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TIDINGS
eNewsletter of the EPL
Chatham, MA
Winter 2022/23
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"Connecting Chatham to the World" |
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News from the Trustees
This fall has been an eventful one at the Library — to say the least. In one regard, we have welcomed the return to a new normal following the dislocations of two “Covid years.” Among other signs of renewal, have been the sounds of adult voices in our Learning Series classes in the Forgeron Room and elsewhere and the equally pleasing sounds of children’s voices in our young people’s programs. As a result, our staff has been busy, and we could not be happier.
On the other hand, our lovely and beloved building has revealed signs of its age as we have had to close down sporadically for a few days here and there throughout the summer and fall due to electrical and HVAC problems. Our staff has been wonderful in adapting to such changing conditions, however, and we have appreciated our patrons’ patience in accommodating themselves to these unwelcome surprises. Such difficulties have become an unfortunate reality, and we are continuing to work with the town to address them.
On a more exciting note, the Trustees have agreed to begin the process of defining short-term and long-term visions for the direction for our Library. Both locally and nationally libraries are assuming more central roles as hubs of community activity, information, and social cohesion, and we on the Trustees plan to be “ahead of the curve” as we align our strategic goals with our town’s needs. One way we hope to do this is by partnering with the Friends of the Library to identify our constituents’ needs and then address them as well as we can. This will be a tall order and will take some time, but in the coming months, we will be getting the process underway. Needless to say, we will keep you informed about our progress, and we will welcome any suggestions you might have for us.
In closing, we welcome new EPL Trustee Heather Higgins!
Best Wishes,
Kerry Brown
President, EPL Board of Trustees
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News from the Friends of EPL |
The Friends of the Eldredge Public Library represented the Library in Pumpkins in the Park. This year our contribution was of a popular event at the library: Story Hour. Our librarian was reading Good Night Moon to a group of pumpkin tots wearing Halloween masks. Several passersby commented that they could remember going to story hour at our library. Friends Joan Craig, Bette Hahner, Rosanne Geylin, Sheila Jamieson, Janet Toenniessen, Mary Ann Chamberlain and several husbands designed and set up our display.
As the holiday season approaches I wish all a happy and healthy Holiday and New Year.
Mary Ann Chamberlain
President, Friends of the Eldredge Public Library
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Meet FEPL Vice President Tom Reid!
After fifty years in education, more than thirty of them as a head of school at various independent schools, Tom retired last year. Though Tom and his family have been long-time summer residents of Chatham, they had always looked forward to making it their full-time home. One of the many reasons for that, was the Eldredge Public Library. A town resource that they, their children, and grandchildren have always enjoyed. Tom knew he wanted to be involved with the Library's programs in some way and was happy to join the Learning Series planning committee. When asked to serve on the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library Board, Tom did not hesitate to accept. In doing so, he looks forward to supporting in every way the outstanding programs and services offered by the very capable and dedicated staff and helping to ensure that the Library remains one of the top assets of Chatham.
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A Message From The Youth Services Team
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Season’s greetings from Youth Services! We’re feeling very festive and celebrating the season in many ways this year. Once again, our Junior Friends are spreading holiday cheer by volunteering their time and creating seasonal gifts for our community’s homebound patrons and senior citizens. They have also been very helpful elves, lending a hand in our programs for younger children. We are so grateful for the many ways our Junior Friend volunteers make a difference at the Library and in our community! |
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Here in Youth Services, we have some fun seasonal activities going on. Tammy has a collection of children’s book-themed ornaments on display. See if you can identify all the children’s books they represent and earn a ticket to enter a raffle for a special holiday prize. We are also being visited by a little Gingerbread Man who has been running, running as fast as he can! He’s found a hiding spot in Youth Services and doesn’t want to leave! Stop by and see if you can find him! If you do, you’ll get to make your very own gingerbread pin with our button-maker.
We are so happy to have welcomed so many people of all ages back to the Library for programs like Baby Yoga, Wee Read, S is for Storytime, Lego Block Party, and so many more! The fun for all ages continues this month with some special seasonal events. Take a look at the Youth Services calendar to find out the latest programs at the EPL.
Finally, a big “THANK YOU!” goes out to the Friends of the EPL. Their support allows us to increase the number and variety of programs we are able to offer our community and we are tremendously grateful for the Friends’ generosity, hard work, and commitment to the EPL. Thank you for all you do for the Eldredge Public Library! You make a difference!
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Sharing New, Notable, and Near-n-Dear Children’s and Young Adult Literature
Are you wondering what books to purchase for the readers on your holiday list? Do you need some great suggestions for your reluctant reader? Are you struggling to meet the demands of your avid reader? Are you looking for some great additions to your classroom library? Or, are you simply a fan of what’s trending in children’s and young adult literature?
The Season's Readings list is ideal for parents, grandparents, educators, and book lovers looking for gift ideas and worthy titles to share at home and in the classroom. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to Meghan, Leah, or Tammy for more personal suggestions for your young readers, and please don’t forget to shop at our awesome local bookstores, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Yellow Umbrella Books, and The Brewster Book Store!
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Year End Giving Opportunities |
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Your FEPL membership is greatly appreciated, and the monies we raise go directly to enhancing the Eldredge Public Library - whether it be for furnishings, technology, programs for all ages and more. If you haven’t joined, it’s never too late to become a Friend. You’ll be glad you did! |
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During this season of giving, the Board of Trustees applauds the community’s longstanding generosity toward our important Annual Fund, the Library’s largest annual source of private support. If you have not yet contributed, now is a perfect time to make a year-end, tax deductible donation to our fall fund drive. Donate today!
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Don't miss the last course in the Fall Learning Series. The course is open to the public at a suggested donation of $10 per course. All proceeds are used by the Friends to support the Eldredge Public Library. Registration is required. You can register Online or at the Library.
Cape Cod Fisheries - Two sessions: December 12 & 13
Seth Rolbein from the Cape Cod Commercial Fisherman's Alliance will talk about the history, importance, and challenges commercial fisherman face on Cape Cod.
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Mon. Dec. 12 @ 2:00 pm
Join us at the Eldredge Public Library for a special intergenerational screening of Cycle of Memory: the new award-winning documentary about two siblings' bicycle adventure to find the memories their grandfather lost to Alzheimer's.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Chatham Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency: massculturalcouncil.org
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Wed. Dec. 14 @ 12:00 pm
You’re invited to explore early-American history during an online afternoon conversation with Pulitzer Prize winning historian Nicole Eustace as she discusses her 2022 award winning book Covered With Night: A Story of Murder and Indigenous Justice in Early America.
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Wed. Dec. 21 @ 11:00 am
Join Mass Audubon Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary Director Ian Ives for this educational and fascinating introduction to Winter Birds of Cape Cod. This program will be in person at the Library and limited to 40.
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Our December programming also includes:
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The Library will be closed Dec 24, 26, 31 and Jan 2 |
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