Looking at the past year

It's that time of year that we all look back over the past year at our accomplishments (or lack of). We are no different here at the library. We were curious to see where we were a year ago, and how we got where we are now. We had made a few plans for the year, and were interested to see whether we had been able to work on the plans, or whether life had gotten in the way - as it has the nasty habit of doing.

I had started the year talking about our plans at going green and remarkably, we did make some real progress. We have reduced the number of notices we mail and print - saving paper that way. We have introduced a very successful recycling program for our daily trash. So successful that we now have easily 3 times as much waiting for the recycling pick-up each week than we have waiting for the garbage pick-up. We reduced the temperature in the winter and raised the temperature in the summer with not much complaint - except for some of those really hot days. We found a non-profit that will pick up our old computer equipment for reuse or recycling. The books that don't sell in our book sales are now being passed on to another non-profit that distributes them around the world. So we are kind of proud of our successes, but are well aware of the long way we need to go, so we will continue the green challenge in the new year.

We were one of the first libraries in the state to offer a circulating Kill-a-Watt tester so that our users could find out what the power usage for their appliances was, and to help find ways to cut back on power use. Just recently, we received 6 more as part of a state library/NH utility companies initiative so that we now have plenty for our patrons. We added significantly to our collection on how to curb your power usage, how to live more 'green', how to do business in a green way, and how to invest in a green future. So we did a bit to help everyone have the opportunity to become a bit more thoughtful when using natural resources.

We also wanted to make the library a bit more welcoming. I think we have some achievements that we can point to. There is that nice comfortable reading area in the back off of the reference department. We made another seating area right in front of the desk, nestled between a new display table and the paperbacks. We gave the children's room a fresh paint job that has perked up the room and the spirits of everyone using the room. We made new signage, cleaned the carpets, created a puzzle table and got a nice big flag to welcome you to the library. We also started a quarterly newsletter to let you know what all is going on at the library. We streamlined the process for booking museum passes so that the process is quick and easy. We got receipt printers that have made the checkout process a bit quicker and easier too. Now you can really know exactly what you have out and when it is due. We moved some of the collections around (not too many and not too much) so that there is more room for what many of you are looking for. So there has been some progress, but again, there is much that we can do in the coming year.

We are kind of proud of what we accomplished this year, as each of you must be thinking about yourself, your family and friends. Even if it is just making it through the year, considering what 2009 challenged us all with, it is an accomplishment to be proud of. Now we can all start fresh with a new year and a new decade.

Giving thanks, giving back

This Saturday (the 12th) is the Library Board of Trustees annual Holiday Tea. This event is the trustees way of thanking the community for supporting the library. It is a delightful event offering good music and delicious treats. The music is a tradition - the Windham Flute Ensemble. They are planning an upbeat selection of Holiday favorites. Enjoy the music while selecting from a wide variety of teas, hot chocolate and cider, fine pastries and cookies. Join us between 1 and 3.

But what is important is that the Board of Trustees takes the opportunity to thank the community, to give back. And what more appropriate time of year? It seems right during this traditional season of giving to give back and consider ways to express your caring for others.

There is another tradition that is all about caring for others that the Kelley Library has long embraced and will continue this year. We put up a tree in the children's department and one upstairs and decorate them simply, with lights and candy canes. The candy canes can be taken and enjoyed, but only when you give something to our community. The children's tree is for donations of warm mittens, gloves and scarves. These articles of clothing are then passed along to the Salvation Army to give to those in our community who need them. The tree on the main level trades candy canes for food donations. These donations are passed along to several food banks here in Salem, offering a helping hand in these tough times.

So come to the Holiday Tea and enjoy an afternoon of fine music. And next time you come to the library, consider helping your neighbor with a food or mitten donation. We will give you a sweet thanks - remember to take a candy cane.

Thanksgiving redux

I have talked about books in this blog on occasion, but this time I want to talk about a few movies. Three of my favorite movies are set at Thanksgiving, and I try to revisit them each year. I would like to recommend them to you also.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a great little comedy that catches you off guard at the end, and suddenly you are moved by the loneliness that hides in plain sight around us all. John Candy and Steve Martin are on the top of their game in this film, smoothly moving from slapstick comedy to exposing the humanness of us all. I'm sure this film is known to all, but it is about 2 men trying to get home for Thanksgiving and the challenges they face together to achieve that goal.

Next is Pieces of April, a movie I reluctantly watched after it was recommended to me a number of times. What a wonderful gift of a film it turned out to be. It is a emotionally demanding film, revolving about some sad and tough themes, but well worth the process. How there can be comedy in the midst of a film like this is amazing, but just right. The film is about a ne'er do well daughter living in the big city preparing to provide the family with her first Thanksgiving meal. There are many layers of issues, problems and story. For instance, the mother is fighting what seems to be a losing battle with cancer, and the whole family is having trouble coming to terms with that. I know, it sounds awfully grim - remember I was reluctant to watch it - but if you haven't watched it, try it. It will make you think, make you laugh, make you cry.

The best of the bunch is Home for the Holidays, probably because it celebrates the good and bad about family together - and who can't relate to that? This is one crazy family, but whose family isn't on some level? In this film, one of the daughters who has 'escaped' to a bigger life comes home for Thanksgiving with her life in shambles, a reality she tries to keep to herself. Once again, there is a great deal of comedy blended with serious moments. Nothing is fully resolved, but the underlying strength of family is reaffirmed no doubt to be tested again at another family get together.

What do these films share besides a Thanksgiving theme? Family - in its many forms, with its many challenges and its many rewards. Family may test us at times, but in the end, they are the ones we turn to for support, caring and love. But then, maybe that is just an extension of the Thanksgiving theme. Anyway, give these films a try and let me know what you think.

Planes, trains and automobiles
Pieces of April
Home for the Holidays

Book - I only say this because I love you: how the way we talk can make or break family relationships throughout our lives, by Deborah Tannen

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is approaching, and as always it is a time to reflect on the many gifts in life. We have been the lucky and thankful recipients of some generous gifts throughout the year. Patrons and community organizations have generously donated. We have a constant river of donated books to stock our book sale area. Recently, we have been given some furniture, the chairs I spoke of earlier and just yesterday two magazine spinners that have been a welcome and wonderful addition to the book sale area. Thank you to all library supporters of all kinds - we couldn't do what we do without you.

Moving on, moving up

We here at Kelley were all sorry to hear that Andy, our new Assistant Director, had accepted a position elsewhere. Sorry, but not entirely surprised as we all knew that he was meant for a real leadership position. I took a moment of Andy's time to talk to him about his reasons for leaving, his tenure here and a look into the future.

Alison: Why are you leaving Kelley?
Andy: It is exclusively due to an offer for a position long seen as a prime match to personal and professional goals. The timing was entirely due to the unexpected opening at the Rye Public Library, creating a shorter than planned tenure at Kelley.

Alison: What accomplishments are you most proud of here at Kelley?
Andy: Having the programming here take new directions with the success demonstrated by the new ideas paying off. I hope to have the programs mapped out through 2010 before I leave. I also am proud of my role in creating a sense of team here at Kelley. I find it very rewarding seeing the results.

Alison: What are your professional goals?
Andy: To grow in the regional library community. Kelley provided a valuable perspective in terms of scale and demographics. I came from a small library and community and was pleased to be introduced to the breadth of service that can be offered. I will be moving into a community between these two in scale. I am also planning to continue my education. I will have to see how to fit it in between work and family, but I have done it before and enjoyed it.

While I was talking to Andy about his plans, I thought I would take advantage of it to kick off a regular feature of this blog - 5 Questions with the Kelley Staff. I will be asking different members of our great staff the same 5 questions to let you know a little more about the people you see when you visit here.

1. Complete this sentence: When I am not at work, you can find me: with my family doing family activities, particularly outdoor activities.
2. Describe your perfect day: Autumn weather for the cool and the sunshine. Setting out early on some adventure, ideally leaving the car behind. Finishing with good food and friends.
3. If you had to live somewhere else than NH, where would it be?: The Pacific Northwest, or possibly in Alaska.
4. What 3 things can you always find in your fridge?: Cheese, salsa and pickles.
5. You would be surprised to find out that I: was a magician as a youth.

Join all of us here at Kelley in thanking Andy for all he has done for us and the library, and the best of luck in his future. He will be missed.

Music cd: The Very Best of Peter, Paul and Mary.
Book: Finding the Hat that Fits

Times do change

We were discussing the annual Holiday Tea and the idea of using card tables this year. Thinking of card tables took me back to when I was a kid, watching my mother get ready for a bridge party. The tables were out and set up with decks of cards, pencils and scorepads. My dad would be busy setting up the bar, making sure there was plenty of ice. My mother had spent some time preparing a variety of good things to eat, of course using the cookie cutters shaped like the various suits.












She would be wearing a dress, heels and pearls - shades of Mrs. Cleaver - and a hostess apron. In case you are too young to remember hostess aprons, these were lovely and frivolous. They were often made of organdy and were really just decorative. But most women had a few, some themed for holidays. It was a standard gift for women, like a tie for a man.












But what struck me was how this form of entertainment, the bridge party, something so central to married life for many years disappeared so completely. While I play cards, I never played bridge, never thought of having a card party. It is remarkable that something so central to our daily life can vanish and not really be missed. The bridge party, the card suit themed kitchen gadgets, the hostess apron, the wacky recipes have all faded away with the Greatest Generation.

I can think of some examples in libraries. Card catalogs, card sorters, typewriters. Just last week we saw another standard library tool get retired - our due date stamper or charger as it is known in the library world. It was invented in 1930 and it was the revolutionary invention for libraries at the time. Automation had begun, and it served us well for many, many years. But, we no longer could get them repaired and we knew we were on borrowed time. So, we gave them a well deserved retirement, and started using receipt printers. We, the staff, are thrilled with the printers, and so are the majority of you. Sad to say, something so central to our lives wasn't missed a bit. Thus the march of time, the voyage onward into the future, kicking the past to the curb.

But if you haven't seen the printers work yet, be sure to check something out - they are really cool!

Book: The Apron book, by EllynAnne Geisel
Book: Antique Trader Kitchen Collectibles
Book: Bridge for anyone, by Shelly De Satnick

Looking for collectors

I mentioned in a previous post that we were looking for some local artists that would want to display some of their artwork in our 'new' quiet reading area. Be sure to contact us, there is still space to fill.

But speaking of space to fill, we also have some display cases in the lower lobby area. There are times of the year, like right now, that these cases are filled with displays from local organizations. However, there are many times of the year that one, two or all display areas are empty. I would love to be able to showcase a collection that you might have and want to share with the public. I used to have a varied collection of Beatrice Potter items (figurines, dishware, lamp, books) that made a nice display. A woman who made decorative Easter eggs often would display her work, and I had another patron who would display interesting finds she had picked up in her travels.

I know that almost all of us have some kind of collection, so if you are interested in sharing it for a few weeks, we would be delighted to highlight it in one of our cases. Be sure to contact me at the library in person, by phone (898-7064) or by email abaker@salem.lib.nh.us and we will schedule your display right away.

Book: Antiques Roadshow 20th Century Collectibles, by Carol Prisant.

Book: Special museums of the Northeast : a guide to uncommon collections from Maine to Washington, DC, by Stuart Murray.

Book: The banana sculptor, the purple lady, and the all-night swimmer : hobbies, collecting, and other passionate pursuits, by Susan Sheehan