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TIDINGS
eNewsletter
of the EPL
Chatham, MA
Fall 2024
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"Connecting Chatham to the World" | |
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Welcome to Fall! We have so many programs and activities planned for the fall - we can't wait to share them with you!
The 2024 Poetry Walk is a self-led, multi-generational experience located at Sylvan Gardens, 86 Old Main Street, in Chatham. Download the brochure and enjoy the walk through October 14.
Make sure to mark your calendar for our 2nd annual Fixit Clinic on Saturday, September 28. Click here for more information and to pre-register.
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The Library celebrates two notable library campaigns in the Fall: Library Card Sign-up Month and Banned Book Week, September 22-28, an annual celebration of the freedom to read.
Anyone over the age of 5 is eligible for a library card at the EPL. The application process is simple: complete a Registration Form or visit in person. You will need to provide ID when you come into the Library for the card, and a parent or guardian signature must accompany the Juvenile Application for applicants age 5-17. That’s it. No proof of residency, no fee, and no hassle to access over 1.6 million resources available through the CLAMS (Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing) network.
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Access to all is one of the guiding principles of the public library system. Now, more than ever, access and the freedom to read is being challenged across the country. As these basic rights are threatened, this year’s Banned Books Week, Sept 22-28, becomes even more relevant. We will continue to raise awareness during banned book week with displays and activities and I encourage you to join Assistant Director Tammy DePasquale for an exploration of this important topic as she presents Banned & Challenged Books: Understanding and Defending Your Right to Read on Thursday, September 19 at 5:30 pm. Registration is recommended.
Amy Andreasson
Library Director
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News from the Trustees
In recent years the Trustees have benefited from a range of talented individuals who have brought expertise, experience, commitment, and vibrancy to our discussions. Recently, our focus has been on community connectedness and on how best to identify and address the needs of the Chatham community.
Wisdom, energy, and vitality: these are the words that spring to mind concerning the new slates of officers at the Library this fall. This season will welcome new leadership on both the boards of the Trustees and the Friends. The proposed slate of incoming officers for the Trustees will be the following: Dee Burlin, president; Shane Coughlin, vice president; Barb Matteson, treasurer; Nick Harris, assistant treasurer, and Rachel Barnes, clerk/secretary. Their counterparts on the Friends will be: Tom Reid, president; Joan Craig, vice president; Sarge Slicer, treasurer; and Emily Milan. secretary. Both of these groups are well-versed in the Library’s culture and procedures, and the transition should be seamless. Together with Amy Andreasson, our outstanding director, there will be very steady hands at the helm.
I will only add that as my term as president of the Trustees comes to a close in September, I consider it a privilege to have served in this capacity for the last three years. Working with such talented and committed people on the Board, with such congenial and energetic staff members, and with such a generous, supportive community has not only been fulfilling but simply fun, and I am very grateful for having had the experience.
Kerry Brown
President, EPL Board of Trustees
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News from the Friends of EPL | |
Let me begin my term as president of the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library by looking back in appreciation. On September 19, 1979, forty citizens of Chatham gathered for an organizational meeting of what was to become the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library. Two weeks later, there were fifty Friends. They and those who followed established an “essential link between the Library and the people of Chatham…” *
And, so it continues today.
This year, as we celebrate our forty-fifth anniversary, we carry on our founders’ efforts to support and enhance the Library’s role in Chatham and to heighten community awareness of all the LIbrary offers our community. Kerry Brown, the president of the EPL Board of Trustees has referred to the Friends as the provider of the “icing on the cake” for the Library. That icing is the result of the generosity of many Friends over the past forty-five years.
In August, we hosted a lawn party to kick off our anniversary. The celebration will continue in the coming months with additional special events. We hope you will join us, and, if you are not a member, I urge you to join the Friends. With your help, we will continue to provide financial support, volunteer hours, and seek to help the Eldredge Public Library continue to be a place to welcome all and enhance life in Chatham. After all, isn’t that what friends are for?!
Tom Reid
President, Friends of the Eldredge Public Library
*From: A Beacon for Chatham, Eldredge Public Library, The First Hundred Years
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A Message From Youth Services | |
This summer, readers from birth to age 18 explored, adventured, and enjoyed all sorts of activities, programs, and books as part of this year’s Adventure Begins at Your Library Summer Reading Adventure! The season was brimming with exciting activities and programs designed to encourage adventure out in the world and in our imaginations. Over the course of the summer, participants explored new reading genres, discovered the beautiful walking trails throughout town, and ventured out on new journeys. We held an array of special events and amazing programs.
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Our collaboration with the Chatham Conservation Foundation allowed us to introduce families to some of the hidden gems around town and invite them to explore nature together. We are so grateful for the support and encouragement provided by the Chatham Conservation Foundation and the Friends of Sylvan Gardens. A heartfelt appreciation goes out to The Friends of the Eldredge Public Library and the Chatham Cultural Council for their generous support, which allowed us to bring these adventures to life!
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Now that our adventurers are returning to school, our visitors are returning to their homes, and the hustle and bustle of summer is slowing down, your friends in Youth Services are looking ahead to the upcoming seasons. During September, we are cleaning, organizing, and recovering from the whirlwind of the summer! We’re also gathering the newest materials to add to our shelves for your enjoyment and taking advantage of professional development opportunities. One of our favorite activities we’re doing at the moment is planning exciting programming for the months to come.
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You’ll see the return of old favorites like Wee Read, Preschool Storytime, LEGO Block Parties, and Baby Yoga. Our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is also continuing, and we anticipate many of our initial participants finishing their 1,000th book in the next few months. We’re so proud of all of our amazing young readers! Keep an eye on the Youth Services calendar for special events coming up for patrons of all ages, including Halloween activities, Teen/Tween Nights, Digital Literacy programs, and StoryWalks™! Stay connected by downloading our Youth Services monthly calendar, visiting our website, and following us on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram. We can’t wait to see you at the library!
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Registration for Fall Learning Series is Open
Registration for the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library Fall Learning Series is available on the Library website and at the Library. The nine programs in the fall season will include art, history, music, current events, literature and even internet security. The first program will be on Monday, September 23, and will have diplomat and journalist Larry Goodrich review the history of Romania in a two-part course. Bob Ralls will follow on Tuesday, October 8, with a practical and timely two-part program on computer security.
David Bisno will return to take on the challenging issues involved in the Israeli- Palestinian conflict in a program offered jointly with Friends of Snow Library at the Chatham Community Center. Another unique program will be led by Steven Young, a former comedy writer for David Letterman, who will present the documentary “Bathtubs Over Broadway”. This award-winning film tells the story of how he discovered this discarded musical genre starring tractors and bathtubs that was in some ways bigger than Broadway.
Our usual favorites will return, with John Whelan and Peter Gaines exploring the music of the duet, Beth Stein examining the art of the American Impressionists, and Joe Marchio delving into the great venues of classical music. In the world of literature, Mike McCartney returns to take on the legends of King Arthur and a newcomer, Peggy Kelleher, will explore the literature and lives of four ancient pairs of lovers.
For detailed descriptions of programs with dates, times, and locations go to the Eldredge Public Library website, download a brochure or drop by the Library’s front desk. A $10 donation per course is suggested.
For those who wish to register and donate by a credit card, you can register online through Eventbrite.
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See ALL of our upcoming programs - including the Virtual Speakers Series (Which includes Garrett Graff, Nate Klemp and Liane Moriarty!) | |
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Our ongoing programs for September include:
Please see our September Adult Calendar for dates, times and registration information.
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