Plumb Library Newsletter
January, 2021
In this Issue
From the Director's Desk
Rochester Christmas Angels Project
Zoom Opportunity for Local Groups
Book Clubs for Kids
Plumb Library Staff Top Ten Books of 2020
Friends of Plumb Library Fundraisers
Winter/Spring Storytimes
Museum Pass Updates
Plumb Library Knitters and Crocheters
Online Resources
Book Group News
 
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Following us on Facebook gives you updates, links to online resources, and other fun stuff. 
 
Be sure to check our website www.plumblibrary.com for more announcements, plus links to your SAILS account, Overdrive/Libby, NoveList, our Event Calendar, Universal Class, and more.
 
Subscribe to Burbio to get the latest information on events in Rochester, including library, school, and Town events.
 
The library is closed on Monday, January 18 for the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.
 
 
 
 
 
 
From the Director's Desk
Looking Back....
 2020 was one for the books (no pun intended)!  We started out the year as normal: story times, book groups, knitting group, Trustees meetings.  Then came March, when we, and the rest of the state, were ordered to close, and to work from home.  While there was no one in the building, we were still there for the community: we had online services to offer, such as Overdrive, Universal Class, and World Book.  The staff of SAILS extended everyone's due dates and hold requests until July 31.  The Tumblebooks folks very kindly offered their services for free until August which added to our offerings.  Ms. Lisa stayed in contact with children and families in partnership with Ms. Sollauer at RMS. She also reformatted  storytime to Zoom format to maintain relationships with the preschool families. Ms. Jen kept up with email requests, and the main workings of the library moved to my laptop at home. While we were closed, work began on the Basement Renovation Project. The area for the lift was installed, walls and doors were constructed.
 
In the Spring, we started to return to work in the building, filling book requests by using Curbside Pickup. The Friends paid for the library to have a Zoom Pro account, so that Ms. Lisa could continue story times and children's book clubs, the Trustees could start meeting again, and we could host other meetings and programs. Once the daily delivery started up again, we were able to fill more hold requests.  Ms. Lisa organized a successful Summer Library Program and Fall Storytime program, making good use of our grounds, especially the gazebo and the Little Hundred Acre Woods.  The Knitting Group moved outside, meeting to share lunches and knitting projects. Curbside Pickup continued to grow in popularity.  Book Buds, the book group for Teens and PreTeens and Book Buds Jr. the book group for younger children, met throughout this time, and continues to meet. At the end of October, we started letting people into the library by appointment, to browse or use the computer. And that is where we currently are: Curbside Pickup is still very popular, and people can come into the library by appointment, 1 person or family group at a time. Storytime will continue via Zoom, as will the Knitting Group, the Book Group, and the Trustees meetings. Book Buds and Book Buds Jr. will continue to meet monthly as well. The lift has been installed and inspected. The basement is ready for more work, especially the flooring, and plumbing in the bathroom.  And we've added two new Online Services: Hoopla and CreativeBug. 
 
None of this would have been possible without Plumb Library's brilliant and hard-working staff, the assistance and advice of the SAILS staff and of local library directors, the Friends of Plumb Library, the Board of Library Trustees, and the Town staff and administration. The construction was the work of Town Facilities Manager Andrew Daniel and his crew. And none of it would have happened without the support and understanding of the Rochester community. And now...
 
Looking Forward
Who knows what will happen in 2021!  Alien invasion?  Duck rebellion?  Could be anything!  But no matter what happens, we will be here at Plumb Library giving you the same excellent service that you've come to expect.
 
Here's to a happy and healthy 2021!
 
 
Rochester Christmas Angels Project
The Rochester Christmas Angels are a group of Rochester-based volunteers with the mission to provide Rochester families who need support with Thanksgiving food bags, and Christmas gifts and/or food bags. All gifts are purchased with funds donated by several community organizations and citizens. The project is coordinated and managed by a retired teacher, Senior Center Outreach and Plumb Library Youth Services.  Questions? Send an email to: angelsfromrochester@gmail.com. 
 
This project is a labor of love and community which is promoted primarily through schools, churches and Plumb Library.  Community members also contact the angels with personal referrals. 
 
The 2020 project was a wonderful success!  Due to the support from library patrons as well as many community organizations, we were able to provide 15 families with gifts, including books, clothes, and toys. Thanksgiving and Christmas food bags were also available to families who requested them and to senior citizens. A special thank you goes out to Covanta, Town of Rochester employees, the Rochester Firefighters Association, the First Congregational Church of Rochester, the Friends of Jack Foundation, the United Way Hunger Commission, the Rochester Women's Club, Fieldstone Farm Market, the Rochester Lions Club, and to all the private citizens and Plumb Library patrons who supported this project. Special thanks to the Snipatuit Pond Estates Neighborhood Association who helped us achieve our goal of providing at least 2 books to every child. The Rochester Christmas Angels project is a true community effort that exemplifies the kindness, generosity and team spirit of Rochester organizations and families!  Happy New Year from the Rochester Christmas Angels.
 
 
 
Zoom Opportunity for Local Groups
Does your community group need to meet?
Can't afford a full Zoom account?  Contact us at the library, and we will help you out.  We can use our Zoom account, sponsored by the Friends of Plumb Library, as a virtual meeting room.  We will work with you to organize and host your meeting. This offer is available to non-profit community groups only. Call the library or email info@plumblibrary.com
 
 
Book Clubs for Kids
s 
 
Book Buds Teen/PreTeen Book Club 
January meeting moved to January 8. 
4 PM - 4:45 PM 
 
Please register on the event calendar to attend the January meeting of Book Buds, a book club for readers ages 8 and above. Normally, we meet the first Friday of each month at 4 PM.  Due the New Year holiday, ourn next meeting is on Friday, January 8th. Unless otherwise notified, Book Buds will meet at the First Congregational Church Hall.  Covid safery protocols must be followed to include a limit of 10 attendees, socially distanced seating and masks.  If we can NOT meet at the church, we will meet virtually via Zoom. You will be sent a Zoom meeting invite via email if this occurs.  
 
Due to the holiday season, we did not pick any specific titles to discuss in January.  As always, members can bring their own book recommendtions to discuss.     
 
A small treat will be provided but please bring your own drink. 
 
REGISTER HERE!
                                  
 
Book Buds Jr. Book Club for ages 6-7
January meeting moved to January 9. 
 11 AM - 11:45 AM
 
Pleasee register on the event calendar  to attend the January meeting of Book Buds Jr., a Children's Book Club for early readers ages 6-7.  Children should bring a favorite book they would like to share. Be ready to talk about your favorite part of the story, and read a page (or two!) aloud!  At the December meeting, children were asked to all read a book by Mo Willems. 
 
Unless otherwise notified, Book Buds Jr. will meet at the First Congregational Church Hall.  Covid safety protocols must be followed to include a limit of 10 attendees, socially distanced seating and masks.  PARENTS must stay with their children to ensure social distancing.   If we can NOT meet at the church, we will meet virtually via Zoom. You will be sent a Zoom meeting invite via email if this occurs.  
 
 A small treat will be provided but please bring your own drink. 
 
REGISTER HERE!
 
 
 
Plumb Library Staff Top Ten Books of 2020
 
 
Friends of Plumb Library Fundraisers
The Friends of Plumb Library are holding these fundraisers for the Holiday Season.
1. Order a hand-quilted, 12×16 inch throw pillow, decorated with book spines in your favorite color, and one book  title of your choice.  One color and title choice per pillow. (Cat not included.)  The cost is $25 per pillow (cash or check) and all proceeds go to the Friends of Plumb Library.  Your pillow will be completed 21 days after ordering.  You can drop off your order form at the library during business hours, or mail it to The Friends of Plumb Library, PO Box 69, Rochester, MA, 02770. Thank you to Bev Ciaburri for designing and creating these pillows for us!  Go HERE to download and print the order form.   Plan ahead for birthdays, Valentine's Day, or Mother's Day.
 
2. Copies of local author Ed Lodi's mystery novel "Murder by Magic" are for sale for $10 each (list price $17.95). "In the course of her investigations as a self-styled detective, Lena Lombardi has on occasion found herself - figuratively - in some rather tight spots. But this time the deep hole she 's fallen into is real.  And there's no one nearby to help her out - no one except the three angry pursuers who, she has reason to believe, are out to kill her." The book largely takes place in Rochester and environs, and is a good present for a former resident who has moved away. Call the library to purchase a copy. 
 
3. "Dinner for Two" books are still available.  Each book is $29.95. 
 
4. Don't forget Amazon Smile.  If you order through Amazon Smile, make sure the Friends of Plumb Library is your designated charity, and Amazon will donate depending on what you spend. 
 
 
 
Winter/Spring Storytimes 
 Due to current conditions, and until further notice, we are not able to offer in-person storytimes. However, the Zoom program is still very interactive and fun!  
 
If you would like to participate in Zoom Storytime, please register on the Plumb Library event calendar ASAP. Registration is open until January 30, 2021.  REGISTER HERE
 
Storytime classes will be offered only if there are AT LEAST 3 CHILDREN REGISTERED PER CLASS, so tell your friends!   The combined Winter/Spring session will begin the first week of February and will end the last week of April. (most likely!)
 
Once the class is confirmed, the Zoom link, which is to be used each week, will be emailed to registrants. 
 
All storytimes are based on the Every Child Ready to Read program which focuses on the  important pre-reading skills children need to be able to learn to read and write - talking, singing, reading, writing, playing and now counting!  For more info on Every Child Ready to Read, go to
http://everychildreadytoread.org/.  All storytimes will include early literacy fun with books, letters, numbers, songs, fingerplays, music, movement and fun virtual interactions with Ms. Lisa and storytime friends! 
 
The storytime schedule is: 
 
  • Baby and Toddler (ages 9-24 months) Storytime, Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 AM.                       
This is is a LAP SIT program. Caregivers are required to attend and participate with their littles! 
  • Preschool (ages 3-5) Storytime, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 AM OR Thursdays, 1:30-2:30 PM                                                                                                                                                  
 Caregivers should be close by to help their child participate as needed! 
  • 2s and 3s Together Storytime, Fridays, 10:30-11:30 AM  
This is a PARTIAL LAP SIT program for children aged 2 - 3 years old meaning some children may still need lap support and others may not! However, even if a child is ready to sit on their own, caregiver support is still required. 
         
Please contact Ms. Lisa (lfuller@sailsinc.org)  if you have any questions or suggestions!   
 
 
 
Museum Pass Updates
Local museums are starting to reopen, and a few are once again accepting library passes.  Those museums are:
 
  • The MA State Parks pass - the State Parks no longer check for parking.  The pass is not needed to visit any State Parks until next summer.
  • Buttonwood Park Zoo - Call us to reserve and check out the pass.  Each pass has a code to use when booking your tickets online.  Bring the pass and a printout of your ticket to the Zoo.
  • The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston - call us to get a special code to enter when booking your tickets online. The MFA is closed by order of the Governor. 
  • The New Bedford Whaling Museum - check out the pass, take it to the museum for the discount. The Museum is closed by order of the Governor. 
 
 
Plumb Library Knitters and Crocheters 
If you're interested in participating in a knitters/crocheters meetup, send your email address to the Library Director, groberts@sailsinc.org. Due to the rise in COVID cases, all knitting meet-ups will be virtual until further notice.  We meet Monday evenings from 6:00-7:30 PM.  
 
 
Online Resources 
    To find all of our Online Services, visit our website or click HERE.
  • Universal Class: Teens and Adults can take a free online class with Universal Class. Choose from over 500 online classes. Take classes on topics such as Astronomy, Marine Biology, American Civil War, World History, Essay Writing, and 500 more. Participants interact by email with a real teacher, and can get a certificate upon finishing the class. Be sure your library card starts with 23548.
  • NoveList: What to read next?  NoveList Plus will help you pick your next great book. Can’t remember all the titles in a series? NoveList can help.   Good for all ages. Provided by SAILS. Have your library card ready for login. 
  • Transparent Language: If you have younger kids at home, Transparent Language offers Kidspeak in French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese. Use your library card to set up an account if the first five digits are 23548. If your High School or Junior High School student is studying a language, they can practice using the regular language lessons, which include French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin. They can have their own accounts with their own library cards.
  • Driving Tests: Teens working toward their Learner's Permit can practice using the Free Practice Permit Tests.
  • The Statewide Databases: search hundreds of databases, plus Encyclopedia Britannica and the Boston Globe.  Print out full articles or abstracts.
  • World Book: World Book Online.  Includes Kids, Student, Advanced, and Discover. Information, activities, and much more.
For adults or for fun:.
  • Freegal: download and keep music from the Sony Music Library and other sources.  Patrons can download three songs per library card per week, or can stream playlists for 3 hours per day for free.  Create your own playlist. Available to Rochester-based cards starting with 23548.
  • Overdrive/Libby: download free ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and videos with any library card.  PLEASE NOTE: RB Digital for Magazines has migrated to Overdrive.  Find all of our emagazines and more on Overdrive. 
  • CreativeBug: CreativeBug has craft classes, patterns, and inspiration for all levels and abilities. Crafts include knitting, quilting, journaling, kids crafts and more. Available to Rochester-based library cards starting with 23548.
  • Hoopla: Download movies, TV shows, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, or music.  Available to Rochester-based library cards starting with 23548.  5 checkouts per library card per month. 
For Kids:
  • Tumblebooks:  Tumblebooks is back!  Ebooks for ekids!  TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of e-books for children.  They are a great way to encourage tech-savvy kids to enjoy reading!
 
Book Group News
The Virtual Book Group will meet on Thursday, January 7 at 6:30 via Zoom to discuss "The Secrets We Kept".  Call or email the library to join.
 
The next virtual Book Group will meet on Thursday, February 18 at 6:30PM via Zoom. We will be discussing "Just Mercy", by Bryan Stevenson. Copies are available at the circulation desk.  Call or email the library to arrange for pickup. Copies are also available on Overdrive/Libby, or on Hoopla.
 
 
Just mercy : a story of justice and redemption
by Bryan Stevenson

The executive director of a social advocacy group that has helped relieve condemned prisoners explains why justice and mercy must go hand-in-hand through the story of Walter McMillian, a man condemned to death row for a murder he didn't commit.
Created by: Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library
17 Constitution Way
Rochester, Massachusetts 02770
(508)763-8600

www.plumblibrary.com/