Tonight's Movie at the Library

The Kellogg-Hubbard Library is showing the fifth movie of six in the FINNISH FILM SERIES, tonight, Thursday, March 15, at 6:30 p.m. The movie is Invisible Elina (2003), directed by Klaus Härö. Set in 1952 on the Finnish/Swedish border of Lapland, this film follows young Elina who is sent back to school after recovering from tuberculosis. There Elina finds herself in a battle of wills against a stern teacher who punishes the children if they speak Finnish in her presence. As her mother and the “modern" teacher attempt to mediate between our little heroine and her rival, Elina finds herself racing off into the dangerous bog to have conversations with her deceased father. 74 minutes. Scholar Kati Dana will speak before the movie to give context to the time period and location in Finland. This movie if free and open to all.

Gargoyles Guarding the Library

Sometime during the night two gargoyles appeared at the front entrance of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library much to the delight of library staff and patrons. Who created these masterpieces? We don't know, but we are so happy to have these great creatures in our midst. We would love to know who the artists are so that we can thank them for this lovely gift!

Exploring the Sacred

EXPLORING THE SACRED: The Feminine in the Cosmos and in the Human Person with Dr. Ted Brenneman, Professor Emeritus, Religion, University of Vermont. This series will focus on the quality of the feminine and the way this quality expresses itself in the configuration and processes of the earth. Brenneman will explore various facets of the feminine by examining a group of goddesses that express and live out particular qualities of the essential or “archetypal” feminine: the feminine in its first and most fundamental form. The first presentation was cancelled due to the Valentine's Day blizzard, but we will meet Wednesday, February 21 and 28, at 7pm in the Hayes Room at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

Thai Woven Fish Workshop

"You've never seen a room full of gray haired people so focused and enjoying themselves making a craft that fourth graders usually do." That was Chris Brown's assessment of the Thai Woven Fish Workshop that he attended with his wife, Connie, this past Saturday at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. (Not everyone had gray hair although the majority did!) The workshop was taught by Suchada Sanonguthai, a Thai AFS Visiting Teacher at Montpelier High School and Primprao Dejdamrong, a Thai AFS Visiting Teacher at Randolph Elementary School. We learned how to weave paper into the shape of fish using wall paper or recycled 2006 Vermont Life calendars. The woven fish is a symbol of perseverance and prosperity. It took perseverance to learn how to weave the pretty fish. I felt like I was all thumbs. Once we got the hang of it we had 15 people crafting fish after fish. Chris and Connie Brown were in the library today. They are addicted at weaving fish - they make them every day. I must admit I have five new fish on my kitchen counter. I experimented with using construction paper with one fish. Connie is using ribbon. Today two other people told me how much they enjoyed the workshop. I keep looking at the woven fish mobiles on display at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library for more design ideas. Who knew a time honored domestic Thai craft would capture our imagination!

A Valentine's Gift

Yesterday a woman came to the library to buy an annual membership for her sweetie. This couple lives outside of our legal service area and the membership costs $24 for the year. The recipient of this gift loves the Kellogg-Hubbard Library and she could not think of a better way to show of her love than to buy a KH Library membership. We think it's a great Valentine's gift, too! Another great gift is to read aloud to someone you love.

Readers' Choice

As you walk into the front lobby of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library there is a table on the right full of books that are recommended by staff and patrons alike. There is also a book called Readers" Choice, Suggestions from Patrons and Staff. If you particularly liked a book that you borrowed from the library you can add it to this volume. Here are a few suggestions from that book:

Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay by Mira Kirshenbaum

For anyone who is ambivalent about the relationship they are in, this is a godsend. Straight forward, helpful, I can't say enough about it.

The Gentleman from Finland by Robert Goldstein

A very humorous look at a trip on the Trans-Siberian Express in the
1980's.

Between the Woods and the Water by Patrick Leigh Fermor

Superbly written travel memoir - Eastern Europe before World War 2.

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clark

(if you like Fantasy) Stick with it thru first 200 pages or so, it's worth
it.

And someone else added "TRUTH!" the the above
recommendation.

The Readers' Choice book is fun to read. Take a look at the book display of recommended reads next time you're in the library. You may find a book that you wouldn't have otherwise chosen. Another place to look for good books is Recommended Reading is on our website.

So many books, so little time.

<>

Under Construction

This blog for the Kellogg-Hubbard Library is under construction. Please visit us again soon.