Vocal Concert of Prokofiev and Local Composers

Soprano Leslie Goldberg and composer/pianist Robert Polansky will present a concert of songs by Prokofiev, Adams, Pinkham and Polansky based on poetry at the Library on Sunday, September 21, 2:00PM.
Goldberg will sing Prokofiev’s “Five Songs on Texts of Anna Akhmatova” in Russian. This popular song cycle is a sumptuous work with soaring melodic lines, evoking a wide range of deep emotion. H. Leslie Adams’ neo-Romantic songs with texts by Edna St. Vincent Millay will also be on the program as will Polansky’s expressive and lyrical “Songs of Love and Introspection” based on poetry by Shakespeare, Whitman and Millay. In honor of Boston composer Daniel Pinkham’s 80th birthday, the concert
will conclude with selections from the composer’s “Carols and Cries,” a setting of contrasting sacred texts that are charming and witty.
Noted for her sensitive interpretations of 20th-century art song, Goldberg has appeared in recital or as featured soloist at the Goethe Institute, the Harvard Choral Society, Colorado University, the Jubilate Chorale of Brockton, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Concert Series in Andover and others. Before moving to Boston she sang with the historic Central City Opera Company in Colorado. This coming February, she will be a featured recitalist at the acclaimed Nakamichi Concert Series at Stonehill College. Goldberg currently serves on the faculty at Bridgewater State College and Stonehill College.
Polansky has created a variety of vocal and instrumental works which have been performed by prominent groups in New England such as the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, Vermont Contemporary Music Ensemble, the Holyoke Civic Symphony, the University Chorale of Boston College, the Bridgewater State College Chamber Singers and the Heritage Chorale of Framingham. An accomplished pianist, he often accompanies vocalists and instrumentalists in performances of his songs and chamber pieces.

Pianist Eleanor Perrone to Play Chopin, Scarlatti and Gershwin

photo by Peter Schweitzer

Pianist Eleanor Perrone will perform Scarlatti sonatas, Chopin mazurkas “Iberia,” Book 1 by Albeniz, and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” at the Library on Sunday, September 14, 2PM.
When you are attending a concert, please be considerate of the performers and fellow audience members and refrain from entering or leaving the auditorium during musical pieces.
Perrone has captivated audiences at home and abroad with her imaginative programming and depth of artistry. She has toured Europe and Brazil and was called a "Virtuosic Storyteller" by the Kieler Nachtrichten.
As soloist with the Boston Pops in Symphony Hall, she brought the audience to its feet and was invited back for several performances. As recitalist and chamber musician she has performed on concert series in Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, Camargo Guarnieri Theater (Brazil), Tsai Performance Center, French Library of Boston and at M.I.T. where she has a long association as Affiliated Artist. Library audiences may remember her concert as part of the Millennium3 Recital Series.
Perrone serves on the faculty of Merrimack College, the New School of Music and the Walnut Hill School and teaches privately.

Boston Jazz Voices Gives Concert

The 18 member close harmony a cappella chorus Boston Jazz Voices will present a concert of jazz, ballads, swing and pop at the Library, Sunday, September 7, at 2:00PM. Many of the songs will be from the American songbook, though some are written by British, Scandinavian and Latin American composers.
The group was founded in the mid 1980s as the New England Close Harmony Ensemble. Their repertoire includes the six-to-eight-part close harmony arrangements made famous by the Singers Unlimited as well as other published and original arrangements of songs from the past and present. John Paquette is Music Director.The group has performed on WERS radio in Boston, live in Paris and throughout New England at cafes, libraries and festivals.

Author Jonathan Wilson to Speak on "A Palestine Affair"

Author Jonathan Wilson will speak on his dramatic novel of passion and politics, of simmering tensions and spectacular beauty in British-ruled Palestine of the 1920s. This talk on A Palestine Affair at the Library will take place on Thursday, September 18, 7:30PM, followed by a booksigning with books provided by New England Mobile Book Fair.
When Mark Bloomberg, a disillusioned London painter, arrives in Palestine to take up a propaganda commission, he and his American wife Joyce accidentally witness the murder of a prominent Orthodox Jew. This provocative murder – swiftly pinned on an Arab boy – becomes a test of their marriage and their ideals: Joyce is pulled into an affair with the British policeman investigating the case and is drawn to the darker side of the Zionist movement, while Bloomberg, transfixed by the desert light, begins to grasp the complex truths of the region. All of these characters have come to Palestine to escape the grief of World War I and are forced to confront their principles and emotions alongside a culture in the throes of a painful emergence.
Born in London, Wilson has been living in the U.S. since 1976 with a four year interlude in Jerusalem. He is the author of two critical works on the novels of Saul Bellow as well as two works of fiction, The Hiding Room and Schoom, on which he’s spoken at the Library. Chair of the English Department at Tufts University, he often writes for The New Yorker, The New York Times Book Review, The Boston Globe, Times Literary Supplement and The Forward. He lives in Newton.

Sonia Sanchez, Herb Boyd and Katherine Jones Present "The Harlem Reader"

There may be no neighborhood in America as famous, infamous and inspiring as Harlem. The Harlem Reader captures its soul with writings by some of the most significant social, political and cultural African-American voices of the last century. On Tues-day, September 23, editor Herb Boyd and Sonia Sanchez and Katherine Butler Jones, contributors to the volume, will peak on and read from the book at the Library. The program will begin at 7:00PM, followed by a booksigning.
This richly intelligent anthology focuses on the creative output and influence that Harlem has had from its beginnings as a farming community to the Harlem Renaissance to the present. From Harlem’s most revered icons such as Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington to voices of a new generation, The Harlem Reader gathers a wealth of vital impressions, stories and narratives and blends them with original accounts offered by living storytellers.
Harlem resident Boyd is the national editor of the online publication “The Black World Today.” He teaches African and African-American history at the College of New Rochelle. He is co-editor of the American Book Award-winning collection Brotherman and editor of Autobiography of a People.
Known for her passionate and politically relevant poetry and prose, Sanchez lectures widely and teaches at Temple University in Philadelphia. Among her books are: Wounded in the House of a Friend, I’ve Been a Woman and Homegirls and Handgrenades, winner of the American Book Award..
Newton resident Jones received the PEN Discovery Writer Award for non-fiction in 1996. She has taught African-American History at Simmons College and Boston University and contributed to many exhibits including, most recently, “Harlem Past and Present” at the Museum of the City of New York. Her memoir Deeper Roots is soon to be published.

Preparing for the Citizenship Interview

Do you need help understanding the naturalization process? The Library's Legacy for Literacy program is offering a class for intermediate to advanced ESL students who have applied for citizenship and are waiting for their interview appointment. The class will cover basic U.S. history and government. Students will also practice answering questions for the interview. The 8 sessions, beginning on October 2, will be held Thursday evenings at 7:00PM in Meeting Room A. The class is limited to 15 students. Pre-registration is required. If interested in attending, please call Susan Bécam, ESL/ Literacy Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or e-mail legacyforliteracy@yahoo.com

Library Lovers' Eve Gala

The Library continues to grow in resources and stature, in circulation of materials and number of visits from patrons like you! Come celebrate the success of the Library at our annual Library Lovers' Evening. This year's gala will take place at the Westin Hotel in Waltham on Sunday, November 2, 6:30PM. Enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while mingling with famous authors, then sit down to an elegant dinner, coffee and dessert.
M.C. William Novak will honor several distinguished authors for their achievements: Boston Globe sports writer Charles Pierce, New Yorker medical writer Dr. Jerome Groopman, fiction writer Mameve Medwed (Mail), poet and author Steve Almond (My Life in Heavy Metal) and many more.
Novak is co-author of the best-selling autobiographies of Lee Iacocca, Nancy Reagan, Tip O'Neill, Magic Johnson and co-editor of The Big Book of Jewish Humor.
Funds raised from the event will be used to purchase new computers for the Information Technology Training Center.
Please RSVP by October 24. Tickets are $75 and may be reserved with a check made payable to the Trustees of the Newton Free Library. Mail to: Development, Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton, MA 02459. For more information, call 796-1407.

Newton History Series

The Newton History Series will focus this year on "Exploring the History of Newton’s Religious Communities." The series is cosponsored by the Library and the Newton History Museum at The Jackson Homestead.
From its earliest days as a part of Cambridge and later as an independenttown and city, Newton has seen a variety of people settle the areabringing with them a diversity of religious traditions and beliefs. This year’s lecture series will explore the history of three of Newton’s oldest congregations. Speakers from the Adams Street Synagogue, the First Baptist Church in Newton and Mary Immaculate of Lourdes will detail the history of their congregations.
The series begins on Thursday, September 11 at 7:00PM in Druker Auditorium with a look at the Adams Street Synagogue, Newton’s first synagogue, established in 1912. Located in Nonantum, it houses one of the last congregations in the Greater Boston area still in its original building.
Beri Gilfix, granddaughter of a founding member of the synagogue, will present its history including information on the development of Newton’s first Jewish community and a comprehensive discussion of the archi-tecture and decor of the synagogue. Gilfix is a member of the board of direc-tors and is the synagogue’s historian.

Library Tours and Computer Classes

The Reference Department offers tours of the whole Library as well as free, one-session computer classes. Call 796-1380 for a schedule and to pre-register.

Literacy Tutors Needed

The Library’s Legacy for Literacy program provides free tutoring services for adults of limited English proficiency. Currently, the number of student applicants far exceeds the number of volunteer tutors. Teaching Basic Reading and English as a Second Language is very rewarding work. No prior experience is necessary as tutoring workshops are offered at the Library. An informative orientation session for anyone interested in tutoring will be held Wednesday, October 1, 7:00PM, in the Trustees Room. For more information, contact Susan Bécam, ESL/Literacy Program Coordinator, at 617-796-1364 or send e-mail to legacyforliteracy@yahoo.com. You may also visit us at www.ci.newton.ma.us/Library/Literacy/default_literacy.htm.

0ne Newton, 0ne Book Features
"The Quiet American"

The Friends of the Library are pleased to sponsor the second annual citywide reading event: One Newton One Book. This year's selection is The Quiet American, by Graham Greene, recently released as a movie starring Michael Caine. Set in Vietnam in 1953, this provocative and prophetic novel is both a political thriller and tense love story.
Into the intrigue and violence of Indo-China comes Pyle, a young idealistic American sent to forge a democratic "Third Force" between French colonialism and the communism of the Vietminh. As his native optimism starts to cause bloodshed, his friend Fowler, a cynical British reporter, cannot stand by, especially as Pyle has taken his beautiful Vietnamese mistress.Several One Newton One Book events will take place starting inmid-October: a movie screening, panel discussion and book discussions atthe Main Library and other locations.
The Quiet American will lend itself well to discussions based on its literary merits and political relevance to today's headlines.Join other Newton community members and start reading the book now! The Friends have purchased additional copies of the book for theLibrary. Local bookstores have additional copies, also.Details will follow in the October newsletter and on the Library'swebsite. For more information, please e-mail onenewton_onebook@yahoo.com

Booksale

The scent of fall in the air brings memories of going back to school and having new books to read. Why not stop by the Friends' Booksale and browse through their large selection of books in every category? The sale is at the Auburndale branch on Saturday, September 13, 10AM - 3PM and Sunday, September 14, Noon - 3PM. All proceeds benefit the Library collections.

Poetry Reading Series Presents Peter Desmond, Susie Davidson and Robin Pelzman

The Library's fall Poetry Reading Series, coordinated by Doug Holder, opens with readings by Susie Davidson, Peter Desmond and Robin Pelzman on Tuesday, September 9, 7:00PM.
Davidson is a poet as well as a weekly correspondent for the Jewish Advocate, Cambridge Chronicle, Brookline Tab and other publications. She won the 2002 Cambridge Poetry Award for Best Political Poem. Her forthcoming book, I Refuse to Die, is a collection of oral testimonies from Boston-area Holocaust survivors and liberating soldiers.
Desmond’s poetry has appeared in the Boston Poet, Compost, Ibbetson Street Press, 96 Inc., Raintown Review and other journals. The recipient of two Cambridge Poetry Awards, he has prepared tax returns for several hundred writers, artists and musicians for the past twenty-five years.
Pelzman is a member of The Writer’s Room of Boston with poetry published in Concrete Wolf, Salamander, The Antigonish Review and other journals. New work will soon be appearing in the forthcoming anthology, Mercy of Tides: Poems for a Beach House.
Upcoming readings will be held on October 14 and November 18.

Library Benefit Barbeque

There's still time to sign up for the Library Benefit Barbeque hosted by Herb Regal and Judy Austin at the Newton home of Library Trustee President Sandy Butzel and her husband John. On Sunday, September 7, at 4:00PM, Mayor Cohen and other elected officials and community leaders will be "Chefs of the Day." Suggested contributions range from $25 – 250/ person. Please make checks payable to the Newton Free Library, indicate number in your party and send to Development Office, Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton, MA 02459. Include your address/phone with your payment so that we can follow-up with more details. After September 2 or for further information, please call the Library at (617) 796-1407.

Film Screening for National Infertility Awareness Week

Director Barry Stevens

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week and its theme, “Secrecy and Infertility: How it Affects Relationships, Treatment and Legislation,” Resolve of the Bay State will present a screening of Barry Stevens’ documentary film “Offspring” at the Library on Tuesday, September 16, 6:45PM. The film will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker as well as Carol Frost and Ellen S. Glazer, both LICSWs, and Adam Pertman, Executive Director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute.
“Offspring” is a provocative and personal look at issues of secrecy in anonymous donor conception and its affects on parents and children. Set in the “brave new world” of reproductive technology, the film presents Toronto filmmaker Stevens’ quest to discover his biological father and unknown siblings who were among the first people conceived by artificial insemination. Poignant and humorous, the film asks profound questions about the meaning of genetic ties.

Peace Corps Hosts Informational Meeting

The Peace Corps will be hosting a general informational meeting on Peace Corps service at the Library on Monday, September 15, 7:30PM.
The Peace Corps is a federal agency that promotes world peace and friendship by sending volunteers to contribute to the social, economic and human development of interested developing nations. For 27 months, these volunteers share their professional skills in areas as diverse as Education, Agriculture, Economic Development, Health and Skilled Trades.
There is no upper age limit for volunteers. To qualify, candidates must be American citizens, graduates of a four-year college or have 3-5 years of full-time work experience in their chosen fields.

There is no question that retirement is being transformed as mid-life and older adults reach this important life stage. The key question is how will this transformation impact America and society. The Discovering What’s Next initiative launches its second season of Library Forums on Thursday, October 2, at 7:00PM with keynotespeaker, Marc Freedman, President and Founder of Civic Ventures, and author of Prime Time: How Baby Boomers Will Revolutionize Retirement and Transform America. Retirement, according to Freedman, has ceased to characterize a stage of life, but instead describes an interlude between stages. More and more, individuals are “retiring” for a period before making the transition to the next life chapter which often includes a combination of learning,
growth, work and contribution. He advocates expansion of opportunities and options and not necessarily obligations for this population. Freedman will share his insights and respond to questions from a panel of community members and the audience. These Library Forums are part of a community initiative sponsored by the Mass. Coming of Age Coalition, S.O.A.R., Newton Community Education, the Office of Volunteer Services and the Library.

Please Don't Save Seats!

When attending a Sunday after-noon concert, please do not save more than one seat as this deprives others of attending the concert. The rule is first come, first served.