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Executive Director's Letter
Dear Library Patrons,
A year ago, for the January 2016 newsletter descriptions of two initiatives were proffered to our patrons. Of the two, one, the LED lighting has been consummated with salutary results reflected in the library's utility bill. The second, the long-anticipated arrival of the Smithsonian exhibit Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?
is imminent. The exhibit has arrived and will be open to the public from January 7-February 3.
To accommodate the public and ensure convenient access to the exhibit and programs, we will offer extra hours during the exhibit's appearance. Our Saturday hours will be extended to 10am - 5pm, and we will be open Sunday, January 8, from 12pm - 5pm. On Tuesday, January 31, and Thursday, February 2, the exhibit only will be open until 8pm.
In addition to the exhibit, there will be numerous programs, including those offered by members of the Smithsonian science staff and famed paleo artist John Gurche. More information on the exhibit and programs is available on the library's website www.otislibrarynorwich.org and within this newsletter.
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
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Otis Library will be closed on Monday, January 2, in observance of New Year's Day.
We will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean To Be Human?
Otis Library, January 7 - February 3, 2017
This exhibit was organized by the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in collaboration with the American Library Association Public Programs Office. This project was made possible through the support of a grant from the John Templeton Foundation and support from the Peter Buck Human Origins Fund.
Exploring Human Origins exhibit provides a fascinating glimpse into the complex field of human evolution research, and Otis Library is proud to be one of only 19 libraries through the U.S. to host it.
This exhibit seeks to shed light on what we know about human origins and how we know it. It welcomes different religious and cultural perspectives on evolution and seeks to foster positive dialogue and a respectful exploration of the science.
The exhibit delves into milestones on our evolutionary journey through interactive kiosks, hands-on displays and videos. An exciting series of programs has been planned at Otis Library. These include talks by members of the Smithsonian staff, local scientists and noted paleo artist John Gurche.
Opening Weekend:
Saturday, January 7, 10am to 5pm
Tour the exhibit! Join us for all-day entertainment for all ages.
10am Welcome by Robert Farwell, Executive Director of Otis Library, and Mayor Deb Hinchey
10:30am Viva Brazil-Ginga Brasileira!
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Ginga Brasileira! |
This professional ensemble performs a colorful, crowd-pleasing repertoire of Afro-Brazilian dances that fuse rhythmic music with high-energy gymnastics and martial arts. The ensemble performs Capoeira, a martial art dance form developed in Brazil by 16th-Century slaves. Also featured are Maculele, a stick dance created by African slaves working on Brazilian sugarcane plantations, and Samba, Brazil's national dance. All ages welcome! This program is sponsored by Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors.
12-2pm Henna Tattoos by Jamilah Zebarth
Discover the ancient art of henna and learn about its history and its role in
cultures throughout the centuries. Please register for this program by calling the Front Desk at (860) 889-2365 or registering on our online calendar at
www.otislibrarynorwich.org. This program is sponsored by Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors.
2-4pm Painting with Faith
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Faith Satterfield |
Local artist Faith Satterfield will be on hand to help you create an original work of art relating to "What Does It Mean To Be Human?" Faith is a mural artist, an internationally trained illustrator and teaching artist. Drop-in; no registration required.
Battlefields of the Pequot War
Sunday, January 8, 2pm
Dr. Kevin McBride, Director of Research at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, will give a presentation on the battlefields of the Pequot War. After more than 375 years, the Pequot War remains one of the most
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Dr. Kevin McBride |
controversial and significant events in Colonial and Native history of America. The Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center is identifying and preserving battlefields and historical sites associated with the Pequot War. The museum's new exhibit, "Archaeology of Mistick Fort," highlights the latest findings, with over 60 artifacts from the Pequot Museum's archaeological surveys of the Mistick Fort site and subsequent English Allied Withdrawal.
Evening Science Talk: Dr. Rick Potts, and Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni
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Dr. Rick Potts |
Monday, January 9, 6pm
How can scientific discoveries on human evolution connect with larger understandings of what it means to be human? Smithsonian Paleoanthropologist Dr. Rick Potts and Emeritus CT State Archaeologist Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni, will discuss the main themes and messages of the exhibit. The talk will explore how fossils, archaeological remains, and genetic studies shed light on our connection with the natural world and the origins of sharing, caring, and innovation.
Changing Minds Book Club
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Professor Faye Ringel |
Wednesday, January 11, 5pm
Facilitated by Faye Ringel, Professor Emerita of Humanities at the
U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Join in on a discussion of
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. This inspiring memoir finds hope and beauty in the face of insurmountable odds as an idealistic neurosurgeon attempts to answer the question "What makes life worth living?" Refreshments will be served. Copies of the book
When Breath Becomes Air will be available to borrow at the Front Desk. This program is sponsored by The Friends of Otis Library.
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Dr. Connie Bertka |
What Does Human Evolution Mean to You? A Community Conversation
with Drs. Connie Bertka and Jim Miller, co-chairs of the Smithsonian Institute's Broader Spectrum Social Impacts Committee
Wednesday, January 11, 6pm
How do scientific discoveries about human origins relate to people's personal understanding of the world and their place in it? Join Drs. Connie Bertka and Jim Miller as they encourage a community conversation about human evolution that helps us to understand each other's perspectives, to identify areas of common interest or concern, and to explore a variety of ways human evolution connects to personal meaning.
Paleo Artist John Gurche
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John Gurche |
Saturday, January 21, 1pm
Paleo artist John Gurche will present the program
Who Was Homo Naledi? The Scientific Detective Work Behind Answering This Question. He will discuss the discovery, excavation, analysis and reconstruction of Homo naledi, a new species of human found in a cave in South Africa. He will also offer a sneak preview of work for his next book and exhibition.
John Gurche's work can be seen in the Smithsonian Institution, the American Museum of Natural History, Chicago's Field Museum and other museums around the world. His illustrations have been featured in National Geographic Magazine, including four covers, and he was hired by Stephen Spielberg to create pre-production drawings for
Jurassic Park. Mr. Gurche is the author of
Shaping Humanity: How Science, Art and Imagination Help Us Understand Our Origins, about the creation of 15 sculptures for the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History Hall of Human Origins, which opened in 2010. This program is sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
A Conversation on Modern Sexuality
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Kia Baird |
Wednesday, January 25, 6pm
Otis Library and OutCT are hosting a panel discussion on the evolution of our understanding of Human Sexuality. Kia Baird, President of OutCT will moderate a discussion with Tara Broccoli, Associate Professor of Behavioral Science at Mitchell College; Margaret S
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nser Breen, Professor of English and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Connecticut, and Patrick Comerford, Community Organizer with Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.
Perfecting Humanity: The Norwich State Hospital and the Science of
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Robert Farwell |
Racial Purity
Monday, January 30, 6pm
Presented by Robert Farwell, Executive Director of Otis Library. Eugenics, the attempt to improve the human species socially through better breeding, was a widespread and popular movement in the United States and Europe between 1910 and 1940. This program provides an overview of the Norwich State Hospital and Connecticut's involvement at the turn of the 20th century.
Otis Library will be open extended hours during the time of the
Smithsonian exhibit.
Saturdays, January 7, 14, 21 and 28: 10am-5pm
Sunday, January 8: 12pm-5pm
Tuesday, January 31, and Thursday, February 2:
Otis Library (exhibit only) will be open until 8pm.
Questions? Call (860) 889-2365
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Global Road Warrior
Global Road Warrior is a world-class e-content database offering country-by-country information on 175 nations and territories.
Topics for each country include society and culture, travel essentials, business culture, communications and more. Global Road Warrior also promotes cross-cultural understanding through comparative studies.
Business people engaged in international trade, students researching country reports or patrons planning international travel will all find what they need within this site.
To access the Global Road Warrior, visit Otis Library's
website.
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American Girl Tea Party Fundraiser
Sponsored by The Friends of Otis Library
Attend an elegant tea party with games, crafts and fun for you and your doll! For girls 6-11. Space is limited; register to reserve your spot. For more information, call or visit the Children's Room at 860-889-2365, ext. 114.
Saturday, February 11, 1pm - 2:30pm
(Snow date: February 25)
Fee is $20 per child; $15 if parent/guardian is a member of the Friends of Otis Library.
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Delicious Discussions Author Series
The Delicious Discussions Author Series is an ongoing partnership with Bank Square Books and Michael Jordan's Steakhouse and is generously sponsored by Guinan & Houle, LLP, Attorneys at Law.
Reservations are required for each event.
The cost of the event includes lunch, dessert, a copy of the featured book and book signing. To register, please contact Kate McDonald, Development Manager, at kmcdonald@otislibrarynorwi
ch.org or (860) 889-2365 x.127. For the Beatriz Williams event, r
eservations can also be made online.
Delicious Discussions Author Event - Kevin Lacz
Thursday, January 19
12pm - 1:30pm
Michael Jordan's Steak House at Mohegan Sun
Cost $45
Please join us for our Delicious Discussions Author Event featuring Kevin Lacz, author of The Last Punisher.
"There are few, if any, people in the world who knew Chris Kyle as well as Kevin "Dauber" Lacz.
Many, like myself, knew some of Chris's story; few, like Kevin, knew virtually all of it.
This book is about the amazing true grit of SEAL Team THREE in some of the worst days of battle in the history of the US SEAL Teams and the United States.
The epitome of the SEAL attitude of "never quit" runs through Kevin's veins and this book's pages. A must read." Scott McEwen, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of American Sniper
Kevin Lacz left college and joined the US Navy following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He served with SEAL Team THREE as a sniper, breacher, and medic and did two combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received a Bronze Star with Valor, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medals in addition to others for his service. Kevin served as a technical advisor and played himself in Clint Eastwood's Oscar-nominated film
American Sniper
. He lives in Florida with his wife Lindsey and their two children.
Delicious Discussions Author Event - Beatriz Williams
Wednesday, January 25
12pm - 1:30pm
Michael Jordan's Steak House at Mohegan Sun
Cost $45
Please join us for our Delicious Discussions Author Event featuring Beatriz Williams, author of The Wicked City.
Beatriz Williams's previous books including Overseas (2012), A Hundred Summers (2013), The Secret Life of Violet Grant (2014), Tiny Little Thing (2015), Along the Infinite Sea (2015), The Forgotten Room (2016), and A Certain Age (June 2016). A graduate of Stanford University with an MBA from Columbia, Beatriz spent several years in New York and London hiding her early attempts at fiction, first on company laptops as a corporate and communications strategy consultant, and then as an at-home producer of small persons. She now lives with her husband and four children near the Connecticut shore, where she divides her time between writing and laundry.
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Programs for Adults
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.
Sponsored by the R. S. Gernon Trust
The Writers Workshop will meet 2nd and 4th Saturdays of January, February and March at 10:30am in the Meeting Room. This program will be facilitated by Writing Instructor Mary Lu Higgins.
The bi-weekly monthly meetings in a small, personal environment will motivate and support the writer. Each workshop will provide a short lecture, a creative exercise, discussion and positive feedback. Both new and experienced writers are welcome. Registration is required; please
register online or call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
Book Discussion:
I'll Take You There
Wednesday, January 18, 6:30pm
Discuss the latest novel by Wally Lamb,
I'll Take You There.
The book features a grown-up Felix Funicello, protagonist from
Wishin' and Hopin'
, and the trio of unforgettable women who have played a part in his life.
I'll Take You There
centers on Felix, now a film scholar who runs a Monday night movie club at the Garde Arts Center.
The libraries of southeastern Connecticut are honoring our region's leading author, Wally Lamb. The celebration was kicked off at the Garde Arts Center in New London on November 20 and will continue around the region with several events through February. On Sunday, February 12, at 3pm, the Garde will host all of Wally Lamb's local fans for a final celebration. Mr. Lamb will speak about his novels, meet his readers and sign books at this free event.
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Programs for Tweens and Teens
Anime Club of Otis Library: Nightcore (for grades 5 and up)
Wednesday, January 18, 6pm - 7pm
This month we'll discuss Nightcore and how it relates to anime. Show us your favorite clips and songs on YouTube! Please
register. Program will take place in the Young Adult Department.
Tween Advisory Board Meeting (for grades 5 - 8)
Wednesday, January 25, 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. Program will take place in the Young Adult Department.
Tween Book Club (for grades 5 - 8)
Monday, January 30, 6pm - 7pm
Join us for a discussion of The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. There will be pizza and related activities! Program will take place in the Meeting Room. Please register. Copies of The Wild Robot are available 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
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Open Art Clinic (ages 5 to 12)
Wednesday, January 4 & 18, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Sponsored by Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors, and the Norwich Recreation Department.
Create a cool work of art at our Open Art Clinic! Express yourself by making a take-home project with a variety of art materials. No registration required.
Music with Margie (ages 2 to 5)
Thursdays, January 5 & 19, 12:30pm - 1pm
Join this joy-based music and movement class with your child. Space is limited;
register for one or both classes.
Bella! Therapy Dog Extraordinaire (all ages)
Saturday, January 7, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Courtesy of Ms. Pepin - thank you!
Visit and read to our very favorite therapy pug, Bella. No registration required.
Mother Goose & More: Rhyme Time and Playgroup (ages newborn to 23 months)
Mondays, January 23 & 30, 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 to 3)
Tuesdays, January 24 - February 14, 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, January 26 - February 16, 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.
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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
Otis Library will be open extended hours during the time of the
Smithsonian exhibit.
Saturdays, January 7, 14, 21 and 28: 10am-5pm
Sunday, January 8: 12pm-5pm
Tuesday, January 31, and Thursday, February 2:
Otis Library (exhibit only) will be open until 8pm.
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