EPL News and Events

Writers' Night, Wednesday, March 15 at 7pm...

2012-03-10T14:15:00.000-05:00

March Writer's Night features singer/storyteller Pat O'Brien and poet Tom Diegoli.

Pat O’Brien plays guitar, banjo, tin whistle, sings and tells stories. Pat’s father was a native of Leitrim, Ireland, and her mother was from Belfast in the North of Ireland. She grew up in Boston, exposed to Irish traditional tunes and songs from an early age. She plays with the Irish band Bradigan, and has previously played with Labrys, An Banna Ceoil, and Agus Mise Ann. She also maintains an active solo performance schedule. In addition to her musical performances, Pat is also a songwriter, her original works often appearing in Bradigan’s sets. She has released several CD’s on both sides of the pond, including her solo CD “Roots and Branches.” Recently she has written stories reflecting her childhood as the daughter of Irish immigrants.

Tom Diegoli is the son of a naval officer and high school teacher. Tom grew up spending his summers in a tent in Conway, NH, on the Saco River, where he learned a great love and respect for nature and the natural world. After college, he moved to the farm his family bought in Chatham, NH, where he raised vegetables and sheep for fifteen years. He moved back to the Mt. Washington Valley in 1990, and is raising three lovely daughters, all of whom like to write. He has worked as an electrician, machinist, chef, cabinetmaker, substitute teacher, art dealer, and picture framer. His current interests include teaching young children that they can enjoy writing poetry and volunteering as a NH Hunter Safety Instructor. He has published two chapbooks, One With The Land and Interface, and a DVD, The Skunkskin Session.

Come to listen, or bring a piece of your own writing or music to share. Writers’ Night, the third Thursday of the month, is for those who write – music, poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction - and for those who enjoy listening. Each month, featured writers and musicians will be followed by an open-mic opportunity for others to share a piece of original writing or acoustic music (up to 5 minutes). Enjoy light refreshments and conversation with other writers, musicians and artists. Writers’ Night is just one of many enriching community events taking place at the Effingham Public Library. For more information, contact: Katie McCarthy, 539-7694 katiemccarthy@roadrunner.com or call the Library 539-1537. The Library is located at 30 Town House Road, Effingham, and is handicapped-accessible.

Please note that the Library is closed on Thursdays. Please use the ramp and door to the Children's Room, which is the second from the road.

Snow Day, Saturday, February 25

2012-02-25T07:14:00.000-05:00

The Library will be closed today, Saturday, February 25 due to the weather. We will reopen at our usual time of 1pm on Tuesday, February 28. If you need to renew library materials, you may do so from our online Library Catalog, http://effingham.booksys.net/opac/effingham/index.html#menuHome or call and leave a message at 539-1537.

Jackson Ski Touring Center Pass Available Now to 3/30/12

2012-02-22T17:22:00.000-05:00

Just received, compliments of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation for Effingham Public Library patrons: a Two-for-One pass valid for the remainder of the 2011/2012 season, which ends March 30. Borrow the pass from the Library with your library card, present it at the Jackson Ski Touring Center, and receive two day passes for the price of one!

Because this is good for such a limited time, patrons will only be allowed to borrow the pass for one day, and must return it to the library the following day. Call the Library at 539-1537, or come in to borrow the pass.

FEL Buy-the Bag Booksale

2012-02-08T12:01:00.000-05:00

Punxsutawney Phil declared another six weeks of winter! So, Friends of the Effingham Library declared war on midwinter blues with a BUY THE BAG BOOKSALE ‘til those March winds blow. That’s right, folks, from RIGHT NOW through 7 PM February 29^th, every bag of books from the FEL Book Sale shelves is just $1.00!

This means you can haul away a stash to keep you going until the black flies arrive, add fresh material to bedtime story time, stock up those beach reads, even snag some coffee table books to impress summer visitors. The only exception is our Special Bookcase of book sets and more valuable books. But, really, with your savings from the regular bookshelves, you can add a volume or two from the sets and special editions section and still save money.

February Writers' Night Features Dick Pollock & Poet Kamal Nath

2012-02-03T10:06:00.001-05:00

In the midst of February, Writers Night presenters will bring the beauty, inspiration and images of the White Mountains to appreciative listeners and fellow writers. At 7 pm on Thursday evening, February 16^th, Writers’ Night at the Effingham Public Library will feature photography by Dick Pollock and poetry by Kamal Nath.

Dick Pollock, creator of A Mount Washington Valley Photobook, finds his inspiration comes primarily from immersion in the outdoor world. Having climbed all of the 4,000 footers in New Hampshire, having summited Mt Washington over 700 times as a stage driver for the Auto Road, and being an active skier, cyclist, kayaker, he has developed a deep appreciation for things wild and scenic. It is his privilege to interpret this world through his photography. Through his photographic work, Dick’s goal is to capture images that need as little tweaking as possible. He doesn’t believe in spending hours Photoshopping his work, although he admires what can be produced by those who do. As he has gained experience as a photographer, he has become more aware of the importance of light in producing a powerful image. He tries to pay more attention to seeking out lighting conditions that will do that. If the early morning light is spectacular, he’s in the car and out chasing the view! Part of his motivation to do what he does relates to the impact of good scenic photography on individuals. Dick feels that, done right, photographs help to heighten people’s appreciation for the environment.

In addition to the 70-page full color photo book , A Mount Washington Valley Photobook that arrived in stores last summer, Dick has produced a retail calendar the last several years. For Dick, photography is an avocation that he has developed in retirement that has become a profession and a passion. Dick’s current endeavor is to develop a line of giclee prints – wildlife and scenic photos on canvas- and these are the subject of his current exhibit at the Handcrafters Barn. He has had exhibitions of his work at the Conway Library, the Madison Library and has participated in shows at MWVAA. Dick is currently the President of the North Country Camera Club and is a freelance photographer for The Mountain Ear newspaper. He is a juried member of the Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association. More information and photos at www.moatphoto.com

Poet Kamalendu Nath, born in British India, came to the University of Florida (Gainesville) in 1964. He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Indiana University (Bloomington). Although his career has revolved around fringe fields in biology, his interest from childhood has been to understand the mystery of existence. He has been aided by Richard Dawkin’s concept of The Selfish Gene and finds his views in line with secular humanism. Thus, in constructing his poems he seeks rhythm in Nature, including human nature, and combines his Indian, American and science backgrounds on topics related to existence. He is an emeritus professor in Biology (Long Island University) and enjoys the wilderness that surrounds his abode in our small town of Effingham (New Hampshire).

Kamal’s poetry has appeared in Twisted Tongue; Barfing Frog; The One Eight Three; Worlds Within Worlds Beyond; A Hudson View Poetry Digest International Collection; Vermont Literary Review; Thresholds Literary Journal; Palimpsest; and in two anthologies (The 2008 & 2010 Poets’ Guide to New Hampshire).

National Parks Series Starting February 3

2012-02-01T16:51:00.002-05:00

The Effingham Public Library will present the six-part series The National Parks: America's Best Idea on six successive Friday afternoons at 12:30 pm beginning on February 3 and continuing until March 9.

This series is a 2009 documentary made for television by director/producer Ken Burns and producer/writer Dayton Duncan. The film tells the story of the United States National Park system by tracing its history. It won an Emmy Award for outstanding non-fiction series.

Peter Coyote narrates all episodes, with first-person voices supplied by Adam Arkin, Philip Bosco, Kevin Conway, Andy Garcia, Tom Hanks, John Lithgow, Josh Lucas, Carolyn McCormick, Campbell Scott, George Takei, Eli Wallach, and Sam Waterston.

Friday, February 3: "The Scripture of Nature" (1851–1890) shows the beauty of Yosemite Valley and the geyser wonderland of Yellowstone. Additionally, it offers a lengthy discussion of how Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks were created and shows how John Muir became their eloquent defender.

Friday, February 10 : "The Last Refuge" (1890–1915) Theodore Roosevelt uses the presidential powers of the Antiquities Act to add Nation Monument, including Devils Tower, Mesa Verde, Muir Woods, Crater Lake and the Grand Canyon. Hetch Hetchy Valley is lost through damming. Roosevelt's speech at the dedication of Yellowstone's Roosevelt Arch states the ultimate purpose of the National Parks: For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.

Friday, February 17: "The Empire of Grandeur" (1915–1919) covers the creation of the National Park Service and the influence of its early leaders Stephen Mather and Horace M. Albright, and wealthy industrialists who Mather persuaded to help him champion the park system.

Friday, February 24: "Going Home" (1920–1933) focuses on the time when America embraced the automobile, setting off an explosion in the number of park visits. Also, the Rockefellers quietly buy up land in the Teton Mountain Range.

Friday, March 2 : "Great Nature" (1933–1945) emphasizes the societal impacts of the park concept, including new environmental and naturalistic perspectives, employment opportunities and application of the park idea to additional geographical locations.

Friday, March 9: "The Morning of Creation" (1946–1980) offers details about the ecological damage caused by 62 million visitors each year and the controversial decision to protect wolves in Alaska which had been hunted to extinction in all other parks.

Following the film series, the Library will host the program, America's National Parks on $50.00 a day on Friday, March 16 at 12:30pm. Dave and Gail Overberg will discuss and present a slide show on their extensive travels to our National Parks and how to see them on a budget. A question and answer period will follow the program. Dave and Gail will have their photo albums available for perusal.

The library is located at 30 Town House Road. All programs are free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at 539-1537, or email marilyn @effingham.lib.nh.us

From a Hobby to a Business... Tuesday, January 24, 5:30pm

2012-01-14T11:04:00.003-05:00

Hiking the White Mountians in Winter, Wednesday, January 18 at 6:30pm

2012-01-14T10:19:00.002-05:00

Hiking the White Mountains in Winter
presented by Jeb Bradley
at the Effingham Public Library, Wednesday, January 18
at 6:30pm

Included will be tips for cold-weather hiking and descriptions of appropriate food and water, clothing and footwear, equipment, and necessary training. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer period, and an opportunity for attendees to share and discuss their own hiking adventures.

The Library is located at 30 Town House Road. For directions and further information, call 539-1537.

Writer's Night, Thursday, January 19th at 7pm

2012-01-14T10:01:00.004-05:00

January brings slightly lengthening days, frigid temperatures and “Mountain Streams Music” to Effingham. Writers’ Night will feature music, poetry and a display of art by Jane Wilcox-Hively. Jonathan Hively will share some of his writing and accompany Jane on musical pieces. Please join us on Thursday evening, January 19th at 7 pm for an opportunity to share music and writing in the new meeting room of the Effingham Public Library.

Jane Wilcox Hively is known throughout the region as a vocalist and musician, playing the Celtic Harp and guitar. She is particularly noted for exquisite renditions of beloved Scottish, Irish, English and American ballads as well as her original compositions. For over 25 years, Jane has taught voice, guitar and celtic harp. She performs as a solo vocal and instrumental artist on a regular basis. With her bagpiping husband, she performs in a duo which they call “Mountain Streams Music.” Buckingham Palace in London, England, the Hudson River’s Writer’s Society, Cape Cod Summer Concert Series, Boston Museum of Science, Harvard University, St. Paul's School and Exeter Academy have all welcomed the talent of Jane Wilcox Hively as a performer and an instructor-teacher. Northern NH Magazine, has claimed that Jane has, “One of the most beautiful voices being recorded today” and the Conway Daily Sun has called Jane, “A rare treasure.”

Jonathan Hively is known throughout the region for his performances on Scottish Highland bagpipes. He has studied the life of Thomas Edison all his life and has an extensice collection of antique victrolas. He has an avid interest in steam engines and the Cog Railway and is an expert on its formative years. Originally from Columbus Ohio, Jonathan is self employed as a computer networking specialist and as, "The Computer Man.” Jane Wilcox Hively and Jonathan Hively live in the White Mountain of New Hampshire.

Come to listen, or bring a piece of your own writing or music to share. Writers’ Night, the third Thursday of the month is for those who write – music, poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction - and for those who enjoy listening. Each month featured writers and musicians will be followed by an open-mic opportunity for others to share a piece of original writing or acoustic music (up to 5 minutes). Enjoy light refreshments and conversation with other writers, musicians and artists. The Writers’ Night is just one of many enriching community events taking place at the Effingham Public Library. For more information, contact: Katie McCarthy, 539-7694 katiemccarthy@roadrunner.com or call the Library 539-1537. The Library is located at 30 Townhouse Road, Effingham.

Library Closed Today, November 23...

2011-11-23T08:53:00.001-05:00

The library will be closed today due to the snowstorm. We will also be closed on Friday for the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will reopen Saturday, November 26 at 9AM.

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Upcoming Events the Week of November 28...

2011-11-20T19:39:00.005-05:00

Tuesday, November 29: the Library will open at 3pm instead of at 1pm to allow for staff training on our new circulation software system.

Wednesday, November 30: The Effingham Public Library Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Effingham Library cordially invite members of the public to an Open House and Ribbon-Cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of our new library shelves from 5 to 8pm. A light supper will be available.

Friday, December 2: the Library will host the program, The Old Man of the Mountain: Substance and Symbol, presented by Maggie Stier at 12:30pm. The presentation will include images of paintings, literary passages, souvenirs, and film clips of interviews with those closest to the Old Man, and will conclude with a discussion of ongoing efforts to memorialize our state symbol. This program is funded by a grant from the New Hampshire Humanities Council through a Humanities-to-Go grant. Feel free to bring a lunch; coffee, tea and a dessert will be provided.

For information on any of these programs, please call the library at 539-1537.

Writers' Night, Thursday, November 17th

2011-11-08T13:58:00.003-05:00

Thursday evening, November 17^th at 7pm Writers’ Night at the Effingham Public Library will feature the acoustic trio, Any Day Now and poet, Jeanne Clark.

Jeanne Clark, author of the epic poem "The Story of Ellacoya" will read from her book and share her writing A long-time member of Poets in the Attic, Jeanne was the winner of the 2009 New Hampshire Senior Poet Laureate award.

The group Any Day Now is a collaboration of three musicians. featuring Jim Pittman of The band Postage Due, Tom Chiappisi of Neal Hill Caravan and Martha Nichols from the Harley Llama's. The acoustic trio have assembled a collection of songs with lively instrumentation and harmonies drawing from each of their own musical talents and genre's. This new group is sure to please .

Your Patience Is Appreciated!

2011-09-27T16:42:00.000-04:00

Please bear with us! Our circulation system is down, and we must manually check out and renew your books. This is a lengthier process than usual, and your patience is greatly appreciated. We are also unable to process ILLs until further notice. We are working to resolve these problems as soon as possible.

Library Closed Week of September 12

2011-08-31T13:11:00.002-04:00

Notice to Our Patrons:
The Library will be closed the week of September 12 for the installation of our new shelves. We will reopen the following week (September 20) on our regular schedule.

Be Prepared!
Make sure you have enough books, audios and movies to get you through an extra week! You will get a free extra week on any materials checked out this week and next week and a one-week grace period on already checked-out materials!

Please Help Us Out!
Any materials YOU check out are that many fewer WE have to move!

FEL Author Tea, August 27 2-4PM

2011-08-19T22:27:00.003-04:00

Don't forget the Friends of the Effingham Library second annual Author Tea, with best-selling mystery writer, Julia Spencer-Fleming, at the dining room of the Lakeview Neurorehab Unit atop Green Mountain. Join us for an enjoyable and entertaining talk and visit with Julia, creator of the Clare Ferguson- Russ van Alstyne mysteries. Tickets are $20.00 each, and include tea or coffee and light refreshments, and a spectacular panoramic view.

Tickets are available from members of FEL, the Effingham Public Library, Ye Olde Sale Shoppe in South Effingham, the Country Bookseller in Wolfeboro, and White Birch Books in North Conway. Proceeds from this fund-raising event benefit the Library. FMI call (603)301-1004.

Directions: From the east on Rte. 25, turn left at the flashing light at the junction of 153 North onto Green Mountain Road (turn right if approaching from the west). Go 1.1 miles and turn left onto Winter Road (note sign for Lakeview, 1.2 miles). Follow signs. Lakeview will be on the right. Use the second entrance and follow signs to parking area on left. The entrance is a short distance from the parking lot, and is handicapped accessible. The dining room is directly ahead through the foyer.
From Wakefield, take 153 north to Rte. 25. Turn left onto 25, and follow directions above.

Author Tea with Julia Spencer -Fleming, August 27, 2PM

2011-07-27T17:27:00.004-04:00

The Friends of the Effingham library cordially invite you to tea with best-selling author Julia Spencer-Fleming on Saturday, August 27 at 2PM in the Lakeview Neurorehab dining room atop Green Mountain.

Julia is the author of the Clare Fergusson- Russ van Alstyne murder mysteries, and is an engaging and entertaining speaker. Spend the afternoon with this popular author, enjoy light refreshments, and drink in the spectacular view.

Tickets are $20.00 each, and are available at the Effingham Public Library, Ye Olde Sale Shoppe in South Effingham, White Birch Books in North Conway, the Country Bookseller in Wolfeboro, or by calling 301-1004. Books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

FMI, call the library at 539-1537, or email marilyn@effingham.lib.nh.us

Need a Break from the Heat?

2011-07-22T13:13:00.002-04:00

With heat advisories posted, it's important to stay cool. If you need a break from the heat, come on in to the library- our AC is on, and you're welcome to hang out here in comfort!

Library hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, 1-7PM and Friday and Saturday from 9AM- 3PM.

We Have Passes for Patrons to Borrow!

2011-07-09T10:42:00.001-04:00

Annual FEL Book and Yard Sale, June 18

2011-06-06T13:30:00.000-04:00

Library Closed Today, April 1

2011-04-01T07:21:00.002-04:00

The Library will be closed today, due to the Spring snowstorm. Happy April Fool's Day from Mother Nature!

Effingham Historical Society and Library Fun Challenge #2

2011-03-01T17:12:00.001-05:00

The mystery substance is ink, and was used in school classrooms through the 1940s.

Library Closed Today, February 25

2011-02-25T08:16:00.002-05:00

The library will be closed today, thanks to another winter snowstorm. If you need to renew library materials, please call the library at 539-1537 and leave a message, or email marilyn@effingham.lib.nh.us
Please be sure to include your full name and your library card number.

Effingham Historical Society and Library Fun Challenge #2

2011-02-09T18:22:00.003-05:00

Are you ready for our second fun challenge? The material shown in this photo was commonly used up through the 1940s. Can you identify WHERE it was used? The correct answer will be posted at the end of the month.

And the Mystery Objects Are...

2011-02-04T14:12:00.002-05:00

... used for making toast. Congratulations to all who guessed correctly! Watch for our next mystery challenge from the Effingham Historical Society and the Effingham Public Library, coming soon!

Library Closed Again Tomorrow, February 2

2011-02-01T21:18:00.001-05:00

The library will be closed again tomorrow, February 2. If you need to renew library materials, please call and leave a message at 539-1537, or email marilyn@effingham.lib.nh.us