 |
|
Executive Director's Letter
I have read a number of articles pondering the
evolving
role
s of public libraries, a topic that provides endless grist for the library listserv mill.
Directly or
indirectly,
all share a theme, which is, to borrow the title of one article, "How to Future Proof Our Library."
T
hat seems a bit ominous and conjures up images of libraries designed like Vauban fortresses or late nineteenth century armories with firing slits for windows and an intimidating, glowering massiveness.
Fortunately, despite the dismal language that is not the intent.
Future proofing is more akin to the planning Otis Library does on a regular basis. Planning for the future of Otis Library involves assessing the library facilities and the services we provide, including the technologies. This is especially important in a time of complex transition from the unquestioned dominance of print to one where the common wisdom is digital formats will predominate. Maryanne Wolf, author of Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain, compares our current situation to the fifth and fourth centuries BCE, a time when Socrates raised questions about literacy. These concerns mirror apprehensions equally resonant in the protean environment of the early 21st century. The questions raised more than two millennia ago by Socrates about literacy in the context of the transition from an oral society to a literate reflect Wolf's concerns about the immersion of our children in a digital world. As Wolf observes, "Like the ancient Greeks, we are embarked on a powerfully important transition-in our case from a written culture to one that is more digital and visual." That does not presage an impending Dark Age any more than did Socrates's misgivings about written versus oral communication. The varieties of planning Otis Library engages in are the best means of "future proofing" our community assets.
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
Otis Library will be marching in the
Norwich St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 4. The parade kicks off on Main Street in at 1pm. Join us! Call Julie at (860) 889-2365, ext. 128, if you are interested in marching with us
Closings
Otis Library will be opening at 12pm on Tuesday, March 6.
The library will be closed on Friday, March 30, for Good Friday.
|
TVCCA VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) will provide free tax return preparation at Otis Library on Wednesdays, 11am - 2pm, through April 11. Limitations apply and appointments are required. Please call TVCCA at (860) 425-6597 for more details and to schedule your appointment.
|
|
The Millie and Martin Shapiro Author Series Featuring
An Evening with John R. Bohrer
Friday, April 27, 6pm
The Spa at Norwich Inn
John R. Bohrer is a reporter, historian, and television news producer. He has prepared anchors for high-profile interviews and tackled investigations, and his research has been cited by the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, and many more.
His writin
g has appeared in New York magazine, The New Republic, Politico, and USA Today,
among others.
T
he Revolution of Robert Kennedy
is his first book.
Join us for our 15th Annual Evening with an Author, Otis Library's signature fundraiser! Evening with an Author is known for its unique silent auction, delicious dinner, and stimulating keynote presentation, including a question and answer period and book signing. Tickets are $125 per person, and sponsorships range from $250 to $5,000. Books are included with tickets and sponsorship. Please contact Cathy Special at (860) 889-2365, ext. 125 or [email protected] for more information.
|
Friends of Otis Library Book Sale is Coming!
Save the Dates!
Early Bird Preview, $10, Friday, April 20, 9am - 10am
Free General Admission:
Friday, April 20, 10am - 3pm;
Saturday, April 21, 10am - 3pm;
Sunday, April 22, 12pm - 3pm.
The Friends are accepting donations of gently used books for their upcoming book sale. Please drop off your books, two bags at a time, to the Front Desk. For larger donations, please call ahead to (860) 889-2365. Please, no encyclopedias, textbooks, or magazines. Thank you for your support!
Interested in becoming a Friend? Learn more about the Friends of Otis Library here.
|
|
Women's History Month Tea
Otis Library, in partnership with the Norwich Free Academy History Department, is hosting a Women's History Month Tea on Saturday, March 3, at 12pm in the Community Room. This year's theme is "Women in the Arts." Join students as they portray ground-breaking women in the arts, such as Georgia O'Keeffe, Audrey Hepburn, and Emma Watson. Attendees will be encouraged to visit with the women and ask questions while enjoying tea and desserts. Guest speaker is Michelle Dunlap, Professor of Human Development at Connecticut College. Free program; registration is required. To register, call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128, or register on the online calendar.
|
|
Sponsored by The Elsie Brown Fund
Otis Library is inviting children, from pre-schoolers through fifth grade (including home schoolers), to submit artwork for the exhibit "My Teacher Taught Me..." which will open on Friday, April 6, in the Community Room. As the title indicates, artwork - paintings, drawings, collage, and assemblage - should illustrate an important lesson or skill that the student has
learned from a teacher. All appropriate submissions will be
displayed.
Two optional art workshops will be held at Otis Library on Saturday,
March 3,
and Saturday, March 10, from 12pm - 2pm.
Local artist Faith Satterfield will be on hand to help children create an original work of art relating to "My Teacher Taught Me..." Faith is a mural artist, an internationally-trained illustrator and teaching artist. Free event; supplies will be provided. Drop-in; no registration required.
Artwork must be delivered to the Front Desk at Otis Library by Monday, March 12. Artwork should be accompanied by the following information: first name and last initial of student, age, name of parent(s)/guardian(s), city/town, school, short statement by the student that explains the meaning of the artwork and any other information the student would like to include about his/her artistic choices.
|
|
City of Norwich Poet Laureate
The City of Norwich, through a partnership with Norwich Creates, is seeking to appoint the City's first Poet Laureate. The honorary position of the City of Norwich Poet Laureate was established in 2017 by a resolution of the City Council under the initiative of former Mayor Deb Hinchey. As the City's representative poet, the Poet Laureate will serve as an ambassador for poetry by promoting and encouraging the appreciation of creative expression through poetry and literary arts activities.
The Poet Laureate writes and shares his or her work in public appearances, digital media, and workshops, and inspires the community to find and share their own creative voice. The selected poet will be introduced in April during National Poetry Month.
A Poet Laureate Selection Committee, consisting of five representatives from a local middle school, high school and college English departments, Otis Library, and Norwich Creates, has been formed to assist in the selection. Interested applicants can view the guidelines and submit an application for the position by going online to
www.norwichctevents.com
, or visit Otis Library at 261 Main Street in Norwich. Funding for the Poet Laureate stipend is provided in memory of Cynthia A. Carano. For more information, call Julie at (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
|
|
Programs for Adults
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 by appointment only. Please call Bassem at (860) 889-2365, ext. 109 or 110 to register.
Para reservar una cita, apersonese a la biblioteca o llame a Bassem
860-889-2365, ext. 109 o 110.
NEW! Otis Library is now 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.
Members of the Rows City Knitters would like to thank Driftwood Yarns of Groton for their continued support!
An Introduction to Yoga for Teens and Adults
Otis Library will be offering "Introduction to Yoga" classes for teens and adults on Monday evenings in March from 6pm to 7:15pm in the Millie and Martin Shapiro Community Room. These free classes will be presented by instructors from
'A Peace of Space' Yoga and Wellness Center. Wear comfortable clothing; yoga mats will be available to borrow. No registration required.
For more information, call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
Monday, March 5, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Meeting Room
Otis Library, in partnership with Artreach, will be offering a free jewelry making workshop for beginners. Melanie Nagode of Artreach, an experienced instructor, will walk you through the process of creating your own piece of jewelry. Materials provided. For ages 16 and up. There are a limited number of seats available; registration is required. Call Julie at (860) 889-2365, ext. 128, or register on our online calendar.
Eugenics and the Norwich State Hospital
Saturday, March 10, 2pm
Community Room
Sponsored by the New London County Historical Society
Robert Farwell, Executive Director of Otis Library
, presents a discussion on the history of eugenics and its link to the Norwich State Hospital. Eugenics, the attempt to improve the human species through better breeding, was a widespread and popular movement in the United States and Europe between 1910 and 1940. No registration required.
Changing Minds Book Club
Wednesday, March 14, 5pm
Meeting Room
The group will be discussing This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel. 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.
Songs of the Irish-Americans
Saturday, March 17, 1pm
Community Room
Sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, John P. Holland Division
In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, Otis Library will host a program of Irish and Irish-American songs presented by Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle. Free program; no registration required.
Otis Library Genealogy Club
Tuesday, March 20, 1 - 2:30pm
Meeting Room
The club meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month to learn and to brainstorm about family history projects. Please bring with you any basic information you have about the family members for whom you are looking. This club will be useful for beginners as well as experienced researchers. For more information please call Kathleen Wieland, Genealogy Librarian, at (860) 889-2365, ext. 108.
Wednesday, March 21, 6:30pm
Community Room
Author Susanne Davis will read from her collection of short stories entitled The Appointed Hour, which is set in rural Connecticut, and will discuss how local history inspired her writing. Ms. Davis is a graduate of the Iowa Writer's Workshop, and teaches creative writing at Trinity College and the University of Connecticut. She is a past winner of the Hemingway First Novel Competition, a finalist for the Reynolds Price Short Fiction Award, and the runner-up in the University of Kentucky Press New Poetry and Prose Series competition.
Copies of The Appointed Hour will be available for sale and signing. Free program; no registration required.
|
|
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.
An Introduction to Yoga for Teens and Adults
Otis Library will be offering "Introduction to Yoga" classes for teens and adults on Monday evenings in March from 6pm to 7:15pm in the Millie and Martin Shapiro Community Room. These free classes will be presented by instructors from
'A Peace of Space' Yoga and Wellness Center. Wear comfortable clothing; yoga mats will be available to borrow. No registration required.
For more information, call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
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.
Jewelry Making Workshop (ages 16 and up)
Monday, March 5, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Meeting Room
Otis Library, in partnership with Artreach, will be offering a free jewelry making workshop for beginners. Melanie Nagode of Artreach, an experienced instructor, will walk you through the process of creating your own piece of jewelry. Materials provided. There are a limited number of seats available; registration is required. Call Julie at (860) 889-2365, ext. 128, or register on our
online calendar.
Tween Book club (grades 6-8)
Monday, March 26, 6pm - 7pm, Meeting Room
Sponsored by the Norwich Recreation Department
Olga and the Smelly Thing From Nowhere by Elise Gravel. The book will be discussed, followed by an activity related to the book. Pizza will be served.
Please
register online
or call or visit the Front Desk at (860) 889-2365, ext. 100. Pick up a copy of the book at the Front Desk.
To Post Or Not To Post: Managing The Pitfalls Of Social Media For
Teens Workshop (grades 9 and up)
Saturday, March 31, 12:30pm - 2:30 pm
Sponsored by Connecticut College's International Curriculum Development (ICD) Grant & Holleran Center Sheridan Grant, and Writer's Block Ink.
Teens, social media can make or break your future. Learn how to be savvy on the internet in this proactive workshop offered by students from Connecticut College and members of Writer's Block Ink. A light lunch will be available for attendees from 12pm - 12:30pm in the Story Room before the workshop.
Please register.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl Book Discussion
Saturday, April 7, 1pm - 2pm
Sponsored by the AHEPA Norwich Foundation.
Youth Services Librarian Diane Deedy will facilitate a discussion of the definitive edition of this classic. Participants will receive a copy of the book and can earn community service credit for attendance. Please pick up a copy of the book in the Children's Department. Refreshments will be served.
Please register.
|
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.
Mother Goose & More (ages zero to 23 months)
Mondays, March 5, 12, 19, & 26, 10:30am (program); 11am - 12pm (playgroup)
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.
Time for Twos (for age 2)
Tuesdays, March 13 - May 8 (no class April 17), 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 register.
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5)
Thursdays, March 8 - May 10 (no class April 19), 10:30am - 11:15am
Children enjoy stories, songs and rhymes while their grownups wait in the Children's Department. Caregivers are encourages to join the fun during craft time at the end of class! Space is limited;
please register.
Build It! Clinic (grades K-8)
Saturday, March 10, 10:30am - 12pm
Build structures using a variety of materials in the Children's Department. No registration required.
Bella! Therapy Dog Extraordinaire (all ages)
Saturday, March 10 12pm - 1pm
Courtesy of Ms. Pepin - thank you!
Visit and read to our very favorite therapy pug, Bella. No registration required.
Shamrock Celebration (all ages)
Saturday, March 17, 10am - 2pm
We are thinking green and offering some fun St. Patrick's Day crafts! Stop by and take advantage of this free craft day! No registration required.
Kids Imagine Book Club (grades 3-5)
Monday, March 19, 6pm - 7pm, Story Time Room
Funded by the Norwich Recreation Department
Read
The Bolds by Julian Clary. The book will be discussed, followed by an activity related to the book. Pizza will be served. Please
register online , or call or visit the Children's Desk at (860) 889-2365, ext. 114. Pick up a copy of the book at the Front Desk.
|
|
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!
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
