Food for Fines and What Not from the Howland Public Library

In December, we'll be improving the library's facade. Any closings will be posted on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter. Also, messages will be left at 831-1134 x 101. Please let us know if there's a better way to reach you. We regret any inconvenience.

Meet Beacon's First Poet Laureate!

Button from Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, Huntington Station, NY

Join us as Mayor Randy Casale announces the appointment of Beacon's first Poet Laureate. The award will be presented and the recipient will read selections of his work. Later this year, the Poet Laureate will read a poem written to commemorate the City of Beacon's Centennial. Come meet Beacon's first Poet Laureate at a reception in his honor at the Howland Public Library on Thursday, November 29, 2012 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. For more information, contact Alison Herrero.

Featured Article

"Food for Fines" to benefit the Beacon Community Resource Center Food Bank

During December, the Howland Public Library will be accepting food in lieu of fines. Donated nonperishable food such as canned tuna and rice will be accepted as payment of fines owed on HPL books, DVDs, and other items. Nonperishables will be donated to the Beacon Community Resource Center Food Bank.

Food for Fines doesn't apply to fees for lost or damaged materials or for long-overdue items from other libraries. Items past their expiration dates and homemade goods can't be accepted.

Fine free? Please consider donating, anyway.

Help your neighbors. Help yourselves. It's win/win. This December, return overdue HPL materials with a nonperishable item (or two). Happy holidays from all of us at the Howland Public Library!

They Played Real Good, for Free!*

Photo: P. McGivney

On November 6th, the Beacon High School Jazz Ensemble and guest musicians led by BHS Band Director Stephen Pietrowski performed music from the Big Band Era as part of The Big Read: The Maltese Falcon. The whole library got That Swing!

* Joni Mitchell reference

Thanksgiving

by Richie Jewell, HPL Staff

This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for a few things. I am thankful for ... being alive right now, because everyone has a purpose in their existence. Enduring and overcoming obstacles in my life, because they made me who I am. Cherishing the things I have now, because there might not be a tomorrow. I'm also thankful that I have a wonderful career in public speaking, and as a writer and autism advocate, rising to the occasion.

I have extraordinary friends and family that I'm surrounded by right now, and I thank God for giving me a life. Without them, I don't know where I'd be at this moment.

Be thankful when you don't know something; it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be grateful for each new challenge; it builds your strength and character. Be pleased when you're tired and weary; it means you've made a difference. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. Be relieved by your mistakes; they will teach you valuable lessons for the future. Be satisfied with your limitations; they give you opportunities for improvement. Your gratitude can turn your negative into a positive.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things when you enjoy life for what it is. Let's give thanks to the world. Let us acknowledge the many blessings that we hope will stay with us. Think of your family and friends, because they will be thinking of you throughout your life. Let us give thanks from our hearts to those who have good will. I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday. God bless us, everyone.