The Book Stops Here

Book Discussion

2012-01-18T15:00:00.000-08:00

RESCHEDULED

One Thousand White Women
by Jim Fergus

Saturday, March 3
11 a.m. to noon
(Downstairs in the Open Room)

Due to your requests, we are rescheduling this program, which was cancelled due to snow. Please join us to discuss this engrossing novel, a favorite of reading groups. Loosely based on actual historical events, this is the story of May Dodd and a colorful assembly of pioneer women, who under the auspices of the U.S. government, travel to the western prairies in 1874 to intermarry among the Cheyenne Indians. Sports reporter and author Jim Fergus (A Hunter's Road) brings the Cheyenne and their mates vividly to life at a pivotal time in U.S. history.

From the Horse's Mouth

2012-01-08T11:53:00.001-08:00

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

Told from the viewpoint of Joey, a beautiful red-bay colt, this novel evokes the courage and endurance of both man and horse.

Set in 1914 during World War I, Joey is bought by a farmer at an auction. Albert, the farmer's son, trains him and a strong loving bond is formed. Then Albert's father sells the colt to the cavalry. While charging into battle, Joey is captured by the Germans who use him to pull an ambulance and gun carts. The confusion and kindness of the enemies come together to save the wounded horse. A story not just for horse lovers but for those who enjoy historical fiction.

If you like heartwarming horse stories, then you will enjoy watching the DVD Long Shot, a story of courage and of overcoming the obstacles that life throws at us. When her husband leaves her, an equestrian and single mother moves to Colorado and rebuilds her life while working at a horse farm. A nice family movie.

Riverhead Reads: The Wild West

2011-12-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

The Adult Winter Reading Club is back with Riverhead Reads: The Wild West. Stake your claim on a reading kit at the Adult Reference desk and begin.

Here are just a few of the books being offered:

Lighting Out for the Territory: How Samuel Clemens Headed West and Became Mark Twain by Roy Morris, Jr.

This lighthearted account of Samuel Clemens's sojourn through the American West documents how a failed search for silver prompted his literary reinvention and work as a journalist, stage performer, and short story writer

Those who prefer more traditional western stories might like to try Max Brand, Zane Grey, or Louis L'Amour. There's also less traditional westerns, designed to appeal to both men and women, and even some mysteries. Robert B. Parker 's acclaimed first western, Gunman's Rhapsody, plays out at the O.K. Corral with Wyatt Earp as the gunman. Check out Parker's Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch series as well.

If romance is what you're looking for, try one of Linda Lael Miller's novels. The Man from Stone Creek kicks off her Stone Creek series. Miller's books are more steamy unlike the Christian romances written by many female western authors such as Susan Page Davis and Lori Copeland.

Don't forget to check out the true stories of remarkable western women including High Spirited Women of the West by Ann Seagraves, Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Education of Two Society Girls in the West by Dorothy Wickenden, and Cathy Williams: From Slave to Female Buffalo Soldier by Phillip Thomas Tucker.

Although you may read or listen to any book for a chance to win prizes in the Adult Winter Reading Club, you'll double your chances of winning by selecting one of these or other books from our preferred reading list. The Old West has it all!

Book Discussion

2011-11-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Mayor of Casterbridge
by Thomas Hardy

Tuesday, November 22
7 to 8 p.m.

Please join us for this timeless classic. It is a tale of a man who is undone by his character defects, yet labors to redeem himself. Set in the fictional area of Wessex, Hardy's novels capture the essence of the rustic southwest region of England. His colorful, memorable characters and their fates are intricately linked to their natural environment.

The Green Spot

2011-09-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

Take a hike! Attend our library program Hiking on Long Island, Thursday, September 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m. If you're too late for this, there are many other options.

Visit our hiking display on the first section of The Green Spot for hiking schedules from local organizations and books featuring some great treks and easy strolls. Some standouts include Short Nature Walks Long Island in which authors Rodney & Priscilla Albright take you on fifty-three leisurely walks with clear directions and detailed maps for each.

Long Island: A Guide to New York's Suffolk and Nassau Counties by Raymond Edward Spinzia, Judith Ader Spinzia and Kathryn Spinzia Rayne features many of the parklands on Long Island where you stroll the grounds of former estates or take more rigorous hikes through woodland preserves.

For those wishing to go further afield, try 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of New York City by Christopher & Catherine Brooks. Unbounded by state lines, the trails showcase swamp streams and roaring waterfalls, hidden lakes and bald summits. A very scenic section of the Appalachian Trail is highlighted.

Many general books provide outdoor basics for hikers and backpackers, including Wilderness Basics by the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club. So get ready to get up and go!

Book Discussion

2011-09-02T13:22:00.001-07:00

The Double Bind
by Chris Bohjalian
Wednesday, September 21
7 to 8 p.m.

The reading continues...
Now that the Adult Summer Reading Club and Booked for Lunch have ended, you can still get motivated to read by signing up and attending some great book discussions.

This spellbinding literary thriller, travels between the Roaring Twenties and the present, through Jazz Age Long Island and rural New England. A troubled homeless man's box of photographs holds the key to a deeply hidden secret that puts a young woman in jeopardy and into a cat and mouse game with pursuers who claim they want to save her.

Chris Bohjalian is a critically acclaimed bestselling author who takes readers on his most intriguing, most haunting, and most unforgettable journey yet.

Please sign up for the discussion at the Reference Desk where cardholders may pick up a copy of the book.

Booked for Lunch

2011-07-28T11:21:00.001-07:00

Lunch time is book time at the Riverhead Free Library. Every Friday from 12: 30 to 1:30 p.m. through the end of August, librarians will present new authors and new books available for checkout to Riverhead cardholders. Here are a few samples of some of the latest titles.

The Beginners by Rebecca Wolff - Set in a secluded New England village, this atmospheric novel evokes a darkly Gothic aura. When two strangers show up in town, an adolescent girl becomes entangled in their lives and gets an unlikely education. Dread and desire hang over every page of this delicious thriller, as creepy as it is marvelous.

Silicon Jungle by Shumeet Baluja - In this sinister novel, a company's vast database of people's most private thoughts and actions raises ethical questions about today's cutting edge data-mining industry. Do-gooders, voyeurs, government agents, and radicals surface, and a naive, young intern is caught in the middle.

Last Men Out: The True Story of America's Heroic Final Hours in Vietnam by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin - The local author of Dark Noon, Tom Clavin co-authors this gripping true account of the brave U.S. Marines who led daring helicopter rescues, evacuating the remaining fellow marines and civilians as Saigon fell.

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond - This popular true romance is available in CD and in large print as well as in standard format. It tells the entertaining tale of a city girl who fell for an Oklahoma cowboy. From the author of The Pioneer Woman Cooks, this humorous story also provides some good "home-cooked" recipes.

Bring your own lunch and join us outdoors in the courtyard by the Yellow Barn for Booked for Lunch or indoors in case of rain or extreme heat!

Book Discussion: The Piano Teacher

2011-07-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

by Janice J.K. Lee

Wednesday, July 20
7 to 8 p.m.

Join us for this intriguing piece of historical fiction set in Hong Kong during WWII and ten years later. Seduced by the social life of the expatriate community, Claire Pendelton begins an affair with an enigmatic Englishman whose devastating past threatens the present. This standout debut has been hailed by critics for its adept pacing and unexpected twists. The Piano Teacher offers a lush examination of East-West relations and compelling characters.

From the Horse's Mouth

2011-06-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Heartland (DVD)
Based on the books by Lauren Brooke, this series is set against the beautiful vistas of the Rocky Mountains. It is a story about a fifteen-year-old horse whisperer, her sister, and an inspirational grandfather, who live on their family-owned horse ranch. The multi-generational stories are about horses, family, friendship, and relationships. You will yearn for a trip to Alberta after viewing this compelling TV drama. The library has DVDs available for seasons 1, 2, and 3.

An enjoyable series for all! For those who prefer a movie to a TV series, check out Moondance Alexander or Touching Wild Horses.

In the News...

2011-04-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

The 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War has begun. Numerous books--both fact and fiction--are available at the display (April 2011) nearest the Welcome Desk. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell is a classic. This superb piece of storytelling brings the Civil War and Reconstruction vividly to life. With the missing four chapters of the original manuscript recently found, you'll no doubt hear more about this acclaimed novel.

Cold Mountain, a novel by Charles Frazier, was the subject of a popular movie and was a National Book Award Finalist. Based on local history and family stories passed down by the author's great-great-grandfather, this novel tells the tale of a soldier's perilous journey back to his prewar sweetheart at the end of the Civil War.

Those more interested in the facts might like to read A Short History of the Civil War by James L. Stokesbury, an author who specializes in war history. The Everything Civil War Book by Brooke C. Stoddard and Daniel P. Murphy, PhD, is an easy to use source for referencing battles and events surrounding the Civil War.

From the Horse's Mouth

2011-03-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

Secretariat (DVD)

A tribute to one of the most legendary and loved thoroughbreds of all time. After twenty-five years of no Triple Crown winners, Secretariat, affectionally known as Big Red, garnered this title in 1973. Penny Chenery Tweedy, who inherited her father's stable, acquires Secretariat when she loses a coin toss. This DVD recreates the spectacular journey of an incredible horse and the women who risks everything to make him a champion. You don't have to love horses to enjoy this family film (PG) filled with warmth, thrill, and drama. Special features include unseen race footage and interviews behind the scenes.

If you're looking for other racehorse DVDs, check out Seabiscuit; On the Muscle: Portrait of a Thoroughbred Racing Stable; and Racing Stripes. If you like to read, check with a reference librarian for some great books on the thoroughbreds.

Have you read...?

2011-02-18T08:46:00.000-08:00

Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

This fine example of historical fiction boasts a starred review in Publishers Weekly. Set in pre-Darwinian Regency England, the story tells of an unlikely friendship between two women fossil hunters who live in the small community of Lyme Regis. Together they explore the world of paleontology, a science where men rule and women are dismissed, receiving little credit for their remarkable finds.

I listened to the book on CD and each of the two characters tells their first person story, beautifully executed by the actors Susan Lyons and Charlotte Parry. As well as being available as a CD and in standard format, the book is available as an e-book and in large print. Chevalier is also the author of the popular book Girl with a Pearl Earring.

We hope you will like Have you read...? We will continue featuring new books on this blog. If you read Remarkable Creatures, please blog to us about it.

Book Discussion

2011-02-04T13:12:00.000-08:00

The Remains of the Day

by Kazuo Ishiguro

Monday, February 16, 2911

7:00 p.m.

Please join us to discuss this critically acclaimed novel set in postwar England. Winner of the Booker Prize, its story is told from the viewpoint of Stevens, the perfect English butler. At the end of his three decades of service at Darlington Hall, Stevens confronts his doubts about the true nature of the "great" man he served.

The New York Times Book Review proclaimed this to be "One of the best books of the year" when it was written in 1988, while the Boston Globe labelled it as "One of the best books of the decade." The book was later made into a movie, starring Anthony Hopkins, and produced by Merchant Ivory.

To attend this book discussion, please sign up at the Reference Desk.

Book Discussion: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2011-01-03T12:46:00.001-08:00

Saturday, January 22
11 a.m. to noon

Set in Sweden, Stieg Larson's international bestseller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo introduces a provocatively odd couple who investigate the forty year old disappearance of a young heiress. Mikael Blomkvist, a disgraced financial analyst, and Lisbeth Salander, a multipierced tattooed computer hacker, are a favorite of readers across the globe with Blomkvist reflecting the late author's own tumultuous career as a crusading journalist.

Copies of this remarkable crime novel are available for those wishing to participate in the book discussion. Please sign up at the Reference Desk.

Riverhead Reads: Passport to Mystery

2010-12-23T06:49:00.000-08:00

Winter is here and so is the Adult Winter Reading Club 2011, Riverhead Reads: Passport to Mystery. Read or listen to any book for a chance to win prizes in our weekly raffle drawings. Read a book from our preferred reading list, featuring international crime fiction, and double your chances of winning. Here's a sample of a few of the books listed for Scandanavia.

Before the popular Stieg Larsson series (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), the first grandmasters of Swedish dectecive fiction were the writing team of Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo. The Man on the Balcony features Stockholm police inspector Martin Beck who also fights crime in The Locked Room. If you don't mind Scandinavian dreariness or brutal crimes, put this Edgar winning duo next on your list.

Even James Patterson has hopped on the bandwagon with his own Swedish crime thriller, The Postcard Killers, which he co-wrote with Swedish novelist, Lisa Marklund. We have plenty of extra copies of this book on hand. The number one bestselling author in Europe, Marklund has yet to make it big in the USA, but expect more of her books to surface here in the near future.

Swedish mystery writer Henning Mankell's Detective Inspector Kurt Wallander series features a rumpled, irritable middle-aged cop. Though the character failed to capture the same devoted attention of American readers as did Larsson's tattooed heroine, the author gets high praise for intricate plotting and for his tackling of social and global issues. Try The Dogs of Riga or any of his other available mysteries for something different.

The Scandanavian invasion is not just limited to Sweden. Many top notch crime writers hail from other countries, including Norwegian writer Karin Fossum. Her Inspector Sejer series is kicked off by Don't Look Back, set in an idyllic Norwegian village. Fossum is another author who is widely acclaimed across Europe and many of her books are available here as well.

Most of the international mystery authors write series mysteries with continuing characters. However, their books that are published in the USA may vary from the order in which they were published in their native countries. In most cases it is unnecessary to read an author's books in any particular order. Check with the Reference Desk to join the Adult Winter Reading Club and pick up a kit for your Passport to Mystery.

In the News

2010-11-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

Author Thomas Clavin's new release (November 2010) pays tribute to the entertainers who made Las Vegas what it is today. That Old Black Magic: Louis Prima, Keely Smith, and the Golden Age of Las Vegas celebrates these legendary stars along with a host of others who graced the Las Vegas stages--Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Eddie Fisher. Set in the 1950s and early 1960s, this true tale tells the captivating Vegas back story that launched the city as an entertainment mecca. Read firsthand accounts about Las Vegas and its entertainers in autobiographies, such as Tony Bennett's The Good Life.

Recently, Mr. Clavin hosted a fascinating author talk at the Riverhead Free Library featuring his book Dark Noon: The Final Voyage of the Fishing Boat "Pelican." It was September 1951 when an overloaded fishing boat sank off the coast of Montauk, killing most of those onboard. The author was able to interview a few remaining survivors to provide a gripping and realistic account of the tragedy. If you haven't read this book yet, now is the time. We will have multiple copies available for check out shortly.

Where the Fur Flies

2010-10-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

Human-Animal bonds. Americans love their pets! Just look at all the books written on this subject. Every month there are one or two new titles. This bond is mutually beneficial to our health and well-being. It has existed for thousands of years. In addition to the health benefits, animals actively assist us in many other ways. An unspoken, deeply felt bond is created between animals and people!

The following books are just a few of the many wonderful stories where animals of all types have made our lives richer and fuller. This bond is so good for both species!

Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale or How I Learned About Life and Love with a Blind Wonder Cat by Gwen Cooper. Once in a lifetime story of an extraordinary cat and his human companion. This story about love and hope is funny and moving for anyone who has fallen in love with an animal with a disability. A must read!

An Eagle Named Freedom: My True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Jeff Guidry. The moment Jeff saw the baby eagle with broken wings, his life was changed. "Freedom" couldn't fly but she had Jeff. A very moving story.

Hachi: a Dog's Tale. DVD. Based on a true story from Japan, it is inspirational and heartwarming. I loved this movie!

Angel by My Side: The True Story of a Dog Who Saved a Man and a Man Who Saved a Dog by Mike Lingenfelter. This is about Mike and his rescue golden retriever. When two serious heart attacks and open heart surgery threaten to take away most of Mike's reason for living, Dakota, an extraordinary service dog, is by his side to help him gain his independance. Dakota was '1999 Service Dog of the Year' by Delta Society and was chosen as 'Humanitarian of the Year' by the National Sertoma Club of Dallas. Dakota was the first non-human recipient in history for this award.

Why We Ride: Women Writers on the Horses in Their Lives. Horses are chosen for their beauty, ability, trust, and friendship. They teach us something about becoming stronger, better people. Based on this trust, this is truly a symbiotic relationship. A great book for both horse owners and horse lovers.

Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl by Stacey O'Brien. I loved this book. The author captured the essence of the soul of Wesley. It is funny, fascinating and powerful. A must read about selfless devotion.

Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by David Dosa. Touching! A must read for cat lovers or anyone with compassion for humans in a medical setting. This story proves there are no ordinary cats!

For more books about the human-animal bond, check out the November 2010 display by the large print books.

The Green Spot

2010-10-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

The Green Spot has a new look! Thanks to our staff teens, decorative pumpkins line the top shelf. Also featured, courtesy of the Long Island Farm Bureau, is a display of local farm stands. Pick up a brochure, "Long Island's Bounty Brought to You by Long Island Farm Bureau," for a list of farm stands in your area where you can go pumpkin picking and more.

Then get into the spirit of the season by picking up a good book. Our "Fall Into a Good Book" display, near the Adult Reference Desk, features some of the best autumn activities. Andrea Chesman's Serving Up the Harvest, an innovative cookbook organized seasonally, celebrates the unique flavors of fresh-from-the- garden vegetables with more than 175 recipes.

For those who prefer celebrating the harvest outside, try Fall Scaping: Extending Your Garden Season Into Autumn by Nancy J. Ondra and Stephanie Cohen with photography by Rob Cardillo. This beautifully illustrated book describes dozens of plants that can bring life to a late season garden. It covers a wide range of growing conditions and color schemes.

Last but not least, here's a little something for the party animal's among us. The Halloween Handbook: 447 Costumes by Bridie Clark and Ashley Dodd is a one of a kind dress-up for grown-ups book. The authors suggest ways of assembling hundreds of classic and original Halloween customes from everyday objects. Combined with holiday lore, party ideas, and seasonal amusements, it's wicked fun!

In the News...

2010-09-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods...monster storms aren't just a present-day phenomenon. Read about one of Long Island's worst storms in R.A. Scotti's gripping true story Sudden Sea: The Great Hurricane of 1938. This dramatic recreation of the hurricane that ripped apart Long Island and the New England coast, has been praised by critics and book groups alike. Scotti draws on archival footage, newspaper accounts, and the personal testimony of survivors. Or, you may want to read Hurricane!, by Joe McCarthy, an earlier book about this same storm that left 650 people dead and 1,754 injured.

Recent reports of tornadoes on Long Island are causing quite a stir. Those unfamiliar with this less frequent but devastatingly destructive event may want to learn the basics from Tornadoes by Michael Allaby. Part of the Dangerous Weather series, these books explain our weather in layman's terms with diagrams and photos.

Tornado Hunter: Getting Inside the Most Violent Storms on Earth by Stefan Bechtel with Tim Samaras tells us the remarkable story of storm chasers who spearhead daring missions to extract secrets from Earth's most violent weather. You'll see the first ever photos from inside a tornado and meet survivors with incredible tales.

Preparedness is the key to the Island's wild weather. Check at the Reference Desk for information from our Emergency Management vertical file, or get advice from one of our numerous books on the subject, such as The Homeowner's Hurricane Handbook by Bob Sterns.

Book Discussion: A Trip to the Stars

2010-09-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 22
7 to 8:30 p.m.

Written by poet Nicholas Christopher, this unique coming-of-age tale and love story shows us what happens when we lose what matters most. In 1965, a young boy and his aunt become separated when the child is kidnapped by a wealthy uncle. Despite this unnerving event, mysterious ties continue to link the two over the next fifteen years that they are apart.

Spanning several continents, A Trip to the Stars is seeped in mystery, romance, and intellectual adventure. Sign up for the discussion and pick up a book at the Reference Desk.

Patron Picks

2010-09-02T09:17:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in Riverhead Reads, our annual adult summer reading club. Here are some of the top-rated book picks from our patrons.

The Shack by William P. Young was one of the most requested books of 2007. Set deep in the Oregon wilderness, it tells the tale of the brutal murder of a family's youngest daughter and her father's attempt to reconcile it--with himself and with God. Multiple copies of this book are available, so if you have not already read it, now is the time!

For those who enjoy reading Pultizer Prize-winning authors, Geraldine Brooks is a must. Her latest title, People of the Book, is enthusiastically read by book groups and receives high praise from our patrons. The story of rare-book expert Hanna Heath takes us back in time as she discovers a series of tiny artifacts in a volume's ancient binding and pieces together the mystery of the book's origins.

Those who enjoy a lighter read may want to try out New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer whose sizzling modern-day western Fearless is sure to please romance readers. Set in the wide open spaces of Texas, it pits an undercover DEA agent against a fiercely independent female rancher.

Finally, The Summons is one of author John Grisham's more current legal thrillers. As a beloved and powerful judge lays dying, he issues a summons for both of his sons to return home. But the judge dies too soon for the meeting to take place, leaving behind a shocking secret.

Look for more Patron Picks on the September 2010 display.

Adult Summer Reading Club: America the Beautiful

2010-06-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

Sign up and get your reading kit at the Adult Reference Desk beginning Saturday, June 19.

Get ready for the adult summer reading club 2010--Riverhead Reads: America the Beautiful--celebrating America's wilderness and waterways. This self-guided reading program gives our cardholders a chance to win prizes each time they read or listen to a book. Reading books from the preferred reading list provides an even greater chance to win.

Here are just a few of the unique books from the list...

The Deerslayer by James Fenimore Cooper - One of the most popular writers of the 19th century, Cooper is best known for his Leatherstocking Tales featuring frontiersman Natty Bumppo. The Deerslayer is the first chronologically in the Leatherstocking series.

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani - Set in a sleepy hamlet of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, this modern-day novel is also the first book in a series. Trigiani celebrates small town life with a winning blend of '70s nostalgia and Appalachian local color.

High Country by Nevada Barr - Part of a mystery series, this page-turner features National Park Service ranger Anna Pigeon, whose crime-solving abilities constantly put her in peril.

Return to Wild America: A Yearlong Search for the Continent's Natural Soul by Scott Weidensaul - Those who prefer non-fiction will love Weidensaul's poetic account of the North American wilderness. The author is one of the world's premier writer/naturalists today.

Ledyard: In Search of the First American Explorer by Bill Gifford - John Ledyard (1751 - 1789), one of the greatest American explorers of all time, is largely forgotten today. In this memorable tribute to him, Gifford traces Ledyard's explorations with Captain Cook, across America before Lewis and Clark.

Check the Riverhead Reads kit for more books on the preferred reading list.

Book Discussion: Blue Highways

2010-06-09T14:43:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

7 to 8 p.m.

Don't forget to join us for a discussion of Blue Highways: A Journey into America by William Least Heat-Moon. Traveling around the perimeter of the United States, Heat-Moon discovers true adventure on the nation's back roads--from towns like Remote, Oregon; Simplicity, Virginia; and even parts of Long Island. This classic tale is hailed as a masterpiece in American travel writing.

It also kicks off the theme for the adult summer reading club, Riverhead Reads: America the Beautiful. You may sign up immediately for the book discussion at the Reference Desk. Register for the reading club beginning Saturday, June 19, or check this blog for more information.

Hidden Treasures

2010-05-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

Check out the new May 2010 display and take a book home with you. Most of these unique, significant, or just plain entertaining books have been neglected for a year or more. They need you to check them out! Without your attention, some of them could even be removed from our collection. Here's a sample...

Soak up the summer sun with Lifeguarding: A Memoir of Secrets, Swimming and the South by Catherine McCall. Set in segregated 1960s Louisville, Kentucky, psychiatrist and author McCall tells of her family home, haunted by ghosts and family secrets. For her and her siblings, competitive swimming becomes an outlet for a difficult home life. "Immensely compelling and deeply moving..." (Publishers Weekly)

Prefer to take a voyage to the tropics? The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific will lead you into another world with acclaimed travel writer Paul Theroux. The author kayaks from island to island in the Pacific sharing his adventures in this highly readable travel memoir.

In Sandra Cisneros delightful second novel, Caramelo, a family embarks on their annual car trip from Chicago to Mexico City. Along the way, Lala Reyes listens to stories about her family, including her grandmother, the descendant of a renowned dynasty of shawl makers.

Look for more great Hidden Treasures in the months to come on this blog!

Book Discussion: Local History

2010-05-12T17:02:00.001-07:00

New date!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
10 a.m. to noon
Stage Room

Mark your calendars for the new date of the local history book discussion. As an exciting addition to the program, local historian Richard Wines will join us. Mr. Wines will speak about the history of Community Volunteerism in the Riverhead area. This will be followed by a group discussion. Sign up for the program and pick up a copy of the suggested reading, Journey Through Time: The Riverhead Bicentennial 1792 -1992, edited by Barbara Austen, at the Adult Reference Desk.

Check the upcoming July/August newsletter for more information about this and other reading programs. In the meantime, sign up for the next book discussion, Blue Highways: A Journey into America by William Least Heat-Moon. This will be held Wednesday, June 30, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. In this classic true story, Heat-Moon recounts his unforgettable adventures traveling the nation's backroads, including through parts of Long Island. A true American experience.

In the News

2010-04-26T12:36:00.001-07:00

Volcanoes are as fascinating as they are terrifying. Many books found at the library offer insight and historical information on this subject, popularized by the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland.

For general information, try Volcanoes by Mauro Rosi, Paolo Papale, Luca Lupi, and Marco Stoppato. This fully illustrated book provides a wealth of information about the geology of volcanoes and describes the structure and history of one hundred volcanoes around the world.

Simon Winchester, bestselling author of The Professor and the Madman, and one of the most renowned science writers of our time, tells the story of the world's most famous volcano in Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded: August 27, 1883. This critically acclaimed book is sure to cativate both volcano enthusiasts and general audiences. Beyond the purely physical horrors of the event, Winchester shows how the eruption changed the world in more ways than could possibly be imagined.

To learn more about the little country and the volcano that literally brought air travel to a halt throughout much of Europe, check out the travel books on Iceland, including the Thomas Cook guide Iceland. Color photos illustrate the stark beauty of this unique country made up of volcanoes, which erupted as recently as 2004.

Book Discussion: River of Doubt

2010-04-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

River of Doubt:
Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey
by Candice Millard

Tuesday, April 20
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

This national bestseller, by first-time author Candice Millard, tells the dramatic tale of former president Theodore Roosevelt's expedition down an uncharted tributary of the Amazon. Roosevelt and his men endured starvation, Indian attack, disease, drowning, and a murder perpetrated by one of their own men. This is a powerful non-fiction thriller that is sure to provoke a lively discussion.

In the News

2010-03-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was all about the Irish. If you enjoyed St. Paddy's Day, try enjoying the evening with some good Irish authors.

The late Frank McCourt is best known for Angela's Ashes, a multiple award-winning memoir in which the author recounts his life as the child of Irish immigrants in Depression-era Brooklyn. After the death of McCourt's sister, the family decides to return to even worse poverty in Ireland. 'Tis, the sequel to Angela's Ashes, takes McCourt from Ireland back to America.

Another popular bestselling Irish author is Maeve Binchy whose recent book Heart and Soul will delight readers with its "cheerful, read-by-the-fire comfort," according to Kirkus Reviews. Although Binchy can be somewhat formulaic, her millions of fans swear by her. Her latest novel tells the story of an underfunded clinic in an Irish community, caught between the past and the present.

Morgan Llywelyn lives near Dublin, Ireland, and is also the author of numerous bestselling historical novels. Look for her new novel Brendan: The Remarkable Life and Voyage of Brendan of Clonfert, One of the Most Beloved Irish Saints. In a narrative laced with Irish history and lore, Llywelyn brings to life the complex tribal Celtic society of the fifth century.

Look for the library's Irish display this month for more Irish novelists--and some great Irish cookbooks, too.

Book Discussion: Amagansett

2010-03-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

Amagansett

by Mark Mills

Saturday

March 20, 2010

11 a.m.

A national bestseller and former Long Island Reads selection, this suspenseful drama offers the best in historical fiction. When a Basque fisherman casts his nets in the treacherous waters of the Atlantic, he pulls in the body of a beautiful young woman. Screenwriter Mills expertly fashions the dynamic history of Long Island's south shore in this clash between the rich summer people and the dispossessed immigrant fishermen and Native Americans. Set in the post-World War II era, the story skillfully combines a poignant love story with a solid police procedural. Praised by critics.

Fireside Chat

2010-02-19T08:59:00.001-08:00

Our next Fireside Chat will be Friday, February 29, 2010, at 3 p.m. Relax as we introduce some of the newest books available at the Riverhead Free Library--the latest fiction and non-fiction--including mysteries, gripping true adventure tales, self-help, biographies, and much, much more. Here's a sampling...
Bluebird: Women and the New Psychology of Happiness by Ariel Gore is sure to please those tired of searching for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Gore asks the question: "Can a woman be smart, empowered, and happy?" Determined to find out, she chronicles her inquiry with curiousity and humor. Bluebird is a smart, uplifting study of the real secret to joy.

Integrating archaeological, genetic, linguistic, and literary information, The Vikings: A History by Robert Ferguson is a readable and accessible book that serves as a solid introduction to Viking history. This provides an intriguing look at these restless voyagers and conquerers.

Miss O'Dell: My Hard Days and Long Nights with the Beatles, the Stones, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and the Women They Loved by Chris O'Dell with Katherine Ketcham is the ultimate rock 'n' roll memoir. Chris O'Dell was one of the first woman tour managers for some of the world's most influential musicians today. She was a friend, confidante, and lover to these revered musical icons and lived in the "fast lane" for almost twenty years. Baby boomers in particular will enjoy this front row seat to rock history.

In the News: Haiti

2010-02-05T08:12:00.001-08:00

The recent earthquake in Haiti shed light on the plight of this nation, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. A land with a rich history of Voodoo, gods, and goddesses, Haiti emerged from dictatorship to democracy over a decade ago.

In Krik? Krak!, Haitian-born author Edwidge Danticat movingly describes what life was like under the dictatorship in a collection of nine interrelated stories. Praised by critics, this collection of intimate histories reveals the longing for peace and happiness of a people who live in the embrace of mythic powers and rites of passage.

All Souls' Rising by Madison Smartt Bell is "A serious historical novel that reads like a dream," according to the Washington Post. Nominated for multiple awards, Bell's book fictionalizes the horrific slave rebellion of the 1790s that brought an end to white rule in French colonial Haiti. Not for the faint-hearted, this work offers a fascinating glimpse into a little-known episode that took place in our hemisphere.

Those who prefer a true look at Haitian history, may want to read the book Divine Horsemen: The Living Gods of Haiti by social activist and filmmaker Maya Deren. Written in 1953, this anthropological investigation tells of the Haitian deities, practitioners, and Voodoo rituals that Deren encountered as a result of vast fieldwork and personal research in Haiti. Here, she was unexpectedly accepted as a member of a Haitian village.

Look for these books on display, at the Reference Desk, or check with a librarian.

Fireside Chat

2010-01-27T16:14:00.001-08:00

Fri., Jan. 29 - 3 to 4 p.m.

Fri., Feb. 26 - 3 to 4 p.m.

Join us in the lounge as we talk about new books--both fiction and non-fiction-- and introduce you to new authors. Everyone is welcome. If you enjoyed Booked for Lunch, you'll love our new Fireside Chat. Here's a sneak preview of some of the books we'll be introducing...

The Pecan Orchard: Journey of a Sharecropper's Daughter by Peggy Vonsherie Allen - In this simple, uplifting story, Allen tells of her childhood in an Alabama town, still emerging from "Jim Crow" attitudes in the 1960s and '70s. If you liked The Help by Kathryn Stockett and The Color of Water by James McBride, this one is sure to please.

Only in New York: An Exploration of the World's Most Fascinating, Frustrating, and Irrepressible City by Sam Roberts - The author draws upon his experience as Urban Affairs correspondent for the New York Times to create an anthology of forty essays about our unique city. Topics cover everything from the Son of Sam to the pooper scooper law in this humorous and elegantly written collection.

To the Rescue: Found Dogs with a Mission

by Elise Lufkin, photographs by Diana Walker - The author and photographer of Found Dogs and Second Chances team up once again to present irresistable stories of "found" dogs (and one cat), who were rescued and went on to become highly trained working animals at disaster sites and for those humans needing assistance.

Enjoy hearing more about these and many other new titles at our first Fireside Chat.

Book Discussion: Three Cups of Tea

2010-01-13T15:55:00.001-08:00

Saturday, January 23, 2010
11 a.m. to noon
Children's Program Room

The widely acclaimed Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin is an astonishing, uplifting story of a homeless mountaineer and his remarkable humanitarian campaign, set in the Taliban's backyard. Those wishing to attend the book discussion should sign up at the Reference Desk. You may order a book as well.

Mortenson's books, including Stones Into Schools, are also included on the preferred reading list for the Adult Winter Reading Club, Riverhead Reads: Making a Difference Globally and in Your Community. Library cardholders may check with the Reference Desk for program details.

In the News

2010-01-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

With all the talk about bad weather, it could be worse. The Longest Winter: The Incredible Survival of Captain Scott's Lost Party by Katherine Lambert tells the true story of the 1912 British Antarctic expedition. Although Captain Robert Scott and those with him perished, Lambert tells the amazing tale of survival of the expedition's other lost crew, who endured a seven month Antarctic winter in a makeshift igloo. The use of detailed diaries brings the story to life.

Closer to home, Winter Quarters: George Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge by Noel F. Busch provides another gripping winter adventure set during the American Revolution. Despite the terrible privations they endured, the colonial troops rallied and emerged in the spring from Valley Forge as a disciplined fighting force.

For those who prefer fiction, Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin is a fascinating winter story. This former bestseller, takes readers on a fanciful journey through New York of the Belle Epoque (1890-1914) with a master thief and a Brooklyn milkhorse who discovers he can fly.

While you curl up by the fire and read, treat yourself to an inviting meal from Soups & Stews for Fall and Winter Days by Liza Fosburgh and linger over a bowl of white bean soup or scallop and snow-pea chowder.

On a day like today--with the snow falling--it's a perfect time to stay inside. If you're at the library, visit our Winter Wonderful display near the reference desk featuring these and plenty of other winter books, many providing information about cold weather activities--skiing, ice hockey, winter gardening, and more.

Where the Fur Flies

2009-12-29T15:47:00.000-08:00

Tigers are awesome! This may be why we use them in our literature and advertising as in Detroit Tigers, the Flying Tigers, Pooh Bear & Tigger, Tony the Tiger, and even the Tigers of Tammany. This year, 2010, the Chinese New Year will honor the "Year of the Tiger."

The tiger is a member of the Felidae family. They are the largest of the four "big cats." Check out our materials for a better understanding of this majestic creature. Even in fiction writings, their grandeur is apparent.

Tiger by Stephen Mills. What does a tiger do in its spare time? Learn their behavior, social structure, breeding patterns, family life, eating, and communication habits. Also addressed is the religious significance of tigers, conservation efforts, and where to observe them in the wild.

Life in the Valley of Death: The Fight to Save Tigers in a Land of Guns, Gold, and Greed by Alan Rabinowitz. "This book is not your typical chronicle of rescuing wildlife. Rather it's a clear-eyed rendering of conservation's unruly, dangerous, and chaotic side." (Audubon) If you have read Rabinowitz's Jaguar: Struggle and Triumph in the Jungles of Belize, you will enjoy this story of his crusade to save the tiger. This is also a preferred book on the Riverhead Reads book list for winter 2010.

The Tribe of Tiger: Cats and Their Culture by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas. From the author of The Hidden Life of Dogs, Thomas will have cat lovers purring. Though you may not always agree with her, she will provide insights into how all cats, big or little, are similar. The most enthralling subject in this book proves to be the tiger. A delightful book for those who don't mind her sometimes wild observations.

Tigers in Red Weather: A Quest for the Last Wild Tigers by Ruth Padel. Take a journey with Padel in her memoirs to various parts of the eastern hemisphere to spot tigers. Learn how and why the number of these beautiful animals are diminishing. Padel still manages to give us hope by providing a list of tiger-focused charities for concerned readers.

And for those who want to enjoy the tiger in motion, try India: Kingdom of the Tiger by IMAX cinema. Journey to India and come face to face with the Bengal tiger. Enjoy this stunning clarity of the tiger at work on DVD.

Another DVD, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, though not about the lives of tigers & dragons, takes the name of two powerful creatures. Set in 19th century China, two master warriors come face to face as if they were a tiger and dragon. Action packed!

Riverhead Reads

2009-12-22T14:20:00.000-08:00

Sign up now at the Reference Desk for the Adult Winter Reading Club 2010. Read or listen to any book for a chance to win prizes in weekly raffle drawings. Get extra chances to win by reading a book from our preferred reading list. This winter's theme is Riverhead Reads: Making a Difference Globally & in Your Community. Check out the newest display with the presents on the top shelf for a sampling of these books. Here are a few....

The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World by Jacqueline Novogratz is the inspiring story of a woman who left a career in international banking to embark on a quest to understand and tackle global poverty. It all started on a trip to Africa where the author saw a boy wearing a cherished blue wool sweater she had donated to Goodwill eleven years earlier.

For those who want to know how to get involved,Volunteerism edited by Frank McGuckin is an excellent resource. A series of essays and articles lays bare the issues surrounding the topic and introduces private and the national service agencies, including AmeriCorps. While providing thought- provoking critiques about the failure of some efforts, the book also sheds light on the rewards of volunteering.
Animal Investigators: How the World's First Wildlife Forensics Lab is Solving Crimes and Saving Endangered Species by Laurel A. Neme, Ph.D. shares behind-the-scenes cases and describes the scientific methods through which the lab safeguards endangered species that are being poached for their body parts. Filled with suspense, this book unfolds like a crime novel.

For readers in the mood for more serious biographies of remarkable people who made a difference, try Failure is Impossible: Susan B. Anthony in her Own Words by Lynn Sherr. Raised as a Quaker with a strong sense of social responsibility, Anthony was a key figure in the women's suffrage movement--but her legacy goes far beyond the vote.

Blue Ribbon Book Stop

2009-12-01T11:44:00.001-08:00

For those in a hurry for the holidays, grab a book from our newest display "Short & Sweet: Reading on the Run." These notable short story collections will be on display through December 21, 2009.

Delhi Noir edited by Hirsh Sawhney is part of the Akashic Noir award-winning series that launched in 2004. Each book is comprised of all new stories set in a distinct city and featuring dark tales. The legendary city of Delhi proves fertile ground for tales from the city's underside. The books contributors are as diverse as their stories--from Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs; Punjabis, Biharis, Bengalis, and Keralites.

Close Range: Wyoming Stories is by Annie Proulx, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Shipping News. Set in a landscape both brutal and magnificant, Proulx's collection features stories of cowboys, rodeo riders, and ranches. It includes the tale of Brokeback Mountain from which the award-winning movie was made.

Adaptations: From Short Story to Big Screen by Stephanie Harrison highlights 35 great stories that have inspired great films. All About Eve, Rear Window, and 2001: A Space Odyssey are much-loved movies that began their lives as short stories. Adaptations gathers together stories that have been the basis for films, many from giants in American literature.

There are many award-winning and unique collections on display, including for specific genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Check out this display for some quick and satisfying reads.

Fireside Chat

2009-11-27T11:48:00.001-08:00

Come in out of the cold this winter and join us around the fireplace for a chat about the latest books. Details will be in the library's next newsletter. If you liked Booked for Lunch, you'll love our Fireside Chat. In the meantime, here's a preview of some of the new non-fiction travel books on the new book shelf....

Tropic of Capricorn: A Remarkable Journey to the Forgotten Corners of the World by Simon Reeve spans 23,000 miles around the globe. Starting in Africa and heading east through Australia and South America, Reeve encounters breathtaking landscapes and remarkable people--from the Bushmen of the Kalahari and Nambian prostitutes battling HIV to gem miners in Madagascar and teenagers in the Brazilian favela, once described as the most dangerous place on earth. Not for the faint of heart, this plunges beyond the usual travelogue.

In Mozambique Mysteries, novelist and world traveler Lisa St. Aubin de Teran captures the spirit Mozambique, which seems remote and unreachable to many westerners. Enthralled by this unique but poor country, the author finds the perfect place to realize her dream of founding a college for tourism and agriculture.

Talking Heads' founder David Byrne creates another unique travel experience in Bicycle Diaries. As a cyclist, Bryne's whole world opened up when he discovered folding bikes and took to the road internationally. What he sees and whom he meets, as he pedals through the streets of Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Manila, and more, is the subject of this eye-opening celebration of the world from the seat of a bike.

Blue Ribbon Book Stop

2009-11-12T11:49:00.000-08:00

Visit the latest holiday display this November 2009, honoring colonial America. Several standout books have been written about Jamestown, the Virginia settlement that pre-dates the Mayflower.

Savage Kingdom: The True Story of Jamestown, 1607, and the Settlement of America by Benjamin Woolley is "a well-told story of discovery, conquest, business, and politics." The award-winning author and broadcaster meticulously gathers and documents many fascinating details of this first permanent English colony in North America.

Captain John Smith: Jamestown and the Birth of the American Dream by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler draws from primary sources, including John Smith's own writings, to tell the story of the colony's most famous founder. Edgar award-winning authors also deconstruct the myth of the relationship between Captain Smith and Pocahontas.

The Jamestown Project by Karen Ordahl Kupperman enlarges the colony's story to encompass all the factors that led up to its founding, including the view from England toward the New World. Kupperman, an NYU historian, also reveals the dark side of this seeming success story.

These three non-fiction works are recent additions, written to honor the 400th anniversary of Jamestown in 1607.

Book Discussion: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

2009-10-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, November 18, 2009
7 p.m.

This remarkable tale about the English Channel island of Guernsey began during the German occupation in WWII. When a group of Guernsey residents were discovered breaking curfew, they made the excuse that they were members of a book group. Thus began The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

The novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows uses the format of letters, written post-WWII, from the warm-hearted, eccentric inhabitants of Guernsey to a writer who finds inspiration for her next book in the correspondence. All from fully formed characters, the letters recount both humorous and horrific wartime events.

You won't want to miss this is a favorite among discussion groups. Sign up online at the Reference Desk or register online.

In the News

2009-10-15T12:19:00.001-07:00

Check out the Riverhead Free Library's newsletter for information about a bus trip to Amish Country (Lancaster, Pennsylvania) on Wednesday, October 21, 2009. Sign up today at the Public Information Desk.

Visit our October 2009 book display to learn more about the Amish, or to read a good Amish mystery or romance. Here are a few samples . . .

The real-life horrific shooting of ten Amish schoolgirls in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, in 2006, stunned the larger world. Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy by Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, and David L. Weaver-Zercher explores the many questions about religious beliefs that allowed the Amish to forgive so quickly.

A Prayer for the Night: An Ohio Amish Mystery comes from popular Amish writer P.L. Gaus, who deftly balances the pace and practices of Amish life in northern Ohio against the unfolding urgency of a hostage situation. Gaus is praised by reviewers for his "refreshing authenticity" in this account of rumschpringe, that indefinite period during which Amish teens are permitted to immerse themselves in the modern world before deciding if they want to embrace traditional ways.

Those who like sweeter stories may want to try The Parting, a novel by Beverly Lewis, noted for her award-winning Amish stories. The first part of the three-book series (The Courtship of Nellie Fisher), The Parting ignites a clash between the old and the new. Well-drawn characters, a romance, and the exploration of Amish traditions and a relationship with God all lend depth to this popular series.

Yellow Barn: Fall/Winter Hours 2009

2009-10-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Yellow Barn hours are being extended! We will remain open this fall/winter 2009 on Mondays and Fridays from 8:30 to 10 a.m., weather permitting. A variety of political and history books, particularly about the WWII era, are available for purchase. Or, stock up on children's shows on video tape for only 25 cents apiece.

Book Discussion: The Professor and the Madman

2009-10-05T13:43:00.001-07:00

Tuesday, October 20
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Open Room

Join us for a discussion of this international bestseller: The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester. An extraordinary tale of madness and genius, this marvelous true story tells of the obsessions of two men who were primarily responsible for the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. It explores not only the dark side of the human psyche but chronicles the making of a masterpiece. Remarkably readable and well researched. Please sign up online or register at the Public Information Desk or at the Reference Desk.

In the News

2009-09-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

Even today books are banned by certain institutions or in other venues for political, religious, sexual or social reasons. Beginning in 1982, the American Library Association (ALA) has celebrated Banned Book Week annually during the last week of September. The goal of this weeklong event is to keep the concept of literary freedom in the forefront of Americans' minds. Look for our display of books that have been banned throughout the ages, and select your own banned book to read!

Here are just a few of them...

Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence was inspired by the long-standing affair between Lawrence's German wife and an Italian peasant who eventually became her third husband. This fictionalized account is the story of Constance Chatterley, who, while trapped in an unhappy marriage to an aristocratic mine owner whose war wounds have left him paralyzed and impotent becomes involved with a gamekeeper. Many critics consider it Lawrence's best novel.

Candide by Voltaire tells the story of a naive youth who is conscripted, shipwrecked, and tortured by the Inquisition without losing his will to live. Voltaire is a brilliant satirist and one of the most influential figures of the eighteenth century Enlightenment. Highly readable, this is a book you will long remember.

Famed and recently deceased author John Updike was a prolific novelist, poet, and short story writer, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. Rabbit, Run, his second novel, is about a high-school basketball star who on an impulse, at the age of twenty six, deserts his wife. Set in a small urban area of southeastern Pennsylvania in 1959, the story portrays the potentially tragic clash between religion and morality.

Where the Fur Flies

2009-09-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

"My horses not only taught me riding but they also made me understand many a wisdom of life besides." Words of Alois Podhajsky of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria. "The world's past has been born [sic] on his back. We are his heirs; he is our inheritance." From: "Ode to the Horse" How true this is if you love horses. Horses have played an important role in the history of the world.

Enjoy the many different books and media we have to offer. Here are a few of my favorites.

Hollywood Hoofbeats: Trails Blazed Across The Silver Screen by Petrine Day Mitchum.
You will have fun identifying horses from your favorite TV shows and silver screen movies. Tricks of the trade are also discussed such as the proper way to teach a horse to fall on cue. These behind-the-scenes portraits of the horses, their trainers, owners, and co-stars will bring you to a 'galloping good read.'

Mary White. Mary White lived from 1904-1920. She was the daughter of William Allen White, a well known Kansas state journalist. This film is based on the story that he wrote as a tribute to his daughter, an equestrian, whose outlook on life is was refreshing. You don't even need to be a horse lover to enjoy this.

Horseplay: A Novel by Judy Reene Singer. Judy Van Brunt catches her husband in another relationship. She decides she has had enough. She quits her job and heads south to work on a horse farm. There, she shares an apartment with three other women and a teenager. Working with horses and her friends outweights any problems. Those who love horses will enjoy this light, funny story.

My Horses, My Teachers by Alois Podhajsky. This story is a literary monument to Podhajsky's equine teachers and companions of a lifetime. It is full of love, humor, sadness and devotion to his four-legged friends. Not only did the Lippizaners fulfill his life, but the thoroughbreds helped him to win a bronze medal in the 1936 Olympics.

Full Cry by Rita Mae Brown. This is the third novel in the foxhunting series with Jane Arnold, master of the foxhounds. She leads us into another intricate, witty, who-done-it murder with the Jefferson Hunt Club members.

Book Discussion - A Fine Balance

2009-09-14T12:03:00.001-07:00

A Fine Balance : a novel
by Rohinton Mistry

Wednesday, September 23, 2009
7 - 8 PM
Riverhead Free Library Open Room

Life in an unnamed Indian city couldn't be worse when four people join forces in order to survive. Dina, a seamstress who is losing her sight, two tailors and Maneck, a student, share a cramped apartment and learn that compassion and cooperation make it possible to create a bond, shaping their dire circumstances into something bearable and dramatically changing themselves for the better.

Listen Up!

2009-08-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

This summer marks the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival. Originally
the concert was designed as a profit-making venture to be held at Mills Industrial Park in upstate New York. As it became clear that hundreds of thousands of people would attend, it turned into a "free concert" held at Max Yasgur's 600 acre dairy farm in the rural town of Bethel, NY. The first stars to sign up to perform at the event were Creedence Clearwater Revival. Many popular bands of the era declined to perform because there was little indication of the importance the event would eventually assume. The festival was filmed and made into a documentary that won an Academy Award in 1970. Every decade, there have been peaceful namesake events. However, the festival in 1999 was highly commercialized and ended badly with a fire.

Check out our CDs for several of the performers at Woodstock Festival 1969:

Ultimate Santana is a compilation album that features ths smash hits -- "Smooth," "Maria Maria'" "Black Magic Woman," and "Oye Como Va."

The Very Best of Grateful Dead is a 17 track disc collection offering a very good overview of the Dead's greatest hits including "Truckin'" and "Touch of Grey."

Bayou Country Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fantasy Records has taken a selection of CCR's albums and reissued them in a digitally remasterd format with rare and previously unreleased bonus material supplementing each release.

The Essential Janis Joplin - This two disc album includes many live recordings of Joplin's performances. There are songs from her previous albums that have been remastered to sound flawless. This includes the hits that you would expect like "Summertime," "Kozmic Blues," and "Mercedes Benz."

The Who scored 16 Top 40 hits in the U.S. between 1967 and 1982. This greatest hits disc includes "I Can See For Miles, " "Won't Get Fooled Again," and the ultimate punk anthem "My Generation."

The Essential Jefferson Airplane - This 32 track compilation covers the band's seven albums and two live offerings. This is a well chosen selection with first rate liner notes that highlight the Airplane's diverse influences as it echoed and exemplified the turbulent end of the '60s and the beginning of the '70s.

What Goes Up!: The Best of Blood, Sweat and Tears - This 2-disc compilation contains 32 of Blood Sweat and Tears' greatest hits. Their 1969 self-titled album won Album of The Year at the Grammy Awards, beating The Beatles' Abbey Road. The commercial and critical acclaim enjoyed by the band in 1969 culminated in an appearance at the Woodstock Festival, in which it enjoyed headliner status.

Jimi Hendrix Live at Woodstock is a 2-disc collection of highlights from Hendrix's legendary closing set at Woodstock. With classics -- "Message To Love," "Foxey Lady," and "Purple Haze."

Hits /Joni Mitchell Athough she did not appear at the Woodstock Festival, she did write the classic tune "Woodstock," which appears on this greatest hits CD along with "River," and "Big Yellow Taxi."

Mr. Hollywood Speaks

2009-08-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

Mr. Hollywood is back and in this edition we feature films from the late great John Hughes. Hughes passed away on August 6th, so let’s celebrate his life by checking out some of the great films that he has written and produced.

The Breakfast Club is a story of five high school students--a rebel, an athlete, a Brain, a brincess and a basketcase--who find themselves thrown together serving a Saturday morning detention. They do not have much in common, except giving up their day, sitting in the school library, and writing an essay for the principal. Then they start to pour their hearts out to each other. They talk about their fears, secrets, deepest emotions, and problems.

In Pretty in Pink , Molly Ringwald plays a poor girl who falls in love with a rich guy and must find a way to deal with her family and friends who are unhappy about it.

Bueller !!!!!!!!!! We all remember it being yelled. Ferris Bueller's Day Off chronicles the

events in the day of a rather magical 17-year-old who, one spring day towards the end of his senior year, gives into an overwhelming urge to cut school and head for downtown Chicago. This was the film that launched Matthew Broderick's career and showcased Jennifer Grey as well.

Where the Fur Flies

2009-08-21T15:42:00.001-07:00

In the News

2009-08-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

Woodstock is over, but there's still time to celebrate the '60s this August. Visit our book and CD display nearest the circulation desk and pick out your favorite '60s icon or read about rockets and remember the war in Vietnam. There's something for everyone. Here's a sample.

1969 by Rob Kirkpatrick chronicles American music, news, politics, art, publishing, and sports during 1969 from Woodstock to the Manson family to Richard Nixon's presidency to the gay rights movement.

Aquarius Revisited: Seven Who Created the Sixties Counterculture That Changed America by Peter O. Whitmer with Bruce VanWyngarden is a joyful and intriguing romp through this controversial era with a focus on the ideas and writings of seven key figures that define the decade, including William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, and Norman Mailer.

Rocket Men: The Epic Story of the First Men on the Moon by Craig Nelson recreates the story of the Apollo II moon mission as well as providing the history of rocketry, human space flight, and the space race.

Keep Your Head Down: Vietnam, the Sixties, and a Journey of Self-Discovery by Doug Anderson offers an evocative depiction of the author's service in Vietnam and its effects when he returns to America. In a life-changing trip back to Vietnam in 2000, he meets with former enemies who are now, like him, writers and poets.

Book Discussion: Welcome to Shirley

2009-07-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Shirley: A Memoir From an Atomic Town
by Kelly McMasters
Wednesday, August 19
7 - 8 p.m.
Riverhead Free Library Open Room

In this unforgettable story of working-class Long Island, author Kelly McMasters offers a rare glimpse into the town of Shirley where she grew up. Plagued by one disaster after another, the town's residents are forced to cope with the untimely deaths of loved ones trapped in the middle of a cancer cluster. Searching for answers, McMasters probes beneath the surface and links the tragedy to Brookhaven National Laboratory. Whether or not you agree with the conclusions, McMasters' methodical research and deliciously engaging voice are sure to promote a lively discussion. Please sign up at the Reference Desk for this event. Everyone is welcome.

Yellow Barn: Summer 2009 Hours

2009-07-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Riverhead Free Library's Yellow Barn has new extended hours for the summer 2009. The Barn will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting.

Stop by the Yellow Barn to purchase gently used books. Members of the Friends of the Riverhead Free Library will direct you to whatever you might want, including children's books and books in foreign languages.

Book Discussion: Travels With Charley

2009-07-06T11:27:00.001-07:00

The late Nobel prize-winning author John Steinbeck left the safety of his Sag Harbor home in 1960 and set out on a cross-country adventure that became the subject of the book Travels With Charley. This travel memoir records the author's emotions and experiences as he rediscovers his native land with his beloved poodle, Charley. Despite his fragile health, Steinbeck realizes that he still has the strength and resources to be on his own.

There's still time to sign up at the Reference Desk for this book discussion, held Wednesday, July 15, 2009, at 7 p.m. We look forward to your participation.

Where the Fur Flies

2009-06-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

Summer is here and family trips are being planned. Don't forget to plan for your furry friends as well. If you think of your pet as a family member, their comfort and safety is vital. Check out our travel books with pets. There is information on accommodations, airlines, dog parks, national parks, emergency clinics and more. Relax with a fiction or mystery about traveling with your animals or about petsitting. Remember to provide shade and fresh water for all outside animals. Enjoy the summer!

Here are a few for the the road...

Fodor's Road Guide USA. Where To Stay With Your Pet

Take Your Pet Too! : Fun Things To Do!

Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA PetBook.

Vacationing With Your Pet! : Eileen's Directory Of Pet-Friendly Lodging.

Check out the Vacation Station display for these and similar books.

And for your reading pleasure, take a look at these...

Travels With Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck. Travel with Mr. Steinbeck and his playful poodle, Charley, as they explore and experience American in the 1960s. The book

starts out from Sag Harbor.

A Cat On A Beach Blanket by Lydia Adamson. Housesitting in the Hamptons turns deadly when a poet is killed and Alice is the prime suspect.

Adult Summer Reading Club: Long Island Fiction

2009-06-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

The Adult Summer Reading Program is here. Now is the time to sign up for Riverhead Reads: Long Island Fiction. You may read or listen to any book for a chance to win prizes. Double your chance to win by reading books on the preferred Long Island Fiction list. Drop by the Reference Desk to sign up and receive a kit containing the list and raffle tickets. Here's a sampling of a few of the books listed, which are available at the library.

L.I.E. is by David Hollander, who grew up in Suffolk County, Long Island. This debut novel takes place in Medford and follows teen Harlan Kessler through two years of love, sex, death, betrayal, salvation, and enlightenment, painting a vivid picture of a blue collar family in ten intimately interwoven stories.

For a national bestseller, try Amagansett by Mark Mills. Endorsed by another Long Island author, Nelson DeMille, as well as by the Los Angeles Times, this first novel was also a Long Island Reads selection. A first-generation Basque fisherman who casts his nets into the Atlantic and pulls in the body of a beautiful young woman. What initially looks like a routine drowning turns into a murder investigation set in an area that becomes a social battleground for the local fisherman. A gripping story, with powerfully drawn characters.

Veteram writer John Saul presents a creepy stalker story, Perfect Nightmare, which turns into a shrewd whodunit. Though this is not Saul's best work, the novel may satisfy those who like the sexual-psychopath thriller. This one's about the kidnapping of a teenage girl who is initially pegged as a runaway. It takes place on Long Island's north shore.

For more Long Island fiction, check out the display with the gift packages by the Circulation Desk.

Booked For Lunch

2009-06-05T07:29:00.001-07:00

Want to broaden your reading repertoire? Mark Fridays on your calendar and join us for lunch and a "book talk" outside in the courtyard by the Yellow Barn. Just bring a brown bag lunch and find out about new authors and new books--some that you may not know about.

Save these Fridays: June 12, 19, 26; July 10, 17, 24,31; August 7, 14, 21, 28.
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Listen Up!

2009-05-29T08:00:00.001-07:00

Sometimes life as a parent can be very hectic and you would like to read but you just can't find the time. Well if you are like me and you find yourself in the car a lot, why not listen to a book on compact disc? Many parents would like to read books on improving their parenting skills, or family dynamics, or helping their children with issues they face. The Riverhead Free Library does have some child rearing audio books and we always welcome requests to order a title on compact disc.

Building Better Families by Matthew Kelly explores important issues such as: What makes a successful parent? and What are the five things children really need? Mr. Kelly gives great examples that can be applied to our daily experience of parenting and family, while at the same time educate us on the broader significance of family for society and our future.

Technology has given children today instant access to everything from information, merchandise and other people. Generation Text by psychologist, Dr. Michael Osit examines the ways in which our children's identities are shaped by the world around them and how with an absence of meaningful barriers between impulse and the ability to act on them, parents can help their children learn to make intelligent choices and manage the overload of technology. Dr. Osit's advice wil help you help your children develop key social skills, a healthy identity, and a sense of purpose and accountability.

Over the past few years Autsim has become the leading disorder affecting children in the United States. Defeat Autism Now (DAN) is a group of pediatricians who have been pioneering therapies and treatments for Autism. It can take over six months to get an appointment with a DAN doctor, so Dr. Jerry Kartizinel and Jenny McCarthy have put together a book titled Healing And Preventing Autism that gives parents all the necessary information about the DAN school of treating Autism. In this audio book Dr. Kartzinel teaches parents how to make simple changes to their child's environment and diet that are safe and easy to try at home. He also explains some of the more advanced therapies tha DAN doctors use, and how to decide whether or not such treatments would benefit your child.

Book Discussion: Riverhead: The Halcyon Years

2009-05-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

Local History Event
Saturday, May 30, 2009
10 a.m. thru noon
Stage Room

This year for the popular annual local history program, area resident Judge Thomas M. Stark will help lead a discussion about his book, Riverhead: The Halcyon Years 1861 -1919. Participants will compare and contrast their own past and present experiences in Riverhead with those in the book. The event will be filmed for the library's archives.

Anyone interested may register at the library's Adult Reference Desk where they will also sign a release form giving permission for us to film those attending the event. Refreshments will be served, and everyone is welcome. Riverhead cardholders may pick up or order a copy of the book at the Reference Desk. Join us and bring a friend as we make history together!

Where the Fur Flies

2009-05-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

Happy National Pet Week, May 3, 2009!

Pets play a remarkable role in our lives. Their love and endless hours of companionship help improve our health and well being. We as owners can return that favor by making sure their lives are healthy and wonderful. Our collection is so diverse that you are sure to have no problem finding something that will maintain or improve your furry friend's life.

One Nation Under Dog: Adventures In The New World Of Prozac-Popping Puppies, Dog Park Politics, and Organic Pet Food by Michael Schaffer. A researched, jaw-dropping, laugh-out-loud expose of our love affair with the pets in our lives.

Your Older Cat: A Complete Guide To Nutrition, Natural Health Remedies, and Veterinary Care by Susan Easterly. A good book that addresses the special health issues for the aging cat. It has convenient sidebars for quick reference.

The Cage and Aviary Bird Handbook by Tony Tilford. Well-written and useful. It covers purchasing, care, and health issues. A fun book to browse as well as to read.

Practical Horse Massage: Techniques for Loosening and Stretching Muscles by Renate Ettl. Learn the techniques and stretching exercises that will benefit your horse physically. Not only is it fun, but your horse will love you for it!

Mr. Hollywood Speaks

2009-04-27T12:48:00.001-07:00

A great movie can transport you to another time and place, just like a great book. Here at the library we have a wide selection of period-piece films. These are just a few to whet your appetite.

Taking place in China during the 1920s, The Painted Veil follows the story of a loveless marriage between a British doctor and his adulterous wife. Out of an act of vengeance Ed Norton takes a job in disease ravaged part of rural China, where his wife, Naomi Watts, must follow.

The Oscar-winning actress Kate Blanchet plays the title role in Elizabeth. In 16th century England, the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth must endure the mounting pressures of a council of suspicious advisers, calls for an heir to the throne, and a bitter fight with the Catholic Church. Elizabeth: The Golden Age, continues the intriguing story of the Virgin Queen and her ongoing battles fought with enemies near and far.

Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York tells a bloody tale of vengeance in 1840s New York, where the slums are run by a brutal gang of thugs. Leonardo DiCaprio plays the son of a slain Irish gang leader who must take revenge on their rival's ruthless captain, Bill the Butcher.

Immersing viewers in late 18th century England, Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice depicts a group sisters whose lives are upended when a wealthy man and his best friend come to town. Elizabeth Bennet, played by Keira Knightly, must duel with her sisters for the attention of a new suitor.

Blue Ribbon Book Stop

2009-04-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice is a staff pick for spring reading. No relation to Anne Rice, Luanne Rice artfully blends romance and suspense into spellbinding page turners.

Many of her books are available in the fiction section of the library including Light of the Moon. In this lyrical novel, an accomplished anthropologist travels to the fabled French Camarge to see its famous white horses and investigate her family's history. Here she falls for a horse rancher and is taken into the confidence of by a group of gypsy women as she unearths secrets in the fog-shrouded landscape.

Check the library catalog for the new feature "Similar Books," which provides links to other books by the same author and other authors who are similar in style. One such recommendation is The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky, another bestselling author. Family dynamics blend seemlessly with elements of romance and suspence in this story of a mother who covers up for her daughter in a car accident by claiming to be the driver.

Both Rice and Delinsky are blue ribbon authors in this popular genre of women's fiction. For other similar authors, check with a reference librarian.

Local History Book Stop

2009-04-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Walk into the past this spring, armed with one of these historic walking guides. It's the perfect time of year to take a stroll and soak up the atmosphere of one of the City's five bouroughs.

In Walking Brooklyn: 30 Tours Exploring Historical Legacies, Neighborhood Culture, Side Streets, and Waterways, native New Yorker Adrienne Onofri leads thirty urban treks, from the heart of downtown, over the Brooklyn Bridge, and out to the resurging East New York.

Get to know Manhattan better with Secret New York: Exploring The City's Hidden Neighborhoods by Michelle Haimoff. Best explored on foot, the City's distinctive neighborhoods provide ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture and history.

Greenwich Village Guide: Sixteen Historic Walks Includes Soho Tribeca And The East Village by Fred W. McDarrah and Patrick J. McDarrah introduces you to old and new Greenwich Village with its famous streets and rich past. Although this book was written in 1992, much of it is still relevant today.

Author Stephen A. Plumb recaptures some of the excitement and colorful history of New York's memorable people and their historic residences in Notable New York: The West Side & Greenwich Village: A Walking Guide To The Historic Homes of Famous (and Infamous) New Yorkers. From Bing Crosby to Babe Ruth, architectural historian Plumb puts a human face and history on otherwise unknown buildings.

For the armchair traveller or walking enthusiast who wants to step out of the City, Queens is an excellent alternative. The Neighborhoods Of Queens by Claudia Gryvatz Copquin captures the unique character of each area--Astoria, the Rockaways, Flushing, and more.

Look for these books on the April "Spring Fever" display, near the Circulation Desk. For walking and hiking closer to home, visit The Green Spot wall for information, or ask a reference librarian.

Book Discussion: Wait Till Next Year

2009-04-08T13:15:00.001-07:00

Wait Till Next Year : A Memoir
by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
7 to 8 p.m.
Riverhead Free Library Open Room

Join us for a discussion of Wait Till Next Year, the Long Island Reads selection for 2009. Long Island Reads is an island-wide reading initiative in which people from all over the island read and discuss the same book every spring. In her memoir, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin recalls growing up on Long Island in the 1950s in a close-knit neighborhood filled with Brooklyn Dodger fans. For more information on the discussion, contact the adult reference desk at the library. All are welcome.

Born to be Wild

2009-03-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

The weather is starting to warm up, so why not get some inspiration from these rugged traveling stories, and go out on your own adventure!

Pico Iyer has no shortage of global travel books. In Sun After Dark: Flights into the Foreign, Iyer delves into some of the most remote and mysterious locales around the world. This collection of essays gives a spiritual and philosophical twist to your standard travel lit.

No stranger when it comes to travel writing, Bill Bryson's In a Sunburned Country recounts his witty adventurs in the scorched outback of Australia. Not content with a standard tour of the Outback, Bryson provides a rich and funny account of Australian history and politics as well.

Ewan McGregor may be a world-renowed actor, but did you also know he's a real life adventurer too! Long Way Round : Chasing Shadows Across the World is the travelogue of McGregor and fellow actor Charley Boorman on a 20,000 mile journey across Europe, Asia, and North America, and all done with two BMW motorcycles. Be sure to also check out the six-hour TV documentary Long Way Round on DVD for more on their journey.

No Horizon Is So Far: Two Women And Their Extraordinary Journey Across Antartica by Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft is the true story of the first women's team to trek across the frozen continent. Both women are former teachers chronicling their milestone journey in a very unforgiving landscape that will inspire young and old alike.

In the News

2009-03-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

You can't go very far today without seeing a news story about runaway corporate greed. So why not dig a little deeper into the headlines and check out all of these great books we have at the Riverhead Free Library.

Abraham L. Gitlow's Corruption in Corporate America delves into the underlying reasons for corporate greed and the scandals that arise. Examining each aspect of what makes up a corporation and what can and has gone wrong, Gitlow gives examples for stopping the criminal exploits of a greedy company.

Enron is the poster child for of today's major corporations falling by the wayside and going out of business. Bethany McLean exposes the company's bankruptcy scandal in The Smartest Guys in the Room : The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron.

Dangerous Business :The Risks of Globalization for America by Pat Choate takes a hard look at the globalization movement and its impact on U.S. government policies. Arguing against the interdependence and increasing greed of multi-national corporations, Choate's book takes aim at at a lot of the current problems the country is facing.

Jeff Benedict investigates a Supreme Court case involving eminent domain, a low-income neighborhood, and the pharmacy giant Pfizer. Little Pink House: A True Story Of Defiance And Courage details the uphill battle against the town of New London, Connecticut, sighting eminent domain as a justification for bulldozing a small section of the town in order to bring in big business from Pfizer.

Where the Fur Flies

2009-03-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

Each day we hear of wonderful stories about human-animal relationships. Nothing can prepare us for the impact animals have in our lives. Below are a few of the true and wonderful human-animal stories that will touch your soul.

The Angel By My Side: The True Story of a Dog Who Saved a Man...and a Man Who Saved a Dog by Michael Lingenfelter & David Frei. Anyone who loves to watch the Westminster dog show on TV will recognize the name David Frei, one of the commentators for the show. His book is about a very special Golden Retriever dog with unique, life-saving talents. "Dakota" was named 1999 Service Dog of the Year by the Delta Society.

Amazing Gracie: A Dog's Tale by Dan Dye & Mark Beckloff. "Gracie" is a deaf and partially blind albino Great Dane with a delicate constitution and a penchant for small miracles. This book was nominated as a Young Adult Choice for 2002. "Gracie" also inspired owners Dan & Mark to start the bakery known as 'Three Dog Bakery'.

Wildlife can also teach us so much about life. Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl a nd His Girl by Stacey O'Brien. Stacey was a student biologist who worked with owls. "Wesley" came into her life as a four-day-old barn owl. A very educational, captivating, loving story. A must read for all ages.

Enslaved By Ducks: How One Man Went from Head of the Household to Bottom of the Pecking Order by Bob Tarte. If you ever thought about caring for many animals, this is the book for you! You will find it useful and even have second thoughts about how many animals your really, really need or want. Owners will chuckle at the many situations presented, and pet owners will identify with them.

Beagle at large! Mornings with Barney: The True Story of an Extraordinary Beagle by Dick Wolfsie. I enjoyed this immensely! It was comical and so true for anyone who has ever owned a hound. This little beagle brought so much joy, happiness, and fun to a small town in Indiana.

Book Discussion

2009-03-03T17:14:00.001-08:00

The Lace Reader
by Brunonia Barry

Wednesday, March 11, 2009
7 p.m.
&
Saturday, March 14, 2009
2 p.m.

Please join us to discuss this fascinating story, steeped in mystery and the paranormal, and narrated by the main character, who is mentally ill. The misty place between fact and fiction will be explored in Barry's first original adult novel, set in Salem, Massachusetts, where lobstermen, witches, and tourists all add to the mix for a rich and rewarding read.

Listen Up!

2009-02-21T07:19:00.000-08:00

The winners are in for the 51st Grammy Awards. Have you ever asked yourself, what is the difference between song of the year, record of the year, and album of the year?

1. Song of the year goes to the composer(s) of the song.

2. Record of the year is awarded for a single or for one track from an album. The award goes to the performing artist, the producer, recording engineer, and mixer for that song.

3. Album of the year is awarded for an entire album. The award is presented to the artist, producer, record engineer, and mastering engineer for that album.

The nominees for song of the year:

1. "American Boy" by Estelle on her compact disc Shine.

2. "Chasing Pavements" by Adele Adkins on her compact disc 19.

3. "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz on his compact disc We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.

4. "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles on her compact disc Little Voice.

5. "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay on their disc Viva La Vida or, Death and All His Friends.

***The winner for song of the year is "Viva La Vida"

The nominess for record of the year:

1. "Chasing Pavements" by Adele Adkins on her compact disc 19.

2. "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay on their disc Viva La Vida or, Death and All His Friends.

3. "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis on her disc Spirit.

4. "Paper Planes" by M.I.A. a track off of Slumdog Millionare: Music From the Motion Picture.

5. "Please Read The Letter" by Robert Plant and Alison Kraus on Raising Sand.

***The winner for record of the year is "Please Read The Letter".

The nominees for album of the year:

1. Viva La Vida or, Death and All His Friends -- Coldplay

2. Tha Carter III -- Lil Wayne

3. Year of the Gentleman -- Ne-Yo

4. Raising Sand -- Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

5. In Rainbows -- Radiohead

***The winner for album of the year is Raisng Sand.

Mr. Hollywood Speaks

2009-02-18T06:23:00.000-08:00

Spring is almost here, so why not get some spring back in your step and take advantage of all of the great exercise DVD's we have here at Riverhead Free Library!

Bellydancing has been gaining quite a following lately for exercise enthusiasts, so if you're looking to break into it have a look at Bellydance Fitness for Beginners: Slim Down. Instructors Veena and Neena Bisdasha will teach you the rhythm, movements, and benefits of bellydancing fitness.

While you are in the dancing mood, you might also be interested in Dance Fitness for Beginners: Urban Street Heat featuring dance instructor MaDonna Grimes.

If you are feeling flexible you can always give pilates a try. For those that are new to the routine, there is Pilates for Beginners. This DVD includes pre-Pilates fundamentals, a selection of three workout levels, and each routine comes with modifications for beginners. Once you've mastered the beginner's workout its time to move on to Pilates Complete for Weight Loss. Featuring a wide selection of workouts and instruction by Karen Garcia, this DVD will be perfect for those who are looking for an intense pilates session.

As this next title implies, Chubby Hubby Workout: Building a Better Husband targets older men that may have gotten a little lazy over the years. Combining stretching, aerobics, resistance, core training, and flexibility exercises, this DVD is meant to ease you back into a steady exercise routine. Be sure to keep an eye out for all of these workout programs and much more in our DVD section.

The Green Spot

2009-02-12T13:04:00.000-08:00

Visit our new permanent display providing library users with free information about local "green" activities, including land and water preservation, organic farming and gardening, hiking, wildlife conservation, environmental advocacy, and energy awareness.

In support of our adult winter reading club, Riverhead Reads: The Green Spot, this display also features environmental literature and related books. Here's a sampling of some of the books available.

New York Times bestselling author Mark Kurlansky is a hit with Riverhead readers. His captivating book Cod spans thousands of years and four continents, introducing explorers, merchants, writers, chefs and, of course, the fishermen, and chronicling the cod wars of the sixteenth and twentieth centuries. The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell, also by Kurlansky, recounts the dramatic incidents surrounding the oyster that changed the course of New York history.

For those less fish-friendly, The Ferocious Summer: Adelie Penguins and the Warming of Antarctica by Meredith Hooper is a timely book that provides an absorbing and alarming report from the frontlines of global warming. Hooper's firsthand account evolves from a summer of living and working with scientists studying this phenomena.

The Greatest Gift: The Courageous Life and Martyrdom of Sister Dorothy Strang by Binka Le Breton is a revealing new biography about an extraordinary woman and her mission to protect the Amazon jungles and the people eking out a life there. Featured on newsmagazine shows, Sister Dorothy's story provides lessons for a powerful and beautiful life that was cut short abruptly.

Check out these and other environmental books on The Green Spot display and on the standing display nearest the circulation desk.

Blue Ribbon Book Stop

2009-02-07T11:37:00.001-08:00

In honor of Black History Month this February 2009, the Library is featuring two displays. Visit the standing display nearest the Reference Desk to see a wide selection of African American biographys. Awardwinning author, Louis R. Harlan's praiseworthy biography Booker T. Washington: The Wizard of Tuskegee, 1901-1915 examines the final fifteen years of this controversial leader's life.

For a look at a legendary black woman, Harriet Tubman: Myth, Memory, and History by distinguished historian Milton C. Sernett, peels back the layers to help reveal the real Harriet Tubman, and studies how she has been portrayed in film, painting, music, theater, and books.

For those wanting quick reads about various African Americans in history, check out Black Abolitionists by Karen Coddon and The Great Black Jockeys: The Lives and Times of the Men Who Dominated America's First National Sport by Edward Hotaling. Whatever your area of interest, a librarian can help you get started by recommending specific books.

To get more ideas, visit the display behind the Public Information Desk and read the notes and photos on famous and inspirational African Americans.

Where the Fur Flies

2009-01-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

Take some of the "chill" out of your winter with birdwatching. The varieties and colors are breathtaking against the virgin white snow. Below is a start on how to attract these birds and the care needed to keep them coming back again and again.

Color for Your Winter Yard & Garden, with Flowers, Berries, Birds, and Trees by Helen Van Pelt Wilson. This book will help you plant the correct plants to bring color to a winter garden and attract birds.

Dr. Noble Proctor's Garden Birds: How to Attract Birds To Your Garden is a great choice to review, including a directory of one hundred types of birds. Browse through to see what works best in your area.

The next book, Color For Your Winter Yard & Garden, With Flowers, Berries, Birds, and Trees by Helen Van Pelt Wilson will explain in detail what colorful scrubs, wind barriers, flower seeds, etc. are needed to attract birds.

The Audubon North American Birdfeeder Guide by Robert Burton is another excellent book to start you quest to attracting birds all year long.

Listen Up!

2009-01-25T15:52:00.000-08:00

Got the winter blues?! If you are bored, restless, or irritable you may be suffering from cabin fever. How about listening to a good book? When the libraries latest audio books on compact discs arrive, they are now shelved separately at the beginning of the collection of audio books. So, if you want to listen to something brand new on audio this is where you'll find it.

Some new titles for January are:

Award winning author Salman Rushdie's new novel on compact disc is The Enchantress of Florence. This extraordinary story occurs in the 16th century at the imperial capital of the Mughal Empire. Mogor dell'Amore, a European traveler, arrives at the court of Emperor Akbar with a facinating tale about faraway Florence, a beautiful enchantress, and the infamous Niccolo Machiavelli. This audio book is narrated by Firdous Bamji who has appeared in several plays on Broadway and guest starred on the televison series Law & Order.

Do you like mysteries? How about listening to Simon Brett's Th e Stabbing In The Stables, a Fethering Mystery. Jude and Carole Seddon are at it again. This time they stumble upon the body of ex-equestrian Walter Fleet at Long Bamber Stables. Who would want to put Fleet, a womanizing horseman, out to pasture? Soon the Seddons find themselves in the middle of a West Sussex police investigation for a "horse ripper". This book on compact disc is read by Ralph Cosham, a former British journalist whose narrations have been named "Audio Best of the Year" by Publishers Weekly.

Whether young enough to look "hot" or mature enough to suffer from "hot flashes," every woman has given thought to preserving her appearance. In her latest book, American Thighs: the Sweet Potato Queen's Guide to Preserving Your Assets, Jill Conner Browne looks at a woman's maturation process with hilarious stories every woman can relate to, from bad haircuts, to verbal faux pas. No matter what skin you're in, Browne urges to make it last a lifetime. Audio book read by the author.

In the News

2009-01-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

After an historic election, a new president has been sworn into office. President Obama has had a fascinating life, but so have many of our past presidents. We have a great selection of presidential biographies at the Riverhead Free Library. Here are a few.

An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963 by Robert Dallek, a Boston University professor and presidential biographer, chronicles the life of one of America's most captivating presidents. This highly praised biography takes a balanced look at the private and public life of Kennedy and presents never before released information from the family archives.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dorris Goodwin Kearns has been referred to lately for her book Team of Rivals : The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, which discusses President Lincoln's unique cabinet choices that lead up to his presidency. Kearns delves into the reasoning and motivations behind Lincoln's political maneuvers, and there have been apt comparisons to Barack Obama's own cabinet selections.

Author David McCullough, well known for his engaging and dynamic biographies, has written a Pulitzer Prize winner with Truman. This in-depth page turner follows our thirty-third President, Harry S. Truman, from his humble beginnings, his World War I heroics, his early years in politics, to his historic re-election campaign.

Book Discussion and Author Event

2009-01-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

This Common Ground: Seasons on an Organic Farm
by Scott Chaskey
Saturday, January 17
10:30 a.m. to noon
Main floor meeting room (PLEASE NOTE)

This promises to be a lively discussion with Long Island author Scott Chaskey hosting the event. The head farmer at Peconic Land Trust's Quail Hill Farm, located on the South Fork, Scott combines his love for books, poetry, and farming into This Common Ground. Please let the Reference Desk know if you plan to attend this event and have not already signed up. Light refreshments will be served.

The discussion will be followed by a reception at "The Green Spot" from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. the same day. This new green wall to the right of the library's entryway is the location for a permanent display featuring free information about local "green" activities. Riverhead cardholders will also have an opportunity to sign up for the library's adult winter reading club, Riverhead Reads: The Green Spot, for a chance to win prizes from local merchants. Join us for light refreshments. No sign up is needed.

Mr. Hollywood Speaks

2008-12-29T09:20:00.001-08:00

Laugh in the new year with these great comedy recommendations available on DVD!

First, we have Son of Rambow, an off-beat British comedy in which two school-boy buddies set out to make their own epic version of 'Rambo: First Blood'. Armed with a videocamera and their overactive immagination, pretty soon their homemade movie takes on a life of its own.

Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman star in The Savages, a black comedy about two distint siblings who come back into each others' lives to care for their ailing father. This award-winning movie comes highly praised and with plenty of levity.

You can never go wrong with a Disney Pixar movie, so check out Ratatouille, which follows the hilarious adventures of Remy, the rat with a dream to be a chef. Fleeing the French countryside, Remy ends up in a Pariasan restaurant with a chance to fufill his dream along with a little help from a bumbling low level worker.

And don't forget to check out our comedy book and movie selection on display now!

Local History Book Stop

2008-12-26T12:55:00.000-08:00

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the oldest American railway still operating under its original name. There are a number of pictorial histories of the LIRR, but Long Island Rail Road by Stan Fischler combines classic and modern photos with a sweeping written history of this legendary line.

The Long Island Rail Road: A Comprehensive History by Vincent F. Seyfried is a well-researched book highlighting the age of expansion of the railroad from 1863 to 1880. In addition, it contains some rare archival photographs.

For pictorial works, try Long Island Rail Road by Fred Kramer. This series of photographs captures the steam-to-diesel transition east of Jamaica. From Arcadia Publishing comes Revisiting the Long Island Rail Road 1925-1975 by David Keller and Steven Lynch and Long Island Rail Road Stations by David D. Morrison and Valerie Pakaluk. Both books present a collection of photos with detailed captions.

Authors Ron Ziel and George H. Foster researched the LIRR firsthand, walking the right-of-ways and riding the trains, from switch engines to parlor cars. For their book Steel Rails to the Sunrise: The Long Island Railroad, they searched every town on the railroad lines. With the help of active and retired railroaders, they unearthed rare photographs and fascinating anecdotes that are a vital part of the history and romance of this unique railroad.

Blue Ribbon Book Stop

2008-12-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

Snow might be in the forecast, so to keep your cabin fever in check try checking-out one of these highly recommended new mystery novels. These are not your traditional mystery series novels though and they will keep you guessing till the very end.

Winner of the 2008 Edgar Award for mystery novels, Down River by John Hart tells the story of Adam Chase, newly acquitted from a New York City murder trial and heading home to North Carolina. But home only brings more trouble, as the people around him start to die Adam once again finds himself the prime suspect.

Touted by the New York Times as one of the top crime novels of 2008, The Genius by Jesse Kellerman is an enthralling murder mystery set in the art world. Art gallery owner Ethan Muller exhibits a collection of drawings that unknowingly contain the portraits of four children from a decades old murder case. This sets off a dramatic series of events that leads Ethan and a detective on the hunt for the killer.

Another Edgar Mystery Award, this time for 2007, Jason Goodwin's The Janissary Tree takes a historical fiction approach to the murder mystery novel. Set in the Ottoman Empire in 1836, a eunuch intelligence agent is searching for the culprit of a string of political murders that threatens to topple the sultan's delicate balance of power.

If you breeze through these recommendations we have plenty of more books in our mystery section that will keep you going through the winter.

Born To Be Wild

2008-12-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

Tis' the season to be active! Check out some of these books on winter sports.
There are many things to get you out of the house this winter. Read about some of the festivities you may enjoy to get your blood pumping like snowboarding, skiing, hockey, ice fishing or hunting.

Snowboarding Skills : The Back-To-Basics Essentials For All Levels by CindyKleh covers everything you need to know about this exiting sport. Whether you are a novice or an experienced snowboarder, there's lots here to help you enjoy boarding even more.

Anyone Can Be An Expert Skier 1 :The New Way To Ski by Harald Harb

All it takes to be an expert skier are the correct movements and the right equipment. Anyone Can Be An Expert Skier 1 helps you learn these movements, and to pick the equipment that's right for you.

The Hockey Handbook by Lloyd Percivval is the first book required by players or coaches at all levels of proficiency who are setting out to develop their own or their team's hockey skills. Newly redesigned and issued in an easy-to-use format, this book will serve as an inspiration and guide to future generations of players and coaches.

Fishing On Ice:A Complete Guide To Gear, Fish, And Fun by Noel Vick is like having your own personal ice fishing guide with a cover. Easy-to-understand tips from professional anglers will help all ice enthusiasts catch more fish. It's a must-read for anyone who desires to increase their ice fishing success.

The Complete Guide to Hunting by Don Oster will help you find tips and techniques for hunting big game, small game, upland birds, turkeys and waterfowl. With over 450 color illustrations, this book teaches you how to turn your time in the field into a memorable hunt.

In the News

2008-12-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

India offers its share of prize-winning authors and books. The tragedy in Mumbai, or Bombay as some still call it, gives us a chance to reflect on this fascinating and culturally diverse country.

At the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the sovereign nations of India and Pakistan were born. Indian Summer: The Secret History of the End of an Empire by Alex von Tunzelmann richly portrays the end of an empire and the rise of Mohandas Gandhi.

First Darling of the Morning: Selected Memories of an Indian Childhood by Thrity Umrigar, bestselling author of The Space Between Us, is a story intimately and compassionately told against the sensuous background of everyday life in Bombay.

No selection of books about India would be complete without authors V.S. Naipaul, the first Booker Prize winner of Indian descent and a Nobel Prize winner, and controversial author Salman Rushdie, another Booker Prize winner. Naipaul's book India: A Million Mutinies Now is a vivid travelogue that encompasses the India of the 1990s. Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Rushdie is a timeless novel that effortlessly transcents political and religious squabbling and is great for children and adults.

The Alchemy of Desire by Tarun J. Tejpal is a novel that brings the reader to the top of the world and into the fabled Himalayan mountains. It celebrates the chaotic spirit of a country during a time of great change--at the turn of the millennium.

For another perspective, try noted American travel writer Paul Theroux's fictional account of today's India. The Elephanta Suite weaves three intertwined novellas of Westerners transformed by their sojourns in India.

There's a wealth of material to choose from. Visit the Reference Desk for more suggestions on this legendary nation.

Blue Ribbon Book Stop

2008-11-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

Fantasy, fact, and fiction merge in some unusual Long Island stories. Bridging the past and the future, A Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin is a fanciful love story of a master thief and a white horse. Helprin begiles us with Baymen and billionaires and an ongoing search to stop time for the sake of love. This is the prefect tale to hunker down to on those cold winter nights.

The manipulation of time continues in The Montauk Project by Preston B. Nichols with Peter Moon. Part legend, and part conjecture, this chronicles one of the most amazing and secretive research projects in recorded history. Beginning in 1943, it culminates in bizarre experiments at Montauk Point.

Set in a small Long Island fishing community in 1947, Amagansett by Mark Mills is a dark and thoughtful story of a fisherman who finds his life transformed forever when he pulls up the body of a beautiful young woman in his fishing nets. This was previously a Long Island Reads book, part of a reading program for promoted by public libraries on Long Island.

For more fiction unique to Long Island, check with the Reference Desk.

Local History Book Stop

2008-11-26T13:18:00.001-08:00

From 1640 to 1918, Long Island's inhabitants actively participated in the whaling industry. For Candlesticks & Corset Stays: Long Island's Yankee Whalers by Laurence Cone provides an historic look at whaling in and around Cold Spring Harbor. Mark Well the Whale! Long Island Ships to Distant Seas by Frederick P. Schmitt recreates the Golden Age of whaling in this area, while Whales and Whaling: Sag Harbor, New York, edited by George A. Finckenor, provides insight into the topic with documents from a whaling fleet.

Descendants of these formidable whaling clans, the bay fishermen, also play an important role in the historic fishing culture of Long Island. Men's Lives: The Surfmen and Baymen of the South Fork by Peter Matthiessen captures the lifestyle of this waning three hundred year old society of the commercial fishermen on the east end of Long Island. The hardcover version of the book contains black and white illustrations of another bygone era.

Mr. Hollywood Speaks

2008-11-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

Looking for something otherworldly? Search no further! Here at the library we have a great collection of new and old science fiction flicks that will transport you to far away galaxies.

Starting with the not-so-ordinary, The Fountain is a smart and enthralling sci-fi story that is heartbreaking and intriguing all at once. Staring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, this story of life, death, and love spans over a thousand years.

Zathura is the quasi-sequel to Jumangi, only this time a magical board game leads to an outer-space adventure. Thrilling and comical, this family movie comes highly recommended.

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow is a throwback film with the look and feel of vintage 1930s science fiction movies, like Metropolis and Buck Rogers. Joe "Sky Captain" Sullivan and beat reporter Polly Perkins are out to save the world from a mad scientist with city-crushing robots.

Last on the list is Tin Man, a new twist on the Wizard of Oz original, this sci-fi channel mini-series stars Zoe Daschanel as Dorthoy. The modern day update returns Dorothy back to the land of Oz and on the run from the evil sorceress Azkadellia.

Where the Fur Flies

2008-11-05T15:47:00.000-08:00

Love Animals? Of course you do or you wouldn't be reading this blog. Human-animal relationships have become a popular topic. Therapy dogs, service animals, even wildlife viewing, have enhanced the lives of humans. We have great books by authors such as Jane Goodall, Caesar Millan, and Monty Roberts to further our appreciation of animals. The following selections will make you laugh and cry. Enjoy and please make comments! I love to hear from all you animal lovers.

Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched The World by Vicki Myron. As a kitten left in the book-drop bin, this special cat charmed his way into the lives of the people of Spencer, Iowa.

Chosen By A Horse: A Memoir by Susan Richards. A charming story of a women whose hurts from a difficult past are healed with the help of an abused horse rescued by the SPCA. This special relationship alters her life.

Dog Man: An Uncommon Life On A Faraway Mountain by Martha Sherrill. This gripping biography tells how one man saved the entire breed of Akita dogs during WWII.

Duma, starring Campbell Scott & Hope Davis, is a DVD. Watch the unbreakable bond of friendship between a young boy and a cheetah.

Book Discussion: Lost in the Forest

2008-10-30T06:28:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, November 19
7 p.m.

Saturday, November 22
2 p.m.

Bestselling author Sue Miller sets this novel in the vineyards of Northern California where tragedy shatters a family's peace. With astonishing sensuality and immediacy, Lost in the Forest moves through the most intimate realms of domestic life from grief and sex to adolescence and marriage. Here is a rich tale of a family breaking apart and coming back together again.

Go to the Reference Desk to register for the book discussion and order a copy of this bestseller.

Local History Book Stop

2008-10-24T06:10:00.000-07:00

For those who enjoy Halloween and a good scare or two, the library has some creepy new books just for you. Long Island ghost lecturer and author Kerriann Flanagan Brosky, with the help of paranormal investigator Joe Giaquinto, entertains and provides historic insights into Long Island's haunted history.

Brosky's first book, Ghosts of Long Island: Stories of the Paranormal, captures the real-life ghost stories surrounding Long Island homes and businesses, based on interviews with real people! Ghosts of Long Island II: More Stories of the Paranormal focuses on the spiritual aspect to a greater degree, according to Brosky, while providing an understanding of our Native American past.

Spooky Creepy Long Island by Scott Lerfebvre is somewhat lighter fare with thirty-five haunting tales of Long Island's supernatural history. From the infamous Amityville house to asylums, and creepy lighthouses, Lerfebvre provides a brief overview for the curious reader, or for those wishing to explore some actual haunted sites.

Visit our "thrilling, chilling, and terrifying..." display with the bat for more scary stories and strange phenomena. (On display through October 2008)

Listen Up!

2008-10-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

Have you listened to a Playaway yet? It is the easiest way to listen to a book or music because the title is already loaded on a digital player. It weighs only 2 ounces, and there is no need for a separate CD or tape player. All you need is a battery and earphones and you are ready to go.

Feeling the need for some inner peace, how about listening to the Playaway, The Beginner's Guide to Meditation? The author Joan Z. Borysenko, Ph.D., leads you through three distinct forms of meditation: concentration, mindfulness, and a centering pray.

For peace of mind and body, listen to the Playaway 1 on 1 Yoga . O2 Yoga. The instructor, Mimi Loureiro, uses heat-generating sequences of postures and a mind-focusing breathing technique. The result is an invigorating and calming vinyasa yoga experience.

Feeling the need for some harmony? Give a listen to the Playaway Being in Balance. Author and lecturer Wayne W. Dyer shows you how to restore balance in your life by offering nine principles for realigning your thoughts so that they correspond to your highest desires.

Hermann Hesse's book Siddhartha, available on Playaway, is a sort of Buddhist guide to the unraveling of the tantalizing mysteries of Asian philosophy. Hesse's credo, "There is no duty, no duty whatever, for awakened humanity except the one duty to seek one's self, to become firm within oneself, to grope one's way forward, no matter where the road may lead." The Siddhartha is a story about a young man and his journey to find truth and balance in life.

Our Playaways are located by the books on CD and tape. Stop by the library and check one out.

Mr. Hollywood Speaks

2008-10-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Based on a true story... Whether its a gripping drama or an inspirational story this month's recommendations are all based on true events. With that in mind, we have a great line-up of films that are must-watches. And if you like what you see, be sure to ask at the Reference Desk for books on the same subject.

Glory Road, on DVD, is the inspiring true story of Coach Don Haskins and the Texas Western basketball team. This is the underdog story of history's first all African American lineup that went on to win the 1966 NCAA championship.

Football season is in full swing, so before the next big game check out Disney's Invincible: Inspired By a True Story on DVD. This chronicles the true story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old part-time bartender who made it to the Philadelphia Eagles after they held open tryouts in 1976.

And finally we have the heartbreaking and riveting true story of Mariane Pearl, wife of the Daniel Pearl, the Washington Post reporter who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in 2002. A Mighty Heart follows Mariane's story of the desperate search for her missing husband and her courage in the face of insurmountable odds.

Born to be Wild!

2008-09-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

Our adventures will now take you to the extreme north and the extreme south. Available for your reading pleasure are a few Arctic and Antarctic exploration books from our collection that will let you feel the chill of winter a bit early. So set a fire in the fireplace, grab a blanket and one of our books, and enjoy!

A Fabulous Kingdom : The Exploration of the Arctic by Charles Officer and Jake Page. "Inconsistant and forbidding, the Arctic lured misguided voyagers into the cold for centuries--pushing them beyond the limits of their knowledge, technology, and stamina." This book charts these quests and the eventual race for the North Pole.

"The link to friends and family had been severed. Now there was no turning back. The only direction home was..." North to the Pole. North to the Pole by

Will Steger with Paul Schurke explains how in 1986 the Steger International Polar Expedition set out with no resupply of equipment or supplies to prove the heavily debated question of whether Robert Peary reached the Pole in 1909 in a similar manner.

Here we have another North Pole adventure: Across the Top of the World: To the North Pole by Sled, Balloon, Airplane and Nuclear Icebreaker. This one took place in 1991 aboard the Soviet nuclear-powered icebreaker Sovetskiy Soyuz. This adventure traces the routes of such explorers as Dr. Frederick Cook, Admiral Robert Peary, Admiral Byrd, Sir John Franklin, George Nares, and others who launched their own treacherous expeditions.

Sara Wheeler's book entitled Terra Incognita:Travels in Antarctica tells of how the author embarked on the same journey as the famous Ernest Shackleton. Eighty years after Shackleton, Wheeler weaves together her own experiences on the ice, linked with the grueling advetures of Antarctica's most mythic figures.

In Scott of the Antarctic: A Life of Courage and Tragedy by David Crane, Crane provides a portrait of the explorer that has not been seen in prior works. Also included are accounts of Scott's dramatic journeys that are the most compelling parts of his story. These are only slices of a larger narrative that includes remarkable scientific achievement and the challanges of a tumultuous private life.

Where the fur flies

2008-09-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

After having a fun day outside, you may just want to relax with a good animal movie. We have old time favorites and plenty of new movies for your enjoyment.

Funny movies such as The Cat From Outer Space may be just the one you were looking for!

Looking for adventure/action? The Colt is a sure bet with its Civil War setting

and is based on a true story.

Inspired by a true story? In the popular movie Eight Below, a scientific expedition is forced to leave behind their team of beloved sled dogs due to a sudden accident and perilous weather conditions in Antarctica. The dogs must struggle for survival slone in the intense frozen wilderness for over six months.

Moondance Alexander is a very nice family movie about a 15-year-old girl who befriends a horse.

Local History Book Stop

2008-09-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

With summer on the wane and fall approaching, now is a good time to enjoy some of the pleasures of the North Fork. And there's more than just pumpkin picking! Whether or not you're a wine aficionado, a trip to the local vineyards can be a relaxing "day-cation."

To get in the mood or just to be an armchair traveler, read The Vineyard: The Pleasures and Perils of Creating an American Family Winery by Louisa Thomas Hargrave. In 1973, along with her husband, Hargrave purchased a run-down 1680 potato farm and began growing wine grapes on the North Fork when most experts said that it was impossible. About this book, author Hugh Johnson says, " You don't look for covered wagon stories as close to home as this, but everyone who plants a new vineyard is a pioneer..." This memoir got excellent reviews from Riverhead patrons who have already read the book.

John Ross has been a professional chef and restaurant owner on the North Fork of Long Island for over 30 years. His book, The Food and Wine of the North Fork: Historical Anecdotes and Recipes, provides a different look at the area. Ross takes readers on a nostalgic tour of North Fork restaurants from 1870 to the present, complete with photographs.

For more information on North Fork wines, vineyards, dining, and lodging, drop by the Reference Desk and browse through a reference copy of Guide to Long Island Wine Country by Peter M. Gianotti, published by Newsday Books.

Book Discussion: Babylon's Ark

2008-09-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 22

7 to 8 p.m.

Written by South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony, with Graham Spence, Babylon's Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo gives a harrowing account of Anthony's efforts to save the abandoned animals of the Baghdad Zoo during the coalition invasion of Iraq in 2003. An eye-opening and heartwarming story, it shows how conservationists, soldiers, and civilians put aside their differences and work together. For his efforts, Anthony received the Earth Day Medal.

Sign up for this book discussion and pick up a copy of the book at the Reference Desk.

Blue Ribbon Book Stop

2008-09-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

It's back to school for the kids and time for adults to take stock of their stock and finances. For those of you ready for some serious reading now that the summer fun is over, check out these books.

Suze Orman, personal finance guru with her own television show, has written a number of books. This classic The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical & Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop
Worrying urges readers to gain control of their finances. Attitudes and feelings about money as well as mastering the practical elements of financial planning with easy-to-follow procedures are provided in this all-encompassing book

For those who may want to gear up for retirement, try Kiplinger's Retire Worry-Free: Money-Smart Ways to Build the Nest Egg You'll Need from the editors of Kiplinger's Personal Finance. Strategies for dealing with IRAs, 401(k)s, Keoghs, profit sharing, life and long-term-care insurance, annuities and pensions, social security, and Medicare are all covered in this comprehensive read.

For a quick route to riches, take a look at The Ulitmate Cheapskate's Road Map to True Riches by Jeff Yeager. Dubbed by Matt Lauer on the Today Show as the ulitmate cheapskate, Yeager shows you how to buy less stuff, retire young, and live financially free, while you make a positive difference in people's lives and on the planet. He lays out practical principles that make cheap the new cool.

Check out the September 2008 "123" display for more guides to financial wisdom.

Listen Up!

2008-08-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

It's back to school, so let's get back to basics. Do you know your ABCs? Come visit our Listen Up! display at the library.

A is for Auel... Jean Auel author of the great series Earth's Children. Give a listen to the audiobook The Clan Of The Cave Bear. A fantastic epic tale about a young girl's adventures 25, 000 years ago. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is a wonderfully written epic which includes exquisite details of our world as it might have been so long ago.

B is for Baldacci... David Baldacci is an awesome writer of suspense- political fiction. His audiobook Simple Genius will keep you on the edge of your seat. Two former secret service agents turned private investigators get involved in a murder of an important scientist in which the CIA is involved.

C is for Crichton... Michael Crichton, a medical doctor, is a writer best known for his novel Jurassic Park and creating the television program ER. His audiobook State Of Fear takes the reader from the glaciers of Iceland to the volcanoes of Antarctica, from the Arizona desert to the deadly jungles of the Solomon Islands, from the streets of Paris to the beaches of Los Angeles.

Do you like good music? Do you like to dance?

A is for ABBA The Definitive Collection/ Abba. Mamma Mia! Need I say more?

B is for Beatles Yellow Submarine. Songs from the animated motion picture released in 1968.

C is for Clapton Unplugged/ Eric Clapton. Recorded in 1992 on the MTV Unplugged television program.

Mr. Hollywood Speaks

2008-08-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

Well the back-school-days are upon us and the summer is almost at an end, but that doesn't mean you don't have time to get out of the house for a quick road trip! To help inspire your "inner-Kerouac" we think you should take a look at these fun and always entertaining road-trip movies:

Not your typical road trip movie, Motorcycle Diaries is based on the true story of the trip across South America Che Guevara took as a young medical student where he formed many of his ideas on social justice. Garnering many awards and nominations, this is one comes highly recommended.

For any wine aficionado that would like a comical trip through the wine country of northern California, we have Sideways on VHS starring Paul Giamatti and Thomas Hayden Church. One movie that may not be on your radar is The Puffy Chair, an indie comedy/drama about a New York musician who takes off on a trip to clear his mind and make amends with his father.

Last on the list, we have a handfull of classics that defined the comedy road trip genre, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope starring in the "Road to ..." series available on DVD. Just to name a couple, try to catch The Road to Bali and The Road to Zanzibar.

Book Discussion

2008-08-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

ATONEMENT

by Ian McEwan

*******************

Thursday, September 11

7 p.m.

Saturday, September 13

2 p.m.

From a manor house in England in 1935 to London's World War II military hospitals to a family reunion in 1999, this sweeping drama delves into the relationship between two sisters and a misunderstanding that changes lives forever. Ian McEwan is the winner of the 1998 Booker Prize for his novel Amsterdam.

Riverhead patrons may sign up for the reading discussion at the Adult Reference Desk and ask a librarian to order a copy of the book for you.

Blue Ribbon Book Stop

2008-08-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

Looking for a good book to read? Or, are you searching for a new favorite author? Our librarians will be happy to assist you with suggestions to suit your taste. Here are a couple of the latest librarian-recommended books, also available in large print and CD.

The Confessor by Daniel Silva is a superbly spun thriller featuring Gabriel Allon, art restorer/Mossad spy, who returns to yet another tale of espionage. The novel's theme revolves around whether or not the Catholic Church turned a blind eye to Nazi atrocities against the Jews during World War II. This solidly plotted, well-crafted story will appeal to readers who enjoy authors such as John le Carre and Allen Furst.

The Girl With No Shadow by Joanne Harris is the sequel to Chocolat. It continues the story of Vianne, who has reinvented herself as the widow Yanne Charbonneau. Her daughter, previously known as Anouk, is now called Annie. The novel is written in several voices, and its characters are amazing, interwoven, and perfectly articulated. For all who loved Chocolat, this is a must read!

Local History Book Stop

2008-07-31T17:18:00.000-07:00

Whether you've joined the Adult Summer Reading Club with its local history theme, or just a want to learn more about the Island, here are a few choices from our suggested local history reading list.

TR's Summer White House - Oyster Bay by Sherwin Gluck reveals the intriguing story of the first peacetime relocation of the Executive Branch of the United States Government to Long Island. Throughly researched, this book recreates the summers of 1902 through 1908 when President Theodore Roosevelt and his staff governed the United States from Oyster Bay.

Up-Lot Reveries: An Oral History of the North Fork by Maria Parson is a patron favorite. It captures the flavor of the area and brings together eyewitness accounts of everyday life in bygone days as well as some of the more dramatic events that occurred. Conversations with long-time residents make the history of the North Fork come to life.

Visit the Reference Desk to get an updated list of local history books for suggested reading and see our local history display.

Born to Be Wild

2008-07-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

Summer's here and the fun has begun!

For those of you still in search of action and adventure, try a few of these day-cation remedies for the dog days of summer.

Take a Hike: New York City: Hikes Within Two Hours of Manhattan by Skip Card is a great day-cation guide for Long Islanders looking for day hikes in the New York, New Jersey and Long Island areas.

Short Bike Rides: Long Island by Phil Angelillo offers 41 bicycle excursions on Long Island. The bicycle rides range in length from 8 to 30 miles and span Great Neck to Montauk. They highlight both historic and scenic locations and vistas.

Sight-Fishing for Stiped Bass: Fly-Fishing Straegies for Inshore, Offshore and the Surf by Alan Caolo is for all you fly-fishing and surfcaster enthusiasts who enjoy day fishing for the line-sides. Included in this work are spotting techniques as well as baits and fly patterns for catching stripers.

The Complete Practical Guide to Camping Hiking & Wilderness Skills by Peter G. Drake will let you experience the great outdoors in comfort and safety. From planning a trip to map-reading and setting up camp.

Visit our day-cation display, beginning the last week in July, at the library for more ideas on short trips close to home.

Listen Up!

2008-07-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

We have just gotten some great new compact discs for our library. No matter what your musical taste there is something for everyone. Give a listen.

Coldplay's Viva La Vida is the most frequently downloaded album to date. The band teamed up with legendary producer Brian Eno for one of 2008s most anticpated releases. Two singles from the album--"Violet Hill" and the title track--have already made waves on the music charts.

British duo The Ting Tings bring their U.K. chart-topping debut to America. Their compact disc We Started Nothing has some great songs, including "Great DJ." According to BillBoard magazine it is, "... retro, slinky grooves...plenty of fun to be had here."

Radiohead stands as one of the most innovative and groundbreaking bands in alternative rock. Now, for the first time, the band's biggest hits are assembled on the compact disc The Best of Radiohead.

Journey produced some of the most timely classics of the 1980s. Greatest Hits Journey gives you the best of the band on one compact disc. It features the hit songs "Don't Stop Believin', " "Faithfully," and "Open Arms." Rolling Stone magazine rates it " **** out of five."

The Eagles present their first studio effort in 28 years. The Long Road Out of Eden is a two disc set featuring the chart-topping single "How Long." Country Weekly states, "There's something comforting about the discovery that the Eagles still sound like the Eagles after such a long break."

Not only does Jewel have a new record label but a new genre as well. The singer/songwriter will pursue her success on the country charts with the first single "Stronger Woman" from her new compact disc Perfectly Clear. Billboard magazine states, "...not only persuasive, but down-home, old-school country."

Look for these and more new music CDs on the display by the Circulation Desk beginning Monday, July 21, 2008.