Winter Learning: Be a Library Ninja!
Your librarians are gearing up for another season of Winter Learning, to begin on February 11 and continue for six weeks, to keep everyone engaged and fight off cabin fever when these cold temperatures send us indoors. In looking at our circulation trends, we see that adults already check out more books in the wintry weather and don't need a program to inspire them to read, but youth and teens check out more items whenever we run a learning program.
This year, we challenge all of our young patrons to become Library Ninjas by completing STEALTH challenges. STEALTH stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Language, Technology (again), and History. Once again, Charity Lodge of Jaffrey will donate two brand new bikes as grand prizes, and we will also have assorted weekly prizes for participants. Winter Learning this year will see the return of Artist Afternoon, featuring our beloved Miss Clay's teapot (We are the Clay Library, after all), as well as an opportunity for young and old to explore the library's portraits and learn a bit of Jaffrey history. There will also be plenty of inter-generational opportunities to explore science and technology, and learn all the library has to offer.
We have a lot of educational offerings for children, teens, and adults in the weeks ahead (details below).
Stay warm and drop in for a hot chocolate and a good book....All we're missing is the roaring fire in the fireplaces!
Please feel free to contact me any time at jperrin@townofjaffrey.com.
Kind regards, Julie M. Perrin, Library Director - a.k.a. Ms. Julie
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We know the no-food rule at the library is a hard one to obey when you come straight to the library after classes, so we had an idea... Special thanks to our new partners - the Jaffrey Food Pantry and the Jaffrey Woman's Club - for our latest program, Afternoon Snack Space, every Wednesday 2:30 - 4:00 pm. A BIG thank you to our wonderful Snack Space volunteers!
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Inhabit: Special Film Screening and Q & A
Saturday, February 16 at 1:30 pm in the Library
 Join us for a film screening of Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective, followed by a Q & A session and discussion with local landscaper and permaculture designer, Aaron Abitz. What is PERMACULTURE? Permaculture is a set of design principles centered around simulating the patterns and resilient features observed in natural ecosystems. Imagine low-maintenance, regenerative farms and gardens, organic orchards, food forests... and an outdoor learning space at the library, centered on these principles.
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The Final Blanket Fort Reading Party
Friday, February 22 at 6:30 pm
 This February marks our FINAL Blanket Fort Reading Party after hours at the library. All those who have completed the Reading with the Lights Off Challenge are invited to this extra special event. For those still working on their Lights Off Challenge, never fear! Turn in your completed Challenges in time for the party and receive your invite and your very own flashlight for reading under the blankets. Registration required. Thank you to the Children's Literacy Foundation for funding this special initiative!
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All About Honeybees
First in a Four-Part Series, Co-sponsored with the Jaffrey Conservation Commission
Saturday, February 23 at 1:30 pm
 An introduction to the fascinating inner life of a honey bee colony, a "super-organism" where tens of thousands of bees work around the clock, in near-perfect harmony, to build and maintain their nest, to battle diseases, parasites and would-be invaders large and small, and to gather flower nectar and pollen to make honey and "bee bread."
In All About Honey Bees, we'll explore the special role of the Queen Bee, who can lay thousands of eggs in a single day, the many different "jobs" held by the all-female workforce of Worker Bees -- including nurse bees, undertakers, guard bees, attendants to the queen, foragers, scouts and more -- as well as the one crucial job of the colony's Drones (the male bees).
Find out how bees communicate within the hive through pheromones, vibrations, and the remarkable Honey Bee Dance Language that scout bees use to give directions to the best flowers and to new nest sites. We'll also touch on some of the difficult challenges that honey bees face in today's world, as well as efforts to help them.
This presentation will consist of a slide show / lecture, followed by time for Q & A. It is free and open to the public, and is the first of a four-part series that also includes:
- All About Beekeeping - Saturday March 23rd, 1:30pm - 3:00pm.
- All About Honey - Tuesday, April 23rd, 6:30pm - 8:00pm.
- All About Swarming - Tuesday May 14th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm.
Presented by JPL staff member Garrett Brinton, who has been keeping bees since 2005, including more than 10 years as a professional beekeeper, and 6 years teaching Practical Beekeeping at Humboldt State University.
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AARP Tax Help
Every Thursday, beginning February 7 - 1 - 5 pm on the History Floor
 Free tax assistance from AARP will return every Thursday, February 7 through April 11 at 1 - 5 pm. Once again, we have arranged for use of the entire top floor, with free hot beverages, courtesy of the library. Sign in when you arrive and enjoy a bit of history while you wait. The top floor is fully accessible by elevator (and now has heat!). You do not need to be a member of AARP to enjoy this free service.
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Upcoming Book Club Discussions
Registration is required for all of our Book Clubs. You may register in person, by calling the library, or online on our Event Calendar.
Youth Book Clubs meet on Fridays at 4 pm EXCEPT our Saturday Teen Book Club, BOOK BUZZ! (See details below.)
- My First Book Club for PreK (Age 4) - Grade 1 – February 8 Join Ms. Eileen for some fun with P. D. Eastman's The Best Nest.
- Mad Scientist Book Club for Grades 2 -4 – February 15 Our Science themed book club features The Magic School Bus Inside A Beehive, by Joanna Cole and a shared activity with STEAM Reads. Don't worry - there will be no live bees, but a real beekeeper!
- STEAM Reads for Grades 5-8 – February 15 We'll be discussing The Case of the Vanishing Honeybees, by Sandra Markle, but joining with the Mad Scientists for the activity.
- Genre Tasting for Grades 2-12 - TODAY and March 1. This multi-age book club allows participants to choose their own title in a specified genre, read it, and share it with the group in a discussion and cooking experiment facilitated by your librarians. March's genre is FAIRY TALE RETELLINGS.
- Book Buzz! - Teen Book Club! Join library staff, Bailey and Erin on Saturday, February 9 at 11 am to share We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson. Free refreshments will be provided, thanks to the Friends of the library!
And for adults:
- As the Page Turns - Monday, February 11 at 2 pm Each month, the group is led by a different member. February's discussion is Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry.
- Radical Reads - Thursday, February 14 at 6:30 pm The group will be discussing My Favorite Thing Is Monsters by Emil Ferris.
We borrow multiple copies of all our Book Club titles from other libraries so pick up your copy at the Main Circulation desk. |
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Plan Ahead for February School Vacation
Monday, February 25
- Intergenerational Game Space at 1 pm - Game-lovers of all ages are invited to this special, all-ages Gaming afternoon. Enjoy all-ages games alongside our regular Mahjong group at nearby tables. A perfect activity for grandparents and grandchildren who are spending the day together.
- Drop-in Craft in the Lab - All Day
Tuesday, February 26
- Coders Showcase at 4 pm - Come check out the creative projects our coders have polished in their first few months of Code Club at this special Coders Showcase! Code Club is a fun, interactive after-school club that is open to all youth 8-18, as part of our new grant-funded Code Club program. Participants learn how to make video games, apps, websites and more. Explore their creations, ask questions, and even sign up to participate in future Code Clubs at this fun coder party. Refreshments provided.
Thank you to Prenda, the Institute of Museum & Library Services, North Dakota State Library, and the Association of Small and Rural Libraries for funding this great opportunity!
- Multilingual Pajama Storytime at 6:30 pm - Put on your PJs, grab your favorite stuffie, and wind down the day with some favorite bedtime stories. Ms. Julie and Ms. Andrea will team up for a special evening of multilingual stories. Don't forget to check out a Bedtime Bundle for easy-pick stories to take home.
Wednesday, February 27
- Ninja Storytime at 10:30 am Children of any age are welcome to join us for an hour of ninja stories and movement. Wrap up the morning program with a cool project or sensory play and social time.
- Artist Afternoon at 1 pm - Calling all young artists! Join Ms. Eileen and Ms. Erin for a special story about a still life artist and creation time featuring Ms. Clay’s teapot. Who is Ms. Clay? Find out! Open to Pre-K to Grade 5. Registration required.
- Youth Snack Space - 2:30 - 4:00 pm Free and open to all children.
Thursday, February 28
- Special Maker Club at 4 pm This special school vacation Maker Club features a surprise challenge in the Lab. In addition, we’ll host a block party using the library’s MANY blocks in the Children’s Room. All ages welcome.
Friday, March 1
- Genre Tasting Book Club at 4 pm (see description in Book Clubs)
- Drop-in Craft in the Lab - All Day
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Ollie, our Library mascot is back from his recent Jaffrey adventure!
If you'd like to take him home, ask at the front desk.
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Weekly Programs
- Mahjong Mondays Mondays at 1 pm - Sharpen your mind with Mahjong, a time honored game of strategy. Join us in a non-competitive, friendly atmosphere where you can learn to play Mahjong or practice/perfect your game. Mahjong enthusiasts (adults) of all levels welcome. Led by our very multi-talented Eileen Eber.
- Code Club - Tuesdays at 4 pm for Ages 8 - 18. Why Code? In the 21st century, coding is indeed a superpower and is fast becoming an essential skill. Work at your own pace, work with your peers and librarians, and learn how to do design apps, websites and even make your own video games, in a safe, fun environment.
- Pajama Storytime - Tuesdays at 6:30 pm Put on your PJs, grab your favorite stuffie, and wind down the day with some favorite bedtime stories. Don't forget to check out a Bedtime Bundle for easy-pick stories to take home.
- Morning Storytime - Wednesdays at 10:30 am Children of any age are welcome to join us for an hour of stories and movement. Wrap up each program with a cool project or sensory play and social time. Don't wear you best outfit because we sometimes get messy!
- Afternoon Snack Space - Wednesdays 2:30 - 4:00 pm Local students are invited to join us in the ground floor meeting room for Afternoon Snack Space! We will have nut-free snacks and beverages kindly donated by the Jaffrey Food Pantry and served by library volunteers. You are also welcome to bring your own nut-free snacks, but please no food sharing, for allergy safety. All food must stay in the meeting room, but we will make it a friendly place where you can socialize and relax with your friends. Please be sure to thank our volunteers as they are donating their time to make this possible. Free and open to all children.
- Maker Club - Thursdays at 4 pm Each week offers a new high-tech and low-tech maker challenge, from Lego and magnetic wall construction to Ozobots, 3D pens and 3D printing. All ages welcome.
- Knitting - Fridays at 10 am Join our friendly knitters, crocheters, stitchers...every Friday morning in the beautiful Bean room. All are welcome!
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Our Friends group is now on Social Media!
Be sure to check out their brand new page and
Like them on Facebook!
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Our first Mahjong Monday was so much fun!
What a great opportunity to make new friends and learn something new!
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