Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Kimball Library News 10/23/12



Enjoy a perfect day of ballet fun for the budding dancers and story lovers in your family on Tuesday, November 27th at 4:30 PM when ballerinas from The European School of Dancing take center stage at the Kimball Library, Atkinson, NH. Author David Ira Rottenberg will read his lovely picture book, Gwendolyn, the Graceful Pig, while the dancers perform the story. As an added treat, a mini-movement lesson will be offered to the children in the audience after the performance and Rottenberg will sign copies of his book which will be available for purchase.

Gwendolyn, the Graceful Pig tells the tale of Gwendolyn and Omar – two best friends who have big dreams. Gwendolyn longs to dance ballet and Omar wants to join the football team. There is just one problem – they are both pigs!  How will Natasha Levertov, the greatest teacher of dance in ze vorld, help them make their dreams come true? Adorable illustrations and charming text make this story a hit with girls and boys. It is not just for aspiring dancers but shows all children the joy of pursuing what they love.

Picture book author, David Rottenberg, contacted Caroline Sharplin, director and owner of The European School of Dancing about offering the event in local libraries and Ms. Sharplin was immediately enthusiastic. She says, “Our school wants to share our love for ballet with as many young people as possible and this program is a wonderful way to not only instill a love for dance but also a love for reading in a very fun way.

This author/dance event is free.   The storybook is geared for ages 4-9, but all ages can relate to overcoming obstacles and pursing what you love.  Bring your cameras for great photo opportunities with the ballerinas or the author.

For more information about Gwendolyn, take a peek at http://www.gwendolynthegracefulpig.com.  For more information about The European School of Dancing you can email Caroline Sharplin at csharplin@hotmail.com or call her at 603-362-2421. 

Not only does the library think that having pig events is a great idea, we think dog events are equally fun.  Lady Hawke, a loveable black Lab, is a certified reading therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International.  She is gentle with children of all ages and her next visit is Tuesday, November 20th, from 4-5pm. We need YOU (emerging readers or any readers) to come and read to Lady Hawke!  She’s waiting to hear some great stories, and only you can help!  Please come, bring your favorite book, or borrow one of ours, and spend some time reading to our friend, Hawke.  Please register for this event.  If no one registers she will not come.

Please note that we will be closed on Monday, November 12th, observing Veteran’s Day.  We also will be closed for Thanksgiving and the following day (November 22-23).  We will be open on Saturday, November 24.   Please stock up and plan accordingly.

For more information or a list of upcoming programs, please visit our website www.kimballlibrary.com, call (603) 362-5234, or email us at staff@kimballlibrary.com.  We encourage you to ‘like’ us on Facebook/KimballLibrary.Atkinson.NH, follow us on Twitter/KimballLibrary, and RSS feed our blog --  http://kimballlibrary.blogspot.com.  Also, you can get news directly sent to your inbox twice a month.  Please ask us if you are interested.  This is an efficient way to stay abreast of the newest events.

Kimball Library News 10/16/12



Mark the date for Saturday, November 10th, from 11am-2pm. This is the second part of a two part series on the “Kimball Science Fair”.   We have a day of science made possible by the Harvard Pilgrim Community Spirit Mini Grant that we are really excited about.  “Mad Science” will host six different stations and give you a chance to explore and discover some cool science concepts.  This day is geared for elementary age children through the teen years.  Take a look at each station below.

STATION ONE:  Amazing Air Pressure
Visitors will explore the power of air. Try to float a ball in the air with Bernoulli's demonstrator and try to rescue a submarine in the rescue diver bottles.

STATION TWO:  Cool Catapulting
The principles of energy and motion will be tested at this station. Visitors will experiment with our cool catapults while learning about potential and kinetic energy.

STATION THREE:  Plasma Ball
The glow in one of our awesome plasma balls will help visitors explore electricity. Conductors and insulators will be the focus of this station's experimenting.

STATION FOUR:  Pipettes & Penny Power
Visitors will explore the “sticky” side of water. Using pipettes, children will test the limits of cohesion while taking on the penny power challenge at this station. Roll up those sleeves!

STATION FIVE:  Magnetic Magic
Magnetism is the star at this station. Visitors will try their hand at building a magnet bridge while learning about magnets and magnetic fields.

STATION SIX:  Van De Graaff Demonstrations (Please check our schedule at the library for the exact times when the demos are available.)
Enjoy a performance by static electricity at this station. Positive and negative charges will be at work while visitors witness a lightning show and learn about other fun effects of static electricity.

Besides serving science, we’ll also be serving up refreshments and some take home science projects while supplies last.  Be one of the first 100 youth to arrive and you’ll be sure to take home one of our freebie items.  Don’t miss out on this ‘mad fun’ ‘mad science’ event!

Please note that we will be closed on Monday, November 12th, observing Veteran’s Day.  Please stock up accordingly.

For more information or a list of upcoming programs, please visit our website www.kimballlibrary.com, call (603) 362-5234, or email us at staff@kimballlibrary.com.  We encourage you to ‘like’ us on Facebook/KimballLibrary.Atkinson.NH, follow us on Twitter/KimballLibrary, and RSS feed our blog --  http://kimballlibrary.blogspot.com.  Also, you can get news directly sent to your inbox twice a month.  Please ask us if you are interested.  This is an efficient way to stay abreast of the newest events.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Kimball Library News 10/9/12

Create & Express (Thursday crafts for kids at 4pm) has two new offerings coming up in the month of November.  On November 1st, we’ll be making clothespin airplane magnets.  This activity is geared toward grades two through five.  We will glue the airplane together, and then you can let your imagination soar when it comes to the part where we paint it.  Please be sure to register in advance for this class from 4-5pm as seating is limited.


Likewise, on November 8th, we will be decorating vegetables at 4pm for Create & Express crafts.  Yep, it sounds silly, but painting and decorating gourds and pumpkins is lots of fun.  Create a unique design on your pumpkin or gourd or give your veggie a goofy expression.  The library will provide the veggies, but you are welcome to bring your own small gourd or pumpkin if you prefer.  This project is suited for children in grades 1-5 and registration is required.

On Wednesday, November 7th, we’ll be honoring our veterans with a special night entitled “A Few Seconds with Our Fathers: Songs and Stories of WWII” from 6:30-8pm.  Songwriter Curt Besette and Jenn Kurtz are presenting a program honoring WWII veterans and their generation through stories and Curt's original songs.  The songs are about Pearl Harbor, the war in Europe, veterans returning home with emotional and physical wounds, life on the Home Front....and the historical facts surrounding these songs and stories.  Several of the songs are about Curt's father, who was a WWII veteran, and a son's awareness that his father, like so many veterans, never said a word about his war experiences.  Also included are popular war-era songs representing a generation's hope for the future.

Curt Bessette has performed throughout the USA.  He has recorded 4 CDs of his original songs, is a musical instructor in Portsmouth, NH, and teaches songwriting in Adult Ed programs in Maine and New Hampshire.

Jenn Kurtz is a respected harmony singer who performs in numerous venues throughout New England.  She has an extensive Social Services background working with members of the WWII generation.

This duo has performed at the library in the past and always draws a nice crowd, so don’t wait for the last minute to come down even though registration is not required.  This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Kimball Library.  Refreshments will be served.

Mark the date for Saturday, November 10th, from 11am-2pm. This is the first part of a two part series on the “Kimball Science Fair”.   We have a day of science made possible by the Harvard Pilgrim Community Spirit Mini Grant.  “Mad Science” will host 6 different stations and offer some take home science projects.  Want to see your hair stand on end?  Want refreshments?  Stay tuned for more details next week—but save the date!


For more information or a list of upcoming programs, please visit our website www.kimballlibrary.com, call (603) 362-5234, or email us at staff@kimballlibrary.com.  We encourage you to ‘like’ us on Facebook/KimballLibrary.Atkinson.NH, follow us on Twitter/KimballLibrary, and RSS feed our blog --  http://kimballlibrary.blogspot.com.  Also, you can get news directly sent to your inbox twice a month.  Please ask us if you are interested.  This is an efficient way to stay abreast of the newest events.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Kimball Library News 10/2/12

Are you sad that summer is over?  You can gather with other book lovers to discuss ‘The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alocott’ by Kelly O’Connor McNees to see if there is a connection with either the book or the participants.  The evening book discussion crowd gathers on the third Tuesday of each month from 6-7pm to share their thoughts on a chosen book. 

Imagine a love affair that would threaten Louisa's writing career and inspire the story of Jo and Laurie in Little Women. Stuck in small-town New Hampshire in 1855, Louisa finds herself torn between a love affair that takes her by surprise and her dream of independence as a writer in Boston. This book will be the topic at hand on Tuesday, October 16th, at 6pm.  Come pick up a copy of the book and get started.  You don’t need to have finished reading the book to attend.  Listeners are welcome.

Create and Express (crafts for kids) has two unique classes coming up to appeal to two different developmental age groupings.  On Thursday, October 18th, for the younger set, you will be decorating face masks with glitter, glitter glue, and rhinestones. You can make your mask into a cat or a princess. It’s time to just be creative and have fun!   This class will meet at 4pm for approximately one hour and is slated for grades 2-5.  Please register online or by giving us a call.  Seats are limited.

Masquerade Masks are for the older t/ween crowd.  Join us in getting in the Halloween spirit! Make a masquerade mask with puff paint and tulle. This class is offered for t/weens in grades 5-12. These special masks will make a great addition to any costume.   Registration is required since there is limited seating.  This creative bunch will meet on Thursday, October 25th, at 6pm.  We have given 90 minutes to this project just in case it runs longer than the typical hour.  Register early to avoid disappointment.

Children in grades 3-5 are invited to join in cooking sessions at the Kimball Library being offered by Chef Birr.  Programs start at 4:30pm and will be held October 15th, November 19th, and December 17th.   Registration is required for each session and space is limited!  We’ll work together creating seasonal recipes that can be brought home or eaten right away.  Register as soon as possible for the October 15th class to avoid disappointment.  Rumor has it that that class will be creating Mexican tostadas.  Yum.

In anticipation of the ‘Halloween party’ question, the library is offering parties in the preschool classes rather than a large event this year.  We like to mix things up and favor different ages over time.  Stay tuned for upcoming information on a day of science activities, food, and fun for elementary ages through high school on November 10th

For more information or a list of upcoming programs, please visit our website www.kimballlibrary.com, call (603) 362-5234, or email us at staff@kimballlibrary.com.  We encourage you to ‘like’ us on Facebook/KimballLibrary.Atkinson.NH, follow us on Twitter/KimballLibrary, and RSS feed our blog --  http://kimballlibrary.blogspot.com.  Also, you can get news directly sent to your inbox twice a month.  Please ask us if you are interested.  This is an efficient way to stay abreast of the newest events.