Thursday, July 9, 2009
New Fiscal Year, New Hours
I trust everyone had a most delightful and sunshiney holiday weekend, hopefully filled with parades, friends and great picnic food! I would like to thank the Friends of the Library for another great showing in the Summerfest parade! We had a great group of children and adults plus Bobo the Pony marching in support of the library. As soon as I get photos I will be sure to post them.
So you want the good news or the bad news? (I seem to be saying that a lot lately!) Okay, I like to start with the good stuff, kind of softens the blow of the bad... Thanks to you Monson, we have exceeded our Annual Appeal goal of $20.000 and raised an impressive $23,883!!! All your generosity and that of Monson Savings Bank will help us close out our books for Fiscal Year 2009 with a bang!!
And then there's Fiscal Year 2010. Not off to a great start. Because of more budget reductions and the real potential to be cut again, we have reduced our hours to 25 hours. Our intent is to do this only for July and August and restore our hours back to 40 in September. Keep your fingers crossed that this can happen. I have heard from many of you and appreciate your passion and concerns and hope you continue to call or write and voice those concerns. We take all of this into consideration when establishing hours, programs and services. And don't forget, your selectmen need to hear from you too.
So here are the new (hopefully temporary) hours:
Monday- Closed, Tuesday 3:00-8:00, Wednesday 10:00-3:00, Thursday 3:00-8:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00-3:00. We tried to keep a few mornings, evenings and Saturday hours to accommodate your schedules as best as possible. Also, during this time the community room is unavailable for public use. Trust me, we are sorry for any inconvenience.
So you want the good news or the bad news? (I seem to be saying that a lot lately!) Okay, I like to start with the good stuff, kind of softens the blow of the bad... Thanks to you Monson, we have exceeded our Annual Appeal goal of $20.000 and raised an impressive $23,883!!! All your generosity and that of Monson Savings Bank will help us close out our books for Fiscal Year 2009 with a bang!!
And then there's Fiscal Year 2010. Not off to a great start. Because of more budget reductions and the real potential to be cut again, we have reduced our hours to 25 hours. Our intent is to do this only for July and August and restore our hours back to 40 in September. Keep your fingers crossed that this can happen. I have heard from many of you and appreciate your passion and concerns and hope you continue to call or write and voice those concerns. We take all of this into consideration when establishing hours, programs and services. And don't forget, your selectmen need to hear from you too.
So here are the new (hopefully temporary) hours:
Monday- Closed, Tuesday 3:00-8:00, Wednesday 10:00-3:00, Thursday 3:00-8:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00-3:00. We tried to keep a few mornings, evenings and Saturday hours to accommodate your schedules as best as possible. Also, during this time the community room is unavailable for public use. Trust me, we are sorry for any inconvenience.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Bell Jar
So yesterday I said to a friend," I'm really all about Sylvia Plath right now. I can't get enough of her". Her reply was, "So are you okay? Feeling alright? Most people are only into Sylvia Plath for one reason!"
Yes, she did commit suicide but she wwas a brilliant writer. Unfortunatley her talent can be overshadowed by her tragic life. It seems that is all people remember. Well, here is my challenge to you, read or re-read The Bell Jar and let me know what you think. I had never read it until recently and am so glad I did not read it during those crazy teenage angst years. (Hopefully) I am coming from a different perspective now. I found the book lyrical and eloquently written with a twist of hope thrown in. And I do mean "hope"...I saw much of myself in Esther, and I mean that in a good way. She was so real. Any woman. I don't know, the book left an inpact and has haunted me...again, in an uplifting way. I wish I could explain it better but I am not that poetic a writer. Oh, and speaking of poetry, I ran out this past weekend and bought her Collected Works of Poetry. I have a need to dig deeper and explore her other writings. Any other Plath fans out there that want a good discussion?
Before I crawl into bed let me tell you briefly what is on my nightstand besides Sylvia Plath's poetry. The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy. A humorous tale of a young American girl on the loose in Paris in the 1950s. As I type this it dawned me that it is rather similar in many aspects to The Bell Jar. Same timeframe, semi-autobiographical, a young college woman. But this book is funny! I have just started it but it has put a smile on my face everytime I've picked it up. The jury is still out but I think I have another winner here.
I should have spent this time explaining our reduced summer hours starting on July 1 but I'll save that for next time. Why ruin a good book!
Good night Monson.
Yes, she did commit suicide but she wwas a brilliant writer. Unfortunatley her talent can be overshadowed by her tragic life. It seems that is all people remember. Well, here is my challenge to you, read or re-read The Bell Jar and let me know what you think. I had never read it until recently and am so glad I did not read it during those crazy teenage angst years. (Hopefully) I am coming from a different perspective now. I found the book lyrical and eloquently written with a twist of hope thrown in. And I do mean "hope"...I saw much of myself in Esther, and I mean that in a good way. She was so real. Any woman. I don't know, the book left an inpact and has haunted me...again, in an uplifting way. I wish I could explain it better but I am not that poetic a writer. Oh, and speaking of poetry, I ran out this past weekend and bought her Collected Works of Poetry. I have a need to dig deeper and explore her other writings. Any other Plath fans out there that want a good discussion?
Before I crawl into bed let me tell you briefly what is on my nightstand besides Sylvia Plath's poetry. The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy. A humorous tale of a young American girl on the loose in Paris in the 1950s. As I type this it dawned me that it is rather similar in many aspects to The Bell Jar. Same timeframe, semi-autobiographical, a young college woman. But this book is funny! I have just started it but it has put a smile on my face everytime I've picked it up. The jury is still out but I think I have another winner here.
I should have spent this time explaining our reduced summer hours starting on July 1 but I'll save that for next time. Why ruin a good book!
Good night Monson.
Friday, June 19, 2009
MFL is Going to the Dogs!
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Bestsellilng author and animal lover, Jon Katz, along with his dog Izzy, is coming to the MFL on September 10 at 6:30! Jon loves libraries almost as much as he loves his dogs! Thanks to a tip from one library patron (thanks Nancy!) I found out that Jon is a huge library supporter and has travelled to many a library to raise awareness (and some funds). I immediately tracked him down and sent an email describing "the best little library ever" and our devastating budget cuts. What a nice man! He promptly responded that he would be happy to come, read a little, answer some questions, sign some books...and of course, bring his faithful companion Izzy. I urge you to check out his books at the library then visit his ramblings on his Bedlam Farm blog. More details will follow as we get closer...just mark your calendars now!
So, did you see my email blast about our Summer Reading program? We had a kick-off party on the last day of school that attracted 114 people, mostly children, between the hours of 11-3! Kids of all ages participated in games, crafts and raffles as well as devoured the delicious refreshments provided by the Friends of the Library. We registered 47 new library cards and 50 children signed up for summer reading.
Then....the next day, those crazy Friends of the Library hosted their ever-popular and ever-growing story and craft hour with an all-time high attendance of 37 children!! 20 more signed up for summer reading that day! We are jamming here at the Monson Free Library!!
There's a lot more fun to come this summer. Check out some of our great programs listed to the left of this post.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Unique New York
I was checking in books the other day and came across a book I had enjoyed reading but had forgotten. Now you're thinking, "well if you forgot about it it couldn't have been that good" but no, I just forget things. As soon as I saw the book it brought back warm memories so I wanted to share it with all of you. It is titled "Little Chapel on the River: A Pub, A Town and What Matters Most" by Gwendolyn Bounds. Published in 2005, it follows the author from post-9/11 New York City to Garrison, NY and a different way of life. On Sept. 11, 2001 the author's home and workplace were damaged during the terrorist attack. Looking for a temporary home, Bounds and her partner landed in the small village of Garrison where the train stops at a general store and attached local tavern. What was supposed to be short-lived turned into a life. The author found herself immersed in a small community where everyone truly did know your name. She befriended the locals at the bar and soon fit in herself. She finally discovered what really mattered. This is a wonderful book but asI sit here typing the description I realized that it sort of mimics my own story. While not fleeing from 9/11, I was escaping some personal issues and found lasting friendship, a family , and eventually a life in Monson. Hmmm. Hitting a bit close to home.....
Moving right along, another book I listened to around the same was "The Tender Bar: A Memoir" by J. R. Moehringer. It attracted me because the author was my age and told his story of growing up on Long Island. I grew up in New Jersey. How different could our experiences have been? Well, very different actually. The author was raised by a single mom, living mostly with her parents and struggling to keep employed. It wasn't inspiring for a young boy. He found companionship with his uncle and his friends at the local pub. Not always a great influence for a child but against all odds, the author did manage to get into Yale. That turned out to be a whole new set of struggles. The reader can feel the conflicts and relate to the realizations the author discovers, the ones we can only experience for ourselves. A book anyone can identify with no matter how disparate your upbringing.
Finally, I did promise you a good chuckle in the last post. I'm not going to go into the multiple pie-crust incident. Let's just say, instead of trying something new I should have stuck with my go-to, never-fail pie crust. Now that is something I bet you can relate to also!
So, here goes. A couple we know, the husband is a collegue and good friend of Pete's, are having their first child. I haven't been in a quilting mood so I decided to knit a baby blanket for them. I wanted something special. I chose a lacy pattern and a beautiful shade of green yarn that I liken to lime sherbert. But then I realized there was an issue with the pattern. The repeat was not marked and if I continued as written I would be adding stitches to every row. So, I decided I could figure it out. Revise the pattern a bit. I had to start it that day and couldn't wait to ask a more experienced knitter if I was right. The baby was due in 2 weeks! I had a lot to do...miles to knit before I sleep! So I took MY pattern and began to knit. The baby was born but I was almost done. A few days after the birth I cast-off my beautiful baby blanket that was knit with love and good intentions. My left wrist was killing me from my marathon knitting sessions. I was done! But wait, was there a problem? I laid the blanket on the counter and discovered I had knit a trapezoid instead of the traditional rectangle. I was mortified, devasted, tired etc....I studied it for days trying to figure out where I went wrong. (BTW, in the meantime, while analyzing the pattern, I did manage to figure out how the original pattern was supposed to work but by that point I was well into this project.) I thought I knew but did break down and call Denise, my knitting guru, to ask her before I tried this again. (Did I mention I am nothing if not persistent!) So Denise, bless her heart, instead of laughing says to me, "I think you should give them the blanket as it is. It is very unique". Now everyone needs a guru with a gentle sense of humor! I can laugh about this now because I am almost done with my second try which is coming out as a beautiful rectangle and which will be finished before the child is a teenager! Instead of tearing it out, I am saving the other "unique" blanket. I don't know why, maybe as a reminder of what happens when you are in a hurry or perhaps, just because it makes me smile!
Moving right along, another book I listened to around the same was "The Tender Bar: A Memoir" by J. R. Moehringer. It attracted me because the author was my age and told his story of growing up on Long Island. I grew up in New Jersey. How different could our experiences have been? Well, very different actually. The author was raised by a single mom, living mostly with her parents and struggling to keep employed. It wasn't inspiring for a young boy. He found companionship with his uncle and his friends at the local pub. Not always a great influence for a child but against all odds, the author did manage to get into Yale. That turned out to be a whole new set of struggles. The reader can feel the conflicts and relate to the realizations the author discovers, the ones we can only experience for ourselves. A book anyone can identify with no matter how disparate your upbringing.
Finally, I did promise you a good chuckle in the last post. I'm not going to go into the multiple pie-crust incident. Let's just say, instead of trying something new I should have stuck with my go-to, never-fail pie crust. Now that is something I bet you can relate to also!
So, here goes. A couple we know, the husband is a collegue and good friend of Pete's, are having their first child. I haven't been in a quilting mood so I decided to knit a baby blanket for them. I wanted something special. I chose a lacy pattern and a beautiful shade of green yarn that I liken to lime sherbert. But then I realized there was an issue with the pattern. The repeat was not marked and if I continued as written I would be adding stitches to every row. So, I decided I could figure it out. Revise the pattern a bit. I had to start it that day and couldn't wait to ask a more experienced knitter if I was right. The baby was due in 2 weeks! I had a lot to do...miles to knit before I sleep! So I took MY pattern and began to knit. The baby was born but I was almost done. A few days after the birth I cast-off my beautiful baby blanket that was knit with love and good intentions. My left wrist was killing me from my marathon knitting sessions. I was done! But wait, was there a problem? I laid the blanket on the counter and discovered I had knit a trapezoid instead of the traditional rectangle. I was mortified, devasted, tired etc....I studied it for days trying to figure out where I went wrong. (BTW, in the meantime, while analyzing the pattern, I did manage to figure out how the original pattern was supposed to work but by that point I was well into this project.) I thought I knew but did break down and call Denise, my knitting guru, to ask her before I tried this again. (Did I mention I am nothing if not persistent!) So Denise, bless her heart, instead of laughing says to me, "I think you should give them the blanket as it is. It is very unique". Now everyone needs a guru with a gentle sense of humor! I can laugh about this now because I am almost done with my second try which is coming out as a beautiful rectangle and which will be finished before the child is a teenager! Instead of tearing it out, I am saving the other "unique" blanket. I don't know why, maybe as a reminder of what happens when you are in a hurry or perhaps, just because it makes me smile!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Keep Smiling!
Wow, another long dry spell for me...and you. If you are a faithful reader, town resident, or library user, you know it's been a frustrating few weeks with the budget and the disappointing display at Town Meeting (and that's all I'll say about that. If you were there, you know what I'm talking about.) So needless to say, after endless weeks of meetings, I've been tired. But spring is finally here and the lilacs smell divine so all is right with the world.
First I do want to thank everyone that supported the library with letters to town officials and the great (majority) show of support at the Town Meeting. It is you, the community, that makes this job and this library great! Your random acts of kind words, and moral and financial support keep all of us going. Library staff has pulled together to form an unbeatable team this year and it is all for you! Make sure you thank them for all their dedication in this trying situation.
But, goodness, enough about that. So what are you reading? I'd love to hear some suggestions! I am reading the memoir "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" by Haruki Murakami. What an inspirational little book. Murakami is by trade a writer and he is a writer who loves to run. This book talks about how running weaves into his life and writing. Even if you are not a runner you understand the motivation, whatever your muse may be. Besides, his life is interesting in so many aspects... the travel, changing careers, taking chances. I recommend this for anyone looking for inspiration. Personally I'm reading it because, as you may know, I did love to run but something snapped and I can't get my groove back. I was hoping this book would give me the spark I need but it has influenced me in so many ways. Give it a try!
Two things I want to mention before logging off . The first is stay tuned for a boat-load of new audios (including Playaways) and videos that will be hitting our shelves in the next few weeks.
Finally, it is that time again for our Annual Appeal. We are trying to raise $20,000 by June 30. A letter should be arriving in your mailbox any day now. Monson Savings has generously issued a challenge to the community. For every $2.00 donated they will donate $1.00, up to $5,000!! Put your money to work! You all know the budget situation. It is dire. We need this appeal to help balance our budget. Please, whatever you can manage is greatly appreciated and you will benefit from it!
I'll post soon and entertain you with some cooking and knitting disasters sure to make you chuckle plus update you on our great summer reading series for all ages! Kick-off party for summer reading is June 16th. Mark your calendars now! 'Til we meet again.............
First I do want to thank everyone that supported the library with letters to town officials and the great (majority) show of support at the Town Meeting. It is you, the community, that makes this job and this library great! Your random acts of kind words, and moral and financial support keep all of us going. Library staff has pulled together to form an unbeatable team this year and it is all for you! Make sure you thank them for all their dedication in this trying situation.
But, goodness, enough about that. So what are you reading? I'd love to hear some suggestions! I am reading the memoir "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" by Haruki Murakami. What an inspirational little book. Murakami is by trade a writer and he is a writer who loves to run. This book talks about how running weaves into his life and writing. Even if you are not a runner you understand the motivation, whatever your muse may be. Besides, his life is interesting in so many aspects... the travel, changing careers, taking chances. I recommend this for anyone looking for inspiration. Personally I'm reading it because, as you may know, I did love to run but something snapped and I can't get my groove back. I was hoping this book would give me the spark I need but it has influenced me in so many ways. Give it a try!
Two things I want to mention before logging off . The first is stay tuned for a boat-load of new audios (including Playaways) and videos that will be hitting our shelves in the next few weeks.
Finally, it is that time again for our Annual Appeal. We are trying to raise $20,000 by June 30. A letter should be arriving in your mailbox any day now. Monson Savings has generously issued a challenge to the community. For every $2.00 donated they will donate $1.00, up to $5,000!! Put your money to work! You all know the budget situation. It is dire. We need this appeal to help balance our budget. Please, whatever you can manage is greatly appreciated and you will benefit from it!
I'll post soon and entertain you with some cooking and knitting disasters sure to make you chuckle plus update you on our great summer reading series for all ages! Kick-off party for summer reading is June 16th. Mark your calendars now! 'Til we meet again.............
Monday, March 30, 2009
Welcome Spring!!
Goodness, what kind of blogger am I?? I haven't posted in over a month! And we all know it has not been for lack of anything to say! Have you ever known me to be at a loss for words?
I got into that end of winter funk and admittedly did not have much interest in anything. Thank goodness I had so many meetings this month that I didn't have a second to dwell on the doldrums...well, at least until the weekends. Poor Pete. (Or that's what he would tell you anyway!)
But...we're back and better than ever!! So how's your Final Four bracket going?? Don't want to talk about it? Picked Duke again? Went for the Orange (sorry Jeff)? No applause necessary but I would like everyone to know that all my Final Four selections are still alive. And yes, we are bleeding Blue...GO UCONN! Nothing like some good basketball to get you going...
Since I all my evenings have been taken up with work commitments, I'm taking a brief break from my culinary creations. I did manage some Irish Soda Bread and Corned Beef for and Cabbage for the high holy day but other than that I've been surviving on yogurt, cereal and a lot of pasta!
Despite the distractions and my mood, I have managed to read a fair bit. First, to continue my obsession with all things French...I read "The Piano Shop on the Left Bank" by Thad Carhart. An American in Paris discovers a piano shop discreetly tucked in his neighborhood. This discovery awakens his childhood fondness for the piano. The book not only charts his journey and friendships but introduces the reader to the wonders and history of the piano. Now, you may think this could get tedious but no! The history of the piano, the different composers, builders and characteristics are fascinating.
Now, on a totally different note....I found this book on the cart one day, ready to be shelved. For some reason it caught my eye. Then I read the brief description....an underage cab driver with no ambition or future, a coffee drinking dog named "The Doorman" and a bank robbery that changed the course of his life forever...how could you resist that?? I had to read it. The book is "I am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak (author of "The Book Thief"). It is labeled a "Young Adult" book for teens, but it is universal in it's message. I am not telling you anymore. Do you need inspiration or direction? Read this book!
Finally, "The College Girl" by Patricia Weitz. I will admit, I was interested in this book because it revolved around a college student at the University of Connecticut. You all know how much I love a sense of place and I wanted to see h0w the author captured my beloved alma mater. Okay, I did find a few flaws but nothing earth shattering. She described the atmosphere very well but Natalie, poor shy Natalie. While I understand where the author was trying to go with this character, (we all struggled with the pressures of dating, independence, acceptance, ...college in general, right?? Or was that just me??) it was almost too painful to read. Maybe I am being harsh but believe it or not, I was shy once too. But Natalie could not get out of her own way. I know her circumstances ring true for many women finding their way at college (I'm not going into details!) and I found her to be compilation of many people I had met, but again, the word painful keeps coming to mind. Read it if you want but you have been warned.
And since I must end on a positive note, it did move me to drive to campus and get an awesome ice cream soda at the Dairy Bar (that comes highly recommended!).
'Til we blog again.....
I got into that end of winter funk and admittedly did not have much interest in anything. Thank goodness I had so many meetings this month that I didn't have a second to dwell on the doldrums...well, at least until the weekends. Poor Pete. (Or that's what he would tell you anyway!)
But...we're back and better than ever!! So how's your Final Four bracket going?? Don't want to talk about it? Picked Duke again? Went for the Orange (sorry Jeff)? No applause necessary but I would like everyone to know that all my Final Four selections are still alive. And yes, we are bleeding Blue...GO UCONN! Nothing like some good basketball to get you going...
Since I all my evenings have been taken up with work commitments, I'm taking a brief break from my culinary creations. I did manage some Irish Soda Bread and Corned Beef for and Cabbage for the high holy day but other than that I've been surviving on yogurt, cereal and a lot of pasta!
Despite the distractions and my mood, I have managed to read a fair bit. First, to continue my obsession with all things French...I read "The Piano Shop on the Left Bank" by Thad Carhart. An American in Paris discovers a piano shop discreetly tucked in his neighborhood. This discovery awakens his childhood fondness for the piano. The book not only charts his journey and friendships but introduces the reader to the wonders and history of the piano. Now, you may think this could get tedious but no! The history of the piano, the different composers, builders and characteristics are fascinating.
Now, on a totally different note....I found this book on the cart one day, ready to be shelved. For some reason it caught my eye. Then I read the brief description....an underage cab driver with no ambition or future, a coffee drinking dog named "The Doorman" and a bank robbery that changed the course of his life forever...how could you resist that?? I had to read it. The book is "I am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak (author of "The Book Thief"). It is labeled a "Young Adult" book for teens, but it is universal in it's message. I am not telling you anymore. Do you need inspiration or direction? Read this book!
Finally, "The College Girl" by Patricia Weitz. I will admit, I was interested in this book because it revolved around a college student at the University of Connecticut. You all know how much I love a sense of place and I wanted to see h0w the author captured my beloved alma mater. Okay, I did find a few flaws but nothing earth shattering. She described the atmosphere very well but Natalie, poor shy Natalie. While I understand where the author was trying to go with this character, (we all struggled with the pressures of dating, independence, acceptance, ...college in general, right?? Or was that just me??) it was almost too painful to read. Maybe I am being harsh but believe it or not, I was shy once too. But Natalie could not get out of her own way. I know her circumstances ring true for many women finding their way at college (I'm not going into details!) and I found her to be compilation of many people I had met, but again, the word painful keeps coming to mind. Read it if you want but you have been warned.
And since I must end on a positive note, it did move me to drive to campus and get an awesome ice cream soda at the Dairy Bar (that comes highly recommended!).
'Til we blog again.....
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