Library News: May 16th, 2024

The library has added a large number of art books to the collection recently. Henry David Thoreau commented: "It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." The wide variety of art presented in these materials ranges from wood sculptures and paintings to industrial furniture, suburban landscapes, and typewriter poems. Take a look— some of it may not be your 'cup of tea'

However, as Keith Haring said: "The only way art lives is through the experience of the observer. The reality of art begins with the eyes of the beholder, through imagination, invention, and confrontation."

One of the art books added to the collection is Behind the Camera: American Women Photographers Who Shaped How We See the World by Marie Elizabeth

Ausherman.  The book tells the stories of several women photographers who stepped out of the bounds of physical and social expectations to pursue their own personal vision through photography. Each of them overcame the challenges they encountered in order to pursue their dreams. Some of the women came from wealthy families who were able to support their interests. Others had to make their own way by earning a living, or they found encouragement from other more established photographers. Many of these women chose to leave behind or avoid altogether the comforts of married life at a time when social norms dictated that marriage was the primary source of financial security for a woman.  The author wrote this book to inspire women photographers and invite them to continue documenting and recording what is most important in their lives.

A recent new non-fiction book was added as well: Knife by Salman Rushdie. Speaking out for the first time, Rushdie gives a searing and deeply personal account of experiencing and surviving an attempt on his life some thirty years after the fatwa that was ordered against him. He describes the event which occurred on August 12, 2022, in unforgettable detail. In essence, he answers the violence against him with art, and he reminds us of the power of words to make sense of the unthinkable. The book is a gripping, intimate, and ultimately life-affirming meditation on life, loss, love, and art and finding the strength to stand up again.

Upcoming Events:

Wednesdays:

Support Group for Parents of Challenging Kids, the 2nd Wednesday of every month— June 12th, July 10th, August 14th at 9:00 A.M.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, join others to gain valuable support coping strategies and information about community resources.

Preschool Story Hour, Wednesdays 10:15 AM through May 2024.  Stories, music, movement & crafts for ages 0-5 and their parents/caregivers.

Sourdough for Beginners.  Learn the art of sourdough from expert Lindsey Morehouse of The Dough and More!  Wednesday, May 29th at 6PM.  Paid registration of $10 is required, and space is limited.  This workshop will cover the essentials and you'll leave with a starter of your own.

Game Night AND Movies & Popcorn,  May 29th and the last Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM.  We'll have fresh popcorn and a movie during game night! All ages are welcome.

Wednesday Summer Crafts in June.  Crafts were inspired by the First 10 Initiative books.  June 12th: Decorating Picture Frames (The Family Book); June 19th: Elastic Beaded Bracelets (The Invisible String); June 26th: Feelings Layered Hearts (In My Heart)

Thursdays:

First Thursday Book Club 2024, June 6, 2024, 12 NOON-1 PM.  Join others to chat about what you have been reading or to get suggestions from others.

Fridays:

Lego at the Library, Fridays 3:00-4:30 PM. Build & create with our Lego & Duplo collections! All ages are welcome!

Health Q & A, June 7th, 5-7:00 P.M.  Do you have health & nutrition questions? Stop in during First Friday to ask the experts: Debbie Jackson, MS, RD and Dr. Larry Jackson, MD can share insights on heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, and more!

We’ll also be serving fresh popcorn & hosting fitness contests for all ages (with prizes that are sure to make a splash!)

Saturdays:

Tech Time @ the Library,  Saturday from 10 AM-1PM, May 18th. Are you struggling with your phone? Do you have trouble navigating the internet? Do you need help with mel.org, the Libby App or the Marcellus Library Catalog? Drop in the library to ask Justin your IT related questions and learn to navigate your device or our computers!

Throughout the Year:

Smokey the Bear Reading Challenge.  January 1st-November 28th, 2024.  Help Smokey by learning how to prevent wildfires and help the environment.  Read 3 books and earn 4 badges to complete the challenge and earn your prize.  Badges are earned by completing at least one activity per section.  Bring your completed sheet into the Library for your prize. One prize per person.

2024 Reading Challenge. Let's read 2024 books as a community this year! When you finish a book, come and fill out a leaf.  The leaf will be put on the tree in the children's area. When we reach our goal, we will have a surprise celebration for all of our readers!