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Director's Letter
Dear Library Members,
In
last month's letter I described the changing role of Otis Library, as
we evolve to meet community needs. The core truth of the conviction,
that libraries are not
"cookie cutter" institutions based on an immutable, one design fits all
dictum, is reflected in a photo-essay entitled "Public Library: An
American Commons". http://places.designobserver.com/feature/public-library-an-american-commons/26228/. Of particular resonance is the following observation, a holistic appreciation of the multiplicity of purposes libraries serve:
"The
modern American public library is reading room, book lender, video
rental outlet, internet café, town hall, concert venue, youth activity
center, research archive, history museum, art gallery, homeless day
shelter, office suite, coffeeshop, seniors' clubhouse and romantic
hideaway rolled into one. [1] In small towns of the American West, it is
also the post office and the backdrop of the local gun range."
What
can never be compromised are the educational underpinnings of a public
library; that is the salient reason for Otis being a not for profit
institution. The author's comments also speak to the essential part the
library as a physical space plays. While we will search for
opportunities that allow library services to go to constituents, the
importance of the physical library remains undiminished. Our mission
continues to include a pledge to maintain "a safe and welcoming
environment," a physical presence that beckons those looking for
educational resources, enlightenment, a niche for reflection, access to
communications and a sense of community.
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
Thank You!
Left
to Right: Ms. Lori Lindfors, Attorney Bart Sayet, Robert Farwell,
Executive Director, Otis Library, Kimberly White, Children's Services
Librarian
Attorney Bart Sayet and Ms. Lori Lindfors donated $3,000 to Otis
Library for the purchase of an Early Literacy Station for the
Children's Department. The donation was made in memory of Ms.
Lindfors's mother, Lynn Dermody, a librarian who instilled her lifelong
love of reading in her children. Thank you for the generous donation!
The Early Literacy Station is an all-in-one digital learning
solution for children ages 2-8. It requires no Internet connection,
so it is safe and secure.
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Library Hours:
Mon, Wed:
10AM - 8PM
Tue, Thur & Fri:
10AM - 5PM
Saturday
10AM - 3PM
Closed Sundays
We will be closed on Saturday, May 25 and Monday, May 27 for the Memorial Day Weekend.
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Drop-In Knitting Group
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The
Drop-In Knitting Group meets every Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the Meeting
Room. The group is open to knitters of all levels. Free and
open to the public. For more information, contact Amanda at (860)
889-2365, ext. 112. Join us on Friday, May 3rd at 10:00 a.m. when Mothers of Purl Yarn will demonstrate special finishing techniques! |
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 | Nathaniel Philbrick
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Evening with an Author
Tickets are going
fast for Otis Library's signature fundraiser, "Evening with an
Author." This event will take place on Friday, May 31, at the Spa
at Norwich Inn. The 2013 Celebrity Author is New York Times bestselling author Nathaniel Philbrick. He is the author of In the Heart of the Sea, winner of the National Book Award for nonfiction; Sea of Glory,
winner of the Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt Naval History Prize
and the Albion-Monroe Award from the National Maritime Historical
Society; and Mayflower, finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize in History. The Last Stand, named a New York Times Notable book, was the basis for the 2-hour PBS American Experience film Custer's Last Stand by Stephen Ives. His latest book is Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution, an in-depth look at the bloodiest battle of the Revolution.
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and a silent
auction. A four-course dinner will be followed by an address by
Nathaniel Philbrick. Tickets are $125 per person. For information on
sponsorship or to purchase tickets to this event, please call Event
Chair Millie Shapiro at (860) 887-7236, the Otis Library Development
Office at (860) 889-2365 ext. 127, or visit the Otis Library website at www.otislibrarynorwich.org.
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Teen Happenings
Become a fan of Otis Library Teens on Facebook! 
Read our Teen Librarian's Blog: www.yabooknerd.blogspot.com
Events: Must be in Grade 6 or above to attend.
Fre e Comic Book Day, Saturday, May 4.
Help us celebrate our love of comics! Pick up a free comic (while supplies last).
 DIY: Steampunk Jewelry, Monday,
May 6, 6:30 p.m.
Create awesome jewelry with clock pieces, gears and more in the Meeting Room.
 Twitter Talk, Wednesday, May 8, 6:30 p.m.
Are
you on Twitter? Want to get the details on how to start and how
to reach people? Check out our program in the Community Room.
Chocolate Marshmallow Puffs, Wednesday, May 15, 6:30 p.m. 
Celebrate National Chocolate Chip Day with us by making this delicious dessert in the staff lounge!
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 | Michael Tougias
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"A Storm Too Soon"
Author
Michael Tougias will appear in the Community Room on Wednesday, May 22,
at 1:00 p.m. to give a slide presentation on his new book A Storm Too Soon: A True Story of Disaster, Survival and Incredible Rescue. The dramatic and inspiring program is free and open to the public. Tougias
will chronicle how 70-foot waves batter a tattered life raft 250 miles
out to sea in one of the world's most dangerous places, the Gulf
Stream. Hanging onto the raft are three men, a Canadian, a Brit,
and their captain, JP DeLutz, a dual citizen of America and
France. Trying to reach these survivors before it's too late are 4
Coast Guardsmen battling hurricane force winds in their Jayhawk
helicopter. Three other vessels with 10 people aboard were caught
in the storm, and only 6 survived. Four Rhode Islanders perished
on the sailboat Flying Colors. This 2007 disaster prompted one of the largest and most intense rescues in Coast Guard history. Michael
J. Tougias is an award-winning author of 20 books with Simon &
Schuster including several true survival thrillers: Fatal Forecast, Overboard!, Ten Hours Until Dawn, and The Finest Hours
(co-authored). Copies of his books will be available for sale and
signing. For more information, call Julie at (860) 889-2365, ext.
128 
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Children's Programs
***Please note you are now able to register for Children's Programs via our online calendar. Please visit or call the Children's Department at 860-889-2365 ext 114 for assistance!
 GREEN THUMB GARDEN CLUB. 6:00 - 6:45 p.m., Wednesdays: May 1, June 5, July 10, August 14.
Calling all green thumbs for this fun, hands-on monthly club! We will "Dig into Reading" and learn about the lifecycle and care of plants. Enjoy watching your seeds grow over the summer! For ages 4 - 8. Space is limited; registration begins two weeks before each program. This program is sponsored by The Norwich Recreation Department.
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS PROGRAM. 11:00 A.M.-noon, Saturday, May 11. Join us as we create delicious and healthy parfaits! Slice up your favorite fruits, then add some yummy, fresh granola! Related stories and activities complete the fun! For ages 8 - 11. Space limited; registration begins April 15. This program is sponsored by a grant from People's United Bank. PAWS-ITIVE READING DAYS. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Saturday, May 4. Spend 15 minutes of special reading time with a registered pet therapy dog. The dogs are gentle, loving, well trained and experienced. They
love to listen to stories read by children! For pre-K - 5th
grade. Space is limited; registration begins April 15. OTIS LIBRARY LEGO® CLUB. 11:00 a.m. - noon, Saturday, May 18. Join us for a monthly club at Otis Library! Future architects (and their grown-ups) wanted! We will supply the LEGO® bricks and provide monthly themes! LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this event. For ages 4 & up. This program is sponsored by The Norwich Recreation Department. Registration begins May 4.
HOMESCHOOLERS OPEN HOUSE. 2:00 - 3:00 p.m., Monday, May 20. Calling all homeschoolers! Find out what resources Otis Library has to offer and help us learn how we can better serve you and your family! Meet other homeschoolers during this afternoon event. This month Melodye Whatley, an avid letterboxer, will be on hand to teach you all about this family-friendly, fun activity! Children welcome! All ages. Drop-In.
ON THE SAME PAGE BOOK CLUB. 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 20. 2nd
and 3rd graders are invited to join us for a book discussion
group! Kids and parents read a selected book in advance; then we
come together for lively discussions and activities! What a great
way to spend time together! This month's book is Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters
by Lenore Look. Books are available for checkout at the
Children's Desk. For 2nd and 3rd graders and parents.
Registration begins April 29.
4+5ers BOOK CLUB. 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 22. 
Join the book club that has everyone talking! In May the book club will read The Potato Chip Puzzles by Eric Berlin. Copies are available at the Children's Desk. Come enjoy great books, games, prizes and pizza! Participants must read the book to attend. For
children in 4th and 5th grade. Register beginning April 24.
This program is made possible from a grant from People's United Bank.
I"M A READER CLUB. 4:30 - 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 29.
New readers are welcome to this special book-based program filled with games and activities! Please pick up a copy of Tales for Very Picky Eaters
by Josh Schneider at the Children's Desk. For 1st graders.
Space is limited; register beginning May 6.
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Adult Book Discussion Groups
Both
groups are informal, peer-led discussions and are open to the
public. Copies of the books are available to borrow at the
Circulation Desk. Join us for lively discussions and
refreshments! For more information, please call Julie at (860)
889-2365, ext. 128.
The Changing Minds Book Club will meet on Wednesday, May 8, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Ben Behind His Voices: One Family's Journey from the Chaos of Schizophrenia to Hope by Randye Kaye.
 The Evening Book Discussion Group will meet on Wednesday, May 22, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the best-selling book Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand.
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Otis Library and Norwich Community Cinema
 Rose City Shorts Fest - Saturday, May 117:30 p.m. Donald L. Oat Theater
62 Broadway, Norwich
Suggested Donation: $7.00
Short films are often a
stepping-stone toward the goal of a feature length film. Scorsese,
Spielberg, and many other filmmakers started their careers making short
films. At the 3rd annual Rose City Shorts Fest on May 11,
among other wonderful films, they are excited to have 2 that won
academy awards this year.
Curfew is a 2012 short film directed by Shawn Christensen. The film won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film this year.
And Inocente,
directed by the team of Sean Fine (a Connecticut College graduate) and
Andrea Nix Fine, won the Oscar for Best Short Documentary.
 For more information on upcoming films, visit the Norwich Community Cinema website at www.norwichcinema.org. Donald Oat Theater is located at 62 Broadway in Norwich.
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 Get Connected on Social Networking Sites!
Join
us for a series of informational sessions on Twitter, Pinterest,
Blogging, and Phone Apps. Each meeting (from now until June) will
have one topic per night. There will be an informational period
followed by Q&A and hands-on help. Come for one night or to
all events! Registration is encouraged; please visit our website calendar for more information or call (860) 889-2365, ext. 109.
All sessions take place in the Community Room, and begin at 6:30 p.m.
Please feel free to bring your questions and your devices.
Wednesday, May 8: Twitter
Wednesday, June 5: Phone Apps
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