Spending Freeze and Budget Cut

I'm sorry to have to report to you that a spending freeze has been instituted for the library and all other Town Hall Departments by the order of the First Selectman and as a result the library will be unable to order any materials until further notice.

The acquisition of the latest bestsellers and other new books, movies, etc. will be delayed until this freeze is lifted.

In addition to the freeze, the library has been instructed to return 1% of its operating budget to the Town. As a result, our book, DVD, music, and audiobook budgets have been reduced. No new audiobooks can be purchased until the next fiscal year, and new book, movie, and music purchases will be limited.

Donations will be greatly appreciated during this difficult time.

Changes coming...

We have to make some changes-starting in January:
1. DVD & Videos will now be loaned for 7 days - no renewals
2. Reserves on new DVD's will not be allowed.
3. Magazines will now be loaned for 3 weeks - 1 renewal
Hopefully these changes will allow a quicker turn-around of our video materials and allow more patrons to access them. If you can return your materials before the 7 day loan period is over that would be helpful. As always, your input and comments are welcome.
Margaret

Coupons & such

We have a coupon exchange that is very popular. Take some, bring some is the policy.
We also have an ongoing jigsaw puzzle out, so puzzle fans should take a minute to put a piece in, or two!
We have some exciting programs planned for after the holidays so keep an eye on our calendar, and Oh!
Merry Christmas!

CT Science Museum

We just received coupons for 20% off the admission price to the new Connecticut Science Museum in Hartford. They are free to EWML cardholders, one per person please. The coupon may be used at anytime, and expires in May 2010. We have a limited number of coupons so please get one if you plan on visiting the museum before 5/31/2010.
The library offers many other museum passes, courtesy of the Friends of the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library. See what we offer online at: http://www.ewml.org/passes.htm
Enjoy!

Picturing America

EWML will be celebrating our National Endowment for the Humanities grant - Picturing America -this coming January and February. We are so excited! Exhibited in the Ehlers Room will be selected high quality reproductions of masterpieces of American art that bring us face to face with the people, places, and events that have shaped our country. The images are just a small sample of significant works. They serve as a starting point for learning about our nation's history and artistic legacy.

In addition to the exhibit in the Ehlers Room, and in collaboration with art instructor Cathy Vincent, the library will be offering a series of six free workshops that use selected works in the Picturing America collection. Cathy created these workshops to explore your own creative talents, and they are for all ages!

For families - use designer fabrics to create a decoupage quilt panel in a valentine theme.

For teens - Funky Fabrics -participants will enlarge, crop, and alter textile design motifs to create fun and funky works of art.

For adults - escape into an abstract landscape painting workshop using tempra and acrylic on canvas. Wine and cheese will be served to get your creative juices flowing.

For kids - make some clay pots, design a "family snapshot" collage, and along with a parent, create a self-portrait.

Watch for more information on our events calendar and posted in the library. Register early. These programs will fill up fast.

Book our meeting room online

Groups wishing to use the library meeting room may now apply online. Check for room availability, read our meeting room policy and then fill out the application. Once your application is approved you will receive a confimation by email. If you have any questions please email or call our Reference Desk at 452-2850 #6 or reference@ewml.org

Looking for a boat!

Do you have a wooden boat (aluminum would work but wood is better) you could lend us for a few months next summer. We are busy planning summer reading for next year and the theme is water. We would love a boat to decorate the Children's Room. If you have one that we could borrow, let me know. Don't worry about it's condition, we will deal with it. Ahoy!