Hamilton-Wenham
Public Library
Newsletter
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Introducing Evergreen
At the end of May, prepare to use a new software program to search for library materials at www.mvlc.org. In a technology move designed to improve services to library users, the Hamilton-Wenham Library and its Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) member libraries will move the library catalog and circulation system to Evergreen, an open-source integrated library system used by hundreds of libraries nationwide.
Evergreen is a library-specific open-source software program developed by the Georgia Public Library Service. Open-source software is often developed in a public, collaborative manner and librarians and consortium staff have been working together to make this transition as smooth as possible. We feel that this new software will best serve the needs of Massachusetts libraries and their users.
Library staff members are currently being trained and getting prepared for the transition. We hope disruptions will be minimal, but are prepared to expect the unexpected. There will be a learning curve and many questions once we go live. We thank you in advance for your patience and will keep you up-to-date on the project's progress.
Jan Dempsey
Library Director
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| Free Language Tutoring |
American Sign Language Arabic Chinese (Mandarin) French German Hindi Ingles (English for Spanish-speakers) Italian Japanese Korean Spanish (Latin-American) To try our new online program, follow the link on our main page for  |
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Author Events
Couple's Retirement Puzzle Wednesday, May 11, 7-8:30 pm. Author Roberta Taylor presents her book Couple's Retirement Puzzle. Roberta will share excerpts and talk about how to prepare for "what's next" and how to create a shared vision of the future: if, when and how to retire; downsizing or staying put; responsibilities and obligations to family; how to spend leisure time and health concerns are just some of the topics facing couples in retirement transition. This new book was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal on March 21. The Hungry i: A Workbook for Partners of Men with Eating Disorders Barbara Kent Lawrence presents her latest work on Wednesday, May 18, from 7-8 pm. "This book combines the results of scholarly research with practical exercises to help people understand the history, causes and realities of eating disorders in men, a topic about which too little is known. The book offers ways in which partners of men with eating disorders can help not only their partners but also themselves." -Amazon Wicked Puritans of Essex County by Tom Juergens Wednesday, May 25, 7-8 pm. "In the early 17th century, Essex County was home to a growing population of Puritans. The purportedly straight-laced and God-fearing had come to the New World to purify their church from within, using drastic measures to achieve that goal. Juergens shines new light on the Puritan era with a collection of poignant and sordid stories that reveal ugly truths behind whippings, brandings, mutilations and state-sponsored executions, all in the name of faith." -Book Nook at River's Edge, Ipswich, MA New Hampshire Goddess Chronicles by R.M. Allen Wednesday, June 1, 7-8 pm. Explore the creation of a spiritual path to tackle the big question: "What is the meaning of life?" The author provides a unique perspective with her blend of intuitive thinking, spirituality, and environmentalism to create her own awareness. |
 Wednesday, May 4, 7-8 pm. Presentation of Greenscapes concepts by Cynthia Inglefinger of the Ipswich River Watershed Association. Greenscapes are full of color and interest, and require very little water or chemicals to maintain. The goal of Greenscapes is to let nature provide the landscapes' water and nutrient needs. For more information see www.greenscapes.org and join us for her discussion. |
Children's Room
There is still space in most of our programs such as: Baby Bookworms, Terrific 2s & 3s, Legomania, and others Please click here for a printable schedule of our complete offerings for Spring.
Mother's Day Stories & Craft
Saturday, May 7, 11-noon. All ages are welcome, no registration is necessary. Join us for stories honoring mothers, grandmothers, and all the women in your life. Create a craft to give to that special person on Sunday!
Dads & Donuts
Saturday, May 21, 11-noon. The theme: Heroes (of the real-life variety). 30 minutes of stories especially for Dads and children 2 years and older (Moms are invited too). Snacks and social time follow the stories.
Questions? Stop by, or call 468-5577 x13, or email Lorraine Der, Children's Librarian at lder@mvlc.org.
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Teen News
Art and Poetry Reception, Reading, and Exhibit
Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 - 8 pm
Students of Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School have organized an exhibit at the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library to showcase the work of several local visual artists and photographers. The contributing artists are all students or recent graduates of high school. Art work will be available for sale through each artist.
During the art reception, the four winners of Hamilton-Wenham Library's Teen Poetry Contest will receive their prize, and will read their winning poem aloud. The entrants to the Teen Poetry Contest had two themes to work from: lost or found. The art in the exhibit will echo this duality. Each artist plans to exhibit two works with opposite themes. Come and meet the artists, enjoy some refreshments at the reception, and hear the winning poems from the Teen Poetry Contest read aloud. The art exhibit will be on view from May 17 through July 31.
Summer Events Preview
Click on over to the Informed Teen Blog for the Summer Events, registration is now open at the Reference desk.
Paint it Purple!
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More Color and New Seating in the Young Adult Area
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The teen area now has a new, cozy, comfortable booth with a full spectrum lamp, and a new colorful area rug. These additions to the teen area were purchased thanks to a recent donation to the Library that was given in memory of Rosella Coughlin. The booth, in the short time since it arrived, has become a favorite place for teens in the library, especially for tutors and students. There have been orders for fries and a soda, but all that could be served was from chef Dewey 641-642.
On Sunday, April 10, two library staff members; Dede McManus and Kim Claire, along with Teen Think Tank members Josh and Ella, and their father Jon Hunt, painted the long wall facing the Young Adult L to Z fiction, with Cupid's Dart purple. This is the same shade of purple that was painted 3 years ago on the Young Adult area's window wall. Also, in the teen area, Mr. Hunt and his daughter Ella took on the difficult task of painting the slanted triangle ceiling drop downs, with Squish Squash yellow. The yellow has warmed up, what was a cold grayish white. The purple color will help to give a visual cue that the Young Adult fiction continues across the aisle. The purple paint also connects and increases the "gallery" space available for Young Adult art displays with the addition of the hanging systems on that wall that were purchased last summer. Please stop by the teen area to see the new seating and colorful changes.
For more information contact: Kim Claire, Young Adult Librarian, 978-468-5577 x14 or kclaire@mvlc.org.
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Koffee Klatch for Adults of the North Shore
Friday, May 6, 10-noon. Spring picnic social event! Come rain or shine because it's indoors. There will be an opportunity to play (or learn) cribbage, and Jane will be showcasing our upcoming summer events. This is our last Klatch until Fall.
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 What's keeping our bookmarks busy
365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life by John Kralik. An inspiring story on how a small shift of focus can reap great rewards. -DM
The Good Divorce: How to Walk Away Financially Sound and Emotionally Happy by Raoul Felder. Includes a chapter specific to Mass. laws, this book is a great source of information for those in the midst of, or contemplating, major change. -JP
The Name of the Wind: The Kingkiller Chronicle, Day One by Patrick Rothfuss.
"Kvothe, the hero and villain of a thousand tales who's presumed dead, lives as the simple proprietor of the Waystone Inn under an assumed name. Prompted by a biographer called Chronicler who realizes his true identity, Kvothe starts to tell his life story." Both the frame story and back story are equally compelling, making each shift in narration bittersweet. The sequel came out in March. -Amazon, RS
Soon I will be Invincible by Austin Grossman. "Comic book-inspired novel alternates between the viewpoint of Dr. Impossible, a criminal with Malign Hypercognition Disorder ("evil genius" syndrome), and Fatale, a rookie cyborg superhero. Fatale is decently characterized, but Dr. Impossible's mordant personality steals the show." -SL
Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff. "This biography was light and easy to read, it's one of those great gems of non-fiction that truly reads like fiction. The author's explanation of sources and frequent use of footnotes provided great balance to the narrative." -CG
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Book Groups
Tuesday, May 17, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm The Literary Luncheon discusses
Little Bee by Chris Cleave. "This is a haunting novel about the tenuous friendship that blooms between two disparate strangers - one an illegal Nigerian refugee, the other a recent widow from suburban London." Don't forget your brown bag lunch. This is the last meeting for this group until September. -Catalog
Monday, May 23, 7:15 - 8:30 pm The Monday Night Book Group discusses
Consider yourself invited to drop in for a discussion.
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 Upgrade Available
Library cards "to go"
Key tag library cards are now available for any interested Hamilton or Wenham resident. This streamlined option would replace your current Library bar code, and cost $1.00. (Some exceptions apply.) Ask the Circulation desk staff for details.
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