Library

Suffield Librarian Turns the Page

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Jackie’s retiring. Not an idea I was ready to deal with when we got her resignation letter in October. As president of the Friends of KML, I have been impressed with the number and variety of programs Jackie and her staff continued to provide, even though they were housed at Ffyler Place in a temporary situation for almost five years while the “big house” on Main Street was renovated and made usable again. Jackie grew up in Suffield. Her mother, Elaine Ives, her brother Roger and sister, Cathy Beaulieu, still live here.

Library

Local Author Entertains

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Mike Chase, Suffield native and author of the book How to Become a Federal Criminal: an Illustrated Handbook for the Aspiring Offender, spoke to an appreciative audience at Kent Memorial Library on Thursday, November 7. The talk was sponsored by Suffield Public Library Foundation as part of their yearly speaker’s event. Mel Chafetz, president of the Foundation and one of Mike’s former school principals, introduced Mike, and Carl Casinghino, another Foundation member and one of Mike’s former teachers, made further introductions along with some personal comments about their connections both at Suffield High School and since Mike graduated. “Mike spends his days as a white-collar criminal defense lawyer. He is also the legal humorist behind the @CrimeADay Twitter feed, where he offers up a daily dose of his extensive research into the curious, intriguing and often amusing history of America’s expansive criminal laws.

Director’s Corner

The Gift

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The holidays are upon us and with it the promise of gifts. Lewis Hyde in his book The Gift, first published in 1983, and never out of print, offers a thoughtful exploration on gifts. Gift giving and gratitude for the gift are  common human activities. A gift can be as simple as holding a door open or as opulent as a potlatch, a ceremonial feast of Indians living on our northwest coast, where possessions are given away. Gifts are part of the culture of Christmas, Halloween, Día de los Muertos, Hanukkah, Diwali and many other holidays.

Library

Art Show Helped

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Local artist Barbara Coffin, left, discusses one of her paintings with a visitor during the well-attended opening reception on November 1 for her month-long exhibit in the Gallery at Kent Memorial Library, the first exhibit since the library reopened.

Library

KML Donors Reception

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On Sunday, September 22, the Kent Memorial Library Foundation honored those who have made the new addition possible – not just those who have given money, but also those who have given generously of their time and energy.

event

Children’s Programs

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Harvest Fun for Kids at Kent Memorial Library: Families with children ages 3 – 9 are invited to Kent Memorial Library on Saturday, November 23, between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to celebrate the harvest!