November Newsletter
Business Hours:
Monday thru Friday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday: CLOSED
We will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2013 in observance of Veteran’s Day
We will be closed on Thursday, November 28, 2013 in observance of Thanksgiving Day
Library News
Great Progress On Roof Renovation
A monumental portion of the roof renovation occurred when the cupola was
restored to the dome atop the Bangor Public Library. The beautiful structure
was lifted to its original spot in the early morning hours of a chilly October
day. The cupola--the large copper structure seen being hoisted above--will
help bring the library roof's structural integrity to its former glory. Progress
continues on the roof and the entire roof renovation is expected to be
completed by the end of December or the beginning of January. If you're in
the downtown area and drive by the library, you may notice that the cupola
and dome are covered. This is just to protect the structure from the
elements while the restoration is being completed. It may seem, with all of
the staging around the building and the tremendous amount of work being
done, that we are closed. This is not the case. Both the first and second
floor doors are available for entrance and can be used during our normal
operating hours. Rest assured that the library is open and will continue to
operate at our usual capacity to serve the people of the greater Bangor
area. This is an exciting time for us and for the renovation and we cannot
wait to see the finished result.
The Bangor Public Library has made great strides in our goal of collecting 3
million dollars toward the campaign to renovate and remodel the library's
interior to make this library more user-friendly and make much-needed
technological updates to provide a better digital base for our patrons. So far
we have raised about 2.5 million dollars. We need to raise an additional
$570,000 to achieve the 3 million dollar goal that will be matched by a grant
from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation. If we do not raise the
additional $570,000 by December 31, 2013, the grant will not be matched
and we will be unable to proceed with the full renovations. We need
everyone's help to raise this money to ensure that we can restore the library
to its fullest potential. If you would like to make a donation or know
someone who would like to make a donation, that can be done at our
website.
Governor's Restaurant Lends A Hand For
Renovation Campaign
Governor's Restaurant and Bakery at 643 Broadway, Bangor has offered to
help the Library in our Capital Campaign to raise 3 million dollars to
renovate the library. On Thursday, November, 7, 2013 from 4:00 to 10:00
pm, Governor's will be donating 10% of every sale, dine-in and take out, to
the library fund. Arrive hungry and don't forget about all of the Governor's
wonderful desserts. They are great there at the restaurant but they are
even better to bring home with you. Get great food--and maybe some great
leftovers--and help the library as we proceed with our renovation plans.
What could be better than that?
Bangor Metro Offer to Help Library
Renovation Campaign
The Bangor Metro, like many other great local businesses, is offering to help
raise money for the library's campaign to fundraise enough money to
revamp and remodel the interior of our building. For every subscription the
Bangor Metro receives--either with a code provided on bookmarks available
at the library or by phone--the Metro will donate $10.00 to the Library's
Capital Campaign. We are very grateful for every donation received.
Bookmarks will be available in the Library at both the Children's and Adult's
Circulation Desk.
Time For Public Computers Use Extended
Sometimes 60 minutes just isn't enough time to get the things you need
done. Just a reminder that the Bangor Public Library has extending the
usage time of our public computers from 60 minutes to 90 minutes to
ensure that our patrons have enough time to complete the tasks that are
necessary to be completed. If you’re looking for work or trying to file out an
online application, nothing can be more frustrating than being cut off right in
the middle of the process. Whatever your reason for being on the internet,
the library would like to make sure you have enough time to finish what you
need to finish.
Note On Operating Hours
The Bangor Public Library would like to remind our patrons that we will be
closed on Monday, November 11, 2013 in observance of Veteran's Day and
on Thursday, November 28, 2013 in observance of Thanksgiving Day. We
will, however, be open on Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving-November 29 and 30. If you want to avoid the chaos and noise of the Black
Friday rush, come spend some quiet, relaxing time with us.
New Year's Eve Party
It's never too early to plan ahead. If you are looking for a warm, familyfriendly event to attend during this year's New Year's Eve celebration, make
the Bangor Public Library one of your stops. This year's festivities will be
held from 6:00-8:00 pm on December 30, 2013 and all of your usual
favorites will be here: the Planetarium, Magician Danny Baker, Games,
Karaoke and more. Check next month's newsletter for a more detailed list
of events.
ART
Lecture Hall Exhibit: Ken Massar
Artist's Statement:
"For the last 45 years I have followed the evolution of natural forms,
whether they be flower and plant forms -- or elements of a landscape -- into
a host of biomorphic forms -- 'living forms.' This transformation was
unconscious -- something that just happened naturally. (Years ago I put a
'dot' on a leaf and it became the eye of a small 'bird.') This 'morphing' of the
forms continued into a host of baroque 'hybrid' forms -- at once both joyous
and humorous - (yet sometimes with an underlying hint of something
ominous or foreboding).
In my senior years this latter may have taken precedence. For me, no overt
transformation is necessary when viewing a philodendron plant -- the leaves
have 'faces' -- and the final rendering depicts a 'living' presence -- a
'metaphor' for its 'literal' depiction. The same transformation happens with
the leaves of a dying rhubarb plant -- or even a tomato plant in the garden - all become metaphors -- representing something greater than their literal
depiction. (I feel that the 'titles' alone belie any interpretation of my work as
merely conventional realistic 'renderings.')
For me, the ultimate 'meaning' of my paintings is a mystery. Every viewer
will interpret that mystery based on their indivdual values and experiences. I
hope to find viewers who respond to this implied mystery which lies under
the 'surface' of the forms depicted."
View the article recently posted in The Weekly.
Stairwell Gallery Exhibit: Carol Michaud
For more information on Carol Michaud and her art, check out her website.
Computer Classes
The Computer Lab will be very busy this month offering
many classes to help you with online services and basic computer skills. For
a list of classes, visit our website. Class sizes are limited and registration is
required so schedule your spot with our Reference Department at 947-8336
ext. 126.
Events
Saturday, November 2, 2013 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm in
the Lecture Hall and 3:00-4:00 pm in the Lecture Hall
Andy and Judy Daigle Duo
The duo of Andy and Judy Daigle bring their musical
talents to the Bangor Public Library. Andy and Judy have been playing
together since 2009 at Coffehouses and Open Mikes around Massachussets
and Rhode Island. "Their musical interests range from “old-timey” traditional
songs right through the folk music stalwarts such as, John Prine, Bob Dylan,
Ian and Sylvia, Townes Van Zandt and Odetta and many other artists. They
also add a country element performing the songs of Tricia Yearwood and
Sugarland." --(taken from their website) Andy and Judy will be delivering
two performances with a meet & greet after each performance! For more
info on Andy and Judy, visit www.andyjudysing.com. For more information
on this event, contact Lisa Frazell at 947-8336 or by e-mail at
pr@bangorpubliclibrary.org.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013 from 6:30-8:00 pm in the
Lecture Hall and Tuesday, November 19, 2013 6:30-8:00 pm
in the Board Room
Living With Guns Series
Make plans to attend the discussion series on the book Living With Guns: A
Liberal's Case For the Second Amendment by Craig Whitney. Mark Kelley,
Director of Journalism at the New England School of Communication, will
moderate. We are planning on a total of 4 sessions every other week (the
first two were on 10/8 and 10/22. This months discussions will be on 11/5
and 11/19) leaving open the possibility of a fifth and closing session. Two
chapters of Mr. Whitney's book will be discussed each evening with the
format being 1/2 hour for presenting the author's perspective and the
remaining hour of the discussion about that perspective. Craig Whitney's
book can be ordered from Bookmarc's in Bangor (942-3206) with a 10%
discount if you let them know it is for this discussion series.
Review of Mr. Whitney's book from Booklist 2012: Is there any way
past the impasse on gun control that pits supporters of the Second
Amendment against those concerned about escalating gun violence in the
U.S.? Whitney, a reporter, self-described conservative liberal, and member
of the National Rifle Association, aims to find common ground between the
polarities that steer elections and fund lobbying campaigns. He examines the
Second Amendment, why interpretations of it are so divergent, and why the
right to bear arms is enshrined in the Bill of Rights. He explores Supreme
Court decisions, state laws throughout the nation (except Illinois and the
District of Columbia) that permit individuals to own guns, controversial
stand-your-ground laws, and violent shootings, which add fuel to both sides
of the gun control debate. Whitney gives equal time to gun enthusiasts, from
collectors to hunters, who are among the 60 million Americans who own
more than 300 million guns, a third of them handguns. This is a very
thoughtful, well-researched, and well-reasoned argument in favor of the
right to bear arms within reasonable limitations and an appeal to responsible
gun ownership.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 from 3:30-5:00 pm in the
Computer Lab
Healthcare Signup Help- Providing Computer Access and
Direction to Resources
Bangor Public Library and Penquis Cap team up to discuss sign-up and
resource options on the internet. *Only ten computers are available at a
time. This event is open to the public and FREE! If you have any questions,
contact the reference department at 947-8336 ext 126.
Saturday, November 9, 2013 from 3:00-5:00 pm in the Board
Room
Medical Marijuana 101
Wellness Connection of Maine is hosting a free informational session for the
public and patients about the basics of medical marijuana. Topics will
include: benefits of using medical marijuana, an explanation of the current
law and commentary from a published and emerging physician on its uses.
The discussion aims to inform patients whether medical marijuana is right
for them and how to legally obtain it. Co-presenters: Becky Dekeuster
M.Ed., ECD of WCM and James Li, M.D. with Maine MMJ Physician Services.
For more information contact Becky DeKeuster at 242-1422 or by e-mail at
becky@mainewellness.org
Monday, November 18, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 pm in the
Lecture Hall
New Books, New Readers
Literacy Volunteers of Bangor book club for emerging adult readers!
Registration required contact Meredith Eaton at 947-8451
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 from 5:30-8:00 pm in the Story
Room
Bangor Play Reading Group
Whether you love great modern drama, or have never read a play, you are
welcome to come and join us for fun, interesting reading and conversation.
All are welcome to read, or just listen. No experience necessary. Scripts will
be provided. Most meetings will be in the Board Room on the 1st level:
check with the desk on arrival. This month the group will be reading the play
Trifles by Susan Glaspell.
About the play: Farmer John Wright has been murdered. While he lay
asleep in the middle of the night, someone strung a rope around his neck.
And, that someone might have been his wife, the quiet and forlorn Minnie
Wright. Written in 1916, Susan Glaspell's one-act play Trifles is loosely
based on true events. As a young reporter, Glaspell covered a murder case
in a small town in Iowa. Years later, she crafted a short play inspired by her
experiences and observations.
Book Groups
Lit Chicks: Our Lit Chick Book Group is the library's more traditional book
group. Led by Maggie, one of our wonderful reference librarians, the group
meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 2:00 pm. All the reads are
chosen by Maggie and lean toward contemporary and literary fiction. Please
be aware that participants are not limited to females, but the book selections
may be decidedly feminine. The next meeting will be Tuesday, November
5, 2013 in the Lecture Hall and the book being discussed will be Fell the
Angels by John Kerr.
Military History Group: If you are interested in military history, you are
invited to join with others to discuss books on the topic. We gather all
history enthusiasts for some great military discussions. We read and discuss
all books, old or new, fiction or non-fiction, from the ancient world to the
present. This is a relaxed group, facilitated by Bill Cook, from the library’s
Local History Department. Members will read what interests them and then
talk about it in the group. The next meeting will be on Wednesday,
November 6, 2013.
Field’s Pond Book Group: Join Joyce Rumery to discuss books and topics
that deal with environmental issues. For more information, contact Joyce
Rumery by phone: 581-1655, or email: rumery@maine.edu. The next
meeting will be on Thursday, November 14, 2013 from 6:30-8:00 pm in the
NMLD Office. The book being discussed will be Tomatoland: How Modern
Industrial Agriculture Destroyed Our Most Alluring Fruit by Barry
Estabrook.
Not Your Ordinary Book Group: We read popular fiction, edgy and
uncensored, and meet once a month on Thursday nights at 6:00 pm. This is
NOT your traditional literary fiction book group. All books are chosen by our
members, with an initial online vote to narrow down our choices. The final
books are decided in person at the meetings. There is no meeting in
November. The next meeting will be on Thursday, December 6, 2013. The
books being discussed with be The Ocean At the End of the Lane by Neil
Gaiman and Cinder by Marissa Meyer.
Donations
All gifts, donations and endowments are greatly appreciated. Anyone
interested in viewing recently donated materials or making their own
donation should contact the Library at 947-8336 or visit this page for details.
Childrens and Teens
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
ABC Kids: Saturdays from 11:00-11:30 AM
Chapter Chums: Alternate Tuesdays from 4:00-4:45 PM
(Begininning September 10)
Creative Crafts: Third Thursday of each month from 4:00- 4:45 PM
Crochet Club: Fridays from 4:00-4:45 PM
Goody Gang: Mondays from 4:00-4:45 PM
Legomania: Alternate Wednesdays from 4:00-4:45 PM
(Beginning September 11)
Maryann's Night Story Time: Thursdays from 6:00-6:30 PM
Mother Goose: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:15-10:35 AM
Tiny Tots: Wednesdays and Thursdays from
11:00-11:30 am
Transformers: Alternate Wednesdays from 4:00
(Beginning September 18)
Special Event: Saturday, November 16, 2013
at 2:30 in the Story Room
Tailgate Party
Come to the Bangor Public Library and support your favorite football team.
Wear your favorite team's apparel or colors as we partake in Tailgate
activities such as Tailgate Toss, and U-B the QB to test your throwing
accuracy. There will be a football craft and, what good is a Tailgate party
without lots of yummy food. There will be hot dogs and chips and hot
chocolate to warm you up. This event is free and open to children ages 312.
*Dress warmly! Weather permitting, some of these activities will be outside
to get that real Tailgate experience.
Hope to see you there.
Teen Programs
All Teen programs will now be on Wednesdays
(with the exception of Book Bunch)
Teen Advisory Board: 1st Wednesday of the month from 4:00-4:45 pm
Fantasy Book Club: 2nd Wednesday of the month from 4:00-4:45 pm
Teen Movie Night: 3rd Wednesday of the month from 5:00-7:00 pm
Teen Game Day: 3rd Wednesday of the month from 4:00-4:45 pm
Manga/Anime Club: 4th Wednesday of the month from 4:00-4:45 pm
Book Bunch (6th through 8th Graders): This Club meets every other
Tuesday
beginning September 17, 2013.