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May | 2024

Stopping By For A Sip

Photo by Eric Anderson

May 2024 Newsletter

Director's Message:

"For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue."

-James A. Garfield

For over 150 years, May has been the month in which we honor the men and women of the U.S. military who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Memorial Day, originally Decoration Day, began in the years following the Civil War; however, in 1971, this day of remembrance was moved from May 30th to the last Monday in May and became a federal holiday. It is fitting that in a month burgeoning with hope and new life, we commemorate those who provided us with the opportunity to enjoy our homeland.

Here at Baker Free Library we have the honor of being the caretakers of two war memorials – the WWI and WWII monuments. For decades, these monuments graced our front lawn; unfortunately, for subsequent decades following the various stages of library expansion, these monuments essentially became part of our “backyard” laying in the shadow of very large trees. 

 

With the new landscape project beginning this month, we are excited to be able to reposition the war monuments. Improving outdoor library space is simply a continuation of the development of Baker Free Library that began with the first renovation in the 1960s. Today, your public library provides free access to the information marketplace and is a cultural, educational, and social hub for the community; consequently, it is perfect for us to be able to honor those heroes who fought for these freedoms by placing our war monuments front and center once again.

-Martin Walters, Library Director

Featured Event

An Evening with Anne Marie Zanfagna

Thursday, May 23rd | 6:30pm

Meet Anne Marie Zanfagna, the Featured Artist at the Gallery, and discover how she founded Angels of Addictions. Learn about the inspirations behind her stunning artwork, as Angels of Addictions aims to humanize the increasing statistics of addiction-related fatalities. Inspired after the loss of her daughter Jacqueline to a heroin overdose in October 2014, Anne Marie has taken her loss and used it to fuel her mission to paint colorful, vibrant portraits of others who have passed away from heroin overdose. Anne Marie Zanfagna’s portraits are a true testament to the power of art therapy.

Youth Programming

Storytimes

*Registration is required to reserve your child's space through our Online Calendar.

The spring session will run from March 12 - April 15, 2024.

Preschool Playtime

Tuesday 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, | 10:30am

Join us for a mini version of our weekly storytime, followed by extra play time! The library's collection of toys, instruments and manipulatives will be available for children of all ages to use. The room will be open for an hour; feel free to drop by for any or all of our play time. Registration is not required.

Toddler Playtime

Thursday 5/9, 5/16, 5/23 | 10:30am

Join us for a mini version of our weekly storytime, followed by extra play time! The library's collection of toys, instruments and manipulatives will be available for children of all ages to use. The room will be open for an hour; feel free to drop by for any or all of our play time. Registration is not required.

After-School Programs

*Registration is required to reserve your child's space through our Online Calendar.

Nature Explorers

Thursday, May 2nd | 4:00pm

Become a nature explorer with this new after-school club! Meeting monthly, this group will learn about animals, plant life, weather and the natural world. Create and fill your own nature journal as we explore the great outdoors, with hands-on art projects, science experiments, games and activities. Recommended for Grades 2 and Up.

Art Lab

Wednesday, May 8th | 3:30pm

A program for young artists, creators, and storytime graduates. Listen to a new story each month, then take part in sensory, art, and engineering activities designed to inspire our creativity and curiosity. Activities may include mixed media projects and painting, so come prepared to get messy! Recommended for Grades K-4, in the company of a parent or caregiver. Younger children may need assistance with certain projects.

Preschool Prom

Saturday, May 11th | 10:30am-12pm

*This program is FULL* Visit our Online Calendar to join the Waitlist*

Dress in your best for this special celebration, in honor of our youngest patrons! Stop by to take a picture, craft a keepsake and let loose with our bubble-filled dance party. For babies, toddlers and children aged 5 and under, in the company of a parent or caregiver.

Adult Programming

Craft Club

Tuesday, May 7th | 6:00pm | *Waitlist

Tuesday, June 4th | 6:00pm | Registration opens May 7th


Join us for a new craft every month! All supplies provided. Registration is required to reserve your seat.

Adult Book Talks

Book Talk at BFL

Tues. May 14th | 12:30pm & 6:30pm

Do you love to read? Are you willing to try books outside your comfort zone? Do you enjoy talking about books with others? Then our monthly Book Group is for you! 


May Book Discussion:

Take My Hand by Dolan Perkins-Valdez

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White Rock Book Group

Tues. May 21st | 1:00pm

Do you want to read outside of your comfort zone? Do you enjoy talking about books with others? Then our monthly Book Talk at White Rock Senior Center is for you!


May Book Discussion:

Take My Hand by Dolan Perkins-Valdez

Whodunits

Tues. June 4th | 1:00pm

Love mysteries? Join the Whodunits to sleuth through a new one every month! This mystery-exclusive book club meets at White Rock Senior Center on the first Tuesday of every month.


June Book Discussion:

The Blackhouse by Carole Johnstone

Copies of Book Talk books are available at the Circulation Desk at the Library. For more information on joining one of the Book Talk groups, contact Amy Bain at amy@bakerfreelib.org.

Peaceful Pages: A Mind, Body & Soul Book Club

*Thursday, May 16th | 6:00pm

Join us in Peaceful Pages: A Mind, Body & Soul Book Club guided by owner and founder of Yogistrong, Josephine Fanelli and discover new ways to nurture your mind, body, and soul through the power of literature and mindfulness every month.

Whether you’re an avid reader or simply looking for a new way to explore personal growth, Peaceful Pages offers a unique and engaging experience. Each month, Josephine will lead the group in a discussion of a different book that focuses on themes of mindfulness, self-care, and inner peace. Alongside the book discussion, participants will also engage in meditation and movement exercises designed to deepen their understanding of the book’s messages and cultivate a sense of calm and centeredness.


May Book Discussion

The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Books available to pick-up at the Circulation Desk today!

For more information, visit our Online Calendar

BFL Seed Library

Start Your Seeds Today!

The Seed Library is back at Baker Free Library! Browse the seed library database and find the seeds you need. Fill out the Sign Out Form located next to the database. Bring your seeds home to plant!


We offer a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flower seeds that are suitable to grow in the Northeast regional zone. Seed availability subject to change.

In the Gallery

May Exhibit - Anne Marie Zanfagna "Angels of Addictions"

April 27th - May 31st

Anne Marie Zanfagna’s portraits are a true testament to the power of art therapy. Her heart and soul go into every portrait painting that she does. Inspired after the loss of her daughter Jacqueline to a heroin overdose in October 2014, Anne Marie has taken her loss and used it to fuel her mission to paint colorful, vibrant portraits of others who have passed away from heroin overdose.

If you are interested in being a Featured Artist in the Gallery in 2024, contact Amelia at amelia@bakerfreelib.org

Holiday Closure

Baker Free Library will be CLOSED on Monday, May 27th in observation of Memorial Day. We will reopen Tuesday, May 28th at 10am.

Baker Free Library

509 South Street

Bow, NH 03304


(603) 224-7113

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In the Community

Town Updates

The Town of Bow has worked diligently in providing up to the minute notification of all that is happening in the community. In order to stay informed, visit the website Town of Bow or follow on Facebook @bownewhampshire

Bow Rotary Club


2024 Bow Rotary Car Show Coming May 18th

From 8am to 2pm in the fields behind Concord Group 502 South St. Bow NH.

All makes and years of cars!

Peoples Choice, Best In Show plus 18 Additional Trophies!

Spectator Entry only $3 (kids under 12/over 70 free)

Breakfast, Lunch, Drinks & Snacks available.

Car Registration Fees: 

By May 1st: $15 After May 1st: $20 

Car clubs that pre-register 6+ cars pay $10 per car! 

All Proceeds benefit local community and charities

Bow Young at Heart

Bow Young at Heart is a social club open to all residents 55 and older. The public is always welcome to attend any meeting or event. Meetings begin at 11:30 am with a social hour, followed by a speaker at 12:30 pm. Bring your own lunch, dessert is provided. Held at the Old Town Hall 91 Bow Center Road

May 8, 2024 

A presentation and discussion about the Bow emergency management system. The meeting will be held at the Bow Safety Center.

 

June 12, 2024

Jo Radner will present “Tangled Lives: Native People and English Settlers in Colonial New England,” juxtaposing Native American traditions with the stories told by colonial ancestors. The NH Humanities Council sponsors this event.

Bow Garden Club

Bow Garden Club Plant Sale and Craft Corner

Saturday, May 25th | 8:00am - Noon

Community Center - 3 Bow Center Road, Bow

Mark your calendars to join us for our annual plant sale at the community center on May 25. Lots of herb, vegetable, and flower plants will be available. Garden gloves for sale too. Bring the whole family and visit the Children's Potting Station!