January 2016 News
Sturgis Library
Barnstable Village 


Sturgis Library's Wonderful Whales

Whales are spouting on the front lawn of Sturgis Library!

We are now proud owners of one of Michael Magyar's giant light sculptures.  If you've driven on Route 6A through Sandwich and West Barnstable, you will have noticed the dozens of light sculptures on display around the holidays. Magyar, owner of The Glass Studio on Cape Cod, created all of the sculptures and now you can add Sturgis Library's whales to the list of Magyar's fanciful creations.  Read more about the giant sculptures here.

The whale sculpture is intended to be a companion piece to our indoor whale mobile Moby's Pod, depicting a baby white whale and a pod of adult whales.  A whale image graces our Library tote bags along with the words "A Whale of a Library."  The whale theme is also a nod to our maritime and Cape Cod history collections.

Stop by the Library at night to get the full effect of the light sculpture!  Thar she blows!

 
Under Construction

You may have noticed some heavy equipment around the Library grounds in the last month, along with trucks, workmen, and the installation of a port-a-potty!  These are sure signs that our building project is finally underway.

We have embarked on two projects:

The first is a project to replace the HVAC system in the rear portion of the building, which was originally installed in the 1970s and 1980s.  We will be replacing the old equipment with one central high-efficiency unit which will provide heating and cooling to the building.  We will also be replacing ductwork and piping.

In addition to the HVAC project, we will be constructing a new, state of the art archival storage space in the basement level of the Library.  We have outgrown our current archival vault, and have struggled over the years to maintain an optimal climate for archives storage.  The new archival storage space will be equipped with a climate control system and a non-chemical, no-water fire suppression system which will protect these one-of-a-kind historic materials from fire and flood.  The new storage space will be three times the size of our current storage vault, and will provide safe storage for these materials for many years to come.

These projects will be partially funded by two major grants from the Barnstable Community Preservation Committee and the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, as well as smaller grants from the Cape Cod Five Foundation and the Lothropp Family Foundation.  We are still in the process of raising funds for the archives project in order to match grant support.

If you are interested in supporting our archives project, please consider making a donation to the Sturgis Library Archives Project fund.  You can give online by visiting the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/sturgisarchives.
If you prefer to give by check, please make checks payable to Sturgis Library and send to Sturgis Library Building Fund, PO Box 606, Barnstable, MA  02630. 

If you have any questions about these projects, please call Lucy Loomis at 508-362-8448 or send her an email at sturgislibrary@comcast.net.
 
Armchair Traveler Series 2016


 
 
Coffee and Coloring?

Coffee and Coloring!
 
These are a few of the coloring books for adults that we have recently added to our collection. Many adults are finding enjoyment & relaxation in coloring!
 
Join us on Wednesday,
January 27th from 4 to 5 pm
We'll have coloring pages from books designed especially for adults along with markers & pencils.  Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and snacks will be served.
 
Join us to relax and bring some color into your life!
 
Registration is appreciated:
508-362-6636
or via email to Marcella at sturgisreference@comcast.net

 
Celebrating Karen Horn!

Karen Horn, Sturgis Library's Assistant Director and head of Circulation and Interlibrary Loan Services, has worked for the Library for seven years.  In addition to her regular daily duties, she is responsible for training new staff and overseeing a group of 18 volunteers.  She is involved in library education and training, policy and public services in libraries on the local, state and regional level. 

This past year, Karen was one of ten people selected from around the state to participate in a pilot program through the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) called Project SET: Skills, Empowerment, Talent.   Participants engaged in activities and discussions designed to develop their leadership skills and strengthen their career paths as future trainers in the library community.

Each participant had to choose an outreach topic to explore throughout the year in preparation for presenting at the Annual MLS meeting in November in Worcester. Karen's topic was Professional Development and Certification, asking the question of fellow librarians "Do you want to cultivate a climate of professionalism and lifelong learning at your library?" She shared details of the Bite-Sized/Self-Directed staff training program she started here at Sturgis Library. She believes that allowing staff members to decide for themselves what they need to know and how best to learn it is the most time- and cost-effective approach to staff training and development. The next step is encouraging non MLS degreed librarians and library support staff to pursue state Certification for Para-Librarians.
 
In early December, participants and their supervisors/directors gathered for a celebration at MLS which included a luncheon and formal recognition of their accomplishments.

Director Lucy Loomis, library staff, Trustees, and volunteers all applaud Karen's work on behalf of the Sturgis Library and her leadership in the library community.  Well done, Karen! 
 

Programs for Young People

Self Defense for Teens
Tuesdays, January 12th - February 9th from 5-6pm
Learn how to leverage natural body mechanics and Tai Chi to protect yourself during this fun and active five week FREE self defense series at Sturgis Library.  Sifu Cruz from USA Kung Fu Academy will teach participating teens a new way of life.  Train your mind and heart to harness fear, react quickly, get away and find safety.  The key to success is repetition - so it's important to attend all five classes and practice to keep your new skills sharp.  This is an opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge that will serve you for a lifetime.  Space is limited to 12 participants (boys and girls are both welcome), so please call 508.362.6636 or email sturgiskids@comcast.net to grab a spot.
Ages 13-19.  Advance registration required.

LEGO Club
Wednesday, January 6th, 2016 from 4-5pm
Come by Sturgis Library for some festive LEGO fun before the Holiday Stroll!  Ages 5+.  Drop in.
LEGO CLUB meets the first Wednesday of every month from 4-5pm.  Collaborate with other brick masters as you engineer solutions to a new challenge each month, designed to inspire and enthrall kids of all ages.
 
 

Antique Dealers Award Grant

Sturgis Library has recently received a $500 grant from the Cape Cod Antique Dealers Association.  Each year the Association awards grants
to Cape Cod historical associations, museums, cultural centers, and libraries for programs or projects that will add to the public's appreciation of antiques and Cape Cod heritage.

Sturgis Library will be using the grant funds to preserve and protect their sizable collection of Barnstable and Cape Cod gravestone rubbings.  Originally created in the mid-20th century, these rubbings of early gravestones were traditionally done on very fragile paper, and need archival repairs and mylar sleeves in order to protect them for future generations.

The earliest gravestones in Barnstable and around the Cape are at risk of being lost due to deterioration and breakage.  Gravestone rubbings (now done only with permission) are an important record of the text and images found on early gravestones. 

We thank the Cape Cod Antique Dealers Association for their generosity.  To learn more about their organization and to see a list of previous grant recipients, visit their website. 
 
What Do I Read (or Watch?) Next?

Here are the latest book and movie recommendations by our library patrons and volunteers.  Want to share your favorites?  Stop by and fill out a book/movie recommendation form, or send an email to sturgislibrary@comcast.net with your suggestions.  
 
Emily G. recommends Elizabeth St. John Mandel's Station Eleven for its beautiful writing style and poetic voice.

According to Jilda Shafer, Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult was both a compelling novel and a story about elephants.

Tanya Duff loved The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline for its story line, character development, and connection of the people in the story.

E.B. White's One Man's Meat is on Max Kumin's top reads list.  "E. B. White is a deep thinker and a witty writer." 

Patty Blair found Gloria Steinem's new memoir My Life on the Road to be one long "aha!" moment.  "It will challenge your views of American history, politics, and society.  A great read!"

Brennan Riley loved all the action in Brian's Return by Gary Paulsen. Paulsen also wrote Brian's Winter and Brian's Hunt.

Elaine Cohen waid that M. Train by Patti Smith is a great read.  The book is illustrated by Smith's evocative photographs.

John Freeman enjoyed the evocative and descriptive writing in the Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante.  "Imagine if Jane Austen got angry and you'll have some idea of how explosive these novels are."

After watching the movie Bridge of Spies, Hub Mathewson says "Tom Hanks nail is again!  This time as an 'insurance lawyer'. Great suspense, and Tom's 'unknown' co-star steals every scene."  Bridge of Spies will be released on DVD in February but you can reserve it on the CLAMS system now.

Library Director Lucy Loomis really enjoyed the novel The Turner House by Anglea Flournoy.  To her it is as much a story of East Detroit and the Turner family house on Yarrow Street as it is about the large complicated family of 15, and their connections to the past, the present, and the future.  The Turner House was a National Book Award finalist and topped the lists of the best books of 2015.
 
Check the CLAMS website for more suggestions of new and popular titles. And stay tuned to next month's enewsletter for more suggestions!

Please note: 
If you've filled out a recommendation form and don't see
your recommendation listed here, don't despair! 
It will be featured in an upcoming edition of our enewsletter. 

Stay Tuned for A Whale of an Auction

Coming in February 2016
A Whale of an Auction!

Sturgis Library will be auctioning off a selection of high quality items in February and March in our winter online auction.

The auction will feature several vacations/trips, fine art and handcrafted items, adventures, and more. 

Bidding will be held online, but if you don't feel comfortable with online bidding or don't have access to a computer, absentee bids can be left with staff at the desk.

More information about the auction will be available in mid-January.  Stay tuned!  If you have questions feel free to call Lucy at 508-362-8448 or send her an email at sturgislibrary@comcast.net.

Now Showing

Local artisan Diana Woebke will be exhibiting and selling her handcrafted winter wreaths in the Simpkins Room Gallery during the month of January 2016.  Diana uses natural items like shells combined with ribbon and other items to create attractive natural wreaths that can be displayed throughout the winter season and kept from year to year.

Local jewelry maker Ellen Temkin will have an expanded selection of handcrafted jewelry for sale during the month of January.  Ellen is a local resident and talented artisan.
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Do you have artwork, photography, sculpture, crafts, a collection, or other interesting items to exhibit?  Contact Lucy Loomis at 508-362-6636 or drop her an email at sturgislibrary@comcast.net

You can get more information about our exhibit spaces on our website.  To see a list of upcoming exhibits and displays, check out the Now Showing page.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of exhibited art, photography, and crafts benefits the Sturgis Library.  Proceeds are used to enhance library services and programs. 

Preschool Storytime 

Join us for Drop-In Preschool Storytime every Thursday morning at 11:00.

 

Miss Megan will share stories, songs, fingerplays, and more!  The program is geared to children ages 2-5 and their parents or caregiver, but siblings are welcome to attend.  No need to register -- just drop in!

 

Keep an eye on our events calendar or follow us on facebook to hear about the latest programs for children, young adults and their families.

Library Hours & Holidays 

 
Sturgis Library will be CLOSED on
and on January 1st, 2016
and January 18th, 2016

flake

    

Regular hours are:
Monday                                       10 AM to 6 PM
Tuesday                                      1 PM to 8 PM
Wednesday                                  10 AM to 6 PM
Thursday, & Friday                        10 AM to 5 PM
Saturday                                     10 AM to 4 PM
Sunday & major holidays                 CLOSED




Sturgis Library Board and Staff

Ted Lowrie, President, Board of Trustees
Jeanie Hill, Vice President, Board of Trustees
John Ehret, Treasurer, Board of Trustees
Liz Ferretti, Secretary, Board of Trustees

Lucy Loomis, Library Director
Marcella Curry, Adult & Reference Services
Megan McClelland, Youth Services
Karen Horn, Circulation Services

For a complete list of staff and Board members, click here.

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Do you have questions about the Sturgis Library?  Contact us:

Phone & Fax:
Phone:  508-362-6636
Fax:  508-362-5467

Email:   

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