Friends, 
 
It happened. We made it to 2021.
 
If only switching out our calendars could magically take away COVID-19. But with the vaccine distribution underway, we are feeling far more positive. We have a fresh coat of paint in the Library, new books in the collection, and more virtual programming in the works (that will continue for as long as we need it to).  We're confident the Library can help everyone through the start of the new year and beyond!
 
We switched to curbside-only service while the interior painting was in progress, but to ensure everyone’s safety as cases climb, we’ve made the decision to stay "take-out only" for a while longer. We are not open for in-person computer or browsing appointments at this time, but will evaluate our services on an ongoing basis and re-open when it is safe to do so. 
 
We are also adjusting our curbside pickup process starting Tuesday, January 5th, 2021. (How nice it is to type out that year!) Instead of driving through the parking lot, we ask that you park your car and enter the Library lobby, one person at a time, with masks on, to pick up your selections.
 
We continue to follow strict disinfection protocols, but if you are unable or unwilling to enter the lobby, please call us and we can arrange to put your books in a marked bag on a table outside of the front door at a pre-scheduled time. 
 
As always, we want to do the best we can to serve you. Send us an email at info@yorkpubliclibrary.org or call 207-363-2818 to let us know what we can do to help you in 2021!
 
Happy New Year from all of us at York Public Library!
 
Click below to watch our year-end video message... and send us one of your own!
 
 
 
P.S. We've had quite a year... Check out our 2020 Stats!
 
 
In this Issue
What's Happening at YPL
The 2021 Camden Conference
Young Adults
Children's News
Whatcha Reading?
Current Hours and Services
What's Happening at YPL
The 2021 Camden Conference
The Annual Camden Conference, now in its 34th year, will focus on The Geopolitics of the Arctic: A Region in Peril. Once again, YPL is thrilled to participate as a regional partner by hosting two programs on this year's theme. 
Arctic Observations with Photographer
Peter Ralston
Wednesday, January 6 @ 7:00 PM
Online
 
Join photographer Peter Ralston as he shares photographs and stories from the West Coast of Greenland and the Northwest Passage, featuring the landscape and wildlife of the Arctic and the people who live there. 
 
Peter Ralston grew up in Chadd’s Ford, Pennsylvania, worked for a decade as a freelance photojournalist, and then began photographing the coast of Maine in 1978, drawn especially to the working communities that define the coast’s enduring character.
 
This is a Zoom event; click here to register for this event or learn more here. 
 
Comparing the Impacts of Climate Change Upon Maine and Greenland with Jeff Thaler
Thursday, January 21 @ 7:00 PM
 
Even while most people are focused upon COVID-19, ongoing climatic changes fueled by our reliance upon fossil fuels are continuing to cause significant, long-term changes to economies and the environment. Maine and Greenland are each on the frontline of those climate changes, and have more in common than we realize. This talk by Maine professor Jeff Thaler will provide an overview of the impacts of change both in Greenland and Maine, and how each is attempting to plan and respond. 
 
Jeff Thaler is a professor of practice at the University of Maine School of Law, and the associate university counsel for environmental, energy, and sustainability projects for the University of Maine System. He is also an associate faculty member of the University of Maine’s Climate Change Institute.
 
This is an online event held via Zoom. Click here to register or learn more here.
 
Virtual Exhibit: Barbara D'Antonio 
Winter 2021
Online
 
In normal times, the Library would be home to ongoing art shows and exhibits for patrons and members of the public to enjoy. YPL is  not currently open to the public, but artist Barbara D’Antonio has shared some of her work with York Public Library for a virtual exhibit that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere! When the Library can safely reopen, you can enjoy these pieces in person, but for now, please enjoy the colorful and unique work of Barbara D’Antonio in our online art show. 
 
View the Exhibit
 
D'Antonio's work, influenced by Post Impressionists Pierre Bonnard and Henri Matisse, is described by the artist as "reimagined memory." Her work is featured in collections across America as well as in Crete, Greece, and Spinetoli, Italy. 
VIRTUAL Trivia Night with Matt Howell
Thursday, January 28 @ 7:00 PM 
Online
 
We had A BLAST at December's Virtual Trivia Night thanks to the hilarious, incomparable Matt Howell - so much so that we've decided to make it a regular thing. Each month on the 4th Thursday, prepare to laugh… and for your competitive side to rear its ugly head!  From the comfort of home, compete individually or form a team with members of your household and get those fingers ready: the faster you click, the more points you win, and of course, the one with the most points wins the Big Prize! 
 
THE PRIZE: December's toilet paper ornament will be hard to top, but we'll try! The prize will once again include vouchers for free flights of beer at both York Beach Beer Company and SoMe Brewery. 
 
This is an online event held via ZOOM. Click here to register and a link to join the event will be  sent to you immediately. 
 
 
Virtual Meditation
Wednesdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27 @ 4:00 PM
Online
 
Tune in to weekly, hour-long meditations with area practitioners every Wednesday at 4 p.m. To join a meditation, click here ahead of the session to participate via Zoom. 
 
NEW for January: Mid-Day Meditation (15 minutes)
Tuesdays, January 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 12:00 PM 
Online
 
Join us for a short mindfulness meditation practice in the middle of the day. Mindfulness means bringing full awareness to our experience of the present moment, a valuable skill any time of day. Click here to join.
 
NEW for January: Evening Meditation
Thursday, January 14 @ 8:00 PM
Online
 
Need to relax before falling asleep? Come to our evening Meditation session for a more peaceful end to your day. Click here to join.
 
Miss a class? Check out recordings of past sessions and more information about our practitioners by clicking here. 
 
 
For more upcoming events, check out our website!
 
Stay tuned for upcoming programs and events in your inbox, and remember to check our website calendar for all the latest happenings at York Public Library! 
 
Have an idea for a program? Email us at info@yorkpubliclibrary.org to share thoughts and suggestions.
 
 
  Young Adults
GET OUTSIDE!
YA Winter Instagram Challenge
 
Get outside and show us how you are enjoying the winter weather! Send us a photo that represents how you are celebrating our Maine winter. One lucky participant will win a snow tube flamingo, pictured at left. Please sled responsibly. 

Email info@yorkpubliclibrary.org with your photos. PLEASE NOTE: by sending us your photos you give the Library permission to use on Library social media and print materials. If we can see your face, we need a signed release form from a parent or guardian.
 
Back This January: Ukulele Workshops for 4th-6th Graders
January 9, 16, 23 & 30 @ 10:30 AM
Online
 
Interested in learning an instrument? How about the ukulele? Register for our FREE 4-week introductory workshop with Mountain Road Music's Shea Ellis. Use your own ukulele or borrow one from the Library. Space is limited so register early! Call 207-363-2818 with any questions.
 
BOREDOM, BEGONE!
Boredom Buster Bags
 
Looking for something to do? When you're picking up your curbside order, take home one of our FREE Boredom Buster Bags, each containing everything you need to craft, create art, or play a game. Activities vary and appeal to different interests. Available until we run out! 
Children's News
STEAM "Grab and Go" Bags
 
Our fabulous intern, Miss Lynn, has designed brilliant to-go kits to bust up boredom... and even made this trailer to pique your interest.  Brew up some STEAM as a family and follow along as Miss Lynn demonstrates fun experiments using materials you can find around the house or in one of our convenient pre-made kits. Grab-and-Go kits are available at Curbside Pickup, and accompanying video tutorials can be found here.
 
We're Here to Serve!

Struggling to find a new book? Use our custom book pick form and a YPL librarian will select books for you based on what you like to read and other books you've read. We'll let you know when they're ready to be picked up!  We've also curated book lists which you can browse here. 
Read More from YA and Children's  

Catch up on all the latest from our Youth Librarians in this month's YA Newsletter and Children's Newsletter. 
 
 
 
Whatcha Reading?
This month's READ WOKE: LGBTQ+
 
This month, we're reading books focusing on LGBTQ+ voices. To find a great read, peruse the Challenge resources on Beanstack and check out YPL's book lists too. Read at your own pace and take on the monthly challenges in any order you like. We welcome the participation of all ages, and we encourage you to discuss the books you read with those around you--including us! Share your thoughts with us at info@yorkpubliclibrary.org. 
Book Club Bonanza
 
Lately we've had an uptick in requests for a YPL book club. We love to read and talk about books, so we're planning to begin one or more book clubs starting in the coming weeks. Why not welcome 2021 with a renewed focus on reading! Fill out our survey to help us decide what kind of book groups we should plan.
 
The Library will be closed on January 1 for New Year's Day.  
 
 
Current Hours and Services
Item Pickup in Lobby:
Tuesday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday  4 – 7 p.m. 
Thursday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
 
 
YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
   
15 Long Sands Road | York, Maine 03909
 207-363-2818 | info@yorkpubliclibrary.org
yorkpubliclibrary.org