Armchair Travels - Tuscany

 

Recently a family member told me she is heading for a trip to Europe and one of her stops is Tuscany.  I know very little of this place other than seeing it in the movie adaptation of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.  I thought a little armchair traveling would help spur me to read more about it by delving into some travel books, a bit of cooking and catch a few videos.  If nothing else I can travel along while she is experiencing the real thing!

Tuscany is a region in Italy of roughly 23,000 kilometers with mild weather along the coastal areas and more severe weather in the interior with more rain and colder temperatures in the winter.  It is considered the true birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and contains six World Heritage sites, including the historic center of Florence, and the famous Cathedral of Pisa.  It is an area steeped in culture dating back to the Pre-Etruscan and Etruscan time periods.  The Etruscans built a thriving civilization with transportation, agriculture, mining and artwork.  They flourished in this area until the 1st century when they were taken over by the Romans who absorbed much of their culture leading to their eventual demise.  Rome went on to establish new cities, such as Pisa, Siena and Florence.  They brought new technologies such as sewers, aqueducts and many new buildings.  Eventually Rome faded away and the medieval period started with several cities flourishing with their own gifts such as banking in Siena, shipping in Pisa and textiles in Lucca.  But, it was Florence that became the cultural capital of Tuscany and is often described as the birthplace of the Renaissance.  For many years Tuscany was ruled by the infamous Medici family until the 1850's when Tuscany was transferred from the Austrian Empire to the newly formed nation of Italy.

Tuscany is one of the most celebrated art centers in the world, with the works of Michaelangelo, DaVinci, Brunelleschi, Giotto, Botticelli and Donatello scattered throughout the numerous art galleries and museums. There are also ten artistic art centers scattered throughout the region, such as Pisa, Prato and Siena, each containing their own unique style of art and architecture.  Music is also a celebrated art form in Tuscany with the emergence of such celebrated composers and musicians as Puccini and Mascagni.  The operatic form of stage productions also originated in the 16th century and went on to develop into different forms, to include the symphony.  Several writers and poets emerged during the 13th century and the Renaissance period, and Tuscany can lay claim to one of the most famous poets known to the literary world, Dante Aligheri, whose work The Divine Comedy is considered one of the greatest works of literature. 

They have a simple cuisine, consisting of breads, cheeses, fruits, vegetables and mushrooms. Pork and beef are also produced, along with white truffles that only appear in October and November.  Chianti, one of the most famous international wines has been produced here since the nineteenth century.  Agriculture is still a thriving industry, along with mining, textiles, pharmaceuticals, clothing, hot-house plants and scooters.  Tourism is also a large industry, with Florence seeing an average of 10 million visitors a year.  With so much to see and do, it seems you could spend weeks exploring this vibrant region of Italy and not experience half of what is available. 

The library catalog is full of  resources to discover during your own armchair journey through Tuscany and Italy!

The available eResources include:

The Transparent Language database allows a simple immersion into the basics of the Italian language.

There is the Classical Music Library where you can listen to several Italian composers.

Global Road Warrior is a great resource that provides extensive information on such things as climate, education, maps, business culture and communications.

Here are a selection of items from the library catalog that might be of interest, in various formats:

eBooks

Everyday in Tuscany: Seasons of an Italian Life by Frances Mayes (also available in audio)

eAudiobooks

1434: The Year a Magnificent Chinese Fleet Sailed to Italy and Ignited the Renaissance by Gavin Menzies and Simon Vance

A Year in the World by Frances Mayes

Summer in Tuscany by Elizabeth Adler and Celeste Lawson

eVideos

Florence produced by Global Television

Chianti, The Inside The Tuscan Hills Series produced by Fifty Rubies Television

Tuscany produced by Global Television

DVDs

Under the Tuscan Sun by Touchstone Pictures, starring Diane Lane

Fiorile by Fine Line Pictures, starring Michael Vartan

Italy by PBS, with host Rick Steves

Books

A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover's Dream by Ferenc Maté

A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany: Exploring and Eating off the Beaten Track by Beth Elon

The Reluctant Tuscan by Phil Doran

Toscana Mia: The Heart and Soul of Tuscan Cooking by Umberto Menghi

Hidden Tuscany: Unusual Destinations and Secret Places by Massimo Lestri, Cesare Cunnacia

Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy by John Julius Norwich

Medici Money: Banking, Metaphysics and Art in the Fifteenth Century by Tim Parks

Michaelangelo: The Achievement of Fame, 1475-1534 by Michael Hirst

Seven Seasons in Siena: My Quixotic Quest for Acceptance among Italy's Proudest People by Robert Rodi


Have you visited Tuscany? Are there any resources you would recommend for an armchair (or real) traveler?

Community Science Connections - Science Fun for the Whole Family!

What is Community Science Connections?  It is museums, libraries & families working together - local science events sponsored by: ABC Libraries; Maxwell Museum of Anthropology; National Museum of Nuclear Science & History; New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science; Rio Grande Nature Center State Park; Rio Rancho Public Library; Enlace New Mexico; & TAAS-The Albuquerque Astronomical Society. The mission of Community Science Connections is to develop and expand community partnerships, engage families in hands-on science and introduce them to community resources through events at libraries and science education institutions throughout Albuquerque and greater New Mexico.

Visit ABC Libraries' Community Science Connections LibGuide for a list of upcoming science events in the community, such as National Astronomy Day at the Open Space Visitors Center on Saturday, April 28th, Solar Sundays at the NM Museum of Natural History & Science, & more!

Community Science Connections also promotes fun-filled family science events with with LEAP into Science programs at ABC Libraries.  LEAP into Science is a partnership between the Franklin Institute Science Museum and the Free Library of Philadelphia, designed to engage children and families in science and literacy learning. The program consists of afterschool and family workshops that integrate hands-on science activities with relevant children's books, promoting science learning skills and literacy development. New Mexico is one of ten states throughout the country chosen for this program.

Tony Hillerman Library features weekly LEAP into Science programs on Wednesdays, from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. LEAP into Science program themes include Sound Sleuths, Rubber Band Powered Cars, & Ready, Set, Dough! (the science of Play Doh).  Visit the Tony Hillerman Library LibGuide for more information on upcoming programs!

Gathering of Nations

This year's Gathering of Nations Powwow takes place on April 26th-28th at the University of New Mexico Arena - "The Pit".  Check out the Gathering of Nations website for event information, Powwow Etiquette, Gathering of Nations history, Powwow Recipes & more!

Even if you are not going to the Pit to watch the dances & eat some fry bread, why not celebrate by catching up on some Native American history & culture with items from the library catalog?

Some recent titles you may want to check out include:

Rez Life: An Indian's Journey through Reservation Life by David Treuer

Native American Indian [CD], Lil' Bear Singers

The Gods of Prophetstown: The Battle of Tippecanoe and the Holy War for the American Frontier by Adam Jortner

Grandpa Lolo's Navajo Saddle Blanket = La tilma de Abuelito Lolo by Nasario García

Fritz Scholder: Indian/Not Indian edited by Lowery Stokes Sims with Truman T. Lowe & Paul Chaat Smith

Code Talker by Chester Nez

Navajos Wear Nikes: A Reservation Life by Jim Kristofic

Got a reluctant teen reader? Have them give these adult romance titles a whirl!

Sometimes it's hard to get teens reading.  They read for school, & then when they're not at school, they have so many other activities!  If you have a teen who's reluctant to crack open a book that's not assigned, some librarians recommend hi/lo fiction, particularly if  the teens "read below grade level and can’t find books they can read that interest them".  Also you might consider the romance titles listed below, recommended by Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) magazine. Some titles may also be available in alternate formats (eBook, audio). Notes by the title such as "eBook only" refer to ABC Libraries' holdings. As always, concerned parents may want to preview the book's subject matter to test its appropriateness for their teen!


Some Steam Ahead: Adult Romance Titles for Teens
"Here are a few suggestions of romance and romantic suspense authors with lighter levels of sensuality that may still appeal to teen readers." ~Amy Alessio

Classics
Jane Austen, the Brontes (Charlotte, Emily, & Anne), Daphne DuMaurier - definitely throbbing with romantic elements, but may turn-off teens who have to read them for school

Similar to Teen Books
Ann Brashares - Sisterhood Everlasting; My Name is Memory
Meg Cabot - Queen of Babble series (zany) or Insatiable series (vampires)
Melissa De La Cruz - Beauchamp series

Bridget Jones Read-Alikes
Sophie Kinsella - Can You Keep a Secret?; Undomestic Goddess; Twenties Girl; Remember Me
Jennifer Crusie - The Cinderella Deal [eBook & eAudio only]; Maybe This Time

Emotional Wringers
Jodi Picoult
Nicholas Sparks

Diverse Romance
Terry McMillan - Waiting to Exhale
Kimberla Lawson Roby
Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez


*All books in this post were suggested by articles in Voya magazine (2/12, vol 34, # 6)

Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, contemplate what you can do to take sustainable action. You can:

Recycle. It's easy when the City of Albuquerque picks it up outside your front door.


Replace lights with CF bulbs. Cold Cathode Fluorescent bulbs contain 85% less mercury than regular bulbs and save anywhere from $80 - $250 per year.


Use cold water for laundry loads and save up to $60 per year. Use less energy to boot.


Bike or walk to work. In addition to saving anywhere from $300 - $600 a year, there are health benefits as well.


Eat less meat. Cutting your meat consumption in half on average is like walking to work rather than driving.
~about.com


Tomorrow is Earth Day - how will you be celebrating? Every moment we make simple decisions that affect the planet. What would you considering changing in your life to help the environment? Let us know in the comments below!

Consider a green celebration with ABC Libraries - visit with the Master Gardeners this month or sign up for a future Xeriscape Seminar!  Or, search in the catalog for items about Earth Day, the environment, sustainability, & recycling.

Some other websites & events that might be of interest:

Earth Day 2012 (Earth Day Network)

Earth Day 2012

Earth Day - freebies!


Bigbyte Earth Day eRecycling (Albuquerque)

E-Waste Drop Off Earth Day at Coronado Center Parking Lot

Earth Day Celebration at the Biopark - today!  Until 2 p.m.

Madrid Earth Day Arts & Crafts Fair

Earth Week events listing from The Green Fire Times

All ABC Libraries open at 2 p.m. today!

All library staff will be attending training this morning, so all locations will be open 2 pm - 6 pm today. Normal hours resume Saturday, April 21st.

Spring Cleaning

Now that Spring is finally here we can all emerge from our winter hibernation and enjoy the outdoors once again. By spending so much time indoors during the winter, however, our homes tend to accumulate quite a bit of… well… junk. By keeping so much junk in our environments we are welcoming mental clutter and unnecessary stress into our lives. Spring cleaning is a yearly solution to this inevitable build-up. Here is a step-by-step guide for cleaning your home and clearing your mind.

Clearing

Start from the top down. If you have several rooms with the same clutter problem, start small. Work one room at a time. If you need to, set a whole day aside for spring cleaning so that you can be thorough and get the job done. Make sure all of your items have a “home” inside your home. Sort the accumulated mess by what “lives” in which room, then escort each item to its’ rightful place. If you think that you have just too much stuff to have a place for everything, check out these storage solutions from Better Homes and Gardens or possibly even consider donating items to local charities. Typically donations are tax deductable so donating can benefit you come tax season. Or, you could always have a yard sale.

Cleaning

Now that the mess is gone, the cleaning can begin. Again work from the top down. Dusting should be the next major step in the process. Open your windows for ventilation if the weather is right so you’re not constantly sneezing as you go. Get a fluffy dry duster and start at the highest surface, dusting all the way to the floor.  Get on top of ceiling fans, behind the TV, the tops of cabinets, book cases (the area behind the books), pictures or tapestries hanging on the walls, the tops of door ledges, appliances, etc…

Next, get some hot water and antibacterial dish soap, your favorite cleaner and some rags and get going. Look here for some Real Simple natural alternatives to strong chemical cleaners. Clean your windows, panes, tabletops, wall & door panels, light switch panels, trash cans, etc… Take your pets outside and brush out that thick winter coat that they will soon be shedding all over the house. Give them a bath while you are at it.

Once all surfaces are clean, finish with the floors. Sweep all hard surfaces getting under furniture and rugs and into corners. Vacuum area rugs and all carpeted areas. Don’t forget to pull out the vacuum hose and get all the corners against the wall, under chair and couch cushions as well as any stairways.

When this is all done, take a deep breath. Light a candle or spray some lovely air freshener if you wish. But with the spring flowers in the air, you probably won’t need it. Enjoy your clean home!

Check out these books for Spring Cleaning ideas:

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Cleaning by Mary Findley and Linda Formichelli

Garage Sale Magic! by Michael & Pam Williams

Real Simple Cleaning  by Kathleen Squires

For Packrats Only : How to Clean Up, Clear Out, and Live Clutter-Free Forever! by Don Aslett

El día de los niños/El día de los libros

El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day), is a celebration every day of children, families, and reading that culminates yearly on April 30th. The celebration emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

At ABC Libraries, our El día de los niños celebrations begin tomorrow, April 18th! Visit the El día de los niños/El día de los libros LibGuide for a listing of this year's events, which include storytellers Indiana Bones, Ramona King, Bob Kanegis, Liz Mangual, Steven Pla, Michael Heralda, & Brenda Hollingsworth-Marley. Performers & performance dates vary from branch to branch, but all branches will host special events for children, families and school groups. At the end of each event, children will be able to take home a book of their very own (while supplies last).

100th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Titanic

Today is the anniversary of the Titanic disaster.  I am fascinated, as many are, by tales of this tragic voyage.  To commemorate the anniversary, there are several new books being released.  Check the catalog for:

Gilded Lives, Fatal Voyages: The Titanic's First-Class Passengers and Their World by Hugh Brewster

Voyagers of the Titanic: Passengers, Sailors, Shipbuilders, Aristocrats, and the Worlds They Came From by Richard Davenport-Hines

And the Band Played On: The Enthralling Account of What Happened After the Titanic Sank by Christopher Ward

Shadow of the Titanic: The Extraordinary Stories of Those who Survived by Andrew Wilson

Wreck and Sinking of the Titanic: The Ocean's Greatest Disaster edited by Marshall Everett

Additionally, there is a new novel coming out with a character who is a Titanic survivor: The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott.

For other items about the Titanic in the library catalog, try a subject search by "Titanic (Steamship)".


Around the internet, you can find a variety of Titanic-related resources, including:
National Geographic has released new photos of the Titanic.

Julian Fellowes, author of Gosford Park & Downton Abbey, has written a Titanic mini-series for British TV, & James Cameron's 1997 film is being re-released in 3D.

The Titanic Collection is to be auctioned. "A 2007 US court decision made it possible for the items to be sold, but that the collection must be kept together, it must be properly taken care of, and at least a portion of the collection must be available for public viewing. A court-ordered appraisal at the time valued the collection at $189 million," says 24/7 Wall Street.

Did you know you can take a Titanic Memorial Cruise? (Although it was fully booked by January 2012.)

The town of Cobh, in County Cork, Ireland, the Titanic's last port of call, is having a year-long commemoration & tribute to the Titanic - visit their website!

The Detroit area has a dinner & a musical planned.

Locally, the St. James Tearoom is offering a Titanic Tea (already sold out).

The anniversary will be marked on the internet in a variety of weird ways, including on Twitter (@TitanicRealTime) & currently an expedition to visit the wreck is available at a discount on Groupon.

Other websites of interest include the Titanic Heritage Trust & the Titanic Universe.

Albuquerque Poet Laureate

Many states have named poet laureates, but New Mexico is not one of them. However, Santa Fe named Joan Logghe its poet laureate in 2010, and Albuquerque will soon have a poet laureate of its very own when on Saturday, April 14, Albuquerque will announce the city's first poet laureate.

What exactly does the term "poet laureate" mean? Basically it's someone appointed by a government to compose poems for national events, to represent poetry and writing at events around the country, and also to raise awareness of poetry and its importance to culture. In the United States, the Library of Congress decides who will be poet laureate, with input from past laureates and other writers. Poet laureates of the past in the United States (where the position was created in 1937) have brought poetry writing to schools, exposed the nation to poetry through newspapers and advertising, and started poetry workshops for the public. Most recent US poet laureate Philip Levine has posted audio podcasts, bringing the sound of poetry to a new generation.

Joan Logghe, the current poet laureate of Santa Fe, is a great example of a poet laureate. She has taught poetry workshops in New Mexico schools and prisons for years. She is also the project director of Write Action: Writing from the Heart of AIDS, a grassroots organization which offers writing workshops in Santa Fe and education outreach around northern New Mexico. Her poem, "Something Like Marriage", which talks about her love of New Mexico is featured in the amazing collection of New Mexico writings, In Company. She has also published several books of poetry, including one on her local literary press, Tres Chicas. Her energy has brought poetry into the lives of New Mexicans for many years.

Treat yourself and your family to a morning of poetry at the Main Library on April 14 at 11:00 a.m. and hear Albuquerque's poet laureate announced. This event will include poetry readings from New Mexico Centennial Poet, Levi Romero, and Santa Fe Poet Laureate, Joan Logghe. For more information on Albuquerque's poet laureate program visit abqpoetlaureate.org.

You can also check out poetry happening around New Mexico by going to http://www.abqslams.org/ to see what the Albuquerque slam poetry team is up to, or by clicking on http://www.nmsps.org/ to see what's going on with the New Mexico State Poetry Society. Poets.org also has a special New Mexico page on their website. Also, visit our Poetry LibGuide for a list of poetry events at ABC Libraries, poetry writing tips, & links to some new poetry titles in the catalog. Happy reading!

...Just in!  Albuquerque's new Poet Laureate is Hakim Bellamy!  Congratulations to Hakim, & for our blog readers, here's a  video of him at a poetry reading at UNM Bookstore a few years ago.

Poets & Writers Film Festival

Celebrate poetry & literature this month with a trip to the local Guild Cinema, which is hosting a literary film festival!  Details of the showings are listed below, but for more information, check out the Guild's website. The Poets & Writers Film Festival is co-sponsored by the Friends for the Public Library.


Slam Planet: The War of the Words
Apr 13
Friday 7pm Only!
Dir. Mike Henry and Kyle Fuller - 2007 - 97m - All Seats $7 - to be introduced by two time ABQ Slam Champion Danny Solis!
Not rated

An Angel At My Table
Apr 14 to Apr 15
Saturday 3:30 / Sunday 7:00
Dir. Jane Campion - 1990 - 158m - New Zealand - All Seats $7 
To be introduced by local poet and writer Lisa Gill!
Rated R


Barton Fink
Apr 14 to Apr 15
Saturday 7:00/ Sunday 3:30
Dir. Ethan and Joel Coen - 1991 - 116m - All Seats $7
One of the screenings to be introduced by local writer Gene Grant!
Rated R


the1ofHearts: Ecstatic writers-Poet-Saints
Apr 14
Saturday 1:30pm Only!
Dir. Jan Bartelstone - 2012 - 60m - All Seats $7
To be introduced by local NEA award-winning poet Yasmeen Najmi!



Other local literary events in April include the book release party for the Harwood Art Center's 3rd poetry anthology, How To, on Saturday, April 21st at the center, &  Judge for Yourself, a poetry reading at 516 Arts on Saturday, April 28th.  Do you know any other literary happenings in April?

Juan Tabo Renovations

The Juan Tabo Library closed for renovations on April 1st, and is expected to reopen in the fall.  In the meantime, you will be unable return materials to Juan Tabo as the book drops at the branch are locked. Borrowed materials can be returned to any other ABC Libraries Branch. If you'd like to transfer your holds, you can call any library and ask library staff to take care of that!

If you're looking for a new storytime to visit while Juan Tabo is closed, or other children's programs, you can keep checking at the Juan Tabo Kids' page... it will show you programs and storytimes at the four closest branches!  You can check the Tabo Teens page for nearby teen events.

Juan Tabo's two adult book groups, Bookworms and Read Around New Mexico, will be meeting at Lomas Tramway (908 Eastridge NE) while Juan Tabo is under construction. Please feel free to join them!

Also, Juan Tabo's Facebook page will remain open during renovations!

The extensive improvements to the Juan Tabo Library will impact every square foot of the building and include:

• A full roof replacement.

Removal of the current roof layers will expose the perforated roof deck — and the inside of Juan Tabo Library — to the elements. This alone necessitated the building’s closure.

• Sculpted roof insulation

to help control heating and cooling costs and provide for better drainage.

• Upgraded clerestory windows.

The installation of double-paned replacements with higher parapets will put an end to the leaks currently caused by heavy rains and snow.

• Wall carpeting will be removed and replaced

with fresh plasterboard and new paint.

• The exposed ceiling and trusses will be cleaned and painted.


ABC Libraries look forward to welcoming everyone to a beautifully improved Juan Tabo Library.  The library originally opened its doors in 1983.

Celebrate National Library Week!

National Library Week is April 8-14 this year!  You don't have to be a librarian to celebrate.  Go to @ your library: The Campaign for America's Libraries to see what bestselling author and Honorary Chair of National Library Week, Brad Meltzer, has to say about the impact of libraries on his life; to share a story about how the library has impacted your life; & to view a Family Activity Guide for ideas on how you can spend quality family time at your library.

Or, you can just celebrate by stopping by a branch of your local library!  Check out some items, & make sure to wish library staff who assist you happy library week (National Library Workers Day is April 10th - you can recognize a library star at the ALA website!).

For items about libraries and/or librarians, check the library catalog.

Kindles!

ABC Libraries now has Kindles available for checkout, for those curious about eReaders - whether you are thinking of buying one, but want to try it first, or you just want to get a feel for eBooks! The 32 Kindles started circulating on April 1st.  Place your hold now!

While you are waiting to receive your Kindle hold, you might want to peruse our Kindle LibGuide, with its handy sections on How Borrowing a Kindle Works, How to Use the Kindle, & Help (lists an array of common  problems & how to correct them).  You will want to make special note of the ABC Libraries Kindle Borrowing Agreement, which a staff member will walk you through at checkout.

Also, many libraries have classes that can help you use your Kindle!  You can find answers to FAQ, links to branches with classes, & printable handouts in our Downloading Digital Media LibGuide.

Happy eBorrowing!

National Poetry Month

Celebrate National Poetry Month with ABC Libraries in April!


From Main Library, a contest:
Blue Skies, Green Earth
Beginning April 1, finish the prompt above and enter to win a $25 gift certificate to Albuquerque Coffee Connection! Contest ends on April 25. Winner will be announced on April 30.


Thursday, April 26th is Poem in Your Pocket Day! Poets.org website explains: "The idea is simple: select a poem you love during National Poetry Month then carry it with you to share with co-workers, family, and friends."  You can pick up poems for your pocket at Ernie Pyle Library & Cherry Hills Library from April 1st-26th.


Poetry Out Loud

Saturday, April 14, 2012
2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Valley Library
Adults, come and read your favorite poem out loud in celebration of National Poetry Month!


Albuquerque Poet Laureate Announcement

Albuquerque's first Poet Laureate will be announced at the Main Library auditorium on Saturday, April 14th, 2012, 11:00 AM. Come hear the new Poet Laureate read, as well as the New Mexico's Centennial Poet, Levi Romero and the Santa Fe Poet Laureate, Joan Logghe.



Poetry Around the World

Thursday, April 19, 2012
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Tony Hillerman Library

For ages 10 thru adult, each month (except December) we explore a new style of poetry from a different part of the world. Reservations are not required, but if you would like a reminder call, please register at the Information Desk. For more information, call 291-6264.


Primary Sources: Poetry Workshop

Thursday, April 19, 2012
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Taylor Ranch Library

Celebrate National Poetry Month @ Taylor Ranch! Your next poem is in our book stacks. In this workshop, we’ll investigate ways you can use the library and library materials to stimulate, inspire, and interact with your poetry writing process. This is an interactive and participatory event open to all levels of writers.


A Brief Word: Short Form Poetry for Busy Poets

Tuesday, April 24, 2012
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Taylor Ranch Library

Haiku, dodoitsu, nonnet, monostitch... from a few lines down to a few words, try out these short forms to distill your poems into their strongest shape. Open to all ages or levels of writers.

 
In Depth: Poetry Discussion

Thursday, April 26, 2012
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Los Griegos Library
This tri-monthly poetry discussion group will study Maya Angelou's Weekend Glory 'in depth' and in the context of the writer's life and times. Copies of the poem are available at the Los Griegos Information Desk


Poetry Games for Teens and Adults at North Valley

Thursday, April 26, 2012
5:00pm - 6:30pm
North Valley Library



"Life in the South Valley" Poetry Reading

Saturday, April 28, 2012
11:00am - 1:00pm
South Valley Library

Enjoy a poetry reading of notable submissions from the Annual El Kookooee Writing Competition. This year's theme is "Life in the South Valley." Winners will be announced and awarded prize money generously donated by Rudolfo Anaya.



Don't forget to check the library catalog for new poetry selections & there will also be plenty of food for thought on the Poetry LibGuide!

Jazz Appreciation Month

Did you know that April is Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM)? JAM is sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution, which "...collects artifacts, archival materials, and oral histories; is home to the nation's jazz orchestra, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO), so designated by congressional appropriation; curates exhibitions and traveling exhibitions; offers research fellowships; produces recordings and videos; publishes books and jazz music editions such as the recently launched Jazz: The Smithsonian Anthology; offers lectures and seminars for adults; and develops educational offerings for students".

Are you a jazz aficionado?  Consider browsing our catalog for our jazz collection!  The ABC Libraries' catalog features music on CD, DVDs, & books on the subject for you to enjoy.

You can support jazz locally by checking out the NM Jazz Workshop, the Outpost Performance Space, or local jazz clubs like Jazzbah.

Frank Sinatra is featured on this year's JAM poster.  Past honorees have included Mary Lou Williams,  Dave Brubeck,  Benny Goodman, & Ella Fitzgerald.