February Newsletter from the Yarmouth Town Libraries

The Library is closed Saturday and Sunday,
January 29 and 30, due to the storm.

From the Director

Another season of Zoom meetings – for author talks, book discussions, storytimes, and more! I have attended some town events in person, but that is the exception, not the rule. The Housing Summit, held at the Senior Center, on January 11, was an interesting discussion and listening session. It’s always exciting to plan for the future. Our Library Planning Committee and Town Library Board have gone back to Zoom meetings and we adjust. Some of us are planning library events and programs for the summer. That keeps us warm at heart. Enjoy the winter, folks, and stop by or call if something’s on your mind.

-Jane Cain
Library Director

Youth Services:
No Appointments Needed

As time goes by, we have decided to do away with appointments for the Children’s areas of the libraries. We need to be cautious about overcrowding a small space, so we encourage 15-minute visits by one family at a time. If you arrive and there is a family already in the Children’s Room, you may have to wait a minute or two to take your turn, but, stop by any time we are open and we’ll get you what you need.

Groundhog Day

Wednesday, February 2
Take & Make Kits are appropriate for ages 3+. Pick up at South Yarmouth or West Yarmouth Library while supplies last.

Love and Friendship Week

Monday, February 7- Saturday, February 12
Design your own cards. Supplies are ready for you to create caring messages for your friends and loved ones at the South Yarmouth Library. Appropriate for all ages.

Four for February Family
Reading Challenge:
4 Weeks, 4 Books and 4 Categories

This February reading challenge is the perfect way for everyone in your family to find something new to read.
You can participate online or in person. Download the free Beanstack app to register or stop by the Library to pick up a packet and check out some books. Log your reading and complete activities to earn badges. For more information, go to to our website www.yarmouthlibraries.org/youth-services/. Questions? Ask Ms. Mindy in the Children’s Room.

ALA Youth Media Awards

On Monday, January 24, the Youth Media awards were announced. The 2022 winners for the four top categories include:

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature: “The Last Cuentista,” written by Donna Barba Higuera.
Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children: “Watercress,” written by Andrea Wang; illustrated by Jason Chin, is the 2022 Caldecott Medal winner.
Coretta Scott King Book Award recognizes an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults: “Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre,” written by Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Floyd Cooper.
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults: “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” written by Angeline Boulley.

For a complete list of all awards and honorees, visit https://ala.unikron.com/

Celebrate Black History Month

This year’s theme is Black Health and Wellness. For details, visit https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/ and see the Association for the Study of African American Life and History brochure featuring resources and booklists. Please call or email to request your copy, 508-760-4820 X 1316 or cmarr@clamsnet.org.

Yarmouth Winter Carnival

February 18, 19, 20
Come see us at the first-ever Yarmouth Winter Carnival, to be held at the Bass River Sports World/Skull Island complex at 934 Route 28! On Saturday, February 19, we’ll host a storytime for children, along with other winter delights. Have your picture taken with our Library Yeti, pick up a craft kit, and learn about the library! Hope to see you there.

Winter Fun Day!

Wednesday, February 23, 11:00 a.m.
Join us at the gazebo for Yeti story times at 11:00 a.m. Featuring snowy activities and craft kits, while supplies last. Meet the Library guest Yeti for a photo-op and we will post it on our social media. Registration is not required.

The Yarmouth Town Libraries
will be closed on
Monday, February 21,
for Presidents Day

Book Discussion Group

Tuesday, February 22, 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 23, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for either the evening or morning session this month as we discuss The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis. 1913: Laura Lyons is involved with a radical feminist group that makes her question her role as wife and mother. When valuable books are stolen from the New York Public Library where she lives, she is forced to confront her priorities. 1993: Sadie struggles with the legacy of her grandmother, famous essayist Laura Lyons. Her job as a curator at the NYPL becomes a nightmare when rare manuscripts begin disappearing. A mystery that switches between two historical periods unfolds.

Books are available at both libraries. You can also read or listen to the book online on Overdrive/Libby through CLAMS or another consortium in Massachusetts with your CLAMS card. Please email ckaufmann@clamsnet.org or call the library at 508-760-4820 to register to receive a Zoom link or with any questions. If you need Zoom help, please call 508-760-4820 to set up a troubleshooting session or if you need any other assistance.

Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Saturday, February 26
at the South Yarmouth Library
Pick up a kit for a storytelling dice game while supplies last. Gather with your friends and tell your own version of a fairy tale, using the prompts provided. Appropriate for ages 5+. Check out some fairy tale books from the Library when you're here.

Author Talk
Flower Diary: in which Mary Hiester Reid paints, travels, marries, and opens a door
by Molly Peacock

Tuesday, March 1, 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Learn the history of neglected painter Mary Hiester Reid, a trailblazing artist who refused to choose between marriage and a career. After she married fellow artist George Reid, Mary returned with him to his home country of Canada. There she created over 300 stunning still life and landscape paintings, inhabiting a rich, if sometimes difficult, marriage, coping with a younger rival, exhibiting internationally, and becoming well-reviewed. Reid studied in Paris, traveled in Spain, and divided her time between Canada and the United States where she lived among America’s Arts and Crafts movement titans. She left few written records; rather, her art became her diary and Flower Diary unfolds with an artwork for each episode of her life. Registration is required. To register for the event and receive a Zoom link, email Trish Cassisi at tcassisi@clamsnet.org
Or call the library at 508-760-4820.

Database Spotlight:

Hoopla

The very popular Great Courses lecture series is now available for free on Hoopla.

This video series is presented by award-winning experts from respected institutions who are selected for their ability to teach. Lectures are available on a wide variety of topics: history, photography, mindfulness, physics and much more.

Visit www.yarmouthlibraries.org/ebranch/ and click on Hoopla. Enter Great Courses in the search box.

Staff Pick for Youth Services
Africa, Amazing Africa:
Country by Country

Written by Atinuke; illustrated by Mouni Feddag
A Nigerian storyteller explores the continent of Africa country by country: its geography, peoples, animals, history, resources, and cultural diversity. Grades 2-6

Staff Pick
You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: crazy stories about racism
by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar

Sisters Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar write about Lacey’s lifelong experiences of racism living in Omaha, Nebraska. There is a lighthearted tone to how Ruffin recounts her sister's experiences, but the relentless and sheer number of incidents is dispiriting. This book is a reminder that sometimes, we need to laugh to cope. Amber Ruffin is a writer on Late Night with Seth Meyers and hosts her own late-night talk show, The Amber Ruffin Show on Peacock. Available on Overdrive and CLAMS.

New 2022 Yarmouth beach, disposal & recycling stickers are now available!

Save $5! Order online at https://epay.cityhallsystems.com/selection or by phone by calling 508-381-5455. Now with improved order tracking! Stickers are also available to purchase by mail or drop off.