Library

Work of Longmeadow Artist Featured at KML

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A bright collection of original watercolor paintings is featured in December at the William Pinney Gallery of the Kent Memorial Library in Suffield. Featured is the work of Phyllis Taylor of Longmeadow, an award-winning artist, whose work is found in public and private collections throughout New England. Her vivid images depict portraits, landscapes, and still life. Ms. Taylor’s work reflects her dynamic style, developed over many years. She is an active, long-time member of the Tobacco Valley Artists Association.

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

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.

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!

Library

Library Update

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The library punch list grows shorter. That list of not-quite-finished items that typifies all significant building projects has happily lost some of its items; work continues on others. Electricians buried power cables for three new light posts to illuminate the concrete stairways leading down from the new south side door. That project, donated by the Library Foundation, then paused in early October awaiting delivery of the light posts themselves. The first half of the historical archives material, returned from storage in September, has been distributed on the new shelving of the Spencer Historical Room.