 |
|
April is Poetry Month
National Poetry Month was inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world with schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets celebrating poetry's vital place in our culture.
For our part in this celebration, we are packing the month with all manner of poetry-related things, including:
- Recite! Poetry will kick off the month (4/3)
- Poetry Trio of Pam Ahlen, Anne Bower, and Laura Foley (4/10)
- Launch of Sighs and Murmurs by Geza Tatrallyay (4/17)
- Los Lorcas - Poetry in Concert (4/24)
- Poems in Performance: A Cure for Poemphobia with Geof Hewitt (4/13)
- Evening of Rap and History of Hip Hop with Jarv (4/27)
- Poems of the day
- Displays throughout the library
- Mid-week Brown Bag Lunch readings of classic poets (Wed. &/or Thurs.)
- Poetry-themed story times for kids
- Various poetry activites in the YA area
. . . and other things to be announced. Stay tuned for more details.
|
|
Thursday, April 5, 4:00 p.m.
Excerpts from Offenbach's
The Tales of Hoffmann
The opera tells the story of the three loves of German poet E.T.A. Hoffmann. This fast-paced mini version of Act 2 traces the story of Hoffmann's love for a mechanical doll, created by the inventor Spalanzani and his sometime friend, the Villian Coppelius.
This presentation is designed as an introduction to the opera and features the famous "Doll Song," one of opera's greatest arias.
Opera North Resident Artists Cara Collins, Derek Jackenheimer, Tobias Wright, Amber Dewey and Javier Ortiz will perform, directed by Artistic Director Louis Burkot.
(more)
|
|
Thursday, April 12, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Impressions of New England in Oils
Paintings of Lynn VanNatta
Opening reception Thursday, April 12, 4:00 - 5:30.
My paintings are expressive, full of life and richness of lush color. My aim is to
capture the truth of my subjects in paint. I strive to expressively, capture light,
shadows, color and content. My painting technique is very loose and
painterly, especially in my Plein Air paintings. I also paint frequently in my studio,
where I work on larger more complex pieces, some of which are commissions.
Lynn Van Natta's paintings will be featured in the Mezzanine Gallery at NWPL April 1 - May 15.
(more)
|
|
Saturday, April 14, 2:00 p.m.
How Color Works - Book Release Reception
Join us for a reception celebrating the publication of Barnard-based artist and author Pamela Fraser's new book
How Color Works: Color Theory in the Twenty-First Century (Oxford 2018).
Designed for use in the college classroom, the book explores the contemporary aesthetics of color, and may be of general interest as well. . . .
Program sponsored by the Friends of NWPL.
(more)
|
|
Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m.
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day
Celebrate World Tai Chi & Qigong Day in Woodstock-
No experience needed!
On Saturday, April 28, people all over the world participate in World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, starting at 10 a.m. In this way, tai chi and qigong-healthy, healing exercise forms-circle the globe. This is a day for trying things out, enjoying slow, gentle movements that strengthen coordination and balance, reduce stress and many disease symptoms. It's free, it's fun, and it's right in the center of Woodstock. . . .
(more info)
|
|
Sunday, April 29 -
Ex Libris Gala
5:30 Reception /
6:30 Dinner
Please join us for the 17th annual Norman Williams Public Library Ex Libris Gala w
ith guest speaker Jack Beatty,
News Analyst for NPR's On Point, former Sr. Editor of The Atlantic,
& author of several books including The Rascal King.
|
|
New in Fiction
To Die But Once
by Jacqueline Winspear
Maisie's investigation leads her from the countryside of rural Hampshire to the web of wartime opportunism.
|
|
New in Non-fiction
In the Enemy's House: The Secret Saga of the FBI Agent and the Code Breaker who Caught the Russian Spies
by Howard Blum
The true story of a critical, recently declassified counterintelligence mission and two remarkable agents whose story has been called "the greatest secret of the Cold War."
|
|
Tuesday, April 3, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Recite! Poetry
Recite! meets the first Tuesday of each month (except when the library is closed on the first Tuesday). Professional poets, amateurs, and first-timers all join in, as well as those who would like to just come and listen. Join us in celebrating the spoken word in all its diversity! Bring along original and/or favorite works. To sign up to be a presenter, or for more information, stop by the library or email [email protected].
(more)
|
This is NOT the usual book club. We chat about books you are reading, the books you've loved, and the books you've always wanted to read.
Along with great book recommendations, our discussions have ranged from the design and appeal of book jackets, the ebook revolution, which books we reread and why, modern writers, the craft of writing, and the elements of great writing.
We all come away energized and eager for more. Do drop in.
(more...)
|
|
Friday, April 13, 1:30 p.m.
2nd Friday Book Group:
Do Not Say We Have Nothing
by Madeleine Thien
Join Amanda and the Second Friday Book Group to discuss
Do Not Say We Have Nothing.
Master storyteller Madeleine Thien takes us inside an extended family in China, showing us the lives of two successive generations - those who lived through Mao's Cultural Revolution and their children, who became the students protesting in Tiananmen Square.
With maturity and sophistication, humor and beauty, Thien has crafted a novel that is at once intimate and grandly political, rooted in the details of life inside China yet transcendent in its universality.
NWPL has copies here and through inter-library loan, as usual. At Yankee Bookshop, you can buy one at a 15% discount if you mention our book group.
(more)
|
|
Saturday, April 14, 10:30 p.m.
Classics Book Discussion Group:
The Warden
by Anthony Trollope
Anthony Trollope's 1855 best seller (first in his Barsetshire Chronicles), concerns Septimus Harding, an elderly cleric who enjoys a remarkably well paid position in his cathedral town. The centuries-old terms of his situation are challenged by an earnest reformer, setting off a debate involving the whole community. . . .
Trollope views his disparate characters with an affectionate eye and describes them with a satirical pen. In revealing his own time with its customs, prejudices and foibles he vividly reminds us of our own small-town dynamics.
NWPL has copies here and through inter-library loan, as usual. At Yankee Bookshop, you can buy one at a 15% discount if you mention our book group.
(more)
|
|
Tuesday, May 8, 6:30 p.m.
Literary Pairing with
Kari & Kristian
featuring Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower and N.K. Jemison's The Fifth Season. More info soon.
|
|
Mondays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Baby & Toddler Story Time
This story time features short stories, interspersed with songs and finger plays and runs for about 20 minutes. It is geared for children ages birth to three years.
|
|
Tuesdays, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
*** No Pre-school Story time on April 3 ***
Story time will resume next week, April 10.
This session features three thematically-related stories and a tie-in craft or activity. This session runs for about 45 minutes. Geared for children ages 3-5 years.
|
|
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. - Noon
Story & Yoga Time with Angel
Join The North Chapel Spiritual Exploration for Children and Families Committee in a WEEKLY series "Story & Yoga Time with Angel Rubino" at the NWPL. This is a free weekly series that will include a story, yoga, movement, meditation and more!
Appropriate for ages 2-6 with caregiver/family.
We look forward to seeing you there. (more)
|
Friday, April 13, 10:30 - Noon
Breastfeeding Support Group
Are you breastfeeding? Pregnant and plan to breastfeed? Meet monthly to discuss any breastfeeding related issues you may have or to just share/swap stories with other breastfeeding moms.
The group is led by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who can help you through any stage of your breastfeeding journey (pregnancy through weaning).
Cost is totally free and older kids are welcome. Meetings are held in the Children's section of the library.
For any questions, contact Ariel Brewer Louis, IBCLC at 281-731-7313 or woodstocklactation.com.
(more info...)
|
|
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
I. T. Help with Meg Brazill
NWPL Director of Technology Meg Brazill offers one-on-one free tech help to people desiring assistance with their laptops, tablets and mobile devices.
Bring your device with you and Meg will work with you to straighten things out and learn about some tools and tricks. J
ointly sponsored by the Thompson Senior Center and the Norman Williams Public Library.
(more)
|
Thursdays, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday Afternoon Knitting Group
Knitters are invited to meet on the Mezzanine of NWPL every Thursday afternoon. All knitters are welcome - from beginners to experts. We will knit together, learn together and provide each other assistance when needed. Plan to bring your current project, knitting questions or problems, or a pattern to share.
(more info...)
|
Thursdays at 3:30
Play Bridge at NWPL!
The Friends of the NWPL invites bridge players to join us on Thursdays at 3:30 PM at the library. Please contact Peggy Fraser at [email protected] if you are interested!
|
|
Reading to Children -
How NWPL Can Help
Here is a link to a beautiful video celebrating National Reading Month about the benefits of reading to children:
https://youtu.be/6-O9V9nEcmk
If you have little ones in your care the NWPL staff are here to help you instill a love of reading that can last for their lifetimes. Feel free to come to the library for our Baby Story Time Mondays at 10:30AM, Toddler Story Time Tuesdays at 10:30AM, Yoga Story Time Wednesdays at 10:30AM.
Or stop in any time to get advice on the best books for children depending on their age group. Our expert and friendly librarians Clare, Adrienne and Lori can offer tips on reading to babies and kids. We have "tip cards" you can take home with advice on reading to babies 6 months up to toddlers 3 years.
The very best way to create life-long readers is to be one yourself, so while you are here at the library be sure to come upstairs and get a few books for yourself. I grew up in a family of avid readers, and I am sure this is why I became a librarian and why I love to read. Some of my favorite memories from childhood are of my parents reading stories to me, teachers reading aloud at school and when I learned to read on my own, I remember wonderful quiet evenings with my parents and brother - each of us reading books from the library. Maybe we were particularly bookish, but every child benefits from being read to and from visiting the library.
-- Amanda S. Merk, Executive Director
|
Mondays, 11:00 - 4:00,
April 9-30
Art Classes on the Mezzanine
The Friends of the NWPL are teaming up with renowned local artist and art instructor, Carolyn Egeli, to offer art classes on the NWPL Mezzanine.
Carolyn teaches the principles of art, including values, color theory, and composition, using traditional art materials. Beginners and intermediate students are invited to develop artistic skills at your own level. Under Carolyn's expert guidance, and the support of your fellow pupils, you will experience the transformative power of art.
Pre-registration for the four-part course is required.
There is a $320.00 fee to attend this Friends of the NWPL program. A list of drawing and watercolor supplies will be provided upon registration.
To register, or learn more, please contact Louise Schwebel
.
|
If you wish to see one of our events after the fact, you might be able to find it online. Macy Lawrence films many of our events for WCTV8, uploads them, and adds them into the television schedule. Thank You, Macy!!! (more...)
|
Library Hours
Monday 10-6
Tuesday 10-8 (evening hours!)
Wednesday 10-6
Thursday 10-6
Friday 10-6
Saturday 10-5
|
|
|
The Norman Williams Public Library makes space available to a variety of organizations regardless of political or philosophical beliefs. Use of library space for these events does not imply endorsement or sponsorship by Norman Williams Public Library.
|
|
|
|
|
