The Gander - Spring 2006

DELMARVA DISCUSSIONS

As a genre of fiction, the short story is what has been called the perfect form. Or in the vivid words of past Bridport Prize judge, Martin Booth, "A short story is like a slap in the face. It must immediately sting, make itself known at once, and it must leave a red mark for hours to come." The "Short Fiction" book discussion series will meet on Wednesdays, (March 22, April 5, April 19, May 3, & May 17), from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the Cambridge Library. The themes of our five discussions in the "Short Fiction" series are:

WHO KNOWS THE TRUTH? (MAR 22)
"My Side of the Matter" by Truman Capote, "The Five-Forty-Eight" by John Cheever, and "The Boarding House" by James Joyce.

COULD THIS HAPPEN HERE? (APR 5)
"Fever Flower" by Shirley Ann Grau, "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, and "Act of Faith" by Irwin Shaw.

HOW DO WE GROW UP? (APR 19)
"My Sister's Marriage" by Cynthia Marshall Rich, "A&P" by John Updike, and "The Stone Boy" by Gina Berriault.

WHO KNOWS WHAT GOES ON IN A WOMAN'S MIND? (MAY 3)
"But the One on the Right" by Dorothy Parker, "The Lady's Maid" by Katherine Mansfield, and "Maria Concepcion" by Katherine Anne Porter.

WHAT IS THE TRUTH? (MAY 17)
"Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes, "On Saturday Afternoon" by Alan Sillitoe, and "The Use of Force" by William Carlos Williams.
Each discussion will be lead by a Delmarva scholar. Participants are asked to register in advance with Sharon Lanasa (410-228-7331) for one or more of the programs. Please pick up the series book at the time of registration. Open to the public free of charge, the "Short Fiction" series is provided by the Friends of the Dorchester County Public Library and the Delaware Library Association.

CARNAVAL DE PAISES SURAMERICANOS
MARCH 4 (Saturday) 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Library Meeting Room, Cambridge

The Dorchester County Public Library will offer a free glimpse of the sights, tastes, and sounds of “Carnival” as it is observed in South American countries. For more information contact library specialist, Mayra Maldonado, at 410-228-7331.

CINCO DE MAYO AND DÍA DE LAS MADRES
MAY 13 (Saturday afternoon) 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Library Parking Lot, Cambridge

Join in two Latin American traditions (Cinco de Mayo which commemorates the Mexican victory over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862 and Mother’s Day) all rolled into one day’s event. Our March 4 and May 13 events are part of the “Descubra Su Biblioteca” project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services/LSTA grant funds, through the Division of Library Development and Services/ Maryland State Department of Education.

CRAFTY CRAFTS AND TALL TALES

Seasonal stories, holiday crafts, bookmarks, and activity sheets for kids ages 3 to 8 years. These programs are FREE, but please sign-up by calling 410-228-7331 (Cambridge) or 410-943-4331 (Hurlock) so we can have enough craft supplies on hand.

A VALENTINE FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE

Children will hear stories, take home activity sheets, and make Valentine's Day cards for someone special to them.
Hurlock Branch Library . . .Wednesday, February 8, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Central Library in Cambridge . . . Saturday, February 11, 10:30 -11:30 a.m.

MAKE YOUR OWN LUCK!

Children can make "a bit of the green" themselves to wear for luck on St. Patrick's Day. Activity sheets and tales full of the blarney are also scheduled.
Hurlock Branch Library . . . Wednesday, March 8, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Central Library in Cambridge . . .Saturday, March 11, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

GO ON A STORY BOOK ADVENTURE

with your favorite animal friends! Then join in making cheery Spring crafts. Take home a "bouquet" of fun activity sheets and colorful bookmarks.
Hurlock Branch Library . . .Wednesday, April 12, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Central Library in Cambridge . . .Saturday, April 15, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

MOTHER'S DAY

Make a special card for Mom to let her know how much you love her. Hear stories about wonderful Moms, too!
Hurlock Branch Library . . .Wednesday, May 10, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Central Library in Cambridge . . .Saturday, May 13, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

BOOK BABIES

An opportunity for you and your baby (age 6 to 23 months) to share nursery rhymes, stand-up action songs, and stories, such as, Where is Baby's Belly Button? and Number One Tickle Your Tum. Board books, puppets and rhythm instruments will be part of this early learning experience. "Book Babies" is free but please call 410-228-7331 to register
Central Library in Cambridge . . .Tuesdays, March 7 through April 25, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

JUST FOR ME DROP ON IN STORIES

For children ages 2 to 5 years, there are songs, finger plays, puppets, activity sheets, and lots of stories like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Spot Goes to the Circus, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Story times are free. Registration is not required.
Day care groups are welcome, too!
Hurlock Branch Library . . .Wednesdays, March 8 through April 26, 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Free, and fun!
Central Library in Cambridge . . .Wednesdays, March 8 through April 26, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Free, and fun!

OLD TIME AMERICAN FOLK MUSIC

Bruce Hutton's concert of traditional songs and tunes explores the history of American folk music through a dozen antique and handcrafted musical instruments including banjos, dulcimers, guitars, mandolin, harmonica, mouth-bow, washboards, tub-bass, and limberjacks. The audience is invited to sing along and to try a hand at the jug-band instruments. Mr. Hutton's album "Old-Time Music - It's All Around" is available on the Smithsonian Folkways label. Hutton regularly appears with two groups "Hesperus" and "Double-Decker Stringband." This is a great program for the whole family made possible by the Friends of the Dorchester County Public Library. Tickets are required, but may be obtained from the Library for FREE as of April 1.
Central Library in Cambridge . . .Saturday, May 6, 2:00 -3:00 p.m.

FIND GREAT BUYS AT SECOND SATURDAY BOOK SALES

The Friends’ book sales will be held on January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, and June 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Central Library, Cambridge.
The Friends need volunteers to help with sales as well as donations of books, videos, & CDs to add to their inventory. Items may be dropped off at the Central or Branch Library. Larger donations of books can be picked up. Call the Central Library at 410-228-7331.

GET FREE HOMEWORK HELP ONLINE

The Dorchester County Public Library in cooperation with the Eastern Shore Regional Library is offering free online tutoring in math, science, social studies, and English for grade levels 4 through 12 and college introduction levels through http://www.tutor.com/esrl. This service is available every day from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. This service is also available "en EspaZol," Sundays through Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visit www.dorchesterlibrary.org and click on the logo shown above.

24/7 REFERENCE DESK SERVICE

Need help when your local library is closed? The Maryland library community offers Maryland residents and students AskUsNow!, a free 24 hour /7 day a week live online interactive service, that uses the expertise of trained librarians to provide answers to questions, research guidance, and help navigating the Internet. Visit www.dorchesterlibrary.org and click on the logo shown above.

TUTORIALS IN "BASIC INTERNET SKILLS"

The Dorchester County Public Library offers free, half-hour tutorials for adults at either the Central or the Hurlock Branch Libraries during regular business hours. Learn how to use search engines and direct searching techniques to locate information on the Internet as well as how to use a mouse. Call the library at 410-228-7331 to make your appointment.

DESCUBRA SU BIBLIOTECA

Dorchester County Public Library services are free to residents of Maryland regardless of citizenship status.

LEARN ENGLISH

Do you have a Hispanic friend at church, or work, or in your neighborhood who doesn't speak English but who would like to learn? Free classes in English for Spanish speakers and library orientations for Spanish speakers are given at the Central Library in Cambridge, Thursday evenings, from 6-8 p.m., through April 27, by Mayra Maldonado.

GET A FREE LIBRARY CARD TO BORROW BOOKS AND USE COMPUTERS

"Descubra Su Biblioteca" project staff who are fluent in Spanish are available at the Central Library in Cambridge to help those with limited English in obtaining a library card, using a computer and e-mail, locating books in Spanish or English, and other services.
Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., ask for Renee Gilliard. Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, ask for Mayra Maldonado.

ATTEND CULTURAL EVENTS

Watch for announcements on two upcoming cultural programs at the library.
On March 4, explore South American folk life and heritage.
On May 13, join in two big May traditions (Cinco de Mayo and Día de las Madres) rolled into one day's event.

FREE DIRECTORY OF SERVICES

Library specialist, Renee Gilliard is currently compiling a directory of local services and business of interest to the Hispanic community.
This free directory will be distributed February 1. Please contact Renee Gilliard (410-228-7331) if your business or organization serves the Hispanic community and you would like to have it listed.
The "Descubra Su Biblioteca" project is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services/LSTA grant funds, through the Division of Library Development and Services/ Maryland State Department of Education.

LIBRARY AND BOOKMOBILE HOURS

The Central and Hurlock Libraries are open Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Central Library is open Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Hurlock Branch Library is open Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Both libraries are closed on Sunday. The Bookmobile's schedule is posted on the library's web site at www.dorchesterlibrary.org under the "About the Library" section, or a copy may be obtained by calling 410-228-7331.
Both libraries and the Bookmobile will be closed on January 16 (Martin Luther King Day) February 20 (Presidents' Day), April 14 (Good Friday), and May 29 (Memorial Day).

THIS YEAR YOU CAN LEARN TO READ!

Dorchester County's Project Read has trained volunteer tutors ready to help adults learn to read in a confidential, one-on-one setting.
Do you know someone who needs to learn how to read? Do you yourself need to improve your reading skills to get a better job or help with your children's homework? Would you like to be able to read to your grandchildren or participate more fully in your church services?
It's easy to become a Project Read student and its free! Just call Dorchester literacy coordinator, Cyndi Link Johnson, at 1-410-479-1543.

BECOME A FRIEND

The Friends of the Library are seeking new members. Send this form with your check (payable to the Friends of Dorchester County Library) to: The Friends of the Dorchester County Public Library, P.O. Box 1134, Cambridge, MD 21613. If you are already a member of the Friends, you will receive an annual renewal notice and do not need to fill out this form.

Students $1.00   Organizations $25.00
Individual $5.00   Patron $100.00
Family $7.00   Life $1,000.00

IMPORTANT NOTICE ON ACCESSIBILITY

A signer will be provided upon advance notice of 7 days for any library-sponsored programs. Call Susan Steele or Jean Del Sordo at 410-228-7331 (voice) or 410-228-0454 (TTY) for more information.

FREE TAX HELP FOR YOU

Free assistance with preparation of 2005 federal and state income tax returns will be available for area residents Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., February 2 through April 15, in the meeting room of the Dorchester County Public Library, 303 Gay Street, Cambridge.
The American Association of Retired Persons in cooperation with the IRS train and supply volunteers to provide this service. Those wishing assistance should bring copies of their last year's returns and any forms showing income for 2005 including wages, interest, dividends, and unemployment compensation. Everyone covered on one's return must have a social security number including infants born in 2005.
Assistance is provided on a walk-in basis. Taxpayers, who would be inconvenienced by a long wait for assistance, are advised to call for an appointment. To make an appointment or for information about what financial material you should bring with you, call the library at 410-228-7331.

NEW MEMBERS ONLY!


PLEASE COMPLETE FORM BELOW:
Name:______________________________

Address:____________________________

Phone #:____________________________

E-mail:_____________________________