Newsletter                            November 2015
Director's Letter

Dear Library Patrons,

By now you have likely heard of Otis Library's good fortune: a long-time patron, Michael Guty, bequeathed an unrestricted gift of $3,000,000 to the library.  This act of generosity allowed us to eliminate our mortgage and will help us to address deferred maintenance issues and respond to specific requests brought up in our 2015 Patron Survey. It is also reflective of the strong, positive relationships we continually strive to build with our patrons and supporters. Mr. Guty's legacy allows us to contemplate resources and services that complement key elements of our Mission Statement, to wit, "Otis Library provides free and open access to information, ideas, and services that anticipate our community's personal, educational and professional needs," and "enriches our region by maintaining a safe and welcoming environment and by offering resources that promote lifelong learning"  While one magnificent gift expands our opportunities to serve the community, that estimable goal can only be accomplished if our level of support from existing sources remains stable and predictable. That includes municipal sources but is equally salient in contemplating the assistance rendered by development activities, the annual appeal, Evening with an Author and the efforts of the Friends of Otis Library. This gift does not obviate the need to continue thinking creatively about alternative revenue streams or cause us to forget the value of every contribution and the importance of every donor.

Robert Farwell
Executive Director 

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The Price They Paid
Robert Howard II and his mother Roberta Vincent recently delivered copies of the book The Price They Paid: Enduring Wounds of War by Michael Putzel to Otis Library.  The Price They Paid tells the true stories of one helicopter unit during the Vietnam War and how their harrowing experiences forever changed their lives.  Mr. Howard was interviewed for the book, which dedicates a chapter to his story of growing up without his father, who was killed in the Vietnam War. The Norwich Lions Club donated three copies of The Price They Paid to Otis Library, and other schools and libraries in the area.

L to R:  Roberta Vincent, Robert Farwell, Executive Director of Otis Library, and Robert Howard II.


O'tis a Festival!
Otis Library kicks off the holiday shopping season with snowman-family.jpg their 7th annual "O'tis a Festival: a marketplace of all things creative" on Saturday, November 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  There will be handcrafted items, musical and dance performances, a wreath and basket raffle, and a visit from Santa!  Over 40 crafters will be offering a variety of items, including jewelry, woodworking, and pottery.

Be sure to save the date, and tell your friends!

In This Issue
Norwich Authors Day at Slater Museum
Invisible Ink
Friends of Otis Library
Delicious Discussions Author Series
Programs for Adults
New Americans Collection
Programs for Teens
Programs for Children and Families


Hours
  Mon, Wed:  
10AM - 8PM
Tue, Thur & Fri:
10AM - 5PM
Sat:
10AM - 3PM

We will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, for Veterans Day.

We will close at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25, and will be closed on Thursday, November 26 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

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Free Downloadable E-Books, Audiobooks, and Magazines!
Visit the Otis Library website to access hundreds of popular e-books and audiobooks.  All you need is a current Otis Library card to check out titles from your computer or mobile device.

We now offer online magazines from Zinio, available via our Library Catalog.  View full digital copies of your favorite magazines!  Read online or download issues to your computer or mobile device.  This collection is available with a current Otis Library card.



For more information, visit their Facebook page.
   
Norwich Authors Day at Slater Museum
Please join us for the 2nd Annual Norwich Authors Day on Saturday, October 31, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. to be held in the Atrium of the Slater Memorial Museum on the campus of Norwich Free Academy. Meet and mingle with talented Norwich and Connecticut writers, enjoy light refreshments and purchase copies of your favorite books to be signed. 

Please  visit www.slatermuseum.org for full program details. Sponsored by the Friends of Slater Museum and Otis Library.

 
Invisible Ink
Sponsored by The Edward and Mary Lord Foundation.
Otis Library is hosting the series Invisible Ink: A Year of Notable but Neglected Fiction.  This one-year book club series, sponsored by Otis Library, explores four extraordinary American authors whose work, because of marketplace decisions or changes in taste, is now little read or remembered.  Discussions are led by individuals familiar with both the authors and the context in which they wrote.

The next discussion, featuring The Street, will be on Saturday, November 14, at 1:00 p.m. The Street is a novel by African-American writer Ann Petry (1908-1997) that was published in 1946.  The novel is set in Harlem in the 1940's, and tells of the trials and tribulations of a single black mother living on 116th street.  Ann Petry was born in Old Saybrook, CT, and was the first black female writer with book sales topping one million copies.

The program will be presented by Otis volunteers Elanah Sherman and Lottie Scott.  Dr. Courtney R. Baker, Associate Professor of English and Director of the Africana Studies Program at Connecticut College, will lead the discussion.  Registration for this free program is required. Attendees will receive a copy of The Street.  There is a limited number of copies available in audio form for the visually impaired.  For more information and to register, call Julie at (860) 889-2365, ext. 128. 


Friends of Otis Library
 
The recent Friends of Otis Library Book Sale was a success!  Thank you to the volunteers and book lovers  who came out in support of Otis Library.

The Friends of Otis Library have generously donated $5,000 to upgrade the display area of the Millie and Martin Shapiro Community Room with improved lighting, a professional gallery display/wall hanging system and permanent technology that will enhance future exhibits. 


David Downing
Delicious Discussions Author Series
Otis Library and Bank Square Books in Mystic are excited to introduce a new Delicious Discussions author series. Each event in this series will include an author talk and signing, a copy of the book, and a buffet lunch or breakfast at Michael Jordan's Steak House at Mohegan Sun Casino.

The next luncheon will feature a discussion with David Downing, the author of Jack of Spies.  This event will take place on Thursday, November 5, from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. at Michael Jordan's Steak House.  Tickets are $40 and include lunch, dessert, and a paperback copy of Jack of Spies.  Copies of David's new hardcover book One Man's Flag will also be available for purchase and signing.

Pre-registration is required. To reserve your spot, please contact Kate McDonald, Development Manager, at [email protected] or (860) 889-2365 x. 127.
 
Programs for Adults

Drop-In Knitting Group 
The Rows City Knitters meet every Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the Meeting Room.  No experience needed - they will help you learn to knit or crochet.  For more information, call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.



Technology Classes

Feeling a little lost with all the new technology?  Maybe even some of the old technology?  Our staff are ready to assist you with a wide range of computer-related questions.  Topics include basic computer skills, navigating the internet, e-mail, e-readers, and Microsoft Office. Assistance will be provided by appointment only on Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  Please call 860-889-2365, ext. 100, for additional information or to make an appointment.

Something new!  Technology Classes are now being offered in Spanish on Mondays between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. by appointment only.  Please call (860) 889-2365, ext. 100, to register.  

A Journey to the Gallows
Local authors Vic Butsch and Tommy Coletti will discuss their new book  A Journey to the Gallows on Monday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m. Learn about Aaron Dwight Stevens (1831-1860), who was from Norwich and was an abolitionist and chief military aide to John Brown during Brown's failed raid on Harpers Ferry, Virginia.  Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing.  Free program; no registration required.  Join us in the Community Room.


Changing Minds Book Club
The group will be discussing The Invisible Front:  Love and Loss in an Era of Endless War by Yochi Dreazen on Wednesday, November 4, at 5:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Front Desk. Free event; no registration required. Refreshments will be served.

The unforgettable story of a military family that lost two sons-one to suicide and one in combat-and channeled their grief into fighting the armed forces' suicide epidemic.  On the list of The New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2014 and named one of the Best Books of 2014 by Amazon.

Author C. S. E. Cooney
Fantasy Author C. S. E. Cooney will speak in the Community Room on Monday, November 30 at 6:30 p.m.  She will read from her collection Bone Swans, which has garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and Library Journal. She will take questions from the audience about the writing and publishing process and will be available for a signing afterward. Free program; no registration required.  Refreshments will be served.



New Americans Collection

On your next visit to Otis Library, take a few minutes to view the map in our atrium. We are encouraging our patrons to share their place of origin with us!  If you would like to share where you are from, ask for a push pin at the Front Desk.

Learn about resources for New Americans  by visiting our website, and by viewing the video on Otis Library's YouTube page.

Thank you to Pastor Shaun Pillay and Cornerstone City Church in Norwich for the flags that decorate our New Americans Collection!
 
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Programs for Teens

Attention Teens!
Visit our website to take the 2015 CT DMV Permit Practice Test. This free resource will help you get enough practice before you take the actual knowledge test.  
 http://otis.driving-tests.org/connecticut/ 

Tween Book Club (grades 5-8)
Funded in the part by the Norwich Recreation Department - thank you!
What happens when a much sought after secret pie crust recipe is inherited by a cat?  Pick up a copy of Pie by Sarah Weeks at the Front Desk and come back Monday, November 30, for pizza, discussion, and book-related activities in the Meeting Room.  Registration required. 
Monday, November 30, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Author C. S. E. Cooney (for grades 9 and up)
Fantasy author C. S. E. Cooney reads from her new collection Bone
Swans, which has garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and Library Journal. She will take questions from the audience about the writing and publishing process,and will be available for a signing afterward. Snacks will be available!  Free event; no registration required.Bone Swans 
Monday, November 30, 6:30 p.m., Community Room.



Programs for Children and Families
All programs are offered at no charge to the public.  Registration is required for some programs.  Please register in person at the Children's Desk; by calling (860) 889-2365, ext 114; or you may register for our programs via our online 

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Mother Goose and More (ages zero to 23 months)
Funded in part by the Norwich Recreation Department - thank you!
Enjoy 30 minutes of rhymes, songs, and other activities for the very young, then stay (or not) for a one-hour open play group.  Older siblings are welcome!  No registration required.
Mondays, November 2, 9 & 16
10:30 a.m. (program); 11:00 a.m. .- 12:00 p.m. (playgroup)  

Music With Margie (ages 2-5)
Made possible by the generosity of Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors - 
thank you!
Join this joy-based music and movement class with your child.  Space is limited; register for one or all classes.
Mondays, November 2, 16 & 30 at 12:30 p.m.


Toddler Storytime (ages 2-3, with adult)
Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and a simple craft with your child!  Space is limited; register now.
Tuesdays, November 3, 10 & 17, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Preschool Storytime (ages 3-6)
Children enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and a craft while their grownups wait in the Children's Department.  Space is limited; register now.
Thursdays, November 5, 12 & 19, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Bella!  Therapy Dog Extraordinaire (all ages)
Courtesy of Ms. Pepin - thank you!
Visit and read to our very favorite therapy pub, Bella.  No registration required.
Saturday, November 7, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Recipe for Success (ages 8-11)
Made possible by the generosity of Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors - thank you!
Come make and enjoy delicious "Mayflower Munch" snack mix and warm apple cider.  Space is limited; register now.
Saturday, November 14, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.


Drop-In Craft (all ages)
Funded by the Norwich Recreation Department - thank you!
Drop in with your child and make a delightful turkey centerpiece to take home! No registration required.
Wednesday, November 18, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

O'tis a Festival (all ages)
Join us for Otis Library's 7th annual O'tis a Festival: a marketplace of all things creative. Kick off your holiday season and shop two floors of handcrafted items while enjoying a day filled with entertainment.  Celebrity parking attendants will direct you to free parking, and Santa will be arriving at 11:00 a.m. to hear the kids' wish lists!
Saturday, November 21, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Nutcracker Ballet Storytime:  Presented by the Eastern Connecticut Ballet (all ages).  Made possible by the generosity of Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors - thank you.
All ages are welcomed to attend this magical event.  Experience the wonder of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, participate in a dance activity, take photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy, and create a special keepsake.  Free and open to the public!.  Space is limited and registration is required.
Monday, November 23, 4:00 p.m.


Drop-In Storytime:  "Crazy About Corn"  (ages 4 & up)
All things corn will be the topic of this drop-in storytime.  Stories, games and corn-related activities complete the fun.  No registration required.
Saturday, November 28, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.

Norwich Winterfest Parade (all ages)
Look for Otis Library at the parade!
Saturday, November 28, kicks off at 1:00 p.m. from Chelsea Parade.

Tween Book Club (grades 5-8)
Funded in part by the Norwich Recreation Department - thank you!
What happens when a much sought after secret pie crust recipe is inherited by a cat?  Pick up a copy of Pie by Sarah Weeks at the Front Desk and come back Monday, November 30, for pizza, discussion, and book-related activities in the Meeting Room.   Register now.
Monday, November 30, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.