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Executive Director's Letter
As we reach the end of Otis Library's fiscal year, I want to thank the individuals and businesses who support the library. Your contributions reflect your belief in the efficacy of Otis as an important component of a healthy community and an informed citizenry. In a recent article I quoted the philosopher John Dewey, who warned, "democracy will be a farce unless individuals are trained to think for themselves, to judge independently, to be critical, [and] to be able to detect subtle propaganda and the motives which inspire it." One of Otis Library's immutable tenets is providing open access to information and ideas. That aspiration is not prejudiced by a particular ideology or perspective. Our goal is to provide an environment where community members are exposed to a wide range of information from which knowledge evolves and the vitiating results of propaganda are negated. You help us achieve that goal and we thank you.
I would also like to remind readers of the "1984 Sikh Genocide Memorial" ceremony to be held at 1pm on Saturday, June 1. The event will start with remarks in the library story room and concludes at 1:45 p.m. with an unveiling ceremony on the main level where the memorial is installed.
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
Please Note: Otis Library will open at 12pm on Tuesday, June 11.
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Support Otis Library
If you enjoy the programs and services provided by Otis Library, please consider making a donation to our Annual Fund.
We are proud to serve you, and we appreciate your support!
Checks should be made payable to Otis Library and mailed to:
Otis Library
Attention: Annual Fund
261 Main Street
Norwich, CT 06360
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The 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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Delicious Discussions
Tuesday, June 18, 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 luncheon with author Meghan MacLean Weir in celebration of her new book
The Book of Essie. 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
register online. Delicious Discussions Author Series is a partnership between Otis Library, Bank Square Books and Michael Jordan's Steak House at Mohegan Sun.
About The Book of Essie:
Esther Ann Hicks-Essie-is the youngest child on Six for Hicks, a reality television phenomenon. She's grown up in the spotlight, idolized and despised for her family's fire-and-brimstone brand of faith. So when Essie's mother, Celia, discovers that Essie is pregnant, she immediately arranges an emergency meeting with the show's producers. Do they sneak Essie out of the country for an abortion? Pass the child off as Celia's? Or do they try to arrange a marriage-and a ratings-blockbuster wedding?
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Gardening Programs for Beginners
In partnership with the Eastern Connecticut Community Gardens Association (ECCGA), Otis Library will host a series of classes on gardening for beginners. Experienced gardeners from the ECCGA will teach basic gardening skills for everyone, from homeowners to apartment dwellers. This series will lead beginner gardeners through the steps and practices involved in maintaining a flourishing home garden. Dates are as follows: Monday, April 8; Monday, June 3; Monday, August 5; and Monday, September 9. All programs will begin at 6pm in the Story Room and are free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Appropriate for teens and adults.
June 3rd Session: Garden Management
Now that your garden is prepped and planted, what steps need to be taken to ensure that it thrives? Join us on June 3 at 6pm in the Story Room.
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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.
Please Note: The Drop-In Chess Club is on hiatus. Watch this space for updates.
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!
Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni: History of the Foreign Mission School
Saturday, June 1, 1pm, Community Room
Sponsored by The Friends of Otis Library
Professor Nicholas F. Bellantoni will discuss the history of the Foreign Mission School, which was an educational institution which existed between 1817 and 1826 in Cornwall, Connecticut. It was established by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions to bring Christianity and Western Culture to non-white people by educating missionaries of their own culture.
This talk is an extra event tied to the library's Harris Sisters Month in April. It will explore similarities between the racist episodes that occurred at Prudence Crandall's school for young black women in Canterbury and that, just a few years earlier, closed the mission school in Cornwall.
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The founding pupil of the Foreign Mission School was Henry Opukahaia (ca.1792-1818), an 18-year-old Hawaiian refugee from a blood feud, left by a ship's captain in New Haven in 1810. His circumstances inspired efforts to shelter and educate him and others, some from Native American tribes, many displaced from great distances - Asia, Europe, Polynesia, and Africa - as missionaries. Henry's story was featured in Dr. Bellantoni's recent book
The Long Journeys Home: The Repatriations of Henry Opukahaia and Albert Afraid of Hawk.
Nicholas F. Bellantoni is an associate adjunct professor in the anthropology department at the University of Connecticut and Emeritus Connecticut State Archaeologist at the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History.
Copies of
The Long Journeys Home
will be available for sale and signing.
Free event; no registration required.
Wednesday, June 12, 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, June 12, 5pm,
Meeting Room
The group will be discussing Every Note Played by Lisa Genova. Refreshments will be served. No registration required. Copies of the book are available to borrow at the Front Desk.
We will also be choosing titles for the 2019/2020 Changing Minds Book Club calendar. Come ready to make suggestions!
Author Event: John Manuel Andriote
Wednesday, June 12, 6:30pm, Community Room
To mark the 50th anniversary of the June 1969 Stonewall riots that launched the modern LGBTQ equality movement, author John-Manuel Andriote will discuss his critically acclaimed book,
Stonewall Strong: Gay Men's Heroic Fight for Resilience, Good Health, and Strong Community, which was originally published in 2017. In honor of the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a new paperback edition of
Stonewall Strong has been released by the publishers, which will be available for sale and signing at this event. No registration required.
Otis Library Genealogy Club
Tuesday, June 18, 1-2:30pm,
Meeting Room
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.
Nineteenth-Century Publishing and the Rise of Summer Reading
Saturday, June 22, 1pm, Community Room
Professor Donna Harrington-Lueker will discuss her new book,
Books for Idle
Hours: Nineteenth-Century Publishing and the Rise of Summer Reading. Drawing upon letters, diaries, archival materials, and an array of 19th-century popular novels set at summer resorts, the author traces the ways in which 19th-century readers, authors, and publishing houses came to frame summer reading not as a disreputable indulgence but as a respectable pastime, especially for the woman reader.
Donna Harrington-Lueker is a professor in the Department of English and Communications at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI. A former magazine writer and editor, her research interests include 19th-century print culture, women's magazines, and the alternative press.
This is a free program; registration is required. A light lunch will be served. To register, call Julie at 860-889-2365, ext. 128, or register on the library's
online
calendar. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Legacy of
Ellis Island
Monday, June 24, 6 - 7:30pm, Community Room
Sponsored by The Elsie Brown Fund
Otis Library will be showing the film
USCIS and the Legacy of Ellis Island. This short documentary tells the story of Ellis Island through the perspective of those who worked there and highlights the historical connections between the USCIS mission and this iconic historic site. Following the film, Bassem Gayed, Multicultural Services Librarian at Otis Library, will facilitate a discussion with local immigrants. A variety of ethnic cuisines will be provided by local restaurants.
This film is being shown in recognition of World Refugee Day, which is observed on the 20th of June each year and is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of refugees around the world. Free event; registration is required. To register, call Bassem at 860-889-2365, x 109, or register on our
online calendar.
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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.
Henna with Jamilarh Henna Creations (grades 6-12)
Wednesday, June 19, 1:30 - 3:30pm
Sponsored by Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors
Learn about the ancient art of henna. Participants can choose their own look. Space is limited; please register beginning June 5. Program will take place in the Young Adult Department.
Tween Book Club (grades 6-8)
Monday, June 24, 6 - 7pm
The Silver Six by A. J. Lieberman and Darren Rawlings will be the featured book this month. Join in activities related to the book! Pizza will be served.
Registration required. Pick up a copy of the book at the Front Desk. Program will take place in the Story Room.
Universe of Stories presented by 4-H of New London County (ages 10-14)
Wednesdays, June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2:30 - 4pm
Sponsored by The Friends of Otis Library
Join these engaging programs on a different space-related topic each week! This is where science, fun stories, and activities meet! Please register for each week individually. Registration begins June 5. Program will take place in the Story Room.
Head Wrapping Art (grades 6 and up)
Wednesday, June 26, 3 - 5pm
Sponsored by Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors
Learn about this beautiful art from Africa and wear your style home. Presented by artist LaShawn Cunningham. Please register beginning June 5. Program will take place in the Community Room.
Coming in July! Registration begins in June.
Maker Mondays with Rhode Island Computer Museum (ages 10 and up)
Mondays, July 1 - 29, 1:30 - 2:30pm
Sponsored by The Friends of Otis Library
Develop your skills with a different technology class each week. Register for each week individually beginning June 3.
July 1: Make your Own Video Game;
July 8: Take Apart Workshop;
July 15: Virtual Reality Workshop;
July 22: Lunar Lander Robots; and
July 29: Video Animation Production (Stop motion).
Art with Steve Starke (grades 6 and up)
Tuesdays, July 2, 16, & 30, 1:30 - 3:30pm
Develop your skills this summer through three exciting art classes with instructor Steve Starke. Sign up for one or all three classes.
July 2: Paint a landscape of natural or urban scenery.
July 16: Create action collages using magazine clippings.
July 30: Draw people and creatures with a focus on movement. Space is limited; register beginning June 10. Program will take place in the Community Room. Refreshments will be served.
Wednesdays, July 3, 10 & 17, 4 - 5pm
Gain skills that will lead to future success during these three week workshops. You may register for one or all workshops.
July 3: Rockin' Resumes: Learn tips and tricks that build dynamic resumes as you create or build your resume.
July 10: Interview Tips: Gain confidence in handling college or job interviews. Areas covered include facets of basic interviews, appropriate dress and language, types of interview questions and mock interviews.
July 17: Scholarship Savvy: Learn basic facts about scholarships; what they are, types available, how to find them, how and when to apply, and how they affect other student aid. Space is limited; please register for each workshop individually beginning June 10. Programs take place in the Community Room. Refreshments will be served.
Digital Vision Board (ages 14 and up)
Monday, July 8, 3 - 4pm
Look forward to achieving all your dreams for the future with the help of a digital vision board! You will learn the basics of creating a unique board using available websites. There will be plenty of time to make your own using the laptops provided, or feel free to bring your own device! Space is limited; please register beginning June 17. Program will take place in the Community Room.
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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: Rhyme Time and Playgroup (ages
newborn-23 months)
Saturday, June 1, 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 open playgroup. This is a great opportunity for working parents to enjoy this weekend program! Older siblings are welcome to attend. Drop-in.
Drop-In Craft (all ages)
Saturday, June 1, 11am - 1pm
Summer-like weather is upon us! Celebrate by helping your child make a delightful garden gate craft! No registration required. Program will take place in the Children's Department.
Mother Goose & More: Rhyme Time and Playgroup (ages newborn-23
months)
Mondays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24; 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.
Princesses & Heroes Storytime (ages 3-6)
Saturday, June 8, 11am - 12pm
Calling all princesses and heroes! You are invited to an exciting storytime fit for royalty and heroes! Wear your costumes and enjoy stories, songs, treats, and treasures during this magical hour! Program will take place in the Story Room.
Registration required.
Bella! Therapy Dog Extraordinaire (all ages)
Saturday, June 15, 12 - 1pm
Courtesy of Ms. Pepin - thank you!
Visit and read to our very favorite therapy pub, Bella. No registration required.
Kids Imagine! Book Club (grades 3-5
)
Monday, June 17, 6 - 7pm
Come discuss
Star Scouts by Mike Lawrence. Join in a LEGO robot building challenge! Pizza will be served. Please
register. Pick up a copy of the book at the Front Desk. Program will take place in the Story Room.
Drop-In Space Craft (all ages)
Tuesdays, June 18 and 25, 11am - 1pm
This summer we are celebrating all things to do with outer space. Drop-in with your child and make a variety of space crafts! No registration required. Program will take place in the Children's Department.
Summer Learning Kickoff Show Featuring Mr. Magic! (all ages)
Wednesday, June 19, 6 - 7pm
Sponsored by Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors
Start your summer off with fun! Help us celebrate Summer Learning as Attorney Rich Rothstein, a.k.a. Mr. Magic, treats us to space magic highlighting our summer theme "A Universe of Stories." Drop-in; no registration required. Program will take place in the Children's Room.
Margie Warner Concert (all ages)
Friday, June 21, 11am - 12pm
June 21st is "
Make Music Day" in Southeastern Connecticut! Help us celebrate the day with a performance by noted entertainer and recording artist Margie Warner. Once the music starts, you'll be singing and dancing the whole show! Drop-in; no registration required. Program will take place in the Story Room.
Universe of Stories Presented by 4-H of New London County (ages 6-9)
Wednesdays, June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 1:30 - 2:15pm
Sponsored by The Friends of Otis Library
Join these engaging programs on a different space-related topic each week! This is where science, fun stories, and activities meet! Please register for each week individually. Registration begins June 5. Program takes place in the Story Room.
Universe of Stories presented by 4-H of New London County (ages 10-14)
Wednesdays, June 26, July 3, 10, 27, 24, 31, 2:30 - 4pm
Sponsored by The Friends of Otis Library
Join these engaging programs on a different space-related topic each week! This is where science, fun stories, and activities meet! Please register for each week individually. Registration begins June 5. Program will take place in the Story Room.
Sheryl Faye Presents "Sally Ride: America's First Woman Astronaut (all ages)
Wednesday, June 26, 6 - 7pm
Sponsored by Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors
Noted performer Sheryl Faye presents the compelling story of Sally Ride, America's first woman astronaut. This outstanding show will ignite students' curiosity and inspire them to dream, dare, and develop their own talents to the fullest. Drop-in; no registration required. Program will take place in the Community Room.
Build It! Clinic (grades K-8)
Thursday, June 27, 2 - 4pm
Build structures using a variety of materials in the Children's Room. No registration required.
Fridays with Faith (grades K-5)
Fridays, June 28, July 5, 12, 19, and 26, 11am - 12pm
Local artist Faith Satterfield joins us each week to help students create a unique piece of art that celebrates their world. In honor of the 2019 One Book, One Region title
Hey Kiddo by Jarrett Krosoczka, students will create art with the following themes each week:
June 28 "My Family;"
July 5 "My World;"
July 12 "What I Love;"
July 19 "My Family;" and
July 26 "My Dreams." Sign up for one class or all five classes. Art created in these classes will be on display in the Children's Department at Otis Library during the month of August. Please register beginning June 3. Program will take place in the Community Room. This program is presented in partnership with One Book One Region.
Big Toy Fun (all ages)
Friday, June 28, 2 - 4pm
Enjoy playing with jumbo-sized games! Dominoes, tic-tac-toe, emoji memory game, and much more will be available for your fun! No registration required. Program will take place in the Story Room.
Coming in July! Registration begins in June.
Maker Mondays with Rhode Island Computer Museum (ages 10 and up)
Mondays, July 1 - 29, 1:30 - 2:30pm
Sponsored by The Friends of Otis Library
Develop your skills with a different technology class each week. Register for each week individually beginning June 3. July 1: Make your Own Video Game; July 8: Take Apart Workshop; July 15: Virtual Reality Workshop; July 22: Lunar Lander Robots; and July 29: Video Animation Production (Stop motion).
Time For Twos
Tuesdays, July 2 - 30, 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!
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5)
Wednesdays, July 3 - 31, 10:30 - 11:15am
Children enjoy stories, songs and rhymes while their grownups wait 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 beginning June 3.
Thursdays, July 11, 18 and 25, 10:30 - 11:15am
Enjoy stories, songs, activities, and a craft designed for families with multiple children age two to seven. Caregivers remain with children in the Story Room. Please register all children participating. Concurrent registration for Time for Twos or Preschool Storytime not permitted. Space is limited; please register beginning June 3.
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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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