Beaman Browser Customer Expectations in a Digital Age A library’s biggest challenge is being prepared for whatever the next best thing will be and cultivating a staff culture that welcomes that challenge. In order to make that a reality, we wrote a grant to: provide training for staff, increase access to titles in multiple formats, and support patrons using their library cards to download ebooks. This grant, entitled Customer Experience in a Digital Age, is funded through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners with funds from LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), a Federal source of library funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Since our upgrade in membership in C/W MARS, West Boylston residents have had greater access to materials from the collections of over 150 other libraries. Our patrons accustomed to browsing have actually found decreased access to physical copies of best sellers waiting for them on the shelves. This grant will provide us with funding to lease additional copies of the most popular titles and to set these titles aside for our patrons who browse. Our patrons now enjoy the ability to fully utilize the popular OverDrive collection of library e-books thereby putting additional pressure on an already stressed system. This grant will provide funding to purchase additional titles to make more e-books available for the many to share. Additionally,
we will provide training for all staff to familiarize each with the electronic devices used to read these e-book titles. In turn, all staff will be better prepared to assist our readers needing help navigating the complicated e-book landscape. Finally, the library will work at a web site redesign to improve the public’s access to most library resources 24/7 on multiple platforms. The Friends of Beaman Library, as our partners in this grant, continue to support the library’s technology needs and will provide funding for e-newsletters for our patrons and electronic devices for staff use. Of course, the library’s greatest resource goes home at night! I would like to thank each staff member who is working to make this grant a reality and who has accepted the challenge. There will always be new technologies to be learned and new customers discovering the advantages of utilizing the library’s entire collection. Customer service is the cornerstone of all we do; this grant will help it remain so. Would you like to help us in our efforts? Take a moment to access our annual Feedback Survey by following this link on our website: http://mblc.countingopinions.com/s/10464. Thanks!
Louise Howland Library Director
Volume XXV, No. 1, Winter
Contact: 508.835.3711 Children’s: 508.835.2980
2013-14
Library Hours:
Fax: 508.835.4770
TTY: 508.835.4936
www.beamanlibrary.org
Tues: 10 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Wed.: 1:00 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Thurs: 10 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Fri: 1 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sat.: 10: a.m. – 2 p.m. Closed Sundays & Mondays. Closing Dec. 24 at 1:00 p.m., closed Dec. 25; closing Dec. 31 at 3:00 p.m. and closed Jan. 1. Call the library for further details or stop by for a bookmark of the library’s hours.
Adult Events It’s time for the Annual Food Drive for the West Boylston Food Pantry. The Food Pantry serves people of West Boylston who need a helping hand during rough times. The collection box will be on a table near the Main Desk during the months of December, January and February. Please drop off your donations at the library during our regular hours. Meditation Program Tues., December 10 at 6:30 p.m. Will Raymond, local author of the recent book, The Simple Path, will present a program about an effective way to approach meditation in a non-dogmatic, spiritual way. Pearl Harbor: One Last Good-bye Sat., December 14 at 10:30 a.m. This documentary film captures the stories of six survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor who return to Hawaii to relive the memories of this infamous day. The stories the survivors tell will take you on an emotional journey back to the fateful day of December 7, 1941. Friends Holiday Open House Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 10 to 1 p.m. Take time during your day to stop by the library to enjoy some holiday cheer and refreshments courtesy of the Friends. The Friends Annual Membership Drive As the New Year begins, consider renewing your membership in the Friends of the Beaman Library. This group provides funding for almost all of the wonderful programs held at the Library. You can submit your renewal using the form provided on the next-to-the-last page in this newsletter. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Please sign up for these events E-Reader Workshop Saturday, Jan. 4 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Did you get an e-reader (Kindle, Nook or iPad) for the holidays? Find out how to borrow e-books from the library at this workshop. Please bring along your valid library card and your e-reader. Fill out a simple questionnaire when registering. Artist Gallery Open House January 9, 16, 23, 30 Stop by the Library each Thursday evening from 6 - 8 to view a display of art by a different local artist or artisan. Light refreshments will be served. Swords Through the Ages with Jeff Lord and Jeff Goodhind Wednesday, January 29 From 6:30-8 p.m. History will come alive in this historical demonstration of swords from different eras. Jeff and Jeff have studied the combat techniques of the past in order to demonstrate those used during the Renaissance. Please sign up for this program before January 21. Limited to adults and teens. February is Love Your Library Month During the month of February, show your love for Beaman Library by submitting your comments about the Library via our Facebook page. Or, leave a comment at the desk and get a Hershey Kiss in return. The Souper Bowl Saturday, February 1 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. This family program is a fun way to find some new recipes and meet the Friends! Let us know if you are willing to bring a steaming pot of your favorite soup, stew, or chili with its recipe to share! We will provide the bread and dessert.
NEED A PROGRAM REMINDER? It’s easy to forget you signed up for a program when it was done a month ahead. You can send yourself a reminder 24 hrs., 48 hrs., 1 week or 2 weeks ahead of the event! Go to: http://tinyurl.com/BMPLreminder and select the date of the program you are interested in. Scroll to find the program description and, on the right, click the button “Remind Me”. Enter your name and email address. From the drop down menu select when you want the reminder sent and click “Submit Request for Reminder”. The library staff will be happy to show you how or set up a reminder for you.
Epic Adventures of a Massachusetts Bird Photographer Wednesday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to photograph birds as Peter Christoph shares the techniques he has developed over many years. Peter will take us on a photographic journey showcasing his favorite bird pictures and sharing where to go to create your own avian masterpieces. Friends “Yankee” Book Swap Thurs. February 13, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Enjoy a fun evening sharing your love of books. Bring a book you have enjoyed, wrapped in paper with a short description attached. Through a “Yankee Swap” exchange, you will hear descriptions of the books and make a swap for a book that sounds interesting to you. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the love of books. Refreshments will be available after the “swap”. The Angel of Hadley author talk Saturday, February 15 at 12:30 p.m. Local author, Edward Lodi will talk about his latest book, The Angel of Hadley: A Legend of King Philip’s War and the Strange History Behind It. He will give a brief account of the Indian attack on Hadley in 1675. When a mysterious stranger, William Goffe, appeared to save the day and then just as suddenly vanished, he set off one of the greatest manhunts in all of history. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.
Adult Book Discussion Group The adult book discussion group meets on the third Thursday of the month from 12:30 to 1:30. Titles for the winter are: Snow Day by Billy Coffey for Dec. 19, The Fault in our Stars by John Green for Jan. 16, and Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver on February 20. Please call to confirm the title for the month. Copies of the books are available in advance at the circulation desk.
Ongoing… Middle and High School Pizza & Pages Book Groups Share your thoughts about a book over pizza beginning at 6:30 on the following nights: Live Clue for Teens! Jan. 9 & Feb. 27: Middle School Friday, February 28 from 7–8:30 p.m. Dec. 12 & Jan. 30: High School Group assortment including dipped pretzels, Comeof totreats the Beaman Mansion dressed as candy cane hearts, Oreo snowmen and molded chocolate New members are always welcome. a character of your choice and be Ask at the desk for the current book Swords Through the Ages prepared to help solve the mystery in the if you’d like to join. with Jeff Lord and Jeff Goodhind LIVE version of the classic board game! Be Wed., January 22 from 6:30-8 on alert or you may become the next Like the Beaman Library Teens p.m. victim! Please register and give the library Facebook Page to take part in the History will come alive in this your character’s name before February 26 Library’s teen book giveaways! historical demonstration of so we can add you to the character list! swords from different eras. Jeff This program is limited to 20 sleuths! and Jeff have studied the combat Snacks will be served between murders. techniques of the past in order to
For Teens
“Edible Gifts” Returns! Thurs., Dec. 19 from 6 -7:30 p.m. Create some irresistibly delectable edible treats as holiday gifts. You will make an
demonstrate the combat techniques used during the Renaissance. Please sign up for this program before January 21.
Children’s Room
Please sign up for these events
“Mother Goose on the Loose” Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. January 7, 14, 21, 28, and February 4, 11 This program fosters emergent learning in children from birth to 18 months in age and their caregivers. Join us for rhymes, instrument play, rhythm, and more as we promote language development, literacy skills and nurture a critical life-long love of learning during these extremely important developmental years. Sign up for the spring session beginning on February 7.
“Books and Blankies” Thursdays at 9:15 and 10:15 a.m. Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6, 13 This program is for children ages 18 months to 3 years old and their caregivers. It promotes early literacy skills, language development and a love of learning through finger plays, rhythmic exercises, movement, instruments and more. This program fosters emergent learning during the critical early years of development. Sign up for the spring session beginning on February 7. Drop In Play Group Tuesday mornings, 10-11:30 a.m. NOT HELD DURING VACATION WEEKS Parents/caregivers and their children
ONGOING PROGRAMS 1KBK: One of the most important ways to promote a love of language and learning is to read to your child every day! Sign up for the Read a Thousand Books before Kindergarten program. All you do is sign up and we will keep track of your progress. When you reach one thousand books, you will receive a special certificate of completion! Reading Patch Club: Come in for your log-in journal, read a few books, and receive a beautiful embroidered genre patch to stitch on your backpack, book bag, sweatshirt, etc. Don’t worry if your child isn’t reading yet, for every twenty library books that you read to your child, he/she will earn a patch! Santa’s Mailbox December 3-20: Drop off your special requests to Santa during these dates to be sure he has time to read his letters before the holiday arrives! We will have special stationary for you to write your requests on! Snowflake Scavenger Hunt: During the month of January, come into the library and see if you can find all 25 snowflakes hidden in plain sight! Receive a prize if you can find them all!
are invited to this weekly playgroup. Enjoy a story, some rhymes, songs, and crafts which help children of this age explore language and develop early literacy skills.
Drop In Story Time Wednesdays, 4 p.m. Stop by each Wednesday at 4 p.m. to hear some fun, theme-based stories and do a little singing and dancing, too! This is a drop-in session for children and their caregivers. Movin’ and Groovin’ Wednesdays 1:30 - 2:15 p.m. Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 and Feb. 5, 12 Ms. Regina, music therapist, is back with a wonderful program suitable for children birth to kindergarten. She will have songs to share and plenty of instruments to go around, so drop in and join the fun! Literacy Lancers Thursdays, 4:30-5:15 Students majoring in Early Childhood Education at Worcester State University come to the library to provide support in early reading skills. This is done through games, scavenger hunts, etc. and children from kindergarten through grade 3 are welcome. This is a drop-in program.
First Fridays Free Friday, December 6, January 3, February 7 at 9:30 a.m. While your children are being wellsupervised by trained sitters, you will be at the other end of the same floor enjoying coffee/tea and conversation around child-rearing issues. Special guest speakers will be visiting based on your needs. New Parent Café Friday December 20, January 17, and February 21 at 9:30 a.m. Each month on the third Friday, we will have a parent support group for new parents. This group is only for those parents of children not yet walking as the children will be with the parents during the discussion time. There will be child care provided for older siblings. It is a wonderful way to meet new people and share issues together while bringing up the baby! Like Beaman Public Library on Facebook and watch for a notification for a special Flash Mob Snowman Building Event on the front lawn of the library. We hope to fill up the whole lawn with snow people! Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided. SPECIAL WINTER PROGRAMS Create-a-card with Miss Karen Tuesday, December 3, 4 - 5 p.m. Learn how to make a beautiful holiday card and take home a couple to give to someone special! Here Comes Santa Claus! Santa Claus is visiting the Library! Sat., December 7 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Come young, come old and let Santa know what is on your mind for Christmas. Santa will be happy to pose for some pictures, so don’t forget to bring your camera along! Happy Holidays P.J. Story Time Wed. December 18 at 6:30 p.m. Put on your comfy pajamas, bring a cuddly blanket or stuffed animal and listen to some holiday stories. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served, too! Make it, Take it Holiday Gift Craft Thursday, December 19 - all day Kids, EVERYBODY loves homemade gifts! Make something special to give someone you love. We will provide the supplies!
Watercolor “Tree-scape” Thursday, December 26 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. You will learn how to make a beautiful, winter tree scene using masking tape, watercolors and salt. Paracord Bracelet Craft Thursday, December 26, 2 - 4 p.m. Learn how to make your very own paracord bracelet. Sam Barakian will teach you how to take a hank of cording and turn it into a special bracelet for wearing or sharing. This craft is for children grade 4-6 only. Movie- TBA Friday, December 27 from 2 - 4 p.m. Enjoy a movie on “the Big Wall”. We will show one of the newest releases and popcorn/drinks will be provided! Bedtime Math Party Wed. January 15 6:307:30 p.m. The mission of Bedtimemath.org is to make nightly math as common as a bedtime story. Join us in a math party and start a nightly habit of bringing math to your bedtime routine. This program is for children 5-8 years in age. Space is limited to 20. National Hugging Day Wednesday, January 22 Pay us a visit, check out a book, and receive a hug from the librarians (a Hershey hug). We will have plenty of books about getting hugs available for check out, too! Survivor Night for Dads Friday, January 24 from 6 - 8 p.m. O.K., Dads! It is your turn to see if you can pass the SURVIVOR test. Bring your child to the library for an evening of fun. You will make your way around and through obstacle courses, nutrition challenges, etc., with your child. You will be “rewarded” for your efforts! Chinese New Year Story-craft Friday, January 31 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Hear a story about the Chinese New Year and make a special craft. Take Your Child to the Library Day! Saturday, February 1 Bring your child into the library and celebrate National Take Your Child to the Library Day! Check out 5 books and receive a surprise! After your
visit, feel free to go downstairs to the Stiles Meeting Room and sample soups during Souper Bowl Saturday! (see Adult section for details) Love Mobile Craft Thurs., February 13 from 4 - 5 p.m. Sign up to make a mobile out of hearts for Valentine’s Day. This is an easy craft for all ages. Date Night! Friday, February 14 from 6 - 9 p.m. Parents may drop off their kids for an evening of fun activities at the library, while they go out for a romantic dinner! Cost is $5.00 per hour per family. Proceeds will benefit Children’s programming. Candy Bar Bingo Tuesday, February 18 from 2 - 3 p.m. What would February vacation be without this tradition? Play picture bingo for Candy Bar Bingo prizes. The entry fee is a new pair of mittens or a hat for those less fortunate. P.J. Story Time Wed., February 19 at 6:30 p.m. Come for a story time in your pajamas and hear some new stories! Take Your Grandchild to Lunch Thurs. Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. What a great way to make special memories with your grandchild. We will have a pizza party, drink and dessert, a quick craft, stories and music for all those who are young at heart! Legos Construction Thurs. February 20 from 2-3 p.m. We will be building something special from Lego kits! This program is for school-aged children. CAMP INN at the Library Friday, February 21 from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Dust off your sleeping bags, grab your air mattresses and spend the night in the library! We will have ALL kinds of fun and games with a camping theme. This program is for children K-6 AND their parent/ guardian.
This program is sponsored by the Coordinated Family & Community Engagement Grant.
This program is sponsored by the South Bay Early Childhood Services
Please don’t forget to sign up for these wonderful programs!
Friends News It’s the time of year to renew your membership. The Friends Membership Year runs from January to December. Renewing now assures your Membership for the rest of 2013 and all of 2014.
Important Friends Events and Information:
“YANKEE” BOOK SWAP – Join us Thursday, February 13 at 6:30 in the Stiles Meeting Room for a book swap. Please bring a wrapped book (that you are willing to part with) with a written description of WHY you liked the book. The swap will follow the tradition of a Yankee Swap – you never know what you might end up with!! Light refreshments will be served.
BOOK SALE – Mark your calendars!! This year’s book sale will begin on April 4 . Donations are accepted year round (No VHS tapes please). If you would like to request a pickup of your large donation please contact Beth Boyle at 508-835-3329 or send an email to beamanfriends@live.com.
GARDEN TOUR – Our next Garden Tour will be held in 2014. We are collecting suggestions and nominations for gardens to feature. So, if you have a beautiful garden or know someone who has a garden that we just have to see, submit the information (name and address) to the Friends at beamanfriends@live.com or to Garden Tour Chairperson: Sally Phelps at sallyphelps@gmail.com. We would like to let chosen gardeners know by this spring so that they can have an entire season to prepare.
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2014 Friends Membership Form Drop this form and payment off at the library, or mail to: Beaman Library, 8 Newton Street, West Boylston, MA 01583 Please make checks payable to: The Friends of the Beaman Library.
Summer Reading Kick-off, Pajama Story Time, Book Page annual subscription, Pumpkin Decorating program, Teen Summer Reading Prizes, Family Reading Night
Santa Visit, Duct Tape Workshop, Mrs. Smith’s Super Saturdays & Crafts, The Patch and Button Reading Club, Amazing Race for Teens, Mailing of the newsletter
Just some of the wonderful programs your FRIENDS Membership Dollars Helped Provide
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________City: _____________________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: ______________________ Phone # _________________________________________ Email Address (to receive notifications from the Friends: ______________________________________________ E-mail: MEMBERSHIP LEVELS (Please check one membership type below) ____ Senior (Resident & Non-Res.) ...................................................................................... $5.00 ____ Resident Household ................................................................................................. $15.00 ____ Non-Resident Household .......................................................................................... $20.00 ____ Resident Contributor ............................................................................................... $25.00 ____ Business .................................................................................................................... $50.00 ____ Sponsor .................................................................................................................. $100.00 ____ Beaman Benefactor ............................................................................................... $250.00 If you are willing to help in some way, please let us know and someone will contact you. _____ Assist with the Annual Book Sale (April) _____ Assist with the Garden Tour (June) _____ Share your talents by serving as a member of the Friends Board.
Thank You for Your Support! Candy Bar Bingo, Photo Tour of Old West Boylston, Pizza for the Teen Book Groups, Support for the Books‘n Blankies
Beaman Browser
FRIENDS OF BEAMAN MEMORIAL PUBLICLIBRARY 8 NEWTON STREET WEST BOYLSTON, MA 01583
****************ECRWS*** Residential Customer West Boylston, MA 01583 West Boylsto , MA 01583
Dear Friends and Neighbors, Mailing is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Newsletter Staff: Director: Louise Howland; Co-Editors: Sue Gomes, Sue Smith, and Anna Kanabay; Design: Sue Gomes. Upcoming Public Meetings Board of Library Trustees: December 3, January 7 & February 4 Friends of the Beaman Library: January 15 Please call for more information
I would like to thank all West Boylston residents and out of town Friends members for their continued support. It is our privilege to fund programming at the Beaman Library and we are grateful to be able to continue doing so with the donations received from your memberships. Please mark your calendars! • January is Membership Month!! Please fill in the form included at the end of this Browser and return it to the Library. • The BOOK SALE is coming! Donations are accepted year round so please don’t hesitate to bring them in at any time. Remember – no VHS tapes. Also, we can pick up donations for elderly and handicapped residents. th Pick-ups for very large donations may also be arranged. The book sale begins: April 4 . Come to a “Yankee” Book Swap on February 13 from 6:30-7:30. Bring a covered book (that you are willing to part with) and a written description of why you liked it and join in the “Yankee” book swap! • GARDEN TOUR – we are in the planning stages for a June/July Garden Tour. Please contact Sally Phelps by leaving word with library staff or by emailing her at: sallyphelps@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out. For more information or questions please contact me at beamanfriends@live.com or call 508-835-3711.
Beth Boyle Beth Boyle, President of the Friends The Beaman Memorial Public Library is an equal opportunity provider. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410.