Volume 3, Issue 1
www.bellinghamlibrary.org
Inside The Winter
Issue
● Adult Programs
● Reader’s Advisory
● Book Discussions
● Database Links
● Teen Writers
● Teen Zone
● Director Search
● YA Programs
● Red Cross Classes
● Children’s Programs
● Museum Passes
● Friends of the Library
Winter 2007-2008
Love Your Library this Winter of 2008!
The Bellingham Public Library is busier than ever this year. We are circulating over 10,000
items per month. This number includes DVDs and videos, music CDs and books, of course, in various
forms (unabridged audiobooks on CD and cassette, Playaways, large print, paperback, hardcover and
graphic novel.) Over 325 people walk through our doors each day many attending children’s, young
adult and adult programs, some using our Wi-Fi access with their own laptops and wireless devices,
others using one of our ten Internet computers, and even more browsing our shelves.
Book Club Sets were added to the library’s collection this past fall. Titles include Moloka’i by
Alan Brennert, Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah MacDonald, Giant’s House by Elizabeth
McCracken, The Ominivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan, Stiff by Mary Roach, Thirteenth Tale by Diana
Setterfield, The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho, Thunderstruck by Eric Larson, Three Cups of Tea by Greg
Mortensen and David O. Relin, Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Greely, The World is Flat by Thomas
Friedman, Winter Wheat by Mildred Walker, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Linda See and The
Lemon Jelly Cake by Madeline Smith. There are twelve copies of each of the Book Club titles. Your library
may check them out to the library or an individual book group member may check them out for his/her
book group members (taking responsibility for returning the books) or individual members of a book
group may reserve and check out the Bellingham Public Library copy. Want to read the book first? One
copy may also be checked out through the C/W MARS network catalog. Please contact our reference
and adult services librarian, Cecily Christensen, for more information. 508-966-1660. Some books may
require a month or more to reach your library (depending on availability) so be sure to think ahead.
On April 27th the library will host Too Human, a jazz duo singing and playing popular jazz
standards. Whole Foods of Bellingham will provide delicious food. This Sunday afternoon concert is
sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Stay tuned for more information but mark your busy calendar!
Free Wireless Access
LIBRARY STAFF
Cecily Christensen, MLS
Nina Hunt, MLS
Leslianne LaVallee
Renee Milliken
Pauline Krajcik
Anne Kuncewicz
Barbara Pacak
Janice Simmons
Carol Bonnell
Anne Spont
Chris Christo
Ann Simpson
Jessica Charles
Marilynn Fuller
Barbara Selvitella, MLS
Don Eldredge
is available at the
Bellingham Public
Library
You can check out all of our events on our library
calendar. Simply sort by date, agelevel, type and location. Send reminders or simply email them to yourself or
friends and family. It’s easy and simple by using the ‘Remind Me’ and ‘Tell
A Friend’ buttons.
Bellingham Teen Writers: Chapter One
After the success of the summer reading program’s short story competition for middle school and high
school students, the Bellingham Library decided to form an open forum for emerging young writers to come
together and share their work and their inspiration. The Bellingham Teen Writers, which was started up in
mid-November, is led by library volunteer Deborah Horan and currently has about six members. It is a nopressure, judgment-free group for brainstorming your way out of writer’s block, listening to peers read
their handcrafted poems and stories, and letting your own voice be heard. Check out what the BTWs are
working on lately at their website www.bellinghamteenwriters.blogspot.com.
New members are always welcome to join: just sign up at the circulation desk!
Check out information one pages two and three of this newsletter for
information about teen and children’s programming at the library.
V OLU ME 3 , I SSUE 1
All about the books!
Check out our Reader’s Advisory link on
the library website for:
New Books
Book Discussions
Staff Recommends
PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN PLEASE NOTE!
The Bellingham Public Library offers babysitter training courses
through the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Graduates of the course receive certification from the American
Red Cross. As a special service to you, the Young Adult Librarian
organizes a Babysitters’ Job Fair several times per year. The next
job fair will be held on February 2nd, 10 am to noon. Families
looking for babysitters or “mother’s helpers” are be invited to
drop in and meet certified babysitters in the Bellingham community. Please call the library
for more information: 508966-1660.
Note: The Bellingham Public
Library does not endorse any
babysitter attending the JOB
FAIR.
Bestseller & New Books Group
As a result of a Readers’ Advisory grant that the library had been
awarded last year, staff and a former trustee of the library meet
every other month to continue their expertise in advising patrons
on “what to read next.” The grant year has ended but library personnel are very enthusiastic about meeting outside of work time
to discuss bestsellers and other new books. Two meetings have
been held so far and the 9 participants learned much about what
new books are good reads. Some recommendations for our patrons are: The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen, The Office of Desire by Martha Moody, The Chase by Clive Cussler, Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled
Hosseini, and Now and Then by Robert Parker.
Check out our new Book Club Sets — fifteen titles of great paperback books.
Online Databases
The library has access to a number of online databases through its
memberships in the C/W MARS automated network and the Central
Mass. Regional Library System. These databases give library patrons
access to articles from magazines, newspapers, scholarly journals,
and more. Some articles include maps, statistics, charts, and graphics
on almost any subject. These databases can be accessed at your
home or office computer or in the library, with just your library card
number! Go to the library’s website at www.bellinghamlibrary.org and
click on the “Search and Databases” link on the right. You will then be
asked to enter your library card number. The database links will come
up.
You can always call Cecily Christensen, Reference Librarian, for assistance with databases. 508-966-1660.
PAGE 2
Adult Programming @ the Library
•
Book Discussion Group
The library’s adult book discussion group meets on the second
Tuesday of every month from 6:30-7:30 pm. At the February
meeting The Giant’s House by Elizabeth McCracken will be discussed. The library provides the books so members do not have
to purchase them. New members are welcome. If interested in
joining this active, fun group, please call the library or stop in
for more information.
•
Yoga for Adults
Nikki Shea from Tranquility Yoga Studio held three yoga
classes on January 15, 22, and 29 from 6:00-7:00 pm.
•
Small Business Owners Workshop
Peggi Burkholder from H&R Block held a workshop in January
for small business owners (existing and new businesses.)
•
Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon
On Sunday, April 27th at 2 p.m. the library will hold a special jazz
concert in the Community Room. See front page.
New Director Search
The Board of Library Trustees is searching for a new director of
the library. The candidate must possess a Master’s in Library
Science degree (MLS) from an accredited graduate school of
library and information science and hold a Librarian Certification
by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. For a
full description and complete qualifications, click on the
Jobs@Our
Library
link
on
our
website,
www.bellinghamlibrary.org or read the complete job posting on
the MBLC website.
After recently remarrying and moving to Norfolk, Massachusetts, Charlotte (Rabbitt) Canelli has become the director of the
Dover Town Library in Dover, MA. She moved from New Hampshire to come to the Bellingham Public Library in January 2005
and was the director for over three years.
Early Morning Computer Time
The library is considering a bi-monthly Thursday morning quiet
Internet time for computer access in 2008. This would be from
8:30-9:30 am, before the library actually opens to the public.
There will be librarians on staff to help answer your computer
questions. Space will be limited to 8 participants on the Internet
computers, but anyone with a laptop and a wireless card can
make use of our WiFi access. If you need help with word processing, e-mail or Internet searching, this will be a time for you. If
interested in this adult early time on Thursday mornings please
call the library and let us know.
Last fall the library held six early-morning classes on Internet Searching,
Google and Beyond and Digital Camera Downloads. Participants were
amazed at what they learned. If you are interested in any 8:30 a.m.
classes please call the library and let us know.
V OLU ME 3 , I SSUE 1
PAGE 3
Winter Fun for the Family!
See Mulan on February 1 from 1—5 pm. We will also create crafts celebrating Chinese New Year! Ticket required.
The Harry Potter Trivia Tournament and Movie on
February 20 from 1-5 pm. Form a team of four and prepare
to show off your Harry Potter knowledge and win prizes. We
will be showing “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”.
Ticket required for movie. Teams must sign up in advance.
Spring Training Camp for Kids on February 21 from 10
– 12. Make some sports crafts, practice pitching and batting
and get ready for another fun-filled Red Sox season.
Gilda Joyce Mystery Party: Wednesday, February 21
from 1-3 pm. Sign-up’s required. 3rd grade and older.
Paper Bead and Jewelry Making starts on Wednesday,
February 27 for 5 weeks. Registration required and is limited to children in third grade and up.
Gardening Fun for Kids on April 23 from 10—12. Create
a small garden to take home. Registration is required.
Floral Decorating for Kids on April 25 from 10 –1 pm.
Registration required for this family program.
An American Girl Tea Party on April 22 from 1—2:30.
Bring your American Girl doll, dress up extra nice and enjoy
a tea party of lemonade and cookies. We will also be doing a
mystery play using members of the audience as the actors.
You can even bring your favorite adult! Sign-ups are required for this special activity.
Science Fun for Parents and Kids will be offered on
the second Wednesday of each month and cover a different science topic with hands-on experiments to do! Geared
primarily for 6 to 8-year-old home-schooled children, everyone is welcome to participate. Sign-ups are required
Friday crafts are every other week at 3:30. Sign-ups
required. An adult must accompany children under eight.
Feb. 8 : Valentine Craft
Feb. 22: Fabric Basket Craft
March 7: St. Pat’s Craft March 21: Easter Bunny Crafts
April 4 : Spring Craft
April 18: Dr. Seuss Posters
The Chef’s Cooking and Chatting Club: once a month
at 3:30 pm. Sign-up required. For kids in 3rd grade and up.
February 19: “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo.
Recipe: Egg Salad Sandwiches
March 18: “Escaping the Giant Wave” by Peg Kehnet.
Recipe: Individual Pizza.
April 15: “Everything on a Waffle” by Polly Horvath.
Recipe: Waffles
Watch for other programs that may be added later.
What’s Happening with the Teens @ the Library ?
Teen Zone: ALMOST every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2:30 - 4:30. Drop by, eat something, play Guitar Hero,
Wii games, Rock Band (coming soon), Apples to Apples, or decorate your fancy self with lime green duct tape.
YAAB: Join the Young Adults Advisory Board and help change the way teen programming at the library works. Pick what the library
buys: books and magazines, movies, CDs, manga, and video games. We’ll meet once or twice a month on a night to be determined by
YOU. Pick up an application at the library or on our website ASAP.
Japanese Lessons: Free Japanese language lessons accompanied by tasty Japanese snacks and followed by an anime night if interest is
generated. Every-other Thursday from 5:15 to 6:30, starting January 17th. Sign up required! ^_^
Un-Valentines Party: Whether you are single or dating, in love or broken-hearted, come be an anti-Valentine at the library on Thursday
night, Feb. 14th. There will be no love songs, no romantic movies, no pink hearts or roses, but PLENTY of chocolate for everyone!
Bellingham Teen Writers: Stories, memoirs, poetry, whatever. If you write it (or want to) come share it. Two Mondays a month, from
4:30 to 6 PM. Next meetings: Jan. 7th & 28th, Feb. 11th & 25th, Mar. 10th & 24th. Sign up preferred, drop-in permitted.
Red Cross Babysitters’
Training Course
Watch for Winter and Spring Training Courses
Learn to be a responsible and in-demand babysitter! The course covers
childcare for infants through school-aged children. You’ll learn how to perform first aid, identify common safety hazards and prevent injuries, choose
safe and age-appropriate toys and games, perform basic care routines like
diapering, feeding, and dressing, prepare simple meals and snacks, handle
bedtime issues, find and interview for a babysitting job!
Participants receive a Babysitter’s Handbook, a First Aid Kit, and a Red
Cross certificate demonstrating completion of the course. Registration and
pre-payment of the $40 fee are required. Must be 11 or older to enroll.
Story time Classes Begin
Sign-ups for classes will begin on February 11.
The first week is for Bellingham residents only.
Classes begin the week of February 25. Space is limited.
Wee Ones Lapsit will be on Fridays at 11 am for children 0
through 12 months.
Toddler Time will be on Tuesdays at 10 am for children 12
months to 24 months old.
Family Funtime on Tuesdays at 11 am. This class is for 2 and up.
Miss Renee’s Storytime will be held on Wednesdays at 10 am.
Drop –in classes include: Ring-a-Ding-a-Sing Thing on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10 am
Teddybear Storytime on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm.
BELLINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
100 Blackstone Street
Bellingham, Massachusetts 02019
Phone: 508-966-1660
Fax: 508-966-3189
Email: library@bellinghamlibrary.org
On the Web: www.bellinghamlibrary.org
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Michael Carr, Chair
Pamela Perry
Kathleen Bartlett
Russell Lafond
Vacant*
*Elections to be held in May of 2008 for the Board of
Library Trustees.
Thanks to our generous sponsor, Whole Foods for
making distribution of this newsletter possible.
TO:
We are proud members of C/W
MARS, the Central-Western Resource Sharing Network and the
Central Massachusetts Regional
Library System.
Friends of the Bellingham Public Library
•
•
•
•
•
The Friends of the Library conducts an ongoing used book sale in the
lobby of the library. The honor system
is appreciated, and you can look for
special sales posted on the website.
If the Friends of the Library are
accepting donations, we will add a book
to our library collection if it is appropriate; if not, the book may be donated to
a worthy cause, added to our take-andreplace rack, or sold in the Friends of
the Library Book Sale. The Book Sale
revenues of the Friends of the Library
go directly to the library for funding of
children’s and adult programs, museum
passes, new books and special media
collections, equipment and special
events.
PLEASE CALL THE LIBRARY TO CHECK AND ASK IF THE
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING DONATIONS BEFORE
LEAVING ITEMS AT THE LIBRARY.
Museum Passes Available @ the Library
◊
Boston Children’s Museum
◊
Museum of Fine Arts
◊
Roger Williams Park and Zoo
◊
Plimoth Plantation
◊
Museum of Work and Culture
◊
New England Aquarium
◊
Davis Farmland & Mega Maze
Bags and boxes of books can be
dropped off at the front desk of the
library.
◊
Children’s Museum of Providence
◊
Residents of Bellingham who have a current library
card in good standing are allowed to reserve museum passes in advance. Please Note: New Policy Residents of other towns who are current members
of the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library are
also allowed to reserve museum passes. Membership in the Friends is available by visiting the library
and paying an annual fee.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
If you request a tax receipt for
your donation, please ask for one at the
front desk and a letter will be mailed to
you. We do not put a dollar value on
the items that you donate.
◊
Slater Mill Historic Site
◊
Boston Museum of Science
◊
Wheelock Family Theater
The library requests that books in
damaged condition not be donated.
◊
Massachusetts Parks Parking Pass
We have two parking passes. Please visit the link
online to view free parking areas.
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parkspass.htm