CHECK IT OUT:

Avast ye landlubbers, International Talk Like a Pirate Day is on the horizon … Sept. 19 for all and all for one! Lay a course for Newport Beach Public Library, grab some books, movies and audio books and learn all about those crazy pirates.

“The Pirate Primer: Mastering the Language of Swashbucklers and Rogues” by George Choundas: This book for novice pirates is beautifully produced, includes greetings and partings, commands, threats and sentence structure. It also includes “Pirate Company Articles,” which are akin to a country’s constitution. Essential for anyone aspiring to master pirate talk.

“The Pirate Hunter: The True Story of Captain Kidd” by Richard Zacks: Tracing the career of buccaneer William Kidd, Zacks tells the tale of the infamous New York sea captain hired to chase pirates, from his early voyages through his death on the gallows.

“Dangerous Waters: Modern Piracy and Terror on the High Seas” by John S. Burnett: Modern-day pirates and piracy still exist. Burnett was a victim and investigated this growing global problem. These modern pirates can be local seamen, highly trained guerrillas, rogue military units or former seafarers recruited by crime organizations. They are found in port, on the open seas and in international waters; they use machetes, assault rifles and grenade launchers, and go out in speedboats and fishing boats to attack ships.

“Women of the Sea: Ten Pirate Stories” by Myra Weatherly: Don’t forget the pirate ladies! From the Viking princess to the 20th-century Chinese pirate Lai Choi San, history proves women can stand up with the men. Though the numbers may be few, women pirates have proved themselves some of the fiercest, cruelest and most daring pirates who ever lived.

“The Ballad of the Pirate Queens” by Jane Yolen: This flowing ballad tells the tale of the day Anne Bonney and Mary Reade fought the governor’s men when they stormed the pirate ship, “The Vanity,” while the crew was below drinking and gambling.

“Piratepedia” and “Pirateology” are full of fun information, graphics and objects to pull out to learn about the history of pirates.

“Pirates: Facts, Things to Make, Activities” by Rachel Wright: Want the best pirate party ever? Use this guide to create pirate crafts and party decor. You’ll find instructions on how to make a treasure map, eye patch, flag and more.

Arrr, do ye wish for somethun’ to watch? I’ll wager a handsome venture our movie collection will please ye! Thar’s “The Crimson Pirate” with Burt Lancaster (1952), “Captain Blood” with Errol Flynn (1935) and “The High Wind in Jamaica” with James Coburn and Anthony Quinn (1965), as well as three current adventures of “The Pirates of the Caribbean.” Documentaries from the History Channel include “The Pirate Ships” and “Pirate Tech.”

If ye prefer a listen, check out books on compact disc: “Pirates!” by Celia Rees and “The Pirate Coast” by Richard Zacks.

The Balboa Branch Library celebrates “Talk Like a Pirate Day” Wednesday, Sept. 17. Stop by for pirate talk, jokes and crafts. There is a Pirate Program at 2:30 p.m. in the children’s room with a guest speaker, a pirate. Heave up your anchor, join us at 100 E. Balboa Blvd. and see what happens when “ye talk like a pirate!”

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. This week’s column is by Phyllis Scheffler. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.