Kimball Library News

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Kimball Library News 11/20/22

Get ready for an exciting time with ‘An Evening with Mystery Writers Sulari Gentill, Hank Phillippi Ryan and Eva Jurczyk’ moderated by Rachel Raczka of the Boston Globe on Thursday, December 8^th, at 7:00 PM.

Join us for this Zoom program by registering at www.kimballlibrary.com on our event calendar. This program is sponsored through the Burlington Public Library in collaboration with 27 libraries throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

About the Authors:

SULARI GENTILL is a bestselling author who has captivated readers and librarians with her “elegantly constructed, funny, and profound” mystery-within-a-mystery. In ‘The Woman in the Library’, the ornate reading room at the Boston Public Library is quiet, until the tranquility is shattered by a woman's terrified scream. Security guards take charge instructing everyone inside to stay put. Four strangers, who happened to sit at the same table, pass the time in conversation and friendships are struck. Each has his or her own reasons for being in the reading room that morning—it just happens that one is a murderer.

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the bestselling author of 13 psychological thrillers, Ryan has won multiple prestigious awards for her crime fiction. National reviews have called her a "master at crafting suspenseful mysteries" and "a superb and gifted storyteller."

Ryan’s newest book is ‘Her Perfect Life’, a chilling psychological stand-alone about fame, family and revenge which received rave reviews calling it "a superlative thriller." ‘Her Perfect Life’ is also now nominated for the Agatha Award.

EVA JURCZYK is a debut novelist and Toronto librarian. ‘The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections’ is “a valentine to librarians that doesn’t shy away from their dark sides”.

Jurczyk’s work is a darkly comedic, literary mystery about a career librarian who is suddenly instated as the director of a prestigious university collection and its eccentric staff, when a whole host of priceless books go missing.  

CHOCOLATE REINDEER COOKIES: Calling all foodies specifically in grades 3-5! Come on down to the Library and make a tortellini totem pole with Chef Birr. It's great to nibble on and even better with a holiday punch and chocolate treats! You will be making this yourself with only a little guidance and it's sure to be a good time. Register now to make it all happen as class size is limited. This program is being held on Thursday, December 1st, from 6-7 PM. Mark your calendar, now!

SPECIAL HOURS: Please note that we will be opening at 11 AM on Wednesday, November 30^th, to accomodate staff development. Thank you for your understanding. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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.

Monday, November 14, 2022

Kimball Library News 11/13/22

It’s the season to start thinking ‘festive’! We have some events for adults, teens, and children coming up that you won’t want to miss. Register early before the sessions and your season gets overbooked.

TORTELLINI TOTEM POLES & COOKIES: Calling all foodies specifically in grades 3-5! Come on down to the library and make a tortellini totem pole with Chef Birr. It's great to nibble on and even better with a holiday punch and chocolate treats! You will be making this yourself with only a little guidance and it's sure to be a good time. Register now to make it all happen as class size is limited. This program is being held on Thursday, December 1st, from 6-7 PM. Mark your calendar, now!

COOKIES & CRAFT: Children in grades K-5 are invited to get in the festive spirit by decorating cookies and making a craft. Everyone loves a good cookie and a good craft, and this is a two-for-one! Register in advance to be part of the festivities on Saturday, December 3rd, from 11-12.

FELTED ORNAMENT MAKING FOR ADULTS, TEENS, & TWEENS: Who says you need a paintbrush to paint? In this workshop, students will learn how to “paint” with wool using various textured fibers (wool roving) and sharp barbed needles to create a delightful Holiday ornament. Open to all skill levels, students will be introduced to the art of sculpting in wool, including shaping, blending colors and surface felting. No drawing experience is required, students have the option to work from templates to create their designs. There are endless possibilities once you have learned this technique!

There are two separate offerings for this workshop on Thursday, December 15^th. Adults will have a class at 1:00 PM, and t/weens (ages 10+) will have a similar workshop at 6:00 PM with more ‘whimsical’ choices. Because the participants are using needles we are following the recommendation that tweens must be at least 10 years of age.

Please stop by the front circulation desk to register today. A $10.00 non-refundable materials fee is due at time of registration. Registration will not be confirmed until payment is made.

Artist, Tiffany T. Farmakis-Day enjoys exploring a variety of mediums, both traditional and experimental. She does it all including drawing, painting, Zentangle, needle felting, coding a website and more! You may find her teaching workshops at fine crafts studios, galleries, art institutes, schools, libraries and many other places throughout New Hampshire.

This very unique workshop is sponsored by our wonderful Friends of the Kimball Library.

HOLIDAY HOURS: The Library will close at 3 PM on Wednesday, November 23^rd and will re-open on Monday, November 28^th at 9:30 AM. The Library staff wishes you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are certainly grateful for all of you.

As a reminder, Libby, Hoopla, & Kanopy are open 24/7. Happy streaming!

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Kimball Library News 11/6/22

Learn how to make a beautiful fresh boxwood tree to enjoy for the holidays. The boxwood tree is an elegant design made out of boxwood and decorated with velvet ribbon, gold glass balls, berries and natural gypsophila. This popular centerpiece will last for months and is perfect for your home or for those who want a small holiday tree to enjoy. Register for either the afternoon class at 3:00 PM or the evening class at 6:00 PM.

Felicia Motherway has been teaching this class at the Library for years, and it’s so successful and popular because nobody, not even the craft impaired, will leave with a Charlie Brown tree!

Reservations are required for this special event taking place on Monday, December 5^th. Sign up early as the classes fill up and literally sell out. A non-refundable materials fee of $45 must be paid in advance at the main circulation (cash or check only). Checks are made payable to Felicia Motherway.

THE DEVIANT'S WAR--The Homosexual vs. The United States of America, with author Eric Cervini (ZOOM): Join us for a Zoom discussion with award-winning author and historian Eric Cervini on his painstakingly researched and engaging book, The Deviant’s War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America. A New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, The Deviant's War uncovers the secret history of the fight for gay rights that began a generation before Stonewall, told through the life and unprecedented legal efforts of astronomer Franklin Edward Kameny. This discussion will be moderated by PBS NH's Jasmine Allen.

About the author: Eric Cervini is an award-winning historian of LGBTQ+ culture and politics. He graduated from Harvard College and received his Ph.D. in history from the University of Cambridge, where he was a Gates Scholar. The Deviant’s War is his first book.

This Zoom event is sponsored by the Nashua Library and presented in collaboration with libraries throughout the Merrimack Valley and the Kimball Library. Join in on Wednesday, December 7^th, at 7:00 PM. Register for the link on our website.

12,000 YEARS AGO IN THE GRANITE STATE: More than 12,000 years ago, small groups of Paleoindians endured frigid winters on the edge of a small river in what would become Keene, New Hampshire. In 2009, an archaeological survey for the new Keene Middle School discovered the remains of their stay and brought to light one of the oldest Native American sites in New England. Come hear more about this amazing discovery.

This event is sponsored by the Atkinson Historical Society and NH Humanities. It will be hosted at the Kimball Library on December 8, from 6-8 PM.

Presenter: Robert Goodby is a professor of Anthropology at Franklin Pierce University. He holds a Ph.D. in anthropology and has spent the last thirty years studying Native American archaeological sites in New England. In 2010, he directed the excavations of four 12,000-year-old Paleoindian dwellings at the Tenant Swamp site in Keene, and his book A Deep Presence: 13,000 Years of Native American History was published in 2021.

THANKSGIVING BREAK: The Library will close at 3 PM on Wednesday, November 23^rd and will remain closed until Monday, November 28^th at 9:30 AM. We are thankful for all of our wonderful patrons! Please note that services such as downloadable books, Hoopla, and Kanopy are open 24/7. Have a wonderful holiday!

SPECIAL HOURS: The Library staff has a special opportunity on Wednesday, November 30^th, for some early morning staff development. On that day, we will open at 11:00 AM versus the typical 9:30 AM. Thank you for your understanding, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Kimball Library News 10/30/22

The Library staff has a special opportunity on Wednesday, November 30^th, for some early morning staff development. On that day, we will open at 11:00 AM versus the typical 9:30 AM. Thank you for your understanding, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

THE KIMBALL LIBRARY SURVEY IS HERE! It’s our turn to listen! We would love to have input from all residents aged 13 and up as we envision the next few years at the Library. Please use the survey to let us know what you think of the Kimball Library today and what you would like it to become in the future.

The easiest way to take the survey is online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/kimballlibrary. Thank you for your time and feedback! As a token of our appreciation, the Friends of the Library are giving out library tote bags. Just let us know you’ve taken the survey the next time you visit.

CREATE HOLIDAY GREETING CARDS & GIFT CARD HOLDERS WORKSHOP: Join us in creating some festive greeting and gift cards for the upcoming seasons. Using stamping and scrapbook techniques, learn how to create some beautiful holiday greeting and gift cards. Kimball Library’s own gifted scrapbooker, Cathie Piccolo, will be instructing the class along with Lois Powers. This Kimball Library team will provide pre-cut materials, embellishments and support so you can create unique cards and gift card holders to give to friends and family.

Registration is required, and seating is limited. A non-refundable materials fee of $20.00 must be paid at time of registration. Please visit the circulation desk to register today for this wonderful opportunity to add a personal touch to the season on Thursday, November 17^th from 6-8 PM. This class is appropriate for teens and adults.

*If you are experienced at scrapbooking and wish to bring your own supplies (such as: adhesives and craft scissors) to work with please feel free to bring them.

FILM CLUB ENTHUSIASTS: Are you a Cineaste (an enthusiast for or devotee of movies or filmmaking)? If so, join us as we 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.

Here are the upcoming films: *Please note the films are subject to change.

November 15 - The Power of the Dog: A domineering rancher responds with mocking cruelty when his brother brings home a new wife and her son, until the unexpected comes to pass. Rated R. Runtime 2 hours, 6 minutes.

November 29 - Jerry & Marge Go Large: Jerry Selbee discovers a mathematical loophole in the Massachusetts lottery, and with the help of his wife, Marge, he wins millions of dollars. Rated PG 13. Runtime 1 hour, 36 minutes.

WALL STREET JOURNAL ONLINE: Log into our catalog with your patron barcode ID and password to access the link. Log into your existing WSJ account or create a new one if you don’t already have one.

You’ll have access for 3 days, at the end of which you have to go back to step one.

Please note: The Wall Street Journal apps do not work for library users, but the web version works very well with small screen devices.

Kimball Library News 10/23/22

A friendly reminder to all that we’d appreciate it very much if you would visit this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/kimballlibrary to take our survey online! The link window will close on November 15^th. Beautiful library tote bags provided by our generous Friends of Kimball Library are still available for responders.

UKRANIAN TOY PAINTING (AGES 6+): Join us for a night of traditional storytelling and painting techniques and take home a toy to give for the holidays! This timely event is being hosted on Wednesday, November 30^th from 5:30-7:30 PM.

The workshop is open to adults, teens and families with children 6 and up. It is a great opportunity for adults and families to work together to learn about crafts and culture. Traditional painting techniques and floral and berry designs are introduced. Throughout the workshop portion of the program, participants will be listening to traditional music.

There is a materials fee of $10 for anyone participating in the hands-on component of the program. Registration is required and seating is limited. A non-refundable materials fee of $10.00 must be paid at time of registration. The Library will cover the rest of the cost of supplies and the instructor. The fee covers the cost of the wooden toy and the use of paints for painting on wood and brushes for the workshop. Please visit the Children’s Department to register in person.

Presenter Marina Forbes is a lecturer, historian and award-winning artist, and Master Iconographer. She has won awards for Artistic Excellence from The National Endowment for the Arts and The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts), and has lectured extensively on traditional arts, history and the rich tapestry of culture. She is featured on the NH Council on the Arts Rosters for Arts in Education and Traditional Arts and she is a speaker on Arts, History and Culture with the NH Humanities Council. Marina has a distinctive ability to generate energy and enthusiasm in the audience and to bring the rich fabric of traditional arts and folklore to life for children of all ages through memorable and thought-provoking programs.

WRITE IT OUT: We have adjusted the age range as older middle school youth have expressed interest. Kids in grades 3-8 are invited to join us to write it out! We’ll start off with a prompt or two to read to the class and then free write. This a great chance to explore your creative side and have encouragement from your peers. Miss Katie is looking for kids with big imaginations! Invite your friends to sign up with you on our online event calendar for November 16^th at 6 PM.

HOLIDAY CLOSING -The Library will be closed on Friday, November 11^th, in recognition of Veterans Day. Thank you for your service. Please note that Kanopy, Hoopla, and Libby and other streaming services are available 24/7.

THANKSGIVING BREAK: The Library will close at 3 PM on Wednesday, November 23^rd and will remain closed until Monday, November 28^th at 9:30 AM. We are thankful for all of our wonderful patrons! Please note that services such at Downloadable Books, Hoopla, and Kanopy are open 24/7. Have a wonderful holiday and we appreciate your patronage.

Monday, October 17, 2022

Kimball Library News 10/16/22

Have you completed our survey? We would really appreciate your time and input. There will be a beautiful free library tote bag while supplies last. Your voice matters! Even if you don’t use the Library, we really want to hear from you. The survey closes on November 15^th. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/kimballlibrary

NEW ENGLAND LEGENDS: Based on the popular PBS television show and weekly podcast of the same name, New England Legends offers a multimedia journey through the history, oddities, paranormal, and just plain weird side of New England. Jeff draws from hundreds of legends around New England, so this program is different every single time it’s presented. For over 25 years, Jeff Belanger has been exploring the unexplained. He seeks out history, folklore, ghosts, monsters, and legends all over the world and in your backyard.

ABOUT JEFF BELANGER: Since 1997, the journalist has interviewed thousands of eyewitnesses to paranormal occurrences. He’s the award-winning, Emmy-nominated host, writer, and producer of the New England Legends series on PBS and Amazon Prime, and is the author of over a dozen books on the unexplained. Belanger is a noted speaker and media personality who has lectured at libraries, universities, corporations, and has given a prestigious TEDx talk in New York City. Belanger has written for newspapers like The Boston Globe and USA Today. He’s been a guest on hundreds of radio and television programs.

This will be a night you won’t forget! Please register to attend this special evening on Thursday, November 10^th, at 6:00 PM. Jeff will have his books available to sign and purchase.

This legendary event is sponsored by our very generous Friends of the Kimball Library.

KINDERGARTEN CLUB: We have some openings in this popular afterschool club! This storytime is designed to be highly engaging for kindergarten aged children. Just like a typical storytime, we will read some books, but we will also play games that will build on important skills such as listening and vocabulary and even have an experiment or 2. They can make friends here from other classes they might not meet at school. It’s education and socialization all rolled into one.

Children may take the bus from Atkinson Academy to the Library if parents decide to make arrangements with pick-up patrol. (The Library is not taking responsibility for the transportation, we are only letting you know that there is a bus that stops here.) Please pack them a snack that they can have before 3:30.

Register children ages 5 and 6 to participate on Mondays from 3:30-4:15. Miss Katie cannot wait to make some new young friends!

AM & PM BOOK DISCUSSIONS: The morning and evening book groups will meet and discuss as follows: November 15^th at 6:00 PM: The Churchill Sisters: The Extraordinary Lives of Winston and Clementine's Daughters by Rachel Trethewey, and November 18^th at 10:15 AM The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue. Both groups welcome newcomers and there are books available at the main circulation desk for checkout. Please register so we will know to expect you.

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Kimball Library News 10/9/22

Have you completed our survey? It’s our time to listen! Please visit the website for a link on October 15th or look for a mailing. We really appreciate your time and input. There will be a free library tote bag for all early responders. Your voice matters!

CURIOUS CREATURES: Curious Creatures provides experienced and professional exhibitors who teach respect and appreciation for exotic and unusual animals. Their presentation is hands-on and interactive. They include interesting facts and stories about the creatures in an educational and entertaining environment.

They bring 6 animals to all of the events: baby alligator, snake, tortoise, rabbit, bearded dragon and a chinchilla. The exhibitor chooses 2-4 other animals on the day of the event. The other animals will be a mystery that will only be known if you come. The children usually sit near the staging close enough to hear the fun facts and then are given a chance to touch or hold the animals. It is meant to be very interactive to keep the children engaged. The Library can’t wait to host this!

Registration is limited to 50 children in grades K-5. Don’t delay in signing up on our online calendar.

This exciting and educational event is sponsored by the very generous Atkinson Women's Civic Club. Be sure to thank them when you see them!

OLDER ADULTS & WORK IN THE 21ST CENTURY (ZOOM) -Job Search Help: The baby boomers, born during the years of 1946 -1964, are changing our notions about aging and the traditional view of retirement. Due to medical advances and better self-care, we are experiencing a longevity revolution. People may live 30+ years past the “traditional” retirement age of 62 -65. This doesn’t necessarily mean longer “old age” but can be viewed as an extended “middle stage” of life. Middle age is now being viewed as 45 -75+. These bonus years give us an opportunity to be more conscious and intentional in figuring out “What’s next?” It’s an opportunity to look at the various parts of your life and to “puzzle” out what’s important to you. It’s hard enough for individuals and can be more complicated if you’re part of a couple and you each have different values, goals, dreams and time-lines for the years ahead. All of this can be even more complicated if you’ve lost your job and don’t want to be “retired” from your work life and are trying to figure out “what’s next?” in your career life. Being retired from a job does NOT mean being retired from life.

This insightful, virtual program is led by Dorian Mintzer, M.S.W., Ph.D., a Licensed Psychologist who provides Psychotherapy, Career/Life Transition Coaching, Couples Relationship Coaching, Executive Coaching and Speaking.

This event will be held on Monday, October 24^th, at 2:00 PM. Register on our website to receive the Zoom link.

WATERGATE AT 50 (ZOOM) -The Burglary that Changed the Nation: It has been called “The Scandal that Never Goes Away” — and with good reason. Fifty years after the break-in at the Democratic Headquarters at the Watergate Hotel, we still do not know the full story of how the burglary came to happen. What we DO know is that the events that followed, culminating in President Nixon’s resignation in August of 1974, continue to hold lessons about the nature of power that seem to resonate ever more strongly as the years go by. Learn the story of how a local break-in became a national scandal, and how it profoundly changed the way Americans think about their political institutions.

This presentation is led by Daniel Breen, a Senior Lecturer in Legal Studies at Brandeis University, and a recipient of the Louis Brandeis Award for Excellence in Teaching.

This Zoom event will be held on Thursday, October 27^th, at 7:00 PM. Register on our website to receive the link to attend.

Both Zoom events (Older Adults and Watergate) are sponsored by the Tewksbury Public Library and presented in collaboration with libraries throughout the Merrimack Valley and the Kimball Library.