This Week at the Richmond Memorial Library November 20, 2023
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The Richmond Memorial Library will be open on Wednesday, November 22, from 10am-6pm and will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24. The library will be open on Saturday, November 25, from 10am-4pm. We wish our patrons and staff a happy Thanksgiving!
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The library's Annual Support Campaign has officially kicked off! We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has already donated. If you did not receive a letter from our board president with a donation envelope in the mail but would like to make a donation, please stop into the library and pick one up at the desk. We always appreciate the generosity of our community.
This year, the library has two large fundraising goals: Our Friends of the Library will be working to raise money for new picnic tables and we are using our Annual Support Campaign to purchase Tonieboxes. Tonieboxes are soft, screen-free speakers for children that use magnetic figurines to tell stories and sing songs. Tonies help with speech and language development while also promoting early literacy. We hope to raise enough money to be able to have these available to our community this winter.
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Friends of the Library 12 Days of Holiday Cheer Annual Silent Auction
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Our
annual 12 (previously 25) Days of Cheer Holiday Silent Auction is going
to be held from Friday, November 17 through Monday, December 4, 2023. We are super excited to share that we have received many generous donations, which will be highlighted on our Facebook page over the course of the two and a half weeks our auction is live. To give you a sneak peak, some of these items include: Hartford Wolf Pack tickets, a Fruition Chocolate Works Peruvian chocolate tasting kit, Simply Soy candles, a party platter from Subway, a Parks and Rec gift certificate, tickets to the Noah Webster House, and so much more (including fun gift baskets and gift cards to local businesses)! All proceeds from our holiday silent auction
go directly to the library and community. The money we fund raise
throughout the year helps us cover the cost of innovative collections
(like our new yard games and white noise machines) and programs for all
age groups as well as museum passes.
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The library's Morning Book Club will be meeting on Thursday, December 14 from 10-11am in the library's upstairs meeting room.*** The group has chosen to read Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk. New members are always welcome to join.
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Outdoor Fun with Yard Games
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Did you know that the Richmond Memorial Library has a very good collection of yard games that can be borrowed for one week at a time? It is true that the games are extremely popular, but we do have two sets of a couple of the favorites, including Giant Jenga and Giant Connect Four. If the game you want is not available, try another one. You may discover a new favorite!
We've noticed that a couple of our games are starting to show signs of how often they are used. If something doesn't appear to be right, please let us know. We'd prefer to replace pieces than an entire game whenever possible.
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The
Richmond Memorial Library has launched a new Books for Babies
initiative to promote early literacy and learning while introducing
library services to families in town. Marlborough families with children
ages birth up to twelve months of age are invited to stop into the
library to pick up a Books for Babies Box and register for your baby's
first library card. Each Books for Babies Box includes two board books, a
set of My First Touch and Feel Picture Flash Cards, early
literacy and learning pamphlets and bookmarks, information about library
programs for babies and toddlers, and supplies to get your child
enrolled in our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program in addition to
your child's first library card. Advance registration is required and can be done by filling out the following form: https://forms.gle/QcLeJkNijHpkGFca9. This Books for Baby initiative has been
funded by a Constellation Community Champions Grant.
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Richmond Memorial Library Goes Fine Free
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We have some EXCITING news to share! The Richmond Memorial Library has become the 119th public library in Connecticut to go Fine Free!
What does this mean? Effective Tuesday, January 3, we have
eliminated late fines on Richmond Memorial Library materials returned
past their due date. All previous overdue fines on Richmond Memorial Library materials have been erased.
Library materials must still be returned or library patrons will be
charged for their replacement when the items are 3 weeks late (as they
were under our previous policy). Library users continue to be
responsible for any damage to materials they may cause.
Why did
our library board make this decision? Studies have shown that overdue fines are actually a major barrier to large numbers of people, including children, low-income individuals, and seniors on fixed incomes. Oftentimes, when overdue fines accumulate on someone’s card, they simply stop using the library altogether. As a community organization with the mission “to serve the Marlborough community’s evolving personal, educational, and cultural needs,” that is the exact opposite of what we want. We want all members of the community to use the library equally. And we are not alone. Libraries across the state and country are going “fine-free” to remain useful and relevant, foster equity, and promote easy access to lifelong learning for all. Fine free libraries are a trend
across the state and the country. Libraries that have adopted fine free
policies have found that the number of community members with library
cards increased, the borrowing of materials increased, more items were
actually returned, and more staff time is spent helping patrons. We want our interactions with you, our patrons, to be pleasant and productive. Rather than “nickel and diming” you at the checkout desk, we would prefer to spend that time recommending great new reads, planning events, and opening a world of possibilities for our community. Our community is stronger and healthier when all people have access to the programs, services, and materials they need to pursue their educational, career, family, and life goals, regardless of their ability to pay for them.
Additional information about our Fine Free policy can be found on our website.
For
those of you who consider fines a contribution to library services,
please know that staff are always happy to accept donations at the desk. The library does rely on community donations and fundraising to help us bring fun, new programs and materials to our community. It is through donations we have received and money we have earned through fundraising efforts that we have been able to add yard games, sensory bins, nature explorer backpacks, early learning backpacks, white noise machines, Wonderbooks, and so much more to our circulating collection.
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Kids (ages 4 and up) can stop by the library this week to pick up a kit with all the supplies needed to make a hand print turkey craft. Available while supplies last.
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Thanksgiving Picture Books
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If you're looking for something for your family to do on one of these beautiful fall days, stop by the library and check out our Storywalk. November's featured story is In November by Cynthia Rylant. Be sure to sign the Guest Book at the end and let us know what you thought of the book!
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Babytime Series Returns This Week
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Our popular Babytime series returns this Friday, September 15! Given the popularity of this program, we will hold two sessions on Friday mornings, one at 10 am and the other at 11 am. Babies birth through 24 months and their caregivers can join Ms. Nessa for a baby-centered storytime with songs, rhymes, lap bounces, and a story. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held in the library's upstairs meeting room.*** Registration is highly recommended and will be required when the group meets upstairs due to room capacity requirements. Registration can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210.
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Children ages 24-36 months and their parents or caregivers can join Ms. Nancy for a storytime and craft program designed specifically for two-year-olds. Session 2 includes the following dates: October 31, November 7, 14, 21, and 28, and December 5. Storytime for Twos meets at 10 am in the Storytime Room. Advance registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. If you can no
longer attend, please let us know so that we can give your spot to
someone else. Thank you!
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Fall Storytime with Miss Nancy
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Children ages 3-5 years old are welcome to attend Miss Nancy's Fall Storytime. Session 2 meets on the following Thursdays: November 2, 9, 16, and 30 (no class on November 23) and December 7 and 14. Both sessions begin at 10 am. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. If you can no longer attend, please let us know so that we can give your spot to someone else. Thank you!
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Young readers are invited to come in and read to a certified Reading Education Assistance Dog on Monday, November 27 from 6-7 pm. Pre-registration for a 15-minute session is required to secure your child's spot! Limit 1 child per 15 minute time slot per dog (there are 2 dogs). Reading to a dog is a great low-pressure way to encourage beginning readers. *Please note: This program is one that fills early. If you have registered and cannot make it, please let us know asap so we can give your spot to someone else.*
This is a monthly series, so if you cannot get a spot one month, please check the registration for the following month.
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Pajama Storytime with Yoga
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Children of all ages are invited to join local yoga instructor Rachel Kaczynski on Thursday, December 7, at 6:30 pm for a cozy storytime, perfect for winding down. Hear a story or two and do some calming yoga. Wear some comfy pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal or blankie. Registration is absolutely required due to the size of our meeting room and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210.***
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Children ages 4 and up are invited to join our Kids Crafting Club, which meets every other Tuesday at 4 pm. The next scheduled meeting dates include: November 28 and December 12. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the Storytime Room. *Please note that the Tuesday, November 14, program is cancelled because the building is closed so that the library can be connected to the sewer system.*
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Do you like building with Legos? Join us every other Tuesday at 4 pm for for creative and STEM-based challenges involving Legos! Recommended for ages 4 and up. Registration is required. The next few meetings include: November 21, December 5 and 19.
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Math doesn't have to be boring! Make math fun with high-energy, hands-on activities, perfect for kids of all math abilities. Register for the series that matches your child's grade level: Grades K-2 will meet on Wednesdays from September 20 through November 8 after school until 4:30 pm and Grades 3-5 will meet on Thursdays from September 21 through November 9 after school until 4:30 pm. Due to program specifications (We are working with the Crazy 8s Club. For more information, check out their website https://crazy8sclub.org/.), students in other grades will not be able to attend the alternate group's session. This program will take place immediately after school. Library staff will pick children up at the Marlborough Elementary School and walk children down to the library or parents may drive their children. Registration and permission slips are required. Due to the length and scope of the program, we will not be providing snacks; however, time for snacks will be available if you would like to pack one. This program will be held in the upstairs meeting room.***
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Whether you're looking to animate a story, make a game, or change the world, join us for casual coding with friends on Wednesdays at 4 pm from November 15 through December 20. Learn a new coding language or work on projects using one you already know. We will have several devices to use, but we encourage you to bring your own code if you prefer. Ages 8 and up. Registration is recommended but not required.***
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Kids ages 5 and up can join us on Thursdays from November 16 through December 21 beginning at 4 pm to plan out some holiday cheer activities for the community. Some of the projects the group will be working on include making cards and small gifts to give out to local residents, hosting a food drive, and so much more. We'll brainstorm ideas as a group. Registration is not required.
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Tweens and teens (ages 10-16), join us at 4 pm on Fridays in December (12/1, 12/8, 12/15 and 12/22) for a Dungeons and Dragons session. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, join us for a campaign! Learn the rules of the game and how to create a character. All supplies provided. Space is limited and registration is required. Program is held in the upstairs meeting room.***
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Our Teen Advisory Board returns this month with a meeting on Thursday, December 14, at 6:30 pm. Teens ages 13-18 are invited to join us to share their thoughts about how the library can better serve the needs of Marlborough teens. What programs would you like to see the library host? What books are we missing from our collection? What do you want us to know about teen services? Participants will receive volunteer credit if needed. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210.
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Tween and Teen Crafters Club
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Back by popular demand! Calling all creative teens and teens: Join us every Monday to hang out with friends and make something awesome. Bring a project you're working on or tackle one (or more) of the projects we have available that day. Open to ages 10 and up. Registration is not required. This program will be held in our upstairs meeting room.***
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Upcoming Adult Programs...
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The Richmond Memorial Library building is now open Mondays through Thursdays from 10 AM to 8 PM, Fridays 10 AM to 6 PM, and Fall/Winter Saturdays, 10 AM to 4 PM. Curbside pickup services are also available during these times.
Monday, December 11 at 6:30 pm (in person), Make Your Own Holiday Gift Tags and Gift Card or Money Boxes: Adults, join us for an evening of creativity and fun as you make your own gift tags and gift card or money boxes. Registration is required so that we know how many supplies to have on hand and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the upstairs meeting room.***
***Accessibility at RML: The library does not have an elevator. If
you need full accommodation, please contact Library Director Aubrey Muscaro
at 860-295-6210 or amuscaro@richmondlibrary.info prior to the event (one
week preferred) so we can find an alternate space. The meeting room is
located on the second floor.
Please call the library at 860-295-6210 or email us at richmondprograms@gmail.com. |
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