Houston Public Library - December 2011 Edition by Houston Public Library

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houston public library news and events

December | 2011

Season’s Readings to One and All! Welcome to the holiday edition of the link. This edition is loaded with holiday reading and viewing recommendations for all ages in a variety of formats. For your enjoyment, HPL offers wonderful traditional print books, eBooks, CDs and DVDs to help you get into the holiday spirit. See pages four to six for more information. But we don’t stop there. This December we launch our first holiday reading series, Season’s Readings. Targeted for children and families, Season’s Readings will present New York Times bestselling author Eric Litwin at the Central Library on Saturday, December 17th. For more information about his visit and the many other programs that are part of Season’s Readings, see page seven. The holidays also mean travel and gift giving for many of us. If you are one of our growing number of customers who plan and organize your life through your smart phone or tablet, then you will want to check out the Tech IT section on page three. Tech IT links you to information about apps that will make your travels a little easier, and help you on your quest for the perfect gift. If that perfect gift proves elusive, I encourage you to consider the gift of a membership to the Friends of the Houston Public Library. Perfect for teachers, friends and family, your gift of a membership to the Friends supports the fabulous array of programs and services offered by HPL. Please see page two for more information. As always, thank you for your continued support of the Houston Public Library. Have a safe and enjoyable Holiday.

HPL is pleased to announce the re-opening of the historic Julia Ideson Building, home of the Houston Metropolitan Research Center. To celebrate, please join us at the following events:

Monday, December 5 | 10 AM

Activities include a dedication ceremony featuring Mayor Annise Parker and special guests, music by The Mighty Orq, tours every hour on the hour, history talks throughout the building and carolers to ring in the holiday season. A light breakfast will be served.

Wednesday, December 7 | 6 PM

Enjoy a special holiday performance by authentically dressed members from Houston’s oldest and finest group of Victorian carolers.

Thursday, December 8 | 10:15 AM

Storytime Tea Party in the Norma Meldrum Room: Join us for a magical storytime tea party in the historical Children’s Room of the Houston Public Library for an Alice in Wonderland-themed event. Fancy dressup and teddy bears are always welcome. For more event info, please visit: www.houstonlibrary.org/jib

Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson, Director

Visit the City of Houston Website: www.houstontx.gov

The Julia Ideson Building

Home of the Houston Metropolitan Research Center

HPL NewS

page 2 Focus On... Friends Membership

EVENTS

page 3 Seasons Readings

KIDS & TEENS

pages 4/5 Kids and Holiday Picks Reel Teen Film Festival

adults page 6 Holiday Book Selection Public Poetry

TECH IT page 7 Holiday Apps Ask-a-Librarian

Linking YOU to the World of Fun and Education

HPL NEWS

FOCUS ON…Jim Hundemer former President of the Friends of the Houston Public Library

Hundemer is an avid reader but also likes to listen to audio books. He’s known for reading one book and listening to another on the same day.

Jim Hundemer has a passion for books and libraries. As the recently retired Manager of the Houston Independent School District’s Department of Library Services, his passion was also his profession. Hundemer took that passion and his professional experience and put it to work in support of HPL, where he served on the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Houston Public Library, eventually serving as its President for four years.

He is currently listening to a book by Brad Thor and is reading Treachery in Death by J.D. Robb. He likes thrillers that are intriguing like those by authors Michael Connelly and Dan Brown, but he also enjoys children’s books, especially those written by James Riordan. He’s also a huge fan of the Harry Potter book series. He has read and listened to them three times and has seen all the movies.

During his time as President, he started the Annual Children’s Book Sale. The inaugural event brought in more than $30,000 in support of the library’s programs and services. The 11th Annual Children’s Book Sale, held September 16th and 17th, resulted in the sale of 11,000 books, with the proceeds continuing the Friends’ support of HPL. Through his professional role at HISD, Hundemer helped create a strong partnership between HISD and HPL. He started The Millionaires Club to better connect HISD students with HPL’s annual Summer Reading Program, and he represented several HISD Superintendents on the Houston Library Board (now the Houston Public Library Foundation). HPL congratulates Jim on his retirement, and thanks him for his dedicated service to children, libraries, HPL and the Friends of Houston Public Library. If you would like to follow Jim’s example, join the Friends of Houston Public Library today! For more information, email info@friendsofhpl.org.

Give the gift of knowledge and power. Support HPL with a Friends Membership!

As the holidays approach, consider giving a gift of a membership to the Friends of the Houston Public Library. By giving a membership you not only share your love for Houston’s libraries, but your generosity also helps strengthen your Houston Public Library. A letter will be sent to the recipient. Members of the Friends receive many benefits, including a pre-sale pass to the 34th Annual Bargain Book Sale, April 13-15, 2012 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Friends is dedicated to fostering wider recognition, use, and support of The Houston Public Library. The Friends of the Houston Public Library is part of the Houston Public Library Foundation and a 501(c)(3). For more information or to give a membership contact us by December 14th to ensure delivery before Christmas 832.393.1387 or info@friendsofhpl.org. www.friendsofhpl.org

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Martin Luther King Legacy Linking YOU to the World of Fun and Education

events

Season’s READINGS

STARTING DECEMBER 2011

Celebrate the winter season (and winter break) with family friendly, literary inspired programs. Our Season’s Readings series of programs kicks off with NY Times Best Selling Author Eric Litwin. Mr. Litwin is the author of the much loved Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes & the sequel Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes. Also enjoy performances by Houston Grand Opera/ Story Book Opera and Revels Houston. For more information, visit: www.houstonlibrary.org/events

A Visit with Pete the Cat Author Eric Litwin

NY Times Best Selling Author Eric Litwin (www.ericlitwin.com) will bring his best selling Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes & the sequel Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes to life with this special musical story time that kicks off HPL’s system wide Season’s Readings winter series.

Saturday, December 17 | 10:30 AM

Kendall Neighborhood Library| 609 N. Eldridge, 77079

Saturday, December 17 | 1:30 PM Central Library | 500 McKinney, 77002

Houston Grand Opera/ Story Book Opera

Story Book opera is an engaging and enjoyable introduction to opera for young children. Come hear one of these festive tales performed by Houston Grand Opera singers.

Opera Cat by Tess Weaver

The reigning diva of Milan, Madame Soso, has a cat named Alma who secretly loves to sing along with her mistress. When Madame develops laryngitis on opening night, guess who steps in to save the day?

The Dog Who Sang at the Opera by Jim West & Marshell Izen

Pasha is a vain wolfhound who upstages the diva one night at the opera – and not just any opera – but the Metropolitan Opera in New York. True story.

Revels Houston

Revels Houston is a unique, community-based performing arts organization and a living tradition welcoming participation from those of all backgrounds and ages. Revels performances celebrate the rituals and traditions drawn from many lands and peoples through different eras. The Revelry ensemble performs songs and dances from the current and past productions. Come join in an evening of festive traditions!

Monday, December 12 | 6:30 PM Kendall Neighborhood Library | 609 N. Eldridge, 77079 Wednesday, December 14 | 6:30 PM Henington-Alief Regional Library | 7979 South Kirkwood, 77072

Book List for Kids and Teens

A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel

Home For the Holidays by Heather Vogel Frederick

The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya by Nagaru Tanigawa(Teens)

Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle (Teens)

Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney

Pick up these books from visiting authors and more at you local HPL location or online at Pete the Cat: Rockin’ in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin

www.houstonlibrary.org/catalog

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A Zombie Christmas Carol by Jim McCann (Teens)

Linking YOU to the World of Fun and Education

KIDS

KID BOOK PICKS

Nathan Blows Out the Hanukkah Candles by Tami Lehman-Wilzig

The Flying Canoe: A Christmas Story by Eric A. Kimmel

Home for the Holidays by Heather Vogel Frederick

Nicholas St. North & the Battle of the Nightmare King by William Joyce

eBook Pick

Homework Help to the Rescue

Connect to an online tutor and get your homework done with Live Homework Help!, an online tutoring service powered by Tutor.com. This free service connects students from Kindergarten through adult learners to expert tutors in Math, Science, Social Studies and English. To connect go to: www.houstonlibrary.com/askatutor. December Secrets by Patricia Reilly Giff

KID MOVIE PICKS

The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood

For a list of more books that might interest you, visit our catalog www.houstonlibrary.org/catalog

Check out these movies online or at your favorite HPL location. www.houstonlibrary.org/catalog

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Linking YOU to the World of Fun and Education

TEENS

Teen Book

Enter and Win!

This year we offer a brand-new category – Teen Health. Sponsored by the Houston Department HPL is pleased to announce that we are currently of Health and Human Services, submissions to accepting submissions for the 2012 Reel Teen this category should provide a strong message Film Festival. Here are a few important updates: related to mental and/or physical health for teens. Participants can be teens of all ages in grade levels 6 through 12. For most categories, prizes For this category, prizes will be awarded for 1st will be awarded for the best in each category: ($200), 2nd ($125) and 3rd ($75) place videos. • • • • • • •

Best Animation ($250) Best Documentary ($250) Best Feature or Narrative ($250) Best Broadcast ($100) Best Commercial/PSA or Book/Movie Trailer ($100) Best Music Video ($100) People’s Choice ($50)

A Zombie Christmas Carol by Jim McCann

Reel Teen Film Festival. For more information on Reel Teen Film Festival, please visit www.houstonlibrary.org/teens or email hpl.reelteenfest@houstontx.gov

A Christmas Carol by Keith Howell

Ebooks for Teens Borrow your favorite ebooks for up to six weeks FREE with your library card. Visit www.houstonlibrary.org and sign-up!

The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya by Nagaru Tanigawa

TEEN MOVIE PICKS Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle

Check out these movies online or at your favorite HPL location. www.houstonlibrary.org/catalog

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Linking YOU to the World of Fun and Education

ADULTS

Holiday Book Selection The following books are suggested reading for this holiday season. To find more recommendations from our team of professional librarians, please see www.houstonlibrary.org/readerslink Comfort and Joy by India Knight Holiday on Ice by David Sedaris How to Spell Hanukkah by Emily Franklin I am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley Kissing Christmas Goodbye by Agatha Raisin The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans The Bite Before Christmas by Heidi Betts The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry Tis the Season by Lorna Landvik Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich You Better Not Cry by Augusten Burroughs Wolfsbane and Mistletoe by Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Keri Arthur, Carrie Vaughn When Elves Attack by Tim Dorsey

NEXTREADS Are you looking for a few good books to read?

Winner of 2011 Houston Press “Best of Houston” Award Best Local Reading Series

Public Poetry is an innovative monthly reading series bringing the public and poetry community together, and creating a buzz about poetry. Public Poetry events feature outstanding local and visiting poets, as well as a local guest celebrity or public figure and a short student reading, with a book signing at the end of each program.

Sign up for our e-newsletters and get great book suggestions by email. We’ll deliver reading lists right to your inbox along with new gems, bestsellers, and related titles.

This series is a partnership between Public Poetry and Houston Public Library. Join us for these free programs, filled with gorgeous language, held on the first Saturday of each month at 2 PM.

To get started, visit: www.houstonlibrary.org/nextreads

www.houstonlibrary.org/poetry for the most current list of poetry events. -6 -

Martin Luther King Legacy Linking YOU to the World of Fun and Education

tech it

iPhone Apps to Make the Holidays More Manageable Gift Plan - Helps you keep up with gift-giving events, including birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, etc. Keep track of gift ideas for different people in your life. You can also add their “likes,” sizes, and gifts already bought.

Wi-Fi Finder - locates wifi hotspots worldwide.

GeoQpons - Find coupons for your favorite brands or stores, as well as find nearby deals. Works with deal sites like Groupon and LivingSocial.

iTranslate - handy when traveling abroad; audio translation is available for some languages.

BlackFriday by BradsDeals - Plan your Black Friday shopping adventures! Powered by BlackFriday2011. com and BradsDeals.com.

Locate My Phone - similar to Apple’s FindMyiPhone, this app tracks your phone should you happen to lose it.

iSlick - Real-time deal alerts, as well as access to information on sales, deals, and coupons.

TripDeck - manage your entire trip itinerary.

Planning to travel this holiday season? Check out these heplful apps:

POWER UP!

For access to more databases and to our collection of books, movies, music and more, Visit www.houstonlibrary.org and sign-up!

Postcard - create and send postcard as souvenirs from your destination.

You can now download ebooks from HPL for use on your Kindle! YOU Got Questions? You have questions, let us help you find the answers through our Ask-a-Librarian Service. Check out our new and improved page at www.houstonlibrary.org/ask-a-librarian. Also get your questions answered via twitter. Check out our twitter reference service: twitter.com/askhpl

Amazon and Overdrive (HPL’s main ebook provider) have implemented the Kindle Library Lending Program, which enables Kindle customers to borrow and enjoy ebooks through libraries across the country, including HPL. A wide variety of titles, including best sellers, are now available! For more information, or to get started, visit www.houstonlibrary.org/downloads today! -7-

HPL LOCATIONS Acres Homes 8501 West Montgomery, 77088 | 832-393-1700 Bracewell 9002 Kingspoint Dr., 77089 | 832-393-2580 Carnegie 1050 Quitman, 77009 | 832-393-1720 Central Library 500 McKinney, 77002 | 832-393-1313 Clear Lake CITY–COUNTY FREEMAN MEMORIAL 16616 Diana Lane, 77062 | 281-488-1906

Looscan CLOSED due to renovations 2510 Willowick, 77027 | 832-393-1900 Mancuso 6767 Bellfort, 77087 | 832-393-1920

McCrane-Kashmere Gardens 5411 Pardee St., 77026 | 832-393-2450 McGOVERN–STELLA LINK 7405 Stella Link, 77025 | 832-393-2630

Tuttle 702 Kress, 77020 | 832-393-2100 Vinson (+ HPL Express) 3810 West Fuqua, 77045| 832-393-2120 Walter 7660 Clarewood, 77036 | 832-393-2500 Young 5260 Griggs Road, Palm Center 77021| 832-393-2140

Melcher 7200 Keller, 77012 | 832-393-2480

HPL Express locations HPL Express sOUTHWEST 6400 High Star, 77074 | 832-393-2660

Collier Regional 6200 Pinemont, 77092 | 832-393-1740

Meyer 5005 West Bellfort, 77035 | 832-393-1840

HPL Express Discovery Green 1500 McKinney, #R2 77010 | 832-393-1375

Dixon 8002 Hirsch, 77016 | 832-393-1760

Moody 9525 Irvington, 77076 | 832-393-1950

Fifth Ward 4014 Market, 77020 | 832-393-1770

Oak Forest 1349 West 43rd Street, 77018 | 832-393-1960

Frank 10103 Fondren, Brays Oaks Towers Building, 77096 832-393-2410

Flores 110 North Milby, 77003 | 832-393-1780

Parent Resource Library The Children’s Museum of Houston 1500 Binz, 77004 | 713-535-7264

Frank 10103 Fondren, Brays Oaks Towers Building, 77096 832-393-2410 Freed-Montrose 4100 Montrose, 77006 | 832-393-1800 Heights 1302 Heights Blvd, 77008 | 832-393-1810 Henington-Alief Regional 7979 South Kirkwood, 77072 | 832-393-1820 Hillendahl 2436 Gessner Rd, 77080 | 832-393-1940 Johnson 3517 Reed Rd., 77051 | 832-393-2550 Jungman 5830 Westheimer, 77057 | 832-393-1860 Kendall 609 N. Eldridge, 77079 | 832-393-1880 Lakewood 8815 Feland Street, 77028 | 832-393-2530

Park Place Regional 8145 Park Place Blvd., 77017 | 832-393-1970 Pleasantville 1520 Gellhorn, 77029 | 832-393-2330 Ring 8835 Long Point, 77055 | 832-393-2000 Robinson-Westchase 3223 Wilcrest, 77042 | 832-393-2011

Special Collections The African American Library at the Gregory School 1300 Victor Street, 77019 | 832-393-1440 Houston Metropolitan Research Center, located in the Julia Ideson Building 500 McKinney, 77002 | 832-393-1313 Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research 5300 Caroline, 77004 | 832-393-2600

For the most up-to-date hours of operation, please visit our web site: www.houstonlibrary.org/locations

Scenic Woods Regional 10677 Homestead, 77016 | 832-393-2030 Smith 3624 Scott St., 77004 | 832-393-2050 www.facebook.com/ houstonlibrary

Stanaker CLOSED FOR RENOVATION 611 S/Sgt. Macario Garcia, 77011 | 832-393-2080 Stimley-Blue Ridge 7007 West Fuqua, 77489 | 832-393-2370

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REFERENCE / INFO 832-393-1313 TELEPHONE renewals 832-393-2280 Circulation questions 832-393-2222 TTY (HEARING IMPAIRED) 832-393-1539 VOLUNTEER SERVICES 832-393-1481 If you have a special physical or communication need that may impact your participation in any of these activities, please contact the location staff prior to the program to discuss accommodations. We cannot ensure the availability of appropriate accommodations without prior notification of need.

VOLUNTEER

The Friends of the Houston Public The Houston Public Library Library, founded in 1953, is a 501(c)(3) Foundation advocates for libraries non-profit organization dedicated to and supports the Houston Public fostering wider recognition, use, and Library by funding programming, support of the Houston Public Library. materials, staff training and other With support from the Friends, enhancements. Houston Public Library is better able to meet the vital needs of the community. The Foundation recently added the first-ever community meeting room to the iconic, circleThe Friends provides support and resources for shaped Ring Neighborhood Library. Library programs such as the Summer Reading Program for children, after school programs, and To contribute or for more information, please visit cultural programming and activities for the entire www.houstonlibrary.org/hplfoundation or call community. 832-393-1450. To become a Friend of the Houston Public Library, or to learn more, please visit www.friendsofhpl.org.

This publication made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Houston Public Library

Public Library.

Houston Public Library’s Central Library is home to the awardwinning author series, “An Evening With…”, and several other exciting, innovative programs that bring national and local authors from several genres to the Houston

We are looking for volunteers to help us with these programs. To learn more, please visit www.houstonlibrary.org/author-events. For more information about volunteering with HPL, please visit www.houstonlibrary.org/volunteeropportunities.

Holiday Closings: Friday, December 23 - Monday, December 26, 2011- christmas Monday, January 2, 2012 - NEW YEAR’S -8-