The Nashua Public Library Board of Trustees has appointed Jennifer Hinderer director of the library. The Nashua Public Library staff is pleased to welcome her aboard.

Jennifer, who started in the position on January 25, was previously director of the Tewksbury Public Library in Massachusetts. During her 17 years in the library profession, she has served as assistant director and reference librarian at the Amesbury (Mass.) Public Library, and has worked at the Exeter Academy and Seabrook Libraries.

"I am very excited about the prospect of directing a library in New Hampshire," she says," and the opportunity to be part of the library profession in my home state."

Jennifer is convinced that outreach and cooperation are essential to maximizing a library's effectiveness in the community. A member of Rotary International, she was the president of the Tewksbury, Mass., chapter. She also served as vice president of the executive board of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium.

Jennifer received her master's degree in library and information science from Simmons College and a bachelor's degree in history from the University of New Hampshire. She replaces Joseph Dionne, who retired in June.

Feel free to stop by the administration office, downstairs across from the elevator, to talk to Jennifer about any library matter.

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This blog entry is meant to extol the joys of journaling and diary writing. In gathering materials to extol, I read about journaling as a stress management and self-exploration tool. Julia Cameron also does some extolling in her well-known book, The Artist’s Way. In this book she instructs the reader to write 3 pages a day! – Longhand. I did this. It was wonderful.

One of the advantages to journaling is to write down your thoughts without worrying that a third party will read them. Although, we here at the Nashua Public Library have plenty of diaries which you, as a third party, could read - like Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl, Anais Nin (probably on the steamier side), or Jack Kerouac.

The Nashua Public Library we have plenty of biographies about people – but their diaries offer a different look at them. I hated Tropic of Cancer, Henry Miller’s memoir/diary/with some fiction embellishments. What a different style, voice, world view and set of priorities from Andy Warhol’s diaries!

There are also plenty of fiction diaries as well, like Youth in Revolt, The Lost Diary of Don Juan, or Diary of a Bad Year.

If writing in a journal doesn't grab you, perhaps reading someone else's journal will!

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Yes, I know the Olympics are still a few weeks away. I'm talking about the gold medal in young adult literature also referred to as the Printz Award. This award created to honor Michael L. Printz, a school media specialist from the mid-west, celebrates the cream of the crop of books written for teens in the previous year. Think the Newbery Award but for older readers.

This year's committee of nine librarians selected Going Bovine by Libba Bray. This title is a departure from her previous historical/magical books you may be more familiar with (A Great and Terrible Beauty, Rebel Angels, and A Sweet Far Thing). This story will instead take you on a twisted road trip with a sixteen year old diagnosed with mad cow disease. While elements of the supernatural realm may appear, you will not be led on any Victorian adventures by curious and determined teenage girls.

You can learn more about previous winners as well as honorable mentions at the award's page on YALSA's website (Young Adult Library Services division of the American Library Association).

Categories: Awards
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If you have been through the cleaning aisle of the store recently, you have probably noticed a lot of products that advertise themselves as "natural," "green," or "free and clear." Many people are becoming more concerned about the chemicals they are using for basic household tasks, from cleaning the counters to washing the clothes. If you are interested in learning about the makeup of some household products, take a look at the Household Products Database. You can find the product and manufacturing information, health effects, handling and disposal information, and ingredients. Much of this information is available on the product label, but if you use the database, you can click on links to other sites to learn additional information. The database is maintained by the US Department of Health and Human Services, and includes a wide range of products, from antifreeze to glitter to toner. You can search for a product or manufacturer or browse the various categories.

I found this website on a list of the top 100 health you can trust, courtesy of CAPHIS, the Consumer and Patient Health Information Section of the Medical Library Association. To see the other sites, click here.

Categories: Websites
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The phrase certain as death and taxes was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1789 and has been repeated ever since, the government's recurring need for revenue probably assuring its continued popularity. January once again kicks off the tax season, and April 15, the deadline for individuals and businesses to send in their year-end tax forms is, as always, approaching more rapidly than we care to think. Here at the library we have tax forms, books about taxes and even tax assistance to help you respond to the challenge.

On our library's top floor in front of the reference desk, you will find a display containing the library's supply of tax forms. Feel free to help yourself to whatever you may need. If you require a form that is not in this display you can download tax forms for free from www.irs.gov or you can stop at the reference desk and ask us to print it for you. The library does charge $.10 per page to print.

AARP volunteers will once again provide tax assistance here at the library in the Music/ART/Media wing beginning February 1. They will be here on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10AM to 7PM and on Fridays from 10AM to 2PM. It will be first-come, first-serve; one cannot make an appointment. Another option is to call the local IRS office at (603) 594-8370 or stop by at 410 Amherst Street.

The website About.com: Tax Planning: U.S. contains information about changes for the tax year 2009. In addition you can find a good deal of information on tax planning, how to lower your taxes and how to file your taxes. About.com is part of The New York Times Company.

Some of the tax books at NPL you may wish to take a look at are:

J.K. Lasser's your income tax.

J.K. Lasser's new tax law simplified 2010: tax relief from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and more by Barbara Weltman.

J.K. Lasser's 1001 deductions and tax breaks: your complete guide to everything deductible by Barbara Weltman.

J.K. Lasser's new rules for estate and tax planning by Stewart H. Welch, Harold Apolinsky, Craig Stephens.

Lower your taxes-big time!: wealth-building, tax reduction secrets from an IRS insider by Sandy Botkin.

Stand up to the IRS by Frederick W. Daily.

Every landlord's tax deduction guide by Stephen Fishman.

As Herman Wouk once said, The only imaginative fiction being written today is income tax returns.

Categories: Library Services
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Do you do needlecrafts yourself or have a friend who does? If you do, you may have just finished making Holiday presents and be ready to do something completely different or something for yourself. If you have looked at our needlecrafts section in the library you know that it is chock-a-block with books from top to bottom. Craft books are so popular it's hard to decide to get rid of them. This makes it difficult to see what's new. We have a new arrivals area in the library where you can go to see the new books bought in the last six months but if you are like me, the craft books you like are always out so you don't get to see what's new. This is a list of all the needlecraft books we bought in 2009. I hope you'll see something here that you wouldn't have otherwise known about. Tell a needleworker friend!!

746.434 R Rimoli, Ana Paula
Amigurumi world : seriously cute crochet /
746.432 S Singh, Hansi.
Amigurumi knits : patterns for 20 cute mini knits /
746.432 A A., Cookie.
Sock innovation : knitting techniques & patterns for one-of-a-kind socks /
746.432 E Epstein, Nicky.
Knitting in Tuscany : fabulous design, luscious yarns, shopping secrets,
food & wine, travel notes /
746.432 K Knight, Erika.
Men's knits : 20 new classics /
746.432 K Knight, Erika.
Natural nursery knits : twenty hand-knit projects for the new baby /
746 R Rankin, Chris.
Scrap crafts year round : more than 70 projects to make
with less than a yard of fabric /
746.432 A Anfinnsen, Trond.
Hat heads : 1 man + 2 knitting needles = 50 fun hat designs /
746.432 N 99 Yarns and Counting More Designs from the Green Mountain Spinnery.
746.6 K Karol, Amy.
Bend the rules with fabric : fun sewing projects with stencils, stamps, dye,
photo transfers, silk screening, and more /
746.46 W Wells, Jean.
Intuitive color & design :adventures in art quilting
746.74 B Beatty, Alice, 1902-
The hook book /
746 F ffrench, Crispina.
The sweater chop shop : sewing one-of-a-kind creations from recycled sweaters/
746.46 L Linsley, Leslie.
Leslie Linsley's new weekend quilts : 25 quick and easy
quilting projects you can complete in a weekend /
746.432 E Epstein, Nicky.
Knitting in Tuscany : fabulous design, luscious yarns,
shopping secrets, food & wine, travel notes /
746.432 P Pearl-McPhee, Stephanie.
Yarn harlot : the secret life of a knitter /
746.46 L Lodge, Diana.
Quilting : over 20 classic step-by-step projects /
746 R Reid, James W.
Textile masterpieces of ancient Peru : with 77 illustrations in full color /
746.434 L Leinhauser, Jean.
All about crochet : a dictionary of crochet stitches and techniques /
746.432 H Houck, Amy O'neill.
Knits for bears to wear : more than 20 fun, knit-to-fit fashions
for all teddies and toys including 18-inch dolls /
746.46 E Ehrlich, Laura.
The complete idiot's guide to quilting /
746.46 P Pellman, Rachel T. (Rachel Thomas)
Tips for quilters /
746.1 K King, Amy, 1973-
Spin control : techniques for spinning the yarn you want /
746.92 R Reed, Paula.
Style clinic : how to look fabulous all the time, at any age, for any occasion /
746.432 M Murphy, Nora.
Knitting the threads of time : casting back to the heart of our craft /
746.92 M Mizrahi, Isaac.
How to have style /
746.95 H Haly, Matthew.
Matthew Haly's book of upholstery : projects, tips, tricks, and techniques /
746.43 D Doherty, Elisabeth A., 1980-
Amigurumi! : super happy crochet cute /
746.74 L Linsley, Leslie.
Hooked rugs : an American folk art : with patterns for ten rugs to make /
746.46 Q
Quilting for beginners.
746.432 R Robinson, Debby.
The encyclopedia of knitting techniques /
746 P Plucknett, Jenny.
Step-by-step. Decorative details /
746.432 H Habit, Franklin, 1971-
It itches : [a stash of knitting cartoons] /
746.432 T Taylor, Rita.
Knitting : 200 Q & A : questions answered on everything from casting on to decorative effects /
746.432 L
Luxury yarn one-skein wonders : 101 small indulgences /
746.432 C Carr, Toni.
Knock down knits : 30 projects from the roller derby track /
746.432 B Bristow, Janet.
The prayer shawl companion : 38 knitted designs to embrace, inspire, & celebrate life /
746.432 P Pearl-McPhee, Stephanie.
Free-range knitter : the yarn harlot writes again /
746.432 Q Queen, Nancy.
The Chicks with Sticks guide to knitting : learn to knit with more than thirty cool, easy patterns /
746.434 Q Queen, Nancy.
The chicks with sticks' guide to crochet : learn to crochet with more than thirty cool, easy patterns /
746.0463 H Harris, Gillian.
Complete feltmaking : easy techniques and 25 great projects /
746.44 R Ray, Aimée, 1976-
Doodle-stitching : fresh & fun embroidery for beginners /
746.0463 S Searle, Teresa.
Heartfelt : 25 projects for stitched and felted accessories /
746.432 E Epstein, Nicky.
Nicky Epstein's signature scarves : dazzling designs to knit.
746.432 E Emborsky, Drew.
The crochet dude's designs for guys : 30 projects men will love /
746.0463 S Searle, Teresa.
Felt jewelry : 25 pieces to make using a variety of simple felting techniques /
746.0463 C Collings, Julie.
Pretty little felts : mixed-media crafts to tickle your fancy /
746.432 J Johnson, Wendy D.
Socks from the toe up : essential techniques and patterns from Wendy Knits /
746.432 C Chau, Laura.
Sock knitting /
746.432 Z Zimmermann, Elizabeth, 1910-1999.
The opinionated knitter : Elizabeth Zimmermann newsletters 1958-1968 /
746.0463 D Davis, Jane, 1959-
Felting : the complete guide /
746.4 R Ryan, Jenny, 1973-
Sew darn cute : 30 sweet & simple projects to sew & embellish /
746.46 B Briscoe, Susan.
200 quilting tips, techniques & trade secrets /

Categories: Books

As a kid I fondly recall going to sleep at night to strains of Stravinsky drifting up from the living room. My dad loved classical music, but when New Year’s Eve came around it was Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians who brought us into the New Year with their legendary, clarinet-laden rendition of Auld Lang Syne. In fact when they could, my dad and mom would celebrate their wedding anniversary with a weekend at New York's Roosevelt Hotel, where Guy had a longstanding gig.

Big band, and especially Swing music, dominated the American music scene from the 1930’s and into the 50’s. Band leaders like Count Basie, Les Brown, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Fletcher Henderson, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, and Paul Whiteman are American music legends. Their music is still popular and you’ll find many of their original recordings in the Nashua Public Library’s extensive CD collection of big band music.

While the Swing Era itself has long past, Big Band music as a subgenre of Jazz lives on. Today’s Big Bands perform both the standards from by-gone days as well as some new and exciting arrangements.

The 20-piece Compaq Big Band (formerly the DECbigband) is locally well-known. They’ve performed at the Nashua Public Library several times and appear throughout New England and beyond. They are best heard live, and you can find future performances and signup for their mailing list online.

Here are some more wonderful bands and recordings you might give a listen to:

Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society is decidedly modern. Check out their Infernal Machines recording.

Carla Bley is an exciting jazz composer and arranger. Listen to Carla and Her Remarkable Big Band's Appearing Nightly CD.

The Phil Collins Big Band was the pop musician's venture into realm of big band and swing. The CD is called A Hot Night in Paris and it's quite entertaining. Thank you, Phil.

Harry Connick Jr., one of today's most popular standards vocalists, appears with his Big Band on a couple of CDs you can borrow.

Bob Curnow, a veteran of Stan Kenton's Orchestra recorded the phenomenal CD The Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays with his L.A. Big Band. First Circle is a particularly beautiful piece from that recording.

Eternal Licks & Grooves by The Bob Florence Limited Edition showcases top players in big band arrangements by veteran jazz composer Bob Florence.

Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band features original arrangements and some extremely talented solo performers including trumpeter Wayne Bergeron. Check out The Phat Pack recording.

Bassist Dave Holland extends his music with a big band sound in What Goes Around by The Dave Holland Big Band.

Once More - With Feeling by Doc Severinsen & the Tonight Show Band with guest performers Wynton Marsalis and Tony Bennett will take you back a few years.

Finally, try some fresh, "out of this world" arrangements by the The Jim Widner Big Band on their Out of this World CD.

As for Guy, we have a few selections on several CDs, but alas, the CD containing Auld Lang Syne is checked out this New Year's Eve.

Happy New Year!

Categories: Music, Art & Media
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Another New Year, another resolution. Or maybe, another New Year, the same old resolution. 2009 was not an easy year. Life changed for many people - not necessarily in a good way. Maybe it's time to make that old resolution for the last time and take a giant positive step forward.

I was curious, so I did an online search for popular 2009 resolutions. I got some surprising information. The US government, at their website USA.gov, has a section listing the most popular New Year's resolutions. In addition to the ever popular lose weight, get fit, stop smoking or drinking resolutions, there are some very timely, possibly life changing, resolutions. One of these resolutions involves managing debt. If you select this item, it links to information from the Federal Trade Commission which includes self-help suggestions for debt management. If you also resolve to save money while managing your debt, there is a pamphlet which can be ordered or downloaded and printed titled 66 ways to save money You will also find a test to take which will show you whether or not you need the help of the 66 ways to save money.

Other resolutions which could create good changes are about getting a better job and getting a better education. Both of these link to sites which will provide a good start. If you use this information well, find a better job or get a start on more education, there is another resolution which might prove of interest - take a trip! One of the nice things about these web pages is that you can sign up using your email address to be notified automatically whenever these pages are updated.

Did you think that people were ignoring the usual resolutions? Not at all. Right up there in the top ten were lose weight, get fit, stop smoking and drink less alcohol! All of this information is available in Spanish as well as in English. One of the best resolutions to make this list was volunteer to help others. This links to a website called serve.gov where you can search for volunteer opportunities by interests and locations.

Remember, it's your government and your tax dollars. Make use of everything that the federal government offers to help you improve your life! Have a happy and productive New Year!

Categories: Websites
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Teens in grades 6-12 here's your chance to give back to your community during this holiday season. All you have to do is give the gift of your time.

This coming Saturday, December 19th, the Nashua Public Library's Teen Advisory Groups (TAG) will be hosting a Read-a-Thon from 12-4pm in the Music/Art/Media wing. Every minute read will raise $.10. TAG members will purchase teen books for the Nashua Police Athletic League (PAL) after-school program's library with the funds raised.

Teens are invited to come for the full 4 hours or to stop by for just 30 minutes, it's up to you. We will have goodies from Panera Bread and tons of comfy seating for you and your friends.

As far as what to read, anything counts...books (fiction, non-fiction, graphic novel), newspapers, magazines, strategy guides, etc.

Want to go one step further? Check out these volunteer resources:
Websites:
Volunteer Match
Corporation for National and Community Service
Humane Society for Greater Nashua
Volunteer NH

Books @ our library:
Chicken soup for the volunteer's soul : stories to celebrate the spirit of courage, caring and community edited by Jack Canfield ... [et al.]

Get involved! : a girl's guide to volunteering by Erin M. Hovanec

Taking time off : inspiring stories of students who enjoyed successful breaks from college and how you can plan your own by Colin Hall and Ron Lieber

Volunteer vacations : short-term adventures that will benefit you and others by Bill McMillon

Categories: Teen Services
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I recently finished reading “The Lost Symbol”, the newest book by Dan Brown. I liked it, but not as much as “The Da Vinci Code”. Although, this last week I’ve been wondering if I would have enjoyed “The Lost Symbol” more if I had listened to it as an audio book.

Maybe listening to Paul Michael (who read “The Da Vinci Code” for the audio book) could have made "The Lost Symbol” more interesting? The Harry Potter series is a good case in point. I've read the series, but it would be fun to listen to them read by Jim Dale as I understand he won two Grammy’s for the recordings and that he has a unique voice for each characters in the books - always consistent and enhancing to the Harry Potter experience in a way that reading it on a page in a book is not. Of course, I'm not saying that listening to an audio book is always more fun than reading the book - but maybe sometimes it could be.

I tell you, when I listen to John McDonough reading Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, he does a MUCH better job than when I read it to my son. We’ve listened to these audio books so often that I have taken on Mr. McDonough’s inflections and some direct quotes from Mrs. Piggle Wiggle – including “Zowey!” and “Oh gosh, I forgot.” (These are perhaps only funny to me.)

And who could be without Tim Curry reading Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” – now really, this man completely brings the series to life. I love his Count Olaf. I love his coughing Mr. Poe. (How does he do that!?) Lemony Snicket’s rhetoric (e.g. "If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book." ) and Tim Curry’s mock-grave, faux-sinister eeeville-ness couldn’t be a more perfect match. This is an item that I absolutely want to take in as an audio book (with Tim Curry) – this is a series I do not want to read as typed words in a book.

And then, of course, there are the audio books which are read by the author themselves. That seems like a little added enhancement to their original work – doesn’t it? Check out David Sedaris, Neil Gaiman, or Stephen King.

The Nashua Public Library has several different ways for you to enjoy “reading audio books”. You can download an audio book from New Hampshire Downloadable Audiobooks - all you need is your NPL library card. You can play some of these audio books from your computer, burn them to a CD, put them on an iPod or an MP3 Player (you’ll have to check which formats are available for the item you’d like to download). You can also come into our library and peruse our Books on Cassette Tape – or Books on CD. And we also have an Honor-System lending carousel of abridged audio books on cassette.

And so we have the audio book: an entertaining, hands-free way to enjoy the world of books - maybe, for some readers, even better than the book --> ?

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