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Newsletter September 2016
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Director's Letter
Dear Library Patrons,
As you visit the library, I hope your attention is drawn to the large screen television in the atrium and the examples of early Norwich photographs and postcards that are currently on display. Many of these are the result of the ongoing scanning of the Rene Dugas photograph collection, a singular visual record of early Taftville history. Taftville does not solely define the collection, although it comprises the majority of the subjects. There are also early images of industrial and commercial areas of Norwich, including mills and other manufactories, retail establishments and a variety of long vanished and sometimes forgotten eateries, businesses and social and civic events. The postcards reflect what visitors and residents considered memorable locations worthy to be shared with friends and families. There are also numerous images of commercial enterprises, reflecting pride in the industrial component of Norwich's character. Mills and manufactories may not elicit the same reaction from modern viewers, but at a particular place and time, they were enviable symbols of an expanding, youthful nation on the cusp of greatness.
A recent donation from our City Historian, Dale Plummer, is also worthy of note. A compact photograph album contains images of Norwich trolley cars, once a familiar sight in the city and environs. Many of these date from just before and after the demise of trolley service, roughly the mid 1930's and several cars appear to be derelict or abandoned. Photographs and postcards are essential parts of local history and its narrative. We would welcome any images you would like to share with us for scanning and preservation.
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
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Otis Library will be closed on Saturday, September 3, and Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day. We resume our Saturday hours, 10am - 3pm, on September 10.
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Friends of Otis Library Book Sale!
Mark you calendars! The Friends of Otis Library Book Sale is October 21 - 23. This sale is bigger and better than ever, with something for everyone! There will be an early bird preview on Friday, October 21, from 9am - 10am for a $10 fee.
General admission hours are as follows:
Friday, October 21, 10am - 3pm;
Saturday, October 22, 10am - 3pm; and
Sunday, October 23, 12pm - 3pm.
The Friends continue to accept donations of gently used books, DVDs and CDs. Please drop off your items, two bags at a time, to the library's Front Desk. For larger donations, call (860) 889-2365, ext. 100. Please, no cassette tapes, VHS tapes, textbooks, encyclopedias or magazines. Thank you!
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National Voter Registration Day
September 27 is National Voter Registration Day! With so much at stake for all Americans this election year, now is the critical time for each of us to ask our friends, neighbors, coworkers and family if their voter registration is up to date. The League of Women Voters will be available in the Library's atrium on Tuesday, September 27, from 10am to 2pm, to answer questions and assist you with voter registration.
If you are unable to make it to the Library on September 27, mail-in forms are available in the entryway of the library. Just fill in the brief form and return it to the Registrar of Voters in your town of residence.
If you have a valid (not expired) driver's license, driver's permit, or non-driver photo ID issued by the Connecticut DMV, you have the additional option of online voter registration. Look for details here:
http://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do. This site includes information in Spanish, as well as English. If you need additional assistance, just ask at the business center or call (860) 889-2365, ext. 108.
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Otis Library
Free programs and displays throughout the Library during the month of September!
Home Buying Seminar
Saturday, September 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
Sponsored by Chelsea Groton Bank
The Home Buying Seminar will be presented in
English and Spanish in the Meeting Room
. Learn key steps to purchasing a home and available options, especially for first-time home buyers, regarding mortgage financing, underwriting and the approval process. Gain insight into whether you are ready for home ownership, pitfalls to avoid, and the mortgage and down payment assistance programs that are available. A light breakfast will be provided. Registration is required; call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128, or
register on the
online calendar.
Honduran Art Exhibition & Presentation
Expo Honduras Artistical al Descubierto
Wednesday, September 14, 6pm
This exhibit constitutes a showcase of today's art that expresses the feeling of a thriving nation - a cheerfulness despite living through difficult times. It is made possible through the efforts and collaboration of the Instituto Hondureno de Cultura Interamericana, Expressiones Cultural Center in New London, and Otis Library. Meet the visiting artists at the presentation on Wednesday, September 14 at 6pm. The exhibit will be on display in the Community Room from September 14 through September 23.
Celebrate "Welcoming Week!"
Monday, September 19, 5pm - 7pm
Join us for the official opening of the Children's Department "World Language Center" in conjunction with Welcoming America's "Welcoming Week!" Welcoming Week was designed to bring together immigrants and U.S.-born residents in a spirit of unity to raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone, including new Americans. There will be cultural food, art, activities, and more. For all ages. Drop-in; no registration required.
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Taftville Families 1900-1933
There is a new album of 94 photographs entitled "Taftville Families 1900-1933" on Otis Library's Historical Photograph Collection Flickr page.
These photographs were created by pioneering photographer Prime Dugas in his Taftville studio in the early part of the 20th century and are a part of the larger collection of photographs donated to Otis Library by the Dugas family. The collection can be viewed on the Otis Library website.
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Borrow the Internet!
Stop at Otis Library and check out a pocket-size WiFi device, hotspot, that allows you to use the Internet on your computer or other wireless device for free!
Otis Library makes hotspots available to library cardholders to assist in research, networking, recreational use, and document or presentation production needs. Hotspots are provided according to availability.
Hotspot Lending Policy
The following rules and regulations apply:
- Hotspots may be borrowed by resident library cardholders ages 18 and up in good standing (i.e. users with fines of $20.00 and over are blocked). Borrowers must show a current photo ID (driver's license or state ID).
- Hotspots may be checked out for 2 weeks and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, i.e. there are no reservations. There are no renewals.
- Hotspots must be returned in person. They may not be returned to onsite or offsite book returns. Borrowers are advised to wait until the hotspot is checked in by a staff member on duty at the Main Desk.
- Fines for unreturned hotspots are $15.00 per day, not counting days the library is closed. An "on-time" return is defined as a hotspot that is returned prior to closing on the last day of check out. Users who have on two separate occasions returned the hotspots late will lose hotspot-borrowing privileges for a period of six months.
- The user assumes full responsibility for the cost of repair or replacement in the event that the hotspot is lost, stolen, or damaged. The Library's IT Department will assess technological issues and patrons will be charged accordingly.
- Hotspots not returned to the library will be immediately disabled and rendered useless.
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Delicious Discussions Author Series
Delicious Discussions Author Event with Elisabeth Egan
Wednesday, September 21 at 12pm
Our September Delicious Discussions event will feature Elisabeth Egan, author of
A Window Opens,
on Wednesday, September 21, from 12 - 1:30pm. The event is part of an ongoing partnership with Bank Square Books and Michael Jordan's Steak House.
Tickets are $40 each and include lunch at Michael Jordan's Steak House at Mohegan Sun, a copy of A Window Opens, dessert and book signing. For more information, please contact Kate McDonald at [email protected] or (860) 889-2365 ext.127.
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Programs for Adults
Technology Classes
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 on Wednesdays, 5pm - 8pm. 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.
Wednesdays, 5pm - 8pm in the Business Center
Something new! Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to play chess. Use one of our chess sets or bring your own. If there is interest, drop-in chess will be available during all operating hours.
Drop-In Knitting Group
The Rows City Knitters meet every Friday at 10am in the Meeting Room. All skill levels welcome! For more information, call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
This series is funded by Connecticut Humanities. Connecticut Humanities, a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, supports cultural and historic organizations that tell the state's stories, build community and enrich lives.
Where Did I Come From?
Wednesday, September 7, 6:30pm - 8pm, Community Room
This program will guide participants in a search for their homeland, including demonstrations on how to locate ship manifests, naturalization records, and vital records in their country of origin. The presentation will include examples from many countries, providing tips on hiring foreign researchers, and using Family History Centers to find original foreign vital and church records. The program will be presented by Beth Mariotti, Director of the Godfrey Memorial Library. Free event; no registration required.
Tips for Advanced Online Research
Monday, September 12, 6:30pm, Community Room
Learn about the multitude of resources available online and how to use them. This presentation covers how to check online sources for authenticity, managing online documents (i.e. how to extract, store and cite documents from the web), using databases, tools to track and guide your online research, and more. The program will be presented by Beth Mariotti, Director of the Godfrey Memorial Library. Free event; no registration required.
Shred-It Day at Otis Library!
Saturday, September 10, 10am - 1pm
Sponsored by Chelsea Groton Bank
Otis Library is partnering with Chelsea Groton Bank to provide a "Shred It" service on Saturday, September 10, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Community members are invited to bring documents for shredding to the truck parked in front of Otis Library on that day. There is a limit of three file-size boxes each to be securely destroyed. This event is free and open to all.
Home Buying Seminar
Saturday, September 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
Sponsored by Chelsea Groton Bank
The Home Buying Seminar will be presented in English and Spanish. Learn key steps to purchasing a home and available options, especially for first-time home buyers, regarding mortgage financing, underwriting and the approval process. Gain insight into whether you are ready for home ownership, pitfalls to avoid, and the mortgage and down payment assistance programs that are available. A light breakfast will be provided. Registration is required; call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128, or register on the
online calendar
.
Wednesday, September 14, 5pm - 6pm
Join us for a discussion of The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro. Refreshments will be served. No registration necessary. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Front Desk. For more information, call Julie at (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
Lunch & Learn with Diana K. Perkins
Thursday, September 22, 12pm - 1pm
Sponsored by The Elsie Brown Fund.
Join us for a Lunch & Learn with Diana K. Perkins, author of
The Shetucket
River Milltown Series. Ms. Perkins will discuss her latest book in the series,
The Nonprofit Murders, which is set in South Windham and Willimantic. She also will talk about her research into the mills and mill towns in Eastern Connecticut where her novels take place, and the lives of the people who worked in the mills. A free lunch will be provided. Registration is required; call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128, or your may
register here. Copies of her novels will be available for sale and signing.
Monday, September 26, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Local author Diane Santos will talk about her new book
Onward Into the Light: A True Story of Profound Love, Devastating Loss, and a Bond Unbroken by Death. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing. Free event. Light refreshments will be served.
Remains
Wednesday, September 28, 6pm - 7:30
View the zombie thriller and cult classic movie Remains, which was filmed in downtown Norwich. Free event; no registration required. Refreshments will be served.
Based on the IDW Publishing graphic novel written by Steve Niles (
3
0 Days Of
Night
), Remains is set in a chilling post-apocalyptic Reno, Nevada, and follows the survivors of a bizarre accident that reduced most of the world's population to zombies. The group takes refuge in a vacant casino and fights a losing battle against the undead, who grow steadily stronger, smarter and more aggressive by the minute. The movie stars Grant Bowler (
Killer Elite, True Blood
), Lance Reddick (
Fringe, Lost, The Wire
), Miko Hughes (
Pet Sematary
) and Tawny Cypress (
Rescue Me, Heroes
). This film is not rated.
Author Event with Jerry Thornton
Saturday, October 1, 1pm - 2:30pm
Attention Football Fans! Join us for a free author event with Jerry Thornton, author of
From Dynasty to Darkness: The First 40 Years of the New England Patriots. The event will be held in the Community Room and will feature an author talk, Q&A and book signing. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and light refreshments will be served.
From Darkness to Dynasty tells the unlikely history of the New England Patriots as it has never been told before. From their humble beginnings as a team bought with rainy-day money by a man who had no idea what he was doing to the fateful season that saw them win their first Super Bowl, Jerry Thornton shares the wild, humiliating, unbelievable, and wonderful stories that comprised the first forty years of what would ultimately become the most dominant franchise in NFL history. Witty, hilarious, and brutally honest,
From Darkness to Dynasty returns to the thrilling, perilous days of yesteryear - a welcome corrective to those who hate the Patriots and a useful reminder for those who love them that all glory is fleeting.
Jerry Thornton is cohost of the daily
Dale and Holley Show on WEEI, Boston's leading sports radio station and one of the first writers for
Barstool Sports. In addition, Jerry is a standup comic who won the Boston Comedy Riot competition and has worked colleges and clubs all around New England. He has appeared on HBO's Emmy Award-winning
Curse of the Bambino and Comcast Sports New England and has written for ColdHardFootballFacts.com.
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Programs for Tweens and Teens
Teen Survey
Beginning September 1. Teens grades 9 and up: What kind of library programs and services do you want to see at Otis Library? From coding to crafting, tell us what you want! Stop by the Young Adult Department starting September 1 for a copy or online on the Teen page at
www.otislibrarynorwich.org and tell us what you think!
Anime Club of Otis Library (for grades 5 and up)
Wednesday, September 7, 6pm - 7pm
Attention Anime Fans! The Otis Library Anime Club will kick off with an anime drawing workshop with artist Debra Hamuka-Falkenham. Please
register on our online calendar or call (860) 889-2365, ext. 100.
Ecology Club of Otis Library (for grades 6 and up)
Saturday, September 10, 10:30am - 12pm
Starting this month, join us one Saturday a month to discuss environmental ideas and projects for the library and our community! In partnership with Expressiones Cultural Center of New London. Program will take place in the Children's Department. Please
register on our online calendar or call (860) 889-2365, ext. 100.
Back to School: Secrets of Conquering Math (for grades 6 and up)
Saturday, September 10, 12pm - 3pm
Sponsored by Professor & Chair Michelle Dunlap and the Connecticut College Dept. of Human Development, Connecticut College Holleran Center Margaret Sheridan Faculty Engagement Grant, and Otis Library.
Join this interactive workshop for pre-teens, teens, and college students
. Learn from our expert panelists: James Shackle, mechanic and pilot in training; Marianne Juber, math teacher; and Gayla Holmes, math instructor. Door prizes and lunch make this a fun and educational day. Program will take place in the Community Room. Please
register
on our online calendar or call (860) 889-2365, ext. 100.
Tween Book Club (for grades 5 - 8)
Monday, September 26, 6pm - 7pm
Read a Who Was? book! Otis Library has over 20 Who Was? books. Pick your favorite or learn about a new historical figure! Over pizza, we will talk about our choices. Program will take place in the Meeting Room. Please register on our online calendar or call (860) 889-2365, ext. 100.
Tween Advisory Board Meeting (for grades 5 - 8)
Wednesday, September 28, 6pm - 7pm
Share your ideas and participate in program planning! Meet other students your age and make new friends! Work on projects to give back to the community. Please
register on our online calendar or call (860) 889-2365, ext. 100. Meeting will take place in the Children's Department.
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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: Rhyme Time and Playgroup (ages newborn to 23 months)
September 19 & 26, 10:30am (Rhyme Time); 11am - 12pm (Playgroup)
Enjoy 30 minutes of traditional rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and other activities for the very young; then stay (or not) for a one-hour open playgroup. Older siblings are welcome to attend also! Drop-in; no registration required.
Toddler Storytime (ages 2 - 3)
Tuesdays, September 13 - November 22, 10:30am - 11am
Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and a simple craft with your child! Space is limited; please
register.
Preschool Storytime (ages 3 to 6)
Thursdays, September 15 - November 17, 10:30am - 11:15am
Children enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and a craft while their grownups wait in the Children's Department. Space is limited; please
register
.
Music with Margie (ages 2 - 5)
Thursdays, September 15 & 29, 12:30pm - 1pm
Join this joy-based music and movement class with your child. Space is limited;
register for one or both classes.
Open Art Clinic (ages 5- 12)
Fridays, September 16, 23 & 30, 3pm - 4:30pm
Create a cool work of art each week at our Open Art Clinic! Express yourself by making a take-home project with a variety of art materials. No registration required.
Celebrate "Welcoming Week!" (all ages)
Monday, September 19, 5pm - 7pm
Join us for the official opening of the Otis Library Children's Department World Language Center in conjunction with Welcoming America's "Welcoming Week!" Welcoming Week was designed to bring together immigrants and U.S.-born residents in a spirit of unity to raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone, including New Americans. There will be cultural food, art, activities, and more. Drop-in. Free event.
Recipe for Success Program (ages 8 - 11)
Saturday, September 24, 11am - 12pm
Say goodbye to summer with this refreshing banana split ice cream pie! Related activities complete the fun! Space is limited; please
register.
Bella! Therapy Dog Extraordinaire (all ages)
Saturday, September 24, 12pm - 1pm
Courtesy of Ms. Pepin - thank you!
Visit and read to our very favorite therapy pug, Bella! No registration required.
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Filling in the Gaps in our Norwich Free Academy Yearbook Collection
The Otis Library genealogy and local history resources include a collection of The Mirror, NFA's yearbook. Unfortunately, our collection is not complete. We are seeking donations to help us fill in the gaps.
Here is a list of the years we do not own: Any editions prior to 1912; 1913-1916; 1918; 1921-1922; 1924-1925; 1933; 1947; 1949-1950; 1973; and 1998 to the present. If you are able to help us fill a gap or two, please bring your books to the Main Desk, and tell the staff that they are donations for Local History. For more information, call 860-889-2365, ext. 108.
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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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