Piti Theatre Company returns to Orange for 2nd Whee! ler Residency

Photo caption:  Naomi Cope, Clara Witty and fellow actors/actresses participate in the Wondrous Machine from Piti Theatre workshops of 2011.

Following last year’s successful residency and performance series, Piti Theatre is returning to the Wheeler Memorial Library to offer workshops during February School Vacation week. The company will also return to the Orange Town Hall this spring (date TBA) with their new play inspired by research about honeybees, To Bee or Not to Bee. Below please find the workshop schedule.  All these events are free and funded in part by the Art Angels of Western MA, a group of women philanthropists in the Pioneer Valley, and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.  Registration is suggested but not required for Thursday workshops.  Please call 978-544-2495 x103.  Tuesday Story Theatre takes the place of the Rise and Romp Story Time  whose attendees are all welcome along with any newcomers.  

Workshops Schedule

Tues. Feb. 21^st

10:30 – 11:30 am: STORY THEATER FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS

Read aloud and create a play!

 Thurs., Feb. 23^th

10:30 – 12 pm: THEATER GAMES FOR AGES 7 -  12

Have fun and learn some building blocks for performing onstage

1 – 2 pm: PAGE TO STAGE: PLAY-WRITING FOR AGES 8 – 13

Create characters, dialogue, setting – everything you need for a play and then watch it happen . . .

2:30 – 4 pm: LET’S MAKE A SCENE FOR AGES 12 – 16

Learn how to build scenes – and plays! – on your feet

Orange Public Libraries Provide Tax Forms and Information

The Wheeler Memorial Library and the Moore-Leland Library in Orange work with the IRS to increase the availability of federal tax forms and publications by providing free tax products for the public at all library branches. The libraries receive paper copies of the most commonly used forms and instruction booklets; many other forms and publications can be downloaded or printed from the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html or by phone at 1-800-829-3676.

The Orange Public Libraries also carry many Massachusetts State Income Tax forms and publications. Other state tax forms may be searched online and printed at the library. Massachusetts forms are also available at http://www.mass.gov/dor/forms or by phone at 1-800-392-6089.

The IRS has announced that taxpayers have until Tuesday, April 17, 2012 to file their taxes this year, because April 15 is a Sunday, and Emancipation Day, a holiday in the District of Columbia, falls on Monday, April 16.

Library staff will assist patrons with questions about the availability of Federal and Massachusetts forms.  For legal reasons, the library staff is not able to answer specific tax questions; please consult the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or the DOR at 1-800-392-6089 for questions about your tax filing.

Books for the Nook!

Check out the latest ebooks available from your library for the Barnes and Noble Nook ebook reader.  Orange library users have access to the CWMars Digital Catalog collection of ebooks, audiobooks, and video available to check out and download.  The following video explains how to download free ebooks to your Nook.  Free ebooks for other types of ereaders as well as audio and video are also available to you as citizen of the Town of Orange!

Kindle Ebooks Available

Check out the latest ebooks available from your library for the Amazon Kindle ebook reader.  Orange library users have access to the CWMars Digital Catalog collection of ebooks, audiobooks, and video available to check out and download.  The following video explains how to download free ebooks to your Kindle.  Free ebooks for other types of ereaders as well as audio and video are also available to you as citizen of the Town of Orange!

Holiday Open House at Wheeler

The Friends of the Orange Public Libraries will hold a Holiday Open House at the Wheeler Memorial Library on Thursday, December 22nd from 3 to 8 pm. Many of the Friends will be bringing their home baked goodies for the refreshment table.

The Friends are also offering gift quality used books for sale at $1.00 and up. From 3 to 6 free gift wrapping of purchased books and Dean’s Beans coffee products will be available.

The winners of the Holiday raffle will be drawn at the Open House. Prizes include a silver bracelet made and donated by local native American jeweler Day Lone Wolf, a coffee sampler donated by Dean’s Beans and silver pins donated by a patron.

Holiday Open House at Wheeler Memorial Library

Open House at Moore-Leland Library

The Friends of the Orange Public Libraries will hold a Holiday Open House at the Moore Leland Library in North Orange on Saturday, December 17th from 10 am to 1 pm. Refreshments will be served. A selection of gift quality used books will be available for $1.00 each.

Great Column- What New Libraries Can Mean for a Town

Greenfield Recorder 12/13/2011, Page A04



Shutesbury: Visit our library
 

We are writing to invite our friends and neighbors in Shutesbury to please come and visit our new Wendell Free Library before your town vote on Jan. 10.

As many of you in the area know, Wendell was also the fortunate recipient of a state grant for the construction of a new library, which we opened in 2007. Before that, we had been happily using a small 700-square-foot library without running water or facilities.

It would not be an exaggeration to say our new library has transformed this small town. It has served all the traditional functions of a library and at the same time has become a vibrant center of community life. During the final year in our “old library,” we served 4,500 library users; last year, we served almost 12,000. Library-sponsored programs in the final year of our old library numbered only two; last year, we sponsored 218 (and an additional 114 non-library sponsored programs) in which more than 3,500 people participated.

But the numbers tell only part of the story: The library serves patrons of all ages with regular pre-school playgroups as well as programs and dedicated space for teens. Essential to many of us is our generous number of computers and Wifi access in what is still “dial-up land.” We also have an art gallery in our meeting room booked well into next summer with exhibits of the work of local artists. Also in the meeting room, we have a state-of-the art Blu-ray movie theater offering a regular series of films.

Our new facility has also allowed us to apply successfully for a number of grants: for collection development, to purchase solar panels, and to hire teen coordinator, and a number of library “senior aides.” And the town has also found wonderful uses for our “old library,” now the Senior Center, and is heavily used by a number of groups in town.

Of course, we would not have had such success without our librarian extraordinaire, Rosie Heidkamp, and you have the same in Mary Ann Antonellis. And like us, your librarian has the support of a very active Friends of the Library group.

So what’s not to love? Taxes. Like Shutesbury, Wendell has one of the highest tax rates in the state though our per-capita income and property valuations are lower than yours. But Wendell citizens decided to “bite that bullet” knowing we would never again have such an opportunity for generous state support. Not for a moment have we regretted that decision and give thanks every day for the Wendell Free Library, the heartbeat of our community.

Please do come and visit us before you cast your vote in Shutesbury on Jan. 10. We would love to see our Shutesbury friends and neighbors, and, of course, anyone else in the area, to show you around our beloved library.

Margo Culley wrote this for the Friends of the Wendell Free Library.

Margo Culley

Winter Solstice Raffle

Fundraising Has Never Tasted So Good!

The Friends of the Orange Public Libraries are running two fundraising campaigns that promise to help your mornings get off to a delicious and energetic start while you are supporting your local libraries.

The first fundraising campaign's orders must be in by Friday, December 16, 2011 for the delicious, locally-made delicious Boston Tea Cakes. Tea Cakes offered are: Sour Cream & Cinnamon, Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, Chocolate Ecstasy, Cranberry Cream, Lotsa Lemon and Pumpkin Cream. Each cake freezes well, is 1.5 lbs serves 8-10 and sells for $12.00.  Whether you are visiting, need a holiday thank you gift or are entertaining at home, one of these delicious gourmet cakes is welcomed by all. If you own a business or are a corporate sponsor, please consider one of these cakes as a gift to your clients and make them aware that you support the Orange Public Libraries’ programs.

Please contact Maria Bull, Co- President and Fundraising Coordinator or any Friends of the OPLs member for more information or to place your order.  You may also order by phone: 978/544-5456 or via email to: mariambull@yahoo.com. If emailing your order please provide your name, home address, telephone number, which cake(s) you wish to purchase and your payment can be sent c/o Maria Bull 235 Dana Road, Orange, MA 01364.  Checks should be made payable to Friends of the Orange Public Libraries. Orders can be placed until Friday, December 16th. Cakes will be at the library beginning on Wednesday, December 21st at 5:00pm --just in time for the holidays!

Second, we are partnering with Dean’s Beans Coffee to offer their delicious medium and dark roast coffees at $10/lb., (available in decaf, too at $11/lb.), hot chocolate ($7/12 oz. bag), and “Java Drops,” milk chocolate or dark chocolate-covered espresso beans ($9.50/lb. bag).

These are available at both library branches and should be a real help to you as now you can buy the best coffee in town on Saturdays or at night, as the Wheeler Memorial Library is open until 8PM on Wednesday s and Thursday and the Moore-Leland branch in North Orange is open until 6PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Please help us to continue supporting many of the excellent programs offered by the Orange Public Libraries in Orange, MA. Your support is needed to make this fundraiser a great success!

Save Our Libraries-Support State Aid!

Friends Meeting December 5th

Be Fruitful!

Newly Reorganized!

Photo:
The very beginnings of the library garden which now has tomatoes, pepper, cabbage, broccoli, kale, chives,chard and brussel sprouts.  From right to left:  Christine Mullen holding Quinn, Elysabeth Marsh, Sam Parsons, Eva Richard,
Aiden Mullen, Abby Parsons, Maddy Marble. 

The Wheeler Memorial Library’s Mother Goose on the Loose grant will conclude as of September 30, 2011.  This grant of $7,500 was awarded to the library from the federal Institute of  Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Grant administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.  To celebrate the past year of programming and acquisitions for children from birth through age three, there will be an unveiling of the area newly reorganized for the library’s youngest patrons.  All ages are invited to help us mark the occasion on September 6 from 3:15 to 4:15.  Ed the Wizard will be on hand to honor the occasion with his special brand of magic. Light after-school snacks will be provided, some coming from the garden planted by the Mother Goose group.  Come join in the fun which is available for free thanks to the generosity of Ed the Wizard.  No registration is  needed for this event.

A new session of weekly Mother Goose programs will begin on Monday September 19 at 10:30.  Created by Dr. Betsy Diamant-Cohen, this unique award winning program uses rhymes, songs, finger plays, puppets, musical instruments and more to help pre-reading children and infants get ready for speech and reading while they and their accompanying adults enjoy time together.  Brian research shows immersing very young children in pleasurable language experiences on a regular basis increases the brain capacity that will prepare children and infants for later speech, reading and writing activities.  And Mother Goose on the Loose aims to provide an educational model through which parents and other care-givers are empowered to be the first teachers of very young children. But best of all, the serious benefits of this time-tested program are all arrived at through joyful and nurturing, adult and child supportive events. 

So starting September 19 every Monday morning at 10:30 Candy Cross will lead the group of gathered adults and children in a fun and educational half-hour of movement, music and words accompanied by age appropriate props and instruments.  This all group activity time will be followed by the opportunity to socialize while playing with the library’s new selection of toys intended for adults to explore with children up to the age of three years old.  Being mindful of the fact that life with very young children is very unpredictable, no registration is required for the MGOL programs.  Anyone is welcome to join in at any point in the series.  Candy can answer questions at 978-544-2495 x103, Mon through Thursday.  Of course, the children’s room at the Wheeler Memorial Library is open to babies and all others Monday and Tuesday 10:00am - 6:00pm, Wednesday and Thursday 1:00pm – 8:00pm.

New Catalog Soon!

Exciting Author Visit!

Library Program Tuesday night in North Orange

The book, Six Suspects by Vikas Swarup, will be the topic of discussion at the Moore Leland Library on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 7 pm. Many Members of the Adult Summer Reading Club at the Athol and Orange public libraries have been reading the book. It takes place in India, one of the novel destinations our armchair travelers are exploring this summer. Robin Shtulman of the Athol Library and Dianne Salcedo from the Orange libraries hope all those who have read the book, even if they have not finished it, will attend. Indian snacks will be served. Attendees bringing their Summer Reading Club passport will also be rewarded with a raffle ticket.

Novel Destinations is the theme of the Collaborative summer Library Program and is sponsored by the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners as well as the Athol and Orange Public Libraries. For more information and to sign up, please visit the Wheeler Memorial Library (978-544-2495), the Moore-Leland Library (978-575-0444), or the Athol Public Library (978-249-9515).

For directions to Moore-Leland Library from Orange check on line at orangelib.org. From Athol: head west on Main Street, go over the bridge, and just before the Country Convenience Store turn right onto Mount Pleasant Street. Take the first right onto North Orange Road. Go straight (the road changes its name to Athol Road) for about 3 miles. Moore-Leland is on the right just before Royalston Road.



It is not too late to sign up for Adult Summer Reading and to check out a copy of Lipstick in Afghanistan which will be discussed on August 2, 2011.

Magical Brown Bag Lunch, Friday, July 1st @ 12:30

Local Magician Ed the Wizard will delight and entertain the audience at Butterfield Park from 12:30-1:30.   Don't forget to mark your calendar for the other great shows coming up!  Click on the poster, print it out, and stick it on your fridge!

Ori-ganimals!

July  20, Wednesday 10:00-11:00  Ori-ganimals .  Come make origami puppets with Karl Sladek.  If time allows children could create a play with their Ori-ganimals.  Candy Cross will read a story to help start the creative powers of the participants.  Appropriate for ages 8 and up.   Registration required.

Summer Reading Isn't Just for Kids!

The Athol Public Library and the Orange Public Libraries are teaming up to present an Adult Summer Reading Club: Novel Destinations. Sign up starts Monday, June 20th at the libraries in both towns. Readers will receive a log to track books they read or listen to during the summer; they will receive raffle tickets for reaching milestones such as visiting a library in each town, attending a program or for every three books read. Prizes donated by the Friends groups of both libraries include restaurant gift certificates and book bags.

Robin Shtulman of the Athol Library and Dianne Salcedo from Orange have chosen 2 books set in novel destinations for discussion. “Six Suspects” by Vikas Swarup will be discussed at the Moore-Leland Library in North Orange on Tuesday, July 12th at 7 pm. The movie “Slumdog Millionaire” was based on a previous book by Swarup. “Six Suspects” also takes place in India and the 6 suspects come from a wide range of ethnic and socioeconomic groups. On Tuesday, July 19th at 7 pm, an Indian film will be presented at the Athol Public Library.

The second destination book “Lipstick in Afghanistan” by Roberta Gately will be discussed at the Athol Public Library on Tuesday, August 2nd at 5:30. It is a novel about an American nurse working for an international charity in Afghanistan. Gately, a Massachusetts native, is a nurse and humanitarian aid worker. Copies of both books are available at Athol and Orange Public Libraries for borrowing.

Novel Destinations is the theme of the Collaborative summer Library Program and is sponsored by the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners as well as the Athol and Orange Public Libraries. For more information and to sign up, please visit the Wheeler Memorial Library (978-544-2495), the Moore-Leland Library (978-575-0444), or the Athol Public Library (978-249-9515).

Orange Library Kicks off Summer Reading Program June 22, 6:30

Photo: Through his many talents as songsmith, movement artist, storyteller, and sign language interpreter, comedian Jackson Gillman will delight everyone as he helps kick-off the Summer Reading Program June 22 at 6:30 with lots of laughter coming from the Wheeler Memorial Library.

Mark your calendars! Sign up for The Orange Libraries summer reading programs starts on Monday June 20 at 10:00. Registration doesn't end until July 28 at 8:00pm but everyone is advised to come to the library as soon as possible in order to sign up the special programs that match their interests. Many of the events have a limit on the number of participants that can be accommodated. All of these programs are offered FREE of charge thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Orange Libraries. The support of the Massachusetts Library System and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, along with the help of the Boston Bruins, will provide each registrant with a free reading log. This will be the sixth year the reading of Summer Reading Program members will benefit the Orange Food Pantry. Find out how you can help your neighbors when you sign-up.

On Wednesday June 22 at 6:30, songsmith, movement artist, storyteller, sign language interpreter and comedian, Jackson Gillman will be at the Wheeler Memorial Library to start the summer off with lots of laughter. With Jackson as our guide we'll imaginatively venture far beyond the library with the songs, stories and sign language he has gathered from this world we inhabit. Then we will continue to journey to new places and experiences through reading, listening, and hands-on exploration.

June 27, Monday 3:00-5:00pm: Henna is a shrub native to Arabia, Iran, the East Indies and North Africa. Come learn about the cultural significance of Henna Tattoos and have the chance to wear one of your own. Amanda Roberge will be able to apply 20-30 tattoos in her time at the library. Pre-registration suggested.

July 7, Thursday: Boston Museum of Science, A World of Bridges. Bridges have brought people together for centuries. Come hear a story. Then solve a bridge building problem and walk across the solution. Suggested for ages 4-10 and their adults. Sessions starting at 2:30, 3:30, 4:30. Registration required.

July 18, Monday 3:00-5:00: Animal World Experience with Matt Gabriel returns with his spectacular live animals from around the world. Hear their stories and see them up close. During the last hour participants will be able to hold and/or pet some of the animals including Princess the Python. Registration required.

July 21, Thrusday 4:00-5:00: Come make friendship bracelets with Ashley Saviski

July 26, Tuesday 10:30-11:30, 1:00-2:00: The earliest humans drew their stories for others to read. Artist Sarah Adam will lead Draw Your World, Draw Your Story classes for younger (10:30) and older (1:00) children. Pre-registration suggested.

August 2 and 4, Tues. and Thurs. 2:00-5:00: The Egyptians made papyrus. We will make our own paper with Nina Wellen and then put it to use making things from it on Thursday. Registration suggested.

August 11, Thursday 6:00pm: Sundaes and Stories with the Tales and Trails Storytellers bringing A World Storytelling Safari! all the way from New Mexico. Those who have recorded the time they spent reading will be invited to make their own sundaes from 6:00-6:30. Then get ready to join in lively audience participation tales from near and far. Registration required.

Monday mornings 10:30, Mother Goose on the Loose will continue throughout the summer (except on July 11 ) unless there is a special event scheduled for this time. Nursery rhymes, instrument play, movement to music, and shared board book readings help foster early literacy skills of infants, ones and two year olds. Older siblings are also welcome. No registration necessary.

Tuesday mornings 10:30, Rise and Romp Storytime will continue throughout the summer (except July 12) unless there is a special event scheduled for this time. This is a storytime of stories, songs, stretches, creative dramatics and crafts tailored for all ages. No registration necessary.

This list is not complete. Check local newspapers and www.orangelib.org for updates or contact the Wheeler Memorial Library Children’s Room at 978-544-2495, x103.

Help Build a Town that Saves on Energy!

Two Upcoming Programs....

  

Tues., June 14, 2011 at 7 p.m.

Movie Night in North Orange – “In Transition” – A Film Showing and Discussion at Moore-Leland Library in N. Orange

Learn about a growing world wide movement to help build communities and save energy neighborhood by neighborhood and town by town. Bring ideas for possible projects. A joint program sponsored by Orange Public Libraries and Orange Town Energy Committee.

Sat., June 18^th from 9-10 a.m.

Orange Walkabout – Drive less and Combine Errands

 Meet in Courthouse Parking Lot at 9 a.m. – Highlights of Walk – Post Office, Parks and Library

Other Saturday morning walks (once a month) will include: OIC on W. Main – Bakery, Food Co-op, Bohemian Cafe, Exercise; Businesses on E. Main – Trailhead and Millers River Café, Art for Life, No. Quabbin Woods, Orange House of Pizza and others.

Spread the Word – Join with Us

(Orange Town Energy Committee – ad hoc)

Bring friends and neighbors, and help us grow an energy saving town.

Friends Meeting Monday June 6, 2010

Award Given in State-wide Competition

Photo: Haley's grandmother Dianna Zani, Haley Jean, and Haley's mother Lisa Jean stand in front of the display where Haley's letter to Patricia MacLachlan is posted.

It was a great day at the State House on May 3, 2011 as students, teachers, librarians, parents, relatives, and supporters joined legislators in celebrating the Honors and Top Honors award winners in Letters About Literature 2011. Receiving Honors, New Salem sixth grader Haley Jean entered her letter through the Wheeler Memorial Library’s Writing Wizards of Wheeler writing club. Haley’s letter was judged to be in the top 1% of the 4,300 letters submitted to the Massachusetts’ committee. Haley wrote to author Patricia MacLachlan about reading Edward's Eyes.  Haley’s recognition is made even more special since this year Massachusetts is the state with the second highest number of entrants.   Representative Kate Hogan gave the legislative welcome, author M.T. Anderson was the featured speaker, and Guy Lamolinara came from the Library of Congress. A Massachusetts student even earned one of the three National Awards for Top Honors writers.  The competition was tough and upon listening to the wonderful letters of the other honored Massachusetts’ students, Candy Cross, Children’s Librarian at the Wheeler Memorial Library, is very proud of Haley’s representation of the Writing Wizards of Wheeler.

Puppet show for Mother Goose Group

Puppeteer Nicol Wander with her cast of characters from the Princess and the Pea

Extra special fun continues with Mother Goose on the Loose at the Wheeler Memorial Library. On Monday May 9 at 10:30, Nicol Wander will perform her unique version of the Princess and the Pea using handcrafted felt puppets which she has created. The puppet show is sure to elicit lots of laughs from little children and their adults. Rumor has it that this Princess loves her junk food, until a certain pea teaches her a very important lesson. No registration is required for this free event. It has been generously supported in part by a grant from the Orange Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. It is also made possible due to a grant from the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Call Children’s Librarian Candy Cross, 978-544-2495 x103, if you have any questions. 

Young Orange Library Patron Recognized in State Writing Contest

PHOTO: Haley Jean with her favorite book, Edward's Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan

Children's Librarian Candace Cross has been notified that Haley Jean's letter to the author of her favorite book has won an Honors designation in the statewide contest, Letters about Literature. Haley wrote her letter as part of the Wheeler Memorial Library's Writing Club. Haley's honor has occurred in a year when Massachusetts was second in participation nationwide, with nearly 4,300 letters written. She is to be congratulated on being in the top one percent of all the letters received in her grade category. Haley has been invited to the annual awards ceremony held at the State House in May.
Letters About Literature is a national reading and writing program that asks students in Grades 4 through 12 to write letters to authors whose work has made a significant difference in their lives. It is sponsored nationally by the Library of Congress and Target Stores. The Massachusetts Center for the Book administers the Massachusetts state program.

Friends of the Orange Public Libraries Mother’s Day Holiday Fundraiser

Fundraising Never Tasted So Good!
 

Please help support the Friends with a delicious Boston Tea Cake for Easter or Mother’s Day .  They also make an excellent gift if you are visiting, need a holiday thank you gift or are entertaining at home~ one of these delicious gourmet cakes is welcomed by all! If you own a business or are a corporate sponsor, please consider one of these cakes as a gift to your clients and make them aware that you support our Orange Library programs as a worthy cause.  Note: for cakes for Easter, please order by April 18th and cakes will be available for delivery beginning on Wednesday, April 20th --just in time for the Easter holiday! For Mother's Day, please order by May 3rd and take delivery May 5th.  

 

Tea Cakes offered are: Sour Cream & Cinnamon, Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, Chocolate Ecstasy, Cranberry Cream, Lotsa Lemon and Pumpkin Cream. Each cake is 1.5 lbs serves 8-10 and sells for $12.00.

 

Please contact Maria Bull, Co- President and Fundraising Coordinator or any FOL member to place your order.  You may also place your order via email to: mariambull@yahoo.com. If emailing your order please provide your name, home address, telephone number, which cake(s) you wish to purchase and your payment can be sent c/o Maria Bull 235 Dana Road, Orange, MA 01364.  

Please help us to continue supporting many of the excellent programs offered by the Orange Libraries 

in Orange, MA. Thank you for your support to make this fundraiser a great success!

Children's Room School Vacation Events

Starting the Tuesday of School Vacation Week, April 19, the Children's Room of the Wheeler Memorial Library will offer a variety of activities for children of all ages.  Even their care-givers and the community in general can join in the fun.  On Monday the library will be closed for the legal holiday but on Tuesday there will be two activities.  Tuesday, April 19 at 10:30, Candy Cross will have her Rise and Romp storytime and at 2:00 the Mahar Key Club will come with supplies for a craft activity using the ever popular foam art.  On Wednesday, April 20 at 3:00, Stephanie Conrod will lead a group of all ages interested in getting their green thumbs dirty starting seeds for their home gardens and helping Candy wake-up the library gardens.  Thursday, April 20th at 6:30, in the Orange Town Hall there will be the grand finale with the spectacular Tanglewood Marionettes presenting An Arabian Adventure.   Come watch these impressive, hand-crafted marionettes come to life to tell a tale of daring and danger from far away Persia.  Facing danger at every turn, the courageous Princes must battle his way out of an underground prison in order to save his princess from a tragic fate.  All of these events are FREE thanks to contributions from the Mahar Key Club, the Wheeler Memorial Library, Stephanie Conrod, and the Orange Cultural Council a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Poetry Reading April 12, 2011

Fantastic Marionette show, April 21st in Orange

PHOTO CAPTION: Wheeler Memorial Library Presents An Arabian Adventure, Orange Town Hall, April 21, 6:30

You don't need to go to the Boston Children's Museum or the Yale  Art Gallery to see the incredible marionette troupe that has performed in both these places because the Tanglewood Marionettes will be coming to the Orange Town Hall on Thursday April 21st at 6:30.  The last time these talented puppeteers came to Orange they wowed the audience with a most original presentation of Cinderella.  Those who witnessed Cinderella's hot air balloon float over the audience will want to come back to watch the beautiful puppets and amazing staging used for this year's show, "Arabian Adventures".  The show is FREE to all thanks to a grant from the Wheeler Memorial Library and the  Orange Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

“An Arabian Adventure” tells the tale of a Persian prince who is thrown into a dungeon because of his love for a beautiful princess.  Facing danger at every turn, the courageous prince must battle his way out of the underground prison to save his princess from a tragic fate.  Over a dozen beautifully hand-crafted marionettes, will carry out the action-packed drama  with the puppeteers in full view, so that the audience can witness firsthand the mechanics of puppet manipulation.  As in "Cinderella," clever stage illusions and lighting effects are sure to impress everyone.  And organizer Candy Cross, Orange Children's Librarian, hopes the audience will also be able to get a close up look at all the puppets after the show.  She remembers with excitement how generous the puppeteers were with a backstage tour after Cinderella.  This is definitely a puppet show for all ages and a great way to celebrate school's spring vacation.  It is also a wonderful way to start thinking about this summer's reading program which has the theme: One World, Many Stories.

Meeting This Monday April 4, 2011

The Friends of the Orange Public Libraries will meet at the Wheeler Memorial Library, 49 East Main on Monday, April 4th at 7:00 pm.

Please join us and help support your local library!

Orange Library Special Event

Mother Goose is inviting another special guest to join her on Monday April 11 at 10:30 at the Wheeler Memorial Library. As part of the Mother Goose on the Loose series hosted by Candy Cross, Tim Van Egmond will enchant the youngest listeners with his expert musicianship and his creatively constructed stories. He may well even introduce them to instruments they have never heard before, such as his hammered dulcimer. Candy believes if fairies and elves played an instrument, it would be a hammered dulcimer.

Well known author Jane Yolen, who wrote the "How do Dinosaurs..." series and "Owl Moon" among many others, says of Tim: "Tim is a triple treat. He can sing, he can play a variety of wonderful instruments, and he can tell whopping good tales!"

No doubt that Tim will engage the audience in a playful mix of song, movement and story activities. He is an expert storyteller and folk musician who has toured the country for over 25 years, appearing at hundreds of schools, libraries, and community centers, and on a number of television and radio programs. But most importantly Tim knows how to catch his audiences in the joy of play! This is a free program that requires no registration. But if you have questions feel free to call Candy at 978-544-2495 x103.

Young Wheeler Reader Wins

In recognition of the many hours he spent reading this summer,  Charlie Anderson's smile shines because he won a Milan Lucic autographed puck. 


Last summer may seem a long time ago but just as forward Milan Lucic became a Bruin's star with his 29th goal, Charlie Anderson learned he won a Milan Lucic autographed puck with a certificate of authenticity.  Last summer Charlie recorded 47 hours of reading during the 7 weeks of the Wheeler Library summer reading program.  In recognition of his effort Children's Librarian, Candy Cross, entered him in a state wide drawing for Boston Bruin's memorabilia.  Only Charlie and 26 other readers won in this drawing from librarian recommended participants in all the summer reading programs across the state.  The prizes reflect the Bruins organization's genuine commitment to encourage reading and support the important role libraries play in children's lives. Indeed, the When You Read, You Score program supported by the Bruins in partnership with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners will be part of Wheeler Library summer reading again this summer.  Now is a good time to start practicing your reading so you can score along with Milan Lucic.