A Note from the Director

Some of you know that I love a good romance novel, and am always happy to share suggestions for what kissing book to read next. (Seriously, ask me!). Whether you love reading in general, or romance novels in particular, you're sure to find something you love about the GPL--like that we've ordered additional copies of Spare because the wait list is VERY long--1,000 holds on 201 copies!

Our visitors and borrowers loved the Library a LOT in 2022; I've just finished our Annual Report for the Town of Grafton and our numbers are back up to, and in some cases exceeding, pre-pandemic levels for circulation, attendance, and programming. The full report will be posted to our website this month. We have more likes than ever on social media, more hits to our website, and more feedback on what people like and what we can do better.

This month we're introducing an informal drop-in coloring program and bringing back our Boston Bruins Pajama Drive fundraiser for Cradles to Crayons, and The Friends are having a Book Sale - we hope you'll come! Bags and bookmarks will be fore sale as well as an excellent selection of gently used books.

With Groundhog Day upon us, we're just passed the darkest days of winter, and take heart: spring is on the way! Since we live in New England, though, the storms are far from over; here is a reminder about our Inclement Weather Policy:

If there is NO SCHOOL in Grafton due to inclement weather, all programs are CANCELED.
If there is a DELAYED opening, MORNING programs are CANCELED.
If Grafton Public Schools DISMISSES EARLY due to inclement weather, AFTERNOON programs are CANCELED.

The Library's website and social media have up-to-date information on Library closures; our new phone system does not allow us to update our closing information. Note we have a scheduled closure for Monday February 20 in observance of Presidents Day.

Looking ahead to spring, we will host programs on beekeeping in March, and singer/songwriter Matt York returns, courtesy of Grafton Cultural Council, for a performance of Johnny Cash songs. Please note we will delay opening unitl 2pm on Thursday March 9 for the second part of our active shooter training, a simulation with air horns. Don't panic if you have loud noises coming from the Library during this scheduled staff training exercise!

In April, our Community Read will feature epistolary novels (written in letter format!) and corresponding activities this April, and a date for the Friends Spring Egg Hunt has been set: check our online calendar of events for details on these and other programs.

Stay warm, stay safe, and drop by soon to see what's new!

Beth Schreiber,

Library Director

FOR SCREEN READERS aerial view of Grafton Public Library and town

Expansion Update

Beth has been working with William Blake and OPM Mark Sullivan to complete the final MA Public Library Construction Program financial report for MBLC (we are still within budget!). We are also working on items for our permanent Certificate of Occupancy, which is the next benchmark for our next reimbursement payment, which will go straight to the bank to pay down the bond.

We have traced a leak in the Community Room to an possible issue with the green roof, and will be reduced the footprint of the succulent planters to troubleshoot the issue. We have a lock for the gate at the bottom of the stairs, and should have the correct panels and a caster by end of February. A humidifier has been ordered for the historical materials room (218) and will be on site for installation in March. Additional shelving for the Children's Room should arrive and be installed this spring.

The millwork for remedial sink and counterwork has been held up by lack of matching materials; thanks for continued patience during our construction. We will post a construction update as soon as we have one. HVAC commissioning and LEED certification are in process.

The Library Planning and Building Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday February 6 at 6pm on Zoom:

Agenda

Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 879 0582 0658

Passcode: 478236

Check out construction photos in our Construction album on our Facebook Page!

Cradles to Crayons

16th Annual Bruins PJ Drive

From February 1 through March 15, Cradles to Crayons®, the Boston Bruins, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and Wonderfund are coming together with organizations in your community to collect new pajamas for local children living in low-income and homeless situations. Together, we are looking to collect 10,000 pairs of pajamas. By supporting us with a PJ Drive, you will directly supply new pajamas to the children who need them most so they can stay warm for a good night’s sleep. Register through our form below to get more information on hosting a PJ Drive with us."

What we are collecting:

We are looking for brand new pajamas, appropriate for all seasons, from sizes 0-3 months through adult medium. Please do not give pajamas that include any family or holiday references, and refer to our Quality = Dignity guidelines.

Our most needed sizes are:

Girls: 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 5/6 (child S), 18/20 (child XXL/adult M)

Boys: 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 10/12 (child L), 14/16 (child XL/adult S), 18/20 (child XXL/adult M)"

Other ways to donate:

Purchase and donate pajamas through our Amazon Wish List (beginning on February 1) or make a $10 donation to provide a child with a pair of pajamas!

The Book of Longings

By Sue Monk Kidd

“An extraordinary novel . . . a triumph of insight and storytelling.” —Associated Press

“A true masterpiece.” —Glennon Doyle, author of Untamed

An extraordinary story set in the first century about a woman who finds her voice and her destiny, from the celebrated number one New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings

"In her mesmerizing fourth work of fiction, Sue Monk Kidd takes an audacious approach to history and brings her acclaimed narrative gifts to imagine the

story of a young woman named Ana. Raised in a wealthy family with ties to the ruler of Galilee, she is rebellious and ambitious, with a brilliant mind and a daring spirit. She engages in her furtive scholarly pursuits and writes narratives about neglected and silenced women. Ana is expected to marry an older widower, a prospect that horrifies her. An encounter with eighteen-year-old Jesus changes everything. Their marriage evolves with love and conflict, humor and pathos in Nazareth, where Ana makes a home with Jesus, his brothers, and their mother, Mary. Ana's pent-up longings intensify amid the turbulent resistance to Rome's occupation of Israel, partially led by her brother, Judas. She is sustained by her fearless aunt Yaltha, who harbors a compelling secret. When Ana commits a brazen act that puts her in peril, she flees to Alexandria, where startling revelations and greater dangers unfold, and she finds refuge in unexpected surroundings. Ana determines her fate during a stunning convergence of events considered among the most impactful in human history."

Request a book, a Large Print book, a CD-Audiobook, an

e-book on the Libby app, or an e-audio on the Libby app.

Our February Display

The Borrower Services and Reference staff invite you to

check out an item from our two staircase displays in

Room 201 - Large Print/New Books.

Did You Know?

Crafting Supplies Needed

The Library is in need of beginners knitting needles and crochet hooks. If you have any to spare, please leave them with Heidi Fowler, our Reference Librarian. Feel free to email us with any questions: info@graftonlibrary.org.

Thank you in advance!