June 13, 2019

A1: The summer slide is a decline in reading ability and other academic skills when kids are out of school. Research says kids can lose two months or more of skill levels over the summer. We want kids to maintain their achievement levels over the summer, as well as read for pleasure and intellectual exploration.

Here’s Q2! #SummerLearningChat @pamallyn @ShaunteeBS @frankisibberson pic.twitter.com/pB47nBnY24
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) June 13, 2019

A2: Students can feel negatively about summer learning programs because they think summer is a break from school and learning. They can also associate reading with assignments and homework. We have to create learning experiences that engage their curiosity and are based on their interests. We also need to create excitement around reading for pleasure and expose kids to many different types of books that reflect their experiences and interests.

Now it’s time for Q3. #SummerLearningChat @pamallyn @ShaunteeBS @frankisibberson pic.twitter.com/t97BtD3BuI
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) June 13, 2019

A3: Schools, libraries, and community partners need to work together to combine learning with a variety of enriching free and fun activities, like arts and crafts or gaming. This year @nypl’s space-themed #SummerReading program urges young people to expand their universe through reading and learning at their local library. A book list and interactive game board make daily reading and participation in programming at the branch fun.

Q4 is here! Share your tips and insights. #SummerLearningChat @pamallyn @ShaunteeBS @frankisibberson pic.twitter.com/tMaupP1PDv
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) June 13, 2019

A4: We have to collaborate and connect students' real-world experiences to their classroom learning and curriculum. In spring, our librarians visit schools and community organizations to do #SummerReading outreach and invite youth and families to visit their local library. Educators should also reach out to their local libraries to plan visits and get students excited about summer learning.

Here we go, Q5! #SummerLearningChat @pamallyn @ShaunteeBS @frankisibberson pic.twitter.com/zGpFKaJ2vb
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) June 13, 2019

A5: Parents are a child's first teacher, and they’re reading and learning role models throughout their lives. Kids who read have adults in their lives who read. Have books around the house, read with your children, and read on your own. Parents can take the whole family to the library for programs, books to borrow, and community celebrations of reading and learning.

We love all of these great responses! Now for the final question of the evening. #SummerLearningChat @pamallyn @ShaunteeBS @frankisibberson pic.twitter.com/lTrxSumNfL
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) June 13, 2019

A6: The New York Public Library is New York City’s headquarters for reading and learning each summer. Our annual #SummerReading program helps people of all ages find books and programming that spark curiosity and enthusiasm. We also work with authors and local non-profits to offer unique experiences. The prevention of summer slide is a team effort. We all have to work together to build a culture of reading and lifelong learning.

Mid-Manhattan Library Reading Recommendations

Marianna Vertsman, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:59:05 -0400

The staff at Mid-Manhattan library believes one of the things New Yorkers love about their libraries is the opportunity to receive personalized reading recommendations from a team of professional bibliophiles.

Unlike suggestions generated by an algorithm, recommendations by NYPL professionals are carefully tailored to each patron's individual needs. We invite everyone to stop by Mid-Manhattan Library, where our personable librarians will offer recommendations in your favorite genre.

We can also advise you on materials related to your education goals, travel plans, hobbies, nutritional preferences, life-improvement plans, short -term interests, and even your current mood!

While this post contains a list of random recent staff favorites, we can recommend a book that will be just right for you.

Marianna recommends:

Drinking with Saints: The Sinners Guide to a Holy Happy Hour by Michael P. Foley

This delightful catalog of Catholic contributions to the world of spirits is bubbling with miraculous facts and refreshing cocktail ideas. It's a perfect companion to an intellectually stimulating happy hour.

The Vory: Russia's Super Mafia by Mark Galeotti

A well-researched history of Russia's criminal structures and its current global outreach efforts.

Sally recommends:

The Punishment She Deserves by Elizabeth George

Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers and Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley are back again in book number 20 of the Lynley series, 30 years on! A comforting blend of police procedural and psychological fiction and, at 690 pages, just long enough.

Antonio recommends:

The Black Monday Murders by Jonathan Hickman

From Jonathan Hickman and Tomm Coker comes the next installment in The Black Monday Murders, the crypto-noir series about the power of dirty, filthy money... and exactly what kind of people you can buy with it. Brilliantly plotted and beautifully rendered, offering an intriguing glimpse into a world where magic and finance are intertwined.

Billy recommends:

Room To Dream by David Lynch and Kristine McKenna

Alternating between biography and autobiography, this book is a must for film fans and those interested in creative processes.

Arezoo recommends:

Women of Abstract Expressionism, edited by Joan Marter; introduction by Gwen F. Chanzit, exhibition curator

Accompanying the recent exhibition, Women of Abstract Expressionism, this lavish book of the same name is a survey that features both the lesser-known and established female artists of this American art movement that focuses on the expressive freedom of gesture and process. The biographies and scholarly essays offer insight into their lives and work.

Zena recommends:

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, television/radio host and actor. He currently hosts The Daily Show, a late-night television talk show on Comedy Central.

Christina recommends:

If You're Bored With Watercolour Read This Book by Veronica Ballart Lilja

In If You're Bored with Watercolour Read This Book. Veronica Ballart Lilja puts a fresh spin on watercolor painting, with creative ideas and updated techniques that provide a new perspective on how to use the medium in your artistic experiementations.

If You Can Cut, You Can Collage: From Paper Scraps to Works of Art by Hollie Chastain

This is an excellent book for beginner collage-makers. It provides creative techniques with easy-to-follow instructions that will have you making fun collages in no time!

Gwynneth recommends:

Daughters of the Winter Queen: Four Remarkable Sisters, the Crown of Bohemia, and the Enduring Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots by Nancy Goldstone|

A lively group biography of Elizabeth Stuart, known as the Winter Queen, and her four daughters. The book brings to life seventeenth century Europe and a family that, by refusing to surrender, survived to change the shape of our world.

Elizabeth recommends:

While Standing in Line for Death by CA Conrad

CA Conrad's Lamba Literary Award-winning While Standing in Line for Death is a poignant, forceful, occasionally brutally funny, and brilliant collection of poetry that deals with the murder of his partner and the subsequent emotional fallout.

Laura recommends:

In the Midst of Winter, the latest novel by Isabel Allende

In this novel, Allende writes the stories of three different characters that meet under one roof in the middle of a winter storm in Brooklyn, New York. They all share their own personal life stories, and there is one big secret tights them all together.

This novel is also available in Spanish.

Vilma recommends:

La magia del orden: herramientas para ordenar tu casa ... ¡y tu vida! / by Marie Kondo (traducción Rubén Heredia Vázquez)

This New York Times best-seller is an amazing little book that shows you, step-by-step, how to organize your home once and for all.

Available in the following languages:

Calbert recommends:

The President is Missing: A Novel by James Patterson and Bill Clinton

What happens when you combine the efforts of two masters of intrigue and suspense? An intense and sensational thriller!

You Don't Own Me: The Life and Times of Lesley Gore by Trevor Tolliver

The author chronicles Ms. Gore’s life as a 1960s teen pop singer and a composer, and as coming out as a lesbian and hosting the television series In the Life, which focused on LGBT issues. Gore's hit song “You Don’t Own Me” became an anthem for the feminist movement.

Thomas recommends:

How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease by Michael Greger

This best-seller by the renowned physician and nutrition expert reveals dietary approaches and lifestyle changes to prevent and reverse the 15 leading causes of death among Americans.

Ikaria: Lessons on Food, Life and Longevity from the Greek Island Where People Forget to Die by Diane Kochilas

The chef and award-winning author presents recipes and insights into the lifestyle and culture of the people of Ikaria, an island in the northern Aegean, who are known for their longevity.

Melissa recommends:

The Burying Place by Brian Freeman

There are two crimes to keep track of—a missing baby and serial killer—plus relationship drama among detectives, in this standard police procedural. Lots of twists and turns will keep you guessing.

The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson

Celebrate Black History Month with Our Online Exhibitions

Zanny Love — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 13:57:37 -0500

The New York Public Library has exhibitions and displays in branches all over the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. But, if it feels too cold to go traveling this time of year, then stay warm and check out some of our online exhibitions instead. Here are four of the top online exhibitions highlighting African Americans in honor of Black History Month.

In Motion: The African-American Migrant Experience

From the Transatlantic slave trade to the great migration to movements in between and after and to places all over the world, African Americans have been in motion for centuries. The online exhibition In Motion: The African-American Migrant Experience and its companion book of the same name is the place to start your journey of discovery of the African American migration experience.

Treasures of the New York Public Library

Interested in art, photography, moving images, maps, or the written word? The New York Public Library has extensive archival materials, and you can explore them in the online exhibition Treasures of the New York Public Library. Explore the Americana, Black History and Culture, and The Written Word sections for looks into the NYPL's archives on African American history.

Harlem: 1900-1940

Harlem has been a mecca for African American art and culture for over 100 years. From a small village in upper manhattan to a vibrant New York City neighborhood, Harlem has been constantly evolving since its conception. Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Billie Holiday, Dorothy West, Malcolm X, and more all made their homes in Harlem. Harlem 1900-1940 is about the early days of Harlem and its growth into one of the most historically and culturally vital cities in America.

African Americans and American Politics: An Exhibition From The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Africans Americans have been part of American politics for over 200 years. Whether revolting against slavery, running for elected office, leading civil rights movements or running for president, black men and women have always been there, a part of the fabric of change and progress in America. The tenets of democracy and the words of the constitution have empowered and shaped the way African Americans see themselves throughout American history. This interactive exhibition highlights centuries of African American involvement in American politics.

AI, Climate Change & More: Navigating Scientific Resources at the Library

Laura Stein, Adult Services Librarian, Grand Central Library — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 16:18:34 -0500

Are you blinded by science? There’s so much to know, and it’s changing every day. How can you ever feel up-to-date?

Allow the Library to help you sift through the world of artificial intelligence, climate change, and even the phone in your pocket.

Casual Reading

Popular Science Magazine is aimed at the regular, everyday, non-scientist with easily accessible articles. You can read past issues and the most current through the database Flipster. The “Now” section will provide you with reviews on the newest gadgets on the marketplace. The “Next” section is more news-oriented about ground-breaking innovations and interviews with top thought leaders.
Nobelprize.org is available from home and will get you up to speed on who has won the Nobel Prizes for the last few years and what these important discoveries were.

Further Exploration

Scientific American is only available at the research libraries. While it provides current products and legal news that can assist researchers, there are many articles that are not beyond the reach of the layperson. Issues go back to 1845 so you can see how far we have come.
Science.gov is available from home and brings you research and development straight from the horse’s mouth. You can set up alerts for topics of interest and it is easy to search for articles, reports, and notices. Some pages are out of date but they publish up-to-date articles and link to over 36 scientific databases.

Serious Research

The American Physical Society Journals are available to access from any library with your card. Physics Journal explains concepts and also has interesting articles for non-researchers. If you really want to dig deep into the world of Physics there are twelve(!) more journals to choose from.
The Scientist is only available at research libraries. It reports on and analyzes the issues and events that impact the world of life scientists. Articles cover a variety of topics such as vaccines on trial, reducing malaria to its constituent parts, and survival in the microfluidic market. (If you know what that means then this is the database for you).

For more reading, check out some of the biggest science-related books from the last couple of years:

Skeptic: viewing the world with a rational eye by Michael Shermer (2016)
A collection of essays from his celebrated column in Scientific American
Cracking the Aging Code: the new science of growing old — and what it means for staying young by Josh Mitteldorf and Dorion Sagan (2016)
This book will be relevant to everyone at some point in time!
Grunt: the curious science of humans at war by Mary Roach (2016)
Roach has been instrumental in bringing science to the masses, getting the most attention for her 2013 book Gulp: adventures on the alimentary canal
Reality is Not What it Seems: the journey to quantum gravity by Carlo Rovelli and translated from Italian by Simon Carnell and Erica Segre (2017)
It is a big topic that Rovelli attempts to bring to everyone so it may be difficult at times but it will certainly broaden your knowledge.
Hidden Figures: the American dream and the untold story of the Black women mathematicians who helped win the space race by Margot Lee Shetterly (2016)
Recently adapted to a blockbuster film, this book tells the story of amazing Black female minds during a time when segregation was still standard.

Get a Hobby! 5 Suggestions from Grand Central Library

Laura Stein, Adult Services Librarian, Grand Central Library — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 13:27:16 -0400

Just because you vowed never to write another term paper again does not mean you are done learning. This back-to-school season, try picking up a new hobby rather than a new textbook. Some of our well-rounded librarians are here to give you ideas!

Will

I bike and these two slim volumes are all I need.

Just Ride by Grant Petersen
Grant Petersen is a legendary figure in the bike world. He's designed iconic bicycles for Bridgestone and, later, his own company, Rivendell, and is the guiding philosophical/aesthetic light for non-spandex-wearing riders the world over ("unracers" as he describes us). He's kind of a daydream maker.

The Ultimate Bicycle Owner's Manual by Eben Weiss, aka Bike Snob
Eben Weiss is the Louis C.K. to Grant Petersen's Henry David Thoreau, but his commentary is fueled by love. Bike love.

I bird (watch)!

And you should, too. Since you will spend the rest of your life seeing birds, learning to identify them will make you want to follow them, and this will force you to go outside, walk, and plan future days of outdoor walking, adding months, maybe years, to your life.

Birding requires you make a few purchases: good binoculars, good walking shoes, and a good field guide. And there are so many, so just avoid the rabbit hole and get this (for East Coast purposes):

The Sibley Field Guide To Birds Of Eastern North America written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley
(Check it out first to see if you like it. You'll like it.)

Your most necessary online resource for birds comes courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, whose suite of websites (including basics, species lists, birdsong databases, etc.) will make you smarter and better than you were before.

I meditate!

And there are too many books for too many sensibilities and from too many traditions to easily recommend a few titles.
But I would recommend attending a group meditation, because nothing beats the actual practice of said, which at its core is breathing, and getting yourself quiet. Mindfulness, they're calling it.

This is not a cart-before-the-horse-appropriate pursuit, so save your reading until after seeing if you like being quiet on purpose.

The library offers many different meditation groups these days, so for absolutely no cost you can check out this simple, but (IMHO) life-improving practice.

Laura

I make family trees!

Family letters have been passed down to me and I’ve been having a nerdy-fun time figuring out how everyone is connected. New York Public Library has a subscription to Ancestry.com Library Edition that is free for cardholders to use in any library branch. Not only do I get a sense of the lineage but I also start to understand context. Census reports will give me addresses, occupations and education levels.

The content of the letters will send me all over the place to find articles about events through one of the newspaper databases or pictures of fashion trends through NYPL’s digital collection. Check out the Milstein Division of United States History, Local History & Genealogy at the Schwarzman building.

There is so much involved with good genealogical work and thankfully there are specializing librarians to help. I recommend signing up for a workshop at the Schwarzman building. There are also other blog posts that help you with specific resources.

Dede

I interior design!

In college I thought about majoring in Interior Design but instead I chose English Literature... and well, the rest is history. I still really love design though, and these library resources have helped reconnect me to my happy place, even inspiring me to think of moonlighting as a home stager.

Styled: Secrets For Arranging Rooms, From Tabletops To Bookshelves by Emily Henderson

Delicious eye candy: I could spend hours studying this book, learning how to make my home more visually compelling. An accomplished home stager/stylist, Henderson offers lots of great ways to make interesting vignettes around your house. There's even a quiz to figure out your design aesthetic.

Domino: The Book Of Room Decorating by Deborah Needleman

Back when it was a monthly publication, Domino magazine was a big design inspiration for me. This book is a great reference tool, full of gorgeous photos as well as advice on blending prints, colors, and furniture styles.

Periodicals Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and even Real Simple also help me get my fix.

Apartment Therapy's Big Book Of Small, Cool Spaces by Maxwell Ryan

From the founder of the Apartment Therapy blog, this book illuminates real-life scenarios of how people make more out of less space. A must for NYC living!

Home Staging That Works by Starr Osborne

Full of helpful tricks and products, as well as real life examples from Osborne's successful home staging business, this book is an easy and action-oriented read. Whether you're selling your home, or just want to improve its "curb appeal," Osborne offers practical suggestions for immediate results.

Other Hobby Ideas from the Collections

Whittle adorable little creatures with Tiny Whittling: More Than 20 Projects To Make by Steve Tomashek

Interpret your tarot cards with The Ultimate Guide To The Rider Waite Tarot by Johannes Fiebig and Evelin Burger

Square dance with willing friends and the Complete Book Of Square Dancing (and Round Dancing) by Betty Casey

Tell us how you plan to nerd out this September!

Recipes from the Reluctant Camper

Lauren Lampasone, Senior Librarian, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 13:26:56 -0400

Car camping, from the "The Pageant of America" Collection. Image ID: 101826

Summer is in full swing. Maybe you've taken a cruise, a roadtrip, a European jaunt or a trip to the beach, but summer would not be complete without a night spent with only a thin layer of nylon separating you from the starry sky and the cool night air... am I right?

No?! Well to be honest, I haven't always felt that way. I am a reluctant camper. If you are too, all you need is a patient (and preferably more camping-experienced) friend or family member and maybe a few books from the library to get you started.

Camping Gadgets. Image ID: 1135454

Cooking and enjoying food is probably my favorite hobby, so it is exciting for me to have the opportunity to expand my repertoire to the fire pit once in a while. On my last trip I was really happy to have found Campfire Cookery: Adventuresome Recipes & Other Curiosities for the Great Outdoors. While the writing style is a little twee, the suggested meals go way beyond the standard hot dog and marshmallow fare. I ended up making lemon curd (for breakfast with English muffins) and garlic aïoli (for smothering some flame broiled sardines in a baguette) based on recipes in the book.

To be clear, I prepared most of these recipes before I left for the great outdoors. They all keep wonderfully in a cooler for a few days; maybe I will try something more adventurous next time.

Lemon Curd

(adapted from Campfire Cookery by Sarah Huck and Jaimee Young)

1 whole egg
1 egg yolk
1/4 C sugar
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
zest of 2 lemons
1/2 cup lemon juice (from those 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick)

Whisk egg and yolk, sugar and salt in a small saucepan. Whisk in the lemon juice and drop in the butter pieces. Put the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon. Keep stirring until it is thick enough to pile up when pushed to the side, 10-15 minutes. Don't let it get hot enough to bubble, if it does take it off the heat and stir vigorously.

When it's nice and thickened, push it through a sieve into a bowl containing the lemon zest. Stir it all together. Place a sheet of plastic wrap on the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming; once it cools transfer it to a jar and chill in the fridge for a few hours.

(Note: This is halved from what is in the book, and there are also tangerine and grapefruit variations available there.)

Bast's Grilled Sardines & Lemon Aïoli Tartine

(adapted from Campfire Cookery by Sarah Huck and Jaimee Young)

1 egg yolk at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice at room temp
1/2 cup olive oil at room temp
1 chopped garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon (or 1/2 lemon's worth) lemon zest
pinch of kosher salt

Whisk together the yolk, salt, and lemon juice; drizzle in a steady thread of oil. If you've made mayonnaise before you know not to add the oil too fast and to stir like crazy. Your arm should end up hurting really bad. Or you can use a food processor and drizzle the oil in through the top. Your call. It's either more dishes to clean or tired arm muscles, as I've discovered. Anyway, continue until all the oil is incorporated and the mixture is thick. Mix in the zest, garlic and salt. Cover and send to the fridge.

You can use fresh sardines (get the book to read the instructions on that) or just use canned (when you're really hungry after a long day of hiking I don't think it matters). Heat them up on a piece of foil on the grill top over the fire. Toast the bread too. Put it all together with the aïoli and enjoy—even your mayonnaise-hating friend will love it. Sardines are brain food!

I don't know why, but browsing the energy bar aisle in the grocery store always makes me tired and depressed. So I decided to make my own granola bars (from How to Cook Everything) for hiking with leftover granola (from Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys: Recipes, Strategies, and Survival Techniques.) They turned out very sweet but also powerful enough to get me up a small mountain and back.

No-Bake Granola Bars

(adapted from Mark Bittman's recipe, see below)

1 1/2 cups dried fruit (I used apricots and dates and a few prunes)
1/4 cup neutral oil, like grapeseed
3 cups granola (next time I'll use less, they were a bit crumbly)

Put the dried fruit and oil in a food processor and purée until smooth, stopping the machine to scrape down the sides if necessary. (Add small amounts of water if the fruit is dried out and not processing.) Transfer to a small pot and bring to a boil. Put the granola in a large bowl and combine with the fruit mixture; stir until the granola is well coated. Press into an 8- or 9-inch square pan and let cool in the fridge. Cut into squares or rectangles and separate with that press-and-seal type plastic wrap.

For variations on this, including versions without fruit or with nut butter, see How to Cook Everything or the full recipe on nytimes.com.

Hiking and Camping

Camping in Comfort: A Guide to Roughing It with Ease and Style by Lynn Haney
A guide to outdoor gear that actually makes a reluctant camper excited about all the STUFF she can acquire to be more comfy! But the emphasis here is really on making the right decisions based on your needs and camping comfort level. It includes information on tents, sleeping gear, clothing, and cooking supplies. It also offers details on public and private campgrounds, luxury camping resorts, backpacking, bicycle camping, kayak camping, and RV camping, so it is great for experienced campers and newbies alike.

Under the Stars: How America Fell in Love With Camping By Dan White (2016)
The Green Guide To Low-Impact Hiking And Camping by Laura and Guy Waterman; foreword by Bill McKibben (2016)
Fifty Places To Camp Before You Die: Camping Experts Share The World's Greatest Destinations by Chris Santella; foreword by Mike Harrelson (2016)
Basic Illustrated Camping by Cliff Jacobson; illustrations by Lon Levin (2015)
Hiking The Road To Ruins: Daytrips And Camping Adventures To Iron Mines, Old Military Sites, And Things Abandoned In The New York City Area—And Beyond by David A. Steinberg (2015)
Camping's Top Secrets: A Lexicon Of Expert Camping Tips by Cliff Jacobson (2013)
Best Tent Camping, New York State: Your Car-camping Guide To Scenic Beauty, The Sounds Of Nature, And An Escape From Civilization by Catharine Starmer, Aaron Starmer, Timothy Starmer (2013)
Camping New York: A Comprehensive Guide To Public Tent And RV Campgrounds by Ben Keene (2013)

Cooking Outdoors

The Scout's Outdoor Cookbook by Christine & Tim Conners
This book was written by and for scouts, as in, girl and boy scouts and their leaders. But even scouting drop-outs like me can use it to learn about cooking techniques and times, and how to best cook for a crowd when you do not have any of the conveniences of an indoor kitchen. "Each recipe includes number of servings, a difficulty rating, a list of required equipment, and a handy icon to let the reader see the cooking method (dutch oven, skillet, etc.) at a glance." Very handy.

The Complete Book Of Outdoor Cookery by James Beard and Helen Evans Brown (2015)
The Picnic: Recipes And Inspiration From Basket To Blanket by Marnie Hanel, Andrea Slonecker, and Jen Stevenson (2014)
Campfire Cookery: Adventuresome Recipes & Other Curiosities for the Great Outdoors by Sarah Huck (2011)
The New Trailside Cookbook: 100 Delicious Recipes For The Camp Chef by Kevin Callan & Margaret Howard (2013)
Cooking The Dutch Oven Way by by Woody Woodruff (2013)
The Wilderness Guide To Dutch Oven Cooking by Kate Rowinski; photography by Jim Rowinski (2012)
NOLS Cookery edited by Claudia Pearson; illustrations by Mike Clelland (2012)
Food Safety While Hiking, Camping & Boating (2011)
The Curmudgeon's Book of Skillet Cooking: More Than 101 Easy Recipes for Jackleg Cooks, One-Armed Chefs, and Practical Housewives by A. D. Livingston (2011)
Campfire Cuisine: Gourmet Recipes for the Great Outdoors by Robin Donovan (2006)
Backpack Gourmet: Good Hot Grub You Can Make at Home, Dehydrate, and Pack For Quick, Easy, and Healthy Eating On The Trail by Linda Frederick Yaffe (2002)
The Portable Baker: Baking on Boat and Trail by Jean Spangenberg (1997)

For more inspiration as far as places to head out to, check out Kerri Wallace's posts on hiking spots near NYC and the Finger Lakes, and Sherri Liberman's postcard from Maine. Where do you like to camp? More importantly, what do you like to cook there?

Related subject headings:

Camping out, Lake George, N.Y. Image ID: G91F121_033F

Learn English With Shakespeare: Free Websites and Books for English Language Learners

Elizabeth Waters, AskNYPL — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 17:25:00 -0400

Image ID: 1644912

break the ice
catch a cold
a heart of gold
Love is blind.

Have you ever used one of these common phrases in English? If you have, you have used language that came to us from Shakespeare. April 23 is the 400th anniversary of the death of the great English writer William Shakespeare. Shakespeare wrote at least thirty-eight plays and more than 150 short and long poems. Hundreds of years after his death we still read and watch performances of his work. Shakespeare is also the most translated author ever. According to the Folger Shakespeare Library, his work is read in at least eighty languages.

Shakespeare’s language can be a challenge for fluent English speakers. If you’re an English language learner, you might think that Shakespeare is not for for you, but there are many different ways you can learn about his work, his life, and his language and improve your English skills. You probably know something about the characters and the plots of some of his most famous plays, like Romeo and Juliet, already. Be part of this year's big Shakespeare celebration! Try some of these free websites and books and e-books from the library to learn more about the Bard.

Free Websites

These lessons are best for intermediate to advanced English language learners

British Council Learning English: Shakespeare
Why are his plays still so popular four hundred years after his death? Watch these video lessons about Shakespeare's life and his writing, and listen to people talk about why they love Shakespeare. Each video has exercises to help you check your understanding and learn important vocabulary.

British Council Learn English Teens
Watch animated videos that explain the plots of five of Shakespeare's most famous plays: Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, and TheTempest. There are exercises after each video to help you check your understanding.

BBC Learning English: Shakespeare Speaks
This is a series of animated video lessons to help you learn well-known expressions that Shakespeare introduced into the English language, like "dead as a doornail" and "wild goose chase." There are exercises with each video to help you test your comprehension and practice the new vocabulary.

The Influence of Shakespeare on Everyday English
This video on the EngVid.com website introduces common English expressions like “break the ice” and “catch a cold” that come to us from Shakespeare’s plays. You can do a multiple choice quiz after the lesson to test your knowledge.

Shakespeare on VOA Learning English
This website has many types of lessons for language learnerr at all levels, including a two-part report about Shakespeare. You can listen to the stories and read along on the screen: The Works of William Shakespeare Remain Full of Life and William Shakespeare: Star of Stage and Screen

Folger Shakespeare Library
The Folger Shakespeare Library website has many interesting and helpful materials. Some good places For English language learners to start are their FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page, which gives information about Shakespeare’s life and work and the brief synopses or summaries of all the plays. If you are already familiar with some of Shakespeare’s plays and characters, you can test your knowledge with this Who Am I? Quiz on the Shakespeare for Kids page.

Advanced language learners can take a virtual tour of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. in this one-hour “Experiencing Shakespeare” video on the PBS Learning website. This video does not have captions available.

Shakespeare’s Globe: Fact Sheets
The Globe Theatre in London also has lots of information about Shakespeare on its website. You can read about the plays,and learn how they are staged and performed. This is a link to short fact sheets about Shakespeare’s life, the original Globe Theater, where many of his plays were first performed, and other topics.

Read an adapted version of a Shakespeare play:

Would you like to read Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, The Merchant of Venice, or A Midsummer Night’s Dream? There are simplified versions of some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays written for English language learners. You can request some of these adapted plays in the library catalog.

The Shakespeare Today series retells some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays in today’s English. This series is intended for teen readers, but it could also be fun reading for adult English language learners. You can borrow some of these twenty-first century versions of Shakespeare from our e-book collection.

Visit our eBook Central page for help borrowing and downloading e-books from the library.

Some retellings of Shakespeare’s plays for children can make interesting and challenging reading for English language learners. These books can give you an idea of the important characters, themes, and plots in Shakespeare’s plays.

Tales from Shakespeare by Tina Packer retells ten of Shakespeare’s most famous plays with illustrations by Gail de Marcken.

Stories from Shakespeare by Geraldine McCaughrean retells the stories ten of the most famous plays and includes quotations from Shakespeare.

Leon Garfield's Shakespeare Stories, which retells twelve of the most famous plays, is available from the library as an e-book. Shakespeare Stories II by Leon Garfield retells nine less frequently adapted Shakespeare plays.

These next two books are very well-known children’s books written in the nineteenth century. Some of the vocabulary and sentence structure will be challenging for students learning English in 2016. The books are now in the public domain, so they are available online for free. You won’t need a library card.

The Children’s Shakespeare by Edith Nesbit, originally published in 1895, retells twelve of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. Each story is about four or five pages long. You can download and read this book through the Hathi Trust website. You can also listen to a free audiobook from Librivox.

Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb was first published in 1807. This book tells the stories of eighteen of Shakespeare's plays, and each story is about 10-12 pages long. You can download and read Tales from Shakespeare through the Hathi Trust website. You can also listen to a free audiobook from LibriVox.

Spring Cleaning in 5 Steps

Laura Stein, Adult Services Librarian, Grand Central Library — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 16:41:23 -0400

The sunlight is streaming through the curtains and illuminating all of the dust which means that it's time for SPRING CLEANING! Never fear, because the experts have graciously put all their knowledge onto paper and the library is here to share that knowledge for free. Follow these 5 simple steps to spring clean everything in your life.

1. Clean out your house!

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class On The Art Of Organizing And Tidying Up

The Kon-Mari Method will be a common activity in your home after delving into Marie Kondo's mini (read: non-threatening) books. Marie Kondo is a professional de-clutterer and claims her philosophy on tidying up has changed many clients' lives. She'll provide you with a whole new way to look at your "things" and her instructional books will help you every step of the way.

New Order: A Decluttering Handbook for Creative Folks (and Everyone Else) by Fay Wolf will also help you sort through the detritus of your life but what is particularly helpful about this book is that it has a section on decluttering your digital life, an index of where to donate/recycle various household items, and how to be more productive after you've done your spring cleaning.

My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag... and Other Things You Can't Ask Martha by Jolie Kerr is as hilarious as it is helpful.

Cheaper, Better, Faster: Over 2,000 Tips and Tricks to Save You Time and Money Every Day by Mary Hunt is an alphabetical smorgasbord of cleaning tips (without the brand names).

Step 1 is almost over, I just need you to live sustainably and produce as little waste as you can from this point on. If you need convincing that too much garbage is an issue check out the graphic novel Trashed by Derf Backderf then find some tips on how to live a zero-waste lifestyle in these resources.

2. Clean out your bills, not your wallet.

April 29, 2016 is Financial Planning Day at the Science, Industry, and Business Library (SIBL) of NYPL. SIBL is open 6 days a week with great resources and a constant schedule of programs.

Learn from home with NYPL's vast list of financial literacy resources and start planning your ideal future.

Brokenomics: 50 Ways to Live the Dream on a Dime by Dina Gachman has practical advice on life decisions and philosophies that will help you stress less about money.

3. Clean out your mind.

Several libraries offer free meditation programs or other groups like adult coloring or knitting which can also be relaxing.

2015 brought us an adorable series of 5 pocket-sized books by Thich Naht Hahn with illustrations by Jason DeAntonis. It is an act of meditation just to read the books. The e-book versions are just as cute.

4. Clean out your body.

Kicking those bad habits is easier said than done but it's essential to your quality of life.

The first step might be to see your primary care physician but don't let yourself be passive in the process. Take care of yourself by asking questions, asking more questions, and then asking even more questions. The Life You Save: Nine Steps to Finding the Best Medical Care and Avoiding the Worst by Patrick Malone will give you confidence you need to find the right doctor and understand your care and options.

A fellow Librarian recommends the following books if you're interested in a juice cleanse (check with your doctor at that appointment you made to see if this is a good option for you).

Blender Girl Smoothies by Tess Masters and Clean, Green Drinks by Candice Kumai.

"Both books feature gluten-free, vegan and paleo-friendly recipes. As the title suggests, the Masters book only has smoothie recipes, which is great because I don't own a juicer. The Kumai book has both smoothie and juice recipes."

"I probably like the Blender Girl book slightly better because of the blender angle, but also because the recipes are very inventive, and they run the spectrum from spicy to sweet, and feature every color of the rainbow—it's not all about kale. Plus, Masters seems to really know her nutrition."

The best time to quit is NOW! Visit nysmokefree.com or find a treatment facility at findtreatment.samhsa.gov. It's always best to have support but the self-help section of the library can be a good place to start. If you're healthy but a loved one is not, remember to practice self-care.

5. Clean out your desk.

Laura Vanderkam is the queen of productivity. You've heard the saying "work smart, not hard." Well now is as good a time as any to put that into practice. Check off things on your to-do list, clear out that inbox, file those excess papers and do it all without losing your mind!

The library has plenty of productivity books to get you inspired and motivated.

Get your spring cleaning out of the way so you can enjoy the weather to its fullest! Happy Cleaning!

Readings for New Year's Resolutions

Lauren Lampasone, Senior Librarian, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 10:31:19 -0500

A happy New Year. Image ID: 1588010

USA.gov provides a listing of popular New Year's Resolutions and related government resources to help you meet any of these goals. The Library is also a great place to find information to help you start off the New Year on the right foot.

What are you going to focus on this year?

Drink Less

A happy New Year. Image ID: 1588108
Eat Healthy
Get a Better Education (follow the Lifelong Learning and Facing the Page blog channels)
Get a Better Job (follow the Job Search Central blog channel)
Get Fit
Lose Weight
Manage Debt
Manage Stress
Quit Smoking
Be Green
Save Money
Take a Trip (follow the Ticketless Traveler blog channel)
Volunteer (check out how to volunteer at NYPL)

And one more just from us:

Read More!

The new year is also a great time to think about a project or plan you want to accomplish. With that concept in mind, I created a book list of the genre I like to think of as the "One Year Challenge." (For a while there it seemed like anyone could get a book deal with a blog and an outrageous idea about how to spend 12 months!)

1 Year, 100 Pounds: My Journey To a Better, Happier Life / Whitney Holcombe
365 Thank Yous: the Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life / John Kralik
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: a Year of Food Life / Barbara Kingsolver
The Art of Eating In: How I Learned To Stop Spending and Love the Stove / Cathy Erway
Chastened: the Unexpected Story of My Year Without Sex / Hephzibah Anderson
Counterclockwise: My Year of Hypnosis, Hormones, Dark Chocolate, and Other Adventures In the World of Antiaging / Lauren Kessler
Diary of a Real Estate Rookie: My Year of Flipping, Selling, and Rebuilding—and What I Learned (the Hard Way) / Alison Rogers
Dream Year: Make the Leap From a Job You Hate To a Life You Love / Ben Arment
Drop Dead Healthy: One Man's Humble Quest For Bodily Perfection / A. J. Jacobs
Give It Up: My Year of Learning To Live Better With Less / Mary Carlomagno
The Gratitude Diaries: How a Year Looking On the Bright Side Transformed My Life / Janice Kaplan
Growing At the Speed of Life: a Year In the Life of My First Kitchen Garden / Graham Kerr
Happier At Home: Kiss More, Jump More, Abandon a Project, Read Samuel Johnson, and My Other Experiments In the Practice of Everyday Life / Gretchen Rubin
The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying To Sing In the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun / Gretchen Rubin
Helping Me Help Myself: One Skeptic, Ten Self-help Gurus, and a Year On the Brink of the Comfort Zone / Beth Lisick
Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously / Julie Powell
A Kitchen In France: a Year of Cooking In My Farmhouse / Mimi Thorisson
Living Oprah: My One-Year Experiment To Walk the Walk of the Queen of Talk / Robyn Okrant
Mastering the Art of French Eating: Lessons In Food and Love From a Year In Paris / Ann Mah
Mirror, Mirror off the Wall: How I Learned To Love My Body By Not Looking At It For a Year / Kjerstin Gruys
Mr. Smith Goes To Prison; What My Year Behind Bars Taught Me About America's Prison Crisis / Jeff Smith
My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life / Ruth Reichl
My Year of Flops: the AV Club Presents One Man's Journey Deep Into the Heart of Cinematic Failure / Nathan Rabin
My Year of Running Dangerously: a Dad, a Daughter, and a Ridiculous Plan / Tom Foreman
My Year With Eleanor: a Memoir / Noelle Hancock
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By In America / Barbara Ehrenreich
No Impact Man: the Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts To Save the Planet, and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life In the Process / Colin Beavan
Not Buying It: My Year Without Shopping / Judith Levine
Paris, My Sweet: a Year In the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate) / Amy Thomas
Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally / Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon
Quarter-Acre Farm: How I Kept the Patio, Lost the Lawn, and Fed My Family For a Year / Spring Warren
Reading the OED: One Man, One Year, 21,730 Pages / Ammon Shea
Self-Made Man: One Woman's Journey Into Manhood and Back Again / Norah Vincent
Sitting In Bars With Cake: Lessons and Recipes From One Year of Trying To Bake My Way To a Boyfriend / Audrey Shulman
Skulls / Noah Scalin
Sleeping Naked Is Green: How An Eco-Cynic Unplugged Her Fridge, Sold Her Car, and Found Love In 366 Days / Vanessa Farquharson
So Many Books, So Little Time: a Year of Passionate Reading / Sara Nelson
Sweater Quest: My Year of Knitting Dangerously / Adrienne Martini
The One-Week Job Project: One Man, 1 Year, 52 Jobs / Sean Aiken
Tolstoy and the Purple Chair: My Year of Magical Reading / Nina Sankovitch
Unprocessed: My City-Dwelling Year of Reclaiming Real Food / Megan Kimble
Until I Say Good-Bye: My Year of Living With Joy / Susan Spencer-Wendel
Voluntary Madness: My Year Lost and Found In the Loony Bin / Norah Vincent
The Whole Five Feet: What the Great Books Taught Me About Life, Death, and Pretty Much Everything Else / Christopher R. Beha
A Year At Otter Farm: Inspiring Recipes Through the Seasons / Mark Diacono
A Year In Provence / Peter Mayl
The Year of Cozy: 125 Recipes, Crafts, and Other Homemade Adventures / Adrianna Adarme
The Year of Eating Dangerously: a Global Adventure In Search of Culinary Extremes / Tom Parker Bowles
The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest To Follow the Bible As Literally As Possible / A.J. Jacobs
The Year of Living Danishly: My Twelve Months Unearthing the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country / Helen Russell
Year of No Sugar: A Memoir / Eve O. Schaub
A Year of Pies: A Seasonal Tour of Home Baked Pies / Ashley English
The Year of Reading Dangerously: How Fifty Great Books (and Two Not-so-great Ones) Saved My Life / Andy Miller
A Year Without "Made In China": One Family's True Life Adventure In the Global Economy / Sara Bongiorni
Year of Yes / Shonda Rhimes
A Year With Peter Drucker: 52 Weeks of Coaching For Leadership Effectiveness: Based On the Work of Peter F. Drucker / Joseph A. Maciariello

A happy New Year. Image ID: 1587964

Another type of resolution you could make is to embark on something called a "365 project." Do something—anything—but the same thing every day for a year. Draw a picture, take a snapshot, jot a short journal entry, or write a poem—do whatever it is you enjoy that will help jump start your creativity or help you improve your technique. You can post your project on specifically designed websites, Flickr (see groups/366photos; groups/365days), Facebook, Twitter, or your own blog.

Have you read and enjoyed another "One Year Challenge"? What is your resolution for the year? (Posting here might just make you feel more accountable for it later on.) Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

I am finding that having access to great ebooks is helping me with my personal resolution to read more; with the Kindle app installed on my iPad and iPhone, it syncs to the last page I've read on either device. As my colleague says, reading on your phone is great because you can have an emergency book with you at all times!

Whatever your plans for the year, wishing you 366 happy days!

A Website Coding Starter Kit

Lynette Ford, Information Assistant, Dongan Hills Library — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 14:11:22 -0400

For most people, the Internet is a necessity when it comes to locating or sharing information. It is not surprising that there are over a million websites in existence today. Platforms such as Google Sites make it easy to create a webpage of your own from a template and sites such as Wordpress.com allow you to customize using widgets. However, there is something very satisfying in creating a website from scratch and knowing that it will turn out exactly the way that you want. It also allows you to register a unique domain name that does not include the Google or Wordpress domain in your web address. By following a few easy steps and making use of free resources and software, anyone can learn to create a website of their own.

Step 1. Choose which programming languages to learn

For basic webpages with static content, one only needs HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets.) This will allow you to structure the site and format it with colors, fonts, and graphics. Websites containing dynamic (interactive) content will require a scripting language such as JavaScript or jQuery. The language Python is gaining popularity for its effectiveness and simplicity. Choose this language if you are also interested in application development.

Step 2. Get the right software

An internet browser

In order to test your code, you will need at least one internet browser. It is more advantageous to test it in multiple internet browsers, as the website might look slightly different in each one. Options are Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, or Safari.

A text editor

One can write code with nothing more than a simple text editor. Most operating systems come with a standard editor such as Notepad on PCs or TextEditor on Macs. All you need to do to start coding to enter the code into the program and save it with the correct file extension such as ".html", ".css" or ".js." If you prefer to use something more advanced you can download a free text editor such as Notepad++ for Windows machines or TextWrangler for Macs. These programs have an interface specifically designed for coding and allow you to easily run your code in an internet browser. If you do not want to add any additional programs to your machine, consider an online sandbox program such as JS Fiddle, Pastebin, or Codepen. These websites are free to use and only require an email address to create an account. You view your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code side by side and see an instant preview of how your site will look. You also have the option to save and share your programs with other users.

An FTP (File Transfer Program)

If you are creating content for a personal website with a registered domain, you must transfer your files full of code from your own computer to a web server in order for it to be viewed by the public. Filezilla and Cyberduck are file transfer programs that can be downloaded for free.

Step 3. Take advantage of free resources

W3C

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is an international community that develops open standards for the web. The site contains information on various languages. It also includes the HTML Validator, which can check uploaded files for errors.

Project <code>

A free 10-week course in computer programming offered by the New York Public Library.

Codeacademy

A series of self-paced online tutorials in a variety of programming languages. All you need to sign up is an email address.

Lynda.com

Another great set of interactive lessons and tutorials, accessible for free to all New York Public Library members.

The New York Public Library offers many materials to help you further your study. Check out Lauren Lampasone's blog post on computer programming resources or browse NYPL's catalog for books and other materials. Happy coding!

What We're Reading: October 2014

Lauren Lampasone, Senior Librarian, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 11:29:47 -0400

This month I asked colleagues what they are reading and learning about in their spare time (we have interests besides books you know!) Please tell us what you are learning or creating this month in the comments.

I am reading The Luck Uglies by Paul Durham in an e-book. But I am also teaching myself to play the ukulele and using Progressive Beginner Ukulele by Peter Gelling in an e-book format. —Karen, Chatham Square

I am currently learning Japanese. I started out using Mango Languages, which I started before my first trip to Japan. I learned some helpful phrases and got a feel for the language so it was a great tool. I'm now taking classes at Japan Society so I no longer use Mango, but I do use lots of resources from the library yet, mainly DVDs and books about Japan. I really love Japanese cinema, a couple directors I enjoy are Ozu and Kore-eda. I also read A Hundred Years of Japanese Film by Donald Richie, and in my queue right now are A Modern History of Japan: From Tokugawa Times to the Present by Andrew Gordon and Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II by John W. Dower. Right now I'm not advanced enough to pick up a novel in Japanese, so I use picture books in Japanese to practice my reading skills. One of the most helpful resources in learning Japanese, though, has been the opportunity to speak Japanese with native speakers. There is a patron and her two young children who visit my branch often who are Japanese, and it's super fun to practice with them! —Rabecca, Kingsbridge Library

Japanese lesson on Mango Languages

I wish I was learning a new instrument, hobby, or craft, but sadly I'm not right now! I do use the library resources to bring home materials for my two little boys all the time—it's such a perk having daily access to new children's books, DVDs, and CDs. My four-year-old's first question for me when I get home from the library is, "What'd you bring me from the library?" In my own reading life, I'm in the middle of Gary Shteyngart's memoir, Little Failure, which is a funny and poignant account of his growing up in the U.S. as an immigrant from communist Russia. —Susie, Mulberry Street Library

Just finishing Just Between Us by Mario Lopez. I am reading it on my tablet, and this book gave me some insider information on the entertainment business. In particular, on how actors have to stay on top of their game and be willing to expand their horizons in search of maintaining employment. He spoke about some gossipy parts of his life during his run on Saved By The Bell and the challenges of being typecast after the show finished its run. And of course, of his personal relationships and the complications along the way, both familial and romantic. —Christel, George Bruce Library

I homeschool my son in two subjects, French and Geometry so I need to learn whatever I teach him. We're currently reading and studying Girls Get Curves: Geometry Takes Shape by Danica McKellar and Geometry in 15 Minutes a Day. Though Danica McKellar's book is geared to girls, the explanations using things like nailpolish and shopping are memorable enough and make us laugh so that we actually remember ideas long after we've finished a chapter. For our French lessons we're reading Words in a French Life by Kristin Espinasse (and we subscribe to her French Word a Day emails). We liked French in 10 Minutes a Day so much that we purchased a copy for ourselves. We watch films to help reinforce the language we're learning. Last week we watched a fantastic movie that we both loved, The Intouchables. It was based on a true story and a book, You Changed My Life. Of course, we've already put a hold on it! —Maura, Volunteer Office

Don't know if this counts 'cause it's not me, but I recently recommended a mechanical aptitude test book and LearningExpress Library for a friend taking a test for a new job. Come to think of it, I did recently check out Merchandising Made Simple. —Melissa, Mid-Manhattan Library

I've been learning American Sign Language. In addition to taking classes at the Sign Language Center I've been watching ASL videos on YouTube for reminders of basics and some extra slang. The Internet is a useful library resource. Also, since I teach it to others, I'm learning more about the library's free, instant, unlimited talking books for people with visual, physical, and print-reading disabilities using the BARD website and mobile app. I just recently took a blacksmith class, and after that exhilarating and completely exhausting, muscle-aching experience, got this from the library to try out: The Acupressure Atlas. And lately, maybe partly due to the gorgeous and remote setting of the blacksmith class, I've been reading several books at once, all about the natural world, including: Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey, Survive! by Les Stroud, and Stronger Than Dirt by Kimberly Schaye. —Jill, Andrew Heiskell Library

I want to learn how to crochet, and have watched a few YouTube videos but am finding them more overwhelming than helpful. When I taught myself how to knit in 2002 it was with a For Dummies book because online streaming video didn't really exist then (hard to remember what life was like in those days!) So I went through our e-book collection for crochet books for beginners and downloaded a few. —Lauren, Reference and Research Services

I continue to learn on the job every day. Just now, as I catalog items from the age of Voltaire, I am learning details about the life of Jean Calas and his family. Calas was a celebrated victim of religious prejudice and judicial murder, tortured and executed in Toulouse, France, in 1762; the cause of his rehabilitation and the relief of his widow and children was taken up by Voltaire, and became one of the great causes célèbres of the 18th century. Some of the Library materials I use in my research have been helpfully digitized by Google and are available online, but recent items, including the definitive edition of Voltaire's writings on the subject (The complete works of Voltaire, volumes 56B-56C), are under copyright and must be consulted in the form of physical volumes. —Kathie, Special Formats Processing

I am learning how to cook Singaporean food: Singapore Cooking. This book is beautifully illustrated, includes a thorough glossary of ingredients you may be using in the recipes, and puts the cuisine in context of Singapore's eclectic mix of cultural traditions. This is also a good book: The Cooking of Singapore. —Sherri, Mulberry Street Library

About two years ago, I started dabbling in collage, and in December I will be having my first ever exhibit at Morningside Heights, so right now I am using the book Show Your Work: 10 Ways To Share Your Creativity And Get Discovered, by Austin Kleon, as a source of inspiration, encouragement, and reassurance. —Ronni, Morningside Heights Library

I am reading books by the authors who are presenting at the Drop Everything and Read Day at the Bronx Library Center. Just finished Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix, which I highly recommend for the workplace humor. I had fun seeing some of myself and my co-workers in the characters. Before We Met by Lucie Whitehouse—a real thriller—you'll be surprised by the ending. I am currently reading My Old Neighborhood Remembered by Avery Corman. It's a memoir of the author growing up in the Bronx in the 1940s and 1950s. It's very interesting to read about the impact of World War II in the day-to-day life of a child growing up in the Bronx—reading the newspaper everyday, and dutifully writing to relatives in the service. —Jean, Bronx Library Center

I'm trying to improve my limited Spanish using some of NYPL's free online resources. I'm still working my way through the final chapters of the Latin American Spanish conversation course in Mango Languages. I like having the option to download lessons onto the Mango app my phone so that I can learn offline, too. I've also started reading and listening to animated children's books in Spanish in the TumbleBooks Library. My current favorite is Lola en la biblioteca, a translation of Lola Loves the Library by Anna McQuinn. Tuesday is Lola's favorite day of the week because it's the day she goes to the library with her mother. For me, it was a useful lesson in Spanish library vocabulary, which I need to review a few more times. Sometimes I try to read articles in the El Diario newspaper using the PressDisplay newspaper database. PressDisplay has an option to listen to an article as well as read it, which I find helpful. I also find it helpful to choose articles about local news that I'm already familiar with because I have more context for understanding new language in the article. —Elizabeth, Mid-Manhattan Library

Perhaps not the most exciting use of library resources, but I've been interested in learning about healthy living for some time and the library is a really fantastic resource. My roommate just bought a blender so when we're not scratching our heads and doing the whole "let's throw a pizza and peanut butter in the blender" thing, I make smoothies from Clean Green Drinks. I keep the book on my kitchen counter. I'm hoping to get even more ambitious and make some Asian Pickles, another book from NYPL. I'm particularly interested in trying to make pickled ginger to put on everything! I love having access to brand new titles, as dear as those old hippie cookbooks are to me. And when the never-ending book review season ends for us YA librarians and I can do some pleasure reading, I have Yoga Body, which explains how an ancient Indian belief system turned into yoga culture in the U.S. today as we know it. One of my favorite things about working at the library is being inspired to read and explore constantly, from unpacking boxes of new books to patrons who are just bursting when they walk to tell someone, anyone, about the book they just read or the CD they just listened to. —Charlie, Inwood Library

I'm currently refreshing my knowledge about entrepreneurship by watching the lectures from "Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies: The First Step in Entrepreneurship" via Coursera. The class goes over basics of business planning and the perspectives of customers and business leaders. A new session is starting at the end of October along with one called "Innovation for Entrepreneurs: From Idea to Marketplace." As for books? I've just checked out, but haven't read as of yet: Disrupt: Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation, The Responsible Entrepreneur, and The One Minute Entrepreneur. —Jaqueline, Ask NYPL

The Jefferson Market University: Fall 2014

Frank Collerius, Library Manager, Jefferson Market Library — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:57:34 -0400

Psychopathology Demystified
A Three Session Course: Saturdays, September 20, 27, October 4
3 to 5 p.m.

Italian for Beginners
An Eight Session Course: Fridays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 November 7, 14, 21
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Screenwriting, The Art of Revision
A Six Session Course: Saturdays, October 11, 18, 25 November 8, 15, 22
3 to 5 p.m.

Introduction to Cosmology and the Multiverse
A Four Session Course: Saturdays, October 18, 25 November 1, 8
3 to 5 p.m.

Existentialism and Romantic Love
A Three Session Course: Saturdays, November 15, 22 December 6
3 to 5 p.m.

How to Clean Things

Lauren Lampasone, Senior Librarian, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 15:38:48 -0400

How to Clean... in NYPL Digital Collections

How did you learn how to clean? I guess my parents taught me, and after a few years of chores it just became second nature. Don't mix ammonia and bleach. Sort laundry into light and dark colors. Sweep first before mopping. Make the bed!

At some point in your life it might be worth going back for a refresher course. Or just get some hot tips to strengthen those scrubbing muscles. There might be something new to learn that would save us all precious time and energy in the neverending struggle to maintain basic levels of cleanliness. I picked up My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag... And Other Things You Can't Ask Martha by Jolie Kerr from the library, in part because I always laugh out loud at her column "Ask A Clean Person" on the Hairpin, and in part because I always need some cleaning motivation! She makes cleaning sound almost fun; she encourages you to turn on the music first, to never panic, and to get serious about that disgusting dirt sweater on the top of your fridge.

When an errant liquid suddenly becomes a stain, you might not have time to walk down to the library to pick up a cleaning manual. But we do offer several e-books about cleaning that you can check out from home. You might be surprised how many books we have on this topic, not to mention all sorts of clutter-buster motivational tomes.

The Life-changing Magic of Tidying up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo. Book - 2014
The National Trust Manual of Housekeeping: The Care of Collections in Historic Houses Open to the Public. Book - 2006
My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag ... and Other Things You Can't Ask Martha by Jolie Kerr. eBook - 2014
Good Housekeeping Stain Rescue! The A-Z Guide to Removing Smudges, Spots & Other Spills by Anne Marie Soto. Book - 2007
2,001 Amazing Cleaning Secrets by Jeff Bredenberg. Book - 2004
Cleaning and Stain Removal for Dummies by Gill Chilton. eBook - 2004
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cleaning by Mary Findley. Book - 2005
The Ultimate Accidental Housewife: Your Guide to A Clean-enough House by Julie Edelman. Book - 2008
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Home: No-nonsense Advice That Will Inspire You to Clean Like the Dickens by Mrs. Thelma A. Meyer. Book - 2009
Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson. Book - 1999
Cleaning: Plain & Simple by Donna Smallin. Book - 2006
How the Queen Cleans Everything: Handy Advice for A Clean House, Cleaner Laundry, and A Year of Timely Tips by Linda Cobb. Book - 2002
Dirt: The Quirks, Habits, and Passions of Keeping House. Book - 2009
The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History by Katherine Ashenburg. Book - 2007

You might also be interested in the many public domain reading materials on the art of home economics available through HathiTrust.

The Housekeeper's Handbook of Cleaning, by Sarah Josephine MacLeod
Housekeeping Handbook: How to Do It, by Lydia Ray Balderston
Rules for Cleaning by Mary Urie Watson
Housecleaning Made Easier by Sarah J. MacLeod

Now that you know how to clean things, no excuses! Take care of that mess!

For Graduation Day and After

Lauren Lampasone, Senior Librarian, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) — Thu, 15 May 2014 18:48:34 -0400

Congratulations, graduate! There is a big, scary, exciting world out there and it's yours to do whatever it is you'll do next!

Maybe you're moving to a new city—maybe you are moving back home. Maybe you are looking at several different career paths—maybe you already have a job lined up. Maybe you're just glad that school is over for good—maybe you are really thinking about going back. Chances are you'll find that the public library is a good place to spend some time until you figure things out. We have wi-fi for your laptop or tablet, lots of tables and chairs, and books (and ebooks) on our shelves that can help you determine what's next.

Famous Commencement Speeches: Now in Book Form

Congratulations, by the Way: Some Thoughts on Kindness by George Saunders (watch video on YouTube)
This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on A Significant Occasion, About Living A Compassionate Life by David Wallace Foster (read Billy's thoughts on DFW's speech)
If This Isn't Nice, What Is? The Graduation Speeches and Other Words to Live By by Kurt Vonnegut
Onward! 25 Years of Advice, Exhortation, and Inspiration From America's Best Commencement Speeches
Go Forth and Do Good: Memorable Notre Dame Commencement Addresses
The Make Good Art Speech by Neil Gaiman
What Now? by Ann Patchett
You Are Not Special... and Other Encouragements by David McCullough (watch video on YouTube)
10 1/2 Things No Commencement Speaker Has Ever Said by Charles J. Wheelan
Whatever You Choose to Be: 8 Tips for the Road Ahead by Ann Romney
Now Go Out There (And Get Curious) by Mary Karr
The World is Waiting for You: Graduation Speeches to Live by from Activists, Writers, and Visionaries / edited by Tara Grove and Isabel Ostrer
Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits Of Failure And The Importance Of Imagination by J. K. Rowling

NPR has hand-picked over 300 of the "Best Commencement Speeches, Ever" that you can search by name, school, date or theme at apps.npr.org/commencement.

Find more addresses and who is speaking where this year at graduationwisdom.com.

How to Be a Grown Up

Life After College: Ten Steps to Build a Life You Love by Tori Randolph Terhune and Betsy A. Hays
Life After College: The Complete Guide to Getting What You Want by Jenny Blake
Life's Missing Instruction Manual: The Guidebook You Should Have Been Given at Birth by Joe Vitale
Gradspot.com's Guide to Life After College written and edited by Chris Schonberger with Stuart Schultz
No One Ever Told Us That: Money and Life Letters to My Grandchildren by John D. Spooner
Were You Raised by Wolves? Clues to the Mysteries of Adulthood by Christie Mellor
Show Me How: 500 Things You Should Know, Instructions for Life From the Everyday to the Exotic by Derek Fagerstrom
How to Be A Grown up: The Ten Secret Skills Everyone Needs to Know by Stacy Kaiser
The Defining Decade: Why your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay
Don't Worry, It Gets Worse: One Twentysomething's (Mostly Failed) Attempts at Adulthood by Alida Nugent
Adulting: How to Become A Grown-up in 387 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Brown Williams

Expert Advice

Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life From Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed
Break These Rules: 35 YA Authors on Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Being Yourself
Dear Teen Me
The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary Lives by Katie Couric
A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen
Choose the Life You Want by Tal Ben-Shahar
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch (watch video at Carnegie Mellon University website)

Creativity

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Show your Work! 10 Ways to Share your Creativity and Get Discovered by Austin Kleon
Who's your City? How the Creative Economy Is Making Where to Live the Most Important Decision of your Life by Richard L. Florida
Do Cool Sh*t: Quit Your Day Job, Start Your Own Business, and Live Happily Ever After by Miki Agrawal
The Renaissance Soul: How to Make Your Passions Your Life—A Creative and Practical Guide by Margaret Lobenstine

[Woman in graduation cap and gown, front and back view.] Image ID: 817205

First Job

I Got My Dream Job and So Can You: 7 Steps to Creating your Ideal Career After College by Pete Leibman
I Just Graduated... Now What? Honest Answers From Those Who Have Been There by Katherine Schwarzenegger
They Don't Teach Corporate in College: A Twenty-something's Guide to the Business World by Alexandra Levit
Getting From College to Career: Your Essential Guide to Surviving in the Real World by Lindsey Pollak
The Unemployed College Graduate's Survival Guide: How to Get your Life Together, Deal With Debt, and Find A Job After College by Bonnie Kerrigan Snyder
Effective Immediately: How to Fit In, Stand Out, and Move Up at Your First Real Job by Emily Bennington
Lean in: For Graduates by Sheryl Sandberg

But Everything You REALLY Need To Know You Learned in Kindergarten

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr Suess
Everything I Need to Know I Learned From A Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow

Do you have any suggestions for recent or soon-to-be graduates? Share with us in the comments.

Send Me a Letter: Books on Card and Letter Writing

Muriel Richards, Great Kills Library — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 12:44:59 -0400

Writing letters. Image ID: 492749While engaging in some much-needed but rarely performed spring cleaning in my apartment, I recently encountered several letters written to me by a maternal great-great aunt years ago. This dovetailed nicely with my supervisor's request that I write my April blog post on the topic of card and letter writing.

My aunt served as a tremendous font of hard earned wisdom garnered over her ninety-nine years on this earth. In addition to being a sagacious nonagenarian, my aunt was a Roman Catholic nun for over eighty years, working as a teaching sister for many years, was a Mother Superior, and, even in her nineties, worked at the retirement convent by assisting with recordkeeping duties. All of which may assist in explaining my utter amazement when my aunt inveighed against the "overuse" of the "fax machine" as "placing too much pressure on people to work." When I articulated my surprise at my aunt's statement in this regard, my aunt responded by stating that while she was not against hard work, the pressure on people to respond so quickly was not healthy nor wise. "Contemplation is becoming a lost art," my aunt complained to me over fifteen years ago.

There exists no dearth of articles, blogs and even books that extol the seemingly near-lost virtue of letter writing. While I reiterate that I am unabashedly a fan of yesteryear in many respects, even I realize that hoping that people will revert to communicating without heavily relying on the usage of e-mail and other forms of electronic communication is akin to an entity in centuries gone by inveighing a scribe to "put down that pen and send smoke signals" to communicate. The expediency of e-mail communication is often—but not always, a beneficial feature. However, as President Thomas Jefferson admonished, "When angry, count to 10 before you speak. If very angry, a hundred." This wise counsel is highly applicable to e-mail communications.

Another advantage that physical letter writing enjoys over e-mail communication is that it not as facile to forge an entire letter, especially if the reader of the relevant letter is familiar with the handwriting of the writer of said letter, whereas "spoofing" and erstwhile interception of e-mail communications represent far too frequent perils of electronic communications. Physical letters do not perish if the hard drive on one's computer becomes permanently inoperable. Culturally speaking, songs where mail is mentioned (such as "Please Mr. Postman") would lose their respective poignancy if the lyrics were altered to suit modern technology (I don't know about you, but "Please Mr. Internet Server" just doesn't sound quite as poignant to me!) On that note, in certain circles, it is lamented that e-communications are cultivating a culture of impatience wherever said communications are prevalent. Historically, the "Holmes-Pollock Letters" sound more eloquent on a prima facie basis than the "Holmes-Pollock e-mails." In terms of literature, few readers today would accept fictional attorney Perry Mason instructing Della Street to "take a letter" as realistic. And, I wonder how many inchoate adminstrative assistants are coerced to struggle with mastering the skill of shorthand nowadays, when so many supervisors type their own respective communications, (although there are admittedly still some business uses for shorthand skills).

And, in the spirit of what my aunt so wisely observed years ago, the opportunity to mull over one's thoughts, to chew on the end of one's pencil or pen while contemplating the correct words to call upon from one's lexicon, is largely absent when one composes an e-mail communication. Fingers can usually fly over a keyboard far more expeditiously than a pencil can scratch those same words on paper. While e-mail might be more environmentally friendly in term of "less dead trees," there is still room in our society for physical letter writing. And, unless I lack the relevant entity's mailing address, I usually follow-up a birthday or other special occasion greeting expressed on Facebook, for example, with a physical card because I wish to convey the level of caring necessary to send a physical card as opposed to just dashing off a few words on a keyboard and striking the "send" or "enter" key. Although I simply adore receiving any communication from my nephew and niece, reading an e-mail communication does not produce the level of feelings of sentimentality in me that I experience when I re-encounter one of their childish cards made for me with construction paper and crayons.

The NYPL contains many items in its circulating collection that either pertain directly to the topic of letter writing or concern works of fiction where a written letter or card is pivotal to the story. The list appearing below is not intended to be completely inclusive on the matter, but merely represents a sample of some of the relevant material.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder: Art Class at the Library

Muriel Richards, Great Kills Library — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 11:25:42 -0400

How to be beautiful March. Image ID: 1543558

Most people can recall, with varying degrees of disconcertment, the subjects in school which posed a distinct challenge for the respective individual. As I have expressed in my prior posts, the subject of mathematics has always represented my academic “Waterloo.”

Art was a close second in terms of subjects which caused me to wish I was anywhere but in the classroom that I was sitting in. My mother couldn’t quite fathom my inability to draw the apple or bowl of pears that was assigned, as my mother drew a sketch of the 1950s skyline, which was so impressive that it appeared in her high school’s newspaper (unfortunately, my mother neglected to sign her work, so she is analogous to many a Medieval artist in terms of anonymity. Midwood High School never realized it was the beneficiary of my mother’s artistic skill).

While I did not inherit the art talent gene, my maternal cousin, Krystal, revels in all matters art and is, in fact, an art teacher. I received a telephone call from Krystal, who resides several states away, inquiring if I saved any of my elementary school drawings. Ever the clutter bug, I did, in fact, save a couple of my childhood attempts at art. Krystal was unable to contain her delight at my still being in possession of my jejune efforts, well, to be charitable, stabs at art. Shocked to the core, I then ruminated that perhaps my ability to draw and paint was underestimated all these years by others and myself, and that like many a renowned artist, my work was finally being given the praise it so richly deserved very remote in time from its’ creation.

Krystal gushed through the phone lines, “You have no idea how happy this makes me! You see, March is National Youth Art Month, and I have a few students who are well, to be diplomatic, not overly adept at drawing or painting. I have stressed to my students that art is a sufficiently broad concept to encompass all creations, but I am concerned about the self-esteem of my less talented students. Accordingly, I have devised a lesson plan wherein I will display works of utterly deplorable art, then explain that the creator of each undecipherable image went on to success in a different area of life. After all, I don’t want to destroy any child’s sense of self simply because he/she can’t accurately draw a tree!” As explained above, I was aware from an early age that I was no budding Mary Cassatt or Auguste Renoir, but until my recent conversation with Krystal, I had nary the clue that my early attempts at art were adjudged so egregious as to constitute the stuff of family legend.

Chôju ryakugashiki = How to draw simple animals. Image ID: 1400996

Being a good sport, I picked up the shards of my sense of self which were liberally strewn about me on the floor following my conversation with Krystal, and sent my two childhood works of “art” to her. Although I didn’t quite enjoy hearing how my works of “art” were to be used by Krystal, my cousin did have an excellent idea. Art is a subject that is comprised of many mediums, and is meant to be enjoyed, not agonized over. The NYPL contains a plethora of books in its’ circulating collection that retain the capacity to encourage young artists of varying degrees of talent on a myriad of art topics.

So, whether you are the parent/guardian/grandparent, etc. of a budding Picasso or a child who imbues the term "abstract art" with new meaning, the NYPL is sure to possess the right book for you! (P.S. "I'm not wearing my art glasses now" was a line that stood my father in good stead right through my graduation from junior high school!)

I Love to Paint by Jennifer Lipsey
Create with Maisy by Lucy Cousins
Beautiful Beads by Kathy Ross
The Art of Eric Carle
Art Stamping Workshop by Gloria Page
Carve, Stamp and Play by Juliet Fei-Fan Balzer
Exhibiting Student Art: the Essential Guide for Teachers by David Burton
Rainy Day Art (DVD)
Kids' Pumpkin Projects by Deanna F. Cook
Quick Draw Cats and Dogs
Quick Draw Transportation
DK My Art Book Animals
Easy Origami
Play-Doh Fun and Games by Kathy Ross
I Love to Draw Cartoons by Jennifer Lipsey
I Love to Fingerpaint! by Jennifer Lipsey
How to Draw Free Realms Heroes and Villians by Ron Zalme
Drawing Caricatures by Martin Pope
Draw 50 Animal 'Toons by Lee J. Ames
Drawing in Color by Kathryn Temple
All-Girl Crafts by Kathy Ross
Earth-Friendly Crafts by Kathy Ross
Fairy World Crafts by Kathy Ross
Birthday Crafts by Mary Berendes and Jean Eick
Father's Day Crafts by Fay Robinson
Lila and Ecco's Do-It-Yourself Comic Club by Willow Dawson
Tiling and Mosaics in a Weekend by Deena Beverley
Trash to Treasure: A Kid's Upcycling Guide to Crafts: Fun, Easy Projects With Paper, Plastic, Glass & Ceramics, Fabric, Metal, and Odds & Ends
Cool and Odds & Ends by Pam Scheunemann
Totally Awesome Rubber Band Jewelry by Colleen Dorsey
We Love to Sew: 28 Pretty Things to Make by Annabel Wrigley
Draw Princesses in 4 Easy Steps, then Write a Story by Stephanie LaBaff
Get Connected: Make a Friendship Bracelet by Dana Meachen Rau
Paper Gifts and Jewelry by Florence Temko
The Muppets Big Book of Crafts by Stephanie St. Pierre
The Picture Book of Kids' Crafts and Activities by Roxanne Henderson

The Jefferson Market University: Spring 2014

Frank Collerius, Library Manager, Jefferson Market Library — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 11:14:53 -0500

The Jefferson Market Library is pleased to offer the following free courses for the spring semester, 2014:

Modern Irish History
A Three Session Course: Saturdays, February 8, 15, 22
2 pm to 4 pm

Human Development and Growth
A Three Session Course: Saturdays, March 1, 8, 15
3 pm to 5 pm No registration required

Existential Philosophy
A Four Session Course: Saturdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22
3 pm to 5 pm CLASS IS FULL

Myths of American History
A Three Session Course: Saturdays, March 29, April 5, 12
3 pm to 5 pm Registration starts March 15, in person 2nd floor

What is Religion?
A Four Session Course: Saturdays, March 22, 29 April 5, 12
3 pm to 5 pm No registration required

Introduction to Physics
A Four Session Course: Saturdays, April 19, 26, May 3, 10
3 pm to 5 pm Registration required starting April 5 - in person or by phone.

Evil in Literature
A Five Session Course: Saturdays, April 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17
3 pm to 5 pm Registration starts April 5, in person 2nd floor

The Cultural Life of Numbers
A Three Session Course: Saturdays, June 7, 14, 21
3 pm to 5 pm Registration starts May 27, in person 2nd floor or by phone

Find New Hobbies at the Library

Muriel Richards, Great Kills Library — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 12:12:17 -0500

My father was a fan of George Bernard Shaw, and I myself firmly believe in the wisdom of the quote often misattributed to Mr. Shaw, "Youth is wasted on the young." This adage, as well as my late father's utter exasperation when I refused to heed his wise counsel, which was a product of a combination of his prescience and a long life of various experiences, came full circle when I recently received a telephone call from my sixteen year old niece, Amanda.

After expressing my shock at receiving communication from my niece that was not of the avant l'heure kind, Amanda sighed into the receiver and quipped, "Since you apparently haven't been on Facebook for over a week, you left me with no alternative," in a tone suggesting that my dearth of online activity was on par to causing her to trek miles over frozen tundra to my abode, stand on my doorstep, bundled up against the winter chill, megaphone clutched in one of her frostbitten hands, shouting at the top of her lungs to secure my attention. Ignoring Amanda's dramatic description of my temporary hiatus from Facebook, I immediately inquired if all was well. This prompted another sigh from my niece, who then stated with a tone of total disgust, "I don't know WHAT to buy for my father for Christmas! Since you are his sister, and have been around for a long, long, long, lon—"

"I understand, Amanda," I interjected, my ego finally not being to contain itself any longer. "Yes, well, do you have any suggestions as to what I can buy for Daddy?" Several less than polite (albeit highly humorous) suggestions readily leapt to my mind, which I managed to suppress. "Well, Amanda, January is National Hobby Month. I think purchasing a hobby related item for your father would serve the dual purpose of providing you with a holiday gift for your father whilst aiding in fighting off the winter doldrums that some are plagued with concomitant with the arrival of every January, the denouement after all of that holiday fanfare."

Amanda actually conceded that her antediluvian aunt provided her with a good suggestion before inquiring concerning what sort of hobby her father might enjoy. "Well, Amanda, the NYPL has a literal plethora of books concerning a diverse array of hobbies, both indoor as well as outdoor. Additionally, we have magazines in our circulating collection such as Crafts, Better Homes and Gardens and Cooking Light that might aid in furtherance of ascertaining a hobby that your father might enjoy. And, in fact, the branch where I work has an adult knitting and crocheting group that convenes every Wednesday afternoon. Other branches have activities such as bridge playing clubs, scrapbooking groups, zumba, yoga—all free of charge!" Because my niece and nephew are already apparently firmly of the mind that I was a classmate of Benjamin Franklin, I did not dare risk delving into the many hobbies that have a rich historical basis. Button collecting is a hobby that enjoys the devotion of modern adherents every bit as much as those items were admired and coveted by Victorian women who delighted every time a father, uncle or other relative returned from a seafaring journey, providing a button from a far-flung destination to the fortunate recipient.

Sensing that my niece was still prevaricating over the matter, with much trepidation, I decided to offer a suggestion. "Maybe your father would enjoy becoming a numismatist," I tentatively suggested to my niece. "Hey, that's a great idea! Daddy is always complaining concerning how much of his money I expend on clothing and shoes! If he starts collecting coins, he's less apt to be upset when I hand him the coinage left over from my shopping sprees! Thanks, auntie! Gotta go—I'm off to purchase that gorgeous new sweater that I saw in the store window the other day! After all, it is the season for giving, and I have to assist Daddy in starting his coin collection!" Somehow, I think my brother will have preferred a gift of a button collection instead.

Books & DVDs