Book Discussion Group Wednesday, September 3 at 7pm Handmaid's Tale
by Margaret Atwood
Offred is a handmaid in the household of the Commander and his wife. In the Republic of Gilead, where society is modeled on the precepts in the biblical book of Genesis, handmaids serve as surrogate mothers for infertile couples. Her survival depends on her ability to reproduce. Since reading and all forms of entertainment are forbidden to her, Offred spends her empty hours recalling her past life with her husband and child, before women were forbidden from holding jobs and handling money. Now that her activities are severely restricted and her every movement spied upon, Offred considers whether her life is worth living.
. See our Reading Cafe webpage for more about our book discussion groups.
Nonfiction Book Discussion Monday, September 8 at 7:00pm Monkey Girl
by Edward Humes
Please register and pick up a copy of the book at the reference desk. Book Summary: In 2009 the city of Philadelphia will hold a Year of Evolution to mark the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of his seminal work The Origin of Species. Two centuries after Darwin, debate still rages over what schools should teach about the origins of human life. In 2005 parents in the Dover, Pennsylvania, school district brought a lawsuit against their school board, protesting a mandate that 9th grade biology students be read a statement questioning evolution and promoting intelligent design as an alternative theory. When journalist Edward Humes arrived at the courthouse in Harrisburg to cover the trial, he was invited to a lecture titled “Why Evolution is Stupid” that would “tell the truth about Darwin’s stupid idea”. Monkey Girl is Humes’s account of the Dover case and an examination of the collision of science and religion in American society.
See our Reading Cafe webpage.
NeW FiLM BloG Directed and Produced by Julie Stump
We have a new film blog written by Julie Stump, our most enthusiastic film buff and librarian. Click HeRe to find reviews of new DVDs in our collection along with insights into current movies and independent films at our Movie Corner.
There's Still Time for Summer Paperbacks!
Take a vacation from reality with our fun summer reading paperback collection featuring tough guys, spies, medieval monks, gardeners, ghosts and shopaholics.
Museum Passes
The Library offers FREE museum admission passes for:
The Sterling & Francine Clark Institute
Norman Rockwell Museum
Hancock Shaker Village
Albany Institute of History and Art
Historic Cherry Hill
Iroquois Indian Museum
Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
These passes can be checked out for 3 days but cannot be reserved. Call the reference desk for information on availability.
WWII Memoir by Katherine Denegar
As a part of the PBS series on WWII, our Nimblefingers member Katherine Denegar was interviewed about her experiences as an Army nurse and she has shared her story with us. Click HERE to read her complete and fascinating account.
To see a list of library books and movies about WWII, click on the following links: WWII in Books and Film Books for Children and Young Adults
Library Survey Results
The results of our survey are in and we invite you to read the Final Report. Thank you for your participation.
Food Pantry Donations
We will be continuing to collect food donations for the New Scotland Food Pantry. The baskets are arranged by the reference desk and we will accept gifts of non-perishable foods such as cereal, peanut butter, canned soups and pasta as well as pet foods. Please join us and make a contribution to this important local organization.
OverDrive Audiobooks & Films
Check out the hundreds of titles available from OverDrive, our digital online book service. The titles include romance, graphic novels, suspense, foreign languages and much more. Use your computer or MP3 player and never worry about fines because the books will automatically return after 21 days. Ask us about this online service of the library! (We're sorry, but iPods are not compatible with this service)
PlayAway Audiobooks
We now have digital audiobooks ready to check out and go! PlayAway books are preloaded with a popular book and are small, lightweight and easy to use. They can fit in your pocket or can be worn around your neck. Just press play and enjoy.
Community Calendar
The library is expanding its online calendar to include local events. Organizations interested in having their events appear on the caldendar can submit proposed events to our editor using a link from the library website. Once approved, these events will appear along with library programs and announcements. Please contact Judie Harren for more information about this service at 765-2791.
Home Book Delivery
If you are homebound and without access to the library, we can set up your own personal selection and delivery service of library materials. Call the library for information at 765-2791.
Personal Email & Internet Training
Learn more efficient web searching techniques.
Spend an hour with a librarian/instructor learning to
navigate the internet during a session tailored
to your interests and needs.
Call or stop by the reference desk to sign up
or get more information.
Wireless Internet Access
We have wireless Internet access at the library. This means you can access the Internet at almost any table or chair in the library (or even outside!) if you bring your wireless Internet ready laptop computer.
WWII Letter Collection
The Lil Smith letter collection is now ready for public viewing. Please call for an appointment.
Computer Discs
Blank computer discs may be purchased for $1 at the circulation desk. Proceeds of the sales will benefit the Friends of the Library.
Book Discussion Group First Wednesday of each month, 7pm
Adults meet each month to talk about a different intriguing and engrossing novel.
Books are chosen by book discussion group leader and librarian Suzanne Fisher.
In June the group ends the year by holding a potluck supper and discussing a food-related book.
Copies of the book are available at the library reference desk. Sign up is required. See our Reading Cafe page for details about the upcoming meeting.
Nonfiction Book Discussion Group Monday, September 8 at 7pm
History, adventure, sports, disasters, exploration, world politics, war and natural history are some of the subjects we will explore through works by first-rate nonfiction writers. Paperback copies of each book will be available for $5 or library copies can be requested.
Nimblefingers Every Tuesday, 1 - 3pm
Newcomers are welcome to bring their own projects - quilting, embroidery, crochet, needlepoint or other needlework and join these friendly ladies for "tea & crumpets" and conversation. Coordinator: Librarian Julie Stump.
Take a look at the Nimblefingers News blog by Julie to find out more about the meetings!
Every Other Thursday Night Poets
Meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. Poets should bring an original poem to share and be willing to critique their own work. See our Blog to learn more about us! Coordinated by Barbara Vink.
Lifelines Third Thursday at 6:30 pm
A prose writers support group. Call Barbara Vink at 765-2791 for information.
Philosophers 101 Third Wednesday at 6:30 pm
Discussion about the world moderated by Larry Rapant 765-3471.
Book Discussions 
