Reader's Advisory Resource...

Looking for a great resource to help you find a good book or author to read? Check out "NoveList Reader's Advisory" on our "Reference Tools" page on our website. I was reminded of how useful this resource is the other day when I happened to be looking for a new series to recommend to a relative of mine who likes mysteries, but without the "racy" stuff. My first recourse was to a co-worker, since I thought that she might have read the particular author whom I had in mind, viz., Mary Higgins Clark. She said that she hadn't read anything by the author, so we both headed right for the "NoveList Reader's Advisory" website and found just what we were looking for. Under "Author Read-alikes" we searched the alphabetized list of authors for Mary Higgins Clark and then found this brief summary of Clark's style of writing:

"Consummate storyteller Clark, author of more than two dozen best-selling Suspense novels, writes fast-paced, intricately plotted, compelling stories of women and children in jeopardy, but told without the sex, violence, or vulgar language sometimes associated with the genre and more generally with best-selling fiction" --NoveList.

This was just what I needed so that I could comfortably recommend this author to my relative. She is now well on her way to a whole new series of titles to read.

Audiobooks on your MP3 player...

Christmas is just around the corner. Among the gifts that you might receive for the holiday will be an MP3 player, or a gift card to buy one. If you're looking for a free resource for downloading content to it, that is, besides music, we've got the answer: downloadable audiobooks. From here, you can download some of your favorite titles and listen to them while you're trying to live up to your New Year's resolutions, which might include exercising! New titles are being added every week, so check it out!

Join Us Tonight!

Wrap and Relax at the Library!
Stop in and sip mulled cider while listening to Christmas carols.
Wrap gifts away from prying eyes while you chat with friends!
Christmas cards you still haven't written? Join Heather and LeeAnn while they write their Christmas cards, wrap gifts and enjoy the Holiday Season!

Changes to our reference webpage

We've added some useful resources to our Reference Tools webpage. These links formerly lived on the now discontinued "Recommended Links" webpage of our website.

1. Test Prep Review– a free service of a nonprofit group of educators, providing practice test questions for students in a variety of career situations.
2. Best of the Internet– internet resources selected by the New Hampshire State Library.
3. NH Authors Searchable Database– contains information on over 1200 authors and illustrators who have called the Granite State their home. Writers who were born in New Hampshire, are current residents of New Hampshire, or who have spent a significant portion of their writing careers in New Hampshire, and who have at least one published book catalogued in a New Hampshire library have been included.
4. Bibliography Composer - WorksCited4U.com– automatically formats and alphabetizes bibliographic sources according MLA style standards.
5. Bookreporter.com– provides book reviews, interviews and excerpts on all the latest books as well as special features, polls, and contest about books, authors and reading.
6. ReadingGroupGuides.com– the first website built especially for reading groups, providing them with all they need to make their book club experience better than ever.
7. NH Newspapers Online– NH newspaper websites, listed by county.
8. NH Public Notices– searchable database of all public notices that run in the Union Leader, NH Sunday News and Nashua Telegraph.
9. FirstGov for Kids– kid-friendly, government-sponsored site, providing a framework for kids to explore the Internet; divided into educational subjects found in schools, the subjects are further divided into "Government, Organizations, Education, and Commercial," giving a full range of coverage of the various material.
10. KidsClick!– web search for kids by librarians.

If you have other useful links to suggest, let us know! Enjoy!

Santa is coming, are your kids?

Santa is coming to the Hooksett Library on Saturday! Are your kids registered to visit with Santa? Please join us and please register your child so Santa knows their name when he asks what they would like for Christmas this year. To register, please visit our homepage at www.hooksett.lib.nh.us

Friday Knitting Club

This Friday, our fearless knitting instructor will not be with us to provide knitting instruction. If you are looking for a cozy place to knit without instruction, please join us!

Wrapping Night at the Library!

• Special Gift Wrapping Party:
  • The library will be open for a special Friday night wrapping party on Friday, December 14th, from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Treat yourself to an evening out (away from the prying eyes of your family), when you can wrap presents, work on handmade gifts, trade craft ideas, or just sit down and write your holiday cards without interruptions. Bring your own cards, gift wrap, and craft supplies. We’ll supply scissors, tape, and room to spread out, as well as hot cider, holiday treats, and music of the season. Please register by phone (485.6092/email/in person).

Santa is coming to the library!

• Children's Annual Christmas Party:
  • On Saturday, December 8th, Santa's coming to town at the Hooksett Public Library! Join us for the fun and festivities, including refreshments supplied by the Friends of the Library. This year's theme is "Let it Snow". Festivities start at 9:30am. Registration is required so that we can better anticipate the size of the group. For more info and/or to register, call us at 485-6092, or email us. You can also register online here.

Where ya been?

The library wishes to apologize for the long absence from our blog space. We will now be updating the blog a minimum of three times a week and hopefully everday. Thank you for sticking with us.
Heather Shumway
Hooksett Public Library Director

Life on the Shelf_20070923

If you happen to visit the library during the last week in September, you will notice something very remarkable. No, it won’t be the fact that people are reading, browsing the collections, or checking out books. Rather, you will notice that one of our book displays is adorned with strips of yellow barricade police tape which says something to the effect of “police line, do not cross.” The reason for this remarkable adornment is to call attention to the actual books on display. The Harry Potter series, Of Mice and Men, The Giver, The Catcher in the Rye, The Lord of the Flies and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are just a few that you’ll find there. These represent just a fraction of the books whose content has been formally challenged by special interest groups who deem the content unacceptable for public consumption and therefore think that such material should be banned.
In setting up this display during the last week of every September, a period referred to in the library world as “Banned Books Week,” we join a host of libraries throughout the country to raise awareness about the constant challenges to intellectual freedom. The celebrated children’s author, Judy Blume, says it best when she writes about the adverse consequences of such challenges: “[I]t's not just the books under fire now that worry me. It is the books that will never be written. The books that will never be read. And all due to the fear of censorship. As always, young readers will be the real losers.” So, join the rest of the country in celebrating intellectual freedom by reading a “banned” book.

Life on the Shelf_20070910

We had a very respectable turnout for our first-ever, themed book discussion, co-sponsored by the NH Humanities Council! Including the facilitator, we had 15 participants, 2 of whom traveled all the way from the New London/Sunapee area, and yet another from Bedford. In fact, interest generated from the selected title extended even to others who read the book, but did not actually participate in the evening’s discussion. And this was more than we could have hoped for. The book under discussion was "Amoskeag: Life and Work in an American Factory-City." It was a very novel treatment of a foundational era in Manchester’s history, blending both oral and non-oral accounts into a rich tapestry of history. In addition to being treated to the fascinating insights of the discussion facilitator, Prof. Don Sieker, we were also treated to the first-hand testimony of one of the discussion participants whose father was employed at the Amoskeag mills as a loom machinist before they closed in the mid 30s. Our hope is that next month’s read, The Kinship, by Ernest Hebert, will generate similar interest. Visit our website to learn more about the discussion series and how you can participate.

September Feature Film: Unaccompanied Minors

Wilmer Valderrama, Brett Kelly, Tyler J. Williams
Warner Bros.; Directed by Paul Feig
Rated PG; 95 minutes; 2006

“It’s the holiday season and a huge blizzard has shut down the Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Five unaccompanied minors are determined to have their own holiday fun running wild inside the terminal, joyriding on golf carts and plummeting through baggage chutes all while outwitting and outrunning an uptight airport official and his gullible assistant.”
Copyright 2006 Swank Motion Pictures, Inc.

Join us on September 4th at 6:30pm in the Hebert Media room at the Hooksett Library to watch the movie. Both movie and popcorn are free!

Reading Road Trip: USA, with Simon Brooks as driver

On Thursday, August 16th at 6:00pm, storyteller Simon Brooks will lead listeners on a trip through the USA, using folk, faerie, historical, and tall tales as methods of transport! We might find out how stories first came to Turtle Island, or where a dead man’s handprint refuses to be removed in PA, as we follow tales across the American Continent. These rich, sometimes scary, sometimes humorous, always fun and exciting tales draw from the different cultures found in America. With Native American tales from time immemorial, to stories in the near past, Simon will also take you through time. Funny fables, historical hauntings, and tales so tall you cannot see the top, can all be found in Simon’s retellings as he takes you on Reading Road Trip USA. Materials given away will include a small map of the USA and story sources, stating where each tale geographically comes from. The storytelling lasts between 40-60 minutes. The program is best suited for those aged 5 and up, but suitable for the whole family. Registration is not required. Contact us at 485-6092 or at hplbooks@hooksett.lib.nh.us for more info. This event is sponsored by the Hooksett Kiwanis.

Fall Book Discussion Series

This Fall the Hooksett Library will host a four-part book discussion series under the title of "New Hampshire Voices." Thanks to a grant from the NH Humanities Council, visiting scholars have been engaged to present and facilitate discussions on pre-selected titles authored by NH authors and related to NH history. The schedule is as follows:

• Sep 6, Thurs, 6:30pm - Amoskeag: Life and Work in an American Factory City by Tamara Hareven & Randolph Langenbach.
• Oct 4, Thurs, 6:30pm - The Kinship by Ernest Hebert.
• Nov 1, Thurs, 6:30pm - Peyton Place by Grace Metalious.
• Dec 6, Thurs, 6:30 pm - Journal of a Solitude, by May Sarton.

Books will be provided. Stop by or call us at 485-6092 to reserve your book, or just email us by clicking here.

August 7th Feature Film: The Last Mimzy

The Last Mimzy (Joely Richardson, Timothy Hutton, Michael Clarke Duncan New Line Cinema; Directed by Robert Shaye Rated PG; 90 minutes; 2007): "Two ordinary siblings begin to develop extraordinary talents after they find a mysterious box of toys. The pair is soon learning from a stuffed rabbit named Mimzy who teaches them everything from science to levitation. Soon the kids, their parents and even their teacher are drawn into a strange and sometimes terrifying world." Showtime: 6:30pm. Free admission and free popcorn!

Bicycling Equipment/Memorabilia Collection

On your next visit to the library, have a look at Todd Rainier's display of his bicycling equipment and memorabilia, currently housed in our front foyer and especially timed to coincide with this month's annual Tour de France event.

Summer Rdg Program: Water Safety Night

Please join us on

Tuesday, July 10th at 7:00pm

for an informative evening on the subject of water safety, presented by Suzanne Fournier, a certified lifeguard and swim instructor. An interactive presentation, with video and discussion. Registration is not required.

Library Closed for 4th of July Holiday

The Hooksett Library will be closed on July 4th in observance of the holiday. We will resume our regular hours on Thursday, July 5th.

Happy 4th!

Summer Reading Program (Grades 1-5)

Buckle up and get ready to go! We start the Reading Road Trip USA summer reading program on Monday, July 9! There are many activities to take part in, but remember to register by visiting the front desk at the library, calling us at 485-6092, or emailing us at vdesh@hooksett.lib.nh.us:

• WEEKLY CONTEST: GUESS THE NATIONAL PARK!
• FAMILY PROJECT: CREATE A FUTURISTIC CAR OR VEHICLE!
• Visit any of the 83 participating Libraries to get your PASSPORT stamped, and we’ll see who can visit the most libraries this summer! Visit the library to get your copy of the list.
• Send postcards to the library when you go on vacation - let us know what you are reading while on vacation!
• Take pictures of your “Traveling Teddy” or your “Buster Bookworm” while on vacation and bring your pictures in to display at the library!!
• And don’t forget to READ, READ, READ!!!

WEEK 1- July 9th, 10th, and 11th

We welcome Travelers this week to make a car or vehicle to keep track of their summer reading. Make a Travel Journal and a “Buster Bookworm” to take on vacation with you! Start recording your time spent reading on a SRP Book Chart.

WEEK 2- TRANSPORTATION WEEK

• July 16th - Make some EXTREME airplanes.
• July 17th - Create some VANITY PLATES to decorate your bike or scooter.
• July 18th - Learn “Hobo Sign Language”. Come in dressed as a HOBO. Also, come in for some Harry Potter fun, dressed as your favorite character (between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM).

WEEK 3- TRAVEL ACROSS THE US

• July 23rd - Make a Hawaiian Lei.
• July 24th - We’re making some Travel Bugs today!
• July 25th - We’re making some Southwest Bracelets (A.M. session) and some Headbands (P.M. session).
• All week we’ll be finding out what our names mean!

WEEK 4- TRAVEL BACK THROUGH TIME

• July 30th - We’ll make and play STRING GAMES tonight!
• July 31st - Let’s make Butter this am.
• August 1st - Working in the garden - plant seeds (A.M. session), decorate the garden (P.M. session).

WEEK 5- TRAVEL WITH A BANG

• August 6th - The world fair night!
• August 7th - Paper fire-cracker!
• August 8th - A.M.: Charades; P.M.: Talent Show.

WEEK 6- TRAVEL GAMES

• August 13th - Travel games.
• August 14th - Travel games.
• August 15th - Travel games.
• August 16th - Awards night with storyteller, Simon Brooks.

SEND US SOME POSTCARDS!!!

Are you going on vacation soon?
Wherever you may go, please send us a postcard! We would like to decorate for the Summer Reading Program and your postcards will help! Just let us know what books you are reading during your vacation!
Send them to:

Hooksett Public Library

1701 B Hooksett Rd

Hooksett, NH. 03106

Thanks so much, and enjoy your vacation!!

YA and TEEN Summer Reading Activities

YA/Teen Summer Reading Activities

Target age group: junior high and high school. Registration is not required. For more info, contact Vickie at 485-6092 or at vdesh@hooksett.lib.nh.us.

Wed, July 11, 6:30pm – Duct tape crafts
Mon, July 16, 6:30pm – Play Station 2 game night
Wed, July 25, 6:30pm – Movie night
Mon, July 30, 6:30pm – Board game night
Wed, August 8, 6:30pm – Bead crafts
Fri, August 17, 6:30pm – Party

==================================

YA/Teen Book Discussion Group

Target age group: junior high and high school. For more info, contact Vickie at 485-6092 or at vdesh@hooksett.lib.nh.us.

Tues, July 17, 6:30pm – Uglies by Scott Westerfield
Tues, July 31, 6:30pm – Pretties by Scott Westerfield
Tues, August 21, 6:30pm – Specials by Scott Westerfield

Majestic Theatre Production: "Through the Looking Glass"

On July 31st at 2:00pm, "...take a wildly entertaining trip through Alice's looking glass to the beat of a hip-hopping soundtrack by Bill Francoeur. This silly adaption of Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass depicts the coming-of-age story with fun twists which music audiences of all ages will adore. The lively stage action, zany dialogue and eclectic mix of toe-tapping tunes will have you grinning like a Cheshire cat!" This event, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, starts at 2:00pm at the Hooksett Library and lasts about an hour. Registration is required, but admission is free. Contact us at 485-6092 or at hplbooks@hooksett.lib.nh.us.

Bridge to Terabithia Movie

Join us on July 3rd at 6:30pm to watch the movie Bridge to Terabithia and enjoy some free popcorn!

Hooksett Library Book and Bake Sale

Mark your calendars! We have scheduled our annual book and bake sale for October 27th, from 9-3pm. If you have any books, movies, music, and audiobooks that you would like to donate between now and the time of our sale, and they are in sellable condition, please drop them off during our open hours. If you have any questions, call us at 485-6092 or email us at mglisson@hooksett.lib.nh.us.

Hooksett Library Concert Series

Summer Marketplace Fair

Great Stone Face 2007 Winner!

Thanks to all who voted for the 2007 Great Stone Face nominees!! This year's winner is The Ghost's Grave with 477 votes out of 6031 total votes!

Memorial Day Holiday

The Hooksett Library will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 28th. We will resume our regular hours on Tuesday.

Edible Book Festival May 5th, 2007

Summer Reading Programs Planned

The Hooksett Library has two special programs planned for this summer:
Thursday, June 28th, 4:30 pm: Judy Pancoast, Singer/Performer

"Award-winning entertainer Judy Pancoast is an acclaimed children’s musical artist, hailed by parents as “filling the void between Barney and Britney.” Pancoast, who has made her mark composing age-appropriate songs for children, stands apart in a music industry that tends to serve up explicit songs to ever younger audiences. Judy Pancoast offers highly energetic concerts of original music. Entitled, Judy's Tune Room, the concerts are age-appropriate and self-contained."
"Her award-winning music and high-energy performance will delight audiences young and old."
The Manchester Union Leader

Thursday, August 16th, 6:00 pm: Simon Brooks, Storyteller

"Simon Brooks performs tales with energy and wit. Telling folktales, myths and legends from all over the world, he brings characters like Ananzi the Spider, the trickster Raven, Wayland Smith, Merlin and Dionysus vividly to life. From the world of stories Simon captivates his audience with unique voices to animate characters and with expressive body language, he truly brings the stories to life."

LIBRARY DISPLAY CELEBRATES HISTORY

In recognition of National Preservation Month and Hooksett Heritage Day on May 19, the Robie’s Country Store Historic Preservation Corp. and the Hooksett Heritage Commission have set up a display in the Hooksett Library’s front foyer with photos and artifacts of Hooksett’s past. Photos include a gathering at Indian Cliff in the 1947, K&D Texaco on 3A, and the scooter dealership in South Hooksett. Historical artifacts borrowed from the collection at Robie’s Store include cast iron toys, an egg grader, and kitchen tools, all of which have interesting stories to tell. Stop by during the month of May.

Guitar Hero Night 4/25/07

School Vacation Activities!!

Looking for something fun to do during your April school vacation? Stop by the Hooksett Library - we have a week packed with fun programs for all ages!

Mon. Apr. 23rd, 2:00pm: Build a Birdhouse!
7:00pm: Hooksett Goes to War!
Tues. Apr. 24th, 6:30pm: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie and activities!
Weds. Apr. 25th, 2:00pm: Movie, "Charlotte's Web"
5:00pm: Guitar Hero II Game Night!
Thurs. Apr. 26th, 1:00pm: Magic Rock Puppet Show
Fri. Apr. 27th, 2:00pm: Movie, Eragon

More details on all these events can be found on our web site at http://www.hooksett.lib.nh.us/events.htm.

Hooksett Public Library Coffee House

Join us on Friday, Apr. 20th at 7:00 pm for our next Library Coffee House! The evening will start off with musical group, Cold Stream. All music types welcome. Fun for all ages! Coffee and goodies will be provided! A sound system will be available for performers.

Hooksett Goes To War!

Hooksett Public Library

presents:

Hooksett Goes To War!

Monday April 23rd

7:00 pm

Hebert Media Room

This film is the result of an Oral History Project conducted by the Hooksett Heritage Commission, featuring older residents of Hooksett relating their experiences during World War II. Hear stories about life as a WWII soldier including a man who was in the Bataan Death March and became a POW for the rest of the war, and a man whose ship was torpedoed and sunk. Learn about what life was like back home during the war: the rationing, the air raid wardens, and the worry, the help which neighbors provided each other and the celebrations when the war finally ended. Come hear the stories of our Greatest Generation as they lived through the country's greatest war!

Edible Book Festival at the Library

Inspired by what is known as the "International Edible Book Festival," the Hooksett Library will host its own Edible Book Festival as part of its annual Open House celebration on Saturday, May 5. Individuals or groups are cordially invited to participate by submitting their own edible book creations. All edible books must be "bookish" through the integration of text (for example: "20,000 Leeks Under the Sea," "Spamalot," "Don Quicheote," or "Booklava."), literary inspiration and/or simply the shape, and finally, must be family-friendly. Participants are asked to register by April 28th and may enter up to three submissions. The participants will be divided into three categories: youth, adults (18 and older), and groups such as businesses or schools. Gold, silver, and bronze awards will be given to the top three entries in each category. The general public in attendance will fulfill the role of judges. Event Schedule: setup from 9-10:30, judging from 10:30-12, presentation of awards from 12:15-12:30, and then eating the goods after the awards. To register or make further inquiries, contact us at 485-6092. Admission is free. For samples of edible books, click here.

Teen Read Awards!

Teens - Read a good book lately? Are you aware of the two book award programs aimed at teen readers just like you? The Isinglass Teen Read Award is aimed at 7th and 8th grade readers; The Flume: NH Teen Reader's Choice Award is geared toward readers in grades 9-12.

Now's the time to let your voice be heard - vote for your favorite books at the Hooksett Library or on our Teen Read Awards page! The polls close in a few weeks, so stop by soon! More information is available on our web site:

http://www.hooksett.lib.nh.us/awards.htm

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Reserve your copy at the library today! Available July 21st in print and on audio-CD.

eBay @ Your Library!

The Hooksett Public Library
presents:
eBay Buying and Selling Seminar!

Tuesday, Mar. 27th, 6:00 - 8:00pm

Learn the "ins and outs" of the wonderful world of eBay directly from an eBay certified instructor! When buying or selling, there are shortcuts, tricks and tips that will help you find the right product, see what items are selling (or NOT!) and learn the best way to win your auction. Let's talk eBay!

Please preregister by calling the library at 485-6092

or emailing hplbooks@hooksett.lib.nh.us

Women's Expo / Ladies Night at the Hooksett Library!

Ladies! Call your girlfriends and get ready to join us for an evening all about you!

Ladies Night at the Hooksett Library!

Saturday, March 24th

6:00 - 9:00pm

Did you enjoy the Women’s Expo at Manchester? Didn’t make it there but really wanted to? Well, join us for our own mini expo here at the library! We will have an arrangement of area businesses and organizations for women by women. Refreshments will be served, including sparkling cider and chocolate! So, call your girlfriends and come on out for a great evening! Oh, and did we mention it was free?

New Children's Room Computers and Games!

Stop by the Hooksett Library's children's room and take a look at our new computers! We've replaced the tired old computers with three fast new machines running Windows XP, and changed the collection of games available for kids to enjoy. We now have over 60 games installed on these computers, with the majority being donated games that are new to the library. Come in, check out a computer and have some fun!

Snow closing

The Hooksett Library is closing today (Mar. 2nd) due to the snow storm. We expect to resume our regular hours starting tomorrow.

Library Newsletter

The Hooksett Library's monthly print newsletters are now also available online! Save a tree, read the library news on the 'net! Just click the link above.

Hooksett Public Library Coffee House

Join us on Friday, Feb. 16th at 7:00 pm for our next Library Coffee House! The evening will start off with musical group, Cold Stream. All music types welcome. Fun for all ages! Coffee and goodies will be provided! A sound system will be available for performers.

The World of Reptiles at the Hooksett Library

Often feared and misunderstood, reptiles are among the most incredible and fascinating animals on the planet. Through demonstrations, discussion, and group participation, this program will allow your children an up-close look at turtles and snakes in a safe and respectful environment.

Group size is limited to 25 participants, so pre-registration is required. If there is enough interest we can book a second session after this one. This program is intended for children in grades 1-4.

For more information or to register, stop by the circulation desk at the library, call us at 485-6092 or email us at hplbooks@hooksett.lib.nh.us.

Over the Hedge

Join us on Tuesday, Feb. 6th at 6:30pm as the Hooksett Library presents our February Feature Film, "Over the Hedge". This is a movie that the whole family will enjoy, and to make it even more fun, there's free popcorn!

Hooksett Public Library Coffee House

Join us on Friday, Jan. 19th at 7:00 pm for our next Library Coffee House! The evening will start off with musical group, Cold Stream. All music types welcome. Fun for all ages! Coffee and goodies will be provided! A sound system will be available for performers.

Saturday "Crop 'til you Drop" Scrapbooking Program

January 27th, 2007
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hooksett Public Library

It’s your time to relax after the hustle and bustle of the Holidays!
Come and spend a delightful day with friends at the Hooksett Public Library. Bring your projects and supplies and get caught up on your pages. Here’s your time to enjoy the quiet and work on your scrapbooking or craft projects. This is your time to enjoy, relax and play!
Please pre-register at the library to reserve your spot no later than January 20th. Any questions please contact Tammy Hooker at 485-3526 or tammyjh84@hotmail.com. To register, call the library at 485-6092 or email hplbooks@hooksett.lib.nh.us.

Hooksett Public Library
1701B Hooksett Rd.
Hooksett, NH 03106
(603) 485-6092
http://www.hooksett.lib.nh.us
hplbooks@hooksett.lib.nh.us