Let it snow! Nothing like a warm fire and a good book to make the winter seem more delightful. We do our best to be open for you to enjoy both books and warmth here at the Library.

If you have an interest in local history, you will be happy to know that the Amos Otis book collection is now downstairs and shelved with the Historic Collection in the Reading Room. Come in and explore this treasure.

In January we hosted an author talk by John Basile, editor of the Register, on his book Legendary Locals of Yarmouth, with many locals, some legendary, in attendance. 

Sally White, daughter of one of Yarmouth's legends and the YPL's longest serving librarian, attended the program. She also brought with her a donation to the YPL. Thanks to Miss White, we now have three original paintings at the library. One is a small oil painting by Marieluise Hutchinson, who later came herself to donate a copy of the Register article reporting her gift to Martha White.

The other two are original watercolors by Tomie dePaola, an award-winning writer and illustrator of children's books. Come see these lovely works of art and borrow the Legendary Locals of Yarmouth to read for yourself.

For those of you who plan ahead, we have lots of new gardening books for you. Think spring!

Has everyone had enough snow yet? February marks my 24th anniversary with the library and in all those years we have never had to take 3 and a half days off in a row. In, fact, if memory serves me well, that is the most days we have ever been closed due to weather in any given year!

But we're back. We're warm and cozy and have plenty to keep you and your family occupied when the weather outside is frightful. Shake off the cabin fever. Come in and sit awhile. Read with your children. Put on a play in the puppet theater. Design something with blocks. Play with the toys. We'd love to have your company.

I am sorry but due to lack of attendance the monthly Lego Quest Club has been canceled. We will return to our weekly format this summer and look forward to seeing all you budding architects then.

Had you ever wondered just what a Therapy Dog is and what their job might be, you missed a chance to find out and to meet some of these loving animals in person. Dogs and their humans from Therapy Dogs International were here on Saturday in February vacation. There was a short presentation where kids and grown ups learned about the dogs and then some interested children read with a dog.

Join us for Lapsit Storytime on Fridays at 10:30. (Remember, though, that Generations! Music and Movement with Denya LeVine is always on the first Friday of the month over at the Congregational Church.) And everyone is welcome.

Stay warm, Everyone.  

The Yarmouth Port Library lost a true friend and supporter with the passing of Tom Paquin in December. Tom and his wife Jean played a huge role in our Library as it exists today. When the town decided to cease funding YPL and tried to close us down, Tom and Jean had a meeting at their home of a small group of Library trustees. Tom convinced us that we could, indeed, remain open as a privately funded library open to the public. With the help of many volunteers in the community, we have managed to do so. It was Tom's calm, lawyerly demeanor that gave us the impetus to give it a try. Thank you, Tom. We will miss you.  

The first order of business is to wish all a Happy New Year and to thank all of our patrons for their patience during the snow events that led to a curtailing of Library hours. Hopefully Phil the Groundhog was wrong and spring is just around the corner.

The YPL is the recipient of a generous art donation by Sally White, daughter of our former librarian, Martha White. One of the paintings is of our Library painted by Marieluise Hutchinson that is particularly meaningful because Sally explained that this picture was very dear to her mother. When Martha was ill, this picture was sent to hospice with her and hung by her bedside. 

 

The other two paintings are watercolors by noted children's author and illustrator Tomie dePaola. The Library has a number of his books in the children's section where his pictures will be hung.

While winter still remains, stop by YPL and pick up some movies or books to keep away the winter blues. Gardening season is around the corner and it is not too early to start planning. Some travel books can transport you to a warmer clime. Or just going in to the building and sitting in front of the fire reading a magazine or newspaper can provide a change. Our staff is friendly and always ready with a smile and some kind words.

Looking forward to spring!

We will gladly pick it up. Call Dinah Wolff at 508-362-7660.