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Director's Letter
Dear Library Patrons,
July 1 marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for Otis Library, with new opportunities and long-awaited events underscoring the many ways in which Otis contributes to the community. I'd like to report on the contributions of one group whose generosity allows Otis to serve the community well. Thanks to a generous $10,000 gift from the Friends of Otis Library, we are able to improve our technology, offer new programs and software and enhance the library's collections. Helping make our archival collections more accessible, a new microfilm reader/scanner graces the Edward and Mary Lord Local History and Genealogy Room. The Friends largess also underwrites an innovative language software program, Pronunciator. More than 80 languages are available, including English as a Second Language. Pronunciator will be available through the library website beginning in August. Patrons with an Otis Library card can log in whether they are in the library or at another location. (Patrons who do not have an Otis library card can still access the database but only in the library.) Pronunciator offers courses for adults and children. Specialized courses are available for travelers, business people and health care providers. The Friends' gift also supports programming for adults and the acquisition of new materials for our circulating collections. This kind of tangible support makes for a more responsive and innovative library and has a profound impact on our ability to enhance the quality of life in Norwich.
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
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| | Executive Director Robert Farwell, Friends of Otis Library Treasurer Marcia Erickson, and Friends of Otis Library President Deb Froio |
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Join Us In Celebrating the National Medal!
The awarding of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service to Otis Library merits a community celebration! On Monday July 18, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., please join us in the library atrium for the unveiling of the medal. This is a proud moment for Norwich and an opportunity for the library to thank the public for the support that is essential for our success. There will be refreshments, live music and a chance to visit with library staff and board members. No RSVP is required and you can leave your tuxedo at home! |
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Otis Library Board of Trustees
At the June Annual Meeting of the Otis Library Board of Trustees we bid farewell to two long time board members and welcomed two new members. Board President Lloyd Hinchey and long time board member, board secretary and most recently representative from Norwich Free Academy Barbara Dombrowski are leaving the board after long and successful tenures. Otis Library has evolved significantly during their service. "Lloyd and Barbara epitomize what it means to be good trustees" said director Bob Farwell. "Their advocacy and support have been critical to our success. Their presence will be missed, but we are very grateful for their contributions to Otis Library."
As Lloyd and Barbara depart, the board welcomes two new members. Former library board member Kathryn Lord returns after several year's hiatus, and Norwich Free Academy will now be represented by Edwin Land Library Director Kristie Leonard.
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Otis Library is a Summer Breakfast and Lunch Program Site
The 2016 Summer Breakfast and Lunch Program, provided by Norwich Public Schools Food Services, is a free service available to all children in the Norwich community between the ages of 1 and 18. The program begins June 20 and runs through August 19. Breakfast is served at Otis Library from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., and lunch is served from 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. All meals are served in the Children's Department. To learn more about this service, and other food service sites, visit the Norwich Public Schools website.
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Delicious Discussions Author Series
Otis Library proudly presents the next Delicious Discussion Author Event featuring Ann Nyberg, author of Slices of Life, on Tuesday, July 26. The event is part of an ongoing partnership with Bank Square Books and Michael Jordan's Steak House.
Tickets are $40 each and include lunch at Michael Jordan's Steak House, a copy of Slices of Life, dessert and book signing. For more information, please contact Kate McDonald at kmcdonald@otis.lioninc.org or (860) 889-2365 x.127.
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Programs for Adults
Technology Classes
Feeling a little lost with all the new technology? Maybe even some of the old technology? We are ready to assist you with one-on-one instruction tailored to your specific needs. 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.
Technology Classes are 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.
Drop-In Knitting Group
The Rows City Knitters meet every Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the Meeting Room. All skill levels welcome! For more information, call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
African American Authors Book Discussion Series
Sponsored by The R. S. Gernon Trust.
Otis Library is hosting an African American Authors Book Discussion Series in July and August. Books to be discussed are The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin on Tuesday, July 5; Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates on Tuesday, July 19; And Still I Rise by Maya Angelou on Tuesday, August 2; and The Light of the World: A Memoir by Elizabeth Alexander on Tuesday, August 16. All discussions will take place at 12:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Refreshments will be provided. Attendees will receive a free copy of the book
being discussed. Please call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128, to register, or you may register on the online calendar.
This free series will be facilitated by Nathalie Etoke, Associate Professor of French and Africana Studies at Connecticut College. She is the author of two books and several articles published in academic journals. In 2012, her book Melancholia Africana received the Frantz Fanon Book Award from the Caribbean Association of Philosophy. In 2011, she made a documentary entitled Afro Diasporic French Identities. The documentary examines how the legacy of slavery and colonization challenges the republican ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity.
The Jim Lafayette Memorial Series of Writers of Science Fiction and Fantasy The Jim Lafayette Memorial Series of Writers of Science Fiction and Fantasy, hosted by Otis Library, will welcome author James Morrow in the Community Room. This program honors the memory of local science fiction and fantasy fan and writer Jim Lafayette with appearances by authors of the genre. Norwich native Faye Ringel, Ph.D., retired Professor of Humanities at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, will facilitate the program. Morrow's presentation is tied to the themes of the upcoming Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History Traveling Exhibit "Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?" which will visit Otis Library January 7 - February 3, 2017. James Morrow's latest novel, Gal�pagos Regained, is set in the mid-nineteenth century, and tells of Victorian actress and adventuress Chloe Bathurst, who recapitulates Charles Darwin's famous voyage to the Encantadas, her goal being to collect illustrative specimens and thereby win the (imaginary) Percy Bysshe Shelley Prize: �10,000 to the first contestant who can prove, or disprove, the existence of God. Historical figures Alfred Russel Wallace, Gregor Mendel, Darwin, and more appear in this alternative history of evolution. Morrow is best known for blending satire, philosophy, and the fantastic in his Godhead Trilogy: Towing Jehovah, Blameless in Abaddon, and The Eternal Footman. His historical novels of magical realism include The Last Witchfinder and The Philosopher's Apprentice. This event is free and open to the public. Copies of Gal�pagos Regained will be available for sale and signing. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
Lunch and Learn: Credit Basics
Sponsored by Chelsea Groton Bank Pamela Days-Luketich, Community Outreach Officer at Chelsea Groton Bank, will present the free program Credit Basics on Thursday, July 14, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room. A healthy credit profile is critical to operating in today's society. Credit affects the ability to finance purchases, secure insurance, and even land a dream job. In this seminar learn the tips and tricks to establishing, maintaining, and repairing your credit score. Insights into want lenders are looking for when they analyze credit will also be shared. Lunch is provided. Registration is required; you may register by calling (860) 889-2365, ext. 128, or on our online calendar.
Mindfulness Meditation Workshop
David Chandler, M.A. in Integrative Health and Healing, will teach two free
workshops on Mindfulness Meditation at Otis Library; July 18 and July 25, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room. Meditation is a practice that fosters mindfulness through a systematic method of focusing one's attention. Mindfulness Meditation can improve both physical and mental health by using various techniques. No previous experience is necessary. All are welcome. No registration is required. Mr. Chandler teaches in the theater department at The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and has been a faculty member at the National Theater Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center for more than 20 years. He is the founder and director of Eagle's Quest Tai Chi Center. Currently David is enrolled in a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program through the Mindfulness Center in Bethesda, MD. or call 860-442-9462.
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Programs for Tweens and Teens
STEM SCIENCE: Expand Your Mind! (ages 10 and up)
Expand your science knowledge this summer through challenging experiments! If you love a challenge and want to develop your learning experience, let your local 4-H lead the way with fun that expands your knowledge of the world! This program will be held in the Community Room. Please register for one or all classes.Wednesdays, July 6, 13, 20 and 27; 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Pop Art Collage Workshop with Michael Albert (grades 5 and up)
Learn how to create a unique work of art following artist Michael Albert's collage style. Create a vision of your own community and world! Materials will be provided; just bring your creativity and vision! Program will take place in the Meeting Room. Space is limited so don't miss out, register online or by calling the Front Desk at (860) 889-2365, ext. 100.Tuesday, July 12, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Tween Advisory Board (grades 5-8)
Share your ideas and participate in program planning! Meet other students your age and make new friends! Work on projects to give back to the community. Please register now. Register online or by contacting the Front Desk at (860) 889-2365, ext. 100. Meeting will take place in the Young Adult Area.
Wednesday, July 20, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Tween Book Club: Graphic Novels (grades 5-8)
Explore the world of graphic novels with Sisters by Raina Telgemeier and The
Dumbest Idea Ever! by Jimmy Gownley. Read one or both! Over pizza, we'll explore what in our own lives might be "graphic memoir" material. A zany relative? A fabulous trip? A special hobby? With activities featuring word balloons and panel planning, we will also dive into the process of graphic novel making itself. Pick up a copy of one or both books at the Front Desk. Register online or by contacting the Front Desk at (860) 889-2365, ext. 100, beginning June 20. For grades 5 - 8.
Monday, July 25, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
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Children's Programs
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 your may register for our programs via our online calendar .
Open Art Clinic (all ages) Create a cool work of art each week at our Open Art Clinic! Express yourself by making a take-home project with a variety of art materials.
No registration required. For all ages.
Fridays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29; 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Storystarters: LEGO Fun (grades 3-5)
Take your love of LEGOS� to a new level: develop a cartoon with a creative twist! The local 4-H team shows you how to create an original cartoon using LEGOS� and iPads. Bring your story to life! For grades 3 - 5. Please register for one or all classes.Wednesdays, July 6, 13, 20; 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
STEMTASTIC: 4-H We Need Food! (ages 4-7)
Where does our food come from? Find out at this fun, hands-on program from the 4-H. Meet animal friends who help feed us!
Space is limited; please register. For ages 4 - 7. Wednesdays, July 6, 13, 20, and 27; 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Mother Goose and More (ages zero to 23 months) 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, July 11, 18 and 25; 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (program); 11:00 a.m. .- 12:00 p.m. (playgroup) Sciencetellers: Race Against Time (grades k-5)
Enjoy stories that inspire and engage as you learn about power and energy! Hands-on experiments for the audience adds to the fun of this exciting hour!
For grades K - 5. Space is limited; please register.Join us for this action packed music and movement program full of silly fun to help celebrate the Smithsonian's Exploring Human Origins exhibit coming to Otis Library. Wear your sneakers!
For ages 2 & up (with caregiver). Please register. Monday, July 18, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Bella - Therapy Dog Extraordinaire! (all ages)
Courtesy of Ms. Pepin - thank you!
Drop-in and read (or just visit) with our favorite therapy pug, Bella! No registration required.
Thursday, July 21, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Turtle Dance/Music Sensory Show (all ages)
The Turtle Dance group has a motto: We Help Kids Come Out of Their Shells! Join us for a fun, inclusive music and movement program. Accessible for all children and teens, including those on the autism spectrum. All abilities welcome! Please register. All ages. Friday, July 22, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Ancient Technologies (grades 3-5)
Technology isn't new; discover how our ancestors used it in their daily lives! Handle real arrowheads and discover the tools that moved humans forward in the world. Space is limited; please register. Tuesday, July 26, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
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Otis Library Night at Dodd Stadium!
Baseball season is here and Otis Library is proud to partner with the Connecticut Tigers again for the 2016 season! There are two ways to support Otis Library and enjoy a night at the ballpark: Buy tickets for Otis Library Night at Dodd Stadium Friday, August 26 at 7:05 p.m.
CT Tigers vs. Vermont Lake Monsters
Fireworks after the game!
$8.00 each ($4 from each ticket goes to Otis Library) Buy vouchers for any 2016 CT Tigers Game! Choose your game! $8.00 each ($4 from each ticket goes to Otis Library) Tickets are available now by contacting Kate McDonald at (860) 889-2365, ext. 127 or kmcdonald@otis.lioninc.org. |
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Hours Monday & Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Closed on Saturdays in July & August |
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