So sad...

It's Banned Books Week!

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the American Library Association’s “Banned Books Week” Bill Moyers talks about the impact libraries have had on his youth, his dismay over book challenges in modern times, and why censorship is the biggest enemy of truth. See his commentary here.

Thursday October 4th @ 7:00 pm ~ Bach with Verse

Join us for a special concert event featuring double bassist Richard “Dobbs” Hartshorne of Bach With Verse. A superb instrumentalist and marvelous storyteller, Dobbs performs the Bach Cello Suites and take us along on his musical adventuresin hilarious comedic stories. He discusses his transformative work bringing this music to children around the world in Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and Uganda as well as inmates in US prisons and will present a short documentary film about his tours. Come join us and see how music can change the world! Dobbs Hartshorne is a world-renowned double bass virtuoso, composer and storyteller. A graduate of The Julliard School and Oberlin Conservatory, Dobbs is a classically trained double bassist who brings a unique creativity to the art. Dobbs spent six years performing in Latin America with the Peace Corp as principal bass in several orchestras and was one of the designers of the free youth music program in Costa Rica. He was a member of the Apple Hill Chamber Players based in Sullivan, NH for 30 years bringing music to the worn-torn areas of Israel and Arab nations, Ireland, and the Caucasus Region through their Playing for Peace project and served as director of their summer festival. In 2004, Dobbs formed Bach With Verse, traveling extensively to bring music to underserved audiences in worn-torn areas. Free and open to all thanks to the Friends of the Hancock Town Library. For more information call the library at 525-4411.

Library Trustee Minutes, September 26, 2012

MINUTES

HANCOCK LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

September 26, 2012

Present: Mary Garland, Amy Markus, Laurie Bryan, Peter Ryner

The meeting was called to order at 9am.

The minutes of July 24, 2012 were approved.

The Treasurer's report of August 31, 2012 was approved.

Amy reported that there continues to be strong computer use, with 297 computer users in August. She believes that one of the attractions of Library computers is the high speed of the Library's Internet connection, and in addition to using the Library's computers, many people each month use their own computer at the library to take advantage of the wi-fi high speed connection.

Amy then reviewed the October Library program.

Amy reported that the Friends of the Library had a record book sale with revenues of $6500.

There was then a review of a proposed budget for next year.  The Trustees of Trust Funds have indicated that we should expect a 25% cut in revenue from investment income, down from $20,000 to $15,000.  There was also a discussion of the role of Friends of the Library funds, and consideration of money which at times has been donated but which may not be available in the future.  It was agreed that Amy and the Chairman would meet with the Board of Selectmen to informally discuss this situation prior to the Library Trustees next meeting in October.

Submitted by Peter Ryner

Thursday October 4th @ 7:00 PM ~ Bach with Verse

Join us for a special concert event featuring double bassist Richard “Dobbs” Hartshorne of Bach With Verse. A superb instrumentalist and marvelous storyteller, Dobbs performs the Bach Cello Suites and take us along on his musical adventures in hilarious comedic stories. He discusses his transformative work bringing this music to children around the world in Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and Uganda as well as inmates in US prisons and will present a short documentary film about his tours. Come join us and see how music can change the world! Dobbs Hartshorne is a world-renowned double bass virtuoso, composer and storyteller. A graduate of The Julliard School and Oberlin Conservatory, Dobbs is a classically trained double bassist who brings a unique creativity to the art. Dobbs spent six years performing in Latin America with the Peace Corp as principal bass in several orchestras and was one of the designers of the free youth music program in Costa Rica. He was a member of the Apple Hill Chamber Players based in Sullivan, NH for 30 years bringing music to the worn-torn areas of Israel and Arab nations, Ireland, and the Caucasus Region through their Playing for Peace project and served as director of their summer festival. In 2004, Dobbs formed Bach With Verse, traveling extensively to bring music to underserved audiences in worn-torn areas. Free and open to all thanks to the Friends of the Hancock Town Library.

Library Events for October 2012

Get out your calendars, we have a LOT going on in October. You won't want to miss any of these upcoming programs! 

Wednesday October 3^rd @ 7 pm

First Wednesday Book Club

Join us as we discuss Dan Brown’s thriller Deception Point. Next month’s book will be Through a Glass Darkly by Donna Leon.  Copies will be available at the front desk. As Paul Skenazy of the Washington Post writes, “"Few detective writers create so vivid, inclusive and convincing a narrative as Donna Leon, the expatriate American with the Venetian heart…One of the most exquisite and subtle detective series ever."  Feel free to join the library’s book club anytime you can. We’re always looking for new members!

Thursday October 4^th @ 7 pm

Richard “Dobbs” Hartshorn – Bach with Verse

Join us for a special concert event featuring double bassist Richard “Dobbs” Hartshorne of Bach With Verse. A superb instrumentalist and marvelous storyteller, Dobbs performs the Bach Cello Suites and take us along on his musical adventures in hilarious comedic stories. He discusses his transformative work bringing this music to children around the world in Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine and Uganda as well as inmates in US prisons and will present a short documentary film about his tours. Come join us and see how music can change the world! Dobbs Hartshorne is a world-renowned double bass virtuoso, composer and storyteller. A graduate of The Julliard School and Oberlin Conservatory, Dobbs is a classically trained double bassist who brings a unique creativity to the art. Dobbs spent six years performing in Latin America with the Peace Corp as principal bass in several orchestras and was one of the designers of the free youth music program in Costa Rica. He was a member of the Apple Hill Chamber Players based in Sullivan, NH for 30 years bringing music to the worn-torn areas of Israel and Arab nations, Ireland, and the Caucasus Region through their Playing for Peace project and served as director of their summer festival. In 2004, Dobbs formed Bach With Verse, traveling extensively to bring music to underserved audiences in worn-torn areas. Free and open to all thanks to the Friends of the Hancock Town Library.

Thursday October 11^th @ 7 pm

Discovering New England Stone Walls with Kevin Gardner

Kevin Gardner’s informal talk covers a few of the main topics of his book about New England stone walls, The Granite Kiss, touching on history, technique, stylistic development, and aesthetics.  He explains how and why New England came to acquire its thousands of miles of stone walls, the ways in which they and other dry stone structures were built, how their styles emerged and changed over time, and their significance to the famous New England landscape. Other topics may include: differences in approach between historical and contemporary wall-builders, a discussion of restoration tips and techniques, and information about design, acquisition of materials, preservation, and analysis. There is always a generous question-and-answer period, during which listeners are encouraged to bring up specific problems or projects on their own properties. Along the way, Kevin occupies himself building a miniature wall or walls on a tabletop, using tiny stones from a five-gallon bucket.  He often brings along his collection of books about stonework, and copies of The Granite Kiss will be available for sale. This program is free and open to all thanks to the Friends of the Hancock Town Library.

Thursday Oct. 18^th @ 7 pm

Duke Ellington & The Harlem Renaissance with Nanette Perrotte

The Duke: who is he? Genius interpreter of Big Band Swing and the Harlem Renaissance moment – melody maker and aficionado of putting on the Ritz – Sir Duke. Will we ever know the real Duke Ellington and will we ever understand the complexity and mystery of his collaboration with the great Billy Strayhorn. Here is a life that is graced in so many ways: a loving supportive family, the ease and confidence of a good education and a desire to maintain the true style of a Duke.  Here is the leader who created the perfect orchestra, building it one superb player at a time. The titles tell a story: Lush Life, Take the A Train, Prelude to a Kiss, It Don't Mean a Thing, Satin Doll…Join us as we sing the great songs and look at the internal workings of the music.  The period of Ellington's intense creativity 1924-1930 gives us a portrait in music of the extraordinary moment we call the Harlem Renaissance:  The Cotton Club, The Savoy… 142nd street and Lenox Avenue, a time when Harlem was the playground of the rich.  Nanette Perrotte, BA Jazz Composition Berklee College of Music, MA Ed Lesley University has been a professional Jazz singer for 25 years and now teaches Music History and Voice at both Endicott College and The New Hampshire Institute of Art.  She is the director and founder of the John Singer Sargent Choir as well as being a member of Hancock's Norway Pond Festival Singers. This program is free and open to all. For more information call the library at 525-4411.

Wednesday October 24^th @ 7 pm

In Search of Community: Archaeology at the Abyssinian Meeting House Portland, Maine with Martha Pinello

The Abyssinian Meeting House is a simple wood-frame building constructed between 1828 and 1831 to serve Portland, Maine’s African American community. The Meeting House was the cultural center for African-Americans in southern Maine from its inception until it closed in 1917. When established, it was the third African American Meeting House in the United States after Boston and Nantucket, Massachusetts. It housed Portland's 19th century public school for black children. The congregation was also involved in the political issues of the day, especially those affecting African Americans. Meetings, church services, the segregated school, concerts, dinners and entertainment made the Abyssinian the center of political and social life throughout the 19th century.Martha E. Pinello, Principal Investigator for Monadnock Archaeological Consulting, LLC of Stoddard has over three decades of experience working on historic sites throughout New England. She served for many years as Chief Archaeologist at the Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, NH, and has special expertise in paleoethnobotany and landscape archaeology. Pinello joined the team restoring the Meeting House in 2006. This program is free and open to all!

Mondays: October 29, November 5^th & 12^th, Noon – 2 pm

Nanette on Jazz!

Three 2 hour workshops that are designed as in-depth extensions to the two presentations: Ella Fitzgerald, It Don’t Mean a Thing and Duke Ellington & the Harlem Renaissance.
These workshops will allow us to dive into the source material of this American musical movement and distinguish its different major stylists.  Using songs like, Lush Life, Azure Blue, It Don’t Mean a Thing, Lover Man we can analyze arrangements, examine improvisation and method of composition. There will be a pre-workshop listening list to use in our discussion.  Come ready to listen, analyze and join in the singing! Nanette Perrotte, BA Jazz Composition Berklee College of Music, MA Ed Lesley University has been a professional Jazz singer for 25 years and now teaches Music History and Voice at both Endicott College and The New Hampshire Institute of Art.  There is a $50 fee for all three classes and you must register with the library in advance. Stop by or call us at 525-4411.

Coming in November – save the dates!

Thursday November 1^st Hancock resident Hank Huber will tell us about his recent hike to Machu Picchu.

Thursday November 15^th NH author Ernie Hebert will be here to read from his new book, Never Back Down.

From the Children's Room

Rennie Timm, Children’s Librarian

Tuesday, October 2 at 3:15 - 4pm

Block Party: LEGO® Fun

Join us for an afternoon snack and let your imagination run wild. Hands-on learning opportunity to explore how things work. LEGO® bricks are provided by the library. This program will run through December 4, on the first Tuesday of every month. All ages welcome.

Thursdays in October at 10:00am (NEW TIME)

Laptop Storytime

Walking and talking, this babes 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.

Wednesday, October 10 at 3:15 – 4:15pm

Habits and Habitats of New Hampshire Wildlife

Sponsored by NH Fish & Game, docent Donna Roscoe will have students explore the habits and haunts of New Hampshire wildlife. Games and hands-on activities are used to teach what habitat is and why it’s important.  Recommended for ages 8-11.

Friday, October 12 at 6:00 - 8:45pm

Movie & Trivia Night for Tweens & Teens

Middle School and High School Students are invited to gather with friends, munch on popcorn & watch a movie together.  Our feature presentation will be “The Hunger Games”. How much do you know about Katniss Evergreen and the characters in ‘The Hunger Games’? Bring along trivia questions to stump your friends….!

Wednesday, October 17 at 3:15 – 4:00pm

The Art of Book Making Workshop

Calling all children for an after-school book-making art project! Join Michelle Russell, to make your own hand-bound book. We'll decorate covers with drawings and collage and stitch the binding together. At the end of the afternoon, you'll leave with a blank book to fill with pictures, to write your own story, or to use as a journal. All ages welcome. 

Tuesday, October 23 at 3:15 - 4pm

“Shadows in the Night” - Mariposa Museum

Explore the folk art form of shadow puppetry.  We’ll take a look at the Museum’s collection of shadow puppets, learning a bit about their history. Watch a small shadow puppet show and create your own shadow puppet to take home. Recommended for ages 4+.

Wednesday, October 31 at 2:45-4:15pm

Night Shivers- Vampires, Zombies, Ghosts and Monsters

Fun Halloween crafts and activities for all ages. Enjoy a snack while listening to a seasonal story, create a craft or decorate your face with ghoulish makeup for your trick or treat adventure in town. Parents are encouraged to join in the fun. All ages are welcome.

Calling all adults and children age 10+ interested in ARCHERY, Lucy Morris, our summertime instructor will be back hopefully this October for another archery course. Call the Rennie, the Children’s Librarian for more information.

See Lucy on Chanel 9 the Chronicle

http://www.wmur.com/new-hampshire-chronicle/Monday-May-28th-hitting-the-bulls-eye/-/13383450/14122718/-/f7ghopz/-/index.html

Ebooks, Publishers & Public Libraries

An open letter to America’s publishers from ALA President Maureen Sullivan

CHICAGO — The following open letter was released by American Library Association (ALA) President Maureen Sullivan regarding Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and Penguin refusal to provide access to their e-books in U.S. libraries. 
The open letter states:
It’s a rare thing in a free market when a customer is refused the ability to buy a company’s product and is told its money is “no good here.” Surprisingly, after centuries of enthusiastically supporting publishers’ products, libraries find themselves in just that position with purchasing e-books from three of the largest publishers in the world. Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and Penguin have been denying access to their e-books for our nation’s 112,000 libraries and roughly 169 million public library users.
Let’s be clear on what this means: If our libraries’ digital bookshelves mirrored the New York Times fiction best-seller list, we would be missing half of our collection any given week due to these publishers’ policies. The popular “Bared to You” and “The Glass Castle” are not available in libraries because libraries cannot purchase them at any price. Today’s teens also will not find the digital copy of Judy Blume’s seminal “Forever,” nor today’s blockbuster “Hunger Games” series.
Not all publishers are following the path of these three publishers. In fact, hundreds of publishers of e-books have embraced the opportunity to create new sales and reach readers through our nation’s libraries. One recent innovation allows library patrons to immediately purchase an e-book if the library doesn’t have a copy or if there is a wait list they would like to avoid. This offers a win-win relationship for both publishers and library users since recent research from the Pew Internet Project tells us that library users are more than twice as likely to have bought their most recent book as to have borrowed it from a library.
Libraries around the country are developing mobile applications and online discovery systems that make it easier to explore books and authors on the go. Seventy-six percent of public libraries now offer e-books — double the number from only five years ago — and 39 percent of libraries have purchased and circulate e-readers. Public libraries alone spend more than $1.3 billion annually on their collections of print, audio, video, and electronic materials. They are investing not only in access to content and devices, but also in teaching the skills needed to navigate and utilize digital content successfully.
Librarians understand that publishing is not just another industry. It has special and important significance to society. Libraries complement and, in fact, actively support this industry by supporting literacy and seeking to spread an infectious and lifelong love of reading and learning. Library lending encourages patrons to experiment by sampling new authors, topics and genres. This experimentation stimulates the market for books, with the library serving as a de facto discovery, promotion and awareness service for authors and publishers.
Publishers, libraries and other entities have worked together for centuries to sustain a healthy reading ecosystem — celebrating our society’s access to the complete marketplace of ideas. Given the obvious value of libraries to publishers, it simply does not add up that any publisher would continue to lock out libraries. It doesn’t add up for me, it doesn’t add up for ALA’s 60,000 members, and it definitely doesn’t add up for the millions of people who use our libraries every month.
America’s libraries have always served as the “people’s university” by providing access to reading materials and educational opportunity for the millions who want to read and learn but cannot afford to buy the books they need. Librarians have a particular concern for vulnerable populations that may not have any other access to books and electronic content, including individuals and families who are homebound or low-income. To deny these library users access to e-books that are available to others — and which libraries are eager to purchase on their behalf — is discriminatory.
We have met and talked sincerely with many of these publishers. We have sought common ground by exploring new business models and library lending practices. But these conversations only matter if they are followed by action: Simon & Schuster must sell to libraries. Macmillan must implement its proposed pilot. Penguin must accelerate and expand its pilots beyond two urban New York libraries.
We librarians cannot stand by and do nothing while some publishers deepen the digital divide. We cannot wait passively while some publishers deny access to our cultural record. We must speak out on behalf of today’s — and tomorrow’s — readers.The library community demands meaningful change and creative solutions that serve libraries and our readers who rightfully expect the same access to e-books as they have to printed books.
So, which side will you be on? Will you join us in a future of liberating literature for all? Libraries stand with readers, thinkers, writers, dreamers and inventors. Books and knowledge — in all their forms — are essential. Access to them must not be denied.

Life in Antarctica with Molly Anderson

Wednesday September 19th @ 7:00 pm

Each October, Molly Anderson of Hancock makes a southward migration to a sunnier (but colder) climate - in Antarctica. For the last four years, she has worked during the austral summer season at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Through her work in science support, she helps the researchers at the station with the logistical challenges of working in one of the coldest and most remote places on Earth. Join us to see pictures and hear stories of life at the bottom of the world! This program is free and open to all. For more information please call the library at 525-4411.