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Executive Director's Letter
Dear Library Patrons,
In last month's newsletter, I ended my epistle with the following comments on the forthcoming celebration of O'tis a Festival, "O'tis a Festival is exemplary of what Norwich can offer to residents and visitors, and Otis Library is an active partner in making our community a welcoming and attractive destination." Little did we know how successful it would be! Over 2,000 visits were recorded between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.! That is double the number of visits recorded in 2016. This is one of several credible signs that unique, attractive venues and stimulating events will draw visitors to the city center. No one entity can perform this function. A complementary mix of activities and experiences is essential and attainable.
Determining what attractions, programs and services the public wants is critical to realizing the vision of a renascent downtown. Between August and October, we surveyed patrons both electronically and onsite; 446 people responded, 190 online and 256 on site. A preliminary review of the results suggest that we have two large and distinctive user groups. One considerable group consists of frequent onsite patrons, here for such specific services as computer access and Wi-Fi connectivity. A second prominent group also uses the library for specific purposes, which generally qualify as "value added" experiences, e.g. programs and access to archives and local history collections. The groups share an interest in utilizing the library's print and online collections of books, magazines and newspapers.
These are very general conclusions. When we complete the analysis, what we discover should be the precursor to future inquiries focused on the types of attractions and services that will make Norwich a destination. I look forward to providing you with additional information in future newsletters.
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
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Otis Library will be closed on Saturday, December 23, and Monday, December 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. We will be closed on Monday, January 1, for New Year's Day.
We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!
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O'tis a Festival
The 9th Annual O'tis a Festival...a marketplace of all things creative held on Saturday, November 18, was a huge success! Thank You to the vendors, volunteers, and the over 2,000 people who visited the library to start their holiday shopping and enjoy the fabulous entertainment!
Special thanks to our Celebrity Parking Attendants:
Kia Baird, Bill Champagne, Chris Chastang, Lori Danis, Abby Dolliver, Deb Froio, John Iovino, Dr. Yvette Jacaruso, Bill Kenny, Amy Kenyon, Susan Lessard, Jake Manke, Rep. Cathy Osten, Rep. Emmett Riley, Rep. Kevin Ryan, Paul Siefert, and Atty. Jerry Smith; Performers: Norwich Tech Concert Choir, Mystic Garland Dancers, and Pat Kirker; our Event Sponsors, Friends of Otis Library; Norwich Public Utilities; Sayet & Seder, Attorneys at Law; McKenna's Flower Shop; Billie Shea, and Kathryn Lord; our Event Planning Committee, Diane Deedy, Sally Gagnon, Jeanne Kurasz, Julie Menders, Jane Seder, Melissa Riley, and Cathy Special; Otis Library staff; and Norwich Public Works for helping us transform the building!
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Thank You!
Congratulations to Linda Adelman who is retiring from the Eastern Savings Bank Board! Ms. Adelman very graciously asked that Eastern Savings Bank make a donation to Otis Library in lieu of a retirement party. Thank You, Ms. Adelman and Eastern Savings Bank for this generous gift!
Pictured left to right are John Mancini, EVP, Chief Credit Officer, Eastern Savings Bank; Robert Farwell, Executive Director, Otis Library; and Karen Chartier, Executive Assistant, Eastern Savings Bank.
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On Display in our Atrium:
A Mobile Mural Created by Our Piece of the Pie's Eastern CT Youth Center
Completed by 16 youth at OPP's Eastern CT Youth Center, the mural's theme
of
youth empowerment in the community brings a message of their eagerness to be involved and to re-engage and connect with thei
r larger community. Depicting young hands fixing, painting, and preservin
g historic buildings in Norwich, the work pays homage to history, the comm
unit
y, and the work that has come before. The youth honor this heritage, seeking to preserve and enhance it and pass on that legacy to the next generation.
This project is supported in part by the Southeastern Connecticut C
ultural Coalition in partnership with the Connecticut
Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The mural will be on display in the atrium for the month of December.
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Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank
Otis Library will host the traveling exhibit Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank from January 3 through January 31, 2018 in the Millie and Martin Shapiro Community Room. Making its United States premiere, the new exhibition discusses the life and struggles of Anne Frank from her birth in 1929 to her death in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945. It then jumps forward to the present, telling stories of young people today. Exhibit visitors get to learn about their individual identities and personal challenges, as well as discover how strangers respond to them. This part of the exhibition emphasizes the role of prejudice and how this can lead to exclusion and even discrimination. Let Me Be Myself was developed by the Anne Frank House and is sponsored in North America by the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect. This exhibit is made possible by a grant from Chelsea Groton Bank and by a gift from The Friends of Otis Library.
Please continue to check our
website as we update our associated programs and events.
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The Friends will be sponsoring an American Girl Doll Tea on Saturday, February 3 (snow date February 10) from 1pm - 3pm in the Community Room. This event is for children ages 6 - 11. The cost is $15 for Friends of Otis Library members and $20 for non-members. For more information, call or visit the Children's Department at (860) 889-2365, ext. 114.
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Programs for Adults
Technology Classes
Wednesdays, 5pm - 8pm & Fridays, 10am - 1pm
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. Please call 860-889-2365, ext. 100, for additional information or to make an appointment.
Technology Classes are offered in Spanish on Mondays between 5pm - 8pm by appointment only. Please call (860) 889-2365, ext. 100, to register.
NEW! Otis Library is now be providing computer/technology instruction to seniors at the Rose City Senior Center on Tuesdays from 10am - 12pm. Please call 860-889-2365, ext. 100, for additional information.
Wednesdays, 5pm - 8pm in the Business Center
Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to play chess. Use one of our chess sets or bring your own.
Drop-In Knitting Group
Fridays, 10am - 11:15am, Meeting Room
The Rows City Knitters meet every Friday. All skill levels welcome! For more information, call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
Holiday Harvest: Celebrating the Holiday Table
Monday, December 11, 6pm - 7:30pm
Celebrate the holiday season with samplings, healthful recipes, a cheeseboard primer, and easy entertaining ideas! Enjoy samples of dark chocolate harvest bark, fun virgin beverages, chocolate-dipped apricots and more. Presented by Kim Larkin of Klassic Kreations Workshops. Free program; registration required. You may register on our
online calendar or call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
For ages 16 and up.
Wednesday, December 13, 5pm,
Meeting Room
The group will be discussing The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher. Join us in the Meeting Room for conversation and refreshments! No registration required. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Front Desk.
Otis Library Genealogy Club
Please note: The Genealogy Club will not be meeting in December. The next meeting is Tuesday, January 16, 1pm - 2:30pm. For more information and to register, please call Kathleen Wieland, Genealogy Librarian, at (860) 889-2365, ext. 108
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Programs for Tweens and Teens
All programs are offered at no charge to the public. Registration is required for some programs. Please register in person at the Front Desk; by calling (860) 889-2365, ext. 100; or you may register for our programs via our
online calendar.
Wednesdays, 5pm - 8pm in the Business Center
Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to play chess. Use one of our chess sets or bring your own.
Teen Art Lounge (grades 7 and up)
Wednesday, December 6, 6pm - 7pm, Young Adult Room
Teens, stop by and create a cool piece of art for yourself! No registration required.
Anime Club of Otis Library: Cosplay Party! (grades 5 & up)
Wednesday, December 13, 6pm - 7pm, Story Room
Cosplay fun! Celebrate the holidays Anime style by dressing up as your favorite Manga character! Prize for best costume! Japanese snacks and craft activities, too. Please
register. Program will take place in the Story Room.
Tween Book Club (grades 6 - 8)
Monday, December 18, 6pm - 7pm, Story Room
Sponsored by the Norwich Recreation Department
Compass South by Hope Larson will be featured this month. The book will be discussed, followed by an activity related to the book. Pizza will be served. Please
register. Pick up a copy of the book at the Front Desk.
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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 you may register for our programs via our
online calendar.
Bella! Therapy Dog Extraordinaire (all ages)
Saturday, December 9, 12pm - 1pm
Courtesy of Ms. Pepin - thank you!
Visit and read to our very favorite therapy pug, Bella. No registration required.
Kids Imagine! Book Club (grades 3 - 5)
Monday, December 11, 6pm - 7pm
Sponsored by the Norwich Recreation Department.
Read
The King of Kazoo by Norm Feuti. The book will be discussed, followed by an activity related to the book. Pizza will be served. Please
register online or visit the Children's Desk, 860-889-2365, ext. 114. Pick up a copy of the book at the Front Desk. Program will place in the Story Room.
Build It! Clinic (grades K - 8)
Saturday, December 16, 10:30am - 12pm
Build structures using a variety of materials in the Story Room. No registration required.
Drop-In Winter Craft (all ages)
Wednesday, December 27, 1pm - 3pm
Stop by for this free craft. Help your child make a cute mitten creation, then take advantage of all the wonderful things the library has to offer! No registration required. For all ages, with supervision.
Drop-In Snow Globe Craft (all ages)
Thursday, December 28, 11am - 1pm
Drop in with your child and enjoy making a fun paper snow globe together! No registration required. For all ages, with adult supervision.
Coming in January!
Mother Goose & More: Rhyme Time and Playgroup (ages newborn to 23 months)
Mondays, January 8, 22 & 29, 10:30am - 11am (Rhyme Time); 11am - 12pm (playgroup)
Sponsored by the Norwich Recreation Department.
Enjoy 30 minutes of traditional rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and other activities for the very young, then stay (or not) for a one-hour open play group. Older siblings are welcome to attend! Drop-in; no registration required.
Time For Twos (age 2)
Tuesdays, January 9 - February 13, 10:30am - 11am
Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and a simple craft with your child! This program is age appropriate for your active two year old! Space is limited; please regiser beginning December 4.
Preschool Storytime (ages 3 - 5)
Thursdays, January 11 - February 15, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes while their grownups wait in the Children's Department. Caregivers are encouraged to join the fun during craft time at the end of the class! Space is limited; please register beginning December 4.
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CORE: A Shared Calendar of Regional Events
Looking for things to do this weekend? Visit the CORE calendar! CORE is a collaborative of organizations based in eastern CT with a shared goal of providing the community one regional go-to calendar of events for all things happening in the area. Be sure to check back often as it is updated daily!
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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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