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Front Facade of Baker Free Library
Photo by Eric Anderson
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You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
-C.S. Lewis
Baker Free Library will be 110 years old in 2024; nevertheless, the library will embark on a new dream. Our mission statement has been to expand our horizons and strengthen our community. Following the closure and limited services in 2020 due to COVID19, Baker Free Library has accomplished its mission by reestablishing itself as a community hub. Adult material circulation has increased by 50%, children’s material by 75%, the number of visitors to the library has doubled from 2020, and participation in library programs has quadrupled. In 2024, Baker Free Library will launch its next strategic plan with a new mission to provide relevant and reliable resources to support educational, cultural, and information needs for the whole community. With this new dream, Baker Free Library prioritizes community connections and outreach, innovation and creativity, excellent customer experiences, and welcoming spaces.
Baker Free Library is very grateful to all those who participated in our 2023 focus groups, one-on-one conversations, and community surveys. Your input was the driving force behind our new strategic plan. This January, Baker Free Library will release its 2024-2028 Plan of Service outlining the vision for the next five years—supporting Bow to its 300th anniversary and beyond.
As you establish your own goals and dreams for 2024, do not forget to pick up Baker Free Library’s Visions of Bow 2024 Calendar. We have created a stunning wall calendar featuring select photographs of our beautiful town taken by Eric Anderson. The calendars cost $15 each with all the proceeds going to support the library’s services and programs. Happy New Year!
| -Martin Walters, Library Director | |
Winter Wonder Children's Concert with Mr. Aaron!
Saturday, January 20th | 10:30am
Beat the winter blues with an interactive musical concert for kids, featuring children's musician Mr. Aaron! We'll sing in the season with our favorite winter songs and Mr. Aaron originals. Together, we'll go "super sledding," sing about snowflakes, and dance in the (imaginary) snow!
This concert is expected to last 50-60 minutes, and is recommended for children aged 2-10 in the company of a parent or caregiver, but open to all who'd like to attend. Registration is not required.
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*Registration is required to reserve your child's space through our Online Calendar.
The winter session will run from January 16 - February 20, 2024.
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Preschool Storytime
Every Tuesday Morning | 10:30am
Encourage school readiness with a storytime for active bodies and minds! Explore interactive stories, songs, and activities that help to promote early literacy learning while addressing attention, coordination and motor development. Each storytime includes songs, instrument play and movement activities, and ends with open play time, allowing children and their families to socialize. Recommended for Ages 3 - 5.
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Family Storytime
Every Wednesday Morning | 10:30am
Explore a new topic each week with stories, songs and rhymes designed to spark your child’s imagination and create the foundations for early literacy. Each storytime ends with open play time, allowing families to meet and socialize. Select sessions will include craft and/or sensory activities. This program is offered twice per week; please register for one session only. Recommended for Ages 18 Months - 3 Years; siblings welcome.
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Toddler Storytime
Every Thursday Morning | 10:30am
Explore a new topic each week with stories, songs and rhymes designed to spark your child’s imagination and create the foundations for early literacy. Each storytime ends with open play time, allowing families to meet and socialize. Select sessions will include craft and/or sensory activities. Recommended for Ages 18 Months - 3 Years; siblings welcome.
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*Registration is required to reserve your child's space through our Online Calendar. | |
Nature Explorers
Thursday, Jan. 4th | 4:00pm
Become a nature explorer with this new after-school club! Meeting monthly, this group will learn about animals, plant life, weather and the natural world. Create and fill your own nature journal as we explore the great outdoors, with hands-on art projects, science experiments, games and activities. Recommended for Grades 2 and Up.
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Art Lab
Wednesday, Jan. 10th | 3:30pm
A program for young artists, creators, and storytime graduates. Listen to a new story each month, then take part in sensory, art, and engineering activities designed to inspire our creativity and curiosity. Activities may include mixed media projects and painting, so come prepared to get messy! Recommended for Grades K-4, in the company of a parent or caregiver. Younger children may need assistance with certain projects.
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"I Survived" Book Club
Thursday, Jan. 18th | 4:00pm
Learn about history's most incredible battles, man-made mishaps and natural disasters with books from the "I Survived" series, written by Lauren Tarshis. A new book will be selected for discussion each month, with copies provided by the library. Following each discussion, readers will explore each topic through STEAM-based activities and experiments. Recommended for readers in Grades 3-6, or children reading at those grade levels.
January's book selection is "I Survived the Great Molasses Flood." Pick up your copy at the library to read along!
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Adult Craft Club
Tuesday, Jan. 2nd | 6:00pm
Enjoy creating a new craft every month in the BFL Adult Craft Club. All materials are provided. Registration is required.
Jan. 2nd FULL
Feb. 6th Candle Making Workshop with Ross Mingarelli of CandleTree, LLC
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Book Talk at BFL
Tues. Jan. 9th | 12:30pm & 6:30pm
Do you love to read? Are you willing to try books outside your comfort zone? Do you enjoy talking about books with others? Then our monthly Book Group is for you!
January Book Discussion:
The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man by Paul Newman
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White Rock Book Group
Tues. Jan. 16th | 1:00pm
Do you want to read outside of your comfort zone? Do you enjoy talking about books with others? Then our monthly Book Talk at White Rock Senior Center is for you!
January Book Discussion:
The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man by Paul Newman
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Whodunits
Tues. Feb. 6th | 1:00pm
Love mysteries? Join the Whodunits to sleuth through a new one every month! This mystery-exclusive book club meets at White Rock Senior Center on the first Tuesday of every month.
February Book Discussion:
Devil's Peak by Deon Meyer
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Copies of Book Talk books are available at the Circulation Desk at the Library. For more information on joining one of the Book Talk groups, contact Amy Bain at amy@bakerfreelib.org. | |
Alzheimer’s Association® presents Effective
Communication
Tuesday, Jan. 16th | 6:00pm
Explore ways that Alzheimer's and other dementias affect an individual's ability to communicate across different stages, and get tips to better communicate with people living with the disease. This program is presented by Melissa Grenier, LCSW of the Alzheimer's Association.
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Peaceful Pages: A Mind, Body & Soul Book Club
Thursday, January 18th | 6:00pm
Introducing the newest addition to Baker Free Library's Book Club lineup, Peaceful Pages. Guided by owner and founder of Yogistrong, Josephine Fanelli, discover new ways to nurture your mind, body, and soul through the power of literature and mindfulness every month.
Whether you’re an avid reader or simply looking for a new way to explore personal growth, Peaceful Pages offers a unique and engaging experience. Each month, Josephine will lead the group in a discussion of a different book that focuses on themes of mindfulness, self-care, and inner peace. Alongside the book discussion, participants will also engage in meditation and movement exercises designed to deepen their understanding of the book’s messages and cultivate a sense of calm and centeredness.
January's Book Discussion
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
For more information, visit our Online Calendar
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2024 Visions of Bow Calendars
Pickup at the Library | $15ea.
Baker Free Library is excited to announce our first annual calendar fundraiser!
Help support the library by purchasing a ‘Visions of Bow, NH’ 2024 Calendar highlighting local scenic views photographed by Town Photographer, Eric Anderson.
Purchase a calendar today by visiting the library or by phone (603) 224-7113. Calendars are $15 each. All proceeds support the library’s services and programs.
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The Library will be CLOSED:
Monday, January 1st
Monday, January 15th
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Winter Exhibit - Carolyn Sherman
January 27th - March 1st
'New Hampshire Watercolors'
I have been painting under the guidance of Sylvia Brofos since 2000. Inspiration stems from a variety of subjects which catch my eye , or challenge me for one reason or another. My enjoyment of the water color medium comes from the versatility of the paint, the movement of the paint in water and on paper, the varying degrees of color intensity and the challenge in using the medium itself. I often encorporate the use of pen and ink as outline to make a subject pop or give emphasis.
It gives me pleasure to show my paintings in Concord and its surrounding communities.
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Baker Free Library
509 South Street
Bow, NH 03304
(603) 224-7113
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Town Updates
The Town of Bow has worked diligently in providing up to the minute notification of all that is happening in the community. In order to stay informed, visit the website Town of Bow or follow on Facebook @bownewhampshire
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Bow Young at Heart
Bow Young at Heart is a social club open to all residents 55 and older. The public is always welcome to attend any meeting or event. Meetings begin at 11:30 am with a social hour, followed by a speaker at 12:30 pm. Bring your own lunch, dessert is provided. Held at the Old Town Hall 91 Bow Center Road
January 10, 2024. 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Sherri Cheney and Danielle Ruane of Bow Recycles will begin a presentation at 12:30 pm on recycling with emphasis on the new recycling bins located on the Knox Rd side of the Community Building.
January 24, 2024. 11:30 am - 2:30 pm social hour from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, bring your own lunch, dessert provided. Matt Dodge of the Bow Rotary Club will be our guest speaker.
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