Check out Tide Clock outside of Beach Library
Weekly Activities
Preschool Story Hour at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5.
Computer Q & A on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 10:30 a.m. Pre-register.
Having Fun with Shell Crafts on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 10:30 a.m. Pre-register and $4 materials fee.
Fun Facts about American Railroads on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 10:30 a.m.
Writing Class Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 10:30 a.m. to noon (meets near Living Room on Second Floor)
Activity Details
The Computer class on Dec 6 is a perfect opportunity to discuss a range of issues regarding the computer. When you pre-register, indicate also what topics or question you’d like to see included in the session.
The Shell Crafts class is on Saturday to enable families and those who work to participate in this fun and information class. Pre-register and $2 materials fee.
The session on railroad on Dec 11 is an active presentation as James and Sarah Kaserman share their interest and passion regarding American railroads. What makes this not only interesting but perfect for this time of year is a blend of the history of the railroad and the spirit of Christmas.
Tide Clock
Going up this week on the outside of the library is a Tide Clock. A tide clock is used to tell the amount of time until the next high or low tide. Tide clocks keep an approximation of the average time between high lunar tides: 12 hours 25 minutes per revolution.
The bottom of the tide clock dial is marked “low tide” and the top of the tide clock is marked “high tide.” There is one hand on the clock face, and along the left side it points to the number of hours until high tide. The right hand side of the clock denotes “hours until low tide” and has a count-down of hours from 5 to 1. The number pointed to by the hand gives the time until the low tide.
Year End
As the year ends, there is a lot of discussion as to what may constitute best books of 2012. Even without the challenge of being aware of a wide range of material, it is tough to make such a call.
Two fiction titles that have crisscrossed in discussions include “The Ballad of Tom Dooley” by Sharyn Mc Crumb (MCCR). While many recognize Tom Dooley as coming from the famous Kingston Trio song, the novel is based on an actual murder case from the 1860s. It’s easy to get involved in this celebrated murder trial, even if few, if any, of the participants have much redeeming value. “Line of Fire” by White (M WHI) is for those who love character development, even if the plot in the story is a bit far-fetched.
Two non-fiction titles that have entered the discussion are “Darth Vader and Son” by Brown (741.597 BRO) offers a funny comic reimagining Darth Vader as a dad like any other. Jeffrey Brown’s illustration give Star Wars verses a fresh twist. “Unintended Consequences” (330.973 CON) presents interesting analysis. While the quality is not consistent, the description of key economic features in the US during the past few decades makes it worth spending the time.
Signs
Signage is appearing on the grounds of the library. The main entryway includes one noting the no-smoking, no tobacco-use facility and grounds, and a sign near the front entrance calls attention to the bike rack.
We appreciate very much smokers not bringing any tobacco residue onto the property and if smoking is needed, to go to the sidewalk and walk in the direction of traffic. Bikers are to park their bikes not near the front entrance or at a sign post but in the bike rack at the corner of the library.
Board Meeting
The Board extended special thanks to Judy FitzSimons for serving on the Board the past four years. Few realize the time that is involved in being aware of the many facets that make up an active and growing library. The community in many ways benefits from the expertise, dedication and talent of the Board members. Judy did not run again this past election. In her seat, Mary (Miffie) Greer will take the oath of office at the January meeting and, from her volunteer service and dedication in past years, we are very confident that the Library and community will be well served by her insights and hard work. The Board members do not receive any remuneration for their service so I hope that you say ‘thanks’ to them. They do not expect it but being aware as a library user and/or resident of this dedication helps us appreciate and, hopefully, make it easier to work together to benefit all.
Library
Few would argue the fact that one aim of the library is to provide its community with information. The construction project, soon to be completed, is built on the reality that information can be found in books and magazines but also in classes, presentations and programming. To use one example: Arts programming in libraries is just a different way of presenting information. We hope, just to follow this last strand, to highlight and promote artistic endeavors.
Caring for Dogs and Cats
Throughout the month of December, there is a container on the second floor of the expansion to welcome dog and cat food (both in bags and cans). This benefits the non-profit Find A Home Give A Home Pet Rescue. If you only visit the Annex, you may leave your gift there and staff will see it joins the items in the Expansion. Thank you for remembering these animals in need.
Hours
When we are closed a recorder gives the hours we are open. When open, we answer the phone in person. Hours for both the Annex and Expansion are Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday 9 to 5: and Saturday 9 to 2. Further hours will be added when construction is 100 percent complete.