Kimball Library News 3/19/23

Join in for a talk via ZOOM with cartoonist Harry Bliss about his career, humor, comics and his recent collaboration with Steve Martin in this webinar. Register on our website to receive the link for this Comic Chat on Thursday, April 13^th, at 7 PM.

Harry Bliss is a cartoonist and cover artist for The New Yorker magazine. His self-titled single panel gag cartoon ‘Bliss’ appears in newspapers nationally and internationally. Bliss has illustrated 26 books for children and most recently published his second New York Times best-selling collaboration with entertainer, Steve Martin: "Number one is walking: my life in the movies and other diversions". Bliss is the founder of the CCS Cornish Fellowship for Graphic Novelists located in Cornish, New Hampshire.

Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library will be hosting the virtual talk and the event is sponsored by the following libraries: Manchester-by-the- Sea, Danvers, Burlington, Newbury Town, Chelmsford and the Kimball Library.

SILLY STORYTIME: Come listen to silly stories and jokes on April Fool’s Day (Saturday, April 1^st at 1:00 PM). Play silly games. Eat a silly snack. Wear your silliest outfit for a prize! This class is NO JOKE. Bring your best jokes and best attitude for the funniest holiday.

Please register children ages 3-8 for a fun and funny time!

FILM ENTHUSIAST CLUB: Are you a Cineaste (an enthusiast for or devotee of movies or filmmaking)?  If so, join us for this fun fan of films group. View award winning films, documentaries, foreign films and modern classics. Watch the feature film and then join the group in giving a 'thumbs up' review.

On Tuesday, April 11 @ 1 PM we are showing The Fabelmans. This film tells the story of Young Sammy Fabelman who falls in love with movies after his parents take him to see “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Armed with a camera, Sammy starts to make his own films at home, much to the delight of his supportive mother. Rated:  PG-13 Runtime:  151 minutes

MORNING & EVENING BOOK DISCUSSIONS: Each group asks for your registration in advance and are very open and friendly to welcome newcomers. Copies of the book are available for check-out at the main desk.

EVENING: The book for April 18^th at 6 PM is The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan.

Ruth Young and her widowed mother, LuLing, have always had a tumultuous relationship. Now, before she succumbs to forgetfulness, LuLing gives Ruth some of her writings, which reveal a side of LuLing that Ruth has never known. . ..

In a remote mountain village where ghosts and tradition rule, LuLing grows up in the care of her mute Precious Auntie as the family endures a curse laid upon a relative known as the bonesetter. When headstrong LuLing rejects the marriage proposal of the coffinmaker, a shocking series of events are set in motion–all of which lead back to Ruth and LuLing in modern San Francisco. The truth that Ruth learns from her mother’s past will forever change her perception of family, love, and forgiveness.

MORNING: The book to be discussed on April 26^th at 10:15 AM is April: The Honey Bus by Meredith May.

With a voice that is at once as innocent as a young child’s should be and yet as preternaturally mature as children from dysfunctional homes often have to be in order to survive, Meredith May invites us into the inexplicable yet strangely hopeful world of her California childhood in this moving memoir.

MORE INFO: Go to https://kimballlibrary.com to use the databases and online services. Miss a news article? Go to https://kimballlibrary.blogspot.com to read each and every one! You may also call us at 603.362.5234 to register for an event with a staff person who would love to help you. We are open from 9:30 AM to 8 PM Monday – Thursday, 9:30 AM to 5 PM on Friday and 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday.

Kimball Library News 3/12/23

Author Jana Grcevich will give a presentation based on her book, Vacation Guide to the Solar System: Science for the Savvy Space Traveler, in this Zoom webinar ‘What Science Reveals About the Human Experience of Visiting Other Worlds’. Jana Grcevich is a data scientist, astronomy PhD, and writer living in Somerville, MA.

About the Book: Packed with real science and fueled by imagination, enjoy this beautifully illustrated travel guide to traveling in our solar system. Imagine taking a hike along the windswept red plains of Mars to dig for signs of life, or touring one of Jupiter's sixty-four moons where you can photograph its swirling storms. For a shorter trip on a tight budget, the moon is quite majestic and very quiet if you can make it during the off-season.  Vacation Guide to the Solar System is the must-have planning guide for the curious space adventurer, covering all of the essentials for your next voyage, how to get there, and what to do when you arrive. This tongue-in-cheek reference guide is an imaginative exploration into the "What if" of space travel sharing fascinating facts about space, the planets in our solar system, and even some moons.

This virtual program is hosted by the Tewksbury Public Library in a collaboration with the Kimball Library and libraries throughout the Merrimack Valley.  

REGISTER for the Zoom link on our event calendar on the website. This presentation is taking place on Thursday, March 30^th from noon to 1 PM.

PAINTING WATERCOLORS CLASS: The Friends of the Kimball Library are bringing Pixie Yates back to Atkinson to lead another hands-on watercolor color class. She will teach you how to paint beautiful floral designs in a variety of styles. She provides all the materials, you just need to bring your creative self. This particular class is open to teenagers and adults.

Registration is required via our website or by calling for this artsy event on Monday, April 10^th from 6-7 PM. Don’t delay as seating is limited.

Pixie Yates is an NYC and MA-based artist, designer, illustrator, and educator. Pixie is known for her dreamy, effervescent, color-drenched style that invokes a sense of style and delight. Pixie’s watercolor and acrylic works features colorful flowers, seagrass, sunsets, cafes and shop windows, cocktails, perfume bottles, and more. She is inspired by the places and objects people find meaningful and accepts custom work. She also teaches and shares her unique style through art-making workshops for adults and children.

SATURDAY STEAM: This monthly event gives kids in grades K-3 a great opportunity to learn by experimenting, building, and engineering. Join us on Saturday, April 8 at 10:30 to learn some science using common household items. Registration is required and the monthly topic will show up on the link when signing up.

WRITE IT OUT! This month we will be using what we’ve been learning to start our own stories. Kids in grades 2-8 who love to write are encouraged to join us on Wednesday, April 15 at 6:00 PM. Please register in advance to join us.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT: BECOMING WHO SHE WAS (ZOOM): Though blessed with the Roosevelt name, fame and fortune, Eleanor Roosevelt’s early life was far from the comfortable, carefree and attentive life her husband had enjoyed. This session explores the many hardships and challenges that shaped a shy and insecure little girl into one of the most admired women in the world. Interactive discussion topics include: How did the experiences of Eleanor’s young life impact her thinking? Why didn’t Eleanor shield herself from pain with her money and family name? What were the important turning points in Eleanor’s life? Why didn’t she run for office herself?

Presented by: Jeffrey Urbin, Library Education Specialist at the Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum.

Register for the ZOOM link for this event taking place on Thursday, April 6^th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

MORE INFO: Go to https://kimballlibrary.com to use the databases and online services. Miss a news article? Go to https://kimballlibrary.blogspot.com to read each and every one! You may also call us at 603.362.5234 to register for an event with a staff person who would love to help you. We are open from 9:30 AM to 8 PM Monday – Thursday, 9:30 AM to 5 PM on Friday and 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday.

Kimball Library News 3/5/23

 New Hampshire is home to seven native turtle species, four of which are listed by the State as threatened or endangered. Join the Kimball Library and the Atkinson Conservation Commission as we host both a NH Fish & Game wildlife biologist and a turtle rehabilitator from NH Turtle Rescue.

Learn about the ecology of NH turtles, their geographic distribution, threats to their populations and conservation actions currently underway. The talk will also cover actions landowners can take to benefit turtle populations and the technical assistance that NH Fish & Game can provide..

This program is free and open to the public and is taking place on Monday, April 3^rd at 6:00 PM. Registration is required.

NH BOATING SAFETY COURSES: The following NH Boating 2023 Safety Courses will be held at the Kimball Library on the following dates: April 4 & 6; May 9 & 11.

The New Hampshire Classroom Course covers a variety of topics including boat navigation, boating safety equipment, invasive aquatic species and laws and rules. This instructor-led class incorporates a range of learning methods consisting of lecture, videos, and student discussion. *Individuals must attend both evening classes.

Certification Cards: Upon successful completion of the course, students will leave with a boating certificate which is valid for 45 days. The permanent certificate card will be automatically mailed to the address entered at the time of registration.

For requirements and to register visit: https://register-ed.com/programs/newhampshire/174

T/WEEN BOOK DISCUSSION: The book of the month is The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Barnes which will be discussed on Wednesday, April 5th, at 6:00 PM. We always have candy available and there are books waiting at the main desk ready for check-out. The t/weens who come to chat about books are very welcoming to new friends. Please register to join us and see for yourself.

Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why -- or even who Tobias Hawthorne is.

To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man's touch and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes. Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive.

BRING YOUR OWN CRAFT, PAINT & COLOR: Come unwind, de-stress and create every week on Mondays between 12:30 and 2:30 PM. Adults come together to dabble in painting, coloring or creative crafts using oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen and pencil. Folks are required to bring their own supplies to work on their canvas, wood, sketchpads and coloring books. Bring whatever project you are working on. Group size will be limited, and registration is required.

Research shows that creative activities help you relax. This is an open time so feel free to stay the entire two hours, leave early or come late. Remember, this is a no stress event so if you only have half an hour to spare then spend it relaxing with fellow creative art enthusiasts.

LOCAL ARTIST ON DISPLAY: Jackie Cunningham is a life-long resident of New England with a keen appreciation for its magnificent geography and beauty. Working in oils, she specializes in landscapes and still lifes.

You can enjoy the beautiful work of your Atkinson neighbor and art teacher in the Kimball Library Meeting Room throughout the month of March.

MORE INFO: Go to https://kimballlibrary.com to use the databases and online services. Miss a news article? Go to https://kimballlibrary.blogspot.com to read each and every one! You may also call us at 603.362.5234 to register for an event with a staff person who would love to help you. We are open from 9:30 AM to 8 PM Monday – Thursday, 9:30 AM to 5 PM on Friday and 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday.

Kimball Library News 2/26/23

Three new drop-in programs for toddlers and preschool age children have been added to the event calendar.

PRESCHOOL PLAYTIME: Why organize a gathering time to ‘just’ play? Play improves the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and young people. Through play, children learn about the world and themselves. They also learn skills they need for study, work and relationships such as confidence.

Caregivers also need time to connect and form relationships with other adults who are caring for similar aged children. If a time is organized, we can be assured that the littles have someone to play with and the adults can visit.

Drop in on Mondays from 11-12. Building toys for toddlers will be out in the meeting room as well as our other toys in the Children’s Room such as coloring, Lego table, train table, kitchen set and more! Registration is not required.

CURIOUS KIDS: Drop in on Wednesday mornings between 10:15 and 11:45 in the Children’s Craft Barn so your ‘curious creatures’ can explore some sensory learning materials. Play will be monitored and guided by caregivers. The Library will set the stage for curious minds. Toddlers and preschool children are welcome with their caregivers and siblings. Come when you can, leave when you must!

Adult supervision is necessary. Librarians are available to guide and play, but caregivers must remain in the room. Registration is not required.

TODDLER TIME: Need for more events for toddlers? We are here for you!

Did you know that play is extremely important for a child's development?

Drop into the Children's Room on Thursdays anytime from 11:30-1:30 and play with the stations we set up for you. We'll have building toys, sensory bins and bags, and more! Adult supervision is necessary.

FEMALE DISRUPTIONS-STORIES OF MIGHTY FEMALE SCIENTISTS: After discovering that children were getting sick and dying from rare cancers in her small town, Mindi Messmer led the charge to uncover environmental issues that were poisoning the drinking water and environment in her town. She exposed the high rates of cancer in her town and across the state. She worked to prevent cancer and chronic disease and hold polluters accountable for environmental issues with science, science-based policy and advocacy.  Join us on Thursday, March 30^th at 6:00 PM as Messmer discusses her book Female Disruptors: Stories of Mighty Female Scientist.

Messmer is an environmental and regulatory scientist. She has an M.S. in clinical and translational science from Georgetown University. After seeing the environmental impact on children in her community, she was prompted to run for and hold a seat in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. Through her extensive work in science and politics, she has influenced the discourse on environmental protections, cancer prevention, and science-based policy.

Messmer will have copies of her book available for purchase for those interested.

NEW ART DISPLAY: Jackie Cunningham is a life-long resident of New England with a keen appreciation for its magnificent geography and beauty. Working in oils, she specializes in landscapes and still lifes.

You can enjoy the beautiful work of your Atkinson neighbor and art teacher at the Library in the Meeting Room from February 27th through the month of March.

COMMUNITY KNITTERS: Stop by on Thursdays between 10 and noon to knit for charity. It’s a friendly group that enjoys sharing their talents. Registration is not required.

MORE INFO: Go to https://kimballlibrary.com to use the databases and online services. Miss a news article? Go to https://kimballlibrary.blogspot.com to read each and every one! You may also call us at 603.362.5234 to register for an event with a staff person who would love to help you. We are open from 9:30 AM to 8 PM Monday – Thursday, 9:30 AM to 5 PM on Friday and 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday.

Kimball Library News 2/19/23

The Friends of the Kimball Library are bringing Pixie Yates to Atkinson to lead a hands-on watercolor color class. She will teach you how to paint beautiful floral designs in a variety of styles. She provides all the materials, you just need to bring your creative self.

Registration is required via our website or by calling for this artsy event on Tuesday, March 21^st from 1-2 PM. Don’t delay as seating is limited.

Pixie Yates is an NYC and MA-based artist, designer, illustrator, and educator. Pixie is known for her dreamy, effervescent, color-drenched style that invokes a sense of style and delight. Pixie’s watercolor and acrylic works features colorful flowers, seagrass, sunsets, cafes and shop windows, cocktails, perfume bottles, and more. She is inspired by the places and objects people find meaningful and accepts custom work. She also teaches and shares her unique style through art-making workshops for adults and children.

SOCIAL SECURITY STRATEGIES: When it comes to Social Security, less than half (43%) of future retirees feel they have a good understanding of the topic. Knowing how and when you choose to collect Social Security benefits can be complex because it ultimately depends on your unique circumstances. With retirees living longer today than previous generations, your choice of when to retire and collect Social Security benefits can make a significant difference in the income you collect in retirement.

Please come join us for an interactive seminar on Thursday, March 21^st at 6:30 PM presented by Andrew Githmark. Andrew will cover what spousal benefits are available if you are married, widowed or divorced. He’ll review the potential effects that working in retirement and claiming early can have on your benefits.

Learn the information you need to help ensure you fully realize the value of lifetime benefit maximization. Social Security rules are complex and constantly evolving. This seminar will help you avoid potential pitfalls so you are better prepared to make these important lifetime decisions.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS: The following discussions are all open to the public and are meeting at the Kimball Library. Copies of the book are available at the main circulation desk for check-out.

T/weens (Middle & High School): Meeting on Wednesday, March 1^st at 7 PM and discussing Bruiser by Neil Schusterman.

Evening Adult Group: Meeting on Tuesday, March 21^st at 6 PM and discussing The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by by Kim Michele Richardson.

Morning Adult Group: Meeting on Wednesday, March 22^nd at 10:15 AM and discussing The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett.

MORE INFO: Go to https://kimballlibrary.com to use the databases and online services. Miss a news article? Go to https://kimballlibrary.blogspot.com to read each and every one! You may also call us at 603.362.5234 to register for an event with a staff person who would love to help you. We are open from 9:30 AM to 8 PM Monday – Thursday, 9:30 AM to 5 PM on Friday and 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday.

Kimball Library News 2/12/23

 We have activities for the kids in your lives going on all of vacation week from February 27^th to March 3^rd. If you missed an article describing some of the events, please visit our website or blog listed at the end of this article.

CRAFTY KIDS: Make two crafts today, not just one!  Have you made a dancing princess before? Or a straw rocket that works? Kids love to craft, and we aim to please. Join us on Thursday, March 2^nd from 3:30-4:30 PM to get crafty with Mrs. Birr.

No registration required, so please just drop in.

READER’S THEATER: Do you like to read? Would you want your reticent reader to get a little practice reading a play? Have your kids take a part in the reading night at the Kimball Theater. Everything is ready for the theater magic, but we need eager readers in grades 1-5 to participate on March 2nd from 6:00-7:00 PM.

Please register so we have the right sized play for the number of readers and enough scripts for all.

POKEMON HUNT: Can you find ‘em all? Stop by the Children’s Room on Friday, March 3rd between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM to pick up your Pokedex and see how many you can find hiding in the Library. When you've found them all, turn it in for a special little prize! Come when you can, leave when you must.

WINTER SLIME: Join us to make your very own winter slime here at the Library on Friday, March 3^rd at 1:00 PM. Add glitter, color, and other items to make it unique.

Please be advised that we will probably get messy, so dress accordingly! Youth in kindergarten to grade 5 are invited to register to participate.

BRING YOUR OWN CRAFT, PAINT & COLOR: Come unwind, de-stress and create every week on Mondays between 12:30 and 2:30 PM. Individuals come together to dabble in painting, coloring or creative crafts using oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen and pencil. Folks are required to bring their own supplies to work on their canvas, wood, sketchpads and coloring books. Bring whatever project you are working on. Group size will be limited, and registration is required.

Research shows that creative activities help you relax. This is an open time so feel free to stay the entire two hours, leave early or come late. Remember, this is a no stress event so if you only have half an hour to spare then spend it relaxing with fellow creative art enthusiasts.

AVAILABLE POSITION: As of April 12^th there will be an 11 month trustee position available. Please head to our website and peruse the ‘About Us’ section to view the detailed job description. Potential candidates may turn in paperwork starting February 20, 2023

MORE INFO: Go to https://kimballlibrary.com to use the databases and online services. Miss a news article? Go to https://kimballlibrary.blogspot.com to read each and every one! You may also call us at 603.362.5234 to register for an event with a staff person who would love to help you. We are open from 9:30 AM to 8 PM Monday – Thursday, 9:30 AM to 5 PM on Friday and 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday.

Kimball Library News 2/5/23

Upcoming book discussions have books ready and waiting for you to check out. All are open to newcomers.

T/WEEN BOOK DISCUSSION: Join the most chill t/weens and chat with us about Bruiser by Neal Shusterman on March 1st at 7:00 PM! We serve candy and the coolest conversation. Register yourself and your bestie.

When Brontë starts dating Brewster “Bruiser” Rawlins – the guy voted “Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty” her twin brother, Tennyson, isn’t surprised. But then strange things begin to occur. Tennyson and Brontë’s scrapes heal unnaturally fast, and cuts disappear before their eyes. What at first seems like their good fortune turns out to be more than they bargained for…much more.

EVENING BOOK GROUP: February 21^st at 6:00 PM we will discuss The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford.

As painful recollections affect her present life, Dorothy discovers that trauma isn’t the only thing she’s inherited. A stranger is searching for her in each time period. A stranger who’s loved her through all of her genetic memories. Dorothy endeavors to break the cycle of pain and abandonment, to finally find peace for her daughter, and gain the love that has long been waiting, knowing she may pay the ultimate price.

MORNING BOOK GROUP: February’s choice pick is Snow by John Banville. We will meet on February 22nd at 10:15 AM.

Following the discovery of the corpse of a highly respected parish priest at Ballyglass House, the County Wexford family seat of the aristocratic, secretive Osborne family, Detective Inspector St John Strafford is called in from Dublin to investigate. Strafford faces obstruction from all angles, but carries on determinedly in his pursuit of the murderer. However, as the snow continues to fall over this ever-expanding mystery, the people of Ballyglass are equally determined to keep their secrets.

STORIES & CRAFT: Preschool age children can start their day right by making something special! They can get their little hands ready to work and have fun, too. No registration required for this special class on Tuesday, February 28th, at 10:15 AM during our week of Staycation activities.

BE ZEN: Stay-cations are for relaxing, and we have that in mind and have blocked off Tuesday, February 28th from 3-5:00 PM for your kids and teens to drop by. Ages 10+ will gather to relax with adult coloring, try Zentangle, or use some of our self-soothing items in the Atkinson Room. Preschool to age 10 will gather in the Children’s Craft Barn where we will have some select soothing activities out such as coloring and sensory play. Come when you can and leave when you must. As always, bring a friend because the more, the merrier!

Registration is not required. Children under 10 may not be left unattended.

YOU SCREAM, WE SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM: Subzero Nitrogen Ice Cream is coming back to the Kimball Library on Wednesday, March 1st, at 6:00 PM for a tasty STEM event!

By demonstrating how liquid nitrogen can be used to freeze fresh ingredients into fresh ice cream, we keep the children amused, and give them a lesson on the properties of liquid nitrogen, gas laws, and the application of science to food. SubZero Nitrogen staff from Nashua, NH will be our teachers. Each registrant will receive ice cream at the end of the program. They bring a non-dairy option for those who may need it. Everything they bring is nut, gluten and egg free. There will be chocolate, vanilla, and bubble gum options. People get to choose which flavor they want.

The science behind this event is developmentally geared for youth in kindergarten and up and their parents or grandparents. Because this is a 'family' event, we ask that adults come accompanied by a child in kindergarten through high school.

This is paid for by the Library by the serving, so please only register if you can commit to coming. Registration is limited. Kimball card holders will have priority.

HOLIDAY HOURS: The Kimball Library will be closed on Monday, February 20^th for Presidents Day. Please note that Libby, Kanopy and hoopla are available 24/7 with a Kimball Library card in good standing. World Access News/Newsbank and the Wall St Journal can be found under the Online Resources link on our website.

MORE INFO: Go to https://kimballlibrary.com to use the databases and online services. Miss a news article? Go to https://kimballlibrary.blogspot.com to read each and every one! You may also call us at 603.362.5234 to register for an event with a staff person who would love to help you. We are open from 9:30 AM to 8 PM Monday – Thursday, 9:30 AM to 5 PM on Friday and 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday.