Orange Public Libraries News

Two additional programs connected with the Wheeler Memorial Library’s On The Same Page community reading program were announced today by Library Director Walt Owens. Local residents are encouraged to attend the free programs.

“From Baghdad, With Love” Book Discussion

Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 7:00pm

at the Moore-Leland Library in North Orange

featuring…

Cathy Stanton Cultural anthropologist and local author Cathy Stanton will facilitate a group book discussion for Orange’s On the Same Page selection, “From Baghdad, With Love”. Didn’t finish it yet? Come anyway to listen in, join the fun and check it out!

Refreshments will be served by the Friends of the Orange Public Libraries.

Middle Eastern Night

Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 7:00pm

at the Ruth B. Smith Auditorium, Orange Town Hall

featuring…

Dr. Shakir Mustafa, Assistant Professor, Boston University Dr. Mustafa will share his thoughts about his homeland and his observations about “From Baghdad, With Love”. He grew up in Iraq and received degrees from Baghdad University and a Ph.D, from Indiana University in 1999. Dr. Mustafa currently serves as Assistant Professor at Boston University.

Refreshments with a Middle Eastern flavor will be served by the Friends of the Orange Public Libraries.

“On the Same Page” is supported by a grant from the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This program is also being supported by the Friends of the Orange Public Libraries.

Labels: otsp

The first two programs connected with the Wheeler Memorial Library’s On The Same Page community reading program were announced today by Library Director Walt Owens. Local residents are encouraged to attend the free programs. You do not need to have read "From Baghdad, with Love" to enjoy these events!

DoggiePalooza

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 7:00pm

at the Ruth B. Smith Auditorium, Orange Town Hall

featuring…

K-9 Officer Clay Rushford of the Orange Police Department with his police dog Matte.

Cynthia Crosson of NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dogs Services) with her therapy/ministry dog Dandi.

Barbara Hays, Springfield Animal Shelter and formerly of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Refreshments will be served by the Pioneer Junior Women’s Club. Rosa Calcari, Orange Animal Control Officer, will have an information table at the event, as well as her beagle.

Saturday Afternoon Movie Matinee

Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 2:00pm

at the Ruth B. Smith Auditorium, Orange Town Hall

featuring…

“From Baghdad, With Love” short films

“Chips: The War Dog” (92 minutes)

This movie is a great Disney classic and a family film well worth seeing.

Popcorn and refreshments will be served by the Friends of the Orange Public Libraries.

“On the Same Page” is supported by a grant from the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This program is also being supported by the Friends of the Orange Public Libraries.

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North Orange resident Norman Flye participated in the recent River Rat parade with his yellow Lotus. The banner on his fancy wheels promotes the Moore-Leland Library. Thanks to Norman for supporting his local library!

In celebration of poetry month, Wheeler Memorial Library in Orange will host a “Poetry Slam” on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 2:00pm (slammers sign up starting at 1:30). Poets of all ages are invited to compete, live and on stage, for prizes and the right to move on to the regional finals. The Western Massachusetts Regional Library System is sponsoring the first ever Poetry Slam Championship Series with winners from competing libraries to travel on to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Sunday, May 25 for a face- off determining the # 1 Grand Finale Champion.

The Wheeler Library Slam, (a competitive spoken-word event) will be emceed by Arjuna Greist from Northampton. Judges will be chosen from the audience and up to 20 slammers will wow us with their own (original), three minute or less performance art. Remember to bring extra poems in case you make the cut, traditionally in three rounds.

All poets and enthusiasts welcome! Put your skills to the test or simply come and be part the fun. The event is free and open to the general public. Sign-up begins at 1:30 pm. There will be prizes for all participants, First Prize $50.00. Refreshments will be served. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Orange Public Libraries. For more information, please call the Library located on 49 East Main St. in Orange - 978-544-2495.

Labels: slam

What could I possibly do to help?

This really isn’t my business!?! Is it?

I don’t want to be nosey…

Training Active Bystanders

in the Community.

Empowering Bystanders

To Take Positive Action

To pre-register (not required) or for more information,

Call Quabbin Mediation (978) 544-6142

Saturday, April 26^th 3-5pm Millers River Environmental Center, Athol

Thurs., May 1^st 5-7pm, Temple Israel, Athol

Saturday May 3^rd 3-5pm , Orange Library

The results are in and "From Baghdad, With Love", by Lieutenant Colonel Jay Kopelman, is the book selected for our community read. 120+ Orange residents cast their ballots at locations around town to choose the selection for the Wheeler Memorial Library's "On the Same Page" program.

After the reading of the book has been completed, a variety of programs will take place relating to title selected. Programs are listed above. General information about the project is available at http://www.orangelib.org/otsp/

“On the Same Page” is supported by a grant from the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This program is also being supported by the Friends of the Orange Public Libraries.

Labels: otsp

Every Wed in April 6:00,
Skip into science with stories, songs, and lots of hands on activities involving science and nature. Certified elementary teacher, Cynthia LeBlanc will spring into science each week with a different theme including birds, seeds, weather, pond life, and farm animals. All ages are welcome, especially the youngest library users. This series is offered free of charge thanks to a Federal grant from the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Call Candy Cross, Children's Librarian, to register 978-544-2495, ext103

School Vacation Week Events:
April 22, Tuesday, Celebrate Earth Day
10:30 Award winning singer/stortyteller, Sarah Pirtle, will celebrate Earth Day with children of all ages and their care-givers. Sarah's love and respect for our planet shines through all her work. Come catch her contagious joy. This series is offered free of charge thanks to a Federal grant from the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

1:30-3:30 Deb Habib and Michelle Bezio from Seeds of Solidarity's SOL Garden will meet with teens and other interested individuals to jump start our library garden and encourage us all to grow food everywhere. Come celebrate Earth Day sharing ideas about renewable energy and gardening with our local experts in this field. Then hands on activities will take place in order to open the growing season at 49 East Main St.

April 23, 6:00, Wednesday,
Skip into science with stories, songs, and lots of hands on activities involving science and nature. Certified elementary teacher, Cynthia LeBlanc will spring into science each week with a different theme including birds, seeds, weather, pond life, and farm animals. All ages are welcome, especially the youngest library users. This series is offered free of charge thanks to a Federal grant from the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Call Candy Cross, Children's Librarian, to register 978-544-2495, ext103

April 24, 1:30, Thursday,
Pig Out on Reading with Farmer Minor and his real, live, large and famous pig, Daisy. Daisy has been in Weekly Reader and visited U.S. Legislators. So, Farmer Minor has lots of stories to tell about his pampered porcine to children, age 4 and older. After hearing stories and reading to Daisy, at about 2:15 all ages are welcome to pet Daisy, take pictures with her and have their faces painted. All of these activities are free.

April 26, 10:00, Saturday,
CANCELLED DUE TO DEATH IN FAMILY
Linking Reading and Music by the PVB Low BrassTrio. Three members of the Pioneer Valley Brass are sure to convince the audience of all ages that music and reading go together like peanut butter and jelly. Come attend this concert for free, thanks to a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council awarded by the Orange Cultural Council.

Reading ability is one of the best indicators of a child's future success in school. Starting soon after birth, parents and caregivers can help their children acquire skills that will help them become great readers. Every Child Ready to Read @ Wheeler Memorial Library is a program designed by the American Library Association. This program teaches caregivers everyday activities for developing early literacy skills in children from birth to 5 years of age. A child’s brain is developing more rapidly during the preschool years than at any other time of life, and introducing books at an early age can offer great benefits for your children and put them on the road to success.
Dianne Salcedo will be presenting (in the place of regular storytime) Every Child Ready to Read @ Wheeler Memorial Library on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 10:30am in the meeting room of the Wheeler Memorial Library in Orange. Parents and caregivers may attend with or without children. For more information call Dianne Salcedo at the Wheeler Memorial Library, 978-544-2495 X102.

The program will be repeated at 1:30 on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at the Moore-Leland Library in North Orange. Registration for this session is suggested but not required. Call Dianne Salcedo at the number above.

Musical Entertainer Dale Freeman will be coming to the Wheeler Memorial Library in Orange on March 29, 2008 at 11:00. The time with Dan will be spent swinging, swaying, skipping and singing your way into spring. This is no “sit-down” concert. It promises to be happy joyful time for people of all ages including the youngest audience members. And the performance is FREE, thanks to a grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners along with funding from the Library Services and Technology Act. Come join in the fun!

Orange Reads! The Wheeler Memorial Library announces its “On the Same Page” project. The Town of Orange community members will select a book for town residents to read together. The goal is to have every one in town read the same book at the same time. After the reading of the book has been completed, a variety of programs will take place relating to title selected. Information about the nominated books, instructions for voting online, and general information about the project is available at http://www.orangelib.org/otsp/ .

A committee of library users has met and narrowed down the choices to: “The Golden Compass,” “The Good, Good Pig,” “From Baghdad with Love,” “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle,” and “Breakfast with the Buddha.” Now the Library is asking for your assistance. Voting stations will be located at around town, including at the Wheeler Memorial Library and the Moore-Leland Library. The voting booths will be open until March 10th. Your input will be greatly appreciated. Once the book is selected, library staff will provide information on how to obtain a copy to read, and on upcoming events. Please get involved so that Orange can celebrate reading, libraries, and being together “On the Same Page.”

“On the Same Page” is supported by a grant from the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This program is also being supported by the Friends of the Orange Public Libraries.

Labels: otsp

The Wheeler Memorial Library in Orange will be a very active place during the week of February school vacation. Yes, the library will be closed on Monday February 18^th in honor of President’s Day but there will not be a dull moment the rest of the week.

Starting Tuesday, February 19^th, at 10:30am magical things will begin to happen as Ed the Wizard comes to Rise and Read Storyhour to share stories and put to use his bag full of tricks that promise both fun and surprise. His visit is made possible by a grant from the Orange Cultural Council which is in turn supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. If you want to make sure you have a seat for this special event, contact the library at 978-544-2495, ext 103.

On Wednesday, February 20^th from 4:30-6:00, artist Nina Whalen will begin a 2 part jewelry making class for teens and adults. You may have seen Nina’s jewelry at the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival. All the materials will be provided to make earrings and a necklace, or other creations of your choice. Attendance on both Wednesday and Thursday afternoon is expected. It is The Friends of the Orange Libraries that are providing the funds to make this workshop possible. But the class is limited to 12 participants so call the library to register, 978-544-2495, ext 103.

On Tuesday, February 19^th from 2:30-6:00, Dial/Self teen drop in.

On Wednesday, February 20^th from 6:30-7:30, Sweet Dreams Storytime with Candy Cross. Come as a family for stories and a craft for all ages.

Thursday, February 21^st from 4:30-6:00, jewelry making class continues. You need to have attended the first class in order to come to this one.

Thursday, February 21^st from 6:00-8:00, Dial/Self teen drop in.

Saturday, February 23^rd from 10:00-12:00, an introductory Middle Eastern Belly Dance class for teens and women of all ages and abilities will be taught by Elizabeth Nett and her troupe. No experience is necessary. Indeed, all that is needed to enjoy the class is a willingness to engage in this mildly aerobic non impact dance. Thanks to the generous offering of this community troupe the class will be free. But space is limited so call the library to register: 978-544-2495, ext 103

February can be the longest short month in New England. Come to the Wheeler Memorial Library to shake off the winter blahs with fine music of all types, entertaining movies, a good book to listen to or read, jewelry making, belly dancing, stories, companionship, magic and more!

The Library has the most commonly used tax forms in stock for your convenience. We also can print copies of other state and local tax forms for your use. Other helpful sources are listed below:

• Visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov.
• Massachusetts state tax information is available at http://www.dor.state.ma.us/.
• Call the IRS toll-free tax assistance line at 1-800-829-1040 for individual tax questions or 1-800-829-4933 for business tax questions.
• Contact Massachusetts Taxpayer Service at 1-617-887-MDOR or Toll-Free in MA 1-800-392-6089.

Starting on Monday, February 4, 2008 at 10:30am the Wheeler Memorial Library will offer a unique opportunity to explore art with children who are two – four years old. Under the direction of Instructor Rachel Roberts, this series of six workshops will be held for 6 Mondays in February and March. Registration and commitment to the series is necessary because there is a limit of 8 child/ caregiver pairs who will be able to participate. Please call 978-544-2495, ext 103 to register for this wonderful free series which is made possible by a Federal grant from the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Steve Raymond, Executive Director North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce; Candy Cross, Children’s Librarian Wheeler Memorial Library; Rick Kwiatkowski, town administrator for Orange. More photos here.

In honor of Family Literacy Month and Children's Book Week, there was a special story time, followed by a ribbon cutting at the Wheeler Memorial Library.Megan Lambert from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art was the special guest leader of the morning's storytime. The ribbon cutting was in celebration of the many purchases the children’s librarian was able to make through a Library Services and Technology Award for programming and materials aimed at children from birth through age four and their care-givers. Refreshments and playtime followed the story hour. Additional materials and programs for this audience will become available at the Wheeler Memorial Library throughout the winter and spring.

In honor of Family Literacy Month and Children's Book Week, there will be a special story time, followed by a ribbon cutting, at the Wheeler Memorial Library on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 10:30 a.m. Megan Lambert from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art will be the special guest leader of the morning's storytime. Ribbon cutting, play time, and refreshments will follow.

All are welcome at this time to join in the children's room's introduction of the new toys, furniture, and lending materials that have been added to the collection thanks to a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. With this grant, the Orange libraries are increasing their services for parents, care-givers, and children from birth to age four.

DIEMAND FARM -- Lef to right -- Allen Young, author, with, Annie, Peter and Faith Diemand, owner-managers of the Diemand Farm in Wendell, featured in Young's new book, "Make Hay While the Sun Shines: Farms, Forests and People of the North Quabbin." Photo by Diane Keijzer.

“Make Hay While

the Sun Shines”

Farms, Forests & People of the North Quabbin

A presentation by local journalist,

Allen Young

(author of the regional guide book, “North of Quabbin Revisited”)

on his new book about some very special people and places in our region.

Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 7:00 pm

At the Moore-Leland Library in North Orange

This event is free and open to the public and

signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.

(proceeds will benefit the Orange Libraries)

The proposed agenda for the Friends meeting on Monday, October 1st at 7 p.m. is a follows:

• Introductions
• Minutes of June Meeting and Financial Report
• Review of Meeting Schedule for year
• Review of Membership
• Review of Summer Program
• Discussion of money proposals -- Check on money allocated for projects at June meeting (Keytags, book carts, plastic bags, picnic tables, floor lamps) and discuss proposals for fall (e.g., Museum passes, YoYo Event, Early Literacy, On the Same Page, Possible teen advisory group and other ideas)
• Project -- On the Same Page Project
• Other

The public is invited to free showings and discussions of films on energy and the environment beginning Thursday, September 20, 2007.

The first film in this two part series is “Kilowatt Ours: A Plan to Re-Energize America.” The film will be shown on Thursday, September 20th at 7:00 p.m. at the Moore-Leland Library in North Orange (172 Athol Road). “Kilowatt Ours”, a film about electricity use in this country, invites viewers to help build a net zero nation, by conserving energy to the greatest extent possible at home, then using clean renewable energy to provide for the electricity used. A discussion will follow the showing of the film.

On Thursday, October 4^th at 7:00 p.m. the second film, “Power of Community – How Cuba Survived Peak Oil” will be shown at the Wheeler Memorial Library on E. Main St. in Orange. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people when Cuba’s economy went into a tailspin following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990. Cuba, the only country that has already faced the massive reduction of fossil fuels, is an example of options and hope for a post-petroleum era.

Discussions will follow both free films. These fall film showings are sponsored by North Quabbin Energy and Friends of the Orange Libraries. People are also invited to a North Quabbin Energy meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 4^th before the film showing. For more information see the North Quabbin Energy website at www.northquabbinenergy.org.

Contact: Pat Larson – plarson24@hotmail.com (978-544-7035)

Applications for funding due October 15

WHAT:
The Orange Cultural Council is calling for funding proposals from organizations, schools, and individuals. Council grants support a variety of arts, science, and humanities projects in Orange. Applications are due by October 15.

To help applicants in preparing an effective funding proposal, the Council will hold a grant writing help session on September 29 at the Moore-Leland Library in North Orange from 10am-12pm, further details follow below.

WHO:
The session is open to non-profit cultural organizations, artists, schools, and residents interested in applying for funding from the Orange Cultural Council.

WHERE/WHEN:
Moore-Leland Library
172 Athol Rd, North Orange
September 29, 2007
10am-12pm

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The Orange Cultural Council is part of a grass-roots network of 329 local councils that serve every city and town in the state. The program is the largest, most decentralized one of its kind in the United States. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which then allocates funds to each local council. This year, the Orange Cultural Council will distribute about $4460 in grants. Funded projects include Starry Starry Night, North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival, Brown Bag Lunch Concert Series.

For complete information on the Orange Cultural Council and for an application form, visit: www.massculturalcouncil.org or call Amy Borezo at 978-544-3839.

Twenty infant hats for Project Warm the Baby were knitted by the Cosmic Knitting Wizards during their last session at the Wheeler Memorial Library. Some of the creators are shown here before their contributions were mailed to the Bay State Neo-Natal Unit. Standing left to right are Cassandra True, Elizabeth Sladek, Corinne Chase, Kaci Bradshaw, Karl Sladek, and Keira Bradshaw. The generous Wizards are continueing to meet at the Wheeler Memorial Library in the Children's Room from 2:30-4:00 on Wednesdays. Please note the new day for their meetings. All ages and stages of knitters, crocheters and other needle-workers are welcome.

WHEN: August 14 10:30

WHERE: Wheeler Memorial Library

WHAT: On August 14, 2007 at 10:30

The Wheeler Memorial Library will host a visit from Curious George of WGBY. There will be stories, a visit from the long tailed character himself, and a chance to make your own fun money craft. Through this “What Are You Curious About” program, WGBY will share the adventures of their friend Curious George and conduct activities to encourage children to explore their world. No pre-registration is required for this program.

ORANGE -- The Literacy Project is offering a free information session on the GED (General Educational Development) on Tuesday, July 24, and on Thursday, July 26, at Wheeler Memorial Library. Both sessions will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. These sessions will provide information about how to prepare for, take and pass the GED tests.

No registration is required and light refreshments will be served. For more information call Sharon Feeney at 413-774-3934 ext. 14

The Orange Public Libraries' Summer Reading Program will run from June 18th - August 9th. Children and teens may sign up for the Orange flavor of Catch the Beat @ Your Library beginning Monday June 18th at 10:00am. At anytime when someone signs up, they will receive free book bags, reading logs, and coupons for reduced admission to Western Massachusetts’ activities. Each week during the summer there will be special hands-on activities, as well the regular story/craft times Tuesdays at 10:30 and Wednesdays at 6:30. And over the course of the program, the Orange Libraries will offer 8 special events for children and teens. All of these events are FREE thanks to support from the Friends of the Orange Libraries, Massachusetts Regional Library Systems, and Waste Management.

Benefits of Infant Massage for Baby*

• Relaxes child and helps to decrease stress for you and your baby.
• Relieves discomfort from constipation, gas, and colic.
• Helps normalize muscle tone and improve blood circulation.
• Helps baby sleep better (and, therefore, parents sleep better!).
• Stimulates brain development and improves sensory awareness.
• Babies cry less, as the parent is more responsive to babies’ cues.
• Promotes bonding and attachment.

Please bring a towel or soft blanket and oil.

The oil should not be mineral oil which is the base of many baby oils. The oil should be vegetable base such as almond oil or canola oil.

The Orange Libraries are able to offer this extraordinary workshop free of charge because of a grant received from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the state of Massachusetts.

. To register, please call the library at 978-544-2495, ext 103.

*source: Infant Massage USA

The Orange Public Libraries have won an important grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Ac administered by the Massachusetts State Library. The library has received a $10,000.00 federal IMLS/LSTA grant that will be available for two years The $20,000.00 will be used to share the joy and importance of encouraging early childhood literacy while fostering family literacy as well. Funds will be used to add circulating early childhood, parenting/childcare, and adult literacy materials to the collection. The grant will also finance two years of activities targeting children from birth through four years of age, their parents and care-givers. Nationally known, Parent's Choice Award winning musician, Lui Collins, just completed an eight part series of workshops encouraging parents and children to explore music and movement which provides recognized links to language development and reading readiness. A second series just began with Cynthia Leblanc illustrating the fun of good nutritional choices through stories, songs, and hands-on activities. The American Library Association's Ready to Read at Your Library Program has also been introduced to day care providers by staff member Diane Salcedo. Through these three series the grant has already reached 86 children and adults with most of them returning to the library at least 4 times. Since 6 repetions is the common standard for integrating an activity into a schedule, this grant is well on its way to making the Orange libraries an integral part of many young people's lives. Still to come this spring is Sarah Pirtle with a 4 part Tuesday series open to afternoon and evening attendance. As with the content of the previous workshops, the material presented will be much more effective because it is covered in a series instead of in a single event. Without this grant it would be very difficult for the Orange Libraries to afford such a program with a performer who has won 9 national awards for her books and musical CD's. Sarah's gentle ways are contagious. She can take issues important to children and those who love them, and express them in songs that resonate with both the children and the adults. In this way Sarah gives children and adults a common language to use when discussing complex ideas. Words matter. Research has shown that speaking and singing with children will help them develop both language and reading skills.

The Friends of the Orange Libraries will hold an organizational meeting on Monday, April 2 at 7 p.m. at the Wheeler Memorial Library on East Main St.

The public is invited to this meeting, designed to help the Friends re-organize.

For additional information call Joanie Cohen-Mitchell 978-544-5770, Pat Larson 978-544-7035 or Candy Cross at the library 978-544-2495.

April will bring Cynthia LeBlanc with her unique blend of stories and hands-on activities that center around having fun with food while learning about nutrition. Cynthia taught at the Hawlemont Elementary School where for many years she shared her enthusiasm for reading and science. She now enjoys experiencing the pleasures of reading and food preparation with her own young child.

Please register for this series by calling the library at 978-544-2495, ext 103. The Orange Libraries are able to offer this extraordinary workshop free of charge because of a grant received from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the state of Massachusetts.

Lui Collins, nationally known folk singer, is only the first of four outstanding professionals that will be leading spring workshops at the Wheeler Memorial Library for infants and toddlers with their caregivers or parents. April will bring Cynthia LeBlanc with her unique blend of stories and hands-on activities that center around having fun with food while learning about nutrition. There will be a single session of STORY SNACKERS on April 3rd from 2:00-3:00, a two part afternoon series from 2:00-3:00 on April 2nd and April 9th, and a 4 part Wednesday evening series from 6:00-7:00pm on April 4th, 11th, 18th and 26th. Cynthia taught at the Hawlemont Elementary School where for many years she shared her enthusiasm for reading and science. She now enjoys experiencing the pleasures of reading and food preparation with her own young child. Please register for this series by calling the library at 978-544-2495, ext 103.

Sarah Pirtle, who has won 9 national awards for her books and musical CD’s, will be at the Wheeler Memorial Library for a series of 4 workshops on Tuesdays April 17th and 24th May 1st and 8th. Each day Heart to Heart, Hand to Hand will be offered from 2:00-3:00, and again from 6:00-7:00pm. Sarah’s gentle ways are a perfect match for the targeted audience. And you can be sure that Sarah will use her musical and storytelling expertise to tailor these programs to all those present. The adults in attendance will gain as much as the children from Sarah’s art. To quote a reference for Sarah: “She can boil down key concepts and can translate important ideas into songs that children really like. You can tell that she's been working with children for years and years. She knows how to individualize everything she does whether it's for kindergarteners or for parents. But what matters most to me is how she comes into a new group. She has an uncanny ability to join a group of people and become part of the community. People trust her.” If you would like to learn more about Sarah, her web site is: www.sarahpirtle.com. Registration is suggested but not required for Sarah’s series.

The last spring activity for this cycle of workshops will be BABY MASSAGE. Deborah L. Young, a Licensed Massage Therapist, will lead the group in a two part series from 2:00-3:00 on May 14th and 21st or May 15th and 22nd. There will also be a 4 part series from 6:00-7:00pm on Wednesdays May 2, 9, 16, and 23. A soft blanket or towel and unscented vegetable based oil will be needed. Please register for the massage series that best fits your schedule by calling 978-544-2495, ext 103.

The Orange Libraries are able to offer these extraordinary workshops free of charge because of a grant received from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the state of Massachusetts.

With the power of being able to read, nothing is beyond your grasp. You can travel to far away places, climb mountains, tame lions, sail a boat around the world, travel through time, or even learn to become a wizard! That is what Ed the Wizard has done. All of the tricks and illusions that he performs, he has learned by reading books. It amazes all who watch that they can also learn to perform magical illusions through books found at their local library. Ed