VOL. 13 ISSUE 2 Hours: (203) 734-1492 March - April 2020 Mon. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (203) 732-2913 FAX Sat. - Sun. 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Privately Funded (Open Sat. & Sun. all year) 307 Hawthorne Avenue Derby, Connecticut 06418 www.derbynecklibrary.org email: [email protected]

Derby Neck Library A Regional Library Currents Over a century of service to the Valley Community The Kerry Boys Return to the Derby Neck Library The Valley Counts! By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. You will have three options for responding. All of them are easy: Online, Phone, and by Mail. The 2020 Census marks the first time you will be invited to respond online – even on your mobile device. The online form is available in many different languages. Visit 2020CENSUS.GOV for more information about responding online. The Census is very to easy to fill out. It’s only 9 questions and only one needs to be filled out per household. Each Census invitation that you receive in the mail has a PIN number specific to the address and you need this PIN to assist in filling out the Census online or by phone. What will I need to fill out the Census? Your PIN# Connecticut’s premier Irish balladeers, the The person in the housing unit who fills out the Census (Person 1) provides the Kerry Boys, will return to the Derby Neck Library on Saturday, March 21 at 2:00 pm for following information about each household member: a performance in recognition of St. Patrick’s Name, Relationship to Person 1, Sex, Age, Date of Birth, Race Day. An annual tradition here at the library, Please note: The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing your information with law the Kerry Boys will perform a free one hour enforcement. Your answers cannot be used to impact your eligibility for government set of Irish favorites as well as some originals benefits. Your answers are only used to create statistics about our country. The Census for Derby Neck patrons of all ages. Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information and The Kerry Boys are Mark James, originally keep it strictly confidential. That’s every answer, to every question. from the county Kerry Ireland now a Cheshire, CT resident, and Pierce Campbell, (CT’s official State Troubadour 2007/08) from Prospect, CT. These two dynamic and popular Connecticut Irish Balladeers combined their talents to form an exciting Irish music duo over 25 years ago, and have been dazzling audiences from Maine to Pennsylvania ever since. olocaust Remembrance Presentation There is no registration required for this H event, but seating will fill up quick. This Author Rebecca Freimann has made her debut as an program is sponsored by the Friends of the author with her book Family Tree: Rooted in Survival. Derby Neck Library. She has spent 8 plus years researching her family’s fates during the Holocaust. Within the pages of this book, she tells their stories; stories that have never Daylight before been told. She depicts her three family branches and their experiences. Saving As a former CT resident, Rebecca currently lives in Time NY and works as a special education teacher. Returning to DerbySunday, to share these March stories 10this incredibly meaningful Sunday, for Rebecca,Daylight since part Saving of her family Time escaped Begins the Nazis and later made Derby their home. March 8 ANDREW’S PICKS (2015); The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017); The Favourite (2018). VITA Free Tax Preparation Services is quite simply one of my favorite directors Begin at the Derby Neck Library working today. I’ve never seen his two earliest films, My Best VITA free tax preparation services continue at the Derby Neck Library on Friend (2001) and Kinetta (2005), since they’ve never been Sundays from 1-4:00pm throughout the tax released in the United States, but all five of his subsequent filing season. Households that earned less movies are masterpieces. Dogtooth (2009) in particular blew than $56,000 in 2019 may be eligible for me away when I first saw it in college, and it introduced me VITA’s free tax preparation services, provided to the two broad strands of amazing films that have been by IRS-certified volunteers at community centers, nonprofit organizations, and other coming out of Eastern Europe for the past two decades. First, there are the starkly convenient locations across CT. minimalist, often almost neo-realist Romanian films from directors like Corneliu For individuals and families that qualify, Porumboiu (12:08 East of Bucharest, 2006), Cristian Mungiu (4 Months, 3 Weeks, and VITA volunteers will work with you step by 2 Days, 2007), and Cristi Puiu (The Death of Mr. Lazarescu, 2005). step to ensure you file accurately and Then, almost as if in response, there are the boldly fantastic and even surrealist films on time. To schedule an appointment, call Team, pouring out of from directors like Lanthimos, ( Attenberg, Inc. at 203-736-5420. For other VITA sites’ 2010), and Babis Makridis (Pity, 2018) — all of whom have collaborated frequently with hours of operation, dial 2-1-1 or visit one another and, significantly, with the writer , thus lending a certain www.211ct.org or www.irs.gov cohesion to the “movement” in reality and not just in critical imagination. I am sure for directions and hours. social historians will plumb cultural and economic conditions in those two countries Please note that the final Derby Neck Library VITA Sunday will be April 5. Due and Europe more broadly to explore why two such (seemingly) antithetical schools to the Easter holiday on April 12, there will emerged, one after the other, in these two particular countries in the first part of the be no VITA services after the April 5 date. twenty-first century. But for the cinephile, the so-called “Romanian New Wave” and “Greek Weird Wave” might just as well be gifts from the Olympian gods, and indeed (heretical Marxist that I am) I find the latter “explanation” both more likely and certainly more appealing than any boring historical-materialist account. Moreover, the passionate Children’s Corner lover of both schools can discern deep connections between them. The Kafkaesque absurdity of the Romanian bureaucracy reaches at times almost surreal heights in Spring is on it’s way and Miss Kathi’s Puiu’s and especially Porumboiu’s films; in fact, even in his most documentary mode regular programs will continue throughout Porumboiu is half a surrealist—see, for instance, his hilarious Infinite Football (2018). the months of March and April. Two new As for the Greeks, their surrealism is by no means baroque; it even derives much of its special programs have been added power and strangeness from being situated so carefully in unremarkable, realistic starting in March. My 1st Baby is settings which are often as particular and carefully-drawn as those constructed by the especially for first time parents and Romanian “realists.” Lanthimos’s Alps (2011), for example, has a premise that seems Grandparents. Enjoy playing with that clearly fantastic and details that are deeply surrealist, but is played against a background new baby and making connections with that is both a late-capitalist bourgeois “anywhere” and yet somehow specifically Greek; other “First Timers”. Professionals will ditto for Makridis’s Pity. After making Alps, Lanthimos switched to the English language also be on hand to offer advice. We Are without missing a beat, and produced three more remarkable movies: The Lobster, Quiet is for sensitive children who need The Killing of a Sacred Deer, and The Favourite. And now, after all this set-up, how does that extra attention in a more subdued one begin to describe a Lanthimos film? The bold, haunting cinematography of Antonioni space. Quiet music, low lights, sensory or Kubrick or Lynch, the unrelenting absurdity and subversive, satiric edge of Buñuel activities, soothing stories and a smaller or Chytilová, the quirky black humor and stylized performances of Herzog or Wes class will meet their needs. Check out Anderson, the inexorable precision and inscrutable depths of the or the calendar in this newsletter, our web Hitchcock . . . the list could go on and on. Any scion of so many remarkable forebears page, Facebook and Twitter for dates must be, paradoxically, a true original. and times. Though I would urge the reader to seek out Elif Batuman’s article on “Japan’s Rent-a- Family Industry” in the April 30, 2018 issue of The New Yorker; not to mention Werner Herzog’s Family Romance, LLC, which premiered at Cannes last year.

Sinking of the Titanic with Jason Scappaticci The Titanic sank over 100 years ago but it still continues to fascinate people. What it is about this disaster that manages to hold the public’s interest? Why did it not carry enough lifeboats? Was it truly the most luxurious ship afloat? On Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30pm, come learn the story of Titanic and answers to many questions that keep us talking about it to this day. All programs will be drop-in with teen no registration required. We welcome EVENTS patrons from all towns to come and enjoy recurring children’s Teen Film Club the programs. The Derby Neck Library’s award- programs winning young adult film club is a Prethrees classes are for ages Birth-3yrs magnificent opportunity for all and offer age appropriate stories, finger aspiring artists. For more than fifteen plays, Nursery rhymes, puppets, coloring years we’ve been making movies together pages and music. Name tags and a different theme are provided each week. in a casual, no-pressure, wildly fun Classes regularly occur on Mondays at 10am. environment that nurtures creative Mommy and Me: Art Partners is for all ages. Working together you will collaboration and encourages passionate, explore different mediums such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, personal artistic expression. Hang out watercolor pencils, paint and finger paint. Both you and your child can open with us, and you’ll learn and participate in every aspect of film production — so up a new expressive world to explore as you share time together creating whether you’re interested in writing, directing, acting, your own art. All supplies will be provided. Classes regularly occur on editing, or all of the above, this program’s for you! All Mondays at 11am. young adults, middle-school through college, are welcome. Been There Done That Movin’ On Twos and Threes is for children who have Stop by the library any Tuesday at 4 PM, and make some been coming to the classes for a while and are capable of following more art you can be proud of. specific directions to musical games and are ready to learn new songs. Derby Neck Video Game Club Each week a different type of instrument is introduced and shared. Classes Ever played Smash Bros Ultimate with 8 simultaneous regularly occur on Tuesdays at 10am. players? What about a heated match of Street Fighter V Wee Jamboree is for ages birth and up! Drop in and spend time playing with skilled competitors? Think you’re good enough to musical instruments with your child. This event series is a relaxing time to compete in a tournament with real stakes and prizes? Using the library’s Nintendo Switch, PS4, Dreamcast, and more, explore a variety of child-friendly instruments and help introduce music to teens and tweens will play various games on the systems babies and toddlers. Children will enjoy participating in free play and parades. on Tuesdays at 3:00pm. Derby Neck Video Game Club Classes regularly occur on Tuesdays at 10:45am. (VGC for short) is all about fun, so come join us. No Music and Movement programs are for ages Birth to 5 and use instruments, registration is required and we play year-round when the scarves and singing to enhance children’s language proficiency. Songs and director, Ian, is in the building. dancing combine to help children learn about rhythm and practice motor Pokémon TCG Club skills needed to improve their communication abilities. Scarves and musical Whether you’ve played the game a hundred times, or never instruments add to the fun. Classes regularly occur on Thursdays at 10am have but want to learn, join us on Mondays after school and 11am. from 4:00 to 6:00pm for the library’s Pokémon Trading Card Game Club! Attendees are free to bring their cards, but the library will have plenty on hand for all to play and Daytime Club enjoy. This free club is intended for children ages 7 and up. Women’s Forum, meets on the 3rd Monday of each month Gadgets and Gizmos Club at 12:30-1:30 in the Community Room. On Mon., March 16, Get ready to make some thingamajigs, thingamabobs, we will discuss two short stories by Elizabeth Berg — “Today’s doodads, doohickeys, widgets, and whatsits! Meeting Special” and “Departure from Normal.” On Mon., April 20, we regularly on Wednesdays from 4-5:30pm, the Gadgets & will be focusing on two short stories by Thomas Wolfe — Gizmos Club will feature STEAM-based activities that “Circus at Dawn” and “Only the Dead Know Brooklyn.” Copies change from week to week. Some weeks you’ll be building of the stories are available at the library. We serve free coffee with LEGOs, crafting your own slime, creating pixel art, or and tea at each meeting. some other crazy invention! Evening Book Club Anime Club This highly informative and stimulating book club meets on Tweens and teens are invited to drop in to watch dubbed the last Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., by the fireplace episodes of anime shows new and old on the library’s big in the Reading Room. We focus on novellas and memoirs by screen! The Anime Club meets regularly every other Sunday award-winning authors, including many of the classics of fine at 3pm alternating with the D&D group. No registration literature. On Mon., March 30 we will be discussing “A Month required. Snacks of the American and Japanese variety LITERARY CLUB EVENTS LITERARY in the Country” by J.L. Carr. On Mon., April 27 we focus on will be provided. “Ethan Frome” by Edith Wharton. The featured books are available at the library prior to each meeting; some large STAFF: print editions are included when possible. Join us and have Ian Parsells, Head Librarian an informal, yet incisive learning experience among fellow Kathleen Gordon, Children’s Librarian readers. Patricia Sweeney, Reference Librarian Roberto Carmona, Head of Circulation Christina Baclawski, Andrew Bisaccia, Stephen Bisaccia, Bonnie Chevarella, Kim MacDonald, David Makusevich, Christopher Ochoa, Norman Strumello, Kristina Warrenger BOARD OF DIRECTORS: John Walsh, President; Shirley Erickson, Vice President; Maureen Coffey, Linda Coppola, Tim Dillon, Laura Donahue, Rick Dunne, Michael Flora, Karen Kemmesies, Richard Knoll, John Rak, Bruce Sill, Fr. Christopher Tiano. Calendar of Events March 2020 March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Pre-Threes classes for children 10:00 am March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Mommy & Me: Art Partners for children 11:00 am March 3, 10, 17, 24 Been There Done That classes for children 10:00 am March 3, 10, 24 Wee Jamboree for children 10:45 am March 5, 12, 19, 26 Music and Movement classes for children 10:00 & 11:00 am March 16, 23, 30 My 1st Baby for new parents/grandparents 3:00 pm March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Pokémon TCG Club for children 7+ 4:00–6:00 pm March 4, 11, 18, 25 Gadgets and Gizmos Club for children 7+ 4:00–5:30 pm March 1, 15, 29 Anime Club for tweens & teens 3:00–4:30 pm March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Teen Film Club 4:00 pm March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Video Game Club for tweens & teens 3:00–6:00 pm March 8, 22 D&D Sundays for teens and adults 11:00 am & 2:30 pm March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 VITA Free Tax Assistance (by appt. only) 1:00-4:00 pm March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Computer Orientation Classes for adults 6:00–7:00 pm March 3, 10, 17, 23, 30 Afternoon Tea V for adults 1:00–2:30 pm March 4, 11, 18, 25 Computer Orientation Classes for adults 10:30–11:30 am March 7, 14, 28 Needlers Club for adults 1:00–4:00 pm

March 5 Dinner and a Movie for adults: Knives Out 5:30 pm March 16 Women’s Forum 12:30 pm March 17 We Are Quiet sensory-friendly activities 11:00 am March 18 B.A.R.K. with Spirit the dog 5:00 pm March 18 Friends of the Derby Neck Library monthly mtg. 6:00 pm March 21 Kerry Boys Performance 2:00 pm March 25 Friends, Food, and Books Club for adults 6:00 pm March 30 Evening Book Club 6:30 pm

April 2020 April 2, 9, 30 Music and Movement classes for children 10:00 & 11:00 am April 6, 20, 27 Pre-Threes classes for children 10:00 am April 6, 20, 27 Mommy & Me: Art Partners for children 11:00 am April 6, 13, 20, 27 My 1st Baby for new parents/grandparents 3:00 pm April 7, 21, 28 Been There Done That classes for children 10:00 am April 7, 28 Wee Jamboree for children 10:45 am April 6, 13, 20, 27 Pokémon TCG Club for children 7+ 4:00–6:00 pm April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Gadgets and Gizmos Club for children 7+ 4:00–5:30 pm April 7, 14, 21, 28 Video Game Club for tweens & teens 3:00–6:00 pm April 7, 14, 21, 28 Teen Film Club 4:00 pm April 5, 19 D&D Sundays for teens and adults 11:00 am & 2:30 pm April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Computer Orientation Classes for adults 10:30–11:30 am April 4, 18, 25 Needlers Club for adults 1:00–4:00 pm April 6, 13, 20, 27 Computer Orientation Classes for adults 6:00–7:00 pm April 7, 14, 21, 28 Afternoon Tea V for adults 1:00 pm

April 2 Dinner and a Movie for adults 5:30 pm April 5 VITA Free Tax Assistance (by appt. only) 1:00-4:00 pm April 11 LIBRARY CLOSED (Easter Weekend) April 12 LIBRARY CLOSED (Easter Day) April 15 B.A.R.K. with Spirit the dog 5:00 pm April 15 Friends of the Derby Neck Library monthly mtg. 6:00 pm April 15 Sinking of the Titanic Presentation 6:30 pm April 20 Women’s Forum 12:30 pm April 21 We Are Quiet sensory-friendly activities 11:00 am April 21 Holocaust Remembrance Presentation 6:30 pm April 22 Friends, Food, and Books Club for adults 6:00 pm April 26 Anime Club for tweens & teens 3:00–4:30 pm April 27 Evening Book Club 6:30 pm April 30 Kids’ Choice Pizza Primary 6:00 pm

New programs are added frequently, so check in the Library and our Website for the most up-to-date schedule.