Hamilton-Wenham Public Library
Newsletter
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The 50 Book Challenge Has Begun
Join us in a quest to read 50 books in one year. The 50 Book Challenge started as one person's goal and has grown into a vibrant online community of readers. All sorts of books count toward the Challenge: fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, ebooks, audiobooks, young adult and children's books. Any book will do, so long as it's not a magazine or newspaper. If you are a fan of very long books, try the 150,000 page Challenge: that works out to 41 pages a day. The Challenge began January 16, 2012 and ends January 18, 2013. Stop by for a reading log or print off your own here. The 50 Book Challenge is open to all ages and every reader, bedtime stories count too.
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February Break Events 
Wed. 22, 1-3 Lunar New Year Celebration
Join the Library and the Recreation Center for a special February vacation program celebrating the Lunar New Year, a multicultural celebration. Experience this diverse holiday spectacular with a host of activities including an authentic Lion Dance, a martial arts demonstration with hand and weapons forms, the ancient art of brush painting, a fun food activity, and a unique craft.
Thurs. Feb. 23, 7-8:30 pm Zentangle Workshop
Create some doodle art at a Zentangle class with Dr. Susan H. Smith, a Certified Zentangle Trainer. Zentangle is an easy to learn method of creating images from repetitive patterns, which may help increase focus and creativity, relax and relieve stress, and improve eye/hand coordination. Zentangle is an art form that is fun and relaxing, easy to learn, and easy to do. In this class you will complete a minimum of two art pieces, and you will take home tools and materials to keep on tangling. Open to Teens (ages 11 up) and Adults. Sign up at the Reference Desk in the Library, or call 978-468-5577.
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Holiday Closings
Please note the Library will be closed
Mon. Feb. 20 in observance of Presidents' Day. |
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Puss in Boots
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New release showing: Saturday, Feb. 25 10:30 - noon & again
2 - 3:30. Rated PG.
Bring a friend & popcorn.
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Upcoming Green Grant Programs
Reducing Toxins in the Home Wed. Feb. 15, 7-9 pm.
Heidi Wilcox of the Mass. Toxics Use Reduction Institute presents an informative workshop on the many ways in which toxic ingredients are present in everyday household items. Learn about indoor air quality, cleaning vs. disinfection & sanitizing: what each does, how and when they are needed. She will suggest alternatives, make-it-yourself versions, and discuss non-chemical methods like steam vapor & electrolyzed water. This evening will be hands-on and open to discussion & questions.
Energy Retrofits and the Historic Home: Weighing Risks and Opportunities by Sally Zimmerman, Manager of Historic Preservation Services for Historic New England. Wed. Feb, 29, 7:30-9 pm. Learn about making improvements to older houses without damaging historic fabric. She presents a historic preservation perspective on insulation, window repair, air sealing, and renewable energy options in the historic home.
Repair & Restoration of Wooden Windows by Alison Hardy, Window Woman of New England. Tue. March 6, 7-8:30 pm. Featured on This Old House & the New York Times, Alison Hardy is an expert on repair and restoration of wooden windows. "Save Energy, Save Money, Save History: Restoration not Replacement." For more information on what she has to offer visit her website at www.window-woman-ne.com.
For more information visit our 'Go Green' pages & blog on our website.
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 Koffee Klatch for Adults of the North Shore
Fri. Feb. 3, 10:15-Noon. All the President's Women presented by the Delvena Theatre Company. Have we already had a female President? Which first lady may have murdered her husband? Fascinating and uncommon stories provide lively entertainment and promote dialog after the performance between cast and audience.
Fri. March 2, 10:15-12:30. From Purgatory to Podunk presented by Debbie & Pete Lincoln. On a whim in 2007, they decided to visit each of the 351 cities and towns in the state.The whim evolved into a project to photograph, study, and compile information about each. From this mountain of material, they have developed an informative, entertaining, interactive, illustrated program entitled From Purgatory to Podunk. The Lincoln's presentation is filled with anecdotes, little-known history, hidden locales, aswell as their own mishaps.
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 Demystifying the College Application Process
For parents & students, Wed. Feb. 1, 6:30-8 pm.
Presented by Laine Averback, of College Concierge. Connecting your child to his/her future with the "best" fit for college...priceless! Learn the ins-and-outs of this proclaimed "daunting" process; learn that it does NOT have to be divisive, difficult, or discouraging! Presenting an array of absolute "musts" for high school juniors, seniors, and their parents who want to find and successfully graduate from the college or university of their choice.
College Financial Aid Planning
For parents & students, Thur. Feb. 9, 6-7:30 pm.
Presented by Certified College Planning Specialist Jim Femia. There are billions of dollars available in need-based and merit-based aid available every year to assist students in paying for college. In order to receive financial aid however, the proper paperwork must be submitted accurately and on time. Many of these forms, FAFSA, CSS Profile, Institutional Forms, etc. can be longer and more complicated than the federal tax forms. This workshop is designed to introduce the financial aid process and provide helpful hints to potentially increase your financial aid eligibility.
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Teen News & Events
2nd Annual TEEN POETRY CONTEST
The Hamilton-Wenham Public Library is pleased to announce the 2nd annual Teen Poetry Contest. Open to teens in grades 6 to 12. The Contest begins February 1, 2012, and ends at midnight April 30, 2012. Two prize winning categories: grades 6-8, and grades 9-12. Honorable mentions will be awarded. Finalists will be notified by phone or email on or about May 8th.
RULES (please read carefully):
* Poem entries must be original work.
* Maximum of 3 poems per student may be entered.
* Each poem must have a title.
* An entry form must be filled out for EACH poem submitted.
* THEME: Poem must incorporate two personas, characters, or viewpoints.
(Judges will deduct points from poems that do not have an alternate persona, character, or viewpoint.)
* All poems must be submitted on or before midnight April 30, 2012.
* All winners and honorable mentions to read or recite their poem aloud at the Poetry Contest Reception on May 15th, 6:30pm to 8pm.
Methods of Entry:
Online is the preferred method of entry. Please go to the Poetry Contest page for the online entry form and contest information.
Contact: Kim Claire, Young Adult Librarian 978-468-5577 x14 kclaire@mvlc.org
The next Teen Think Tank meeting will be on Thur. Feb. 2 and March 1.
Make the future happen, create it in your vision. Come share your bright ideas! This group (for patrons ages 11-18) is the Library's teen advisory board, which improves the programs and services designed specifically for teens. This collaboration includes selecting books, music and movies; brainstorming and creating programs and special events for young adults; and helping with the Library's teen space and webpage.
Free SAT Practice Test Sat. Feb. 4, 10 am -2:30 pm
RSVP by 2/2 in order to secure your seat to take a practice SAT test. The test is being administered by Sylvan College Prep. Please call Sylvan to reserve your seat: 978-532-4850.
Ari's Magic the Gathering card games have been a success & will continue through January & February on Fridays from 3:45 to 4:45. Players in 3rd grade through 6th grade are invited to learn to play or improve their game; please bring your decks. Ari Massos, a member of the Library's teen advisory board, the Teen Think Tank, will be leading the game.
BOM: Battle-Gaming of Massachusetts
Saturdays from 10 am- 4 pm. Play and learn a variety of tabletop strategy battle games such as Warhammer 40k, Warhammer Fantasy, and Brikwars. To join this illustrious group of gamers, simply show up. Membership is free. If you do not know how to play any of the games, one of the members will be happy to teach you. For more information visit the club website at http://massbattles.webs.com/.
For more information contact Kim Claire, Young Adult Librarian at 978-468-5577 X14 or by email at kclaire@mvlc.org.
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Children's Room Events 
Saturday programs:
Jan. 28, 11-noon, Dads & Donuts is a story time designed especially for dads and children ages 2 years & up. (Moms are always invited.) January's theme is: Monsters. Listen to a selection of non-scary stories featuring furry beasts & create a fun coloring craft.
Feb. 11, 11-noon Valentine's Day stories & a craft for ages two and older. No registration necessary, free & open to the public.
Feb. 18, 11-noon, Dads & Donuts theme for February: Pirates! Start practicing your "Arrr", mateys!
Weekday programs:
Legomania for grades 1-5, meeting Weds. Feb. 1 & 15, March 7 & 21 from 3-4 pm. Create a masterpiece, share your ideas & designs, work individually or as a team. This is a non-competitive, non-robotics program, created to share the joy of Legos.
World of Wizarding for grades 2-5, meeting Weds. Feb 8 & 29, March 14 from 3-4 pm. Join us for this Harry Potter themed program with all new activities! Reading, crafts & spells each week. Muggles are welcome to participate.
Join us for a February Break Lunar New Year Celebration, on Wed. Feb. 22 from 1-3 pm. Please see the children's room blog for details.
Puss in Boots [PG] This brand-new release is showing on our big screen Sat. Feb. 25 from 10:30-Noon & again from 2-3:30 pm. Bring a friend & some popcorn!
Questions? Stop by, or call 468-5577 x13, or email Lorraine Der, Children's Librarian at lder@mvlc.org.
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Tara's Overdrive Workshops
Thur. Feb. 16, 10-11 am, & Tue. Feb. 28, 6:30-7:30 pm
Pop by the Library on any of the two dates to learn how to use Overdrive, the Library's ebook & digital audiobook lending service. Bring your questions!
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Senior Circuit Breaker
"Extra Money in Your Pocket" presented by Brian Lynch of the MA Dept. of Revenue
Tue. Feb. 28th 10:30-11:30 AM
For tax year 2011, you could qualify for a REFUND of up to $980 from the MA Dept. of Revenue! As a senior 65 or older who pays property tax or rents, you may be eligible if your property tax (or 25 % of your rent) exceeds 10 percent of your income and you meet certain guidelines. No filing deadline. You may apply even if you no longer have to file a State income tax return and you may file for 2010 and 2009 as well. Income: Single $52,000, Head of Household $65,000, Married filing jointly $78,000. Mr. Lynch will be discussing other qualifying criteria, income verifications, and how to file. Refreshments will be available from 10 to 10:30 AM, call the COA at 978-468-5529 to sign-up or email coa@wenhamma.gov.
The presentation is sponsored by the Hamilton COA and the Wenham COA, but will be held at the Hamilton-Wenham Library Meeting Room.
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Free SAT Practice Test
Sat. Feb. 4, 10 am - 2:30 pm
RSVP by 2/2 in order to secure your seat to take a practice SAT test. The test is being administered by Sylvan College Prep. Please call Sylvan to reserve your seat: 978-532-4850.
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AARP Tax Appointments
Appointments are by reservation only on Wednesdays at 10, 10:45 and 11:30 starting Feb. 1 through April 11. These dates fill up quickly, so gather your paperwork and reserve your slot. You will need to bring all of your tax documents from last year, paperwork for this year, and will be required to show your Social Security card. This service is provided by SeniorCare, Inc.
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The Book Clubs
Literary Luncheon Book Group
3rd Tuesday from 11:30-12:30. Bring your brown-bag lunch: beverages and dessert will be provided.
Feb. 21 Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory. In this mesmerizing work of historical fiction, River Goddess, Jacquetta, meets Joan of Arc and sees her own power reflected in the young woman accused of witchcraft.
March 20 The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl by Timothy Egan "Timothy Egan's critically acclaimed account rescues this iconic chapter of American history from the shadows in a tour de force of historical reportage. Following a dozen families and their communities through the rise and fall of the region, Egan tells of their desperate attempts to carry on through blinding black dust blizzards, crop failure, and the death of loved ones." -Amazon.com
Monday Night Book Group 7:15-8:30 pm
Feb. 27 Let's Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell.
"In this gorgeous, moving memoir, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Gail Caldwell reflects on her own coming-of-age in midlife, as she learns to open herself to the power and healing of sharing her life with a best friend." -Catalog
March 26 The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris by David McCullough. "McCullough mixes famous and obscure names and delivers capsule biographies of everyone to produce a colorful parade of educated, Victorian-era American travelers and their life-changing experiences in Paris." -Catalog
The Mystery Mayhem book club 2nd Tues of the month, Feb. 14, March 13, from 10:30-11:30. This group is all about mysteries and suspense novels. Come and see who and what others are reading, get a list of new books, and solve the mystery of the day. Find a new author, a series you may have missed, and tell the group who your new favorite author is. Light refreshments and coffee/ tea will be served.
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 Community Read 2012 Join us as we celebrate the work of a Wenham hero, Dr. Gordon Sato with
The Mangrove Tree: Planting Trees to Feed Families by Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore. This children's book documents the work of Dr. Sato's "Manzanar Project" which solved the hunger crisis in Eritrea, Africa. The project was named after the Japanese internment camp where he was sent as a teenager. There is also a companion book Farewell to Manzanar: A True Story of Japanese American Experience During and After the World War II Internment by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, which offers a historical perspective on what the experience was like. Dr. Sato's time as a teenager in Manzanar led him to work closely with growing food in inhospitable conditions and to have great sympathy for 'aggrieved peoples'.
Join us to hear Dr. Gordon Sato speak at the Gordon College Campus on Thursday, March 29 at the A.J. Memorial Chapel from 7:30-8:30 pm. Greet Dr. Sato, Susan Roth & Cindy Trumbore at the reception from 6-7 in the Ken Olsen Science Center. Also the authors of The Mangrove Tree will talk about the development of their book & the artwork earlier that same day at the H-W Library from 3-4. |
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Spring Book Sale Dates
Friends Preview Sale Fri. March 23, 7 pm - 9 pm
Public Sale Sat. March 24, 9 am - 3 pm
Ongoing sale Mon-Wed. 10-8, Thur. 10-5.
The Spring book sale features gently used books of all description, organized by genre & format. The Friends Preview Sale is for members only, you can join at the door. (You can print an application form here & speed through the process.) The general public is welcome to browse the sale on Sat. 24, from 9-3. The sale continues during regular library hours from Mon. through Wed. 10-8, and Thursday 10-5. (Thursday the library will close at 5 to hear Dr. Gordon Sato speak at Gordon College, for our Community Read, see the above article!)
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Boating Safety Course
Presented & taught by the U.S. Power Squadrons: "Organized in 1914, USPS is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects." This is a 7 week basic introductory course for both sail and power boaters, Tuesdays 6:00-8:00 PM, Feb. 28 -April 17. Plan to attend all classes, open to adults and students over 12 years of age, space is limited, $50 materials fee for: text, plotting tools & exam. Successful completion of the course meets the national educational requirements for boat operation in all states. To register call Ron Mason: 978-468-4824.
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 Chess Simul Tournament Back by popular demand!
Can you beat Master Lou Mercuri as he plays 30 people at once? Match wits & try your luck on Saturday, March 3 from1:00-3:30.
Register for this event by calling the Reference Desk or emailing Rebecca at rshea@mvlc.org. |
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Ongoing Programs
Drop in once, twice, or become a 'regular'.
Mondays 11-1 Mothers' Club: Infants Social time for moms and newborns to 1 year.Mondays noon-2:30 Knitting Group For experienced or beginning knit or crochet folk. Bring your UFOs (UnFinished Objects) and get back on track.
Tuesdays 10-12 Mothers' Club: Toddlers Social time for moms and little ones 1 to 3 years old.
Tuesdays 4-6 German Playgroup German language skills practice for you & your children. Thursdays 10-noon Cribbage Play this unique card game with a lively group of fun-loving people. All are welcome, no experience necessary to join.
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