There's no getting around it ...

Computer literacy - the ability to use computers efficiently - is an essential skill for students. Need a refresher? Something more? Did you know that many public libraries offer free basic computer classes in Word, Excel, Internet searching, and other topics? Invest just a couple of hours this summer or fall, and it will pay off. Check Russell Library's schedule in Middletown or another public library near you.

Nine Summer Books for your Carry-on

Here's a recent piece from NPR with recommendations for summer reading for your plane trip. Enjoy!

Summer Reads: Walks and Hikes

Want to spend time in the great outdoors? Check out these reads for some great local spots:

• 50 hikes in Connecticut: From the Berkshires to the Coast, by David Hardy (2002);

• Nature walks in Connecticut: AMC Guide to the Hills, Woodlands, and Coast of Connecticut, by Charles W.G. Smith (2004);

• Short nature walks: Connecticut, by Eugene Keyarts (2002); and
  

• The Connecticut Walk Books, by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (2006).

The Bard Comes to the College Thanks to ArtFarm

ArtFarm presents "outdoor-in-the-grove" performances of "Twelfth Night" July 17 through 20 and 24 through 27 at Middlesex Community College (indoors if raining). Make it a full night or weekend by reading other Shakespearean classics or watching the Bard's work on a DVD borrowed from the MxCC Library! Additional "Twelfth Night" notes: this comedy about mistaken identity and the complicated nature of love is directed by Marcella Trowbridge, ArtFarm's artistic director. Performances start at 7 p.m. at the college, preceded by a musical act at 6. The Sunday performances will be preceded by an EcoFestival at 4. Performances are free, although there is $10 suggested donation. For more information about ArtFarm and their performances, refer to their website.

Summer Reads: Gardening

Doing some gardening this summer? We have some books that might help:

• Gardens for the 21st Century,
  by Anita Pereire,
  2001;
  

• The Complete Encyclopedia of Garden Flowers,
  edited by Kate Bryant,
  2003;

and

• The Complete Books of Herbs,
  by Lesley Bremnes,
  1988.
  

Three new databases!

We are excited to now subscribe to Science Direct, Literary Reference Center (replacing MagillOnLiterature) and Campus Research (replacing LexisNexis). Look for these under 'Find Articles'. The first two databases were suggested and reviewed by faculty members and should be quite useful for research assignments! Ask a library staff member for help in searching these new (and any) online resources.

July Displays

Is it really July already? Our new display for this month is The Hartford Circus Fire (July 6, l944).

We have just received some new titles in our Popular Book Collection, so stop by for some good summer reads.

Happy Fourth of July!