Ventress Voice

Ventress Voice - January/February 2012

2012-01-26T13:06:00.000-08:00

Ventress Voice - December 2011

2011-12-06T16:32:00.001-08:00

Ventress Voice - November 2011

2011-11-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

VENTRESS VOICE

Newsletter of the VentressMemorial Library

Marshfield, Massachusetts

NOVEMBER 2011 Volume 18, No. 2

NOVEMBERIS FAMILY LITERACY MONTH!

FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW STATE HAD DEVOTED WHOLE MONTH TO INITIATIVE

Governor Patrick has declared November“Family Literacy Month” in Massachusetts.

Family literacy has been defined as:

The way parents, children, and extended family members use literacy at home and in their community (including libraries) (International Reading Association’s Family Literacy Commission)
The passing of knowledge from one generation to another (National Center for Family Literacy);

Accordingthe Shelley Quezada, consultant to the Massachusetts Board of LibraryCommissioners, family literacy programs address the intergenerational nature ofliteracy. Libraries may offer a family story hour where parents eitherparticipate (such as Mother Goose on the Loose, Baby Story times) or specialprograms involving family members? This may include programming suchas family story, craft, puppet shows, book groups and/or filmprograms. Ventress Library is committed to promoting family literacy yearround, but is planning a few special programs geared to this focus. On November12, storyteller Jackson Gillman is doing his Rudyard Kipling “Just So”performance here at the library for an inter-generational audience. Handoutsare available to take including “Why Read Aloud to Children” and “LiteracyBegins at Home.” The Circulation librarian will fill the stack end-caps withliteracy related books, some from the parent collection and others integratedin the adult non-fiction collection. The VML Classic Book Group choice thismonth is the adventure tale “Kon-Tiki” suitable for reading with young peoplewith the companion film available to take out through OCLN on a library card.Children under 18 can sign up for a library card when a parent is present withan ID; those over 18 are eligible for their own card. So, come on into thelibrary. Make literacy a priority for your family!

Excerpts from literacy checklist for parents: For toddlers. . .”I read with my child every day even if it isjust for a few minutes.” For pre-schoolers. . .”I help my child hearwords that rhyme like moose, goose and caboose.” For kindergarteners. ..”My child can sound out some letters.” For first-graders. . .”My childpredicts what will happen next in the story.” For second-graders. . .“My child reads for specific purposes and questions and explores topics ofinterest on his/her own.” For third-graders. . .”My child is starting touse metaphors and other literary forms in his/her writing.” For completechecklists, visit the VML Children’s Room and explore links on the library weband Facebook pages.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

Monthly SilentAuction Still Going Strong

The Friends group started “Treasures of the Ventress Vault”monthly silent book auction in 2009, the brainchild of Friend and LibraryTrustee Jean Christensen. It has proved to be very popular with patrons and alow-key fundraiser for the VML Friends. November has a very special offering –a large hardcover book, “The Earth From Above”, filled with stunning color aerialphotos from around the globe. Would make a fine holiday gift under the tree.Place your bids at the Reference Desk today!

Friends Sponsor Program by Rita Parisi on November 5

Rita Parisi from WaterfallProductions will present "Gothic Victorian Tales by Candlelight" inthe library Program Room on Saturday, November 5, 2011at 2 pm. This theatrical storytelling presentation will feature storiesabout curses, death and immortality from the 19th century New England writer Sarah OrneJewett. A native of South Berwick, Maine,her stories mirror the everyday lives of New Englanders, often reflecting themysterious and supernatural. The program is free and open to the public. Notickets are required

CIRC STATS and CHAT

By AmyBoivin, Head of Circulation Services

Kindle E-Books!

The Old Colony Library NetworkOverdrive system now has e-books available for the Amazon Kindle. Just go tohttp://ebooks.ocln.org and click on the Kindle to search for e-books you candownload to your computer and device.

Tech Updates

The library’s weekly blog willsoon be featuring a Teen pick in addition to its regular dose of new books,reviews, and readalikes. The blog is written by the Head of CirculationServices Amy Boivin and can be found under WhatDo I Read Next? on the library’s homepage www.ventresslibrary.org.Suggestions are also always welcome and highly appreciated. Also become a fanof the library’s Facebook page and receive weekly updates on children’s andadult programs, new books, and other library tidbits.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

By Wendy Ward, Head of Children’sServices

Thereare lots of things going on in the children’s room this November in addition toour regular weekly story times and book clubs. We’re beginning the month withthe always popular Music and Me program, presented by teachers from the SouthShore Conservatory. The program willtake place on Friday, November 4^th at 10:30 a.m. and is geared tochildren age 0-4 and their caregivers. Space is limited and sign up will begin inthe children’s room on Monday, October 24^th in the children’s room.Every family can be a musical family! Come in with your little one and join inthe fun.

On Saturday November 12^that 10 a.m. the library will host story teller Jackson Gillman who will performThe Magic of Rudyard Kipling: “Just So.” This fantastic inter - generational program is for the young and theyoung at heart, and is appropriate for children age 5 and up and adults. Come celebrate family literacy month andenjoy some timeless stories with your family. Space is limited for this program. Please pick up your free tickets beginning on Monday, October 31^stin the children’s room. Last but not least, singer/guitarist, Mama Steph willbe here on Saturday, November 26^th at 10:30 to perform forpre-schoolers and their caregivers. Noregistration is necessary to attend.

As always, check the white boardin the children’s room and the children’s page on our website: www.ventresslibrary.org to see allof the events going on for kids at the library!

CD City

By KarenJenks, Library Assistant

The library has a vastcollection of music of all styles available for your listening pleasure. CDscheck out for two weeks and may be renewed twice provided the item is not onhold. New CDs check out for two weeks also and may be renewed once as long asthe item is not on hold. We have music for all tastes – Blues, Classical,Country, Folk, Instrumental, International, Jazz, New Age, Opera, Popular,Rock, Show Tunes, Soundtracks and Swing. Our Holiday CDs will be featured atthe end of November just at the start of the Christmas season and festivities.Recently we’ve added some classics and oldies by artists: Ben E. King (Stand byMe – POP), Eurythmics (Ultimate Collection – POP), Boz Scaggs (Playlist – POP),Aerosmith (Young Lust – ROCK), Cream (Gold – ROCK), Doobie Brothers (Best ofthe Doobies – POP and Elvis Presley (30 #1 Hits – POP). Check out some new CDsby up-and-coming artists: Gretchen Parlato (The Lost and Found – JAZZ), EllieGoulding (Lights – POP), Chris Young (Neon – CTRY), Justin Moore (Outlaws LikeMe – CTRY), Bon Iver (Bon Iver – POP), Ashton Shepherd (Where Country Grows –CTRY) and Jackie Evancho (Dream With Me – POP)

REFERENCE NOTES

By Chris Woods, Head ofReference Services

LifeLong Learning Program Off to a Good Start!

TheVentress Library has partnered with the Council on Aging and the HistoricWinslow House to offer life long learning classes for adults. The program,called “Opportunities”, kicked off in Spring 2011 with a variety of classesincluding “History of WWII”, “Folk Art”, “Maritime History of the South Shore”,“Stress Relief”, “Walking a Labyrinth” and “Sketching on the North River.” Fall classes now in session include “Math Made Easy”,“Computer Boot Camp”, “History of Classical Music” and “Lighthouses.” Plans are underwayto offer even more classes in Spring 2012. Watch in the library, on-line and inthe newspapers for more information on upcoming programs and opportunities tosign up for classes. Life long learning is alive and well in Marshfield – catch the wave and take a class!

A GentleReminder

The library loves toreceive your used book donations, but please, don’t leave your book boxesoutside at the mercy of the elements. Bring your books in good condition intothe library Circulation Desk and we will store them safely to sell. Books thelibrary cannot use, such as old encyclopedias and cookbooks, videocassettes, textbooksand books in poor condition, can be placed inside the “Got Books” bin in thelibrary parking lot.

NEW DVDsAdded Recently

By Maureen Beaulieu, Director’s Assistant

Betty White Collection;Big C: Season 1; Black Death; Company Men; Conspirators; Desperate Housewives:Season 7; Grace Card; Hoodwinked Too! Hood Vs Evil; Hope Springs; Jesse Stone:Lost Innocents; Land Girls: Series 2; Last Godfather; Mars Needs Moms; Monk:Season 6; Music Never Stopped; Nature’s Treasures; Off the Map: CompleteSeries; Perfect Host; Secret Mysteries of America; The American Civil War; Unanswered Prayers; Vietnam Combat; Wallander

Mark Your Calendar for these FREE Events atthe Library!

Ø Sat., Nov. 5, 2:00, “Gothic Tales by Candlelight”,with Rita Parisi

Ø Thurs., Nov. 10, 6:30, Historical Fiction AuthorTalk, J. Winfield Currie

Ø Sat., Nov. 12, 10, “Magic of Rudyard Kipling” withJackson Gillman

Ø Sat., Nov. 12, 1:30, Veteran’s Day: Civil WarStories and Music, Bill Dunn/CelticKs

Ø Tues., Nov. 22, 4:30-6, VML Classic Book Groupdiscusses “Kon Tiki.”

Ø Sat., Nov. 26, 10:30, Mama Steph program forpre-schoolers and caregivers

VentressMemorial Library, 15 Library Plaza, Marshfield, MA 02050

781-834-5535 www.ventresslibrary.org

Hours Mon. –Thurs. 10 – 8, Fri. and Sat. 10 – 4, Closed Sunday

ThanksgivingHoliday Hours Nov. 23 10-4:30 Nov. 24/25Closed

Newsletterstaff: Chris Woods, Editor; JacklynRobinson, Artist

“Ventress Voice” isnow available to view online through a new blog at www.ventresslibrary.org – Click on“Ventress Voice” to enter. . .

Ventress Voice - October 2011

2011-10-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

VENTRESS VOICE

Newsletter of the Ventress Memorial Library

Marshfield, Massachusetts

OCTOBER 2011 Volume 18, No. 1

VENTRESS VOICE IS BACK!

LIBRARY NEWSLETTER MAKES A RETURN

By Chris Woods, Editor

Recently I was in the Historical Room doing research and I happened upon a notebook that contained back issues of the dormant “Ventress Voice” library newsletter. The newsletter made its appearance in December 1991 as a way to spread library news to patrons and other OCLN libraries in the age before computers and Internet were readily available. As I flipped through the back issues, memories flooded the room. The first issue was lovingly crafted on a Mac plus by a stay-at-home mom with a library degree in a cramped home office tucked inside a double-doored closet. When nap time was over, so was work time, and the doors would close until the next few snatched moments of editorial bliss. In these first issues, an exuberant Town Crier proclaimed from the masthead and news articles reflected the concerns of a different time. Some examples of stories included: “no new cards added to paper card catalogue since May 1991 – try our new electronic catalog to find your books;” “Boston Globe now available for searching in the library on CD-ROM;” troll dolls, a fundraiser by VML Friends, sport “I love the Ventress” outfits; ways to play library Jeopardy; and a list of suggestions how to carve out time to read a good book. Each issue unfolded both milestones and minutiae in library history that captivated this reader. With the demise of the “Voice”, library updates took place on-line through our website. But, in striving to keep up to date, we lose the old content that has been replaced by the new. I approached Library Director Ellen Riboldi with the idea of bringing back the “Ventress Voice” while still maintaining website updates. Reverting to the older format would provide patrons with a paper copy of library news and events today, and a record of what went on for future researchers who “happen upon” back issues in the library’s Historical Room. She enthusiastically assented, and this renewal issue began. The former stay-at-home mom, who is now Head of Reference Services at the Ventress Memorial Library, has come full circle. Now, shall we bring back that Town Crier logo. . .?

WATD 95.9 FM LOVE YOUR LIBRARY CAMPAIGN

Speaking of getting the word out, who wants to be on the radio? Station Director Ed Perry and his daughter Katherine are looking to spread the word about how great our local libraries are with their “Love Your Library” testimonial campaign. If you have a story about how the library has influenced you in a positive way, contact Library Director Ellen Riboldi at 781-834-5535 or malib@ocln.org. You can be interviewed either in the library or go to the radio station to record a 30-second slot for airing. Step up and spread the word about what your library means to you. And, be famous on the radio!!!

BACK ROOM BAILIWICK

By Nancy Kelly, Head of Technical Services

MP3-CDs –Something New in the Audiobook Section!

Do you enjoy listening to books on CD but find that keeping track of multiples discs can be a bit frustrating---especially while listening in your car? Well, Recorded Books, the provider of our Books on CD titles has come up with an ingenious solution. It’s called an MP3-Cd and it’s the answer to a commuter’s dream. An MP3-CD is a disc that contains compressed audio files. The average audiobook is usually recorded on about eight compact discs. This same audiobook may be contained within one MP3-CD. MP3-CDs are played in the same way as standard CDs. In computers, the CD/DVD drive is already set to accept MP3-CDs. Newer automobiles (those manufactured after 2006) are equipped with CD players that are MP3 compatible. We think you will love having only one disc to handle, rather than 8, 9 or 10! There’s no need to switch discs while driving. You will have a more enjoyable listening experience and a much safer trip!

CIRC STATS and CHAT

By Amy Boivin, Head of Circulation Services

New Museum Pass at the Library!

The Ventress Memorial Library now offers a museum pass for the USS Constitution Museum in Boston. The pass covers up to 9 people and includes free admission. Come check it out.

Tech Savvy Updates

The Ventress Memorial Library’s Facebook page is up and running. Weekly updates are posted on the page and are administered by the Head of Circulation Services Amy Boivin and Children’s Librarian Wendy Ward. Go to the library’s homepage and be a Facebook fan of the library! Also the library has a weekly blog of new books, reviews, and readalikes. This blog is updated weekly and written by Amy Boivin. Suggestions are always welcome. The blog can be found under “What Do I Read Next?” on the library’s homepage www.ventresslibrary.org.

Fashion Class for Teens—A Hit!

From the Fashion Runway to the Fashion Rack: A Fashion Class for Teens ran four classes over the summer. The classes were taught by fashion designer Amanda Bartlett and hosted by Head of Circulation Services Amy Boivin. The classes involved answering the question ‘how does a fabulous dress make it from a simple pencil sketch to hitting the floors of Nordstrom?’ and learning what the steps are and how to create a fashion illustration. The age range was 12 to 17 years old and participants had to attend all four classes. This program had a great turnout and the results of the teens’ sketches were amazing. They all did such great work and the designer had wonderful things to say about all of the participants. Check back for sample pictures of the teens’ final work.

CHILDREN’S CORNER

By Wendy Ward, Head of Children’s Services

Fall Story Times

Fall Story Times will begin the week of September 18, 2011. We are offering 3 different story times: 1. Tales for Tots: Infants – 3 years old with a parent or guardian on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. 2. Story Time: 3-4 year olds on their own on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and 3. Story Craft: 5-7 year olds on their own on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m The only story time requiring registration is Story Craft. Registration for Story Craft begins on Monday, September 12, 2011 in the Children’s Room.

New Children’s Department Blogs

Check out our new Children’s Department blogs: The Children’s Corner Blog and the Kid’s Book Group Blog on the children’s section of our webpage at: www.ventresslibrary.org. Also, be sure to check out our webpage periodically for information on special children’s events and performers.

REFERENCE NOTES

By Chris Woods, Head of Reference Services

Consumer Reports is Here!

You’ve been asking and we listened – Consumer Reports is here on the Ventress Library website. The library purchased a license to allow our patrons to access the Consumer Reports product database from our website (www.ventresslibrary.org) using your library card number as your key. Now you can search 24/7 for the valuable information you need before making a product purchase. Includes complete graphs, charts and content of the print edition as well as added website content. In these tight financial times it is more important than ever to make savvy purchase decisions. Enjoy!

Mark Your Calendar for these FREE Events at the Library!

Ø Thurs., Oct. 6, 6:30, Fessenden Wireless History Lecture and Artifact Display

Ø Tues., Oct. 11, 4:30, VML Classic Book Group, Wharton’s “The House of Mirth”

Ø Sat., Oct. 15, 2:30, David Ira Rottenberg reads his “Gwendolyn, the Graceful Pig”

Ø Tues., Oct. 25, 6:30, Adult Halloween Program, “Salem Witches and Beyond”

Ø Sat., Oct. 29, 2:00, Wildlife Photography Lecture, Display & Demo

Ø Sat., Nov. 5, 2:00, Gothic Victorian Tales by Candlelight with Rita Parisi

Ø Thurs., Nov. 10, 6:30, Historical Fiction Author Talk/Signing, J. Winfield Currie

Ø Sat., Nov. 12, 1:30,“Veteran’s Day Stories”, Civil War Music - Local History Lecture

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Ventress Memorial Library, 15 Library Plaza, Marshfield, MA 02050

781-834-5535 www.ventresslibrary.org

Hours Mon. –Thurs. 10 – 8, Fri. and Sat. 10 – 4, Closed Sunday

Newsletter staff: Chris Woods, Editor; Jacklyn Robinson, Artist