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...

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 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!  

• Baby and Toddler (ages 9-24 months) Storytime, Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 AM.                       

• Preschool (ages 3-5) Storytime, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 AM OR Thursdays, 1:30-2:30 PM                                                                                                                                                  

• 2s and 3s Together Storytime, Fridays, 10:30-11:30 AM