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When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka has been chosen for Greenwich Reads Together 2013. The title was announced on Tuesday, December 18 at Greenwich Library in a ceremony attended by over 50 community members. Two thematically related companion books for younger readers were also announced. Greenwich Reads Together (GRT) is a community-wide reading experience which will engage all of Greenwich in exploring a single book. 

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On a sunny day in Berkeley, California, in 1942, a woman sees a sign in a post office window, returns to her home, and matter-of-factly begins to pack her family's possessions. Like thousands of other Japanese Americans they have been reclassified, virtually overnight, as enemy aliens and are about to be uprooted from their home and sent to a dusty internment camp in the Utah desert. 

In this lean and devastatingly evocative novel, Julie Otsuka tells their story from five flawlessly realized points of view and conveys the exact emotional texture of their experience: the thin-walled barracks and barbed-wire fences, the omnipresent fear and loneliness, the unheralded feats of heroism. When the Emperor Was Divine is a work of enormous power that makes a shameful episode of our history as immediate as today's headlines. 

Author Julie Otsuka is a recipient of the Asian American Literary Award, the American Library Association Alex Award, and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Her book The Buddha in the Attic won the PEN/ Faulkner Award and was a finalist for the National Book Award. 

Over 40 suggestions were submitted by the community covering a wide range of titles and genres. A selection committee carefully reviewed all of the titles. In order to be selected, the book had to be of high literary quality, reflective of universal issues and capable of generating thought-provoking discussions. It should also lend itself to engaging public programs and appeal to a diverse population. In addition, the book should be currently in print and available in large quantities and multiple formats. 

The Selection Committee was comprised of Library staff including Roy Brayton, Joan Eaton, Stephen Schmidt, Alice Sherwood, Marianne Weill and Carolyn Zygmont; and community members Amy Fleishman, 2012 GRT co-chair; Karen Ball, Media Specialist at Eastern Middle School; and Sarah Better, a sophomore at Greenwich Academy. 

Two companion books for younger readers were also announced: Best Friends Forever: a WWII Scrapbook by Beverly Patt and The Eyes of the Emperor by Graham Salisbury. 

The inaugural Greenwich Reads Together selection was Markus Zusak's groundbreaking novel, The Book Thief. The 2012 selection was Zeitoun by Dave Eggers. Last spring, almost 20 community organizations participated in Greenwich Reads Together, and more than 3,000 Greenwich residents participated in events, including a live Skype telecast with author Dave Eggers. Additional programs featured celebrated artists from literature, jazz, and photography, as well as renowned names from national news and government. Numerous adult, children and teen book discussions were held across Greenwich. 

"Reading one book together will foster communication and spark ideas," said Carol Mahoney, Greenwich Library Director. "Greenwich Reads Together will bring together thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds to compare views and interpretations; share feelings and personal stories; view exhibitions, movies, and performances; attend classes and panel discussions, as well as workshops--all inspired by a common reading experience," said Mahoney. 

Greenwich Reads Together will take place between April 22 and May 3. Free copies of the 2013 selection were distributed at the announcement ceremony. Copies are also available to borrow at Greenwich Library. They may also be purchased at local bookstores including Diane's Books. 

High visibility sponsorships are available. For more information, please contact Sarah Falvo at (203) 622-7957 or sfalvo@greenwichlibrary.org. Opportunities are available for community organizations and volunteers. Those interested should contact Kate Petrov at kpetrov@greenwichlibrary.org.
Greenwich Library has been named a five-star library for the fourth time by Library Journal. The rating is based on 2010 data reported by local libraries to their state library agencies and compiled by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This is the fifth time Greenwich Library has been recognized as an outstanding library during this prestigious rating's five-year existence. 

"We are thrilled that Greenwich Library has again been selected as one of the nation's top libraries," said Nancy Better, President of the Board of Trustees. "This award is quite timely, given the tremendous effort by our staff in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. We are honored to be recognized for exceptional service to our community." 

The Library Journal index of public library service is determined equally by four related per capita output indicators: visits, circulation, program attendance, and public Internet computer use. The top libraries in each category, organized by ranges of operating expenditures, are assigned five, four, or three stars. 

Greenwich Library was ranked seventh in the nation among public libraries with budgets between $5 million and $10 million. Two other Connecticut libraries received ratings: Norfolk Library (five stars in the $200,000 to $399,900 budget category) and Darien Library (five stars in the $1 million to $5 million budget category). 

This has been an exciting year for Greenwich Library. A new Strategic Plan charting the institution's future course was launched in June and several initiatives have already been implemented. The Library continues to serve as a safe haven for the community during states of emergency, most recently hosting over 6,000 patrons in a single day across all three branches after Hurricane Sandy. 

For further information on Greenwich Library's five-star rating, see the November 8, 2012 print edition of Library Journal and or go online to www.libraryjournal.com.
On Saturday, October 20, Greenwich Library held a dedication ceremony in memory of Diane Darst. Darst was a longtime supporter of the Library, serving as President of the Board of Trustees and President of the Friends of Greenwich Library. 

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(From left) Liz Proctor Darst, David Darst Jr., Charles S. Leykum, Diane Leykum, David Darst Sr., and 

Elizabeth Darst Leykum holding Charles Leykum.


Since Darst was a supporter of the arts for children, funds donated to the Library in her memory were used to create an Imagination Station in the Children's Room. The station features a custom-built table, chairs and a cabinet, which is stocked with games, puzzles and arts and crafts kits. Children are welcome to use the Imagination Station whenever the Library is open. 

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The Imagination Station is stocked with games, puzzles and crafts that children can use any time.

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Family and friends gather for a dedication ceremony in memory of Diane Darst.

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Diane Leykum, with the plaque honoring her grandmother.

For more information, please contact Sarah Falvo at (203) 622-7957.

Welcome to the new Keep Posted!

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We've updated the look and feel of this award-winning publication, introducing bold color and vivid images. We've added two full pages so we can feature more of the collections, services and programs you love while inviting the thrill of discovery. Click here to read Keep Posted.

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Starting next month, the @ Your Library column will highlight Library collections, providing patrons with ideas for using them in their daily lives to accomplish goals such as starting a business, understanding jazz or learning to download an eBook. 

Using full color allows the opportunity to feature beautiful images from the Flinn Gallery exhibits, as well as the detail in book cover art. The Byram Shubert and Cos Cob branches will share a whole page, allowing each library more space to focus on their unique character. This new design is part of the Strategic Plan initiative to further develop the Greenwich Library brand and enhance the community's connection to the Library.

Click here to read Keep Posted. We want to know what you think! Post your thoughts here as a comment or email news@greenwichlibrary.org.
A new Strategic Plan that charts the future course for Greenwich Library was unanimously adopted by the Library's Board of Trustees at its meeting on June 12. 

"While some may argue that libraries are not relevant in the digital age, it is very clear that the Greenwich community loves its library and cares deeply about its future," said Nancy Better, President of the Library Board of Trustees. "The world is changing around us, and we must change with it." 
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The Plan is the culmination of an eighteen month-long process which included a community-wide survey, focus groups, a Trustee survey, a staff survey and retreat, as well as countless hours of analysis and evaluation by the Strategic Plan Steering Committee. Staff and Trustees worked with consultant Maureen Sullivan, now the President of the American Library Association, and Berk Associates, a Seattle-based consulting firm, throughout the process. 

The Strategic Plan builds upon the Library's strengths and identifies five key areas of focus: Collections, Technology, Lifelong Learning and Enrichment, Service and Community Space and Community and Connections. Strategic Initiatives within each of these five topical areas outline short- and medium-term efforts to improve operations. A new mission and vision are identified within the Plan, along with a new set of values. 

"Over the next five years, patrons will see Greenwich Library change in significant ways, maintaining the core aspects that make the Library a cherished Greenwich institution while boldly embracing new approaches, new technologies and new priorities," said Carol Mahoney, Greenwich Library Director. 

Library staff has already begun implementing changes identified throughout the planning process, said Mahoney. When 83% of respondents to the Community Survey indicated they would like to be contacted via email, staff launched a bi-weekly e-newsletter which highlights collections and services, as well as programs. The Library has begun sending all borrowing notices by email, as well. A staff programming committee has been organized to review current programs and make recommendations. The committee's goal is to plan programs that promote and extend the collections, services and mission of Greenwich Library. This spring, the Library will launch a new Self-Service area, which includes self pick-up of holds

Following are ten Strategic Initiatives identified in the Plan
  1. Continue to expand and curate our collections and provide easy access to Library resources. 
  2. Embrace and integrate emerging media into our collections. 
  3. Use appropriate media and targeted messages to raise patron awareness of relevant Library resources. 
  4. Ensure our patrons and staff have access to established and emerging technologies and the opportunity to achieve technological literacy. 
  5. Meet the needs and interests of Greenwich residents by making strategic programming choices. 
  6. Support the academic and life success of Greenwich children by promoting early literacy and a love of reading. 
  7. Strengthen our focus on satisfying the questions, needs and preferences of our patrons. 
  8. Reimagine our public spaces to reflect changes in technology and how people use the Library. 
  9. Strengthen our community of readers by increasing patron connections to one another and to our collections. 
  10. Expand and focus our partnerships for the collective benefit of the Greenwich community. 
Mahoney said the Library will use the Plan to develop services and collections, "We will focus on partnerships, building community and providing access to technology. The Library will be truly integrated into the community. Greenwich Reads Together is a great example of partnership, and we look forward to organizing more initiatives like this," she said.

"We're excited about completing the Plan, not because the document is 'finished' but because our future path is clear and the journey is underway." 

To read the complete Plan, please visit www.greenwichlibrary.org/strategy

Greenwich Library Trustees Elect New Officers

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The Greenwich Library Board of Trustees elected new officers at their meeting in May. The following were elected: Nancy M. Better, President; Haley Rockwell Elmlinger, First Vice President; Linda G. Ortwein, Second Vice President; Brian C. Pennington, Treasurer; Robert Glanville, Assistant Treasurer; Mary Jacobson, Secretary; Andrew J. Pitts, Member at Large.

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Linda G. Ortwein, Brian C. Pennington, Mary Jacobson, Nancy M. Better, Jane D. Marsh (Chair of Planning Committee), Haley Rockwell Elmlinger and Andrew J. Pitts.
The Friends of Greenwich Library elected five new trustees to serve on the Greenwich Library Board at their annual meeting in May. Ernest B. Fleishman, Liz Oestreich, Karen Free Royce, Dan Tapiero and Jere R. Thomson will serve three-year terms. 

"We are thrilled to welcome such an extraordinarily talented group of new trustees to the Board. We believe they will make a valuable contribution to the Library's future," said Nancy M. Better, President of the Board of Trustees.

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Dan Tapiero, Liz Oestreich, Jere R. Thomson, Karen Free Royce, Ernest B. Fleishman  with Library Director Carol A. Mahoney
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Greenwich Youth Film Festival

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The Junior League of Greenwich, co-sponsored by the Greenwich Library, invite you to the Greenwich Youth Film Festival this Saturday, April 28 at 1 p.m. in the Cole Auditorium.

High school students in Fairfield and Westchester counties were invited to submit films in the following five categories: Creative, Animation, Documentary, Music Video, and Public Service Announcement.

More than 130 films were entered. Director Ron Howard judged the Creative entries; Blue Sky Studios judged the Animation entries; film producer Clay Pecorin judged the Documentary entries; film and television composer Jeff Cardoni judged the Music Video entries; and journalist Gretchen Carlson judged the Public Service Announcements.


The top five submissions in each category will be screened, and winners will be announced. Additionally, one of the final top five will be chosen as the overall winner of the Greenwich Youth Film Festival.

The event is free but tickets are required. Thursday, April 26, is the last day to reserve tickets online at the Junior League of Greenwich website. Remaining tickets will be available on Saturday at Cole Auditorium at noon.

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Celebrate National Library Week

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Greenwich Library is celebrating National Library Week by distributing winning bookmarks from the "Love my Library" bookmark contest. Children were invited to design their own bookmark, and seven winners were chosen from all three locations. 

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Whether you are a job seeker looking for resources to land a new job, a parent looking for free activities for children or a student searching for your next favorite book, you belong @ your library.

Today's libraries help level the playing field by making both print and digital information affordable, available and accessible to all people. Libraries provide cultural heritage and genealogical collections, materials in print and electronic formats, job seeking resources, English as second language and citizenship classes and many other creative and resourceful programs. 

Libraries have historically served as our nation's great equalizers of knowledge. The strength of libraries has always been the diversity of their collections and commitment to serving all people. This National Library Week, join our nation's libraries and librarians by celebrating the place where we all belong. 

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. 

You can follow Greenwich Library on Twitter @GWLibrary or find us on Facebook by searching Greenwich Library.

Take Your Child to the Library Day!

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Greenwich Library kicks off its inaugural "Take Your Child to the Library Day" on Saturday, February 4. Special giveaways, activities and crafts will be held at each of the branches to celebrate all the library has to offer children and families.

 

One of the highlights of the day will be the Theatreworks performance of Charlotte's Web at 2 p.m. in the Cole Auditorium, presented by the Friends of Greenwich Library. The performance is approximately one hour and appropriate for grades K-5. Pick up free assigned seating tickets (limit 6 per person) at the auditorium doors at noon. Return at 1:50 p.m. when doors open.

 

 

Charlottes Web Cast Horizontal copyWEB.jpgThe Children's Room will have a welcome table showcasing the resources, programs and services offered at Greenwich Library and its branches. Information about "My First Library Card," the Ready for Reading Kits, downloadable eBooks, library databases for language learning and homework help, and program information about story times and book clubs for children birth to age 12, will be available. Each child who visits will get a READ bracelet and a Greenwich Library pencil.

 

Children and their families can visit the craft table to design a special bookmark that can be entered into Greenwich Library's "Love Your Library" bookmark contest.  Children will be given a bookmark with instructions and will only be limited by their imagination. The contest will run from February 4 through February 18. Winners will be selected from the entries and the winning bookmarks will be printed to celebrate National Library Week in April.

 

There will also be a fun scavenger hunt to help children learn about the library. Clues can be picked up at the Children's Room desk, and every child who turns in a completed scavenger hunt list will earn a prize.

 

Cos Cob Library will play I SPY all day with clues to find fun items and pictures. All those who complete the game will have their names entered into a drawing for a special prize. There will also be music for children at 10:30 a.m. and a Gingerbread Man Hunt at 2 p.m.

 

At the Byram Shubert Library, children will be encouraged to enjoy a book and a slice of pizza. Both branches will also participate in the bookmark contest.

For a full list of activities and crafts, please visit our website. For more information on "Take Your Child to the Library Day" please contact Deirdre Sullivan at (203) 625-6547. For information on Charlotte's Web, please contact the Friends Office at (203) 622-7938.

These programs are made possible through the support of the Friends of Greenwich Library, the Greenwich Library Board of Trustees and contributions by generous donors.

 

Don't forget, you can follow Greenwich Library on Twitter @GWLibrary or find us on Facebook by searching Greenwich Library.

 

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