Kimball Library News

Friday, April 21, 2023

Kimball Library News 4/16/23

Saturdays are for STEAM! Join Miss Katie on Saturday, May 13^th for another fun-filled educational STEAM experience. This month’s project will be ‘potato mazes’. Grab your favorite spud and register to be all in. This mashed up (ha-ha) event will take place on from 10:15 to 11 AM. Registration is required, and children in grades K-3 are welcome.

FILM ENTHUSIAST CLUB: 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.

Tuesday, May 9 @ 1 PM: She Said – Two New York Times reporters work together to break one of the most important stories in a generation–a story that helped propel the #Metoo movement and shatter decades of silence around the subject of sexual assault in Hollywood. Rated R – Runtime 129 minutes.

Tuesday, May 23 @ 1 PM: Ticket to Paradise- Two exes find themselves on a shared mission to stop their lovestruck daughter from making the same mistake they once made in this romantic comedy about the sweet surprise of second chances. Rated: PG - 13 Runtime: 104 minutes

Movies are subject to change. Please check the website for the most updated information.

BEACH BAG SEWING: It’s time to dust off your sewing machine and get back into the creative mood. Join instructor, Darlene Irving as she leads you in a 3-week course to make a festive, fun, summer beach bag. You will be given a list of materials to bring to class (i.e. fabric, thread, basic tools ...) and you will need to bring your sewing machine, too. This is a meet up / sew up group geared towards those who already have basic sewing machine skills.

Class size is limited so sign up today. This particular session will run on Wednesdays (May 17, 24, 31) from 12:30-2:30 PM.

Instructor, Darlene Irving has been sewing for over 40 years and enjoys sharing her love of sewing with others.

TECH IT OUT: Tech THIS out! If you have an e-reader or gadget that you want to learn how to use with free downloadable books, then we can help you. You can have a brief lesson called “Turn it On!” on your tech toy (Kindle, iPad, tablet, cell phone or other device compatible with the Libby App) and learn how to put a free library e-book on it. This is a basic tutorial for newbies.

You are coming to the right place if you are looking for some place to get help and to learn more about your devices. Get troubleshooting assistance, learn how to use your device(s), and discover the latest library apps, news, and online services!

Please call or email for an appointment. Ask for Kathy Watson (tech toy technician) if this is not a simple ‘over the phone or desk’ type of query. These tutorials are for resident card holders in good standing only, please. Email kwatson@kimballlibrary.com for a unique appointment time.

Limited 30-minute tutorials are also available for basic computer instructions such as setting up email, social media, using your cell phone, etc. When you register for a lesson, please indicate your need.

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS: Kimball Library will be closed May 27-29 in honor of Memorial Day weekend. All streaming services are open 24/7 such as Kanopy, hoopla, Libby, and Access World News/Newsbank.

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.

Friday, April 7, 2023

Kimball Library News 4/9/23

Let’s dive into family history beginning with how to navigate Ancestry for optimum results. The Ancestry database is a wonderful place to begin genealogical research, but following hints from ancestor to ancestor can get you into deep water. Join Erin Moulton and fellow genealogist enthusiasts on Thursday, May 4th from 6:00-7:30 PM to learn why it’s important to steer away from the universal search function, how to access and utilize the catalog, and tricks to calibrate your search parameters. We’ll delve into the differences between the Ancestry Library Edition and personal membership and send you on your way with skills to propel the next leg of your research.

Registration is required.

BIO: Erin E. Moulton writes books and tracks dead people. Erin is the author of ‘Flutter’, ‘Tracing Stars’, ‘Chasing the Milky Way’ and ‘Keepers of the Labyrinth’. In addition to her creative pursuits, Erin has over 12 years of experience tracking down interesting real-life questions at the reference desk as is a librarian and genealogist.

MORNING & EVENING MAY BOOK DISCUSSIONS: On May 16th at 6 PM there will be discussion on A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

On May 24th at 10:15 AM the book chosen for discussion is Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou.

Each group has books available at the main circulation desk. Registration is appreciated. Newcomers are always welcome.

TREASURE FROM THE ISLE OF SHOALS: There is treasure here but not the pirate kind. Scientific digs on Smuttynose Island are changing New England history. Archaeologist Nathan Hamilton has unearthed 300,000 artifacts to date on this largely uninhabited rock at the Isles of Shoals. Join J. Dennis Robinson, a longtime Smuttynose steward and a NH Humanities presenter as he discusses the history of the island.

Register and join us on Monday, May 8th from 6:00-7:30 PM. This program is sponsored by the NH Humanities and the Friends of the Kimball Library.

PRESENTER: J. Dennis Robinson has published over a dozen books and 3,000 articles on history focused primarily on the seacoast region. He is the author of books on the Isles of Shoals, Strawbery Banke Museum, Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, and Privateer Lynx. Music Hall tracks the 400-year evolution of the performing arts in Portsmouth. Point of Graves is a character driven "history mystery" that explores Black history in New Hampshire's only seaport. He is currently completing a history of New Castle, a provocative study of the first NH settlement in 1623, and a comic book history of Portsmouth for kids.

LOCAL ARTIST ON DISPLAY: Ron Thimot is a neighbor and amateur photographer who’s been capturing images for decades. He looks for scenes that catch his eye. Sometimes it’s being at the right place at the right time, other times he’s able to ‘see’ the photo and capture it.

When Ron decided to exhibit some of his images at the Library, he had to come up with a description for them; they don’t fall into any neat category or genre. A friend suggested he call them “All Over the Map” because of their diversity. Ron hopes you enjoy viewing them as much as he enjoyed taking them.

Ron’s art will be on display in the LMeeting Room through April.

Kimball Library News 4/2/23

Who can make the longest paper chain? Will it go out the door? Up the wall? Into the closet? Once we start, we'll have 20 minutes and this will be followed by a special treat to eat.

Use paper, scissors, and a roll of tape and come have some fun on Tuesday, April 25^th at 10:30 AM for The Great Chain Challenge. Especially young ones may need assistance from parents. Registration is required for this activity geared for children ages 3-8.

SWEET TALK: T/weens in grades 5 and up are invited to play candy related games and make candy sushi! To start, we'll play some 'sweet talk' games in order to sample candy and to get to know one another a little more which will be 'sweet'. We all will be making candy sushi to sample. Please register youth currently in grade 5 and older to join us on Monday, April 24^th at 6:00 PM for a really sweet time.

COVERED BRIDGES OF NEW HAMPSHIRE: There are more than 60 authentic covered bridges in New Hampshire, 46 of which are more than a century old. Some have stood sentry over their waterways without incident; others have risen after a tragedy took them down. Author, Kim Varney Chandler tells these bridges’ stories in her new book, Covered Bridges of New Hampshire. The book has been endorsed by the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges and features all 61 covered bridges, paired with historical photos.

Copies of Covered Bridges of New Hampshire will be available for purchase and for the author to sign on the evening of the event taking place on Thursday, April 27^th at 6 PM. There is also a circulating copy in the library collection. Registration is required.

OVER THE BRIDGE: Registered children (grades K-4) will get a bundle of straws, a pair of scissors, and a roll of clear tape.

The goal is to build a straw bridge that is one foot long and can bear weight without collapsing. There will be simple prizes for everybody who participates. Kids, you can do it! Register now for this activity taking place on Thursday, April 27th at 6:00 PM.

This event is purposely at the same time as the adult event so children can have a related activity to complete while parents are in the meeting room learning about covered bridges. Children under 10 may not be left at the Library without their caregiver in the building.

POKEMON CHALLENGE: Can you find them all? Stop by the Children’s Desk 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 prize! Come when you can, leave when you must between the hours of 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM on Thursday, April 27th. It’s another ‘staycation’ scavenger hunt!

RELAX: Looking for a healthy distraction and escape from the world around you? Perhaps you are looking for a way to reduce stress or as studies indicate improve concentration, short-term memory and problem solving. Welcome to our Puzzle Table. Located next to the non-fiction shelving by the windows there is a puzzle waiting to be completed. Don't worry if you do not have time to finish, the next person or two to visit will complete it. It is teamwork with your good neighbors. When the puzzle is complete, we will put out a new one.

Monday, March 27, 2023

Kimball Library News 3/26/23

Kids, parents, and kids at heart, join us for a fun family film on Tuesday, April 25^th at 1 PM during spring staycation week! No registration necessary.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish – Puss is so busy being a fearless hero and building his legend, he didn’t realize he’d run through eight of his nine lives, and for the first time finds himself fearing death and considering retirement. It’s not so easy to shed those past lives, however, and when a notorious crime family hires him for one last job by destroying his placid life, he finds himself in possession of a map to one last wish.

Rated: PG Runtime: 103 minutes

Adults who normally attend Film Club are encouraged to attend as usual.

BUILDWAVE: Want to foster your child’s interest in STEM, while igniting their creative spark at the same time? Buildwave is a creative building program that feels like a video game! Over the course of the workshop students create with over a dozen different building materials, including Lego®, PlusPlus®, and custom-made Buildwave materials. The workshop is structured like a videogame, with an audiovisual setup featuring animations and music that guide students through the different building waves. As your child creates with wave after wave of new objects, they build creative confidence, become better collaborators, and encounter design and engineering fundamentals in a unique and memorable context.

Kimball Library families will be given priority for this unique event happening on Wednesday, April 26^th, at 6:00 PM. Registration is required.

FRIDAY IS FOR THE BIRDS: Friday is for the birds! Check out these fun events happening at the Library on April 28^th of spring staycation week.

ANGRY BIRDS (Ages 3+) @ 10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Stop in anytime between 10:00 AM-12:00 PM to test your building and flinging skills. Can you make a tower strong enough to resist your birds? Can you fling your birds hard enough to take down a tower? Bring your friends and family and challenge each other while you're at it. No registration required!

BIRD FEEDER STEM (Ages 8+) @ 2:00 PM: Kids ages 8 + are invited to make bird feeders! Find out how to turn your recyclables into a backyard restaurant for your feathered friends. Bring your own materials or use ours. Registration is required.

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.

Thursday, March 23, 2023

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.

Thursday, March 16, 2023

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.

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

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.