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Executive Director's Letter
The beginning of a new calendar year is a propitious time to discuss some forthcoming exhibits and programs that merit consideration on your events calendar. In March, Otis Library presents a special exhibit from the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame: We Fight for Roses, Too. The title evokes a legendary women's labor song.
This exhibit is dedicated to the stories, struggles, and achievements of Hall of Fame inductees, women who have shaped the culture and society of Connecticut and the nation. Rather than focus solely on photographs of each of the inductees, the exhibit showcases images that highlight the struggle of each woman's actions as a means of further reminding audiences that the quest for women's equality has not been an easy battle. Topically, We Fight for Roses, Too explores such resonant themes as civil liberties, creative expression, and economic opportunity, equal access to education, health reform and suffrage & civic engagement.
In April, Otis Library will be hosting a series of programs to celebrate the Harris sisters, Sarah and Mary, Norwich natives and students at Prudence Crandall's school for young African-American women from 1833 - 1834. Due to the efforts of Otis Library staff and volunteers, the state of Connecticut has officially proclaimed April Harris Sisters Month. Prudence Crandall is justifiably celebrated in Connecticut as the State Heroine. Less recognized are the black students who assumed enormous risk to receive an elite education. Indeed, the stimulus to the establishment of the academy was the repeated requests of Sarah Harris to take classes at the then all-white school. Sarah started taking classes in 1832; the resulting withdrawal of the white students from the academy and subsequent establishment of an all-black girls' school in 1833 constitute a remarkable chapter in the annals of abolitionist history. Sarah Harris and her sister, Mary, were key in this brave, transformative effort.
Otis Library can offer inspiring and affecting events such as these because of your support. If you believe that the library has a profound and positive impact on the quality of life in Norwich, I invite you to support our annual appeal. Visit our donations page at
http://www.otislibrarynorwich.org/donate;
it takes only a minute. Thank you!
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
Please Note:
The Library will close at 5pm on Monday, December 31, and will be closed on Tuesday, January 1, for New Year's Day.
The Library will be closed on Monday, January 21, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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Support Otis Library
Your donation to Otis Library is a gift of lifelong learning, creating community, and inspiring dreams! Donations should be mailed to Otis Library, 261 Main Street, Norwich, CT 06360. Learn how you can support Otis Library and make online donations here: http://www.otislibrarynorwich.org/donate/
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Friends of Otis Library
The Friends are accepting donations of gently used books for their next 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, magazines or VHS tapes. Thank you for your support!
Interested in becoming a Friend? Learn more about the Friends of Otis Library here.
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Ask The Expert!
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.
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Laughter Through Tears with Klezmenschen
Saturday, January 12, 1pm
Community Room
January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Please join us to celebrate and remember Europe's Jewish community with an hour of Klezmer music performed by a chamber ensemble of the Klezmenschen of Eastern Connecticut. This program of Klezmer music celebrates a vibrant yet vanished world through songs that bring laughter through tears. Refreshments will be served. No registration required. For teens and adults.
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Zora Neale Hurston and The Harlem Renaissance Readings
Saturday, January 19, 12pm
Community Room
Emerson Theater Collaborative presents: Zora Neale Hurston and The Harlem Renaissance Readings. Local artists will read the writings of Zora Neale Hurston, as well as the
works of other
Harlem Renaissance writers, and present
original poetry and songs. We also will pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Please join us for this memorable event! Refreshments wi
ll be
served. No registration required. For teens and adults.
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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
Otis Library provides 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.
Drop-In Chess
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.
Members of the Rows City Knitters would like to thank
Driftwood Yarns
of Groton for their continued support!
An Introduction to Yoga for Teens and Adults
Mondays January 7, 14, & 28, & February 4, 11, & 25, 6pm - 7:15pm
Community Room
Otis Library will be offering "Introduction to Yoga" classes for teens and adults on Monday evenings in January (except 1/21) and February (except 2/18) in the 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.
Wednesday, January 9, 5pm
Meeting Room
The group will be discussing The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel. Refreshments will be served. No registration required. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Front Desk.
Otis Library Genealogy Club
Tuesday, January 15, 1-2:30pm
Meeting Room
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The club meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month to learn and to brain
storm
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.
Delicious Discussions Author Series
Tuesday, January 22, 12 - 1:30pm
Michael Jordan's Steak House
This series is generously sponsored by Guinan & Houle,
LLP
Attorneys at Law
Otis Library and Bank Square Books present a Delicious Discussions
author luncheon with author Marie Benedict in celebration of her new book
The Only Woman in the Room
. Tickets for this event are $45 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
register online. Delicious Discussions Author Series is a partnership between Otis Library, Bank Square Books and Michael Jordan's Steak House at Mohegan Sun.
Mark your calendars! Our next Delicious Discussions will be with Megan Collins, author of
The Winter Sisters, on Tuesday, February 12.
Coming in February: Classics Book Club
Saturday, February 23, 10 - 11:30am
We will read a variety of classic works, from the ancient to modern, and meet four times a year in various locations around the City. February's discussion is on Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton. Meet us at Caddy Shack Cafe, 685 New London Turnpike, Norwich. To register, 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.
Wednesdays, 5pm - 8pm, 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
Mondays January 7, 14, & 28, & February 4, 11, & 25, 6pm - 7:15pm
Community Room
Otis Library will be offering "Introduction to Yoga" classes for teens and adults on Monday evenings in January (except 1/21) and February (except 2/18) in the 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.
Tween Book Club (grades 6-8)
Monday, January 28, 6 - 7pm, Story Room
Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale will be the topic of this month's book club. Come discuss
Rapunzel's Revenge! Join in activities related to the book! Pizza will be served. Registration required; call 860-889-2365, ext. 100, or
register online. 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 Child
ren's Desk; by calling (860) 889-2365, ext. 114; or you may register for our programs via our
online calendar
.
Monthly Mother Goose & More (ages zero to 23 months
)
Saturday, January 5, 10:30am (program);
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 open playgroup. This is a great opportunity for working parents to enjoy this weekend program! Older siblings are welcome to attend.
Drop-In Penguin Craft (all ages
)
Saturday, January 5, 11am - 1pm
Have fun making a sweet little penguin in a variety of colors! No registration required.
Mother Goose & More (ages zero to 23 months)
Mondays, January 7, 14 & 28, 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.
Build It! Clinic (grades K-8
)
Saturday, January 12, 10:30am - 12pm
Build structures using a variety of materials in the Children's Room. No registration required.
Bella! Therapy Dog Extraordinaire (all ages)
Saturday, January 12, 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, January 14, 6 - 7pm, Story Room
CatStronauts: Mission Moon by Drew Brockington will be the topic of this month's book club. Come discuss
CatStronauts! Join in activities related to the book! Pizza will be served.
Please register. Pick up a copy of the book at the Front Desk.
Time for Twos (age 2 with adult)
Tuesdays, January 15, 22, & 29, 10:30 - 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.
Creative Movement (ages 3-5
)
Wednesday, January 16, 10:30 - 11:15am
Join us for this joyful movement class hosted by Eastern Connecticut Ballet. This month's theme is "Snowmen." Hear a story around this theme and do 35 minutes of movement.
Please register.
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5)
Thursdays, January 17, 24, & 31, 10:30 - 11:15am
Children enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and a craft while their grownups wait outside in the Children's Department. Caregivers are encouraged to join the fun during craft time at the end of the class! Space is limited;
please register.
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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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