Our Library is an Open Book

Libraries change and evolve to meet the needs of their community and adapt to new technologies. At Phillips Free Library though, one thing is constant - we exist to create an equitable world. Our mission is to empower and inspire all people to grow and connect with one another to create a better world for all. Here are some ways to connect with your community at the library this month.

New This Month

Board Announces New Director

The Phillips Free Library Board of Directors is happy to announce that our own Martsje Vanderschaaf-Riehlman has been selected as the new Library Director. Please stop in and congratulate Martsje on her new role at the library!

A few words from Martjse

I am very happy with the chance to be the library director in Homer. I have always loved to read and learn, and I expect this job will be a never-ending source to do just that. Contrary to what many people think though, librarians usually have very little time to read on the job. I’m sure I’ll have many opportunities to expand my knowledge and my skills, and to get to know the community. I hope to create initiatives and programs together with other parties in our lovely town.

Featured Events

Fill the Food Pantry

The Great Give Back is a community service initiative of libraries in New York State. This year, Phillips Free Library will collect food for our food pantry. All who donate have a chance to win a $25 gift card to a local participating Homer business of their choice. Bring five or more non-perishable and not expired items to the library to receive a ticket. Then take it to the store where you’d like to spend your gift card if you win. Repeat this as many times as you wish! We will collect food items from October 1-21. The drawing will be held the following week. See library for complete listing of participating businesses.

Read for the Record

Jumpstart's Read for the Record program encourages early literacy while using the same book around the world. This year the book is With Lots of Love by Jenny Torres Sanchez. Children in preschool through 3rd grade are invited to join us, with their family, for a fun evening of music, craft, stories and more on Friday, October 20th at 6 pm. The first 25 families to register will receive a free copy of the book. Please register by emailing office@phillipsfreelibrary.org

New Books

Adult Fiction

Bright Young Women

by Jessica Knoll

place hold here

Masterfully blending elements of psychological suspense and true crime, Jessica Knoll—author of the bestselling novel Luckiest Girl Alive and the writer behind the Netflix adaption starring Mila Kunis—delivers a new and exhilarating thriller in Bright Young Women. The book opens on a Saturday night in 1978, hours before a soon-to-be-infamous murderer descends upon a Florida sorority house with deadly results. The lives of those who survive, including sorority president and key witness, Pamela Schumacher, are forever changed. Across the country, Tina Cannon is convinced her missing friend was targeted by the man papers refer to as the All-American Sex Killer—and that he’s struck again. Determined to find justice, the two join forces as their search for answers leads to a final, shocking confrontation.

Picture Book

Madeline Finn and the Blessing of the Animals

by Lisa Papp

place hold here

It’s a special day! Madeline Finn is taking Bonnie and Star to the Blessing of the Animals. When they arrive, they see dogs and cats. There’s even a goat!

Madeline Finn watches closely as the Reverend Mary Alice spends time with every animal, giving each one their very own blessing.

“How do you know what to say?” Madeline Finn wants to know.

“Everyone has a blessing inside,” Miss Mary explains. “A special gift to share with the world.”

When Madeline Finn receives a blessing all her own, she has a new mission: finding the blessings in others. Surely, the furry and feathery residents at her local animal shelter have lots of special gifts to share. They just need someone to believe in them—someone to set those blessings free.

New Next Month

Sweet 60 and Up!

The Sweet Sixty and Up! program is an event for seniors to reconnect with the library and other community members. The second of three programs will be held on Friday, November 17th from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. After rave reviews, The Elderly Brothers will be back for a concert. We will also offer an opportunity to make greeting cards, play board games, decorate fall cookies and talk about a few good books. The dial-a-ride (wheelchair-accessible) service to the program and back home is available for free. Registration is required and transportation requests need to be received by November 9th to participate in the free service. To register email office@phillipsfreelibrary.org or call 607 749 4616

A Glimpse from September

Our children's programs restarted in September - we had 17 K-2nd grade children at the first LEGO Club of the year!

The first Sweet 60 and UP! program was a huge success with music, baking and books!

Did You Know...

Did you know ...

Phillips Free Library has a science kit you can borrow that will help prepare for the solar eclipse in 2024. There is a book, 2 experiments and more. Come check it out!