Category Archives: news

June’s Artist: Joan Wright

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Photo Jun 07, 11 18 53 AM

Joan Wright will be showing her paintings at the David & Joyce Milne Public Library

Williamstown resident, Joan Wright explains, “I have been exhibiting my paintings at the David and Joyce Milne Library in Williamstown since 2008.  Most of my paintings are inspired by the incredibly beautiful Berkshire landscapes around me, but over the last several years my images have become more abstract.  Some of the pictures in this show represent this evolution.”

“The other images in the show are prints. Print making has become a strong interest for me, and two years ago I joined a “green” printing studio in Florence, Massachusetts, Zea Mays. Here I have been developing monotypes (single images -  in this series based on the color purple), and monoprints which use a repeatable matrix.  In addition I have become very interested in the graphic qualities of woodcuts.  Several woodcuts in the show are landscapes, and I am currently working on a series using images from the natural world which appeal to me.”

Joan has been painting seriously since she retired to Williamstown in 2000, after a career teaching history, mainly art history.

The artist will be hosting a reception on Saturday June 8th from 2-4:00 p.m.

This exhibit is on view in the main hallway of Milne Public Library, Williamstown. Library hours are Mon –Fri. 10-5:30, Wed. 10-8, and Sat. 10-4.

Photo Jun 07, 11 18 38 AM

Teen Summer Reading: Beneath the Surface

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The Teen Summer Reading program at the Milne Public library, which will run from June 24 – August 2, will be open for registration starting on June 10. This year the nation-wide theme for teens is “Beneath the Surface,” and teen readers are encouraged to delve deeply into things that are of interest to them as they choose their summer reading books. Registrants will receive a book bag and a log when they sign up for the program. Sixth graders and up are eligible. There will be a raffle drawing each week for gift certificates from local business, as well as other gift cards from national companies.

The library will also be offering three, hands-on creative workshops for teens during July. From July 8 – July 12, local graphic artist Emily Brannan will offer “Dig Deep into Graphic Novels,” during which kids will have the opportunity to delve into the world of graphic novel writing and illustration, and create their own graphic novel. This workshop will be held from 10:30-12:30 each morning during that week.

On Thursday afternoon, July 18, Bennington artist and calligrapher Ann Kremers will offer “Masks: On the Surface,” a paper mask-making workshop. Sign-up for this workshop will begin on June 10.

“Beneath the Surface” is sponsored by the Friends of the Milne Public Library, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. We also receive support from Images Cinema, Where’d You Get That, Water Street Books, Amy’s Cottage, and other local merchants.

FREE seminar on investing!

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The Milne Library in Williamstown will host a seminar and media presentation on the foundations of investing on June 12th at 6:30 p.m.

Fear of the unknown sometimes prevents people from investing in the future. Developing an understanding of the basics simplifies the process of getting started in an investment program. This seminar addresses needs of new investors as well as those needing a refresher. Will discuss bonds, stocks, mutual funds, asset allocation, impact of inflation and long term goals.

This program speaker is Walter Lother Financial Advisor for Edward Jones and he will be available to answer questions about financial investing.

For more information contact Pat McLeod, Library Director 413-458-5369 or pmcleod@williamstown.net

 

Teen Resource: College Database

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For the last five years, the University of Texas college directory webpage has been an excellent resource for a complete listing of accredited colleges and universities. Even Massachusetts high school students and their families use the webpage to find and research institutions in which they may be interested.

The college database is an updated, non-commercial directory of all large universities, small colleges, community colleges and trade schools nationwide. In addition to using the most complete and current data available, they’ve also incorporated Google maps and highlighted key data points for each college, including tuition rate, enrollment, and institution type – vital decision-making factors for potential students.

The College Database (Homepage): http://www.onlinecollegesdatabase.org

The College Database (Massachusetts): http://www.onlinecollegesdatabase.org/online-colleges-in-massachusetts/

college homepage

Reading is Great youth program!

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This program has been temporarily suspended while Williams College students are on summer break. The program will resume in September when they return for classes.

“Reading is Great” is a buddy system reading program in partnership with Williams College.   Your child can have a Williams College student be their “reading buddy” for a time, to encourage their reading skills.

“Reading is Great” is offered on Saturday mornings from 10:30-noon, in the Children’s Room at the Milne Public Library.

This program will be suspended during the Williams College Spring Break: March 15-31.

Alice Shaver Foundation provides new computer lab for the Milne Library

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Through a generous grant from the Alice Saver Foundation, Williamstown, MA the Milne Public Library in Williamstown upgraded their computer lab. The grant paid for 6 new computers that replace PC’s that were almost 10 years old, plus new wide screen monitors. The new lab has faster speed and greater access to new applications and software. The patrons are all remarking on the incredible improvements to a highly used service.

In addition the library has added computer training on the website www.milnelibrary.org. The online service is called Atomic Training and provides access to online, on-demand video training tutorials on the most popular software. Users can improve job skills by learning specific software training tutorials, it helps users of all ages become more proficient on basic computer applications and it’s paced to use when time allows.  Some of the training tutorials include: Twitter, Skype, iPad, Word, Excel, Photoshop and many more to help with new technology.

The Library is highly dependent on fundraising and grants to provide the vital library that we have and to maintain the second highest circulation for a library in Berkshire County. You can anticipate that many users will enjoy sharing this up-to-date computer service to anyone who visits the Milne Library.

 

The Milne Public Library is located on Route 2 across from the Williams Inn. The hours of the Library are 10:5:30, Wednesday 10-8

and Saturday 10-4.

 

60 Ways to Use a Library Card

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1. Download an e-book. (Over three-quarters of libraries offer access to e-books. E-book readers are available for check-out at nearly 40 percent of libraries.)

2. Not sure how to download an e-book on your new device? A librarian can show you how. Take a workshop on how to use your e-reader or other gadgets.

3. Use a computer to finish a school project. (Over 62 percent of library outlets report they are the only provider of free public computer and Internet access in their communities.)

4. Use free Wi-Fi. (Almost 91 percent of public library outlets offer wireless Internet access.)

5. Learn the secrets of editing digital photos in a Photoshop class. (More than 90 percent of public libraries now offer formal or informal technology training.)

6. Learn how to edit your family vacation video.

7. Find love at the library: meet like-minded mates at a library speed dating event (or check out a romance novel).

8. Learn check mate: attend a library game night.

9. Take the kids to a free movie during spring break, or pick up a DVD to watch together at home… or get a movie for free from your library’s website.

10. Attend a family crafts workshop.

11. Attend preschool story hour with your child.

12. Start a parents & teens book club.

13. Ask for a recommended reading list for your kids.

14. Enroll your child in a summer reading program.

15. Save money while spending quality time: plan a family afternoon at place that’s free – the library!

16. Build your young reader’s self esteem by letting her read to a dog at the library.

17. Check out a pass to a city museum.

18. Launch your future: Get free assistance with job searches, resume writing and interviewing tips.

19. Use a library computer to apply for a job online or check out materials to help study for a certification exam. (92.2 percent of libraries offer access to job databases and other online job resources.)

20. Research your term paper.

21. Get help with homework.

22. Get ready for the SAT with online test-prep services.

23. Explore new opportunities and research technical schools, community colleges and universities.

24. Figure out how to pay for college at a free library seminar.

25. Learn about local candidates for office and pick up information on voter registration.

26. Book a meeting room for your club or community organization.

27. Learn about the history of your city or town.

28. Spend an hour with a “living book”; see if your library has a list of local experts who can share their knowledge on different subjects – like knitting, taxes, or training for a triathalon – or simply share a bit about themselves.

29. Get involved – join your library’s Friends group or teen advisory board.

30. Check out your favorite graphic novel.

31.Trek to another planet in a Sci-Fi novel.

32. Research before you buy. Access an online consumer guide on the library’s website.

33. Learn how to manage your money at a free financial planning seminar.

34. Search out tips for building your retirement nest egg.

35. Learn how to write a business plan.

36. Get new ideas for redecorating your house.

37. Hear a local author reading his/her latest novel.

38. …then research WWII espionage…

39. …then find a quiet spot to plug in your laptop and begin your own novel.

40. Use style guides to write a bibliography for your new book.

41. Learn how to self-publish – and market – your new book.

42. Take a cooking class.

43. Learn a new language with books or online language-learning software.

44. Broaden your world by checking out cookbooks of foods from other cultures.

45. Borrow or download an audio book for your next road trip or commute.

46. See a new art exhibit.

47. Volunteer as a literacy tutor.

48. Find a new hobby.

49. Enjoy a concert.

50. …then borrow some sheet music.

51. Use free online tools to research your family tree.

52. Empower yourself through home improvement: check out a book on learning how to fix that leaky faucet.

53. Find a quiet spot, curl up with a good book and enjoy.

54. Take a fitness class.

55. Talk mysteries with people who like mysteries, too, at a library book club.

56. Find the best resources on how to preserve that photo of your great grandmother.

57. Get growing! Check out seeds to plant in your backyard or community garden.

58. Go back in time: use databases or microfiche to access early newspapers or rent a “classic” movie, like “Back to the Future.”

59. Check out books in the bookmobile.

60. Learn new knitting techniques and get new patterns.”