Howland Public Library | 313 Main Street | Beacon | NY | 12508 

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eNews                                               2015 | one

ATTENTION
HPL closed January 19th, in recognition of the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thomas O'Connell: Beacon Poet Laureate


 

Thomas O'Connell was recently honored as the 2015-2016 Beacon Poet Laureate at an induction ceremony at the Howland Public Library. Beacon Mayor Randy Casale formally introduced Mr. O'Connell to the greater Beacon community, and presented him with an inscribed award.  Thanks to organizers Vickie Raabin (Miss Vickie's Music) and Alison Herrero, HPL Adult Services Manager, and the anonymous Poet Laureate Committee for their commitment to this appointment.

 

Mr. O'Connell follows the first Beacon Poet Laureate, Laurence Sansone. Tarssa Yazdani English was selected as this year's runner up. Mr. O'Connell works as the Automation Coordinator for the Mid-Hudson Library System. 

 

Mr. O'Connell's responsibilities during his two-year term will include presenting poetry readings at select government and community-wide events, and acting as an advocate and ambassador of poetry.  He said, "When we discover a poet that we enjoy, we say "those poems really speak to me.... I believe the role of poetry (of the poet) is to speak not only to but with other people. Poetry welcomes the reader into an ongoing dialogue, even if both parties are not physically present, the conversation continues, and both parties are nourished by it. I am thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to stir up some lively conversation and fellowship.

I am so pleased to have been named poet laureate for Beacon as it allows me to share two things I am passionate about- poetry and our community."

 

She Does the Crossword Puzzle

By Thomas O'Connell

 

The space between us

 

Changes, as does the distance

Between me and the Atlantic

Each time the tide

Approaches and recedes;

We inhale and then

Exhale

 

The space between us

 

Holds ghosts, as do mirrors

In antique stores

Remembering each face

They ever reflected;

We have snapshots inside

A shoebox

 

The space between us

 

Remains, like a shallow pond

Between a gazebo and

The drooping trees lining

The far shore; the word

You are looking for

Is willow

 
Whether you're learning to speak English or planning a trip abroad, try HPL's  Franklin Fourteen Language Speaking Global Translator devices.  Free and fun.

 


 
The Howland Public Library presents "Obstructed Memories", an exhibit of new mixed media works on paper by Lynn Seeney. 

 

"Obstructed Memories" will be on view in the Adult Program Exhibit Space from January 24 - March 1. An artist reception will he held on Second Saturday, February 14th, from 5-7 pm.   

 

HPL Int'l Film Series presents Picture Bride on Friday, January 23rd at 7 PM.
From the Director


HPL thanks the Friends of the Howland Public Library for their support in 2015. This year, the Friends of HPL will provide:


 

$500 for 72 visit vouchers for the American Museum of Natural History in NYC

$500 for 2 Mid-Hudson Children's Museum Family Passes

$100 for a pass for 1 adult and 3 guests to Boscobel in Garrison (12 and under free)

$1,000 for free music downloads and streaming for HPL cardholders using Freegal

In addition, our Friends are there when unexpected, unbudgeted, opportunities arise during the year.


 

In the recent past, the Friends paid $1,200 toward HPL's teen Battle of the Books Team regional literary competition, provided about $12,000 in matching funds for a library construction grant, and gave an additional $2,400 for new technology for the Children's Room.


 

Congratulations to newly elected Friends officers: Marcia Frahman, President; Vicki Blucher, Vice-President; and Marion Imperatore, Treasurer. Marcia and Vicki co-manage the Friends' Beacon Reads Book Store. Beacon Reads is staffed by the most wonderful volunteers. We're lucky to have such dedicated people working on behalf of the Library. Also, thanks to terrific HPL Trustee Thomas Rigney for serving as the Library's liaison to the Friends of HPL. Tom and the new Friends officers are off to a great start!


 

Last, but not least, thanks go to the generous people in the Beacon City School District and beyond who support the Friends of HPL and Beacon Reads with donations, purchases, and their time and energy.  Everyone is welcome to join the Friends of HPL. Sign up cards are available at Beacon Reads, 309 Main Street, Beacon, NY or find the form at friendsofhpl.wordpress.com.


 

Fanny Keaton, HPL Director

 
For information about our current hours, programs, and services, visit 
 
Howland Public Library
313 Main Street
Beacon, New York 12508
845-831-1134