DID YOU KNOW?
Adapted from the library’s 2016 Annual Report
Did someone say people don’t read books anymore? This statement doesn’t sound true here at the Library of The Chathams. People borrowed more than 200,000 items last year, and most of them were books!
Last year, people used the library more than ever before:
- 238,527 Visits to library
- 227,352 Visits to library website (www.chathamlibrary.org)
- 227,147 Items checked out
- 34,510 Reference questions answered
The library is also a community hub and place for learning and entertainment:
- 454 adult programs = 4,964 adult participants
- 214 community group programs = 2,367 attendees
- 552 youth programs = 16,684 visitors
- 77 teen events = 424 teen participants
- 604 children signed up for Summer Reading Club = they read 12,224 books!
- All programs in total attracted 24,904 visitors!
When someone tells you no one reads books anymore, send them to Library of The Chathams!
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
By Galina Natenzon
This week we are opening a series of classes for high school students that will help them improve their writing skills. The instructor, Alisha Davlin, has taught English and creative writing at the Pingry School, Lafayette College, and is an admissions essay reader at NYU. Her summer series of classes at the library had a long waiting list. Now is your chance to learn from this acclaimed teacher – see Thursday listings.
Adult audiences will have a chance to hear author Wheeler Antabanez, who will talk about his most recent book, The Old Asylum and Other Stories, about his exploration of the abandoned Overbrook Asylum in Cedar Grove.
Our year-long Trip Around the World continues, this week to Mexico. Children will learn about the celebration of the Day of the Dead.
For information about all programs or to sign up, please call the library at 973‑635‑0603 or go to http://www.chathamlibrary.org
Ⓐ Adult Ⓒ Children Ⓣ Teen Ⓕ Family
MONDAY, OCTOBER 30
Ⓒ Storytime
Storytime is an 8-week, progressive program for preschoolers and their caregivers. Registration required
24 months and younger – 9:45 am
4 to 6 years – 10:15 am
2 to 3 years – 11 am
Ⓒ Chess for Kids
Chess Expert Sean Finn will lead our next series of Chess for Kids. Players must be able to attend all 6 classes. Registration required
Group 1: Players with little or no experience with chess
4 – 4:45 pm Suggested ages 6 to 8 Limit: 12 children
Group 2: Players who can finish a game with checkmate
5 – 5:45 pm Suggested ages 8 to 10 Limit: 16 children
Group 3: Players who can finish a game with checkmate and have previously taken a chess class
6 – 6:45 pm Suggested ages 10 to 13 Limit: 16 children
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31
No Storytime today – to make room for Halloween Parade!
Ⓒ Halloween Parade – 10 am
Meet in the Children’s Room and join the parade around the library grounds. Be sure to bring your camera for photo ops with larger-than-life characters!
Ⓐ Bring Your Own Device – 11 am or 2 pm
Bring your smartphone or tablet to the library for individual training with a reference librarian. Learn to download library eBooks to your own device. Call for an appointment at 973‑635‑0603.
Ⓐ CALL: Johann Sebastian Bach
Tuesdays, October 10, 17, 24 and 31 – 1 to 2 pm
Dr. Vincent J. Rufino, Adjunct Professor of Music History at the College of St. Elizabeth and guest conductor at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, will present a four-part series on the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the most masterful composers of all time. A $40 fee for this series is required payable to Friends of the Library by October 6.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Ⓒ Spanish Storytime – 10 am
Children of all ages
Introduce your child to basic Spanish vocabulary with fun stories, songs and music!
Ⓒ Homework Helpers – 3:30 to 5 pm
Grades K to 5 Limit: 6 children per session
Registration opens two weeks prior to each session
Two Chatham High School students will provide homework help for children in grades K to 5. All subjects welcome!
Ⓒ CODING FOR KIDS
Registration required Limit: 10 children in each class
Must be able to attend all classes
Basic HTML and CSS – Ages 9 to 11
Wednesdays, October 18 through November 15 – 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Explore your inner programmer as you create your own web page! Come and learn the basics of HTML and CSS in this five-week coding series. Explore your inner programmer as you create your own web page. Learning materials will be provided – just bring your laptop and logical thinking. (The library can provide some laptops for class use.) Happy coding!
Basic Scratch Programming – Ages 10 to 12
Wednesdays, October 18 through November 8 – 5:45 to 6:45 pm
Learn basic scratch programming in a simple and fun way. Gain an understanding of computational and mathematical concepts. Get acquainted with various programming skills and process of design. No prior experience required. Just put on your logical thinking cap!
Ⓐ Gen Y Networking Group – 7 pm
All are welcome to attend this forum dedicated to Generation Y young adults interested in job search, networking, and career development.
Ⓐ Financial Life Planning for the “Sandwich Generation” – 7:30 pm
Tom Furda, a certified financial planner at Financial Life Focus, will present a workshop for adults aged 40 to 60 who support children and aging parents. Topics will include: how one’s financial life is impacted in this situation; understanding financial planning considerations; stimulating communication between generations; knowing what questions to ask; and where to find assistance and helpful resources.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Ⓒ Yoga Storytime – 10 or 10:45 am
For preschoolers and their caregivers
Practice yoga poses to go with yoga stories – fun for children and adults.
Ⓐ Blood Pressure Screening – 10 am to 12 noon
Stop by for a quick and free blood pressure check.
Ⓒ Stitch a Justice League Wonder Woman with Miss Polly – 4 to 5 pm
Thursdays, November 2, 9 and 16
Ages 6 & Up Limit: 8 children
Sew your own Wonder Woman doll in this three-week class with Miss Polly.
Ⓣ Writing a Winning Analytical Essay – 4 to 6 pm
Thursdays, November 2, 9 & 16 – 4 to 6 pm
Grades 9 to 12 Limit: 15 students
Must be able to attend all 3 classes
Registration opens Thursday, October 19
Alisha Davlin will help you learn the building blocks for how to organize and execute a well-structured analytical essay. You will learn to analyze a text, organize thoughts, construct a strong thesis statement and write a successful five-paragraph essay. These skills will transfer to all subjects throughout high school, college and beyond. This program is limited to Chatham residents only; residents of other towns can participate only if space permits.
Ⓒ TRIP AROUND THE WORLD – 4:30 pm
El Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead
Ages 8 & Up Limit: 20 children
Registration required
Come join us to learn about one of Mexico’s most important festivals where families gather to honor the dead. By placing marigolds, fresh bread, candles, sugar skulls, photographs, and mementos of the departed on special altars, families welcome the souls of the dead on their annual visit home. Leticia Zuniga and her son Santiago Figueroa are delighted to host this special celebration.
Ⓐ The Old Asylum and Other Stories with Wheeler Antabanez – 7 pm
Author Wheeler Antabanez will read from his recent book, The Old Asylum and Other Stories, inspired by his exploration of the abandoned Overbrook Asylum in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. The author is best known for the Weird NJ special issue, Nightshade on the Passaic, and his underground classic gasstationthoughts. He is the first and only author to write a magazine-length narrative for Weird NJ, and Nightshade remains a best seller today.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Ⓣ Video Game Club – 3 to 4:45 pm
Grades 6 to 12
Stop by to play Super Smash Bros. on the big screen!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Ⓒ Drop-In Storytime – 11 am
For children of all ages. No registration required
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Ⓐ Art Show Featuring Waterworks
Opening reception Sunday, November 5 – 2:15 to 4 pm
Waterworks Artists will show their watercolor floral and landscape paintings through November.
Reception sponsored by Friends of the Library
