Library news & updates
Director's Note

Happy New Year! I hope you do a lot of reading in 2020, and I hope you use us to get what you read. That is what we are here for. I apologize that I haven't been able to keep up with all of the titles recommended for purchase electronically, but I'll honestly admit that I had no idea how much y'all would use that button! At first, I was able to buy all requested titles, but as the demand has surpassed our budget's ability to fill. Right now there are 127 requested titles that remain unfilled, representing just shy of $5,000 in licenses. I'm doing my best to parse through what is economical, what has the broadest appeal, and what will add to the long-term value and attractiveness of our collections. If there is something that you need--whether physical or digital--always feel free to email me or call.

Thanks for Reading,

Justin Snook
Important Overdrive Change Incoming

Starting Tuesday, January 21, you will be prompted to enter your library PIN/Password when you log into to Overdrive or Libby. If you don't know it, don't panic. Just give us a call or email me at jsnook@cwmars and we'll get you sorted out.
DMS Lego Robotics Team Tackles Accessibility

I want to give a huge thank-you and shout-out to the Backstreet Builders and the New Builders on the Block! These are the two Douglas Middle School Lego Robotics Teams. They attended a regional competition at WPI where they faced off against local area teams on December 7. Teams had to design, build, and program a robot to complete missions and complete a research project focused on identifying a problem with accessibility in their town and implementing a solution.

For the research portion of their project, the teams chose the Simon Fairfield Public Library and its ongoing accessibility issues. They went above and beyond, though, by actually fundraising! The teams raised $866 for the Library! $466 will be used to purchase Kobo e-readers which the Library will provide on long-term loan to home-bound patrons so that they can access our collections of e-books and digital material. The remaining $400 is going into our interest-bearing building fund to bring the day that we can renovate the building and make it accessible that much closer.
Winter Storytime

Winter storytime is running from January 6 to February 26. Deb is leading storytime and crafts for the following ages at the following times:

  • Monday @ 10am -- Ages 18 months to 3.
  • Monday @ 1pm -- Ages 3 to 5.
  • Tuesday @ 6pm -- Ages 4 to 7.
  • Wednesday @ 10am -- Ages 2 to 4.

If school is cancelled, there is no storytime. If school is delayed, there is no morning storytime. If school lets out early, there is no afternoon storytime. Please call the Library if you have any questions.
Brand New Databases

If you have never clicked on the "online databases" button on our website, you are missing out. Full text articles from hundreds of popular and scholarly publications are available, including full access to the Boston Globe and New York Times. Starting this year, we have some new offerings:

  • Opposing Viewpoints covers timely issues, from capital punishment to immigration to marijuana. This cross-curricular resource supports science, social studies, current events, and language arts classes--teachers take note! Informed, differing views help you develop critical thinking skills and draw their own conclusions.
  • HeritageQuest Online provides access to more than 4.4 billion records. IT delivers and essential collection of genealogical and historical sources--with coverage back to the 1700s--that can help you find your ancestors and discover a place's past.
  • Career Transitions provides guidance for job seekers and those investigating new career options--good for students, soon-to-be graduates, and adults new to navigating the modern job market.
  • Science Database is a growing resource of 7.3 million full text articles from over 1,600 sources.
  • Research Companion is a necessary tool in today's climate of "fake news" and "alternate facts." It helps support researchers and educators as they learn and teach core information literacy principles of finding, evaluating, and using information.
Sing-Along with Lindsay

The YMCA Family and Community Partnership is sponsoring Lindsay Dodd to lead a sing-along and storytime at the Library every Tuesday a 1pm until March 10. She is filling in for Deb Hudgins, and she is amazing! Check out her youtube videos for a preview of what her programs are like. And then come see her at the Library!
Ukulele Program with Julie Stepanek

When we announced our ukulele program for kids in December, a lot of adults expressed interest. Here's your chance! We're having Julie back on February 20 at 6:30pm for ages 13 and up.

Julie Stepanek shows you the fundamentals of ukulele playing. You'll learn how to strum, tune, and read chords. After a short lesson, you'll be able to play some songs. No experience necessary. Bring your own uke or borrow one of hers.

Space is limited to 24 so registration is required. Call the library at 508-476-2695 or visit us to register at the circulation desk!

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Thanks, Friends!
Computer Tutor

I just want to remind everyone that we have a very tech-savvy high school student who is available by appointment to help you with any computer issues you may have. He can answer all your questions about basic computing, networking, HTML, social media, and perform small repairs. Give Massimo a call at 508-714-6241 or email massimofontaine@icloud.com to set up an appointment.
Upcoming Book Club Titles

  • Young Readers Club (January 7): The Princess and the Pizza by Mary Jane and Herm Auch.
  • Book Wizards (January 9): Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool.
  • Intrepid Readers (January 14): Kitchen Yarns: Notes on Life, Love, and Food by Ann Hood.
  • Greatest Book Club Ever (February 6): The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.
Brought to you by the Friends of the Simon Fairfield Public Library.