November Programs

Hi Everyone, we have some great November Programs coming up:

Aine Greaney Memoir Writing Workshops
Tuesday November 8th and 15th* 6:30 to 8:30 PM

We are very grateful and delighted that Irish-born author, Aine Greaney, (now living on the North Shore of Boston) is coming to our library to lead a two-part memoir writing workshop series

*Participants must attend both sessions.


Mixed Media Art Journaling Workshop
Saturday, November 12th 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Rediscover your inner creativity and document that journey in a mixed media art journaling workshop led by artist Emily Martina. We will be having fun with all kinds of materials--paints, old book pages, stamps, tissue paper, stencils, magazine pages, wall paper, collage materials, photos, AND letting words find a place on the page, too. This workshop is limited to 15 participants and registration is required. Participants are requested to bring their own sketchbook or journal, as well as several photographs of yourself either photocopied from the original or printed from your computer onto standard printer paper. All other materials will be provided.

Emily Martina is a BFA candidate at the Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine. She has a background in printmaking, and enjoys combining this with her love of mixed media art and paper crafting to create unique works of art.

Upcoming programs

Thanks to everyone for coming out to our Summer Programming! We're taking a few weeks off, but don't fret, we have some upcoming programming in September and October that you'll enjoy!

Super Savvy Shopping Secrets
Tuesday, September 20 6:30 to 8:30
Come to the library and learn ways to $AVE on everything from groceries to home appliances from savvy shopper and Amherst resident Julie Koitzsch. Things you'll learn: the WHERE and WHEN to shop, understanding sales flyers and cycles, coupon shopping, store rewards and MORE!

"Soup-erb" Soups with Elizabeth Skipper
Tuesday, September 27th 7:00 to 8:30
Soup making is an art that should not be lost. In an era where canned, dried and prepared foods abound, still nothing tastes like home made. Soup is versatile, nutritious, delicious, and easy on the budget. Local chef Elizabeth Skipper of the Everyday Epicure will present this mini-tutorial on making soups from scratch, beginning with stocks and broths. She will also make a chicken broth and a French carrot soup for sampling.

First-Quarter Moon Skywatch
Tuesday, October 4th - Talk starts at 7:00, Skywatch at 7:30
If you missed our first skywatch in February (brr!), come in learn the basics of astronomy with Ed Ting, amateur astronomer and resident of Amherst. After his talk, members of the New Hampshire Astronomical Society will have telescopes set up so everyone can check out the First-Quarter moon and other objects in the sky. Also don't forget we have a telescope, generously donated by NHAS available for checkout.

If the weather does not cooperate, our Rain Date will be Thursday, October 6th

Summer Reading Wrap up

Happy Summer, everyone!

Glad to report that our summer programming has been a success! We had great attendance for some awesome programs, thank you everyone for coming! We'd love to hear your feedback on the programs we had. Feel free to pass along any comments to cpearman@amherst.lib.nh.us.

Local news website, Amherst Patch has some great write ups on our Drum Circle with Julie Corey, which was a blast! Also featured was the great Petting Zoo our children's department put on last week!

Don't forget our end-of-summer-reading BBQ out on the Town Green on Thursday, August 18 5:00 PM. We'll have some great food, and some games for the kids. We'll also have Tom "T-Bone" Stankus, a great kids musician perform at 6 PM. Head on down and bring the whole family!


Also, just so you know, we now have a Facebook site. Check out our page and add us as a friend!

Adult Summer Reading Program

Summer is approaching, and that means it's time for Summer Reading 2011! This year, our adult summer reading program theme is entitled Novel Destinations. We will, of course, have a number of travel or destination themed events going in the library to celebrate. Here's what we have lined up for adults:

A four part programming series (click the links to sign up and for more information) :

• Life in Paris : Pictures and Stories with Professor Henry Smith on Tuesday, June 28th at 7:00 PM
  
• An evening of adventure with international motorcycle traveler Ben Slavin on Tuesday, July 12th at 7:00 PM
• Community African Drum Circle Workshop with musician and drum circle facilitator Julie Corey on Wednesday July 27th at 1:00 PM
• Decor from the Ground Up with certified interior designer Kelly Murphy on Wednesday, August 10th at 1:00 PM
  

International Movie Nights on Thursdays at 6:30 , Featuring:

• July 7th - An acclaimed modern French Drama
  
• July 21st - A classic romantic comedy set in Rome
  
• August 4th- An award winning Japanese slice-of-life
  

Popcorn and Lemonade will be served for each movie.

Last but not least, a raffle featuring prizes from local businesses! Just read a book or attend a program and enter for a chance to win every week! You'll also be entered for a grand prize drawing at our End of Summer reading program BBQ

Spring!

Hi Everyone!

While I've been slow on the updates due to time constraints, we've had a wonderful Spring of programming here at the Amherst Town Library.

In February we had some great Maritime Adventures and were treated to presentations on the Boston Harbor Islands, and the submarine USS O-9. We also cooked some delicious seafood with Oonagh Williams, a local favorite.

In March we traveled through time and were amazed by Mentalist Rory Raven, discussed the future of film with Boston Globe Film Critic Ty Burr, debunked the Mayan doomsday prophecy of 2012 with R. P. Hale, and even had visit from Shakespeare!

In April we went to France and learned how to paint impressionist paintings with Greg Maichack, learned to cook delicious crepes with Elizabeth Skipper.

Along the way we had our Sundays at Four concert series, funded by the Friends of the Amherst Town Library. We were treated to some great guitar music from the Back Bay Guitar Trio, enjoyed the Celtic stylings of Long Time Courting, and listened to the classic Brazilian and American sounds of Sonny and Perley.

Lest you think otherwise, we are currently planning a number of events for our Summer Reading program, starting on June 28th with a wonderful presentation by Professor Henry Smith entitled Life in Paris - Pictures and Stories. Professor Smith travels to France every year, and is happy to share his insider's knowledge of the City of Light.

Benny and Beyond!

Hello All! Interested in hearing some great jazz music? Come to the library Sunday, January 9th at 4 PM to catch Benny and Beyond, a great jazz concert featuring Todd Brunel on Clarinet and Joe Klein on Piano. Todd and Joe are both highly regarded veteran musicians who have played a number of venues in New England and nationally including Carnegie Hall, the New England Conservatory, and the Ryles Jazz Club. The show will feature works of Benny Goodman, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern and Lionel Hampton, and will also include classical works by Copland, Mozart and Stravinsky.

Check out Todd's website for some videos and sounds!


Register now!
Email us: library@amherst.lib.nh.us
Call us: 673-2288

On Location : Italy

Hello all, Just writing to inform you all about our upcoming programming series in January titled On Location : Italy. This programming series will feature the cuisine, art, and history of this diverse and beautiful country. Below is a list of the programs featured!

Tuesday, January 11, 7:00PM – 8:30PM

Travel to the Amalfi Coast and Rome, along with Vienna, Slovenia, and Croatia
Do some armchair travel with a trip to the Amalfi Coast and Rome. Along the way, we will also be visiting Vienna, Slovenia, and Croatia through the wonderful visual and audio presentations of David and Nancy Dillon.

Tuesday, January 18, 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Caesar: The Man from Venus
In this living history presentation, meet Caesar as he grows up in a Rome that is recovering from one civil war and headed for another. Meet the powerful women in his life who help him achieve his destiny. Presenter Sebastian Lockwood is a professional storyteller who teaches cultural anthropology and storytelling at New Hampshire Institute of Art and is involved with storytelling curriculum at Lesley University Creative Arts program and Endicott College

Tuesday, January 25, *6:30PM – 8:30PM:
Italian Trattoria: Classic Flavors from an Italian Café
Unfortunately, this program has filled up!

Wednesday, January 12 and 19 1:00 PM

Florence : Lilies, Marble, and all the vanities

Nancy Baker presents this fascinating two-part series , which will take you through the neighborhoods of Florence, Italy and discover how Florence has always been about style, and balances everything well – politics, art, architecture, literature, and a love of fine living.

If you are interested in reading more about this diverse and wonderful country, we have many books to whet your appetite. Check back soon for a reading list!