|
|
|
|
Director's Letter
Those
of you who regularly follow the media and the twice monthly City
Council meetings know there is considerable distress over the proposed
tax increase and public school flat funding for the forthcoming year. In
response, the City Council has proposed reductions affecting Human
Services, the Parks and Recreation Department and Senior Center with
further action likely. While the Library has not
received notice of reductions in its support, we are all aware of the
ramifications for the Library and its public services when reductions
were implemented. While the public hearings on the budget have
concluded, an opportunity remains to affirm the Library's importance as a
community asset. The budget will be the topic of discussion at the June
3 and June 10 Council meetings (7:30 p.m. City Hall). In addition to
attending these meetings, contacting individual members of the City
Council is an effective means of articulating your support. I include
here the link to the City website and Council information: http://www.norwichct.org/index.aspx?nid=313.
I hope you will consider contacting members of the Council to affirm
your support of the Library and the $38,000 increase proposed by City
Manager Alan Bergren. It is a modest amount as befits difficult times
but critical to our finances.
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
Thank You to
The Friends of Otis Library!
Robert Farwell, Executive Director of Otis Library with Patty Small, President of the Friends of Otis Library
The Friends of Otis Library have
made a generous donation of $10,000, to be used towards the mortgage
principal, to subscribe to Ancestry.com, and to purchase
materials. We appreciate the support of our Friends group and the crucial
role they play in making Otis Library the vital and invigorating
community center that it is. Please consider becoming a Friend!
|
|
|
Library Hours:
Mon, Wed:
10AM - 8PM
Tue, Thur & Fri:
10AM - 5PM
Saturday
10AM - 3PM
|
|
Drop-In Knitting Group
| |
The
Drop-In Knitting Group meets every Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the Meeting
Room. The group is open to knitters of all levels. Free and
open to the public. For more information, contact Amanda at (860)
889-2365, ext. 112.
On Display In June
In the Millie & Martin Shapiro Community Room, there is a display of original artwork by local artist Mohammad Samnani.
In the Atrium Display Cases, there is a collection of postal memorabilia from the collection of Postal Carrier Walter Fleming.
|
|
|
|
Author Events
Otis Library is offering a series of
exciting author visits the first week of June. Mark your calendars
and make plans to attend all three free events (or just pick a
favorite!). The authors will have copies of their books available
for sale and signing. All programs will take place in the Millie
& Martin Shapiro Community Room.
Randye Kaye
Ben Behind His Voices: One Family's Journey From the Chaos of Schizophrenia to Hope
Monday, June 3, 6:30 p.m.
Ben Behind His Voices
is the story of one family's challenging experience when their
firstborn is gradually struck down by schizophrenia and how they learned
to love and support him throughout his eventual steps to
recovery. Randye Kaye speaks frequently to professional providers
and families about the process of coping with the challenges - including
stigma - when mental illness strikes a loved one. This program is
sponsored by the Network Education Committee in partnership with Otis
Library.   Carol WallaceTo Marry An English Lord: Tales of Wealth and Marriage, Sex and SnobberyFriday, June 7, 1:00 p.m.Fans of the award-winning TV series Downton Abbey will be delighted to meet Carol McD. Wallace! She is the co-author of To Marry An English Lord, the book that helped inspire Downton Abbey
series creator and writer, Julian Fellowes. The book takes a
lively look at the 1895 world of New York Society, when nine American
girls married peers to the British Realm. By 1914, more than 100
American heiresses invaded Britain and swapped dollars for titles.
Carol Wallace, who earned a Masters in Art History from Columbia
University, is the author of numerous books, among them Leaving Van Gogh (2011) and the recently completed historical novel Madame Manet.   Sydney ShermanYou Are Not Alone: Our Loved Ones Are Here . . . You're Just Not ListeningSaturday, June 8, 1:00 p.m.Author and Medium Sydney Sherman will discuss her new book You Are Not Alone,
which outlines her passage from confusion to acceptance of her
relationship with the many spirits who inhabit her everyday world.
She approaches the subject of the paranormal with a healthy dose of
common sense and encourages rational skepticism. She has intrigued
audiences with her personal knowledge of ghosts, spirits and the
afterlife. Registration is encouraged for this event. Call
(860) 889-2365, ext. 128, or register on the library's online calendar
at www.otislibrarynorwich.org.
|
Children's Programs
***Please note you are now able to register for Children's Programs via our online calendar. Please visit or call the Children's Department at 860-889-2365 ext 114 for assistance!
GREEN THUMB GARDEN CLUB. 6:00 - 6:45 p.m., Wednesdays: May
1st, June 5th, July 10th, and August 14th. Calling all green
thumbs for this fun, hands-on monthly club! We will "Dig into
Reading" and learn about the lifecycle and care of plants. Enjoy
watching your seeds grow over the summer! For ages 4 - 8.
Space is limited; registration begins two weeks before each
program. This program is sponsored by The Norwich Recreation
Department.
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS PROGRAM. 11:00 A.M.-noon, Saturday, June 8.
If you like popcorn you're going to love this fun-filled program! Make cheese, ranch and cinnamon-flavored popcorn! Related activities complete the fun! Space is limited; register beginning May 13. This program is sponsored by a grant from People's United Bank.
SUMMER STORYTIME REGISTRATION. Starting 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 10. Spend part of your summer with us! Children
will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and a craft during this free
program while their grownups wait outside in the Children's Department. June 25 - July 31. Choose Tuesday or Wednesday, 10:15 - 11:00 a.m. For ages 3 - 5. This program is made possible by a grant from People's United Bank.
OTIS LIBRARY LEGOŽ CLUB. 11:00 a.m. - noon, Saturday, June 22
Join us for a monthly club at Otis Library! Future architects (and their grown-ups) wanted! We will supply the LEGOŽ bricks and provide monthly themes! LEGOŽ is a trademark of the LEGOŽ Group, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this event. For ages 4 & up. This program is sponsored by The Norwich Recreation Department. Registration begins June 8.
 ANIMAL EMBASSY PRESENTS "DIGGING INTO NATURE." 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 25. Animals dig into the surface of the earth for many reasons. Some dig to lay eggs, hide food, or escape extreme heat or cold. These digging creatures help till the soil, plant seeds, and often create homes for other animals. Come see an African Sulcata tortoise, a Hognose snake, an Indian Sand boa, a large rabbit, a hedgehog, and more! Kickoff the summer with this exciting family program. For all ages! Drop-in. This program is sponsored by Kohl's of Lisbon.
MAD SCIENCE PRESENTS: "WIGGLY WORLD OF WORMS." 10:30 - 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 28 . This workshop will provide preschoolers with an opportunity to get their hands dirty while learning all about worms! They will work with magnifying glasses to get an up-close look at the lives and habits of worms! For
ages 3 - 6. Space is limited; register beginning June 3.
This program is sponsored by The Norwich Recreation Department. WEE JAMBOREE. 11:00 - 11:30 a.m., Thursdays, June 27 - August 1. Strap on your dancing shoes! Kids and their caregivers are invited to sing and dance to their favorite songs and enjoy a story or two. Guest guitar player Mike Conroy adds to the fun during this drop-in sing-along. Siblings welcome! For ages 2 - 3.  "LITTLE SPROUTS" GROWING TIME. 10:15
- 10:45 a.m., Thursdays, June 27- August 1. Start your morning off
right with a free fun-filled program featuring books, rhymes, and
creative play! This summer we will explore animals, bugs, dinosaurs, construction and more! For ages newborns - 23 months. Drop-in; no registration required.
|
Adult Book Discussion Groups
Both
groups are informal, peer-led discussions and are open to the
public. Copies of the books are available to borrow at the
Circulation Desk. Join us for lively discussions and
refreshments. In the month of June, both groups will be choosing
titles for upcoming discussions, so bring your ideas! For more
information, please call Julie at (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
The Changing Minds Book Club will meet on Wednesday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Lincoln's Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled his Greatness by Joshua Wolf Shenk.
 The Evening Book Discussion Group will meet on Wednesday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the New York Times bestseller The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes Moore.
|
|
Our Community Partners
Norwich Community Cinema
will be showing free family films on the Norwichtown Green this
summer! Bring the lawn chairs and picnic baskets on Saturday, June
8, for a screening of the film Despicable Me, starting at dusk. For more information on upcoming films, visit the Norwich Community Cinema website at www.norwichcinema.org . The Norwich Recreation Department
is sponsoring a Bus Trip to New York City on Saturday, June 22.
Enjoy a day in the city with friends and family! For cost,
information and details, call Norwich Rec at (860) 823-3791.
Attention Seniors! The Rose City Senior Center
has two exciting programs coming up, sponsored by Otis Library and the
Institute of Museum and Library Services. Call (860)
889-5960 to register for these free programs. Music and Dance of the Scottish Highlands Thursday, June 13, 10:30 a.m. Rose City Senior Center, 8 Mahan Drive, Norwich Traditional
Scottish music and dance will be presented in an interactive
educational manner. Performance includes songs in English and in
Gaelic, Scottish Highland and Small pipes and Highland Dancing. Mystery Author Liz Mugavero Tuesday, June 25, 10:00 a.m. Rose City Senior Center, 8 Mahan Drive, Norwich Liz Mugavero, author of Kneading to Die: A Pawsitively Organic Mystery,
will be speaking and signing copies of her book. She will talk
about the craft of writing and answer your questions.
|
 Get Connected on Social Networking Sites!
Learn about Phone Apps on Wednesday, June
5, at 6;30 p.m. in the Community Room. There will be an
informational period followed by Q&A and hands-on help. Please
feel free to bring your questions and your devices. Registration is
encouraged; please visit our website calendar for more information or call (860) 889-2365, ext. 109.
|
 Genealogy Programs
Otis
Library will be hosting two genealogy-themed programs from the Godfrey
Memorial Library Speaker Series. Each session will take
place in the Millie & Martin Shapiro Community. Registration
is required for these free programs; please register online, or call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
A Step by Step Guide to Researching Your Ancestors Tuesdays, June 11 & June 18, 11:00 a.m.
Two
sessions follow an actual research project as an example of how to
trace a family from current day back to colonial times. New
researchers will learn how to get started, what information is
available, how to find it and how to use it. More seasoned
researchers will benefit from tips on search methods and helpful
websites. The presentation will cover:- Census Records
- Birth, Death, & Marriage Records
- Cemetery Records
- Obituaries
- Church Records
- Local Histories & Biographies
- Naturalization & Immigration Information
- Military Records
It will also give tips on:
- Tools available for genealogy research, onsite and online
- How to keep your information organized
- How to review your finds to fill in gaps and gather more interesting details
Where Did I Come From? Researching Immigration
Monday, June 24, 6:30 p.m.
This presentation will guide participants in a search for their homeland, including a demonstration of how to locate:
- Ship manifests
- Naturalization records
- Vital records in their country of origin
The
presentation will include examples from many countries, providing tips
on hiring foreign researchers and using Family History Centers to find
original foreign vital and church records.
These programs are sponsored by The Institute of Museum and Library Services.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summer Reading is Coming!
Zombie Survival: Monday, July 1, 6:30 p.m.
