Kennebunk Free Library
Monthly E-Newsletter                                      April 2015
Volume 21 Issue 4
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gnome

Woodland Creatures

 

Students in kindergarten and older can create their own woodland creature on Tues., April 21 at 2 PM. 

 

What are woodland creatures you ask?  Dwarves, elves, fairies, pixies and gnomes of course! The Faerie Festival is quickly approaching; perhaps you would like to make a woodland creature to inhabit your fairy house or gnome home!  

 

Preregistration is required. We will use hot glue guns, so children younger than 8 need a caregiver to help them. Please call 985-2173 x-5 or email us to pre-register.

Adult Reading Groups

Non-fiction Book Group

 Mon. 4/13 at 6:30 PM

Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy

by Karen Abbott

  

Adult Book Group  

Tues. 4/28 @ 1 PM

Where'd You Go, Bernadette? 

 
 by Maria Semple


American Girl Book Group

Our last meeting of the school year for this group is April 8th @ 4 PM. We will discuss Changes for Kirsten  by Janet Shaw.    

Holds for the books may be placed using our Minerva system, and the Library will also have extra copies available to check out at the Children's Room desk.  Space is limited--please preregister  to ensure we have enough craft materials, by email or by  calling 985-2173 x5.
Legos creation
Legos Club 

Tues., Apr. 28 at 4 PM
for Kindergartners and older children.
Please preregister by calling 207-985-2173 x5 or by email.

Trivia Wed., April 29th
@ 6:30 PM 

Carol may be retired, but she's still leading Trivia with Susan!

Join in the brain-straining fun!

Stevie Westmoreland

Parenting Class
Friday, April 3 at 10 AM

This ongoing, drop-in class is led by Stevie Westmoreland, LCPC, LMFT. No pre-registration is needed, and you do not need to attend all of the classes. Join us!


In Praise of Libraries

The March 2015 Rotarian magazine published an excellent article about Libraries. You can read about it  here. It is good to get national attention about the successful role of Libraries in our communities.

Susan Yoga Pose

Wake up to spring with Preschool Yoga on  Thurs., April 23rd at 11 AM.  Miss Susan, Registered Yoga Teacher, will be offering a class with simple yoga stretches,  music,  movement, games and stories for children ages 2-5 and their grown-up. Please bring along a blanket for each of you for covering up during Resting on a Cloud Pose at the end.

 

Pre-registration is required.  Please call 985-2173 x-5 or email us to preregister  
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Earth Day Fun

 

Is your child looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day? How about turning used paper scraps into a special new sheet of paper - that grows into a plant?  

 

On Thurs., April 23, from 1-3 PM  youth in grades 4-7 can learn how to make seed paper which is homemade paper embedded with seeds. This paper can be planted in a pot or in your garden; after it dries participants can write on it, plant it, and watch their flowers grow! Space is limited and preregistration is required: sign up as soon as possible by calling 207-985-2173 x5 or by emailing us. 

 

PLEASE NOTE that the paper pulp gets messy! Participants will almost certainly end up a bit wet.  Please dress accordingly.


 

An exhibition of artwork by preschool-age children from the Kennebunk Recreation Beyond Tots Adventure Club will be on display during regular Library hours in our Speers Gallery from April 10 to 27. An open reception will be held on April 13 from 4-7 PM.

 

The exhibit is in recognition of The Week of the Young Child™, an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The purpose of the Week of the Young Child™ is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. This year's theme is "Celebrating Our Youngest Learners".

 

The Beyond Tots Adventure Club artwork is based on some favorite books from the KFL's collection, using stories as a springboard for art projects, songs, games, and activities to encourage literacy and for just plain fun! 

 

KFL is pleased and honored to be able to present these very talented young artists.

Happy Spring!

Spring birds are chirping away (shameless plug: check out our bird & bird house books and DVDs) bringing with them National Library Week and National Poetry month, both of which we will celebrate in style!
 
Keep an Eye Out For KFL's Annual Appeal Letter!

You may not realize that though we are a private, non-profit library, we are strongly supported by the Town of Kennebunk for nearly 75% of our operating budget. KFL raises the remaining 25% through various contributions and fundraisers such as the Road Race, Mini-Golf, Silent Art Auction and our Annual Appeal. We penny-pinch as much as we are able, but raising $116,000 is no small challenge. Will you help your library reach our Annual Appeal goal of $63,000? Thank you in advance for your support.

Maine Poet Laureate to Speak at KFL

 

"[He is] a master craftsman with a remarkable ear."  - Maxine Kumin

Wesley McNair, the fourth Maine Poet Laureate, will read from his newest book, The Lost Child on Friday, April 24th at 2 PM. McNair has published eight books of poetry. The author of three volumes of nonfiction, he has also edited six anthologies of Maine writing, including four that feature Maine poetry. 

Few authors are as well versed in the history of Maine poetry or the work of Maine's contemporary poets as Wesley McNair.  In addition to writing poetry, McNair writes on the craft of poetry in his many personal and critical essays. McNair's essays on the power of place have also earned him high regard for his prose skills.


 For more information about this free program, please call 207-985-2173 or email us.

Silent Art Auction at the KFL--Success!


Our Silent Art Auction was a complete success! Ninety pieces of art were donated by individuals in the community and all but ten were purchased. The effort reaped $1,580  in proceeds, which support the operational needs of the Library.

The Library anticipates a second silent art auction in the summer of 2016. Should you have art to donate, we will store your art for you beginning in October 2015.
   
For more information, please email  us or call the library at 207-985-2173.

Free Income Tax Help at the KFL

 

taxes

Free tax help, provided for many years at the KFL by AARP, is available at KFL for two more sessions: April 2nd and April 9th. from 9:30 AM to Noon. No reservations are taken--tax help sessions are on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up begins at 9 AM. Please bring with you your previous year's returns and any other related tax documentation.

 

The KFL provides only the most frequently used IRS tax forms; however, the library has copies of most all of the IRS forms which may be photocopied at 10 ¢ per copy. The state of Maine does not provide any state tax forms to the Library-forms are available only by calling (207/624-7894), writing your requests (mail to: Maine Revenue Services, PO Box 9107, Augusta, ME 04332-9107) or by ordering online

You may also download forms from the Maine government website. KFL offers its computers for downloading these forms for a 25¢ per page fee. KFL staff can help you download forms from the internet; however, staff cannot help you with your tax related questions.

 

For more information please call the Library at 985-2173 or email us.

 

Support Maine Libraries
 

Maine Public Library Fund income tax check-off

Support Maine Public Libraries by donating via your Maine Income Tax form using Schedule CP Charitable Contributions and Purchase of Park Passes.Donating $5 or more is this easy. How?  

  • Go to your Maine Income Tax form - Form 1040ME
  • Locate Schedule CP which is used for voluntary charitable contributions to any of the organizations listed. [Schedule CP is also used to purchase a park pass for entry into Maine State Parks].
  • Look for Maine Public Library Fund in section A.
  • Choose to donate _$5 _$10 _$25 or more.
  • Maine taxpayers using the I-File system will also see the Maine Public Library Fund on the Schedule CP voluntary contributions page.
  • If you have any questions, see Maine Revenue Service (MRS) or consult your tax adviser.

Last year's donations were used to increase the Maine Download Library book collection. Great for all Maine Libraries and readers!

Nat'l Lib Week
Each year in April, libraries across the US celebrate Libraries--their own Library as well an the appreciation of what public libraries offer. KFL is no exception. During the week of  April 13 - April 18 , we will observe National Library Week with a food drive (which will also help reduce your fines) and drawings for our famous "Book Bundles".

With each visit--even daily--you may take a free chance to win a stack of four or so them-related books. topics may range from mysteries to crafts to popular authors, and there will be bundles for adults, teens and children. 

We will also conduct a food drive for the local food pantry. Bring in an item or two of non-perishable food, and if you have fines, we will cut any existing fines by half when you pay the other half.  This is a great way to help your community AND reduce your fines! 

For more info, please call 207-985-2173 or email  us.
If you are a customer of Kennebunk Savings, You Can Help the KFL with your Vote!

Join the KFL Board of Trustees

The KFL Board of Trustees is currently welcoming individuals with a passion for their local library to apply to join the Board of Trustees. As a Trustee, you will team with other Board members in preserving and advancing the interests of KFL. The Board represents the broader community by governing the operations  effectively   and promoting the development of KFL. The responsibilities of Board members include preparing for and attending regular Board meetings, assisting in annual fundraising events (the Annual Appeal, KFL Road Race, Mini-Golf, etc), participating in the development and approval of library policies, and acting as an advocate for the library through contacts with civil groups and public officials.

All persons 18 years of age who are legal residents and/or employed within the Towns of Kennebunk and Arundel are eligible to serve on the Board and are encouraged to apply.

 

For more information, the Trustee job description and a nomination form, please visit our website or stop by our circulation desk for printed information.

First a Knitting Group--
Now We're Loaning Knitting Needles!

Krissy Birthisel leads our weekly group of knitters (and other handiwork) each Tuesday at 11 AM in the Reference Room. Beginning in November 2013, this informal group now averages 10 participants a week and is open to all. Krissy and her knitters are so passionate about knitting that they have donated their extra knitting needles and spare yarn, which we are now lending to our patrons! We're pretty sure that we're the only public library in Maine that loans needles--start your next (or first) project with KFL needles and one of our many knitting books!
The 18th Edition 
Library Road Race

It's not too early to begin training for the Library's 18th Edition Run/Walk event on
Friday, July 10th at 6 PM.

This family-friendly event includes live music by the Kennebunk River Band, free dinner for registrants (small fee for others), our fabulous goodie bags & T-shirts for the first 250 people who register, our beer & wine garden and our famous raffle items. 
Click here for more information about this event and to register.
child in KFL Fairy Garden
The Fairies are Coming!

It's that time of year again to welcome the fairies back into our garden!  The snowbanks are receding, and the downed sticks, bark and dried seedpods are beginning to show.  As you clean your yard, set some of these materials aside and use them to build fairy houses or gnome homes with your children. Or maybe you prefer to use shells and seaglass gathered at the beach? 

 

To prepare for the Faerie Festival,  we will start accepting fairy houses for display starting April 21. To be included in judging, please bring in houses by Wed., April 29.  Houses should be constructed of all natural materials, with a base no larger than 14" x 14," and a height no taller than 30". Remember, faeries are allergic to plastic!  Although glue is allowed, try string, thread or raffia to connect pieces, or make glue using flour and water. If you need building materials, stop by the Children's Room.  

 

Faerie Houses will be on display until May 16.  We are always amazed by the details children include.  Be sure to stop by to see how creative they are!

 

This year's Faerie Festival will be Sat., May 2 from 9:30-11 AM. Crafts, games and faerie fun! Gnomes welcome!

 

Please call 207-985-2173 or email us if you can lend a hand.

April Calendar of Events

 

Apr. 2:   Tax Help, 9:30 AM to Noon

Apr. 2:   Time for 2's & 3's, 10:15 AM

Apr. 3:   Parenting Class, 10 AM

Apr. 3:   Teen Gaming, 3 PM
Apr. 4:   Genealogy Group, 10 AM 

Apr. 6:   Peek-a-Book Babies, 10:15 AM

Apr. 6:   Homeschool Group, 2 PM

Apr. 7:   Family Storytime, 10:15 AM

Apr. 7:   Nifty Knitters, 11 AM

Apr. 7:   Teen Advisory Group, 3:30 PM

Apr. 7:   Teen Movie Night, 5:30 PM

Apr. 8:   American Girls Book Club,  4 PM

Apr. 9:   Tax Help, 9:30 AM to Noon

Apr. 10:  Teen Gaming, 3 PM 

Apr. 13-18: National Library Week

Apr. 13:  Peek-a-Book Babies, 10:15 AM 

Apr. 13:  Artist's Reception, 4-7 PM

Apr. 13:  Non-Fiction Book Group, 6:30 PM

Apr. 14:  Family Storytime, 10:15 AM

Apr. 14:  Nifty Knitters, 11 AM

Apr. 16:  Time for 2's & 3's, 10:15 AM

Apr. 17:  Teen Gaming, 3 PM

Apr. 18:  Drawing for Book Bundles Winners

Apr. 20:  LIBRARY CLOSED for Patriots Day

Apr. 21:  Nifty Knitters, 11 AM

Apr. 21:  Woodland Creatures Craft, 2 PM

Apr. 22:  Kennebunk Health & Rehab Presentation, 1 PM

Apr. 23:  Preschool Yoga, 11 AM

Apr. 23:  Earth Day Fun, 1 PM

Apr. 24:  Poet Wesley McNair, 2 PM

Apr. 24:  Teen Gaming, 3 PM  

Apr. 28:  Adult Book Discussion Group, 1 PM

Apr. 28:  Nifty Knitters, 11 AM

Apr. 28:  Legos Club, 4 PM

Apr. 28:  KFL Board of Trustees, 7 PM, Public Welcome!

Apr. 29:  Trivia Night, 6:30 PM

Apr. 29:  Last day to bring in Faerie Houses 

We welcome your feedback about our services and programs! Feel free to contact us via email, phone (207/985-2173) Facebook or in person.