Hours:Mon. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.Sat. - Sun. 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.(Open Sat. & Sun. all year)

(203) 734-1492(203) 732-2913 FAX

307 Hawthorne AvenueDerby, Connecticut 06418

www.derbynecklibrary.orgemail: headlibrarian@biblio.org

A Regional Library

Derby Neck Library

Over a century of service to the Valley Community

Privately Funded

Currents

VOL. 11 ISSUE 4 July - August 2018

Summer Reading Is Here!

Come to the library, check out materials, and explore the library as you play mini golf across a custom 9-hole course set up inside the library on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29 from 1–5pm. To play you must check out an item and you will receive a putter and one ball for 9 holes. You may play as often as you like, but you must check out an item each time you wish to play. In addition, Mr. Bungles will be here on Saturday at 2PM and Sunday at 3 PM to create amazing balloon sculptures for you to take home.  

in the Libr�y

Summer is here and with it comes Derby Neck Library’s Summer Reading Program. Come in and sign your child up to participate in this year’s theme of “Libraries Rock”. In addition to Miss Kathi’s ongoing Music and Movement programs there will be at least one additional special program each week. Art, animals, puppets and music will provide fun for all ages. Be sure to join in the fun of Miniature Golf in the library in July. In August, the Art Truck will be back with painting and Slime fun. Cool of at the end of Summer Reading with our annual Beach Party including Mr. Bungles Bubbles. All programs are listed on our webpage (derbynecklibrary.org) and on flyers in the library. Also check out our Facebook and Twitter pages for more info on the programs. All programs are free.

Miniature Golf

Rock n’ Roll Concert: From Elvis to Ed Sheeran Professional performer and recording

artist Sherri Miller will put on a free concert this summer showcasing the history of Rock & Roll. Her set will feature a full range of songs old and new,from Elvis to Ed Sheeran. This program is open to all ages, but teens/tweens who attend will earn DOUBLE POINTS!!! This is sure to be an amazing event so join us!

Friends Annual End of Summer Book Sale Now that you have attended some great programs and had some amazing experiences, how do you end your summer at the Derby Neck Library? With the Friends of Derby Neck Library End of Summer Book Sale of course! Taking place from August 18 through August 26 during library open hours, the annual book sale features thousands of titles across all media. We offer fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, DVDs, music, magazines, bake sales, homemade afghans, and more. Come to our book sale and browse for as long as you like. Hours are 1-5 on weekends and 10-8 on weekdays. We are closed on Fridays. Most of our funds are raised through book sales. With these funds, we purchase supplies and equipment for the library. We also sponsor programs. Recently we sponsored the Kerry Boys St. Patrick’s Day Concert. The Friends meet the third Wednesday of every month at 6 P.M. We think Derby Neck Library is a very special place. If you love the library, join us at one of our Friends’ meetings. New members are always welcome.

ANDREW’S PICKS12:08 East of Bucharest (Corneliu Porumboiu, 2006).

At 12:08 PM on December 22, 1989, with protesters closing in on him, the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife Elena boarded a helicopter and fled the capital, thus ending his decades-long reign. This precise moment was arguably the turning point of the Romanian Revolution. But was there a revolution at all in the small town of Vaslui, east of Bucharest? Did the town’s citizens heroically rise up against their oppressors, before 12:08? Or did they merely join in after the issue had already been decided, like the “late” Lord Walder Frey arriving at the Battle of the Trident after Rhaegar Targaryen had been slain and his armies put to flight? This is a film about history and memory, revolution and its aftermath, the individual and society, the West and the East, capitalism and communism, the urban and the rural, commerce and the media, art and propaganda, youth and age, mortality and absurdity, heroism and cowardice, self-aggrandizement and self-deception, honor and shame, truth and lies. It is at once eerily topical and utterly timeless. It is also delightfully unpretentious, gentle and wise in its understanding of human nature, and one of the funniest movies in our collection. Its deadpan, pitch-black humor — straddling that ancient line, discerned by Marx, between “tragedy” and “farce” — puts one in mind not only of the Finnish genius Aki Kaurismäki and his hopeless, loveable losers; but also of Samuel Beckett and his tragicomic vision of the futility, uncertainty, and incomprehension that characterize our existential situation. When I consider the relationship between our historical and our metaphysical circumstances, I can’t help but think of one of my favorite movies of all time, the Coen brothers’ Burn After Reading (2008). Just before being dismembered by a hatchet wielded by former CIA analyst Osbourne Cox (John Malkovich), the former Greek Orthodox priest and current “Hard Bodies” gym manager Ted (Richard Jenkins) asserts that in breaking into Cox’s home to search for sensitive intelligence, he is not “representing Hard Bodies.” Venomously, Cox responds, “I know very well what you represent. You represent the idiocy of today.” Ted replies, “I don’t represent that either.” Certain unsympathetic critics seem to imagine we are meant to mock and despise the Coen brothers’ selfish, lost, deluded, lonely, ignorant, and confused characters. Instead, I find myself loving them, pitying them, and identifying with them. Burn After Reading is not merely a satire of Bush-era stupidity, any more than 12:08 East of Bucharest is merely a satire of post-revolutionary malaise in Romania. Just so, our current political climate is hardly just the “insane” or “aberrant” disruption of a fundamentally sound neoliberal “democratic” order, as comforting as that might be to believe. Rather, it is the inevitable manifestation of the tensions, paradoxes, and neuroses inherent in our inexplicable (and—at least it seems to me—unjust) existential predicament. We are the Coen brothers’ “league of morons,” asking all the wrong questions, mistaking ambiguous silence or meaningless noise for clear answers, yearning for we know not what, alternately making love and killing one another in the dark. And we are Porumboiu’s citizens of Vaslui, exiled in our own hometown, thrown into a particular historical situation not of our making or choosing, enslaved to principalities and powers, manipulated by forces beyond our control, crushed beneath Fortune’s wheel and yet somehow mysteriously responsible, tormented by guilt, wracked by doubt, torn between various mutually exclusive actions or degrees of inaction, any or all of which might be futile or disastrous, and all of which will certainly — eventually —be fatal. “What did we learn, Palmer?”

On Tuesdays from 12:00–3:00pm, the Derby Neck Library hosts our adult program series Afternoon Tea V!

This program series features an hour’s worth of episodes of TWO shows, a traditional TV series at noon followed

by a streaming-only show on services like Net�ix and Hulu at 1pm, followed by an hour of discussion. Throughout, there will be tea,

co�ee, and biscuits for refreshments. There is no fee for this program and

no registration is required. Join us!

EVENTSTeen Film ClubEvery Tuesday throughout the year at 4pm, join us for the award-winning Teen Film Club. Learn the ins and outs of amateur film production working alongside fellow teens in areas like writing, directing, acting, and editing. All work is done in-house and all films produced by the club are put into the library’s DVD collection and onto the library’s Youtube channel. Derby Neck Video Game ClubUsing the library’s Nintendo Wii U, PS4, and Dreamcast, teens will play various games on the systems on Tuesdays at 3:00pm. Derby Neck Video Game Club (VGC for short) is all about fun, so come join us. No registration is required and we play throughout the school year on Tuesdays after school when the director is in the building. Library’s Big Backyard GamersDuring the summer when the weather is nice, teens will meet at the library’s big backyard, Osbornedale Park, to play some great outdoor games like laser tag, classic camp games like Air Raid, and more!I-Spy Teen MovieThis summer, we will be showing 2 movies in June and July for teens on Blu-ray. At each movie, teens will need to keep their eyes peeled for special moments and details. A list of clues will be given at the start of the film. The teen who spots the most will win the prize! The movies will be revealed on the flyers so everyone will have a fair shot. Dinner will be offered after the movie to attendees. Registration is required.VGC TournamentJune 26 & August 7, 3:00pmLooking for some competitive gaming this summer with a chance to win some great prizes? You will get your chance on June 26 and August 7 when you compete on the Wii U or PS4. Tournament games will be announced on the flyers in the library and on our Website. Registration is strongly recommended, but not required. Teen Silly and Strange TriviaHow much do you know about the weird and wacky in the world? Want to put that to the test? Try our Teen Silly and Strange Trivia event where you can win some equally strange and silly prizes. But all in the name of fun!Pixel Art Creations: A Crafting EventWhether a pixel-perfect Pikachu or a pixelated Rick & Morty, teens will create their very own art to keep using Perler beads. The library will provide all supplies and the how-to; teens should bring their creativity. Registration requested!Teen 3D PuzzlesThe evil ones return!!! Teens will be tasked with putting together one of an assortment of small 3D puzzles. Everyone who works on a puzzle will be able to take theirs home. Be the first person to complete the puzzle and you will win the grand prize. Registration is recommended. The pain, oh the pain!Readathon June 25 – August 15 DeadlineThe Readathon is a little different this year, but just as rewarding! How does it work? Every day that you walk into the Derby Neck Library and check out one of our books, you earn TEN points up to a maximum of ONE HUNDRED. Attending programs are also worth TEN points up to an additional FIFTY. What can you do with those points? Just as in summers prior, you can spend those points on your choice of some amazing prizes in the Teen Prize Chest. Look for it after June 25 to start saving up those points!End of Summer Pizza PartyThe End of Summer Pizza Party will feature even more great prizes that you can use raffle tickets to win. Everyone who attends will receive tickets to spend. There will be a host of prize options you can enter your tickets to win. Attendees will draw a winner blind from a hat for each prize. No one will leave empty handed, as those who do not win a prize from the lots can take a prize from the mysterious sack of the weird! And did I mention PIZZA?!

teen

STAFF:Ian Parsells, Head LibrarianKathleen Gordon, Children’s LibrarianPatricia Sweeney, Reference LibrarianRoberto Carmona, Head of CirculationChristina Baclawski, Andrew Bisaccia, Stephen Bisaccia, Bonnie Chevarella, Kim MacDonald, David Makusevich, Christopher Ochoa, Norman Strumello, Kristina WarrengerBOARD OF DIRECTORS: John Walsh, President; Shirley Erickson, Vice President; Maureen Coffey, Linda Coppola, Tim Dillon, Laura Donahue, Rick Dunne, Michael Flora, Karen Kemmesies, Richard Knoll, John Rak, Bruce Sill, Fr. Christopher Tiano.

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recurring children’s programs

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By Patricia E. Sweeney

Literary Club Events

Computer ClassesLearn the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel, email, and how to search the Internet for whatever interests you. Start any day, but you can only attend once a week. Classes last an hour and are held on Mondays at 6pm and Tuesdays/Wednesdays at 10:30am.Dinner and a MovieTaking place on the 1st Thursday of the month, adults are invited to the library’s Dinner and a Movie. Featuring movies new and old on Bluray, this popular program has something for everyone 18 and over! Dinner will be served at the half- way point with refreshments being served throughout. On July 5, we will be showing Red Sparrow. August’s movie will be revealed on flyers in the building and on our Website.

All programs will be drop-in with no registration required. We welcome patrons from all towns to come and enjoy the programs. Prethrees classes are for ages Birth-3yrs and offer age appropriate stories, finger plays, Nursery rhymes, puppets, coloring pages and music. Name tags and a different theme are provided each week. Classes regularly occur on Mondays at 10am.Mommy and Me: Art Partners is for all ages. Working together you will explore different mediums such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, paint and finger paint. Both you and your child can open up a new expressive world to explore as you share time together creating your own art. All supplies will be provided. Classes regularly occur on Mondays at 11am.Been There Done That Movin’ On Twos and Threes is for children who have been coming to the classes for a while and are capable of following more specific directions to musical games and are ready to learn new songs. Each week a different type of instrument is introduced and shared. Classes regularly occur on Tuesdays at 10am. Music and Movement programs are for ages Birth to 5 and use instruments, scarves and singing to enhance children’s language proficiency. Songs and dancing combine to help children learn about rhythm and practice motor skills needed to improve their communication abilities. Scarves and musical instruments add to the fun. Classes regularly occur on Thursdays at 10am and 11am.

Summer in the late 1890’s in Derby could be enjoyed at Lake Housatonic Park located at the bottom of E Street close to where the Yale boathouse now stands. A beautiful

THE ARCHIVES . . .

Lake H�sat�ic P�k

pavilion, with balconies to stand on, provided views of the river and a place to catch a fresh breeze. The spacious dance floor could accommodate as many as 650 people. Those were the days!

ADULT SUMMER PROGRAMSConnecticut Crimes M. William Phelps is a best-selling author and investigative journalist. His topic is “Dangerous Ground: How Happy Face Killer Will Help Me to Identify Jane Doe.” Phelps will take you through the intense experience of working with true crimes and their eventual resolution. Learn how forensics and human psychology work together to trace murderers. Phelps has advised on the TV series DEXTER, among numerous other credits to his name.Flower Arranging Larry Huzi, an award-winning floral designer, will create for your instruction and enjoyment three arrangements of fresh flowers. Mr. Huzi has recently been awarded four top prizes at the Annual Flower and Garden Show of 2017, hosted by the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut. Join us to see his unique and exciting creations come to being.An Evening with the Gillettes “An Evening with the Gillettes” is being presented by Harold and Theodora Niver, entertaining performers who bring back a celebrated Connecticut actor and his wife — the owners of Gillette Castle. Learn some local history in a refreshing, lively session. Our Frances Kellogg was in the CFPA during the negotiations to buy the castle from the estate of the actor, famed for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Herbal Sleep Pillow Workshop The “Herbal Sleep Pillow Workshop” is being offered by Ehris Urban and Velya Jancz-Urban of the Grounded Goodwife. This mother-daughter duo combine herbal knowledge with a historical twist to their sessions. All attendees will leave with a small herbal pillow of their personal creation—to aid in restful, nightly sleep.

Daytime-- On Monday, July 16 at 12:30 p.m., the Women’s Forum will discuss two short stories -- “Ha’penny” and “The Waste Land” by Alan Paton of South Africa. Copies of the two are available by asking at the circulation desk. Join us for an informative and entertaining session. On Monday, August 20 at 12:30 p.m. the Women’s Forum will discuss two short stories of mystery—“The Blue Wash Mystery” by Anna K. Green and “The Dog and the Horse” by Voltaire. Feel free to bring a light lunch. We serve coffee and tea at each meeting.Evening-- On Monday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m., the Evening Book Club will meet to discuss “The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells. On Monday, August 27 at 6:30 p.m., the Evening Book Club will focus on “Dawn” by Elie Wiesel. The copy of each book for discussion is available at the library prior to the meeting night. Come join us for a stimulating, informative session while seated near our fireplace in the Reading Room.

New programs are added frequently, so check in the Library and our Website for the most up-to-date schedule.

Calendar of EventsJuly 2018July 2, 16, 23, 30 Pre-Threes classes for children 10:00 am July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Mommy & Me: Art Partners for children 11:00 amJuly 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Been There Done That classes for children 10:00 & 11:00 amJuly 5, 12, 19, 26 Music and Movement classes for children 10:00 & 11:00 amJuly 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Video Game Club (VGC) for Teens/Tweens 3:00–6:00 pmJuly 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Teen Film Club 4:00 pmJuly 11, 18, 25 DNL Big Backyard Gamers 3:00 pmJuly 1, 15 D&D Sundays for teens and adults 1:00–5:00 pmJuly 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Computer classes for adults 10:30–11:30 am July 9, 16, 23, 30 Computer classes for adults 6:00–7:00 pmJuly 11, 18, 25 Computer classes for adults 10:30–11:30 amJuly 7, 14, 21 Needlers Club for adults 1:00–4:00 pmJuly 28 & 29 Miniature Golf in the Library for all ages 1:00–5:00 pm

July 3 LIBRARY EARLY CLOSING 5:00 pmJuly 4 LIBRARY CLOSED (Independence Day)July 5 Dinner and a Movie for adults: Red Sparrow 5:30 pmJuly 9 Jennie’s Animals for kids 10:30 amJuly 11 Dog Safety with Mandy for kids 5:00 pmJuly 11 Connecticut Crimes 6:30 pmJuly 12 Rock n’ Roll Concert: From Elvis to Ed Sheeran 3:00 pmJuly 12 Birds of Prey program for children 6:30 pmJuly 13 Art Truck for children 10:00 & 11:00 amJuly 15 Phil Rosenthal Performance 2:00 pmJuly 16 Women’s Forum 12:30 pmJuly 18 Mr. Bungles Comedy for kids 4:20 pmJuly 19 Teen Silly and Strange Trivia 3:00 pmJuly 23 The Gillettes 6:00 pmJuly 24 Animal Embassy for kids 11:00 amJuly 24 Pixel Creations: A Crafting Event 3:00 pmJuly 30 I-Spy Teen Movie Night 5:00 pmJuly 30 Evening Book Club 6:30 pmJuly 31 Lionheart Puppets for kids 11:00 am

August 2018August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Music and Movement classes for children 10:00 & 11:00 amAugust 7, 14, 21, 28 Been There Done That classes for children 10:00 & 11:00 amAugust 20, 27 Pre-Threes classes for children 10:00 am August 1, 8, 15 DNL Big Backyard Gamers 3:00 pmAugust 20, 27 Mommy & Me: Art Partners for children 11:00 amAugust 7, 14, 21, 28 Video Game Club (VGC) for Teens/Tweens 3:00–6:00 pmAugust 7, 14, 21, 28 Teen Film Club 4:00 pmAugust 5, 19 D&D Sundays for teens and adults 1:00–5:00 pmAugust 4, 11, 18, 25 Needlers Club for adults 1:00–4:00 pmAugust 13, 20, 27 Computer classes for adults 6:00–7:00 pm August 14, 21, 28 Computer classes for adults 10:30–11:30 amAugust 15, 22, 29 Computer classes for adults 10:30–11:30 amAugust 18–26 Friends Annual Book Sale All open hours

August 2 Nadeau Farm Goats for kids 10:30 amAugust 2 Dinner and a Movie for Adults 5:30 pmAugust 4 Flower Arrangements 2:30 pmAugust 6 Art Truck for kids 10:00 & 11:00 amAugust 7 VGC Tournament for teens 3:00 pm August 9 Pixel Creations: A Crafting Event 3:00 pmAugust 13 JC Ponies for kids 10:00–11:30 amAugust 13 Teen 3D Puzzles 3:00 pmAugust 14 Herbal Pillows 6:30 pmAugust 15 Teen Summer Readathon DeadlineAugust 15 Children’s Summer Beach Party 3:30 pmAugust 16 Adult Summer Reading EndsAugust 16 Teen End of Summer Pizza Party 3:00 pmAugust 20 Women’s Forum 12:30 pm August 27 Evening Book Club 6:30 pm