The Vinalhaven Public Library near time of its dedication.
Courtesy of the Vinalhaven Historical Society.
THE VINALHAVEN PUBLIC LIBRARY:
A Brief History of a Public Institution by Wayne F. Cooper
Ex Officio
Valerie Morton, Librarian
Linda Whittington, Assistant
Liaison
SAD 8 - Sue Dempster
Chamber of Commerce - Betsy Bates
NEWSLETTER
Volume 11 FRIENDS of the VINALHAVEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Spring 2010
Mark Your Calendars for Mark Twain!
The Friends of the Library are bringing you “And Now……. Mark Twain”
Wednesday August 11th at 7 PM at the Union Church
Richard Clark is an actor with over thirty years of experience in New England regional theater, New York Theater, and television. He is a graduate of Clark University and stu
died at the American Academy of Dramatic Art, The Actor’s Connection, and the Actor’s Loft in New York City. His Keeping History Alive series brings historical figures such as Mark Twain. This will be a delightful look at the work of America’s foremost humorist. This one-person play is full of wit and wisdom and the special brand of storytelling that made Mark Twain a legend in his time.
Richard Clark last came to Vinalhaven as Andrew Carnegie, philanthropist and builder of libraries across the country — including Vinalhaven’s
Greetings from the Friends’ Chairperson, Cynthia Dyer
Second Hand Prose celebrated its ninth year on January 29, 2010. However, this year was different as the two people, who have seen the bookstore come to fruition over the years, have moved to the mainland. Ginny and Dick Fitz moved away in December and are truly missed. Ginny reluctantly passed the many jobs she had along to others so the transition would go smoothly. How do we say “thank you” to them for their unfailing work and devotion at the bookstore?
I was asked in the last year to take a turn at the store and how much fun can that be? I've loved the bookstore since it opened and can't leave without something which, this winter, has made me my own “best customer” some days. I know there are many islanders who feel the same way and have supported it from day one. Our summer members have done the same and a big “thank you” to them for their time and energy. Everyone does their share and that is why Second Hand Prose is working so well now. Thank you to Rhoda for planning the monthly work calendar. You've done a terrific job. Keeping our store the wonderful place it is and running smoothly is the best way I can think of to say “thank you” to Ginny and Dick for their wonderful work. And Happy Spring!
WHAT ARE FRIENDS?
• The Friends of the Vinalhaven Public Library (FOL) is a non-profit group that provides support for the Library. Through dues, gifts, fundraising, and special projects, we support programming, resources, and services for Library patrons: children, young adults, and adults.
• We purchase books, magazines, media and meet special equipment needs.
• We pay for all the costs of Inter-Library Loan services.
• We support “Books for Babies” which encourages being read to and reading at the earliest of ages.
• We promote public awareness of the Library and stimulate use of its resources and services including the publication of a newsletter twice a year.
• We assist the Library Staff where needed and we staff our used bookstore on Main Street. We work at keeping our Library looking great including the outside plantings.
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• We place funds in an Endowment for the Vinalhaven Public Library
After 103 years, the Town of Vinalhaven is having the front entrance of the library repaired. This includes removing and replacing the steps on a new concrete foundation, repointing the deteriorating mortar on the front facade, extending the stone walkway and installing two stainless steel handrails. Thanks to our Library Trustee Pamela Alley, three quarters of this will be paid for by grants.
Friends of the Library
Officers/Committee Chairs
Chair
Cynthia Dyer
Treasurer
Heather Bruns
Assistant Treasurer
June MacDonald
Secretary
Erin Creelman
Wednesday August 11th 7 PM: “And Now Meet —Mark Twain” at the Union Church
Richard Clark is an actor with over 30 years of experience in New England regional theater, New York Theater, and television. His Keeping History Alive series brings historical figures such as Andrew Carnegie, Clarence Darrow, John Barrymore, Ernest Hemingway and William Shakespeare back to life. His shows are based on biographies, autobiographies personal letters, books and the works of various playwrights. Clark came to Vinalhaven last as the philanthropist and library donor Andrew Carnegie. Now meet Mark Twain!
Mid-late August: Author David Crossman
David returns to Vinalhaven to enthrall his reading fans and newcomers to his work.
Exact date, time and topic will be posted around town at a later time. Watch for it!
Early September: Scott Hamilton takes us to Mount Everest
From the comfort of the Vinalhaven Public Library experience the cold and thrills of Mount Everest. Exact date, time and topic will be posted around town at a later time.
Watch for it!
Summer Programming
As always you will see varied FOL programming efforts, some of which will include teamwork with other island organizations like PIE. All are meant to revolve around books and other learning experiences. Look for posters around town and in The Wind for exact times. Post these pages on your bulletin board or fridge!
Thank you Pam Alley and Barbara Kinder, for your contacts and work on this program series.
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Were your grandchildren or children wowed by Tony Sohn’s Bug Zoo? Did you enjoy learning about the writing process by the three Maine mystery writers in “Partners in Crime”? Or, did you enjoy meeting and listening to the adventures of Linda Greenlaw? Did you cook differently after Nancy Harmon Jenkins’ Mediterranean cooking presentation? Did you shudder with the Ghost Hunters?
These programs and more were possible because of member support of the Friends of the Library. See the upcoming 2010 program listings in this newsletter.
Have you experienced the Library Addition? And, it is an experience! The beautiful new space means children’s books are reachable for children! Sounds like a no-brainer, but the cramped shelves in the old space meant children’s books were often high, too high for little people. Many books were too big for the shelves and had to be tipped so they’d fit--but the spines weren’t readable. Christmas books, attractive to kids all year-round, are now available in June and October whereas, before, we had to pack them away with no space available to keep them on the shelves. Come visit your new library spaces, again and again. Betsy Bates
BE A FRIEND!
Individual $10 Family $25 Patron $50 Sponsor $100
Checks should be made payable to:
The Friends of the Vinalhaven Public Library
and sent to
FOL
P.O. Box 223
Vinalhaven, Me. 04863
FOL is a 501(c)3 organization and gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Volunteer Opportunities
Children’s Programming Adult Programming
Second Hand Prose Newsletter Mailing
Young Adult programming Gardening at the Library
Fundraising Publicity
Mend Books Membership
Second-Hand Prose
Rhoda Boughton
June MacDonald
Books for Babies
Margaret Olson
Newsletter Editor
Jeannette Lasansky
Programs
Pam Alley & Barbara Kinder
Membership
Erin Creelman
