From the Director:
Dear Library Friends and Followers,
Welcome to all of our new subscribers! I'm glad to be able to reach out to you in this way, and I hope you'll find my musings informative, exciting, and occasionally entertaining. This month, you'll find our newsletter is a bit of a long one--there's just a lot of news, and it's all good news!
NEWS * BUILDING UPDATES * ADULT PROGRAMS * SUMMER READING * DEVELOPMENT
EXCITING NEWS!
Beginning July 1, 2023, the Easthampton Public Library will no longer charge late fees for overdue items! This change comes as part of a growing trend in public libraries and supports the goals of our regional consortium, CWMARS. Eliminating fines supports equity of access, frees up staff time for other projects, and can have a beneficial impact on circulation. To read more about why many libraries across the country are choosing this path, click here. All outstanding overdue fees will be removed from patron accounts over the next few month. Please be aware that you will still accrue replacement fees for lost or damaged items.
The Friends' Book Sale was a resounding success! Thank you to all who made it happen and who came to buy books. A gorgeously curated selection of books for sale remains available just inside the door any time that we're open.
BUILDING UPDATES
Thank you to the incredible Ted Towne, Jr. of Towne Builders for our shiny new ramp. We are thrilled to be able to offer safe accessible entry to our upper floor again. Next step will be beautification--if any staining experts have a few hours to spare, let us know!
Planning continues around the next steps for the Library building--we're working on a plan that will allow us to best grow and serve the community. Stay tuned for more developments soon! Meanwhile, your continued support means the world. I encourage you to keep showing up and voicing your support for the Library in whatever way makes sense for you. I hope to see some of you at next week's City Council meeting on Wednesday, June 7 at 6:00pm, to encourage the Council to say 'aye' to an increase in Library funding in the City budget.
ADULT PROGRAMS
We’re starting to get into the Summer Groove with adult programming! Join us for a Sun on the Muddy Author's Night with poet Jim Armenti and photographer Dave Madeloni on Wednesday, June 7th at 6:30pm. Sun on the Muddy is a book of poetry and fantastic photos published by Levellers Press of Amherst. There will be a short presentation, poetry reading, a few songs and conversation. Books will be available for purchase.
Yoga with Brian Mulligan continues! Free and drop-in, bring your yoga mat. This month, Brian will be here 6-7pm on Mondays June 5th and 12th. And, come sample our Art Buffet, on Tuesday, June 13th, 2-3:30pm, as they explore the Japanese concept of ‘notan’ – ‘light-dark harmony’.
There are Office Hours aplenty happening in June, in the first alcove on our main floor. Easthampton Community Social Worker Liz Plouffe will be back on Monday, June 12th, 10:30am-12:30pm and on Thursday, June 22nd, 3-5pm. Bring your questions about City services, mental health resources, elder care support, or other needs! Then, State Rep. Dan Carey is here on, June 26th, 4-5pm. Stop by, say hi, ask your questions or discuss your concerns!
And last but definitely not least, our Find Your Voice Summer Reading Programs for all ages begin the last week of June, on Monday, June 26th! We have some wonderful adult events planned – On Wednesday, June 28th at 6pm, drop-in for a presentation with certified life coach Chris Rich on simple takeaways to improve your inner voice and your life. Then, we are delighted to welcome back Laurie McMillan on Fridays June 30th and July 7th at 3:30pm, for a writing workshop called Writing Memoir: Voice and Passion. Please RSVP so we have an idea of how many folks will be attending. (Recommended but not required). Learn more and RSVP. Stay tuned for more!
SUMMER READING
Summer Reading at the Library begins on June 26th with a full day of exciting events. We have a full season of Find Your Voice themed programming from literary events to concerts to...WIZARDS (!) to keep young readers engaged and entertained. More info coming soon--we cannot WAIT to share the whole lineup. Even before Summer Reading, the June Youth Services calendar is full of gems - don't miss a thing! We're especially excited about our Intergenerational Drawing Group with Resilient Community Arts!
DEVELOPMENT
The Library is entering an exciting but challenging transition period during which we will be juggling multiple spaces and project goals—maintaining our current historic building on Park Street, planning for temporary renovation and usage of ESB's generous building gift on Main Street, AND engaging the whole community in the rigorous process of envisioning the brand-new Library building Easthampton deserves. All this without dropping the ball on the many wonderful library services our community wants, needs, and enjoys!
As a result, we’re facing a modest funding gap as we close in on the end of our fiscal year. If you’d like to support the library at this time, we’re just one click away. Or mail your contribution to our address on Park Street. Any amount will be gratefully appreciated!
