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1879-2004: WML 125th Anniversary Celebration Continues!

Children’s Programs
Did You Know?
International Films
Kean University classes
Learn @ Our Library:TGIF

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Founded in 1879, the Westfield Memorial Library strives to provide the Westfield community an environment that promotes a love of reading and ensures free access to ideas and information .

1879-2004: WML 125th Anniversary Celebration Continues!

Upon reflection, the true value of the Library cannot be measured solely by the number of years in existence, but rather by the services it provides each and every day to the members of the community it serves.

In a recent discussion about the milestone, various staff members mused about the number “125,” revealing a sampling of current Library services.

“During a typical week, the Children’s Department presents programs to over 125 children,” according to Mrs. Wilson, head of the Children’s Department and the Library’s Assistant Director. She listed the many programs offered on a regular basis, such as the popular storytimes for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

“The Tech. Services Department processes far more than 125 items per week,” affirmed Mrs. Williams, the head of Technical Services and Automated Systems. “Processing,” she explained, “includes all that is done to prepare the item and its record so that it can be placed out for the public to use over and over again.”

“During a typical week, the Reference Department conducts 125 or more book checks,“ according to Mr. Kleiman, head of Reference. In addition, the librarians answer more than 125 complicated reference questions. “In reality, it’s closer to a little more than 8 per hour,” he clarified. “These are the type of questions that require online research and/or multiple print sources and sometimes just plain clever detective work to complete.”

Mrs. Schulze, Coordinator of Adult Services, eagerly added that the Circulation Department, “routinely conducts over 125 transactions (check-ins and check-outs) per hour!” And, in a typical week, over 125 adults attend special programs such as authors’ visits and international films.

“Libraries are not made; they grow.”

• Book Buying. Obiter Dicta. Augustine BIRRELL (1850-1933)

Looking back on 125 years, it’s amazing to consider how much the Library has progressed from it’s simple beginnings of “exchanging books” to the vast array of materials and services it now offers. However, looking ahead is equally fascinating as 2005 holds the promise for continued growth and fulfillment of the Library’s mission.

DID YOU KNOW?

…which holiday is the oldest of them all?

The “new year” is the oldest of all celebrated holidays. It’s true!

The “new year” was first observed in ancient Babylon around 2000 BC, approximately 4000 years ago. At that time, the new year began with the first New Moon after the first day of spring, no doubt tied to the beginning of the agricultural season. The celebration lasted for eleven days.

New Year’s celebrations continued to be tied to the “season of rebirth” until the Romans changed it. As early as 153 BC, the Roman Senate first declared January 1 as the new year. But it was not until Julius Caesar established the “Julian Calendar” to synchronize with the sun that January 1 was permanently established as the official New Year. That is, until AD 567.

In AD 567, the Council of Tours abolished January 1 as the start of the new year. Instead, it tied the new year to the first day of spring. The exact day varied. However, with the advent of the Gregorian Calendar in 1582, the celebration of the new year was moved back to January 1.

Interestingly, Western nations have celebrated January 1 as a holiday for only the past 400 or so years.

Happy New Year!

…the origin of New Year’s Resolutions?

The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions can be traced back 4000 years to the ancient Babylonians. No, they didn’t pledge to lose weight, give up chocolate, or quit smoking. In fact, the early Babylonians most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment to their rightful owners!

What are Your New Year’s Resolutions?

Is one of your resolutions…

…to expand your intellectual horizons? Take a continuing education class at the Library (page 7).

…to have more fun, meet your neighbors and learn something new? Attend a TGIF program (page 6).

…find out about how other cultures perceive the world? Watch an international film (page 3).

Whatever your personal goal, the Library has many resources to help you achieve it!

__________________

“I received the fundamentals of my education in school, but that was not enough. My real education, the superstructure, the details, the true architecture, I got out of the public library. …[The] library was the open door to wonder and achievement….”

• Isaac ASIMOV, I, Asimov, New York: Doubleday, 1994.

How Did You Know That?

Our professional reference librarians tracked down the information about the New Year’s holiday and the origin of resolutions.

If you have any questions or seek specific information, please do not hesitate to ask at one of our reference desks.

We are here to help!

FROM THE FRIENDS….

The Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library, with sponsorship from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, invite you to come to the Library for a very special presentation by Rutgers professor Angus Kress Gillespie, Ph.D.:

The New Jersey Devil: Thursday, January 13, 7:00 PM

Find out the origin of the legendary New Jersey Devil (not a hockey player!) that purportedly lurks in the darkness and seclusion of the Pine Barrens of New Jersey.

Professor Gillespie specializes in the folklore of New Jersey. He has conducted extensive fieldwork and research in the Pine Barrens. His presentations are always enthusiastic and refreshing!

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to…

…learn something new? …have more fun?

…meet your neighbors?

The Library can help!

Join us at the Library on Fridays for a series of free programs designed to both enlighten and entertain. Light refreshments will be served.

Please note that there will be a break from the programs on December 24 and 31 to celebrate the holidays.

The Merm: The Life and Songs of Ethel Merman

December 3 at 1:30 PM

Music and discussion about one of America's cherished entertainers.

Baltic Sagas: Events and Personalities that Changed the World!

December 10 at 1:30 PM

Slide show and discussion with author Karl G. Heinz.

The Nutcracker Ballet

December 17 at 1:30 PM

Watch the video and join in the discussion about this holiday classic.

Frank Sinatra, His Life in Song

January 7 at 1:30 PM

Music and discussion about this multi-talented performer.

Norman Rockwell and his America

January 14 at 1:30 PM

Discuss the life and works of the artist who so warmly captured the heart and spirit of everyday life in America.

The Jolson Story

January 21 at 1:30 PM

Watch this classic film starring Larry Parks.

Do You Remember Vaudeville? Part II

January 28 at 1:30 PM

Part 2 was added due to the popularity of past programs! Join us for an invigorating hour of singing, laughing and listening to some of your favorite acts from the past!

Paul Robeson

February 4 at 1:30 PM

Explore the life of actor, singer and civil rights activist Paul Robeson, who spent part of his early years as a Westfield resident.

Walt Whitman

February 11 at 1:30PM

A look at America's greatest poet.

Mount Vernon

February 18 at 1:30PM

Take a video tour of the home of George Washington.

Let's Sing: Music of the 1940's

February 25 at 1:30PM

Sit back and enjoy the nostalgic music of the Forties.

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to expand your intellectual horizons? The Westfield Memorial Library, in partnership with Kean University, can help!

LEARN @ OUR LIBRARY

We are delighted to announce that Kean University Continuing and Professional Education has again partnered with the Library to offer the following series of mini-courses.

The courses are intended to be suitable for the general public, without any prerequisites. However, they are taught at a level consistent with Kean University’s outstanding academic reputation. The faculty members are chosen for both their scholarship and for their ability as lecturers. There are no examinations, grades, or required reading, but reading lists are provided.

The Holocaust

Terri Warmbrand, MA., Workshop Presenter, Yad Vashem, the International Holocaust Association

CES 306 Sec 010

Mondays, 10:45 AM – 12:30 PM

6 sessions, March 14 – May 2 (no class April 4 and April 11)

Learn and explore a comprehensive overview of the Holocaust with emphasis on the following subjects: Nuremburg Race Laws, Kristalnacht & the Evian Conference, Ghettos & Liquidations, The Wanssee Conference (“The Final Solution”), Concentration Camps, Prisoners, & Revolts, Rescue, Resistance, & Partisans, Liberation, and the Nuremburg Trials.

Discover the Essence and Power of Singing

Mayda Prado, M.A., Adjunct Professor, Kean University Music Department

CEA 516 Sec 031

Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:45 PM

6 sessions, March 16 – April 27 (no class April 6)

Explore vocal music as an art to communicate humanity’s boundless experiences, needs and pleasures. Become familiar with themes on vocal techniques, styles and selections of folksongs, opera, pop and jazz within a global context.

Registration through Kean University is required.

Tuition for one course is $60, or a discounted tuition of $105 for both courses.

For registration and payment information, please contact Continuing and Professional Education, Kean University, P.O. Box 411, Union, NJ 07083-0411. To register by phone using a Visa or MasterCard for payment, call Kean University at (908) 737-5840.

Courses will be held in the meeting room of the Westfield Memorial Library, 550 East Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090.

The WML Children’s Department Presents….

Welcome to our…
Storytimes for Children

All of our storytimes combine the best in picture books and some combination of videos, action rhymes, poetry and crafts. Children are encouraged to listen to the tales, appreciate the outstanding art, participate in book-related activities, and extend the storytime by borrowing similar books to share and enjoy at home.

All storytimes are drop-in, but attendance is limited, so please arrive early and sign in immediately at the Children’s Desk. Once maximum capacity is filled, we will not be able to admit additional children even if they arrive before the program begins. Storytimes start promptly; no children will be admitted once the program begins. Children must have a valid Westfield Library card and be the appropriate age for the program. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding

Little Listeners
Ages 2 to 3 ½ years old

Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:00AM
January 25 – March 2

AND

Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:00AM
April 12 – May 4

We ask that children attend this storytime only once per week so that as many children can participate as possible. An adult must accompany the child. Infants will be permitted, but older siblings will not due to size limitations of this group. Please make appropriate arrangements. No exceptions can be made.

Time for Tales
Ages 3½ to 5 years old

Mondays 1:30 - 2:00 PM | Fridays 10:30 - 11:00 AM
January 24 – February 18

OR

Tuesdays 1:30 - 2:00 PM | Thursdays 10:30 – 11:00 AM
March 15 – April 7

OR

Mondays 1:30 - 2:00 PM | Fridays 10:30 - 11:00 AM
April 25 – May 20

So that as many children can participate as possible, we ask that children attend this program only once per week. In this program, children go into the story room without an adult to listen to stories and watch a video of a picture book. Adults are not permitted to accompany the child, but are asked to stay in the library in case of “emergencies.”

After School Activities Program (ASAP)
Grades K and Up

Thursdays 3:45 – 4:45PM

December 9

It’s Cold Outside,

But Warm in Here…

Toasty stories, cocoa and cookies, plus a fun craft – hot stuff!

January 20

Movies and Munchies

Warm up and wind down after a tough day at school with film versions of some of your favorite picture books and – what else? – popcorn!

February 10

Roses are Red…
Violets are blue
Valentine fun
Is waiting for you…

…at our February storytime celebrating Valentine’s Day with stories, a movie and a special craft.

March 17

Erin Go Bragh!

Join us for a film, snacks and a St. Patrick’s Day craft. All children wearing green will be smiled upon by the librarian

The WML Children’s Department Presents….

Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library, we are pleased to offer the following special programs to young audiences :

Mammal Mania
Saturday, January 22, 10:00 AM

Meet many mammals at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 22, when Bill Boesenberg talks about some of our closest companions and other mammals that are very strange indeed! And he’ll be bringing several furry friends along for you to enjoy up close and personal.

Boys and girls ages 4 and up are invited to register beginning January 8 at the Children’s Desk. All children will be required to have a valid Westfield Memorial Library card; adults will not be permitted to attend as priority is given to our young animal-lovers!

Father Goose’s Tales

Saturday, February 5, 10:00 AM Workshop -- 11:00 AM Show

At the workshop….

Budding puppeteers – here’s a great opportunity to learn more about the amazing world of shadow puppetry. Join Nickelodeon performer Jim Napolitano as he instructs participants on puppet construction and manipulation. Then maybe even perform with your puppets in the show that follows. The workshop is limited to 30 children in grades K and up; registration begins January 22 and is limited to Westfield Library cardholders.

Then…at 11:00 AM

	Trouble in the Nursery…. Mother Goose is away for the day and Father Goose just can’t seem to get anything right. Families will surely enjoy this lively shadow puppet retelling of nursery rhymes, stories and songs. Everyone who attends must sign-up beginning January 22 and have a valid Westfield Library card.

Rodeo Round-Up with Yosi

Saturday, February 26, 10:00 AM

“Yeeha!” It’s time for a rootin’ tootin’ cowboy sing-along.
	Ride through the Old West with Yosi and join in the rowdy singing and dancing. Pre-schoolers through 1 st graders and their grown-ups will need to register beginning February 12 and have a valid Westfield Library card. Yosi’s past performances have been a big hit with the pre-school set so mark your calendar for this special event.

	Diggin’ for Dinosaurs, Rockin’ Rocks, and Crystal Creations

Saturday, March 19, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM or 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM