NYPL Blogs: My Library

My Library: Judy, Leo, and Noreen

Corinne Neary, Jefferson Market Library — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:37:20 -0400

Since April 5th, the Jefferson Market Library has been hosting a series of watercolor classes for twenty adults, all aged 55+. This course, led by teaching artist Josh Millis, is funded by a grant from Lifetime Arts. The participants have been working on paintings inspired by Jefferson Market and other Village landmarks. This week, I spoke with students Leo, Judy, and Noreen, all regular patrons of Jefferson Market, to find out what they are enjoying about the class so far.

What made you want to take a watercolors class?

Noreen: To see if I had any aptitude for painting — the verdict is still out on that! But, I am learning something new at each session.

Judy: The chance to do something I've never attempted before.

Leo: Curiosity, and to learn more!

Have you painted before?

Leo: I did paint, off and on when I was a teenager. I've just been getting back into it and learning new things!

Noreen: I've done Chinese brush painting, which is a totally different technique, and pencil drawing, at which I was awful!

What have you enjoyed most about the class so far?

Noreen: Finding out how to mix colors and how difficult it is working in watercolor. Gives me a new appreciation for all the art I've seen.

Judy: Having the chance to experiment in a totally non-judgmental atmosphere!

Thank you Judy, Leo, and Noreen!

If you would like to see the wonderful artwork being produced by these and other watercolor students, please join us for a gallery opening and reception May 31st from 3:30-5:30 pm.

Creative Aging in Our Communities: The New York City Libraries Project, a program of Lifetime Arts Inc., is generously supported by the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, with additional support from the Laura Jane Musser Fund, and is administered in partnership with Brooklyn Public Library and New York Public Library.

An Artist in Our Midst at Mulberry Street Library: An Interview with Anastasia Sorrenti

Susie Heimbach, Mulberry Street Branch Library — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:05:35 -0400

Anyone who visits Mulberry Street Library can't help but notice the wonderful bulletin board hanging in the Children's Room. Created by the Library's very own Anastasia Sorrenti, a full-time clerk with a penchant for design, these original displays tie a seasonal theme to well-loved children's books each month. This month's display is a celebration of Dr. Seuss, whose birthday was on March 2.

We sat down with Sorrenti to discuss her process for creating these special works of art. We hope you'll stop by Mulberry Street Library to check out the Children's Room bulletin board soon!

How do you come up with your ideas for the bulletin board?

I've gotten ideas for the bulletin boards from all over the place. Sometimes I'm inspired by an idea I found on Pinterest, or a random illustration from a picture book, or an idea from a fellow coworker. I usually start with a theme and search for inspiration from there.

What kinds of materials do you use? What's the most unusual material you've incorporated into a bulletin board?

I think I've used a little bit of everything for the bulletin boards. Construction paper, tissue paper, pipe cleaners, paper, yarn… I use pretty normal materials, but one time I crocheted a scarf for Merlin, the Mulberry Street owl — I'd say that was pretty unusual!

What's your process for creating a bulletin board? How long does it take from start to finish?

After I figure out the theme and general idea of a new board, I go out to the grid I set up on the wall outside of the Children's Room office that's the size and shape of the bulletin board, so I always know how much room I have to work with. Once I measure and figure out the general sizes of things, it's just a matter of drawing and cutting! Since I'm only able to work on it a little bit each day, it does tend to take a while. Depending on how detailed the design is, it can take a week or two. Cutting out all those shapes and letters takes up a lot of time!

What's your favorite bulletin board so far?

Oh gosh! I think I'm partial to the National Poetry Month bulletin board from last year. It was covered in raindrops that had children's poems about rain on them. I love rainy spring days! A very close second is my Snowy Day bulletin board (based on Ezra Jack Keats's classic, The Snowy Day), which I'm planning on hanging up in my craft room at home.

Do you have favorite children's books and children's book authors and illustrators that inspire you?

There are so many books that I loved growing up, I don't think I could pick just one! The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is one of those books that I read all the time as a child, and even as I read it today, I'm touched by how magical it is, not to mention how beautiful the illustrations are! I would also love to do a bulletin board inspired by The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Maybe it'll be my next one!

Meet the Artist: Josh Millis

Corinne Neary, Jefferson Market Library — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:17:14 -0500

Starting April 5, 2012, local artist Josh Millis will be leading a series of watercolor classes for adults 55+ at Jefferson Market Library. These classes, as well as the gallery opening and reception on May 31, are made possible by a grant from Lifetime Arts. In this blog post, Josh tells us a little bit about his own experiences with art and teaching and gives us some great book recommendations!

Can you tell us a little bit about your background in art? How long have you been painting?

I've been painting for about 15 years. I began making art relatively late — when I was 19. I took a year off of college, after just my first semester. When I returned, I took a drawing class and never looked back! I left to study in Rome a year later. After Rome, I transferred to Tyler School of Art in Philly, where I earned a BFA and a minor in Art History. Then I was off to The School of The Art Institute of Chicago for graduate work.

That all was the formal training, but as a kid, I enjoyed building and creating in my room and outside in nature. I just never thought of it as art — probably because I never knew what it meant to be an artist. I came to love art as something that one can do with virtually no resources, money, or even materials — spit and dirt on the ground, no one can take away the impulse, one does not need an employer to practice it, and it is a sublime way to learn about the world.

You will be teaching a watercolor painting class for seniors at Jefferson Market Library through Lifetime Arts — what do you like about working with older students?

Even as a "teacher" among "students," I consider myself an artist. In other words, I savor my teaching experiences as learning experiences. I learn so much from my students, regardless of their age. Most of my time has been spent with 30-year-olds and younger. I look forward to learning from older generations that have seen so much. New York City is an organism of endless wonder. Not only will I have the opportunity to learn about such a special neighborhood from residents who have witnessed great change, but I can also play a role in their visual processing of it. Wow!

Some of the subject matter you'll be working from in the class is the Jefferson Market Library and other Village-area landmarks. Have you used particular places as inspiration in any of your previous work?

Historically, most of my work has grown out of domestic interiors. The images revolved around ideas of the way we live and relate to particular spaces. Every once in a while my work is inspired by specific places. I travel quite a bit, and other types of architecture — particularly handmade structures — appeal to my artistic sensibilities. Meaningful landscapes sometimes figure into my work as well. I jump around a lot in terms of subject matter and motivation!

Our patrons are big readers! Do you have an all-time favorite book? Read anything recently that you can recommend?

I can't pick one favorite. However, I am always looking for an epic novel to match up against Clavell's Shogun or Michener's The Source. I read The Power Broker not long ago — a must read for every New Yorker. Laurence Bergreen's Over the Edge of the World was fascinating. I also think Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine should be required reading in high school, as should be Douglas Blackmon's Slavery By Another Name. I jump around in terms of my books too!

I also must ask — who are your favorite artists?

That changes almost every day! Lucian Freud may have been my first love, but others over the years include Paula Rego, Alice Neel, James Castle, Luc Tuymans, Ben Shahn, Kathe Kollwitz, Kerry James Marshall, and virtually all Japanese printers of the 17th and 18th centuries. Lately, I've really been enjoying Tim Hawkinson. Of course, I am incredibly energized by the work of my students! I think Jimi Hendrix and Robin Williams are not only totally mesmerizing, but also epitomize the artistic spirit — endless exploration, experimentation, the absorption of their surroundings into their art, and an utter joy for creating.

Thank you Josh!

Creative Aging in Our Communities: The New York City Libraries Project, a program of Lifetime Arts Inc, is generously supported by the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, with additional support from the Laura Jane Musser Fund, and is administered in partnership with Brooklyn Public Library and New York Public Library.

Pre-Registration is required for A Village Vision: Watercolor Painting through Experience. Registration begins March 22, in person, or by phone at 212-243-4334. Participants must be able to attend all sessions. A gallery opening and reception will be held May 31 at 3:30 p.m., and is open to family, friends, and the general public.

Oh! You Pretty Things: Five Questions for Andrew, Young Adult Patron

Robert Arrighi, New Dorp Library — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:48:22 -0500

Andrew is 17 years old. He has been attending Young Adult programs at New Dorp Library for several years. In an attempt to get to know him better, I asked him five ridiculous questions. These are his serious answers.

Andrew for Dummies — What would this book be about?

Basically a book about [how] despite anything that you go through, there is always this one little bit that you can hold on to [to] make your day better. I believe in karma — if you do good, good will happen to you — not that I need a reason.

Would you rather attend summer school for the rest of your life or every time you met someone new, you had to take one of their shoes and throw it in the nearest garbage can?

Sounds a bit tricky to take someone's shoe. Hmmmmm I will take my chances with the shoe, as I believe summers are a given, a time for children and students to act their age and have fun.

You aren’t worried about the collateral damage from the shoe incidents?

The thing about the shoe — you can always find another pair of shoes. As long as you have socks, you can make it home. You should have more than one pair of shoes at home.

But you aren’t afraid that this personality quirk would prevent you from building new friendships?

The definition of friendship for me is overlooking the little flaws.

Wow, so what you are saying is that if a person can't overlook you throwing their shoe in the garbage, you don't want to be their friend.

Would you rather be on the front cover of the New York Times or the New York Daily News?

I don’t really see the difference. Either way you will have one person who favors one paper over another…

Some people would argue that there is a difference between the two, but it is noble that you think all newspapers are created equal.

Would you rather go into a job interview with giant armpit stains on your shirt or chewed bubble gum on the seat of your pants?

Chewed bubble gum on the seat of your pants, as it would be less noticeable. I would be dressing to make an impression, so the length of my suit jacket would most likely cover the bubble gum as I walk away.

Interesting, most people say bubble gum but for a different reason. They feel the bubble gum is just an unfortunate mishap where as the arm pit stains would indicate a personal hygiene problem.

Would you rather cosplay as Super Saiyan Dragonball Z character and have incredible strength or would you rather cosplay as Pikachu and have the ability to charge all your electronic devices? I should mention that this would be for the duration of your life.

That borders on what is convenient and what I like, and that is a hard decision. For the sake of convenience and to be helpful to my friends, I would go with Pikachu.

You don’t feel this might cause girls to take you less serious on a date, or a prospective employer on a job interview?

That’s true. How serious would people take me? People judge by sight all the time. I would rather let my work and skills speak for me instead of my appearance. My skills could overcome the inherent limitations of a Pikachu outfit.

So what did I learn about Andrew?

Summer is sacred, true friends overlook each others flaws, and if you don't get far in life wearing a Pikachu outfit, it's nobody's fault but your own.

My Library, English Conversation Edition: Meet Jonathan!

Elizabeth Waters, Mid-Manhattan Library — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:56:50 -0500

"I love talking about nothing, father. It is the only thing I know anything about," quips Lord Goring in Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband. At Mid-Manhattan Library's English Conversation Hour for intermediate, advanced, and native English speakers on Thursday evenings, we love to talk about anything of interest with people from all over the world who stop by for a chat. Everyone learns more about other countries and cultures and shares information and experiences about living in New York. And it's also a chance to practice speaking English in friendly surroundings, so come join the conversation! The English Conversation Hour will resume on January 12, 2012 and will meet every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. until March 29.

We've introduced you to some of our regular participants throughout the posts in this blog channel. We've met Tika from Japan, Audrey from Korea, Guillermo from Mexico, and Licia from Italy. This month, we'd like to present Jonathan from Ecuador!

What is your name?
Jonathan

Where are you from?
I am from Ecuador.

How long have you been in New York?
I have been here seven months.

How long do you plan to stay?
I plan to stay maybe five years.

Do you work? Do you go to school? Where?
Yes, I am working at Computer Resources of America, an IT (information technology) company. Currently, I'm not going to school; maybe in the next few years. I hope so. I would like to study finance and business at CUNY (City University of New York).

How did you hear about the Thursday English Conversation Hour?
When I become became a resident alien I received a book for new permanent residents, and it said that you can learn English at every public school and public library. One day I was walking on Fifth Avenue and asked about classes at Mid-Manhattan Library. They told me about the English Conversation Hour.

[Note on what Jonathan read in Welcome to the United States: A Guide to New Immigrants about English classes: the guide says that students in public school will receive help and instruction in English, and that "some community organizations, libraries, and religious groups also offer free or low-cost ESL classes (p. 61)." Many NYPL neighborhood libraries offer ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes for beginner and low-intermediate level students. Other library locations offer volunteer-led intermediate conversation groups and We Are New York English Conversation groups. Scroll to the end of this page for some links to other free English language programs in New York City.]

You've been participating in the group for several months now. Why do you keep coming back?
Because it is wonderful to meet people of different countries and cultures.

And you’ve also been participating in the Spanish Conversation Hour on Mondays — how is that experience similar to and different from the English conversation group?

Yes, I have participated in the Spanish conversation group. It is different because I speak perfect Spanish and I feel 100 percent ready to speak correctly every time. But it is the same wonderful feeling to meet different people with different cultures.

What is your favorite place in New York? Why?
I love this city, every single place, especially Times Square and Rockefeller Center, because you can always find a lot of people from all over the world.

What is a place everyone who visits Ecuador should see?
It depends on your tastes. You can visit beautiful beaches or beautiful mountains of snow. Also you can find the Amazon Jungle. And we have the Galapagos Islands, unique in the world.

Can you recommend a book or a movie that other advanced English language learners might enjoy?
I think is a good idea to read the newspaper and to see TV shows of your choice. I enjoy watching CSI New York.

Your English conversation skills are really improving! Do you have any language learning tips to share with our readers?
Of course, probably the best way to learn a new language is to overcome the fear, then practice, practice, and more practice. Also look for native speakers who can help you to learn well.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Of course. Be ready to learn and meet new people, never feel satisfied with what has been achieved, you can always get more.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions, Jonathan! We look forward to seeing you on January 12 when the English Conversation Hour starts again.

Find more information about NYPL's free English Classes for Speakers of Other Languages >>

Some other free English language programs in New York City are offered at:

Brooklyn Public Library
Queens Library
New York City Department of Education Office of Adult & Continuing Education (OACE)
CUNY Adult Literacy Program
Riverside Language Program
YMCA ELESAIR Program

My Library, Anime Addicts Edition: Ryan

Ryan P. Donovan, Mid-Manhattan Library — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:35:02 -0500

Since I would never make anyone coming into the library do something that I'm not willing to do myself, I had one of my fellow librarians interview me for our monthly anime patron feature. I'm also sad to report that this month's Anime Night is our last, mainly because FUNimation's Operation Anime service has decided to officially shut down. Something tells me that this is not the end, however, so look for more Anime/Manga offerings from the Mid-Manhattan Library sometime in 2012!

NYPL: What is your name and your age?

I'm Ryan. I'm 29 years old.

What was tonight’s anime? Did you like it?

Moon Phase. I enjoy vampire stories.

How many Anime Nights at Mid-Manhattan Library have you attended?

I've been at every Anime Night at the Mid-Manhattan Library since it began.

Do you like anime? What about the stories do you like especially?

I do like anime. I like the nonlinear format the stories are told in. It's cool when an anime starts at the end and then the series goes back and tells viewers what happened. I also like how fantasy elements can be weaved into realistic storytelling often seamlessly. Anime often emphasizes characterization, which is often my favorite part of a story. It can be randomly wacky, which is fun.

What are a few of your favorite anime titles?

My first and favorite dubbed anime was Sailor Moon. My favorite series to watch with subtitles is Cardcaptor Sakura. I'm also a big Cowboy Bebop fan.

Do you read manga, too?

I haven't read that much, but I like Arata. I usually try to pick animes that have a corresponding manga so I can help promote our library's graphic novel collection.

Do you think anime is more for boys, girls, or a combination?

I have seen a lot more anime geared towards boys personally, but it seems that most series are pretty boy/girl friendly when it comes to characters and storylines. I think some series are geared more towards action and some more towards relationship, but there is a lot of cross genre pollination. I think anime is definitely for both boys and girls... and even adults, too! There really is something for everybody.

Any closing thoughts?

This was actually our very last Anime Night tonight. It's bittersweet that it's ending. I've met some great people who come nearly every month, but I'm going to be focusing on running our upcoming Game Night! program beginning next year.

My Library, English Conversation Edition: Meet Licia!

Elizabeth Waters, Mid-Manhattan Library — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:28:30 -0500

Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, China, Columbia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Gabon, Haiti, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Khazakhstan, Korea, Martinique, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen... What do all of these countries have in common? The English Conversation Hour at the Mid-Manhattan Library! We've met and talked to people from all the countries listed during our Thursday evening coversation hours for intermediate, advanced, and native speakers of English. Why not join us one Thursday? We'll be meeting on December 1st and December 8th from 6:30 - 7:30 and then taking a break until January 12th, 2012.

In previous blog posts, we've met Tika from Japan, Audrey from Korea and Guillermo from Mexico. Now, I'd like to introduce you to Licia from Italy!

What is your name?

My name is Licia.

Where are you from?

I’m from Italy.

How long do you plan to stay?

I plan to stay here for three years.

Do you work? Do you go to school? Where?

I work for my Congregation, the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, and I go to the English Conversation Hour every week.

Can you tell us a little more about your congregation and the work that you do?

We are an international/multi-cultural religious congregation founded in 1845 by Blessed Frances Schervier in Aachen, Germany. We work primarily in health care, pastoral ministry, and social services in Brazil, Italy, Senegal, the Philippines and the United States.

How did you hear about the Thursday English Conversation Hour?

I heard about the Thursday English Conversation Hour from my friend.

Before you started coming to the open conversation group, you were part of a We Are New York conversation group here at Mid-Manhattan. Can you tell us a little about your experience with that group?

It was a great experience. I met many people and I learned many things about NY. Every week we used to see a DVD about a particular topic (like immigration, health, looking for a job, public transportation, etc.). We used to share problems and questions with the volunteer group leaders, so we learned more about the NY lifestyle. I think that when people arrive to live in a new country, it is very important to know the local habits and practices.

What advice would you give to someone who was moving to Italy?

My advice is to become friendly with your neighbors, who are a nice big source of information about local habits and practices and also for learning the Italian language. In Italy there are many welcoming associations for foreign people: my advice is to contact them!

You were away from the group for a while. It's great to see you come back! Why did you return to the group?

I returned to the group because it is a good experience learning English, sharing our lives and our difficulties, being welcomed by the librarians and getting some information about NY and US culture.

What is your favorite place in New York?

My favorite place in NY is the Brooklyn Bridge. It is very beautiful to walk on the Brooklyn Bridge on sunny days and take pictures.

What is a place everyone who visits your hometown should see?

My hometown is Taranto, a nice city by the sea in southern Italy, sparkling in the sunshine. It is wonderful to visit the swing bridge, the Aragonese Castle and the National Archeological Museum, which has many artifacts from Magna Graecia, areas of southern Italy that were colonized by Greek settlers beginning in the 8th century BC.

Do you borrow books and DVDs from the library?

Yes, sometimes! There is a big choice!

Can you recommend a book or a movie that other English language learners might enjoy?

Night at the Museum. I think this is a good movie for English language learners to watch because the conservations are simple, the movie is funny and the American Museum of Natural History in NY is a very gorgeous museum.

Your English conversation skills are really improving! Do you have any language learning tips to share with our readers?

I suggest speaking a lot! Even if you make mistakes!

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself or about the library?

I would like to thank the librarians at Mid-Manhattan because you are very friendly.

And we thank you for participating in the group and for taking the time to do this interview, Licia! See you at the next conversation hour.

Winter is an Etching: An Artistic Quotation

Jessica Cline, Mid-Manhattan Library, Art and Picture Collections — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:45:01 -0500

Every November, the searches for Stanley Horowitz on Google gain momentum. Horowitz, a poet, published a tranquil 18 word poem in the November 1983 issue of Reader’s Digest magazine, page 109. Some years later the poem was posted to a list of autumn quotations on the Internet, sandwiched between poetry giants like John Keats and Robert Frost, and it has been used ubiquitously all over the web ever since.

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all. — Stanley Horowitz

As one of my regular patrons, Horowitz was interested to know how many websites his poem is quoted on. A search of his name and the first line of the poem retrieved around 1,630,000 results. His lines about the seasons are being used in many interesting ways, from grief counseling to public parks, from a legislative seat to a Philippine newspaper, and by many other locations across the world. Most call the words “inspirational.”

His poem has been illustrated with images on Flickr (to the left is one by photographer Jenny Downing), as a starting point for fall fashion blogs, and are certainly on the minds of many lunching in Bryant Park on a crisp November day. He has even been quoted in a book titled 365 Prescriptions for the Soul by Dr. Bernie S. Siegel. All are unaware that the man who has touched them with his words of beauty is across the street on the third floor of Mid-Manhattan Library, looking up paintings in books to inspire his new project — an entire book of poems about the seasons. For all of those websites that don't really know who or where the quote came from — Horowitz is here in New York. Look for him at the Library.

Well, Horowitz, now you can expect a return of 1,630,001 results. And thank you for letting me inspire others with your poem.

My Library: Lily R. Wu

Andrea Nicolay, Chatham Square Branch Library — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:24:21 -0500

On Wednesday, November 9, the New Horizons Band for Adults played a concert at Chatham Square Library before an appreciative audience. It was their premiere performance at this library, and for a member of the flute section, it was a homecoming.

Lily, we had a conversation before the show about how you used to come to Chatham Square Library as a kid. So, tell me a little about your history with this library.

I came here when I was about five or six. My mother brought me to the library and took me up to the second floor to the Children's Room. I was so fascinated by the Fairy Tale section that I borrowed the limit, which at that time was 10 books. I think my life might have been different if she had put me in the math or sciences section! With the fairy tales, I always loved that idea of people of diverse backgrounds working together and going on a quest fighting evil or something.

And you became inspired?

When I was here, the librarian had a story hour and she would come around with a candle. She wouldn't even have to say anything, we kind of knew we were supposed to follow her, and she would read us stories. I was so captivated by that, I decided I would become a librarian. So I went to CUNY Queens College for a master's degree in library science. I did an internship at one point at Bloomingdale Library at West 100th Street.

So this is a special place for you.

Yeah, it's great to come back and be able to share the music that we love. Hamilton-Madison House and the Third Street Music School originally started the program, and it's a big, big thrill for us. You know, members are 50 and over and here's our chance to do it!

Do you play more music than read these days?

I always have to have a book on me. I probably read 100 books a year. Every three or four days I've got to have a new book.

Favorite genre?

I like to read books on creativity. I like British novelists like Anne Perry, mystery, Regency romances, how-to books... I guess I read a little of anything. I just like that idea that you get to travel in time and space. You're reading, but you're in another place, you're in another time. Or you're reading something that someone spent a lot of time putting together, condensing their knowledge or their passion or their interests, and it's wonderful. You're sharing that time with them through a book.

My Library, Anime Addicts Edition: Je-Andy

Ryan P. Donovan, Mid-Manhattan Library — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:11:58 -0400

We had 14 patrons at last night's anime screening of Kenichi, the Mightiest Disciple. There are many people who work at the Library who help contribute to our regular programs. One of them is Je-Andy, an audio-visual page who helps set up Anime Night every month at Mid-Manhattan Library. I sat down with Je-Andy and asked him some questions.

What is your name and your age?

My name is Je-Andy and I'm 21 years old.

What was tonight’s anime? Did you like it?

Kenichi. It was okay. I didn't get a chance to watch much of it.

How many Anime Nights at Mid-Manhattan Library have you set up for?

I've set up for Anime Nights at Mid-Manhattan Library for about five months now.

Do you like anime? What about it do you like?

I love anime, especially the old school ones. And I like more than the fantasy they bring — it's the fact that they make you feel connected by having other products, i.e. playing cards, etc.

What are a few of your favorite anime titles?

Yu-gi-oh! and Pokemon remain my top favorites, no matter what, because I still own their trading cards.

Do you think anime is more for boys, girls, or a combination? Why do you think so?

I don't think anime is either better for boys or girls. It's a true combination of the two, because the stories are sometimes so phenomenal that it has to be shared with other generations. Guys often watch the manly ones, while the girls watch or read Magical Girl. It's just amazing to see how we all can get together [at] night here at Mid-Manhattan Library and watch anime and get a few laughs.

Any closing thoughts?

I sure love the NYPL @ Night programs, especially the Anime Nights, and I hope it never ends, because Ryan does a terrific job and I hope he keeps it up.

My Library, English Conversation Edition: Meet Guillermo!

Elizabeth Waters, Mid-Manhattan Library — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:54:02 -0400

Welcome to the latest installment of My Library, English Conversation Edition! We’ve been introducing you to some of the regular participants in the English Conversation Hour for intermediate, advanced and native speakers, which takes place at the Mid-Manhattan Library on most Thursday evenings at 6:30! We have a fabulous time meeting and chatting with people from all over the world. Feel free to drop by and join in the talk some week.

So far on this blog channel, we’ve met Tika from Japan and Youngsil from Korea. Now I’d like to present Guillermo!

What is your name?

My name is Guillermo. My friends call me Memo.

Where are you from?

I am from Cuautla, Morelos in México.

How long have you been in New York?

I have been here four months.

How long do you plan to stay?

I am planning to stay in NY until the first week of December.

Do you work? Do you go to school? Where?

No, I don't work. I am an ALCC student (English school); It is located in Manhattan, on 36th street. I am studying for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) because I hope to apply to graduate school in the U.S. I am also preparing to take the GRE Subject Test in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology to know my actual knowledge in that subject. My degree is in biology with a focus on biochemistry and now my goal is to study immunology.

How did you hear about the Thursday English Conversation Hour?

I found information about the Thursday English Conversation Hour online on the Mid-Manhattan Library web page.

I don't think you have missed a converation hour since you arrived in New York earlier this year. Why do you keep coming back?

It is a nice place where one can meet a lot of interesting people.

What is your favorite place in New York?

My favorite place is the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa).

Why is MoMa your favorite place in New York? Do you have a favorite painting or sculpture?

I never had the opportunity to enjoy and see paintings and sculptures made by famous people before. I had already known of many works presented in MOMA; however, this is the first time that I've seen them face to face. My favorite artist is Henri Matisse, nevertheless, I can't imagine modern art without Van Gogh, Salvador Dalí, Picasso or Andy Warhol. [Note: If you're interested in reading about Andy Warhol and NYPL's Picture Collection, check out this post.]

What is a place everyone who visits Cuatela should see?

Cuautla is the second largest city in Morelos (The first one is Cuernavaca). It is located in the south part of Mexico, close to Mexico City. It is an important city in terms of history. Part of the War of Independence (1810) and the Mexican Revolution (1910) took place there. In 1812, it was the cradle of one crucial confrontation between the Spanish (Realistas) and the "Mexicans" (Insurgentes) named Sitio de Cuautla [Siege of Cuautla]. In addition, Emilizano Zapata, the leader of the Mexican revolution, lived there many years.

In conclusion, nowadays, there are museums and a lot of history on its narrow streets that I am sure you will enjoy.

Can you recommend a book or a movie that other English language learners might enjoy?

I enjoy reading science books, because I love science. I recommend reading something interesting for you. [Great advice, Memo!] Right now, I'm reading Painless Earth Science by Edward Denecke.

Your English conversation skills are really good! Do you have any language learning tips to share with our readers?

My best advice is: practice as much is possible with native English speakers.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself or about the library?

New York Public Library and, in particular, Mid-Manhattan Library, are awesome!

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Memo. Good luck on the TOEFL! We'll miss you when you go back to Mexico in December.

Are you getting ready for the TOEFL test like Guillermo?

Did you know that you can find many study guides to borrow in the Library catalog? You can also use the online practice tests and other TOEFL course materials in LearningExpressLibrary, which you can find on our Articles & Databases page. You will need an NYPL card to use LearningExpressLibrary from home. The first time you log in, you will need to create a username and password so that LearningExpress can save all of the tests and courses you select and score them when you are finished.

There are also many free Internet resources available. Here are just a few ideas. Sample questions for the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test) are available to download from the official TOEFL website. The Successful English blog offers some excellent tips on preparing for the TOEFL, and you can listen to short practice conversations with vocabulary explanations on the TOEFL Podcast. Scroll down the page to Podcast #1 for an introduction.

Good luck!

My Library, Anime Addicts Edition: Heather

Ryan P. Donovan, Mid-Manhattan Library — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 06:02:18 -0400

Heather, this month's anime patron, joins her sister Erin and her fellow library patrons Anthony, Matt, Bobby, Shanta, and Marcus as one of longest standing Anime Night participants at Mid-Manhattan Library.

Despite faithfully coming nearly every month, Heather recently confessed to me that she wasn't always the biggest fan of anime and manga. I took some time during this month's screening to see if she had changed her mind and find out if she planned on coming to our upcoming screenings of Kenichi in November and MoonPhase in December.

NYPL: What is your name?

Heather

What was tonight's anime?

Last Exile

What is your age?

How many Anime Night's would you say that you have been to?

Around eight

How did you hear about Anime Night at the Library?

I heard about the program from my sister and have been coming with her.

What are a few of your favorite anime titles?

Sgt. Frog and Bamboo Blade.

Do you read manga, too?

No, I do not read manga, but I do understand why people like it.

You've told me you don't really like/watch a lot of anime. After coming to a bunch of Anime Night events with your sister, do you feel like you like it now? Why or why not?

I do like it now. Anime is not sophmorish and not solely directed at children, which can be a common misconception. There are many different types of anime, including drama, action, comedy, etc., and I do not think it is hard to find something you like. I think some people have trouble [with it] similar to foreign films. Some people do not like foreign films because of having to read subtitles, not because of the content. I feel like the format and preconceived notions might stop some people who would otherwise find themselves loving anime.

Will we see you at our screenings in November and/or December?

Hopefully! I'm going to try to be there. I really love coming every month :-)

My Library, English Conversation Edition: Meet Youngsil!

Elizabeth Waters, Mid-Manhattan Library — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:36:15 -0400

There's lots of English conversation activity around NYPL this week! Participants are signing up for the We Are New York English conversation programs in several neighborhood libraries and registration for NYPL's intermediate level English conversation groups also started in different library locations. Mid-Manhattan Library has hosted WANY groups since September 2010.

The participants in our first group had such a good time practicing their English and meeting people from all over the world that they wanted to keep coming to the Library to talk. So, at their request, we introduced the open English Conversation Hour for intermediate and advanced speakers last winter. The group meets on most Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Anyone who wants to chat — English language learners and native English speakers alike — can simply drop by and join the conversation. No registration required!

Now, I'd like to introduce you to one of our regulars, Youngsil, who is a dedicated participant in both We Are New York and the English conversation hour.

NYPL: What is your name?

Youngsil

Where are you from?

Seoul, Korea

How long have you been in New York?

I have been in New York for six months.

How long do you plan to stay?

I'll stay here one or two more years.

Do you work? Do you go to school? Where?

I go to a language school — GENY.

How did you hear about the English Conversation Hour on Thursdays?

I heard about it from a friend.

You've been participating in the group for several month now. Why do you keep coming back?

I keep coming back because I can learn to speak English with many friends from all over the world and [because there are] very kind “teachers”.

You were also part of the We Are New York conversation group this past spring. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience with the WANY group? What did you learn?

I can meet new people who are from all around world and I made some new friends. Also, I learned different customs from foreign friends through this group. For example, never point to anything with your foot in Indonesia and never touch anyone — especially a child — on the head in Thailand.

What is your favorite place in New York?

Bryant Park and Mid-Manhattan Library because they have lots of cool events happening here at the Library every week. I can borrow a lot of books and DVDs that I want without paying and I can take computer lessons that are interesting.

What is a place everyone who visits Seoul should see?

I guess my favorite place in Seoul, where I live, would have to be the Seoul Tower. It's a big tower on the top of a mountain. There's a platform where you can look out over the whole city. It's an amazing view, especially at night when you can see all of the sparkling lights. That's why I like to go there quite often.

Can you recommend a book or a movie that other English language learners might enjoy?

I'd have to say that my favorite movie is Rise of the Planet of the Apes. It's got a good message as the title of movie. Also, it was well made. The acting was great, and the sets were very convincing. Most of all, the special effects were really impressive.

Your English conversation skills have really improved! Do you have any language learning tips to share with our readers?

The best way to develop self-confidence in speaking English is by joining a conversation group like this.

Thanks for taking the time to share with us, Youngsil! See you at the next conversation hour.

The We Are New York program, developed by the Mayor's Office of Adult Education and the City University of New York (CUNY), gives people a chance to improve their English and learn about New York City by watching and talking about episodes of a unique television show. Volunteers lead the groups and faciltitate the conversation. Visit the We Are New York website for more information about the program, to download episodes of the TV show, or to join a group or volunteer.

My Library: Sharon

Brigid Cahalan, Teaching & Learning, Literacy and Outreach — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:26:31 -0400

I had heard a bit about Sharon Anyimi; but I didn't know much. I knew she visited Baychester Library in Co-Op City — a lot — and was always reading books with the help of the Closed-Captioned Television system (CCTV), also known as the video magnifier, located in the Library. I knew she was a "people person" with a friendly word for all. I decided to wend my way to the northeast Bronx and meet this intriguing library user for myself.

Sharon agreed to meet me and was there at the appointed time. She has lived in Co-Op City for 14 years, but didn't have time to use the Library much until she graduated from college a few years ago and had more free time. But, no slouch she! After receiving her B.A. degree in Media & Communications from SUNY/Old Westbury, she finished a certificate in Paralegal Studies from Long Island University.

What kind of books do you like, and what are you reading now?

I mostly like urban fiction and celebrity biographies. Right now I'm reading Faith Evans's autobiography, Keep the Faith: A Memoir, and Platinum by Aliya S. King.

Could you speak a bit about your vision loss?

I'm the only one in my family born with a visual impairment. Sometimes I'm O.K. with it; sometimes I'm not. People tend to treat you differently when they know you're visually impaired. It can be annoying and frustrating.

What would make the Library better for you?

A new CCTV. The one here at Baychester Library is older and sometimes the print on the screen shakes while I'm reading. I love the staff here; they are so friendly. But sometimes I make a trip to the Bronx Library Center to read because they have a much newer CCTV — and longer hours.

Do you use the Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library?

I'm enrolled there but usually prefer to come here and read. I live right across the street from Baychester Library.

What else would you like to tell me about yourself?

I love music! I'm a singer-songwriter and have auditioned for both American Idol and America's Got Talent.

She clearly loves music, but that's not all. Sharon continues: "I love reading! I think reading is great; it expands your mind. In high school I didn't like it much. I was this girl who was always into music. After college I had the time and freedom to read what I liked."

My Library, Anime Addicts Edition: Marcus

Ryan P. Donovan, Mid-Manhattan Library — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:20:46 -0400

Last night, there were 17 people who came out for Mid-Manhattan Library's monthly Anime Night screening. This month, we watched popular game-turned-anime Disgaea. For September's patron feature, we caught up with Marcus. A man of few words, Marcus was nice enough to chat with the Library about why he likes anime and give us a few of his favorite titles. Let's hear what he has to say!

NYPL: What is your name and your age?

Marcus, 22.

How many Anime Nights would you say you have been to? Your favorite?

Around 12, and Bamboo Blade was my favorite.

What do you like so much about anime? What is it about it that appeals to you?

The unique art style, and that there's a new episode almost every week.

How did you hear about our screenings at Mid-Manhattan Library?

I saw the flyer.

What are a few of your favorite anime titles?

FairyTale, Nichijou, and Ao No Exorcist.

Do you read manga, too? Why or why not?

Yes, because it's more bloody and it tends not to end abruptly or change the endings.

What is it about manga and anime that you like so much?

The many different genres and the lack of random discontinuity.

Do you think anime is more for boys, girls, or a combination? Why do you think so?

A combination of both since it covers many genres.

Any closing thoughts?

Not really.

Meet the Artist: Harry Newman

Sherri Liberman, Mulberry Branch — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 07:50:59 -0400

On view at Mulberry Street Library in the Great Room is Harry Newman's photographic series, de-composition. Newman has presented in group and solo shows in New York and California, and his images were recently acquired for the permanent collection of the Dave Bown Projects. His most recent show, Last Woods, was presented in September 2010 by the Open Space Gallery in Brooklyn. This is the first exhibition of his latest series, de-composition.

Trained in science, Newman studied at MIT but has spent most of his life working as a writer. His poetry has appeared regularly in national journals, including most recently Ecotone, Rattle, Asheville Poetry Review, and The New Guard. His plays, translations, and performance pieces have been presented at the Contemporary American Theater Festival, Public Theater, Cincinnati Playhouse, and other theaters around the country as well as in the Netherlands and Germany.

Newman grew up in Miami, Florida and has lived in Stockholm, Sweden; Utrecht, Holland; and in several US cities. He currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Q & A with Harry Newman

NYPL: Have you shown your work before?

Harry Newman: Yes, I had my first show last September. The photos came from a series of walks and one to two day hikes I took in New England, Massachusetts, and the Catskills. It dealt with the natural world and how we relate to nature. I took photos of ground cover and other things overlooked and neglected.

What was the inspiration for this project?

It started last winter. I wasn’t outside taking hikes anymore, so I started photographing small indoor plants, like the African violet. I’m not a horticulturist, but I became interested in plants about five years ago. I liked the way the light caught the plants, and the way flowers became smaller over time. My impulse to explore and look at things as they exist comes from my scientific background.

What are some of your techniques?

I always use natural light, often through an open window, sometimes with a built-in flash. I’m extremely lo-tech, it’s almost comical. A lot of photography today is more about the technology than the outcome. I am the tortoise. No flowers were harmed during the making of these photographs. I have played around quite a bit with lighting, including some unorthodox things like using table and floor lamps. But I always use flash in the photos. They can't happen without it, there's no possibility for shadow or the kind of clarity they require. As for natural light, keeping the window blinds open and such, because I'm working at such shallow depth of field, the light in the greater environment (the room) doesn't have as much of an effect on the photo. Working in natural light -- i.e. with the blinds open instead of complete dark -- may give a slightly warmer quality to the photos and it's certainly more pleasant for me.

Tell me a little about your work as writer, and how does it inform your artwork?

For me it’s about the tone, not the subject matter. I’ve done writing for theater, and I’ve worked as a translator, a poet, and a journalist. The photographs are a lot like the poems, they have a dark melancholy, a tragic quality to them, but they are also about tenacity. There is vibrancy to the life left in the flowers, even as they are dwindling. It hints at a philosophical appreciation for what life really is. It’s not intellectual, and it speaks to something outside my own agency.

How long have you been involved in photography?

About three to four years. I was up in the Catskills writing when I started. It was secluded, and I took long walks in the woods. I noticed the muddy, empty river bed below my feet and how it looked so abstract, like stripped posters on a wall. I started seeing compositions. I sent some of the photos to a friend in California, and she encouraged me to take photography seriously as an artist. So I started submitting work to galleries.

Who are some of your favorite photographers?

My stepfather had a darkroom, so I’ve been around photography for a long time. I like the Western photographs of Tim O’Sullivan, and Edward Weston. I also love Sally Mann and Edward Steichen. The landscapes of Edward Burtynsky are remarkable. Sebastião Salgado’s photographs are emotional, and also very political. Hiroshi Sugimoto -- his seascapes are extraordinary -- or Gary Winogrand, his eye for composition is quite remarkable -- and current people like Todd Hiro or Brian Ullrich.

What are some sources of inspiration for de-composition?

The images have a painterly aspect that suggest Flemish painting, whose subjects sometime include decaying food and meat. I like to stick with a lower end camera; the outcomes often live in a boundary between painting and photography.

What do you think of digital photography?

I wouldn’t be taking pictures otherwise. It allows someone who knows nothing about photography to explore the medium. And there are no nasty chemicals involved. I don’t have a color printer. I don’t manipulate subjects; I will change my angle of shooting to accommodate the subject.

So what’s next?

I have a backlog of de-composition photos taken since May I have yet to review thoroughly. Most of those I'll likely reject. There are a little more than a hundred de-composition iterations photos I'd like to do more with. They have a disorienting effect in relation to the de-composition photos. It is as if the image itself is decomposing. It takes the idea of decomposition to a different, more conceptual level.

Meet Kimberly and Theo

Susie Heimbach, Mulberry Street Branch Library — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:40:56 -0400

Once a month, the Mulberry Street Library hosts R.E.A.D. with Mudge, a special program in which children read aloud to a registered therapy dog and licensed handler. Named in honor of the national Reading Education Assistance Dogs program and Cynthia Rylant's beloved boy and dog books, Henry and Mudge, Mulberry's Street's team is made up of the wonderful Kimberly Wang and her amazing dog Theo. We recently caught up with Theo's owner Kimberly...

What kind of dog is Theo?

Theodore is a mutt, and a delightful mix of Border Collie and Greyhound. He has the black and white markings of a Border Collie, and the height, long torso, and "origami ears" of a Greyhound. (I call them "origami ears" because they fold back ever so nicely in curious ways.) And his personality traits are a fun combo platter of both breeds.

When did you get Theo?

I found Theodore at a shelter in New Jersey, via the website Petfinder.com, about six years ago. Petfinder is a great place to locate dogs that are up for adoption at shelters and rescue organizations nationwide. It took months of reading doggy profiles and calling shelters to find the right pooch. I knew I wanted a bright, personable dog whom I could train do to therapy and service work. When I saw Theo's photo and spoke to the shelter manager, my intuition told me that he was the one! He was only about eight months old when I brought him home. He was a wild child back then. Nippy and hyper and completely untrained, Theo had no familiarity with basic commands and found leashes very irritating indeed! But he's a hard worker with a strong desire to please, and persistence, patience, and lots of love paid off for us both.

When did Theo start working as a therapy dog, and why did you choose to work at libraries?

When Theodore and I first met, he was still a youngster, and very much like a teenager in temperament. So, he needed not only training, but time to settle into his life with me, as well as his newfound adulthood. It took a little over a year of focused and consistent training to get him ready for the tests he needed to pass to become a therapy dog. And by then he was about two years old.

At first, Theo volunteered at a children's hospital, and helped support and encourage kids through difficult physical therapy sessions. He then helped out an adult hospice facitility, and went about socializing with folks and brightening their days with his goofy smile.

I have been an avid reader since I was a child, and Theo has always loved libraries and bookstores (so many friendly people!), and like me, he adores children. So, volunteering as a reading dog was a natural choice. We worked together with the lovely Susie Heimbach, the children's librarian at Mulberry Street, to start a R.E.A.D. program there, and that was our first foray into reading with kids. And what a wonderful experience it has been!

What do you think makes a good therapy dog?

A good therapy dog is naturally friendly and eager to connect with unfamiliar folks. He also has the ability to make instant connections with people in a way that is both calming and encouraging. Many of the best therapy dogs are intuitive beings who can sense when people need support or attention and know just what to do without being told.

Being gentle and respectful of people's personal space and fears is also important. And finally, he must have a strong connection to his owner or "handler," so that he'll feel comfortable in any situation and follow instructions even in stressful or challenging situations.

To reserve a space in the R.E.A.D. with Mudge program, please call the Mulberry Street Library at 212-966-3424.

To learn more about Kimberly and Theo, check out Kimberly's blog. Kimberly says, "I love sharing Theodore's adventures with his friends and fans. Since Theo is a service dog as well as a therapy dog, he travels most everywhere with me, and that means he sees and meets people from all walks of life. He enjoys visiting museums, offbeat events, and unique establishments in New York City, Vermont and beyond. I love that he always seems to connect with the most interesting people and other animals as well. So, the City Dog Country Dog Blog is our way of sharing a little bit of the sunshine and smiles that Theodore enjoys in his daily life!"

My Library, English Conversation Edition: Meet Tika!

Elizabeth Waters, Mid-Manhattan Library — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:02:11 -0400

There's a whole lot of talking going on at Mid-Manhattan Library on Thursday evenings! People from all over the world have been coming to Mid-Manhattan Library's English Conversation Hour for intermediate and advanced speakers. It's a great way to meet people and practice speaking English. Some people are just passing through New York on a quick visit, while others are planning to stay longer, maybe even forever. We're having a wonderful time meeting these interesting people and sharing ideas and experiences, so we wanted to introduce some of our regular conversationalists to you.

Please feel free to join us for an in-person chat on Thursday evenings! Our last conversation hour of the summer will be August 18 at 6:30 p.m. The conversation will start up again on September 15, 2011. Native speakers are welcome, too!

What is your name?
Tika

Where are you from?
Tokyo, Japan

How long have you been in New York?
I have been in New York for six months now.

How long do you plan to stay?
I'm going to stay here for three years.

Do you work? Do you go to school? Where?
I work as a volunteer for the Metropolitan Opera Guild, which offers fabulous lectures that help people to understand the operas more deeply. I also teach a cookery class at my place for some friends. We start with baking something basic like scones and then progress to preparing a full English tea. After each lesson, we enjoy what we bake with different kinds of tea, and I talk a little about the particular tea and its history.

How did you hear about the Thursday English Conversation Hour?
I got this information from Library's website.

You've been participating in the group for several months now. Why do you keep coming back?
Because I can always meet new people. And I made some friends through this group, which is great!

What is your favorite place in New York?
I would say Lincoln Center! Because, I LOVE watching ballets and operas.

What is a place everyone who visits Japan should see?
I would recommend visiting Kyoto. It's the best place to see traditional Japanese culture. There are so many beautiful shrines and temples. Their gardens are stunning, especially in spring and autumn.

Can you recommend a book or a movie that other advanced English language learners might enjoy?

Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber. I borrowed this book at the Library. It's a truly heartwarming story. Good for reading around Christmas time.
Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series. The stories are based in London and are about a person who really likes shopping! Just hilarious!
The Disney movie Tangled. This is a very well-made film. Good for adults as well. [Note:Tangled is a retelling of the fairytale Rapunzel.]

Your English conversation skills are really good! Do you have any language learning tips to share with our readers?
Don't be shy! Have the opportunity to speak in English as much as you can!

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself or about the Library?
NYPL is definitely helping me to enjoy life in NY! Conversation group, movies, book reading, and game night... there are so many free activities!
And I can borrow DVDs and CDs for free, which is amazing! The website is very useful. What I like most is I can reserve the item online, even for DVDs and CDs!

Thanks very much or taking the time to share with us, Tika! See you at the next conversation hour.

My Library, Anime Addicts Edition: Shanta

Ryan P. Donovan, Mid-Manhattan Library — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:48:31 -0400

Are you ready for another edition of Anime Addicts? It's a new month, so we had a new anime screening: this time it was all about Kaleido Star — the story of Sora Naegino, a young girl who dreams of joining the circus.

All of our regulars were in attendance, including Anthony, Matt, Erin, and Bobby. For the month of August, we were joined be a new anime fan who spent her day off coming all the way from the Bronx to watch anime with us. Let's meet her now!

NYPL: What is your name?

Shanta

What is your age?

Where do you work? Do you go to school? Where?

I work at Mid-Manhattan Library and I attend Monroe College in the Bronx.

How did you hear about the Anime Night monthly film series?

I've seen the flyers around and, obviously, I work here.

What are a few of your favorite anime titles?

Blue Exorcist, Hellsing, and Ghost Stories.

Do you read manga, too?

Yes. I like Cirque Du Freak and Alice in the Country of Hearts.

What is it about manga and anime that you like so much?

The different storylines, the drawings. I love Japanese culture and have always loved animation [since I] was a kid. So it carried over as I became an adult.

Any closing thoughts?

I'll be returning for next month's anime! ^_^

With over 20 people joining us last night, Anime Night has become one of the hottest NYPL at Nite programs at the Library! Shanta and our regulars will be joining us this fall as we screen Disgaea in September, Last Exile in October, Chobits in November, and Samurai Champloo in December. We hope that you can join us, too!

Meet Beth and Forest

Rosa Caballero-Li, AskNYPL — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 06:11:05 -0400

Once a month, Beth Neuman and her dog Forest, an 11 year old toy poodle, volunteer at Ottendorfer Library’s Paws ‘n’ Books program. The literacy program offers children ages six and older the opportunity to read aloud to a four legged friend for 15 minutes, helping to boost their reading confidence. We interviewed Beth before one of their Paws 'n' Books sessions.

NYPL: How did you meet Forest?

Eleven years ago a friend I worked with found her on her front steps in Queens. They had two cats, so they asked if I wanted to adopt her. My previous dog passed away two years prior, and I had been thinking about adopting.

How did Forest become a therapy dog?

She got evaluated by a licensed trainer. I took a class and we both passed the exams that were given to us.

What makes Forest a good therapy dog?

She is calm and well-behaved and likes people.

Besides the Library, where else do you two volunteer?

We visit patients at Beth Israel Hospital and this summer, we started working with a summer camp. The kids make up stories about dogs and then read them aloud to her. Through the program the kids learn how to treat dogs.

So what kinds of books do you and Forest prefer?

Well I like books about animals and Forest especially likes to listen to books about dogs.

Check out some of the following series starring some of our favorite canines. Be sure to recommend any other favorites in the comments section below.

Clifford, the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell
What is life like living with a big red dog on a small island?
Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle
Despite his gassy issues, Walter always manages to save the day!
Martha Speaks by Susan Meddaugh
Thanks to some alphabet soup, Martha is able to talk, talk, and talk....
Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant
Follow Henry and his 180 pound English Mastiff companion Mudge on their many adventures.
Dear Mrs. Larue: Letters from Obedience School by Mark Teague
What would Mrs. LaRue do without her loyal companion Ike?
McDuff Moves In by Rosemary Wells
A homeless dog finds a home.
Harry, The Dirty Dog by Gene Zion
Harry becomes so dirty that not even his family recognizes him!