Happy 100th

The blonde, light-footed partner of dancer Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers was born in Independence, Missouri in July, 1911 and died in 1995. In 1941, Rogers was Hollywood's highest paid female star performing dramatic, comic and Broadway leading roles. She made 73 movies opposite such leading men as James Stewart, Cary Grant and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Her 1941 Academy Award for her performance in Kitty Foyle are displayed at the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center at Boston University along with a trove of correspondence, photographs, scripts and film and stage memorabilia in honor of her birthday. Come browse our media collection for some of Rogers' films such as The Gay Divorcee, The Barkleys of Broadway, Swing Time, Shall We Dance, Top Hat and 42nd Street.

-DB

October 2011 Audiofile Earphone Awards

If you are an audiobook lover, you will want to take a look at the newly announced Audiofile Earphone Awards for October, 2011. These awards are given to audio presentations with exceptional

• narrative voice and style

• vocal characterizations

• appropriateness for the audio format

• enhancement of the text

Some of the titles include:

The Wreckage by Michael Robotham; read by Sean Barrett.

The Return by Hakan Nesser; Read by Simon Vance.

Neuromancer by William Gibson; Read by Robertson Dean

Dead Man's Folly by Agatha Christie; read by John Moffatt



So if you are going on a trip, exercising, or just relaxing, request one of the October 2011 Audiofile Earphones Award Winners to enjoy!

SH

New Books for November

What's coming out in November? Here are a few titles:

11/22/1963 by Stephen King

What if you could go back into the past and change the course of events? See what happens in Stephen King's new novel.

V Is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton

Kinsey Milhone is back -- for the 22nd time! And there's a woman with a murky past. Did she kill herself or was it murder?

The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin

No more John Rebus books from Ian Rankin. This is the second novel featuring the new character, Inspector Malcolm Fox of the Edinburgh Internal Affairs Department.

maf

Keeping up with Standardized Tests

If you used a #2 pencil to fill in circles on standardized tests you'd be amazed on how much has changed. Nowadays, computers rule and security in testing centers puts the TSA to shame. For some exams you can even click a button and find out most of your scores before you leave the center!

Because the tests undergo significant changes every few years it's important to use an up-to-date test preparation book. Here are just a few of the recently revised 2012 prep books available in the library:

Cracking the New GRE (The Princeton Review)

Kaplan GMAT Premier

Cracking the SAT Math Subject Tests (The Princeton Review)

Kaplan AP Chemistry

Downloading library ebooks for your Kindle

Have you heard about how you can download library ebooks for your Kindle but been a little shy about trying it out? There's no need to fear, we've created a tutorial to help you get started--you'll be downloading ebooks in no time, I promise.




MW

Libraries, Amazon and Privacy

Amazon Kindle owners will probably have heard by now that they can borrow ebooks from libraries (through Overdrive) and read the books on their readers. This was exciting and long-anticipated news, since Kindles are so popular among e-reading devices. There is a new wrinkle, however, making its way into librarian discussion groups. Public libraries have very strict guidelines (embedded in state laws, and American Library Association principles) about the confidentiality of library records--specifically the borrowing history of its patrons. Short of a court order, those records are erased and unavailable to anyone when a book is returned. So what about the borrowing records of Kindle ebooks? Those records, are the property of Amazon and are used to sharpen their marketing of similar books to their customers. The discussion is still in its early stages, so no one knows yet how (or whether) public libraries will be able to uphold its principles and continue to deliver ebooks in this very popular format. The Minuteman Library Network will discuss the issue in its November meeting. Stay tuned...
--RL

Wellesley the Home Front 1940-1945

The Wellesley local history collection has a wonderful oversize book of the publicity of the Wellesley Committee on Public Safety during the war years 1940-1945. It is filled with articles published by the Townsman, Boston Globe, Boston Herald and Wellesley Ledger.

Defense information, air raid planning, scrap collection, food and nutrition classes, blackouts, first aid, knitting, and other public safety articles reflect what life was like in Wellesley during the war years.

Ask to see it at the reference desk.

Click on picture for larger image.


TB

Try Scientific American Online

Wellesley Free Library is happy to offer online access to the most 

respected science magazine for the general reader—ScientificAmerican, winner of the 2011 National Magazine Award for General Excellence.   

Scientists, inventors, and engineers present their ideas and achievements that demonstrate the latest in scientific discovery and technological innovation in easy to understand articles with rich graphics.  So whether you are an amateur scientist or a student with a project, keep up with our fast moving world from home or in the library using this wonderful resource!

SH

The Marilyn Obsession

The coming fiftieth anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death in 2012 has sparked even more Marilyn Obsession (as described last week in the NYT Fashion & Style section).  The October Vogue cover story features a photo shoot by Annie Liebowitz of Michelle Williams as Marilyn, the role she plays in the upcoming movie My Week with Marilyn.  The movie is based on the book by Colin Clark, son of Sir Kenneth Clark (most well-known to Americans for his 1969  BBC series, Civilization). The audio version of Clark's book features narrator Simon Prebble, one of AudioFile's Best Voices of 2009.

-DB

New Books for October

What's coming out in October? Here are a few titles:

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman

Set in Israel in year 70 C.E, 900 Jews hold out against armies of Romans on Masada. Here, the lives of four women, all dovekeepers, intersect.

Litigators by John Grisham

An ambulance chasing law firm looks to score big on a class action suit against a large pharmaceutical company.

Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

In the spring of 1984, two high school students from opposite sides of the tracks fall in love. They go on to lead different lives. What happens when they reunite 25 years later?

maf

Wellesley Reads Together begins October 1st

If you've stopped in to the library in the past few months I hope you've run across our Wellesley Reads Together display, which features copies of Barbara Kingsolver's Animal Vegetable Miracle and Kate Smith Milway's The Good Garden. If you haven't, shame on you--stop in because there's plenty for the taking!

Tomorrow, October 1st, marks the first day of events in celebration of sustainability in Wellesley; join us in the Wakelin Room starting at 3pm as children's author Kate Smith Milway visits the library and stop in to the Children's Room for some "down to earth" activities.

There's plenty more that will happen during the next month and a half, so stay up to date by visiting the WRT homepage and checking out our WRT blog where we'll share all sorts of great insights into sustainability!

eBooks for Kindle Now At Wellesley Free Library

The Wellesley Free Library has been providing eBooks for a while now through a company called Overdrive. We are glad to announce that our selection of eBooks are now available for the Kindle.

All you need is a library card.

Visit our collection of eBooks Here.

Instructions on how to download our books to your Kindle click Here.

eBooks are also available from the following free websites.

Project Gutenberg

Internet Archive

Feedbooks

Baen Free Library

TB

Operators standing by to take your calls

They can't be serious...
Phil Bradley, whose scourings of the web provide an endless stream of useful and/or entertaining services and sites, has compiled a worthy list of fake web sites. This is not a list of scammers, exactly. In my perusal of the sites I didn't find any deceptions intended to ferret out your credit card number or banking passwords. What I did find was a beautiful collection of counterfeits, parodies, spoofs and other rather harmless (though not necessarily inoffensive) amusements. Take Dog Island for example, a resort island for dogs. Separated from the anxieties of urban life, dogs on Dog Island are healthy dogs who live a natural, healthy and happy life, free from the stress and hardship associated with daily live among humans. You (and your dog!) will be happy to hear that there are no costs associated with the dog's new paradise. Dogs that survive the rigorous selection process get a free pass! Genochoice makes available the latest technology to alter human genes before birth. You can truly offer your progeny "the best of nature...before you nurture." Phil helpfully sorts the 60 some odd sites into subject areas (scientific, political, etc) and rates the sites for believability and child appropriateness. So don't delay--discover the dangers of bread, the oldies but goodies of Clubbo, and the extraordinary extraterrestrials known as the Wingmakers...
--RL

Home Decorating and Design

With cooler temperatures fast approaching, our yearning for cozy, relaxing indoor space returns. Check out our collection of recently published design and decorating books for your inspiration and ideas. The following titles are just a few in this category.


An Island Sanctuary : a house in Greece by John Stefanidis & Susanna Moore



Decorate : 1,000 professional design ideas for every room in your home by Holly Becker & Joanna Copestick



The soul of a house : decorating with warmth, style and comfort by Chris Casson Madden


Color saves the day by Lucianna Samu


Bunny Williams' scrapbook for living /place portraits by Amy Archer by Bunny Williams


Modern vintage style by Emily Chalmers

-DB

U S News & World Report College Rankings 2012

Whether you are looking for a college or university that fits your career plans or are just interested to see who is #1 this year, check out the 2012 US News & World Report College Rankings. Anytime you are looking at rankings, always check the criteria that are used for placement in the list to be sure these are important to you.

Other college & university rankings may be found in the library:


The ultimate guide to America's best colleges 2012 by Gen and Kelly Tanabe. (100 Best College Values)




The Best 376 Colleges (2012) by The Princeton Review
(Available online with registration)


The Big Book of Colleges by College Prowler

College Prowler (Online)
(Rankings based on student interviews regarding college life--academics, Campus Housing, Greek Life, Campus Dining, Athletics, etc.)


Fiske Guide to Colleges by Edward Fiske.
(Rankings based on questionnaires completed by Administration and Students on student life and professors.)



Insider's Guide to the Colleges by Yale Daily News.
Rankings based on student interviews regarding




Other resources may be found on our webpage under Reference Services. Check us out!

SH

New Books for September

What's new for September and October? Here are a few titles:

The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach

The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides

Zone One by Colson Whitehead

maf

Remembering 9/11 ten years later

With the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our country, the library has provided a display featuring books (fiction and nonfiction), books on cd, and dvds for the pubic. You may find it on the second floor by the elevators. Stop by and browse.

Some of the titles you will find include:

Extremely loud and incredibly close by Jonathan Safran Foer (Fiction)

Falling man by Don DeLillo (Fiction)

Saffron Dreams by Shaila Abdullah

Dust: the inside story of its role in the September 11th aftermath by Paul J Lioy.

Let's roll: ordinary people, extraordinary courage by Lisa Beamer

Without precedent: the inside story of the 9/11 commission by Thomas H. Kean and Lee H. Hamilton

World Trade Center (DVD)

The Concert for New York City (DVD)

SH

BBB's Top Online Scams

How well are you versed in the most frequent scams you might run into online? Sure, we all know about the Nigerian royalty who have suffered a devastating loss that may turn out to be your fortune, but this list certainly caught my attention because I see them daily while surfing the web. Click on the image at the left to check them out.



















MW

ARTS! ARTS! ARTS!

Wellesley College has an outstanding and varied calendar of events in the arts. There's dance, music, literary events, art exhibits, theater and film. And almost all events are free. This fall's schedule includes African dance, a jazz lecture and recital, Shakespeare, botanical imagery, Latino poet Martin Espada, a play about 9/11, lectures on Russia, poverty and practical invention. Find a printed calendar around campus or request one at 781-283-2373. Of course the arts calendar is also available online. See also featured events or exhibits at the Davis Museum.
--RL

I have written before about how many YA books are great for Adults. Now is your opportunity to check out what teens have nominated as some of the top books of the year. Teens now have the opportunity to vote through September 16th for their favorite title to narrow the list down to the Top Ten Best YA books in the past year. These will be announced during Teen Read Week October 16-22. If you know a teen, encourage him/her to take part in this voting opportunity!

Below is the list of titles in contention for a spot on the Top Ten list. Try some of them and you too may be hooked!

• Bachorz, Pam. Drought. Egmont USA. 2011. (978606840160).
• Beam, Cris. I Am J. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2011. (9780316053617).
• Beaudoin, Sean. You Killed Wesley Payne. 2011. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. (9780316077422).
• Black, Holly and Justine Larbalestier. Zombies vs. Unicorns. Simon & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry Books. 2010. (9781416989530).
• Card, Orson Scott. The Lost Gate. Tor Books. 2011. (9780765326577).
• Clare, Cassandra. The Clockwork Angel. Simon & Schuster/Margaret K. McElderry. 2010. (9781416975861).
• Collins, Suzanne. Mockingjay. Scholastic. 2010. (9780439023511).
• Collins, Yvonne. Love, Inc. Disney/Hyperion. 2011. (9781423131151).
• Condie, Ally. Matched. 2010. Penguin/Dutton. (9780525423645).
• Cremer, Andrea. Nightshade. Penguin/Philomel. 2010. (9780399254826).
• Fitzpatrick, Becca. Crescendo. Simon & Schuster Children’s. 2010. (9781416989431).
• Grant, Michael. Lies. 2010. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books. (9780061449093).
• Hawkins, Rachel. Demonglass. Disney/Hyperion. 2011. (9781423121312).
• Hakwins, Rachel. Hex Hall. Disney/Hyperion. 2010. (9781423121305).
• Kagawa, Julie. The Iron King. 2010. Harlequin. (9780373210084).
• Lore, Pittacus. I Am Number Four. HarperCollins. 2010. (9780061969553).
• Moore, Peter. Red Moon Rising. Disney/Hyperion. 2011. (9781423116653).
• Nelson, Jandy. The Sky is Everywhere. 2010. Penguin/Dial Books for Young Readers. (9780142417805).
• Oliver, Lauren. Before I Fall. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2010. (9780061726804).
• O’Neal, Ellis. The False Princess. Egmont USA. 2011. (9781606840795).
• Patterson, James. Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel. Little, Brown & Company. 2011. (9780316036207).
• Pearce, Jackson. Sisters Red. Little, Brown and Company. 2010. (9780316068680).
• Smith, Cynthia Leitich. Blessed. Candlewick Press. 2011. (9780763643263).
• Westerfeld, Scott. Behemoth. Simon Pulse. 2010. (9781416971757).
• White, Kiersten. Paranormalcy. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2010. (9780061985843).

SH