NWPL  News & Events 
for Wassail  Weekend and beyond
- - - - - Library Events - - - - -
From the Exec. Dir. -  Holiday Time at the Library
On behalf of all of us at the Norman Williams Public Library I would like to wish all of our library patrons of all faiths a joyous holiday season! This time of year when the days are so short, and the nights so long, the public library can offer a warm, bright, lively space. Stop in to visit your friends at the circulation desk soon. Ask about the latest, greatest books, music, magazines, and films. Relax by our fireplace in the beautiful Reading Room. No matter how hectic the world feels at this busy time of parties and shopping, the Reading Room is always quiet and peaceful.  To allow our library staff time to relax with family and friends, the library will be closed on the following days:  Monday/Tuesday Dec. 25 & 26;  Monday/Tuesday, Jan. 1 & 2   (more)
Wassail Friday, Dec. 8, 4:00 p.m.
Storytelling by the Fireplace 
with Scott Davison
Gather round the fireplace as Scott Davison shares a story to start off Wassail Weekend at the library.
Scott is a long time Woodstock resident, naturalist, storyteller, and musician. The stories he tells come from a variety of cultures as well as one or two he created himself. He often accompanies the stories with music played on a Native American cedar "double-flute".  (more)
Wassail Saturday, Dec. 9
Readings at Noon & 1 p.m.
A Child's Christmas in Wales
read by Ham Gillett
Readings at 12:00 and 1:00.  Ham Gillett has been reading this Dylan Thomas classic during Wassail Weekend for more years than he can remember. Familiar faces return every year, some of them local and some not, to close their eyes and listen to Dickens' matchless weaving of words and images. Even if the ground outside is bare (which it won't be!) the audience will feel it snowing "like a dumb, numb thunder storm of white, torn, Christmas cards."  Ham Gillett was raised in Woodstock . . . (more)
Wassail Saturday, Dec 9, 3:00 p.m.
A Christmas Carol Concert - Wrensong
Wrensong is an a cappella choral group from Vermont's Upper Valley. Nine singers and one instrumentalist will sing songs primarily from the Renaissance period.  The program will include English, German, and French Carols tracing the arch of the Christmas story-from the annunciation to the birth of Jesus, through death and resurrection-with introductions by choral director Oliver Goodenough. (more)
Monday, Dec. 18, 5:15 p.m.
NWPL Board of Trustees Meeting
The NWPL Board of Trustees meets on the third Monday of each month at 5:15 p.m. Members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend these open public meetings. A time for public comments is included in each meeting. Click here to learn more about the board.
- - - - - Books and Book Groups - - - - -
As you click through to our catalog,  scroll down 
below the book description for a list of recommendations 
relating to your search  - titles you might enjoy reading.
Two New in Non-fiction

No Time to Spare - Thinking about what matters
     by Ursula K. Le Guin
Now in the last great frontier of life, old age, Le Guin explores new territory..her concerns with this world and her unceasing wonder at it. (in the catalog)
 
The Last Man Who Knew Everything
by David N. Schwartz
The life and times of Enrico Fermi, father of the nuclear age   (in the catalog)
Friday, Dec 8, 1:30 p.m.
2nd Friday Book Group
Lincoln in the Bardo, by George Saunders
Join Amanda Merk and the Second Friday Book Group as we discuss this experimental novel which was  The New York Times hardcover bestseller for the week of March 5, 2017 and winner of the 2017 Man Booker Prize for fiction.
NWPL will have a few circulating copies. Also, the Yankee Bookshop will have copies available at a 15% discount for anyone who mentions our book group! (To reserve your copy: 802.457.2411 or [email protected].)   Unfolding in the graveyard over a single night, narrated by a dazzling chorus of voices, Lincoln in the Bardo is a thrilling exploration of death, grief and the deeper meaning and possibilities of life. . . .   (more)


Come talk about what you're reading with other literature enthusiasts! Open to all, this group meets the second Tuesday of every month at NWPL in the History Room.

Tuesday, Jan 9, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (2nd Tues!)
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)

Howards End was first published in 1910. Accounted by many to be Forster's best book, Howards End concerns social conventions and relationships in turn-of-the-century England.  Emma Thompson won an Academy Award for best actor in the 1992 Merchant-Ivory movie adaptation.    (more...)
Book Sale!
Thanks to Mac, our fabulous, tireless volunteer, we have an ongoing book sale in the front foyer of the library.
Feel free to bring books in good salable condition into the library anytime we are open. We are happy to give you a tax donation receipt. 
Income we receive from the book sale is a significant contributor to the operating budget of the library. We greatly appreciate your generosity!
- - - - - Repeating Events - - - - -
The Gift of Art - Small Works Holiday Exhibit  
Come view works of art by local artists for your holiday enjoyment! Exhibit runs November 29 - December 30 and is available during regular library hours.
*Artwork may be purchased. Please see the library front desk staff for artist contact information.    (more)  
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.
Pre-school Storytime

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.

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. - Noon
Weekly Cribbage Game

Do you cribbage? Would you like to learn? Come join us! Every week, the Norman Williams Public Library welcomes cribbage players of all abilities to play and enjoy the company of other area players. (more)
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)
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, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Play Bridge at NWPL
**w/Bridge Tutorial by Bob Belisle at 3:15 each week
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!
Thursdays - ongoing
  (more info...) 
 
Friday, Dec 8, 10:30 a.m. - Noon
Breastfeeding Support Group
 
La Leche League breastfeeding support group is free and open to all mothers (and soon to be mothers!) who would like to discuss breastfeeding related issues or to just get together with other mothers.  
 
Meets at 10:30 one Friday each month.  (more info...)
Taking a break for December,  Qigong with Gerry Sandweiss will resume Saturday, January 6, 8:30 a.m.
In Qigong, your awareness is awakened in the first lesson and benefits accrue immediately. When practiced, Qigong helps to reawaken our sense of joy.  No equipment needed except one's body.  Gerry Sandweiss has been a student and practitioner Qigong for fifteen years. Classes will be held Saturday mornings at 8:30. Classes held on the NWPL mezzanine - enter through back door of library.  Please wear loose clothing and bring a mat and notebook. These classes are suitable for everyone, regardless of age or ability.    (more info...)
- - - - - Library News - - - - -
Looking for something different to do?  How about a stroll through a chess game on the Mezz? 
Back in September, NWPL received this unique set as a long-term loan for public use. Come on over for a memorable game of chess on the Mezz! 
NWPL is Open During Stone Work
The library front steps are being restored to their 1883 splendor.
We will be open during the construction and will have access to the front door - via the ramp on the west side of the building. We expect the work to be finished before Thanksgiving. If you have any questions regarding the stonework, please come ask us inside the library. Let us leave the artisans to their creative efforts.
Thank you for understanding, and thanks to McCullough Stone Works for their beautiful work.  
Northern Stage is Sharing with NWPL
Scripts and Vouchers for Tickets  
Our friends at Northern Stage in WRJ have donated a copy of each script (and one soundtrack) from their current 20th anniversary season of shows to the NWPL. These scripts and CD have been added to our collection and are available for circulation.  The scripts are for A Doll's House (9/20-10/29);  Robert Frost: This Verse Business (10/5-28);  Only Yesterday (1/31-2/18);  Disgraced (2/28-3/18); and  Noises Off (4/11-5/13). The CD is Disney's  The Little Mermaid (11/15-1/7).
In addition, Northern Stage has graciously donated vouchers for free tickets to their shows. We will award tickets throughout the year in various ways to members of our community. Stay tuned for more details!  (more) 

Library Hours
Monday 10-6
Tuesday  10-8
Wednesday 10-6
Thursday 10-6
Friday 10-6
Saturday 10-5
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...)
Contact
Norman Williams Public Library | 10 The Green, Woodstock, VT 05091 | 802.457.2295 | [email protected] | normanwilliams.org

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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.