Greenwich Free Library
April Newsletter
Incubation
About a year and a half ago, NY State Assemblymember Carrie Woerner asked us if we could use a $5,000 technology grant. Um, yes! And we knew just what to do with it - an upgrade to our ancient (in tech years) and cumbersome projection system in the Community Room. The process was long and filled with paperwork but the equipment was delivered ( Thanks to Chuck Zariello of Com Tech who, I suspect, gave us an even better deal than he led us to believe.) and installed (Thanks to Dave and Debbie Wever who worked around our busy schedule for free.) We now have a much better space for meetings, classes and programs. There are already rumblings about film series. The possibilities are endless!
Using a combination of grants for funding, new Community Room furniture was chosen, discontinued by the manufacturers and chosen again. Many swatches and chips and a year later, our first order of tables will be here in the next couple of weeks. And start saying goodbye to shredding upholstery and shedding parts. New chairs will be here soon after that.
More than two years ago, we started looking into the possibility of creating a local adult literacy tutoring program. With the help of many people in the area who have devoted their time and energy to this worthy cause and a grant from the Southern Adirondack Library System, we have been able to create a partnership with the Schuylerville and Cambridge libraries to bring this service to our area. Two weeks ago, we hired Gail Jensen to be our project coordinator. She has hit the ground running and we're making rapid progress in putting together a structure to support teachers and learners. We're calling it the "Better Readers Partners" and look forward to being ready for our first learners in a few months. Right now, if you're interested in signing on as a teacher or a learner, Gail's email is betterreadersgroup@gmail.com.
Of course, some seeds need hot weather to germinate and we're using this time to finalize plans for summer. Once again, a Stewart's Shops Holiday Match grant of $750 will make a lot of fun and learning possible. The Summer Reading theme this year is "Libraries Rock" and we have all kinds of hands-on music experiences in the works. Miss Betsy is planning to repeat last year's popular Building Blocks: PreK Out and About program with fun field trips and visits to local parks and playgrounds. And we're looking for ways to include grownups in the fun.
So even when it seems like we're having brief periods of quiet here at the library, there is always something under the surface; growing, changing and getting ready to bring new life and energy to this vibrant institution.
Happy spring!
Annie
Greenwich Free Library
Email: amiller@sals.edu
Website: greenwichfreelibrary.com
Location: 148 Main Street, Greenwich, NY, USA
Phone: 518-692-7157
Facebook: facebook.com/GreenwichFreeLibrary