This Week at the Richmond Memorial Library April 7, 2025
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Today
(Monday, April 7) kicks off National Library Week! Did you know that in
the 2023-2024 fiscal year there were 31,535 visits to the Richmond
Memorial Library? All across the country, millions of people visit their
local library every week. What's the draw? While every person comes to
the library for their own reasons, libraries certainly have plenty to
offer, with access to free books being the most obvious answer but
extending so much further to include access to free digital resources,
programming for all ages, and a circulating Library of Things
collection. Libraries are hubs for learning, creativity, connection and
entertainment, helping community members discover, explore, and
experience new ideas and opportunities. Whatever draws you in, the
library has something for and is a place for everyone.
This
year, National Library Week is occurring amidst the closure of the
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only federal agency
that awards grants and funding to museums and libraries across the
United States. In 2024, the Connecticut State Library received over
$2.16 million from the IMLS to support statewide library infrastructure,
programs, resources, and services that provided access and education to
residents all across Connecticut. As of April 1, IMLS funding to 3
states -- California, Washington, and Connecticut -- was terminated
mid-fiscal year.
How might the loss of IMLS funding impact our
library and those who use it? One of the most beloved programs that IMLS
funding helped offset the cost to is deliver-IT CT, which is the
statewide delivery system that makes interlibrary loan possible. Last
fiscal year, the deliver-IT CT delivered 1.5 million library items to
215 participating public and academic libraries in our state. Secondly,
IMLS funding covered the cost of the statewide ebook and eaudiobook
platform The Palace Project. Another potential loss for our library due
to the loss of IMLS funding could be the cancellation of the E-rate
Program, which saves our library 50% of the cost of our internet. If our
library had to come up with the funding to cover this entire budget
line item, there would have to be a reduction somewhere else in our
budget. There are a number of other ways the loss of IMLS funding
impacts your local public library as well, from the loss of professional
development opportunities for library staff to the loss of grant
funding. The CT Library for Accessible Books (formerly the CT State
Library for the Blind) and the Middletown Library Service Center are
also at risk.
We've
been asked by several library users over the past week what they can do
to support libraries. The best advice we can suggest is to stay
informed, show up (Use your public library! Check something out or
attend a program ... library statistics matter and show those in charge
how loved libraries are.), and speak out. If you are opposed to the
closure of the IMLS and the loss of funding, contact your members of
Congress by phone or email and ask them to protect federal library
funding.
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Marlborough Community Shredding Event |
The Town of Marlborough is offering a free Community Shredding Event this upcoming Saturday, April 12, from 8am-12pm in the Town Hall parking lot. While this event is free, food and monetary donations are being accepted for the Marlborough Food Bank.
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Free Covid-19 OSOM Covid-19 Antigen Home Test Kits |
The
library has been given free Covid-19 Antigen Home Test Kits from the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to distribute to our
community. Anyone who is interested
in a kit or two, please come on down to the library. Available while
supplies last (but we do have a large number and anticipate having them
available for a while).
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Adult Take and Make Kits for April |
April's Adult Take and Make Kits are now available! Each kit contains directions and the supplies needed to make a Ladybug and Bee Tic, Tac, Toe game. Available while supplies last.
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Update: We have received a large donation from the UConn Master Gardener program and Ocean State Job Lot and are slowly adding new items to our Seed Library every few days! We know the Seed Library was starting to look a bit empty this weekend but it will be refilled by Tuesday.
Did you know that the Richmond Memorial Library has a Seed Library? A Constellation Community Champions Grant helped us get the Seed Library started a few years ago and both seed and monetary donations have helped us to continue to make free seeds available to our community. We know that there are quite a few of our library users who start planting their seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, so we've made sure to restock our Seed Library this winter! We will continue to add seeds over the next few weeks and months so that there are seeds available all year round. Please remember to note in our binder what seeds you are taking ... it helps us with statistics (so that we know how often our Seed Library is used and therefore how popular it is) and it helps us know what needs to be replaced.
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New Yard Games Added to Our Collection |
The library has been able to add 2 new yard games, Toss Across and BucketGolf, to our collection due to the fundraising efforts of our Friends of the Library! Both items are now available and can be checked out.
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Here at the Richmond Memorial Library, we
truely have something for everyone! This fall, the library will be
offering Spice of the Month kits for adults with the hope of introducing
our library users to spices they may not be familiar with. Each kit
will include a sample of that month's spice (March's is allspice)
along with two simple (nothing complicated whatsoever) recipes that the
spice can be used in. We'll also include a little information about the
spice. Available in limited quantities, while supplies last, on the
third Tuesday of the month. Update: March kits are gone but April's kits will be here before you know it.
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Our partnership with the American Job Center continues in May! Are you (or is someone you know) looking for a new job, trying to restart or jumpstart your career, or in need of specific job skills training? Stop by the library on Tuesday, May 6 (or the first Tuesday of any month) any time between 5 pm and 7 pm to meet with a trained professional from the American Job Center. Registration is not required. Held on the first floor.
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String Theory: A Fiber Arts Club
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Knit, crochet, embroider, or stitch your way through the afternoon with others who share your
passion for the fiber arts in this String Theory: A Fiber Arts Club, which will meet on the first Friday of the month at 1 pm. Bring your own project, ask for advice, make
the project we have on hand, or get inspired for your next creation. On Friday, May 2, Sandy
will have supplies on hand to teach anyone interested how to macrame a plant hanger. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the upstairs meeting room.***
(updated flyer coming soon!)
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The Richmond Memorial Library's Morning Book Club will meet on Thursday, April 10, beginning at 10 am. The group has chosen to read The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann for their March meeting. Copies of this month's book are available at the circulation desk. Registration is not required and new members are always welcome.
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Learn to Play the Ukulele
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Adults, have you ever wanted to learn how to play the ukulele? Or did you once know how to play but need a refresher? If so, this program is for you! This two-session workshop for adults -- held on Tuesdays, April 15 and 22, from 11am-12pm -- will be limited to 10 participants. Participants will need to plan on attending both sessions. Held on the first floor of the library. Ukuleles will be provided. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210.
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Bald eagles were once so endangered that many considered whether to replace them as America's national symbol. The ongoing story of their recovery as a species and the reemergence of a healthy eagle population in Connecticut is a comeback story worth hearing. Join DEEP Master Wildlife Conservationist Ginny Apple on Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 pm to learn more about bald eagles in Connecticut. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the upstairs meeting room.***
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Jigsaw Puzzle Competition: A Team Building Competition for Adults and Teens |
Do you love putting puzzles together? Gather a team of 4 people (ages 13 and up) and join us on Saturday, May 3, beginning promptly at 10:30 am. Choose a team captain and a name for your group. One person
must register your team for the event either online or by calling
860-295-6210. All teams will be given the same 500 piece puzzle. Held in
the upstairs meeting room.*** Light refreshments will be provided. Prizes
will be given to the winning team members. This event is limited to 6
teams. Puzzles were generously donated by Ravensburger Jigsaw Puzzles.
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Books to Read During National Library Week
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Use our Encore catalog to put one of these books on hold today or ask our staff to put a hold on your account.
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UPDATE: The library is thrilled to be able to share that we have received a second Constellation Community Champions Grant so that we can continue our Books for Babies Initiative! Since the program rolled out, the library has given out 46 Books for Babies Boxes to families who had not previously been library users and another 14 to families with infants who were already using our library on a regular basis.
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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Children's Books for Women's History Month
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Our Babytime series is held on Fridays at 10:30 am from January 3 through April 11. Ms. Nessa will lead babies and their parents/caregivers through an assortment of songs, rhymes, lap bounces, and a story. Best suited for children ages 0-24 months. Held in the children's storytime room. Registration is recommended.
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Winter Storytime for Twos with Miss Nancy
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Miss Nancy will be holding a Winter Storytime for Twos on Thursdays at 10 am. Session One will be held on the following dates: January 16, 23, and 30, and February 6, 13, and 20. There will be a one week break. Session Two will be held on the following dates: March 6, 13, 20 and 27 and April 3 and 10. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Program is held in the children's storytime room.
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Winter Storytime with Miss Nancy
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Miss Nancy will be holding a Winter Storytime for children ages 3-5 on Tuesdays at 10 am. Session One will be held on the following dates: January 14, 21, and 28, and February 4 and 11. There will be an intermission and no classes will be held on February 18 or 25. Session Two will be held on the following dates: March 4, 11, 18, and 25, and April 1 and 8. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the children's storytime room.
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Young readers are invited to come in and read to a certified Reading Education Assistance Dog. Reading to a dog is a great low-pressure way to encourage beginning readers. Register for a 15-minute time slot to secure your child's spot. Limit 2 children per time window (one per dog). Our next Read to the Dogs programs is scheduled for Monday, April 28, from 6-7 pm.
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Pajama Storytime with Yoga
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Our Pajama Storytime with Yoga program has returned! Children of all ages are invited to this cozy storytime on Thursday, May 1, at 6 pm. Hear a story or two and do some calming yoga with local resident Rachel Kaczynski. Wear comfy pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal or blankie. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the upstairs meeting room.***
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Update: This program series has been extended through April 9!
Beat winter boredom with hands-on activities! Create your own toys, discover what you can make with paper, and so much more. Held on Wednesdays in February at 4 pm. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210. Held in the children's storytime room.
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Curious kids, join us for fun hands-on activities and projects that explore science, technology, art, and math. Held on Wednesdays, April 23 through June 11 at 4 pm. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Registration is required and can be done online or by calling 860-295-6210.
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April Children's Take and Make Kit |
This month's Children's Take and Make Kit includes the supplies needed to create a Paper Roll Bunny Craft. Now available, while supplies last.
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Tween and Teen Crafters Club
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Our Tween and Teen Crafters Club (best suited for ages 10 and up) has returned and will run every Monday at 4 pm through April 7 (programs will not be held on January 20 or February 17 because the library is closed). Bring a project you're already working on or try out one of the options Ms. Nessa will have available. You can also get super creative and design your own craft/activity the day you come! Registration is not required. Held in the upstairs meeting room.***
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Join us for a well-rounded campaign complete with a storyline, problem solving, and challenges as well as battling monsters on Fridays from January 3 through April 11 at 4 pm. All supplies provided, but you will need a level 6 character. If you do not have one, please notify us when registering. Recommended for tweens and teens ages 10 through 16. Registration is required. Meeting may be held in the upstairs meeting room.***
UPDATE: Program series is currently full and wait list only.
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Teen Volunteers Needed for Library Grounds Clean-Up Day |
Teens, are you looking for volunteer hours? We are looking for a few teens to help us on Saturday, May 3, as part of our Friends of the Library Grounds Clean-Up Day, held from 9am-12pm (you wouldn't have to stay the entire time). Some of the things you may be asked to do include moving mulch, helping to pull weeds, and working with our Friends group to beautify our library grounds. If interested, please contact Library Director Aubrey Muscaro at amuscaro@richmondlibrary.info.
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The Richmond Memorial Library building is open:
Mondays through Thursdays from 10 AM to 8 PM
Fridays from 10 AM to 6 PM
Fall/Winter Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM
Curbside pickup services are also available during these times.
A Note about Accessibility at the Richmond Memorial Library:
When any of the programs mentioned above in our weekly newsletter have *** it means that the program is held in our upstairs meeting room and to note the following disclaimer:
***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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