Advocate Archive 2010 - 2011

LIBRARY ADVOCATE

December 29, 2011


It’s time to ring in the New Year and as Benjamin Franklin said “Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.” 

If you made a New Year’s resolution to read more, consider reading to someone. It’s twice the fun and the library offers books galore. Reading aloud to children helps them to use their imagination and creates lasting memories.

For Kids and Teenagers
Join us on Saturday, Jan. 7, if you love Naruto or other Japanese anime and manga stories, for the monthly program for Anime and Manga Fans. We watch, draw or discuss favorite series and characters. The program is from 1:00- 2:30 p.m. for youths in grade four and up, and 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. for teenagers. Snacks, drinks and drawing materials are all provided.

Interview Workshop 
On Wed, Jan 11, from 6:00-8:00pm, the library is sponsoring a free Interview Employment Workshop for those who are unemployed or looking to brush up on their interviewing skills. This event is an interactive and informal question and answer session where we will role play typical interview questions and how best to answer them. The seminar also includes ways to avoid the most common interview mistakes that job candidates make. Facilitator is Gary Gekow, a senior employment specialist with 23 years of recruiting experience in the Boston staffing industry. No sign up required.

Book Club
If you love to read and you’re looking for something to do on your lunch hour, join us on Friday, Jan 13, at 12:00 p.m. for our Brown Bag Book Group. Bring your lunch and discuss “Samurai’s Garden” by Gail Tsukiyama. Copies of this book can be picked up the circulation desk on the main level. All are welcome to attend. For more information contact Erin Creighton, Circulation Librarian, at 781-848-0405 x4430 or ecreighton@braintreema.gov 

Computer Classes
Get ready for a batch of new computer training sessions! During January and February the library staff is rolling out five brand new classes. There’s an introduction to Excel 2010, an in-depth look at Google’s features, two sessions to get you started with LinkedIn, which is the world’s largest professional members group, a demonstration of searching for and downloading the library’s free eBooks, plus we are now offering sessions for gMail, Google’s free email. In addition to these new classes we are also offering the Computer Series of three classes for both new computer users and those who want to use their computers more effectively. There’s also an introductory class to using Word 2010, and a class just for investigating the features of the library’s very own powerful catalog. 

Start your year off by learning something new at Thayer Public Library! Remember, space is limited and you do need to register. You may register through our online calendar at www.thayerpublilicbrary.net, by calling the 781-848-0405, x4417, or by visiting the reference desk on the lower level of the library. Fliers with class descriptions are available in the library and are also on our website. Please feel free to call if you have any questions.

In honor of New Year’s, Thayer Public Library will close at 1 p.m. Saturday December 31 and Monday January 2. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, Jan 3.

This column is submitted by Terri Stano, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


December 22, 2011


Season’s Greetings to Everyone!
Christmas and New Year holidays fall on Sunday this year. The library is celebrating by closing at 1:00 on the Saturdays prior to each holiday to give our library staff much deserved time to enjoy the season with their families. The closing schedule is 1:00 pm December 24 for Christmas and December 31 for the New Year. In addition the library will be closed Monday December 26 and Monday January 2. 

Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, January 3.

Anime and Manga
Joins us on Saturday, Jan 7, 2012
If you love Naruto or other Japanese anime and manga stories, then join the monthly program at Thayer Public Library for Anime and Manga Fans. We watch, draw or discuss favorite series and characters. Held on one Saturday a month for kids in grade 4 up 1:00- 2:30, and for teens 2:30 – 4:00. Snacks, drinks and drawing materials are all provided. 

Open Scrabble Play 
Like to Play? Join the group! 
Players of all ages are always welcome. Come alone or bring a friend. Open Scrabble play continues on Thursdays at the library. Join the fun, on December 29 at 6:30 p.m. Players of all ages are always welcome. Boards are provided. 
For more information call 781-848-0405, ext. 4417. 

Library has free Ebooks!
Are you asking for a kindle this holiday season? Remember the Thayer Public Library has free downloadable EBooks. Just go to www.ocln.org and choose the Downloadable Audio and EBooks link. 

Save the date
Would you benefit from fine tuning your interviewing skills? Would discussing salary and benefits compensation with a potential employer make you nervous? If you answered yes to any of these questions, attend the Interview Workshop with human resources specialist and consultant Gary Gekow from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan 11. Registration is not required.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary 

Our building is accessible, comfortable and open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Come and discover what’s @ your library.

This column is submitted by Terri Stano, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


December 15, 2011


Season’s Greetings to Everyone!

Christmas and New Year holidays fall on Sunday this year. The library is celebrating by closing at 1:00 on the Saturdays prior to each holiday to give our library staff much deserved time to enjoy the season with their families. The closing schedule is 1:00 pm December 24 for Christmas and December 31 for the New Year. In addition the library will be closed Monday December 26 and Monday January 2. 

Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, January 3.

Join us on Monday December 19 for the Nonfiction Book Club. This month’s book is Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. Book club books will be available for pick up at the circulation desk about one month before the discussion date and are due back on the night of the discussion. All readers are always welcome. 

Don’t know what to give a person this holiday season that has everything. Make a contribution in their name to Friends of Thayer Public Library. If you have any questions please contact us at 781-848-0405 x4002 or email friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov. Your Friends wish you a Healthy, Happy & Peaceful New Year.

Save the date: Wednesday January 11, 2012. Would you benefit from fine tuning your interviewing skills? Would discussing salary and benefits compensation with a potential employer make you nervous? If you answered yes to any of these questions, attend the Interview Workshop with human resources specialist and consultant Gary Gekow. No signup required.

This column is submitted by Terri Stano, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


December 8, 2011


As John B. Priestly said “A good holiday is one spent among people whose notions of time are vaguer than yours.” Slow down and enjoy some of your holiday season with others at the library. 

An after school craft program for children ages eight and older will be held on Thursday Dec. 8 at 3:45 pm. Make a fun craft at this monthly program for older children! All supplies are provided. No signups. For more information call the Children’s Department, 781-848-0405, Ext. 4426 or visit www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

On Saturday, December 10, at 9 a.m. hear stories in the story nook and make a craft. Saturday story times will be held once a month. No sign-ups needed.

The 2nd Tuesday Book Club next meets on December 13, at 7:15 p.m. in the Reading Room. Book club books will be available for pick up at the circulation desk about one month before the discussion date and are due back on the night of the discussion. For more information, contact Priscilla Crane, Reference Librarian, at 781-848-0405 x4417.
 
Want to add adventure to your holiday season? Read any novel by James Rollins. Standstorm is the first book of the best selling Sigma Force series.

Are you thinking of giving gifts this holiday season? Remember the best gift is a library card!

Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs are free and open to the public.  You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted.  To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.



December 1, 2011

Tuesday, Nov 29, from 10-11:30 a.m., the library will host Ken Elliott from ONE LIFE AT A TIME a non-profit organization that provides assistance to job seekers in finding employment at no cost! Mr. Elliot will discuss resume writing, cover letters, interviewing tips and how to dress for success at interviews. All programs are free and open to the public. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium.

If you love to read and you’re looking for something to do on your lunch hour, join us on Friday, Dec 2 at 12:15 p.m. for our Brown Bag Book Group. Bring your lunch and discuss “We Two” by Jillian Gill. Copies of this book can be picked up the circulation desk on the main level. All are welcome to attend. For more information contact Erin Creighton, Circulation Librarian, at 781-848-0405 x4430 or ecreighton@braintreema.gov.

Do you know what’s @Your Library? Thayer Public Library offers more than just books. You will find museum passes, computer classes, internet access, downloadable music, story hours, and art exhibits. Librarians can offer expert help with resources such as online databases, or finding the right book to read. The library is a place to meet friends and have coffee in the café. Our building is accessible, comfortable, and open from 9-9 Monday thru Thursday, and 9-5 Friday and Saturdays. Come to the library and discover. For more information on our many resources and programs, visit www.thayerpubliclibray.net. 

This column is submitted by Terri Stano, Acting Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our staff librarians. The goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

November 17, 2011

Don’t miss a free performance by Nancy Carr who will sing popular songs accompanied by the piano, guitar, bass, clarinet, and saxophone. This free concert is sponsored by the Friends of Thayer Public Library on Sunday, November 20 at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov 29, from 10-11:30 am, the library will host Ken Elliott from ONE LIFE AT A TIME a non-profit organization that provides assistance to job seekers in finding employment at no cost! Mr. Elliot will discuss resume writing, cover letters, interviewing tips and how to dress for success at interviews. All programs are free and open to the public. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium.

Check the Washington Street display case exhibit for a beautiful display of colorful treasures from the Orient. Braintree Resident Sandi Duffy has a wonderful collection of silk bags, scarves and chopsticks. Sandi’s son is living in Japan with his family and has sent her many wonderful treasures over the years.

To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Terri Stano, Acting Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our staff librarians. 


November 10, 2011

Do you like to read nonfiction? Meet other nonfiction fans at the new Thayer Public Library Nonfiction Book Club. This month’s book is Zeitoun by Dave Eggers. On Monday, November 21 at 6:45 p.m. join in the discussion about what happened to Abdulrahman Zeitoun, a week after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.

Book club books will be available for pick up at the circulation desk about one month before the discussion date and are due back on the night of the discussion. All readers are always welcome. The plan is to meet on the third Monday of each month. Meetings are held in Conference Room B on the upper level of the library.

Introduction to Everything Google 

Learn how to use the features in Google's advanced search. Take a look at other Google products -- Google Maps, Google Docs, Google Squared, even the Google pranks! Participants must have basic keyboard and Internet skills. 

Space is limited. You may register through the Registration button here on the calendar or at the Reference desk on the lower level or by calling the library at 781-848-0405 x4417. 

Help Feather a Turkey

The Children’s Room has a turkey in need of some feathers. What are you thankful for? Come write down what makes you grateful on a feather. A member of the Children’s room staff will pin it on the turkey. A wonderful display created by the Children’s Room.

And coming up from November 22 to December 13 on the main level, an art exhibit showcasing the talents of students and faculty from Braintree public schools grades K-12. 3D artwork will also be exhibited in the display cases at the Washington Street entrance through the full month of November.

This column is submitted by Terri Stano, Acting Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our staff librarians. The goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


September 29, 2011

For everything, there is a season. The leaves are changing color, nights are downright cold, and the children are all back into their school routines. Soon we’ll be rising for work in the morning dark, and coming home in the dark too. The need for good lighting and heating will take the place of air conditioning and daylight savings time. This is the best time of the year in my humble opinion. I find the autumn invigorating, and exciting in its role as transitioning from summer to winter.

In careers there are seasons, too, and in mine, it is time to say goodbye to Braintree. The opportunity came my way to work as director at Brockton Public Library. I’ve always wanted to work in a large library, and Brockton is a large community with a big library system and a great deal of diversity. I am very excited about the challenge ahead of me.

We can look forward to the upcoming season, though, without forgetting the joys of the one we left behind. Just like I remember the beauties of summer, so will I remember the pleasure of working at Thayer Public Library in the Town of Braintree. I will especially remember our excellent library staff members, the Trustees, the Friends, and all the people who volunteer at the library and make it one of the best on the South Shore. I will remember Mayor Sullivan, his entire team of Town employees, and Town Council members. I will not forget the wonderful patrons of the library, you, the residents of Braintree.

I have tried my best for you, made some mistakes, and learned a lot. I leave the library in very good hands with much to do in the coming years. I hope you continue to use the many programs and services of Thayer Public Library. I hope you take a minute to thank a staff member, a trustee, or a Friend for the great service they provide the town.

It has been my great privilege to serve you. I wish you all well.

Sincerely,
Betsy Wolfe

Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs are free and open to the public.  You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

September 22, 2011

Library Express Takes Off

Joyce McGurn is the first Thayer Public Library patron to have library materials delivered to her at her home by Library Express. About a year ago, McGurn, who turns 80 years old this month, began experiencing serious health problems and was in and out of the hospital for months. This March she realized that she would not be able to drive anymore and that she had gotten very weak. She is working to regain her strength, however, when her daughter-in-law told her about Library Express she immediately enrolled.

Library Express is a collaboration between Thayer Public Library, Friends of Thayer Public Library and the Department of Elder Affairs. The DEA helps to identify and enroll Braintree residents who are no longer able to leave their homes, are isolated and are unable to come to the library. Once enrolled, the client can request up to five materials from the library and a librarian sets out to fill the request. Next, a volunteer from the Friends rides in a van provided by the DEA to deliver the material to the client. Two weeks later the volunteer will return to pick up the books and deliver a new set. Betsy Wolfe, Library Director, calls Library Express, “A truly joint effort made possible by committed members of each group who began meeting at the library this spring.”

When people think of the library, generally books come to mind, but the library is making audio books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, and electronic games available as a part of the program. Clients can request specific titles or make general requests. When a client is enrolled he/she is asked to fill out forms about reading interests and favorite authors and these are used to help select materials for each client. “The goal is to make the broad range of materials available at the library also available to those who cannot come to enjoy the collection,” says Circulation Librarian Erin Creighton.

McGurn was introduced to books when she was 13 years old and she received two Nancy Drew books for Christmas. She could not begin regular trips to the library until she was 15 years old and Braintree began bus service from her neighborhood passing by the library. She remembers her head being buried in a good book and her sisters exclaiming, “What! Are you reading again?!”

When her children were young she began bringing them to the library and now her grandchildren are frequent library visitors. She has great memories of browsing the library shelves and reading paperbacks when her children were in school and whenever else she could steal a moment. She said, “Library Express is great as I read all the time.”

Terri Stano, Assistant Director of the library and the chairperson of the Library Express committee says, “The committee worked hard to devise a program that would welcome the homebound into the library community and we are now ready for people to enroll as participants.” If you are interested in enrolling in Library Express, know someone who may be interested, would like to volunteer delivering books or would like to learn more, please call Terri Stano at 781-848-0405 ext. 4414.

Joyce McGurn

Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs are free and open to the public.  You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

September 15, 2011

It’s back to school and the season for returning to Thayer Public Library. If you’ve taken the summer off from visiting us, we want you back. You’ll be happy to note that we are now open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for your convenience, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. It’s time to shake off that summer haze and sharpen your senses with a good book, magazine, movie, music, or game from our vast library collection.

Remember, with your library card you can borrow materials from all 26 of the public libraries in our OCLN computer network system. If we don’t have what you want, look in our online catalog and place a hold on the item from another member library. We’ll deliver it for free right to Thayer Public Library. If we have your email on record, we’ll send you a notice telling you that your item is ready for pickup. Or, we’ll give you a call. If online is not your thing or you need help, just call our circulation desk at 781-848-0405. Our friendly, experienced staff is here to assist you. Any way you look at it, it’s time to come back to your hometown library. We are waiting to welcome you.

There is so much going on in the Children’s Department that you really need to take a look at our online calendar so your kids don’t miss out. For example, every Wednesday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. is Board Game Fun for ages 8 to 12. One Saturday per month we sponsor an Anime/Manga Club. There are two craft programs each month, one for ages 3 and up, one for ages 8 and up. And we have weekly story times: on Wednesdays for ages 3 to 5, and on Mondays for ages 2 to 3 and infant to age 24 months. Please stop by the Children’s Department or check out our website for more information.

Braintree residents, did you know that the library has 20 discount passes to museums and attractions across eastern Massachusetts? All you need is your library card in good standing. You can view the full of museums on our website and then contact the information desk at 781-848-0405 x4417 to book the passes you want. We have the New Bedford Whaling Museum, JFK Library, Plimoth Plantation, The Sports Museum, Zoo New England, Boston Children’s Museum, and many more. Why pay full price or worse, not go at all, when you can get a great discount by using our passes?

If you haven’t been to the library for awhile, you’ll be interested to know that we have many new and increasingly diverse collections. We have adult graphic novels, Christian reads, large print books, audiobooks on CD and downloadable, downloadable ebooks, chick lit, foreign and documentary films, gentle reads, movies on DVD, books in Chinese language, video games, and so much more that I can’t list them all here. Thayer Public Library is filled with the materials you want and they’re all for free. You never pay to borrow materials at the library unless you return them late. Why pay when you can borrow them for free?

Coming up on Monday, Sept 19 from 7 to 8:45 p.m., join the Nonfiction Book Club for this month's book discussion of The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Book club books are available for pick up at the circulation desk about one month before the discussion date and are due back on the night of the discussion. All readers are always welcome. For more information, contact Moira Cavanagh, Reference Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4417 or mcavanagh@braintreema.gov. We have several other book clubs too including a writers’ group and a special group for middle school aged students. Drop by the library or check online by clicking on Upcoming Events.

Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs are free and open to the public.  You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


August 11, 2011

August is swimming by faster than we can catch a whale’s tail. Slow it down by taking advantage of the many programs coming up @Thayer Public Library, where we are having one whale of a summer. Our Summer Reading Program continues with Fishy Fridays on Friday, August 12. All ages are welcome to drop by during the day to make a fish craft, “go fishing” for paper fish or play the card game “Go Fish.”  Splish splash.

Salem Witch Hysteria! Innocent or Guilty? You be the jury and decide. Proudly presented by The Delvena Theater Company. Salem Witch Hysteria is planned by the Young Adult Department, however, it is open to patrons of all ages. Sponsored in part by the Braintree Arts Lottery Council which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. On Tuesday, August 16 from 6 to 7:45 p.m. For more information, contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

An amazing magic show for children will be presented by Brenner Family Magic Shows on Thursday, August 18 at 2 p.m. Stephen Brenner, a master of magic and illusion, has been performing for 16 years. He may even pull a rabbit out of a hat. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. No sign-ups required. For children of all ages.

Thar she blows! All are welcome to attend our Ice Cream Social and Jazz under the Big Tent, the splash hit finale to One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick community-wide read to support literacy and town pride. Sponsored by Mayor Joseph Sullivan and the Trustees of Thayer Public Library, co-hosted by the library and Braintree Historical Society, with support from the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Everyone’s involved in Have a Whale of a Summer @Thayer Public Library.

And what an event this will be. Save the date now: Thursday, August 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. We’ll have free ice cream and jazz by Moby Dick & the Wailers, all under a big tent on the lawn between Town Hall and Thayer Public Library. Herman Melville wrote “Moby-Dick” in 1851. To demonstrate the period, Braintree Historical Society will lead us in games including Hoops & Sticks, Graces, Nine Pins, and Rounders. We’ll have face painting so you can pretend to be a fierce Maori harpooner, and lessons on nautical knots for releasing the sailor within you. Sandy the Goat, the new pet over at the Historical Society, will make a friendly appearance. Books and bag sale by the Friends of Thayer Public Library. And for those children and teens who have participated in the library’s summer reading program, we’ll have a raffle with prizes. Free giveaways and fun galore. Don’t miss the spectacular ending to a whale of a summer.

Zumba Fun! Kids and teens can try this new rage and have some active fun on Thursday, August 25. The 5 p.m. session is for children ages 4 to 9, and will be followed by a 6 p.m. session for ages 10 to 17. Learn fast, energizing moves that go with flamenco, samba and salsa rhythms. Taught by Teneesha Singletary, a dancer and Zumba expert. Teneesha has taught Zumba to youth at schools and libraries. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. No sign-ups required.

Come for fun on Wednesday, August 31 at 10 a.m. to see Diana Kane perform music and storytelling for young children, especially ages 2 to 4, and their care-givers. She performs at schools and libraries in the area. Diana's slogan is: "Let's help our children grow through music and storytelling!" Co-sponsored by Quincy/Braintree Family Network of Quincy Community Action Programs and Thayer Public Library. Funding provided by a grant from Massachusetts Early Education and Care. For more information contact Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4426 or estrachan@braintreema.gov

Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs except excursions are free and open to the public.  You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


August 3, 2011

Salem Witch Hysteria! Innocent or Guilty? You be the jury and decide. Proudly presented by The Delvena Theater Company. Salem Witch Hysteria! is planned by the Young Adult Department, however, it is open to patrons of all ages. Sponsored in part by the Braintree Arts Lottery Council which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. On Tuesday, August 16 from 6 to 7:45 p.m. For more information, contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

Have you investigated the library's new online version of MorningStar yet? A leading provider of investment research resources, MorningStar is great for stock, mutual fund, bond, and EFT investment research. There's analysis, reports, and tools as well as company, investing, and financial news to help make all of your investment decisions well informed ones. Just click on the MorningStar link on our homepage at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net to get started. MorningStar is available from both inside the library and from home. Many people have already told us how much they like it. Try it out and let our skilled and helpful reference librarians know what you think. For more information, contact referencedesk@braintreema.gov or call 781-848-0405 x4417.

Thar she blows! All are welcome to attend our Ice Cream Social and Jazz under the Big Tent, the splash hit finale to One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick community-wide read to support literacy and town pride. Sponsored by Mayor Joseph Sullivan and the Trustees of Thayer Public Library, co-hosted by the library and Braintree Historical Society, with support from the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Everyone’s involved in Have a Whale of a Summer @Thayer Public Library.

And what an event this will be. Save the date now: Thursday, August 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. We’ll have free ice cream and jazz by Moby Dick & the Wailers, all under a big tent on the lawn between Town Hall and Thayer Public Library. Herman Melville wrote “Moby-Dick” in 1851. To demonstrate the period, Braintree Historical Society will lead us in games including Hoops & Sticks, Graces, Nine Pins, and Rounders. We’ll have face painting so you can pretend to be a fierce Maori harpooner, and lessons on nautical knots for releasing the sailor within. Sandy the Goat, the new pet over at the Historical Society, will make a friendly appearance. Books and bag sale by the Friends of Thayer Public Library. And for those children and teens who have participated in the library’s summer reading program, we’ll have a raffle with prizes. Free giveaways and fun galore. Don’t miss the spectacular ending to a whale of a summer.

Help us celebrate One Braintree, One Book with a viewing of the best remake ever of the movie Moby Dick. Produced in 1998, featuring Patrick Stewart as Captain Ahab and Gregory Peck as Father Mapple. On Monday, August 8. Doors open at 6 p.m., movie at 6:30 p.m. Please note the new, earlier time. Location is Logan Auditorium, Thayer Public Library. Free popcorn.

Whale Tales by the Water. Kids, come hear whale stories and make a craft on Tuesday, August 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Sunset Lake. Mayor Sullivan will be joining Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian, as a celebrity reader. Splish splash. Whale Tales by the Water is an exciting new program to promote reading and Braintree’s summer water spots. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan at 781-848-0405 x4426 or estrachan@braintreema.gov.

Kids, have a Whale of a Summer @Thayer Public Library by participating in our summer reading program. When you sign up, you get a goodie bag with a bookmark, a pencil, a reading log and a calendar of events. We encourage you to read for fun all summer long. Those who read and bring back your log on August 18 or after, get a certificate and a prize. “Have a Whale of a Summer” is part of One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick community-wide read to support literacy and town pride. Ocean, whales, and sea animals are highlighted in programs on science, drawing, crafts, movies, book discussions, games, and pajama story times. There are programs for children ages infant through entering grade 6. Book discussions of shorter versions of “Moby-Dick” for kids and families will be held August 10. Whale of a Summer Reading Program continues with Fishy Fridays on Friday, August 12. All ages are welcome to drop by during the day to make a fish craft, “go fishing” for paper fish or play the card game “Go Fish.” Splish splash. See full descriptions of all programs at www.thayerpubliclibrary.org under Upcoming Events.

Did you know that dolphins are part of the whale family? Join us for a special showing of “The Cove,” a documentary film that depicts graphic scenes of dolphin slaughter in Japan. Part of One Braintree, One Book community-wide read, our selected title, Moby-Dick. SPECIAL NOTE: this film is not appropriate for children. On Wednesday, August 10 at 6 p.m. We are fortunate to have as guest speaker, Dr. Ian Kerr of Ocean Alliance, an environmental scientist whose company produced the film. For more information, contact Betsy Wolfe, Director at 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov. 


Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs except excursions are free and open to the public.  You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


July 27, 2011

Thar she blows! All are welcome to attend our Ice Cream Social and Jazz under the Big Tent, the splash hit finale to One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick community-wide read to support literacy and town pride. Sponsored by Mayor Joseph Sullivan and the Trustees of Thayer Public Library, co-hosted by the library and Braintree Historical Society, with support from the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Everyone’s involved in Have a Whale of a Summer @Thayer Public Library.

And what an event this will be. Save the date now: Thursday, August 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. We’ll have free ice cream and jazz by Moby Dick & the Wailers, all under a big tent on the lawn between Town Hall and Thayer Public Library. Herman Melville wrote “Moby-Dick” in 1851. To demonstrate the period, Braintree Historical Society will lead us in games including Hoops & Sticks, Graces, Nine Pins, and Rounders. We’ll have face painting so you can pretend to be a fierce Maori harpooner, and lessons on nautical knots for releasing the sailor within you. Sandy the Goat, the new pet over at the Historical Society, will make a friendly appearance. And for those children and teens who have participated in the library’s summer reading program, we’ll have a raffle with prizes. Free giveaways and fun galore. Don’t miss the spectacular ending to a whale of a summer.

Moby just wasn’t ready to come up for air! We tried to show the movie Moby Dick last Thursday. However, two fire alarms and evacuations prevented us from finding out what happens to the great white whale. Don’t worry, it was a malfunctioning sensor in the ceiling, not an emergency. So we are trying again. Help us celebrate One Braintree, One Book with a viewing of the best remake ever of the movie Moby Dick. Produced in 1998, featuring Patrick Stewart as Captain Ahab and Gregory Peck as Father Mapple. On Monday, August 8. Doors open at 6 p.m., movie at 6:30 p.m. Please note the new, earlier time. Location is Logan Auditorium, Thayer Public Library. Free popcorn! We will try very hard this time not to set off any alarms!

There is still time to sign up for a discount-priced whale watch excursion on Saturday, August 6, from Gloucester-based Cape Ann. Bus leaves from Thayer Public Library’s parking lot. Contact Braintree Recreation Department today to sign up at www.braintreerec.com, or call 781-794-8910. Don’t miss out on this exciting chance to experience a real whale watch. Maybe you’ll even spy the great white whale, Moby Dick himself.

On Monday, August 1 at 6:30 p.m., join Terri Stano, Assistant Library Director for a nonfiction book discussion of “The Whale” by Philip Hoare. Part of "One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick" community read. All are welcome to join in and talk about this nonfiction book inspired by the story of Moby-Dick. Free refreshments. 

Braintree Kids have SPARK Talent show. Come view the talents of Braintree SPARK Summer Program kids, coordinated by the Braintree Public Schools. Singing, dancing and more are all part of the talent show. For children, families, and seniors. This is a show, not a competition. On Tuesday, August 2 at 11 a.m. To participate, youth age 6-11 can sign up by contacting the Children’s Room at 781-848-0405 x4425 or estrachan@braintreema.gov.

“Have a Whale of a Summer” Summer Reading Program continues with Fishy Fridays on Friday July 29 and August 12. All ages are welcome to drop by during the day to make a fish craft, “go fishing” for paper fish or play the card game “Go Fish”. For ages five and up, learn to draw whales and fish by starting with simple geometric shapes, on Monday August 1 at 2 p.m. For a relaxing time before bed, children can wear their pajamas and attend “Pajama Storytime” on Tuesday, August 2 at 6:45 p.m. in the Stained Glass Story Nook. Crafts for age three and up continue on Thursday, August 4 at 3 p.m.

Whale Tales by the Water. Kids, come hear whale stories and make a craft on Tuesday, August 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Sunset Lake. Mayor Sullivan will be joining Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian, as a celebrity reader. Whale Tales by the Water is an exciting new program to promote reading and Braintree’s summer water spots. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan at 781-848-0405 x4426 or estrachan@braintreema.gov.

Did you know that dolphins are part of the whale family? Join us for a special showing of “The Cove,” a documentary film that depicts graphic scenes of dolphin slaughter in Japan. Part of One Braintree, One Book community-wide read, our selected title, Moby-Dick. SPECIAL NOTE: this film is not appropriate for children. On Wednesday, August 10 at 6 p.m. We are fortunate to have as guest speaker, Dr. Ian Kerr of Ocean Alliance, an environmental scientist whose company produced the film. For more information, contact Betsy Wolfe, Director at 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov. 

Kids, have a Whale of a Summer @Thayer Public Library by participating in our summer reading program. When you sign up, you get a goodie bag with a bookmark, a pencil, a reading log and a calendar of events. We encourage you to read for fun all summer long. Those who read and bring back your log on August 18 or after, get a certificate and a prize. “Have a Whale of a Summer” is part of One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick community-wide read to support literacy and town pride. Ocean, whales, and sea animals are highlighted in programs on science, drawing, crafts, movies, book discussions, games, and pajama story times. There are programs for children ages infant through entering grade 6. Book discussions of shorter versions of “Moby-Dick” for kids and families will be held August 10. See full descriptions of all programs at www.thayerpubliclibrary.org under Upcoming Events.

Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs except excursions are free and open to the public.  You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


July 20, 2011

Come one, come all. There is still time to sign up. One Braintree, One Book is sponsoring two more discount-priced excursions on the whaling theme. Buses leave from Thayer Public Library’s parking lot. Contact Braintree Recreation Department today to sign up at www.braintreerec.com, or call 781-794-8910. Don’t miss out on these exciting chances to experience some of the history and inspiration for whales, whaling, and the great white whale, Moby Dick. Thar she blows!

On Saturday, July 30, visit Arrowhead, home of Herman Melville, author of “Moby-Dick”. Arrowhead is where “Moby-Dick” was written. This all-day trip includes lunch at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge and a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum. For ages 12 and up.

And on Saturday, August 6, join a Gloucester-based Cape Ann Whale Watch. For all ages. Can you think of a better way to spend a Saturday summer morning? I can’t.

Travelling the world this summer? We can help you learn a new language before you go. Thayer Public Library has three language programs for you to try – BYKI, PowerSpeak and Rocket Languages. BYKI uses flashcards to teach you a set of foreign words or phrases to lock them in your long term memory. Sign up in the library, then use the program from any Internet computer. PowerSpeak helps you learn a new language for travel, business, or personal enrichment. Engaging courses use progressive language learning methods that are entertaining and effective. Rocket Languages is our newest online language program. It uses interactive audio lessons that you can use on your computer or transfer to an MP3 player, as well as software-based learning games and language and culture lessons. Find links to all of these programs at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. Try them all and let us know which you like best.

Kids, have a Whale of a Summer @Thayer Public Library by participating in our summer reading program. When you sign up, you get a goodie bag with a bookmark, a pencil, a reading log and a calendar of events. We encourage you to read for fun all summer long. Those who read and bring back their log on August 18 or after, get a certificate and a prize. “Have a Whale of a Summer” is part of One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick community-wide read to support literacy and town pride. Ocean, whales, and sea animals are highlighted in programs on science, drawing, crafts, movies, book discussions, games, and pajama story times. There are programs for children ages infant through entering grade 6. Book discussions of shorter versions of “Moby-Dick” for kids and families will be held August 10. See full descriptions of all programs at www.thayerpubliclibrary.org under Upcoming Events.

Help us celebrate One Braintree, One Book with a viewing of the best remake ever of the movie Moby Dick. Produced in 1998, featuring Patrick Stewart as Captain Ahab and Gregory Peck as Father Mapple. Thursday, July 21, doors open at 6:30 p.m., movie at 7 p.m. Please note the new location at Logan Auditorium, Thayer Public Library (not Braintree Town Hall as was originally advertised.) Free popcorn!

Whale Tales by the Water on Monday, July 25, 10:30 a.m. at Smith Beach. Kids, come hear whale stories read by Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian, and make a craft. And on August 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Sunset Lake, Mayor Sullivan will be joining Elisabeth as a celebrity reader. Whale Tales by the Water is an exciting new program to promote reading and Braintree’s summer water spots. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan at 781-848-0405 x4426 or estrachan@braintreema.gov.

We’re done discussing “Moby-Dick.” But you can still join us for two upcoming book discussions as part of One Braintree, One Book community-wide read. “Ahab's Wife” by Sena Jeter Naslund, led by Priscilla Crane, Reference Librarian, will be held on Tuesday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to join in and talk about this novel which is based on the story of Moby Dick. On Monday, August 1 at 6:30 p.m., join Assistant Director Terri Stano for “The Whale” by Philip Hoare, a highly acclaimed nonfiction book. Free refreshments. No sign up necessary. Books are available for loan at the main circulation desk.

Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs except excursions are free and open to the public.  You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


July 13, 2011

Kids, have a Whale of a Summer @Thayer Public Library by participating in our summer reading program. Sign-ups have just started. When you sign up, you get a goodie bag with a bookmark, a pencil, a reading log and a calendar of events. We encourage you to read for fun all summer long. Those who read and bring back their log on August 18 or after, get a certificate and a prize. The program dovetails with summer reading for school, as you can list your titles on the school log also and get small prizes.

Mayor Sullivan will be joining Whale Tales by the Water on August 9 at 10:30 a.m. As a Celebrity Reader, he will read a children’s whale story at Sunset Lake. Whale Tales by the Water is an exciting new program to highlight three of Braintree’s summer water spots. These story times, which include an easy craft, will also take place at Smith Beach on July 25th at 10:30 a.m.

“Have a Whale of a Summer” is part of One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick community-wide read to support literacy and town pride. Ocean, whales, and sea animals will be highlighted in programs on science, drawing, crafts, movies, book discussions, games, and pajama story times. There are programs for children ages infant through entering grade 6. Book discussions of shorter versions of “Moby-Dick” for kids and families will be held August 10. See full descriptions of all programs at www.thayerpubliclibrary.org under Upcoming Events.

Learn about Scrimshaw and Nantucket baskets from expert Parke Madden of Paul Madden Antiques, Sandwich, Mass. Part of One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick. For adults and teens on Thursday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Braintree's Got Talent. Join us for our annual Young Adult talent competition, open to participants ages 12-18. Contestants must sign up. Space is limited. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, generously provided by the Friends of Thayer Public Library. On Tuesday, July 19 from 6 to 7:45 p.m. For more information contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian, at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

Help us celebrate One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick with a viewing of the best remake ever of the movie Moby Dick. Produced in 1998, featuring Patrick Stewart as Captain Ahab and Gregory Peck as Father Mapple. Thursday, July 21, doors open at 6:30 p.m., movie at 7 p.m. Please note the new location at Logan Auditorium, Thayer Public Library (not Braintree Town Hall as was originally advertised.) Free popcorn!

One Braintree, One Book is sponsoring three discount-priced excursions on the whaling theme. All buses leave from Thayer Public Library’s parking lot. We reserve the right to cancel for insufficient registration, so contact Braintree Recreation Department today to sign up at www.braintreerec.com. Or call 781-794-8910. Don’t miss out on these exciting chances to experience some of the history and inspiration for whales, whaling, and the great white whale, Moby Dick. Thar she blows!

On Saturday, July 30, visit Arrowhead, home of Herman Melville, author of “Moby-Dick”. Arrowhead is where “Moby-Dick” was written. All day trip includes lunch at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge and a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum. For ages 12 and up. On Saturday, August 6, join a Gloucester-based Cape Ann Whale Watch. For all ages.

One Braintree, One Book is sponsoring three discount-priced excursions on the whaling theme. All buses leave from Thayer Public Library’s parking lot. We reserve the right to cancel for insufficient registration, so contact Braintree Recreation Department today to sign up at www.braintreerec.com. Or call 781-794-8910. Don’t miss out on these exciting chances to experience some of the history and inspiration for whales, whaling, and the great white whale, Moby Dick. Thar she blows!

Saturday, July 16 is a trip to the New Bedford Whaling Museum and Seamen’s Bethel Chapel. For all ages. Deadline to sign up is Friday, July 8, so don’t delay. On Saturday, July 30, visit Arrowhead, home of Herman Melville, author of “Moby-Dick”. Arrowhead is where “Moby-Dick” was written. All day trip includes lunch at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge and a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum. For ages 12 and up. On Saturday, August 6, join a Gloucester-based Cape Ann Whale Watch. For all ages.

Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs except excursions are free and open to the public.  You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.



July 6, 2011

I’m sure by now you’ve seen the beautiful new gardens in front of the library. Aren’t they gorgeous? In the early spring at my request, a new Friends Gardening Group was formed with members of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Throughout the summer and fall you will see volunteers watering, weeding, and caring for this new garden which over the years will bloom and thrive. Our garden project is an example of the way that the Friends work to enhance the library. If you would like to become a member of the Friends, pick up an application at the library, or contact friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov or 781-848-0405 x4002. Where would we be without our Friends?

Mayor Sullivan will be joining Whale Tales by the Water on August 9 at 10:30 a.m. As a Celebrity Reader, he will read a children’s whale story at Sunset Lake. Whale Tales by the Water is an exciting new program to highlight three of Braintree’s summer water spots. These story times, which include an easy craft, will also take place at Pond Meadow on July 12 and Smith Beach on July 25, both at 10:30 a.m.

Kids, have a Whale of a Summer @Thayer Public Library by participating in our summer reading program. Sign-ups have just started. When you sign up, you get a goodie bag with a bookmark, a pencil, a reading log and a calendar of events. We encourage you to read for fun all summer long. Those who read and bring back their log on August 18 or after, get a certificate and a prize. The program dovetails with summer reading for school, as you can list your titles on the school log also and get small prizes.

“Have a Whale of a Summer” is part of One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick community-wide read to support literacy and town pride. Ocean, whales, and sea animals will be highlighted in programs on science, drawing, crafts, movies, book discussions, games, and pajama story times. There are programs for children ages infant through entering grade 6. Book discussions of shorter versions of “Moby-Dick” for kids and families will be held August 10. See full descriptions of all programs at www.thayerpubliclibrary.org under Upcoming Events.

We have one more “Moby-Dick” book discussion upcoming on Wednesday, July 6, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. led by Betsy Wolfe, Library Director. All are welcome to join in and talk about this great American novel. Even if you haven’t read the book but are interested, or if you haven’t finished the book, stop by our totally nonjudgmental discussion group. Free refreshments. Please stop by.

“A Life Among Whales” documentary film showing on Monday, July 11 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.. Part of One Braintree, One Book community read, our selected title, Moby-Dick.

Learn about Scrimshaw and Nantucket baskets from expert Parke Madden of Paul Madden Antiques, Sandwich, Mass. Part of One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick. For adults and teens on Thursday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Come see "Too Human" in concert on Tuesday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m. A celebration of song with the great American songbook and beyond. For families, seniors, adults. This program is sponsored in part by the Braintree Arts Lottery Council and supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

One Braintree, One Book is sponsoring three discount-priced excursions on the whaling theme. All buses leave from Thayer Public Library’s parking lot. We reserve the right to cancel for insufficient registration, so contact Braintree Recreation Department today to sign up at www.braintreerec.com. Or call 781-794-8910. Don’t miss out on these exciting chances to experience some of the history and inspiration for whales, whaling, and the great white whale, Moby Dick. Thar she blows!

Saturday, July 16 is a trip to the New Bedford Whaling Museum and Seamen’s Bethel Chapel. For all ages. Deadline to sign up is Friday, July 8, so don’t delay. On Saturday, July 30, visit Arrowhead, home of Herman Melville, author of “Moby-Dick”. Arrowhead is where “Moby-Dick” was written. All day trip includes lunch at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge and a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum. For ages 12 and up. On Saturday, August 6, join a Gloucester-based Cape Ann Whale Watch. For all ages.

Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs except excursions are free and open to the public.  You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


June 29, 2011

Where have you traveled in the world? The library has posted a board on each floor for patrons to check off the different places they have visited. It turns out we are a very well traveled bunch. So far, five people checked off the Northern Mariana Islands. One has been to each of Laos and Nigeria, Mali, Puerto Rico, Vatican City, The Gambia and Belgium. More than 60 people checked the UK, followed closely by Canada, France, Mexico, Italy, and Aruba. Next comes Russia with 12. The jackpot foreign destination was Ireland with over 60 checkmarks. No surprise at all, the #1 destination was…the United States. There is still plenty of time to come visit our travel boards and mark where you’ve been in the world. Stop by the library today. And send us a postcard on your travels. We’ll hang it up in the library.

Closer to home, Mayor Sullivan will be joining Whale Tales by the Water on August 9 at 10:30 a.m. As a Celebrity Reader, he will read a children’s whale story at Sunset Lake. Whale Tales by the Water is an exciting new program to highlight three of Braintree’s summer water spots. These story times, which include an easy craft, will also take place at Pond Meadow on July 12 and Smith Beach on July 25, both at 10:30 a.m.

Kids: Have a Whale of a Summer @Thayer Public Library by participating in our summer reading program. Sign-ups have just started. When you sign up, you get a goodie bag with a bookmark, a pencil, a reading log and a calendar of events. We encourage you to read for fun all summer long. Those who read and bring back their log on August 18 or after, get a certificate and a prize. The program dovetails with summer reading for school, as you can list your titles on the school log also and get small prizes.

“Have a Whale of a Summer” is part of One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick community-wide read to support literacy and town pride. Ocean, whales, and sea animals will be highlighted in programs on science, drawing, crafts, movies, book discussions, games, and pajama story times. There are programs for children ages infant through entering grade 6. Book discussions of shorter versions of “Moby-Dick” for kids and families will be held August 10. See full descriptions of all programs at www.thayerpubliclibrary.org under Upcoming Events.

Ahoy Matey’s! More programs coming up for kids. Board Game Fun on Wednesday, July 6 at 3 p.m. for ages 8 and up. You bring the fun and a friend if you like: we provide the board games. “Stuff-a-Whale” craft on Thursday, July 7 at 2 p.m. is for ages 3 and up. 

We have one more “Moby-Dick” book discussion upcoming on Wednesday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m. led by Betsy Wolfe, Library Director. All are welcome to join in and talk about this great American novel. Even if you haven’t read the book but are interested, or if you haven’t finished the book, stop by our totally nonjudgmental discussion group. Free refreshments. For more information, contact Betsy Wolfe at 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov.

The Brown Bag Book Club will be reading “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett for its July 15 meeting. This international bestseller has been made into a film, to be released in theatres at the end of July. Attend our book club and discuss before you go see the movie. Meetings are held in Conference Room A on the upper level from 12pm to 1pm. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the main circulation desk. All are welcome to attend. For more information contact Erin Creighton, Circulation Librarian at ecreighton@braintreema.gov or 781-848-0405 x4430.

One Braintree, One Book is sponsoring three discount-priced excursions on the whaling theme. All buses leave from Thayer Public Library’s parking lot. We reserve the right to cancel for insufficient registration, so contact Braintree Recreation Department today to sign up at www.braintreerec.com. Or call 781-794-8910. Don’t miss out on these exciting chances to experience some of the history and inspiration for whales, whaling, and the great white whale, Moby Dick. Thar she blows!

Saturday, July 16 is a trip to the New Bedford Whaling Museum and Seamen’s Bethel Chapel. For all ages. Saturday, July 30, visit Arrowhead, home of Herman Melville, author of “Moby-Dick”. Arrowhead is where “Moby-Dick” was written. All day trip includes lunch at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge and a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum. For ages 12 and up. Saturday, August 6, join a Gloucester-based Cape Ann Whale Watch. For all ages.

Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


June 22, 2011

In support of our featured title “Moby-Dick” for One Braintree, One Book community-wide read for literacy and town pride, Mayor Sullivan and Thayer Public Library are sponsoring three excursions on the whaling theme. All excursions are reasonably priced and heavily discounted, with buses leaving from Thayer Public Library’s parking lot. We reserve the right to cancel for insufficient registration, so contact Braintree Recreation Department today to sign up at www.braintreerec.com. Or call 781-794-8910. Don’t miss out on these exciting chances to experience some of the history and inspiration for whales, whaling, and the great white whale, Moby Dick.

First up on Saturday, July 16 is a trip to the New Bedford Whaling Museum and Seamen’s Bethel Chapel. History buffs will enjoy historic New Bedford, the setting of “Moby-Dick” with a visit to the chapel that served as the real inspiration for Father Mapple’s famous sermon. Science and ocean geeks will find the Whaling Museum fascinating. Literature fans will glory in the great American novel. Bring a bag lunch. For all ages.

Next, on Saturday, July 30, we will be visiting Arrowhead, the home of Herman Melville, author of Moby-Dick. Arrowhead is where “Moby-Dick” was written. This all- day trip includes lunch at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge and a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum before returning home. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Last but not least, we’ve booked a Gloucester based Cape Ann Whale Watch on Saturday, August 6. For all ages. Full galley kitchen has lunch and snacks for purchase. Wear sneakers, bring sunscreen and a sweater. If you sail the high seas out of Gloucester port, maybe you’ll spot a whale and be lucky enough to be able to shout “Thar she blows!”

Come watch a movie about freeing a killer whale from captivity on Saturday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m. on the big screen in Logan Auditorium. Part of One Braintree, One Book and our selected title “Moby-Dick". For all ages, free refreshments. No signup required.

MOBY-DICK classic 1956 movie on Wednesday, June 29. Come help us celebrate One Braintree, One Book with a viewing of the classic movie Moby Dick. Produced in 1956, featuring Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab. Doors open at 6:30pm; movie at 7pm. Free popcorn. Please note, this event is being held at Braintree Town Hall auditorium.

Whale Science for ages 6 and up on Tuesday, June 28 at 1:30 p.m. Hands-on activities to learn about whales. We will measure how long a whale is. How do whales keep warm in a cold ocean? Part of the "A Whale of a Summer at the library" Children's Summer Reading Program and "One Braintree, One Book: Moby Dick" community read. All library programs are free. No registration for children's programs. For more information contact the Children's Department at 781-848-0405 x4425. 

Teens, listen up. Did you know that with your Braintree library card, you can download three free music titles every week through our online Sony Freegal music download site? It’s true, and with half a million titles to choose from, you will surely find something you want to listen to. Download direct to your ITunes account. You do the math – over 150 songs for free this upcoming year if you start now. Don’t wait; visit our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net and click on Freegal. Of course Freegal, like all our library resources, is available to Braintree patrons of all ages.

Next time you visit the Young Adult room, make sure you check out our DVD collection. We have timeless teen movies along with current hit blockbusters, pop culture favorites and cult classics. Our collection is growing, and we always welcome suggestions.

Our Young Adult Department is going full steam ahead with a whale of a summer, gearing up with many events, programs, and activities planned for the next few months. Best of all, they are all free and open to tweens and teens ages 12 to 18. For more information on young adult programs, contact Reba Tierney, YA Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov. Did you know Reba writes a blog? Check out “Reba Recommends” on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

June 15, 2011

Whale Day with New England Aquarium was a gigantic success! Over 820 people visited Braintree Town Hall on Saturday, June 4th to see the enormous model right whale and to discover and learn more about our humongous fellow creatures, whales of the deep blue sea. Many thanks go to Mayor Sullivan for hosting this special event and for spearheading One Braintree, One Book, our community wide read in support of literacy and community pride. Thanks also go to the Friends of Thayer Public Library for selling copies of “Moby-Dick” and to our fantastic volunteers who assisted the Aquarium staff with the exhibits. What an epic day we had.

If you have read “Moby-Dick” or some version of it, join me, Director Betsy Wolfe, on Thursday, June 16 from 6:30 to 7:30pm in Logan Auditorium for free refreshments and a book discussion. This is a nonjudgmental book club. We will have fun discussing this classic great American novel. No sign up required.

Have a whale of a summer @Thayer Public Library. In celebration of One Braintree, One Book and our selected title “Moby-Dick," stop by the library to see our special whale exhibit located in the display case on the main level. Have you ever seen whale vertebrae? How about whale baleen, or a whale tooth? Here’s your chance. And don’t forget to tell us where you’ve traveled the high seas by marking one of our where-have-you-been boards, located on all levels. Complete a Treasure Hunt sheet and bring it to the upper level circulation desk for a small prize. Finally, send us a post card while off on your journeys. We will hang all post cards in the library through the end of the summer.

Teens, listen up. Did you know that with your Braintree library card, you can download three free music titles every week through our online Sony Freegal music download site? It’s true, and with half a million titles to choose from, you will surely find something you want to listen to. Download direct to your ITunes account. You do the math – over 150 songs for free this upcoming year if you start now. Don’t wait; visit our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net and click on Freegal. Of course Freegal, like all our library resources, is available to Braintree patrons of all ages.

Our Young Adult Department is going full steam ahead with a whale of a summer, gearing up with many events, programs, and activities planned for the next few months. Best of all, they are all free and open to tweens and teens ages 12 to 18. For more information on young adult programs, contact Reba Tierney, YA Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov. Did you know Reba writes a blog? Check out “Reba Recommends” on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

Next time you visit the Young Adult room, make sure you check out our DVD collection. We have timeless teen movies along with current hit blockbusters, pop culture favorites and cult classics. Our collection is growing, and we always welcome suggestions. 

The Middle School Book Club will continue to meet throughout the summer. Our next meeting is Thursday, June 16 at 6 p.m. to discuss the mystery/thriller “The House of Dead Maids” by Clare B. Dunkle. Copies of this book will be on hold and available at the main circulation desk. New members are always welcome. If you are in middle school and like to read, this is the club for you.

We are proud to sponsor guest artist and poet Yetti Frankel, who will lead a YA poetry workshop on Saturday, June 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This workshop will feature multiple forms of poetry, including haiku and tanka.

On Tuesday, June 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. we officially kick off our YA Summer Reading program, featuring the theme, “You are Here.” We’re really excited about this theme, especially since it ties into our One Braintree, One Book selection “Moby-Dick.” Ask Reba her opinion about how “You are Here” and “Moby Dick” are connected. Join us for summer treats, cool prizes and more. This celebration will be held in the Young Adult Room.

Sign up now for watercolor painting classes with artist Robyn Franczyk in celebration of One Braintree, One Book. Four classes are being offered at 2:15 p.m. on June 28, July 12, and July 26. Each class will cover a different topic. Register separately for each class that you would like to attend. Supplies are provided. Registration is required; call the information desk at 781-848-0405 x4417 or sign up online through the online calendar. Classes are open to teens and adults.

Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


June 1, 2011

Our Young Adult Department is going full steam ahead with a whale of a summer, gearing up with many events, programs, and activities planned for the next few months. Best of all, they are all free and open to tweens and teens ages 12 to 18. For more information on young adult programs, contact Reba Tierney, YA Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov. Did you know Reba writes a blog? Check out “Reba Recommends” on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

The Middle School Book Club will continue to meet throughout the summer. Our next meeting is Thursday, June 16 at 6 p.m. to discuss the mystery/thriller “The House of Dead Maids” by Clare B. Dunkle. Copies of this book will be on hold and available at the main circulation desk. New members are always welcome. If you are in middle school and like to read, this is the club for you.

On Saturday, June 11 from 2 to 3 p.m., the Teen Advisory Group (TAG) will meet in the Young Adult Room. TAG members help plan events and programs, as well as offer suggestions and recommendations for new materials including video games, CDs, DVDs, books and more. We are always looking for new members; please contact Reba if you are interested.

Sign up now for watercolor painting classes with artist Robyn Franczyk in celebration of One Braintree, One Book. Four classes are being offered at 2:15 p.m. on June 14, June 28, July 12, and July 26. Each class will cover a different topic. Register separately for each class that you would like to attend. Supplies are provided. Registration is required; call the information desk at 781-848-0405 x4417 or sign up online through the online calendar. Classes are open to teens and adults.

We are proud to sponsor guest artist and poet Yetti Frankel, who will lead a YA poetry workshop on Saturday, June 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This workshop will feature multiple forms of poetry, including haiku and tanka.

On Tuesday, June 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. we officially kick off our YA Summer Reading program, featuring the theme, “You are Here.” We’re really excited about this theme, especially since it ties into our One Braintree, One Book selection “Moby-Dick.” Ask Reba her opinion about how “You are Here” and “Moby Dick” are connected. Join us for summer treats, cool prizes and more. This celebration will be held in the Young Adult Room. 

Have a whale of a summer @Thayer Public Library. In celebration of One Braintree, One Book and our selected title “Moby-Dick," stop by the library to see our special whale exhibit located in the display case on the main level. Have you ever seen whale vertebrae? How about whale baleen, or a whale tooth? Here’s your chance. And don’t forget to tell us where you’ve traveled the high seas by marking one of our where-have-you-been boards, located on all levels. Complete a Treasure Hunt sheet and bring it to the upper level circulation desk for a small prize. Finally, send us a post card while off on your journeys. We will hang all post cards in the library through the end of the summer.

Please see the Forum’s calendar listings for additional programs and events. All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


May 25, 2011

Will the sun ever shine again? It may not feel like spring outside, but inside the library the Young Adult Department is going full steam ahead and gearing up for summer with many events, programs, and activities planned for the next few months. Best of all, they are all free and open to tweens and teens ages 12 to 18. For more information on young adult programs, contact Reba Tierney, YA Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov. Did you know Reba writes a blog? Check out “Reba Recommends” on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

The Middle School Book Club will continue to meet throughout the summer. Our next meeting is Thursday, June 16 at 6 p.m. to discuss the mystery/thriller “The House of Dead Maids” by Clare B. Dunkle. Copies of this book will be on hold and available at the main circulation desk. New members are always welcome. If you are in middle school and like to read, this is the club for you.

On Saturday, June 11 from 2 to 3 p.m., the Teen Advisory Group (TAG) will meet in the Young Adult Room. TAG members help plan events and programs, as well as offer suggestions and recommendations for new materials including video games, CDs, DVDs, books and more. We are always looking for new members; please contact Reba if you are interested. 

We are proud to sponsor guest artist and poet Yetti Frankel, who will lead a YA poetry workshop on Saturday, June 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This workshop will feature multiple forms of poetry, including haiku and tanka.

On Tuesday, June 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. we officially kick off our YA Summer Reading program, featuring the theme, “You are Here.” We’re really excited about this theme, especially since it ties into our One Braintree, One Book selection “Moby-Dick.” Ask Reba her opinion about how “You are Here” and “Moby Dick” are connected. Join us for summer treats, cool prizes and more. This celebration will be held in the Young Adult Room. 

Have a whale of a summer @Thayer Public Library. In celebration of One Braintree, One Book and our selected title “Moby-Dick," stop by the library to see our special whale exhibit located in the display case on the main level. Have you ever seen whale vertebrae? How about whale baleen, or a whale tooth? Here’s your chance. And don’t forget to tell us where you’ve traveled the high seas by marking one of our where-have-you-been boards, located on all levels. Complete a Treasure Hunt sheet and bring it to the upper level circulation desk for a small prize. Finally, send us a post card while off on your journeys. We will hang all post cards in the library through the end of the summer.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


May 18, 2011

Have a whale of a summer @Thayer Public Library. Announcing Braintree’s first annual community read. Mayor Joseph Sullivan and the Thayer Public Library Board of Trustees cordially invite you to participate in One Braintree, One Book. Our selected title is the classic heroic novel, “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville, published in 1851. This community read is meant for all ages to support literacy and community spirit in Braintree. There are so many opportunities to have fun this spring and summer, I can’t list them all here. Check out our online calendar at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net for complete information. Or pick up a schedule of programs and events related to One Braintree, One Book at the library.

Save the date: August 18 at 5 p.m. We’ve lined up jazz wonder Moby Dick & the Wailers for our Ice Cream Social under the big tent to be held on August 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. We’ll be working with the Braintree Historical Society to feature children’s games of the 1850s era, henna tattooing so you can become a Maori warrior just like Queequeg, learn your nautical knots with volunteer boy scouts, and play a round of ball in a game that predates baseball as we know it. 

Stop by the library to see our special whale exhibit located in the display case on the main level. Have you ever seen whale vertebrae? How about whale baleen, or a whale tooth? Here’s your chance. And don’t forget to tell us where you’ve traveled the high seas by marking one of our where-have-you-been boards, located on all levels. Complete a Treasure Hunt sheet and bring it to the upper level circulation desk for a small prize. Finally, send us a post card while off on your journeys. We will hang all post cards in the library through the end of the summer.

Get your whale on. Coming up on Saturday, May 28 at 2:30 p.m., join us for “Whales: An Unforgettable Journey” documentary film. This spectacular movie was made for IMAX theaters, and though we don’t have that capacity at the library, the quality is superb. Suitable for all ages. Free refreshments.

Whale Day with New England Aquarium is coming to Braintree Town Hall on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In celebration of One Braintree, One Book and our featured title “Moby-Dick,” New England Aquarium will present a giant model right whale and 10 science activity stations on the subject of whales and ocean environment. This event will be open house style, free and open to the public. All ages welcome.

Our first adult book discussion of “Moby-Dick” is Thursday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m., led by Betsy Wolfe, Library Director. Bring your own copy, borrow it from the library, or purchase at cost, courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Copies of “Moby-Dick” including the complete version, a condensed version, two graphic novels, and a popup book are available. You don’t have to have read the entire uncut version to join our non judgmental book discussion. Free refreshments. For more information, contact Betsy Wolfe, Director at 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov.

Effects of Nuclear Radiation, a lecture by M.I.T. professors, Drs. John Bewick and Otto K Harling on Thursday, May 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Topics of discussion include the recent nuclear power plant failures in Japan; the heightened public concern related to nuclear radiation; radiation characteristics and radiation exposure and effects from natural as well as human made sources; an explanation of what happened to the Japanese power reactors at Fukushima; and the Fukushima reactor failures in perspective with other major radiation incidents in the world and in the USA. Free refreshments. For more information, contact Betsy Wolfe, Library Director at 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


May 11, 2011

Have a whale of a summer @Thayer Public Library. Announcing Braintree’s first annual community read. Mayor Joseph Sullivan and the Thayer Public Library Board of Trustees cordially invite you to participate in One Braintree, One Book. Our selected title is the classic heroic novel, “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville, published in 1851. This community read is meant for all ages to support literacy and community spirit in Braintree. We promise loads of fun and the chance to read together. We’ve lined up jazz wonder Moby Dick & the Wailers for our Ice Cream Social under the big tent to be held on August 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. A schedule of programs and events related to One Braintree, One Book is available at the library.

Our first adult book discussion of “Moby-Dick” is Thursday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m., led by Betsy Wolfe, Library Director. Bring your own copy, borrow it from the library, or purchase at cost, courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Copies of “Moby-Dick” including the complete version, a condensed version, two graphic novels, and a popup book are available. You don’t have to have read the entire uncut version to join our non judgmental book discussion. Free refreshments. For more information, contact Betsy Wolfe, Director at 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov.

Take the mystery out of properly maintaining your personal computer. Learn the technical basics of your PC, Windows updates and configuration, virus protection, and more on Wednesday, May 11 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. No registration required. For more information, contact Terri Stano, Assistant Director at 781-848-0405 x 4414 or tstano@braintreema.gov. 

Join in a Circle of Songs with performer Hugh Hanley. Geared to young children and their families. Hugh draws from a wide and varied repertoire of songs, finger plays, and music activities that are appropriate, accessible, and highly engaging. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, and in part by Comcast. No sign-ups needed. Saturday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m.

Effects of Nuclear Radiation, a lecture by M.I.T. professors, Drs. John Bewick and Otto K Harling on Thursday, May 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Topics of discussion include the recent nuclear power plant failures in Japan; the heightened public concern related to nuclear radiation; radiation characteristics and radiation exposure and effects from natural as well as human made sources; an explanation of what happened to the Japanese power reactors at Fukushima; and the Fukushima reactor failures in perspective with other major radiation incidents in the world and in the USA. Free refreshments. For more information, contact Betsy Wolfe, Library Director at 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov.

Get your whale on and start the summer off right with One Braintree, One Book. Coming up on Saturday, May 28 at 2:30 p.m., join us for “Whales: An Unforgettable Journey” documentary film. This spectacular movie was made for IMAX theaters, and though we don’t have that capacity at the library, the quality is superb. Suitable for all ages. Free refreshments.

Whale Day with New England Aquarium is coming to Braintree Town Hall on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In celebration of One Braintree, One Book and our featured title “Moby-Dick,” New England Aquarium will present a giant model right whale and 10 science activity stations on the subject of whales and ocean environment. This event will be open house style, free and open to the public. All ages welcome.


All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


May 4, 2011

All things Moby Dick: Where in the world have you visited? Where would you like to go? Sail away with Thayer Public Library’s Where In the World Have You Been marker boards located on each floor of the library. Tell us where the tides and high winds have taken you. While you’re here, pick up a Treasure Hunt sheet. If you answer all the questions correctly, you can turn it in to the Children’s Circulation desk on the upper level for a small prize. Finally, send us a post card while traveling. We’ll be displaying your post cards throughout the building for the entire summer in celebration of One Braintree, One Book.

Have you started reading “Moby-Dick” yet? Let’s have a whale of a summer @Thayer Public Library. Announcing Braintree’s first annual community read. Mayor Joseph Sullivan and the Thayer Public Library Board of Trustees cordially invite you to participate in One Braintree, One Book. Our selected title is the classic heroic novel, “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville, published in 1851. This community read is meant for all ages to support literacy and community spirit in Braintree. We promise loads of fun and the chance to read together. We’ve already lined up jazz wonder Moby Dick & the Wailers for our Ice Cream Social under the big tent to be held on August 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. A schedule of programs and events related to One Braintree, One Book is available at the library. Copies of “Moby-Dick” including the complete version, a condensed version, two graphic novels, and a popup book are available for purchase at cost, courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. For more information, contact Betsy Wolfe, Director at 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov.

Our annual Author/Speaker Series has highlighted historians, cookbook authors, novelists, poets and more. Coming up on Monday, May 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., join hilarious author and classical musician Justin Locke for an author talk and book signing. He will discuss his book "Principles of Applied Stupidity: How to Get and Do More by Thinking and Knowing Less." This is Justin's second event at the library; his first was "Real Men Don't Rehearse." Guaranteed to make you laugh. Friends of Thayer Public Library will have Justin's book available for sale, proceeds benefit the library. Light refreshments will be served. 

Take the mystery out of properly maintaining your personal computer. Learn the technical basics of your PC, Windows updates and configuration, virus protection, and more on Wednesday, May 11 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. No registration required. For more information, contact Terri Stano, Assistant Director at 781-848-0405 x 4414 or tstano@braintreema.gov. 

Coming up Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m. Birds and Nests for grades K-5. Hands-on activities about birds and nests. Come discover and learn with library staff.

Join in a Circle of Songs with performer Hugh Hanley. Geared to young children and their families. Hugh draws from a wide and varied repertoire of songs, finger plays, and music activities that are appropriate, accessible, and highly engaging. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, and in part by Comcast. No sign-ups needed. Saturday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m.

Calling all volunteers: Whale Day @with New England Aquarium is coming to Braintree Town Hall on Saturday, June 4 from 10am to 2pm. In celebration of One Braintree, One Book and our featured title “Moby-Dick,” New England Aquarium will present a giant model right whale and 10 science activity stations on the subject of whales and ocean environment. This event will be open house style, free and open to the public. We need 10 to 12 volunteers who will be trained the morning of June 4th at 9am to help Aquarium staff handle the exhibits. Free pizza lunch for all volunteers will be provided. Please call Betsy Wolfe, Library Director to volunteer at 781-848-0405 x4420. (Note that this is Braintree HS graduation day; please do not volunteer if you will be there.) Thank you.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

 April 27, 2011

Let’s have a whale of a summer @Thayer Public Library. Announcing Braintree’s first annual community read. Mayor Joseph Sullivan and the Thayer Public Library Board of Trustees cordially invite you to participate in One Braintree, One Book. Our selected title is the classic heroic novel, “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville, published in 1851. This community read is meant for all ages to support literacy and community spirit in Braintree. We promise loads of fun and the chance to read together. We’ve already lined up jazz wonder Moby Dick & the Wailers for our Ice Cream Social under the big tent to be held on August 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. A schedule of programs and events related to One Braintree, One Book is available at the library. Copies of “Moby-Dick” including the complete version, a condensed version, two graphic novels, and a popup book are available for purchase at cost, courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. We’ve even got a treasure hunt you can do today and win a small prize. For more information, contact Betsy Wolfe, Director at 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov.

Author/Speaker Series – Monday, May 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join hilarious author and classical musician Justin Locke for an author talk and book signing. He will discuss his book "Principles of Applied Stupidity: How to Get and Do More by Thinking and Knowing Less." This is Justin's second event at the library; his first was "Real Men Don't Rehearse." Guaranteed to make you laugh. Friends of Thayer Public Library will have Justin's book available for sale, proceeds benefit the library. Light refreshments will be served. 

I’ve said it before, we have to get our money’s worth out of the library’s extensive online products that have been carefully chosen by our experienced reference librarians to add a great deal of value to our physical library collection. Almost all of our online products can be accessed right from your home computer. From Chilton’s automotive repair guides to language learning to free music, there is a product you will like and use once you’ve seen it. Take advantage starting today. I’ve listed a few below, but there are many more on our website. Oh, and don’t forget our growing collection of library museum and attraction passes that make your sightseeing and museum trips affordable.

Got a Thayer Public Library card? Then you can use Freegal, the free and legal way to download music. Download a song once and transfer it to whatever music player you use. You can choose three free music downloads each and every week. That is over 150 free songs every year. What are you waiting for? Visit our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net and start using Freegal today.

If you’ve been meaning to learn a new language, or if you want to improve your English language skills, the library has two online products that you’ll want to start using today. Powerspeak Languages has French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, and ESL Spanish. Or use BYKI and learn a language “before you know it.” BYKI has dozens of languages you can learn, plus translations from English and back again. 

It's time to reserve your place in the May and June computer classes. Our Computer Series is just the thing for new computer users and for those of us who want to be more effective users. It's a three part series that is offered over three consecutive weeks. Both morning and evening classes are available. Also scheduled is an introduction to Microsoft Word 2007 and the popular Yahoo email class. You may register on our website through the online calendar, call us at 781-848-0405, x4417, or stop by the information desk on the lower level to discuss which class is right for you. See you there.

Honeybees Activities for grades K-5 on Thursday, Apr 28 at 7 p.m. Learn about bees with hands-on activities. This session will be repeated Saturday, Apr 30 at 1 p.m. For more information contact the Children's Department at 781 848-0405 x4425. 

Coming up Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m. Birds and Nests for grades K-5. Hands-on activities about birds and nests. Come discover and learn with library staff.

Join in a Circle of Songs with performer Hugh Hanley. Geared to young children and their families. Hugh draws from a wide and varied repertoire of songs, finger plays, and music activities that are appropriate, accessible, and highly engaging. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. No sign-ups needed. Saturday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


April 13, 2011

A puppet show is coming to town. You and Me Puppets will present "The Selfish Giant" puppet show on Saturday, April 16 at 3 p.m. Several children from the audience will participate by handling the puppets of frost, wind, hail and snowflakes. "The Selfish Giant" is based on a tale by Oscar Wilde. The show is appropriate for families and children of all ages. Judith O'Hare is an award winning artist and educator who brings a dynamic dimension to puppetry. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. 

Food For Fines week is here @Thayer Public Library. April 11 through 16 is National Library Week. To celebrate, we’re conducting our fourth annual Food For Fines amnesty program. During this time only, we will forgive all your overdue fines in exchange for donated food or personal care items at the rate of approximately one item per dollar owed. All donations benefit local Braintree food pantries. Clear up your record and help your community at the same time. For more information stop by the library and pick up a flyer.

Get your whale on. Announcing Braintree’s first annual community read. Mayor Joseph Sullivan and the Thayer Public Library Board of Trustees cordially invite you to participate in One Braintree, One Book. Our selected title is the classic heroic novel, “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville, published in 1851. This community read is meant for all ages to support literacy and community spirit in Braintree. We promise loads of fun and the chance to read together. We’ve already lined up jazz wonder Moby Dick & the Wailers for our Ice Cream Social to be held on August 18. An opening reception during National Library Week will be held on Saturday, April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. A schedule of programs and events related to One Braintree, One Book will be available at that time. Free refreshments will be served. Copies of “Moby-Dick” will be available for purchase at cost, courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. For more information, contact Betsy Wolfe, Director at 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov.

Genealogy Online, a lecture with noted researcher Michael Brophy, will be held on Thursday, April 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mr. Brophy will discuss how to use Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest online. For beginners with no prior knowledge and intermediate users. For more information, contact 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov.

School vacation week is April 19 through 23. Check out our many programs available for your children and teens, too numerous to mention here, by visiting our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, then click on Upcoming Events. Here is just one:

New England Wildlife program for children ages 7 and up only on Friday, April 22 from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Meet and learn about 3 wild animals from the Trailside Museum which is part of the Mass Audubon Society. Become better acquainted with the wildlife found in your own neighborhoods. Learn how habitat change has affected these animals. Presented by a nature educator from the Trailside Museum. This program can accommodate the first 40 children age 7 or older to arrive, no sign-ups. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4426 or estrachan@braintreema.gov.

April is National Poetry Month. Part of our 2011 Author/Speaker Series, join us on Saturday, April 23 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. for a poetry reading. Poet David Kates will read from two memoirs in poetry, "Inheriting Weight: New Work, 2004-2008" and "Completing the Circle: A Son's Memoir,” which focus on fervent renewal after tremendous loss. Friends of Thayer Public Library will have copies of books available for sale, proceeds to benefit the library. Refreshments will be served.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


April 6, 2011

Food For Fines week arrives soon at Thayer Public Library. April 11 through 16 is National Library Week. To celebrate, we’re conducting our fourth annual Food For Fines amnesty program. During this time only, we will forgive all your overdue fines in exchange for donated food or personal care items at the rate of approximately one item per dollar owed. All donations benefit local Braintree food pantries. Clear up your record and help your community at the same time. For more information stop by the library and pick up a flyer.

Sometimes all it takes is being in the right place at the right time. Do you know that you can read newspapers, magazines and technical journals online right through our website? And now it's easier than ever. Through the magic of geo-location, your computer location in Massachusetts is recognized so that you don’t need a library card number to sign in. This magic applies to all our state-sponsored online products. Products provided by Thayer Public Library still require that you enter your Braintree library card number. But don’t throw your card away. You’ll still need it for borrowing real, not virtual magazines and all other physical items.

Reading is great any time, but rainy days are especially made for reading. With April showers upon us, spring is a time for transition where we exchange winter boots for rain boots. An interesting rainy day book that explores the theme of transition is “Left Neglected” by Lisa Genova. A witty and thoughtful novel, this book will have readers reevaluating what it means to have it all. Genova is also the author of “Still Alice.” 

Get your whale on. Announcing Braintree’s first annual community read. Mayor Joseph Sullivan and the Thayer Public Library Board of Trustees cordially invite you to participate in One Braintree, One Book. Our selected title is the classic heroic novel, “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville, published in 1851. This community read is meant for all ages to support literacy and community spirit in Braintree. We promise loads of fun and the chance to read together. We’ve already lined up jazz wonder Moby Dick & the Wailers for our Ice Cream Social to be held on August 18. An opening reception during National Library Week will be held on Saturday, April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. A schedule of programs and events related to One Braintree, One Book will be available at that time. Free refreshments will be served. Copies of “Moby-Dick” will be available for purchase at cost, courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. For more information, contact Betsy Wolfe, Director at 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov.

Coming up on Saturday, April 9, join us for Trustees Spring Tea. These popular sessions of tea and good conversation have become a staple at the library. Sign up for either the 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. session by calling the referenced desk at 781-848-0405 x4417, or sign up through our online calendar at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events and then go to April 9. Tea is for people of all ages; please bring your good old fashioned manners. Reservations recommended.

Join us on Tuesday, April 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for an author talk and book signing of the "Book Club Cookbook" with co-authors Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp. This is part of our 2011 Author/Speaker Series. Friends of Thayer Public Library will have copies of books available for sale, proceeds to benefit the library. Refreshments related to the “Book Club Cookbook” will be served.

Genealogy Online, a lecture with noted researcher Michael Brophy, will be held on Thursday, April 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mr. Brophy will discuss how to use Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest online. For beginners with no prior knowledge and intermediate users. For more information, contact 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov.

A puppet show is coming to town. You and Me Puppets will present "The Selfish Giant" puppet show on Saturday, April 16 at 3 p.m. Several children from the audience will participate by handling the puppets of frost, wind, hail and snowflakes. "The Selfish Giant" is based on a tale by Oscar Wilde. The show is appropriate for families and children of all ages. Judith O'Hare is an award winning artist and educator who brings a dynamic dimension to puppetry. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. 

April is National Poetry Month. Part of our 2011 Author/Speaker Series, join us on Saturday, April 23 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. for a poetry reading. Poet David Kates will read from two memoirs in poetry, "Inheriting Weight: New Work, 2004-2008" and "Completing the Circle: A Son's Memoir,” which focus on fervent renewal after tremendous loss. Friends of Thayer Public Library will have copies of books available for sale, proceeds to benefit the library. Refreshments will be served.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


March 30, 2011

Get your whale on. Announcing Braintree’s first annual community read. Mayor Joseph Sullivan and Thayer Public Library Board of Trustees cordially invite you to participate in One Braintree, One Book. Our selected title is the classic heroic novel, “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville, published in 1851. This community read is meant for all ages to support literacy and community spirit in Braintree. We promise loads of fun and the chance to read together. We’ve already lined up jazz wonder Moby Dick & the Wailers for our Ice Cream Social to be held on August 18. An opening reception during National Library Week will be held on Saturday, April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. A schedule of programs and events related to One Braintree, One Book will be available at that time. Free refreshments will be served. Copies of “Moby-Dick” will be available for purchase at cost, courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. For more information, contact Betsy Wolfe, Director at 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov.

April 11 through 16 is National Library Week. To celebrate, I am happy to announce our fourth annual Food For Fines amnesty program. During this time only, we will forgive all your overdue fines in exchange for donated food or personal care items at the rate of approximately one item per dollar owed. All donations benefit local Braintree food pantries. Clear up your record and help your community at the same time. For more information stop by the library and pick up a flyer.

There are simply too many special events for children and teens during school vacation week to list them here. Please visit our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net and click on Upcoming Events.

Personal finance is more important than ever in these difficult economic times. Are you looking for the next great stock? Need to stay up to date on your investments? The library has a free online trial for Morningstar Investment Research Center. It has information on stocks, funds, ETFs, and much more. There are tools to assemble a portfolio, or use the calculators to help with retirement and college savings decisions. The Morningstar Investment Research Center is packed with helpful information and analysis tools to help you make tough financial decisions. Use it from home or in the library. Just click on the Morningstar link on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. And let us know if you would like us to continue the subscription.

2011 Author/Speaker Series presents local author John Dennehy who will discuss his book "A Look Inside: Braintree" on Thursday, March 31 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mr. Dennehy will present a slide show of historic Braintree, followed by a book signing and reception. Friends of Thayer Public Library will be offering his book for sale, proceeds to benefit the library.

On Saturday April 2 at 2:30 p.m., we are proud to present “Anime Braintree.” This is our third annual homage to “Anime Boston.” We will combine the teen and kids groups for one big “cosplay.” Cosplay is short for Costume Play, and gives Anime/Manga fans the chance to dress as their favorite character and participate in our “Cosplay Runway.” We’ll also have video games on the big screen, a Japanese version of “Duck-Duck Goose”, and plenty of snacks. Mark your calendars now. 

Coming up on Saturday, April 9, join us for Trustees Spring Tea. These popular sessions of tea and good conversation have become a staple at the library. Sign up for either the 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. session by calling the referenced desk at 781-848-0405 x4417, or sign up through our online calendar at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events and then go to April 9. Tea is for people of all ages; please bring your good old fashioned manners. Reservations recommended.

Join us on Tuesday, April 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for an author talk and book signing of the "Book Club Cookbook" with co-authors Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp. This is part of our 2011 Author/Speaker Series. Friends of Thayer Public Library will have copies of books available for sale, proceeds to benefit the library. Refreshments related to the “Book Club Cookbook” will be served.

Genealogy Online, a lecture with noted researcher Michael Brophy, will be held on Thursday, April 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mr. Brophy will discuss how to use Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest online. For beginners with no prior knowledge and intermediate users. For more information, contact 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov.

April is National Poetry Month. As part of our 2011 Author/Speaker Series, join us on Saturday, April 23 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. for a poetry reading. Poet David Kates will read from two memoirs in poetry, "Inheriting Weight: New Work, 2004-2008" and "Completing the Circle: A Son's Memoir,” which focus on fervent renewal after tremendous loss. Friends of Thayer Public Library will have copies of books available for sale, proceeds to benefit the library. Refreshments will be served.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThayerPublicLibrary. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


March 23, 2011

Let’s get our money’s worth. Attention all Braintree music lovers. Today is the day to start using the library’s Freegal online downloadable free music product. Freegal stands for “free” and “legal:” Thayer Public Library pays for the subscription; Braintree residents with library cards in good standing get three free music downloads each week from over a half million titles in Sony Music online. We’re off to a good start with 98 residents downloading 785 songs for free since the subscription began at the end of January. But this subscription is costly, and I want to see some serious use of our great new product. Music comes in all genres, from pop to rock to alternative to classical to country, and everything in between. You can download to any computer or handheld device that plays MP3 files. Just go to our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net and follow the easy instructions. Come on, Braintree, let’s get our money’s worth. Download your three free music files today, and come back week after week for more.

2011 Author/Speaker Series presents local author John Dennehy who will discuss his book "A Look Inside: Braintree" on Thursday, March 31 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mr. Dennehy will present a slide show of historic Braintree, followed by a book signing and reception. Friends of Thayer Public Library will be offering his book for sale, proceeds to benefit the library.

On Saturday April 2 at 2:30 p.m., we are proud to present “Anime Braintree.” This is our third annual homage to “Anime Boston.” We will combine the teen and kids groups for one big “cosplay.” Cosplay is short for Costume Play, and gives Anime/Manga fans the chance to dress as their favorite character and participate in our “Cosplay Runway.” We’ll also have video games on the big screen, a Japanese version of “Duck-Duck Goose,” and plenty of snacks. Mark your calendars now. 

Coming up on Saturday, April 9, join us for Trustees Spring Tea. These popular sessions of tea and good conversation have become a staple at the library. Sign up for either the 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. session by calling the referenced desk at 781-848-0405 x4417, or sign up through our online calendar at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events and then go to April 9. Tea is for people of all ages; please bring your good old fashioned manners. Reservations recommended.

Our lunch time Brown Bag Book Club is growing bigger each month. Not girth-wise, but attendance-wise. It’s a perfect opportunity to use your lunch hour to feed your mind as well as your stomach. Please join us on April 15 from 12 to 1 p.m. for our next monthly meeting to discuss “My Life in France” by Julia Child. We will also share ideas for future reading material. All are welcome to attend. Copies of our April selection are available on the Main Level at the Circulation Desk. For more information, contact Erin Creighton, Circulation Librarian at ecreighton@braintreema.gov or 781-848-0405 x4430.

Financial Literacy Workshop for teens, co-sponsored by TD Bank North. Even teens can use lessons in the difference between a debit and a credit card, saving money tips and techniques, and simple investment strategies that can grow your wealth over a lifetime. This workshop will take place Wednesday, April 20 at 2 p.m. during April vacation. Register for this event by visiting our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net and searching our calendar of upcoming events. All registered participants will receive a financial goody bag courtesy of TD Bank North and earn raffle tickets towards prizes to be given out at the end of the workshop.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Thayer-Public-Library/302368167763. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


March 16, 2011

If you are a Braintree resident and haven’t used one of the library’s museum pass subscriptions, you should know that you can borrow heavily discounted passes to 19 different museums and attractions throughout eastern Massachusetts. Now that the snow has finally disappeared, there’s really no excuse for staying inside. Try a Museum of Fine Arts pass, Old Sturbridge Village, or Zoo New England. Perhaps the Sports Museum or Mass Audubon is more your style. All you need is a Thayer Public Library card. With 19 choices, what are you waiting for?

Teen news: It’s going to be a busy March and April in the Young Adult department. We’ve got a lot of events and activities planned, so keep checking our website and calendar of events. 

On Saturday, March 19 at 2:30 p.m., join us for Anime/Manga for Teens. Come draw Manga, watch Anime and hang out with other teens who have the same interests. On Saturday April 2 at 2:30 p.m., we are proud to present “Anime Braintree.” This is our third annual homage to “Anime Boston.” We will combine the teen and kids groups for one big “cosplay.” Cosplay is short for Costume Play, and gives Anime/Manga fans the chance to dress as their favorite character and participate in our “Cosplay Runway.” We’ll also have video games on the big screen, a Japanese version of “Duck-Duck Goose,” and plenty of snacks. Mark your calendars now. 

We are also offering a Financial Literacy Workshop for teens, co-sponsored by TD Bank North. This workshop will take place Wednesday, April 20 at 2 p.m. during April vacation. Register for this event by visiting our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net and searching our calendar of upcoming events. All registered participants will receive a financial goody bag courtesy of TD Bank North and earn raffle tickets towards prizes to be given out at the end of the workshop.

Our newest book club, the Brown Bag Book Club, will hold its second meeting on March 18 at 12 noon in Conference Room B on the upper level. Our group will be reading the “Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows. Copies of this book can be picked up at the circulation desk on the main level. All are welcome to attend. Bring a lunch and discuss this well reviewed post-World War II novel. For more information, contact Erin Creighton, Circulation Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4430 or ecreighton@braintreema.gov.

2011 Author/Speaker Series presents local author John Dennehy who will discuss his book "A Look Inside: Braintree" on Thursday, March 31 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mr. Dennehy will present a slide show of historic Braintree, followed by a book signing and reception. Friends of Thayer Public Library will be offering his book for sale, proceeds to benefit the library. 

Coming up on Saturday, April 9, join us for Trustees Spring Tea. These popular sessions of tea and good conversation have become a staple at the library. Sign up for either the 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. session by calling the referenced desk at 781-848-0405 x4417, or sign up through our online calendar at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events and then go to April 9th. Tea is for people of all ages; please bring your good old fashioned manners. Reservations recommended.

From the Friends: The snow has melted, the new gardening group has met, and the measurements for gardens in front of the parking lot along Washington Street have been taken. Now we are looking for ideas for colorful, hearty, low maintenance gardens. Please come and share your visions at our second meeting on Friday, March 18 at 10:30 in the library.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Thayer-Public-Library/302368167763. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


March 9, 2011

Where have all the bees gone? Join us on Saturday, March 12 at 2 p.m. for “Vanishing of the Bees” a documentary film on the mystery of the vanishing honey bee. This documentary will be followed with a visit from a local beekeeper. If you are concerned about our environment, love the taste of honey, or simply want to know more about our natural world and how we can conserve it, this is the event for you. Co-sponsored by Thayer Public Library and Sustainable Braintree. 

Teen Movie: Get your Irish on and join us for a large screen viewing of “Leap Year,” the hit romantic comedy starring Amy Adams. This movie is rated PG-13; you must be 13 or older to attend. This event is free on Tuesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

Board Game Fun on Wednesday afternoons. Do you like to play board games? Join us on Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Department. We provide the games; you bring the fun, the skill and your friends. This is a free drop-in program for ages 8 to 12, no registration required. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4426 or estrachan@braintreema.gov.

Our newest book club, the Brown Bag Book Club, will hold its second meeting on March 18 at 12 noon in Conference Room B on the upper level. Our group will be reading the “Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows. Copies of this book can be picked up at the circulation desk on the main level. All are welcome to attend. Bring a lunch and discuss this well reviewed post-World War II novel. For more information, contact Erin Creighton, Circulation Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4430 or ecreighton@braintreema.gov.

2011 Author/Speaker Series presents local author John Dennehy who will discuss his book "A Look Inside: Braintree" on Thursday, March 31 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mr. Dennehy will present a slide show of historic Braintree, followed by a book signing and reception. Friends of Thayer Public Library will be offering his book for sale, proceeds to benefit the library. 

Coming up on Saturday, April 9, join us for Trustees Spring Tea. These popular sessions of tea and good conversation have become a staple at the library. Sign up for either the 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. session by calling the referenced desk at 781-848-0405 x4417, or sign up through our online calendar at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events and then go to April 9th. Tea is for people of all ages; please bring your good old fashioned manners. Reservations recommended.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Thayer-Public-Library/302368167763. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


March 2, 2011

March brings with it great reasons to celebrate. There's the change in the weather as March comes in like a lion and hopefully, out like a lamb. And there's our raucous tradition of the St. Patrick's day celebration. In March, everyone is Irish. Visit the displays on the lower level this month to find books on our Irish heritage and Ireland. From the weather display you can check out "Great New England Storms of the 20th Century" or "Defining the Wind" which is an interesting account of how the Beaufort Scale of wind speed was developed.

Continuing in March, don’t miss our Year of the Rabbit Chinese New Year’s display at the Washington Street entrance. This colorful and informative display was created by our own highly talented library staff members.

Board Game Fun on Wednesday afternoons. Do you like to play board games? Join us on Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Department. We provide the games; you bring the fun, the skill and your friends. This is a free drop-in program for ages 8 to 12, no registration required. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4426 or estrachan@braintreema.gov.

Where have all the bees gone? Join us on Saturday, March 12 at 2 p.m. for “Vanishing of the Bees” a documentary film on the mystery of the vanishing honey bee. This documentary will be followed with a visit from a local beekeeper. If you are concerned about our environment, love the taste of honey, or simply want to know more about our natural world and how we can conserve it, this is the event for you. Co-sponsored by Thayer Public Library and Sustainable Braintree. 

Teen Movie: Get your Irish on and join us for a large screen viewing of “Leap Year,” the hit romantic comedy starring Amy Adams. This movie is rated PG-13; you must be 13 or older to attend. This event is free on Tuesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

Our newest book club, the Brown Bag Book Club, will hold its second meeting on March 18 at 12 noon in Conference Room B on the upper level. Our group will be reading the “Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows. Copies of this book can be picked up at the circulation desk on the main level. All are welcome to attend. Bring a lunch and discuss this well reviewed post-World War II novel. For more information, contact Erin Creighton, Circulation Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4430 or ecreighton@braintreema.gov.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Thayer-Public-Library/302368167763. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


February 16, 2011

The new schedule of computer learning sessions is ready for March and April. We have morning and evening classes for the popular Computer Series and for the Introduction to Microsoft Word 2007. We're also offering help with Yahoo email and a brand new session that digs deep into the features of Google. Don't miss out as classes fill quickly. To register, stop by the information desk on the lower level, call us at 781-848-0405 x4417, or sign up through our online calendar at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

If you love to read and you’re looking for something to do on your lunch hour, join us on Friday, Feb 18 at 12:15 p.m. for our new Brown Bag Book Group. Bring your lunch and your ideas to help form this exciting new group. What books will we pick? You can help decide. Contact Erin Creighton, Circulation Librarian, at 781-848-0405 x4430 or ecreighton@braintreema.gov for questions and updates on this group. 

On Saturday, Feb 19 at 2 p.m. the library will be hosting an Italian movie afternoon showing “La Vita e Bella” (with English subtitles) co-sponsored by Thayer Public Library and the Italian American Cultural Organization. This movie rated PG-13 is the story of a Jewish man’s attempt in a Nazi concentration camp to keep his family well during the Holocaust. This sounds depressing, but the movie is a beautiful tribute to life, hope, and love under the most difficult of circumstances. Free refreshments. Doors open at 1:30pm; movie starts promptly at 2pm.
 
Are you a DDR champion or a Guitar Hero rock star? Or...just need some practice? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, and you're between the ages of 12 and 18, then this event is for you. We'll have open playing time on the Wii, projected on the big screen while we rock out. See you there on Tuesday, Feb 22 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

Monthly meeting of the Middle School Book Club will be held on Thursday, Feb 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month we will discuss The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis. Copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk on the main level. For more information contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

From the Friends: The Red Sox are training in Fort Myers, and the Friends have set the date for the first meeting of the gardening group. Can spring be far away? On Friday, Feb 25 at 11 a.m., come to the library to help start planning new gardens to adorn the library grounds. This project demonstrates what the Friends organization is all about; enhancing the library through volunteer and financial contributions. The cost of the garden will come from Friends membership dues, book sale proceeds and donations. The planning, installation and maintenance of the garden will be done by volunteers. Contact the Friends at friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov or 781-848-0405 x4002 if you would like more information, or just come join us on Feb 25.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Thayer-Public-Library/302368167763. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


February 9, 2011

Does this weather make you want to curl up into a ball and hibernate. That was not a question. I think even the kids are tired of all this snow. We’ve had to postpone several events at the library, including our first 2011 Author/Speaker Series for the season. Local author John Dennehy was scheduled to discuss his book, "A Look Inside: Braintree," a pictorial history of Braintree. He was to have presented a slide show followed by a book signing and reception with free refreshments. I was looking forward to the entire event. If you were too, take heart, we’ve rescheduled for Thursday, March 31 at 7 p.m.

Speaking of hearts, Valentine’s Day is only a few days away. In my estimation, it’s the best thing about February, and not just because my son was born that day. The library is filled with romance of the printed, published kind; here are two titles that will make you fall in love. “Jane and the Madness of Lord Byron” by Stephanie Barron, and “Always the Baker Never the Bride” by Sandra D. Bricker. To you and your loved ones, happy Valentine’s Day.

Heart healthy Namaste! Family Yoga Celebration: experience the joy of yoga with your whole family on Saturday, Feb 12 from 2 to 3 p.m. This session, designed for children and families, introduces yoga in a creative and playful way using relaxation and imagination exercises. Christopher Kavi Carbone is a certified yoga instructor offering creative experiences for ages 4 and up. For more information, contact Terri Stano at tstano@braintreema.gov or 781-848-0405 x4414.

If you love to read and you’re looking for something to do on your lunch hour, join us on Friday, Feb 18 at 12:15 p.m. for our new Brown Bag Book Group. Bring your lunch and your ideas to help form this exciting new group. What books will we pick? You can help decide. Contact Erin Creighton, Circulation Librarian, at 781-848-0405 x4430 or ecreighton@braintreema.gov for questions and updates on this group. 

On Saturday, Feb 19 at 2 p.m. the library will be hosting an Italian movie afternoon showing “La Vita e Bella” (with English subtitles) co-sponsored by Thayer Public Library and the Italian American Cultural Organization. This movie rated PG-13 is the story of a Jewish man’s attempt in a Nazi concentration camp to keep his family well during the Holocaust. This sounds depressing, but the movie is a beautiful tribute to life, hope, and love under the most difficult of circumstances. Free refreshments. Doors open at 1:30pm; movie starts promptly at 2pm. 

Are you a DDR champion or a Guitar Hero rock star? Or...just need some practice? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, and you're between the ages of 12 and 18, then this event is for you. We'll have open playing time on the Wii, projected on the big screen while we rock out. See you there on Tuesday, Feb 22 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

Monthly meeting of the Middle School Book Club will be held on Thursday, Feb 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month we will discuss The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis. Copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk on the main level. For more information contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Thayer-Public-Library/302368167763. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.



February 2, 2011

Social media is the term we use to describe all the various virtual ways we have of communicating with each other. These can take the form of social networking, tweeting, blogging, wikis, calendar and photo sharing, and more. Email, well that’s just plain old fashioned now. Like most of you, I am both intrigued by the concepts while remaining challenged by their implementation. Here at the library, we are working hard to keep up. Visit our website to see how you can connect. We have a Twitter account at ThayerPublicLib. Signing up for Twitter means that if you have a mobile phone with texting, our tweets can go directly to your phone. Our young adult fiction conversation, Reba Recommends, will soon become a full blog. We are also working on a Facebook fan page where you can find out what’s new and click on “like” to tell us you approve. What’s next? Perhaps a virtual book club blog? I am willing to take on the classics or science fiction if you are. Please email me at ewolfe@braintreema.gov to give me your input. Some old fashioned methods of communication still work just fine.

Music lovers of Braintree – listen up. The library has just purchased an exciting new product called Freegal by Library Ideas. Freegal stands for free and legal. It’s free to you as individuals, paid by the library. And it’s legal to use because we’ve paid for the rights. What is Freegal? It’s downloadable music from a Sony Music catalog of over half a million songs. Our subscription allows you to download up to three free MP3 music files per week per card. That’s over 150 free songs each year. You’ll need a valid Thayer Public Library OCLN card to access Freegal, which is located on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. This service does not work with a temporary e-card; come into the library to convert to a full OCLN card. Unlike most library items that must be returned, you get to keep these music files. Downloads are Internet-based and very easy to use, including help with setting up a free iTunes account to store your music. You can download to your computer or any mobile device that accepts MP3 files. From classical music to pop songs and country tunes, there is something to please every ear.

Namaste! Family Yoga Celebration: experience the joy of yoga with your whole family on Saturday, Feb 12 from 2 to 3 p.m. This session, designed for children and families, introduces yoga in a creative and playful way using relaxation and imagination exercises. Christopher Kavi Carbone is a certified yoga instructor offering creative experiences for ages 4 and up. For more information, contact Terri Stano at tstano@braintreema.gov or 781-848-0405 x4414.

Join us on Saturday, Feb 19 at 2 p.m. for an Italian movie afternoon (with English subtitles), co-sponsored by Thayer Public Library and the Italian American Cultural Organization. Free refreshments. Doors open at 1:30pm; movie starts promptly at 2pm.
 
Monthly meeting of the Middle School Book Club will be held on Thursday, Feb 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month we will discuss The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis. Copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk on the main level. For more information contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

Last call for green thumbs: I like to think spring, and have been wishing for the past year or more for lovely flowering gardens on library grounds. I emphatically do not have a green thumb. Thus, the call to action by the Friends, who are looking for volunteer green thumbs and the people who own them to help the library beautify its grounds. We will hold a first meeting for volunteer gardeners in early to mid February to start the planning process. We need visionaries, planters, and maintainers. Please contact us at friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov or 781-848-0405 x4002 so that we can give you more information and invite you to our first meeting.

New from Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) - get text message alerts from your library. You can now elect to receive text messages to let you know when a hold is ready for pickup or when a borrowed item is about to be due. Just sign up for our “Text Message Alerts” by logging into your library account and clicking on the “Set Text Message Alerts” button. Text Message Alert is a free service offered at no charge for anyone registered at an OCLN member library. Depending on your Internet service provider or cellular phone plan, additional per-message charges may be assessed by your carrier. Please call your carrier to inquire about any charges they might impose before subscribing. Text Message Alert can send messages to any device that has a cellular number and is enabled to receive standard text messages. For FAQs and more information visit www.ocln.org.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


January 26, 2011


2011 is the year I’d like to get some real communication going with you, the residents of Braintree. The Trustees of the library recently adopted a new long range strategic plan. We’ll continue to focus on our core services, of course. But we also have lots of ideas for improving and enhancing the library’s programs, collections, and services. As we implement the plan, we need to hear from you as to how we’re doing. I hope you make a point in your busy lives to tell us if we’re pleasing you or if we need improvement. My door is open to you, so please stop by. Thank you – it will make all the difference.

Music lovers of Braintree – listen up. The library has just purchased an exciting new product called Freegal by Library Ideas. Freegal stands for free and legal. It’s free to you as individuals, paid by the library. And it’s legal to use because we’ve paid for the rights. What is Freegal? It’s downloadable music from a Sony Music catalog of over half a million songs. Our subscription allows you to download up to three free MP3 music files per week per card. That’s over 150 free songs each year. You’ll need a valid Thayer Public Library OCLN card to access Freegal, which is located on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. This service does not work with a temporary e-card; come into the library to convert to a full OCLN card. Unlike most library items that must be returned, you get to keep these music files. Downloads are Internet-based and very easy to use, including help with setting up a free iTunes account to store your music. You can download to your computer or any mobile device that accepts MP3 files. From classical music to pop songs and country tunes, there is something to please every ear.

If you are having a hard time committing to your new year’s resolution, the library might help you get back on track. Top three resolutions always include eating healthily, exercising, and household organization (otherwise known as cleaning up the mess at home.) The library has books, magazines, and online resources that can help you keep your commitment strong. For example, Health and Wellness Resource Center database gives you access to hundreds of health and medical journals, pamphlets, plus 700 videos and articles from 2,200 publications. We also have a great selection of exercise DVDs in our collection. Wear comfortable shoes and spend hours browsing our cookbook section. To get yourself and your home better organized, I recommend “How to Cheat at Organizing: quick, clutter-clobbering ways to simplify your life” by Jeff Bredenberg. As always, our librarians are here to help and are only a phone call away. Please take advantage of this wonderful resource, our highly trained and exceptionally friendly professional librarian staff.

On Wednesday, Jan 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., join us for the first in our 2011 Author/Speaker Series with local author and historian John Dennehy. Mr. Dennehy will present "A Look Inside: Braintree," a pictorial history of Braintree. His slide show and commentary will be followed by a book signing and reception. Friends of Thayer Public Library will be offering his book for sale, proceeds to benefit the library. 

Namaste! Family Yoga Celebration: experience the joy of yoga with your whole family on Saturday, Feb 12 from 2 to 3 p.m. This session, designed for children and families, introduces yoga in a creative and playful way using relaxation and imagination exercises. Christopher Kavi Carbone is a certified yoga instructor offering creative experiences for ages 4 and up. For more information, contact Terri Stano at tstano@braintreema.gov or 781-848-0405 x4414. 

Second call for green thumbs: I like to think spring, and have been wishing for the past year or more for lovely flowering gardens on library grounds. I emphatically do not have a green thumb. Thus, the call to action by the Friends, who are looking for volunteer green thumbs and the people who own them to help the library beautify its grounds. We will hold a first meeting for volunteer gardeners in early to mid February to start the planning process. We need visionaries, planters, and maintainers. Please contact us at friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov or 781-848-0405 x4002 so that we can give you more information and invite you to our first meeting.

New from Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) - get text message alerts from your library. You can now elect to receive text messages to let you know when a hold is ready for pickup or when a borrowed item is about to be due. Just sign up for our “Text Message Alerts” by logging into your library account and clicking on the “Set Text Message Alerts” button. Text Message Alert is a free service offered at no charge for anyone registered at an OCLN member library. Depending on your Internet service provider or cellular phone plan, additional per-message charges may be assessed by your carrier. Please call your carrier to inquire about any charges they might impose before subscribing. Text Message Alert can send messages to any device that has a cellular number and is enabled to receive standard text messages. For FAQs and more information visit www.ocln.org.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

 January 19, 2011


The weather outside is frightful. Time to look indoors where we have a number of eye catching and informative displays in the library for the month of January. New at each elevator stop: Friends of Thayer Public Library now has a marquee on every level. These lit displays showcase the Friends’ free concert series and other upcoming programs. At the Washington Street entrance display cases, see sculptural art work from Braintree public school students on one side, and on the other, ‘Hobby Lobby’ featuring crafts, books, and great ideas on how to kick start the New Year. Also on the main level, check out our ‘Best of the Decade’ table featuring great books published during 2000 to 2010. And on the lower level, look for our ‘Warm up to Winter’ book display and ‘Vacation Escape Destinations,’ great travel books and DVDs. 

I like to think spring, and have been wishing for the past year or more for lovely flowering gardens on library grounds. I emphatically do not have a green thumb. Thus, the call to action by the Friends, who are looking for volunteer green thumbs and the people who own them to help the library beautify its grounds. We will hold a first meeting for volunteer gardeners in early to mid February to start the planning process. We need visionaries, planters, and maintainers. Please contact us at friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov or 781-848-0405 x4002 so that we can give you more information and invite you to our first meeting.

On Saturday, Jan 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at Town Hall, the Friends of Thayer Public Library will be collecting old televisions, computers, microwave ovens, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. This is both a service to help you clean out the basement and a fundraiser for the Friends. Fees range from $10 to $20 per item; proceeds support the library. No need to worry about where your old hazardous waste items have disappeared to. In choosing the vendor to dispose of these electronic items, the Friends selected a company with a good reputation for environmentally responsible methods.

On Wednesday, Jan 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., join us for the first in our 2011 Author/Speaker Series with local author and historian John Dennehy. Mr. Dennehy will present "A Look Inside: Braintree," a pictorial history of Braintree. His slide show and commentary will be followed by a book signing and reception. Friends of Thayer Public Library will be offering his book for sale, proceeds to benefit the library. 

Discover the power of the library's catalog. Our catalog is a powerful database ready to help you find the books, DVDs, CDs, and other materials you want. Let us show you how to get the most out of its features with a demonstration workshop. Participants should be familiar with using a keyboard and mouse. Offered on Wednesday, Jan 26 from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. For more information, contact 781-848-0405 x4417 or referencedesk@braintreema.gov.

New from Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) - get text message alerts from your library. You can now elect to receive text messages to let you know when a hold is ready for pickup or when a borrowed item is about to be due. Just sign up for our “Text Message Alerts” by logging into your library account and clicking on the “Set Text Message Alerts” button. Text Message Alert is a free service offered at no charge for anyone registered at an OCLN member library. Depending on your Internet service provider or cellular phone plan, additional per-message charges may be assessed by your carrier. Please call your carrier to inquire about any charges they might impose before subscribing. Text Message Alert can send messages to any device that has a cellular number and is enabled to receive standard text messages. For FAQs and more information visit www.ocln.org.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


January 12, 2011


Have you noticed that the print size in magazines, newspapers, and books seems to be getting smaller and smaller? If you’re like me, reading glasses help correct the problem. For many of us, though, only serious magnification will help us read the fine print. The library received a generous donation of an Optelec magnifying reader. This machine is located in the Reading Room on the main level. The reader’s magnification can be set to a wide range, and can turn a penny into a magnified object the size of its 12”x15” screen. Bring your hand written letters, postcards, artwork, or anything you’d like to get a better look at, and use our new magnifier. We’ll be purchasing a dedicated desk and chair for greater comfort in its use, but don’t delay for comfort’s sake when all those tiny words await.

New from Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) - get text message alerts from your library. You can now elect to receive text messages to let you know when a hold is ready for pickup or when a borrowed item is about to be due. Just sign up for our “Text Message Alerts” by logging into your library account and clicking on the “Set Text Message Alerts” button. Text Message Alert is a free service offered at no charge for anyone registered at an OCLN member library. Depending on your Internet service provider or cellular phone plan, additional per-message charges may be assessed by your carrier. Please call your carrier to inquire about any charges they might impose before subscribing. Text Message Alert can send messages to any device that has a cellular number and is enabled to receive standard text messages. For FAQs and more information visit www.ocln.org.

Arrive early to ensure seating for a free concert of classical and Broadway piano music performed by award winning pianist Frederick Moyer. Sponsored by the Friends of Thayer Public Library on Sunday, Jan 16 at 3 p.m., this concert is certain to inspire the music lovers among us. It’s a harmonious way to greet the New Year.

On Saturday, Jan 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at Town Hall, the Friends of Thayer Public Library will be collecting old televisions, computers, microwave ovens, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. This is both a service to help you clean out the basement and a fundraiser for the Friends. Fees range from $10 to $20 per item; proceeds support the library. No need to worry about where your old hazardous waste items have disappeared to. In choosing the vendor to dispose of these electronic items, the Friends selected a company with a good reputation for environmentally responsible methods.

There is plenty of time to join our new Nonfiction Book Club. The next meeting is set for Monday, Jan 24 from 7 to 8:45 p.m. in Conference Room B on the upper level. The group will be discussing “Confessions of an Economic Hit Man” by John Perkins. Book club books will be available for pick up at the circulation desk about one month before the discussion date and are due back on the night of the discussion. All readers are always welcome. For more information, contact Moira Cavanagh, Reference Librarian, at 781-848-0405 x4417 or mcavanagh@braintreema.gov.

On Wednesday, Jan 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., join us for the first in our 2011 Author/Speaker Series with local author and historian John Dennehy. Mr. Dennehy will present "A Look Inside: Braintree," a pictorial history of Braintree. His slide show and commentary will be followed by a book signing and reception. Friends of Thayer Public Library will be offering his book for sale, proceeds to benefit the library. 

Discover the power of the library's catalog. The library's catalog is a powerful database ready to help you find the books, DVDs, CDs, and other materials you want. Let us show you how to get the most out of our catalog’s features. Participants should be familiar with using a keyboard and mouse. Offered on Wednesday, Jan 26 from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. For more information, contact 781-848-0405 x4417 or referencedesk@braintreema.gov.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


January 5, 2011


Mother Nature packed a real punch last week, burying the library and its parking lot in over a foot of snow. We closed for a day to dig out and recuperate from the blizzard’s wintry blast. With my sincere apology for any inconvenience our closing may have caused, I suspect instead you were delighted to be home with nowhere to go and a day free of obligations beyond shoveling yourself out. I too was stuck at home. What did I do with my free bonus day? I made soup, of course.

Perhaps you didn’t know that the library’s collection includes approximately 1,100 cookbooks. That’s a lot of cooking, my friends, with no excuses for buying soup in a can. I used “Soup: A Way of Life” cookbook to make a beef soup with mushrooms, carrots, and egg noodles. And using “365 Vegetarian Soups” cookbook, I made a leek and potato soup, though I didn’t have any potatoes so I substituted winter squash. Both turned out nicely if I do say so myself. My family did not complain. Best of all, I used what I had on hand (the beef was leftover from Christmas dinner) and cooked up two big pots of soup at very little cost.

These cookbooks and more are on display on the library’s lower level, and are available for borrowing. Our reference staff is happy to point you in the direction of the other 1,098 or so cookbook choices, including many in the Children’s Department. Our displays this month are all about staying warm and hunkering down for the winter. Don’t forget to visit the library first though. Choose some cookbooks and magazines which are located on the main level. Then head home and make simple homemade cooking a New Year’s resolution you can keep.

Coming up on Saturday, Jan 8 from 2 to 3 p.m., Peggy Leung, R.N. will demonstrate the Eight Pieces of Brocade, an old form of Qi Gong. This exercise serves to strengthen both muscle and bones, and helps eliminate emotional distress. Let go of the old, and create new positive energy for the New Year. General exercise for health and fitness that can be as active or gentle as you want, depending on your flexibility level. All are welcome to this free program. Wear comfortable clothes. For more information, contact Terri Stano, Assistant Director, at 781-848-0405 x4414 or tstano@braintreema.gov.

Arrive early to ensure seating for a free concert of classical piano music performed by award winning pianist Frederick Moyer. Sponsored by the Friends of Thayer Public Library on Sunday, Jan 16 at 3 p.m., this concert is certain to inspire the music lovers among us. It’s a harmonious way to greet the New Year.

There is plenty of time to join our new Nonfiction Book Club. The next meeting is set for Monday, Jan 24 from 7 to 8:45 p.m. in Conference Room B on the upper level. The group will be discussing “Confessions of an Economic Hit Man” by John Perkins. Book club books will be available for pick up at the circulation desk about one month before the discussion date and are due back on the night of the discussion. All readers are always welcome. For more information, contact Moira Cavanagh, Reference Librarian, at 781-848-0405 x4417 or mcavanagh@braintreema.gov.

On Wednesday, Jan 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., join us for the first in our 2011 Author/Speaker Series with local author and historian John Dennehy. Mr. Dennehy will present "A Look Inside: Braintree," a pictorial history of Braintree. His slide show and commentary will be followed by a book signing and reception. Friends of Thayer Public Library will be offering his book for sale, proceeds to benefit the library. 

Discover the power of the library's catalog. The library's catalog is a powerful database ready to help you find the books, DVDs, CDs, and other materials you want. Let us show you how to get the most out of our catalog’s features. Participants should be familiar with using a keyboard and mouse. Offered on Wednesday, Jan 26 from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. For more information, contact 781-848-0405 x4417 or referencedesk@braintreema.gov.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


December 29, 2010


Let’s resolve this New Year to ring out the old and welcome in the new. I’m personally looking forward to a fresh start this year. For many of us, the last twelve months have been tight. It’s been tough. A time to scale back, consume less, and worry more about the future. During difficult economic times, people turn to public libraries for their incredible array of free resources, from computers to books, DVDs and CDs, for help with the job hunt or health information. Thayer Public Library has all that and more. We can’t stop you from worrying, but we can lighten your load by assisting you with materials and resources that are free to all. Can’t afford a movie or theater ticket? Take advantage of the many free events for you and your entire family at the library. We’ll have author talks, Sunday concerts, documentary film series, book clubs, story hours, arts & crafts, open Scrabble play, and so much more. If you don’t have a computer, come on in and use ours. Had to cut back on cable? Check out a DVD from a collection of over 6,000 titles. We are here for you, no matter how tough your year has been or whatever your economic status. Through the generosity of the Town of Braintree and paid through your taxpayer dollars, everything at the library is free to the individual. Don’t pass up the best bargain of the season – your local public library.

The New Year holiday falls on Saturday this year. The library will be closed on Friday, December 31 and Saturday, January 1st. From all of us at Thayer Public Library, a special wish for a very happy new year to you and your family.

It's time to reserve your place in our January and February computer classes. For those who need to learn new skills or simply brush up, our computer series is a three part class offered over three consecutive weeks. Both morning and evening classes are available. If you're in a hurry, we also have the series running on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday schedule in the first week of January.

Also scheduled are workshops on: an introduction to Microsoft Word 2007, help with email, and a new session to highlight the power of the library's online catalog. You may register on our website through the online calendar, call us at 781-848-0405 x4417, or stop by the information desk on the lower level to discuss which class is right for you. See you there.

Coming up in the new year: Peggy Leung, R.N. will demonstrate the Eight Pieces of Brocade, a form of Qi Gong on Saturday, Jan 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. This old form of Qi Gong exercise serves to strengthen both muscle, bones, and helps eliminate emotional distress. General exercise for health and fitness that can be as active or gentle as you want, depending on your flexibility level. All are welcome to this free program. Wear comfortable clothes. For more information, contact Terri Stano at 781-848-0405 x4414 or tstano@braintreema.gov.

From the Friends of Thayer Public Library: 
In this season of gift giving and charitable contributions, here are some suggestions on how you can support your public library. Make a contribution to Friends of Thayer Public Library. For the person who has everything, make a gift to the Friends in their name. If your employer has a matching gift program, make a gift to the Friends and have your employer match your gift. If you contribute to United Way through payroll deductions, designate the Friends as a recipient. We thank you for thinking of the Friends. If you have any questions please contact us at 781-848-0405 x4002 or email friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov. Your Friends wish you all a truly wonderful holiday season.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


December 15, 2010


Do you know What’s @Your Library? Thayer Public Library offers more than just books. You will find museum passes, author talks and book signings, Internet access, story hours, and art exhibits. Librarians can offer expert help with resources such as online databases, or finding the right book to read on a cold winter’s night. The library is a place to meet friends and have coffee in the café. Our building is accessible, comfortable, and open from 9-9 Monday thru Thursday, and 9-5 Friday and Saturdays. Come to the library and discover. For more information on our many resources and programs, visit www.thayerpubliclibray.net. 

Are you considering buying an ebook reader this holiday season? Make sure it’s compatible with Overdrive, the downloadable ebook format from Thayer Public Library and Old Colony Library Network. You'll have free access to hundreds of titles (with more being added all the time) with your library card. For a complete list of compatible computers, ebook readers and smart phones, visit http://overdrive.com/ebookdevices. For additional advice on ebook readers, check the December 2010 issue of Consumer Reports, which has ratings for some of the most popular models. The library can help keep you well stocked with ebooks for a very merry holiday.

Overdrive also offers audio books that are compatible with most computers, MP3 players, smart phones and iPods. To download titles, go to our website, then scroll down and click on the Overdrive icon on the left side of the page. With Overdrive, you’ll always have a book to read or listen to, wherever you may be. 

Christmas and New Year holidays fall on Saturdays this year. The library is celebrating by closing on the Fridays prior to each holiday to give our library staff much deserved time to enjoy the spirit of the season. The closing schedule is: December 24 and 25 for Christmas, and December 31 and January 1 for the New Year. Don’t forget to pick up your materials and museum passes by the Thursday before closing. Thank you for your understanding and support. We truly appreciate the many library patrons who wish us well, as we do you.

If you're in middle school and like to read, this is the group for you. Join us on Thursday, Dec 16 at 6 p.m. as we discuss “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson. To celebrate the holidays, we're having a book swap too. Bring a used book to swap, a title you think your friends will enjoy, and make sure it's wrapped. Holiday goodies will be served. Copies of the book are available now at the main circulation desk. The Middle School Book Club meets monthly and needs new members like you. For more information, contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov. And don’t forget to check out Reba Recommends, our YA blog at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

Winter Wonderland show for children. Get Silly With Susie Magoozy! on Friday, Dec 17 at 10 a.m. Are you looking for excitement and enthusiasm? Wild rants of singing and dancing? Or maybe you just like furry puppets. Susie Magoozy has performed thousands of storytellings for children and adults. Many have asked if she would bottle her energy and label it for sale, because her programs are non-stop, sheer craziness. This fun and educational program is appropriate for children 4 and under. It will enhance children's listening and literacy skills. Funded and cosponsored by Quincy Area Parents Network, a parent outreach initiative of Community Care For Kids, a program through Quincy Community Action Programs. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan at 781-848-0405 x4426 or estrachan@braintreema.gov.

There is still time to read “Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World” by Mark Kurlansky and join us for our newly established Nonfiction Book Club on Monday, Dec 20 at 6:45 p.m. All readers are always welcome. For more information, contact Moira Cavanagh, Reference Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4417 or mcavanagh@braintreema.gov.

Join us on Tuesday, Dec 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a Family Holiday Singalong with dynamic, award winning songwriter and performer David Polansky. David has a passion for music and it shows in his every performance. All ages are welcome from preschool to grandparents. Seniors and adults who know the words to traditional songs and aren’t afraid to sing along are especially welcome. David performs traditional and familiar songs for Christmas, Chanukah and winter, and includes his own original songs for Kwanzaa. Come prepared to sing your heart out. Holiday refreshments will be served after the performance. Sponsored by Comcast. For more information, contact 781-848-0405 x4420.

Teens, are you still waiting for the holiday spirit to hit? Or are you already on overload and need a break from shopping? We've got the perfect solution. If you're between the ages of 12 and 18, come relax and see a movie starring a giant green Christmas elf on the big screen, on Wednesday, Dec 23 at 7 p.m. This timeless comedy is a sure fire hit that will leave you laughing and ready to take on the holidays.

From the Friends of Thayer Public Library: 
In this season of gift giving and charitable contributions, here are some suggestions on how you can support your public library. Make a contribution to Friends of Thayer Public Library. For the person who has everything, make a gift to the Friends in their name. If your employer has a matching gift program, make a gift to the Friends and have your employer match your gift. If you contribute to United Way through payroll deductions, designate the Friends as a recipient. We thank you for thinking of the Friends. If you have any questions please contact us at 781-848-0405 x4002 or email friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov. Your Friends wish you all a truly wonderful holiday season.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


December 8, 2010


Christmas and New Year holidays fall on Saturdays this year. The library is celebrating by closing on the Fridays prior to each holiday to give our library staff much deserved time to enjoy the spirit of the season. The closing schedule is: December 24 and 25 for Christmas, and December 31 and January 1 for the New Year. Don’t forget to pick up your materials and museum passes by the Thursday before closing. Thank you for your understanding and support. We truly appreciate the many library patrons who wish us well, as we do you.

Do you have a passion for collecting? The library has many items to fuel your interests whether it’s stamps, perfume bottles, dolls, toy trains, baseball cards, coins, antiques, or buttons. We have the current price guides from Miller, Kovels, Antique Trader, Warman, and Scott, and general guides to help you enhance your collections. Here’s just a sampling of titles: “Antiques Roadshow 20th-Century Collectible”, “The Collector's Encyclopedia of Buttons”, “ABC for Book Collectors”, “Official Price Guide to Pop Culture Memorabilia”, “Smithsonian Baseball: Inside the World's Finest Private Collections.” And, if perhaps your passion has gotten a little out of hand, may we suggest these books: “Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things” and “Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding.”

If you're in middle school and like to read, this is the group for you. Join us on Thursday, Dec 16 at 6 p.m. as we discuss “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson. To celebrate the holidays, we're having a book swap too. Bring a used book to swap, a title you think your friends will enjoy, and make sure it's wrapped. Holiday goodies will be served. Copies of the book are available now at the main circulation desk. The Middle School Book Club meets monthly and needs new members like you. For more information, contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov. And don’t forget to check out Reba Recommends, our YA blog at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

Winter Wonderland show for children. Get Silly With Susie Magoozy! on Friday, Dec 17 at 10 a.m. Are you looking for excitement and enthusiasm? Wild rants of singing and dancing? Or maybe you just like furry puppets. Susie Magoozy has performed thousands of storytellings for children and adults. Many have asked if she would bottle her energy and label it for sale, because her programs are non-stop, sheer craziness. This fun and educational program is appropriate for children 4 and under. It will enhance children's listening and literacy skills. Funded and cosponsored by Quincy Area Parents Network, a parent outreach initiative of Community Care For Kids, a program through Quincy Community Action Programs. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan at 781-848-0405 x4426 or estrachan@braintreema.gov.

Join us on Tuesday, Dec 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a Family Holiday Singalong with dynamic, award winning songwriter and performer David Polansky. David has a passion for music and it shows in his every performance. All ages are welcome from preschool to grandparents. Seniors and adults who know the words to traditional songs and aren’t afraid to sing along are especially welcome. David performs traditional and familiar songs for Christmas, Chanukah and winter, and includes his own original songs for Kwanzaa. Come prepared to sing your heart out. Holiday refreshments will be served after the performance. For more information, contact 781-848-0405 x4420.
Teens, are you still waiting for the holiday spirit to hit? Or are you already on overload and need a break from shopping? We've got the perfect solution. If you're between the ages of 12 and 18, come relax and see a movie starring a giant green Christmas elf on the big screen, on Wednesday, Dec 23 at 7 p.m. This timeless comedy is a sure fire hit that will leave you laughing and ready to take on the holidays.

From the Friends of Thayer Public Library: 
In this season of gift giving and charitable contributions, here are some suggestions on how you can support your public library. Make a contribution to Friends of Thayer Public Library. For the person who has everything, make a gift to the Friends in their name. If your employer has a matching gift program, make a gift to the Friends and have your employer match your gift. If you contribute to United Way through payroll deductions, designate the Friends as a recipient. We thank you for thinking of the Friends. If you have any questions please contact us at 781-848-0405 x4002 or email friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov. Your Friends wish you all a truly wonderful holiday season.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

 
December 1, 2010


Daylight savings time is over and the sky darkens by 4:30 every day. If you’re like me, you miss the sunlight. My animal nature takes over and like a bear, I want to hibernate. What saves me from my own inclinations? Why, all the jolly activities coming up at the library, of course. Bears must sleep, but people, including you and me, can take advantage of a full December lineup of events at the library guaranteed to keep you interested and awake. Keep reading to discover some of what we have to offer, or check our online calendar at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

Take time out of your busy holiday season to read one of these heartwarming tales. “The Lace Makers of Glenmara,” a novel by Heather Barbieri is a charming tale about Kate Robinson, who travels to Ireland to mend her broken heart. She finds the strength to start over with the friendship of a small group of lace makers from a seaside village on the west coast of the emerald isle. 

Read any novel by Richard Paul Evans to bring hope and inspiration to the holiday season. “The Christmas Box” was a number one best seller and was later produced as an Emmy Award winning television movie. We have the audiobook version available too. 

It will be easy to escape the holiday rush if you read “At Home in Mitford” by Jan Karon. Karon’s Christian oriented Mitford series won the ABBY award presented by The American Booksellers Association. The Mitford series contains hidden treasures, a great read you won’t want to put down.

December is a busy and joyful time at Thayer Public Library. We start by presenting a student and faculty art exhibit. Coming up from December 1 to 13 on the main level, stop by our art exhibit showcasing the talents of students and faculty from Braintree public schools grades K-12. 3D artwork will also be exhibited in the display cases at the Washington Street entrance through the full month of December.

The Trustees of the library are hosting a Winter Solstice Tea on Saturday, Dec 4. There are two seatings: 1-2:30 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. Check our online calendar to sign up for tea and holiday goodies, plus good conversation. Start your holiday season right with an old fashioned community tea. Reservations recommended. At the same time, the Friends will be holding a special book sale in the foyer outside Logan Auditorium. Great books for a very small price. This is a warming way to welcome the winter.

Back by popular demand. Join us for a Cover Letter Writing workshop with human resources expert Gary Gekow. Bring your resume; there should be time for one on one advice. On Tuesday, Dec 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Winter Wonderland show for children. Get Silly With Susie Magoozy! on Friday, Dec 17 at 10 a.m. Are you looking for excitement and enthusiasm? Wild rants of singing and dancing? Or maybe you just like furry puppets. Susie Magoozy has performed thousands of storytellings for children and adults. Many have asked if she would bottle her energy and label it for sale, because her programs are non-stop, sheer craziness. This fun and educational program is appropriate for children 4 and under. It will enhance children's listening and literacy skills. Funded and cosponsored by Quincy Area Parents Network, a parent outreach initiative of Community Care For Kids, a program through Quincy Community Action Programs. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan at 781-848-0405 x4426 or estrachan@braintreema.gov.

Join us on Tuesday, Dec 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a Family Holiday Singalong with dynamic, award winning songwriter and performer David Polansky. All ages are welcome from preschool to grandparents. David performs traditional and familiar songs for Christmas, Hannukah and winter, and includes his own original songs for Kwanzaa. Come prepared to sing your heart out. Holiday refreshments will be served after the performance.

From the Friends of Thayer Public Library: 
In this season of gift giving and charitable contributions, here are some suggestions on how you can support your public library. Make a contribution to Friends of Thayer Public Library. For the person who has everything, make a gift to the Friends in their name. If your employer has a matching gift program, make a gift to the Friends and have your employer match your gift. If you contribute to United Way through payroll deductions, designate the Friends as a recipient. We thank you for thinking of the Friends. If you have any questions please contact us at 781-848-0405 x4002 or email friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov. Your Friends wish you all a truly wonderful holiday season.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


November 24, 2010


Thanksgiving is an extra special time of year, and provides the perfect opportunity for me to say thank you to the entire Braintree community for being wonderfully supportive of the library. We are busier than ever, striving to provide the best library services we possibly can, and with smiles on our faces most of the time. Our Library Board of Trustees, Friends, and staff members extend to you and your family best wishes for a happy and satisfying Thanksgiving holiday. For the month of November, please visit our Thankful Board at the main circulation desk. You can write on the board something for which you are most grateful. Here are some of the inspiring and humorous inscriptions so far. I am thankful for - "Something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to." "Sea turtles, penguins, yogurt and starbursts." "Books and education." "Food, family, blessings and God." "My family because they are AWESOME!!" "The election is OVER!" "I'm not a turkey."

As the months get colder it’s the perfect time to come in and check out a craft book or instructional DVD. For beginners, learn how to knit or crochet, scrapbook, sculpt, woodwork, or a variety of other hobbies. Or perfect a talent you already have by checking out our more advanced material in digital photography or watercolor painting. If you are looking for Christmas or Hannukah decorating or craft ideas, now is the time to borrow these popular materials. And speaking of turkeys, we’ve also got a large selection of cookbooks to make any meal a celebration.

Thayer Public Library presents a student and faculty art exhibit. Coming up from December 1 to 13 on the main level, stop by our art exhibit showcasing the talents of students and faculty from Braintree public schools grades K-12. 3D artwork will also be exhibited in the display cases at the Washington Street entrance through the full month of December.

The Trustees of the library are hosting a Winter Solstice Tea on Saturday, Dec 4. There are two seatings: 1-2:30 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. Check our online calendar to sign up for tea and holiday goodies, plus good conversation. Start your holiday season right with an old fashioned community tea. Reservations recommended. At the same time, the Friends will be holding a special book sale in the foyer outside Logan Auditorium. Great books for a very small price. This is a warming way to welcome the winter.

Back by popular demand. Join us for a Cover Letter Writing workshop with human resources expert Gary Gekow. Bring your resume; there should be time for one on one advice. On Tuesday, Dec 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Winter Wonderland show for children. Get Silly With Susie Magoozy! on Friday, Dec 17 at 10 a.m. Are you looking for excitement and enthusiasm? Wild rants of singing and dancing? Or maybe you just like furry puppets. Susie Magoozy has performed thousands of storytellings for children and adults. Many have asked if she would bottle her energy and label it for sale, because her programs are non-stop, sheer craziness. This fun and educational program is appropriate for children 4 and under. It will enhance children's listening and literacy skills. Funded and cosponsored by Quincy Area Parents Network, a parent outreach initiative of Community Care For Kids, a program through Quincy Community Action Programs. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan at 781-848-0405 x4426 or estrachan@braintreema.gov.

Join us on Tuesday, Dec 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a Family Holiday Singalong with dynamic, award winning songwriter and performer David Polansky. All ages are welcome from preschool to grandparents. David performs traditional and familiar songs for Christmas, Hannukah and winter, and includes his own original songs for Kwanzaa. Come prepared to sing your heart out. Holiday refreshments will be served after the performance. 

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


November 17, 2010


Harry Potter Pre-Release Party. It's here on Thursday, Nov 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” the movie is being released on Friday, Nov 19. To celebrate, we're holding a Harry Potter pre-release party. Come dressed as your favorite character, play HP trivia games and more. Professor Trelawney will also stop by to read fortunes. Muggles and Wizards ages 12-18 are invited to this party. For more information on this and other teen events, contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or email rtierney@braintreema.gov.

More from the YA Room: Teen Open Gaming Time. Take a break from your school work with Open Gaming Time. If you're between the ages of 12-18, stop by for a quick game, or stay the whole time. Wii and other video games will be projected onto the big screen in Logan Auditorium. We'll also have card and board games so you can keep busy while you wait your turn. Snacks and drinks provided. Monday, Nov 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Teen Craft Night with Rock Star Turkeys. Are you ready to rock out your Thanksgiving? Join us for Teen Craft Night as we make rock star turkeys. Will your Turkey have a Mohawk? Feathers? Googly eyes? Glitter? Or all of the above? Let your creativity shine through. Open to ages 12-18 on Tuesday, Nov 23, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Especially for kids ages 8 and up. Thanksgiving themed, or let your imagination soar in an arts & crafts after school program on Thursday, Nov 18 at 3:30 p.m. No sign-up needed. 

Thayer Public Library presents a student and faculty art exhibit. Coming up from December 1 to 13 on the main level, stop by our art exhibit showcasing the talents of students and faculty from Braintree public schools grades K-12. 3D artwork will also be exhibited in the display cases at the Washington Street entrance through the full month of December.

The Trustees of the library are hosting a Winter Solstice Tea on Saturday, Dec 4. There are two seatings: 1-2:30 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. Check our online calendar to sign up for tea and holiday goodies, plus good conversation. Start your holiday season right with an old fashioned community tea. Reservations recommended. At the same time, the Friends will be holding a special book sale in the foyer outside Logan Auditorium. Great books for a very small price. This is a warming way to welcome the winter.

Back by popular demand. Join us for a Cover Letter Writing workshop with human resources expert Gary Gekow. Bring your resume; there should be time for one on one advice. On Tuesday, Dec 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

From the Friends:
The Friends of the Thayer Public Library continue their 2010-2011 Free Concert Series with a 3 p.m. concert on Sunday, Nov 21 featuring Moby Dick & the Wailers. The Wailers will be playing Chicago style swing music and ballads from the late 30’s through the 70's. Be prepared to have a whale of a time upstairs in Logan Auditorium with Moby Dick & the Wailers. Donations are appreciated.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.



November 10, 2010


It’s November and time again for the library’s Thankful Board. What are you thankful for? Come write down what makes you grateful and read others’ comments. Through Thanksgiving on the main level. And coming up from December 1 to 13 on the main level, an art exhibit showcasing the talents of students and faculty from Braintree public schools grades K-12. 3D artwork will also be exhibited in the display cases at the Washington Street entrance through the full month of December.

Are you looking to find your dream job? Thayer Public Library can help. With an Internet computer and your library card, try the Job & Career Accelerator™ on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. Soon you'll be creating professional resumes and cover letters, searching over five million job postings, and keeping track of your job search progress all in one place.

If you need information on repairing your car, don't go any further than the nearest Internet computer. With your Thayer Public Library card you now have access to Chilton's Auto Repair online database. This 24-hour on-call "mechanic" provides quick online access to repair, maintenance and service information on the most popular cars, trucks, vans and SUVs on the road today. Monthly updates mean you can find the latest information on recalls, service bulletins and more. Try it today.

What’s your reading personality? Your bookshelf may reveal who you really are. If it’s filled with science fiction or fantasy novels, it might indicate you are an independent person who thinks outside the box. Suppose your bookshelf contains action and adventure stories. Would these reading choices reveal that you crave excitement and spontaneity? Come into the library and check out our Edible Fiction display. These titles have food themes, recipes, and other delicious details that make them irresistible, indicating your personality values comfort and care. Whatever your reading style or personality, books transport you in a profound way. Reading informs who you are as a person. Pick up the book of your choice today and read, read, read.

To help celebrate Family Literacy Month, join us on Saturday, Nov 13 at 10 a.m. for Bear Jamboree, a story reading and craft event for families. Listen to stories "Tops and Bottoms" and "Three Boppin' Bears." Then children, with the help of the adult that brought them, can make "Three Boppin' Bears" puppets, a stuffed paper bear, or a bookmark. All ages welcome, but this program is best suited for kindergarten and first grade students. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan at 781-848-0405 x4426. 

Do you like to read nonfiction? Meet other nonfiction fans at the new Thayer Public Library Nonfiction Book Club. For November, read any biography of Harry S. Truman. On Monday, Nov 15 at 6:45 p.m., join in the discussion about the life of our 33rd president as seen through the eyes of different authors. The plan is to meet on a Monday evening each month. Meetings are held in Conference Room B on the upper level of the library.

On Tuesday, Nov 16 at 7 p.m., noted genealogist Michael Brophy makes a return visit to the library for a lecture titled, Genealogical Materials at the Boston Catholic Archdiocese. This program is of interest to anyone with Catholic roots who wants to learn more about family historical records available through the Archdiocese. No sign up required, come with your questions.

The Friends of the Thayer Public Library continue their 2010-11 Free Concert Series with a 3 p.m. concert on Sunday, Nov 21st featuring Moby Dick & the Wailers. The Wailers will be playing Chicago style swing music and ballads from the late 30’s through the 70's. Be prepared to have a whale of a time upstairs in Logan Auditorium with Moby Dick & the Wailers.

Trustees are hosting the ever popular December Tea on Saturday, Dec 4. Check our online calendar to sign up for tea and holiday goodies, plus good conversation. Start your holiday season right with an old fashioned community tea. Reservations recommended.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


November 3, 2010


A wonderful time was had by a crowd so large there wasn’t even standing room at Goblins, Ghouls and Ghosts: Spooky Stories of Braintree storytelling event at the Gilbert Bean Museum on Oct 22. This lively and thought provoking program was cosponsored by Braintree Historical Society and Thayer Public Library to promote literacy and local history. Our professional storyteller, Rona Leventhal, enthralled the audience with silly and scary stories, including the five prize winning stories of our ghost story contest. Winners received a certificate, a Halloween basket of candy, and the honor of their stories being printed in the October 27 edition of the Braintree Forum. Winners are: Rosie Holland-Child Category; Kellie Sullivan-Youth Category; Elisabeth Strachan-Adult Category; Jake Sheehy-Best Incorporation of Braintree History Category; and Meaghan Casey-Best Library Story Category. Congratulations to all the winners.

Multi-Generational Bingo on Saturday, Nov 6 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this fun-filled event is for all ages. Do you have a grandparent, family member or friend from another generation that you've wanted to bring to bingo? This is your chance. We'll have fun prizes, snacks and a guaranteed good time. Best of all, it's free. Signups are appreciated but not required. For more information, contact 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

Make a day of it on Saturday, Nov 6, and join us after Bingo for an Italian language family movie, “Positano” (Postman) with English subtitles. Cosponsored by the Italian American Cultural Organization and Thayer Public Library. Free popcorn. Doors open at 2 p.m.; movie starts promptly at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420.

To help celebrate Family Literacy Month, join us on Saturday, Nov 13 at 10 a.m. for Bear Jamboree, a story reading and craft event for families. Listen to stories "Tops and Bottoms" and "Three Boppin' Bears." Then children, with the help of the adult that brought them, can make "Three Boppin' Bears" puppets, a stuffed paper bear, or a bookmark. All ages welcome, but this program is best suited for kindergarten and first grade students. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan at 781-848-0405 x4426. 

Do you like to read nonfiction? Meet other nonfiction fans at the new Thayer Public Library Nonfiction Book Club. For November, read any biography of Harry S. Truman. On Monday, Nov 15 at 6:45 p.m., join in the discussion about the life of our 33rd president as seen through the eyes of different authors. The plan is to meet on the third Monday of each month. Meetings are held in Conference Room B on the upper level of the library.

On Tuesday, Nov 16 at 7 p.m., noted genealogist Michael Brophy makes a return visit to the library for a lecture titled, Genealogical Materials at the Boston Catholic Archdiocese. This program is of interest to anyone with Catholic roots who wants to learn more about family historical records available through the Archdiocese. No sign up required, come with your questions.

The Friends thank everyone who donated books, DVDs and videos at Make a Difference Day. Your donations will enhance the selection available in our book sale area on the library’s lower level. Shop for used books any time that the library is open. Most hard covers and DVDs are only $1, paperbacks and video tapes 50 cents each. Donate your own gently used books and DVDs by leaving them at the Friends' storage closet on the lower level. Please note we are not currently accepting video tapes; however DVDs are popular sellers and greatly appreciated. All proceeds benefit the library.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

 October 27, 2010



Do you like to read nonfiction? Meet other nonfiction fans at the new Thayer Public Library Nonfiction Book Club. For November, read any biography of Harry S. Truman. On Monday, Nov 15 at 6:45 p.m., join in the discussion about the life of our 33rd president as seen through the eyes of different authors. The plan is to meet on the third Monday of each month. Meetings are held in Conference Room B on the upper level of the library.

The Friends of Thayer Public Library held their annual meeting and a new slate of officers was elected: Lisa Lenon, president; Elizabeth Hurley, vice-president; Matthew McIntyre, treasurer and Laura Colpus, secretary. Joining them on the Board are Adele Barcelo, Jane Fogg, Christian VanDerslice, Carmella Varraso and Janice Weitbrecht. Congratulations to all the new officers. John Cobble has retired from the Friends board. In acknowledgement of his many years of dedicated service as president of the Friends, the Trustees of the Library presented him with a gift of Lyric Opera tickets. Though John has stepped down as president, he will remain active at the library; we couldn’t do without him. 

The Friends also drew the Membership Raffle prize winning tickets. Brian Daniels won a Homegrown & Hearth-Cooked Dinner for Four at the Thayer Museum. Albion Fletcher won Dinner for Two at Sintra. Janet Robicheau won a $25 gift certificate to Richmond Hardward. Thanks to the winners for their continuing support of the Friends and to the generous donors of these gifts. We are continuing to seek new members and to encourage members to renew their memberships. Applications are available in the library and can be mailed to or dropped off at the library. Please contact us at 781-848-0405 x4002 or friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov.

Middle School Book Club. Are you in grades 6-8? Do you love to read, but you're not sure what to read next? Or you've just read the best book, and can't wait to recommend it to someone? Well, this Club is for you. The Middle School Book Club is a new program, so we need a lot of ideas and opinions. Come to this inaugural meeting ready to share and participate, and make this the best Book Club around! Both boys and girls are welcome. Hope to see you there on Thursday, Oct 28 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Calling all Goblins, Ghouls and Ghosts. Join us for the second Annual Halloween Fun Fest. The Teen Advisory Group will lead activities and games for children, including face painting and a costume parade. There will be snacks, candy, lots of games and plenty of fun. After the costume parade, we'll settle down to watch the Halloween Classic, "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." Saturday, Oct 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. Children of all ages are welcome. For more information, contact Reba Tierney at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

Interviewing workshop with human resources expert Gary Gekow will be held on Tuesday, Nov 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bring your resume; there should be time for one on one advice. 

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


October 20, 2010


If your life is a bit dull lately and you’re looking for some action, don’t go rob a bank. Instead, read a thriller. Thrillers offer heart pounding suspense and action. The three most popular categories of thrillers are crime, mystery and psychological. 

“Under the Lake” by Stuart Woods is a psychological thriller about a small town in the deep South. When journalist John Howell rents a cabin on the lake, he discovers a mystery under the calm waters. “The Tomb” by F. Paul Wilson is a fast paced novel that you won’t put down. Repairman Jack doesn’t fix appliances as his girlfriend Gia thought. Repairman Jack repairs situations for people. He tries to avoid murder, but that not always possible. “Thirteen Hours” by Deon Meyer takes place in Cape Town, South Africa. Detective Benny Griessel has thirteen hours to solve a murder and find a missing person. Will Benny beat the clock? 

Readers and movie buffs unite. Do you like thrillers that have been made into movies? Don’t miss the movie “The Town” starring Ben Affleck. This film is based on a book written by local Massachusetts author Chuck Hogan. The story, originally entitled “The Prince of Thieves” is moody and resonant; it will hook you on the first page.

Thursday, October 21 is your last chance to enter the Membership Raffle by joining or renewing your membership in the Friends of Thayer Public Library. You can win a Homegrown and Hearth Cooked Dinner for 4 at the Thayer House Museum, dinner for 2 at Sintra, and a gift certificate for $25 at Richmond Hardware. Applications can be obtained and turned in at the Library. 

On Thursday, October 21 the Friends will hold their annual meeting. After a brief business meeting from 7 to 7:30 p.m., Anthony Sammarco, author of “The Baker Chocolate Factory: A Sweet History” will present slides and discuss his book. This is a must for anyone who enjoys chocolate and local history, as the factory in Dorchester played a role in the development of America’s love affair with chocolate and the development of the Dorchester area. There’s nothing more thrilling than chocolate, is there?

If reading a thriller isn’t your idea of fun, how about getting scared silly with some good old fashioned ghost stories? Thayer Public Library and Braintree Historical Society cordially invite you to Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins: Spooky Stories of Braintree presented by professional storyteller Rona Leventhal at the Gilbert Bean Museum on Friday, Oct 22 at 6:30 p.m. Children of all ages are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. Refreshments will be served. Come at 6:30 for silly and slightly scary Halloween stories, and stay for super scary stories from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information contact Norah Kyle at 781-848-1640 or bhsinc@braintreehistorical.org.

Saturday, October 23 is a big day for the library and the Friends of Thayer Public Library. At the Farmer’s Market, the community table will feature the library with giveaways and special book sales. At the same time, the Friends will hold a book sale in the garage on the library property. The Friends will also have a book donation booth at Make a Difference Day in Town Hall. And library staff will test their spelling prowess at the Rotary Club’s Spelling Bee at the South Shore Plaza at 11 a.m. Liven up your Saturday by stopping at any and all of these great events. 

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


October 13, 2010


If you haven’t stopped by the library’s display cases at the Washington Street entrance for awhile, you’re in for a treat during the month of October. On one side is the Italian American Cultural Organization, highlighting important Italian names in American history. Opposite is a tribute to 10 years of the Friends of Thayer Public Library Concert Series. Please don’t miss these beautiful and educational displays.

While you’re here, take another moment to visit the National Book Foundation Awards display on the lower level. Created by our well read reference librarians, this display showcases winning authors who have helped shape the foundation of American nonfiction. All books are available to borrow, so help yourself to the writers’ best.

Come hear Judy Cobble & Friends perform as part of Friends of Thayer Public Library Concert Series on Sunday, Oct 17 at 3 p.m. Judy has been instrumental (get it?) in keeping our well regarded concert series ongoing. Donations to support this free concert series are welcome.

The Friends of Thayer Public Library is conducting a membership drive to double its membership. Join or renew by October 21 and your name will be entered into a membership raffle for a “Homegrown and Hearth Cooked Dinner for four at the Thayer House Museum,” “Dinner for two at Sintra,” or a gift certificate for $25 at Richmond Hardware. Membership applications are available at the library. 

Although you do not have to attend the Friends annual meeting on October 21 at 7 p.m. to win a raffle prize, you will not want to miss it. There will be a brief business meeting to elect new officers and new bylaws, followed with a presentation by Anthony Sammarco, the author of “The Baker Chocolate Factory: A Sweet History.”

Thayer Public Library and Braintree Historical Society cordially invite you to Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins: Spooky Stories of Braintree presented by professional storyteller Rona Leventhal at the Gilbert Bean Museum on Friday, Oct 22 at 6:30 p.m. Children of all ages are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. Refreshments will be served. Come at 6:30 for silly and slightly scary Halloween stories, and stay for scary stories from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The winning stories from our Ghost Story Contest will be highlighted. For more information contact Norah Kyle at 781-848-1640 or bhsinc@braintreehistorical.org.

We are kicking off a new program, Teen Craft Night on Tuesday, Oct 19 at 7 p.m. Teens interested in crafts meet once a month and work on different arts and craft projects. Contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian for more information at 781-848-0405 x4420 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

For those of you searching for a new job, coming up on Tuesday, Nov 2 at 6:30 p.m. is an Interviewing Workshop with human resources expert Gary Gekow. Bring your resume; there should be time for one on one advice. Gary returns on Dec 7 at 6:30 p.m. for a Cover Letter Writing Workshop.

Join us on Saturday, Nov 6 for an Italian language family movie, “Positano (Postman)” with English subtitles. This event is cosponsored by Thayer Public Library and the Italian American Cultural Organization. Free popcorn. Doors open at 2pm; movie starts promptly at 2:30pm. 

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


October 6, 2010


Do you like to come into the library and snatch up a copy of the free magazine BookPage? You don’t need to wait for the paper copy to be delivered to the library once a month. This great magazine is also available from the library’s website. The web version, called BookLetters, offers book reviews and information on hundreds of authors, all easily accessible online. Readers can use the service either at home or at the library. You can also decide to sign up for BookLetter’s free email newsletter service. Reviews of recommended books in your favorite genres will be delivered right to your email’s inbox. 

It’s been a long wait between books but Jonathan Franzen has finally completed his long awaited fourth novel. Freedom is a wrenching, funny, and forgiving portrait of a Midwestern family. This book is sure to be on everyone’s radar, so come and check it out.

October is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrate with us during an early afternoon of music, dancing, theater, storytelling, food and more will be presented on Saturday, Oct 9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This event is open to families and people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the Hispanic culture and celebrate diversity. Una celebracion para toda la familia.

Teens, have we got an action packed month for you. Here’s a sample of some of the programs and events going on. Check our website for a complete listing and more details. 

On Thursday, Oct 7 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., take a break from your schoolwork with Open Gaming Time. Stop by for a quick video game, or stay the whole time. This totally free event will take place in Logan Auditorium on the upper level. Wii and video games will be projected onto the big screen. There will even be card and board games available so you can keep busy if you need to wait your turn for the Wii. Snacks and drinks are always provided.

We are kicking off a new program, Teen Craft Night Tuesday, Oct 19, at 7 p.m. Teens interested in crafts can meet once a month and work on different art and craft projects. In addition to several craft options, there will be a featured craft each month. Stay tuned to find out what the featured craft is for October. 

The Anime/Manga Club will meet Saturday, Oct 23 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. 

And don’t forget to check the teen page on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net for news, event information, and of course the blog, Reba Recommends, written by Young Adult Librarian Reba Tierney. 

Thayer Public Library and Braintree Historical Society cordially invite you to Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins: Spooky Stories of Braintree presented by professional storyteller Rona Leventhal at the Gilbert Bean Museum on Friday, Oct 22 at 6:30 p.m. Children of all ages are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. Refreshments will be served. Come at 6:30 for silly Halloween stories and stay for scary stories from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information contact Norah Kyle at 781-848-1640 or bhsinc@braintreehistorical.org.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


September 29, 2010


Attention all science students. Need help with your science homework? Have a science fair project looming? Why waste your time sifting through irrelevant results from Google when you can search a database that contains only science articles? Get a head start on your school assignments by checking out some of the free online databases available on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. Take a look at Today's Science and Science Online for up to the minute information. The databases make researching fast and easy. Science Online includes a dictionary, diagrams, videos, and animations to help explain topics. Today's Science has an entire online science encyclopedia. Links to these and many other resources for online research are right on our homepage.

And don’t forget, if your home computer is broken or you simply can’t get enough time on it, we have six laptops in our Young Adult Room just waiting for a science student like you. If our laptops could think, they’d be thinking, please use us for something other than Facebook - lol (laugh out loud!) Last but not least, our trained reference librarians, who definitely know how to think, are avid science fans and will help you find what you need to succeed in your science classes this year. Stop by or call from home if you need help with any of our online resources.

Story time sessions for young children at Thayer Public Library have begun. Help your children be the best they can be by reading to them at home and bringing them to the library to choose books. Story times are lively programs that engage children in stories, songs, and a craft. Story times for ages 2 and 3 are on Mondays at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. through Nov 22. Book Babies is just right for infants and toddlers through 24 months, and is scheduled Mondays at 9:15 a.m., also through Nov 22. Story times for ages 3 to 5 start Wednesday, Sept 29 at 10.a.m. and 1 p.m. Sign up for the ages 3 to 5 year session at www.thayerpubliclibrary.org under Upcoming Events. Saturday story times are offered at 10 a.m. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, Oct 23.

Thayer Public Library and Braintree Historical Society cordially invite you to spook us silly with a ghost story contest. Take note, adults and teens, this contest is not for children only. Your story can be creepy, silly, bloodcurdling, or all of the above, but it must be set in Braintree. Fill out an official Contest Entry Form available at Thayer Public Library and Braintree Historical Society. The deadline for entering the contest is Friday, Oct 1 at 4 p.m. Entries must be typed and no more than 500 words. Three categories of winners: preschool-grade 5; middle-high school; adult.

The winning stories will be presented by professional storyteller Rona Leventhal at the Gilbert Bean Museum on Friday, Oct 22 at 6:30 p.m. Contest winners receive VIP seating at the “Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins: Spooky Stories of Braintree” event and will have their stories featured in the Historical Society display at Thayer Public Library. The names and titles of all entries will be included in the program booklet. For more information contact Norah Kyle at 781-848-1640 or bhsinc@braintreehistorical.org.

The Friends of Thayer Public Library are holding a Membership Drive and Raffle from now until their annual meeting on October 21. We have set an ambitious goal of increasing membership from 375 to 700. To entice you to join for the first time or renew, we are raffling away some wonderful prizes: Homegrown & Hearth-Cooked Dinner for 4 at the Thayer House Museum; dinner for 2 at Sintra; and a $25 gift certificate to Richmond's Hardware. Please help. All members, new and renewing, will have a ticket with their name in it placed in the raffle bowl. If you recruit friends to become new members, an extra ticket with your name will be added for each new member you recruit. The drawing will be at the annual meeting, but you do not have to be present to win. Applications are available at the library. For more information please contact the Friends at 781-848-0405 x4002 or friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


September 15, 2010


The seasons turn, and Thayer Public Library is back to regular hours. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sundays. The first Saturday open is September 11. We welcome you back from your summer break and hope you visit us often during the autumn season and beyond.

Parents, are you looking for ways to enrich your children’s lives and encourage them to read? Turn your children into lifelong users of the library, starting today. Your autumn schedule is hectic, no doubt, but make time for the library. Your kids will form fond memories of story hours and arts & crafts programs. Call the Children’s Department at 781-848-0405 x4425 for the latest schedule of story hours for preschool and older, or look at our online calendar at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. Many programs are drop in, requiring no sign ups. Soon you’ll have your children demanding to read! Wouldn’t that be wonderful? You’ll feel like the best parent on earth.

For example, bring your child, age 8 or older, to Logan Auditorium on Thursday, September 30 at 3:30 p.m. to make a fun craft. This event is not earth shattering. It’s not NASA moon rocks or Bruins celebrity visits. It’s just a perfect chance for your kids to explore their creativity, make friends, and have a great time. No registration needed. And remember, all our programs are free and open to the public.

Coming up soon, Braintree’s Got Talent, our teen talent show on Saturday, Sept 18 at 3 p.m. Talented young adults ages 12-18, this is your chance to shine. Whether your talent is stand-up, music, magic or more, get ready to show what you can do. If you don't have a talent you wish to share, make sure you come as an audience member. You'll be amazed by the skills and talents of your peers. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. There’s a world of talent in Braintree. For more information contact rtierney@braintreema.gov.

Hold the date for the Friends of Thayer Public Library Concert Series. On Sunday, September 19 at 3 p.m. the Friends present a dynamic concert of classical music by pianist Brian McCarthy. This free concert kicks off what promises to be a fantastic monthly musical concert series. Always on Sundays, always at 3 p.m., always great music and refreshments courtesy of the Friends. We open up the library building specially for these wonderful concerts. What more could you ask for? Donations are encouraged and gratefully accepted so that we can continue to bring you serious music for free, right at your own hometown public library. For more information call 781-848-0405 x4002 or friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov, or check our online calendar on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

Attention writers and ghost story lovers of all ages. Save October 22 for “Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins: Spooky Stories of Braintree” special event. Braintree Historical Society and Thayer Public Library cordially invite you to spook us silly with a ghost story contest. Write a ghost story about Braintree - the creepier, the better, but it must be set in Braintree. Fill out an official Contest Entry Form available at Thayer Public Library and Braintree Historical Society. The deadline for entering the contest is Friday, October 1 at 4 p.m. Entries must be typed and no more than 500 words. Three categories of winners: preschool-grade 5; middle-high school; adult. The winning stories will be presented by professional storyteller Rona Leventhal at the Gilbert Bean Museum on Friday, October 22 at 6:30 p.m. Contest winners receive VIP seating at the “Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins: Spooky Stories of Braintree” event and will have their stories featured in the Historical Society display at Thayer Public Library. The names and titles of all entries will be included in the program booklet. For more information contact Norah Kyle at 781-848-1640 or bhsinc@braintreehistorical.org.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


September 8, 2010


Get the smartest card @ your library. September is Library Card Sign Up Month, and Thayer Public Library wants Braintree residents to be the smartest cards in the deck. “A library card is the most important school supply of all,” says Children's Librarian Elisabeth Strachan. “Today’s libraries are thriving technology hubs that millions rely on as either their first or only choice for computer and Internet access. The best part is that in these tough economic times, everything’s free with your library card.” For more information on signing up for a library card, visit the library or read online at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

We wish all our school age children, teachers, and administrators the very best of luck in the new school year. Soon, we’ll see children out on the playing fields. It’ll be fun to shuffle through the autumn leaves on your way to school. Colder mornings? No big deal. The dark night sky will be filled with diamonds, and there will still be clear, sunny after school hours to sit out on your deck. There’s bound to be at least one joker in your class. Don’t pay attention - you have to be serious to ace your tests. If you try your best, your parents’ hearts will be filled with pride. So remember to hand in your papers on time. And try something new by joining one or two after school clubs. Kids – can you find 10 references to cards in this paragraph? If you get stuck, stop by the library or call the Children’s Department at 781-848-0405 x4425. We’re here to help keep you the smartest card in anyone’s deck.

We’re in full swing with the fall season and back to regular hours. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sundays. The first Saturday open is September 11. We welcome you back and hope you visit us often during the autumn season and beyond.

Besides the longer library hours, what does autumn bring back, year after year? Why, the Friends of Thayer Public Library Concert Series, of course. Join the Friends on Sunday, September 19 at 3 p.m. for a dynamic presentation of classical music by Brian McCarthy, pianist. This free concert kicks off what promises to be a fantastic monthly musical concert series. Always on Sundays, always at 3 p.m., always great music and refreshments courtesy of the Friends. We open up the library building specially for these wonderful concerts. What more could you ask for? Donations are encouraged and gratefully accepted so that we can continue to bring you serious music for free, right at your own hometown public library. For more information call 781-848-0405 x4002 or friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov, or check our online calendar on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

Also back from summer vacation, our popular hands-on Computer Learning sessions. We are offering an online job hunting session and one to help you get started with email. A 3-session series will get you on your way to effective computer use whether you are a new user or just want to improve your computer skills. Participants should have some familiarity using a keyboard and mouse. Space is limited. For all computer training classes, register in person at the lower level Reference Desk, call 781-848-0405 x4417, or use our online registration feature through our calendar at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

Attention writers and ghost story lovers of all ages. Save October 22 for “Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins: Spooky Stories of Braintree” special event. Braintree Historical Society and Thayer Public Library cordially invite you to spook us silly with a ghost story contest. Write a ghost story about Braintree - the creepier, the better, but it must be set in Braintree. Fill out an official Contest Entry Form available at Thayer Public Library and Braintree Historical Society. The deadline for entering the contest is Friday, October 1 at 4 p.m. Entries must be typed and no more than 500 words. Three categories of winners: preschool-grade 5; middle-high school; adult. The winning stories will be presented by professional storyteller Rona Leventhal at the Gilbert Bean Museum on Friday, October 22 at 6:30 p.m. Contest winners receive VIP seating at the “Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins: Spooky Stories of Braintree” event and will have their stories featured in the Historical Society display at Thayer Public Library. The names and titles of all entries will be included in the program booklet. For more information contact Norah Kyle at 781-848-1640 or bhsinc@braintreehistorical.org.

Stay tuned this fall for Braintree’s Got Talent, our teen talent show, on Saturday, Sept 18 at 3 p.m. Talented young adults ages 12-18, this is your chance to shine. There are only 12 performance spots available, so sign up now. Whether your talent is stand-up, music, magic or more, get ready to show what you can do. If you don't have a talent you wish to share, make sure you come as an audience member. You'll be amazed by the skills and talents of your peers. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. For more information contact rtierney@braintreema.gov.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


September 1, 2010


It’s coming up on Labor Day and the beginning of the fall season. Starting Tuesday, September 7, the library will be back to regular hours. Our fall hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sundays. The first Saturday open is September 11. We welcome you back and hope you visit us often during the autumn season and beyond.

Besides the longer library hours, what does autumn bring back, year after year? Why, the Friends of Thayer Public Library Concert Series, of course. Join the Friends on Sunday, September 19 at 3 p.m. for a dynamic presentation of classical music by Brian McCarthy, pianist. This free concert kicks off what promises to be a fantastic monthly musical concert series. Always on Sundays, always at 3 p.m., always great music and refreshments courtesy of the Friends. We open up the library building specially for these wonderful concerts. What more could you ask for? Donations are encouraged and gratefully accepted so that we can continue to bring you serious music for free right at your own hometown public library. For more information call 781-848-0405 x4002 or friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov, or check our online calendar on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

Also back from summer vacation, our popular hands-on Computer Learning sessions. We are offering an online job hunting session and one to help you get started with email. A 3-session series will get you on your way to effective computer use whether you are a new user or just want to improve your computer skills. Participants should have some familiarity using a keyboard and mouse. Space is limited. For all computer training classes, register in person at the lower level Reference Desk, call 781-848-0405 x4417, or use our online registration feature through our calendar at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

The Children’s summer reading program, Go Green at Your Library, has been full of educational, entertaining events and of course, reading. It’s not too late for all summer reading participants to get a certificate and a prize in the Children’s Department through Sept 7. Please bring your child by so that we can congratulate him or her on a successful summer of reading. Hint to parents: the prize is a green frisbee with the words "Go Green.”

And it’s not too late to read green. The library has a large collection of books with a Go Green theme for young readers. For preschool kids, “Curious George Plants a Tree” features our favorite mischievous monkey, and “The Great Kapok Tree” by Lynne Cherry highlights creatures which depend on rain forest trees. For elementary students, “Judy Moody Saves the World” by Megan McDonald is a light hearted view of a young girl learning how to make a difference. She goes too far when she releases the family’s pet frog, in this book for older elementary children. We have lots of fun recycling project books. Come to the Children’s Department on the upper level for many more wonderful green theme books.

Attention writers and ghost story lovers of all ages. Save October 22 for “Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins: Spooky Stories of Braintree” special event. Braintree Historical Society and Thayer Public Library cordially invite you to spook us silly with a ghost story contest. Write a ghost story about Braintree - the creepier, the better, but it must be set in Braintree. Fill out an official Contest Entry Form available at Thayer Public Library and Braintree Historical Society. The deadline for entering the contest is Friday, October 1 at 4 p.m. Entries must be typed and no more than 500 words. Three categories of winners: preschool-grade 5; middle-high school; adult. The winning stories will be presented by professional storyteller Rona Leventhal at the Gilbert Bean Museum on Friday, October 22 at 6:30 p.m. Contest winners receive VIP seating at the “Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins: Spooky Stories of Braintree” event and will have their stories featured in the Historical Society display at Thayer Public Library. The names and titles of all entries will be included in the program booklet. For more information contact Norah Kyle at 781-848-1640 or bhsinc@braintreehistorical.org.

Don’t forget to check our website’s teen page for news, event information, and the blog, Reba Recommends, which is written by Young Adult Librarian Reba Tierney. Reba is always looking for ways to get teens excited about using the library. This fall, the Young Adult Department will conduct a survey. We will look forward to gathering ideas, comments, and suggestions about how we may improve our library services to teenagers. If you can’t wait for the survey, there is a suggestion box in the YA room, right under the events bulletin board. 

Stay tuned this fall for Braintree’s Got Talent, our teen talent show, on Saturday, Sept 18 at 3 p.m. Talented young adults ages 12-18, this is your chance to shine. There are only 12 performance spots available, so sign up now. Whether your talent is stand-up, music, magic or more, get ready to show what you can do. If you don't have a talent you wish to share, make sure you come as an audience member. You'll be amazed by the skills and talents of your peers. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. For more information contact rtierney@braintreema.gov.

Open Scrabble Play, Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. Like to play? Join the group. Players of all ages are always welcome. Come alone or bring a friend. Boards are provided. For more information, contact the reference desk at 781-848-0405 x4417 or referencedesk@braintreema.gov.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our staff librarians. The goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.



August 25, 2010


LIBRARY ADVOCATE

August is Audio Book Appreciation Month. If you have never tried an audio book, it is as simple as pushing play. Thayer Public Library has audiobooks on CD with hundreds of titles to choose from. Even if you don’t have a CD player, you can listen to audiobooks Try PlayAways. Instead of fumbling with books on CD’s or tapes, these cool little gadgets carry a whole book on one MP3 player. You don’t need a separate machine to play it, because the book and the player are all in one. Don’t ask me how they do it, but it’s small enough to carry while walking or put in your pocket. All you need is a set of headphones. Great new titles arrive all the time. And, for those of you who like downloadable products, check out our offerings in both audiobook and ebook formats through Overdrive, available on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. With all these ways to read…I won’t say you may never read a physical book again. That would be wrong, just plain wrong.

Thank you to everyone who filled out one of our Strategic Planning Surveys during the months of June and July. We received about 450 responses, including many through our online survey form. We will use the information that you provided to figure out how best to improve our library. We think we do a great job, yet there is always room for improvement. We’ll tabulate the results and bring them to our planning committee, which will incorporate the best ideas into a new long range plan for the library. We expect to have the new plan ready by early 2011. Once again, our thanks for your participation.

Teenagers take note: the library will celebrate a Summers End Pizza Party on Monday, August 30 at 6 p.m. While this party is planned to reward those teens who participated in the Summer Reading program “tnk grEn," it is open to all. If you did sign up for Summer Reading and read at least 6 books, you will be eligible for prizes in our annual raffle. Among some of the great prizes are a gift certificate for a free hair cut at Giovanna’s and a gift certificate for two large cheese pizzas from Braintree House of Pizza. In addition to pizza and prizes we’ll have the Wii hooked up for open play, and have lots of fun games and contests. 

Don’t forget to check our website’s teen page for news, event information, and the blog, Reba Recommends, which is written by Young Adult Librarian Reba Tierney. Reba is always looking for ways to get teens excited about using the library. This fall, the Young Adult Department will conduct a survey. We will look forward to gathering ideas, comments, and suggestions about how we may improve our library services to teenagers. If you can’t wait for the survey, there is a suggestion box in the YA room, right under the events bulletin board. 

Stay tuned this fall for Braintree’s Got Talent, our teen talent show, on Saturday, Sept 18 at 3 p.m. Talented young adults ages 12-18, this is your chance to shine. There are only 12 performance spots available, so sign up now. Whether your talent is stand-up, music, magic or more, get ready to show what you can do. If you don't have a talent you wish to share, make sure you come as an audience member. You'll be amazed by the skills and talents of your peers. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. For more information contact rtierney@braintreema.gov.

The Children’s summer reading program Go Green at Your Library has been full of educational, entertaining events and of course, reading. All summer reading participants can get a certificate and a prize in the Children’s Department through Sept 7. Please bring your child by so that we can congratulate him or her on a successful summer of reading. Hint to parents: the prize is a green frisbee with the words "Go Green.”

Open Scrabble Play, Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. Like to play? Join the group. Players of all ages are always welcome. Come alone or bring a friend. Boards are provided. For more information, contact the reference desk at 781-848-0405 x4417 or referencedesk@braintreema.gov.

Family movie screening on Thursday, Aug 26 at 6 p.m. Come see the family comedy "Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa". Those zany animals are headed for adventures in Africa.

Go Green Bingo to be held on Friday, Aug 27 at 2 p.m. Come have fun playing an exciting game of Bingo, with a "Go Green" theme. For ages 5 and up in the Children’s Department. Your child must be able to read, or have a caregiver stay as partner and read the words. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4425 or estrachan@braintreema.gov.


All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.
August 18, 2010


I’m not trying to rush your summer. Honest. While the library can’t provide blueberries or corn on the cob, we are committed to helping you enjoy these remaining lazy, hazy days of the season. There’s still plenty of time for beach reads, to watch an old classic movie, learn Italian at your leisure, or browse a pile of magazines on your porch. All possibilities, all available for free for you and your family through the resources of Thayer Public Library. But I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that our “Go Green at Your Library” and “tnk grEn” summer reading programs are winding down. There’s still time, no pressure. Parents and grandparents, bring your kids and teens into the library soon so that they can form those fond memories of sweet times at their hometown library. It’s never too late to start. I’m not saying today, but someday down the road, your children will undoubtedly thank you for those wonderful memories.

The Children’s summer reading program Go Green at Your Library has been full of educational, entertaining events and of course, reading. All summer reading participants can get a certificate and a prize in the Children’s Department through Sept 7. Please bring your child by so that we can congratulate him or her on a successful summer of reading. Hint to parents: the prize is a green frisbee with the words "Go Green.”

Open Scrabble Play, Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. Like to play? Join the group. Players of all ages are always welcome. Come alone or bring a friend. Boards are provided. For more information, contact the reference desk at 781-848-0405 x4417 or referencedesk@braintreema.gov.

Join us for YA Movie Night on Thursday, Aug 19 at 6 p.m. Our YA series, Summer Reading Books that have been made into Movies, wraps up with a screening of "The Secret Life of Bees." This movie featuring an all star cast including Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Hudson, and is not to be missed.

Our last Pajama Storytime of the season will be held on Monday, Aug 23 at 6:30 p.m. Kids, come in your pajamas if you want. Before you head home to sleep, you’ll hear some stories and sing some songs in the Stained Glass Story Nook of the Children's Department. No sign up needed.
Family movie screening on Thursday, Aug 26 at 6 p.m. Come see the family comedy "Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa". Those zany animals are headed for adventures in Africa.

Go Green Bingo to be held on Friday, Aug 27 at 2 p.m. Come have fun playing an exciting game of Bingo, with a "Go Green" theme. For ages 5 and up in the Children’s Department. Your child must be able to read, or have a caregiver stay as partner and read the words. For more information, contact Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4425 or estrachan@braintreema.gov.

Hold the date for End of Summer Reading Teen Party on Monday, Aug 30 at 6 p.m. Details to follow, you know it will be fun. For more information, contact YA Librarian Reba Tierney at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

The Friends of Thayer Public Library are looking for donations of gently used books. Paperbacks are especially welcome, but we will take any book in good condition that is not a textbook, encyclopedia, computer or science book more than a few years old. Please bring your donations to the lower level of the library any hour we are open. All proceeds benefit the library. We sincerely thank you. For more information on joining the Friends, call 781-848-0405 x4002 or friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

August 11, 2010


Get ready to see Blades, the Boston Bruins mascot, plus amazing animals from “Curious Creatures.” Blades will be available for photos with kids, so bring your camera. He will be visiting us with live animals such as snakes and lizards. The Boston Bruins are co-sponsors of our Go Green summer reading program. Their logo is “When you read, you score!” The August date is to be announced, as the Bruins publicist is finalizing the plans. Check our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net under Upcoming Events to see the date as soon as we find out.

If you ever need information when the library isn't open, don't forget that Thayer Public Library offers online access to many reference books. Just go to our web page at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net and choose the "Databases" icon on the right hand side of the page. If you choose the A-Z list you will see all of our online products.

And hot off the press, be sure to check out the newest online resources from Salem Press. This reference book publisher has just made the books we purchase available online to our Thayer Public Library cardholders (sorry, temporary e-cards won’t work for Salem Press titles).  You'll find these reference books under the headings "Salem Health," Salem History" and "Salem Science." Titles include "Magill's Medical," "Decades" (the 50s through the 90s), "The Solar System," "Modern Scandals" and more.

Rona Leventhal, storyteller, performs for children of all ages in "Earth Celebrations" on Thursday, August 12 at 3:30 p.m. Rona's concert is part of the "Go Green at your library" Summer Reading Program. Children can sign up for the reading program in the Children's room and join in the fun all summer long. No signups for individual programs. Supported in part by a grant from Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency, which is part of Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. 

On Thursday, August 12 at 6 p.m., our Young Adult Department hosts an author visit with local author Steven Krasner. Steven is an award winning children’s book author and a retired sports writer who covered the Boston Red Sox on a daily basis for 22 of the 33 years he worked at the Providence (RI) Journal. Open to all ages. This workshop is made possible through a federal Institute for Museum & Library Services LSTA grant, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Coming up on Saturday, August 14, the Trustees are hosting an Arts & Crafts Fair in conjunction with a book sale by the Friends of the Thayer Public Library. Visit us from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free face painting and balloon art from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. With the Farmers Market across the street, it’s a must attend event. Crafters, there is still time to rent a booth for a $35 fee. Contact Sunny Shaw at 781-848-6724 for more information.

Red Cross Baby-Sitter Training. Thayer Public Library is once again pleased to present the Red Cross Babysitter Training Course. A certified trainer from the Red Cross will be coming to the library to run this 10 hour certification course which meets over 3 separate days. The dates of training are Aug 16, 18, and 20 from 1 to 5 p.m. Please note that this program is open to ages 12 to 18 only. Participants must agree to attend all three days, or they do not earn their certification. In addition to registering online, participants must come into the library at least a week before the course to have a parent or guardian fill out an agreement form at the reference desk. This agreement certifies that the registered participant will be able to attend all three days. Spaces will fill up fast. Please do not sign up if you do not intend to fulfill all 10 hours of the training. If you have any questions, contact Young Adult Librarian Reba Tierney at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov. This training is made possible in part through a federal Institute for Museum & Library Services LSTA grant, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Our last Pajama Storytime of the season will be held on Monday, August 23 at 6:30 p.m. Kids, come in your pajamas if you want. Before you head home to sleep, you’ll hear some stories and sing some songs in the Stained Glass Story Nook of the Children's Department. Part of the "Go Green at your library" Summer Reading Program. Children can sign up for the reading program in the Children's room and join in the fun all summer long. No signups for individual programs. 

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


August 4, 2010


Sometimes, life is so good, you just have to tell everyone the news. For those of you who are regular library users, you’ve seen how busy we are. Libraries in other towns are cutting their hours, experiencing layoffs, and seeing a reduction in their funding. We have sympathy for our struggling neighbors. But thanks to the wisdom of Mayor Sullivan, Town Council members, and the Library Board of Trustees, Thayer Public Library is holding strong. We continue to provide the solid, reassuring presence and excellent services you’ve come to expect. This past year, our circulation has risen 9% over the year before. That translates into almost 382,000 items borrowed directly from our library. And, interlibrary loan facilitated by our OCLN network is up 25%. We now borrow and loan approximately 95,000 items through the network. Our dedicated staff is working extra hard to keep up with the demand. It isn’t easy, but we will do everything we can to keep our library a leader in its field. Please, the next time you see a staff member or one of our town leaders, thank them for the wonderful work they do in support of our library. Your words will be greatly appreciated.

If you live in Braintree, most likely you received Thayer Public Library’s first semiannual newsletter. It was tucked inside your spring water/sewer bill. If you missed it, we have limited copies available at the library. We couldn’t think of just the right name for our newsletter. So we opened the naming up to the community and made a contest of it. Have you sent us your suggestion to name the library's newsletter yet? Offer your ideas either at one of the boxes inside the library or via email to: referencedesk@braintreema.gov. Remember to include your name and contact information with your idea because the winning entrant will receive a $100 gift certificate to Best Buy, courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. But hurry, the contest ends on August 15.

Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks. Presented Wednesday, August 4 from 6 to 7:45 p.m., for young adults. On August 4, 1892, the hatchet murders of Andrew and Abby Borden were discovered, causing panic and confusion. Attend the reenactment of the trial. You serve as the jury and help determine if Lizzie Borden did indeed deliver the 40 whacks. This program is jointly sponsored by a federal Institute of Museum and Library Services Tweens & Teens grant administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner, and a grant from Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency, which is part of Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Rona Leventhal, storyteller, performs for children of all ages in "Earth Celebrations" on Thursday, August 12 at 3:30 p.m. Rona's concert is part of the "Go Green at your library" Summer Reading Program. Children can sign up for the reading program in the Children's room and join in the fun all summer long. No signups for individual programs. Supported in part by a grant from Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency, which is part of Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. 

On Thursday, August 12 at 6 p.m., our Young Adult Department hosts an author visit with local author Steven Krasner. Steven is an award winning children’s book author and a retired sports writer who covered the Boston Red Sox on a daily basis for 22 of the 33 years he worked at the Providence (RI) Journal. Open to all ages. This workshop is made possible through a federal Institute for Museum & Library Services LSTA grant, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Coming up on Saturday, August 14, the Trustees are hosting an Arts & Crafts Fair in conjunction with a book sale by the Friends of the Thayer Public Library. Visit us from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free face painting and balloon art from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. With the Farmers Market across the street, it’s a must attend event. Crafters, there is still time to rent a booth for a $35 fee. Contact Sunny Shaw at 781-848-6724 for more information.

Red Cross Baby-Sitter Training. Thayer Public Library is once again pleased to present the Red Cross Babysitter Training Course. A certified trainer from the Red Cross will be coming to the library to run this 10 hour certification course which meets over 3 separate days. The dates of training are Aug 16, 18, and 20 from 1 to 5 p.m. Please note that this program is open to ages 12 to 18 only. Participants must agree to attend all three days, or they do not earn their certification. In addition to registering online, participants must come into the library at least a week before the course to have a parent or guardian fill out an agreement form at the reference desk. This agreement certifies that the registered participant will be able to attend all three days. Spaces will fill up fast. Please do not sign up if you do not intend to fulfill all 10 hours of the training. If you have any questions, contact Young Adult Librarian Reba Tierney at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov. This training is made possible in part through a federal Institute for Museum & Library Services LSTA grant, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.



July 28, 2010


LIBRARY ADVOCATE

Hurricanes, tornadoes, and oil spills – oh my. We’ve got enough worries to last a lifetime, don’t you agree? While we can’t do much as individuals about these disastrous events, it’s wonderful to know that Thayer Public Library can help you keep informed and up to date. Somehow, that helps. The fifth anniversary of one of America’s deadliest natural disasters is August 25. Over 1,800 people lost their lives to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. “1 Dead in the Attic” is a collection of personal accounts by author Charlie Rose of the consequences of Hurricane Katrina. The library has numerous DVDs, books, and online resources if you want to learn more about Hurricane Katrina or other disasters. Visit our online catalog located on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. Remember, you can place holds for materials online and have them delivered for pickup at our circulation desk. If we don’t have what you want, we can get it for you from one of our OCLN member libraries. All free, all easy, and if you don’t find it so, our friendly helpful staff is only a phone call away. 

Thayer Public Library’s website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net is a hidden treasure. When was the last time you visited us virtually? Did you know that if you don’t already have a Braintree OCLN library card, you can sign up for a temporary e-card right on our site? The e-card is good for accessing our online products without ever having to come into the library. You will be amazed at our offerings. For example, visit Fiction Connection or NonFiction Connection. If you want recommendations for your next great read, these are very helpful products. You can browse books by topic, genre, setting, character, location, or timeframe. So if you like humorist David Sedaris and want more topics or writing style like his, simply click on the genre tab in NonFiction Connection and then on the keyword ‘humorist.’ It’s easy, it’s located right on our library’s homepage, and the best part is, you won’t have to leave your house or get out of your pajamas to use the resources of Thayer Public Library.

Another way to use our website (have you caught the theme?) The library has so many summer reading events upcoming for children and teens, we can’t include them all in this column. Please see our online calendar for a comprehensive listing. All events are part of the "Go Green at your Library" Summer Reading Program. For more information on programs for children, contact estrachan@braintreema.gov or call 781-848-0405 x4426. For young adult programs, contact rtierney@braintreema.gov or call 781-848-0405 x4415.

Did you know that Thayer Public Library has more than just major motion pictures on DVD? You'll find non-fiction DVDs, including documentaries, exercise, travel, how-to, home improvement and lots more on the lower level . We've recently added many popular PBS miniseries such as "Ken Burns' Baseball," "The American President," "The National Parks," "The War," and more. Stop by to find a DVD on a subject you're interested in learning more about. If you need help finding what you want, speak up. The staff is eager to assist and won’t make fun of you if you’re choosing disaster movies instead.

DATE CORRECTION: Braintree Kids Have Talent. On Wednesday, July 28 at 2 p.m., see the talents of Braintree's children and the SPARK summer program. We will entertain elders and other folks of Braintree. If you are interested in showing your talents in a future talent show, contact Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4426. 

We continue our young adult series, "Books that have been made into Movies" with bi-monthly screenings of assigned summer reading books that have been made into movies. On Thursday, July 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., see “Ellen Foster”, based on the book by Kaye Gibbons. Come watch this movie on the big screen and discuss this film adaptation while enjoying free snacks.

Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks. For young adults. On August 4, 1892, the hatchet murders of Andrew and Abby Borden were discovered, causing panic and confusion. Presented Wednesday, August 4, 2010 from 6 to 7:45 p.m., attend the reenactment of the trial. You serve as the jury and help determine if Lizzie Borden did indeed deliver the 40 whacks. This program is jointly sponsored by a federal Institute of Museum and Library Services Tweens & Teens grant administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner, and a grant from Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency, which is part of Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

On Thursday, August 12 at 6 p.m., our Young Adult Department hosts an author visit with local author Steven Krasner. Steven is an award winning children’s book author and a retired sports writer who covered the Boston Red Sox on a daily basis for 22 of the 33 years he worked at the Providence (RI) Journal. Open to all ages. This workshop is made possible through a federal Institute for Museum & Library Services LSTA grant, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Coming up on Saturday, August 14, the Trustees are hosting an Arts & Crafts Fair in conjunction with a book sale by the Friends of the library. Visit us from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free face painting and balloon art from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. With the Farmers Market across the street, it’s a must attend event. Crafters, there is still time to rent a booth for a $35 fee. Contact Sunny Shaw at 781-848-6724 for more information.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our staff librarians. The goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


July 21, 2010


LIBRARY ADVOCATE


Thayer Public Library has so many summer reading events upcoming for children and teens, we can’t include them all in this column. Please see our online calendar at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net for a comprehensive listing. All events are part of the "Go Green at your Library" Summer Reading Program. For more information on programs for children, contact estrachan@braintreema.gov or call 781-848-0405 x4426. For young adult programs, contact rtierney@braintreema.gov or call 781-848-0405 x4415. Here’s a sampling.

Crafts for Kids, a fun craft each week, will be held on Thursday, July 22 at 2 p.m. We will use items that might be recycled in a new way. This weekly series goes through August 5, and again on August 26. For children of all ages.

Movie screening: Cool off with the family comedy "Ice Age" on Thursday, July 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A saber tooth tiger, a sloth, and a wooly mammoth find a lost human infant, and try to return him to his tribe. 

Friday afternoons at 2 p.m., stop by the Children’s Department on the upper level for a variety of exciting and fun programs. July 23 Animal Games; July 30 Environmental Science. 

A special concert for children of all ages. Join us on Tuesday, July 27 at 3:30 p.m. for Tunes & Tales by Tina Stone, musician. Tina's concert is supported in part by a grant from Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency, which is part of Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Braintree Kids Have Talent. On Thursday, July 29 at 2 p.m., see the talents of Braintree's children and the SPARK summer program. We will entertain elders and other folks of Braintree. If you are interested in showing your talents in a future talent show, contact Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4426. 

We continue our young adult series, "Books that have been made into Movies" with bi-monthly screenings of assigned summer reading books that have been made into movies. On Thursday, July 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., see “Ellen Foster”, based on the book by Kaye Gibbons. Come watch this movie on the big screen and discuss this film adaptation while enjoying free snacks.

Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks. For young adults. On August 4, 1892, the hatchet murders of Andrew and Abby Borden were discovered, causing panic and confusion. Presented Wednesday, August 4, 2010 from 6 to 7:45 p.m., attend the reenactment of the trial. You serve as the jury and help determine if Lizzie Borden did indeed deliver the 40 whacks. This program is jointly sponsored by a federal Institute of Museum and Library Services Tweens & Teens grant administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner, and a grant from Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency, which is part of Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Where would we be without our Friends? The Friends of Thayer Public Library are a nonprofit support group that runs an ongoing book sale in the lower level of the library building. It is open every hour the library is open. Stop by for fantastic finds and great values. The Friends rely on donations to keep its book sale flourishing. Please consider donating your gently used books, audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs. Please, no encyclopedias, magazines, or textbooks. The Friends of the library thank you.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


July 14, 2010


LIBRARY ADVOCATE



Whether your current job is your dream job or you are looking for work, it's important to maintain your professional wellness. Keep your resume updated, organize your materials, and add to your skill set. These are all strategies for taking care of your professional self no matter what your employment situation. The library can help in many ways; here are just a few. Check out the career classic “What Color is Your Parachute: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers.” Use our collection of resume and cover letter writing books to create the perfect package and land an interview. Once your interview is scheduled, don't forget to look through our books to help you ace it, such as “101 Smart Questions to Ask on Your Interview,” and “101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions.” Stop by the lower level to browse through a sampling of titles. And don’t forget our online Jobview resource that includes thousands of job listings, available on our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

Coming up on Wednesday, July 14 from 7 to 8 p.m., join Skip and Martha Empey of Friends of Boston Harbor Islands for a discussion of Boston harbor and its lighthouses. They will talk about their love for lighthouses in general and Boston Light in particular. No sign up required. And don’t miss their ongoing display for the month of July, in the display case at the Washington Street entrance.

Are you tired of buying video games that are used for only a week or so? Looking to test out games before buying? Check out up to three PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii or XBox 360 titles from the library instead. Go to our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on catalog, and select "Braintree" from the library drop down menu. Then choose "Advanced Search" and in the "word or phrase" menu, type in the game platform you want. If this seems too much trouble for your lazy, hazy summer day, simply visit us and browse the shelves in the YA Room on the lower level or the Children's Department on the upper level. And remember that our friendly, knowledgeable staff members are always ready to help you find what you need, so please don’t be afraid to ask.

Parenting 101. Help your child create fond lifelong memories of story times and arts and crafts programs by bringing him or her to the library on a regular basis. It’s one of the best things you can do for your child. Upcoming summer reading events for children include: Pajama Storytime on Wednesday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m. Hear stories and sing songs in the stained glass story nook of the Children's Department, upper level. For children of all ages. Other pajama story times will be July 20, August 10 and August 23. Part of the "Go Green at your library" Summer Reading Program. Children can sign up for the reading program in the Children's Department and join in the fun all summer long. No signups for individual programs.

Crafts for Kids, a fun craft each week, will be held on Thursday, July 15 at 2 p.m. We will use items that might be recycled in a new way. This weekly series goes through August 5, and again on August 26. For children of all ages. Part of the "Go Green at your library" Summer Reading Program.

Friday afternoons at 2 p.m., stop by the Children’s Department on the upper level for a variety of exciting and fun programs. July 16 Drama Kids; July 23 Animal Games; July 30 Environmental Science. For more information on these and other summer programs for children, contact estrachan@braintreema.gov or call 781-848-0405 x4426.

A special concert for children of all ages. Join us in Logan Auditorium on Tuesday, July 27 at 3:30 p.m. for Tunes & Tales by Tina Stone, musician. Tina's concert is part of the "Go Green @ your library" Summer Reading Program, supported in part by a grant from Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency, which is part of Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Braintree Kids Have Talent. On Thursday, July 29 at 2 p.m., see the talents of Braintree's children and the SPARKS Summer Program. We will entertain elders and other folks of Braintree. If you are interested in showing your talents in a future talent show, contact Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4426. 
 
 
All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

July 7, 2010


LIBRARY ADVOCATE


Lately it’s been oh-so hot outside but cool within. If the heat is getting to you, come into the library to check out some of our new DVDs, including the romantic comedy “When in Rome.” If you’re in the mood for something more sinister try “Shutter Island.” We’ve also got a great collection of TV shows on DVD. “True Blood,” “The Tudors,” and a large selection of BBC shows are available for checkout. We’ve got many new releases, so save rental fees and come check out what’s new on our shelves.

The new Harry Potter movie won’t be out for a few months, November to be exact, but that doesn’t mean you need to be HP deprived until then. We’ve got Harry Potter books, audios, movies, and video games. Don’t wait for the next movie to get excited about Harry Potter again.

More ways to use the library on a hot summer day: stop by the Friends Café for a cool drink and snack. Read a newspaper or magazine. Bring your laptop and take advantage of free wireless service throughout the building. Check out an audiobook for listening while you garden. Find a Wii, Playstation 2, PS3, or XBox game to check out for the kids. Next time you are feeling guilty about sitting and reading a book on a beautiful sunny day while your kids entertain themselves, let it go. Take a deep breath. Chase away the guilt and keep on reading.

Join the Trustees of the library for a summer arts and crafts fair to be held on Saturday, July 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will host 25 to 30 crafters plus free face painting and balloon sculpting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with award winning artist Maureen Mahoney. To make the event even more festive, the Friends of Thayer Public Library will be sponsoring a book sale on our grounds. So many books, all at a great price. And with the Farmers Market across the street, it all adds up to a must attend event. For more information call Sunny Shaw at 781-848-6724.

Coming up on Wednesday, July 14 from 7 to 8 p.m., join Skip and Martha Empey of Friends of Boston Harbor Islands for a discussion of Boston harbor and its lighthouses. They will discuss their love for lighthouses in general and Boston Light in particular.
 
Braintree Kids Have Talent. On Thursday, July 29 at 2 p.m., see the talents of Braintree's children and the SPARKS Summer Program. We will entertain elders and other folks of Braintree. If you are interested in showing your talents in a future talent show, contact Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4426. 
 
All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

June 30, 2010


LIBRARY ADVOCATE

In the past few days the temperature hit the 90s. I picked wild black raspberries in my yard. I turned on every fan in my house. And, I got stuck in Route 128 traffic in my car with its broken air conditioner, trying to get to my weekly meeting at Town Hall on time. (I was late, but Mayor Sullivan very nicely forgave me.) What do all these events have in common? Signs of summer, all. And that means that summer hours at Thayer Public Library have begun. We are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed on Saturdays through Labor Day. We apologize for any inconvenience the reduced hours may bring.

Thayer Public Library’s Go Green Summer Reading Program is in full swing. Go Green performances for children continue with “Silly Stories for a Summer Day” on Wednesday, June 30 at 3:30 p.m. Mark Binder, storyteller, will entertain with his engaging tales. Many of his stories are taken from funny episodes in his own life. Both events are supported in part by a grant from Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency, which is part of Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Teen Writing Workshop with local author Mark Peter Hughes is set for Wednesday, July 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mark is the author of “I am the Wallpaper” and “Lemonade Mouth,” which has been optioned by Disney for their next teen music drama and starts shooting this summer. This workshop will be Mark's last event in Massachusetts before he heads down to New Mexico to watch the filming. Don't miss it. Sign up now, space is limited. This workshop is made possible through an LSTA Tweens & Teens grant administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. For more information call 781-848-0405 x4415 or email rtierney@braintreema.gov.

This summer, we continue our YA series "Books that have been made into movies" with bi-monthly screenings of assigned summer reading books. We start on Thursday, July 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with the romantic tale, A Walk to Remember, based on the book by Nicholas Sparks and starring Mandy Moore and Shane West. Come watch this movie on the big screen and discuss the adaptation from the book while enjoying free snacks.

Join the Trustees of the library for a summer arts and crafts fair to be held on Saturday, July 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will host 25 to 30 crafters plus free face painting and balloon sculpting from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with award winning artist Maureen Mahoney. To make the event even more festive, the Friends of Thayer Public Library will be sponsoring a book sale on our grounds. So many books, all at a great price. And with the Farmers Market across the street, it all adds up to a must attend event. For more information call Sunny Shaw at 781-848-6724.

Coming up on Wednesday, July 14 from 7 to 8 p.m., join Skip and Martha Empey of Friends of Boston Harbor Islands for a discussion of Boston harbor and its lighthouses. They will discuss their love for lighthouses in general and Boston Light in particular.
 
All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


June 23, 2010


Summertime, and the living is easy. Summer hours at Thayer Public Library begin Monday, June 28. We will be open 9am to 8pm Monday through Thursday, and Friday 9am to 5pm. We will be closed on Saturdays through Labor Day. We apologize for any inconvenience the reduced hours may bring.

“When you read, you score!” So say the Boston Bruins, an official sponsor of the 2010 Statewide Summer Reading Program. We’re all abuzz. Why? Because this year, our library has been chosen as the only library on the South Shore to receive a special visit from the Bruins. Stay tuned for their visit date to be announced.

Thayer Public Library’s Go Green Summer Reading Program has started. Signups for children through grade 6 are in the Children’s Department. To kick off summer reading, Kavi Carbone will perform a musical concert on Thursday, June 24 at 3:30pm. His program “Honoring the Earth and Each Other" involves the audience and is appropriate for children of all ages.

Go Green performances for children continue with “Silly Stories for a Summer Day” on Wednesday, June 30 at 3:30pm. Mark Binder, storyteller, will entertain with his engaging tales. Many of his stories are taken from funny episodes in his own life. Both events are supported in part by a grant from Braintree Cultural Council, a local agency, which is part of Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

If you will be entering grades 7 through 12 this fall, or are in that approximate age group, our summer reading program for young adults is just right for you. tnk grEn (Think Green) Recycling & Environmental Forum will be held on Thursday, June 24 from 2 to 3pm. Can you make a difference? We think so. Come help us kick off our summer reading theme with this forum on ways you can reduce, reuse and recycle, and be a better steward of the environment. Learn some tips and share ideas with other teens who are dedicated to making the world a better place. 

This summer, we continue our YA series "Books that have been made into movies" with bi-monthly screenings of assigned summer reading books. We start on Thursday, July 8 from 6 to 7:30pm with the romantic tale, A Walk to Remember, based on the book by Nicholas Sparks and starring Mandy Moore and Shane West. Come watch this movie on the big screen and discuss the adaptation from the book while enjoying free snacks.

Join the Trustees of the library for a summer arts and crafts fair to be held on Saturday, July 10 from 9am to 2pm. We will host 25 to 30 crafters plus free face painting and balloon sculpting from 10am to 1pm with award winning artist Maureen Mahoney. To make the event even more festive, the Friends of Thayer Public Library will be sponsoring a book sale on our grounds. So many books, all at a great price. And with the Farmers Market across the street, it all adds up to a must attend event. For more information call Sunny Shaw at 781-848-6724.

If you usually enter the library through the main entrance on the parking lot side, don’t forget the often beautiful, educational and always informative displays in the cases at the Washington Street entrance. For the month of July, Braintree Farmers Market and Boston Harbor Islands displays.

Coming up on Wednesday, July 14 from 7 to 8pm, join Skip and Martha Empey of Friends of Boston Harbor Islands for a discussion of Boston harbor and its lighthouses. They will discuss their love for lighthouses in general and Boston Light in particular. 

If you want to find the Friends of Thayer Public Library, it’s easier than ever to communicate with us. We now have our own telephone number: 781-848-0405 x4002, and new email address: friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov. Please contact us at any time, leave a message, and a member of the Friends will get back in touch with you. Call or email today.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

June 16, 2010



In an effort to better communicate the wonderful variety of resources of Thayer Public Library to the community we serve, and in keeping with our mission, we are pleased to announce that this spring marks the first edition of the library's new biannual newsletter. We couldn’t think of the perfect name, so we’re inviting you to help name it. Offer your suggestions either at one of the boxes inside the library or via email to referencedesk@braintreema.gov. Remember to include your name and contact information with your idea because the winning entrant will receive a $100.00 gift certificate to Best Buy, courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. We are looking forward to receiving your creative and thoughtful suggestions for a new name for our great new newsletter.

Coming up soon: Summer hours at Thayer Public Library. Beginning Monday, June 28, we will be open 9am to 8pm Monday through Thursday, and Friday 9am to 5pm. We will be closed on Saturdays through Labor Day. We apologize for any inconvenience the reduced hours may bring.

With summer arriving, your thoughts might be turning to how to start a vegetable or flower garden and how to care for it all season. At Thayer Public Library we have plenty of information on how to be a successful gardener. Some days, though, it will be just too hot to garden, so plan on stopping by our cool spot on a hot summer day. Instead of gardening tips I am giving tips on how to be a successful reader. Reading and visiting your library are enjoyable pastimes like gardening that bring great pleasure. Here are some tips on how to keep your interest in reading growing strong all summer long.

Tips: Just do it - read at the beach, park or sitting on your porch. Look for a book with a theme you’ll enjoy. It may be a mystery, romance or a book about computers, cooking or camping. Or, get started with a magazine. The library has a wide variety. Magazines are light weight and portable; you can pack them up and take them to a cafe, the doctor’s office, babysitting, or put them on your coffee table. Think about sitting on your deck on a summer afternoon browsing “People” or “Outdoor Life.”

The key to your library success is finding materials that fit your lifestyle and interests. Remember, the library also has DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks in many formats, even Wii games. The benefits of reading and becoming a library user are many. Reading improves memory and creativity. Reading out loud creates a bond between a parent and child. This summer, visit Thayer Public Library, stay cool, and read, read, read.

Speaking of audiobooks, when are you going to download a book from our free online Overdrive account? Go to our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net and click on Overdrive. You need a valid library card. If you don’t have one, sign up for a temporary E-card, also available on our site. Overdrive has downloadable ebooks and audiobooks for library cardholders. Listen to “Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says About Us)”, a great non-fiction book about our driving habits. Or try “The Help”, Kathryn Stockett’s massively successful novel set in Mississippi in 1962. All the great titles in Overdrive can be downloaded to PCs. A large selection are also MP3, iPod, and Mac compatible. 

Graphic novels are real books with pictures similar to comic books. They aren’t just for kids. Did you know that before Matt Groening famously drew Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, he wrote a comic book about a family of rabbits? “The Big Book of Hell”, now available at the library in our adult graphic novel section on the main level, is the complete compilation of this series. If dark humor isn’t your thing, check out award winning author Reinhard Kleist, chronicling Johnny Cash’s life and career in his graphic novel, “Johnny Cash: I see a Darkness.” 

If you want to find the Friends of Thayer Public Library, it’s easier than ever to communicate with us. We now have our own telephone number: 781-848-0405 x4002, and new email address: friendsofthayerpl@braintreema.gov. We are always happy to hear any questions and suggestions you may have about joining the Friends, supporting the library, and the many programs sponsored by the Friends. Please contact us at any time, leave a message, and a member of the Friends will get back in touch with you. Call or email today.

Slow, sustainable exercise will keep you healthy for life, and Qi Gong, a form of Tai Chi may be just right for you. Stop by on Saturday, June 19 from 3 to 4pm for a demonstration. Peggy Leung RN, will lead you through Wild Goose Qi Gong, the healing dance. This is natural movement for healthy living, suitable for beginners. Wear comfortable clothes. No sign up; all are welcome.
 
Do you have opinions? I mean, opinions specific to the library? If you do, don’t miss the chance to fill out our Strategic Plan Survey, available this week on all floors of the library and online at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. We ask you a few questions and give you the chance to tell us which ways you’d like to see the library move ahead in the next 3 to 5 years. Your opinions are important to us, and will be compiled for our Strategic Planning Committee to take a good look. Thank you in advance for offering a few minutes of your time to help us plan ahead.

Crafters, applications are still available for vendor spots at the library’s summer craft shows to be held on Saturday, July 10 and Saturday, August 14 from 9am to 2pm. The fee of $35 per event goes to the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Pick up applications at the library or call Sunny Shaw at 781-848-6724.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


June 9, 2010


LIBRARY ADVOCATE


Calling all teens – listen up, please. We need you to tnk grEn (think green) this summer by getting involved with your library. How’s that green, you ask? Let me tell you. Your very own public library is the best recycling machine ever invented, imho. Did you know that last year the library owned approximately 125,000 items that can be borrowed? And that we loaned out almost 400,000 items last year alone? That means last year each item was used on average over 3 times. Multiply that by the several years each item is on the shelf, and you’ll discover that much of our collection is used 20 times or more before being discarded. That’s a lot of people reusing and recycling.

We need your help to keep our mean recycling machine healthy, vibrant, and targeted in on the needs of you and your friends. So please join the Teen Advisory Group which is meeting in the YA Room on Saturday, June 19 from 2 to 3pm. TAG meets monthly to plan activities and events for teens ages 12-18. And at 3pm on that same day, the YA Book Club will be discussing “Graceling” by Kristen Cashore. We will meet in the YA Room following TAG. Come for either event, or come for both. See you there. Snacks will be provided.

If you are unemployed, looking to change jobs, or simply need to refresh your resume, this is the workshop for you. Resume Writing Review workshop with human resources specialist and consultant Gary Gekow will be held on Thursday, June 10 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. This is a round table group format where we will discuss resume writing in general, including key word search techniques. We will also study and discuss both chronological and functional resume samples. Note that participants are encouraged to bring their existing resume for confidential one-on-one analysis. Gary has presented at many libraries across the state; this is a return visit for him to Thayer Public Library. No signup required.

Our final author in the spring lineup for the 2010 Author/Speaker Series is Juliette Fay presenting her book “Shelter Me”. This debut novel, on the 2009 Indie Next List, features family, friends, and grief in a touchingly warm and funny way. Cry and laugh with Janie LaMarche as she figures out how to go on living without her beloved husband. Fay's characters run the gamut and could live next door to any of us. Author talk and book signing. Ms. Fay's book will be for sale courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Tuesday, June 15 from 7 to 8:30pm.

Slow, sustainable exercise will keep you healthy for life, and Qi Gong, a form of Tai Chi may be just right for you. Stop by on Saturday, June 19 from 3 to 4pm for a demonstration. Peggy Leung RN, will lead you through Wild Goose Qi Gong, the healing dance. This is natural movement for healthy living, suitable for beginners. Wear comfortable clothes. No sign up; all are welcome. 

Do you have opinions? I mean, opinions specific to the library? If you do, don’t miss the chance to fill out our Strategic Plan Survey, available this week on all floors of the library and online at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. We ask you a few questions and give you the chance to tell us which ways you’d like to see the library move ahead in the next 3 to 5 years. Your opinions are important to us, and will be compiled for our Strategic Planning Committee to take a good look. Thank you in advance for offering a few minutes of your time to help us plan ahead.

Crafters, applications are still available for vendor spots at the library’s summer craft shows to be held on Saturday, July 10 and Saturday, August 14 from 9am to 2pm. The fee of $35 per event goes to the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Pick up applications at the library or call Sunny Shaw at 781-848-6724.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


June 2, 2010


LIBRARY ADVOCATE


Coming up in June through August is Thayer Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. We have a great lineup of upcoming events for children and young adults. This year’s children’s theme is “Go green @your library.” Another way to say it is the teen theme, ”tnk grEn,” for texting aficionados everywhere.

Whatever way you look at it, green is the color to be and Thayer Public Library is where it’s at if you care about the environment and want to learn more in a very entertaining way. To kick off the go green summer reading program, Honoring the Earth and Each Other, a performance of stories and songs for children of all ages will be held on Thursday, June 24 at 3:30pm. On Wednesday, June 30 at 3:30pm, join us for Silly Stories for a Summer Day. Get ready to laugh with performer Mark Binder’s funny tales for all ages. Performances this summer are sponsored in part by Braintree Arts Lottery Council and Massachusetts Cultural Council; and in part by a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services. For more information on children’s summer reading, contact Elisabeth Strachan, Children’s Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4426. For more information on teen summer reading, contact Reba Tierney, YA Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415.

Do you have opinions? I mean, opinions specific to the library? If you do, don’t miss the chance to fill out our Strategic Plan Survey, available this week on all floors of the library. We ask you a few questions and give you the chance to tell us which ways you’d like to see the library move ahead in the next 3 to 5 years. Your opinions are important to us, and will be compiled for our Strategic Planning Committee to take a good look. Thank you in advance for offering a few minutes of your time to help us plan ahead.

Listening skills are important for school readiness. Children develop good skills by having parents and caregivers read picture books to them, having conversations, and by listening to programs like Big Ryan’s Tall Tales, on Saturday, June 5 at 10:30am. Big Ryan brings his funny stories and puppets for children ages infant to 4. Funding provided by Community Care for Kids, through a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

Other children’s programs for pure fun and developing good listening skills are Storytimes. Library staff members will present Storytimes for ages 3 to 5 on Wednesday, June 9 at 10am and 1pm, and for all ages on Saturday, June 12 at 10:30am.

If you are unemployed, looking to change jobs, or simply need to refresh your resume, this is the workshop for you. Resume Writing Review workshop with human resources specialist and consultant Gary Gekow will be held on Thursday, June 10 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. This is a round table group format where we will discuss resume writing in general, including key word search techniques. We will also study and discuss both chronological and functional resume samples. Note that participants are encouraged to bring their existing resume for confidential one-on-one analysis. Gary has presented at many libraries across the state; this is a return visit for him to Thayer Public Library. No signup required.

Our final author in the spring lineup for the 2010 Author/Speaker Series is Juliette Fay presenting her book “Shelter Me”. This debut novel, on the 2009 Indie Next List, features family, friends, and grief in a touchingly warm and funny way. Cry and laugh with Janie LaMarche as she figures out how to go on living without her beloved husband. Fay's characters run the gamut and could live next door to any of us. Author talk and book signing. Ms. Fay's book will be for sale courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Tuesday, June 15 from 7 to 8:30pm.

Crafters, applications are still available for vendor spots at the library’s summer craft shows to be held on Saturday, July 10 and Saturday, August 14 from 9am to 2pm. The fee of $35 per event goes to the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Pick up applications at the library or call Sunny Shaw at 781-848-6724.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

May 26, 2010


LIBRARY ADVOCATE


Once in awhile, everything that has been good or even great comes crashing down around your head, and you have to scramble for cover. I’ve felt that way, have you? If you need moral support and general guidance for handling difficulties in your life, I have a book that might just help. “When Bad Things Happen to Good People” by Rabbi Harold Kushner, was first published in 1981. Rabbi Kushner wrote this book after the death by a rare disease of his 14 year old son. His thoughtful, life-affirming words may help you cope with hard times and personal pain. Filled with compassion, it may give you comfort and strength when tragedy threatens to take away your faith. I had the opportunity a few weeks ago to hear Rabbi Kushner speak at a public library in the suburbs west of Boston. He was as articulate, generous, and intelligent in person as anyone I’ve ever met. After his talk, I asked him if he would be willing to come to Braintree to speak. Unfortunately he feels it’s too far from his home. The next best thing is to check out one of his superbly written books.

On Tuesday, June 1 from 6 to 8pm, join noted genealogist Marcia Melnyk for a family tree scrapbooking lecture. Do you have family documents, photos, and keepsakes stuffed into a closet? Marcia's advice will help you organize your family history into a scrapbook so that you can revisit your family memories time and again. Ms. Melnyk is a founding member and the current president of The Italian Genealogical Society of America. Please note this is a lecture, not a hands-on workshop. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420.

If you are unemployed, looking to change jobs, or simply need to refresh your resume, this is the workshop for you. Resume Writing Review workshop with human resources specialist and consultant Gary Gekow will be held on Thursday, June 10 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. This is a round table group format where we will discuss resume writing in general, including key word search techniques. We will also study and discuss both chronological and functional resume samples. Note that participants are encouraged to bring their existing resume for confidential one-on-one analysis. Gary has presented at many libraries across the state; this is a return visit for him to Thayer Public Library. No signup required.

Our final author in the spring lineup for the 2010 Author/Speaker Series is Juliette Fay presenting her book “Shelter Me.” This debut novel, on the 2009 Indie Next List, features family, friends, and grief in a touchingly warm and funny way. Cry and laugh with Janie LaMarche as she figures out how to go on living without her beloved husband. Fay's characters run the gamut and could live next door to any of us. Author talk and book signing. Ms. Fay's book will be for sale courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Tuesday, June 15 from 7 to 8:30pm.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


May 19, 2010


LIBRARY ADVOCATE


April showers bring May flowers. And oh, what a lovely month May is. Here are a few fun facts about May. May was named for the Greek goddess Maia, and later identified with the Roman goddess of fertility, Bona Dea whose festival was held in May. The birthstone for May is the emerald, which signifies love or success. Guinevere sang of her Lancelot and the lusty month of May in Lerner and Lowe’s “Camelot.” “May…that lovely month when everyone goes blissfully astray.” May Day, complete with maypole, is celebrated in many countries along with Mothers Day in the US, Children’s Day in Japan and Korea, Victoria Day in Canada, and Europe Day in the European Union. The League of American Bicyclists promotes Bike-to-Work Day in May. And of course we end May with Memorial Day to honor our past. Just like the library, there’s truly something for everyone in the glorious month of May.

Coming up on Saturday, May 22: Trustees Spring Tea. The trustees of the library are sponsoring a tea to celebrate spring. To make the celebration complete, at the same time the Friends are hosting a book sale with great quality items at low prices. Sign up for the tea online at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events. There are two sessions; sign up for the 1-2:30pm or the 2:30-4pm session. We’ll be serving tea and cookies on fine china. Wear your dress up clothes and bring your neighborly good manners and polite conversation. All ages are welcome. 
On Tuesday, June 1 from 6 to 8pm, join noted genealogist Marcia Melnyk for a family tree scrapbooking lecture. Do you have family documents, photos, and keepsakes stuffed into a closet? Marcia's advice will help you organize your family history into a scrapbook so that you can revisit your family memories time and again. Ms. Melnyk is a founding member and the current president of The Italian Genealogical Society of America. Please note this is a lecture, not a hands-on workshop. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420.

If you are unemployed, looking to change jobs, or simply need to refresh your resume, this is the workshop for you. Resume Writing Review workshop with human resources specialist and consultant Gary Gekow will be held on Thursday, June 10 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. This is a round table group format where we will discuss resume writing in general, including key word search techniques. We will also study and discuss both chronological and functional resume samples. Note that participants are encouraged to bring their existing resume for confidential one-on-one analysis. Gary has presented at many libraries across the state; this is a return visit for him to Thayer Public Library. No signup required.

Our final author in the spring lineup for the 2010 Author/Speaker Series is Juliette Fay presenting her book “Shelter Me.” This debut novel, on the 2009 Indie Next List, features family, friends, and grief in a touchingly warm and funny way. Cry and laugh with Janie LaMarche as she figures out how to go on living without her beloved husband. Fay's characters run the gamut and could live next door to any of us. Author talk and book signing. Ms. Fay's book will be for sale courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Tuesday, June 15 from 7 to 8:30pm. 

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


May 12, 2010


LIBRARY ADVOCATE


People come and go, the seasons change, and the fortunes of fate can be fickle. But there’s one thing we’ve always been able to count on at Thayer Public Library. That is, the service of Mrs. Nanette Ramsay, our dedicated secretary/bookkeeper. We recently celebrated Nanette’s 35th year of employment with the Town of Braintree. Yes, you read it right – 35 years. A few weeks back, library staff and trustees conducted a wonderful surprise party for Nanette. Mayor Sullivan presented a certificate of appreciation from him and the Town. The trustees gave Nanette a framed photograph of the library dedicated to her service. The staff gifted Nanette with an engraved pen set and paperweight. Many of her friends and family attended to help celebrate. It was a lovely event. Congratulations, Nanette, for your 35 years of exceptional service.

Now's the time to plan your summer vacation or "staycation.” Whether you're planning to travel far and wide or stay home this summer, you'll find travel books and videos on the lower level of the library to help you make the most of your vacation time. Not planning to travel far? We have guide books for Boston and Massachusetts -- and don't forget to use Thayer Public Library museum passes to make the most of a staycation.

Does your child like crafts? He or she will enjoy creating a fun spring project at the library. Wednesday, May 12 at 3:30pm is a crafts program for grades three and up. Children age 6 and up can attend on Tuesday, May 25 at 3:30pm. For more information, contact 781-848-0405 x4426.

Spring electronics collection, sponsored by The Friends of Thayer Public Library, will be in conjunction with Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, May 15 from 9am until noon, at the Ivory Street Recycling Center. Safely dispose of those items with hazardous material in them, and Thayer Public Library will benefit from the proceeds. Fee for TV’s up to 24”, computer monitors, and air conditioners, $15; large portable TV’s and TV consoles, $20; dehumidifiers, microwaves and small fridges, $10. The Friends also will collect tires and batteries. Fees are $20 for truck tires; $5 for car tires and batteries; $2 for rims. For more information call 781-413-1327.

Jazz at the Library. The Ed Sorrentino/Perry Rossi jazz group will perform a concert on Sunday, May 16 at 3pm. Perry Rossi will be at the piano and keyboard as well as providing vocals. Ed Sorrentino will be the percussionist, and will be joined with other instrumentalists performing as well. This is an excellent group which plays jazz standards and provides a lively and very entertaining program. This is the final program in The Friends Sunday Concert Series until the fall. Though it is free and open to the public, donations are gratefully accepted. For information call 781-413-1327.

2010 Author/Speaker Series continues on Tuesday, May 18 from 7pm to 8:30pm with author Justin Locke, who will discuss and sign his book "Real Men Don't Rehearse." Mr. Locke spent 18 years as a professional bass player in Boston, playing with the Boston Pops and the Boston Symphony, operas, ballets, and Broadway shows. He gives a hilarious inside look at the secret world of professional orchestras. Mr. Locke has appeared on WGBH with Emily Rooney, CBS radio, and Chronicle. His book will be for sale courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library, with refreshments provided by the Reading Group Book Club. Don’t miss this humorous and highly entertaining event.

Coming up on Saturday, May 22: Trustees Spring Tea. The trustees of the library are sponsoring a tea to celebrate spring. To make the celebration complete, at the same time the Friends are hosting a book sale with fantastic items at great prices. Sign up for the tea online at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events. There are two sessions; sign up for the 1-2:30pm or the 2:30-4pm session. We’ll be serving tea and cookies on fine china. Wear your dress up clothes and bring your neighborly good manners and polite conversation. All ages are welcome.
 
On Tuesday, June 1 from 6 to 8pm, join noted genealogist Marcia Melnyk for a family tree scrapbooking lecture. Do you have family documents, photos, and keepsakes stuffed into a closet? Marcia's advice will help you organize your family history into a scrapbook so that you can revisit your family memories time and again. Ms. Melnyk is a founding member and the current president of The Italian Genealogical Society of America. Please note this is a lecture, not a hands-on workshop. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


May 5, 2010


Thank you to all those generous library patrons who resolved their overdue library fines and fees by donating food through our Food for Fines program. We celebrated National Library Week in style by collecting almost 600 food items that were packed into 23 cases and delivered to the Marge Crispin Holiday Food Pantry. What a great way to help your community and the library at the same time.

Does even the thought of going to a museum make you want to take a nap? Well I’ve got news for you. The library now carries 19 different passes to attractions and entertainment that will make you sit up and take notice instead. For Braintree residents only with OCLN library card in good standing, our passes allow you to hike, bike, see the sights, see a show, watch a game, go back in time, view an exotic animal, and yes, attend a number of exceptional museums, all for free or greatly reduced admissions. Especially during weekdays, there are opportunities galore. So come on folks, get off the couch and bring yourself and your friends to Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Children's Museum, Fuller Craft Museum, Harvard Museum of Natural History, Heritage Gardens Museum & Gardens, Institute of Contemporary Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, Mass Audubon, Massachusetts ParksPass, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Old Sturbridge Village, Pawtucket Red Sox, Plimoth Plantation, The Sports Museum, Wheelock Family Theatre, or Zoo New England.

New at Thayer Public Library for residents of Braintree. Take your family out to the ballgame with a Paw Sox pass. Each pass allows for up to 6 people to attend selected Pawtucket Red Sox games for a flat rate of $18, a great discount over regular prices. To book your pass, visit www.thayerpubliclibrary.net and click on Museum Passes Online. You must have a valid OCLN library card in good standing and be a resident of Braintree. Paw Sox schedules are available in the reference department on the lower level. For more information or help with booking, call 781-848-0405 x4417.

Does your child like crafts? He or she will enjoy creating a fun spring project at the library. Wednesday, May 12 at 3:30pm is a crafts program for grades three and up. Children age 6 and up can attend on Tuesday, May 25 at 3:30pm. For more information, contact 781-848-0405 x4426.

On Monday, May 10 from 6 to 8pm, noted genealogist Marcia Iannizzi Melnyk will present a genealogical research and techniques lecture for those interested in Italian heritage. Ms. Melnyk is a founding member and the current president of The Italian Genealogical Society of America. She has traced her own Italian ancestry back to the late 1700s in Italy. Open to all.

Jazz at the Library. The Ed Sorrentino/Perry Rossi jazz group will perform a concert on Sunday, May 16 at 3pm. Perry Rossi will be at the piano and keyboard as well as providing vocals. Ed Sorrentino will be the percussionist, and will be joined with other instrumentalists performing as well. This is an excellent group which plays jazz standards and provides a lively and very entertaining program. This is the final program in The Friends Sunday Concert Series until the fall. Though it is free and open to the public, donations are gratefully accepted. For information call 781-413-1327.

Spring electronics collection, sponsored by The Friends of Thayer Public Library, will be in conjunction with Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, May 15 from 9am until noon, at the Ivory Street Recycling Center. Safely dispose of those items with hazardous material in them, and Thayer Public Library will benefit from the proceeds. Fee for TV’s up to 24”, computer monitors, and air conditioners, $15; large portable TV’s and TV consoles, $20; dehumidifiers, microwaves and small fridges, $10. The Friends also will collect tires and batteries. Fees are $20 for truck tires; $5 for car tires and batteries; $2 for rims. For more information call 781-413-1327.

2010 Author/Speaker Series continues on Tuesday, May 18 from 7pm to 8:30pm with author Justin Locke, who will discuss and sign his book "Real Men Don't Rehearse." Mr. Locke spent 18 years as a professional bass player in Boston, playing with the Boston Pops and the Boston Symphony, operas, ballets, and Broadway shows. He gives a hilarious inside look at the secret world of professional orchestras. Mr. Locke has appeared on WGBH with Emily Rooney, CBS radio, and Chronicle. His book will be for sale courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library, with refreshments provided by the Reading Group Book Club. Don’t miss this humorous and highly entertaining event.

Coming up at the end of May: Trustees Spring Tea. The trustees of the library are sponsoring a tea to celebrate spring. Sign up online at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events. There are two sessions; please sign up for the 1-2:30pm or the 2:30-4pm session. We’ll be serving tea and cookies on fine china. Wear your dress up clothes and bring your neighborly good manners and polite conversation. All ages are welcome. Saturday, May 22 in Logan Auditorium.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


April 28, 2010


Thank you to all those generous library patrons who resolved their overdue library fines and fees by donating food through our Food for Fines program. We celebrated National Library Week in style by collecting almost 600 food items that were packed into 23 cases and delivered to the Marge Crispin Holiday Food Pantry. What a great way to help your community and the library at the same time.

Thayer Public Library proudly presents an evening with bestselling author Dennis Lehane on Tuesday, May 11 at 7:30pm, to be held at Thayer Academy’s Center for the Performing Arts. Mr. Lehane will discuss Shutter Island, his bestselling book, made into a movie currently showing in theaters across the country. Dennis Lehane is also the author of blockbuster novel and made-into-movie Mystic River. Mr. Lehane will be available to sign copies of his books after the presentation. A variety of his books will be available for sale courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Admission is free; donations to Thayer Public Library to defray the cost of the event will be gratefully accepted. For tickets, stop by Thayer Public Library during open library hours. There will be absolutely no admission without a ticket. Many thanks go to Thayer Academy for allowing use of their new Center for the Performing Arts. To check ticket availability, call 781-848-0405 x4420.

Does even the thought of going to a museum make you want to take a nap? Well I’ve got news for you. The library now carries 19 different passes to attractions and entertainment that will make you sit up and take notice instead. For Braintree residents only with OCLN library card in good standing, our passes allow you to hike, bike, see the sights, see a show, watch a game, go back in time, view an exotic animal, and yes, attend a number of exceptional museums, all for free or greatly reduced admissions. Especially during weekdays, there are opportunities galore. So come on folks, get off the couch and bring yourself and your friends to Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Children's Museum, Fuller Craft Museum, Harvard Museum of Natural History, Heritage Gardens Museum & Gardens, Institute of Contemporary Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, Mass Audubon, Massachusetts ParksPass, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Old Sturbridge Village, Pawtucket Red Sox, Plimoth Plantation, The Sports Museum, Wheelock Family Theatre, or Zoo New England.

New at Thayer Public Library for residents of Braintree. Take your family out to the ballgame with a Paw Sox pass. Each pass allows for up to 6 people to attend selected Pawtucket Red Sox games for a flat rate of $18, a great discount over regular prices. To book your pass, visit www.thayerpubliclibrary.net and click on Museum Passes Online. You must have a valid OCLN library card in good standing and be a resident of Braintree. Paw Sox schedules are available in the reference department on the lower level. For more information or help with booking, call 781-848-0405 x4417.

On Monday, May 10 from 6 to 8pm, noted genealogist Marcia Iannizzi Melnyk will present a genealogical research and techniques lecture for those interested in Italian heritage. Ms. Melnyk is a founding member and the current president of The Italian Genealogical Society of America. She has traced her own Italian ancestry back to the late 1700s in Italy. Open to all.

Spring electronics collection, sponsored by The Friends of Thayer Public Library, will be in conjunction with Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, May 15 from 9am until noon, at the Ivory Street Recycling Center. Safely dispose of those items with hazardous material in them, and Thayer Public Library will benefit from the proceeds. Fee for TV’s up to 24”, computer monitors, and air conditioners, $15; large portable TV’s and TV consoles, $20; dehumidifiers, microwaves and small fridges, $10. The Friends also will collect tires and batteries. Fees are $20 for truck tires; $5 for car tires and batteries; $2 for rims. For more information call 781-413-1327.

The Friends of Thayer Public Library Concert Series committee is looking for one or two music lovers to help select performers for the 2010-2011 concert season. If you have enjoyed these Sunday concerts, know something about classic forms of music, or simply want to get more involved, please call the director at 781-848-0405 x4420. We also need helpers to set up, clean up, and provide refreshments. The concerts are guaranteed fun and you’ll feel good about helping bring out the best in your community.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


April 21, 2010


Thayer Public Library proudly presents an evening with bestselling author Dennis Lehane on Tuesday, May 11 at 7:30pm, to be held at Thayer Academy’s Center for the Performing Arts. Mr. Lehane will discuss Shutter Island, his bestselling book, made into a movie currently showing in theaters across the country. Dennis Lehane is also the author of blockbuster novel and made-into-movie Mystic River. Mr. Lehane will be available to sign copies of his books after the presentation. A variety of his books will be available for sale courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Admission is free; donations to Thayer Public Library to defray the cost of the event will be gratefully accepted. For tickets, stop by Thayer Public Library during open library hours. Braintree residents can request one or two free tickets through Saturday, April 24. Remaining tickets will be available to all beginning Monday, April 26. There will be absolutely no admission without a ticket. Many thanks go to Thayer Academy for allowing use of their new Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420.

With spring finally here everyone is ready to get out and do the chores that need to be done around the house and yard. Let us give you a hand with books full of great home and garden improvement ideas. We have how-to books on hundreds of subjects, from repairing your mower, to renovating your bathroom, to planting a border, to sewing drapery. Help all of your projects go smoothly, visit the display on the lower level this month.

New at Thayer Public Library for residents of Braintree. Take your family out to the ballgame with a Paw Sox pass. Each pass allows for up to 6 people to attend selected Pawtucket Red Sox games for a flat rate of $18, a great discount over regular prices. To book your pass, visit www.thayerpubliclibrary.net and click on Museum Passes Online. You must have a valid OCLN library card in good standing and be a resident of Braintree. Paw Sox schedules are available in the reference department on the lower level. For more information or help with booking, call 781-848-0405 x4417.

Registration is now open for computer classes scheduled in May and June. Topics include email, Microsoft Word 2007, and the popular 3-part series introducing computers and Internet searching. Classes are free but registration is required. You may register through our online calendar, in person on the lower level, or call 781-848-0405 x4417. Do it now, because space is limited. Registrants for all classes must have a basic familiarity using a mouse and keyboard.

Our 2010 Author/Speaker Series continues on Tuesday, April 27 at 7pm with an author talk and book signing. "The Crime of the Century: How the Brink's Robbers Stole Millions and the Hearts of Boston" by Boston Herald reporter Stephanie Schorow will be featured. Ms. Schorow will show short movie clips and discuss her work including historical connections to Braintree. The first history in thirty years of Boston’s most celebrated heist details the inside story of what was dubbed “the crime of the century” and how the robbery caught the imagination of Boston and the world. The author's books will be for sale courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library.

In our display cases at the Washington Street entrance through the end of April: Accomplished Italian Americans, sponsored by the Italian American Club. There’s a lot to see – make a point to stop by and take a long look.

On Monday, May 10 from 6 to 8pm, noted genealogist Marcia Iannizzi Melnyk will present a genealogical research and techniques lecture for those interested in Italian heritage. Ms. Melnyk is a founding member and the current president of The Italian Genealogical Society of America. She has traced her own Italian ancestry back to the late 1700s in Italy. Open to all.

Sleepless nights and all stressed out - why not read? Reading can reduce stress and help you relax. Reading offers an escape into other universes, countries, time periods, or another life. You can go to the beach, see a sunset, or visit an exotic country from the coziness of your own home. Many different types of reading materials can offer an escape from the world, so if reading a long novel is not possible, try a magazine or graphic novel, or listen to an audiobook. Thayer Public Library subscribes to more than 200 periodicals that cover a variety of interests from hobbies and health to people-watching. So next time you are feeling stressed or can’t sleep, escape into a good book.

The Friends of Thayer Public Library Concert Series committee is looking for one or two music lovers to help select performers for the 2010-2011 concert season. If you have enjoyed these Sunday concerts, know something about classic forms of music, or simply want to get more involved, please call the director at 781-848-0405 x4420. We also need helpers to set up, clean up, and provide refreshments. The concerts are guaranteed fun and you’ll feel good about helping bring out the best in your community.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 


This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


April 14, 2010


New at Thayer Public Library for residents of Braintree. Take your family out to the ballgame with a Paw Sox pass. Each pass allows for up to 6 people to attend selected Pawtucket Red Sox games for a flat rate of $18, a great discount over regular prices. To book your pass, visit www.thayerpubliclibrary.net and click on Museum Passes Online. You must have a valid OCLN library card in good standing and be a resident of Braintree. Paw Sox schedules are available in the reference department on the lower level. For more information or help with booking, call 781-848-0405 x4417.

Our 2010 Author/Speaker Series continues on Tuesday, April 27 at 7pm with an author talk and book signing. "The Crime of the Century: How the Brink's Robbers Stole Millions and the Hearts of Boston" by Boston Herald reporter Stephanie Schorow will be featured. Ms. Schorow will show short movie clips and discuss her work including historical connections to Braintree. The first history in thirty years of Boston’s most celebrated heist details the inside story of what was dubbed “the crime of the century” and how the robbery caught the imagination of Boston and the world. The author's books will be for sale courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library.

Are you planning a vacation and looking for a great read while you’re away? “The Ruins” by Scott Smith is a horror novel that brings a new definition to vacation. You will be truly terrified. If horror stories are not your thing, pick up one of our readers’ advisory fliers located on the what-do-I-read-next wall on the main level. Included in these flyers are many suggestions from our professional librarians on great books, from mysteries to action/adventure to gentle reads. Or for a quick pick, browse the preselected book displays that can be found on each floor of the library. Rita Mae Brown, author of the Mrs. Murphy mystery series, was once quoted as saying, “When I got my library card, that's when my life began.” So with spring finally here and vacations on the horizon, come on in and sign up for a free Thayer Public Library card.

In our display cases at the Washington Street entrance through the end of April: accomplished Italian Americans, sponsored by the Italian American Club. There’s a lot to see – make a point to stop by and take a long look.

Through April 17 only, Food for Fines returns to Thayer Public Library. The world keeps spinning, but some things never change. Do you have library materials that are overdue? Afraid to return them for fear of the massive fines they might incur? Afraid to show your face at the library? If this describes you, I have just the fix to bring you back into our good graces. To celebrate National Library Week, through April 17 the library is conducting our third annual Food for Fines program. The library will waive your overdue fines in exchange for one nonperishable, unexpired, unopened food or personal care item per dollar owed. For details, pick up a flyer at the library. All items collected during this period will be donated to local Braintree food pantries. All at the same time, you can clear up your library record, bring back those long overdue materials, get rid of your overdue fines, and help your community. Are we friends again?

The Friends of Thayer Public Library Concert Series committee is looking for one or two music lovers to help select performers for the 2010-2011 concert season. If you have enjoyed these Sunday concerts, know something about classic forms of music, or simply want to get more involved, please call the director at 781-848-0405 x4420. We also need helpers to set up, clean up, and provide refreshments. The concerts are guaranteed fun and you’ll feel good about helping bring out the best in your community.

Speaking of which, the Friends of Thayer Public Library Concert Series presents best of Broadway featuring Bobbi Carey and Will McMillan, vocalists with Doug Hammer, pianist on Sunday, April 18 at 3pm. Come early for a great seat.

Attention American Idol fans. Come enjoy the talents of Braintree’s amazingly talented children at our “Braintree Kids Have Talent” show on Thursday, April 22 at 6:30pm. Twelve children will perform including gymnasts, a magician, and a piano player. Library Trustee Janice Weitbrecht hosts this evening show. Performance slots are already filled, but do plan to attend to cheer your young friends and neighbors on.

YA Poetry Workshop: on Thursday, April 22 from 3 to 4:30pm, help us celebrate National Poetry Month. Join us in the Young Adult Room for an afternoon of poetry. Whether you've written poetry before, or you've always wanted to, anyone between the ages of 12-18 are welcome. We will have some icebreakers, exercises, tips and ideas about writing poetry. If you'd like to share some original or favorite poetry, or just show off how much you learned, we will have open poetry share time from 4-4:30pm. And yes, snacks will be served. For more information on all teen/young adult programs, contact rtierney@braintreema.gov or call 781-848-0405 x4415.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


April 7, 2010


National Library Week arrives annually just in time to celebrate spring. This year’s theme is “Communities Thrive @ Your Library.” As an unrelenting advocate for public libraries in general and for Thayer Public Library in particular, I can attest to the truth of this theme. Did you know that on average, 800 people walk through the doors of our library every day we are open? That our total circulation activity last year was almost 400,000 items? That over 800 children participated in last year’s summer reading program? That annually our meeting and conference rooms are used by the community close to 900 times? That in a typical week 694 people use our free Internet computers? That last year 7,600 people of all ages attended library sponsored programs? There is truly something for everyone at your library, where the entire community is welcome. If you feel as strongly as I do, please take the time to thank your town leaders and library trustees for their continuing robust support of this fine institution.

Food for Fines returns to Thayer Public Library. The world keeps spinning, but some things never change. Do you have library materials that are overdue? Afraid to return them for fear of the massive fines they might incur? Afraid to show your face at the library? If this describes you, I have just the fix to bring you back into our good graces. To celebrate National Library Week, April 12 through 17, the library is conducting our third annual Food for Fines program. The library will waive your overdue fines in exchange for one nonperishable, unexpired, unopened food or personal care item per dollar owed. For details, pick up a flyer at the library. All items collected during this period will be donated to local Braintree food pantries. All at the same time, you can clear up your library record, bring back those long overdue materials, get rid of your overdue fines, and help your community. Are we friends again?

Attention American Idol fans. Come enjoy the talents of Braintree’s amazingly talented children at our “Braintree Kids Have Talent” show on Thursday, April 22 at 6:30pm. Twelve children will perform including gymnasts, a magician, and a piano player. Library Trustee Janice Weitbrecht hosts this evening show. Performance slots are already filled, but do plan to attend to cheer your young friends and neighbors on.

YA Poetry Workshop: on Thursday, April 22 from 3 to 4:30pm, help us celebrate National Poetry Month. Join us in the Young Adult Room for an afternoon of poetry. Whether you've written poetry before, or you've always wanted to, anyone between the ages of 12-18 are welcome. We will have some icebreakers, exercises, tips and ideas about writing poetry. If you'd like to share some original or favorite poetry, or just show off how much you learned, we will have open poetry share time from 4-4:30pm. And yes, snacks will be served. For more information on all teen/young adult programs, contact rtierney@braintreema.gov or call 781-848-0405 x4415.

Teens 13 and older, you’re missing out if you haven’t joined us for our year of "books that have been turned into movies" series. We are showing “Confessions of a Shopaholic” on Thursday, April 8 at 6:30pm. Watch this fun romantic comedy starring Isla Fisher. If you register online in advance, you'll go home with a swag bag, filled with samples and goodies. To register, visit www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events, then click on the date.

More for young adults at Thayer Public Library. Got Wii skills? Show them off at teen Wii time on the big screen on Tuesday April 13 from 2:30 to 4pm. Join other teens for open playing time. We'll have games like Smash Brothers, Mario Kart, Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games, Wii Sports Resort and more. Registration is not required, but if you sign up, you will be guaranteed playing time. Gamers. bring your own clearly labeled Wii-motes if you wish. And don't worry about working up an appetite - we'll have plenty of snacks and drinks.

Friends of Thayer Public Library Concert Series presents best of Broadway featuring Bobbi Carey and Will McMillan, vocalists with Doug Hammer, pianist on Sunday, April 18 at 3pm. Come early for a great seat.

Crafters, applications are now available for vendor spots at the library’s summer craft shows to be held on Saturday, July 10 and Saturday, August 14 from 9am to 2pm. The fee of $35 per event goes to the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Pick up applications at the library or call Sunny Shaw at 781-848-6724.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


March 31, 2010


My, how the world is changing, and right along with it, Thayer Public Library. For those of you who can’t live without your handheld devices, use our new mobile apps to connect with your library - anywhere, any time. Apps are available courtesy of our OCLN library computer network. Try these out today. 

“Access My Library”: view online library resources 24/7. Includes magazines, journals, encyclopedias, how-to guides and more. Available for iPhone. 

“BookMyne”: use this app to find a participating local library so you can search the library catalog, renew checked out materials, place and cancel hold requests, check your account details and navigate to the library’s home page. Available for iPhone. 

“WorldCat”: use your mobile phone to find materials in libraries near you, and help test this service. Available in the U.S. only, the year-long pilot program lets you try out mobile search of WorldCat libraries and suggest improvements or additional features. For Blackberry, iPhone, and Windows.

“Overdrive”: Use the OverDrive Media Console app to download Thayer Public Library's OverDrive online audiobook and e-book titles. It makes downloading easy and convenient. Available for Android, Blackberry, and Windows.

“Twitter”: Don't forget the easy way to keep up with everything going on at the library. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib.

The world keeps spinning, but some things never change. Do you have library materials that are overdue? Afraid to return them for fear of the massive fines they might incur? Afraid to show your face at the library? If this describes you, I have just the fix to bring you back into our good graces. To celebrate National Library Week, April 12 through 17, the library is conducting our third annual Food for Fines program. The library will waive your overdue fines in exchange for one nonperishable, unexpired, unopened food or personal care item per dollar owed. For details, pick up a flyer at the library. All items collected during this period will be donated to local Braintree food pantries. All at the same time, you can clear up your library record, bring back those long overdue materials, get rid of your overdue fines, and help your community. Are we friends again?

Last call to support our Scrabble teams on their quest for immortality at the National School Scrabble Championship in Orlando, Florida. On Saturday, April 3, a silent auction will be held from 12:30 to 3:30pm in Logan Auditorium. All proceeds go to the Friends of Thayer Public Library to help with the teams’ travel expenses. The excitement is building, but we can only do it with the help of our community and businesses like yours. Please consider your support of this terrific event. Donations are still being accepted. For more information, please email tplscrabble@pattnet.com.

Poet alert. Join us for half of your 15 minutes of fame. Our second annual Open Mike Poetry Night will be held on Tuesday, April 6 from 7 to 8:30pm. All poets and friends of poets are welcome to join the Library Director for refreshments and poetry appreciation. Returning readers are welcome. We’ll have ten 8-minute spots available for you to read your own work or that of your favorite poet. Sign up online by clicking on Upcoming Events, then click on the date; or call 781-848-0405 x4417. All ages welcome; bring family and friends.

Teens 13 and older, you’re missing out if you haven’t joined us for our year of "books that have been turned into movies" series. We are showing “Confessions of a Shopaholic” on Thursday, April 8 at 6:30pm. Watch this fun romantic comedy starring Isla Fisher. If you register online in advance, you'll go home with a swag bag, filled with samples and goodies. For more information, contact rtierney@braintreema.gov or call 781-848-0405 x4415.

Crafters, applications are now available for vendor spots at the library’s summer craft shows to be held on Saturday, July 10 and Saturday, August 14 from 9am to 2pm. The fee of $35 per event goes to the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Pick up applications at the library or call Sunny Shaw at 781-848-6724.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


March 24, 2010


March madness, and there’s too much happening at the library to list it all here. If you’ve never visited our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, now’s the time. Click on Upcoming Events and see just how many programs and services your local library offers you. Everything’s free, so come on down.

Join us for a movie showing of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window starring Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly. It’s the story of a New York photographer, L. B. Jefferies, who is confined to his small apartment with a broken leg. To pass the time he snoops on his neighbors, believing there’s been a murder. It only takes one witness to spoil the perfect crime. Sponsored by the library Readers’ Group Book Club on Tuesday, March 30 at 6:30pm.

For children ages 3 and up. Uno, Dos, Tres is a lively program for children which introduces Spanish through music and stories. Maureen Holbrook will present Uno, Dos, Tres starting Saturday, March 27 from 10:30-11:30am. The series will continue on the next four Saturdays through April 24. Ms. Holbrook is a musician and Spanish educator, and has performed this program in many libraries. To sign up go to www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events, then on the date March 27. This series is funded in part by a grant from the Braintree Arts Lottery Council, a local agency of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. The mission of the MCC is to promote excellence, education, access and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and to contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.

News for teens: DVD and CD titles have been added to the YA room collection. And, we’ve added almost 50 new video games this week for four gaming platforms: Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 & 3. Don’t forget to keep checking our website’s teen page for Reba Recommends. Reba Recommends is meant to be readers’ interactive experience, so please email Reba at rtierney@braintreema.gov with comments or suggestions. 

On Thursday, March 25 from 6 to 8:30pm we’re showing YA Movie Night on the big screen, in a continuation of our year of "books that have been turned into movies" series, just for young adults. Get ready for heart pounding excitement and high stakes action. Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne, an amnesiac fighting for his life in “The Bourne Identity”. We'll have free food and drinks. Because this film is rated PG-13, the event is open to ages 13-18 only. For more information, contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

On Saturday, March 27 from 2 to 3:30pm, Thayer Public Library is proud to present acclaimed young adult author Mark Peter Hughes, who wrote “I am the Wallpaper” and “Lemonade Mouth.” Mark will present a program called A Writer’s Journey. Come hear what it is like to make your living as a writer, and see how Mark has become the success that he is today. Books will be for sale courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library, or bring your own copy for him to sign. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Braintree Arts Lottery Council, a local agency of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency; and by a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services. Especially for tweens and teens, but all are welcome.

Give moral and financial support to your community school Scrabble champs and wish them victory as they compete at the National School Scrabble Championship on April 9-10 in Orlando, Florida. All proceeds will go to the Friends of TPL to support the teams’ travel expenses. On Saturday, April 3 from 11am to 4pm, the group will host a silent auction in Logan Auditorium. For more information, contact tplscrabble@pattnet.com.

Our second annual Open Mike Poetry Night will be held on Tuesday, April 6 from 7 to 8:30pm. All poets and friends of poets are welcome to join the Library Director for refreshments and poetry appreciation. Returning readers are welcome. We’ll have ten 8-minute spots available for you to read your own work or that of your favorite poet. Sign up online by clicking on Upcoming Events, then click on the date; or call 781-848-0405 x4417. All ages welcome; bring family and friends.

Crafters, applications are now available for vendor spots at the library’s summer craft shows to be held on Saturday, July 10 and Saturday, August 14 from 9am to 2pm. The fee of $35.00 per event goes to the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Pick up applications at the library or call Sunny Shaw at 781-848-6724.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To volunteer at the library, call the assistant director at 781-848-0405 x4414. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


March 17, 2010


Emily Dickinson wrote: A light exists in spring/Not present on the year/At any other period/When March is scarcely here. Maybe that’s why April is National Poetry Month, because it’s the time of year when we yearn for that fresh light and new green growth, and the inspiration that poetry can provide to get us through the cold dark nights. I myself can scarcely wait for spring to arrive. That’s why I’m calling for a second annual Open Mike Poetry Night on Tuesday, April 6 from 7 to 8:30pm. All poets and friends of poets are welcome to join me for refreshments and poetry appreciation. Returning readers are welcome. We’ll have ten 8-minute spots available for you to read your own work or that of your favorite poet. Sign up online by clicking on Upcoming Events, then click on the date; or call 781-848-0405 x4417. All ages welcome; bring family and friends.

Not only starving poets are unemployed these days. Looking for work? Come to our training class where you will learn about online resources that can help find your next dream job. During the session you will learn to search our JobView database, set up a monster.com account, learn how to search monster.com and Yahoo Hot Jobs, learn how to upload your resume to a job site, search local job listings and avoid employment scams. Participants must have basic Internet skills, a valid email address, and an electronic copy of their resume. Choose from two sessions, Tuesday, April 6, 7 to 8:30pm or Wednesday, April 7, 9:15 to 10:45am. Space is limited. Register at the information desk on the lower level, by calling 781-848-0405, x4417 or sign up through our online calendar.

Friends of Thayer Public Library concert series hosts Artem Belogurov, pianist, who will present a program of Hayden, Beethoven, and Chopin. Sunday, March 21 at 3pm. Come early for a good seat.

Join us for a movie showing of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window starring Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly. It’s the story of a New York photographer, L. B. Jefferies, who is confined to his small apartment with a broken leg. To pass the time he snoops on his neighbors, believing there’s been a murder. It only takes one witness to spoil the perfect crime. Sponsored by the library Readers’ Group Book Club on Tuesday, March 30 at 6:30pm. 

Give moral and financial support to your community school Scrabble champs and wish them victory as they compete at the National School Scrabble Championship on April 9-10 in Orlando, Florida. All proceeds will go to the Friends of TPL to support the teams’ travel expenses. A Papa Gino’s Community Fundraiser will be held on St Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17 from 4 to 9pm at 240 Grove Street, Braintree. Celebrate this special day and bring your family out to eat. Our teams will earn 20% of the sales. Pick up a flyer first at the library. Then, be sure to submit your flyer when ordering at the restaurant. And on Saturday, April 3 from 11am to 4pm, the Friends of TPL will host a silent auction in Logan Auditorium. .  

Teen events: Thursday, March 25 from 6 to 8:30pm we’re showing YA Movie Night on the big screen, in a continuation of our year of "books that have been turned into movies" series, just for young adults. Get ready for heart pounding excitement and high stakes action. Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne, an amnesiac fighting for his life in “The Bourne Identity.” We'll have free food and drinks. Because this film is rated PG-13, the event is open to ages 13-18 only. For more information, contact Reba Tierney, Young Adult Librarian at 781-848-0405 x4415 or rtierney@braintreema.gov.

On Saturday, March 27 from 2 to 3:30pm, Thayer Public Library is proud to present acclaimed young adult author Mark Peter Hughes. Mark is the author of “I am the Wallpaper” and “Lemonade Mouth.” He will meet with readers to discuss his experiences and his writing. At the end of his presentation, he will be happy to take any questions and sign books, which will be for sale courtesy of the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Snacks will be served. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to hear and meet a successful author. Especially for tweens and teens, but all are welcome.

Crafters, hold the dates: Coming to the library this summer is a repeat of our fabulous craft shows in the parking lot on Washington Street. Our unique crafters will return with new and exciting items. Craft show dates are Saturday, July 10 and Saturday, August 14 from 9am to 2pm.We welcome everyone who wants to participate and support the library. The fee of $35.00 per event goes to the Friends of Thayer Public Library. Pick up applications for the craft shows at the library or call Sunny Shaw at 781-848-6724. In addition to the craft show, the Braintree Farmers Market will be open and the Braintree Historical Society may have a program in the same area. We strive to make the day fun for the young and the young at heart. Mark your calendar now and plan to attend our town square social.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


March 10, 2010


Calling all Friends. Now is the time for all good Friends to come to the aid of their library. The Friends of Thayer Public Library need not only your financial support. We also need your volunteer energy and skills to help us solidify and expand our services to the library. Do you have a few hours a month to become a working Friend? Do you have expertise or interest in any of the following areas: membership, music concerts, book sale, Friends café, hazardous waste day, author series, library program assistance, executive board, fundraising, publicity? Even if your only skill is lifting heavy objects, we need you – actually, we especially need you if you can lift heavy objects. Why not get your whole family to join the Friends? The library is your community resource – please support it financially and through your volunteer efforts with the Friends. We need you now, we need you today. Friends membership brochures are available at the library. Contact Betsy Wolfe, Library Director, for more information at 781-848-0405 x4420 or ewolfe@braintreema.gov (email subject: Friends Volunteer.)

Looking for work? Come to our training class where you will learn about online resources that can help find your next dream job. During the session you will learn to search our JobView database, set up a monster.com account, learn how to search monster.com and Yahoo Hot Jobs, learn how to upload your resume to a job site, search local job listings and avoid employment scams. Participants must have basic Internet skills, a valid email address, and an electronic copy of their resume. Choose from two sessions, Tuesday, April 6, 7 to 8:30pm or Wednesday, April 7, 9:15 to 10:45am. Space is limited. Register at the information desk on the lower level, by calling 781-848-0405, x4417 or sign up through our online calendar.

March Madness! New releases are hot off the press. If you are planning a trip in March and want to catch up on the most current fiction, look for these titles coming soon. “House Rules” by Jodi Picoult - Picoult never fails to grip your emotions and this novel is no different. The story is about a teenage boy with Aspergers syndrome. Critically acclaimed author Ian McEwan’s novel “Solar” delves into the issue of global warming, and is scheduled for release March 18. If you need to pack light, pack a paperback. “Rouge Forces” by Dale Brown is a military adventure due to be released in paperback this month. Brown is one of the best writers of military fiction. When planning your vacation don’t forget to visit the travel section of the library. All items can be accessed through our catalog located on our website at thayerpubliclibrary.net.

Give moral and financial support to your community school Scrabble champs and wish them victory in Orlando. Two teams of Braintree middle school students will compete at the National School Scrabble Championship on April 9-10 in Orlando, Florida. To make this possible, they must raise funds to offset the associated costs. All proceeds will go to the Friends of TPL to support the teams’ travel expenses. There will be a Scrabble Tournament on Saturday, March 13 from 1 to 7pm at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 519 Washington Street, Braintree. This tournament is for experienced players only. Entrance fee is $10 per team. Register in advance by email to tplscrabble@pattnet.com. A Papa Gino’s Community Fundraiser will be held on St Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17 from 4 to 9pm at 240 Grove Street, Braintree. Celebrate this special day and bring your family out to eat. Our teams will earn 20% of the sales. Be sure to submit your flyer when ordering. Flyers can be found at all levels at the library. And on Saturday, April 3 from 11am to 4pm, the Friends of TPL will host a silent auction in the Logan Auditorium. 

Learn more about researching your Irish heritage by attending Erin in the USA: Irish Research on this Side of the Atlantic with Michael Brophy, genealogist. Presented on Thursday, March 11 at 6:30pm, this PowerPoint presentation is intended for an intermediate level research audience, but all are welcome. You have found a place name for your Irish ancestor in the Emerald Isle. Now it is time to explore Irish records and resources available here in the United States to make the most of your Irish research trip.  

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


March 3, 2010


The weather outside is frightful –it’s March in New England, after all. But don’t let the weather stop you from donating your gently used books to the Friends of Thayer Public Library. We know there is a lot of competition out there for your used books and clothing. You may see donation bins in supermarket parking lots and other convenient drop off locations. But did you know that these donation boxes don’t always directly benefit a charity? Some are for-profit companies; others are non-profit but send shredded materials bulk rate far overseas. I encourage you to directly benefit your own community by taking the extra time to bring your book donations into the library and your used clothing to known, local charities. That’s the only way you can be certain that 100% of your good will efforts benefit your community directly. Charity begins at home, the old saying reminds us. And there is no worthier community home base than Thayer Public Library. 

If you haven’t visited our YA Room lately, located on the lower level, you’re missing a creative and engaging space that draws more teens to the library every day. Young Adult Librarian Reba Tierney has been invited to serve on a panel discussing Teen Spaces in Libraries. This panel will be part of a day of workshops and presentations at the second annual Statewide Teen Librarian Summit on Tuesday, March 16. The Summit is sponsored by the Massachusetts Regional Library System. Congratulations, Reba.

Registration is now open for computer classes scheduled in March and April. Topics include email, Microsoft Word 2007, online job hunting, and the popular 3-part series introducing computers and Internet searching. Classes are free but registration is required. You may register through our online calendar, in person on the lower level, or call 781-848-0405 x4417. Do it now, because space is limited. Registrants for all classes must have a basic familiarity using a mouse and keyboard.

Thayer Public Library is going national, thanks to the ongoing efforts of Reference Librarian Priscilla Crane and sponsorship by the Friends of Thayer Public Library. The Friends will be represented by two teams of middle school students at the National School Scrabble Championship on April 9-10 in Orlando, Florida. To make this possible, they must raise funds to offset the associated costs. All proceeds will go to the Friends of TPL to support the teams’ travel expenses. There will be a Scrabble Tournament on Saturday, March 13 from 1 to 7pm at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 519 Washington Street, Braintree. This tournament is for experienced players only. Entrance fee is $10 per team. Register in advance by email to tplscrabble@pattnet.com. A Papa Gino’s Community Fundraiser will be held on St Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17 from 4 to 9pm at 240 Grove Street, Braintree. Celebrate this special day and bring your family out to eat. Our teams will earn 20% of the sales. Be sure to submit your flyer when ordering. Flyers can be found at all levels at the library. And on Saturday, April 3 from 11am to 4pm, the Friends of TPL will host a silent auction in the Logan Auditorium. Give moral and financial support to your community Scrabble champs and wish them victory in Orlando.

You’re in for a special treat on Tuesday, March 9 from 7 to 8:30pm. We are proud to host an evening with author, state senator, and UMASS President William M. Bulger, as he discusses his book “James Michael Curley: A Short Biography with Personal Reminiscences.” Special guest, Braintree Mayor Joseph Sullivan will introduce Mr. Bulger, who is a gifted and entertaining speaker. Following a discussion and question/answer session, Mr. Bulger will be available to sign copies of his book, which will be made available for sale at the event courtesy of The Friends of Thayer Public Library. Come early to make sure to get a seat.

Just in time for St. Patty’s day, learn more about researching your Irish heritage by attending Erin in the USA: Irish Research on this Side of the Atlantic with Michael Brophy, genealogist. Presented on Thursday, March 11 at 6:30pm, this PowerPoint presentation is intended for an intermediate level research audience, but all are welcome. You have found a place name for your Irish ancestor in the Emerald Isle. Now it is time to explore Irish records and resources available here in the United States to make the most of your Irish research trip. Census substitutes such as Griffith’s Valuation and the Tithe Applotments will be discussed and explained along with the householder’s index for both. Church records and vital records for Ireland will be examined. 

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. Follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


February 24, 2010


Sometimes, reaching a conclusion is easy, like knowing that 2 x 2 = 4, or that the sky is blue. Other times, issues are more complex. You wish to form an opinion but need more information. If you want to know what you’re talking about before you speak, try our Opposing Viewpoints database. It is a premier full text resource which covers all of today’s hottest issues, from terrorism to endangered species, stem cell research to gun control. Pulling together information from magazines, academic journals, newspapers, government statistics, and even podcasts, it’s perfect for many middle and high school assignments, but it is also comprehensive enough to provide new information to all of us who place a premium on staying well informed on both sides of the tough issues. You can access the database from the Opposing Viewpoints icon right on our website. 

Just in time for St. Patty’s day, learn more about researching your Irish heritage by attending Erin in the USA: Irish Research on this Side of the Atlantic with Michael Brophy, genealogist. Presented on Thursday, March 11 at 6:30pm, this PowerPoint presentation is intended for an intermediate level research audience, but all are welcome. You have found a place name for your Irish ancestor in the Emerald Isle. Now it is time to explore Irish records and resources available here in the United States to make the most of your Irish research trip. Census substitutes such as Griffith’s Valuation and the Tithe Applotments will be discussed and explained along with the householder’s index for both. Church records and vital records for Ireland will be examined. 

You’re in for a special treat on Tuesday, March 9 from 7 to 8:30pm. We are proud to host an evening with author, state senator, and UMASS President William M. Bulger, as he discusses his book “James Michael Curley: A Short Biography with Personal Reminiscences.” Special guest, Braintree Mayor Joseph Sullivan will introduce Mr. Bulger, who is a gifted and entertaining speaker. Following a discussion and question/answer session, Mr. Bulger will be available to sign copies of his book, which will be made available for sale at the event courtesy of The Friends of Thayer Public Library. Come early to make sure to get a seat.

Do your children like to make crafts? If so, bring them to the Children’s Department on Tuesday, March 2 at 3:30pm when children in third grade and up will make a fun craft. If your child is kindergarten age or older, the next date for crafts is Thursday, March 11 at 3:30pm.

Join us on Thursday, Feb 25 from 7-8pm in the Young Adult room for our extra special teen YA Café, an acoustic night of music and entertainment. If you sing, write poetry, or play an instrument, stop by the YA room to share your talent. There will be food and drink, and all teens ages 12-18 are invited. We will also have several board and card games available if you need to take a study break. You can sign up to perform by registering online or stopping by the reference desk, located on the lower level of the library. If you don't get a chance to signup, you are still welcome to come by and perform, grab a snack, or just enjoy the music. Contact rtierney@braintreema.gov for more information, or follow us on Twitter at ThayerPublicLib.

Don’t get snowed in without at least one good book. Instead, get through these long winter nights with a book series. Titles in a series offer a variety of characters that develop throughout each book. Some of the most popular series titles are Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, and the Twilight series. Consider reading the Southern Vampire Mysteries series, also known as “True Blood” by Charlaine Harris. “Dead Until Dark” won the Anthony Award. If you like action and adventure read the Bourne series by Robert Ludlum or Horatio Hornblower series by C.S. Forester. For a gentler read consider the Mitford Years series by Jan Karon or the Heritage of Lancaster County series by Beverly Lewis.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


February 17, 2010


I’m wondering if you’ve heard of the Audie awards? Audie awards, sponsored by the Audio Publishers Association (APA), have been given annually since 1987 to the best audio books in the industry. Many categories are considered such as fiction, humor, history, and mystery. The award is not only for the quality of the writing, but also the quality and interpretation of the narration performance. 2009 winners include: “Duma Key” by Stephen King, narrated by John Slatter; “Elmer Gantry” by Sinclair Lewis, narrated by Anthony Heald; and “Child 44” by Tom Rob Smith, narrated by Dennis Boutsikaris. To see a list of more winners and nominated titles for 2009, visit our reference department. To place a hold on any of these titles visit us at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

Audio books are easy, convenient, and come in a variety of formats. Listen up, we have just the thing for you. Try a Playaway (an audio book on MP3 player, all self inclusive in the package – all you need are earphones) or an audio book on CD. You can also download books through our Overdrive account on our website. Overdrive books are free to borrow. Simply set up an account with your library card number, then download an audio MP3 file to your computer. Listen on your computer, or transfer it to your handheld if you like. Overdrive has hundreds of new titles of spoken audio books and - news flash - now carries e-books in pdf and epub file formats. You can even download Overdrive titles to your Sony E-Reader or Barnes & Noble Nook reader. With so many options for listening and reading electronically, you may never go back to the printed word on paper again. But whatever way you get your reading in, remember, reading is fundamental. 

Please note this special opportunity to hear a true library supporter and gifted author speak. On Tuesday, March 9 from 7 to 8:30pm, we are proud to host an evening with author, state senator, and UMASS President William M. Bulger, as he discusses his book “James Michael Curley: A Short Biography with Personal Reminiscences.” Special guest, Braintree Mayor Joseph Sullivan will introduce Mr. Bulger. Following a discussion and question/answer session, Mr. Bulger will be available to sign copies of his book, which will be made available for sale at the event courtesy of The Friends of Thayer Public Library. Come early to make sure to get a seat.

Some people just can’t get enough of Valentine’s Day. If you’re one of them, visit our valentine display on the main level. Romance novels are a great escape and always have a wonderful ending. Treat yourself to a romance suspense novel. “Deep Down” by Karen Harper takes you high into the mountains of Kentucky to solve a disappearance and on country roads discovering love. If you enjoy something a little less heart pounding, read “True Love and Other Disasters” by Rachel Gibson. Who would think true love could be such a disaster? To place a hold on these titles or to find other books written by these authors please visit our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. 

The Ides of March are approaching, and I know for a fact, you still haven’t signed up to follow our Twitter account. To meet our goal of 300 followers, please act soon. Click on our website, then link to follow us on Twitter. It’s a fun, easy way to keep up with what’s happening at your library. 

In the display cases at the Washington Street entrance through the end of February, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts celebrate their 100th anniversary. Our March display will be something entirely different: an exhibit of porcelain dolls by a local collector. Each month brings new displays. Even if you enter the library through our main entrance parking lot side, try to make a point to stop by our display cases at the Washington Street entrance to see something new and interesting.

Concert for flute and piano. On Sunday, Feb 21, Donald Zook, flute and Stephen Young, piano, will perform at 3pm. They will play works of Mozart, Foss, Barber, Dvorak and Doppler. This performance is sponsored by The Friends of the Library and supported, in part by The South Shore Playhouse Associates. It is free and open to the public. For information call 781-413-1327.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.

 February 10, 2010


What’s so special about February 14? If you guessed Valentine’s Day, you’d be only partially correct. This year, our day of hearts, roses, and chocolates is also Chinese New Year. Did you know that 2010 is year 4707 in the Chinese calendar? And each year is named for one of 12 animals. 

To usher in the Year of the Tiger, the Children’s Department will host a colorful display of pictures and belongings related to this holiday. There are pink child’s shoes from China, lucky money envelopes and more. Come celebrate by making a Chinese New Year crafts project. The next session of Afterschool Crafts for children is Thursday, Feb 11 at 3:30pm. For children in kindergarten and up; no sign-up needed. 

If you would like to share a book about this holiday with a young one, “Lion Dancer” by Kate Waters is an introduction to Chinese New Year. The story follows Ernie, in words and photographs, as he prepares to wear the dancing dragon costume in the annual parade. In the library, copies are under JE 394.2 WAT on the upper level, or ask a staff member for help. 

Teens, are you ready for Valentine’s Day? Join us on Thursday, Feb 11, from 6:30 to 8:30pm as we continue our books-that-have-been-made-into -movies series with “10 Things I Hate About You.” This series is intended for teens ages 13-18. Rated PG-13, you must be 13 to attend. “10 Things I Hate About You” was Heath Ledger’s break-out role, features an all star cast, and was loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. It is free, and we will have sweet snacks and drinks, too.

The Teen Anime/Manga Club will meet on Saturday, Feb 13, from 2:30 to 4pm. If you are between the ages of 12-18 and like to draw, watch Anime, read Manga, and discuss favorite books, characters and more, please join us. Snacks, drinks and drawing materials are all provided. 

Stay tuned for more details on our Young Adult Karaoke and Open Mic event to be held on Saturday, Feb 20 from 2-4:30pm. For ages 12 to 18.

Speaking of love and Valentine’s Day, next time you are in the library check out our romance and love books. We stock historical romances, supernatural romances (vampires and such), chick lit, and more. It’s easy to find romance titles using our online catalog. Go to our website at thayerpubliclibrary.net and click on the Catalog tab at the top. Type “romance” into the search box and click on subject. We have everything from DVDs such as “Moonlight Serenade” starring Amy Adams, to paperbacks like “She Ain’t the One” by bestselling authors Carl Weber and Mary B. Morrison. We're in the mood for romance, aren’t you? 

Concert for flute and piano. On Sunday, Feb 21, Donald Zook, flute and Stephen Young, piano, will perform at 3pm. They will play works of Mozart, Foss, Barber, Dvorak and Doppler. This performance is sponsored by The Friends of the Library and supported, in part by The South Shore Playhouse Associates. It is free and open to the public. For information call 781-413-1327.

Show a little love to your library this Valentine’s Day; or if you prefer, the strength of a tiger in your convictions. Either way, the Friends of Thayer Public Library urgently need your donations to stock their ongoing book sale. Please consider donating your gently used books to the Friends. Paperbacks are especially needed, but all books in good condition, except textbooks, are welcome. Bring your donations to the lower level of the library anytime the library is open. All proceeds benefit the library. It’s time to demonstrate the wisdom of the ages in your actions. In turn, we thank you with open hearts and generous wishes for a prosperous New Year.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


February 3, 2010


To tweet or not to tweet, that is the question. Thayer Public Library started a Twitter account a few months back, and we now have 60 followers. We have a goal to expand to 300 followers by the Ides of March (for those who haven’t read Shakespeare since high school, that’s March 15.) It’s easy - from our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on the Twitter link and open up your own account. Become a follower today, and receive text messages about what’s happening at the library, all retrievable from your computer or handheld device. Wherefore art thou, if not keeping up to date with what’s new at Thayer Public Library?

In honor of President's Day this month our librarians have created a display of books dedicated to the lives of United States Presidents. Stop down to the lower level and browse through our nation's history. Julius Caesar beware - some of us prefer to read about George Washington. 

Teen news: we’ve started a new DVD and CD collection just for teens. Come in and check it out, and feel free to leave suggestions for new titles. Love to read but not sure what to read next? Have a book or idea you want to discuss? Check out “Reba Recommends”, a new link off the teen page of our website at thayerpubliclibrary.net, where Reba, the YA librarian, shares her current reads and recommendations. If you do have ideas, comments or suggestions, email Reba at rtierney@braintreema.gov, and she will post your email and respond. 

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) will meet on Saturday, Feb 6 from 2-3pm in the Young Adult room. Food and drinks will be provided. If you are not yet a member of TAG and are interested in joining, please contact Reba Tierney.

During the school year, the Young Adult Literature Club will meet once a month to practice writing and discuss favorite book and authors. This month, the meeting will take place in the Young Adult room Saturday, Feb 6 from 3:30-4:30pm to discuss The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. And of course, we will have snacks. .

All the world’s a stage. Stay tuned for more details on our Young Adult Karaoke and Open Mic event to be held on Saturday, Feb 20 from 2-4:30pm. For ages 12 to 18.

For future Shakespeare lovers: Monday morning winter story times continue through Feb 22. At 9:15am, there is the Book Babies series. Simple books and songs are enjoyed by infants and toddlers through 24 months and their caregivers. Book Babies story times last about 20 minutes; no sign up is required. At 10am and 11am, story times for ages 2 and 3 are scheduled. Stories, songs and a simple craft are presented; no sign ups. 

Longer stories, songs and a more involved craft are available for ages 3-5 on Wednesdays at 10am and 1pm. Sign up for the 7 week session through our online registration system. At www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events and then click on the listing. Use the REGISTER button to add your information. If you have a difficulty registering online, call the Children's Department at 781-848-0405 x4425.

The Friends of Thayer Public Library urgently need your donations to stock their ongoing book sale. Have you read your copy of Macbeth twice? Got an extra copy of Midsummer Night’s Dream? Please consider donating your gently used books to the Friends. Paperbacks are especially needed, but all books in good condition, except textbooks, are welcome. Bring your donations to the lower level of the library anytime the library is open. The Bard thanks thee; we thank you most sincerely for supporting your local library.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


January 27, 2010


Book lovers everywhere take delight in their public libraries. One frequent user of Thayer Public Library has this to say: “I am an avid reader and cannot imagine having to buy all the books I read.” Another adds, “It sounds cliché, but as I tell my daughter, when you have a library card, you have all the knowledge in the world available to you.” Wiser words from your neighbors and friends were never spoken about the value of your local library. Please visit us today, and the week after, and the week after that.

For our youngest book lovers: Monday morning winter story times continue through Feb 22. At 9:15am, there is the Book Babies series. Simple books and songs are enjoyed by infants and toddlers through 24 months and their caregivers. Book Babies story times last about 20 minutes; no sign up is required. At 10am and 11am, story times for ages 2 and 3 are scheduled. Stories, songs and a simple craft are presented; no sign ups. 

Longer stories, songs and a more involved craft are available for ages 3-5 on Wednesdays at 10am and 1pm. Sign up for the 7 week session through our online registration system. At www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events and then click on the listing. Use the REGISTER button to add your information. If you have a difficulty registering online, call the Children's Department at 781-848-0405 x4425.

An afterschool craft program for children ages five and older will be held on Thursday Jan 28 at 3:30pm. Come create a craft snowman. All supplies are provided. No signups.

It’s time for the National School Scrabble Championship for students in grades 5 through 8. The library playoffs are on Saturday, Jan 30 at 1pm. The top two scorers will be invited to participate as a team in the National School Scrabble Championship in Orlando, Florida on April 9-10. The Friends of Thayer Public Library will provide for the registration fees for the team, but each team member is responsible for his own travel expenses. Everyone in grades 5 - 8 is welcome but be warned - this is not a beginner’s game. The library hosts open practice on Thursday nights at 6:30 on the lower level.

Teens, don’t let the wintry start to 2010 get your spirits down. If you are between the ages of 12 and 18, why not stop by the library and give us a try? You’ll be amazed at how much we have to offer you and your friends. For example, on Thursday, Jan 28, from 7-8pm, the library will host a special YA Café. Come spend an hour in the YA room on the lower level. Listen to music, play board games, even share your musical or literary talent. For more information on teen programs, contact rtierney@braintreema.gov or call 781-848-0405 x4415.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its service.


January 20, 2010


You made a New Year’s resolution to read more, but already finding you don’t have the time? Don’t despair; instead, try a short story. Short stories will fit right into your schedule. “Last Rung on the Ladder” by Stephen King will have you hooked. Edgar Allen Poe’s detective stories are fast paced and just as satisfying as a mystery novel. You won’t be disappointed in “The Murders of Rue Morgue “or “The Purloined Letter.” 

How about a collection of short stories? Try “Under the Red Flag” by Ha Jin, who won the Flannery O’Connor award for short fiction. Each story is steeped in Chinese culture. To find these short stories and many more, go to wwww.thayerpubliclibrary.net and click on catalog.

For our youngest book lovers: Monday morning winter story times continue through Feb 22. At 9:15am, there is the Book Babies series. Simple books and songs are enjoyed by infants and toddlers through 24 months and their caregivers. Book Babies story times last about 20 minutes; no sign up is required. At 10am and 11am, story times for ages 2 and 3 are scheduled. Stories, songs and a simple craft are presented; no sign ups. 

Longer stories, songs and a more involved craft are available for ages 3-5 on Wednesdays at 10am and 1pm. Sign up for the 7 week session through our online registration system. At www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events and then click on the listing. Use the REGISTER button to add your information. If you have a difficulty registering online, call the Children's Department at 781-848-0405 x4425.

An afterschool craft program for children ages five and older will be held on Thursday Jan 28 at 3:30pm. Come create a craft snowman. All supplies are provided. No signups.

It’s time for the National School Scrabble Championship for students in grades 5 through 8. The library playoffs are on Saturday, Jan 30 at 1pm. The top two scorers will be invited to participate as a team in the National School Scrabble Championship in Orlando, Florida on April 9-10. The Friends of Thayer Public Library will provide for the registration fees for the team, but each team member is responsible for his own travel expenses. Everyone in grades 5 - 8 is welcome but be warned - this is not a beginner’s game. The library hosts open practice on Thursday nights at 6:30 on the lower level.

Teens, don’t let the wintry start to 2010 get your spirits down. If you are between the ages of 12 and 18, why not stop by the library and give us a try? You’ll be amazed at how much we have to offer you and your friends. For example, on Thursday, Jan 28, from 7-8pm, the library will host a special YA Café. Come spend an hour in the YA room on the lower level. Listen to music, play board games, even share your musical or literary talent. For more information on teen programs, contact rtierney@braintreema.gov or call 781-848-0405 x4415.

Did you know that our library now has a Twitter account? You can see for yourself on our webpage at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net. Become a follower of ThayerPublicLib tweets, and have these same messages texted to your handheld or emailed to you. Go to twitter.com to set up your own personal account.

The Friends of Thayer Public Library will host an electronics drop off collection in the parking lot of Town Hall on Saturday, Jan 23 from 9am to noon. All old equipment including televisions, computer screens, small refrigerators, microwaves, toaster ovens, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers will be accepted; however, no hazardous waste allowed. Storm (heavy snow) date is Jan 30.

John Cramer, pianist and composer, will perform at the library on Sunday, Jan 24 at 3pm. This free concert is sponsored by The Friends of Thayer Public Library ongoing concert series. Sunday concerts are popular, so come a little early to ensure a seat.

The Friends of Thayer Public Library need your gently used books for their ongoing book sale located on the lower level of the library. Paperbacks and hard covers are appreciated. We cannot accept textbooks, magazines, newspapers, or books in poor condition. All donations benefit the library and may be brought to the lower level. Thank you for supporting your library.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.


January 13, 2010


January is a blockbuster month for teens at Thayer Public Library. If you are between the ages of 12 and 18, why not stop by the library and give us a try in 2010? You’ll be amazed at how much we have to offer you and your friends. For starters, on Thursday, Jan 14 at 6pm, we will kick off a new young adult movie series featuring books that have been made into movies, showing on the big screen in Logan Auditorium. Our first viewing is the award winning movie, Friday Night Lights. There will be game day snacks, NFL trivia and more. The movie is rated PG-13; you must be at least 13 to attend this event. 

Saturday, Jan 16, from 2:30-4pm, the Teen Anime/Manga Group will meet. If you are between the ages of 12-18, and like to draw, watch Anime, read Manga, and discuss favorite books, characters and more, please join us. Snacks, drinks and drawing materials are all provided. 

Tuesday, Jan 19, from 2:30-4pm, the library will host Teen Wii Time, projected on the big screen in Logan Auditorium. Young adults between the ages of 12-18 are welcome to join us as we play Smash Brothers, Mario Kart and more. Register for this event at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events and the Jan 19 listing. While registration is not necessary, registered participants will be given priority playing time. 

Thursday, Jan 28, from 7-8pm, the library will host a special YA Café. Come spend an hour in the YA room on the lower level. Listen to music, play board games, even share your musical or literary talent. For more information on teen programs, contact rtierney@braintreema.gov or call 781-848-0405 x4415.

The Friends of Thayer Public Library will host an electronics drop off collection in the parking lot of Town Hall on Saturday, Jan 23 from 9am to noon. All old equipment including televisions, computer screens, small refrigerators, microwaves, toaster ovens, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers will be accepted; however, no hazardous waste allowed. Storm (heavy snow) date is Jan 30.

John Cramer, pianist and composer, will perform at the library on Sunday, Jan 24 at 3pm. This free concert is sponsored by The Friends of Thayer Public Library ongoing concert series. Sunday concerts are popular, so come a little early to ensure a seat.

For our youngest book lovers: Monday morning winter story times are starting this week, through Feb 22 (closed for Jan 18 Martin Luther King Jr Day.) At 9:15am, there is the Book Babies series. Simple books and songs are enjoyed by infants and toddlers through 24 months and their caregivers. Book Babies story times last about 20 minutes; no sign up is required. At 10am and 11am, story times for ages 2 and 3 are scheduled. Stories, songs and a simple craft are presented; no sign ups. 

Longer stories, songs and a more involved craft are available for ages 3-5 on Wednesdays at 10am and 1pm. Sign up for the 7 week session beginning January 13 through our online registration system. At www.thayerpubliclibrary.net, click on Upcoming Events and then click on the January 13 listing. Use the REGISTER button to add your information. If you have a difficulty registering online, call the Children's Department at 781-848-0405 x4425.

It’s time for the National School Scrabble Championship for students in grades 5 through 8. The library playoffs are on Saturday, Jan 30 at 1pm. The top two scorers will be invited to participate as a team in the National School Scrabble Championship in Orlando, Florida on April 9-10. The Friends of Thayer Public Library will provide for the registration fees for the team, but each team member is responsible for his own travel expenses. Everyone in grades 5 - 8 is welcome but be warned - this is not a beginner’s game. The library hosts open practice on Thursday nights at 6:30 on the lower level.

There is still time to sign up for computer classes scheduled for January and February. Topics include email, Microsoft Word 2007, online job hunting, and a 3-part series introducing computers and Internet searching. Classes are free but class size is limited and registration is required. You may register in person on the lower level or call 781-848-0405 x4417. Registrants must have basic familiarity using a mouse and keyboard.

The Friends of Thayer Public Library need your gently used books for their ongoing book sale located on the lower level of the library. Paperbacks and hard covers are appreciated. We cannot accept textbooks, magazines, newspapers, or books in poor condition. All donations benefit the library and may be brought to the lower level. Thank you for supporting your library.

All programs are free and open to the public. You do not have to be a resident of Braintree to attend. Programs are held in Logan Auditorium, upper level, unless otherwise noted. To register for a free Thayer Public Library card, bring photo ID and proof of current address to the main circulation desk. Thayer Public Library is located at 798 Washington Street, Braintree, Mass. For more information, call 781-848-0405 x4420. Check out our website at www.thayerpubliclibrary.net.

This column is submitted by Betsy Wolfe, Director of Thayer Public Library with contributions from our professional staff librarians. Our goal is to highlight events, programs, materials and people associated with the library and its services.