Bangor Public Library Newsletter—
April 2014
Business Hours:
Monday-Thursday 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, April 21, 2014 in observance of Patriot's Day
Library News
The campaign to raise money to renovate the interior of the library gets
closer and closer to fruition. We are now just $75,000 away from our initial
goal of $9 million. We are hoping to break ground on the interior renovation
project Mid-June. The outpouring of support from the city and the
surrounding communities has been staggering and overwhelming. The
library has always strived to be a centerpiece of this community, providing
educational and technological support as well as some really great reads.
We continue to strive to be the literary establishment that this great
community deserves. We do still have a small ways to go to achieve that
excellence and it is not too late to help out. The library will continue to
collect donations throughout the duration of the construction phase to make
sure there is enough money to pay for any unexpected costs that might
arise during that time. If you have not yet made a donation, or know
someone who wants to make a great investment in the community, donating
is easy. Simply click here to make a donation. If you would like to make a
donation but are not able to do so, financially, you can also pledge a
donation and make small payments over an extended period of time.
In related news, the day is fast approaching, and the new roof should be
finished by the middle of April. Check the website and news channels for
more information. We are very excited to see what this beautiful new roof
will look like and, again, we would like to thank the people of Bangor for
turning out in such great numbers to support the library and approving the
bond to remodel the roof and ensure that this great library will be around for
another 100 years. There will be a public unveiling of the roof as soon as
the finish date has been announced. Keep an eye on our website and local
news stations to learn more.
AARP And Your Taxes
For the 17th year in a row, the AARP TaxAide folks will be here assisting
taxpayers with filing their Federal and State income tax returns. Members of
the tax team will only be here on Wednesdays and Thursdays in April and
they will only be here until April 10th. Representatives of AARP will be here
to help you between the hours of 10 AM and 5 PM. This is a free service and
open to the public. Meetings are on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't
forget, if you would like to help Maine Libraries continue to serve the great
readers of Maine, you can help us out by checking off the Maine Library
Funds box on your state tax return. Every dollar goes to help Maine libraries
serve the people of this state to the best of our abilities and every dollar
helps. Please consider making a donation.
A Whole Box of Awesome
The next time you swing by the library be sure to check out our Awesome
Box. Seriously, there are some really awesome things at the library. How
does the Awesome Box work? When you finish reading the latest book or
magazine or watching the movie you checked out here at the library, if the
very next thought you had was, "That was AWESOME! The rest of the world
must know about this!" Now they can. Take that awesome book or
magazine or movie and place it in the Awesome Box. Other patrons will be
able to see what is in the Awesome Box from our website, see that it must
clearly be awesome and check it out for themselves. Likewise, if you are
simply looking for an awesome book to read or an awesome movie to watch,
you can check out what's in the Awesome Box . The Awesome Box is a
program in collaboration with the Harvard Library Innovation Lab. It allows
the community to see what others have found helpful, entertaining, or mindblowing.
Author Visit
Maine writer, storyteller and personal historian, Eddie Adelma, will present
"Tell Your Life Story" on Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 10:30-12:30 in the
Lecture Hall. This presentation is designed to encourage audience members
to document their own life stories before they are lost forever. The
presentation features a lively mixture of readings, music, instruction,
inspiration and humor. After the presentation, Mr. Adelman will offer a miniworkshop to help those interested begin the writing process. Please bring a
notebook and writing instrument if you plan to attend the entire event.
About the Presenter: In addition to being a personal historian, Adelman is
an AP Award Winning journalist, playwright and screenwriter. He has
written for the Portland Press Herald, MPBN Radio, the Bangor Daily News,
The Maine Times, Bangor Metro Magazine and Maine Seniors Magazine. He
also appeared on the Bravo Network's TV series Situation: Comedy for a
sitcom pilot he wrote called The Maine Dish. His poignant one act play,
Mansion on the Hill, was recently turned into a short film and shown
nationally at film festivals.
Welcoming the New Reference
Librarian
The library is happy to welcome Linda Oliver as its new Head of Reference.
Linda was a reference librarian at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick from
1994 until taking this position. Other past experience includes being the
Community Resource Coordinator for the Beacon Schools Program, a
software testing and technical support staff member, and an exploration
geologist. Many of the Bangor Public Library staff know Linda from her work
with Cornerstones of Science, a group that works with libraries to improve
scientific literacy. Linda has a strong background in facilitating collaborative
programs as well as strong reference and collection development skills. She
was interested in this position because of the upcoming changes at our
library. She wanted to be part of a library that is focused on adapting to the
rapidly changing world we are facing. She is ready to help introduce new
services and collections to meet community demands and needs and views
this as an opportunity of a lifetime. Next time you are in the Library, stop
by the Reference Desk and welcome Linda to Bangor.
Bangor Reads
This year's Bangor Reads book has been chosen. Lewis Caroll's magical
fantasy Alice In Wonderland will be the book everyone in the Bangor Area is
talking about. Throughout the month of May, in conjunction with the
Penobscot Theatre Company, who will be performing a production of Alice In
Wonderland, as well as several other downtown establishments, the Bangor
Public Library hopes you will join us for several "Alice"-themed events,
programs and activities. Whether you are reading Alice In Wonderland for
the first time or the tenth time, we hope you will enjoy this classic tale and
participate in this great community-wide program. Be sure to read next
month's newsletter to find out what great events are planned.
Book Sale
Just a little teaser for all of you book hounds out there. For those of you
who have been feverishly awaiting this year's Friends of the Library book
sale, whether to get some great deals on books or to find books to complete
a collection, the wait is almost over. This year, the book sale will be in
June. Check out next month's newsletter for further information.
Art
Visit our website to see upcoming artists for the month of April.
Computer Classes
To learn more about other events in the Computer Lab this month, visit our
website.
Events
Saturday, April 3, 2014 from 1:00-2:30 PM in the Lecture Hall
Bangor League of Women Voters
The Bangor League of Women Voters will gather in the Lecture Hall to
discuss current events.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014 from 5:30-8:00 PM and Saturday,
April 19, 2014 from 2:00-5:00 PM in the Board 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. Check with the desk upon arrival. This month, the play being read
will be Machinal by Sophie Treadwell
About the Play: Machinal is a play told in nine "episodes," or scenes,
exploring the journey of Helen Jones, beginning with her work as an office
clerk, then following her marriage to the company Vice-President, her affair
outside of marriage, and the murder of her husband.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014 from 4:00-8:00 PM in the Lecture Hall
Poets/Speak!
April is National Poetry Month. Celebrate poetry in the heart of Maine with
the 12th annual Poets/Speak! at the Bangor Public Library. More than 25
well-known & emerging poets, University of Maine students, & local Poetry
Outloud winners celebrate National Poetry Month. In our 12th year, poets
raise their voices for social, political, & environmental justice in honor of
poets Baraka, Kumin, Pacheco, & others. Come early to hear live jazz with
the Swingmatism Quintet, browse the books, enjoy light refreshments, &
meet the poets.
Featured Poets include: Ellen Sander, Belfast Poet Laureate, Lee Sharkey,
Francois Amar, Linda Buckmaster, Jason Canniff, Cheryl Daigle, Kathleen
Ellis, Elizabeth Garber, Jacob Fricke, Bea Gates, Shirley Glubka, Leonore
Hildebrandt, Annaliese Jakimides, Carl Little, Megan London, Stefania Irene
Marthakis, Dave Morrison, Lisa Panepinto, Bruce Pratt, Karin Spitfire and
more. For more information, call 947-8336 or 581-3845.
Thursday, April 24, 2014 from 7:00-8:00 PM in the Lecture Hall
Spiritual Experiences Guidebook
The Mahanta, the Living ECK Master, will be at the library to discuss Spiritual
Experiences Guidebook. You will learn how the guidebook can help you to
discover creative techniques to aid you on the path to enlightenment.
Accelerate your pursuit for truth and join us at the library for this uplifting
event.
About the Presenter: In 1981, American-born Harold Klemp became the
spiritual leader of Eckankar, Religion of the Light and Sound of God. Since
then he has traveled the world--from North American and Europe to Africa,
Australia, and the Pacific Rim--sharing the wisdom of his many years of
spiritual seeking and discovery. Known as a pioneer of "everyday
spirituality," Harold Klemp is helping many thousands discover the way of
bringing the enlightenment of Soul into everyday life and practice. He
continues to add new titles to his more than seventy-five published works.
As the Mahanta, the Living ECK Master, he has the special ability to act as
both the Inner and Outer Master of ECK students.
Friday, April 25, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 PM in the Lecture Hall
Global Lens Film Series
The Bangor Public Library is partnering with the River City Cinema in the
Inaugural Global Lens Film Series. This foreign film series is an annual,
curated program of narrative feature films from Africa, Asia, Central &
Eastern Europe, Latin American and the Middle East. The last film is the
2012 Chairman’s Choice, Stolen Life. This was originally supposed to be the
first showing, but unfortunately was not available for the January showing.
So, we will be showing this as the last film in this year's series. This Chinese
film (subtitles in English), follows a young girl who is taken to live with her
aunt and grandmother in Beijing. As an adolescent, Yanni is withdrawn and
reclusive, believing that she has been abandoned by her parents, and that
she has no control over either her life or her fate. The fact that her ”family”
doesn’t have much hope for her future only compounds her depression.
Surprising everyone in her hostile household, Yanni is accepted to college,
and as she prepares to begin her new life, an encounter with a delivery boy
triggers a series of unexpected events. Director Li Shaohong takes us on a
walk of discovery through life under the city, giving viewers a realistic
perspective on the human experience. A short discussion will immediately
follow the viewing. Refreshments will be served. For more information,
contact Lisa Frazell at 947-8336 or by e-mail: pr@bangorpubliclibrary.org.
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, April 1,
2014 in the Lecture Hall and the book being discussed will be The Story of
Lucy Gault by William Trevor.
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, April 2,
2014 at 5:30 pm in the Story Room.
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, April 10, 2014 at 6:30 pm in the Lecture Hall.
The book being discussed will be The Hungry Ocean: A Sword Boat
Captain's Journey by Linda Greenlaw.
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. The next meeting will be on
Thursday, April 10, 2014 in the Board Room. The books being discussed will
be Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews and Scarlet by Marissa Meyer.
NEW to the Library!! The Usual Suspects: This book group is dedicated
to mystery readers. Join local library-lover, Cary Jenson, as you read
through different mystery-based novels. For more information, contact Cary
at sylvester_cat@roadrunner.com. Registration is not required. Just
come to our next scheduled meeting. This first series of mysteries will focus
on novels based in other countries. The first meeting will be on Wednesday,
April 2, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the Board Room. The book being discussed will
be Close To Home by Peter Robinson.
About Cary Jenson: Cary moved to Bangor in 1998 when he accepted a
faculty position at the University of Maine. He retired in 2009 and spends his
time volunteering, reading, and doing photography.
Teen Reads: Book group for High-School aged teens who love to read and
talk about books. Help develop our teen collection and chat with other book
lovers about your favorite new and old books. For more information, check
out or website.
Donations, Endowments and Gifts
To give donations or learn how to help the library raise funds, visit our
website.
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
ABC Kids: Saturdays from 11:00-11:30 AM
Chapter Chums: Alternate Tuesdays from 4:00-4:45 PM
(Beginning January 14)
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 January 15)
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 January 22)
Special Children's Events in April
Tuesday, April 22, 2014 from 11:00-11:45 AM in the Story Room
Shel-A-Bration: Who loves Shel Silverstein? We love Shel Silverstein! Join
the dynamic duo of Maryann and Mary as they bring Shel's poetry to life!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014 from 11:00-11:45 AM in the Story Room
April Showers: Waiting for those May flowers to bloom? Come join us for
sprinkly fun and games.
Thursday, April 24, 2014 from 11:00-11:45 AM in the Story Room
Mad Hatter's Tea Party: You are invited to attend the Mad Hatter's Tea
Party. Come dressed as your favorite character from Alice in Wonderland
and experience a Tea you will never forget!
Friday, April 25, 2014 from 11:00-11:45 AM in the Story Room
Knights and Damsels: Learn fun facts about knights and damsels, play fun
games and participate in middle age-themed craft.
These events are FREE and open to the public!!
Teen Programs
Book Bunch (6th through 8th Graders): This Club meets every other
Tuesday (Beginning January 21, 2014)
Teen Advisory Board: 1st Wednesday of the month from 4:00-4:45 pm
Teen Chef: Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month from 4:00-4:45
Teen Improv: Every Other Monday from 4:00-4:45 (Beginning February 3,
2014)
Teen Reads: Every other Monday from 4:00-4:45 pm (Beginning January 14,
2014)
Teen Zone: Every Second and Fourth Wednesday of the month from 4:004:45 pm (Beginning January 22, 2014)
Special Teen Event in April
Friday, April 25, 2014 from 1:30-4:30 PM in the Story Room
Teen Movie Event: Calling all fantasy fanatics! Come to the library to
watch the latest installment of Peter Jackson's Hobbit Trilogy. Enjoy the
movie the way this movie was intended to be enjoyed: on our Big Screen
Television. Chat with other Middle-Earth fans about the final upcoming
installment of the trilogy and, of course, eat like a hobbit. Food and
beverages will be provided. Come dressed as your favorite Middle-Earth
character for a chance to win your own copy of the movie.