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New Books about Strong Women: New Arrival to Read for Women’s History Month

3 Mar

I took a look at the new arrivals here at the Hoboken Public Library and found some great reads for March when we are celebrating Women’s History Month. If you want to see what else is new at the Hoboken Public Library go to the link here.

Fighting for Space: Two pilots and their Historic Battle for Female Spaceflight
by Amy Shira Teitel
Fighting for Space

In Fighting for Space, learn more about Jackie Cochran and Jerrie Cobb, two female pilots who both longed to become the first woman in space, but were grounded by patriarchal society.  Last year our Science Fiction book discussion group read in April, The Calculating Stars which imagined what it would be like if women had been allowed to become astronauts at an earlier time.  Also check out the terrific Hidden Figures about the female African American mathematicians who were instrumental in the early space program.

The Genius of Women: From Overlooked to Changing the World
by Janice Kaplan
Genius of Women
Kaplan, the bestselling author of The Gratitude Diaries, looks at in The Genius of Women why the impressive work by many women in history has been overlooked.  The work seeks to inspire women of today with how smart women overcame the barriers to their success.

Stop Telling Women to Smile: Stories of Street Harassment and How We’re Taking Back Our Power
by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh
Stop Telling to Women to Smile
Tatyana Fazlaizadeh is known for her fabulous looking and provocative street art.  In Stop Telling Women to Smile she features not only her work, but also the stories of the women who experience hostile streets where they live.  I know I have experienced this myself throughout my life and it is nice to see a famous artist drawing attention to this pervasive problem.

This month we are Celebrating Women Artists in our Weekly Wednesday Art Classes at 10 AM and1 PM.  Art teacher Liz Cohen Ndoye will hold a series of four art classes highlighting the work of different women artists. Liz will introduce you to the extraordinary work of Kiki Smith, Judith Scott, Liz Larner, and Latoya Ruby Frazier.

Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words
by Susan Reyburn
Rosa Parks

The Library of Congress for the first time has made available in print the documents from the Parks Collection which includes her notes and manuscripts.  Rosa Parks is often celebrated as a powerful symbol of the civil rights elements, but this book allows the person behind the movement to be recognized in her own right.  It also includes a variety of historic photographs.

We have a special production honoring Rosa Parks for kids in grades 3-8 today (Tuesday, March 3) at 4:30 pm. In A Seat for Rosa, when a child tells his aunt about a bully on his bus, she gives him advice by recounting the tale of Rosa Parks and the events that led to a revolution in racial justice. This poignant production includes many songs of the Civil Rights era and brings this time to life. Through this exploration of that era, students learn how individuals can work together to fight injustice and oppression. First come, first served.  If your children are interested in learning more about Parks we have a variety of children’s books about her including: Who was Rosa Parks? by Yona Zeldis McDonough, I am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer, and A Picture book of Rosa Parks by David A. Adler.

Written by Aimee Harris
Head of Reference

 

 

Foreign Films You Should Stream: Sweet Bean, Beach Flags, and Cleo from 5 to 7

26 Feb

In addition to having access to thousands of books, one of the best things about having a Hoboken Library Card is having access to Kanopy. Kanopy is a streaming platform that offers tons of great movies and videos to watch. Every month, Hoboken resident cardholders can have access to 10 films for adults from Kanopy and unlimited high quality kid’s movies, TV, and animated story books from Kanopy Kids for free!

What I love about Kanopy is that there is an abundance of indie and foreign films to watch – films that would otherwise be difficult to find. I love watching foreign films in particular, since they provide a glimpse into different locations, stories and cultures. So I, of course, was thrilled that a foreign film won Best Picture at this year’s Oscars. Living in America, with a strong and prolific movie industry, we can sometimes forget that there is so much more out there beyond our borders.

There are all sorts of foreign films on Kanopy, so there is sure to be something for everyone. Here are a few selections:

If you like contemporary dramas…

Sweet Bean
Sweet Bean
Sweet Bean” is a Japanese movie from 2015 directed by Naomi Kawase. It is based on the novel by Durian Sukegawa (the book’s title was translated to “Sweet Bean Paste”). The movie follows the story of Sentaro, a man who runs a dorayaki shop. Dorayaki are a Japanese sweet, made with two small pancakes around a filling of red bean paste. When looking for a new hire, an elderly woman applies for the job, handing him over her own homemade red bean paste. An unlikely friendship forms between them and a young schoolgirl who is a frequent customer of the shop. We discover the pasts that they hide, and by the end of the movie, we’re left with the wonder of being alive. A beautiful, moving film.

If you like animated shorts…

Beach Flags

Beach Flags

Image from Kanopy.com

Beach Flags” is a short animated film from Iran, written and directed by Sarah Saidan. It follows the story of Vida, a young lifeguard, who wants to be the one in her group to be chosen for an international competition in Australia. Vida is clearly the best among her peers, but her status as best is challenged when a newcomer, Sareh, arrives. Vida’s competitive streak is evident, but she discovers there is more to Sareh than meets the eye. A tale of young women, ambition and friendship in a country that restricts their freedoms.

 

If you like classic movies…

Cleo from 5 to 7
Cleo from 5 to 7
Cleo from 5 to 7” is a French New Wave film from 1962 directed by the world-renowned Agnès Varda. The story takes place from 5pm to 7pm on a particular day when Cléo, the title character, is waiting for the results of a medical test that might confirm her fears of a cancer diagnosis. It’s an interesting film with a theme of existentialism and a fascinating look into how women were perceived in 1960’s France.

Sweet Bean and Cleo from 5 to 7 are also available on DVD from BCCLS Libraries.

Written by:
Samantha Evaristo
Circulation Assistant