Sunday, June 30, 2024

Kimball Library News 6/27/24

ADVENTURES in LEGO CHALLENGES (Ages 3+): Monday, July 1st between 11 AM and 7 PM

We'll have the Lego drawer unlocked for our talented builders. Drop in during the timeframe and see what you can build. Need some ideas? We've got you covered. We'll have several challenges for you to try out.

Parents, please be advised that the Duplos will be put away. This is not an activity for children under the age of 3 without supervision. Registration is not required for this event.

FILM ENTHUSIAST CLUB - THE BOYS IN THE BOAT
: Tuesday, July 2nd at 1 PM

Are you a Cineaste (an enthusiast for or devotee of movies or filmmaking)? If so, join us for this fun fan of films group and 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.

Please note films are subject to change. To view current feature films please visit the library website.

The Boys in the Boat is the triumphant underdog story of the University of Washington men's rowing team, who stunned the world by competing at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Runtime: 2 hours 4 minutes Rated: PG-13

ADVENTURES IN CANDY (AGES 10+)
: Tuesday, July 2nd at 4:30 PM

Join us for some candy adventures! We'll make candy sushi and play some candy themed games! Register yourself and your friends.

This is an Adventure Begins at Your Library summer reading event generously sponsored by The Friends of Kimball Library.

ADVENTURES IN T/WEEN BOOK DISCUSSION: Wednesday, July 3rd at 6 PM

Join the most chill t/weens and chat with us about Hatchet by Gary Paulsen! A story of survival and of transformation, this riveting book has sparked many a reader's interest in venturing into the wild.

Copies are available for the asking. We serve candy and the coolest conversation. Register yourself and your bestie. This group best serves middle and high school age students.

SUMMER CONCERT WITH BOSTON CITY RHYTHM: Thursday, July 11th at 6 PM

Boston City Rhythm is a fun, energetic 5-piece band that covers music from the 70's through today's pop hits! We’re excited to have you join us in the Library Courtyard to rock out with us.

We suggest that in the event of rain, you please check the Library website for updates.

This musical evening is hosted by the Friends of the Kimball Library who would like to thank the George Family Charities for its generous sponsorship.

Monday, June 24, 2024

Kimball Library News 6/13/24

ADVENTURES IN CHARACTER SCAVENGER HUNT BINGO! (ALL AGES): Monday, June 24th between 1 and 7:30 PM

Some of your favorite characters are hiding in the Children's Room. Use your eagle eyes to spot them, then mark them off on your BINGO sheet. Finish a row (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) for a prize. Finish the whole sheet and get two!

All youth are welcome, but younger kids may need help from an older sibling or their grown-up. No registration required. This is an Adventures Begin at Your Library event.

ADVENTURES WITH WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS (ALL AGES): Wednesday, June 26th at 6 PM

Our friends at Wildlife Encounters Ecology and Wellness Center will return this year with a selection of live animals in the Library Courtyard to educate and delight you! Wildlife Encounters' live-animal outreach programs are educational, interactive, and fun!

Their educator will lead the group on an “imaginary safari around the world!” Meet animals whose ancestors lived in a variety of habitats and places on Earth, while discovering their amazing adaptations and eco-contributions, and learning their personal stories.

Seven globally and biologically diverse Ambassador Animals are featured, and the program is delivered by senior educators for an exceptional experience! This event is developmentally geared for ages three and up even though we leave the minimum age up to parents/caregivers.

This is an Adventure Begins at Your Library event generously sponsored by The Friends of Kimball Library. Register friends and family.

ADVENTURES IN WEAVING (K-5): Thursday, June 27th at 4:30 PM

Celebrate cultures around the world when you're weaving. Come for the basics in weaving a picture and see how fun and simple it is. Register to attend this Adventure Begins at Your Library event that is geared for elementary age kids.

SUMMER CONCERT WITH STUDIO TWO: Thursday, June 27th at 6 PM

Studio Two, now entering their 11th year of touring, is a headlining Beatles tribute band featuring Berklee College of Music Alum who focus on the most exciting, energetic early years (1962 - 1966). Choosing from a catalog of number one hit songs from their club and touring performances, Studio Two performs many of the 50's and 60's Rock 'n' Roll songs The Beatles helped popularize. All of this is done in period correct attire and equipment. You will be transported in time!

We suggest that in the event of rain, you please check the library website for updates.

This exciting night of music is hosted by the Friends of the Kimball Library who would like to thank the George Family Charities for its generous sponsorship.

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Kimball Library News 6/6/24

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES WITH THE ANNIE BROBST BAND: Thursday, June 13th at 6 PM

Join us in the Library Courtyard for first summer concert of 2024 with the Annie Brobst Band! Columbus Ohio-raised, now Boston-based, Annie Brobst is New England Music Award's 2023 Female Performer of the Year across all music genres. She’s notable for her country sound with an undeniable stage presence. Look for a familiar face in the band with Atkinson's own Fire Chief, Erik Thomas!

Annie Brobst songwriting influences include Ashley McBryde, Old Dominion, Miranda Lambert, and Jason Isbell. Her last album "Where We Holler" peaked at #2 on the US iTunes Country Album Chart just below Carrie Underwood for the week. Touring across country and appearing locally at Big Night Live, House of Blues Boston, City Winery Boston, she has shared stages with acts like Hardy, Josh Turner, Little Big Town, Kip Moore, and Brett Eldredge.

We suggest that in the event of inclement weather, you check the Library website for updates.

Hosted by the Friends of the Kimball Library who would like to thank the George Family Charities for its generous sponsorship.

ADVENTURES WITH MAGIC FRED! SUMMER READING KICK-OFF (All Ages): Tuesday, June 18th at 6 PM

We are so excited to announce our 2024 SUMMER READING KICK-OFF SHOW with Magic Fred in the Kimball Library Courtyard.

Get ready for Magic Fred's high energy magic and comedy show packed full of fun and surprises with a lot of audience participation! Invite your friends and neighbors to register online or in person and be prepared to be magically delighted.

This is an Adventure Begins at Your Library summer reading event generously sponsored by The Elizabeth Smith Estate.


ADVENTURES IN CHARACTER SCAVENGER HUNT BINGO! (All Ages): Monday, June 24th between 1 and 7:30 PM

Some of your favorite characters are hiding in the Children's Room. Use your eagle eyes to spot them, then mark them off on your BINGO sheet. Finish a row (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) for a prize. Finish the whole sheet and get two!

All youth are welcome, but younger kids may need help from an older sibling or their grown-up. Drop in to play anytime between 1 and 7:30 PM. No registration required.

This is an Adventure Begins at Your Library summer reading event.


Friday, May 3, 2024

Kimball Library News 5/3/24



PAWS TO READ WITH ORLA (Emerging Readers): Wednesday, 5/15/24 between 3:30 and 4:30 PM

For many children, reading can be a daunting task. This can be especially true for shy, quiet kids. Paws to Read offers readers a quiet, calm opportunity to gain reading confidence with a friendly dog. Orla, the Golden Retriever therapy dog and her handler Kate are here to provide a “judgement free” zone for children to practice their reading skills. It doesn’t matter to Orla whether your child is an emerging or fluent reader. She is excited to sit and listen to your child read their favorite books.

Children should bring a simple book they feel comfortable with. We recommend practicing before your appointment to ensure you get the most out of your time. Sign up on the online calendar for the timeslot that works best for you.

WRITER’S STUDIO FOR ADULTS
: Saturday, 5/18/24 at 10 AM

All writing styles and abilities are welcome. This gathering will allow you to engage in your own personal writing endeavors while exploring your literary style. We will use this time to engage in writing, share your ideas and literary pieces. This is an open and friendly gathering where all possibilities are presented.

  • Gathering Outline: Introduction - The initial discussion or focus will be on character development.
  • Writing – Take this opportunity to work on your literary project, or to engage in writing through several writing prompts.
  • Share Literary Pieces - This is a chance to interact with other authors - writers.

*Feel free to bring a writing journal or other supplies supporting your creative style. Registration is required.

Instructor, Donna Quinn Corriveau, Direct Support Professional, manages a community-oriented organization titled Diversity Outreach Services. She enjoys engaging with other local organizations to share creative and self-expressive programs or activities. As Donna states, "I believe self-expression represents the highest form of joy."

IT'S KITE TIME (K-4): Saturday, 5/18/24 at 10 AM

Let's go fly a kite, up to the highest height and send it soaring!

Learn how to construct a kite and then, weather permitting, we will fly them in the Library Courtyard. Please register in advance.

MAY ADULT BOOK DISCUSSIONS (Adults)

Please register and join us! We love seeing new faces and making new friends.

May 21st at 6 PM - The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
May 22nd at 10:15 AM - Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Friday, April 26, 2024

Kimball Library News 4/26/24

T/WEEN BOOK DISCUSSION: Wednesday, 5/1/24 at 6 PM

Register yourself and a t/weenage friend to enjoy candy and peer insight as we discuss Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick.

When soldiers arrive in his hometown, Arn is just a normal little boy. But after the soldiers march the entire population into the countryside, his life is changed forever…

This is the unforgettable story of Arn Chorn-Pond, who defied the odds to survive the Cambodian genocide of 1975-1979 and the labor camps of the Khmer Rouge. Authentically told from his point of view as a young boy, this is an achingly raw and powerful historical novel about a child of war who becomes a man of peace.

GROWING UP IN COMMUNIST CHINA: Thursday, 5/2/24 at 6 PM

Born to illiterate working-class parents in China’s western Sichuan province just before Mao’s Cultural Revolution, Lily Tang Williams grew up experiencing extremely poor living conditions, food rationing, social chaos, and Communist indoctrination.

In spite of these hardships, she learned to work hard, persevere, and was grateful for the opportunities she was given. In 1988, Lily Tang Williams decided to attend university in the U.S., leaving with only $100 in her pocket and $1200 in debt to her American sponsor. Although she could not speak English fluently, she was determined to achieve success in this country, earning a Master’s degree in Administration and Planning from the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin.

Join us as she shares her story about growing up in Communist China. This educational presentation for students and adults includes a slide presentation with photographs from Ms. Williams’ years in China, as well as items from her Chinese heritage, including fortune cookies!

A SOLDIER’S MOTHER TELLS HER STORY (NH Humanities): Thursday, 5/9/24 at 6 PM

A Soldier’s Mother Tells Her Story will be presented by Sharon Wood of Claremont, speaking as Betsey Phelps, the mother of a Union soldier from Amherst, New Hampshire. She blends the story of Charles Phelps, who died heroically at the Battle of Gettysburg, with that of other men who left their New Hampshire homes to fight for the Union cause. Speaking from a mother’s perspective, she also speaks about how families supported their boys from the home front.

Sharon has presented this program throughout the state for more than twenty years and has developed it to include the experiences of Union soldiers from many New Hampshire towns and cities. A retired librarian and former kindergarten teacher, she also enjoys acting and directing in local community theater groups and has helped to produce storytelling festivals and cemetery walks. Sharon and her husband Steve are members of the New Hampshire Storytelling Alliance, Northeast Storytelling, the Association of Lincoln Presenters and Solo Together, a consortium of living history presenters.

This event is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities and is hosted by the Friends of the Kimball Library.

Friday, April 19, 2024

Kimball Library News 4/19/24

JAMMING WITH STEVE BLUNT! (Ages 3-10): Monday, April 22nd at 4:30 PM

Steve Blunt is returning to Kimball Library for some songs and stories! Join us for an afternoon of grooving as Steve serenades us with his tunes. At schools & libraries, on recordings and in concert, he shares fun, upbeat songs that tickle the funny bone, warm the heart, and delight the imagination—with lots of audience participation. The show is geared for littles, but all ages are welcome to register and enjoy!

Steve Blunt is a New Hampshire singer/storyteller whose fun, upbeat performances delight audiences at venues throughout New England. He began writing kid-friendly songs in the 1990’s while raising a young daughter and working as a middle school English teacher.

This event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

INTERACTIVE MOVIE NIGHT ~ The Greatest Showman (Ages 10 +): Wednesday, April 24th at 6 PM

We have the props, the scripts, the movie, the big screen and candy! Just bring your t/weenage self and a friend (ages 10+) and get ready for the greatest show! You’ll be busy participating throughout the evening.

Growing up in the early 1800s, P.T. Barnum displayed a natural talent for publicity and promotion, and was selling lottery tickets by age 12. After trying his hands at various jobs, P.T. turned to show business to indulge his limitless imagination. Rising from nothing he created the Barnum & Bailey circus. Featuring catchy musical numbers, exotic performers and daring acrobatic feats, Barnum's mesmerizing spectacle soon took the world by storm to become the greatest show on Earth.

Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes

TOWER TOPPLING (All Youth): Wednesday, April 24th between 1 and 7:30 PM

Can you build a tower with our wooden blocks and Keva planks? What will it take to knock down your Brick Box tower? From using our STEM toys, to building a take home tower with toothpicks and other supplies, or just playing a wholesome game of Jenga, the theme of our STEAM is TOWER BUILDING!

Families and youth of all ages are welcome to drop in when convenient between 1 and 7:30 PM. Registration is not required.

LIVE FREE OR DIE: THE CONTESTED HISTORY OF THE WORDS ON YOUR LICENSE PLATE
: Thursday, April 25th at 6:30 PM

In 1969, when New Hampshire officials decided to put the state’s motto – “live free or die” -- on its license plates, many citizens viewed the act as an endorsement of the deeply unpopular war being waged in Vietnam and protested by covering up or altering the motto. In response, authorities cracked down hard: arresting, fining and sometimes even incarcerating those who engaged in duct-tape dissent. People appealed their convictions, sparking a legal contest over the First Amendment that went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. In this multi-media presentation, historian and former newspaper reporter Dan Billin tells a uniquely New Hampshire tale illustrating the genius -- and the fragility -- of the First Amendment.

Presenter: Dan Billin worked as a newspaper reporter in the Granite State for seventeen years. His nose for a story and years of relentless research have brought to light a wealth of detail about the shocking and long-forgotten tale of Noyes Academy and the extraordinary Black students who dared seek an education in antebellum New Hampshire. He has now applied those same journalistic instincts to illuminating how putting the state motto, “Live Free or Die,” on NH license plates kicked off a battle over the First Amendment.

This event is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities, sponsored by the Atkinson Historical Society and hosted at the Kimball Library

BOOK CHARACTER BINGO (Ages 3 and up): Friday, April 26th between 1 and 4 PM

Some of your favorite characters are hiding in the Children's Room. Use your eagle eyes to spot them, then mark them off on your bingo sheet. Once you've completed a row (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal), bring it to the Librarian for a prize!

All youth are welcome, but younger kids may need help from an older sibling or their grown-up. Drop in to play anytime between 1 and 4 PM. Registration is not required.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Kimball Library News 4/12/24

FEATURED ARTIST: RON WATSON ~ Paintings on Display through April 2024

The Library is hosting an exciting exhibit of Ron Watson’s photography during April 2024. He calls this exhibit “For the Birds”.

An Atkinson resident, Watson is an outdoors-man who has spent his life exploring the natural world. As a longtime photographer/ videographer most of his work over 60 years has revolved around the ocean both on and below. His videos and photography has appeared in scientific journals, on PBS’s NOVA and on Amateur Naturalist programs.

Ron has worked as a scientific diver for the New England Aquarium and as the Chief Scientific Diver for the Charlotte Marine Research Team. While working for CMRT, he helped to place and monitor artificial reefs. He has worked with New England Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue, the Mote Marine Mammal Rehab, the Florida Marine Research Institute and finally, with the Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue team where he is a current staff member.

Ron describes himself “… as an opportunistic photographer who will not hesitate to take shots of anything that catches my eye. This exhibit will consist of photos of wildlife, landscapes and the natural world.

DIVING FOR FOSSILS ~ Thursday, 4/18/24 at 6 PM

Join Ron Watson as he talks about diving in southwest Florida one of the most fossil rich areas of the Americas. He will share what it is like to dive for fossils and the fascinating stories he learned about the fossils. Please register for this event.

About the presenter: Watson’s interest in diving for fossils started over 30 years ago after learning about an area in Florida touted as “The Fountain of Youth” that was discovered by Ponce De Leon. The spring itself is a geological and archeological treasure that can only really be seen and explored by diving. Ron has worked as a scientific diver for the New England Aquarium and as the Chief Scientific Diver for the Charlotte Marine Research Team.

BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB (Grades 3-5): Thursday, 4/18/24 at 6 PM

Bring food in a brown bag and be ready for talking! Drinks and treats will be served, so get your book and join us! Books can be picked up in the Children’s Room.

April’s Book is Trapped by Peg Kehret. When a pig falls from a truck and the driver doesn’t stop, Alex saves the frightened animal and gets permission to keep it. Then the belligerent truck driver shows up at Alex’s doorstep, determined to reclaim the pig. Alex’s parents turn him away, but Alex worries that he’ll be back.

BUILD A POM-POM LAUNCHER
(Grades K-4): Saturday, 4/20/24 at 10 AM

Up, up and away go the pom-poms! Watch them sail through the air! It’s time to come in for a little STEAM action. Register your children online or in person and and they will have a ‘blast’!