Library News
April 2013 Library News
Nancy Jordan
By the time you are reading this, I hope Long Island is in the throes of spring, as opposed to mid-March when it is still freezing, with lots of wind. The Library just received a box of new books on Friday including the following books with a Maine connection: White Dogs fell from the Sky by Eleanor Morse, Set in Kenya, but a Peaks Island author; Sisters from Hardscrabble Bay, by Beverly Jensen, set partly in Maine and New Brunswick in1916, Maine author; Reunion at Red Paint Bay, by George Harrar, a mystery set in Maine; Life among Giants, by Bill Roorbach, a Maine author with whom Melanie Floyd is interning at Farmington. See the website for all of the other new books acquired in March.
New movies just in include Argo, Academy Award winner for Best Film; Flight with Denzel Washington; Moonrise Kingdom (recommended by Alanna Rich); and Beasts of the Southern Wild. As soon as all the other Academy Award nominees are released to DVD, the Library will purchase them. If you have any suggested for good movies that the Library should have, including documentaries, please let me know, njordan@long-island.lib.me.us
What have your favorite books been this winter and spring, either books to hold in your hand or e-books? Let me know so I can tell others about them in June, or you can write about them yourself. See below for Annie Donovan’s and Nancy Noble’s favorites.
Tommy MacVane has a great idea. He’s suggested that we create a posting in the library where patrons can list their recent favorite books. Periodically, I can send it to Chris to post on her list-serve. As soon as I can find a good place to keep it, it’ll be there for all of our patrons to add to, and to get ideas from.
Tech night at the Library on Tuesday nights with Curt Murley is a great new library service. Curt has helped several Long Islanders with stubborn computer issues, including yours truly. No problem is too large or too small for him to help with, so don’t hesitate to come on up to the Library, either with your laptop, or a good description of the problem with your desktop. Reprinted below is Curt’s description of the types of ‘computer literacy’ issues he can help with:
“We will try to provide answers to your questions and if we can’t, we will help you get them answered. Want to learn how to use a spreadsheet? There are a number of free on-line self-paced courses available. Want to set up a Facebook account or use Skype to make free video calls? There’s help for that too, in the form of tutorials and instructional videos. Need help with your e-reader or tablet computer? We can show you how to download free e-books right here at the library. Having hardware or internet access problems with your computer? Come on up to the library and we’ll work on them together“
Changes for Art and Soul. As I’ve mentioned in past newsletters, the Library Board has been considering ways to raise money without depending on Art and Soul every summer, mainly because of the huge numbers of volunteers it takes to make it a success for Festival goers and financially for the Library and Vendors. In conjunction with the Recreation Department, who is having the same thoughts about Wharf Street, we’re thinking about having Art and Soul every other year, alternating with Wharf Street Festival. So the summer of 2013 will be Wharf Street Festival in August, and in the summer of 2014 Art and Soul will be back in July. Look for more information in the June LICA.
Think about celebrating part of Memorial Day weekend at the Maine Coastal Botanical Gardens. All admissions will be free that weekend for MAINE residents.
Some favorite books from Library Patrons
Nancy Noble writes:
Help, thanks, wow : the three essential prayers" - now who can resist a title like that? I certainly can't. In this short (102 pages) book by one of my favorite spiritual yet-down-to-earth authors, Anne Lamott, she distills all prayers into three short prayers, of one word (and syllable!) each. "Help" - when that's all we can say while we are drowning. "Thanks" - which is all we need to express when we take the time to reflect on what gifts we are given. And "Wow" - when we are completely in awe yet speechless to express ourselves. Only Anne spells it out in ways that most of us can't, with eloquence and humor and grace, which brings tears to my eyes whenever I read her works. She is such a flawed human being, yet her writing transcends. Check it out - you won't be sorry.
And Annie Donovan writes:
In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larsen came highly recommended to me. Although I do not tend to read a great deal of non-fiction I was riveted by this account set in 1933 Berlin. William E. Dodd at that time became the first US ambassador to Hitler's Germany and brought his family along with him. At first they are charmed by and eventually deceived into believing in Hitler's intentions until eventually are confronted by the reality of his vision for the world. Upon finishing this excellent read I was reminded of another literary work set at that same, although fictional, that I first read more than 30 years ago. Herman Wouk's The Winds of War AND War and Remembrance follow the family of Naval Attache Pug Henry from pre-war Europe, through Pearl Harbor, Midway, Stalingrad, Auschwitz....and many historical events until the end of WW II and the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan. Although some of the writing is quite technical and the details of the concentration camps and Hitler's "Final Solution" difficult to read it is mostly the story of a family torn apart and brought together, of love and loss, loyalty and betrayal, war and peace and reconciliation. This too I would recommend as well as many of the "old" titles on our back shelves in the library. You never know when you might stumble on an old literary friend or a previously unread work by a favorite author!
Ever wonder about other libraries in Casco Bay? Nancy Noble has been visiting our neighboring libraries and is blogging about them. See her comments on the Library blog at http://liclblog.long-island.lib.me.us/
And finally, as spring settles in, we will be thinking of a revised schedule. We’ll be welcoming a couple new volunteers, so we may be open more hours. Watch for updates!
February 2013 Library News
Nancy Jordan
Winter at the Library—think of new books on the shelf as well as old ones to borrow or buy, new movies, good internet access, a warm place to get out of the cold, to find a friend to chat with, and to read the Sunday New York Times. During February you will find special events, like the Coffee House, and a contra dance!
What have your favorite books been this winter, either books to hold in your hand or e-books? Let me know so I can tell others about them in April, or even better, you can send a short write-up to Chris for inclusion in April's newsletter.
A few of my favorites that I highly recommend:
- Night Circus, a first novel by Erin Morgenstem, a truly magical book that envelopes the reader in its spell from the first page.
- Orange is the new Black, a memoir by Piper Kerman of her year in the Federal Prison in Danbury. An eye-opener about prison life and the US prison system that reads like a novel.
- Blood, Bones and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton, owner of the restaurant 'Prune' in NYC. Hamilton sheds an entertaining light on her early struggles in the food world and on opening a restaurant when she didn't really know what she was doing.
- Wild by Cheryl Strayed, another memoir that I couldn't put down. I felt all of the author's pain, as well as her joy, in accomplishing what seemed like an impossible goal. It's a story told with warmth and humor.
The Library has East of the Hague Line, as well as other new books like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, Waltzing with Bracey (a dog) by Brenda Gilchrist, The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton, and Winter of the World by Ken Follett.
New movies include Titanic, Shall We Dance (the original Japanese version), Dark Knight Trilogy, and Magic of Belle Isle (with Morgan Freeman).
Library services you might have forgotten about: Renewing books by phone (766-2530, you can even leave a message); our website at https://www.library.long-island.lib.me.us where among other things, you can find what we have for new books (new acquisitions updated monthly), and the library blog that you can access through the website or at http://liclblog.long-island.lib.me.us/. The Maine Coastal Botanical Garden has unfortunately discontinued the free pass program, but will be hosting free 'Maine Days' over Memorial Day weekend. More about this in the April newsletter.
AND.. .very exciting, a note from Curt Murley describing a new computer literacy program the Library plans to implement in the upcoming weeks:
Digital Literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. Libraries have an important role to play in improving our nation's digital literacy. The Maine State Library and other libraries, educational institutions and government agencies around the country have provided a number of resources to assist small libraries like us in providing digital literacy training. For our part, we are going to start offering a "Tech Night" at the library.
Every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 a member of our tech support staff will be on hand to help you with your computer hardware and software questions. We will try to provide answers to your questions and if we can't, we will help you get them answered. Want to leam how to use a spreadsheet? There are a number of free on-line self-paced courses available. Want to set up a Facebook account or use Skype to make free video calls? There's help for that too, in the form of tutorials and instructional videos. Need help with your e-reader or tablet computer? We can show you how to download free e-books right here at the library. Having hardware or internet access problems with your computer? Before you cart it in town and pay a couple of hundred dollars to get it looked at, check with a member of our friendly tech support staff at a Tuesday "Tech Night". Your library is here to serve you, and we hope you'll take advantage of our offer to help with your computer and electronic device questions and problems.
In case of inclement weather this winter, the volunteer on duty makes the decision as to weather the library will cole or not. We apoligize for any inconvience when we are closed unexpectedly. Please call ahead if you are unsure. Hope to see you at the Library this winter.
November 2012 Library News
Nancy Jordan
Winter at the Library. It’s going to be a quiet, warm and cozy place to be, as those days get shorter, and the winds pick up. The Gallery looks inviting, a good place to browse if you haven’t seen ‘Landscapes’ or for a second look. New books are coming in steadily, and a movie order is in the offing. I’ve gotten a couple suggestions for movies, but would love more. The soft rocking chairs are welcoming for reading, and the meeting rooms are there for your use.
We’ve had to drop Thursday evenings, probably until early April or brought back by popular demand! But we’ll be there Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, thanks to Tammy Hohn, Sue Hemond, Tom MacVane, and Nancy Jordan. Many thanks to Joan Merkwaz who has been manning Monday evenings since August, and to Judy Stewart and Pierre Avignon who have taken care of Thursday evenings forever, it seems. Please see the winter schedule below.
Laurie Brayley is taking a leave from Monday mornings for a while. Laurie has been manning the circulation desk Monday mornings since the Library was in the basement: could it be since 1988? Thank you Laurie, and we hope you’ll be back.
The Library is still missing two books that we’d love to have back. Remember, we have a raise all our funds to buy new books at Art and Soul every summer. I had to waste those hard earned dollars replacing books we JUST bought: Please look around your houses for Menage by Alix Shulman, and We were the Kennedys by Monica Wood. We want them returned! Patrons are waiting for both of them.
Patrons have asked for a longer loan period, one more in line with surrounding libraries. So, now books may be checked out for 3 weeks at a time. DVD’s are still loaned for 2 weeks only.
There is a new book just published by Gordon Holmes called “East of the Hague Line”. It comes highly recommended by Leslie and Pat Ducale and is a mystery revolving around the Maine fishing industry. A Long Islander who has read it says, “I’m not a reader but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are developed really well, and the fishing parts brought me up to speed since I don’t have fishing in my blood as a lot of Long Islander’s do.” It is now available at the Library (click here to check if it's available - do an Author search for Holmes). Leslie says it’s for sale at the Fish Pier and Hamilton Marine, and would make a great Christmas present for anyone attached to Long Island, especially those of us who can’t be here as much as we’d like!
A few new books just in include ‘The Man who lives with Wolves’ by Sean Ellis, Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan, Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver, and Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling.
The Library Board has been struggling with what to do about continued fund raising. ART and SOUL is a big hit, and is always very successful financially. The Library raises all of the money for books, DVD’s, supplies and computers from Art and Soul, representing 1/3 of its total budget. The Town pays for the other 2/3, including heat, electricity, and custodial. But it takes just short of 100 people to pull off this festival every year. Complicating things, we have no chair for the summer of 2013 and no chair for the crabmeat operation.
Summer 2013 will bring the School Auction in May, again requiring huge amounts of labor to be successful. With Wharf Street Festival in August, and now the new and revised VFW Fair in Sept, each of which take just as many volunteers to organize and run, it seems there just aren’t enough people on the island to do all the work. The Library Board will be meeting in January to discuss new ideas, including a scaled back version of Art and Soul and an annual letter appeal. Any ideas are welcome.
Winter 2012-2013 Schedule
Morning Afternoon Evening
Monday 9:30-noon 7-8:30 pm
Tuesday 7-8:30pm
Wed 9:30-noon 6:30 -8pm
Thursday 2-5pm
Friday 9:30-noon
Saturday 9:30-noon
Sunday 11:30-1:30
October 2012 Library News
Nancy Jordan
Foreign Film night has been a success this fall and much appreciated. Films shown include Monsieur Lazhar, The Women on the 6th Floor and A Separate Peace. Thank you, Bill Loaf man and Jasmine Isobe. At the end of the season, all the films shown will be available to check out at the library, if you missed the showing or want to see one again.
The library volunteers and board members have been discussing changes to the library schedule for late fall and winter. When we opened at the Learning Center in spring of 2004, one of our goals was to be open at least 4 evenings a week, and we've met that goal for over 8 years. Until a couple years ago, we saw several patrons each evening, including students, who needed the computers and our wireless service. Recently, that use has dropped way off, maybe because most, if not all, of our winter residents now have computers and internet at home. There have been book groups over those years, and a small group of regular evening users. The first few years there were meetings almost every night that we were open. That has dropped off to one or two nights every couple weeks. Our volunteers are frustrated that few, if any patrons, show up most nights and are suggesting that we close on Monday and Thursday nights from mid-November til April. I would like some feedback from all of you year round residents:
-If you were to use the library in the evening, what evenings (M, Tu, Wed, Th) are most important to you, most useful?
-What evenings does your organization or group need the library for regularly scheduled meetings? Planning Board, VFW, Year round Housing, ZBA, etc.?
-Is there a reason why you don't use the library in the evenings that the library can address? -Is there a service the library could provide that
would encourage you to use the library, in the evenings or otherwise?
-Do you have any suggestions for changes to the schedule or to library policies?
-Parents, would you use the library more if we were open in the afternoons when you were at
school picking up your students from school or after school activities? I know a lot of you hang out there while waiting, whether the library is open or
not.
-Please email me your concerns, interests or suggestion at Njordan @ long-island .lib .me .us or call at 766-3396.
Until further notice (watch the website and postings around town), we will continue to be open Monday through Thursday in the evenings.
New fiction at the library includes: Broken Harbor by Tana French who is one of our most sought after mystery writers, but she only releases a book every couple years; Stolen Prey by John Sandford, a hugely popular author; Sand Castle Girls by Chris Bohjalian, fiction about the Armenian genocide by a very compelling author; Last to Die by Maine author Tess Gerritson; and Where 'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple, a book getting interesting reviews and a lot of attention.
New non-fiction includes: Twilight War by John Crist, a history of US involvement with Iran, right up to the present; When We Were the Kennedys by Monica Wood, a Maine book that comes highly recommended; Passage of Power by Robert Caro, a good winter project!; and Suddenly the Cider Didn't Taste So Good by John Ford, a heartwarming and funny Maine author.
That's only a partial list. Please give us any suggestions you have for more new or well-loved titles. The films shown at Foreign Film night will be available for check-out soon. I'm always looking for suggestions for new films. The library appreciates all the donations that have come in, even if we put them on the sale table.
Patrons this fall have been asking for more Long Island material and other Maine books. We try to keep up with new publications that are noteworthy or of special interest to Long Islanders, but would , love suggestions from all of you. We have many, many classic Maine books, like Elizabeth Ogilvie's Tide Trilogy (See write up at http://liclblog.long-island.lib.rne.us ), Ruth Moore's wonderful novels of the Maine coast and of course, Kenneth Roberts. Thanks to Bobbie Blaisdell, an original founder of the Long Island Library back in 1988 who knew Maine books, and thanks to a generous donation in memory of Bruno Caliandro, we concentrated on Maine books early on, even when out of print. Unfortunately, the selection of Long Island material is slim, but if anyone knows of any publications that the library doesn't have, please let us know. The Long Island collection does include the two childrens' books by Long Island author Hazel Wilson, Roberta Ricker's memoir/history, West by North, and a brief history by Tony Donovan.
You can find out what's new by checking the library website at http://library.long-island.lib.me.us. Curt Murley updates this listing every month. There is also a search function on the website so you can tell if we have a title. Unfortunately, there seem to be some bugs in it as it sometimes says we don't have a title when we do. Curt is working on it. [Note from Curt: This is not a real-time function. Content and availablility data is updated nightly. I have recently worked on this and added a "keyword" search option. Try it at http://library.long-island.lib.me.us/index.php?page=search-on-line-catalog and let me know (766-5931) if you have problems]. If you don't see what you're looking for when you come to the library, you can ask for a title to be reserved for you, or we can order it from Inter-library loan.
Have you checked out the library's blog yet? If not, try it! You can get there by going through the website or directly at http://liclblog.long-island.lib.me.us/
And finally, we thank Tammy Hohn who is returning as a volunteer. The Board of Directors welcomes new Board members Tammy Hohn and Patty Temple.
August 2012 Library News
Nancy Jordan
The Library is pleased to announce that starting August 1, we are adding Monday evenings back to the schedule. Thanks to returning volunteer Joan Merkwaz, the Library will be open from now until further notice on Monday from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Thank you, Joan!
Welcome to our other new volunteers: Julie Evans and Kay Johnson. Thanks to both of you.
Foreign Film night is getting closer! Bill Loafman and Jasmine Isobe will be showing Foreign Films in early August. Watch for the announcement of the beginning show. We apologize if there are some delays due to floor renovations at the Learning Center
.
Lots of new books have arrived over the summer. Books to look for include Pretty Birds by Scott Simon (a novel about a feisty heroine and the fighting in Sarajevo); Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore; Menage by Long Island's Alix Shulman; The Newlyweds by Neil Freudenberger; I Married You for Happiness by Lily Tuck, Calico Joe by John Grissom; and Coral Glynn by Peter Cameron. Thanks to Paul and Diane Watts' donations, we've just put some new Stuart Woods and James Patterson books on the shelves.
For our non-fiction readers we have Love, Life and Elephants, an African Love Story, by Daphne Jenkins Sheldrick; Piano Lessons: a Memoir by Anna Goldsworthy; Blood, Bones and Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef, by Gabrielle Hamilton; End this Depression Now by Paul Krugman, and My Cross to Bear by Gregg Allman.
You can find out what's new by checking the library website at http: //library.long-island .lib .me .us. Curt Murley updates this listing every month. If you don't see what you're looking for when you come to the Library, you can ask for a title to be reserved for you.
Have you checked out the Library's blog yet? If not, try it! You can get there by going through the website or directly at http://liclblog.long-island.lib.me.us/
Don't forget about Friday story hour at 9:30, hosted by Marci Train and Patty Temple, with help from Lizzie McAleney. Thanks to all of you for providing this delightful time for our young readers.
The work of the LICL Board sometimes seems invisible to patrons and friends of the Library. You could say it's a pretty laid back board, even though most board members are also actively involved in the day-to-day running of the library. Our board has been the 'behind the scenes' governing entity since the first year of library operation (1988!) in the basement of the school. The Library is sad that two of our long-term board members have resigned: Greg Middleton has left for Arizona, and Maggie Carle is laying plans to leave the island once her house sells. We will miss you both and the different perspectives that you brought to the board. Thank you both for your many years of service.
June 2012 Library News
Nancy Jordan
Summer at the Library! So many things to do, from getting books and movies (new ones coming in all the time), reading newspapers that you can hold in your hand (Portland Press Herald and the Boston Globe daily, New York Times on Sunday), reading stories to your favorite child, and studying in a quiet place, to seeing old friends and neighbors that you haven't seen yet this season. Our friendly volunteer librarians are always ready to help, finding that special book, or sorting out a computer problem (well, maybe!). Or are just there to greet you with a smile. There are plans for Foreign Films night again: watch for dates as the summer progresses.
The Long Island Library will be hosting its summer children's story hour hosted by Marci Train and Patty Temple, assisted by Lizzie McAleney and Linda Greene on Friday mornings at 9:30. There's always a craft and sometimes a special guest reader or performer. All are welcome to attend. This program will start June 29th and run until August 17th.
Thanks to Nancy Noble's suggestion, and Curt Murley's set-up, Long Island Library now has its own blog. You can find it through the website homepage http://library.long-island.lib.me.us/ or directly through this link: http://liclblog.long-island.lib.me.us/ . Curt Murley and Nancy Noble have written the first posts, but we would like to open it up to community members to post blogs. You can also respond to posts. You can even subscribe to feeds! (updated content) Check it out, and let us know what you think! (It's a work in progress, so we appreciate your patience.)
Yes, we have 50 Shades of Grey. Why? Because so many patrons have asked for it. Let us know what you think! What a good reason to try the blog! The Library always welcomes suggestions for new book purchases.
The Library wants to thank Eric Lindstrom for fixing one of our children's rocking chairs that had fallen apart. Now it's starring in the school's Spanish program, but will be back in the children's area for the summer.
We are pleased to announce that Carolyn Gaudet is the Dodwell Gallery's Guest Curator for the summer.
People are asking what is the relevance or importance of libraries these days, when Kindles and e-readers are everywhere, every kid seems to have an i-pad, any news one would ever want is available instantly on-line. Well, we know a library is more important than ever, especially now. A library is a community center for readers, a place to talk about books you've read, hear about books you should read. You can meet authors, talk to friends and strangers about the authors you've just met, gather with like-minded readers. When you walk through the door, you know you're in a place with kindred spirits, people who value the printed word, the beautifully illustrated children's book, and where you'll find the heart of the community. (Adapted from the Maine State Library website)
As always the library accepts used books in good shape, either for the shelves, our sale table or for sale at Art and Soul. But, please, no Readers' Digest Condensed books or books that are dirty or moldy. Thanks to everyone who has donated books over the years, and to everyone who buys the used ones!
Please contact Nancy Jordan if you are interested in volunteering at the Library. We currently need two people for Monday nights, and maybe some Other spots too. In the meantime, hope to see you at the library this summer!
April 2012 Library News
Nancy Jordan
The Library is looking forward to the spring season and seeing many more people at the library. The plants along the new walkway are greening up, and a book order has just gone in. The books should be on the shelf by the time the Long Islander arrives at your doorstep. A few books to watch for:
Lone Wolf by Jody Picoult
August Gale by Barbara Walsh
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
Boy in the Suitcase by Lena Kaaberbol
Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea by Morgan Callan Rogers, …and oh! so many more.
Academy award nomination films are in and include: Hugo, Girl with the Dragon Tatoo, the Artist, the Descendants, Midnight in Paris, the Help, To Hell and Back Again, A Week with Marilyn and many more. By request, the first season of Walking Dead is now available.
At summer movie go-ers request, the Library just ordered some of the foreign films that Jasmine and Bill showed last summer. They include Made in Dagenham, Kings of Pastry, Monsoon Wedding and Mid-August.
The Maine State Library offers several services to Maine Libraries that extend the range of items physically available in on Long Island. I’ve written before about audiobook downloads and e-book downloads, all for free. You just need access to a computer and your Long Island Library Patron ID, available by calling a friendly librarian at 766-2530. Instructions are available on the library website http://library.long-island.lib.me.us
You can also access the state MARVEL databases from your home computer. These cover just about any subject that you’ve ever wanted to know about, including detailed medical information, and are not available without going through your local library. You can access a useful Ancestry tool at the site. MARVEL also offers on-line tutorials for using http://www.maine.gov/msl/ and click on Marvel. You’ll be amazed at what’s available.
Don’t forget, Interlibrary Loan is available through the Long Island Library. Through this service, we can locate books from around the country and have them mailed to Long Island. All you have to do is call the Library, 766-2530, and tell us the author and title, or stop in when we’re open. We do the rest.
The Library apologizes that we are not open on Monday nights any more. As soon as we find a new volunteer or two, we plan to restore that time.
February 2012 Library News
Nancy Jordan
In addition to current best sellers, there are some very interesting new books at the Library. Annie Donovan especially recommends: Sister by Rosamund Lupton, a mystery set in London that is most reminiscent of Tana French's writing. Nancy Jordan recommends a book called The Greenhouse by Audur Ava Olafsdottir, an Icelandic author. This one involves a rare rose, an ancient rose garden at a monastery, and a young man who learns about love from unexpected sources.
Latest movies just in include Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, The Help, Moneyball, Water for Elephants, Midnight in Paris, and oldie but goodie, Annie. As they become available, I'll be ordering the Oscar nominees. If anyone has suggestions for movies that are off the beaten path, please let me know. njordan@long-island.lib.me.us
Please help the Library find a missing book. If you have taken Yoga, the Path to Holistic Health by BKS lyegar by mistake without checking it out, please bring it back or at least let me know that you have it. It is a very large book, a beautiful book by DK Publishing. Many of us are taking yoga this winter and would love to have it as a resource.
Children's author Cynthia Lord will be visiting the library on Tuesday March 6th (or March 13th storm date). Patty Temple entered a raffle for an author visit by Cynthia, and wow! Long Island won. Both Chebeague Island and Cliff Island schools will be joining us. Watch for more details as the date gets closer.
A young Long Island summner patron told her aunt one day this winter that she really missed the Long Island Library. "At our library on the mainland, all the librarians are old and grouchy. They stare at you like you've just done something wrong. But at the Long Island Library, even if the librarians are old, they are always smiling and happy. They make you want to be there." Way to go, Long Island Library volunteer staff!!!
Since the last newsletter the Library has a new Director, Nancy Jordan; a new Dodwell Gallery Curator, Jayne Watters; and a new Board Chair, Curt Murley. The changeover will be seamless, and maybe no one will notice the difference! Nancy and Curt are on the job now. Watch for the first exhibit under Jayne’s curatorship starting in early January.
Some of our patron’s recent favorite books:
Billy Boy, by Jean Flahive. Warren Brayley loved this book. Good historical research yet very emotional. Jean gave an inspiring book talk at the library last summer. Even if you missed the talk, the book is set in Southern Maine during the civil war and is well worth reading.
Elizabeth Ogilvie’s Tide Trilogy. A number of our patrons are rediscovering these books, set on a mid-coast island during the 1930’s and 40’s. They evoke a strong sense of history and island community, as well as a good look at the lobster industry in those years and the struggle to keep a small community alive.
To be Sung Under Water by Tom McNeal. This well-written book is “an epic love story of a woman trying to remember, and the man who could not even begin to forget”. Very different and engrossing.
Everything beautiful began After by Simon Van Booy. Be surprised with this beautifully written book set in Athens.
New books just in the door: Popular Fiction includes The Affair by Lee Child, Son of Stone by Stuart Woods, Lethal by Sandra Brown, The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks, and All our Worldly Goods, by Irene Nemirovski. Must read non-fiction includes Catherine the Great by Robert Massie, Boomerang by Michael Lewis (very readable treatment of the Sovereign Debt Crisis), and Travels in Siberia by Ian Frazier. Off the beaten path choices includes The Dirty Life by Kristen Kimball(lots of islanders are reading this book and suggested the Library order it), Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides, The Greenhouse by Audier Olafsdotter and The Sisters by Nancy Jensen. Come on by and pick out a good book to read by the fire over the holiday season!
New Services: The Library now offers a letter size laminator for Patron Use. The charge is $.75 per page. There is also a new color printer for Patron use at $.25 per page. Patrons must go through the volunteer at the desk to print color copies. It’s an easy process, and we hope it will prove a useful service. Please note that the e-books available from the state through our library are now available for Kindles.
By accident the Library ordered two copies of Tess Gerritson’s The Silent Girl. We are offering the extra one for sale for $10.00. Please see a volunteer is you’d like to buy it, for a gift or for yourself. (It’s a good book, a riveting mystery set in Boston’s China Town.)
The Library Volunteers look forward to seeing you in the Library this winter, especially on those cold winter nights!
November 15, 2011 Library News
At a special meeting this evening, the trustees voted to appoint Nancy Jordan as the Library Director and Jayne Watters as the Dodwell Gallery Curator. Curt Murley was elected to replace Nancy Jordan as Chair of the Board of Trustees.
October 2011 Library News
Nancy Jordan
Any Library news we might have this month is overshadowed by two resignations from the Library roster of volunteers. Connie Brayley has resigned as director after serving in that position since 1993. Maggie Carle has resigned as Gallery Curator after 7 years. The Board was very sad to receive the resignations of these two talented women at our annual Board meeting. Please see tributes that follow for these two dedicated volunteers.
The Board will be accepting applications for both positions until November 1st. Nancy Jordan is serving as Interim Director, and Maggie will be continuing through December.
Thanks to all of our library volunteers, the Library will be open as usual this fall. Schedule follows. Many new books are on order that should be on the shelves by the time you receive this newsletter. If you have suggestions for books we should have, please let a librarian know. We order whenever we have a list of 'must-haves' or requests. We've had requests for 'more movies', but with no specifics. Please leave a list of your requests at the library, or email them to Njordan@long-island.lib .me .us
August 2011 Library News
Nancy Jordan
It's been a busy July at the Library in July. We've received a lot of new fiction since June including new fiction titles recommended by your library volunteers: Silver Sparrow by Tayori Jones, State of Wonder by Anne Patchett, 22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson and the Poison Tree by Erin Kelly. There were two well attended events featuring Long Island Artists: Jackie Cushing's first book, Diplomatic Impunity was the subject of one. Jackie read from her book, and gave a powerpoint presentation of people and places that figured prominently in the book. To top off the evening she served her handmade, scrumptious SacherTorte.
Eric Norcross showed his new film Caroline from Virginia and answered questions afterward. (See separate article on page 17.)
The library has a new and improved front entrance. It's a nice finish to the building, with a new brick walkway, benches, and plantings. Many thanks to Don and Betsy Wright, Sue and Al Hemond and Greg Middleton, who provided the resources, monetary and hard work, to get it done.
The Donor Recognition Plaque is finally in. It lists over 510 Long Islanders and friends of Long Island who gave to the Expansion Project and made the Learning Center possible. Jim Wilber plans to install it this week.
We apologize that the Boston Globe is not available this summer. In spite of our best efforts, the company could not manage to get the paper to Long Island for most of the first 4 weeks. We had to cancel the subscirption.
On August 8 at 7 p.m. Philip Conkling and Peter Ralston, of the Island Institute, will be at the Learning Center to present their new edition of Islands in Time, complete with new photos by Peter, and several new chapters in Philip's narrative. Please join us for an informative
evening and to greet these two friends of Long Island.
We still have old, classic videos for sale. Please call Connie Brayley for more information. Great choices to leave in a cottage for vacationers if you still have that old VCR!
Many, many thanks to all of our returning volunteers, too numerous to mention but I'm sure our many patrons have met you over the years. And a huge thanks to our new volunteers for the summer: Linda Greene, Lizzie McAleney, Mary McAleney, Sue Hemond, Maryanne Morrisey and Susan Driscoll. The library would not be the fine organization that it is without all of you.
And finally, a reminder of two special Library services:
Patrons can download both audio books and e-books at the State Library from the comfort of their own homes. There is a varied collection of both including recent titles. All you need is your Long Island Library patron number, and the internet address of the state service: http:// download.maineinfonet.net . Once on the site, the directions are easy to follow.
The Library has 2 frees passes to the MAINE COASTAL BOTANICAL GARDENS. You can check them out at the library just like a book, and return the passes once you've used them. What a great place to visit at any time and fun to combine with a day trip to Boothbay! You don't want to miss the new Children's Garden, fun for all ages.
And don't forget our website to find out about hours, new acquisitions, gallery news and library events. It is most easily accessed through the town website www.townoflongisland.us and click on the library link.
July 2011 Library News
Our Art and Soul fundraiser was very well attended this year and thanks to the work of many, many volunteers we were able to raise slightly over $3700.00 for the Library.
June 2011 Library News
Nancy Jordan
All of us at the Library are looking forward to seeing you this summer: selecting good books to read, DVD's to watch, Music CD's to listen to; using the computers and the high speed interne; reading to your young readers; reading the papers (as usual we'll have the Portland Press Herald, and the Boston Globe daily as well as the NYTimes on Sunday); viewing the shows at the gallery or going to an event. Whatever your interests, the Library is a great place to be.
New books just in the door include: Bossypants by Tina Fey, Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemac Lemmon, Townie by Andre Dubois, and This Life is in your Hands by Melissa Coleman (Maine author), all memoirs. The Crimean War by Orlando Figes will satisfy you history buffs. For fiction, we have One was a Soldier by Julie Spencer-Fleming, Incendiary by Chris Cleaves, and Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht. Meredith Sweet recommends Factory Girls from Village to City, and Country Driving: a Journey through China, both about China. We have a selection of 'beach reading' on order, so stop by to see what's in.
Most of the Maine Student Book Award selections will be in for the summer. If you have a student who loves to read, these books are sure to please. Check them out!
The library is delighted to announce three author events in July and August. On July 19th at 7pm, local author Meg Wolf will be joining us for a discussion of her book, A Life in Balance. She is a two time cancer survivor and credits her success with a plant-based diet, the subject of her book and her talk. Refreshments will be made from recipes from her book.
On August 8 at 7pm Philip Conkling and Peter Ralston, of the Island Institute, will be at the Learning Center to present their new edition of Islands in Time, complete with new photos by Peter, and several new chapters in Philip's narrative. Please join us for an informative evening and to greet these two friends of Long Island.
And Jackie Cushing (Jaya G) will be reading from and talking about her first ever book, a Mystery entitled Diplomatic Impunity. Watch for more details on this event which will probably be in late July.
We plan to be open every day this summer as usual, but to do that the Library will need some more volunteers. Please contact Nancy Jordan at 766-3396 if you are interested in this fun and rewarding opportunity!
Reflecting the passing of an era, we have removed all of our videos from the shelves to the basement. They're available for sale should anyone be interested. It's an eclectic collection, including old classics and non-fiction types. Please call Connie Brayley for more information. Great choices to leave in a cottage for vacationers if you still have that old VCR!
And finally, a reminder of two special Library services:
Patrons can download both audio books and e-books at the State Library from the comfort of their own homes. There is a varied collection of both including recent titles. All you need is your Long Island Library patron number, and the internet address of the state service: http://download.maineinfonet.net. Once on the site, the directions are easy to follow.
The Library has 2 frees passes to the MAINE COASTAL BOTANICAL GARDENS. You can check them out at the library just like a book, and return the passes once you've used them. What a great place to visit at any time and fun to combine with a day trip to Boothbay! You don't want to miss the new Children's Garden, fun for all ages.
April 2011 Library News
Nancy Jordan
It's been a quiet winter at the Library. The Christmas wreath has now come down. The circulation desk is brightened up by our little Afghan violet that has bravely sent up one new purple blossom, and by a bouquet of yellow Witch Hazel, thanks to Carol MacVane's lovely shrub. Volunteers are all looking forward to Spring and seeing more people and new faces checking out books and using the computers.
New titles just in that you might find interesting: The Sweet Relief of Missing Children by Sarah Braunstein (Maine author, first book), My Own Country, a memoir by A. Verghlese, the author of Cutting for Stone, the Fort by Bernard Cornwell, an historical novel of the Revolution set in Maine, Georgia Bottoms by Mark Childress, Bury your Dead by Louise Penny ( a new mystery author for the library), the Postmistress by Sarah Blake (and no, it's not about Long Island's postmistress), and several others.
Titles our patrons have especially liked this winter include: A Life in Balance by Meg Wolf, Unbroken by Lauren Hildenbrand, Leisure Seeker by Michael Zadoorian, and Distant Hours by Kate Morten. Several patrons have enjoyed delving into American Literature classics by Edith Wharton and Gladys Hasty Carrol (Maine author). Most in demand is One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus.
The DVD's that were nominated for Academy Award Nominations have been ordered and will be arriving as they are released. Already in the Library are 127 Hours, Inception, Social Network, The Kids are All Right, Winter's Bone and The Fighter.
Curt Murley updates the Library website monthly with new titles and other news, so check out http://library.long-island.lib.me.us us to find out what's new.
Our island school students continue to be enthusiastic readers and check out piles of books every week. In early March they were treated to a reading and book talk by Maine author Robin Hansen and Peaks Island illustrator Jamie Hogan. The book was Ice Harbor Mittens. Robin has also written a book about knitting classic Maine mittens. Both books are on order for the Library.
And finally, a reminder of two special Library services:
Patrons can download both audio books and e-books at the State Library from the comfort of their own homes. There is a varied collection of both including recent titles. All you need is your Long Island Library patron number, and the internet address of the state service: http://download.maineinfonet.net. Once on the site, the directions are easy to follow.
The Library has 2 frees passes to the MAINE COASTAL BOTANICAL GARDENS. You can check them out at the library just like a book, and return the passes once you've used them. What a great place to visit when the early spring flowers start to bloom! You don't want to miss the new Children's Garden, fun for all ages.
February 2011 Library News
Nancy Jordan
Now offering e-books from the State Library! the Maine InfoNet Download Library has expanded to include a downloadable eBook collection, thanks to a grant from the Davis Family Foundation and the financial support of member libraries.
Nearly 1,400 books spanning best-selling Fiction, Non-Fiction, YA and Children's content are now available as downloadable eBooks. New titles are added every day. This is in addition to the evergrowing collection of downloadable audiobooks.
Both the eBooks and audio books can be checked out and downloaded by patrons of participating libraries across Maine. Once the eBooks are checked out, they can be read on a computer or transferred to popular eReaders such as the Sony eReader, the Nook and the Kobo. Unfortunately, the Kindle eReader does not support this service and the eBooks cannot be transferred to that device. An app for transferring eBooks to the iPad is currently in development and is expected soon.
Suggestions for titles to add to both the eBook and audio book collections can be made at participating public libraries, or emailing Maine InfoNet directly. Go to http://download.maineinfonet.org and sign in using your library card number.
The Process is simple. Once you are on the download site (link below), just follow directions.
Step 1. Call or visit the Long Island Library to find
out your patron number. 766-2530
Step 2. Go to http://download.maineinfonet.org</
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