Archive for the ‘1’ Category

2012 – Spring Newsletter

May 10, 2012

Welcome to our Spring 2012 newsletter, with information about Friends of the Library events and activities, Library Programs, Museum Discount Passes, and other timely topics that fit. The Friends is a nonprofit, charitable organization whose purpose is to enhance and promote the Norwell Public Library.

Chairman’s Report

Happy Spring!

As I was out of commission for most of January, February, and March with one thing or another, I don’t have a lot to report except to say what a wonderful job the Friends did during my absence.  They persevered with Sponsor of the Month, working on our new logo and Museum Passes, and getting our 2012 membership drive up and running – to name just a few efforts.  The dedication, initiative, and productivity of our members has been impressive. The Library and town are fortunate to have such able volunteers.   Many thanks to all of you.

I did attend one of the first Norwell Reads events at the Library  “Contemporary Collectibles: What’s hot & what’s not” with Joan Caddigan (from Caddigan Auctioneers of Hanover).  The program was extremely informative and enjoyable.  Looking forward to more Norwell Reads events.

The Library has had a banner year on so many levels – a testament to the staff, volunteers, and town support.  With your support, the Library will be able to continue its valuable work, which benefits everyone in town, young and old.

We hope you attended Norwell’s May 7th Town Meeting, will vote on May 19th, and please come to the reconvening of Town Meeting on May 21st to support your Library.

Penny Wilson, Chairman

Penny Wilson, Chair, and Jeanne Ivas, Library Trustee

Trustee’s Report

Throughout the budget season, which seems to grow longer with more difficult choices facing residents and town officials, the Trustees of NPL continued to explore and revisit options to ensure enriching and stable Library Services.  We began the budget process in fall 2011 with a request to provide a level services budget based on what had been appropriated for fiscal year 2012 for 44 operating hours.  A budget was duly crafted and sent to the Advisory Board.  In January came the first hearing on budget, not a difficult meeting.  The Library’s budget requirements came in lower due to retirements, departure of a systems manager, and replacement personnel at lower salaries.  The Trustees and Director also met with the Capital Budget Committee for a hearing on short and long term requests.  The Capital Budget Committee seemed inclined to fund at least one of the requests: the remaining amount needed for replacement carpeting.

As we moved closer to the Annual Town Meeting, discussions from the Selectmen and Advisory Board have focused on the need for a Proposition 2 ½ override.  The Library budget was adjusted several times during this 2012 Fiscal Year as personnel changes occurred, lowering our operational costs and permitting us to stay open the current 51 hours per week.  We asked for a second hearing with the Advisory Board to adjust the budget request upward to maintain the current 51 hours open.  In budget documents released to Trustees, that request was not granted, but the level services budget of $530,758 was approved by the Advisory Board for the override scenario to fund 45 open hours per week.

In the non-override scenario, the Advisory Board set the Library’s budget at $485,900 which is a loss of $44,858 or an 8.5% reduction.  In this situation, in order to fund 45 hours per week, the Trustees plan to use money from state aid to fund the gap in expenses and money from the Pote trust (extremely reluctantly) to fund the gap in staff salaries.  This trust was the result of a bequest, which Trustees earmarked for a new or renovated Library.  We are deeply distressed to use some of this fund for operations, but we believe that the integrity and access to Library Services should remain available to our patrons, especially during this period of continued economic hardship.  We also feel very strongly that Library employees should not bear the burden of further financial loss.

In the override scenario, the Library budget of $530,758 to maintain 45 operational hours, as recommended by the Advisory Board, would be fully funded by the municipal budget.  The final request from the Library was for a budget of $537,592 to enable the Library to remain open 51 hours per week, the current schedule.

Trustees encourage all residents to attend forums and budget information discussions in order to make informed decisions at Town Meeting on May 7th, vote on May 19th, and attend the reconvened Town Meeting on May 21st.  Support for your Public Library is greatly appreciated.

Jeanne Hagelstein-Ivas, Chairman, Board of Library Trustees

Support Your Library at Town Meeting

The Friends, the Library Trustees, and the Library Staff are deeply disappointed that the Advisory Board is recommending that the town cut the Library’s budget again.  The Library serves the entire town, from infants and children to students in our school system to working adults and senior citizens.  Each group benefits from this community resource through materials and programs of special interest and value.

LIBRARY HOURS:  So you understand the numbers, roughly $538,000 is required to keep the Library open 51 hours per week.  The Library’s current schedule is 51 hours per week:

Mon-Tues-Wed                10 am – 8 pm

Th-Fri-Sat                        10 am – 5 pm

Even if the override passes, the Library will revert to 45 hours and the crazy, irregular schedule that had some days open at 10 am and some at noon.  Note that (only) an additional $7,000 in personnel costs spread over the Fiscal Year 2013 budget would keep the Library open the current 51 hours per week.  This is the 45 hour a week schedule:

Monday              10 am – 8 pm

Tuesday              12 noon – 8 pm

Wed                    12 noon – 8 pm

Thursday            10 am – 5 pm

Friday                 10 am – 4 pm

Saturday             10 am – 4 pm

Visits to the Library increased dramatically this year as the Library returned to a more predictable and lengthy schedule.  Use of the Library by unique visitors each month is shown below. Notice that the first 9 months of Fiscal Year 2012 had more visitors than the full Fiscal Years in the four preceding years.  Not only is the Library more in use, the more regular schedule contributes to accessibility.  The third graph below shows the Library budget appropriations over the last 5 years and the impact of the override vote on the Library.

If the override does not pass, the Library will still revert to that crazy, irregular 45 hours schedule AND the Trustees will take money from state aid funds and the Pote Trust, all of which was meant to be used for a new Library building or for Library materials, not for operational purposes.  This is the only way the Library can stay open 45 hours per week and maintain certification.  To maintain certification the town must vote to fund a minimum operational budget to support at least 40 hours per week and a Library materials budget at least 102.5% of the prior 3 years average materials budget.  In Fiscal Year 2012, the Library was approved and funded for 44 hours per week and extra funds were available following a retirement and a replacement to enable the 51 hour schedule.

The Advisory Board recommendation for Fiscal Year 2013 would cut the Library’s total budget from what it was in Fiscal Year 2012. The following graph outlines the FY 2013 options.

THE RUG SITUATION:  The main areas of the Library have rugs which are at least 17 years old and receive heavy use whenever the building is open.  They have become increasingly rippled to the point where there is concern about patrons tripping.  The rugs in the Community Room and behind the front desk where the librarians work have been replaced in the last 3 years.  Funding to replace aging rugs in the main building has been requested by the Library during the last two budget cycles, but funding has not been available to complete this project.  $7,000 was approved for the project last year, but $17,000 more is needed to do the job.  The rugs will be replaced with carpet squares if Town Meeting approves the warrant article for this capital budget item.

Treasurer’s Report

The Friends are in good shape financially this year!  The Residents of Norwell were generous last year and we look forward to substantial donations again this year.  Becky and Nancy always have exciting and unique programs to offer us, so we’d like to keep the programs coming, as well as the Museum Passes the Friends offer, which will include new and different museums this year.

In addition, thanks to you, the Friends were able to do something extra for the Library recently.  The Friends of the Norwell Public Library spruced up the Community Room with a fresh coat of paint and new light fixtures.  You really should come by for a visit if you haven’t seen it.  What a difference!  What an improvement!  Also at the beginning of the year, the Friends purchased a laptop computer and software for the Library to loan to patrons for use inside the Library.

Your donations make a big difference!

Sponsor of the Month, our new fundraiser, is going well.  We’ve had two sponsors and are receiving favorable responses from companies around town.  Private citizens can also become a Sponsor of the Month, so let us know if you’d like to help the Library and we’ll put a banner up in the Library with YOUR name on it!

We’d like to remind you that 89% of all donations go towards Library Programs, Museum Passes, and the extras that the Friends do for the Library.  Most of the remainder goes to the annual membership drive mailing (printing and postage) which lets the Friends get the word out about the Library in order to receive needed donations.  Our Library is a great one and we appreciate your help so we can keep it that way.

Thank you for your support,

Tracy White, Treasurer

Sponsor of the Month Fundraiser Program

This year the Friends launched a Sponsor of the Month Fundraiser Program for local businesses and professionals. For a tax-deductible donation of $500, the Friends publicize the donor business as the Norwell Public Library Sponsor of the Month to the Norwell Mariner, the corporate GOOD WORKS column of the Patriot Ledger, Boston Globe South, and WATD radio Marshfield.  Sponsors are recognized for 12 months on the Friends website.  Sponsors are thanked in the Friends newsletter, which is sent via email to all Friends, interested parties, and the Norwell School system electronic backpack, with paper copies available at the Library. We hang a “Sponsor of the Month” banner prominently inside the Library for a month, naming and thanking the sponsor, with room on the (roughly 2×4 foot) banner for a sponsor-supplied statement.  Sponsors may keep the banner at the end of the month.  Sponsors may choose to have their donation associated with the Museum Pass, Adult, or Children’s Programs or used as a non-directed donation. Banners are seen by roughly 20,000 Library visitors each month!

To become a Sponsor of the Month, please contact Penny Wilson, Friends Chairman, through the Norwell Public Library at 781-659-2015.  Donations of any amount are gratefully appreciated and will be acknowledged publicly on the Friends Honor Roll on the bulletin board in the Library entrance.

Once again we would like to thank:

February, 2012:  Attorney William T. Kennedy

April, 2012:  Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation

Membership Report

The FNPL 2012 Membership Drive is in full swing right now. Members, both new and renewing, have been sending their checks in great numbers. This response enables us to continue underwriting Library Programs as well as the very popular Museum Pass program.

We hope to continue providing enrichment and improvements to supplement Library offerings.

The enthusiastic response to painting the Community Room and the additional lighting has been heartening.  Although in a more generous environment these things would be community funded, we were happy that the Friends could make this unique contribution.

Your generosity is our lifeblood.  Please continue to support the Friends of the Norwell Public Library.

Kathleen Fitzgerald, Membership

Updating the Community Room

The Friends of the Library voted in September, 2011 to fund painting the Community Room ceiling and walls and add supplementary lighting to the room. Our hope was that these enhancements would substantially help improve both the usability and the desirability of this asset so that our Library’s facilities remain valued and functional.  On Friday, January 13, a small army of volunteers, the Library Director, and Library Staff carefully took all the books, tapes, and so on off the Community Room shelves, labeling the shelves and the boxes, all in preparation for the weekend painting.  On Tuesday, January 17, Library staff and volunteers did a thorough cleaning of shelves and the back entry, then reshelved all the materials in the Community Room.  These days of community effort were both fun and a valuable part of the renovation.

This one-time gift to the Library is not an indication that the Friends can, or will, fund other future physical plant maintenance. Given our limited resources and the challenges of fundraising in today’s economy, our role remains to help fund Library Programs, Museum Passes, and the occasional bit of equipment.  We’re happy to see no more water stains on the ceiling tiles, bright lighting, and a restful color scheme for community meetings.

The Friends remain dedicated to helping the Library preserve and expand programs to serve the community.  We would also like to recognize that the painting was done by Certa Pro Painters and the lighting was done by John Lunn, who also did the parking lot LED lighting.

Fred-the-Shed Opened for the Season with  a Plant Sale

Fred’s spring opening this year was on Saturday, May 5th.  Along with the opening of Fred, the Friends held a plant sale from 10 am to 2 pm with a collection of donated houseplants and outdoor plants.  This is our first plant sale and everyone had a lot of fun raising money for the Library with Spring Flowers!

Fred is open for business during Library hours when the weather is good.  Volunteers accept donations, shelve books, and take payments from visitors.  Fred is open 4-6 hours a day, with volunteers donating 2 hours at a time as their schedules permit.  Volunteer hours are flexible and all are welcome to participate.  Donations may be brought to the Shed anytime Fred or the Library are open.

All gently-used media donations are gratefully received.  Fred does not accept encyclopedias, magazines, old textbooks, religious books, or videotapes.

Fred-the-Shed is the little building in the woods, along the side of the Norwell Library.  From early May to early October, Fred is open for business with volunteers selling gently used books, books on tape, videogames, CDs, and DVDs.  The Friends of the Norwell Public Library raise over $1,000 each year from Fred-the-Shed, and that money funds Library Programs and Museum Passes available at the Library.

Daune Haskell, Queen Bee of Fred-the-Shed

Library Director’s Report

Dear Friends,

Thanks to our Library users, this fiscal year has been one of the most active in recent years.   At the rate we are going we may reach a record circulation of Library items borrowed from NPL.  This does not include electronic usage such as ancestry.com, BYKI (a language study program), or Freegal (a site where our users can download 3 free music tracks a week).  Due to our fantastic Museum Passes offered to you with donations by the Friends of the Norwell Public Library, our usage is the highest in Norwell Public Library history.  New museum offerings include the Adams National Historical Park, the American Textile History Museum, the Peabody Essex, and Zoo New England.  One of our most heavily used passes is the New England Aquarium donated by the Norwell Woman’s Club.

If you haven’t visited our website recently (that’s norwellpubliclibrary.org ), you may not have noticed that we have added a new product called Book Sizzle.  Book Sizzle connects you to our catalog while offering you award winners, bestsellers, reviews, and media tie-ins.

This spring we celebrated our 7th Norwell Reads program.  This year’s selection is Homer & Langley by E. L. Doctorow, a fictional account of the famous Collyer brothers of turn-of-the-century New York City.  I would like to thank our committee members: Jason Bloom, Suzanne Gnospelius, (Norwell resident) Nancy Perry, and Jennifer Pratt (Norwell High School).  Special thanks to Wendy Bawabe who offered her expertise in graphic design, Andrea and Tim Burke who donated the Norwell Reads banner, and the many contributors who helped make this another successful season.  Someone who attended our panel discussion about hoarding and organizing told me that this program was life-changing.  She discovered that she herself is a hoarder and realized the behaviors described in this condition are similar to what she has been dealing with.  She plans on seeking treatment based on the non-judgmental way the topic was discussed. She was very brave to talk to me about this and it’s rewarding to hear that we touch people’s lives, sometimes in ways we can’t imagine.

Lastly, I would like to thank Hannaford Supermarket for their generous donation of $1,000 to the Norwell Public Library for next year’s Norwell Reads!

Rebecca Freer, Director

News from the Children’s Room

Since December, when I last reported, I’ve noticed materials flying off the shelves for school reports; preschoolers and their caregivers amusing themselves with our board games and puzzles; and the littlest ones cozying up with caregivers on the red rocking chair.  The hustle-bustle juxtaposed with contemplative activity is pretty unique to libraries, don’t you think?

We kicked off the new year with what turned out to be a hugely successful collaboration with the High School to bring the acclaimed documentary film “Race to Nowhere” to Norwell.  Attracting a near-capacity audience of nearly 500 people, the film sparked community-wide conversations about stress in children; homework; balancing work, family, and leisure and other concerns to students and their families.  We heard from many patrons who appreciated having the opportunity to view the film, which, as yet, is not available for purchase or loan.

In February, 19 programs for children were held in the Library, including our beloved standards: “Books & Bubbles” (for babies, toddlers and their caregivers); Library Story Time (for pre-schoolers and their caregivers); and an appearance by popular folk singer Mama Steph.  Vacation Week attracted dozens of children to programs featuring cooking, Legos, clothing design, and a movie with free popcorn provided by Patriot Cinemas.

In March, the Friends-supported a “hair-raising” event presented by Mad Science of Greater Boston introducing children to electricity concepts, with static electricity demonstrations that literally raised the hair right above their heads!  Each participant went home with a “static wand” to continue their experiments.

At the end of the month, we kicked off Norwell Reads: Homer & Langley with a “Touch-a-Fire-Truck” family event featuring Norwell’s firefighters.  More than 100 people weathered the outdoor event in a fine misty rain, and then came indoors to hear stories about fire safety read by Chief Andy Reardon.  The pictures tell what fun was had by all who came!  Once again, our wonderful Youth Library Council volunteers pitched in, with face painting and a bake table – a fine display of community in action.

Now my attention turns to plans for our Summer Reading Program:  “Dream Big – Read!”  Watch for details coming soon – and please let me know if you’d like to volunteer in the Children’s area this summer – your assistance is always welcome.

Happy Spring!

Nancy Perry, Children’s Librarian

Adult and Reference Librarian Report

New Look, New Links for the Norwell Public Library Website

You may have noticed the library website’s new front page recently. We have taken great pains to redesign the layout. We have added a great new addition to our header:  a search bar for our catalog, a link to log in to your library account, and a link to Overdrive, our shared catalog for eBooks and audio book downloads. We even added a link to our hours and directions, and all of these additions are built right into the page header, so they are available on every page!

Some great online research tools have been added to our Services column along the right-hand side of the front page as well, making it easy to simply one-click your way directly into these excellent resources. We have brought Novelist Plus and Novelist K-8 out of hiding, and they are a wonderful way to search for that next great book. We have added the electronic version of the popular Consumer Reports as well as Book Sizzle, which generates a monthly roundup of hot new titles! We have even added a beautiful widget that showcases the covers of our own Staff Picks, so now you can see what the Norwell Library staff is reading, watching and listening to!

Along with the new laptop, we have also made our AccuCut die-cut machine available for in-Library patron use. The machine is great for scrap bookers, crafters, and educators and may be used by adults or youths in grades 4 and up under the supervision of Library Staff. We hope that you will come in and check out all of the great resources we have available, and would appreciate feedback on the website, research tools, or any of the many services we provide!

Great Graphic Novels for Adults at the Library!

With the proliferation of many comic-based properties skyrocketing in popularity, it is easy to see that graphic novels should get more consideration. But they are often overlooked, slighted, and just plain misunderstood. Comics in general have had a rough time here in America for the last 60 years or so. For a while the graphic medium of storytelling was widely accepted and wildly popular, but in 1954, it all changed with the publication of the book The Seduction of the Innocent by psychiatrist Frederic Wertham.

This book kicked off a firestorm of public outrage, and fueled many instances of censorship, until the comics-publishing industry itself decided to self-censor. Thus the CCA, or Comics Code Authority, was born, and all comics from that point forward had to have the seal of approval stamped on their covers, and all content had to strictly adhere to the Code’s criteria, which prohibited things like “disrespectful” depictions of law enforcement, forbade violence, monsters, certain words, and good had to triumph over evil.

The Code sanitized comic content and restricted creative license, forcing many comics to go underground, leaving the ones that remained to be portrayed as superficial and “just for kids.” It was during this time, and the decades that followed, which saw the decline of comics in America, and the animated cartoons which that industry supported were not much better, having to acquiesce to the restrictions placed on television content as well.

In other countries, most notably Japan, these restrictions were not in place, and the comics and cartoon industries flourished like nothing else. After WW II the US was hard at work rebuilding infrastructure, and comics and animation played major roles, providing jobs and much-needed distractions from the horrors of war. In fact Japanese comics, known as manga (literally “whimsical pictures”), have had an enormous effect on the world, creating a culture and a style all their own, generating massive revenues in the process.

But what about adults? Why read comics? For one thing, they are not just for kids. Some titles have earned major literary awards, such as the Pulitzer Prize, Hugo Award, and World Fantasy Award. Comics combine words and pictures, creating what the education world heralds as multi-modal literacy. Many of these graphic novels have spawned movies, as well as long-running animated and live-action television shows. So what are you waiting for? Do you enjoy romance, suspense, character-driven stories, human nature, science fiction, horror, true crime, or westerns? Comics have something for everyone, and the library is more than happy to provide!

Jason M. Bloom, Adult and Reference Librarian

Museum Pass Update

American Textile History Museum &  New England Quilt Museum Pass

The Friends are excited to introduce two new Museum Passes to the American Textile History Museum and the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell.  Located about 1 mile apart, these two museums make a great day trip.  The passes each allow free admission for two individuals.

The American Textile History Museum (shown right) allows visitors to explore the impact of the art, history, and science of textiles on America’s history. The current special exhibition, Textile Revolution: An Exploration through Space and Time, offers a look into how textiles have changed over the course of history to offer new advances in clothing such as protective clothing for firefighters and special athletic wear for elite athletes.  Upcoming special exhibitions include Homefront & Battlefield: Quilts & Context in the Civil War and Suited for Space.

The New England Quilt Museum offers visitors a chance to explore this unique form of American art.  This year the museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary with special events throughout the year making it a great time to visit.  The current special exhibition, Fenway Park Centennial, celebrates the 100th birthday of Fenway Park with a collection of antique and modern art quilts that capture the excitement that is Fenway.

The Friends hope Library patrons will enjoy using these new Museum Passes along with the other passes currently offered.  Please see the Library website for additional details on all the Museum Passes and to reserve your pass.

American Textile History Museum Location and Hours

491 Dutton Street, Lowell, MA 01854

http://www.athm.org

Hours:  Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm

New England Quilt Museum Location and Hours

18 Shattuck Street, Lowell, MA 01854

http://nequiltmuseum.org/home.html

Hours:   Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm
                  May 1st – October 31st

also open Sundays, Noon – 4 pm

Thank you for your support, Karen Leary, Museum Pass Wrangler

James Library News for May-June, 2012

The Friends encourage our members to visit the other library and cultural center in Norwell: the James Library in the center of town.  The James features ever changing gallery displays, musical experiences (such as the recent sold out performance of the THE BEELZEBUBS from the popular TV show Glee.  Here is a little of what’s going on at the James.  Please see their website for details:  www.jameslibrary.org

May 2012 Art Gallery

May 4 – May 30,  Darlene Bradlee, Artist / Photographer,  Big Bloomers: Light, Color and Abstraction,  Opening reception on Friday, May 4th from 6 – 8 pm

Weekend Classics Concert

Sunday, May 6th at 3 pm,  An afternoon of Russian music with Esther Yau, piano, and Rafael Popper-Kiezer, cello.  Tickets available online at www.jameslibrary.org  and at the door.  $20 adult, $18 senior, and $10 student;  Call 781-659-7100 for further information.

Books in Bloom!
Opening Party:  Friday, May 11, 6 – 9 pm  Exhibition:  Saturday, May 12, 10 am – 1 pm  The James bursts at the seams with creative flower arrangements by 30 South Shore artists depicting their favorite books in this two day magical display of combined artistry.

June 2012 Art Gallery

June 2 – June 30, Gayle Kiley, Opening reception on Friday, June 2nd from 6 – 8 pm

James Library

24 West Street, Norwell, 781-659-7100

OPEN:  Tuesday- Friday 1 – 5 pm  and  Saturday 10 am – 1 pm

jameslibrary@verizon.net

www.jameslibrary.org

Friends of the Norwell Public Library – NEW LOOK

The Friends would like to thank Angela Scieszka of Marshfield, graphic artist and designer, for our new logo (in the Library’s logo colors) and for helping us develop an updated look.  Angela has kindly and generously donated her time and expertise to help us update our visuals, our print materials, and our website.  It’s all a wonderful work in progress and we’re very grateful!

Remember, we need your support when Town Meeting reconvenes on May 21

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2011 – FNPL Winter Newsletter

December 24, 2011

Friends of the Norwell Public Library - Winter 2011 Newsletter

Welcome to our winter newsletter, with information about Friends of the Norwell Public Library events and activities; Norwell Public Library programs, museum discount passes, and other timely topics that fit.

NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS

FRIENDS PURCHASE NEW LAPTOP FOR THE LIBRARY

On Wednesday, November 23, 2011, the Friends of the Norwell Public Library formally presented a new DELL laptop computer to the Library.  The Library has had several desktop computers available for patrons to use “in place” at the Library. By starting a program of loaning laptops, we hope to both give Library patrons an option on where to sit (!) and an opportunity to try a different format computer.

Laptop and accessories

Patrons may borrow the laptop at the circulation desk.  The laptop has a Windows 7 operating system with Microsoft Office software.  Google Docs is also available through the laptop, enabling creation and storage of documents in the cloud.  The laptop carrying case contains the power cord to charge the laptop battery, a wireless transmitter and a wireless mouse for patrons who prefer using a mouse to using the laptop touchpad.  Note that the wireless mouse can be used to control slides if and when you give a talk using PowerPoint slides.

The Library has a box of new/unused earbuds (small headsets, shown in front of the laptop) and flash drives (removable storage) available for purchase by patrons who have not brought their own equipment.  Patrons are  encouraged to store documents in the cloud or to email documents back to themselves at their home computers.  Documents will not be retained on the laptop.  Patrons are encouraged to be aware of the public nature of all of the Library’s computers and to take care with their personal information.

Additional information about the laptop is available at the Library.  One-on-one computer instruction is available to patrons and can be scheduled at the Library.

TREASURER’S NOTE

Charitable donations from the residents of Norwell have enabled the recent purchase of a laptop by the Friends of the NPL, which is now in use by Library patrons. In addition, in mid-January, the Friends will be funding the repainting and installation of additional lighting in the Library’s Community Room. These are exciting extra projects, which couldn’t be completed without the generosity of our members.

We thank the residents of Norwell for your thoughtful donations; because of you we can continue to help our Library in new and creative ways.  The Norwell Public Library has a bright future.

We invite everyone to attend our monthly meetings to learn more about the ins and outs of the Friends purchases and grants to the Library.  We always look forward to seeing new faces.

It is a pleasure to work with the Friends of the NPL!  We have a wonderful group of volunteers (growing in number every month) who are always ready to give our Library their all.  It is rewarding and fun to be part of the Friends!  Thank you.

- Tracy White, Treasurer

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

The Membership Committee of the Friends of the NPL conducts an annual membership drive in the spring. This drive aims to increase participation in the Library’s programs and activities and to raise annual funds for underwriting the Library’s programs and museum passes.  In the past, the membership drive was limited in scope and the level of membership participation dropped. After the tumultuous “Library Closing Crisis” of 2010, the realization of the Library’s importance galvanized people and response to the membership drive skyrocketed. When residents voiced their commitment to one of our most important cultural and social institutions, many people joined together and we were able to put a halt to an ill-conceived plan.

The energy and support of town residents are critical parts of our strategy to improve and strengthen what is already an excellent Library.

We’ll be contacting you in the spring to renew your membership, and we hope you will continue to support the Norwell Public Library.  Thank you for your support; we couldn’t do what we do without you!

- Kathleen Fitzgerald, Membership Chair

A NOTE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN

Hello all, and what a fall it was for the Friends!

We had a very successful Bake Sale led by membership chair Kathleen Fitzgerald. The Friends bakers really outdid themselves this year. The accompanying fall closing sale for Fred the Shed led by the intrepid Daune Haskill was equally successful. Having the Bake Sale and Fred the Shed closing in conjunction with the Library Card Sign Up day added to the fun.

Coordinated by Mary Cole and Russ Paulin, we purchased a new laptop computer for the Library.

After much discussion as to the mission of the Friends, we voted to provide funds to paint and update the lighting in the Community Room.  Although it is not part of the Friend’s mission to provide maintenance or improvements to the Library building (this is the town’s responsibility), we realized the town was not in the position to make needed Community Room improvements.  The Friends felt these enhancements would significantly improve the Library experience for all and so we voted a one-time donation for such use.  Painting is scheduled for mid-January.

The Friends also nominated the Norwell Public Library for the Best Small Library in America award.  This is an annual award sponsored by the Library Journal and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to highlight and celebrate the efforts and accomplishments made by small libraries. If there were doubts about whether Norwell does have the best small library in America, they were put to rest by compiling the nomination papers. We were hard-pressed to fit all that the NPL does, with a small budget, building, and staff into the given nomination format. If you are curious a copy of the nomination papers are available for your perusal at the Library.  Win or not, we are extremely proud and thankful for our Library and all its dedicated staff does for our town.

Of course, we have other ongoing projects: (1) coming up with a logo for the Friends continues; (2) developing the “Sponsor of the Month” program – a new fundraising idea we hope to initiate; (3) establishing an on-line book selling effort to supplement Fred the Shed during the winter months; (4) researching another Appraisal Day or alternate fundraiser for the spring; and (5) continued research into more computer/e-reader/tablet purchases (let us know what device you would most like to see the Library have – please email me at ppww@comcast.net).

To make scheduling your time a little easier, from January to June of 2012 all meetings of the Friends will start at 6:30 pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.  Please drop by and join us. The meeting schedule is shown on the Friends website calendar.

Although it is a lot of work, and many emails, to make all these efforts happen, it is very gratifying when we reach completion on one. As always, the Friends wish to thank all of you who have helped with your donations, your time, and your ideas.  They are very much appreciated.

- Penny Wilson, Chairman

LIBRARY IS COLLECTING BOX TOPS & LABELS FOR SCHOOLS

You may have read in the Norwell Mariner and the Patriot Ledger that the Norwell schools participate in the General Mills Education program and the Campbell’s Labels for Education program.

Box Tops

Now those of us who no longer have school age children can help by using the drop box at the Library (in the front entry). General Mills box top symbols are each worth 10 cents to the schools and Campbell’s Soup labels count toward purchasing school products through the Campbell’s catalog.  Friends volunteers will distribute the box tops and labels to the schools.

Campbells Soup Labels for Education

Of course you can still turn in the box tops and labels to the Cole or Vinyl school collection boxes found in the school lobbies.  Box tops for the Middle School can be given to the staff at the front office.  These programs help the schools with everyday classroom costs.

A+ School Rewards through Stop & Shop

From October 7 to March 30, shopping at Stop & Shop can also benefit the Norwell schools.  To register online, log onto www.stopandshop.com/aplus and you will see Designate Your School on the right. Enter your Stop & Shop card number and choose the Cole, Vinal, Middle School, or Charter School.  That’s all you have to do! In 2010, for example, the Cole School received $1,097.

LIBRARY NEWS

NEW DRIVE THROUGH BOOK DROP

You may have noticed the Library now has a drive-through book drop. No longer will patrons have to leave the baby in the car or walk up an icy path to return items to the Library.  The book drop is near the main Library entrance, on the driver’s side as you circle around the Library driveway.

Outdoor book drop

NEW PARKING LOT LIGHTING

The old, dimly-lit parking area is a thing of the past. The Library parking lot is now much brighter and more eco-friendly with LED streetlights.  LED lights are brighter than traditional streetlights and require a fraction of the power to run them!

New Parking Lot LED Lights

MUSEUM PASS UPDATES

The Museum Passes are funded through the generosity of Friends members like you, and partners like the Norwell Women’s Club who fund the New England Aquarium pass.  The Museum Passes are all described on the Friends of NPL website at: http://friendsofnorwellpubliclibrary.org  and on the Norwell Public Library website, where you can reserve a pass online: http://www.norwellpubliclibrary.org/museum.html

Museum Passes available at this time are:

  • Adams National Historical park
  • The New England Aquarium
  • Boston By Foot
  • Children’s Museum of Boston
  • Fuller Craft Museum
  • Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
  • Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
  • Museum of Science, Boston
  • Peabody Essex Museum
  • Plimoth Plantation
  • Pawtucket Red Sox Baseball Club
  • Roger Williams Park Zoo
  • South Shore Natural Science Center
  • USS Constitution Museum
  • Zoo New England

Gardner Museum Reopening January 19, 2012

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has been undergoing an impressive renovation and will reopen January 19th.  The very modern new addition includes a performance hall and new special exhibition gallery space.  This is something everyone will want to see!

Museum of Science Pompei Exhibit through February 12, 2012

“A Day in the Life of Pompei” exhibit at the Museum of Science is excellent, as it follows the shocking changes that developed in a single day to erase a city, and in doing so preserved it for centuries. The man reaching out to comfort his wife in their last moments was especially touching.

BANK OF AMERICA’S “MUSEUMS ON US” PROGRAM

This is in no way an endorsement for Bank of America, but if you have a BoA ATM card, it is good for free access to more than 100 museums nation-wide on the first full weekend of each month. The next weekends will be January 7 + 8, February 4 + 5, and March 3 + 4.  Massachusetts sites include the EcoTarium in Worcester, the Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham, the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln (wonderful outdoor sculpture park), the Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge (see the glass flowers!), and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. For more information, follow this link.

NEWS FROM THE CHILDREN’S ROOM

Hundreds of children of all ages turned out for programs in November and December, from singer Mama Steph’s Friday morning sing-alongs to Story Times, author visits, Lego, Youth Library Council, and more!

Friends’ support went a long way toward financing edible supplies for 40 delectable snow scenes made by little hands in the “Let It Snow-Man” story/craft program for children ages 4 – 9.
Candy Snowscenes
Buckets of colorful Lego blocks were purchased to supplement a loaned collection for a new and already popular Lego program.   Miss Nancy asks anyone who would like to donate Legos to please drop them off at her desk.  They will be used again and again, and greatly appreciated!

It was a special delight to be able to host not one but two children’s authors this month, David Ira Rottenberg, who read from his new picture book Gwendolyn the Graceful Pig, accompanied by graceful ballerinas from the Dance Workshop of Hanover.

Author/illustrator Dean Morrissey (shown below) led a drawing lesson for children following a reading of his new picture book The Wizard Mouse.  The books were available for purchase at both events, which parents appreciated, heading into the holidays.
Dean Morrissey
December kicked off with a fabulous Saturday-morning program featuring adventure girl Dora the Explorer, for 2- to-6-year olds and their families.  The costumed Dora character came as a representative of the state “UFUND” college savings program.  This traveling literacy program is making stops at public libraries all over the state.  Keep an eye out for our next UFUND visitor in a few months … Buzz Lightyear!
Dora and Kate Albonesi
Library Story Times on Wednesday and Thursday mornings continue to be popular with 3-to-5-year olds and their caregivers.  Fridays at 11:00 is when children, parents, grandparents and caregivers enjoy “Books & Bubbles” with Miss Nancy, or Mama Steph.  These “happening” literacy events are laying a foundation for future readers—come join us!

Next time you’re in the library, notice the winter-themed bulletin boards and displays assembled by our Youth Library Council members – they are awesome (the displays AND the kids)!
Winter books display

Looking ahead to January:

We’ll welcome storyteller Big Ryan on Saturday, January 7th, at 10:30, and on

Wednesday, January 18th, at 4:00, Charlotte Anne Dore of Rosalita’s Puppets presents a marionette show called “Sea Story,” suitable for ages 6 and up.

Our favorite family singer, Mama Steph, performs every Friday in January, at 11am!

Watch for Annie Wu Nelson’s Chinese New Year dragon, on display in the Children’s Room all month.

-          Nancy Perry, Children’s Services Librarian

LIBRARY PROGRAMS

UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE LIBRARY CALENDAR

Please visit the Library’s website at  http://www.norwellpubliclibrary.org and click on Calendar to view program schedules.

A quick look at upcoming events on the Library’s calendar for January, 2012 reveals children’s events described above and the January 25th Dinner and a Movie:  Gran Torino.  Released at Christmastime in 2008, Gran Torino eloquently critiques the urban heritage of Dirty Harry and his violent brethren.  The movie is a savvy meditation on America in a particular historical moment, racially, economically, spiritually. A disgruntled Korean War vet sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal his prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino.

Gran Torino - Clint Eastwood

THE DIRECTOR’S CORNER

Are you interested in your family heritage?  NPL subscribes to Ancestry.com and this resource is available to you.  You do need to visit the Library to conduct your searches in person.   With this wonderful program, I was able to see my grandparents’ signatures when they arrived on Ellis Island over eighty years ago and I was able to see the ships they sailed over from Germany and Italy!  You must investigate this wonderful resource.

And for those of you interested in expanding your repertoire of language, NPL has purchased the BYKI (Before You Know It) language program.  It includes a culture feature, charts your progress through the lessons, and assists you with learning the correct pronunciation.  Soon you will be conversing like a pro.  These valuable resources are free with your Library card.  Go to the Norwell Library website: www.norwellpubliclibrary.org and click “Learn a New Language” on the homepage.

A few short notes:

Circulation for November, 2011 is up 15% year over year compared to 2010.

24,000 patrons walked into the Library in November, 2011.  That’s 5,000 visitors per week!

Museum Pass use is the highest it’s been in 3 years!

Freegal is available to enable you to download up to 3 (three) mp3 songs per week from the Sony inventory of songs.  Each Library Card can be a separate freegal member.

Consumers Checkbook is a local consumer reviewing service available to Library patrons.

The secret… is to go the Library’s REFERENCE section and look around.  There are lots of online reference materials you may find helpful.

Race to Nowhere

RACE TO NOWHERE:  A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the high-stakes, high-pressure culture that has invaded our schools and our children’s lives.  This remarkable, award winning film will be shown January 12th from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Norwell High School, located at 18 South Street, Norwell, MA.  This is collaboration between the Norwell High School and the Norwell Public Library.  To register and print your free ticket, visit: http://rtnnorwellhs.eventbrite.com/

For additional information about the film, you can visit http://www.racetonowhere.com/ or http://www.endtherace.org/

-  Becky Freer, Library Director

A MESSAGE FROM THE TRUSTEES, December, 2011

Dear Friends and Patrons,

The Trustees are so pleased with the recent improvements to NPL.  New lighting was installed in the parking lot which greatly enhances visibility and safety.  You may have also noticed the new drop box for returned Library materials.  This box will allow patrons to return materials without having to leave their automobiles.  We were also delighted to accept a Dell laptop from the Friends for in-house circulation.  We continue to be grateful for all the Friends do to support NPL.

We call attention to the sale of calendars during the month of December.  Proceeds benefit the Norwell Library Foundation.  These funds form the basis for future building construction needs.  Great prizes have been generously donated by local merchants.  We thank our business community for its continuing support of NPL. Calendars are available for purchase from Friends, Trustees, and at the Library.

As of September, several hours of operation were restored for this fiscal year. NPL has seen an increase in materials circulated an increase in the number of patrons using library services up to 5,000 people weekly, and an increase in the use of Museum Passes. When our Library is open, people use it.  In order to continue to provide the best possible Library services to Norwell residents, all households will receive a library use survey in early January.  The survey will also be available online at the NPL website.  This survey will, in part, assist Trustees in establishing hours of operation that best suit the needs of residents. While we clearly hope to maintain the current number of hours, it would be foolish in this current economic climate to assume that we will be able to do so without increased funding.

The Trustees wish all a joyous holiday season.  Patronize NPL to check out the new books, latest technologies, Museum Passes and unique programming.  2012 promises to be another challenging budget season, but with your continued support, your NPL will continue to thrive.

-          Jeanne Hagelstein-Ivas, Trustee

NEWS YOU CAN USE

THINGS YOU CAN BORROW AT THE LIBRARY

A Voltage Meter is available for loan to patrons.  This tool is vital when working with electrical circuits and useful for the home electrician with only an occasional need for the equipment. The Library has e-readers to loan.  These will be Sony readers or Nooks.  Patrons can visit the Library’s website and go to “Overdrive” to download books for free.  Downloads are useable for two weeks.  And, of course, the Library now has a laptop you can borrow for use inside the Library building.

FRIENDS OF THE NORWELL PUBLIC LIBRARY WEBSITE

While the Friends do an e-newsletter roughly four (4) times a year, we update the group website on an as needed basis.  We try to provide up-to-date information on upcoming meetings, fundraisers, events, and activities involving the Friends.

If you would like to be notified whenever a new item is posted to the website, there is a space to enter your email address.  If you do this, any new website entry will be automatically emailed to you, so you will never have to actually go there to see what’s new.  Unless you wish to do so, of course!  We welcome visitors to the website since that’s where we store information about the museums in the Museum Pass Program and so on.  The Museum Pass Program and some of the other information about the Friends is provided on the Norwell Public Library website, maintained by the Library staff.  The two websites overlap only slightly and we encourage you to subscribe to our automatic update service while you’re here!

ODDS AND ENDS

LETTERS ABOUT THE LIBRARY

For many, the Norwell Public Library is not just a place to enrich your mind and soul but a place to interact with other members of the town.  The Library is the one place in town where you truly can feel a sense of community. The Public Library for me is an important part of what makes Norwell a place where I like to live and feel proud of.  I have been a Norwell resident for almost 18 years, I always speak with pride about our wonderful Library, the wonderful dedicated people that work for it, the volunteers involved, and all the services and programs we can receive from it.  We are so fortunate having in town such a wonderful place.

-          Victor M Posada, 154 Main Street

I Love My Library

DO LIBRARIES REALLY DESTROY BOOKS?

Libraries have limited space and limited funds, but they face a constantly growing supply of books and other media. The careful culling of books is painstaking work. From selling to donating to destroying, NPR looked at the options when every book cannot be kept on the shelves. See the full story here.

THE PHANTOM LIBRARY SCULPTOR

Somewhere in Edinburgh, Scotland, there is a talented lady sculptor and friend to libraries.  She has done several intricate, beautiful pieces and left them anonymously at libraries and museums around Edinburgh.  The story was carried by NPR and the link is here. My favorite is the Tyrannosaurus Rex created out of an old copy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s THE LOST WORLD.  Note the little tail sticking out of the spine of the book.

Mystery Paper Sculptor

If you find this intriguing, you can see what appears to be most of them at this link.  A paper cinema.  A dragon egg hatching.  A tree made out of a book of poetry, and so much more. The second website mentioned is now closed to contributions and may disappear at some point, so go visit soon. The web can be ephemeral, too.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to a 2007 article by Margaret Jakubcin, librarian….

US libraries circulate about the same number of items as FedEx ships each day, i.e., about 5.3 million items.

Numerous studies have confirmed that school libraries staffed by qualified library media specialists make a measurable difference on student achievement.

There is research to support what librarians have always said:  libraries are busier during hard economic times.

Five times more people visit US public libraries each year than attend US professional and college football, basketball, baseball, and hockey games combined. (1.1 billion vs. 204 million)

Public libraries are good for the economy. Studies have shown that public libraries have an economic impact that greatly exceeds their cost, returning somewhere between $4 to $6 to the local economy for every $1 invested.

LIBRARIES IN POP CULTURE NEWS

In July of 2010, NPR did a piece called  Why The Next Big Pop-Culture Wave After Cupcakes Might Be Libraries.  They referenced one of my favorite TV shows of days gone by:   The Librarian with Noah Wyle, Bob Newhart, and Jane Curtin.  How can you NOT love that cast?  The series had the flavor of the Indiana Jones movies and is available through the Old Colony Library Network on DVD.
The Librarian
And, although NPR didn’t mention it, there’s a wonderful series of books about literary detective Thursday Next by Jasper Fforde, each better than the last.  Thursday is able to move in and out of different books and has a dodo for a pet.  How cool is that?  Check out The Eyre Affair, that’s Eyre as in Jane Eyre!  The other five books in the series are:  The Well of Lost Plots, Lost in a Good Book, Something Rotten, First Among Sequels, and the latest (2011) addition: One of Our Thursdays is Missing.  They’re quite addictive. All are available in several formats through the Old Colony Library Network.  A treat for book lovers!

The Eyre Affair

Library-related YouTube videos

Two videos involve the new Old Spice guy: one from the Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University with nearly 3 million views (!), and one generally promoting libraries which is very strange. The Old Spice dude has some seriously strange videos up there on the web.

If you’d like to listen to some Library-related music video parodies, try   Librarians Do Gaga  from the University of Washington libraries.
Librarians do Gaga
And from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in the great state of Virginia, there’s a great video with a cast of librarians, representing their many branches, and a parody of the pop song I Will Survive:   Libraries Will Survive.  How appropriate!  And you know what?  They will, too.  Enjoy.

All Hail Tolkien

The University of Kansas presents The Lord of the Libraries: The Return of the Book.
The Lord of the Libraries
Before winning an Emmy for his work on “Heroes” then-student Chris Martin wrote and directed this little video: The Lord of the Libraries!

It turns out Bilbo Baggins checked out The Book of Power while in school and . . .

…but you’ll have to watch the video!  All 18 minutes of it.

Very cute.

Libraries! They’re hot pop culture! Outside and In!

FRIENDS OF THE NORWELL PUBLIC LIBRARY OFFICERS

Chair – Penny Wilson
Vice Chair – Karen Yee
Secretary – Susannah Murphy
Treasurer – Tracy White
Membership – Kathleen Fitzgerald
Publicity, Newsletter, Website – Mary Cole
Fred the Shed – Daune Haskell
Library Director – Rebecca Freer
 

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2011-2012 Friends of NPL Meeting Calendar

September 3, 2011
FNPL Meeting Calendar

2011-2012 Friends of the Norwell Public Library Meeting Calendar

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Museum Pass Program Status, October 2011 update

August 9, 2010

The Friends of the Norwell Public Library are pleased to provide the current list of Museum Passes available through the Library.  All passes are for museums within a reasonable drive of Norwell.  Passes can be reserved by phone or on the Library’s website.  Each pass is different, and they all provide for discounted admission.  During school vacations, preference is given to Norwell residents, although at other times passes may be borrowed by non-residents as available.

The Museum Pass program is a remarkable resource for families seeking educational and recreational opportunities at reasonable prices. The Friends estimate that Norwell families saved between $20,000 and $30,000 using the passes in 2009. We hope to see that increase as more families become aware of the Museum Pass Program.

The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is located in Salem, MA and is a new museum pass offering this year. The roots of the Peabody Essex Museum date to 1799 and the East India Marine Society, an organization of Salem captains who sailed beyond either the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn. The society’s charter established a “cabinet of natural and artificial curiosities,” which is what we today would call a museum. Society members brought to Salem a diverse collection of objects from around the world — more than 840,000 works of art and culture featuring maritime art and history; American art; Asian, Oceanic, and African art; Asian export art; and much more. Today’s collection has grown to include approximately 1 million works and Yin Yu Tang, the only complete Qing (Manchu) Dynasty 18th Century house outside of China.  The PEM was recently enlarged and is notable for its many special exhibits you are likely to see advertised on cable TV.  For details, see  www.pem.org

Boston by Foot   These are guided walking tours of Boston from May 1 through October 31 which showcase Boston’s rich architectural and historical heritage.  Different tours depart from different locations.  The pass admits up to four people for free on any scheduled tour.  For details, see www.bostonbyfoot.org

Fuller Craft Museum, easily accessed in Brockton, MA, is a beautiful 22-acre campus and sculpture garden beside a lake. A terrific building with rotating collections of contemporary craftworks and craft classes is fun to visit.  Pass is valid for admission of two adults. Children under 16 are admitted free of charge. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and late on Wednesday.  One of a kind!  For details, see www.fullercraft.org

Adams National Historical Park, located in three main sites with 11 buildings on 13 acres in the City of Quincy, MA, the park is serviced by a convenient trolley between sites.  Adams National Historical Park tells the story of four generations of the Adams family (from 1720 to 1927). The three park sites are: (1) The Visitor Center, (2) the Birthplacesof 2nd U.S. President John Adams and 6th U.S. President John Quincy Adams, and (3) Peacefield which includes the “Old House,” home to four generations of the Adams family and the Stone Library which contains more than 12,000 historic volumes.

Institute of Contemporary Art, gorgeous new waterfront location in Boston, MA:  The ICA presents outstanding contemporary art in all media, including visual art exhibitions, music, film, video, and performances.  Pass is valid for two people with a $5 copay per person.  The ICA is free to children 17 and under.  General admission tickets allow visitors to see all of the gallery exhibitions.  The ICA is free to the public on Thursday nights from 5 pm to 9 pm, courtesy of Target stores.  For details, see www.icaboston.org

Children’s Museum of Boston, on Congress Street in Boston, MA:   For over 90 years the Children’s Museum has been a private, non-profit, educational institution recognized internationally as a research and development center and pacesetter for children’s exhibitions, educational programs and curriculum development.  Pass is valid for up to four people with a $2 per person copay (becomes $3 per person copay after October 31, 2010).  For details, see www.bostonkids.org

Museum of Science, on the dam over the Charles River in Boston, MA:  The Museum of Science is ranked #3 by Parents Magazine in its list of the country’s “Ten Best Science Centers.” Pass is valid for up to four people with a $5 per person copay.  Pass by itself is NOT good towards purchase of Mugar Omni Theater, Hayden Planetarium/Laser, Butterfly Garden, 3-D digital cinemas, combination tickets, or special exhibits.  For details, see www.mos.org

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, on The Fenway in Boston, MA:   Opened in 1903, this museum is one of the nation’s finest collections of art.  Three floors of galleries surround a garden courtyard blooming with life in all seasons.  The galleries are filled with paintings, sculpture, tapestries, furniture, and decorative arts from cultures spanning thirty centuries.  Pass is valid for up to four people with a $5.00 per person copay.   All named “Isabella” are admitted free. For details, see www.gardnermuseum.org

Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, MA:  The museum offers powerful personal encounters with history built on research about the Wampanoag People and the Colonial English community in the 1600s.   Pass is valid for two adults and two children for reduced admission at $10 per adult and $6 per child.  This pass is good at the 1627 English Village, Wampanoag Homesite, and Mayflower.  For details, see www.plimoth.org

Roger Williams Park Zoo, conveniently located off I95 in Providence, RI:   The Zoo is forty acres.  The average length of stay is three hours.  The path through the Zoo is a bit over one mile long. The Zoo features over 160 different species of amazing animals!  This pass entitles the bearer to a $3 discount on each admission for up to four people.  It is not valid for fundraising exhibits or special events.  For details, see www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org


South Shore Natural Science Center, next to Jacobs Pond in Norwell, MA: The South Shore Natural Science Center is located on 30 acres surrounded by 200 acres of town conservation and recreation land consisting of meadows, woodland, and a pond. The Center is dedicated to educating the public about the natural and cultural environments of the South Shore.  Pass allows free admission for a family of four to the Science Center and all programs that are free with admission. Paid programs, fundraising events, Preschool and Camp programs are not part of the free admission pass.  For details, see www.ssnsc.org

New England Aquarium, on the waterfront in Boston, MA:  Pass is donated by the Norwell Women’s Club: This pass is not available during the summer but becomes available again on September 1.  Last year the pass admitted up to four people with an $8 per person copay.  Founded in 1969, the New England Aquarium is a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation. The Aquarium is one of the premier visitor attractions in Boston, with over 1.3 million visitors a year, and a major public education resource.  For details, see www.neaq.org

Museum of Fine Arts, on the Fenway in Boston, MA, donated by an anonymous Friend through the Friends of the NPL:   The Museum of Fine Arts houses and preserves preeminent collections.  It celebrates diverse cultures with roughly one million visitors per year to its permanent and visiting exhibits.  Pass is valid for two people with a $5 copay per person for general admission.  Pass entitles each visitor to upgrade to a special exhibition ticket for an additional $8 (plus the $5 copay), same day only, subject to availability.   For details, see www.mfa.org

USS Constitution Museum.  The USS Constitution is our country’s oldest commissioned ship, and it is still part of the US Navy.  The pier which holds the USS Constitution and the USS Constitution Museum is a national park.  The museum itself is a not-for-profit, non-government organization which serves as the memory and educational voice of the ship.  The Library has been given two passes that each admits a group of up to 9 people for free to the USS Constitution Museum.  Admission to the ship USS Constitution is always free.  The ship and the museum are appropriate for all ages.  Summer Hours are April 1 to Oct. 31 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Pawtucket Red Sox, The Paw Sox are the minor league baseball Triple-A affiliates of the Boston Red Sox and belong to the International League. They play their home games at McCoy Stadium in the heart of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, just off Route 95.  McCoy Stadium is about 50 miles from Norwell and about a one hour drive.  The Paw Sox pass enables up to six (6) people to have General Admission entry to select home games for only $18.  That’s $18 for the group.

For further information about Museum Passes, visit the Norwell Public Library website at www.norwellpubliclibrary.org or phone the Norwell Library at 781-659-2015.  The Museum Pass page of the website is directly accessible here.

Previous museum pass offerings have been rotated out of the collection in order to try new things.  Based on popular demand, we will consider reinstating previous passes to places like

(1) National Heritage Museum, Lexington, MA

(2) Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, MA

(3) Boston Sports Museum, Boston, MA

(4) JFK Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA

 

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