Fall Tidings eNewsletter from the Eldredge Public Library!

TIDINGS

eNewsletter of the EPL

Chatham, MA

Fall 2022

"Connecting Chatham to the World"

Welcome Fall!

As summer winds down, we have so much to look forward to this fall!

The Library celebrates two notable library campaigns in September: Library Card Sign-up Month and Banned Books Week.

Anyone over the age of 5 is eligible for a library card at the EPL. The application process is simple: download and complete a Registration Form or visit in person. You will need to provide ID when you come into the Library for the card, and a parent or guardian signature must accompany the Juvenile Application. That’s it. No proof of residency, no fee, and no hassle to access over 1.6 million resources available through the CLAMS (Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing) network.

Access to all is one of the guiding principles of the public library system, and now more than ever, access and the freedom to read is being challenged across the country. As these basic rights are threatened, this year’s Banned Books Week, Sept 18-24, becomes even more relevant. We will continue to raise awareness and to stand with librarians (school and public), booksellers, publishers, authors, journalists, educators, and readers in our shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.

Hey, book lovers, we need you! The Eldredge Public Library is seeking a part-time Circulation Assistant to join our awesome team on Thursdays and Saturdays (15 hrs). This is a great opportunity if you are looking to supplement your income or have always dreamed of working in a public library. Find out more!

The Library's "shell" project will continue this fall with some masonry restoration on the Main Street and Library Lane sides of the building. To insure minimal impact to patrons, we will most likely be closed a few days in September. We are also getting our doors refinished and new windows! We will keep you updated on our progress throughout the fall and give as much notice as we can regarding upcoming temporary closures.

Amy Andreasson

Library Director

Greetings from the Friends of the EPL

As FEPL President, I’m honored to share the latest Friends news. In June, the Friends elected new officers at the annual meeting. Joining me are Vice President Tom Ried, Treasurer Sarge Slicer, and Secretary Sheila Jamieson.

Recently, we received a generous bequest in memory of Wendy and Richard Costello. Both were beloved community members, noted for their shared love and commitment to the people of Chatham. The funds from this bequest were stipulated to provide continual support to Youth Services, and we are so grateful for this gesture.

With the Fall Learning Series about to launch, we were thrilled to fund the first stage of the “meeting room makeover.” Those cold, red chairs are gone, and the new, more comfortable chairs are a welcome change! While checking out the chairs, visit the Friends Book Sale. This year-round fundraiser is dependent upon community and visitor donations, a dedicated committee of worker bees, and a steady flow of “customers.” All proceeds fund projects and wishlists outside of the EPL’s operating budget.

We purchased new signage for the library that not only looks appealing, but also brings the library up-to-date with accessibility requirements. As we move into fall, we’re grateful for members of the Chatham Garden Club who will help us spruce up the landscaping with seasonal plantings purchased by the Friends. In addition, we’re busy planning for our annual participation in the Pumpkin People in the Park in October.

We have many exciting plans ahead, including the return of our popular Books in Bloom event. If you’d like to join the Friends, we’re always welcoming new members. Encourage your friends to join! Renew your membership! Your friends, the Friends, and the Library will thank you!

Mary Ann Chamberlain

President, Friends of the Eldredge Public Library

Meet Mary Ann Chamberlain, the new FEPL President!

Like many retirees, Mary Ann and her family enjoyed many summers and holidays in Chatham before making the big move to year-round residency. As a high school English teacher, Mary Ann spent a great deal of time in the library, and upon retirement, she volunteered at her local library. In 2019 she moved to Chatham, joining the “Crafty Chics” and volunteering at the EPL. She is an avid reader and book lover and considers the library her “happy place.” She looks forward to working along with the members of the Friends to support the EPL.

Community-mindedness

As many of you are aware, the Library has recently articulated its strategic plan for the years 2022-2026, which includes the following goals: (1) Promote literacy and learning; (2) Serve as a community connector; (3) Be an innovator of technology; (4) Spark imagination, fun, and enrichment; and (5) Focus on library operations, pledging to be fiscally responsible while continuing to expand our services and providing professional and knowledgeable staff. These are all ambitious goals, and the Trustees of the Library, who are ultimately responsible for the fiscal and operational health of the institution, are very aware of their importance to the Chatham community and our patrons — adults and children alike.

Of the goals above, I’d like to highlight the importance of our role as a community connector with the aim of extending library services outside our walls and into the community. As traditional as it is, Chatham is changing, and both the Library and, by extension, the Trustees must be responsive to these changes — to identify community needs and dynamics and to address them through our programs. As a consequence, you should know that whenever we have openings on the Board, the Trustees are always on the lookout for people with diverse skills, with a commitment to the goals identified above, and who have both the Library and Chatham at heart.

Kerry Brown

President, Board of Trustees

A Message From The Youth Services Team

This year's Summer Reading Adventure, "All Aboard For Summer Reading" was a resounding success! Readers of all ages participated in this collaborative program between the Eldredge Public Library and the Chatham Railroad Museum. Throughout the summer, hundreds of participants enjoyed programming, special events, and LOTS of reading! In total, they completed over 70,000 minutes of reading. What an accomplishment for our community! Entertaining, engaging, and educational programs for all age groups took place during July and August at the Library and the Chatham Railroad Museum. An enormous thank you to The Friends of the Eldredge Public Library and the Chatham Cultural Council for their support of these events.

Now that our Summer Reading Adventure is over, we are looking towards autumn and winter. We’re busy cleaning, organizing, and preparing Youth Services for the seasons ahead. We’re also replenishing the shelves with the newest materials for you to enjoy and attending professional development classes. During October, many of our programs will resume, including Baby Yoga, Wee Read, Preschool Storytime, LEGO Block Parties, Graphic Novel Book Group, and many more! Keep an eye out for special events, as well, including an opportunity for elementary school students to learn Pokémon: The Card Game which will include a Pokémon Tournament. For teens and tweens, we’ll start the spooky season with a Murder Mystery Dinner. Continuing our partnership with the Chatham Railroad Museum, our Junior Friend volunteers are working on a Halloween celebration for younger children and their families!

Stay tuned for information on these and many more programs coming soon. Download our YS monthly calendar and newsletter, visit our website, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and most importantly, visit us often!

FEPL Fall Learning Series Announced

The Friends of the Eldredge Public Library Learning Series announced a fall lineup of ten exciting, diverse programs.

First up is a four-part course on Cape Cod Birds with local bird expert Phil Kyle beginning on Monday, September 19. On Tuesday, September 27, a two-part session on Senior Citizen Issues begins led by Dr. Jim Knickman, former chair of the National Council on Aging.

Remaining programs include classical music with Joseph Marchio and the genius of Cole Porter with John Whelan. Additional programs focus on local hiking, the fishing industry, the environment, the Ukraine, the ancient Etruscans and American artist Mary Cassatt.

It should be noted that nine of the 10 programs will take place in the Library.

Detailed descriptions of all programs, including dates, times, and how to register, can be found on the Eldredge Public Library website at www.eldredgelibrary.org/learning-series/ or can be obtained at the front desk of the Library. For the nine programs scheduled in the Library, registrations will be limited to 40 individuals. A $10 donation per course is suggested. All net proceeds are used by the Friends of the EPL to support the Library.

For further information contact the Learning Series Committee at

learningseries@eldredgelibrary.org or call the library at 508-945-5170.

You will find great books at bargain prices at the Friends of the EPL Book Sale located on the lower level of the Library.

Donations Needed! Please check the Book Sale webpage for donation information. Call 945-5170 for daily hours.

Be a Friend! Renew! Join! Ask a friend to join! It’s very easy. Join online or download a membership form and mail it in with your membership dues! The Friends and the Library thank you!