Library Events for April 2014

Thursday April 3rd at 7 pm
Truths and Myths about Spiders

Spiders are often greatly misunderstood and the subject of many urban legends.  This presentation is designed to dispel several common myths about spiders and to highlight that instead of being "creepy and dangerous", they are in fact quite fascinating, predominately harmless, and exhibit a surprising diversity of morphology and behavior.  Dr. Karen Cangialosi has been a Professor of Biology at Keene State College since 1992.  Her courses include Animal Behavior, Invertebrate Zoology, Ecology and Marine Biology.  In her research program, she uses spiders as a model system for addressing questions in behavioral ecology.  Her recent work involves investigating the variety of environmental, genetic and developmental factors that may influence foraging strategy of spiders in the genus Neospintharus which are common in the forests of New Hampshire and elsewhere in New England. She is an executive board member of the American Arachnological Society, and enjoys giving informal presentations about spiders.This program is free and open to all.

Thursday April 10th at 7 pm
The Pontine Theatre Presents ~
Pretty Halcyon Days: On the Beach with Ogden Nash
Ogden Nash and his family spent their summers on Little Boar’s Head, in North Hampton, NH. Using examples from their original stage work, “Home is Heaven,” Pontine Theatre explores the ways in which Nash’s life on the New Hampshire seashore influenced his poems, giving the reader insight into the man, his character, and his ideas about family, society, and nature. These themes form a rich portrait of the poet and underscore how the intersection of literature and local history can deepen our understanding and appreciation of everyday events in our own backyard. Free and open to all thanks to a grant from the NH Humanities Council.

Thursday April 17th at 7:00 pm
All Under the Ell: Archaeology at Wyman Tavern in Keene, NH
Archaeologist Martha Pinello will give a slide presentation of this past year’s work at the Wyman Tavern and describe plans for the 2014 summer field school efforts. Archaeology in preparation of restoration of Wyman Tavern (1762-1790) has revealed evidence of along European occupation. Excavations in the area of the former Ell uncovered deposits and artifacts from the early 1700s to the early 1900s. Excavation and analysis are intriguing as the site was also home to one Keene’s early European families Josiah Fisher, his wife and their infant daughter.  After being a Tavern, the buildings were home to the Rev. Barstow and his family, the Adams sisters and antique collector Clifford Sturtevant and his wife.  The Tavern was transferred to the Historical Society of Cheshire County in 1968. Ms. Pinello is a Principal Investigator with Monadnock Archaeological Consulting in Stoddard, NH.  Her work is primarily with historic sites museums in New England reconstructing historic landscapes and interpreting life at the sites for programs, exhibits and furnished rooms. Free and open to all.

Thursday April 24th at 7:00 pm
We All Start Somewhere Film Series Presents ~ Carbon Copy (1981)

Carbon Copy tells the story of a very successful white business executive, Walter (George Segal), who comes face to face with the son he never knew he had (Oscar winner Denzel Washington in his movie debut) who is eager to be adopted. The problem is that the son is not only the result of a previous love affair but he's also African American which does not sit well with Walter's family. The movie presents and condemns racism while poking fun at racial stereotypes. Free admission and free popcorn thanks to Friends of the Library.

Sunday April 27th at 7:00 pm
The Hourglass Readers Present ~
Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband

Oscar Wilde's timeless comedy, first performed in 1895, is presented in an abbreviated reading by the Hourglass Readers. The play is chock-full of wonderful bon mots by Wilde, “I always pass on good advice, it is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.” Don't miss this one! Catherine Behrens will direct a cast that includes Wendy Almeida, Richard Behrens, Sandy Littell, Chris McCartie, Mia Moravis, Heather Morrison, Dan Patterson, Jonathan Ray, Emma Seidler, Katrina Spenceman, and Don Wilmeth. The Hourglass Readers is dedicated to performing readings of classical works in abridged versions, allowing actors and audiences to explore works not often performed. Free and open to all.

From the Children's Room
Rennie Timm, Children’s Librarian

Thursdays in April at 10:30 am
Laptop Storytime

Walking and talking, this babies to toddler story time is an interactive program for all pre-schoolers and their parents or care providers. We’ll share books, rhymes, songs, finger play & movement. Our goal is to foster an early love of books and literacy. At the end of the program, there will be playtime for parents and caregivers to share books, puzzles, or other literacy activities with their toddler. Dress comfortably as we will be sitting on the floor in the Children’s Room. No registration required, feel free to drop in anytime.

Tuesday, April 1 at 3:15 – 4:15 pm
Block Party: LEGO® Fun

Join us for the afternoon and let your imagination run wild. Hands-on learning opportunity to explore how things work. LEGO® bricks are provided by the library. All ages welcome.

Saturday, April 5 at 11:00am - noon
PAWS to Read
 
Please welcome Toven and Mary Stefanik (his handler) to the Hancock Town Library PAWS to Read program. Sign up at the front desk or email Rennie at hancockkidlib@comcast.net  Each child will read to their dog for 15 minutes. Parents are asked to bring their child to the library 10 minutes prior to the scheduled reading time. If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment please call and let us know, so that we can notify any children on the waiting list.

Tuesday, April 8 at 2:00-2:45 pm
Merry Music for Kids with Miss Katy

This program combines the joy of singing with action-oriented activities. Puppets and live music with the accompaniment of the baritone ukulele, mandolin, banjo and various percussion instruments create a fun filled show for children ages 2-6.

Thursday, April 10 at 3:15 – 4:15 pm
Crazy Bands…Rainbow Loom Club

Create your own bracelets, rings, necklaces….go wild with bright colored glow in the dark rubber bands. Crazy-rainbow bands will be provided, just bring your imagination and expertise to share with others. If you have your own loom, please bring it, as we have a limited number to share with the group. All youth welcome.

Thursday, April 17 at 4:30 – 6:45 pm
Movie & Popcorn for Tweens & Teens

Middle School and High School Students are invited to gather with friends, munch on popcorn & watch a movie together.  Our feature presentation will be Ender’s Game based on the book series by Orson Scott Card. Check Library facebook page for updates.

Tuesday, April 22 at 6:00 - 7:00 pm
PAWS to Read

Please welcome Mozart and Nancy Benda (his handler) to the Hancock Town Library PAWS to Read program. Sign up at the front desk or email Rennie at hancockkidlib@comcast.net  Each child will read to their dog for 15 minutes. Parents are asked to bring their child to the library 10 minutes prior to the scheduled reading time. If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment please call and let us know, so that we can notify any children on the waiting list.    

Tuesday, April 29 at 3:15 – 4:15 pm
The Arts and Poetry

Celebrate National Poetry Month by creating a picture portrait of your favorite poem using tempera paints, watercolors, pen and ink, scrap paper and other reusuable materials. Or write a poem - share your thoughts in words about a piece of artwork you illustrate and paint. All art materials will be provided, just bring your talent and imagination. All ages welcome.