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Executive Director's Letter
In December's newsletter, I submitted the following proposition: "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." Certainly, the year just ended and the response to recent programs supports the accuracy of this statement. Calendar year 2017 featured 156,928 visits by adults and children. Special events such as the Smithsonian exhibit Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?, its ancillary programs and November's iteration of O'tis A Festival were major contributors to this total, but this does not belie the impact of the myriad programs that attract the public at all times of the year. A regular series of book discussions, children's activities, computer classes and collaborative ventures with other Norwich cultural assets ensures that regardless of date and interest you will find something to engage you during a library visit.
During 2018, we envision even more activities to engage and attract the public. Among these are coding classes conducted by our youth services staff, citizenship classes, our first naturalization ceremony for new residents and, in April, a month of activities dedicated to the Harris Sisters, Norwich residents and students at Prudence Crandall's School for African-American Women in 1833 - 1834.
Otis Library is pleased to be an integral part of the education and cultural infrastructure of Norwich and one of many entities - governmental, commercial and nonprofit - dedicated to building a strong community.
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
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Holiday Schedule
Otis Library will be closed on Monday, February 19, for Presidents' Day.
Tax Preparation
TVCCA VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) will provide free tax return preparation at Otis Library on Wednesdays, 11am - 2pm, from January 31 through April 11. Limitations apply and appointments are required. Please call TVCCA at (860) 425-6597 for more details and to schedule your appointment.
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Thank You!
Barry Shead, Assistant Vice President and Norwich Branch Manager of the Savings Institute Bank & Trust, presented Otis Library with a check for $2,100 for coding classes, which will be conducted later this year in the Children's Department. Thank you for this generous donation!
From left to right: Barry Shead; Diane Deedy, Youth Services Librarian at Otis Library; and Bob Farwell, Executive Director of Otis Library.
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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.
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Take Your Child to the Library Day
Featuring:
Storyteller Larry Spotted Crow Mann
Saturday, February 3, 1pm - 2pm
Storytime Room
Otis Library will host storyteller Larry Spotted Crow Mann of the Nipmuc tribe in a program featuring tales from Native American tradition. He will also highlight his new book
Drumming and Dreaming. Copies will be available for purchase. No registration required. For all ages!
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The Friends are accepting donations of gently used book 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!
Please note: The Friends of Otis Library American Girl Doll Tea, originally scheduled for February 3, has been canceled.
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Love Your Library Month!
February is Love Your Library Month! This month is a great time to think about all the ways Otis Library supports the Norwich community. We are proud of the opportunities we provide for lifelong learning and the role we play in promoting cultural awareness and economic success.
If you love Otis Library, we want to hear about it! You may e-mail Cathy at [email protected], or share your story with a staff member. We love to hear how we have helped you meet new friends, obtain a job, learn a language, find a new interest, or just made you smile.
If you have enjoyed the programs and services we offer, please spread the word. Encourage your friends, family and coworkers to get a library card and take advantage of all that we have to offer.
Please also consider making a
financial donation to help us to continue to provide the programs and services you love.
Thank you for your support!
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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 February (except 2/19) and 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.
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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 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.
Understanding Your Credit
Monday, February 5, 6pm, Meeting Room
Sponsored by Liberty Bank
Learn about your credit score, credit reports, and repairing your credit. Pamela Days-Luketich from Liberty Bank will share her expertise in this free workshop. Refreshments will be provided. To register, please call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128, or register on our online calendar.
Wednesday, February 14, 5pm
Meeting Room
The group will be discussing Before I Forget: Love, Hope, Help and Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer's by B. Smith, Dan Gasby and Michael Shnayerson. 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
Tuesday, February 20, 1 - 2:30pm
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.
Introduction to Genetic Genealogy: Understanding the Possibilities of DNA testing
Saturday, February 24, 1pm, Community Room
Learn about the ways in which DNA testing can benefit your genealogical research. Genealogist and DNA specialist Nora Galvin will explain three types of testing used in genealogy, the companies that offer such tests, and strategies for making the best choices for your research.
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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.
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 February (except 2/19) and 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.
Teen Art Lounge (grades 7 and up)
Wednesday, February 7, 6pm - 7pm, Young Adult Room
Teens, stop by the Young Adult Room and create a cool piece of art for yourself! No registration required.
Tween Book club (grades 6-8)
Monday, February 26, 6pm - 7pm, Meeting Room
Sponsored by the Norwich Recreation Department
The Tapper Twins Go To War (With Each Other) by Geoff Rodkey. 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.
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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.
Mother Goose & More (ages zero to 23 months)
Mondays, February 5, 12, & 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.
Kids Imagine Book Club (grades 3-5)
Monday, February 12, 6pm - 7pm, Story Time Room
Funded by the Norwich Recreation Department
Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight. 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.
Build It! Clinic (grades K-8)
Saturday, February 17, 10:30am - 12pm
Build structures using a variety of materials in the Meeting Room. No registration required.
Bella! Therapy Dog Extraordinaire (all ages)
Saturday, February 24, 12pm - 1pm
Courtesy of Ms. Pepin - thank you!
Visit and read to our very favorite therapy pug, Bella. No registration required.
Time for Twos (for age 2)
Tuesdays, March 6 - 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 beginning February 12.
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 beginning February 12.
Recipe for Success (ages 8-11)
Saturday, March 17, 11am - 12pm
If you like popcorn you're going to love this fun-filled program! Make cheese, ranch and cinnamon-flavored popcorn! And yes, we will pop up some green popcorn to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! Related activities complete the fun. Space is limited; register beginning February 12.
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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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