connections The Princeton Public Library Magazine SUMMER 2014
THE SCIENCE OF SUMMER READING Discover our programs for children, teens and adults
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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n April 24, 2004 we opened our doors and welcomed a grateful community to our new library. This last decade has been marked by transformational changes at the library, with more hours, digital content available to you 24/7, an easy-to-navigate website, unlimited opportunities for community engagement, the Princeton Children’s Book Festival, the Princeton Environmental Film Festival, enhanced wireless access and a gleaming new Mac Lab. If you’ve been on our second floor lately you may have noticed some changes that provide clues that more change is on the way. Our carefully curated and much loved reference collection, which helped us answer thousands of questions and assisted with many a homework assignment for generations of Princeton students, has given way to more space for computers, seating and group study. We will still answer all of your questions but now we find the information is on the Web or in one of the 85 subscription databases (princetonlibrary.org/databases). Heavy but beautiful reference sets have been replaced by upto-the-minute information readily available at our fingertips. For you, it means faster and better answers. We recently contracted with an architect to help us rethink our second floor space with an eye toward creating even more opportunities for the community to use the library in new ways. We will create new spaces to accommodate a variety of working styles (quiet and private study to fully collaborative spaces) and more comfortable areas for reading and gathering. A welcoming, inspiring design will encourage you to explore the latest technology, engage with our refreshed collections and interact with our extraordinary staff. We expect that the second floor transformation project will create more meeting and conference space to meet the ever-increasing demand from local groups. We’re excited about the possibilities and hope to unveil most of these changes by the end of the year. These changes, supported, in part, by private donations, reflect our ongoing commitment to be a constantly changing, ever more interesting, highly adaptable, community responsive library that is here for you today and for years to come.
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NEWS & NOTES We win The results of the New Jersey Library Association’s annual public relations contest are in, and the library walked off with two major awards. We took the top prize in the most prestigious category of the competition: public relations campaign for our work raising awareness about mental health during Princeton Reads “The Silver Lindings Playbook.” And we were the inaugural winner in the Tech Shoutout Award for our use of social media in last year’s adult summer reading club. Congrats to all staff members involved in these projects. You win By every indication, Princeton’s infatuation with hoopla, our new online streaming service, is turning into a full-blown love affair. In the three weeks following its May 1 launch, hoopla attracted more than 700 people who borrowed 1,200 items. Library cardholders can get access to about 8,000 films, 10,000 audiobooks and a whopping 100,000 albums through hoopla. To find out more, see Page 7. PEFF changes One of our signature events, the Princeton Environmental Film Festival, will be moving in 2015 — not out of the library; only on the calendar. Traditionally held in January and February, PEFF will be moving to March 19-22 and 26-29 to take advantage of the release schedule of major documentaries and to avoid winter weather. For more on PEFF, visit community.princetonlibrary.org/peff
COVER STORY
SUMMER OF SCIENCE Experiment with reading for rewards this summer
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here’s a method to the summer reading madness at Princeton Public Library this year. The scientific method, that is, with programs for preschoolers, children and teens that revolve around the world of science. “This year our theme is science,” said children’s librarian Allison Santos who is past president of the Collaborative Summer Library Program, the organization behind summer reading programs at libraries throughout the country. “And most of our program will reflect this theme.”
the summer. We’ll “Kick Off Summer Reading with a Bang” on Friday, June 20, at 4 p.m. when David Maiullo from Rutgers University returns with his popular physics program for children in kindergarten and older. Not suitable for very young children, the program teaches the principles of physics through some very loud demonstrations. Additional science-themed programs will be offered in July, including “The Science of Robotics: How to Talk to a Robot” at two separate times on July 12; “The Science of Potions” by Piccirillo Sciencetelling on July 19 and “Sweet Science: Experiment with Candy” on July 21. A series of hands-on “Try It” programs that encourage children to learn about science will also be presented in July. We’ll also explore “The Science of Giant Animals” with library favorite Bill Bosenberg of Snakes-n-Scales on Aug. 6. Be sure to see the Kids and Families section on Pages 4-5 for details of these and other summer reading programs. Registration for summer reading begins at 9 a.m. on June 20 at tables staffed by teen volunteers in the third floor Youth Services department. There is no cut-off date to register. Readers can begin participating at any time during the program. The main event for adult summer reading this year is a luncheon with author Jennifer Weiner at the Nassau Club. Weiner will read from and sign her latest novel, “All Fall Down,” during the luncheon, and library staff The popular physics program featuring Dave Maiullo, right, and Rutgers University science students kicks off our scientific summer. members will be on hand at each table with a list of recommended For children in kindergarten through grade 5, the summer titles to read this summer. Tickets, at $30, include lunch and a reading theme is “Fizz, Boom, Read!” “Fizz Boom, Read! – Wee copy of Weiner’s book. Reservations are required though the Read” is also the theme for preschoolers. For teens entering library’s website. The Nassau Club is at 6 Mercer St. grades 6 through 12, the theme is “Spark a Reaction.” In keeping with the successful social media approach the Santos said that all groups will earn rewards for reaching library took to summer reading last year (for which PPL won milestones along the way when completing their summer the Tech Shoutout Award from the New Jersey Library Associreading. All children and teens who read for 25 hours will earn ation), we will again be encouraging readers of all ages to share a free blend-in from Thomas Sweet Ice Cream. Teens who read what they’re reading with us through Instagram. Whether from for 10 hours weekly will be entered into drawings for prize home or on the road, use the hashtag #PPLreads14 when sharbags with books, T-shirts and more. ing your summer reading photos and you will be entered into a Children who complete 50 hours of summer reading will raffle for gift cards to Labyrinth Books and jaZams toy store. win a special prize, and 10 will have the chance to win T-shirts. Speaking of social media, we’re always looking for new As a supplement to children’s summer reading, the library members to our Facebook group, The PPL Buzz. We hope will present a variety of science-themed programs throughout you’ll visit www.facebook.com/groups/PPLReads13/ to join.
www.princetonlibrary.org
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FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON ALL LIBRARY PROGRAMS, VISIT WWW.PRINCETONLIBRARY.ORG
SUMMER READING PROGRAM EVENTS Summer Reading Registration Begins Friday, June 20, 9 a.m. Registration begins for Summer Reading programs for preschoolers, children and teens. Third Floor Kick Off Summer Reading with a Bang Friday, June 20, 4 p.m. David Maiullo from the Rutgers University Physics Department returns with his popular event for children who are in kindergarten and older. Learn about the principles of physics and watch some exciting demonstrations. Please be aware this program is loud and is not suitable for very young children. Community Room Truck Day Wednesday, June 25, 10 a.m. Princeton Township will park construction vehicles and other trucks behind the library on Sylvia Beach Way for children and their grown-ups to explore. Children can touch the trucks, sit behind the wheel and ask the operators questions. The event will begin with a special story time in the Community Room before moving out to Sylvia Beach Way. Summer Reading Filibuster: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Monday, July 7, 10 a.m. We’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic Roald Dahl novel with a public reading of the book - from start to finish. All are welcome to participate by reading a portion of the book. Main Lobby. Film: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” Monday, July 7, 4 p.m. This 1971 musical is adapted from the novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl that will be read aloud in its entirety at the library in our Summer Reading Filibuster. The film stars Gene Wilder as the title character and tells the story of Charlie Bucket who, along with four other children from around the world, wins the chance to tour a mysterious chocolate factory. Rated G. 1 hour, 40 minutes. Community Room
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KIDS AND FAMILIES The Science of Robotics: “How to Talk to a Robot” Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m.; second session at 2 p.m. Children ages 8 and older will experience programming BasicX-24 microcontrollers and logic as it applies to Microsoft Visual Basic language. Students will learn to manipulate variables common to all programming languages and experience a real world challenge involving robotic navigation, learning good sportsmanship and teamwork while having great fun! Maximum group size is 24. Registration required through the events calendar on the library’s website. Please note that this program is not for children younger than 8. Community Room The Science of Potions Wednesday, July 16, 2 p.m. Piccirillo Sciencetelling uses science experiments with dry ice and imagination to tell the story of a hidden underground laboratory and the ferocious guard determined to protect its mysteries forever. Children will discover the secrets of the laboratory while learning about the concept of matter, its three states and how to change it from one state to another. Community Room
The Science of Potions, July 16
Sweet Science: Experiment with Candy Monday, July 21, 4 p.m. Test, soak, stretch, dissolve, smash - and maybe even taste - candy to learn more about science and the world around you in this fun and educational session for children 5 and older. Community Room The Science of Giant Animals Wednesday, Aug. 6, 3 p.m. Bill Bosenberg of Snakes-n-Scales returns to the library, this time with some giant animals. We’ll talk about their lives in the wild, their habits and habitats, their relationships with humans and more. Community Room
TRY IT Will it Float? Tuesday, July 8, 4 p.m. Why do some things sink while other things float? Can you guess what items will do which? Children ages 5 and older are invited to participate in this fun, hands-on activity where we experiment with water and explore the science of floating. Third Floor Will It Stand? Tuesday, July 15, 4 p.m. Children ages 5 and older learn about the science of tall buildings and about the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which is 2,717 feet tall. How can a building be so tall? Why don’t they just fall over? Learn the answers to these questions and try to build your own skyscraper at this event. Third Floor Will It Fly? Tuesday, July 22, 4 p.m. Children 5 and older are invited to explore the science of flight and figure out what flies high, what flies far and what just doesn’t fly at all. Third Floor
www.princetonlibrary.org
Will It Fly?, July 22
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KIDS AND FAMILIES
Let’s Play, July 18, Aug. 15
Build It! Wednesday, July 30, 2 p.m. Children 5 and older are invited to use Legos to build something that will fly or float or stand taller than anything else in this fun, non-competitive session. The session concludes with a roundtable discussion, where projects will be shared with the entire group. A slideshow of projects created during this session will be featured in advance of a library screening of “The Lego Movie” on Friday, Aug. 1. Registration through the events calendar on the library’s website is encouraged but not required. Community Room
MORE SUMMER FUN
FAMILY FILMS
Chess Club for Children Thursdays, 4 p.m. July 17, 24, 31 and Aug. 7 Beginners are welcome at this one-hour club facilitated by Princeton High School Chess Team members David Hua and Amnon Attali. Story Room
“Frozen” Saturday, July 19, 3 p.m. This popular animated musical comedy/adventure from Disney tells the story of fearless optimist Anna and her race to find her sister Else whose icy powers have trapped their kingdom in eternal winter. Rated PG. 1 hour, 42 minutes. Community Room “The Lego Movie” Friday, Aug. 1, 4 p.m.
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This original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following Lego minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the key to saving the world. 1 hour, 40 minutes. Community Room
Cover to Cover Club Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m. This is the last meeting of the school year of the book club for fourth- and fifth-graders. Conference Room Let’s Dance Fridays, 4 p.m., June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 Children and their families are invited to a monthly dance party where our children’s librarians will join them in dancing to musical favorites. Community Room
Let’s Play Fridays, 4 p.m., July 18, Aug. 15 Children and their families are invited to burn off some energy with sidewalk chalk, hula hoops and bubble blowing — or simply play with blocks and puzzles. Hinds Plaza (weather permitting) or Third Floor The Library Bee Thursday, Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m. Rising fourth- through eighth-graders participate on teams. Challenge words will be in science-based categories. Adults and younger siblings are invited to attend as audience members. Community Room
DIGITAL NEW AND NOTEWORTHY Capturing Campus Tuesday, July 8, 9:30 a.m. We’ll take an hour-long guided walking tour of Princeton University to take pictures of some especially photogenic sites. Back at the library, after a 30-minute break, we’ll gather in the Tech Center to learn to move your digital images from your camera or phone to a Mac to do some simple editing and sharing of photos. Basic computer skills required. A tour of the library will be substituted in the event of inclement weather. Registration required.
ONGOING TECH CLASSES All classes are in the Technology Center.
WordPress Camp for Beginner Bloggers: Session 1, Tuesday, July 8, 7 p.m.; Session 2, Tuesday, July 15, 7 p.m. Apps for iPads & iPhones: Wednesday, July 9, 10-11 a.m. iMovie for Beginners: Thursday, July 10, 7 p.m. Microsoft Excel for Beginners: Session 1, Monday, July 14, 5:30 p.m.; Session 2, Monday, July 21, 5:30 p.m. Learn to Download Our Digital Content: Thursday, July 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment on the hour iPhone 101: Thursday, July 17, 7 p.m. Intro to Social Networking Sites: Tuesday, July 22, 10 a.m. Raspberry Pi: Tuesday, July 22, 7 p.m. LinkedIn Basics: Wednesday, July 23, 7 p.m. Refresh Your Resume and Job Search: Thursday, July 24, 5:30 p.m. Create a Facebook Account: Tuesday, July 29, 2 p.m. Arduino: Tuesday, July 29, 7 p.m. Introduction to iCloud: Wednesday, July 30, 7 p.m. Apps for iPads, iPhones and Android Devices: Friday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. Windows 8 Fundamentals: Monday, Aug. 4, 2 p.m. Facebook Security Essentials: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 10 a.m. Mac Basics: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 7 p.m. iPhoto for Beginners: Wednesday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m. Career Resources @ PPL: Thursday, Aug. 7, 1 p.m. Pinterest and Instagram for Business: Monday, Aug. 11, 7 p.m. Learn About Our Free eBooks and More: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. Advanced iPhoto: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m. Introduction to PowerPoint: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 5:30 p.m. Codecademy: Learn to Write Code for Free: Thursday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m. www.princetonlibrary.org
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sers of our digital content now have another borrowing option at their disposal. Called hoopla, it enables customers to instantly stream movies, television programs, audiobooks and music to their computers or mobile devices - or download the content to enjoy later. Free and very easy to use, hoopla is our latest effort to keep pace with the demands of customers who regularly use digital content and those who are just discovering the technology. “I am very excited about introducing hoopla to our customers,” said librarian Ji Hae Ju, who oversees the media collection for adults. “We now have instantaneous access to more than 10,000 audiobooks and 100,000 music albums at minimal cost to the library. It has never been easier for our customers to discover new authors and musicians they’ll enjoy. Try it out for 15 minutes on your tablet or smartphone — I guarantee you’ll be hooked.” Hoopla’s catalog features thousands of classic and current movies including major Hollywood releases, documentaries and more. It also includes a wide variety of television programs, music straight off the Billboard charts and audiobooks from major publishers in every genre. With hoopla, there are no waiting lists, no extended use fees, and content is instantly accessible all day, every day. To get started with hoopla on your computer, go to www.hoopladigital.com, click on SIGN UP and follow the prompts. You must have a connection to the Internet to access hoopla on your computer. Items can only be streamed on your computer; they cannot be downloaded for offline access. For Apple or Android mobile device users, visit your device’s app store to download and install the free hoopla digital app, select SIGN UP and follow the prompts. Items can be streamed through the hoopla app and a connection to the Internet. You also have the option to download for offline access. As always, we’re here to help you with any questions. To make an appointment for assistance, call 609.924.9529, ext. 220 or email refstaff@princetonlibrary.org.
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FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON ALL LIBRARY PROGRAMS, VISIT WWW.PRINCETONLIBRARY.ORG
FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS Book Talk: Princeton High School’s New Summer Reading List Tuesday, June 3, 7 p.m. Led by Grades 9-12 Language Arts Supervisor John Anagbo, Princeton High School teachers and Princeton Public Library staff talk about changes to the school’s summer reading book list in a lively, engaging program for students and parents. Community Room
Co-sponsored by the library and Princeton Public Schools.
JOIN Go Between Club Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m. Last meeting of the school year for this group for middle school students who discuss books and other interests, help with library events and plan programs. All sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders are welcome. Conference Room To Be Discussed (TBD) Tuesday, June 17, 7 p.m. All high school students are welcome to participate in this monthly discussion of great books, films, music, non-fiction, poetry, and all things cultural. Participants may also help create book displays and reading lists for the library, take group trips to see current films, and do group-reads. Teen Center
COLLEGE ESSAY PROGRAMS John Anagbo with titles from the Princeton High School summer reading lists.
Brainstorming and Beginning Your College Essay Wednesday, July 9, 7 p.m. Princeton writing tutor Ken Soufl helps high school students approach writing their college essays with confidence and a clear understanding of how to proceed. The function and form of the college essay, the relevant information to include and the most effective way to write the essay will be covered. Practical strategies for composing essays will be learned through the composition of a rough draft during a brainstorming session. Registration through the library’s website is encouraged but not required. A second seminar on fine-tuning an essay will be offered July 23. Teen Center Editing and Polishing Your College Essay Wednesday, July 23, 7 p.m. Princeton writing tutor Ken Soufl helps students fine tune and conclude their college essays. The seminar will include interactive group work as the participants work with their rough drafts to practice the strategies presented and share comments with each other. All participants should bring a rough draft of a college essay. Registration through the events calendar on the library’s website is encouraged but not required. Teen Center
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TEENS
David Hua, left, and Amnon Attali of the Princeton High School Chess Club lead a club for young people and adults in July and August.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS Begin Your Odyssey Thursday, July 10, 1 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1 p.m. Rising Princeton High School ninth-graders are invited to get a head start on Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” in this two-hour workshop presented by teacher Margaret Spear. Students should come prepared to move, play and travel around Ancient Greece through their imagination and Homer’s words. “The Odyssey” is required reading for Princeton High School freshmen. Limited to 25 participants. Register through the events calendar at princetonlibrary.org. Community Room Princeton Student Film and Video Festival Wednesday and Thursday, July 16 & 17, 7 p.m. Original short films, created by filmmakers ages 14-25, are featured as part of the two-night festival. Now in its 11th year, the event features films chosen from local to international entries. Filmmakers are invited to Q&A sessions after the screenings, which are for teen and adult audiences. Refreshments follow in Terra Libri café. Community Room Chess Club for Advanced Players Thursdays, July 17, 24, 31 and Aug. 7, 6 p.m. Princeton High School Chess Team members David Hua and Amnon Attali lead these 90-minute sessions intended for young people and adults who have experience playing chess. Complex strategies will be covered with a focus on end-game. Conference Room
JULY 16 & 17, 2014 Intro to iMovie Wednesday, July 9, 3 p.m. At the end of this session, participants will be able to create a video using iMovie. If you want a copy of your movie at the end of class, bring a flash drive or $10. Intro to GarageBand Thursday, July 10, 3 p.m. Learn to make music with or without an instrument using Apple’s GarageBand program. Recording and compiling sound, using instrument tutorials and saving in a shareable format will be covered. RaspberryPi Tuesday, July 22, 3 p.m. Participants will discover Raspberry Pi, the $35 computer that does things a $500 computer might not be able to do. Create artistic projects with interactive features, automate everyday tasks like feeding animals, or get access to all of your movies, music and pictures with a media server.
These classes, designed for those entering grades 5-8, are in the Technology Center, second floor. Register at the online events calendar at princetonlibrary.org
Arduino Wednesday, July 23, 3 p.m. Discover and learn about Arduino, an open source hardware project that allows for quick learning about electronics and sensors.
Codecademy Tuesday, July 8, 3 p.m. Participants will receive an introduction to basic coding principles using tutorials available via Codecademy.com. Best for students with no coding experience.
Scratch Coding Boot Camp Tuesdays, Aug. 5, 12, 3 p.m. Learn to get started in programming and create interactive stories, animation, games, music, and art in this fun, two-session class.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TECH CLASSES
www.princetonlibrary.org
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SUMMER DOC “Twenty Feet From Stardom”
“Field Biologist”
“Finding Vivian Maier”
“Art and Craft”
“Particle Fever “
DOCUMENTARIES WITH Q&A SESSIONS “Spark: A Burning Man Story” Friday, June 6, 7 p.m. This documentary is a behind-the-scenes look at the annual weeklong Burning Man event held in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. The burning of a large wooden effigy is a highlight of the event that is described as an experiment in community, art, radical self-expression and self-reliance. Jon La Grace, who is featured in the film and is the founder of the theme camp Play(a)Skool will participate in a post-screening discussion. 1 hour, 30 minutes. Community Room “Field Biologist” Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m. Filmmaker Jared Flesher attends the New Jersey premiere of his film about 22-year-old Tyler Christensen, a high-school graduate who loves the outdoors and wildlife and one day decides to begin his own research on birds in Costa Rica. Christensen’s adventure took him to the cloud forests of Monteverde, to the mangrove swamps of the Nicoya Peninsula and culminated in a plan to try to help save the highly endangered mangrove hummingbird. Christensen and Flesher will participate in a post-screening question-and-answer session. This is a special event of the Princeton Environmental Film Festival. Community Room “Particle Fever” Thursday, July 10, 7 p.m. The film follows six scientists during the launch of the Large Hadron Collider, marking the start-up of the biggest and most expensive experiment in history and pushing the edge of human innovation. As they seek to unravel the mysteries of the universe, 10,000 scientists from all over the world join forces to recreate conditions that existed just after the Big Bang and find the Higgs Boson, potentially explaining the origin of all matter — and confronting the question of whether we’ve reached our limit in understanding why we exist. Panel for post-screening discussion to be announced. 1 hour, 39 minutes. Community Room
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THE ARTIST IN SOCIETY SERIES
This documentary series focuses on the way artists challenge boundaries and perceive their role in society. Funding for this series is made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this programming do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. “Art and Craft” Monday, July 7, 7 p.m. Prolific and still active U.S. art forger Mark Landis has donated precise imitations of works from Matisse to Picasso to museums for three decades. This documentary, which premiered in April at the Tribeca Film Festival, presents a portrait of Landis, who was exposed then tracked for years by a registrar from Cincinnati searching for answers. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, there is a question if Landis, an outsider looking to belong, even knows he is being deceptive at all. Co-directors Sam Cullman and Jennifer Grausman will participate in a post-screening Q&A. 1 hour, 20 minutes. Community Room “Finding Vivian Maier” Monday, July 14, 7 p.m. This 2013 documentary traces the life story of the late Vivian Maier, a career nanny whose previously unknown cache of 100,000 photographs has earned her a posthumous reputation as one of America’s most accomplished and insightful street photographers. Michael Dalton, coordinator of the Photography and Digital Imaging Department at Mercer County Community College, will introduce the film and lead a post-screening discussion. 1 hour, 24 minutes. Community Room “Kiss the Water” Monday, July 21, 7 p.m. Director Eric Steel explores the life and art of Megan Boyd, who for decades perfected the craft of flymaking for fishermen on the edge of the Scottish coast. Hailed as some of the best flies ever made, they have garnered her and her techniques an almost cult status. With a mix of cinematography and hand-painted animation, the film captures the beauty and mysticism of both Boyd and the fly-fishing art. Producer-director Eric Steel will participate in a post-screening Q&A. 1 hour, 20 minutes. Community Room
FILM
CUMENTARIES “Cutie and the Boxer”
“Herb and Dorothy 50x50”
“Twenty Feet from Stardom” Monday, July 28, 7 p.m. Filmmaker Morgan Neville pays homage to some of the greatest vocalists you’ve never heard of in this documentary. While the lead singers in rock, pop, and R&B get the glory, knowledgeable music fans will tell you the backing vocalists often add the touches that make a performance truly memorable. 2 hours. Community Room “Herb and Dorothy 50x50” Monday, Aug. 4, 7 p.m. This is a follow up to director Magumi Sasaki’s documentary about Herb and Dorothy Vogel, a postal clerk and librarian, respectively, who managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections in history. The film follows the Vogels around the country as they launch an unprecedented project giving artworks to one museum in all 50 states. James Steward, director of the Princeton University Art Museum, will introduce the film and lead the post-screening discussion. 1 hour, 27 minutes. Community Room
Co-sponsored by the library and the Princeton University Art Museum.
“Cutie and the Boxer” Monday, Aug. 11, 7 p.m. This candid New York love story explores the chaotic 40year marriage of famed boxing painter Ushio Shinohara and his wife, Noriko. Anxious to shed her role as her overbearing husband’s assistant, Noriko finds an identity of her own. 2 hours. Community Room “Dance for Me” Monday, Aug. 18 7 p.m. This 2013 Danish documentary follows two young and deeply passionate dancers. Fourteen-year-old Mie is one of Denmark’s top dancers, and the Russian Egor lives with Mie and her mother. The duo appear to be perfect together. But Egor is having trouble adjusting to his new home, and Mie and her mother also have to get used to him. Katrine Philp follows the young dancers during competitions, rehearsals, in the dressing room and at home where they have been living for a year like brother and sister. 2 hours. Community Room Co-sponsored by the library and American Documentary/POV.
www.princetonlibrary.org
“Kiss the Water”
“Six by Sondheim”
“Six by Sondheim” Monday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m. Directed by Tony Award-winner and frequent Sondheim collaborator James Lapine, this HBO documentary is a profile of the composer told through the creation and performance of six of his iconic songs. This feature documentary weaves dozens of interviews with the composer, rarely seen archival material spanning more than half a century and re-stagings of three songs produced especially for the film. 1 hour, 20 minutes. Stacy Wolf, theater professor at Princeton University’s Lewis Center and director of the Princeton Atelier, will lead the post-screening discussion. Community Room
MORE FILMS Princeton Festival Film: “Showboat” Tuesday, June 24, 7 p.m. The 1951 movie of the Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein musical based on the book by Edna Ferber is screened as a complement to “Porgy and Bess,” the centerpiece of The Princeton Festival’s tenth season. 1 hour, 48 minutes. Community Room
Co-sponsored by the library and The Princeton Festival.
Film and Discussion: “Inside Llewyn Davis” Wednesday, July 9, 6:30 p.m. This Oscar-nominated Coen Brothers film explores a week in the life of a young singer as he navigates the 1961 Greenwich Village folk music scene. After the screening, Larry Wolfert from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of Rutgers University gives some background about Greenwich Village and highlights artists including Dave Van Ronk, Tom Larry Wolfert Paxton, Ian & Sylvia, Bob Dylan and others who were really in the Village during the era. 1 hour, 45 minutes. Community Room
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FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON ALL LIBRARY PROGRAMS, VISIT WWW.PRINCETONLIBRARY.ORG
Princeton Studio Band performs June 13 on Hinds Plaza
PRINCETON FESTIVAL LECTURES All events are co-sponsored by the library and the Princeton Festival.
Opera Preview of “Porgy and Bess” Thursday, June 5, 7:30 p.m. Principal singers present scenes from the opera that is the centerpiece of The Princeton Festival’s tenth season. Artistic director Richard Tang Yuk and stage director Steven LaCosse will discuss the production and answer questions from the audience. Community Room Illustrating Life in the American South before “Porgy and Bess” Thursday, June 12, 7:30 p.m. Marianne Grey, docent at the Princeton University Art Museum, discusses artists’ representations of African-American life in the American South from Colonial times to the 1920s. The Harlem Renaissance that lured African Americans to the North will also be considered. Community Room Bring My Goat! Monday, June 16, 7 p.m. American cultural historian and concert producer Joseph Horowitz discusses the contributions of film and theater director Rouben Mamouolian to George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.” Horowitz is the author of seven books on American music including his latest “On My Way: The Untold Story of Rouben Mamouoian, George Gershwin and ‘Porgy and Bess.’ ” Community Room “Porgy and Bess”: A Musical Kaleidoscope Thursday, June 19, 7:30 p.m. Timothy Urban, professor of music at Rider University, discusses George Gershwin’s classic 1935 work, which has been called an American folk opera, a jazz opera, a blues opera and a musical theater show. This diversity reflects the wide-ranging musical styles Gershwin employed in its creation. The history of the show, its music and its creators, and its rise to fame will also be discussed. Community Room Joseph Horowitz
MUSIC PERFORMANCE Princeton Studio Band Friday, June 13, 6 p.m. The celebrated Princeton High School ensemble will perform two sets on Hinds Plaza, including a 7 p.m. swing dance set for the Central Jersey Dance Society’s Dancing Under the Stars. One of the nation’s most accomplished
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MUSIC
Gamin performs traditional Korean music on June 29.
high school jazz groups, Princeton Studio Band has taken top honors at national festivals and toured internationally. Joe Bongiovi directs the band. Hinds Plaza (weather permitting) or Community Room Pungnyu: Performance of Traditional Korean Music Sunday, June 29, 4 p.m. The performance features acclaimed Korean traditional musician Gamin (piri, saenghwang and taepyungso) and guest artist Yuny Park (gayageum and percussion). Pungnyu is an artistic form of recreation, intrinsic to a tasteful lifestyle and relevant to Korea’s collective and individual entertainment culture. Traditionally, pungnyu was a tool for transcending material or secular desires to develop peace of mind. In modern day Korea, pungnyu music is considered as a representation of elegant aristocratic philosophy of old Korean society, symbolizing tranquility of Zen. Community Room
Novo Radio, July 13
Novo Rodeo Sunday, July 13, 4 p.m. This country-tinged trio, featuring Suz Sabin, John Mazzeo and Greg Nease, plays songs they grew up with and some original tunes. The band plays frequently in the Princeton area. Part of the Listen Local series. Hinds Plaza (weather permitting) or Community Room The Darla Rich Quartet Sunday, Aug. 3, 4 p.m. The quartet, featuring Darla and Rich Tarpinian joined by David Stier and Joe Bezek, present a program called “It’s All Jazz: From Bop to Pop.” Part of the Listen Local series. Hinds Plaza (weather permitting) or Community Room
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Darla Rich Quartet, Aug. 3
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FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON ALL LIBRARY PROGRAMS, VISIT WWW.PRINCETONLIBRARY.ORG
BOOK GROUPS
BOOK GROUP SPOTLIGHT Ellen Harrison and other members of The Book Club that Reads the Book (named to distinguish it from her other book group which doesn’t) answered these questions.
MYSTERY BOOK GROUP
Led by librarian Gayle Stratton; Monday, 7:30 p.m., Quiet Room June 2, “Medicus” by Ruth Downie FICTION BOOK GROUP
Led by librarian Kristin Friberg; Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Conference Room June 12, ““My Brilliant Friend” by Elena Ferrante BLACK VOICES BOOK GROUP
Thursday, 7 p.m., Princeton Room June 12, “The Good Lord Bird” by James McBride
When was the group established and who were the original members? We were established around 2000 and the original members were Ellen Harrison, Michele Ochsner, Jane Miller, Susan (Sam) McKinney, Marian Hepburn and Lynda Lee. Later, we welcomed Mary Zikos, Louise Russell and Anne Shulman. Sam McKinney moved away. There are eight of us. Where and how often does your group meet?
We meet about every 6-7 weeks in our respective homes. Four of us live in Princeton, so half the time we meet in Princeton, and the other half in the other towns where our members reside. What kind of books do you usually read and how are they chosen?
SUMMER SHORTS: NEW YORKER EDITION
Stop at the Welcome Desk or email kfriberg@princetonlibrary.org to get a copy of The New Yorker short story that will be discussed as part of this series that takes the place of our regular Fiction Book Group for the summer. Conference Room Thursday, July 10, 10:30 a.m.; Thursday, Aug. 7, 10:30 a.m.
A wide variety, although primarily fiction (we do tend to read at least one non-fiction book per “cycle,” but it’s not a hard-and-fast rule). Every year each of us submits three choices and we all vote on them, resulting in one title per member. We also attempt every year to read a book with our companion book club based out of Welshpool, Wales, sometimes one off of their list, sometimes one off of our list, and occasionally one chosen by both groups together.
POETS AT THE LIBRARY
Has there been a favorite over the years, or does the group have a favorite author?
Co-sponsored by the library, Delaware Valley Poets and the U.S. 1 Poets’ Cooperative. Poets read for 20 minutes each followed by an open-mic session. Fireplace Area, second floor Tina Kelley and Elizabeth Anne Socolow Monday, June 9, 7:30 p.m. Kelley’s second collection of poetry, “Precise,” was published in 2013. Her first collection, “The Gospel of Galore,” won a Washington State Book Award. She shared a Pulitzer Prize for journalism. Socolow was at the first meetings of U.S. 1 Poets’ Cooperative in 1972. She won the Barnard Poetry Award for her book “Laughing at Gravity: Conversations with Isaac Newton.” Chris Cunningham and Kasey Jueds Monday, July 14, 7:30 p.m. Cunningham’s poetry and reviews have appeared in the Harvard Review, Iowa Review, Cincinnati Review, Michigan Quarterly Review and Slate. He is an English teacher and the dean of faculty at the Lawrenceville School. Jueds’s first book of poems, “Keeper,” won the 2012 Agnes Lynch Starrett Prize from the University of Pittsburgh Press. Carlos Hernández Peña and Louis Slee Monday, Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m. Hernández Peña is the author of “Moonmilk and Other Poems.” He has served as a co-editor of the U.S. 1 Worksheets magazine, and organized the Voices world poetry program at the library. Slee, a writer and journalist, is 85 and began writing poetry at 18. He has been a newspaper and magazine writer in addition to writing congressional testimony, space technology and biblical commentary. His chapbook is “On Getting There.”
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No favorite author, but there have been books that have remained with us over the years to which we refer over and over for comparison purposes. Examples would be David Mitchell’s “Cloud Atlas,” Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go,” and Rebecca Skloot’s “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” A universal favorite and total surprise was a book we read with the Welsh book club, “Heaven and Hell” by the Icelandic author Jon Kalman Stefansson, which turned out not even to have been published in this country; we got four copies through Amazon and the UK and passed them around amongst ourselves. Are your meetings informal or do you follow a format?
We have a loose rule of discussing the book for at least 45 minutes of every meeting, but the timing and structure of this discussion can vary. We may indeed discuss the book for 45 minutes straight through, but more often sometimes that discussion is broken up by conversations about other topics, usually including other books, but always returning to the touchstone of the current book. We don’t have a discussion leader or follow any prescribed structure or discussion questions but just allow the conversation to follow its own path. What have you gained from being part of the group, aside from keeping up with reading?
I can’t answer for everybody, but I’ve lost count of the number of times that discussing the book with this group of intelligent and thoughtful women has made me see things in the book — and maybe in literature in general or even life in general — that I would never have seen on my own. Also, I think I DO speak for the group when I say that we have each had the experience of reading at least one book we might never have encountered or read on our own that we’re now very, very glad we did because of the book club. Also, the group is made up of people with diverse jobs and interests, which makes the discussions richer, and there’s no question that it has fostered new friendships over the years. What is the group reading now?
Jamie Ford’s “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.”
BOOKS AND AUTHORS AUTHORS Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico in Conversation with Allison and Carlos Santos Sunday, June 1, 3 p.m. The authors of “No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes,” discuss their oral history of the legendary alternative music venue City Gardens with PPL staffers Allison Santos, who bartended at the club (with Jon Stewart), and Carlos Santos, the club’s legendary DJ. Wuelfing’s and DiLodovico’s acclaimed book is the definitive chronicle of the Trenton cultural phenomenon that was City Gardens, a club where every significant alternative act of the ‘80s and ‘90s performed. Copies of “No Slam Dancing” will be available for purchase and signing. Community Room
Amy Yates Wuelfing, left, with Gibby Haynes and Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show”
Book Lovers Luncheon with Jennifer Weiner Thursday, June 19, Noon Join author Jennifer Weiner and library staff at this special Summer Reading luncheon where Weiner will launch her latest novel, “All Fall Down.” Library staff will be seated at each table and summer reading titles will be discussed. Weiner will read from and sign her book during the ticketed event, which includes lunch and a copy of the book. Tickets are $30 and may be reserved in the events calendar on the library’s website. Nassau Club, 6 Mercer St. A Writing Workshop with C.J. Critt Wednesday, July 23, 2 p.m. During this three-hour creative writing workshop, writers will be encouraged to express their signature voice by writing quickly and spontaneously. Writing prompts are offered and styles including monologue, poetry slam rant, journal entry and others are demonstrated. Critt is a professional narrator known as the voice of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum character among others. She has performed on and off Broadway, is an author and much more. Please register at princetonlibrary.org. Community Room An Evening with C.J. Critt Wednesday, July 23, 7 p.m. C.J. Critt, the original audiobook voice of New Jersey’s favorite bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum, brings to life the C.J. Critt adventures of Stephanie, Grandma Mazur, Lula, and a host of other memorable characters from the score of audiobooks she has narrated for bestselling author, Janet Evanovich. A staff writer for Disney Radio, a veteran of Broadway and regional stages, C.J. is best known for her spoken word and snarky comedy stylings on dozens of audiobooks. Community Room Summerfest 2014 Wednesday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. Local authors from the Plainsboro Writers Group and the Barnes & Noble Writers Exchange read their short stories. Included will be Bob Gordon (“Every Story has an End”); Tony Athmejvar (“Jeddi, My Grandfather”); Alex Adams (“What I Learned the Hard Way”); Vanessa Johnson (“From Which We Came”); Jessie Tucker
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Jennifer Weiner, June 19, Nassau Club
(“Summer Poems”); David Absalom (“A Matter of Time”); Teri Bozowski (“The Serpent and the Snowman”) and Marvin Harold Cheiten (“Job Openings”). Community Room Linda Barth Wednesday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. In “A History of Inventing in New Jersey: From Thomas Edison to the Ice Cream Cone,” the author explores some groundbreaking, useful, fun and even silly inventions with New Jersey roots. In addition to Edison’s Menlo Park lab, where he patented the phonograph, light bulb and more, Barth will discuss other notable firsts that came from New Jersey, including the first drive-in movie theater, the first cultivated blueberry, the Band-Aid, medical advances and more. Part of the library’s series of NJ350 programs commemorating the 350th anniversary of the founding of New Jersey. Linda Barth Community Room
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FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON ALL LIBRARY PROGRAMS, VISIT WWW.PRINCETONLIBRARY.ORG
SUMMER FEATURES
Michael Graves and Randy Cohen, June 4
CommuniTea, June 22
“Downton Abbey Tea Time,” June 24-July 29
“Person, Place, Thing” Radio Taping: An Interview with Michael Graves Wednesday, June 4, 7 p.m. Randy Cohen interviews renowned architect Michael Graves for his public radio program, during which guests are asked to speak about a person, a place and a thing they find meaningful rather than about themselves. Cohen won multiple Emmy awards as a writer for “Late Night With David Letterman” and for 12 years wrote “The Ethicist” column for The New York Times Magazine. Community Room CommuniTea! Sunday, June 22, 3 p.m. To kick off our weekly screenings of Season 4 episodes of the PBS period drama “Downton Abbey,” join tea aficionados Roz Batt and Greta Villere for a formal afternoon tea. Learn how to make a perfect “cuppa,” as some of Downton’s staff may say, be it black, oolong or green tea. Also enjoy all the accompaniments. including scones, finger sandwiches and socializing. Born and raised in the county of Kent in England, Batt created an intimate Tea Club to share her passion for tea with newfound friends in Princeton. Villere was an original member. Their friendship and interest took them to the World Tea Expo to explore all things tea, and last summer they visited Provence to enjoy the French art of taking tea. Participation is limited to 30 adults. Registration required through the events calendar on the library’s website. Community Room “Downton Abbey” Tea Time Tuesdays, June 24-July 29, 2 p.m. Join us for tea and an episode or two of the fourth season of “Downton Abbey,” the acclaimed British period drama about the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants, who live on a fictional Yorkshire country estate. The series is part of “Masterpiece Classics” on PBS. Feel free to bring your favorite tea cup or wear a summer hat. Community Room Salsa Slam Wednesday, July 30, 6:30 p.m. Sample the best salsa recipes from area restaurants and commercial chefs and vote for the People’s Choice award at this annual celebration of salsa. Chefs can register for the competition by calling Susan Conlon at 609.924.9529, ext. 247. Community Room and Hinds Plaza
Salsa Slam, July 30
“Wizard of Oz,” Aug. 12
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Raconteur Radio Performs “The Wizard of Oz” Tuesday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m. The Metuchen-based performance ensemble presents a staged radio play of “The Wizard of Oz” in honor of the 75th anniversary of the film version of L. Frank Baum’s children’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The production features theatrical lighting, vintage commercials, hundreds of sound effects and a special live rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Community Room
PLEASE NOTE: Raconteur Radio presentations are considered parody productions and are not sponsored by, endorsed by or affiliated with the original material or its presenters.
ENRICHMENT RETIREMENT/SENIOR TALKS
Talks are co-sponsored by the library and the Princeton Senior Resource Center’s Next Step: Engaged Retirement and Encore Careers Program.
Princeton Farmers Market, Thursdays through Nov. 13
Making Your Money Stretch Throughout the Retirement Years Monday, June 2, 7 p.m. Certified financial planner Marion Sommer explores ways to ensure your money will last through your retirement years. Topics include determining how much monthly income you will need, strategies for the most efficient method of withdrawing assets, when to take Social Security payments, ways to safeguard your assets and more. Community Room Gray Divorce Tuesday, June 10, 7 p.m. Divorce rates among adults over 50 are significantly higher than among the younger population - and they are rising. Maria Imbalzano of Stark & Stark Family Law talks about the implications for retirement when older couples divorce. Conference Room VolunTourism Monday, June 23, 7 p.m. Carol King, director of Next Step: Engaged Retirement & Encore Careers of The Princeton Senior Resource Center, talks about volunteering overseas, a different way of seeing the world and meeting people while helping out and giving back. Conference Room Downsize Your Possessions with Ease Tuesday, July 8, 7 p.m. Professional organizer Ellen Tozzi shares strategies for going through the sometimes emotional process of streamlining, deciding what to keep and finding resources for items to be released. Community Room Doing Good While Doing Well July 28, 7 p.m. John George gives this presentation for those looking to combine passion, purpose and a paycheck in a second career or retirement job. The focus is on growth industries such as education, health care and environmental fields. Conference Room
MISCELLANY Continuing Conversations on Race Mondays, June 2, July 7, 7 p.m. Members of Not In Our Town, the Princeton-based interracial and interfaith social action group, facilitate these discussions of race-related issues of relevance to our community and nation. Princeton Room
Co-sponsored by the library and Not in Our Town Princeton.
Princeton Farmers Market Thursdays, 11 a.m., June 5-Nov. 13 Seasonal produce from local farmers, flowers, crafts and a variety of edibles are available through 4 p.m. at this weekly event. Live music from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Hinds Plaza See ENRICHMENT, Page 20
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SAVE THE DATES
OCT. 17-19 Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale Library Community Room and on Hinds Plaza
SATURDAY, NOV. 1 Talk by Gary Shteyngart Followed by Dinner at Frick Chemistry Lab
MAKE A GIFT princetonlibrary.org/donate
Visit any library service desk
CONTACT US
Janet Simon Development Director Dawn Frost Development Associate Janet: 609.924.8822, ext. 251 Dawn: 609.924.8822, ext. 284 jsimon@princetonlibrary.org dfrost@princetonlibrary.org
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T W ENTY OR MORE CO N SECUTIVE YEARS Fay and Herbert Abelson Theresa and Henry Acselrod Irene Amarel Nancy and James Amick Carmen Valverde and Wayne Anderson Janet Arrington Rita Asch Ginger August and Brian Zack Grayson Barber and Peter Meyers Jean and Edwin Beckerman Francesca Benson and George Cody Tink and Joe Bolster Harold Borkan Adele and Jack Borrus Catherine Brown Mary Bundy and Thomas George Jane Buttars and Daniel Harris Dudley and Curtis Carlson Adele and Thomas Cawley Anita and Samuel Cohen Toby and Robert Cowen Peter Cziffra Jane Dennison Joanne and William Dix Margaret Dodge Esther and Joseph Dresner Jane Engel Lynne Fagles Elizabeth and Miguel Fernandez Betty and Robert Fleming Anne and Klaus Florey Bernice and Henry Frank Barbara Freedman Jean Friedmann Ricarda and Karlfried Froehlich Audrey and Moore Gates Joan Girgus and Alan Chimacoff David Goldfarb Laura Goldfeld Selma and Fred Goldstein Margaret Griffin and Scott Sillars Lilian Grosz Iona and Maurice Harding Catherine Harper and Roy Winnick Arlen and Thomas Hastings Cynthia and Robert Hendrickson Patricia and Jon Hlafter Sarah and Eric Hockings Andrea Hyde and John Hagaman Claire and David Jacobus Barbara Johnson Mary Ellen Johnson Sarah and Landon Jones Carol and Michael Kagay Jeanne and Richard Katen Adria and Stanley Katz Laura and Avedis Khachadurian Janet Kuenne Helene and Russell Kulsrud Ellen and Jay Kuris Alison and Anton Lahnston Casey and Sam Lambert Ann and Leighton Laughlin Thomas Lederer Judy and Michael Leopold Ellen and Harry Levine Peter Lindenfeld Bobette and Daniel Lister Rita Ludlum Irene and Joseph Lynch Wendy Mager and Eric Monberg Alta and Marc Malberg
Nancy and Burton Malkiel Cecilia and Michael Mathews Edward Matthews Sally and David McAlpin Marian and James McCredie Samuel McFarlane Ann and John McGoldrick Jackie and Seymour Meisel Annette Merle-Smith Ruth and Bernie Miller Linda and Joshua Milstein Barbara and Arthur Morgan Elisabeth and Perry Morgan Louise Morse Tasha O’Neill Tari Pantaleo Alison and Jim Peebles Mary and Robert Pickens Judith and Harry Pinch George Pitcher Dorothy and Charles Plohn Deborah and Alan Poritz Rhona and Allen Porter Henry Powsner Amy Pruitt and Andrew Bodnar Ruth and James Randall John Rassweiler Ingrid and Marvin Reed Elaine and Tobias Robison Alice Rogers Edith Rose Naomi Rose Barbara Ross Rita Saltz Hope Schreiber Fran and Nathan Scovronick Agnes Sherman Marilyn and Owen Shteir Jane Silverman Lynn and Josef Silverstein Carol Smith and John Konvalinka Christine St. John Margaret Stange Dorothy Stasikewich Marjorie Steinberg Margaret and Robert Stengel Judit and Kurt Stenn Hazel Stix and Harold Borkan Margaret and Hunt Stockwell Caren Sturges Maggie Sullivan Patricia and Oliver Taylor Ruth Thornton Shirley Tilghman Louise Tompkins Barbara Trelstad Linda and Daniel Tsui Letitia and Charles Ufford Gail Ullman Marcia and Nicholas Van Dyck Roslyn and David Vanderbilt Flora and Robert Varrin Pamela and William Wakefield Barbara Walker Barbara and Peter Westergaard Elizabeth and Baur Whittlesey Alma and Richard Williams Cornelia Williams Evelyn Witkin Maureen and Bert Wohl Gerald Wright
F
or an institution that relies on both private gifts and municipal support to provide first-rate library service to Princeton, annual donors are our lifeblood. Each year, gifts by individuals fund most of what you can borrow from the library, as well as many of the programs you can attend. This annual
BARBARA FREEDMAN 20 Years
How has giving become an annual ritual? It began with my mother when I was in first grade. She taught me to value library books. She covered them and insisted I wash my hands before reading them. Do you remember what inspired your first gift? When the Friends of the Library first gave their financial support, the municipalities withdrew their financing. What has the library meant for you and your family? It has provided me with friendship and, of course, reading material. Today, Library by Mail is an essential part of my life. How has volunteering enhanced your appreciation of the library? Serving as President of the Friends for five years and then participating in all phases of the Book Sale has let me see the dedication of those who work with the library’s patrons. Would you please share a particularly meaningful library experience? Watching a lapsit story time for very young children. What are your thoughts on the future of libraries in the digital age? I had thought that readers were drifting to e-books, but the Book Sale’s increasing income leads me to believe that people still want to hold books and turn paper pages.
SUPPORT
giving makes the difference between an adequate library and an excellent one. Development Director Janet Simon is impressed not only by the amount of annual private support the library receives, but by the longevity of some of the donors. “We have more than 140 donors (individuals and couples) who have given a gift to the library every year for more than two decades,” Simon said. “That’s a remarkable number for any organization,
JUDY & MICHAEL LEOPOLD
24 Years
How has giving become an annual ritual? The library has always been on our “A” list. Do you remember what inspired your first gift? A friend once paid a fine and mentioned she always rounded up to the nearest dollar. I thought this was an easy way to give PPL a little extra money and followed suit every year for decades. What has the library meant for you and your family? It’s a resource for just about everything — homework assignments, planning vacations, movies, audiobooks, and, literally, a refuge in a storm. How has volunteering enhanced your appreciation of the library? I’ve gotten to know the very excellent staff and have a greater awareness of all the library’s offerings. Would you please share a particularly meaningful library experience? Dudley Carlson, the head children’s librarian when my children were growing up, would occasionally send my children postcards letting them know there was a book she thought they’d enjoy. What are your thoughts on the future of libraries in the digital age? They will change and adapt to the technology, but I hope they can retain the warm, welcoming and communal spirit.
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particularly one that receives both public and private support. The list of donors who have given 10 or more years is equally impressive.” Simon thinks the library’s mission resonates with donors. Receiving exemplary service as library customers certainly helps build loyalty, too. We asked three members of the 20-year-plus club why giving to the library has become an annual ritual.
PAM & BILL WAKEFIELD
20 Years
How has giving become an annual ritual? I guess I would switch this question around and ask: What if there were no PPL to support each year? No PPL? Annual giving is a reminder of how fortunate we are. Do you remember what inspired your first gift? Gratitude. I think my first gift might have been $10. I didn’t feel that it would be a game-changing gift at the library but it was my first material way of saying “thank you.” What has the library meant for you and your family? Books, movies, incredible programs, iPad help, overdue fines, chocolate chip cookies and the most requested destination of visitors. How has volunteering enhanced your appreciation of the library? Just about everything that’s new in the world, on campus and in town is reflected somewhere or somehow in the library. Whenever I spend time there volunteering I leave smarter and better informed. Would you please share a particularly meaningful library experience? Yes, definitely — April 24, 2004. I am with my granddaughter and we are part of a big crowd forming a big line on Witherspoon Street. Not waiting for Eminem tickets. Not waiting to buy PowerBall tickets. We are waiting for the doors of the new library to open. And when they do the community fills the library and understands that we now have one of the most exciting and innovative public libraries in the country. A very good day! What are your thoughts on the future of libraries in the digital age? I am using Hoopla; I am using Overdrive; I am browsing the catalog online and it is all so easy. The digital future at PPL — exciting, unimaginable and unlimited.
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connections The Princeton Public Library Magazine
Princeton Public Library Sands Library Building 65 Witherspoon St. Princeton, NJ 08542 609.924.9529 princetonlibrary.org
Executive Director: Leslie Burger Communications Director: Timothy Quinn Development Director: Janet Simon Public Programming Librarian: Janie Hermann Head of Youth Services: Susan Conlon Head of Adult Services: Erica Bess Events Committee: Erica Bess, Leslie Burger, Susan Conlon, Kim Dorman, Kristin Friberg, Janet Hauge, Shelly Hawk, Janie Hermann, Hanna Lee, Timothy Quinn, Allison Santos Staff Writer: Amy Hiestand Editing and design: Timothy Quinn
Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PA I D Princeton, NJ Permit No. 4
ENRICHMENT
UPCOMING PRINCETON CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Job Seeker Sessions Fridays, June 6 to Aug. 29, 9:45 a.m. The library and Professional Services Group of Mercer County sponsor sessions for professionals who are seeking new employment and contracting opportunities throughout the region. Please check the PPL website for specific topics. Community Room Discussion: Is Your Home Energy Smart? Tuesday, June 10, 7 p.m. Princeton residents who have made changes to their homes following energy audits share their stories and answer questions. Community Room
Co-sponsored by the library and Sustainable Princeton. Funding provided to Sustainable Princeton by Princeton University. Dancing Under the Stars Friday, June 13, 27; July 11, 25; Aug. 8, 22; 7 p.m. Members of Central Jersey Dance give demonstrations and lead others in an evening of dancing. Continues
twice monthly through September. Hinds Plaza (weather permitting) or Community Room
Co-sponsored by the library and Central Jersey Dance.
Worldwide Knit in Public Day June 14, 11 a.m. Bring your knitting and crocheting projects and join in this four-hour celebration of Worldwide Knit in Public Day. Bringing your own chair is suggested. Hinds Plaza (weather permitting) or Community Room Ask a Lawyer Wednesday, June 25, 7 p.m. Lawyers will be at the library for free private consultations on immigration and general legal issues. Firstcome, first-served; no appointment necessary. Spanish translators will be available. For more information, contact Adult Services at 609.924.9529, ext. 220. Conference Room and Tower Room
Co-sponsored by the library and the Latin American Task Force.
The Gould Group of Wells Fargo Advisors is proud to support The Princeton Public Library Audrey Gould Managing Director - Investments
Ellen G. Baber Managing Director - Investments
Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured
u NO Bank Guarantee
Georgeanne G. Moss Managing Director - Investments u MAY Lose Value
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2012 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 1210-2822 [74125-v2]