Dear Friend,

2023 flew by so very fast, but what a great year we had! Our beautiful backyard truly came into its own with outdoor movies and music performances, and our program calendar continued to attract increasing numbers of participants with activities for (almost) every age and interest. We are working on building on these achievements in the coming year.

On a slightly sadder note, we said goodbye to Allie DeCesare at the end of December. She will be sorely missed, but you’ll be pleased to know that many of the ongoing activities for children are still on the calendar, and we are finalizing the process of hiring a new leader for the Children’s Library.



The library staff and I wish you a very happy and healthy 2024 and look forward to welcoming you at the Boonton Holmes Public Library.

Lotte

Our dear Miss Allie may have left the Boonton Holmes Library for new endeavors but her legacy continues. While we are looking for a new Youth Services Librarian, we look forward to seeing our youngest patrons at the library!

• Baby Builders — Wednesdays at 10:30a.m. Reserve your baby’s space here.
• Lego Club — 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. Reserve your child’s space here.
• Crafternoons — 3rd Friday of the month 3:30 p.m. Reserve your child’s space here.

Fiber Arts Club is Back!

Mondays, 6-8 p.m.

Our stalwart group of fiber crafters are meeting again in our downstairs makerspace. Our old friend, Martha Hall, hosts the gathering which includes knitters, embroiderers, crocheters, weavers – anyone who enjoys fabrics and yarns – are welcome back to an evening of socializing and crafting.

Art Talks with Mallory Mortillaro

On Zoom, select Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Register to receive the zoom link here.



Thursday, Jan. 11: How to Steal a Masterpiece

Enter the underworld of stolen art as we examine the little known stories of some of history’s greatest art heists. This lecture will review some of the most significant art theft in the last century and a half.

Thursday, Feb. 22: Exciting Discoveries in Art History

Who doesn’t love learning about a priceless painting found in an attic? Or a sculpture sitting for decades in a public garden, only to be found out as an Italian treasure? This lecture explores the stories of several different important and valuable works of art that have been rediscovered in unexpected places.

Thursday, Mar. 7: How to Read a Painting

Have you ever looked at a painting and wished you could understand it more? This lecture serves as a guide to basic visual analysis. We will review some of the more common symbols and tropes seen in western painting. 

Qi Gong for Mind, Spirit, and Body

Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m.

We wish our friend, Biance Godoy, a safe trip to her new home in North Carolina and welcome our new qi gong leader, Sharon Preston.  

Sharon practices and teaches a form of qi gong called Sheng Zhen Wuji Yuan Gong. She is a long time practitioner and qualified as a teacher in 2015. Sharon is set to share a new journey and will teach Shenzhen qi gong for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This practice is a seated qi gong and focuses on fluidity of movement and breath.

Classes are held in the third floor, a great space accessible via exterior stairs from Church Street.

Click here to reserve your spot.

Valentine Haiku Competition



Celebrate love and friendship by entering your Valentine-themed poem in our haiku competition.  It’s easy and fun. Deadline for entering is Friday, February 9.  

Click here for rules and details on how to participate. 

Staff Reading Suggestion

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett



Bel Canto was truly a bravura effort by novelist and essayist, Ann Patchett. Her 2023 novel, Tom Lake, is an equally impressive work. Set in the background of a family owned commercial fruit orchard during the COVID lockdown, Patchett explores the dynamics of family relationships and brushes with fame – sometimes humorous and often surprising. It’s a book you pick up and can’t put down until you’re done.

Request your copy of Tom Lake here.

-Lotte