Pulp-less Fiction Blog Feed

Finding Foreign Films

Diana — Sat, 11 May 2013 06:54:11 +0000

Sat, May 11, 2013

Do you speak a language other than English or want to practice the language you are learning in school? Are you visiting the US and are homesick for entertainment in your native language? Perhaps you are a film buff who loves foreign films?

We have films from many countries at the Appleton Public Library. This month the film display highlights foreign films so it’s extra easy to find one. The display is behind the Information Desk.

We also have an updatedForeign Films list which lists many of our newer foreign films plus some “classic” foreign films. Films are arranged by language and/or country.

If you wish to search for a certain film, or category of film, there are various ways to search in InfoSoup:

1. Exact title. If you don’t see it in English, try looking for the name in the original language.

2. Director. Use the author field and type in the director’s name. If they have also written books, you can narrow the search by choosing DVD & VHS & Blu-ray as the format.

3. Actor. Use the author category. Narrow by format.

4. Choose the subject search; then enter one of these subject headings:

a. Feature Films—___________ (fill in the blank with the name of the language you’re looking for)
b. Moving Pictures--_____________
c. Foreign Films--_____________

5. Once you find a film in a language you like, you can link to others by clicking the subject headings at the bottom of the entry.

Enjoy watching films from all over the world!

film

DVD

foreign

language

Diana

Attention fans of comics & graphic novels!

Diana — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:49:13 +0000

Fri, Apr 26, 2013

Saturday, May 4, is Free Comic Book Day! Every year on the first Saturday of May participating comic book shops give away comic books free to people who visit their stores. Learn more at http://www.freecomicbookday.com .

This year, the Appleton Public Library will be partnering with Chimera Hobby to be a give-away site.*

Appleton Public Library lends graphic novels—stories told in words and pictures, like a traditional comic book—for children, teens and adults. A display of teen and adult graphic novels from our collection will be available for check out, along with a guide to some interesting and important adult graphic novels. The library also has a large collection of manga.

We will also be promoting a program this summer for teens (grades 7-12) called Secret Identity Workshop. Teens will create their own superhero identity cards!

*One comic per person while supplies last. Titles will vary.

comics

Diana

New features on OverDrive!

Diana — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:39:06 +0000

Fri, Apr 5, 2013

Cover, Grid or List—these are new ways to browse for titles.

For a quick look at the collection, try the cover view. You will see more books at once.

The Grid view shows more information about each title, including full title and author name as well as the name of the series, if appropriate.

The List view shows fewer books but also more information about the book. You can see the full description by clicking on the book cover.

Another way to narrow your search is to choose a collection.

“My library’s collection” means everything currently in the Wisconsin Digital Library collection for use, whether you need to put a hold on it or it is available for checkout right now.

“Only titles with copies available” will take away the titles which are all checked out, and you will see just items which can currently be checked out.

“Additional titles to recommend” searches through all titles which OverDrive currently has access to, whether already added or not. This is similar to a request for purchase, where you suggest that the library buy a title to be added to the collection.

Your search may also be narrowed by

Ebook vs. audio book
Format (Epub, Kindle, OverDrive Read, etc)
Subject
Publisher
Language
Grade Level
* rating which other readers have given to the title
· Device that may be used to read or listen to the book (brand of ereader, audio device, tablet, etc.)

There is a new “basic” version of OverDrive Read that allows you to use OverDrive Read in Internet Explorer without installing a plugin. If you are already using Internet Explorer with the Google Chrome Frame Plugin or using a different browser you will see no difference. However, Internet Explorer versions 7, 8, and 9 will give you the option to use the basic version instead.

The basic version of OverDrive Read supports many of the features of OverDrive Read. However, because some of the features of OverDrive Read depend on the advanced features of HTML5 and CSS3 (which are not available in older browsers without the Google Chrome Frame Plugin), the basic version will provide you with a different experience. The most notable of these are the absence of pagination and customized font sizes.

Enjoy these new features which make it easier to find titles to your taste.

Did you know that the Appleton Public Library provides these free services?

Diana — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:57:19 +0000

Mon, Mar 18, 2013

A library card is free to residents—just bring in your photo ID and proof of current address if not on your ID, then stop at a service desk and get a card in a few minutes.
Free Wi-Fi and internet computers are available at the Appleton Public Library. Use your library card to use the computers up to two hours a day. Visiting from outside Wisconsin? You can get a guest pass using your ID to access the internet computers.
Download free e-books and audio books from Wisconsin’s Digital Library or OneClick Digital.
We answer questions! Can’t find an out-of state phone number? Who was the 23^rd President of the United States?* What is the name of the children’s museum and where is it located in Appleton?** Call 832-6173, the main number for most questions, 832-6177 for media questions, or 832-6187 for Children’s.
Free access to databases such as Mango language learning, HeritageQuest genealogy website from home or Ancestry Library Edition within the library, car repair databases, Opposing Viewpoints, newspapers and magazines online, and many others. Go to www.apl.org/e to see what we have available in our elibrary resources.Kids bugging you to buy new video games? Save money by checking out PS3 or Xbox 360 video games from the Children’s and Teens areas for free.
Call dibs on hot new books—they are usually in the catalog a month or two before the book is released, so you can get a place in line before they even come out, at no charge.
Free subscriptions to 100 different magazines are available through Zinio once you create an account using your library card.
Looking for interesting books to read? There are Staff Picks next to the new books where books recommended by staff are placed, while on the website there are new Staff Picks every few days. You can read older reviews by going to http://www.apl.org/staffpicks/all.
Programs for all ages and interests are available for free at the library: author talks, book clubs, craft programs, petting zoo, knitting groups, children's programs, and many more. Check the Event Calendar at http://host6.evanced.info/appleton/evanced/eventcalendar.asp.

Answers: *Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd American President. Found at the White House site.

**The Building for Kids, is located at 100 W. College Avenue, Appleton.

Does someone you know have difficulty reading?

Diana — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:47:04 +0000

Mon, Mar 11, 2013

Resources are available through the Appleton Public Library to assist people with vision loss or physical limitations which make reading difficult. For those experiencing vision loss we have materials in our collection which may be checked out. Large print format books, both fiction and nonfiction, are available at the library for children, teens and adults.

Many people enjoy listening to audio books in CD and Playaway formats no matter how good their vision. They are available for all age levels. We also have some Described Videos, shelved near the Talking Books, which narrate the action on screen for those who can’t see it.

The Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library delivers digital books and readers at no cost to qualified individuals. Since the Appleton Public Library is a cooperating library, you can pick up or drop off Talking Books on tape at this location. You can also get the forms here to apply for a new digital reader if you have difficulty reading.

Appleton Public Library will be partnering with Outagamie Waupaca Library System and the Wisconsin Council for the Blind & Visually Impaired to present the program Accessible Literature—Audio and Visual, for individuals or family and friends of people with reading difficulties. The program will be at the Ogilvie Room in the Thompson Community Center on April 30, 2013 from 10:30 to noon. Call 1-800-783-5213 or go to www.wcblind.org/ to register. Jean Kalscheur will discuss accessibility options, and librarians will demonstrate the use of e-readers, Playaways, downloadable e-books and audio books. There will also be a program for professionals such as librarians and senior center workers at 8:30 am. Registration is also through www.wcblind.org.

Walking Books is an Appleton Public Library service provided by volunteers. If you are homebound but love to read you can request that a volunteer be assigned. They will learn your preferences, pick up books you choose and deliver them once a month, returning the previous month’s books. Contact us at 832-6346 to arrange for this service or if you would like to volunteer for the program.

If you or someone you know wishes to improve reading, writing or English language skills, the Fox Valley Literacy Council may be able to help you. Volunteers provide tutoring tailored to your needs. Contact them at 920-991-9840 or email them at foxvalleylit@tds.net.

The Appleton Public Library provides knowledge and entertainment to our patrons in many different forms, including formats that fit the needs of those who have a hard time reading. Let us help you find a method that works for you or a loved one.

New features for Wisconsin’s Digital Library!

Diana — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:00:14 +0000

Wed, Feb 27, 2013

The upgrade to the OverDrive site makes access to downloadable ebooks and audiobooks even easier to use on computer, phone, tablet or iPod.

Sign in with your InfoSoup library card to view over 30,000 titles in ebook and audiobook format. The Read feature allows you to read directly in your browser, or you can download your title to be viewed or listened to offline on an ereader or tablet, mp3 player or computer.

You can see whether a title is an ebook or audiobook as well as whether it is available for checkout by the symbol in the upper right. The book symbol means ebook, and headphones show that it is an audiobook. If the symbol is light gray the title is checked out but you can place a hold. If the symbol is dark, the item is available to check out now. If you can’t see part of the title, hover over the book cover to see title and author.

Each person is allowed to check out 10 titles at a time, and may place 10 on hold at a time. If you are interested in a book but don’t want to check it out yet, you can click the ribbon extending from the bottom of the book cover to add the title to your wish list. The ribbon turns red to show it is on your Wish List. To remove a title, simply click on the ribbon again.

Both keyword search and an advanced search option are available to find a book you like. Both can be filtered to find exactly what you need. “Library collection” means you are viewing all titles in the Wisconsin’s Digital Library collection. “Available Now” are those titles currently available for checkout. “Additional titles” shows all titles which have the potential to be added to the collection. Many of these titles are already owned, so you may want to use it only to search for titles you desire, rather than trying to browse.

To learn more about the new features, check out the video “Discover the Next Generation experience” at the top of the Wisconsin’s Digital Library page.

Enjoy the new, easier to use Wisconsin's Digital Library!

The Academy Awards are arriving in less than two weeks; what are your predictions?

Diana — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 07:04:32 +0000

Fri, Feb 15, 2013

The list of nominees can be found at the Oscar site. They even provide a virtual My Picks ballot, if you choose.

The ceremony on February 24, 2013, will showcase films which arrived in theaters in 2012.

If you’d like to see who won in the past, here are pdf lists of the past winners in four major categories—Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Picture. The date is the year the film was released; the awards were presented the following year. The Appleton Public Library owns nearly all of these films on dvd, and some as Blu-ray. Check the catalog at www.infosoup.org for availability, as some are no longer in print.

Good luck on your predictions!

Music awards are just beginning!

Diana — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:56:40 +0000

Mon, Feb 4, 2013

While we are in the midst of the film award season, the music award season is just beginning.

The Grammy Awards honor artistic achievement, technical quality and overall excellence in the recording industry, without factoring in album sales or position on the charts. They have been presented by musical peers for 55 years. “Music’s biggest night” is February 10, 2013.

The Latin Grammys (in Spanish) are presented by the Latin Recording Academy, usually in November. It is a non-profit organization of artists, musicians and recording professionals. The 2013 awards show will be the fourteenth.

Awards are based on the quality and musical excellence of recordings which were recorded in Spanish or Portuguese languages. For instrumental recordings, eligibility is determined by the composer of the music, or that the artist interpreting the music fits the language requirements.

The BRITS are the British equivalent of the Grammys. The awards show is organized by the British Phonographic Industry for pop music. This year the show is on February 20.

The Juno Awards are presented by The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, for artists born in Canada or who have immigrated to Canada. The 42^nd Juno Awards will take place in April in Regina, Saskatchewan.

The American Music Awards show was created by Dick Clark in 1973. While the Grammys are based on votes by members of the Recording Academy, the American Music Awards are chosen by a poll of the public, and by sales. This show is usually late in the year.

Gospel music is honored by the Dove Awards, recognizing outstanding achievement in Christian music. The Gospel Music Association presents the awards in Atlanta, and features live music performances in a variety of musical styles, including pop, rock, hip hop and country.

The 34^th annual Blues Music Awards will be presented May 9, 2013 in Memphis, Tennessee. These awards celebrate excellence in recording and performance of blues music, and represent many styles: delta, east coast, west coast, harmonica, Chicago, Texas, modern and country blues.

The Academy of Country Music presents the 48^th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 8, 2013. They honor country music’s best artists and also introduce new artists. It is associated with an all-star concert TV special.

The Americana Music Association presents six member-voted awards plus Lifetime Achievement Awards during its music festival in Nashville. The 14^th annual event will take place September 18-22, 2013 and will include four nights of live performances by artists from all over the world, celebrating the authentic voice of American Roots music.

The above list is only showing the main awards. No matter what type of music you like, there is a festival or award out there.

Music

awards

Diana

Glitter and glamour brighten dark winter days

Diana — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:58:00 +0000

Wed, Jan 23, 2013

The award season for film and television is well launched, with the Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globes behind us. Having watched several, I began to wonder how many film and tv awards there really are. The following is a list of major American awards.

The Academy Awards are often called the Oscars, named after the statuette handed to the winner. They are probably the best known award for motion pictures, and will take place on February 24, 2013 for the 85th time.

The Annie Award is animation's highest honor. The 40th Annual Annie Awards will take place February 2, 2013 in Lost Angeles, California.

The BET Awards are presented annually on the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other minorities in the field of entertainment. They are one of the newer awards, having been established in 2001.

The Golden Globe Awards are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Correspondents Association. They recognize achievements in 25 categories for both motion pictures and television. The 70th annual Golden Globe event took place January 13, 2013.

The Gotham Independent Film Awards, presented in New York in November, showcases independent films. The winners are selected by jury. They are considered by some to be the first major awards ceremony of the film season.

People's Choice Awards are given in categories such as music, movies and television. The most recent ceremony was January 9, 2013; the 39th annual event.

The Saturn Awards were founded by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films in 1972. They honor genre films, television, international cinema and home entertainment. Winners are chosen by Academy members

The Screen Actors Guild Awards are the only televised awards shows to honor performers exclusively, providing thirteen awards for acting in films and television. The nineteenth annual event will take place in Los Angeles Sunday, January 27, 2013.

The Spirit Awards celebrate artist-driven independent filmmaking. Then next ceremony is Saturday, February 23, 2013; it's 26th year. They are voted on by members of the Film Independent community.

The Sundance Film Festival, while a different type of event, has a big impact on the film world. Not as flashy as the big award ceremonies, the focus is on screening independent and foreign films, shorts, and documentaries. Started by award-winning actor Robert Redford, it is currently running in Park City, Utah, from January 17-27, 2013. There are also panel discussions, live performances of music from film, and multimedia installations. This year the Festival will expand to local audiences on January 31, when ten unique films from the 2013 festival will be screened in ten cities across the U.S. Each filmmaker will be on hand to discuss the film. There is also a spinoff, called Sundance London, which will take place April 25-28, 2013.

Television has separate awards, called the Emmys, which are awarded by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

The Primetime Emmy Awards are awarded for the best in prime time television programs. The event in September 2013 will be the 65^th year.

The Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards are chosen in recognition of excellence in American daytime television. Ceremonies are often in June.

Theatergoers will be happy to view The American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards. They began in 1947, and are awarded for excellence in theater performance.

There are many smaller award ceremonies, such as the local Chicago International Film Festival.

When it comes to Awards time, there truly are a lot of choices for your viewing pleasure.

New OverDrive feature

Diana — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 18:05:01 +0000

Mon, Jan 14, 2013

Wisconsin’s Digital Library has a new feature—its users can now recommend titles for inclusion in the collection. This appears as a choice when you do a search, if you are logged in. There will be a bar where you may click to search for Library Collection (all titles currently owned), Available Now (currently available for checkout), or use the new feature Additional Titles.

You may access it from Advanced Search by clicking the button at the bottom of the search page.

The Additional Titles search refers to titles which are available to be purchased by the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium for inclusion in the Wisconsin’s Digital Library collection. Choosing this search provides a list of all titles available for purchase, even those already purchased by Wisconsin’s Digital Library. You can do a search for the title, author or subject. When the list comes up you can tell which items are already owned by the listing of formats available to download and the choice Add to my cart or Place a hold.

For a title not currently owned click the light blue Recommend button to send this suggestion to the selectors.

A window will pop up giving two choices. You can choose to be notified if the book is purchased and/or you may choose to be placed on the waiting list. You will be prompted to type in your email address for a notice to be sent.

Recommendations for purchase will be reviewed by selectors. A window will pop up showing you have recommended a title.

When a book you recommended is purchased you will be notified according to your choices. You may view titles you have recommended by going into My Account and clicking My Recommendations.

While not every title or author is available to be recommended, you will find new titles you are eager to read by using this new feature.

OverDrive

ebooks

Diana