Library Events for May 2013

Wednesday May 1st at 7:00 pm
First Wednesday Book Club

We’ll discuss this month’s book, The Great Northern Express: A Writer’s Journey Home by Howard Frank Mosher. The book club will take the summer off but be sure to join us again in October!

Thursday May 2nd at 7:00 pm
Eric Masterson ~ Birdwatching in New Hampshire

Eric Masterson has produced the definitive guide to birding in New Hampshire. Designed to appeal to expert and backyard birdwatchers alike, the comprehensive guide reveals, through maps that outline more than 120 birding sites across the state, where, when, and how to watch and enjoy birds in New Hampshire. It also includes the latest information about the seasonal status and distribution of the more than 300 species seen regularly in New Hampshire and features a thorough introduction to the art and practice of birdwatching, including equipment, ethics, migration, conservation, and most of all, finding that “good bird.” The audiovisual presentation will focus on making sure you dont miss that special moment, be it a flight of hawks in Hancock, a fallout of warblers along the coast, or a collection of storm-grounded waterbirds along the Connecticut River. Eric Masterson has worked for twelve years in the field of environmental conservation, including eight years at New Hampshire Audubon. He currently serves on the New Hampshire Rare Bird Committee and is a seasonal editor for the quarterly journal New Hampshire Bird Records.

Thursday May 9th at 7:00 pm
A Night of Music with Two Old Friends

Over the centuries immigrants from the British Isles have come to the Americas bringing with them their musical styles and tastes as well as their instruments. With the concertina, bodhran, mandolin, octave mandolin, guitar, and banjo, Emery Hutchins and Jim Prendergast sing and play this traditional Celtic music, but they also perform American country music in the way it was conceived in the early twentieth century. Through stories, songs and instrumental melodies, they demonstrate how old time American mountain tunes are often derived directly from the songs of the Irish, yet are influenced by other cultural groups to create a new American sound.  This program is made possible by a grant from the NH Humanities Council and is free and open to the public.

Thursday May 16th at 7:00 pm
Snowball the Dancing Cockatoo with Sy Montgomery & Judith Oksner

Join Hancock author Sy Montgomery, Hancock artist Judith Oksner and Hancock publisher Sarah Bauhan to celebrate publication of SNOWBALL THE DANCING COCKATOO, a new book for children in grades 4-8. It's the true story of how an unwanted parrot became a You Tube sensation, a television star and the subject of new studies of music and the brain--all by rocking out to his favorite tunes. Come watch hilarious video of Snowball dancing at home, on Letterman and with panels of scientists; then Sy and Judith will read from their new book and discuss their fun collaboration with Sarah. Copies of the new book will be on hand for sale and signing. All author's proceeds benefit the parrot rescue where Snowball lives. Free and open to all! Families with children 8 and up are encouraged to attend.

Thursday May 23rd at 7:00 pm
Australian Movie Night: Breaker Morant
Have a free dinner at the Community Supper at the Vestry then stroll over to the library for a free movie! Breaker Morant is based on a true story about three soldiers in the Boer War who are served up as political scapegoats of the British Empire. Free admission and popcorn thanks to the Friends of the Hancock Town Library.

From the Children’s Room…
Rennie Timm, Children’s Librarian

ARCHERY IS BACK!!!!
May 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 6:00 pm
Archery for the whole family with Lucy Morris
Executive Director of the NE School of Archery

This program will focus on teaching basic archery skills. Archery is a life skill that improves concentration, hand-eye coordination and student self esteem. This is a 4 week, course. Pre-Registration Required. FEE will cover all supplies and bows. Family fee is $60.00 for adults, $30.00 per child/adolescent with a parent. Ages 8+, class limited to 12 participants.

Thursdays in May at 10:00 am
Laptop Storytime

Walking and talking, this babies to toddler story time is an interactive program for all pre-schoolers and their parents or care providers. We’ll share books, rhymes, songs, finger play & movement. Our goal is to foster an early love of books and literacy. At the end of the program, there will be playtime for parents and caregivers to share books, puzzles, or other literacy activities with their toddler. Dress comfortably as we will be sitting on the floor in the Children’s Room. No registration required, feel free to drop in anytime.

Tuesday, May 7 at 3:15 – 4:15 pm
Block Party: LEGO® Fun

Join us for the afternoon and let your imagination run wild. Hands-on learning opportunity to explore how things work. LEGO® bricks are provided by the library. All ages welcome.

Wednesday, May 8 at 3:15 – 4:15 pm
Mother’s Day Gifts
Make and take a Surprise handmade gift for mom. All ages are welcome. Registration required for this activity. Sign up in Children’s Room, email or call to reserve your spot.

Thursday, May 9 at 10:30 – 11:15 am
Merry Music for Kids with Miss Katy

This program combines the joy of singing with action-oriented activities. Puppets and live music with the accompaniment of the baritone ukulele, mandolin, banjo and various percussion instruments create a fun filled show for children ages 2-6.

Thursday, May 9 at 4:15 – 5:15 pm
Pizza & Summer Reading Program Brainstorm for Tweens & Teens

Calling all tweens and teens for a brainstorming session about programs for the summer. Would like your input as to what the teen summer reading program schedule will look like. So come share a slice of pizza and share your thoughts.

Wednesday, May 29 at 3:15 – 4:15 pm
Make and Take Mobiles
Birds, butterflies & bugs are fluttering about this time of year. Capture the spirit of flight and create your very own hanging mobile. All ages welcome.