|
|
|
TIDINGS
eNewsletter
of the EPL
Chatham, MA
Winter 2023
| |
|
"Connecting Chatham to the World" | |
|
News from the Trustees
As the fall draws to a close, I can safely say the Library is bustling and thriving— from an ever-popular Learning Series, to 539 Library-sponsored programs happening this year, to the hiring of several new and very active staff members. An additional indication of this activity is that Annual Fund donations hit a high-water mark of just over $159,000, a substantial increase over the previous year, and a mark of our community’s generosity and regard for the Library.
In September the Trustees bade a regretful farewell to Sally Stratman, a long-time Board member who was invaluable to the Board as Treasurer for a number of years and who consistently provided sage financial advice. Replacing Sally will be Jacques Longerstaey, who will bring extensive investment experience to the Board, and we are delighted to have him join us.
This fall was also notable for the partnership between the Friends of the Library and the Trustees in putting on the “Give’em Hell Harry” benefit for the Library and The First Congregational Church. In particular, the Friends provided spirited and invaluable publicity support for the event, once again pointing to the Friends’ crucial role in supporting Library programs..
The long-delayed landscaping /safe-access project has finally shown signs of progress with the Select Board’s decision to remove the chestnut tree on the front lawn. This decision should clear the way for the project to move ahead in 2024. We have our fingers crossed.
Finally, the Trustees’ Vision Project has begun in a promising manner. This initiative will involve the Trustees in discussions through the year and into the future to identify areas crucial to the direction of the Library, to our Chatham patrons, and to the community at large. We are optimistic about the prospects of the effort. Needless to say, it’s been a busy fall!
Kerry Brown
President, EPL Board of Trustees
| |
News from the Friends of EPL | |
Did you know that the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library provide funding for many museum passes that lower the cost of attending museums? These passes are available for local museums like the Cape Cod Museum of Art, the Heritage Museum and Gardens and more. Passes are also available for off Cape attractions such as the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the New England Aquarium and many more. You can reserve the passes online, over the phone or at the desk. Visit the Museum Pass page for more information.
| |
The Friends participated in the Chatham Merchants Pumpkin People in the Park. Our entry was entitled, Friends Haunt the Library. Led by our Membership chairs, Bette Hahner and Joan Craig, along with many board members, we had fun decorating our pumpkins and participating in the event with other organizations in the community.
Please join us for a Valentine Tea on Feb 6 from 2-4 pm and meet the members of the Friends Board. We look forward to seeing you!
Mary Ann Chamberlain
President, Friends of the Eldredge Public Library
| |
You're invited to a
Friends Valentine Tea
Tuesday, February 6 from 2:00-4:00 pm
Forgeron Meeting Room @
Eldredge Public Library
Enjoy cookies and tea or lemonade!
Drop by and meet the Friends of EPL Board members and
find out about upcoming Friends sponsored events!
All Friends are invited! Not a Friend? Join Today!
| | |
A Message From Youth Services | |
Season’s Greetings from Youth Services!
As the chill of winter embraces us, the bustling activities in our Youth Services department offer a warm and wonderful escape! We kicked off the season with a roaring success - our first ever "Dinovember" was a hit among our young explorers. The library was filled with the excitement of prehistoric adventures, including an unforgettable visit from Dinoman and his enormous inflatable dinosaurs. Our Tea (Rex) Party was not just a cup of tea but a roaring good time filled with laughs and learning!
| |
We love fostering the imagination of our young patrons, and there’s no place better to watch that imagination in action than in our Youth Services dramatic play area which has been transformed into a festive holiday bakery. Little ones are already busy whipping up fun and creativity, thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library. Their dedication brought this sweet idea to life, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
| |
|
Adding to the winter wonder, we've launched a Gingerbread-themed scavenger hunt for a little extra fun for our young visitors. But that's just the beginning! We have a treasure trove of programs lined up: toddler and preschool patrons will enjoy fun at Wee Read and S is for Storytime. LEGO Block Party and Game Time programs will entertain students in elementary school. For our Teens & Tweens, the excitement escalates with an enthralling Escape Room experience! During school vacation, we’ll have a drop-in LEGO building program for families. And for those who love a good story in the great outdoors, don’t miss our week-long StoryWalk. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a story and a stroll with family outside the library.
| |
|
Moreover, we are honored to host the Mark Hayden Fineman Memorial Chess Tournament on December 9. Open to students from kindergarten through 8th grade, this tournament celebrates the spirit of competition and camaraderie found in the game of chess. Every participant will leave with a prize, while the top two in each age group will receive cash awards - a true testament to skill and strategy.
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without our participation in Chatham's Christmas by the Sea. Youth Services will be a hub of holiday spirit with ornament-making and festive fun. Lastly, if you're in search of the perfect gift, our Youth Services team is more than happy to recommend books that make for wonderful presents. Feel free to drop by for personalized suggestions.
| |
As the holiday season approaches, we wish you joy, warmth, and lots of reading! The Youth Services team at the Eldredge Public Library is thrilled to be a part of your holiday celebrations and everyday learning adventures.
Happy Holidays from all your friends in Youth Services!
| |
|
Spring 2024 Learning Series
A diverse and exciting array of programs is being planned for the Spring Learning Series of the Friends of the Eldridge Public Library.
New presenters will explore a variety of topics including astronomy, the Canterbury Tales, photography, and local sports. Popular regulars will return with Joe Marchio on classical music and Beth Stein on the Wyeths. Bob Ainsworth who was well received for his program on the Isabella Gardner Stewart Museum Heist will come back with a program on the famous Ponzi scheme.
Full details on all the programs and registration information will be available on the library’s website by the end of January.
| |
|
FEPL Book Sale
Make sure to visit the FEPL Book Sale located downstairs in the Forgeron Room! Choose from holiday books, music, puzzles & more - maybe you will find the perfect gift (for yourself & others!) at the perfect price! Call ahead for book sale hours @ 508-945-5170.
| |
See ALL of our upcoming programs - including the Virtual Speakers Series (which includes Victoria Aveyard, Stephanie Land, Rebecca Serle, Tessa Bailey and more!) | |
|
Our ongoing programs for December include:
Please see our December Adult Calendar for dates, times and registration information.
| | | | |
