May 2022
Your monthly news & updates
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Vote Yes on Articles 24 & 25!
Vote YES on Articles 24 and 25 to Support the Raymond Village Library in becoming an official Town Department

After operating as an incorporated, non-profit organization since 2003, RVL recently assessed its long-term service goals and determined the library could best serve the community as an official department within the Town of Raymond. The Board of Selectman were receptive to this idea and together with RVL have developed a mutually beneficial transfer agreement.

As a result, one of the ballot questions on Raymond’s town warrant will be whether the library should become a department of the town.

What are the benefits?
• Expanded free programming supporting all ages from infants to seniors
• Greater ability to support community outreach programs
• Ensures standard operating hours and consistent services
• Sustainability of funding for services
• RVL’s assets and holdings would be entrusted to the town to support future library services
• Operating and staffing costs would be assumed by the town
• Retention of qualified library staff by providing healthcare and other employee benefits
• All grounds keeping and building maintenance would be assumed by the town
• The library would realize a cost savings for insurance and other operational needs

How can you support this effort?
The RVL Board of Trustees, Board of Selectman, Budget-Finance Committee, and library staff UNANIMOUSLY HOPE that you will consider casting your vote in favor of this opportunity at the town election on June 14th. The Staff and Trustees of the Raymond Village Library look forward to the possibility of becoming a Town Department, creating new and exciting opportunities. We invite you to contact us with any questions you may have and hope you will drop in to see what the library has to offer!

Voting to take place at JSMS gymnasium 7am to 8pm

RVL Trustees and staff would like to thank the Board of Selectman and Budget-Finance Committee who voted unanimously in favor of recommending this proposal, as well as the Town Manager for his continued support.
Upcoming Events
Cookbook Club Meeting
Friday, May 13th at noon

The cookbook group meets the second Friday of the month at noon. Participants select and prepare a recipe at home from the selected cookbook and then gather together to share a potluck meal and discuss the recipes, ingredients and cooking tips. All skill levels welcome!


Copies of selected cookbooks are available for checkout. FMI or to reserve your copy, please contact the library.
Book Group Meeting
May 30th at 6:00 p.m. 

Join us in person or via Zoom for a literary discussion of

"When Jim Whyte settled outside Monson, Maine, in 1985, people did not know what to make of him. Almost 130 years later, we still don’t. Jim was a world traveler who spoke six languages with sacks of money and the desire to keep to himself. What was he hiding? Even the FBI couldn’t figure him out. Based on a true story, Hermit follows the quest to find out all about Whyte’s secret life before it’s too late." (Goodreads.com)

Please note: this month's meeting can be attended in person at the library or remotely via Zoom. FMI, or to request Zoom passcode, please contact Melanie, RVL book group facilitator.

***Join us on June 4th for an in-person author visit with the author of
this month's book club title, Jeffrey Ryan!***
Community Garden News
The Raymond Community Garden has space available for this 2022 growing season!

The Raymond Community Garden, located next to the Raymond Village Library on Meadow Road has available garden plots. 

If you are interested in growing organic vegetables for your family we can help. Our roughly 15x8 plots are only $15 for the growing season. We work with Master Gardeners who can answer any questions you have.

We are an organic garden so only organic practices can be used. We have expanded each plot by 2’ to provide each gardener a row to plant food for the Raymond Food Pantry. Twice a month we harvest for the food pantry and ask each gardener to designate one row in their garden for the food pantry. We can supply seeds for that row if needed.

For more information, please contact, Leigh Walker at Lwalker4@maine.rr.com. Or call/text 207-310-0741. We also have brochures available at the garden kiosk by the parking lot.
To all Gardeners:
 
We need your extra plants!
As gardening season gets started, please think of the library when you are thinking through any changes you might make to your garden. If you are dividing your perennials, we would LOVE to have any extra plant material that you don’t need. 
 
The success of our Plant Sale depends on plant donations from people in our community. Any donation of outdoor annual or perennial flowers, vegetables or herb plants is appreciated.
 
We would love to have any extra plants you have. Did you buy a flat of something but only had room for 10 of them? Did you start some seedlings and ended up with a few extras? We would love the leftovers. Maybe one didn’t look as good or a stem broke off? We’ll take them! Don’t throw them away.
 
We can take your plants at any time. You can drop them off at the library under the picnic tables or you can email or call and we can arrange to have someone pick them up. If you can, please let us know the color and name of any of the flowering plants you drop off. Thanks you!!
 
Leigh Walker • 207-310-0741 • Lwalker4@maine.rr.com
 
Please come to our plant sale on Saturday, June 4th • 7:00am-11:00pm
Maybe some else is sharing a treasured plant that will be perfect for your garden. Come check us out!
New Community Pass
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Pass

Planning a trip to the Botanical Gardens this summer? The library has passes available for free entry to the Gardens starting in mid-May. Contact the library to reserve your tickets!

Spring Planter Raffle
Spring puffin planters will be on display at the library from mid-May until the raffle drawing on Wednesday, June 15th.   

Planters can also be viewed on the library website after May 7th.

Raffle tickets can be purchased in the library or online for $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.
All proceeds directly support the library book and video fund. Thank you to all of our volunteer Puffin designers for donating their time & artistic talents!                          
Recommended Reads
May Staff Pick

The Light Through the Leaves by Glendy Vanderah

"A powerful journey of forgiveness and healing with The Light Through the Leaves, a transcendent novel of love, loss, and self-discovery by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Where the Forest Meets the Stars." (Goodreads)

Look for this title and other recommended reads on the RVL staff pick shelf!
Children's Programs
Weekly Story Times & Crafts

Baby Story Time
Mondays at 10:30am
The baby group features short stories, songs, and a simple craft. Sessions include lap & cuddle songs, and bouncing games for ages two and under.

Preschool Story Time
Wednesdays at 10:30am
Designed for children ages 3-5 years, featuring stories, songs and crafts.

Drop-in Table Activities: A variety of art, crafts, train and building stations are available in the children's room throughout the week.
RVL Board Meeting
Raymond Village Library Trustee Meeting
May 19th at 5pm via Zoom.

FMI or to request the Zoom link and password, please contact Board President Deb Hutchinson or Library Director Allison Griffin.
Community News & Events
**Hawthorne Community Association Open House**
Saturday, May 7 from 1:00 to 4:00.  

The Open House is an opportunity to see what is new at the Hawthorne House. You’ll see the completed structural maintenance and feel the comfort of the enhanced interior.  It’s a chance to say hello to old and new friends along with light refreshments.  Stop by and discover what has been done to make this space hospitable and available to community and association events.
Raymond Village Library | 207-655-4283 | www.raymondvillagelibrary.org rvldirector@gmail.com