Rocket Languages

Rocket Languages is our new language learning service and it is good! It recently received the PC Magazine Editor’s Choice award for best product in the language learning category. Rocket recently added voice recognition/comparison to all their language products. They’ve created an amazingly fun and effective way to learn a new language.



New users register on at our website, www.sbpl.info , with their library barcode number and email. Registration is completed by making up a password and accepting terms. It is that simple.



Pick the language you want to learn. The choices are Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, American Sign Language, Spanish, Rocket Eigo (English course for Japanese speakers), Rocket Ingles (English course for Spanish Speakers).



I picked French hoping to communicate with new friends from France. I was impressed by the short lessons that have lots of practice. I was assured that it was never too late to start learning something new. This was nice to hear.



Rocket has great memory tips. One tip was to think in your new language. For “I am hungry” think “J’ ai faim” The idea is that by having these conversations in your head you get lots of practice without an audience. Great tip!



They also give good learning advice. “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes”

Reminds me of Miss Frizzle, the teacher from the ‘Magic School Bus’ television show. She advised her students to “Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy.”



Rocket offers social networking to enhance learning. It is called ‘My Community’. It lets you post questions and comments to teachers, native speakers, and other Rocket Language Learners.



My first lessons were on meeting, greeting and eating. The Rocket teachers warn that you might experience “…a strange tingling sensation when you hear your first French word.” Forwarned, I was not overpowered by the newness of the sounds.

The conversations were clear, fun and done at just the right pace. They were short and effective with a lot of responses called for on my part. Each conversation may be repeated as many times as you need to pick up the pronunciation.



After a few days practice I was hopeful that I would be able to at least great my friends from France. I greeted them with “Salut. Comment ça va?” After that my mind went blank. "C'est la vie." Paris was not built in a day. I will definitely keep practicing and thinking in my new language. And then I will “Take chances, make mistakes and get messy”

Mary Donne
Head of Information Services

Help with What to Read Next

Have you seen the librarian action figure?  She has a real action move "push to shussh" where she raises her finger to her lips to shussh!  The figure is modeled after Nancy Pearl, a librarian who retired from the Seattle Public Library, who is well known for her reader's guides, book reviews and creating the first "One City One Book" reading program.  Her reader's advisory guides are worth consulting to find out how to determine what you enjoy reading and how to find more books that meet your specific reading preferences.

So far, she has published seven of these useful guides:

Now Read This: A Guide to Mainstream Fiction 1978–1998, Libraries Unlimited, 1999, ISBN 1-56308-659-X


Now Read This II: A Guide to Mainstream Fiction, 1990–2001, Libraries Unlimited, 2002, ISBN 1-56308-867-3


Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason, Sasquatch Books, Seattle, 2003, ISBN 1-57061-381-8

More Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason, Sasquatch Books, Seattle, 2005, ISBN 1-57061-435-0

Book Crush: For Kids and Teens : Recommended Reading For Every Mood, Moment, and Interest, Sasquatch Books, Seattle, 2007, ISBN 978-1570615009

And her most recent books:

Now Read This III: A Guide to Mainstream Fiction,  2002-2009, Libraries Unlimited, 2010, ISBN 978-1591585701


Book Lust To Go, Recommended Reading for Travelers, Vagabonds, and Dreamers, Sasquatch Books, Seattle, 2010, ISBN 978-1570616501

If you want to use these books and books like these to help you expand (or pinpoint) your reading selections, ask at the Information Desk; many are kept at the desk in the Ready Reference collection.  Others can also be found on the shelves at 011.73.  You can also use these kind of guides to read books set in specific locations, fiction that includes historic characters, and fiction about specific eras or points in history.  There is even a reader's guide to the Best Thin Books for Teens.

Special Needs Programs at SBPL

As frequently happens when one reaches out to help others, the giver gets something good in return. This has been the experience of the Library beginning in 2009.  Buoyed by a grant from INFOLINK, the Eastern  New Jersey Regional Library Cooperative,  SBPL along with other area libraries committed themselves to developing programs targeting children affected by ASD (autism spectrum disorder).

 

While the money has long since been spent, special needs programming has now become a standard part of each week's agenda at SBPL, giving us an honored place in the lives of many new friends. It is estimated that about one in every 110 children (or 1% of all children in the United States) may have some form of ASD.

That first year really got the ball rolling for us. We connected with local and regional resources to offer parents and kids whatever we could including workshops, as well as fun and educational programs, many also included the siblings of children affected by ASD.  Among the programs was an interactive music concert, Art Therapy, Creative Stacking, Read to a Therapy Dog, and even Yoga for Kids.

Some related program topics addressed other concerns such as diet and ADD/ADHD. In addition, Library staff created a how-to picture book about visiting the library.  Copies were distributed for use in the Library of course, but also to the Township Health Department and to all of the special needs classes in the school district.

Well-attended programs showed that there was a need and desire for this kind of outreach outside of what was offered in schools.  Library programs had the advantage of a community approach that brought the family together. But, enough about what we did. We are doing more today.

Our librarians are now regularly entering the special needs classrooms in the school district offering story times and cementing the Library-School connection. 

The bi-monthly library newsletter The Compass includes a list of activities, usually scheduled on Wednesdays and Thursdays. These include the ever-popular Read to a Therapy Dog program, where a live dog trained to listen to young readers with and without special needs, comes into the library. We are also currently offering the Creative Craft program and Stories and Activities for Children with Special Needs and their Families. Efforts are continually made to juggle staffing to provide some evening programming for working parents.

The cherry on top if that these programs are offered free of charge.  Library Registration is required for some of these programs so it is always a good idea to double-check with the Children's Department by calling (732)329-4000, ext. 7285. Special needs programs are now made possible with funds raised by the Friends of the Library. When you make a donation to the Friends, become a member, or make a purchase at a book sale or other Friend event you are helping to support library programming, including special needs. Thanks!

For more information on current special needs programs and on how you can help the Friends of the Library go to http://www.sbpl.info/ or call (732)329-4000, ext. 7286.

Empty Plates

A few minutes after serving scoops of peach ice cream in sugar wafer bowls to my husband, daughter and son Thursday night, I looked up to see each one of them doing exactly the same thing:  trying to scrape up any last bits from completely empty plates.  I guess you liked it, I said.

It all started two days ago.  I picked up a big basket of peaches from Pleasant Hill Farm in Jamesburg Wednesday afternoon on my way to work at the Library.  Left the Library that night with three cookbooks in hand with ice cream recipes:  The Perfect Scoop, by David Lebovitz, The Ultimate Ice Cream Book by Bruce Weinstein, and The Ciao Bella Book of Gelato and Sorbetto.

After perusing them all, I picked the Peach Ice Cream recipe from The Perfect Scoop.  Since I knew from experience that any ice cream mixture has to be refrigerated overnight for the best results, (and don't forget the ice cream maker cylinder has to be frozen 24 hours in advance), I prepared the base Wednesday night.  It didn't take much time or skill.  Of course, the key ingredient is great peaches.  Which I had.

The next day was easy.  I grabbed the cooled peach base out of the fridge and the frozen cylinder from the freezer, poured in the mixture, hit the button, and 20 minutes later I had some beautiful, softly set, luscious, late summer peach ice cream.

After I ate (inhaled?) a scoop (the perfect lunch), I thought that the whole process was so easy and quick, maybe I should make some homemade cones?  How hard could it be?  And I'd always wanted to do it.

To my pleasant surprise, the sugar cone recipe I picked from The Ultimate Ice Cream Book worked like a charm.  Easier than one might think.  A caveat:  on a humid day like yesterday, the cones and bowls softened a bit after a few hours.  Might want to make them on a drier day, or else eat them immediately.  They're so much fun to have though, I don't think your fellow ice cream eaters would mind if they were a little bit less than perfect.

Funnily enough, I used wooden blocks (well washed of course) from my granddaughter's toy basket to mold the cones.  After making a batch, and having the seams come apart a little, I read The Perfect Scoop's recipe which recommended to press the mold down firmly on the seam to keep the cones from coming apart, and to pinch the bottom shut.  Worked well.  (Of course, you can always drop a mini marshmallow or two in the bottom of the cones to keep them from dripping, too.)

Peach Ice Cream, adapted from The Perfect Scoop

1 1/2 pounds ripe peaches (about 4 large)
1/3 cup water
3/4 cup sugar, (any kind, white, turbinado, brown)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
few drops fresh lemon juice

Peel the peaches, and cut into small pieces. Cook in medium saucepan with the water for about 8 minutes as you would applesauce, covered, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are tender.  Remove from heat.  Add the sugar of your choice (I used turbinado because I had some and I like it).  Cool.  Add the rest of the ingredients.  Process or blend until just barely smooth.  Chill overnight.  Freeze in ice cream maker.




Oven Baked Sugar Cones adapted from The Ultimate Ice Cream Book

3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 Tablespoons, butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Heat the oven to 300 degrees.  Beat the sugar and egg together in a mixer until thickened and pale yellow.  Beat in the butter, vanilla and milk.  Sift the flour over the batter.  Mix gently.

Line a half sheet pan or cookie sheet with a Silpat mat.  Drop 1 1/2 Tablespoons of batter on the mat and spread out with an offset spatula to a 6 inch circle.  Three fit easily on one sheet.  Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned.  Immediately remove wafer with a spatula and shape over cone mold.  Carefully press down flat on seam side and pinch bottom shut.  Quickly repeat with remaining wafers.  Then let cool a few minutes and unmold.  This recipe makes about 12 cones.  (Can also shape over the back of custard cups to make bowls.)

Even if you don't want to bother with the cones, do try the ice cream - it's so good!  You can pick up an ice cream maker at a yard sale for about $10.00.  The Cuisinart I have I got for Christmas, and sells for about fifty bucks, but you could probably get one on sale for forty.  Ironic that I'm enjoying this ice cream maker now so long after the holidays.  In fact, I did make coffee ice cream (my fave) right away in January, but I used a recipe where you had to cook the eggs and make a custard. Although the flavor was great, the texture was a little bizarre - despite straining the mix before freezing, the ice cream was a little, well, grainy.

Maybe that's advanced ice cream making - for my money, I'll stick with this non-custard recipe when the peaches are fresh and plentiful. After all, you can't argue with an empty plate.


There are so many great sounding recipes in the cookbooks I used, The Perfect Scoop and The Ultimate Ice Cream Book, I would recommend both books, even after having tried just one (excellent) recipe apiece. And if you do,will you let me know how it goes? 

Diane Whitman
Reference Librarian
Peach Lover 




  

eBooks for the Kindle Is Here

How-To Video on Library eBooks for Amazon® Kindle

Many South Brunswick Library patrons are already reading eBooks from the library on their desktop computers, eReaders and other mobile devices.

The good news is now out for Amazon Kindle users.  You too can download eBooks with your South Brunswick Library card from our website.  Just go to http://www.sbpl.info/.

Click on the 'Download Audiobooks & eBooks' button.

Read our helpful hints page. This includes the library name you will use in ListenNJ, "Libraries of Middlesex"

Then use the link  'Click here to download'.

You will be taken to our ListenNJ page.

Click on the 'Supported Devices' link and then click on the 'Software/Apps' link.  This is where you will get information on the app you need to get Kindle Books from Overdrive.  When you are done here go back to the ListenNJ window.

Click on the picture of the Kindle with the title "Now Available Library eBooks for Kindle".

You will see a list of the Kindle books in ListenNJ.

Use  Advanced Search see Kindle books that are currently available if you do not want to wait for a book.
Please call the South Brunswick Library Information Desk for help with this feature. 732-329-4000 x 7286.

You may also read these Kindle eBooks on a PC, iPhone, Blackberry, iPad or Android.  You will need an App which will be available at Amazon when you go to download the book.

Here is the help information from Amazon's webpage for this new service :

Visit the website of a U.S. library (http://www.sbpl.info/) that offers digital services from OverDrive.


Check out a Kindle book (library card required).

Click on "Get for Kindle." You will then be directed to Amazon.com to redeem your public library loan. You may be required to login to your Amazon.com account -- or create a new account -- if you're not already logged in.

Choose to read the book on your Kindle device, free reading app, or Kindle Cloud Reader.

Note: Public library books require an active Wi-Fi connection for wireless delivery to a Kindle device. Library books will not be delivered via your Kindle's 3G connection. If trying to send to a Kindle device and do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, you may instead choose to load your library book via USB. Both Mac and Windows users can manage Kindle content through a USB connection.



Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be notified before my public library book loan expires?

Yes. Three days before the end of the loan period, we will send a courtesy reminder e-mail about the loan expiration. Once the loan period has ended, an additional e-mail notification will be sent. Availability of books and length of loan are determined by your local library.



How do I view the status of my loan?

You can view the status of a public library book for Kindle from the Manage Your Kindle page. Click on the "+" symbol next to any title to view more details about any book that you've borrowed including the expiration date.



You can also access all of the materials that you currently have checked out on your library's OverDrive-powered website. Within your library's digital site, look for links to My Account, My Bookshelf, or something similar.



What happens to my notes and highlights after a loan expires?

You can always access their notes and highlights through kindle.amazon.com, even after a book expires. And if you check a book out again, or purchase it from Amazon.com all of your notes and highlights will appear in the book as before the loan expired.



Are public library books for Kindle available internationally?

At this time, public library books for Kindle are only available at U.S. libraries.



What Kindle devices can I read public library books on?

You can read borrowed Kindle books on any generation Kindle device or all free Kindle apps, as well as in your web browser with Kindle Cloud Reader. Public library books require an active Wi-Fi connection for wireless delivery to a Kindle device.

Library books will not be delivered via your Kindle's 3G connection. If trying to send to a Kindle device and do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, you may instead choose to load your library book via USB.



How do I send library books to my Kindle device or reading app?



Once a public library book has been redeemed, you can send it to any registered Kindle device or reading app from the Manage Your Kindle page. Public library books require an active Wi-Fi connection for wireless delivery to a Kindle device.



Library books will not be delivered via your Kindle's 3G connection. If trying to send to a Kindle device and do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, you may instead choose to load your library book via USB.



For more information, and to learn about transferring files to your Kindle, please see our Kindle Help page at: www.amazon.com/kindletransfer

Debut Novel Receives Rave Reviews

Both mesmerizing and chilling is how I would describe the novel I chose to read this week, Alice LaPlante's Turn of Mind.   At the beginning of the novel, Dr. Jennifer White is being questioned for the murder of her best friend and neighbor, Amanda, who was found dead in her home with four fingers cut off with surgical precision.  Since Dr. White is a former orthopedic surgeon, police believe she is the murderer or at least involved in some way.

But is that even possible? Dr. White is suffering from severe dementia and although she has moments of lucidity, there are many bad days when she doesn't even know who her children are or the caregiver who lives with her at her home.  How could a person whose mind is disintegrating be capable of carrying out such a horrible crime and then be successful in covering up her tracks?  The relationship with Amanda was a close one but not without heated arguments and difficulties that frienships endure.  But what would be her motive?

Narrated by Dr. White, this book delves into the characters innermost feelings and her story is a tragic one.  The reader understands what it is like for a highly intelligent surgeon to lose her faculties, to no longer be able to practice medicine, to make decisions regarding her future and where she will live.  Introduced in this book are her two grown children, Mark and Fiona.  Mark for the most part seems untrustworthy, especially when he stops by to visit his mother frequently with the motive of getting her to write him a check. Fiona is in charge of her mother's finances and seems more attentive to the true needs of her mother but even then, questions remain regarding their loyalty.

This book is part thriller, part family drama, and most important, a touching novel that allows readers some insight into the plight of those afflicated with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.  It is a difficult read because of the subject matter especially for anyone who has a family member or friend suffering from dementia.  However, I would still highly recommend this book...it is one of those books that stay with you for a long time.

Celebrate September

Summer Reading is over and we are still considering if we will continue the book review = prize drawing contest. It would work roughly the same way as over the summer – if you complete a book review of the books you read, you will be entered into a weekly contest, which would be a selection off the prize cart and at the end of a three month period, there would be a grand prize drawing for a Barnes and Noble gift card.

Today is Tuesday, September 20, 2011. It is the 263rd day of the year and there are 102 days remaining until 2012. Autumn officially arrives on Friday. The Cosby Show premiered on this day in 1984 and The Phil Silvers Show premiered on September 20, 1955. It is opening day of the United Nations General Assembly – this year being the 64th session and it is the opening day of the Parliament in the Netherlands, which is referred to as Prinsjesdag. Dr. Joyce Brothers was born on this day in 1928, Anne Meara in 1929 and Sophia Loren in 1934. September is an auspicious month. Happy AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Month, Atrial Fibrillation Month ADHD Month, Baby Safety Month, Backpack Safety America Month, Be Kind to Writers and Editors Month, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Chile National Month, Fall Hat Month, Go Wild During California Wild Rice Month, Great American Low-Cholesterol, Low Fat Pizza Bake, Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, Happy Cat Month, International People Skills Month, International Self-Awareness Month, International Strategic Thinking Month, Mold Awareness Month, National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, National Chicken Month, National Coupon Month, National DNA, Genomics and Stem Cell Education and Awareness Month, National Head Lice Prevention Month, National Home Furnishings Month, National Honey Month, National Mushroom Month, National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (by Presidential Proclamation), National Piano Month, National Preparedness Month, National Rice Month, National Sickle Cell Month, National Skin Care Awareness Month, One-on-one Month, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Pleasure Your Mate Month, Sea Cadet Month, September is Healthy Aging Month, Shameless Promotion Month, Sports and Home Eye Safety Month, Subliminal Communications Month, Update Your Resume Month, Whale Grains Month, Women’s Friendship Month, and World Animal Remembrance Month to one and all! This information comes from my favorite reference book, Chase’s Calendar of Events, published every year by the McGraw Hill Companies.

However, the most important association for September, since 1987, is that it is Library Card Sign-up Month!! This observance was launched to meet the challenge of then Secretary of Education William J. Bennett who said, “Let’s have a national campaign. Every child should obtain a library card – and use it.” If you or anyone in your family does not have a library card, what are you waiting for? The American Library Association reminds us that “It is the most important school supply of all” and you can get one FREE at your local library! Check out all the things we have to offer here at the South Brunswick Public Library on our webpage at www.sbpl.info and come see us soon!