Norwich Public Library

January Programs and Events

For more information about these events, visit the calendar on our website or Facebook Events Page. Happy New Years 2015!

From the Director

Lucinda Walker NPL Director Welcome to the New Year! 2014 was a whirlwind year that began with great celebration as we were finally fully operational after having to close both the Community Room and Children's Room due to mold remediation. 2014 was a year of experimentation - particularly in our programming for adults. Our "Create!" series highlighted the artists and musicians in our community, while our first annual "NPeepsL" contest produced highly imaginative and inspired works starring Peeps. Our very popular Lego and American Girl Clubs attracted a growing number of kids at every meeting. Summer programming was focused on science this year and all of us suddenly got very good at things like squishy circuits and discovering fun things to do with balloons! Planning for new programming in 2015 has begun and you can look forward to another year of educating, entertaining and inspiring events (some of which are listed in this newsletter.)

In January 2014 the library received a very exciting $10,000 Matching Challenge Grant from a devoted (and anonymous) library patron. I'm happy to report that with great thanks to the generosity of our donors, the challenge was met on December 31, 2014! A complete listing of donors to our FY15 Annual Appeal (July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015) can be found in the right-hand sidebar. Funds from the Annual Appeal are vital to the operation of the Library. These monies help pay for all our collections (both on the shelves and online), services, and programs; in other words, all the "fun stuff!" If you have yet to give, please consider making a gift. The Annual Appeal runs until June 30, 2015 and donations are accepted at any time.

A public library is only as strong as the community it serves and all of us here would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you. We are fortunate to be surrounded by such a supportive environment; from our dedicated volunteers, to the hard working Friends of the Library, from our patrons to the folks who visit for the day. We all take great joy in ensuring that your visit (whether in person or virtually) is one that leaves you smiling and with the information you needed. Thank you!

Lucinda

National Readathon Day

Saturday, January 24th

11am-2pm

We invite you to join readers across America in sitting down to read a book during National Readathon Day. Commit to reading for three straight hours with us here at the Library (where you'll find space, light snacks and comradery), or in the comfort of your own home (...but we hope you'll join us!). More...

Downton Abbey Chat

Monday, January 26th

10-11am

We've had several folks ask if we'll continue with Downton Abbey chats, and the answer is YES. Come in from the cold and join us for tea, snacks and a little bit of drama!

What's on the walls? What's in the display cases?

On the walls

Local painters Kate Reeves and Jennifer Dembinski are bringing their collaborative talents to Norwich Public Library. Their show, My Winter World, will be on display at NPL from Saturday, January 3 - Friday, February 27. There will be an opening reception from 4 to 6:30pm on Friday, January 16. More...

In the display cases

The Norwich Historical Society's display, An Alphabet of Artifacts, will be up from Friday, January 2 - Friday, January 30.

For Kids

Storytimes

Kids 0-4 years of age and their caregivers are invited to join us on

Wednesdays at 10:30 AM.

We'll have stories, songs, fingerplays and time for the toys afterwards. Each week we pick a different theme, while focusing on early childhood development and having lots of fun.

January Themes

January 7 It's All About You!

January 14 Happy Birthday to Me

January 21 Snow All Around

January 28 What Do I See?

Second Saturdays: Animals in Winter

Saturday, January 10th

Drop in between 1-3pm

Norwich Bookstore

Don't hibernate this winter, kids! Come to the bookstore and find out what wild animals are doing during the frigid months to survive and thrive. Learn to look for signs of these critters on your own and make your own field guide of animal tracks.

Bookstore staff will read about the winter adaptations of animals and share ideas on how to track and identify who has been hopping, flying, or maybe even hibernating around your home. More...

American Girl Club

Wednesday, January 28th

2:30pm

Kids 8 and up can join us on for the next chapter of the American Girl club. This meeting we'll focus on Molly and learn more about her life during the '40s.

Please click here to RSVP so we'll know how much to have on hand in regards to crafts and snacks. You can also stop down to the Children's circulation desk and sign up in our registration book.

Just Doodle It!

January - February

Calling all artists, drawers, doodlers and sketchers, the Library is looking for your best post-it artwork.

We've got post-its galore in several sizes and colors. Stop by and pick up a selection and then bring us the results! Your drawings can be done in pen, ink, pencil, marker or crayon and they can be detailed or as simple as you please.

Anyone (any age) can participate and everyone is welcome to visit the Library to view the finished creations; we'll display your masterpieces in February. For details about picking up materials and dropping off the finished artwork give us a call (802-649-1184).

New Program: Community Supported Reading (CSR)

February-March

Something new and exciting for families!

Many of you participate in a CSA at your local farms, and some of you have been a part of the newly launched CSArt. Now you have a chance to be part of the Norwich Public Library's new groundbreaking program called CSR: Community Supported Reading.

We're rolling it out to ten families at first and it will run for eight weeks. Each week, on the day that you designate, you'll be able to pick up a bag filled with books around a certain theme and other fun activities. We'll do our best to customize and personalize what you pick up, so it will be a delightful surprise for the kids and for you. If you think you'd like to be part of this exciting new program, please send a letter of interest to Beth Reynolds.

Staff Picks

Not sure what to read next? Never fear!

Here are staff picks based on favorite reads, watches and/or listens from 2014.

Janis

The Americans, Season 2

Make It Ahead, by Ina Garten

The Organized Mind, by Daniel Levitin

Nancy

All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr

Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande

Station Eleven, by Emily St. John Mandel

A Sudden Light, by Garth Stein