Grafton Public Library is proudly announcing its canine era with the latest Library initiative.
Let’s face it – the past year has been a bit “ruff” for our beloved library. After extraordinary events and unexpected staffing changes that left a mountain of paperwork, a flurry of meetings, and a trail of unanswered questions, our dedicated management team has been working tirelessly to keep the tails wagging and the pack together. But amidst the chaos and confusion, we’ve come to a paw-some realization: maybe going to the dogs isn’t such a bad thing after all!
It’s time to bark it from the rooftops: we admit it, folks – the library has officially gone to the dogs… and we couldn’t be more excited about it!
Come visit us and see how we’ve renamed some of our rooms in honor of our favorite furry friends. Check out our doggone displays and count the number of pawprints in the library.
What better way to shake off the stress of the past year than by celebrating all things canine? From our Stick Library Home Delivery Service (because who doesn’t love a good stick?), the Library Puppies Storytime (prepare for some “tail”-wagging tales), Howl to Train your Human Workshops, and doggy decorations at every library desk, there’s something for every dog lover (and library enthusiast) to sink their teeth into. Who knows, maybe our furry friends will teach us a thing or two about resilience, positivity, and the importance of a good belly rub.
So grab your leash, gather your pack, and join us at the library – it’s a doggone good time you won’t want to miss!
Bark and Browse Book Club: Calling all literary-loving canines! Grab your favorite chew toy and join us for a tail-wagging book club discussion. Each month, we’ll sink our teeth into a new dog-themed book while enjoying treats and ear scratches.
Pooch Pilates
Stretch, flex, and downward dog your way to relaxation at our Pooch Pilates classes! Designed for both humans and their furry companions, these doggy-friendly sessions will leave you feeling zen and refreshed.
Paws and Piano
Get ready to unleash your inner musician and your furry friend’s hidden talent at “Paws and Piano Sing-Along with Dogs”! Join us for a hilarious musical extravaganza where our canine companions will tickle the ivories (and maybe leave a paw print or two) alongside your favorite tunes. From classic melodies to impromptu doggy compositions, it’s a harmonious celebration of music and mischief. Bring your singing voice, your sense of humor, and maybe a towel for any unexpected messes – because when dogs play piano, anything can happen!
In a surprising turn of events, Grafton Public Library has announced the appointment of its newest Director, and he’s not your typical bookworm – he’s a bona fide barking, tail-wagging sensation! Meet Timber Brassard, the adorable miniature goldendoodle who’s taking the reins as the library’s newest top dog.
The announcement, made by the library trustees, has raised a few eyebrows among the locals, with whispers of nepotism echoing through the community. After all, it’s not every day that a furry friend steps into such an important role. Especially a furry friend owned by the Town Administrator. But according to insiders, Timber’s qualifications speak for themselves – his friendly demeanor, wagging tail, and undeniable charm have already won over the hearts of staff and patrons alike.
“Timber brings a fresh perspective to the role of Library Director,” said an anonymous town employee who may or may not have a personal connection to the new appointee. “His enthusiasm for books, treats, and belly rubs is unmatched, and we’re confident that he’ll lead Grafton Public Library to new heights of success.”
Indeed, Timber’s appointment comes on the heels of some tumultuous times for the library. Staff are still struggling to deal with building disasters, resignations, and the occasional unruly patron. But if there’s one thing Timber knows how to do, it’s bring a sense of joy, cooperation, and camaraderie to those around him – qualities that have been lacking in the library for quite some time.
“Timber has already made a paw-sitive impact on the library community,” said longtime librarian, Terry Tailwagger. “He’s always available-even on weekends! He encourages collaboration and respect. His friendly woofs have made even the most stressful days a little bit brighter.”
And while some may question the wisdom of appointing a dog to such a prestigious role, others are quick to point out the undeniable benefits of having Timber at the helm.
“Let’s face it, Timber is a natural-born leader,” said local dog trainer and canine enthusiast, Louis Fetcher. “His even temperament, keen sense of smell, and unwavering loyalty make him the perfect candidate for the job. Plus, who wouldn’t want to work for a Director who greets you with a slobbery kiss every morning?”
So here’s to Timber, the library’s newest top dog– may his reign be filled with treats, tail wags, and plenty of good books!
Starting on Tuesday, February 27, the library is transitioning to a new, more user-friendly computer program for patrons to reserve museum passes, book study rooms, and register for library events.
We have created these video tutorials to help you get to know our new reservation system:
If you still need assistance, please contact the library at (508) 839-4649, extension 1820. Our library staff are eager to help you make use of the new reservation system.
This week we circulated 1,920 items, received 662 items in transit, and sent 593 items. We requested 501 items and fulfilled 574 hold requests; registered nine patrons for library cards; and added 313 new items. The most popular book this week is The Lioness of Boston by Emily Franklin.
Carpet is scheduled to be installed in the Community Room by mid-February. When complete, the temporary Children’s Room will be able to move out of the Friends Corner and will occupy the Community Room until the official Children’s Room is ready (no definitive timeline for completion yet).
Due to staff shortages, Winter Hours are in effect from January 2 to March 4, 2024. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Due to the start of Winter Hours last week, the Teen Room is unavailable for after-school use on Fridays through March 1. We apologize for the inconvenience. Staff continue to program plan, create amazing displays, and build relationships with teens after school.
Children’s Room staff presented four outreach programs to SGES and continued planning for late winter/early spring programming, February outreach programming, summer reading, and a Children’s Room Grand Reopening party.
Technical Services staff have been busy cataloguing a large book delivery, training on book ordering, and getting acquainted with a new patron web interface being rolled out by CW Mars.
Borrower Services staff created an Oscars display for DVDs and are previewing alternative event management and museum pass reservation programs, which will be more user-friendly to patrons.
The Grafton Public Library will be CLOSED in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Monday, January 15, 2024. No items are due this day. The Library will reopen at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16.
Please pick up museum passes for Monday before the Library closes at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 13.
Library Weekly Report
Week of December 31, 2023 to January 6, 2024
This week we circulated 1,391 items, received 370 items in transit, and sent 661 items. We requested 473 items and fulfilled 244 hold requests; registered 13 patrons for library cards; and added 141 new items. The most popular book this week is The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger, MD and Marc Schulz, PhD.
Due to staff shortages, new Winter Hours are in effect from January 2 to March 4, 2024. The library will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Due to the start of Winter Hours, the Teen Room will be unavailable for after-school use on Fridays through March 1. The Teen Room hosted an all-ages New Year’s Eve at Noon celebration in cooperation with the Children’s Department. Staff continue to program plan, create amazing displays, and build relationships with teens after school.
The Children’s Room and Community Room remain closed, and the Friends of the Grafton Public Library book sale remains on hold awaiting reconstruction. Book bundles and gifts are available for purchase at the library. Children’s Room staff shifted to planning for late winter/early spring programming, lesson planned for January outreach programming, continued planning a Children’s Room Grand Reopening party, planned for how the Community Rooms could be used for a temporary Children’s Room in the event reopening is delayed, and fielded many questions about the Children’s Room closure.
Borrower Services staff attended two webinars through Booklist Online: Listening Advisory and Thriller and Mystery and True Crime; and updated the Readers Advisory Binder with selections from 2023. Reference staff visited the Crescent Manor Rest Home for outreach and drafted a procedure for patrons to check out in-house use laptops, which we hope to roll out to patrons in the near future.
The Grafton Public Library will be CLOSED on Saturday, December 23 and Monday, December 25, 2023 in observance of the Christmas holiday. No items will be due.
Please pick up museum passes for Saturday and Tuesday before the Library closes at 6:00 p.m. on Friday December 22.
