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Library Town Usage Survey 2025
We are evaluating how patrons use the library so we can provide resources and services that are most valuable to the community. This survey is confidential and does not collect any personally identifiable information. The survey has 11 items and will take fewer than 5 minutes to fill out. Please complete the survey online or in person by October 15th (you can return a paper copy to the library’s circulation desk). To access the survey online, click this link or scan the QR code if you would like to fill it out on another device. We also have paper copies available at the circulation desk. Thank you so much for participating!
Mini Art Show!
The Library will be having a mini art show on Sat, Oct. 11 at 10am! Do you want your art to be featured? Come pick up a mini canvas at the circulation desk beginning Thu, Sept. 25. Use any medium of your choice to create a masterpiece and have fun! All entries are due by Thu, Oct. 9.
PJ Storytime for Ages 2-6 and Their Caregivers
Wed, Oct. 15 at 6pm
Wear your PJ’s and come cozy up with a story and craft (your own blanket and stuffed animal provided)! Our special guest, Dr. Gerry Rubin from the Cheshire Medical Center, will join us to discuss bedtime routines and the importance of a good night’s sleep. She has tips for relaxation breathing and sleep meditations. Registration required.
Halloween Costume Swap
Sat, Oct. 18 at 10am
Bring Your Costumes to Donate Starting Thu, Oct. 9
Find your perfect Halloween costume… right here at the library! We are currently accepting donations for gently used or new costumes and accessories. On Saturday, feel free to bring a costume to swap, or just come shop. All ages are welcome!
Stories and Tunes with Ms. Boo for Ages 2-6 and Their Caregivers
Wed, Oct. 22 at 6pm
Join us for stories and tunes with Ms. Boo! Children can play along and will receive their own mini guitars to take home. Karen Wilbur, representing WIC, will also be in attendance to answer questions and share information and resources. Registration required.
Fall Watercolor Class with Keara Whipple
Sat, Oct. 25 at 10am
Learn how to paint a whimsical fall watercolor piece with Keara… then take your masterpiece home! All materials will be provided. To register, call 585-6503 or email info@fitzlib.org. Space is limited!
Big Kid Storytime/ grades K-2
Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30pm
Get a library passport and “travel” all over the world with Ms. Boo. Registration required. Call 585-6503 or email info@fitzlib.org.
Pre-K Storytime/ ages 3-5 & their caregivers
Wednesdays at 10:30am
The benefits of reading to your children are boundless. Register now for storytime to enjoy stories, crafts, and activities with Miss Veronika. Call 585-6503 or email info@fitzlib.org.
Thursday Afternoons at the Library/ grades 1-6
Thu, Oct. 16 from 3:30 to 4:30pm
Take the bus from Emerson, or meet us at the library for Fall Leaf Sugar Cookie Decorating! Don’t forget to register for October activities because registration is required. Call 585-6503 or email info@fitzlib.org.
Teens And Tweens
Wed, Oct. 29 at 6:30
Light up the most frightening night of the year with your handmade ghostly candle holder and candle! Scary, funny, or somewhere in between, teens and tweens in grades 5-9 will have a spooktacular time making this Halloween themed craft. Registration is required, call 585-6503 or email info@fitzlib.org.
Novel-Tea: London’s Number One Dog-Walking Agency
A Memoir by Kate Macdougall
Monday, October 20 at 7pm
Books available
The irresistibly charming memoir of a young woman who started her own business as a dog walker for London’s busy, well-heeled dog lovers. Stop by to get your copy and a bag of Earl Grey Vanilla tea from Castle Manor!
Peer to Peer Mini Grant Recipient:
We are happy to announce the Fitzwilliam Town Library has been awarded a grant from the Monadnock United Way. The grant is meant to expand access to peer-to-peer supports and foster community. We’ll provide six parent/child (ages 2-6yrs) workshops that provide learning and interactive experiences centered on
-Nutrition
-Movement and Play
-Healthy Sleep Patterns
-Nature as a Classroom
-Music and Child Development
Stay tuned for more details on these programs.
Metal Detector, Giant Games, and More Available to Check Out!
Did you know that the library has many items that you can check out? We have a metal detector and a telescope, giant games (like Sorry!), and corn hole that you can take home and use.
Now Available!
Our seed library is up and running! Come check out our assortment and take home seeds to plant. If you have any seeds that you would like to donate, please drop them off at the circulation desk. We are so excited to offer this opportunity to our patrons!
Stitch and Bitch with Kate
Every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 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.
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.
Book Club – Monday, October 13 at 7pm
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
by Tommy Orange
Books available
Wandering Stars is a novel about epigenetic and generational trauma that has the force and vision of a modern epic, an exceptionally powerful new book from one of the most exciting writers at work today and soaring confirmation of Tommy Orange’s monumental gifts.
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
Kate recommends
We The People: A History Of The US Constitution
by Jill Lepore
“The noted historian advances the cause of an aggressively, and progressively, malleable set of rules for government . . . With the Constitution under daily threat, Lepore’s outstanding book makes for urgent reading.”
― Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Cindi recommends
by Nikki Erlick
“Erlick’s follow-up to her Read with Jenna pick The Measure is a timely speculative novel about sister relationships, forgiveness, and self-discovery… Each of the characters’ stories includes secrets and motives that engender surprising plot twists, yet their experiences all show aspects of shared humanity, grief, and loss that will make it easy for readers to find empathy even as the plot veers toward dystopian extremes. At its core, this is a story of hope and healing and of what people are willing to do to find them.”
— Library Journal
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