Friends of the New Fairfield Library
Contact the Friends Read the Friends' Fall Flyer
A New Year, a New Agenda!
On Wednesday, January 11, Jennifer Giddings of JL Originals Bow-Tique showed us how she makes amazing accessories for all ages (male and female). Jennifer is incredibly talented in a wide arena of crafts from sewing,quilting, crocheting, painting, personalized accessories and of course bow-making. Check out her web site: jloriginalsbowtique.etsy.com
Next month, February 8, Norma Chang will be cooking up her “Low-fat.High Flavor Wokking”. Come at noon and sample her wares. We’ll provide coffee, tea and dessert.
Valentine’s Day: February 14th. The Friends have a large assortment of Friendship Gifts especially tailored for your Valentine. Gently used books and themed gifts delightfully packaged for giving to anyone you care for.
March 2nd thru March 22nd we will be collecting books for our semi-annual Book Sale. Please no text -books or encyclopedia. Sale will be from 10:00am-4:00pm, March 24-26, 2012
March 14th: Best Songs of the 20th Century. Brian Gillie’s interactive performance includes songs from ragtime, roaring twenties, big band era, Broadway, Hollywood and even a taste of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Saturday, May 12th will be our 3rd annual Plant Sale. We will be looking for donations as well as buyers for the many varieties of easy to care for perennials just in time for Mother’s Day.Check the Citizen News for additional information about this exciting event.
FRIENDS LOOKING FOR FRIENDS: Rescheduled
On Saturday January 28 at 2:00 pm in the Library Community Room, the Friends of the New Fairfield Free Public Library will hold their quarterly meeting. We invite all current members to attend and to bring a friend who might be interested in helping out at any of our events: book sale, plant sale, cookie walk, Food for Thought etc. Helping for even an hour at an event will be enormously appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday and filling you in on where we’ve been, where we are and where we hope to be!
The Friends of the New Fairfield Free public Library: We are a group, members of the state organization- Friends of Connecticut Libraries (FOCL), who donate time and individual expertise because we believe that libraries are an essential resource for the residents of our town. As Friends of The New Fairfield Free Public Library we welcome any new members or visitors. For more information go to: www.newfairfieldlibrary.com and click on Friends.
Other support from the Friends:
A new Xerox color copier is on order. A Kindle and MP3 player have been purchased (so that the staff can be well versed in the applications of each). We have funded a year-long subscription to Ancestry.com* and Overdrive (e-books, audiobooks, some movies.) We have also purchased a new Firehouse and Castle for the Children’s Library, a new router (for the computers), and a new FAX machine.. *Note: The next Genealogy program in the Library Community Room will utilize the (Friends purchased) laptop and projector to demonstrate search links etc. We love our Library!
As you know the Friends have funded several on-line resources and we’re happy to say that they are being enthusiastically received. After only a couple of months the Universal Class (over 500 online Continuing Education Courses) has 112 user accounts and 348 logins; after one month Ancestry.com had 265 searches, the newest addition a language program is incredibly successful and German is the first choice with Spanish and French close behind. We even had one session for “Luxembougish”! Transparent Language Online (uses byki learning method) -- Over 80 languages. Follow link from library homepage to set up an account to begin learning a language.
Overdrive -- Provides downloadable e-books, audiobooks, and some PBS videos. Follow link from library homepage to set up an account. Service uses your library card number and pin from your library account. Follow instructions to download software needed.
Freegal -- Download 2 songs a week from the Sony catalog. Patrons may register by having a valid library card and e-mail and applying in person at the library. Follow link from homepage to download songs after registering.
Bookflix -- For children. View online color books with sound.
State Funded resource:
IConn -- For students, consumers, researchers. Use multiple databases of authoritative, licensed information not available from a Google search
Have you been to the Library and checked out the Community Room lately? There is a new exhibit of crystal cut glass belonging to Friends member Linda Decker.
Memory Books
Have you ever thought of donating something in memory of someone, not just money? Well, recently a book and CD was given in memory of Dorothy Curtis in appreciation of her contributions to the Friends of the Library. You could also donate to the library to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary. For more information on how to do this contact the Friends.
Did you know...you don't have to wait for our annual Book Sale?
The New Fairfield Free Public Library has used books for sale all year round. They are on racks in the Adult Library, paperbacks are only 50c each and hardcover $1. Perfect for keeping in the car so that you have something to read while waiting at the Dr’s/Dentist, or for use on the commute back and forth to work…only if you are not the designated driver! New books are added regularly. Check them out!
The Book Page is another service provided by the Friends of the Library. It is an American book review newspaper published monthly and is free to all patrons. Copies are available at the checkout desk in the Adult Library and in the “Take One” area of the Friends posterboard outside the Community Room. Each issue contains information about the latest books hot off the press, as well as what to be looking forward to. There are always author’s bio’s. The November issue is especially great with many ideas for holiday shopping for all those on your list who are book lovers. Be sure to pick up your copy today.
The Friends Cookbook (an incredible resource) is available in the Library for $10-- what a great idea for a stocking stuffer or house gift. The Library totes are a steal at $2.00 each, and don’t forget the Friendship Gifts at $5.00 ---a themed book plus a complementary item.
Museum Passes: Available at checkout. A variety of local and NY museums offer discounted or Free passes.
New Fairfield Free Public Library Community Room
Have you ever wondered what that room on the right as you enter the Library is? Well, this is the Community Room and is used by many local associations and town boards to hold meetings. It is also the room where you can find Library sponsored events as well as the bi-annual Friends Book Sale, Musical Interludes, Plant Sales etc. This room houses several rotating exhibits that the Friends administer. Currently on display is a collection of Blue Willow Pattern Ware from Linda Decker’s collection, and a Bicentennial quilt made by local artisans for America’s bicentennial – a total of 35 squares each featuring a New Fairfield landmark or a piece of New Fairfield history. Another exhibit credits Mary Burke Marquis, a mother of 9 children who actually made molds and created porcelain dolls, she then outfitted them to portray various themes, events or characters. Many of these dolls won contests. Her love of the story of Tom Sawyer was what gave her the inspiration for the collection her family donated to the NF Library.
See What else the Friends Do:
Provide needed library furniture and fixtures (projector, and even vacuum cleaners!)
Microfiche or CDs of all Citizen News editions
Assist with software and hardware updates
Supplement the book budget
Annual New Fairfield High School Scholarship award
In half a century, since its inception in 1960, the Friends have provided funds of over $500,000 to the library's needs, facilities and services. Your
donation will allow the Friends to continue this support to the New Fairfield Free Public Library.
The Friends welcome donations at designated times during the year. Call 203-312-5679 for information.