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BIXBY BULLETIN NEWSLETTER
January 2024
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Happy New Year! We made it!
Here at the library, we look forward to the last weeks of the year. With schools on winter break, we see more families coming to the library and more college students returning to a loved, familiar space. It’s fun to see the awe on your visiting relatives' faces when they come into the lobby and look up at the dome for the first time. We’re also happy to be a peaceful place to escape to when it gets a little too hectic at home.
And now, we look to the year ahead. There’s something both invigorating and intimidating about the twelve months fanning out in front of us. On the one hand, 365 days feel full of potential – there’s the promise of manifesting what you imagined you could achieve.
On the other hand, getting started can feel a bit daunting. As you begin, remember that there are vast resources available to you at the library or from the comfort of your home – classes, tutorials, reference books, and inspirational reads, plus lots of entertainment when you need to take a break. Just ask at the Circulation Desk for the how-to guide; we’re happy to walk you through your options.
May your 2024 be healthy and full of enrichment. We look forward to being here for you and yours all along the way.
Warmly,
Library Director
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What's New at the Library? |
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Thank You for Donating to the Bixby Library! |
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Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our Annual Appeal Fund. The resources, programs, and events we cherish at the Bixby are made possible through your donations.
It's not too late to show your support and appreciation for this wonderful community resource by donating to the Bixby Library today.
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Free Puzzles, and Books, and Scarves, Oh My! |
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Are you looking for an activity to wile away the cold winter nights? We have free items to keep you busy until the ground thaws.
Come by the library to pick up a free puzzle from 300 to 3,000 pieces! We also have an epic collection of free books that are never overdue. Take one home and cherish it for a lifetime. Finally, we received a generous donation of handmade, knitted scarves from Suzanne Johnson. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from some extra warmth this winter, please take home a scarf.
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Did you know that the Bixby Library has an ADA Accessible Entrance?
This entrance is designed to accommodate all patrons, including those with limited mobility and those who prefer an alternative to the library’s front steps.
Click here to watch the Bixby’s Program & Outreach Manager Cedar Winslow demonstrate how to access the ADA Entrance and Lift from the back parking lot.
1. Park in the back parking lot near the book drop.
2. Follow the sidewalk with the railing to the ADA Entrance.
3. Ring both doorbells, you will hear a buzzing noise during which the door will be unlocked and ready to be opened.
4. Enter the vestibule; the lift is straight ahead. Press and hold the call button to the right of the lift door to bring the lift to you.
5. Enter the lift; press and hold the ‘2’ button to raise the lift up to the library’s first floor.
6. Push open the lift door, then turn left to enter the library through the double glass doors.
7. Welcome to the Bixby Library!
Do you have questions or need help accessing the ADA Entrance? Don’t hesitate to call the Bixby at (802) 877-2211.
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You may have visited the Bixby, but how many of the library's finer details do you really know? Embark on a quest to learn the secrets of the library with our brand-new Winter Scavenger Hunts created by summer high school volunteer Reese Lisko.
Experience the beautiful architecture of the Bixby up close with our Architecture and Decorations Scavenger Hunt. Do you know what flower is on top of the Bixby’s dome? Find the answer to this and 18 other questions in the Architecture and Decorations Hunt.
The Children’s Room is full of books, games, and activities for kids. And now, it has its own scavenger hunt! This short and simple scavenger hunt is great for kids and will show you just how much can occupy one single room.
Pick up a scavenger hunt in the lobby of the library and start discovering!
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2023 has been a busy year at the Bixby! Our library cardholders checked out over 24,780 physical items this year from our books, audiobooks, DVDs, and Library of Things collections, and over 10,100 digital items from Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy. We have new items arriving each week here at the library, so be sure to visit our catalog home screen to see what's just in or coming soon and place a hold. Stay tuned for more good stuff coming your way in 2024, including the latest prize-winning novels, Hollywood blockbusters, and an expanded board game selection.
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Amber Lay, Assistant Director/Adult Services Librarian |
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The holiday letdown can be real, but in the Children's Room, we have the literary answer to the January doldrums! Our book displays are overflowing with new titles to curl up with. Is there anything cozier than a book, a blanket, and a cozy seat? If your kids aren't feeling inspired by their usual books, winter is a great time to mentally stretch and check out a section of the Children's Room that you haven't perused. Non-fiction, biographies, DVDs, and audiobooks are all worth a look.
Our robotics teams have been working hard to improve their robots and innovation projects since the semi-finals in December. Join us on Saturday, January 13th at 2 PM in the Bixby Lobby for Community Share Day to see how far they have come and to give them one more opportunity to practice for the State Competition.
Finally, if your kids received some monetary gifts this December, consider signing them up to learn about Financial Literacy through stories and activities geared towards kids aged 4-8 on Saturday, January 27th at 1 PM.
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Are you ready to add a little more fun to your Vermont January? Come to the library to add your entry to the Bixby's "What was your favorite read of 2023" poster. See what books others have chosen and add your favorite to the board.
We'd love for families to add a link to our snowman garland going up in the children's room- color a snowman to add to a chain of snowman friends!
Also this month, we have two special Winter Scavenger Hunts created by a teen library volunteer- one for the children's room and another on Bixby Architecture and decorations. Doesn't that sound like fun?
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As we turn the page on 2023, and remember all the fascinating, fun, fantastical programs of the year, it's time to look ahead to 2024.
The Bixby is your library. What do you want to see in 2024? If you want to see programs and events tailored for you, take a minute to fill out this quick survey and let me know what programs and events you want to see at the library.
I can't wait to discover what 2024 has in store at the Bixby Library.
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Most Popular Library Books of 2023 |
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Most Checked Out Adult Books |
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Most Checked Out Young Adult Books |
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Most Checked Out Children's Books |
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Volunteer Spotlight: Joan Burt & Carolyn Tallen |
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Joan Burt and Carolyn Tallen have volunteered at the Bixby Library for over 20 years and processed over 1,380 books to add to our collection in 2023 alone. From covering to stamping, labeling, barcoding, and keeping the staff smiling, we are so grateful to Joan and Carolyn for their kindness, hard work, and wealth of institutional memory.
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Why do you volunteer at the Bixby?
Joan Burt: It's my way of giving back, and it gives a lot to me. I enjoy being with people, and I enjoy the work.
Carolyn Tallen: I feel like this is the place I belong. It's been a part of my life since about 2000. I enjoy the work, and I like working behind the scenes, solving problems, and finding information.
What is one of your favorite memories of volunteering at the Bixby?
JB: Volunteer meetings, interacting with the staff and volunteers, and the work itself is very enjoyable. Not to mention the perk of getting first dibs on incoming books.
CT: It is difficult to pick just one memory. I have enjoyed working closely with other volunteers and staff on many projects over the years.
What do you like to read?
JB: I read solely for entertainment and escapism. Daniel Steele is my favorite, and I consider a good book to be anything I can't put down.
CT: Mysteries! I just finished listening through Archer Mayor's entire collection and enjoyed the collection as a whole. They are procedural murder mysteries set in Vermont and written by a Vermont author.
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Thank you, Joan and Carolyn, for your years of service at the Bixby Library.
If you are interested in joining the Bixby Volunteer Team, click here to learn more and fill out a volunteer application!
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News from the Bixby's Historical Collections |
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If you've perused the second floor of the Bixby lately, you may have noticed the stunning display of paperweights in the Half-Round Room. If you haven't made it to the display, allow me to introduce you to the Josephine A. Meneely Paperweight Collection!
Josephine Meneely was an art enthusiast and Ferrisburgh resident, and her gorgeous collection spans regions and years. Thank you to our Historical Collections Volunteers, Nancy Remsen and Jamie Edwards-Orr, for curating this stunning physical and digital exhibit.
A community member recently reached out to the Bixby to share their glowing memories of seeing this collection as a child, and we're so happy to be able to share the experience with you through our exhibit in the Half Round Room.
To see the complete paperweight collection, check out our online database or come visit the Bixby Library.
Anna Hurd
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Death Café of Addison County
Friday, January 12th, 9:30 AM to 11 PM
Maple Café, Inside Kennedy Brothers
Death Café is an international movement where people gather to eat cake, drink tea, and discuss death in a relaxed, open setting. A Death Café is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session. Each Café is different, as the conversation is guided by attendees.
Hosted by Palliative Support Services at Porter Medical Center.
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Age Well Grab-and-Go Meals
Friday, January 12th 10:30 to 10:45 AM
Friday, January 19th 10:30 to 10:45 AM
Friday, January 26th 10:30 to 10:45 AM
St. Peter's Catholic Church Garage
Age Well Grab-and-Go Meals are open to anyone age 60 and over, and their spouse of any age, who completes a yearly registration form.
Advanced reservation must be made the Sunday prior to pick-up. Suggested donation of $5 per meal. Contact Michelle Eastman at 802-377-1419 to reserve.
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Become a VUES Mentor
A mentor is someone who, along with parents, provides young people with support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and constructive example. Mentors are good listeners, people who care and people who want to help young people bring out their strengths.
A mentor helps connect children and youth with resources, safe places and structured activities. Mentors provide a positive role model.
Apply to become a mentor at Vergennes Union Elementary School today!
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Rokeby Virtual Book Club
Tuesday, January 30, 6:30 pm
Tuesday, February 27, 6:30 pm
Tuesday, March 26, 6:30 pm
The Rokeby's Winter Book Discussion Group begins in 2024. Join each month for free virtual discussions about three powerful books. All discussions will be held via ZOOM. Registration in advance is required.
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If you enjoyed our newsletter, forward it to a friend near or far! |
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Library Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 10 am-7 pm
Friday-Saturday: 10 am-3 pm
(802) 877-2211
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