Fall 2019 Branch Out Magazine by Fairfax County Public Library

BranchOut Fall 2019 | September, October, November

Fairfax County Public Library | Imagine ∙ Discover ∙ Connect

Brain Health Starts Here Discover your library’s activities and resources to support brain health at any age.

KID’S STUFF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 3-6 TECHNOLOGY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 7-8 TEENS & TWEENS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 9-10 BOOKS & BEYOND. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 11-12 ADULTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 13-14 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 15-16 GET INVOLVED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 17

AARP’s Five Pillars of Brain Health: Move, Discover, Relax, Nourish, Connect The library can support your efforts to incorporate the five pillars into your life with a variety of resources—from books and seminars on nutrition to workshops, lectures, tutoring, language classes, crafting, chess, needlework and book clubs for discovery, relaxation and connection. Don’t forget our classes on yoga and qigong—helpful for relaxation and moving—and many exercise DVDs including dancing, yoga and Pilates. Meditation also has been shown to have positive impacts on brain health, and we have meditation classes at many library branches, too.

What Are You Doing to Keep Your Brain Healthy? The library can connect you to activities and information for vibrant brain health. Take Control of Cognitive Fitness

Our brains continuously change and develop throughout our lives. At no time do the brain and its functions just hold steady. With age and activity, some cognitive functions become weaker while others improve. And although the passing of years is out of our control, we can have some effect on how they impact our brain health. This issue of Branch Out looks at the many ways the library can play a major role in connecting you to the activities and information you need for vibrant brain health—from things you can do now to lower the risk of cognitive loss as you age, to starting children on the path to a healthy brain and much more.

For more information about the five pillars, visit AARP.org and search for “brain health.” And don’t miss the articles from the Global Council on Brain Health for more great tips for you or someone you love.

What’s the key to healthy brain development in babies? Fun, nurturing activities—no digital device needed.

The Five Pillars at the Library Move | in-branch yoga and qigong classes, books, DVDs Discover | learning through books, lectures, workshops Relax | yoga, meditation, reading, DVDs Nourish | cooking classes, books, magazines Connect | join a book club; play bingo or card games; attend a program; volunteer; join a Friends group

A Good Start in Life

By the time children are six years old, their brains have already reached about 90% of adult size, according to the National Institutes of Health. To give infants’ and children’s brains a good start in life during this critical period of growth, there are four things you can provide: • Responsive, nurturing, positive experiences. • Fun activities. • Nutritious food. • Active engagement with the world around them (and less screen time, as recent studies have shown). Library resources and programs can support children of all ages. For more information about children and teen programming and resources that support brain health, turn to pages 3, 5 and 9.

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For more information about library resources and events, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.

“ Like all muscles, the brain requires regular use and stimulating activity to stay fit, and reading is good exercise for brains at all ages.” Exercising Your Brain

Like all muscles, the brain requires regular use and stimulating activity to stay fit, and reading is good exercise for brains at all ages. In a study published in September 2012 by the Stanford Report, Stanford researchers discovered that blood flow in the brain increased during a close reading of Jane Austen’s books and determined that “paying attention to literary texts requires the coordination of multiple complex cognitive functions.” Other types of reading increased blood flow in different areas of the brain, and researchers suggested that each style of reading may create distinct patterns in the brain that are “far more complex than just work and play.” Mentally challenging activities like reading may also play a role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Studies suggest that engaging in activities you enjoy may help maintain well-being as you age, with lower rates of dementia found among people who stay socially active, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Online Resources Want to learn more about brain health? Search the catalog for books about the topic, or search in the databases below. Click on “Research Center” from our homepage www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ library. On the next screen select A-Z online Resources (on the right side of the page). Once on the A-Z List: Search “H” to find the Health & Wellness Resource Center Search “M” for Medline Plus

Aerobics and weight training are known to have benefits for brain function, but mind-body activities such as yoga and tai chi seem to have cognitive benefits as well. Researchers have also found that the brains of long-term meditators, at age 50, were an estimated seven and half years younger than the brains of non-long-term meditators at age 50. In that 2016 study, Eileen Luders, Nicolas Cherbuin and Christian Gaser concluded that meditation may protect against age-related brain atrophy. The library can help with cognitive fitness in many ways. Learn more about them—as well as AARP’s five pillars of brain health—in this inaugural issue of Branch Out magazine, Fairfax County Public Library’s first quarterly publication.

Let us know what you think about Branch Out. Email comments to branchout@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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EARLY LITERACY | KID’S STUFF

Encouraging Mindfulness Early Stories and simple activities help empower young children to settle themselves and their minds. What is Mindfulness?

Breathe by Inês Castel-Branco A mother teaches her young son about breathing exercises and explains how helpful deep breathing can be whenever he feels nervous or has trouble sleeping.

Mindfulness is the practice of focusing on the present moment. The goal is not to clear the mind but to let thoughts and feelings come and go without judgement. Current research shows mindfulness has a positive impact on mental health and well-being. It results in reduced stress, increased ability to self-regulate and increased feelings of compassion, empathy, patience and focus. Young children are naturally mindful, but, as their lives become more structured and rushed, they tune into their senses, inner thoughts and emotions less. Mindfulness helps children slow down and reconnect by allowing them to use their whole brain—not just the reactive, primitive part. When focused on the present, children are more aware of what is happening around them, and they are empowered to settle themselves and their minds.

Teaching Mindfulness

Adults can model mindful behaviors and caregivers can make mindfulness a family practice. Talk about it with children and start introducing it with small activities. Be consistent and work at the child’s pace. It may not go perfectly, and it may not last a long time at the beginning. Mindfulness helps us tune into our senses Some small children might and the world around us to settle the mind. even find it challenging to sit still and be quiet. Let children know they have a choice in whether or not they want to participate. Move on if it isn’t working and try again later. Some good mindfulness activities for beginners are: • Simple breathing exercises • Yoga • Paying attention with purpose and curiosity during walks • Talking about emotions and feelings The library has many books on the subject of mindfulness for children with activities that can help you start the mindfulness journey. Visit a branch or search “mindfulness” in the library catalog to learn more.

Mindfulness Reading List

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Calm with the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle When the very hungry caterpillar gets anxious, he takes a moment to breathe and calm himself. Charlotte and the Quiet Place by Deborah Sosin This book shows how a child learns and practices mindful breathing on her own and experiences the beauty of silence.

Good Morning Yoga: A Pose-By-Pose Wake Up Story by Miriam Gates People greet the morning with joy and embark on their daily adventures with intention and confidence. I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde A child starts to get carried away with worry and rushing thoughts before taking a breath, steadying, observing thoughts, feeling kindness, feeling thankful and experiencing the world.

For more information about library resources and events, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.

Fairfax County Public Library is the first library in Virginia to add all-in-one read-along books to its collection. Part Audio, Part Print and a Whole Collection of Titles

Storytime at Your Library Storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers—using high-quality picture books, songs, fingerplays and more—make early literacy fun.

Each read-along book has a built-in reader with simple controls for playing the audio in conjunction with the written words. The library has purchased more than 1,000 of the all-in-one readers—64 different titles, including 22 nonfiction and five in Spanish—for its 23 branches. The collection features popular children’s picture book titles like Goodnight Moon, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type. Spanish language versions of five titles include Nancy La Elegante (Fancy Nancy) and Si Llevas un Ratón a la Escuela (If You Take a Mouse to School). Early reader nonfiction books are also available on subjects like airplanes, diggers, frogs, butterflies, chocolate and crayons.

Stimulating and Social Experiences

All the Benefits of Early Literacy

Read-along books promote early literacy—what children know about communication, verbal and non-verbal language, reading and writing before they can actually read and write. They give children the opportunity to observe the narrative structure of stories, understand language and learn new and rich vocabulary. By allowing children to hear favorite books multiple times, read-along books also foster a love of reading. These are skills that will help children get ready to read years before they start school.

KID’S STUFF | EARLY LITERACY

Introducing All-in-One Readers

Inviting spaces at our libraries allow children to enjoy literacy-rich experiences in an interactive environment while providing tips for parents on early literacy components and practices. When we read, write, talk, sing and play with children it stimulates brain and emotional development, which helps children acquire the pre-reading skills needed for school success. Children also benefit from opportunities to interact with other children and develop the skills of listening, asking questions, taking turns, following instructions and other social skills. Storytimes plant the seeds of lifelong learning and a love of books. To find the dates and times of storytimes at your nearest branch, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.

To find all-in-one books for your child, search for “Vox Books” in the library catalog.

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GRADES K-6 | KID’S STUFF

Events for Kids Fun activities are happening in our branches every day. Gone are the days when the library was just for reading, quiet study and getting reference questions answered. While library staff is always happy to help you answer life’s burning questions, we also help you learn and explore in different ways. These programs for school-age kids are held regularly at the branches listed. Check the online events calendar or ask at the branch for specific dates and times.

Build with LEGO® Bricks Be creative while practicing your STEAM concepts and having fun with friends. You bring the imagination, we provide the LEGOs. Oakton, Tysons-Pimmit, Kings Park, Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, Pohick, Dolley Madison

Read to a Therapy Dog Practicing reading aloud can be tough, but it’s easy and fun to read to a furry friend. Therapy dogs provide a calming effect for anyone with anxiety about reading aloud, and they won’t judge your skills. City of Fairfax, Herndon Fortnightly, Thomas Jefferson, Kings Park, Reston Regional, Centreville Regional

Focusing on Fun to Build Math Skills Library activities develop strategic thinking while showing kids the playful side of math. From On-the-Page to Hands-On

When thinking about helping our children build brain power at the library, most people focus on reading skills. But libraries are also wonderful places to develop mathematical thinking, and not only because they carry plenty of books on counting, puzzles, finding patterns and algebra class. The library also offers activities and programs that support mathematical thinking at all levels. Don’t be surprised if, in library meeting rooms after school, you find kids flinging marshmallows with homemade catapults and measuring how far they fly or sending stuffed animals down ziplines to observe how Crazy 8s Math Club games like this “Bouncy Dice the angle changes the Bingo,” used to practice addition skills, teach kids speed. These activities math through interactive fun. are all part of Crazy 8s Math Clubs. Cosponsored by Bedtime Math, these after-school clubs look at the playful side of math.

Math is Fun with Interactive Learning

Playing board games and card games is another outstanding way for kids to learn and reinforce math skills and strategic thinking while enjoying social time with peers and adults. Several of our branches offer gaming programs where you’ll see adults and children having fun together while the kids count out spaces on a board, deduce which fox is the thief or gleefully ring a bell before their parents when five matching fruits turn up. Kids are born loving to learn, and their curious natures delight in noticing patterns and coming up with solutions—building blocks of lifelong brain health. At the library, there’s no stress associated with these activities, so kids naturally associate math with fun. We don’t need to make math fun, because math is fun! Search the library events calendar online to find activities and programs at your local branch, and discover the playful side of math.

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For more information about library resources and events, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.

Math is good for your brain, and it’s also a ton of fun! Check out some of our upcoming programs to have a blast while learning math. Family Math Games City of Fairfax Regional Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. 9/7, 10/19, 11/16 Build your children’s math and logic skills while playing games together. All ages.

Brain Games! Centreville Regional Mondays, 4:30 p.m. 9/16, 10/21, 11/18 Test your skills with fun, fast paced games that challenge your brain. Grades 4-6.

Crazy 8s Math Club* City of Fairfax Regional Tuesdays, 5 p.m. 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26 Build stuff, run, jump, make music and make a mess in a wide variety of math-related activities. Cosponsored by Bedtime Math. Registration for the eight-week series opens September 17. Grades K-2.

Elements of S.T.E.A.M.* John Marshall Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. 9/19, 10/17 Explore the world of science, technology, engineering, art and math. Experience a new topic each month. Register online. Grades 2-4.

KID’S STUFF | GRADES K-6

Math Events This Fall

GIVE Tutoring Get a study boost from volunteer youth. Do you need a little extra help with your schoolwork? The library partners with GIVE Youth—an organization that provides tutoring services via high school volunteers— to enrich students’ education. Check our online events calendar for an up-to-date list of branches offering this program.

Fun Fall Events for Kids

Reptiles Alive George Mason Regional Saturday, October 12, 2 p.m. Find out why reptiles rock at this exciting introduction to their world. Meet a colorful variety of live reptiles—which may include a boa, python, tortoise, lizard and more—presented by an engaging Wildlife Educator who will share fun stories and amazing facts about these animals. Grades 1-6. * Registration required.

Electrical Circuits Club for Kids* George Mason Regional Saturdays, 2 p.m. 9/14, 10/26, 11/16 Snap Circuit Arcade is an exciting introduction to problem solving. 30 Snap Modules challenge kids to complete projects that support S.T.E.A.M. curriculum. Due to the complexity of the circuits kits, it is strongly advise that registered kids been in the listed age range. Age 8-12 with adult. Kids follow instructions for putting together a snap circuit module.

All Things S.T.E.A.M.* Herndon Fortnightly Thursdays, 4:45 p.m. 9/19, 10/17 Come explore the world of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics through hands on activities related to a new S.T.E.A.M. topic each month. Grades K-5. Spooky Stories in the Park City of Fairfax Old Town Square Monday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. Liz and Karen venture to the Old Town Square, adjacent to the historic Old Town Hall in the heart of Old Town Fairfax, to present spooky stories and songs to audiences of all ages. Brain Health |

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TECHNOLOGY

Pick Up STEAM Studying science, technology, engineering, art and math provides lifelong cognitive and career benefits. Success STEMs from Thinking Skills

The terms STEM—standing for science, technology, engineering and math—and STEAM, which adds “art and design” to the list, refer to more than just educational subjects or career fields. A STEM or STEAM educational approach focuses on using real-life scenarios and connections to teach these skills and subjects in an engaging and applicable way. STEAM teaches critical thinking and problem solving, helping children grow into creative adults with the ability to analyze, apply knowledge and generate innovative solutions. Math studies in particular are linked to brain development into adulthood. In a recent study published by Nature Neuroscience, researchers observed the memory or fact retrieval section of the brain, the hippocampus, used increasingly more than counting sections as children aged. By establishing basic math skills and committing them to memory at a young age, students form and strengthen neural connections that improve the brain’s ability to retrieve facts from memory throughout life.

average of 5-8% growth in nonSTEAM occupations. As a result, the gap between the number of STEAM jobs available and students graduating with relevant training and credentials is expanding. Getting kids interested in these fields can begin early, and the library is a great place to start.

Robotics programs offered at the library, like Doodlebots, make learning STEAM fun.

ities for adults. All branches offer one-on-one technical training, and hands-on programs teaching skills such as coding, soldering and designing for a 3D printer have expanded recently to meet growing demand. The library also participates in events outside our branches that bring STEAM activities to the community, such as the Celebrate Fairfax! Festival, Maker Faire NoVa and Centreville Day. If you’re at a festival or fair in the area, look for a Fairfax County Public Library booth. Have ideas for other STEAM programs for us to offer? Email suggestions to librarytech@fairfaxcounty.gov.

STEM/STEAM Online Resources

Visit the Fairfax County STEM Opportunities for Youth page at research.fairfaxcounty.gov/stem for a guide to county programs and resources. Designed to inspire and prepare all Fairfax County youth to succeed and lead in STEM fields and beyond, it’s your first stop in finding fun activities, information and career ideas.

Learn with the Library

Search the Opportunities Map to find programs offered by the library, parks, community centers, nonprofit organizations and universities, and check the calendar to find local STEM events. Plus, explore a Tech Talent Pipeline, learn about volunteering with STEM organizations and find articles about STEM in Fairfax County.

In our technology-driven world, these skills are essential to future generations’ success. The U.S. Department of Commerce predicts STEAM occupations will grow by 10% between 2018 and 2020—greater than the national

Many Fairfax County Public Library branches offer STEAM programs for the whole family. Visit the library’s online events calendar and search for “STEM” or “STEAM” to find programs ranging from STEM storytime for kids and coding classes for teens to science and technology activ-

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For more information about library resources and events, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.

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Fairfax County Public Library prepares to launch a new and improved system. The Library’s Brain

The library catalog is the hub of everything we do—the library’s brain, essentially. It tracks more than 400,000 cardholders and 2.3 million items, including books, DVDs, thermal cameras, book club kits, audiobooks, digital resources, nature backpacks and more. It routes 1.2 million holds per year to the right library, emails holds notices, makes phone calls to those without email and allows you to renew your books on the phone. It’s a real workhorse, but there are a few things it can’t do. That’s where our new system comes in. Our new library catalog, scheduled to launch late this fall, will include several features we think will make library customers happy. This system will integrate both physical items and electronic items, so you can search for books, eBooks and eAudiobooks all in the same place. You will also be able to see all your checked-out items in one customer account screen. The new system will improve user access and communication, too— starting with an updated, friendly design. You can sign up to receive text messages in addition to emails or phone calls, and you will be able to choose a user ID rather than logging in with your library card number. Additionally, users can opt to receive library notifications in Spanish or Korean, and access to a Wish List means you can save books now to read later. It’s going to be a significant upgrade, and we think you’re really going to like it.

Prepare for the Transition

While we move to the new library catalog, some service interruptions will take place—but they will be short-lived and publicized in advance. During these service interruptions, no fees will be charged and due dates will be automatically extended. Stay tuned to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library and our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates, check with library staff or email librarycatalog@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information.

Titles for Your Tech Fix Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport In this 2019 title, the author of bestsellers like Deep Work and So Good They Can’t Ignore You brings clear prose and non-preachy ideas to the challenge of balancing your real life and your digital life.

TECHNOLOGY

Your New Library Catalog

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou This dramatic story of the meteoric rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos, a Silicon Valley startup, was a New York Times Bestseller and one of NPR’s Best Books of the Year. Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft’s Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone by Satya Nadella Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, has a compelling personal story to tell, and you will enjoy how his geeky, warm personality comes across. Hello World: Being Human in the Age of Algorithms by Hanna Fry Hanna Fry clearly explains the significance of algorithms as an unavoidable facet of many interactions in modern life. Timely, lucid and fair-minded, this book will inform without alarming you—much. AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order by Kai-Fu Lee The former president of Google China and current head of one of China’s biggest venture capital funds has a remarkable perspective on the rise of AI (artificial intelligence) in the U.S. and China.

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TEENS & TWEENS

Take a Break, Teens! Don’t miss out on health, social and academic benefits of recreational time and study breaks.

As a result, teens are overstressed and ill-prepared to transition into adulthood. According to the Fairfax County Youth Survey, nearly 37% of adolescents in the county reported a high stress level, and more than a quarter reported feeling sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in a row. Employers have noticed a disturbing trend, too: many young people have technical skills and incredible resumes but have trouble interacting with co-workers and building teams.

Why Prioritize Rec Time?

While providing opportunities for skill building and access to high quality programs, we must not neglect two other vital aspects of teens’ development. Study breaks and rec time are essential to their long-term success, brain health and emotional and physical well-being.

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The library’s online guide for teens answers those hard-to-ask questions. Being a teen can be hard and they often have questions about themselves and the world around them that can be awkward or uncomfortable to ask. Access to information and resources from sources they can trust is key.

No Time to Spare

Teens today are busier than ever with responsibilities and heavily scheduled days. Between school, volunteering, extracurriculars, work, test prep, college prep and other activities all geared toward creating the ideal college application or resume, personal and social recreation time often fall by the wayside.

Facing Tough Stuff?

Taking time to hang out and play with their friends gives teens a valuable sense of belonging and helps them grow into well-rounded adults.

By refreshing the mind, study breaks prevent stress and exhaustion and lead to increased productivity and creativity. These respites keep brains of all ages healthy by promoting cognitive abilities like reading comprehension and memory retention. Movement breaks in particular— even just five minutes per hour to stretch—can also reduce the harmful effects of too much sitting, and longer periods of activity offer more benefits. The National Academy of Medicine reports that exercise improves attention and memory, increases brain activity and cognitive function and enhances mood and the ability to cope with stress.

A Balanced Life

Young people also need time to explore their personal interests. Engaging in play activities enables teens to express themselves and try on different social

Whether in crisis or just curious, teens have 24/7 access to our Tough Stuff online resource page with a list of local, regional and national organizations and a plethora of information about mental, physical and sexual heath as well as relationships, abuse and violence. Access the Stuff for Teens guide at research.fairfaxcounty.gov/teens. If you’re in crisis, text 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. If you or someone you care about may be at risk of suicide, reach out to a 24/7 resource: Call CSB Emergency Services at 703-573-5679; Text “CONNECT” to 855-11 to contact PRS CrisisLink; Call PRS CrisisLink at 703-527-4077. roles. Those who miss out on these chances may find it more difficult to cultivate a sense of purpose and belonging. Extra time might look like an opportunity to fit in yet another impressive activity, but it should be guarded to ensure teens grow into healthy, well-rounded adults. Visit the Stuff for Teens onlineguide for reading and recreation ideas, and filter the library events calendar by audience to find upcoming events for teens.

For more information about library resources and events, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.

Connect with stories, resources and support in our branches. Your Library is a Safe Space

If you’re facing mental health challenges, you may feel as if you are alone—but you certainly are not. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports one in five, or 20%, of young people ages 13-18 are currently living with a mental health condition. Mental health conditions are not always obvious, they do not affect a specific “type” of person, and they manifest in very different ways from person to person. They include mood, behavior or conduct disorders, substance use, depression and anxiety—and the list goes on. Add to that the additional stress factors associated with being a teen, and it can be a recipe for major struggles. We understand that sometimes it is difficult to reach out if you have hard-to-ask questions, whether you have a mental health condition or are just going through some tough times. And while the internet has tons of resources for you to browse through, your search history isn’t always private. Another option is your local library where our librarians are master guardians of privacy. We tell no one and try to make the information we have easy for anyone to access. If you’re scared to talk to someone about a tough topic and need more information about it, come to us. We’re here to help.

Locate Tough Topics on the Shelves Abuse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362.76

Health & Hygiene . . . . . . . . 613, 613.042

Abusive Relationships. . . . . . . 362.8292

LGBTQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306.76

Alcohol . . . . . . . . . . . . 362.292, 613.81

Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306.874

Anxiety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152.46, 155.5 616.8522

Rape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362.883

Body Changes . . . . . . . . 612.6, 613.042 613.0433

Self-Esteem . . . . . . . . . . 158.1, 305.235

Depression . . . . . . . . 616.85, 616.8526 Divorce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306.89 Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362.29, 613.8 Eating Disorders. . . . . 616.85, 616.8526

Relationships . . . . . . . . . 306.73, 646.77 Sex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 613.9, 613.9071 Skin Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 616.5, 646.726 STDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616.95 Suicide . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362.28, 616.85

Books on Tough Topics (Don’t) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation about Mental Health Edited by Kelly Jensen (Don’t) Call Me Crazy compiles 33 essays telling diverse stories about people who have struggled or just plain lived with some kind of mental health condition. Vibrant with graphics and art, this book illustrates truthful portrayals of people who are standing strong.

TEENS & TWEENS

How Can the Library Help with Mental Health?

Med Head: My Knock-down, Drag-out, Drugged-up Battle with My Brain As told by James Patterson and Hal Friedman Read the harrowing and heroic true story of Cory Friedman, an ordinary teenager whose courage and determination to climb out of lifelong medical turmoil and personal suffering enabled him to ultimately survive and thrive against all odds. The Teenage Guy’s Survival Guide: The Real Deal on Going Out, Growing Up, and Other Guy Stuff By Jeremy Daldry Covering everything from dating, kissing and shaving to moods, peer pressure and bullying with irreverence and true understanding, this guide offers the real deal on everything you want to know—without giving you a nervous breakdown. Trans Teen Survival Guide Owl & Fox Fisher “Frank, friendly, and funny, the Trans Teen Survival Guide will inform, empower, and arm you with all the tips, confidence, and practical advice needed to navigate life as a trans teen.”

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BOOKS & BEYOND

Read Outside Your Comfort Zone Challenge yourself to build brain health and discover new interests. Get Outside-the-Box Benefits

Comfort zones. We all have them. They are, well, comfortable. But stepping outside of your reading comfort zone is a wonderful way to challenge your brain, discover new authors and learn new things. Stepping outside your zone could mean reading “the opposite” of your norm, but you may find baby-stepping out of your usual niche a little easier. Instead of choosing your go-to fictional mystery, try reaching for a real-life mystery such as the narrative non-fiction recounting of a doomed expedition called The Lost City of Z. If that doesn’t sound good, how about Mary Roach’s Stiff: The Curious Life of Human Cadavers? You just might find a new favorite genre or author. If you’re inspired to try something different and give your brain a boost by keeping it stimulated, consider the following options for reading outside your comfort zone. Visit research.fairfaxcounty.gov/ find-your-next-book for more details. • Focus on a field of interest. This might mean reading only award winners or debut novels. Or, it could be a literal field of interest, like the microhistory The World in a Grain: The Story of Sand and How it Transformed Civilization.

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“Read a book about a character who doesn’t look like you or live like you, about a topic you don’t know much about, or a format you don’t normally read—such as a graphic novel or a book in verse.” - Gene Luen Yang, author

• Take on a reading challenge. Create your own by following Yang’s advice, or join an established “reading challenge” for more direction. Book Riot has a Read Harder challenge that provides tasks or ideas, as does Goodreads. You can also find “Reading: Challenge Yourself” ideas in the library’s Find Your Next Book online guide.

• Ask a librarian. They love sharing recommendations. Explain what you’re looking for, and they can provide some options or point you in the right direction to start your search. If you don’t have time to visit a branch, you can always use the My Perfect Read online service from the library to get recommendations. • Judge a book by its cover. Just this once, it’s okay. Find a book that catches your eye, and don’t read the synopsis until later. You could also choose based on the title alone. Maybe the title Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine makes you curious (“Why wouldn’t she be fine?”). You’ll just have to read it to find out.

For more information about library resources and events, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.

Short-form reading is a perfect fit. Quick Reads, No Excuses

• Read “parallel” books. This could be moving from fictional mysteries to real-life mystery as mentioned earlier, or perhaps something like reading MacBeth by Shakespeare, MacBeth the graphic novel and MacBeth by Jo Nesbø, part of the Hogarth Shakespeare series of modern retellings. For another angle, some readers find it illuminating to read fiction and non-fiction books on the same topic. A recent example would be Hall of Mirrors (fiction) and A Woman of No Importance (non-Fiction/biography) about Virginia Hall Goillot, a World War II spy. As a bonus, add in the teen biography The Lady is a Spy.

• Join a book club. The variety of titles explored by a book club can help you get a feel for what you like and dislike. Another advantage of participation in a book club is getting to hear others’ perspectives on a story and share your own. If joining is too much commitment, the library has a large selection of book discussion kits to browse online for a title.

It’s easy to see why people lament having no time to read in today’s go-go-go environment of traffic, errands, activities and family time. Though you may not be able to sit and read for an hour, there are ways to accomplish your reading goals and enjoy the brain health benefits of books in small increments of time. There’s no need to let those five minutes waiting at the doctor’s office or sports practice go to waste. If you are short on time, short-form reading can be just right—and the options are endless. Get inspired by the ones below.

BOOKS & BEYOND

Short on Time?

• Magazine Articles – Download digital versions of magazines to your device from the library’s RBdigital collection. • Short Stories – This form is fully developed fiction, just shorter. Stories vary in length, so you could pick and choose based on how long you have. Compilations for a particular author, like Edgar Allen Poe, Roxanne Gay or Ray Bradbury, are wonderful. Genre short stories are available at the library as are “great” and “best of” compilations like 50 Great Short Stories and Best American Short Stories. • Poetry – If this is not normally your thing, look for award winners and “best of” titles to begin. Half-Light: Collected Poems 19652016 by Frank Bidart or Ghost of by Diana Nguyen are both recent award winners and excellent starts. So is pretty much anything by Robert Frost, Rita Dove, Robert Penn Warren or current U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith. • Essays – These are the “non-fiction of short stories,” if you will. Essays can range from the amusing by David Sedaris or D.L. Hughley to leaning serious, like Ta-Nehisi Coates’ We Were Eight Years in Power or Interior States by Meghan O’Gieblyn. Of course, there is always the classic Plutarch’s Essays.

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ADULTS

Five Pillars of Brain Health The library can help as you practice key behaviors for a healthy brain. Books to Start Your Healthy Brain Journey Fitness Made Simple: The Power to Change Your Body, the Power to Change Your Life by John Basedow Get a Hobby! 101 All-Consuming Diversions for Any Lifestyle by Tina Barseghian

Stay Sharp at the Library

A healthy brain means your mind stays sharp your entire life. No matter your age, the library has resources and activities to support your engagement in five behaviors identified by AARP’s Staying Sharp program as essential to promoting cognitive strength. 1. Move. Movement is life, and any type of moving counts. When you move, you stay alert and increase productivity. The library not only has many DVDs and books about fitness but also offers qigong and yoga classes for gentle mind and body exercise.

Grill It, Braise It, Broil It, and 9 Other Easy Techniques for Making Healthy Meals by the American Heart Association How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind by Pema Chodron

2. Discover. Never stop learning. Learn a new language using the library’s Mango or Rocket Language online databases or visit the Universal Class database and choose from hundreds of online courses covering topics from alternative medicine and personal development to history. To take advantage of these databases, you need an FCPL library card. 3. Relax. In between the moving and learning, make sure you are taking time to relax—and looking at your phone or iPad doesn’t count. De-stress by participating in a library meditation class. 4. Connect. Don’t isolate yourself. A strong social network helps preserve your cognitive abilities, decreases stress and boosts your immune system. Join one of the library’s many book clubs or discussion groups, visit a branch to play board games with other library customers or volunteer at your neighborhood branch. 5. Nourish. Eat well. A healthy diet—featuring foods rich in fiber (whole grains and veggies), omega-3s (fish), antioxidants (berries and seeds) and monosaturated fats (avocados and olive oil)—may improve your memory and concentration and protect the brain against disease. Many titles are available to help you learn more about nutrition, and you can participate in library cooking classes to discover new ways of healthful cooking.

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Watch “Check It Out” to Learn More In the March 2019 edition of Channel 16’s “Check It Out” series, host Karen Carbone examines how the library helps you stay healthy and strong as you age. Learn more about the Five Pillars of Brain Health, find out how to relax and stay strong with adult exercise classes and check out the fun ways connect and discover with our variety of adult programs. View online at bit.ly/CheckItOut-March2019.

For more information about library resources and events, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.

Cook Book Club for New and ‘Seasoned’ Cooks Martha Washington Tuesdays, 7 p.m. - 9/3, 10/1 On September 3, share your experience preparing recipes from Ken Forkish’s The Elements of Pizza or Flour Water Salt Yeast, and bring his pizza recipes that you’ve tried. On October 1, discuss recipes from Alex Guarnaschelli’s The Home Cook: Recipes to Know by Heart. Samples appreciated, but not required.

Read Global, Dine Local Book Group* George Mason Regional Tuesdays, 7 p.m. 9/24, 10/8, 11/19 Join us at area eateries to discuss books by world authors. Global Hip Hop Excursion* Sherwood Regional Friday, September 27, 7 p.m. Join Dumi Right, Hip Hop pioneer and cultural ambassador, for beats, rhymes and cultural infusions.

Beginners Calligraphy and Elegant Writing Club* Tysons-Pimmit Regional Tuesdays, 5 p.m. - 9/3, 10/1, 11/5 Practice your calligraphy and handwriting with lessons and exercises. All levels welcome. Pens and paper provided. Adults Bring Your Own Game Night Kings Park Thursdays, 7 p.m. 9/12, 10/3, 11/7, 12/5 Bring a favorite board game or card game to share at the library. Some supplies provided. Accessing Health Mind/Body Series* Richard Byrd Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. 9/14, 10/12, 11/9 Dr. Farideh Sadeghi presents workshops on achieving mind/body health utilizing various techniques. * Registration required.

An Evening of Jazz with Abe Ovadia* Pohick Regional Friday, October 4, 6:30 p.m. Jazz guitarist and composer Abe Ovadia will perform. The Golden Era at The Washington Post* City of Fairfax Regional Thursday, October 24, 7 p.m. Meet Bob Levey, author of Larry Felder, Candidate. He will share his experiences at The Washington Post in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

Relax with Yoga and More Many branches offer free yoga classes, with something available to suit all ages and all levels. Options include Gentle Yoga, Baby & Me Yoga, Mindful Yoga, Breath and Mediation, Chair Yoga and much more. Check the online events calendar or ask at a branch for specific dates and times.

ADULTS

Move, Connect and Nourish with these Upcoming Events

Mindfulness and Insight Meditation Thomas Jefferson Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. - 9/19, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31 Practice mental concentration and awareness to develop inner calm, wisdom and self-understanding. Qigong Richard Byrd Mondays, 10:30 a.m. 9/30, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18, 12/16 Enjoy this gentle form of exercise using simple movements, self-massage and breathing.

Fourth Biennial Book Club Conference Don’t miss the library’s fourth biennial Book Club Conference on Saturday, October 26, from 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. Attendees can enjoy informative workshops geared to book club members and leaders, network with other readers over light breakfast snacks and a box lunch and take in a presentation by a noteworthy “book club favorite” author. This year’s keynote speaker, author of The Kitchen House Kathleen Grissom, will sign books after her talk. Register for the event at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library. Conference made possible by support from the Fairfax Library Foundation. Brain Health |

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Introducing World Language Bags Supporting Early Literacy in Multilingual Families Citizenship Corner The library is a neutral and convenient place where people can go for information about citizenship, immigration law and naturalization. The LearningExpress Library online database contains ebooks, flashcards, articles and test practice, and multiple branches now offer a dedicated “Citizenship Corner” for easy access to printed materials. Branches including City of Fairfax Regional, George Mason, Sherwood Regional, Thomas Jefferson and Tysons-Pimmit Regional have created all-in-one spaces featuring resources from citizenships books and DVDs in various languages, information from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and welcome guides for new immigrants to ESL materials, TOEIC study guides and flash cards. Call your branch to learn more.

Join Classes at these Branches In-branch classes are also available to help English Language Learners prepare for the U.S. Citizenship exam. Most classes are ongoing; the instructor cycles through the material so students can drop in for any class. Call each branch for more information. Chantilly Regional Wednesdays at 10 a.m. City of Fairfax Regional Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Thomas Jefferson Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Herndon-Fortnightly Mondays at 7 p.m.

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The library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program encourages families to read 1,000 books to children before they start school. Studies show the more vocabulary and oral language children have, the better prepared they are to learn how to read and write when they enter kindergarten. The library wants to support all parents, grandparents and caregivers who read to young children. For adults who may be more comfortable reading to children in their native languages, the library offers World Language Bags, a project primarily funded by the Fairfax Library Foundation. These bags will be available soon with picture books, board books and easy readers in Arabic, Mandarin, Tamil and Urdu. Each bag contains eight books that adults can read again and again to children—and every time you read a book, it counts towards your 1,000 Books goal. Worried about reading to children in your native language? Don’t be. It is very easy for children to learn to read, write and speak English if they have a strong foundation in any language.

Mango and Rocket Languages Learn new languages with interactive, online lessons. Learning new things increases the white matter in our brains, called myelin. This not only improves our ability to learn, but may also prevent or slow down dementia. Learning a new language is one way to keep our minds sharp and myelin dense, and the library’s access to two online language learning programs can help.

Mango Languages

Rocket Languages

This self-paced learning program uses interactive activities to help strengthen communication skills in more than 70 languages. It improves your language proficiency through four essential components: vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and culture.

Another interactive program, Rocket uses 20-30-minute audio lessons in 12 different languages, including American Sign Language. It also offers culture lessons designed to increase your fluency, perfect your accent and improve your listening skills.

Mango and Rocket Languages are free with a Fairfax County Public Library card. To access these programs, go to research.fairfaxcounty.gov/az.php and search “M” for “Mango” or “R” for Rocket. For more information about library resources and events, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.

Give your brain a comprehensive workout through language learning.

Practicing English Want help practicing your English? The library has more than 200 volunteers leading conversation groups or one-on-one sessions at many of our 22 branches. Registration is required for one-on-one sessions.

One-on-One Sessions

More than Words

We learn languages easily when we are young but often with growing difficulty as we get older. However, recent studies indicate that learning a new language may improve your brain health at any age. Language learning exercises the brain’s executive functions— the higher-level cognitive skills that allow us to focus our attention and plan. In a 2018 article by Ramin Skibba in The Washington Post, Australian psycholinguist Mark Antoniou argues that learning a second language would be an optimal activity to promote healthy aging. “Because language-learning and use is so complex—arguably the most complex behavior we human beings engage in—it involves many levels,” said Antoniou. “You have speech sounds, syllables, words, grammar, sentences, syntax. There’s so much going on; it really is a workout for a wide brain network. And those areas of the brain overlap with the ones in which aging adult brains show decline or neurological pathological disease.”

Start Your Studies at the Library

The good news? It’s never too late to learn a new language, and the library can help you do that. We have many resources to support learning English and a wide variety of other languages, including books, audio CDs, DVDs and interactive online databases. Many of our branches offer English Conversation Groups that welcome English-language learners of all levels. Skilled volunteers lead these groups and provide all participants the opportunity to practice their spoken English in a welcoming environment. Some of our branches also offer an array of conversation groups for other languages, including French, Spanish and more. To find a group at a branch near you, visit the online events calendar and choose Learning English or Languages Other than English under “View Programs by Type.” If you are interested in volunteering to lead or help with one of these groups, contact your local branch or search for current volunteer opportunities at research. fairfaxcounty.gov/volunteer.

Burke Centre Herndon Fortnightly Oakton Pohick Regional Thomas Jefferson Tysons-Pimmit Regional

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Learn a New Language

Conversation Groups Burke Centre Centreville Regional City of Fairfax Regional Dolley Madison George Mason Regional Herndon Fortnightly John Marshall Kings Park Kingstowne Lorton Martha Washington Oakton Pohick Regional Richard Byrd Sherwood Tysons-Pimmit Woodrow Wilson Contact each branch for recurring days and times, other schedule details and more information.

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GET INVOLVED

Stay Active and Engaged by Volunteering Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to your community, but it’s a great way to give back to yourself. Volunteering keeps you active and engaged, which can improve your health and happiness. According to articles from AARP and Prevention, some of the many benefits of volunteering include reducing stress levels, decreasing depression and increasing brain functions.

Volunteer-led tech training is in high demand in library branches.

At the library, our volunteers keep their bodies and brains busy teaching technology skills, helping new immigrants improve their English, cultivating beautiful landscaped areas, assisting with library programs and processing the myriad of books that are checked out, returned and placed on hold by customers.

Ready to join us and start volunteering? To see what opportunities are available, visit us in person or online at volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov. Learn more information about the health benefits of volunteering at: • bit.ly/CreateTheGood-Benefits • bit.ly/Prevention-Volunteer-Brain-Health

Help Restock the Library. Buy a Book!

Book Sales Money raised during Friendssponsored used book sales supports the library. Please check our online events calendar for times and information on Friends membersonly presales. Ongoing book sales occur at all libraries except George Mason and John Marshall.

September City of Fairfax Regional Library George Mason Regional Library Kingstowne Library Oakton Library Reston Regional Library Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library The Virginia Room

October Chantilly Regional Library Kings Park Library Kingstowne Library Patrick Henry Library Pohick Regional Library

November Great Falls Library Kings Park Library Kingstowne Library

Donating a book from the Fairfax Library Foundation’s Amazon Wishlist is an invaluable way of helping the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL). All books purchased are marked with a customized bookplate to commemorate your generosity. This is a perfect and lasting way to commemorate occasions such as a family member’s birthday, applauding someone’s achievement, thanking a friend or honoring the memory of a loved one. Your new book will become a part of the collection at FCPL and a source of learning and enjoyment for other library patrons for years to come. www.fairfaxlibraryfoundation.org/get-involved Visit for more details, including how you can be the first to read the book you donate.

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For more information about library resources and events, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library.

Locations and Hours Regional Branches

Hours: M-Th 10-9; F 10-6; Sa 10-5; Su 1-5

Community Branches

Hours: M/T 10-9; W 10-6; Th 1-9; F 10-6; Sa 10-5

CE Centreville Regional 14200 St. Germain Dr. Centreville, VA 20121-2299 703-830-2223

PO Pohick Regional 6450 Sydenstricker Rd. Burke, VA 22015-4274 703-644-7333

BC Burke Centre 5935 Freds Oak Rd. Burke , VA 22015-2599 703-249-1520

LO Lorton 9520 Richmond Hwy. Lorton, VA 22079-2124 703-339-7385

CH Chantilly Regional 4000 Stringfellow Rd. Chantilly, VA 20151-2628 703-502-3883

RR Reston Regional 11925 Bowman Towne Dr. Reston, VA 20190-3311 703-689-2700

DM Dolley Madison 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. McLean, VA 22101-2818 703-356-0770

MW Martha Washington 6614 Fort Hunt Rd. Alexandria, VA 22307-1799 703-768-6700

FX City of Fairfax Regional & Virginia Room 10360 North St. Fairfax, VA 22030-2514 703-293-6227

SH Sherwood Regional 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane Alexandria, VA 22306-2799 703-765-3645

GF Great Falls 9830 Georgetown Pike Great Falls, VA 22066-2634 703-757-8560

OK Oakton 10304 Lynnhaven Place Oakton, VA 22124-1785 703-242-4020

TY Tysons-Pimmit Regional 7584 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22043-2099 703-790-8088

HE Herndon Fortnightly 768 Center St. Herndon, VA 20170-4640 703-437-8855

PH Patrick Henry 101 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180-5794 703-938-0405

JM John Marshall 6209 Rose Hill Dr. Alexandria, VA 22310-6299 703-971-0010

RB Richard Byrd 7250 Commerce St. Springfield, VA 22150-3499 703-451-8055

KP Kings Park 9000 Burke Lake Rd. Burke, VA 22015-1683 703-978-5600

TJ Thomas Jefferson 7415 Arlington Blvd. Falls Church, VA 22042-7409 703-573-1060

KN Kingstowne 6500 Landsdowne Centre Alexandria, VA 22315-5011 703-339-4610

WW Woodrow Wilson 6101 Knollwood Dr. Falls Church, VA 22041-1798 703-820-8774

GM George Mason Regional 7001 Little River Turnpike Annandale, VA 22003-5975 703-256-3800

Access Services | M-F 8-5 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 123 Fairfax, VA 22035-0001 703-324-8380 | TTY 703-324-8365 Access Services removes barriers to library services for individuals with disabilities by providing: free home delivery of library resources; books and magazines in alternate format; audio described DVDs; and assistive technologies including players and accessories.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library

Library Administration | M-F 8-4:30 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 324 Fairfax, VA 22035-0001 | 703-324-3100

COMING SOON to your

Fairfax County Public Library

A new library catalog providing: • Friendlier, smarter searching • Direct download of eBooks and eAudiobooks from OverDrive, RBDigital, etc. • Optional user-created logon (instead of library card number) • User-curated lists for favorite authors, genres and titles • Auto-renewals of physical materials • Text notification (in addition to email notification) Look for the new online catalog this winter and get ready to imagine, discover and connect at the Fairfax County Public Library.

“Biology gives you a brain. Life turns it into a mind.” Fairfax County Public Library 12000 Government Center Parkway Suite 324, Fairfax, VA 22035, 703-324-3100 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library ©2019 Fairfax County Public Library To receive this information in alternative formats call 703-324-8380 or TTY 703-324-8365.

– Jeffrey Eugenides, Middlesex

Marketing Director: Mary Mulrenan Managing Editor: Christina Paladeau Graphics: Gwen Jones, Barbara Lerch A Fairfax County, Va. publication Fall 2019

Let us know what you think about BranchOut. Email comments to branchout@fairfaxcounty.gov.