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New & Noteworthy
at the Westfield Memorial Library |
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Westfield Memorial Library Reopens to Public
By Philip Israel, Library Director
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Welcome back to the new and improved Westfield Memorial Library. WE MISSED YOU. While it is unfortunate that it was necessary to close the library during the last several months, the results far outweigh the inconveniences. While we were closed almost every piece of furniture and all of the books, magazines, and audio-visual materials were moved, in some instances several times. While fairly simple in concept, the details became complex. After months of renovating the library, coping with unanticipated details, and racing against the clock with minor setbacks, it is with great pleasure that we announce the re-opening of the Westfield Memorial Library.
Welcome back to a library with a new look and a new feel. The Library is freshly painted, newly carpeted, and has new furniture, an Internet Lounge, a second floor restroom and, most importantly, opens up and better utilizes more than 1,400 square feet. There is also something new that can be found among the books – empty shelves, allowing the library’s fiction, mystery and large print collections to grow and expand.
Welcome back to a Library where the adult section on the first floor provides more space to browse for new books, or the latest film or audiobook. The rest of the Library’s adult print materials have been gathered in one convenient location on the second floor.
Both floors provide warm and inviting areas to read, in front of the Library’s picture windows, and where an Internet Lounge offers a different and unique space that provides access to local news and information, and wireless access to the Internet.
Welcome back to a Library, where the Youth Services section has been redesigned to invite children into a special area of the Library, where new colors create a warm and open atmosphere, and where new comfortable furniture encourages families to share special books together. Welcome back to a Library with a new teen space on the first floor, with furniture and materials that appeal to this specific age group.
Welcome back to a Library that is once again expanding its scope of services to meet the challenges presented by new expectations of what a Library should offer. Welcome back to the New Westfield Memorial Library. Once again, WE MISSED YOU.
As you explore the Library you will find many new things. Our Library staff will be available to assist you in locating materials. Just as you are exploring the Library, the staff is exploring how all of the changes affect how services are provided and whether policies and procedures may need to be modified. Please bear with us as we strive to sort out these issues. |
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About the Head of Adult Services
Lauren Ryan assumed the Head of Adult Services position in the Circulation Department on May 21 of this year. She grew up in Fishkill, New York and has traveled around the world and back. Lauren shared a little about herself during an interview.
Where did you earn your Master of Library Science degree?
I earned my Master’s degree in Library Science at the State University of New York at Albany in 2000. I obtained my undergraduate degree at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York where I majored in Communications.
How long have you worked in the library field?
During my attendance at John Jay High School I worked in the school library in the circulation department and I also worked as a page. I grew tired of Fishkill and wanted to live somewhere else and see something different within the United States so I started my professional library career in Las Vegas. I worked in Las Vegas for a while as a Reference Librarian at the Rainbow Library, where I met my fiancé, who worked there as a children’s librarian. I returned to New Jersey after I started missing the East coast, my family, friends and the culture. My first job back was in the Reference and Reader’s Advisory departments in Bridgewater.
What attracted you to the library field?
My early experience working in the library field was positive and I enjoyed it. I wanted to have a job where I would be happy and could make a difference. The library field seemed like a good fit.
What do you enjoy most about working in the Library?
I enjoy helping people and being around all of the books. I like the idea that I provide useful services to patrons and I like working with such a nice staff.
What do you hope to accomplish in your role as Head of Adult Services?
I hope to create a pleasant working environment for everybody in the Circulation department. I want the staff to feel as though they are successfully providing well-needed services to the Westfield community and want the community to feel as if they are being adequately served with quality programming and good reading material.
What are some of your favorite books?
I read so many different kinds of books. I really don’t have any favorites. I read a little bit about everything and enjoy it all.
Do you have any hobbies?
Yes, I am a team member of the New Jersey Dirty Dames Roller Derby League. This New Jersey–based league practices old school flat track roller derby, and encourages women to be hard-skating, aggressive and strong. I joined the league in January of this year.
I also like to do yoga, hike, read and hang out with my family. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I have traveled extensively throughout the United States and have traveled internationally as far as Australia. I have traveled to Canada and Mexico and also backpacked around Europe for 3 months.
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Anton Del Forno
Classical Guitar
December 12,
7:30 pm
Anton Del Forno has been known to delight audiences across the country with his mesmerizing and culturally enriching classical guitar sounds. This performance is arranged through the “Bringing the Great Concert Hall Music to the People” outreach program. |
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Shannon Pierce
Saxaphone
Wednesday, January 16, 7pm
Shannon Pierce specializes in Classical Saxophone but has experience playing many different types of music including jazz. He studied music at Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts and has performed with various Ensembles and smaller chamber groups.
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These events are open to Westfield Memorial Library and MURAL cardholders.
For more information call 908-789-4090 x 4140. |
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Award-winning author and Westfield resident, Lois Winston, is scheduled to visit the Library to share information about the writing and publishing process and to speak about her romance novels.
Wednesday, January 9, 7:00 pm
Author of:
Talk Gertie to Me,
Love, Lies and a Double Shot of Deception
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Presented by Howard Goldberg
Wednesday, December 5, 7:00 pm
Howard Goldberg is the President and founder of “Adventure on a Shoestring,” a New York City sightseeing organization. He has been researching inexpensive ways to enjoy the Big Apple since he started his organization in 1963. His presentation will include information on holiday activities in New York City.
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Literature and Medicine:A Community Dialogue
“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant." Thoreau
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- Date January – June 2008
- Time Wednesdays 6:45-8:45pm
1/23; 2/27; 3/26; 4/23; 5/28; 6/25
- Place Westfield Memorial Library
- Materials Books and lunch provided
- Registration 800.247.9580
- Fee $35
- More Information
Nancy Gross 908.522.2894
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Overlook Hospital invites our neighbors in and around Westfield to join a ‘book club’ offering monthly reading and discussion of literary works that will enhance understanding of the human condition. The intellectual environment will be engaging, educative and convivial. It will serve as a nexus for community members to have early access to pertinent information about health and wellness, medical care, and medical decision making that is so important for making good choices for healthy living, during times of illness and at the end of life.
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The Doctors Stories;
First Do No Harm;
Elegy for Iris;
The Death of Ivan Illyich;
A Very Easy Death;
Too Soon to Say Goodbye;
Harold and Maude [film] |
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This program is provided through a generous grant from
The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.
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African American History Month Performance
Saturday, February 2, 2008, 3:00 – 3:45 pm
All women’s a cappella and percussion ensemble scheduled to
bring West African rhythms the whole family can enjoy.
To be held in the Library Program Room.
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African American History Month
Baseball Lecture
Lawrence Hogan
Professor of History at Union County College presents
Before You Can Say “Jackie Robinson”:
Black Baseball in America
and New Jersey
in the Era of the Color Line
This presentation includes exhibit materials, as well as selections from the acclaimed video documentary of the same name. The black part of our national game is explored, and the speaker examines, in-depth, the rich relationships that comprised “Blackball” during America’s era of segregation.
Open to Westfield Memorial Library and MURAL card holders.
Program will be held in the Library Program Room.
Call 908-789-4090 x4140 to register.
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Winter Fun for Kids:
Storytimes and Activities |
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Downward Facing Dog Tales
Yoga meets folktales, in storyteller Julie Pasqual’s
performance designed to stretch your body and
imagination.
Ages: For families with children age 4 and up.
Date: Saturday, 11/24 (Thanksgiving weekend).
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Registration: Open to the public.
Saturday Chess 
Chess sets are available for kids to play each other. Bring a friend!
There is no age requirement, but children must already know how the chess pieces move.
Dates: Saturday mornings from January 5 through June 14
Time: 10:00 to noon
Registration: Open to the public.
Toddlers’ Group
Enjoy stories, songs, finger plays and movement activities.
Age: Babies and toddlers up to the age of 2½.
Parent or caregiver attends with child.
Time: 10:00 - 10:20 a.m.
 Dates: Tuesdays, 1/8 through 2/26.
Registration: Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only.
Great Reptiles 
We thank the Friends of the Westfield Library for making it
possible for Snakes ‘n’ Scales to bring us some amazing animals.
Date: Saturday, January 12
Time: 9:45 – 10:30 or 11:00 – 11:45
Advance registration required.
Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only.
Mother Goose is returning to the Westfield Library!
Mother Goose (aka Ann Coppola) will
enchant the little ones (and their grown-ups) with
nursery rhymes, songs and other fun activities.
Age:2 to 5
Dates:Saturdays, 11/24, 12/1 and 12/8.
Time: 11:00 to 11:45
Registration: Advance registration required.
Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only.
Preschool Storytime
Listen to stories and do an activity.
Age: 3½ to 5
Tuesdays, 1/8 through 2/26 from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
OR
Wednesdays, 1/9 through 2/27 from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Registration: Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only.
Tots’ Storytime
Listen to stories and do an activity.
Age: 2½ to 3½ years. Parent or caregiver attends with child.
Time: 10:00 -10:30 a.m.
Dates: Fridays, 1/11 through 2/29.
Registration: Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only.
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Readers' Theatre
Like to act?
Join us as we read plays from scripts.
No age requirement, but children must know how to read.
Dates: Wednesdays, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, and 2/6.
Time: 3:45 - 4:45
Registration: Advance registration required.
Open to full-service Westfield Library card
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The Wizard of Oz Puppet Show
We thank the Friends of the Westfield Library for bringing us this Stevens puppet’s marionette performance of the L. Frank Baum classic.
Date: Saturday, January 26
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Registration: Advance registration required.
Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only
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Big Kids’ Storytime
Listen to some of our librarians’ faves.
Ages: Must be in elementary school.
Dates: Thursdays, 1/17 through 2/28.
Time: 3:45 – 4:30 p.m.
Registration: Advance registration required.
Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders only. |
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Annie Hickman’s The Love Bug’s Hug
We thank the Friends of the Westfield Library
for sponsoring Annie Hickman’s return to the Westfield Library. Combining weaving with dance, Annie’s performance defies definition. It is beautiful.
Date: Saturday, February 9
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Registration:
Advance registration required.
Open to full-service Westfield Library card holders
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Stubby the Elephant
We thank the Friends of the Westfield Library for sponsoring the acclaimed youth theatre group, Youth Stages, from Princeton, NJ.
Preschoolers will be invited to join the story.
A participatory play based on Kipling’s The Elephant’s Child.
Become snakes, lions, giraffes, and monkeys as we travel through the jungle.
Date: Saturday, February 23
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Registration: Advance registration required.
Open to full-service
Westfield Library card holders only. |
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LEARN @ OUR LIBRARY
Computer and Internet Training
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Let our Reference Librarians share their in-depth knowledge on a variety of interesting and timely topics by offering the following computer and Internet related classes.
Please note that, due to space limitations, groups cannot always be accommodated at regularly scheduled classes. However, Westfield groups and organizations are invited to contact the Reference Department to schedule a training session on any of the library’s online resources or databases.
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Registration is required for ALL computer classes as space is limited. All classes are free to Westfield Library cardholders. To register, stop by the reference desk on the second floor of the Library or call (908-789-4090 ext. 4130).
All computer classes will be held in the program room on the first floor.
All participants MUST be able to use a mouse and keyboard!!
Business and Investment Resources Online
Thursday, January 10, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
This demonstration and hands-on class will cover the basics of ReferenceUSA, NetAdvantage and Hoover’s, which are comprehensive sources of business and investment information available at the Westfield Memorial Library.
Genealogy Online
Wednesday, January 16, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
This demonstration and hands-on class will cover the basics of Heritage Quest and Ancestry Plus databases available at the Westfield Memorial Library.
Microsoft Word for Beginners
Tuesday, January 29, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
If you are still using your computer as a typewriter, this hands-on class will help you make the most of Microsoft Word. Learn the basics of setting up a document, formatting text, and cutting and pasting.
Travel, Travel, Travel
Thursday, January 31, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
This demonstration and hands-on class will cover the basics of searching Internet resources for the best prices for travel, booking your tickets online and making hotel reservations.
For parents of school-age children -- Online Databases: Homework 911
Morning and Nighttime classes!!
Available Now!
Tuesday, February 5, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
OR
Thursday, February 21, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Parents will learn about useful online tools and database resources available through the Library that provide valuable information for supporting their children’s homework.
NEW! Government and Legal Resources
Thursday, February 7, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
This class will show you how to obtain the state and federal legal and government information you want from the Internet for free. Websites reviewed will include findlaw.com, EDGAR, Thomas, and Justicia.com
NEW!! Back to the Basics
Wednesday, February 13, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
This hands-on beginner’s class will cover the basics of operating a computer, such as using a mouse. Knowledge of a mouse and keyboard is NOT required ***Limited to SIX participants***
 
NEW!!! Microsoft Publisher for Beginners
Wednesday, February 27, 10:00 - 11:30am
Learn the basics of creating eye-catching flyers and cards.
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LEARN @ OUR LIBRARY
TGIF! Fridays: An Exciting Series of Programs for Adults
Join us at the Library on Fridays for a series of free Programs designed to both enlighten and entertain. Light refreshments will be served.
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SPECIAL EVENT
Blood Pressure Screening sponsored by the Westfield Regional Health Department on the 3rd Friday of each month 12:00 - 12:30 p.m.
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No registration necessary! All programs
begin at 1:30 p.m.
Judy Garland: Sit back and enjoy a tribute to the
life and music of this timeless superstar.
December 7 -- 1:30 p.m.
Claude Monet: Experience the world of painter Claude Monet—founder of
French Impressionist painting.
December 14 -- 1:30 p.m.
Classic Movie
Week: “Holiday Inn” starring
Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire.
December 21 -- 1:30 p.m.
NO TGIF:
December 28
Australia: Take an armchair trip to the colorful land “Down Under”.
January 4 -- 1:30 p.m.
Johann Strauss: Discover the glory of the waltz as
you learn about the Austrian Romantic composer known particularly for his waltzes.
January 11 -- 1:30 p.m.
F.
Scott Fitzgerald: Explore the life of one of the greatest
twentieth century writers.
January 18 -- 1:30 p.m.
Classic
Movie Week:
“Funny Face” starring Audrey
Hepburn and Fred Astaire.
January 25 -- 1:30 p.m.
Nat King Cole: His music inspired millions around the world to dance,
laugh, and smile.
February 1 -- 1:30 p.m.
Marian Anderson: Celebrate the life of the first African-American to perform
with the New York Metropolitan Opera.
February 8 -- 1:30 p.m.
Zora Neale Hurston: She was an American folklorist and author during the time of the Harlem Renaissance.
February 15 -- 1:30 p.m.
Banjo Rascals: Kick up your heels and tap your feet to
the music of this live banjo trio.
February 22 -- 1:30 p.m.
Classic
Movie Week: “Murder Ahoy” Miss Marple navigates dangerous waters
to catch a maritime killer—starring Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple.
February 29 -- 1:30 p.m.
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Want to be a Librarian?
In June 2008, the Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library will award our fifth annual Future Librarian scholarship in the amount of $2,000. This scholarship was established to support individuals who have chosen Library Science as a career. The Friends realize the importance and shortage of "librarians" in our society. We will consider a Westfield resident currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Library Science or college degree in Media Education. Westfield High School 2008 graduates interested in becoming librarians, who have been employed at the public library or volunteered at the high school library, are invited to apply.
Thanks to membership dollars the Friends awarded a $2,000 scholarship to Ellen Rogers, who is continuing her studies through Southern Connecticut State University's on-line library science program. In addition, the Board voted to continue last year's scholarship award in the amount of $2,000 to Molly Adams, a part-time employee at the library. Molly is working toward her Master's Degree in Library Science through the internet program at Rutgers University.
Applications will be available at the library front desk in January 2008 or please contact Mary Orlando, Scholarship Committee, at 908-233-2930 for further information.
We invite all Westfield residents to join the Friends in order to support the goals of the library and support the dreams and hard work of students of Library Science.
Join the Friends
The FRIENDS currently have over 430 members. Membership is down from last year as donations made to the renovation project were made in lieu of membership. As the 2008 membership drive begins we hope to keep all of our current FRIENDS and encourage new members.
Please renew your membership now and help us find new FRIENDS for the Library. Promote the library by telling others about the important work of our volunteers.
Volunteer activities are also vital to our success, so please sign up for those that interest you.
Dues are the same as last year and are tax deductible:
Individual $15.00
Family $25.00
Your dues make possible gifts of materials, equipment and operating systems for the Library. We also sponsor free programs for children and adults as well as book delivery to homebound patrons; book discussion groups, opera outings and the paperback swap racks at the train station.
In addition, membership entitles you to a 10% discount at the Towne Book Store and insures your admission to the preview of the annual book sale.
Friends of the Library 2008 Book Sale April 10 - 19
Your “unwanted books” may be someone else’s “treasures”
so please donate to the sale and then shop yourself
More information regarding book sale, collection, setup dates
and times will be announced in the spring. |
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