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Thanksgiving Closings: The Library will close at 5pm on Wednesday, Nov 27, and will be closed all day on Thursday, Nov 28 for Thanksgiving.
New Director Announcement!
After over 13 years serving as Library Director and decades of work at the library, Kate Thomas is stepping down. We thank her for her tireless hours making a positive impact on our community. The Trustees have hired former Assistant Library Director, Cindi Beede, as our new Library Director.
Read to Milo!
Sat, Nov 16 at 11am
Milo is a certified, trained, and insured therapy dog who loves a good book! Kids can practice their reading skills, without judgement. No pre-registration required.
Chair Yoga with Michelle Davis Yoga & Wellness
Tue, Nov. 19 at 2pm
Increase range of motion and improve strength and flexibility through chair yoga! This program is free. Space is limited — please register in advance. Call (603-585-6503) or email us (info@fitzlib.org) to sign up.
Paint Watercolor Holiday Cards with Keara Whipple
Mon, Nov 18 at 6:30pm
Paint two holiday cards with watercolors! No experience necessary. All materials will be provided. Space is limited — please register in advance. Call (603-585-6503) or email us (info@fitzlib.org) to sign up. This class is now full. Contact us to be placed on the waitlist.
Cooking the Book!
Tue, Dec. 3 at 6pm
We’re making cookies! Check out one of two holiday cookbooks we have. Choose either Betty Crocker’s Christmas Cookbook or The Perfect Cookie. Pick a recipe you like, bake it, and bring it to share. This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit with neighbors.
Home Delivery – Available on a Trial Basis
Are you homebound (long or short term) and can’t get to the Library? We are trying a new program to deliver books once every other week (on Thursdays) to those who cannot access our collection. Call (603-585-6503) or email us (info@fitzlib.org) for more information.
Pre-K Storytime
Join us for Pre-K Storytime every Wednesday at 10:30! Storytime is a beneficial way for children to socialize (parents too!) while gaining literary proficiency and learning new skills. Children who are read to are statistically proven to do better in school. Give your child a jumpstart on success in life!
Big Kid (K-2) Storytime
Tuesdays 3:45 to 4:45 (after school)
Big Kid Storytime (for grades K-2) continues. We will be eating a snack, reading, and playing a game or creating a craft. Registration required! Call (603-585-6503) or email us (info@fitzlib.org) to sign up.
Wednesday Afternoons at the Library for Grades 1-6
3:45 to 4:45 (after school)
Wednesday Afternoons at the Library (for grades 1-6) are happening every Wednesday from 3:45 to 4:45. Kids can take the bus from Emerson School. Come enjoy a snack and make a craft! On November 20, we will be doing a STEM challenge and building shelters! Registration required! Call (603-585-6503) or email us (info@fitzlib.org) to sign up.
Stitch and Bitch!
Every Wednesday at 6pm
Whether you stitch, sew, embroider, crochet, like to color or prefer to just socialize, come join friends who like to craft and chat!
Coffee Hour
Saturday Mornings at 10am
Enjoy coffee, conversation, and a freshly baked treat with neighbors.
Book Club – Monday, Dec. at 7pm
The Maniac
by Benjamin Labatut
Books available
“The MANIAC charts the sweep of modern computing, from its first inklings in punched cards used in jacquard textile looms, all the way to dramatic confrontations between artificial intelligence and acclaimed masters of chess and Go. Labatut’s prose is lucid and compelling, drawing readers on a frightening but fascinating journey; even the most right-brained among them will gain insight into the power and potential dangers of AI.” — Library Journal (starred review)
ALA Grant update:
In May of 2023, The Fitzwilliam Town Library was honored to receive a special grant from the American Library Association in the amount of $10,000. The funds have given us the opportunity to make purchases and adjustments in order to provide a more accessible library to all patrons. Changes made were based on community suggestions for improved accessibility during the summer of 2023, when a community forum was held:
- The purchase and installation of two sets of automatic door openers at the main patron entrance
- Stable stools for the children’s section as seating and access to resources
- Comfortable and over-sized upholstered chairs with device charging capacity
- Colorful carpet squares (defined seating) for children’s programming
- A second book return to be installed/located closer to the Library’s parking area and handicapped parking spaces (purchased with installation in progress)
Recently, the Library distributed a patron survey to assess perceptions of how essential/useful these improvements are The results were extremely positive!
Pioneer Valley Symphony Library Passes
Get a pass for up to 4 tickets to any Pioneer Valley Symphony concerts of the 2023-2024 season. Check out a pass, bring it to the box office before the concert of your choice to redeem. The box office opens 1-11/2 hours before each performance. Return your pass to the library so it can bring the joy of music to others! Visit pvsoc.org for the most up-to-date season information.
3-D Printer
Now patrons can use our 3-D printer for projects. Check out https://www.thingiverse.com/ for free project files. Then schedule a time with us to get your files ready to print.
New to our Library of Things
Hand Free Magnifier
This hands free magnifier allows users to have both hands free while getting the clearest view of the magnified object. It’s a suitable feature for those who are into sewing, crafting, reading books, and doing tiny electronic repairs but need a visual aid for making objects bigger and totally high definition. Check one out!
Fitzwilliam History and Information Page
There is a whole new page on the Fitzwilliam Library website (http://fitzlib.org) featuring Fitzwilliam-specific history and resources. You can find it under the 24HOUR-LIBRARY tab. Information will be updated regularly. Check it out!
Booklist Reader: Find it under 24-Hour Library above!
Click on the image to access this great free resource for all book lovers.
Booklist, the review publication of the American Library Association, proudly announces the launch of Booklist Reader, a new digital library patron–facing magazine featuring diverse readers’ advisory recommendations for readers of all ages.
Each month, Booklist Reader will showcase top-10 lists, must reads, interviews with (and articles by) top authors and illustrators, and adult, youth, and audio recommendations for all communities and all who love to read. Booklist Reader is also partnering with LibraryReads, an organization that each month publishes a list of the top 10 books read by library workers across the nation.
Continued Support for Library Programming!
Town Library while making everyday purchases on Amazon. Use the link below when shopping. Part of the proceeds will go to the Friends who fund books, programs and more for the Library.
Staff Book Recommendations
Cindi recommends…
by Eileen Garvin
“Crow Talk centers on two women and a lonely little boy who have all retreated to a remote alpine lake in the woods of Washington to seek solace… A chance encounter with an injured baby crow brings this trio together and an unlikely friendship blooms, allowing all three to forge a path toward healing, rediscovery and joy.”
— Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls Press
Kate recommends…
The Bright Sword: A Novel of King Arthur
by Lev Grossman
“Satisfyingly epic but also fast-paced, this novel captures everything that’s grand and magnificent about the age of King Arthur while picking at its edges and delving into its darker depths. All fantasy and mythology fans will want to make time for this moving, entertaining epic. . . . This epic fantasy is sure to be a hit.”
—Booklist (STARRED review)
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