Get Ready For School--Get A Library Card!
By Jean Clarke, August 30, 2010
What's the most important school supply of all? A library card is your ticket to a wealth of resources and, best of all, it's absolutely free to all residents, teachers and students in Gilford.
But, there's more good news! If you currently work in the town of Gilford, you, too, are eligible for a library card. That's right, with proof of employment, you can take advantage of one of the best resources in town – the library.
September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, an effort spearheaded by the American Library Association. With two-thirds of Americans holding a library card, you are encouraged to join the 180 million library-users across the country.
In 2010, the emphasis is on making sure that school-age children have library cards. Do all the children in your family have a library card? If not, bring them to the library, where getting a library card is easy. It only takes a few minutes to fill out the application form and, with a parent's signature, you'll be on your way with the most important card in your wallet or backpack – the “smart card”!
Everyone getting a new card in September is eligible to win one of two beautiful baskets filled with fun goodies. You already have a library card? Refer someone—if they use your name when they get their new card, you'll be entered to win a basket for your referral. The contest runs from Sept. 1 through the 30th, so stop by or bring a friend to the library.
Support of “Library Card Sign-up Month” provided by the Friends of the Gilford Library.
Author Visit With Mike Tougias At The Library!
By Jean Clarke, August, 23, 2010
The Gilford Library will host a presentation by Michael Tougias, author of the bestseller Overboard: A True-Blue Odyssey of Disaster and Survival. Scheduled for Tuesday evening, August 31 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Tougias will give a slideshow presentation and answer questions about his most recent tale of maritime disaster.
In May 2005, the Almeisan, a 45' sailboat, left the shores of Connecticut headed towards Bermuda and directly into the path of a vast and powerful storm. Although two members aboard were experienced sailors, the rest of the crew had joined to learn more about offshore sailing.
Four days into the voyage, the storm struck, sweeping two of the crew into the towering seas. The remaining crewmembers managed to stay aboard the vessel as it was slowly torn apart by the rampaging ocean. Overboard! follows the simultaneous desperate struggles of both those still on the boat and those fighting for their lives in the sea.
The Coast Guard, alerted to the Almeisan's distress, rushed to the storm-tossed scene. Their ensuing search and rescue mission proved so spectacularly difficult and dangerous that it was later selected—from among thousands of incidents—as the Guard's search and rescue case of the year.
Tougias is the author of a number of books, including the bestseller Ten Hours until Dawn: The True Story of Heroism and Tragedy Aboard the Can Do. Tougias is a sought-after lecturer who gives more than seventy presentations each year. He lives in Massachusetts. For more information including book reviews and interviews go to www.michaeltougias.com
For a fast-paced, riveting tale, pick up the book or download the audio version (www.gilfordlibrary.org and click on download audio books) of Overboard! And whether you've finished it or not, join us on Tuesday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. for an unforgettable story of heroism and survival on the high seas.
Friends' of the Library Offer Pie, Ice Cream and Books on Old Home Day!
By Jean Clarke, August 16, 2010
Get your bookshelves cleared off and your appetites ready! The Old Home Day Book Sale and Pie and Ice Cream Sale is almost here.
On Friday, August 27 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, August 28 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. the Friends' of the Gilford Library will sell slices of homemade pie and scoops of ice cream on the lawn of the library. While enjoying your pie, you can wander through the tables loaded with great bargains on gently used materials.
Donations of just-like-new hardcovers, paperbacks, puzzles, games, and DVDs/VHS tapes will be gladly accepted at the library's front desk during regular business hours.
Lots of volunteer help is needed to make the sale a success! Pie bakers, book sorters, cashiers, and ice cream scoopers can volunteer to join in the fun. Phone the library at (524-6042) or stop by and add your name to the sign-up sheet.
All proceeds go directly to support Gilford Library programs.
Library's "Knit Wits" Welcomes Knitters
By Jean Clarke, August 2, 2010
Despite the heat wave that never seems to end, the summer of 2010 has seen a record breaking number of knitters gathering at the Gilford Library. Twice a week the library plays host to the Knit Wits, an informal group that meets for knitting and conversation.
Gilford resident, Gloria Dublin, first came up with the idea for a knitting group after attending a craft session on felting. She offered to teach a class on how to knit a seamless sweater and soon after the Knit Wits were meeting Thursday evenings and Friday afternoons. “It's been four years since we got started,” states Dublin, “ and we still see new faces every week. Everyone brings their own projects and we help each other with new patterns and techniques.”
Meeting year-round, the Knit Wits have benefited from a recent resurgence in knitting. The group consists of all ages – mothers, grandmothers, daughters – and once or twice a husband has given it a try. “It's a great hobby that you can do alone or with a group,” Dublin points out. “I think most people find it relaxing and you're making things that are practical.”
The library has a comprehensive collection of how-to books to get you started or expand your skills. One of the classics on seam-free knitting is Jacquelyn Fee's “The Sweater Workshop” first published in 1983. New to the library's collection is Wendy Johnson's “Toe-Up Socks for Every Body,” a guide to making socks that fit perfectly every time.
If it's a good knitting story you're seeking, the library has some “must reads” for knitters and non-knitters alike including Rachael Herron's “How to Knit a Love Song” and Kate Jacobs' series “A Friday Night Knitting Club”.
Knitting is making a comeback, pick up your needles, cast-on and join the fun! The Knit Wits welcome knitters (and crochetters) of all skill levels on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Fridays from 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Summer Reading Programs at the Library!
By Jean Clarke, July 26, 2010
It's not too late! Take a look at the list of programs and special events at the Gilford Library and you'll soon realize that there is plenty afoot at 31 Potter Hill Road.
Check out the library's website (gilfordlibrary.org) under “See What's on the Calendar” for the most current programs and activities that you won't want to miss! In addition to storytimes, a teen event, and special interest groups, this week the library offers two concerts that are sure to offer musical fun for the whole family.
Is reading your game? If the answer is yes, you're invited to sign-up for the library's Summer Reading game. To enter, just come to the library and let a librarian know that you're interested. You'll receive a special gift just for signing up! From pre-readers to adults, there's a storyboard or bingo card that fits your reading style. In no time at all, you'll be on your way to winning a prize (candy bars, t-shirts, notecards and much more).
The Summer Reading Program officially ends Friday, August 6th with the Grand Prize Drawing. Prizes in each category – children, teen and adult – will be awarded. Passes to Canobie Lake Park, gift certificates to Innisfree Bookshop in Meredith, and tickets to Storyland will be awarded to our Grand Prize winners.
So, treat yourself with a trip to the library for reading materials, programs, and concerts to enrich your summer days!
Musical Duo "Too Human" To Perform At The Library!
By Jean Clarke, July 19, 2010
Ready to sit back and listen to some classic songs with a new twist? Join the dynamic musical duo Ellen and Roger Schwartz of “Too Human” at the Gilford Public Library on Friday, July 30 at 12 noon.
Often described as “energetic and uplifting” the Schwartzs enjoy playing to audiences of all ages. They offer “good music with a lot of heart”, but focus on jazz standards from the American songbook. Bringing their own interpretation to these classic songs, the Schwartzs bring a “great vibe that really connects with their audiences.” With vocals, guitar, percussion, and Roger's famous mouth trombone, “Too Human” brings high quality musicianship to every performance.
Hailing from New York, the Schwartzs have had music in their lives from a very early age. Roger studied accordion by the time he was 5 and Ellen was harmonizing by the age of 3. Over the years they both explored different musical genres and instruments, but always felt passionate about singing. Eventually they became professional songwriters in Los Angeles, on staff with Warner/Chappell Music. Their songs were covered by recording artists including Cher, Pat Benatar, Anne Murray and Teddy Pendergrass.
As “Too Human” they have shared the stage with 10,000 Maniacs, Livingston Taylor, and Kenny Rankin and past performances include the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA.
Critics say, “Too Human offers up some of the best songs you have ever heard, played with a depth of soul you rarely hear.”
Bring your brown bag lunch on Friday, July 30 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. for “Music Sandwiched In.” Live music! Jazzy tunes! Delicious desserts for all!
"Washington" Biography Author Ged Carbone Visits Library!
By Jean Clarke, July 12, 2010
Author Gerald Carbone will visit the Gilford Library on Tuesday evening, July 20, to present an overview of his newest biography “Washington: Lessons in Leadership.”
Before he became the “Father of our Country”, George Washington was the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. In the year 1775, he took a group of men that had no experience, no tradition, and no training, and fought a protracted war against the best, most disciplined force in the world, the British Army.
As a leader, Washington influenced every phase of the American Revolutionary War, from beginning to its end in 1783. His offenses were as brilliant as they were unpredictable, such as his legendary Christmas Day strike at Trenton, and his foray through the fog to nearly drive the British from the field at Germantown. It was an aggressive attack that helped convince the French that the American Army was worth supporting. In Washington, award-winning author Gerald M. Carbone argues that it is this sort of fearless but not reckless, spontaneous but calculated, offensive that is the cornerstone of Washington's success on the battlefield and ultimate victory.
Gerald Carbone is the award-winning author ofseveral books on the American Revolution including Washington and Nathanael Greene, and was a journalist for twenty-five years, mostly for the Providence Journal. He has won two of American journalism's most prestigious prizes--the American Society of Newspaper Editors Distinguished Writing Award and a John S. Knight Fellowship at Stanford University. He lives in Warwick, Rhode Island and vacations in the Lakes Region.
Join us for an in depth look at one of America's most inspiring leaders, George Washington, whose “greatness is not simply a matter of victories on the battlefield . . . (but) leadership, determination,and character.” Program begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Gilford Library's Meeting Room.Summer Sizzlers At The Library
By Jean Clarke, June 28, 2010
With the 4th of July just around the corner, the summer season is in full swing! Here are a few recommendations for your summer reading list: The Passage by Justin Cronin. Named Amazon's Best Book of June 2010, Cronin's latest book is guaranteed to be a runaway bestseller. You don't have to be a fan of vampire fiction to be enthralled by this ambitious epic about a virus that nearly destroys the world, and a six-year-old girl who holds the key to bringing it back. Parrot and Olivier in America by Peter Carey. In this work of historical fiction, Parrot and Olivier are a mid-nineteenth-century Oscar and Felix who represent the highest and lowest social registers of the Old World. This odd couple's stark differences in class and background, outlook and attitude—which are explored in alternating chapters narrated by each—presents the unique social experiment that was democracy in the early years of America.
Eating Local: The Cookbook Inspired by America's Farmers by Sur La Table and Janet Fletcher. With 150 recipes featuring a wide range of fresh ingredients, Eating Local highlights 10 community supported agriculture projects around the country. These progressive farms provide inspiration for all who want to cook more wholesome meals using ingredients from their own foodshed. Visually stunning and practical!
Stop by the library, sign-up for the Summer Reading Program and pick up a summer sizzler to read and enjoy!
Sensational Summer Programs Begin June 28!
By Jean Clarke, June 21, 2010
Summer fun begins here at the library on Monday, June 28. The library doors will open at 9 a.m. and we look forward to welcoming all ages to the first day of our summer reading programs.
Make A Splash – Read! is the theme for the 2010 Children's Summer Reading Program. Open to children from preschoolers up to those entering 4th grade, the summer reading program is designed to encourage children and their caregivers to use the library to enjoy reading for learning and fun! In addition, special guests will be visiting the library throughout the summer vacation months to offer entertainment, educational opportunities, and much more. From music to magical tricks, come Make A Splash – Read! at your local library this summer.
Teens – it's time to Make Waves at Your Library! Pick-up your bingo card on or after June 28th, receive a goodie bag filled with special treats, and begin playing! Players who get a “bingo” (down, across or diagonal) receive a prize and are entered into the Grand Prize Drawing on August 5th. Geocacheing, cartoon drawing, writing camp, and many more fun activities are scheduled. So, Make Waves, and join in the fun!
Sensational summer reading awaits adults this year! As part of the library's summer reading program Water Your Mind – READ, the Get Booked Series will feature a number of authors who share their newly published books with library patrons. This week includes a program with Kalee Thompson who wrote the mesmerizing story of a maritime rescue by the Coast Guard in March, 2008. And don't forget to sign-up for the adult summer reading game (grades 9 – adult) so you can be on your way to a prize-winning summer season.
Gilford Public Library looks forward to welcoming all ages to the 2010 Summer Reading Programs from June 28 - August 6. Check out the website www.gilfordlibrary.org for more information about upcoming events.
NE Author Sarah Orne Jewett's Novel Comes to Life at the Library
By Jean Clarke, June 14, 2010
Come journey to a bygone world as we sail up the “lovely, lonely” coast of Maine to Dunnet Landing featured in the novel “The Country of the Pointed Firs” by Sarah Orne Jewett.
Written in 1896, Jewett's novel was an instant success and, out of 170 works of fiction, is considered one of her best. The Dunnet Landing Stories are a series of character sketches featuring the rugged individuals, fishermen, sea captains, farmers, and shepherds and their womenfolk, who lived along the southern Maine coast.in the nineteenth century. With great tenderness and gentle humor, Jewett details the hopes and dreams, the grief and sorrow, and, most of all, the wisdom of these simple country people.
Pontine Theatre, a two-person ensemble, is well known for a large body of innovative and original productions that celebrate the history and culture of New England. Since 1977, the Pontine Theatre has toured extensively, performing and teaching at universities, public and private schools, community theatres, festivals and conferences. Based in Portsmouth, NH, the theatre company offers outreach programs including workshops, curriculum-based instruction and studio performances.
Tuesday evening's performance is co-sponsored by the Gilford Public Library and the Thompson-Ames Historical Society. The performance will take place at the library on Tuesday, June 22 beginning at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Your Summer Checklist : Activities, Museum Passes and Maps at the Library
By Jean Clarke, June 7, 2010
Ever since my kids were able to look forward to summer vacation, we've been writing a list of “things we want to do” before September arrives. No idea is too outlandish or overruled, but we do try to keep it reasonable. Some of the items are fairly easy to check off, while others require some planning ahead, getting in proper shape, or saving a few dollars.
Now that the kids are a bit older, I keep my own personal list of “summer adventures” to look forward too. This summer I've included a few things I've never done before: visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Manchester, spending the day at a NH beach, climbing all 12 of the Belknap Range peaks, and learning how to play Mah Jong.
If you're ready to start your own summer “things to do” list, perhaps the library can help. We have several groups that meet on a regular basis throughout the summer months. Your week can start with a game of Mah Jong (American or Chinese) on Mondays from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. The first and third Tuesday of the month (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) a Rug Hooking workshop for all levels is offered. The Knit Wits meet Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 1 p.m. for knitting and conversation. Thursdays from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. there's a regular game or two of Scrabble in the Meeting Room.
Take yourself and a friend to a NH museum for the day! The Friends of the Library have donated a number of museum passes including: Strawbery Banke, Canterbury Shaker Village, Wright Museum, and the Currier Museum to name just a few.
And whenever you're ready to hit the trails this summer don't forget your map. The library has hiking maps of the Belknap Range, Ossipee Mountains, Weeks Woods, Gunstock and Ramblin' Vewe Farm on sale.
So jot down your “things to do this summer” checklist, head over to the library for programs and passes, and enjoy your summer!