May 2020 Newsletter
All locations are closed until further notice. Check our website for updates and closure services .
Dear Friends,

It is hard to believe but Friday, April 24 was my last day as library director. I have been planning for my retirement for several months, so this may come as no surprise to many of you.

It has been a privilege to work at the Beverly Public Library for the past thirty five years, the last three as library director. In some ways time has flown by. When I first started working at the main library there was an elevator for books, but not one for people! Parents had to trudge up the Essex Street stairs with strollers and diaper bags only to get inside and then encounter more stairs to the children's room. How times have changed and all for the better! We have a first rate library and are lucky to have not only the main library but also the Farms branch and bookmobile. And most important of all, it has been you, the citizens of Beverly and surrounding communities, who have made the library what it is today. Your support, community involvement, and love of learning continue to inspire me every day.

I never thought that my last days as library director would be in the middle of a pandemic. Who could have foreseen this? But I know that the library will be in very good hands with Allison Babin as the new library director.

I wish you all the best and hope to see you around town after these challenging times are behind us.

Anna Langstaff
Virtual Programs
We're working hard to bring you virtual programs during this extraordinary time.
Full details on our calendar .

Please note: some programs require registration, click through for full details.

Appy Hour
Join us Thursday, May 14 at 10 AM  for a presentation on popular apps.

Over the Falls: Niagara Then and Now
Take a virtual trip with us on Wednesday, May 20 at 7 PM .

Laugh Break
Relax on Wednesday, May 27 at 5 PM with laugh exercises.

Discussion Groups via Zoom
LGBTQ Book Group on Monday, May 18 at 7 PM
Evening Book Group on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:30 PM
Farms Book Group on Thursday, May 21 at 7 PM
Short Story Group on Tuesday, May 26 at 7:30 PM
Books and Brews on Wednesday, May 27 at 6:30 PM
Our YouTube channel has videos for all ages, including Quarantine Kitchen , Yoga , and Shelter in Verse .
Beverly Keeps Reading
Help us read 5,000 books this spring! In conjunction with Beverly Public Schools’ librarians, we are pleased to announce the  Beverly Keeps Reading  program. This city-wide challenge is designed to keep everyone in Beverly reading during this time of social distancing. We’re in this together.
We may not be seeing you in person but you can still get one-on-one assistance. Book a librarian for a customized session with a librarian.

Or email us at  bev@noblenet.org . We're here to help.
Virtual Art Exhibits
Since our buildings are closed we invite you to enjoy our new virtual exhibit space .

This May we are featuring an exhibit by Dru Davidson titled, “Life on a Barrier Island: Plum Island.” These works show her views of the area expressed in pastel medium. Dru has been creating pastel artwork for about 5 years and is inspired by the seacoast, the marsh and the dunes. View and learn more by visiting the virtual exhibit .
3D Printed Ear Savers
We’ve put our 3D printer to work making “ear saver” mask straps for free local distribution. The library’s output will be on the small side, so we won't be taking orders, but inquiries are welcome! Contact Matthew at martens@noblenet.org .  
Teen Happenings
Upcoming Events
For those in grades 6-12.
Check our calendar for upcoming program details.

Teen Book Club
Wednesday, May 6 from 2-3 PM
Join Ms. Fecteau (BHS Librarian) and Meghan (Beverly Public Library Teen Librarian) for a Google Hangouts discussion of  We Used to Be Friends  by Amy Spalding. Participants must register with their school email address .
Looking for something to do? Check our Remote Services page for teen recommendations like SYNC , a free summer audiobook program.
24th Annual Teen Poetry Contest

The 24th Annual Poetry Reading and Ceremony will be held online in mid-May. We have posted the finalists and will be awarding the prizes on video. Check the Teen Poetry Contest page for updates.
Children's News
Children's Events
Want to see a familiar face? Check our calendar for upcoming programs, view our YouTube channel for programs on-demand, and join us on Facebook Live !

Musical Mondays on Facebook Live
Mondays in May at 10 AM
Some ukulele, some rhymes, some songs, some special “guests.”

Babies and Books on Facebook Live
Tuesdays in May at 9:30 AM
Bounce and sing with your baby as we share board books, tickles, rhymes and songs!

Tea Time Children’s Classics on Facebook Live
Tuesdays in May at 4 PM
Pour yourself a cuppa, then sit back and relax as we share a taste of classic children’s literature by reading aloud the first one or two chapters of some favorites.

Virtual Story Times on Facebook Live
Wednesdays and Fridays in May at 10 AM
Join us for stories, rhymes, songs, fingerplays and more. We will share some of our favorite story time books and songs and we need you to sing along with us! 

STEAM Scribbles
Fridays in May tune into the Beverly Public Library's Youtube channel for a weekly drawing challenge! Each week, we will explore a different science, technology, engineering, or math concept with only pencils and paper.

Graphic Novel Book Club via Zoom ( grades 3-6)
Wednesday, May 20 from 4-4:30 PM
We will be discussing Oddly Normal Volume 1 by Otis Frampton. Registration required .
PLAY! Date
Thursday, May 21
Join us on Facebook Live for a virtual PLAY! Date in celebration of our Mind in the Making Grant featuring storytelling, Mother Goose, puppet making and more! The possibilities are endless when you imagine, create and play!
  • 9:30 AM Baby & Toddler Story Time
  • 10:30 AM Mother Goose Live! Carol Finn-Weidman as Mother Goose introduces children to five different types of rhymes as they participate in over 20 nursery rhymes in this fun interactive program.
  • 1 PM Preschool Story Time
  • 2 PM Sock Puppet Fun Some socks, some songs, some books and you can create fun anytime!
  • 4 PM Junk Mail Storytelling Learn to tell stories through paper folding with pieces of unwanted mail. Save up some letter size junk mail and get ready to fold!

PLAY! Date is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.