April is here bringing celestial phenomenon, artistic endeavors, personal reflection, and a delightful gathering to support the myriad of important programs and services Norman Williams Public Library provides our community. | |
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Even though the calendar says Spring has arrived, the recent snowstorm forced us to postpone “Cosmic Countdown: Preparing for the Eclipse” until April 6. We will have special eclipse viewing glasses available while supplies last.
On April 8, the afternoon of the solar eclipse, NWPL will close from 2:00 until 4:30 so that staff may observe the phenomenon (unless the weather is too inclement for viewing).
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Seniors have been having a blast with the series of workshops co-sponsored by The Thompson Senior Center and NWPL! The greater community is invited to join us at the library on Friday, April 12, for the closing event “Sharing Our Creative Play!” when many participants will share some of the storytelling, singing, writing, and skits that they have enjoyed creating.
Jason Mills has four large paintings on exhibit in the Mezzanine Gallery, “Similarities and Differences.” Meet the artist and hear about his process at the Reception on Saturday, April 13 at 1 pm.
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The Call to Artists for the next exhibit in the Mezzanine Gallery, Fertile Ground, has gone out. The deadline to submit work for this annual group show has been extended until April 15.
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April is National Poetry Month! Find inspiration to construct a found poem through the deconstruction of another’s text!
Stop by and try your hand at “Pruned Poetry!” Otherwise known as Redacted or Blackout Poetry, Pruned Poetry is created by removing words from an existing printed page – any newspaper or book page will work.
We have newspapers and pages from damaged books for you to use. Finished Pruned Poems will be displayed by the big clock on the first floor and in the window of the children’s room.
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We hope you will join us for the 20th Ex Libris Gala to be held at the Woodstock Inn on the last Sunday in April. Our guest speaker is Priscilla Painton, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief at Simon & Schuster. Her topic is “The Book: A Story of Resilience” and she will talk about how books have defied predictions of their demise and thrived in an age of epic competition for your attention.
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Tickets for this important fundraising event are available through our website or, if you prefer to pay by check, in the library at the circulation desk. They are going fast!
Whether or not you attend, we appreciate you considering a Gala Sponsorship so more of the funds raised may go directly to the library’s print and digital materials, inspiring programs, community services, and critical upkeep.
Hope to see you at the library soon!
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Cosmic Countdown: Preparing for the Eclipse
Saturday, April 6, 10:30 am at NWPL
Learn about the movements of the moon and the sun from Horizons Observatory Co-Directors Rob Hanson and Scott Griswold. After the presentation, we'll have the opportunity to "sun gaze" with a solar telescope if the weather is clear. (MORE INFO)
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"Sharing Our Creative Play!"
Creative Play for Seniors Community Showcase
Friday, April 12, 4 pm at NWPL
After seven weeks of workshops, we invite everyone in the community to join us for a fun final event at the Library. Along with the presenters, Marv Klassen-Landis, Michael Zerphy, and Ham Gillett, participants will share what they have created during the series – storytelling, poems, songs, and skits. (MORE INFO)
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Laura Waterman
Calling Wild Places Home: A Memoir in Essays
Tuesday, April 23, 4:00 pm at NWPL
Friend and fellow conservationist, Mary Margaret Sloan, will interview Laura Waterman about this new collection of essays that weave together seemingly disparate themes of wild places and mountain stewardship, books and reading, and building a new life after loss. (MORE INFO)
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Intrigued by the topic, the titles, or books in general? NWPL hosts a variety of lively book discussion groups. We invite you to join a session–or several! All groups are open and welcome new participants. Click on the group name for more details.
The hybrid format offers you the choice of attending in person or virtually via zoom. Email Programs@NormanWilliams.org to be kept updated on book selections and links to sign on.
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Tuesday, April 9, 10:30 am: What's on Your Nightstand has no required reading! Chat about the books that excite you and discover what others are enjoying. (meets monthly)
Wednesday, April 24, 4 pm: Read Between the Lines will discuss The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store: A Novel by James McBride. (Note: new day and time, meets monthly)
Wednesday, May 1, 1 pm: Literary Pairs will explore the topic “Here and There; stories and voices of indigenous communities.” We will discuss Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty and There, There by Tommy Orange. (meets quarterly)
Day & Date TBA: One-off Book Discussion has not yet chosen the next read. Suggestions welcome!
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Ongoing Programs for Children & Adults | |
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Free and open to all, we are pleased to offer programs in the library, online, and in a hybrid format (in person and via zoom). Please check each program for details.
Email Programs@NormanWilliams.org for information and link to join.
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Poetry Group
Twice monthly on the 1st & 3rd Mondays
4:00 PM - in person
Are you looking for feedback on your poems? You are invited to join the Poetry Group at NWPL for study and support. (MORE INFO)
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Baby Story Time - Birth - 20 months
Weekly on Tuesdays
10:30 AM - in person
Introduce your child early to the joys of reading! We'll feature short stories, songs, finger puppets, free play & more. (MORE INFO)
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Play Chess & Backgammon!
Weekly on Tuesdays
5:00 - 7:00 PM - in person
Everyone is welcome to play: beginners and experts, seniors and youngsters (kids under 11 must be accompanied by an adult). (MORE INFO)
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Recite! Open-mic Poetry
Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday; Next meeting April 9
5:30 PM - in person & via zoom
Poetry lovers: bring a poem of your own or one from a favorite poet to read and share. Or simply join and listen. (MORE INFO)
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Toddler Story Time - 20 months - 3 1/2 years
Weekly on Thursdays
10:30 AM - in person
Join us to read a few books on a theme of the week. Enjoy stories, socializing, and often a craft/project tied into the theme. (MORE INFO)
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Knitters Meet-up
Weekly on Thursdays
2:00-4:00 PM - in person
We knit together and provide assistance when needed. Come when you can and bring your current project. (MORE INFO)
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Qigong
Weekly on Fridays
8:30 AM - online via Zoom
Gerry Sandweiss shares her knowledge of Qigong–the art of conscious movement–offering a pathway to enhance your quality of life. (MORE INFO)
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NWPL Bag Mobile
Sometimes mobility issues and transportation challenges make it hard to get to the library.
Enter the Bag Mobile! We are happy to fill a special tote bag with your choice of books. This may be picked up at the library by a caregiver or friend.
We now have a regular off-site delivery service to The Homestead, Melishwood, and Woodstock Terrace for patrons who request it. Currently, we pick up and deliver items weekly, on Tuesday afternoons. We will do our best to accommodate requests outside of those locations if you cannot send someone to pick up the Bag Mobile at NWPL. (MORE INFO)
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