|
Executive Director's Letter
Norwich's evolution has a history that could act as a metaphor for diversity. This has manifested itself in successive waves of immigration. Adjusting our focus to the 19th century, a random sampling includes Irish, Italian, Polish, French Canadian and Cape Verdean. Hardly a definitive list, but even an incomplete list is noteworthy in its variety. More recently, South American, Central American, Southeast Asian and Caribbean nations have added to the vibrancy and diversity of our community. We should celebrate the positive contributions of all these peoples and more. In myriad ways, each has contributed something unique and estimable to Norwich.
Otis Library is one space that has regularly contributed not only to the acknowledgement of this community's cultural diversity but has actively cultivated an environment where people, regardless of origin, interact and develop an appreciation for what each contributes to the common weal. It is not hyperbole to note that Otis Library, long before cultural diversity was espoused locally as a positive construct, developed an environment and established programs that encouraged people of diverse backgrounds to view it and by extension Norwich as a welcoming space and a welcoming community.
Otis Library remained in the center of the city specifically to serve as a destination and an accessible public space for all Norwich residents. Both directly and indirectly, Otis regularly contributes to the economic and social renascence of the community. When assessing the progress made in revitalizing Norwich, Otis deserves credit as an early and earnest advocate.
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
Please Note: Otis Library will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
Summer Hours begin July 1: Monday & Wednesday, 10am-8pm; Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday, 10am-5pm; closed Saturdays & Sundays.
|
Summer is here!
Otis Library staff delivered a wagon of books to the Norwich Parks & Recreation Summer Camp and to Spaulding Pond at Mohegan Park. Bob Farwell, Executive Director of Otis Library, is pictured with Recreation Director Cheryl Hancin-Preston.
Beachgoers to Spaulding Pond may borrow a book and return it to the wagon when they are done. No library card is necessary. The swimming area at Spaulding Pond will be open daily, from noon to 6pm.
Admission and parking is free.
Summer Meals for Kids!
Otis Library is pleased to be a Free Summer Meals 4 Kids site for Summer 2019. Available to all children who attend regardless of city residence. This program is free to all children up to the age of 18 years. The program begins 6/17/19 and runs through 8/23/19.
Breakfast is served 10-10:30am. Lunch is served 1-1:30pm.
All meals must be eaten with us and cannot go home. No meals will be served the last 5 minutes.
**Please note that there will be no service on 7/4/19 & 7/5/19.
|
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.
|
Sponsored by Liberty Bank
Otis Library will offer free life skills workshops for ages 18 and up. This is an opportunity to learn practical skills that will help you succeed in career and life. Each class will provide tools and information that will make life more enjoyable and efficient. Dates and classes are as follows.
- Monday, July 1, 6pm: Basic Sewing Skills with Diane Deedy, Youth Services Librarian
- Monday, July 15, 6pm: Ten Key Steps to Getting Organized with Sandra Wheeler, Professional Organizer from For Peace of Mind, LLC
- Monday, July 29, 6pm: Tips for First-Time Travelers on a Budget with Matt Cadorette, Librarian
- Monday, August 12, 6pm: Creating a Work/Life Balance with Ellen Gunther, Life Coach
- Monday, August 19, 6pm: Money Smarts with Pamela Days-Luketich, Liberty Bank
Classes will be held in the Community Room. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is required for each class. To register, call Julie at 860-889-2365, ext. 128, or register on the online calendar.
|
Lafayette Author Series
The Jim Lafayette Memorial Series of Writers of Science Fiction and Fantasy, hosted by Otis Library, will welcome authors Ken Schneyer on Monday, July 8, and Leigh Grossman on July 22, at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room. These programs honor the memory of local science fiction and fantasy fan and writer Jim Lafayette with appearances by authors of the genre. Norwich native Faye Ringel, Ph.D., retired Professor of Humanities at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, will
introduce the authors.
|
|
|
Ken Schneyer |
Kenneth Schneyer has published more than 35 stories in such plac
es as
Analog Science Fiction & Fact, Strange Horizons, Lightspeed Magazine, the Podcastle, Escape Pod, and Pseudopod podcasts, and elsewhere. His work has been translated into Italian, Czech, Russian, and Chinese. In 2014, his short story Selected Program Notes from the Retrospective Exhibition of Theresa Rosenberg Latimer was a finalist for both the Nebula Award and the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award. Ken's first collection, The Law & the Heart, was released by Stillpoint Digital Press in 2014; a second collection, Anthems Outside Time and Other Strange Voices, is due to be released by Fairwood Press in 2020. Ken teaches humanities and legal studies at Johnson & Wales University in Providence.
|
|
|
Leigh Grossman |
Leigh Ronald Grossman
is a writer, college lecturer, editor, and publishing consultant. He teaches in the English Department at the University of Connecticut and does typesetting, book development, and book production for various publishers and authors via his company, Swordsmith Productions. Grossman is the author of 16 published books, most recently fantasy novel The Lost Daughters
. He compiled and edited
Sense of Wonder
, the largest single-volume science fiction anthology ever produced. He is probably best known in New England for his three books on the Boston Red Sox.
These programs are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Otis Library is located at 261 Main Street in Norwich and is accessible to people with disabilities. For more information, contact Julie Menders at 860-889-2365, ext. 128.
|
Delicious Discussions
Tuesday, August 13, 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 Heather Webb in celebration of her new book Meet Me In Monaco
.
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. Delicious Discussions Author Series is a partnership between Otis Library, Bank Square Books and Michael Jordan's Steak House at Mohegan Sun.
About Meet Me In Monaco:
Set in the 1950s against the backdrop of Grace Kelly's whirlwind romance and unforgettable wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco, New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb take the reader on an evocative sun-drenched journey along the Côte d'Azur in this page-turning novel of passion, fate and second chances.
|
Gardening Programs for Beginners
In partnership with the Eastern Connecticut Community Gardens Association (ECCGA), Otis Library will host a series of classes on vegetable 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.
August 5 Session: Garden Management
We will continue our discussion on effective and efficient garden management practices, troubleshoot problems and share our growing season so far. Join us on August 5 at 6pm in the Story Room.
|
|
|
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!
Wednesday, July 10, 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.
Lunch & Learn: Rocks & Minerals
Thursday, July 11, 12pm - 1:30pm, Community Room
Sponsored by The Friends of Otis Library
Otis Library will host a Lunch & Learn for adults. Join Nancy Narjarian of the Lapidary & Mineral Society of Central Connecticut for a discussion and hands-on presentation about rocks, minerals and crystals. Participants will have an opportunity to view them in a fluorescent box and under a microscope during the program. Lunch is provided. Free program; registration is required. Call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128, or register on the online calendar.
Otis Library Genealogy Club
Tuesday, July 16, 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.
Connecticut Authors Trail at Otis Library
Wednesday, July 17, 6:30pm, Community Room
Otis Library once again will be participating in the Connecticut Authors Trail, a consortium of CT Libraries that will host author events throughout the summer. Author and Journalist James Herbert Smith will be speaking. He will discuss his latest book
Opinionated Women in the Land of Steady Habits, a collection of articles written by women columnists from daily newspapers in Connecticut.
He will be joined by Journalist Maura Casey, who has written for
The Eagle-Tribune in Massachusetts,
The Day of New London,
The Hartford Courant and the
New York Times. She has won more than 45 national and regional awards for her journalism.
Saturday, August 3, 10am, Cafe Otis
Something New! We will read a variety of classic works, from ancient to modern, and meet four times a year in various locations around the City. Our Summer discussion is on
Their Eyes Were Watching God
by Zora Neale Hurston. Meet us at
Cafe Otis
, 80 Broadway, Norwich. To register, call 860-889-2365, ext. 128.
|
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.
Maker Mondays with Rhode Island Computer Museum (ages 10 and up)
Mondays, July 1 - 29, 1:30 - 2:30pm, Community Room
Sponsored by The Friends of Otis Library
Develop your skills with a different technology class each week.
Register for each week individually.
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).
Universe of Stories presented by 4-H of New London County (ages 10-14)
Wednesdays, 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. Program will take place in the Story Room.
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; please
register. 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.
*Please note: The Rockin' Resumes class originally scheduled for July 3 will be rescheduled to a future date.
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. 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 in advance. Program will take place in the Community Room.
Tween Book Club (grades 6-8)
Monday, July 29, 6 - 7pm
Space Case by Stuart Gibbs 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.
Matt Ryan Cartooning Workshop
Friday, August 9, 10:30am - 12pm, Community Room
Join us for a hands-on cartooning workshop with Matt Ryan! Expand your drawing skills and learn tips and techniques from a professional. Matt will guide the group through character design, page layout and more! For students grades 6 & up. Space is limited;
please register. This class is partially funded by the Connecticut Humanities Council and is presented in partnership with One Book One Region.
|
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
.
Mother Goose & More: Rhyme Time and Playgroup (ages newborn-23
months)
Mondays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; 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.
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! Space is limited;
please register.
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.
Universe of Stories Presented by 4-H of New London County (ages 6-9)
Wednesdays, 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. Program takes place in the Story Room.
Universe of Stories presented by 4-H of New London County (ages 10-14)
Wednesdays, 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. Program will take place in the Story Room.
Fridays with Faith (grades K-5)
Fridays, 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:
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. Program will take place in the Community Room. This program is presented in partnership with One Book One Region.
Big Toy Fun! (all ages)
Fridays, July 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2 - 4pm
Enjoy playing with jumbo-sized games! Dominoes, tick-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.
"A Silly Sing-Along" with Ed Leonard (all ages)
Wednesday, July 10, 6-7pm,
Sponsored by Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors
Musician Ed Leonard will have everyone dancing and singing in this fun performance for families. If you love music, this dynamic show is for you! Please join us; no registration required. For all ages. Program will take place in the Children's Department.
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.
Build It! Clinic (grades K-8)
Thursdays, July 11, 18 & 25, 2 - 4pm
Build structures using a variety of materials in the Children's Department. No registration required.
Sparky's Puppets: Stories from Outer Space (all ages)
Wednesday, July 17, 6 - 7pm
Sponsored by Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors
Follow the adventures of a space traveler who makes a rocket ship and flies to the moon! Also, see what happens when some colorful space aliens travel to earth in their flying saucers. Families will love this exciting show performed by Sparky's Space Puppets. Please join us; no registration required. For all ages. Program will take place in the Children's Department.
Kids Imagine! Book Club (grades 3-5)
Monday, July 22, 6 - 7pm
Come discuss
Jedi Academy: A New Class! by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. Make Star Wars Origami and join in other related activities! 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. This program is presented in partnership with One Book One Region 2019.
Dancing with Hoops (all ages)
Wednesday, July 24, 6 - 7pm
Sponsored by Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors
Have you ever played with hula hoops? Here's a chance to have some fun and enjoy this wonderful show performed by Judi Ann Jones. Please join us; no registration required. For all ages. Program will take place in the Community Room.
Summer Learning Finale Show with Li Liu, Chinese Acrobat (all ages)
Wednesday, July 31, 6 - 7pm
Sponsored by Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors
Celebrate the end of our busy summer learning season with a dynamic show of acrobatics by notes artist Li Liu. A former performer with the Chinese National Circus, Ms. Liu has performed throughout the world dazzling audiences with her skill and talent. Please join us; no registration required. For all ages. Program will take place in the Community Room.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|