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 Happy Holidays from York Public Library!
It's December, and this kind-of-normal year is almost at its close! Here's to hoping 2022 brings better things, or at least normal things. (We see you, omicron variant... be gone!) The Library, for one, will be celebrating something special in 2022... but more on that later.
Here are the Library's latest updates, which we hope bring you comfort and joy! Wherever, however, and whatever you're celebrating this season, we wish you peace, cheer, comfort, and a good book. Warmly and cozily yours, York Public Library |
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AUTHOR TALK Bob Keyes Presents The Isolation Artist Thursday, December 2, from 6:30 - 8:00pm in York Public Library’s Community Room When reclusive, millionaire artist Robert Indiana died in 2018, he left behind dark rumors and scandal, as well as an estate embroiled in lawsuits and facing accusations of fraud. Here is the true story of the artist’s final days, the aftermath, the deceptive world that surrounded him, and the inner workings of art as very big business. “I’m not a businessman, I’m an artist,” Robert Indiana said, refusing to copyright his iconic LOVE sculpture in 1965. An odd and tortured soul, an artist who wanted both fame and solitude, Indiana surrounded himself with people to manage his life and work. Yet, he frequently changed his mind and often fired or belittled those who worked with him. By 2008, when Indiana created his HOPE sculpture—or did he?—the artist had signed away his work for others to exploit, eventually casting doubt about whether he had even seen some artwork attributed to him and sold for very high prices. At the time of his death, Indiana left an estate worth many millions—and unsettling suspicions. There were allegations of fraudulent artwork, of elder abuse, of caregivers who subjected him to horrendous living conditions. There were questions about the inconclusive autopsy and rumors that his final will had been signed under coercion. There were strong suspicions about the freeloaders who’d attached themselves to the famous artist. “In the final hours of his life,” writes Keyes, “Robert Indiana was without the grace of a better angel, as the people closest to him covered their tracks and plotted their defenses.” With unparalleled access to the key players in Indiana’s life, journalist and author Bob Keyes tells a fast-paced and riveting story that provides a rare inside look into the life of an artist as well as the often-unscrupulous world of high-end art. The reader is taken inside the world of art dealers, law firms, and an array of local characters in Maine whose lives intersected with the internationally revered artist living in an old Odd Fellows Hall on Vinalhaven Island. The Isolation Artist is an extraordinary window into the life and death of a singular and contradictory American artist—one whose work touched countless millions through everything from postage stamps to political campaigns to museums—even as he lived and died in isolation, with a lack of love, the loss of hope, and lots and lots of money. Bob Keyes is a Maine-based and nationally-recognized arts writer and storyteller with specialties in American visual arts and the contemporary culture of New England. Born and raised near Boston, he has spent more than 15 years writing about arts and culture for the Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram. |
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Festival of Lights Drop-in Activities
Saturday, December 4 Join us for some winter fun as part of York's annual Festival of Lights! Stop by the Library to try out a craft or do a scavenger hunt. Fun for the whole family! |
Tech Savvy: Shopping Online for Technology
Wednesday, December 8 @ 1:00 PM In 2020, consumers spent an additional $900 billion dollars at online retailers compared to previous years. In this Tech Savvy workshop, we’ll learn about trusted online review sources for tech (and what biases they might have), how to track price histories on Amazon to see how good that deal really is, and how to use a tool that compares prices across major retailer websites. We’ll also talk about some tips and tricks for shopping safely online. |
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Art Show Reception: Speak, Memory
Wednesday, December 8 @ 5:00 PM The York Public Library Art Committee invites you to a reception in recognition of the current photo exhibit "Speak, Memory," and its two photographers, Annette Brennan and Julee Holcombe. The artists will briefly discuss their work and answer questions. |
Children's Cooking Class (Virtual)
Wednesday, December 15 @ 5:00 PM Zoom in for half an hour with Misa's Clean Kitchen to make some yummy veggie nuggets for dinner! We'll email you the ingredient list when you register. Having trouble getting supplies, but want to participate? Let us know! |
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Cold Moon Storytime
Friday, December 17 @ 10:30 AM
Join us for stories, a craft, and a nature walk on the Library's "nature trail!" The full moon is almost here, and we'll be learning all about the December Cold Moon. This program will be both indoors and outdoors, so dress warmly and bring a mask. We will meet at the trail head--on the sidewalk to the right of the Library's front doors. Suggested ages 3-5 with a caregiver.
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 Just in Time for the Holidays: Library Merch!
Limited edition Ocean Fire Pottery mugs, charming notecard sets, and Library logo tote bags are now for sale in the Upper Level! These items make wonderful gifts. Plus, proceeds from merchandise sales benefit the York Public Library Association, so you're giving back to the Library with every purchase. Cash, check, or PayPal is accepted. Make your purchase at our Main Circulation Desk. |
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Reminder: the Book Nook is Upstairs
We're so glad to have our Book Nook back to normal operations, that we forgot to add an important reminder: the Book Nook moved upstairs in July 2019, swapping places with our Young Adult collection. Every once in a while we find someone trying to buy or donate books downstairs. We still want to keep those books! If you're looking to donate or purchase, you'll find the Book Nook at the top of the stairs to the left, immediately next to the elevator. |
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Community Collects: Haley and Ghikas
Beginning in January and running through March 2022, the York Public Library Art Committee will host a retrospective of watercolors and paintings by Patience Haley (1926-2020) and her husband, Pano Ghikas (1917-2012). The committee is seeking works on loan by either Haley or Ghikas for this important show. Please contact art@yorkpubliclibrary.org if you have items to contribute. |
Local Author News!In case you missed it, local author and teacher Melanie Kyer has a wonderful book that debuted in Fall 2020: The Great Holiday Cookie Swap. While we hoped we could have a cookie swap of our own to celebrate her book, the COVID-19 pandemic has kept our best intentions at bay for another year. In the meantime, check out her fantastic book, full of a delightful story and delicious recipes for the whole family to enjoy! |
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More Youth Services News....
Catch up on all the latest from our Youth Services Librarians |
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Mid-Day Meditation with Brian Bliss Tuesdays @ 12:00 PM A short meditation can reset the tone of our busy and distraction-filled day. Guided sessions with practitioner Brian Bliss provide an opportunity to practice mindfulness, reduce stress, regain focus, boost productivity, and to be fully present. To join a meditation, click here ahead of the session to participate via Zoom. |
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December Storytime
Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:30 AM | Registration Required Find your storytime spot and join us for stories, songs, and a craft. Suggested ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Register for Wednesday or Thursday storytimes on our calendar. |
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Chess Club Wednesdays @ 3:30 PM Join us by the fireplace for some friendly competition in a game of chess. We'll have plenty of boards available. Bring a friend or make a friend! |
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Writing Group Tuesday, December 7 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Keep your creative juices flowing by coming to our monthly writers' meetup. Bring something new or something you've been working on for years--we look forward to workshopping, reading, or simply providing quiet support to each other. |
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Lego Builders Wednesday, December 8 @ 4:00 PM
Build something amazing! Each builder will use a bucket of the Library Legos to create something incredible at their table. Try sending your builds down the zip line. Will it survive or crash? Suggested for kids in kindergarten through 4th grade with a caregiver. |
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Game Night
Wednesday, December 29 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Come join us for our monthly board game night at the Library! Maybe you need a change of scenery to break your cribbage slump, maybe the Library will help ignite your Scrabble genius, or perhaps you just want to try out a new game. We'll have a selection out on tables on the Library's Upper Level. We welcome all ages to come and have some fun. |
More Upcoming Programs
Stay tuned for upcoming programs and events, and remember you can check out our calendar any time for all the latest happenings at YPL. Have an idea for a program? Let us know! |
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York Public Library Association (YPLA) is the nonprofit entity that owns and governs the Library and protects its future. Public funding provides a basic operating budget for the Library, but we rely on contributions from the York Public Library Association and its members to continue to meet the needs of our community. Please consider a donation in an amount that feels right to you. Thank you. |
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Tuesday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Wednesday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Thursday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Masks are REQUIRED throughout the Library |
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