May, 2016 - Curtis Memorial Library

The dynamic duo of
Chris Eames and
Melissa Hall
fabricated a way to
bring visitors a bit
of Portugal’s sun
and color to the
atrium of Curtis
Memorial Library.
While browsing the
My Modern Met
website, http://
www.mymodernm
et.com/, Chris had
seen a picture of
“new Colorful
Canopy of
Umbrellas Graces
the Streets of
Portugal," a public
art installation in
Agueda last July
and got inspired.
These photos
cannot capture the
glow of sunlight
shining through.
Stop by and see for
yourself.
We talk about customer service a lot at Curtis Library. It is
such an important part of running a library that we have
decided to focus staff training on the topic for an entire year.
We began by reading a classic business book about customer
service titled Fish! It is a easy, short read about how a fish
company in Seattle became world famous for their customer
service (that should get you interested!)
There are four basic practices that Fish! encourages:
Choose your attitude: Only you can make the decision to
approach each day with energy, enthusiasm, and a desire to
help other people. Decide to have a positive upbeat attitude
on the job and that’s the way you’ll be.
Play: If you have fun at your job, you’ll be more creative and
energized and that will make your customer service that
much better.
Make their Day: Thinking about how to take that extra step
for the customer can make their day and make your
customer service amazing.
Be There: When you are interacting with customers, really
listen to them and what they are saying. Be present in the
moment, listen carefully, think hard about putting yourself in
your customer’s shoes, and try to do as much as you can to
make their experience at the library an outstanding one.
At monthly all-staff meetings we read about and discuss
different elements of customer service and how Fish!
pertains to the topic. Then we spend the next 30 days
practicing and implementing what we’ve discussed.
Did you notice when a colorful, fun “crop” of umbrellas
popped up hanging in the atrium at the beginning of March?
(see page 1)?
Curtis News is one of many projects funded by the Curtis
Friends. Published five times each year, copies are available
through the mail, online and in the library lobby.
To request a subscription contact the library by phone,
725-5242 x236 or register for the online version at
www.curtislibrary.com/newsletter
That was inspired by “play” and by “make their day.” Judging
by the numerous smiling faces we’ve seen, the umbrellas are
doing their job making library visitors happy – and it made us
feel good to plan a cheery treat for our patrons.
Several weeks ago a library patron was nervous about
walking out to her car on a slippery sidewalk. One of the
librarians (without stopping to grab a coat), cheerfully linked
arms with her, walked with her outside and got her over the
icy patches. That’s going the extra step for a customer.
Numerous patrons like to put their feet up on furniture when
they read, but our rule was “no feet on the furniture.” Then
we stopped to think about how to make our customers
happy AND keep the furniture clean. The result was the
purchase of numerous step stools that can be found all over
the library. When someone wants to put their feet up, we no
longer say “no.” We say, “Sure – here’s a footstool.”
These are just small examples of how customer service at
Curtis Library has improved. That’s what great customer
service is – always thinking about the small ways your
actions can positively impact someone else’s experience. I
hope you’ll catch us in the act of good customer service at
Curtis Library. That’s our goal. —ED
OFFICERS
MEMBERS
Kate Egan, President
Karen Budd
Peter Lowe, Treasurer
Deborah Cravey
Dave Nadeau, Secretary
Linda Marchant
Molly McGrath
EX OFFICIO
Linda Millert
John Eldridge, Town Manager
Mary Ann Nahf
Keith Brown, Harpswell Rep
Richard Neiman
Elisabeth Doucett, Director
Wallace Pinfold
Judith Redwine, Curtis Friends
Ann Standridge
June Vail
Continuing with the customer service theme, we are now
offering tours to new library cardholders and anyone
interested in learning more about Curtis’ history, its artwork,
and the breadth of services and programs we offer our
community.Tours are held the first Friday and third Saturday
of each month at 10:00 a.m., and meet at the café tables in
the atrium under the Transformits. (These art sails are made
in Maine and provide both color and sound absorption. You
will learn more on the tour! A generous donor made them
possible.)
Thanks to the support of nearly 600 community members and
local businesses, we are more than three-quarters toward
meeting our 2015/2016 Annual Fund goal of $103,000 in
support of purchasing news books, e-books and other print
and digital materials for our community of readers. It’s thanks
to this private support that Curtis is able to maintain and grow
such a robust and diverse print and digital collection. All gifts
truly make a difference, whether you can make a one-time
donation, or a monthly gift to spread out throughout the year.
Please visit www.curtislibrary.com/give or call Joyce at
725.5242 ext. 219. THANK YOU!
All ages may take a tour which runs between 30 and 45
minutes. No registration is required, but please contact Joyce
in Community Relations with any questions at
[email protected] or 725.5242 ext. 219. We look
forward to showing you the world of possibilities at Curtis!
Laura Almasi, Volunteer Copy
Editor
Sarah Brown, Adult Services
Manager
George Burr, Puzzle master
* Jenny Ciejka, Friends Board
Marian Dalton, Librarian
Persephone Ditzel, Curtis
Friends
* Paul Dostie, Librarian
Elisabeth Doucett, Director
Jessica Flaherty, Volunteers
Coordinator
Karen Schneider, Cundy’s
Harbor
* Melissa Hall, Building
Supervisor
Pamela Jenkins, Youth Services
Manager & Assistant Director
Linda Kreamer, Orr’s Island
* Melissa M. Orth, Teen
Librarian
Joyce Schmitt, Development &
Community Relations
*Newsletter Editorial Board
A very special thanks to Althea, John and Nathanial for
helping out at the Coins for Curtis Tally Event at Atlantic
Regional Federal Credit Union on Leap Day! These three
young helpers poured over 60 jars of coins into the counting
machine, with coins totaling $1,356.10 in the end! Funds
raised support the Annual Fund and put more books on the
shelves at Curtis for readers of all ages and interests.
Thanks to Gelato Fiasco for donating the coin jars, and Adam,
Stacey, Dawn and everyone at Atlantic Regional Federal
Credit Union for hosting the tally event. Congratulations to
Tracey for winning the $25 gift certificate to Twice Told Tales,
and to all who participated. Those coins really do add up! —JS
My Money Works
Thursdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 , 9:30 to 12:30 p.m., Seminar Room
Presented by New Ventures Maine, this class can help you gain
the skills and confidence you need to stretch your money, pay
your bills, reduce debt, find money for savings, plan for
retirement, and set personal financial goals. At the end of the
class, you will have a plan to achieve greater financial stability.
To register for these FREE sessions, call 386-1664 or email
[email protected].
How does your garden grow?
May 19 at 6:00 p.m.,
Morrell Meeting Room
Join guest-experts from the
Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust to
discuss eating local and healthy on a
budget. Topics will include growing
your own produce, container gardening, and how cooking and eating
fresh/local through the summer
months saves money. After sharing a
locally sourced meal featuring the spring bounty, get your hands
dirty by assembling your own container garden! All supplies will
be provided and there is no fee for this great event! This is not
to be missed.
Curtis Memorial Library’s financial
literacy program is made possible by a
grant from the FINRA Investor Education
Foundation through Smart Investing@your
library ®, a partnership with the
American Library Association.
Money Smart Meetup Book Club
Join us for coffee, light refreshments, and
money saving tips. We provide books, free
for all participants available at the Curtis
Library Reference Desk. Each month, one
book on personal finance will be reviewed
and discussed by club participants.:
APRIL: How to Retire Happy by Stan Hinden
April 27 at 6:30 p.m. OR April 29 at 12:00
p.m.
Award-winning Washington Post retirement columnist Stan
Hinden’s bestselling How to Retire Happy, Fourth Edition, helps
you make the right decisions to ensure a happy, healthful
retirement. It delivers all the expert advice you need in an
easy-to-understand step-by-step style. How to Retire
Happy includes everything that has made previous editions the
go-to guides for retirees and near-retirees
MAY: Smart Kids Smart Money by David Ramsey
May 25 at 6:30 OR May 27 at 12 p.m.
In Smart Money Smart Kids, financial expert and best-selling
author Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze equip
parents to teach their children how to win with money. Starting
with the basics like working, spending, saving, and giving, and
moving into more challenging issues like avoiding debt for life,
paying cash for college, and battling discontentment, Dave and
Rachel present a no-nonsense, common-sense approach for
changing your family tree.
Good and Cheap by Leanne Brown
April 25 at 6:00 p.m., Harpswell Town Hall, 263 Mountain Road
A special encore discussion of “Good and Cheap” will be held at
the Harpswell Town Hall on Monday, April 25, at 6:00 pm. Chef
and cooking instructor Ali Waks joins us to talk about crock pot
and sheet pan meals. Come learn how to make the most of your
meal money and stretch your grocery dollar. Plus—take home a
crock pot meal and a copy of the bestselling cookbook, “Good
and Cheap: Eat Well on $4 a Day.” —SB and JF
Comedian Colin Ryan Gets Funny About Money
May 31 at 6:00 p.m., Morrell Meeting Room
For most people, personal finance is no laughing matter.
Often it is something they would rather not think about, but
comedian Colin Ryan tackles this subject with humor and
practical wisdom.
At 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 31, Curtis Library kicks off the
new Money as You Grow Collaboratory exhibit with a special
performance by Colin Ryan. Ryan’s show, called “A
Comedian’s Guide to Money,” blends stand-up comedy,
storytelling, and pop culture to bring fun and learning to the
topic of personal finance, a subject that is often considered
boring or intimidating.
The speaker, who lives in Vermont, has performed
throughout the United States and internationally, using
humor to speak to all age groups about how to reinvent
their relationship with money and start on a path to reach
their financial goals.
Colin was named one of the top ten youth money
presenters by the National Youth Involvement Board. To
date he has spoken to over 200,000 students and adults
across North America. He has collaborated with National
Raising financially savvy children involves teaching them a
variety of money management skills from budgeting to
planning, earning and saving. The Money as You Grow exhibit,
featured from May 23-June 30, 2016, in the library’s
Collaboratory, features age-appropriate lessons and
corresponding activities designed to give families a way to
teach kids and young adults, from ages three to 23 (and
beyond), the simple, essential money lessons they need to
know as they grow. It brings to life the importance of
establishing healthy money habits through fun and
Geographic Television, the Girl Scouts of America, United
Way, numerous student leadership organizations, as well as
banks, credit unions and colleges across the country.
Appropriate for school age children and adults. Admission is
free, and no registration is required. —SB
We continue our series of Windows and Mac based tech
meetups the first Friday of April and May, at noon in the
seminar room.
Tech Meetup: Online Password Managers
Friday April 1, 12:00—1:00 p.m., in the Seminar Room
On April Fool’s Day, you’ll want to visit to see the library
decked out in all its silly foolish fun AND to hear Tech Wizard
Marian Dalton discuss the use of online password managers.
These tools keep track of the myriad of passwords needed to
navigate the online world these days, and help replace the
pieces of paper you probably carry around to remember
them all! These tools are not limited to Windows
environments, so anyone can come.
Mac Tools Meetup: Tips and Tricks
Friday May 6, 12:00—1:00 p.m., in the Seminar Room
Mac wizard Mike Gorzka will offer a session on iPad and
iPhone Tips and Tricks. Put it on your calendar and bring your
questions!
And remember, any time you have a question about your
personal computer or smart device, stop by any Thursday
between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to meet with a Wizard or
if that time doesn’t work, call the Reference Desk to make an
appointment: 725-5242 x204 — MD/MG
The Cundy's Harbor Library is pleased to welcome our new
library director, Karen Schneider, who began her time with us
the first week of March. Karen resides in Cundy's Harbor and
comes to us with a seasoned public relations, writing, and
editing background. She most recently worked at Bowdoin
College where she was the assistant to the director at The
Children's Center. She is the editor of Northern Journeys
Magazine and is also a freelance writer whose work appears
in The Coastal Journal and The Lewiston Sun Journal. She also
edits fiction and non-fiction manuscripts.
Karen discovered our library when she was a guest author at
CHL's story time where she read The Adventures of Skiff the
Harbormaster's Cat, a book she co-authored with Donna
Peterson in 2008. Karen is excited to be here with us and is
looking forward to meeting everyone. Please stop by and say
hello!.
Michael Carnes, former acting director, has taken a new fulltime position as Technology and Reference Librarian at
Falmouth Memorial Library, but luckily for us, he will still be
involved with CHL. We are so thankful for that! —MC/KS
“More than a library.” When our librarian, volunteers and
trustees talk about the Orr’s Island Library, they talk about
books, CDs and DVDs, of course, but they also talk about
community outreach and community service. In our relatively
small community our beautifully renovated library building is
used for so many purposes. Each month there are library
sponsored events including children’s programs each week in
July; health talks the third Tuesday of each month in the
spring and fall; and “First Thursdays” the first Thursday of
each month. April’s “First Thursday” features Karetta Hubbard
reading excerpts from the spy thriller “Satan’s Chamber” she
has written with Molly Best Tinsley; while May’s “First
Thursday” features Orr’s Island resident and former
ambassador to Gambia and Haiti, Pamela White, revealing her
stories and triumphs in the diplomatic corps.
November’s
“First Thursday”
featuring Dr.
Susan Beegle
discussing
Harriet Beecher
Stowe’s
connections to
Orr’s island
In warmer weather, events at the library also make use of our
front lawn with a shredding event in May and a yard sale in
September.
Throughout the year members of the community use the
library for a variety of meetings including the book group, a
focus group and tutoring. The Orr’s Island Library also serves
as a center for community service with funds and other
donations collected this year for, among others, Midcoast
Hunger, the Santa Fund, the Harpswell Community School,
coffee and snacks for the troops, and supplies for the Coastal
Humane Society. For details on events at our “more than a
library” please visit our website at oilblogcom.com/events/.
—LK
Several special programs are planned for the school break in
conjunction with our Harry Potter-themed Collaboratory
exhibit (see p. 10).
While Maine owls are typically not used for delivering post
and parcels in the wizarding world, they are fascinating!
Chewonki will present two sessions of “Owls of Maine: Habits
and Adaptations of Maine’s Native Owls” on Tuesday, April
19. Through a slide show and the examination of owl talons,
wings, and skulls, participants will explore the characteristics
of these silent nocturnal hunters. The programs conclude with
an appearance of three live owls.
On Thursday, April 21, Mad Science of Maine demonstrates
some crazy chemistry in a Potions and Radical Reactions
show. Witness the creation of spewing columns of foam with
the use of a catalyst; learn how to tell the difference between
acids and bases through a colorful chemical experiment; and
watch a gummy bear dive to its doom in an eruptive chemical
reaction!
Both of the above programs require registration since space is
limited; check our web site for sign-up dates.
We’ll also have lots of HP activities ongoing in the
Collaboratory throughout the week, including wand and owl
crafts and a fantasy creatures challenge. Don’t miss it! — PJ
Thanks to our Making
It In Maine initiative
(see p. 4), Family
Money Kits are now
available for
borrowing at the
Youth Services desk.
The kits contain
books, DVDs, games,
and suggestions for
fun activities, all centered around financial literacy for
children. Topics include goal-setting, wants vs. needs,
currency, smart spending, and more. Check out a kit and start
a conversation about money with the whole family! — PJ
If you haven’t heard the term before, a tween is a child in that
in-between age of 9-11. Not quite a teen but not a young child
anymore. This April vacation we have two fun happenings
planned for April break that are tween and teen suggested,
tested, and approved. Registration is required for each. Call or
email us for more information: 725-5242 x225 or
[email protected]
Scratch Code Camp
Friday April 22, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29,
Want to learn Scratch coding? Work with Bowdoin students to
learn the basics and beyond. Four one-hour sessions daily. For
3rd-5th graders.
Please plan to attend all four days. Space is
limited. Registration/questions should be directed to
kids@curtislibrary,com Registration begins April 4. Sponsored
by Cornerstones of Science.
NERF Turf Night for Teens
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 23,
NERF Turf Night is a super fun,
super active after hours event in
the library. Teens bring their own
NERF equipment (or borrow from
our stash) for an evening of games
and skills, including capture the
flag, zombie survival, and free-forall.
Registration is required for this
chaperoned program, which is
limited to 20 teens in grades 6-12. Names must be on all
equipment and darts. If you’ve ever found a foam pellet in the
stacks, it is from previous NERF Nights and we do return them
to the original owners, so please pass the found darts to a
staff person.
Any questions about either event, contact Melissa Orth, Teen
Librarian, at 725-5242 x227 or email [email protected]
— MMO
As of late November, Twice-Told Tales began offering a
number of select books online. Starting with listings on
Amazon we then expanded onto a site called Abe Books
which appeals more to collectors. Gradually over the next
few months we identified books with potentially greater
value than those sold in the bricks and mortar store.
At present we have a total of 49 books listed on Amazon and
512 listed on Abe. And the number of interested buyers has
been climbing monthly. So far, in addition to buyers in the
U.S. we have sold books in Italy, France, Spain, India and
Argentina. The sales prices have ranged from about $18.00
to $195.00.
Based on the increased frequency of transactions, we expect
our online sales to eventually represent a significant source
of income to the store and, of course, to the library.
Curtis Friends Board
President Judith
Redwine presents
Youth Services
Coordinator and
Assistant Director
Pam Jenkins with a
check for $2,000
representing the
proceeds from the
Children’s Book
Sale, which took place November 2015. The Spring
Children’s Book Sale has been scheduled for Saturday June 4
— mark your calendars!
This is just one example of our dedication to maximizing the
beneficial effect of the generosity of our donors. — SJ
New at the
store!
Several tables of bargain priced books! Be sure to stop by and
grab some of your favorite authors at irresistible prices!!
Curtis Friends Board Member and Twice-Told Tales Volunteer
Harry Hopcroft prepares a book sold online for mailing.
OFFICERS
Judith Redwine, President
Barbara Burr, Vice President
Jenny Ciejka, Secretary
Lester Hodgdon, Treasurer
MEMBERS
Juris Apse
Persephone Ditzel
Jeff Gillis
Kevin Hart
Harry Hopcroft
Carol Ingram
Scott Johnson
Paulette Oboyski
Priscilla Smith
Emily Swan
EX OFFICIO
Elisabeth Doucett, Director
Do you stay connected to the world via a smartphone?
Would you like to receive immediate notice on your
phone when your requested items become available at
the library? If so, you can now receive text messages for
Hold Pick-up, Overdue, and Courtesy notices (those you
receive when items are about to be due.)
Curtis Memorial Library is thrilled to be one of only two other
New England destinations through early 2018 for Harry
Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine, an
exhibit developed and produced by the National Library of
Medicine, National Institutes of Health. This exhibit will be
featured from April 13 to May 20 in the library’s Collaboratory,
an interactive, educational space for all ages with exhibits and
programs rotating monthly.
In 1997, British author J.K. Rowling
introduced the world to Harry Potter and
a literary phenomenon was born.
Although considered a fantasy series, the
magic in the Harry Potter books is
partially based on Renaissance traditions that played an
important role in the development of Western science and
medicine. Incorporating the work of several 15th and 16th
century thinkers, the seven-part exhibit examines important
ethical topics such as the desire for knowledge, the effects of
prejudice, and the responsibility that comes with power.
Throughout the exhibit’s residency at Curtis Memorial Library,
a variety of programs and activities will be offered for Harry
Potter fans and curious minds of all ages and interests. — SB
Members can opt in for text messaging via the "Modify
Personal Information" option from “My Library Account”
on the catalog page. Once you opt in the system will
send, to the phone number you specify, text messages
(also known as SMS alerts) for hold pickup notices,
courtesy notices, and overdue items. The messages are
generic, with no item-specific information, simply noting
that you have a hold to pick up, or you have an item that
will be due soon. You may also renew items via text
message (see the instructions on the opt-in page) but be
warned that you cannot renew only the one item that
triggers the message — your text message renews
EVERYTHING you have checked out, even if you are only
a few days into the loan period for the other items.
These text messages are in addition to any email notices
you may currently receive. If you have questions on how
to set this up, drop by the ref desk or give us a call at
x510. — MD
Curtis Tour Guides: Did you know that the glass structure on
the mezzanine level, connecting the old building with the new
building, is called the Zipper? I didn’t either! This place is full
of secrets and history that we want to share with our
community, both new and seasoned. We began offering tours
in March and will continue to host them the first Friday and
the third Saturday each month at 10 a.m. The starting point is
in front of the Circulation Desk. If you are interested in
welcoming new patrons, learning about the building and
giving tours, join Joyce and me on a tour to learn more about
your library.
Spring Outdoor Clean Up: Join Curtis Memorial Library staff,
volunteers, and the Curtis Friends on Saturday April 30 to
clean up the lawns after this mild winter. Please select a time
when you will be joining us between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Lunch
will be provided at 12 p.m. For those interested in continuing
to keep the Curtis Gardens beautiful through the summer, we
will gather to take stock of where the gardens are and where
we would like them to be after lunch that Saturday.
Shelf Reading: Do you have a set number of hours you can
give but cannot commit to long term volunteering? Do you
have to fulfill community service hours before graduation?
Shelf reading may be for you. Shelf reading is the act of
methodically going through the collection and making sure
each item is in its proper place on the shelf. While doing this,
the books are edged, which means books are pulled flush with
the edge of the shelf. If you are interested, let me know.
Already have experience? Stop by the Reference Desk to be
directed to an area and dive in!
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast: Did you volunteer with
Curtis in 2015? If so, in the coming weeks keep an eye out for
your mailed invitation to the 16th Annual Volunteer
Appreciation Breakfast. It is a wonderful occasion to meet
fellow volunteers. We recognize those who have given 50
hours or more in the past year as well as announce the
Volunteer of the Year. Plus, there are door prizes and delicious
food! If you weren’t able to volunteer in 2015, 2016 is still
young, leaving plenty of time to get involved and be part of
the fun.
Not a volunteer yet? We want you! Applying to be a volunteer
is quick and easy. Visit http://www.curtislibrary.com/supportcurtis/volunteer/apply-online/ to apply online or download a
paper app. Or stop in and grab an application. Once we have
your information, we can meet for a chat to find out what your
interests are and what opportunities we have!
—Jessica, Volunteer Coordinator, [email protected]
April Fool’s Day at the library is full of wacky surprises all day for
three days —extending this year through the weekend, Friday April
1—Sunday April 3. Bring your friends and family to explore all the
fun and silliness staff puts on throughout the library. We dare you
not to laugh.
It only happens once a year so don’t miss it!
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #22
Brunswick, ME
04011
The Curtis Contemporaries continue their film series with a screening of
the documentary JUST EAT IT — A food waste story on Thursday, April 21
at 6:00 p.m., in the Morrell Meeting Room. Presented in conjunction with
the Natural Resources Council of Maine, filmmakers Jen and Grant
examine “our systemic obsession with expiry dates, perfect produce and
portion sizes, and reveal the core of this seemingly insignificant issue that
is having devastating consequences around the globe. Just Eat It brings
farmers, retailers, inspiring organizations, and consumers to the table in a
cinematic story that is equal parts education and delicious entertainment.”
A post-film discussion led by NRCM will include local panelists from Mid
Coast Hunger Prevention Program, Merrymeeting Food Council, and Wild
Oats Café & Bakery, who will prepare a treat using sustainable practices.
Free. Please reserve a seat at www.curtislibrary.com/just-eat-it/.