Otis Library February Newsletter

Newsletter February 2012

Director's Letter

Dear Library Members,

Traditionally, libraries have been defined by the spaces and services provided within the four walls of an edifice. While our physical plant remains essential to our mission of providing free and open access to information, ideas and services, it does not define the limits of our community engagement. Anticipating our community's personal, educational and professional needs also requires us to seek out opportunities at other venues where our strengths and skills can be beneficially employed.

Exemplary of these statements are our engagements with the Norwich Public Schools. Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, Otis Library worked with the Wequonnoc School to ensure access to reading opportunities during the summer recess. This is an issue that educators face each year. When a student doesn't continue to read during the summer months, the reading loss can accumulate to a crucial two-year gap by the time they reach middle school. As salient, many Wequonnoc students do not have easy access to our Main Street building because of parental work schedules and transportation problems.

Most recently, the heads of our Children's and Young Adult Departments, Kim White and Jennifer Rummel, initiated a "Lunch Bunch Book Club" program for 4th and 5th graders. This is an off-site program held during lunch and recess periods. It is a pilot program but has great potential as a system-wide collaboration. School libraries are hard pressed for funding and both these initiatives are good examples of how a public library can act as a catalyst for collaborations that benefit the community.

These initiatives exemplify another important theme: public libraries represent significant community resources that provide essential support for a community's strategic goals. By addressing community priorities, in this case education, Otis Library affirms its status as a necessity rather than an amenity.

Robert Farwell

Executive Director

February Hours:
Mon, Wed: 10AM - 8PM
Tue, Thur & Fri: 10AM - 5PM
Sat. 10AM - 3PM
Closed Sundays

Closed Monday, February 20, for Presidents' Day.

If the library closes due to inclement weather, you can learn about it on WFSB Channel 3, WTNH Channel 8, NBC 30, WICH 1310 AM, and Q105 FM.

Food Drive

We are holding a food drive to benefit our neighbor, St. Vincent de Paul Place. You can drop off all non-perishable items in the box in our atrium. Please, no glass containers. Donations need to be in an unopened container and within the expiration date. Their food pantry is currently in need of the following items:

Canned Meat (Tuna, Spam, etc.)

Peanut Butter

Cereal

Pasta and Pasta Sauce

Soup

Thank you!

In This Issue

Annual Fund

Generous Donations

Changing Minds Book Club

Take Your Child to the Library Day!

E-reader Classes

The Friends of Otis Library

Teen Happenings

Children's Programs

JobNow! Live Job Assistance

Need info on the go?

Text a Librarian!

Text OTIS to 66746 for instructions. Message and data rates may apply.

Visit our website:

www.otislibrarynorwich.org

Now Available

Library E-books for Kindle! A valid Otis Library card is required. To learn more, visit our Resources page and click on the "Audiobook Downloads" button.

Annual Fund

Annual Fund gifts continue to arrive each day. Thank you for supporting Otis Library. Your generosity provides additional materials for our collection and exciting new programs. We appreciate your commitment to help make Otis Library the best it can be. If you would like to make a donation to the Annual Fund from our secure PayPal account please visit our website or simply click here:

Donations may also be mailed directly to:
Otis Library
Annual Fund
261 Main Street
Norwich, CT 06360

Thank you for your support!

Generous Donations

Otis Library Director Bob Farwell receives a check for $30,000 from The Edward and Mary Lord Foundation presented by Kathryn Lord.

Dianne Kent and Joan Shea of People's United Bank recently stopped by Otis Library to donate a check for $5,000 to be used for children's programs. Pictured left to right: Dianne Kent, Bob Farwell, Joan Shea, and children's staff members Beth Thomas and Loretta Arnott.

Changing Minds Book Club

The Network Education Committee, in partnership with Otis Library, will present the Changing Minds Book Club on Wednesday, February 1, at 6:30 p.m. It is a monthly discussion group focused on topics such as mental health, substance abuse, the autism spectrum and family involvement in recovery.

Join us on February 1 as we discuss Girl, Interrupted. This is the best-selling 1993 memoir by author Susanna Kaysen, relating her experience as a young woman in a psychiatric hospital in the 1960's after being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Circulation Desk. Refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. For more information, please call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.

Take Your Child to the Library Day!

Librarians in Connecticut have declared the first Saturday in February to be "Take Your Child to the Library Day." Join in on the fun at Otis Library on February 4 as we host a day of stories, arts and crafts, exercise, and a scavenger hunt!

Scheduled Activities:

All Day. Draw Toodles Contest (All ages). Come draw a picture of our Russian Tortoise, Toodles! We will randomly choose one lucky winner to get his/her picture taken with Toodles!

All Day. Book Lovers Paper Chain (All ages). Help us build Otis Library's longest paper chain! Come add your favorite book to our paper chain and see how long we can stretch it.

10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Lucky Stars: Use the Japanese art of paper folding (origami) to create Lucky Starts. Grade 6 and up.

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Scavenger Hunt (All ages - Families welcome!) Try your hand at this self-guided hunt to follow the clues that will lead you to a surprise at the end! Please allow at least an hour to complete the hunt.

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Paws-itive Reading Days. Kids in grades PreK-5 choose a 15 min. slot to read to a registered therapy dog. Call to register.

11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Yoga Stories by Earth Friends Discovery Yoga. Sponsored by The Norwich Recreation Department. For ages 3 and up. Parents are welcome to participate. Stretch your body and mind through yoga and stories!

1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Library Storytime. Join us at the rocking chair as we read some of our favorite stories. All ages, no pre-registration required.

All programs are free. For more information, please call (860) 889-2365, ext. 119.

E-reader Classes

Otis Library will be holding E-reader demonstrations on Monday, February 6, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the library Meeting Room. Would you like to learn how to download free E-books? Join us for a demonstration on using OverDrive, our E-book subscription service. Instruction will be by appointment only; please call (860) 889-2365, ext. 112, to reserve your spot. You must be an Otis Library cardholder.

The Friends of Otis Library

Old News is Good News: Using Newspapers for Genealogic Research, the third in a series of informative and interesting annual genealogical programs sponsored by the Friends of Otis Library, will be held in the Community Room on Saturday, February 11, (snow date February 25), from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The program will be presented by Reference Librarian Kathy Wieland. Learn how to use newspaper archives to gather more information about members of your family tree. Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited; to register for this free event, please call (860) 889-2365, ext. 108.

Make a New Year's resolution that is easy to keep - get rid of the old books cluttering up your house! The Friends of Otis Library continue to accept donations of gently used books for their semi-annual book sale. We accept books in good condition, two bags at a time, to the Circulation Desk. For larger donations, please call (860) 889-2365, ext. 125. Please, no textbooks, encyclopedias, or magazines. Thank you for your support.

Teen Happenings

Events: Must be in Grade 6 or above to attend.
Become a fan of Otis Library Teens on Facebook!

Movie Night: Wednesday, February 8, 6:00 p.m., Community Room.

Watch Real Steel. Charlie Kenton is a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000 pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max to build and train a championship contender. Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback.

Guitar Picks: Thursday, February 9, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Teen Room.
Create your own guitar picks.

Valentines: Monday, February 13, 6:30 p.m., Meeting Room.
Create adorable valentines; make 3D hearts, lollipop flowers, and valentine fortunes.

Movie Night: Wednesday, February 15, 6:00 p.m., Community Room.

Watch In Time. When scientists unlock the secret to immortality, time becomes the new currency and one desperate man comes under attack from a mysterious group known only as the "Time Keepers." In the not-too-distant future, scientists have discovered a way to turn off the aging gene. Suddenly, a young commoner stumbles across a treasure chest of time. With the "Time Keepers" in hot pursuit, however, he may never get a chance to use it.

Middle School Book Club: Monday, February 27, 6:30 p.m., Meeting Room.
Read the book The Recruit by Robert Muchamore and discuss it over cookies. CHERUB agents are highly trained, extremely talented - and all under the age of seventeen. For official purposes, these agents do not exist. James is the latest CHERUB recruit. He's a bit of a troublemaker, but he's also brilliant. And CHERUB needs him. James has no idea what to expect, but he's out of options. Before he can start in the field he must first survive 100 grueling days of basic training, where even the toughest recruits don't make it to the end.

Children's Programs

Take Your Child to the Library Day, February 4
Please visit Otis Library on February 4 for a day of family-friendly, free fun!

Paws-itive Reading Days (Grades PreK-5)

Spend 15 minutes of special reading time with a registered pet therapy dog. The dogs are gentle, loving, well trained and experienced. They love to listen to stories read by children! Space is limited; registration begins January 25th.

Sat. 2/4 * 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

"Yoga Stories" by Earth Friends Discovery Yoga (Ages 3 and up) Sponsored by Norwich Rec. Dept.

Come to a refreshing morning of stretching your body and mind through yoga and stories! Earth Friends Discovery Yoga is built around a series of stories that are designed for the young in years and of heart. Parents are welcome to participate.

Sat. 2/4 * 11 - 11:45 AM

Library Storytime (All Ages)

Join us at the rocking chair as we read some of our favorite stories. All ages, no pre-registration required.

Sat. 2/4 * 1:30 - 2:00 PM

ALL DAY EVENTS:

Library Scavenger Hunt

Lucky Stars (YA Room)

Draw Toodles Contest

Largest Paper Chain

Board games all day in the Children's Dept.

Babies, Toddler & Preschoolers

Winter Storytime Sessions

Our Winter Storytime Sessions are sponsored by a generous grant from People's United Bank.

Mother Goose on the Loose Storytime (Newborn-23 months)

Warm up your spirits on a cold winter morning with a fun-filled interactive program for you and your baby featuring books, songs, rhymes, musical instruments, puppets, and more! No pre-registration necessary! Thursdays * 10:30 AM - 11 AM

Toddler Storytime (Ages 2-3 years)

Children and their parent/guardian enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, games, and crafts together! Space limited; registration required. Registration begins Tues. 1/17.

Session 1: Mon. 1/30-3/5 * 10:15 - 11 AM OR Wed. 2/1-3/7 * 10:15 - 11 AM

Session 2: Mon. 3/12-4/16 * 10:15 - 11 AM OR Wed. 3/14-4/18 * 10:15 - 11 AM

Preschool Storytime (Ages 3-5 years)

Children participate in stories, songs, related activities and a craft while their grownups wait outside in the Children's Department. Space limited; registration required. Registration begins Tues. 1/17.

Session 1: Tues. 1/31-3/6 * 10:15 - 11 AM OR Wed. 2/1-3/7 * 1:30 - 2:15 PM

Session 2: Tues. 3/13-4/17 * 10:15 - 11 AM OR Wed. 3/14-4/18 * 1:30 - 2:15 PM

MOMS Club of Norwich Playgroup (All Ages)

Come to the library and meet other local moms for this playgroup. We will put out the toys and books; you can stay and play! Just drop in!

Fri. 2/3 * 10:15 - 11 AM

Cuddle-Up Storytime (All Ages)

Kids and their grown-ups join us for a great evening program featuring stories, songs, and rhymes. Wear your pajamas and bring a stuffed animal friend! Drop-in program!

Wed. 2/15 * 6 - 6:30 PM

Bowl-Me-Over Storytime (Ages 3-6) Sponsored by The Norwich Recreation Department

Everyone will bowl a strike in this fun program that includes stories, a craft, snacks and, of course, bowling! Space is limited; registration begins January 30th.

Fri. 2/17 * 10:30 - 11:30 AM

School-Aged Fun!

Valentine's Day Stories (Ages 5-8)

Join us for some heartwarming stories, songs, and activities. Space is limited; reg. begins Jan. 30th.

Wed. 2/8 * 6 - 6:45 PM

Sweet Treat Valentine's Day Craft (Ages 5-11)

Drop in with your child and help them create a whimsical heart program complete with a sweet treat! We'll supply the lollipops and craft materials and you and your child can make a gift for someone special!

Wed. 2/10 * Drop-in between 3 - 4:30 PM

Family Movie Day: Kung Fu Panda 2 (Rated PG) Sponsored by People's United Bank.

In this action-packed sequel, Po is now living his dream as the Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters. But Po's new life is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain! Join us for this exciting adventure movie. Drop in.

Sat. 2/18 * 11 AM (running time is 90 minutes)

4+5ers Book Club (4th & 5th Graders) Sponsored by People's United Bank

Our popular book club brings 4th and 5th graders together to enjoy great books, games and pizza! Our February book is Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett. Copies are available at the Children's Desk. Participants must read the book to attend. Reg. begins 1/25.

Wed. 2/22 * 6 - 7:30 PM

I'm a Reader Club (1st Graders)

New readers are welcome to this special book-based program filled with games and activities! Please pick up a copy of I Spy Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold at the Children's Desk. Registration begins 2/6.

Thurs. 2/23 * 4 - 4:30 PM

Once Upon A Time Club (K-3rd Graders)

Come explore a new side of your favorite folk and fairy tales! This month we'll read different versions of Baba Yaga. If you enjoy stories, drama and making crafts, don't miss this fun event! Space limited; registration begins 2/6.

Sat. 2/25 * 11 AM - 12 PM

"On the Same Page" Book Club (2nd + 3rd Graders + their parent)

2nd and 3rd graders and their parents read a selected book in advance; then we come together for lively discussions and activities. What a great way to spend time together! This month's book is The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster; copies available at the Children's Desk. Reg. begins 1/30.

Mon. 2/27 * 6 - 7 PM

Budgeting With Families (Parents) Sponsored by Chelsea Groton Bank

Parents are encouraged to attend this family-friendly program that will give you practical knowledge about everyday finances. Pamela Days-Luketich from Chelsea Groton Bank will share her expertise in this free workshop. Please register; call or visit the Children's Room at (860) 889-2365, ext. 114.

Tues. 2/21 * 10:15 - 11 AM

JobNow! Live Job Assistance

Otis Library is pleased to announce that we now offer online access to free expert job coaching through the JobNow program from Brainfuse, Inc. Patrons of all ages can access this website from public computers in our library or from home and connect one-on-one to a trained job coach for assistance in their job search process. The JobNow service offers personality assessments for patrons just beginning their job search as well as resume and cover letter templates and examples, live interview practice, online resources, local job search websites, and more.

Any Otis Library cardholder can access JobNow, seven days a week from 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. and connect for a one-on-one session with a carefully selected and fully qualified job coach. Live sessions can be conducted in English or Spanish.

To learn more, click here:

From:	Otis Library <otisnews@otis.lioninc.org>
Subject:	Otis Library February Newsletter
Reply:	otisnews@otis.lioninc.org