October 2022

General News

The summer months were very busy here, with lots of youth programming including the annual Summer Reading program. Behind the scenes, our Adult Services Librarians were managing a number of projects:

We completed and launched our redesigned website, receiving positive feedback from patrons along with suggested changes which were implemented.
Our WiFi was upgraded and an additional wireless access point installed. Connectivity speed is now much faster with a more reliable signal.
The installation of a new print management system began in late August and will be completed in a few weeks with the installation of a new printer/photocopier. This will allow us to offer faxing services once again. The new system requires patrons to login with their Sharon library card or a guest pass and offers payment by credit/debit card, which was previously unavailable. More information can be found on our website at Services / Printing, Copying, Scanning, Faxing.

The Library also recently submitted it's 2024-26 Strategic Plan - also known as a Long Range Plan - to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This is a requirement of all Massachusetts public libraries in order to qualify for annual funding from the State. The planning for the Long Range Plan began last Spring with staff and trustee conversations and meetings, along with the community's feedback via the Community Survey which was sent to every household in Sharon.

Library Exhibit - Carol Rothenstein

Carol is an artist and a long-time resident of Sharon. She was deeply moved by the chaotic events of 2020 and created a book of watercolor paintings in response to those times, entitled "Twenty Paintings of 2020".

Carol will be exhibiting her artwork in the Community Room from September through October.

The SPL annual pumpkin decorating contest is back!!

Visit the library on Friday, October 14th to pick your perfect pumpkin. Bring it home to decorate or carve with your creepiest creative ideas and bring it back on Monday, October 24th to be judged! Winners will be announced on Halloween day. Good luck - we can’t wait to see what you come up with!!

Registration is required and begins on October 7th.

For more information, contact Youth Services Librarian, Allison Riendeau at [email protected]

From the Circulation Desk

Circulation Supervisor Retires

Long-time Circulation Supervisor, Karen Mafera, retired in early September. She worked at SPL for 24 years and, prior to coming here, at Weymouth Public Library for 18 years. Karen will be missed by all, including the SPL staff and the many patrons with whom she connected with over the years - especially her Library on Wheels patrons.

Some of Karen's duties have been temporarily re-assigned pending the hiring of a new Circulation Supervisor.

Library on Wheels - Kaitlin (Circulation Dept.- ext. 1420)
Interlibrary Loan - Susan (Adult Services Dept.- ext. 1422)

New Curbside Pickup Procedure

Effective October 1st, curbside reservations were moved from our Eventkeeper Calendar to an online form on the Library's website. Visit the Curbside Pickup page on our website for more information.

Library Text Notifications

Did you know that you can receive text notifications about your Library account? Text alerts are available for: holds, items available for renewal (coming due or overdue), and bills.

It's easy to set up your account to receive these notifications by text rather than email:

Log in using your library card number and PIN (the default is OCLN if you've not changed it)
Go to My Account / Preferences
Enter your mobile phone number where indicated
Select your mobile phone carrier where indicated
Click "Update"

You may also contact the Circulation Department (781-784-1578 ext. 1420) to add text notifications to your account.

Collections News

Kindles

Looking for Colleen Hoover? Taylor Jenkins Reid? The newest of Richard Osman or Stephen King? Look no further!

We are continuing to circulate three (3) adult Kindle Paperwhites to our patrons - all of which have been updated this month with the latest-and-greatest and top-requested eBooks (81 new eBooks just this month!).

You may view the entire eBook selection on our Kindle Selection Masterlist. (or click on QR code below!)

The Kindles will be updated every month with new titles; you may always visit the Masterlist to see what’s new. The Kindles can be placed on hold and are available for checkout at our Adult circulation desk.

Hotspots

Last summer the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) - using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds - created a public library hotspot lending program to help enable all members of communities to access the internet for business, commerce and employment.

State funding for the program ended on September 30, 2022. However, Sharon Public Library is very pleased to be able to continue to offer our hotspot devices and service to patrons moving forward!

Haven’t checked out one of our hotspots yet? They’re a wonderful way to stay connected to WiFi during any domestic travels - whether by plane, train, or automobile!

Online Spotlight /Creativebug

This month’s spotlight is on Creativebug! Creativebug has thousands of award-winning arts & crafts video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. With your library card, Sharon Public Library patrons have unlimited access to these crafty classes and projects, including: sewing, quilting, paper crafts, knitting, crocheting, jewelry-making, food and home crafts, holiday crafts - and many more!

This month, we are highlighting a few fun classes for the Fall season:

Simplicity Sewing: Make Furry Animal Hats

A fun, cozy craft for families that is sure to be a hit with the kids - for Halloween costumes and beyond!

Sewing a Pie Carrier

Make easy work of transporting your freshly baked pie with this simply stitched pie carrier!

Artober: 31 Days of Inky Monoprints

If you can trace an image, you can make a blotted line monoprint. This technique utilizes just a few unique materials that create inky outlines that can then be colored in and embellished!

Tech Talk

Still Using the Overdrive App?

Switch to Libby!

Go to your the Google Play or

Apple Store to download Libby on your device(s) today.

Overdrive has confirmed that they will discontinue their Overdrive application by early 2023. At that time, users will no longer be able to access the application on any device, even if it is already downloaded.

It is recommended that all users switch over to Overdrive’s Libby application by by December 31, 2022, for a seamless transition. Libby offers the same great Overdrive eBooks and eAudiobooks to patrons with a library card.

Upcoming Programs

Youth Services Programs

Click on the Calendar for full-sized view.

In-Person

FOSPL Annual Meeting and Author Talk

October 20th @ 6:45 PM

Library Community Room

All are invited to Friends of the Sharon Public Library Annual Meeting, followed at

7 PM by an author talk with Katherine A. Sherbooke, who will discuss her new historical novel inspired by the life of Lucy Stone, a 19th century abolitionist and pioneering women's rights activist.

Registration is suggested but not required. Refreshments will be available.

This event is co-sponsored by the Sharon Public Library Veterans Group. For more information contact [email protected]

In-Person

SPL Veterans Club Program

1620: The First Year

Thursday 17th @ 7 PM

Library Community Room

In 2020, the 400th Anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims came, but was unfortunately overshadowed by the COVID Pandemic. Join Christopher Daley as he details the Pilgrim's historically difficult voyage over the Atlantic to Cape Cod and explores the beginnings of Plymouth Colony, with focuses on Plymouth Rock, the plague of 1618, and the Wampanoag people. Registration required.

In-Person

The Roots of Popular Music and Acknowledging Veterans in Song

November 14th @ 10 AM

Library Community Room

In a live performance, Jon Waterman supplements his well-received "Roots of American Popular Music" program with an exploration through songs of some of the experiences and sacrifices of veterans throughout American history. No registration required.

On-Going Programs

In-Person

October 27 @ 1:30-3 PM

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

The SPL Book Discussion Group meets from Sept-June on the 4th Thursday

of each month @ 1:30-3 PM in the Library's Community Room.

No registration required!

For more information, please contact

Susan Eggimann via email or 781-784-1478 ext. 1422

Stay In Touch With SPL!

A goal of our Strategic Plan is to increase our community engagement via our website and social media. We welcome feedback!

Monthly Staff Recommendations

Curious to know what SPL staff is reading and recommending? Be curious no longer!

Every month, Sharon Public Library will be sharing what our staff has recently been loving - whether it’s a book, movie, TV Show, board game - you name it!

Recommendations may be taken home in the form of a bookmark (available at the circulation desks) and will also be posted on our social media. All recommended titles are available in our physical and/or digital collections (ie. Overdrive, Hoopla).

Social Media

Follow the Sharon Public Library on Facebook or Instagram (@SharonPublicLibraryMA) to stay up-to-date with any updates, new, and/or events. We are excited to offer our patrons multiple ways to engage with your

local library!

Stay tuned as well for our new weekly #SPLFunFactFriday and #SPLSharonSaturday posts!