Grafton Public Library

Library Updates

Grafton Ukulele Musicians Meetup July 11 at 6:30pm

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Grafton Ukulele Musicians logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Grafton Ukulele Musicians (GUM), a partnership between Apple Tree Arts and Grafton Public Library.

We meet the second Thursday of every month. All levels are welcome and there is no fee. GUM meets on the third floor of Apple Tree Arts, One Grafton Common. This month we meet Thursday, June 11 from 6:30-8:00 pm.

Bring your ukulele and your singing voice to participate in this jam session lead by Miss Jan Barlow from Apple Tree Arts. Participants suggest the music and come together to play once a month. The Library provides copies of The Daily Ukulele: Leap Year Edition AND The Daily Ukulele on loan for use in the session.

Don’t have a ukulele? You can borrow a ukulele, as well! Brush up on your strumming skills or learn new chords with the Ukulele Course online at ArtistWorks, for free! A library card is required to access.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Jan Barlow at missjanbarlow@gmail.com.

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Confetti Soapmaking Workshop!

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Wednesday, February 20th – there are ten – 20 minute sessions to choose from!

Come and create a one of a kind confetti soap! Each participant will make their own soapy creation using glycerin based soap. And you’ll be able to take your soap with you at the end of the program and begin using it the next day.

This free program is open to adults, teens (grades 6-12) and kids (grades K-5). Children under the age of 10 must have a parent or guardian to lend a helping hand since the soap can get hot.

Each session is limited to 6 participants. Each participant must register separately. Parents/guardians are welcome to create their own soap while assisting a younger participant but they must also register for a slot.

This program will be held at the Grafton Municipal Center, Room D, which is located on the second floor. In order to keep the day running smoothly please arrive 5-10 minutes early so that each session can start promptly.

Only one soap/slot/sign up per person. Duplicate registrations will be deleted.

Registration will begin on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 10:00 AM  Please go to the library Events Calendar and scroll down to February 20 to select your time and register.

Location: Grafton Memorial Municipal Center, 30 Providence Road, ROOM D

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Trustee Vacancy: Apply Online!

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The Grafton Public Library Board of Library Trustees is seeking to appoint an interim candidate to their 7-member board to serve through the May 2019 election. Apply online at http://graftonmaboards.vt-s.net/boardview.php. You must be over 18, a registered voter, and a Grafton resident.

Trustee responsibilities include:

  • Hire and evaluate the Library Director
  • Monitor and evaluate the overall effectiveness of the library
  • Set Library policy
  • Review and adopt the annual budget (FY19: $754,000)
  • Develop long-term Library plans
  • Advocate for the Library
  • Communicate regularly with the Library Director
  • Conduct the affairs of the Board at regularly scheduled meetings

Library boards of trustees carry out governing, policy, and planning activities to guide public libraries in communities throughout the country. In these turbulent times—when libraries face shrinking resources, demands for new technology services, and changing community expectations—trustees are much more than members of a traditional governing body. They are strategic leaders who serve as visionaries, community connectors, fundraisers, public voices, ambassadors, and persistent champions.

While library services are sometimes considered discretionary when it comes to allocating limited public funds, today’s library is an essential community resource that strengthens economic vitality, improves literacy, supports workforce development, and bridges the digital divide. As community leaders who understand the dimensions of modern library services, trustees can be the voice that shifts the library’s position among decision makers and funders from discretionary to essential.

Library familiarity is expected. Experience working with boards, fundraising, advocacy, and planning is desirable. Specifically, the Board seeks a candidate comfortable filling any of the following roles as defined and recommended by the MA Board of Library Commissioners:

  1. Visionary—crafting and supporting implementation of a long-term vision to strategically position the library throughout the community;
  2. Connector—expanding the library’s circle of influence in the community by building relationships and creating productive partnerships;
  3. Fundraiser—advocating for the library’s budget with financial decision makers and acting as a force for fundraising;
  4. Voice—being a visible, consistent, reliable, determined, and loud voice for the library in the community;
  5. Team Player—working together to strengthen the influence of the library board and ensure representative participation when board vacancies occur.

This is an elected office; due to a recent unexpected vacancy, this position must be appointed within 30 days by the Board of Library Trustees. If no suitable candidates are found, the Town of Grafton Board of Selectman may appoint a candidate to serve until the May Town election. The appointed candidate has the option to run for election in May against any other interested candidates.

The Library Board of Trustees meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm in the Municipal Center’s Room A. Meetings are recorded for later broadcast on GCTV Government Channel 34 (Verizon) or 191 (Charter). The time commitment is 4-6 hours per month.

For more about the Board of Library Trustees, please consider attending the next Board of Library Trustees meeting on Wednesday February 27, viewing past meetings online, reviewing minutes and agendas online, and visiting the MBLC guide for new trustees.

To apply for this vacancy, visit www.grafton-ma.gov/town-administrator/pages/boards-committees-information-center or go directly to http://graftonmaboards.vt-s.net/boardview.php.

 

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Construction Update: January 2019

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The Library floor plans were reviewed collectively by the MBLC, the Committee and the architect in mid-December; some minor improvements continue to be made as typically happens during the design process. Additional meetings were held to discuss AV, IT and other technology requirements of the project. Landscape design is well underway.

A working session focused on the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) process was held; this is a certification program primarily for new buildings with a sustainability focus. The certification has several levels: Basic, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The goal for this project is Silver, given potential points that are awarded in different categories for things like no-mow lawns, energy efficient appliances, location in a Historic District, and more.

An agreement was reached with St. Andrews church in North Grafton to use their facility for the Interim Library; a more detailed schedule will be developed but initially it looks like the Library will move to 53 Worcester St, North Grafton in April of 2019. A bid package for movers experienced in Library relocations is being finalized and should go out in January. Meanwhile, the Library Director and staff have been busy quantifying the library collection and accounting for everything in the Library that will have to move.

Those involved with the project will attend a Historic District Commission meeting on Thu Jan 17 at 7pm. Library Planning and Building Committee meets at 6pm on Mon Feb 4. Project goes before PLanning Board for review on Monday February 25 at 7pm. All of these meetings are open to the public.

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Tween & Teen Crafternoon: Origami Wishing Stars

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Saturday, January 26

Join us for a crafternoon of star making. You’ll learn how to fold these mini origami stars and take them home in your own wishing jar. Your wishing jar will make a great decoration piece but can also use the stars to make earrings, garland, mobiles and more. All supplies will be provided.

TWEENS in grades 3-5 will meet from 1-2 pm. Sign up is required and opens January 12th. Sign up ONLINE or call 508-839-4649.

TEENS in grades 6-12 will meet from 2:30-3:30 pm. Sign up is required and open January 12. Sign up ONLINE or call 508-839-4649.

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Registration is Open for Saturday STEAM Ahead for Grades 3-5!

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Children in grades 3-5 can join Ms. Cyndi and Ms. Sandhya Saturday, January 19 from 12:00-1:00pm for a seasonal science activity that is hands-on fun! Registration is required. Please register ONLINE or call 508-839-4649.

 

PARENTS/CAREGIVERS: CAN YOUR CHILD BE ALONE AT THE LIBRARY?
Children are always welcome at the library.  However, the library is a public building and very busy on a daily basis.  For the protection and well-being of children, the Grafton Public Library has established an Unattended Child Policy.

Please note that all program attendees must also comply with the Library’s Unattended Child Policy:

  • 0-7 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times;
  • 8-12 must be accompanied by parent/guardian remaining in the Library;
  • 13+ may be unaccompanied provided child is able to use Library independently and follow the Library’s Code of Conduct.
  • Children under age 13 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian over the age of 14.

All Library policies are posted online at graftonlibrary.org/home/policies.

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