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THE FRIENDLY WORD Spring 2016 Newsletter

SPRING NORWELL PUBLIC LIBRARY AND FRIENDS ACTIVITIES

Friends Annual Appeal – now – watch your snail mail for our letter

Spring Raffle of Baby Quilt, winner’s name to be drawn May 7th

Tuesday, April 19, Fred-the-Shed begins accepting donations

Saturday, May 7, 10am – 2pm, Fred-the-Shed spring opening w/ plant sale

Saturday, May 7, 11am – 1pm, “Kids Planting Table" ages 2 thru adult with

“Make a Mother’s Day Basket" table, community room, all supplies provided

Saturday, May 7, 11am – 1pm, launch of the Seed Lending Library

Monday, May 2, 7:30 pm, Town Meeting, Middle School

Notes from our new Library Director Springtime has arrived with signs of new beginnings everywhere we look! Such is the case at the Norwell Public Library where, following Rebecca Freer’s recent retirement, I was delighted to be appointed the new Director. Thanks to the Library Trustees, staff, volunteers, patrons, and others for their support during this period of transition. I look forward to working as a team to make the Norwell Public Library the best it can be.

Looking to the future, there is much reason for optimism. The Library Project Committee is making progress with the planning and design phase of a library construction project. We also look forward to Town Meeting approval of our FY17 budget request, which meets the state Municipal Appropriation Requirement for certification, and will enable the Library to resume our popular Sunday hours in the fall.

Along with other public libraries, NPL is evolving into a community information center that offers not only an outstanding collection of print and digital content, but technology resources and an array of wonderful programs for all ages and interests. It is a destination for individuals, families, and community groups. Whatever your interests, there is something for everyone. Visit in person or on-line at www.norwellpubliclibrary.org . You can also visit us on Facebook. Your Norwell Public Library card is all you need to take advantage of the Library’s many great resources. It’s the best deal in town!

-- Judy McConarty, Library Director

The Friends would like to add our welcome to Judy, letting her know we are here to help and just a call or email away. All our good wishes go out to Judy for a productive and enjoyable tenure.

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Notes from the Friends of the Norwell Public Library Chair Our Annual Appeal Drive solicitation, which is mailed to the entire town and is the main resource for our support of Library programs and museum passes, should be arriving shortly. We appreciate all donations – large or small. You can also donate online anytime on the Friends page within the Library website: www.norwellpubliclibrary.org/index.php/2013-06-13-20-37-56/friends-of-npl

With spring comes Town Meeting, Monday, May 2nd. We hope there will be strong support for Saturday and Sunday library hours as well as plans for a new and improved library building. -- Jamie Crystal-Lowry, Chair

A Call from the Friends We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to join our Board. Most positions do not require large time commitments. When more time is necessary, it is usually limited to specific event(s) and help comes from many members.

Currently, we are looking for a Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Bulletin Board updater, and Fundraising Chairman. Most other positions could use help – a little here, a little there. Please let us know if you can help. Leave your name and area of interest at the Circulation Desk or contact Jamie Crystal-Lowry (jamiecrystal@gmail.com).

The Board is composed of ten town residents, each having a focus on one of the following:

Chairman: creates agendas, leads monthly meetings, keeps members informed, and represents the FNLP at meetings and ceremonies.

Vice Chairman: supports and learns position of Chair so they may take over the position in 2 years or as the Chair is not available.

Treasurer: prepares a monthly report for the Board and distributes prior to the meeting; keeps checkbooks balanced; files 501(c)3 tax forms; and pays expenses.

Secretary: keeps the minutes of our meetings and distributes to the Board prior to monthly meetings.

Membership: with the help of the Board mails out spring appeal; keeps records of members; sends out fall reminder appeal; manages appeals for bakers for bake sales and/or event participants.

Trustee Liaison: keeps Board informed of elected Library Trustee activities, usually at our monthly meetings.

Fundraising: with the help of the Board and others, originates and coordinates fundraisers.

Publicity: sends out press releases to local media: print, radio and digital; prepares and distributes bi-annual newsletters.

Fred the Shed: - Currently 2 members – organizing the 20 volunteers who staff the Shed over the season; responsible for accepting and organizing incoming books and media; manage book sales, annual spring plant sale, and the bake sale at the fall closing of the Shed. Also engage in on-line book selling, where that makes sense.

Bulletin Board: updates the Friends bulletin board (right hand cork board in Library’s front foyer) ideally seasonally spring, summer, fall, and winter.

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Notes from the Editor

Due to the abundance of upcoming programming for young and old alike, we are unable to mention all programs here. Vacation week will be especially busy for the children’s section. Be sure to go to the Event Calendar on the Library’s website to see the complete listing of events. You can register for any event on-line, or you can call 781-659-2015.

Highlights from the Children’s Room Malik the Magic Guy! Tuesday, April 19, 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm Suitable for all ages (4 years and up). Please register. Library Story Time Wednesday, April 20, 10:30 am to 11:15 am Registration is not necessary. Create-A-Stamp & Discover New Places! Wednesday, April 20, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm All stamping materials provided. Refreshments will be served. Please register. Mama Steph! Friday, April 22, 11:00 am to 11:30 am Malik the Magician Please see the Library policy regarding admission and seating (on-line).

-- Nancy Perry, Children's Librarian Highlights of Adult and Teen Programs

Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts Wednesday, April 20, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm Local attorney Matthew Metsch will take questions from the audience. Refreshments will be served.

Teen Movie Matinee: Mockingjay Part 2 Thursday, April 21, 2 pm to 4 pm Rated PG-13

Adult Coloring & Relaxation Wednesday, April 27, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

ADULT MAY EVENTS Digital Photography with your Smartphone Wednesday, May 4, 6:30 to 7:30 pm

Author Visit: Dr. Peter Grinspoon, author of Free Refills Wednesday, May 11, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm Dr. Grinspoon shares his personal journey to drug addiction and how he reclaimed sobriety and his life.

ADULT JUNE EVENTS Author visit: Leslie Ackles author of Seven Steps to Choosing Joy Wednesday, June 8, 6:30 pm

Walking the Trails of Norwell Saturday, June 11, at 11 am For adults, but children are welcome.

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TEEN SUMMER EVENTS – Get in the Game Pick up your summer reading at the Library June 27th – August 5th. Organized by grade, so it is easy to find what you want! Watch for our new Maker Space Cart! Free Henna Workshop. Thursday, August 4 at 11 am

-- Diane Rodriguez Notes from Fred-the-Shed

TUESDAY, APRIL 19TH accepting your DONATIONS (including plants!) SATURDAY, MAY 7TH OPENING DAY WITH SPRING PLANT SALE

Opening day for Fred-the-Shed this year is Saturday, May 7th, 10am – 2 pm. We will have a spring plant sale, which has proven to be extremely popular. Once again we thank Loraine Pollack of Forget-Me-Not-Gardens in Norwell and Cindy Simons of R&C Farms at 123 Main Street in Scituate for their generous donations of perennials and annuals.

Along with all of Fred-the-Shed’s activities, Nancy Perry the Children’s Librarian has organized a Planting Table and a Mother’s Day Basket Making Table, which will be found in the Community Room 11am -1pm. All supplies will be provided. Also Diane Rodriguez will be launching the Seed Lending Library for this season. Come and get local, organic seeds for your garden! Fred-the-Shed is the small shed just outside of the Library. It is here from May to October, Monday – Saturday, that the Friends sell gently used books – hard and soft cover – textbooks (published after 2012) CDs, DVDs and books on tape. The funds raised this way pay for nearly all the adult and children’s programs at the Library throughout the year and for the museum passes to many venues in our area.

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PLEASE NOTE: Fred-the-Shed cannot accept: encyclopedias, magazines, cassette tapes, Readers Digests, National Geographics, or books/materials that are torn, excessively marked, mildewed, missing pages or with broken bindings.

PLEASE LEAVE DONATIONS IN THE COVERED, PLASTIC STORAGE BINS OUTSIDE THE SHED. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE DONATIONS IN THE LIBRARY, OR OUTSIDE, UNPROTECTED, IN THE ELEMENTS.

We do have openings for volunteers to work at Fred-the-Shed. Shifts are 2 hours, once a week. If it rains or is excessively cold or hot the Shed does not open. If you would be willing to help, there is a sign up sheet at the Circulation Desk.

-- Helen Flaherty, Penny Wilson, Priscilla Burgess

Notes from the Library Trustees The Trustees of NPL are pleased to welcome Judy McConarty as the new Director of the Library. Judy is no stranger to the NPL, having served for four years in the position of Systems Manager. Judy’s background, work ethic, positive personality and unique skill set will enable her to lead the Norwell Public Library through the many transitions we anticipate both short and long term. Please stop by the Library to meet and welcome Judy.

-- Jeanne Ivas Spring Quilt Raffle

This lovely baby quilt was handmade and donated by Barbara Sullivan, former Norwell librarian, now owner of Quilted Creations from Sunflower Farm (www.sunflower-farm.com) and is currently being raffled off for $1/ticket or 6 tickets for $5. It is 100% cotton, machine washable and dryable, and is on display at the Library. Tickets are available at the Circulation Desk. The winner will be drawn Saturday, May 7th on Fred-the-Shed’s opening day. Good luck !

Update on the Library Project Committee The Norwell Library Project Committee, appointed by the Board of Selectmen in January, has been very busy during the first few months of 2016. Together with Town Administrator, Peter Morin, the Committee developed a request for services for an Owner’s Project Manager, reviewed 8 submissions, interviewed 3 finalists and selected Pomroy Associates as the OPM. This is the first of many requirements in preparing a schematic design and eventual construction grant application for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners in January 2017. The next step, once the contract with Pomroy Associates is finalized, will be to

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conduct a search for an architect to complete a schematic design. A site survey with delineated wetlands and a geotechnical survey will also be undertaken. Ivas Environmental has already completed and donated wetlands delineation work for the Library project.

Selectman Ellen Allen, NPL director Judy McConarty, and Trustee Jeanne Hagelstein-Ivas, who are all members of the Committee, attended a Construction Grant Application workshop in March at the Boyden Library in Foxborough. The Boyden recently completed a renovation and expansion with the assistance of a MBLC Construction Grant. Judy and Jeanne also spent a very profitable morning with MBLC consultant reviewing requirements of the application process.

Other members of the Library Project Committee are: Library Trustee Christine Smith and PBMC members Laurence Gogarty, Gary Osborne and Chair Scott Brodsky. Questions, suggestions and comments are welcome. Watch the Norwell Mariner and this newsletter for further updates.

A good time was had by all at Becky Freer’s retirement party on February 16, 2016. The Friends thank Becky for the wonderful job she did at the Norwell Public Library

over the years, bringing our Library up-to-date as a vibrant community center.

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