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Executive Director's Letter
Saturday November 23, 10am - 3pm marks the 11th installment of O'tis a Festival. Originating as a modest book fair, O'tis has evolved into a community event that attracts thousands of individuals to the city center. O'tis captures the essence of Otis Library, a safe and welcoming community space, visited monthly by thousands of area resident.
Otis Library has a wealth of assets that make it essential to a healthy and attractive community. Among the most critical are free community space, technology resources, and connections to the local economy, a sense of ownership by the community and, above all, a high level of community trust. With these assets, we can connect to all parts of Norwich, building those relationships and networks that contribute to strong social infrastructure. Events such as O'tis a Festival are tangible manifestations of how Otis Library creates opportunities for discourse and interaction among community members.
We also have received word of two awards, one related to the physical plant and a second focused on improving access to medical information. Regarding the former, with the assistance of Norwich Public Utilities and the Neighborhood Assistance Act, Otis will embark on a two-phase program to enhance its HVAC system. These added controls will improve the library's overall environmental controls, allow added balancing of conditions in public, office and storage areas and improve the system's overall operation while reducing electric and natural gas consumption.
In late October, the R.S. Gernon Trust awarded Otis $3,454 for additions to its medical resources.
The adult collection will benefit from a wide range of health and medical related resources including diet and nutrition, exercise, sleep, pregnancy and childbirth, men's and women's health and senior health concerns. Children and young adult resources will include diet, cooking, exercise for children, healthy lifestyles for children and teens, drug abuse and alcoholism. Additional topics address stress for parents and children, physiology and human anatomy.
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
We will be closed on Monday, November 11, for Veterans Day.
We will close at 5pm on Wednesday, November 26, and be closed on Thursday, November 28, for the Thanksgiving holiday.
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The Friends of Otis Library
Thank you to everyone who came out in support of the Friends of Otis Library book sale! Once again, it was a huge success, with all proceeds from the sale benefiting Otis Library. Our next book sale will be in April 2020.
Interested in becoming a Friend? Learn more about the Friends of Otis Library
here.
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Songs of Thankfulness and Gratitude with Sheri Miller
Saturday, November 2, 1pm, Community Room
Otis Library will host the concert "
Songs of Thankfulness and Gratitude for Thanksgiving Month: From The Beatles to Lady Gaga to Judy Garland" with acclaimed singer-songwriter-musician Sheri Miller. This concert is sponsored by Guinan & Houle LLP, Attorneys at Law.
To celebrate themes of thankfulness and gratitude for the month of Thanksgiving, Sheri will perform an all-ages family concert, singing a wide range of popular classic songs of appreciation and love. Sheri was named one of Music Connection's "Hot 100 Unsigned Artists" and has released 2 records, "Mantra" and "Winning Hand," as well as her original song "I Could Love You Still" (featuring Will Lee, Paul Shaffer, and Steve Cropper), among other singles. Her new EP/ record will be released in 2020, which was recorded in LA, NY and Nashville. For more info visit
www.sherimiller.com.
This concert is free and open to the public.
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Help Decorate Our Holiday Tree!
Wednesday, November 6, 6-7:30pm
Drop in to Otis Library to make an ornament for the library's tree! All of the ornaments we make will be on display at Otis Library's 11th Annual O'tis a Festival on Saturday, November 23, so you can show them off to your friends and family. McKenna's Flower Shop is generously donating all of the materials to create the decorations, and owner Michael Rankowitz will be on hand to provide basic instruction. All ages are welcome to participate in this free event!
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SAVE THE DATE! The 11th Annual O'tis a Festival will be held at Otis Library on Saturday, November 23, 2019, 10am - 3pm. Kick off the holiday season with this fun-filled day of shopping and entertainment! We'll have beautiful handmade items for sale, singing, dancing, and, of course, SANTA! There will be so many more details to share, we will keep you posted through our newsletter, social media and website. We hope you are as excited as we are!
This event would not be possible without the support of our community. Thank you to Sayet & Seder, Attorneys at Law; Chinigo, Leone & Maruzo, LLP; and These Guys Brewing Company, LLC for their sponsorship. Thank you to McKenna's Flower Shop for their beautiful decorations and collaboration, and thank you to Children's Dental Associates of New London County for their in-kind support. We are so grateful to these wonderful people for their generosity and commitment to their community!
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Programs for Adults
Technology Classes at Otis Library
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.
Technology Classes at Rose City Senior Center
Tuesdays, 10am - 12pm
Otis Library provides computer/technology instruction to seniors at the Rose City Senior Center.
Please call 860-889-2365, ext. 100, for additional information.
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!
Wednesday, November 13, 10:30am - 12:30pm, Business Center
Are you looking to start your own business but don't know where to begin? Do you need help writing a business plan? What if you own a business but need advice on marketing? Jill Fritzsche, Community Manager at Norwich Community Development Corporation, will be in the Business Center at Otis Library the second Wednesday of every month from 10:30am - 12:30pm to answer your questions. Drop in; no appointment necessary. This is a free program. For more information, call Julie at 860-889-2365, ext. 128.
Changing Minds Book Club
Wednesday, November 13, 5pm, Meeting Room
The group will be discussing
There There by Tommy Orange. Join us for conversation and refreshments. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Front Desk. No registration required.
Michael Jordan's Steakhouse
Thursday, November 14, 12pm
Sponsored by Guinan & Houle, LLP Attorneys at Law
Otis Library and Bank Square Books present a Delicious Discussions luncheon with Whitney Scharer, author of
The Age of Light, on Thursday, November 14. Tickets for this event are $40 and include an author talk and signing, a copy of the book and a buffet lunch at Michael Jordan's Steak House at Mohegan Sun.
This event requires pre-registration. To register, call Julie at 860-889-2365 x128 or you may
register online.
Delicious Discussions Author Series is a partnership between Otis Library, Bank Square Books and Michael Jordan's Steak House at Mohegan Sun.
Otis Library Genealogy Club
The Genealogy Club will be on hiatus for the months of November and December. The next meeting will be Tuesday, January 21, 1-2:30pm in the 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.
"Chopped" Champion Ceil Vardar at Otis Library!
Wednesday, December 4, 6pm, Community Room
Otis Library will host a cooking demonstration and tasting with Norwich native Ceil Vardar! Chef Ceil, a winner on the Food Network's show "Chopped," will show you how to create tasty Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired dishes. Free program; registration is required. You may register online or call Julie at 860-889-2365, ext. 128.
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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.
Make Your Own Video Games with The Rhode Island Computer Museum (ages 11 and up)
Saturday, November 16, 11am - 12:30pm,
Community Room
Learn the interactive software called "Scratch" and create your own video game sample. Scratch is a computer program developed to teach software coding. The program will also cover the history of how early video games were made. For ages 11 & up. Space is limited;
please register.
Tween Book Club (grades 6-8)
Monday, November 25, 6 - 7pm, Community Room
Pizza is provided by Big Y Supermarkets - thank you!
We will discuss
Crush by Svetlana Chmakova. Join in activities related to the book! Pizza will be served. Space is limited;
please register. Pick up a copy of the book at the Front Desk.
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All programs are offered at no charge to the public. Registration is
required for some programs. Please register in person at the Child
ren's Desk; by calling (860) 889-2365, ext. 114; or you may register for our programs via our
online calendar
.
Creative Movement (ages 3-5)
Friday, November 1, 10:30 - 11:15am
Join us for this joyful movement class hosted by Eastern Connecticut Ballet. This month's theme is "The Nutcracker." Hear a story around this theme and do 35 minutes of movement.
Please register.
Monthly Mother Goose & More: Rhyme Time and Playgroup (ages
newborn - 23 months
)
Saturday, November 2, 10:30 - 11am (Rhyme Time), 11 - 11:30am (Playgroup)
Enjoy 30 minutes of traditional rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and other activities for the very young; then stay (or not) for a half-hour playgroup. This is a great opportunity for working parents to enjoy this weekend program! Older siblings are welcome to attend! Drop-in; no registration required.
Drop-In Turkey Craft (all ages)
Saturday, November 2, 11am - 1pm
Help decorate your holiday table with this fanciful craft! No registration required. For all ages. Program will take place in the Children's Department.
Mother Goose & More: Rhyme Time and Playgroup (ages newborn - 23
months)
Mondays, November 4 & 18, 10:30 - 11am (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! Drop-in; no registration required.
Get Up & Dance: Preschool Fun (ages 3-5)
Wednesday, November 6, 10:30 - 11am
Join us for 30 minutes of dance and musical games. Grownups may wait in the Children's Department or dance along with their child in the Story Room! Space is limited;
please register.
Build It! Clinic (grades K-8)
Saturday, November 9, 11am - 12:30pm
Stop by and build structures using a variety of materials in the Children's Room. No registration required.
Bella! Therapy Dog Extraordinaire (all ages
)
Saturday, November 9, 12 - 1pm
Courtesy of Ms. Pepin - thank you!
Visit and read to our very favorite therapy pug, Bella! No registration required.
Kids Imagine! Book Club (grades 3-5)
Monday, November 18, 6 - 7pm, Story Room
Pizza is provided by Big Y Supermarkets - thank you for your support!
Come discuss
Lucy & Andy Neanderthal by Jeffrey Brown. Join in activities related to the book. Pizza is provided. Space is limited;
please register. Pick up a copy of the book at the Front Desk.
Creative Kids: Preschool Art (ages 3-5)
Wednesday, November 20, 10:30 - 11am
Join us for a fun painting program for preschoolers! Prepare for a mess and bring or wear an old shirt. The class will end with a story and then take your masterpiece home! Space is limited;
please register.
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Thank You!
Thank you to all of you who subscribe to our newsletter!! This is quite an extensive and varied list of programs we have included here and it's all because of you. When you attend these events, take advantage of the services, respond to our online surveys, and promote the library to your friends, you let us know that we are providing the right lifelong learning and social experiences for you. In this month of Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to THANK YOU for your support, input and encouragement. Best wishes for happy and healthy holidays from your friends at Otis Library!
Support Otis Library
If you appreciate the programs and services provided by Otis Library and would like to see more of what you enjoy, please make a
donation today!
Thank you!
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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 Sundays
Closed on Saturdays in July & August
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