Pittsfield Library’s Blog

22 kids in PJs in the library

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:45:57 -0500

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The night before the night before Christmas party was great success, thanks everyone who showed up. 22 kids in PJs, and a bunch of parents, listened to "The Night Before Christmas," "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer," then watched "The Polar Express."

See you all next year!

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Ginger Bread Houses

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:27:34 -0500

Thanks everyone for a great season of after school programs. We had 20 to 25 kids at most of our programs, and we couldn't have done it without our volunteers. In fact we are nothing without our volunteers. Literally. We are a 100% volunteer run library. If you would like to see more programs like this in the spring, drop us a line at pittsfieldvtlibrary@gmail.com and let us know how you can help. Can you show up to unlock the door every week? Do you have a project or interest to share one week? Are you good at organizing? Join the competition for the 2009 Susie Martin Award.

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Snowglobes

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:49:17 -0500

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News from Angelique:

Wow, we made snowglobes last week! The kids created an awesome variety of snowmen, palm trees, penguins and even a snowpizza! Snowglobes can be picked up on Tuesday at the library. Join us for our final after school program until spring: Gingerbread Houses!

See more photos here.

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Chickens!!

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:03:30 -0500

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This week the Hayden family shared grown chickens, baby chickens, origami chickens and of course chicken books with the Pittsfield Library's after school crew. It was wonderful to see over 25 kids hanging out in the library, looking at the new books and using the new couch. Thanks you Jason, Maysie and Sam for sharing your chickens and your knowledge with us.

Enjoy a slideshow of the afternoon.

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Trustee & Volunteer minutes 12/4/08

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:17:20 -0500

Roger Clark Memorial Library
Pittsfield, Vermont
Minutes of meeting 12/04/08

Called to order at 7:07 pm
Present: Susie Martin, Marion Abrams, Sharon Mayer, April Hayden , Karen Waterworth
Nancy Blessing & Angelique Lee

Treasurer’s Report
Receipts $ 100.00 Donated in memory of Sara Flynn
Disbursed 375.64 Books
74.41 Supplies
Account Balance 2987.64
197.21 ½.com(Vonage)
Ranney CD 1036.76 Maturity date 12//04/08
Jutson CD 1036.70 Maturity date 12/10/08
(both to be renewed and interest deposited in ½.com account)
AEF Savings 642.20
Cash on hand 23.55

Nancy extended thanks to Angelique & family for massive effort and accomplishment during recent library work day.
Signage discussed.
Marion to follow up on previously cleared by select board plan to place two signs on green to heighten awareness of library presence.
Plexiglas cover suggested for bulletin board on front of building.
New signs on books shelves created by Angelique & Sharon noted and Sharon volunteered to
improve same with Velcro .
After school programming discussed.
In ‘09, Angelique will strive to provide programming for students in grade 5 and up.
Any volunteer wishing to carry on programming for younger children encouraged to step forward.
Tracy and Eunice mentioned as individuals who had expressed interest in providing programming.
Participation in The Big Read sponsored by The Vermont Humanities Council discussed. This year’s book selection is Fahrenheit 45, 10 free books available to participating libraries.
Library volunteers encouraged to attend the Women’s Alliance Dinner at the Swiss Farm on December 10th as the Trustees will at that time present an award to one deserving library volunteer.
Game night discussed. Hope to expand appeal to the adult community expressed. Timing and child care discussed; a Cabin Fever February Pot Luck Game Night suggested. Karen likely to follow up on plan.
Nancy Blessing indicated continued exploration of Listen Up Vermont downloadable books and plans to keep us informed.
Quarterly work days slated for January 11th, April 5th, July 12th & October 18th in the coming year.
Karen asked to write a letter to library users explaining purpose of registration and issuance of new library cards.
Thank you notes sent to Saskia Hagengroom and the Hayden family for presenting after school programs.
Decision made to again request $940.00 from town budget in 2009
Angelique plans to write Turrell grant by February 1st due date
Next Trustee Meeting scheduled for Sunday, January 11,2009, 12-1:00pm. Followed by the aforementioned workday.

Minutes submitted by Karen Waterworth

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After school program and NEW event

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:18:50 -0500

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From Angelique:

Thank you Saskia Groom for giving our latest After School Program! Saskia lead an enthusiastic crowd of 17 kids in an exploration of African dance and drumming. Before each program the kids meet in the library, giving them a chance to socialize, use the computer and browse the books.

Our program takes a short break next week and resumes December 2nd with the Hayden Family sharing their chickens with us. They have some special activities planned that you won't want to miss!

We still need babyfood jars for the December 9th Snow Globe program. Please drop them off at the library door anytime. THANK YOU!

See more photos from Saskia's program at here.

Other news:

Yoga instructor Gianna Gilmer will be presenting a program for all ages discussing the benefits of connecting the mind & body, the program will be for all ages and all levels. We will have more information soon. Monday December 1st at 3:30 (children must be accompanied by an adult).

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Volunteer & Trustee meeting minutes Nov. 17th

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:05:33 -0500

Roger Clark Memorial Library
Pittsfield Vermont
Meeting Minutes
11/17/08

Meeting brought to order at 7:00pm
In attendance: Susie Martin, Marion Abrams, Sharon Mayor, Angelique Lee, Lorraine Fielder,
Karen Waterworth, Nancy Blessing

Treasurer’s Report
Regular Checking Account
Deposits: $305.00 Donations in memory of Sara Flynn

Disbursements: $141.57 Books
437.13 Books (per Turrell grant)
   33.30 Postage
   18.99 Events
   87.97 Supplies
278.99 Sofa (per Turrell grant)
179.14 After school program
   30.00 Saturday program
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Total: $1207.09

Ending Balance: $3319.69

½.com Checking Account:
$   197.21
CDs:   1000.00 Ranney
1000.00 Jutson
AEF Savings:      641.80

Volunteers encouraged to sign up for shifts.

Volunteers asked to catalog books during shifts. Instructions in folder.

Photos and certificate of appreciation from Philippines Library to which books were donated were reviewed.
Anticipated pen pal letters from Philippine students to follow.

Nancy Blessing continues to investigate use of www.listenupvermont.org.

Sharon presented new Rolodex and library cards. Those present registered and received cards and numbers allowing use of downloadable audio books at www.listenupvermont.org.
Karen presented draft of informational letter to patrons regarding registration and library cards; template for developing a Privacy and Confidentiality Policy; and copy pf Vermont Act 129
Plan made to present draft of Privacy and Confidentiality Policy at next meeting
Plan made to initiate registration and issue library cards after next library meeting in December.

Marion Abrams plans to move ahead with purchase of MP3 players for patron use when downloading audio books.

Lorraine Fielder reported on results of Usborne Book Sale. Total sales of $500.00 (including library purchases) and use of Literacy for a Lifetime grant netted RCML $350.00 worth of free books.

Sharon Mayer nominated and accepted to fill vacancy of trustee as Sandy Begin had previously made it know that she wanted to step down. Sandy will be asked to write letter of resignation.

Future of After School Program discussed. Angelique remains available to spearhead program along with Joyce through the spring of ‘09, but anticipates being unavailable in the fall of ‘09. Any individuals interested in maintaining or redirecting an after school program are encouraged to step forward.
Noted that Turrell grant writing due in February ‘09.

Thank you notes written to Judy Jenson, Trish & Jeff Hegewald, Edie Johnstone, Joe Desena and Becca Rubens for contributions to the after school program.

Noted that ad for RCML will appear in the White River Valley Telephone Directory compiled by the Park House in Rochester.
Sale of telephone directory in library suggested.

Afternoon of Sunday 11/23/08 designated as library work day. Volunteers strongly encouraged to attend from 1-5pm to facilitate the cataloging our many new books.

Possibility of library sponsoring a Yoga Community Awareness Class as offered by Gianna at the Town Hall discussed. Monday afternoon time slot suggested. Marion will follow up with Gianna and Select Board.

December meeting to take place on Thursday, December 4th.

Meeting adjourned at 8:05pm, after which newly purchased sofa assembled and tested for functionality.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Waterworth

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After School Program - Scavenger Hunt

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:18:20 -0500

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We had a great turn out and great weather for volunteer Becca Rubens Nature Scavenger hunt. Over 25 kids and about 10 adults searched the ball field and the woods behind the library for everything form a feather to a piece of litter.

There is a special display of nature guides and nature books this week at the library if you want to continue the fun at home.

With the beautiful day we also had a chance to visit with our neighbors as many of them stopped by to chat on their way to and from voting.

November 11 join us for TISSUE PAPER COLLAGE. Edie Johnstone is back with a colorful and creative craft project all ages of kids will love.

All programs are Tuesdays from 3:30pm - 5pm. The Library is a school bus stop, so you can arrange for easy drop-off. Please be prompt picking up your child,
the library closes at 5pm.

Children younger than 2nd grade are welcome to participate with a parent present. Healthy snacks will be served. ALL PROGRAMS WILL START BY MEETING AT THE LIBRARY.

Click here to enjoy a slideshow of Angelique's photos of the expedition.

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New Books!

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:38:33 -0400

Lots of new books heading for our shelves!

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Pumpkin Carving

nobody@vox.com(Pittsfield Library) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:54:26 -0400

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Carving Pumpkins
We had a fantastic turn out for our first after school program of the season. I would first like to thank Tracy, Angelique, Joyce, Don, Mark, Edie, Kris, Sarah, Karen and Jason for making this work. With out all the adults helping out, none of our programs would happen. I'd also like to thank Pittsfield Garden Center and Joe Desena for providing the pumpkins.

There are some days when I wonder if all the volunteer work is worth it, but when I see 26 kids having a great time with each other carving pumpkins, and then see them all hanging out in our library, I know it is worth it. Scroll down a bit to see a slideshow (photos by Lauren Mayer).

Halloween Night
Please stop by the library Halloween night, Sharon will be there with some surprises, and you will see all the pumpkins carved yesterday on display.

New Books
Sharon and Angelique took a book buying trip using some of our Turrell grant money. Look for lots of new additions to the Jr. non fiction section soon.

Programs
For the complete schedule of our fall programs click here.

E Mail
If you would like to be added to our e mail information list send us a note at pittsfieldvtlibrary@gmail.com.

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