Ventress Memorial Library15 Library Plaza
Marshfield, MA 02050781-834-5535ventresslibrary.org
Ventress Voice · April 2023 · Vol 6.4
National Library Week (April 23-29) is a time to celebrate our nation's libraries. Last month, we joined library staff across the state to advocate for libraries at Library Legislative Day. Pictured are Director Cyndee Marcoux, Representative Josh Cutler, Head of Adult Services Erica Ruscio, and MBLC Commissioner (and member of our VML Friends!) Debby Conrad at the State House. It was great to share all the things we are up to and all the ways we rely on resources and funding from the state to support our mission. This ties perfectly into this year's National Library Week theme, which is "There's More to the Story," illustrating the fact that in addition to the books in library collections, available in a variety of formats, libraries offer so much more. In our recent strategic plan survey, library staff were rated Excellent by over 60% of respondents and Very Good by over 25% of respondents - that's over 85%! Respondents also expressed a lot of love for the library overall, with comments like, "Our library is such a valuable space, not just for the resources and services, but also because of the courtesy extended, which can make a visitor feel like an integral part of a community," and "Great library - great staff - I see you changing with the times! Keep it up!" 
 
Now that it's spring, we have an exciting lineup of new titles (including new movies!) and programs. Please note that all programs are free and open to the public, and all programs are subject to change, and we will post updates on our Events Calendar, Facebook, and Instagram. 
 
Books We Can't Stop Thinking About Right Now!
Don't know what to read next? Our staff are super excited about these recent or soon-to-be-released books. See a cover you like? Click an image to go to our catalog, read the synopsis, and reserve your copy. We also have NextReads newsletters that you can subscribe to. Find out the latest fiction, nonfiction, books for kids, and more. Click the opt-in link to sign up for your favorite genres!
 
 
Seed Donations: We are still seeking donations for our future seed library, so please reach out to Erica at eruscio@ocln.org if you have extra or miscellaneous seeds to donate.
 
What's Happening This Month: And we are excited to have a great selection of programs happening this month. With three book clubs, a board game meetup, and more, there is something for everyone. For a complete list, view our program brochure or visit our online Events Calendar.
 
Featured Adult Programs
Piano Concert with Dan Kennedy
Saturday, April 8, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Award-winning contemporary piano soloist Dan Kennedy will join us for an afternoon of piano music. He has seven albums out and is a 2022 Bronze Medal winner of the Global Music Awards.
Author Event with GennaRose Nethercott
Tuesday, April 11, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
GennaRose Nethercott's Thistlefoot, was named a top book of the year by NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and more. GennaRose will be reading from her book with shadow puppetry accompaniment! Presented in conjunction with Teen Services. This program is recommended for ages 13 and up.
Author Event with Stephen Puleo
Thursday, April 27, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Nationally renowned author and historian Stephen Puleo for a discussion of his latest work, Voyage of Mercy: The USS Jamestown, the Irish Famine, and the Remarkable Story of America’s First Humanitarian Mission. Light refreshments served. Presented by the Friends of the Ventress Memorial Library.
"I Am Zelda Fitzgerald" with Rita Parisi
Saturday, April 29, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
This original, one-woman play by Rita Parisi, pays tribute to an often misunderstood woman; a women who battled schizophrenia for much of her life; a woman who was also a mother, an accomplished ballet dancer, an exhibited artist and a published writer. Sponsored by the Marshfield Cultural Council.
Among all of our cool weekly programming, April has Vacation week and Library week! Join us for some of these cool programs! Check out our children's event calendar for all of our fun programming! 
 
Featured Kids Programs
Mad Science! 
Tuesday, April 18 | Two Programs
 
World of Worms | 3:00 p.m. | ages 3-5 
What has no eyes, breathes through its skin, and eats soil? Worms! Interactive and hands-on activities will assist preschoolers with this introduction to worms. This program provides an opportunity to develop scientific skills through inquiry-based experiences. Registration Required
 
Decomposers | 4:00 p.m. | ages 6+
This program will allow kids to gain an understanding of the concept of decomposition. They will learn its vital role in the food chain and in our environment. In addition, participants are introduced to a variety of different decomposers both plant and animal. Through inquiry-based, hands-on activities, participants will develop their scientific skills while learning all about worms and the process of decomposition. Registration Required
Earth Day Programs
Wednesday, April 19, 10:00 a.m.| Nature Explorers
In celebration of Earth Week, please join the Ventress Memorial Library for a special story time pop-up at the South Shore YMCA Natural Science Center. Children and caregivers will enjoy a special reading of A Good Place by Lucy Cousins, followed by a pollinator seed planting activity and time for self-guided exploration around the Science Center’s Children’s Garden and chicken coop! This program is off site and is an outdoor event. It is rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. In the case of severe weather, the event will be canceled. This program is intended for children 0-5. Older siblings welcome!
Registration Recommended
 
Friday, April 21 Earth Day Take + Make
Pick up a special Earth Day Take + Make in the Children's Room! While supplies last.
National Library Week Story & Craft
We are celebrating Library Week by reading one of our favorite stories, Dragons Love Tacos, and making a fun craft to go with it! Pick the date that works best for you! This program is best for children ages two and up, along with their caregiver. While supplies last.
  • Wednesday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. 
  • Thursday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m. 
There's always something fun happening in the Teen Zone. Our teen room and programs are open to folks ages 12-18. The Wave Makerspace is open by appointment. You can also drop in and play our Switch any day after school. For all our events, view our teen events calendar.
 
Featured Teen Programs
Make Your Own Mini Bookshelf
Tuesday, April 25, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Stop by the Teen Room to celebrate National Library Week by making your own mini bookshelf, complete with YOUR favorite books! Space is limited. Registration Required
Teens Read to Rocko!
Wednesday, April 26, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Come read to a trained therapy dog! Rocko is incredibly sweet and patient. He will be with us for one hour. No registration is required, but slots will be given on a first come first served basis.