LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

NEWS FROM

Milford - The Wadleigh Memorial Library is pleased to announce that in July 2008, Katie Spofford was promoted to the newly formed position of Young Adult Services & Reference Librarian. Katie began working at the Library a little more than a year ago as a Library Assistant while she completed her MLS degree. Given her interest in young adult literature and programming, she began planning some creative and original programs for our teen patrons. Her genuine passion for young adult services, combined with her knowledge and expertise, makes her a genuine asset to the staff.

The Library participated for the second year in the worldwide initiative September Project. Events included:

Remember September poetry contest for teens and "tweens"

Coming Home: The Soldier Experience - a discussion on PTSD and services available to veterans upon returning from combat.

Escaping Rwanda: The Story of Justin Mazimpaka - Justin is a Milford resident who escaped the genocide in his native country 16 years ago. His story is simply amazing and all who attended were riveted.

In Memory: Honoring NH Servicemen & Women - Sgt. Major (Ret.) Richard Fredette and a contingent from the N.H. Military Forces Honor Guard performed a basic honors ceremony on the library lawn. Kyn Gdanian, Chaplain of Milford Emergency Services, officiated. The presentation flag will be on permanent display in the Library in memory of all New Hampshire soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom as citizens of the United States - and to serve as a reminder that freedom isn't free.

-submitted by Michelle Sampson, Director
Wadleigh Memorial Library, Milford

Sunapee - The Sunapee Middle High School Library is undergoing change as the school year begins. The change, which started in July, should be completed in October. In July, following discussions with students and administrators, plans were developed for a new library room design. Once the plans received school board approval, the work began: weeding outdated books, ordering furniture, cleaning, removing shelves, organizing, etc. In this effort new librarian Ray Palin received much help from building custodians. The sheer amount of physical work required a team effort. Although the final design could still be adjusted slightly, the basic appearance is taking shape. Among other things, the library is now a more spacious area with new reading chairs, a large-screen TV for watching broadcast news with wireless headsets, new lower bookshelves with canopy tops for display purposes, and a larger magazine rack. The library website has also changed dramatically. Rather than a one-page listing of research links, as in years past, the website is now organized around three main themes: finding information, doing work, and getting help. The site also contains a "Recommended" section, where students will have the opportunity to contribute their opinions on books and other selected resources.
-submitted by Ray Palin, School Librarian
Sunapee Middle High School

Somersworth - From mid-August to mid-September, the Somersworth Public Library offered its services from a temporary location in the front foyer and hallways of the building during the installation of a new HVAC system. We had browse shelves of new books, magazines, and audiobooks; and motion pictures could be selected from a list. The Main Desk was a scaled down version of our regular desk with everything within an arm's reach. The staff worked on their agility skills, stepping through ladders, staging and rearranged furniture to reach the stacks to fill requests from the public. By the time you read this issue of Granite State Libraries, the project will be complete and the building will be using natural gas to keep our patrons and staff comfortable during all four seasons. Come see us next summer when we will be able to offer the 'coolest' place in the city for the public to hang out!
-submitted by Debora Longo, Director
Somersworth Public Library

Warner - The Pillsbury Free Library in Warner recently had an automatic (push-button) door opener installed on the main lower level entrance to make it easier for people to enter the building in wheelchairs, walkers, or with strollers and small children. It is handy for people with boxes of books to bring in and out for sales, too! "Arms" with hold-open capability were also installed on the existing meeting room door closers.
-submitted by Nancy Ladd, Director
Pillsbury Free Library, Warner

Weare - The Weare Public Library said farewell to retiring Children's Librarian Cora Jo Ciampi in July. In September, we welcomed Karen Metcalf to the Children's Room as a long-term substitute. Already, that relationship has been very exciting, as she's brought with her an enormous enthusiasm for children's literature, and in the short time she's been with us has familiarized herself with the rich selection of books Miss Cora acquired. You will meet Karen in the library community, as she is eager to get out and meet colleagues from other libraries.
-submitted by Chris Hague, Director
Weare Public Library