Friends of the Jones Library System News

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The Jones Library is pleased to present a program by local author Martha Johnson.  If the New Year finds you choosing a career, contemplating a change, or re-entering the work force, then join us for a program that provides an opportunity for career reflection. Based on the book "Why Not Do What You Love?  An Invitation to Calling and Contribution in a World Hungry for Your Gifts," local author Martha Johnson offers attendees of any age a chance to engage with questions and possibilities that may provide clarity and enrichment as you seek to achieve current work/life goals. Join us in the Large Meeting Room at the Jones Library on Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 7 – 9 pm.  The snow date is February 2. Martha Johnson has lived a long life of doing what she’s loved, as a school teacher, Peace Corps volunteer, National Park Ranger, founding principal of her own consulting and training practice, and leader coach.  She is currently a resource for wom...

Join The Jones Library System on Friday, December 30, 2011 from  5:15-7pm at the UMass Mullins Center for the second annual "Kids Day  at the Mullins Center." Local businesses and museums, including The Jones Library, will set up  stations on the concourse featuring interactive and educational  activities. Afterwards, stay for the UMass Men's Basketball game as the Minutemen  take on Central Connecticut State at 7pm.  Tickets are only $6 per  person. Hope to see you there!

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We are so excited to introduce our new, first ever, Jones Library book discussion group! We will have its first meeting on Wednesday, January 18th, from 11-12:30 and then will meet (tentatively) on the 3rd Wednesday of each month through June. It is being organized by volunteer Lee Wicks and group members will take turns leading the discussion. The theme for these first six months will be political books and the first selection is " All the King's Men " by Robert Penn Warren. This is an adult book group and pre-registration is required as unfortunately, we must limit the number of members. Please pre-register at the Reference Desk, or by calling Reference at 259-3096.

The Friends of the Jones would like to thank Amherst Books for their wonderful donation of 10% of all proceeds on Amherst's Bag Day. Amherst Books presented the Friends with a very generous $706 check. The Friends use donations like these to, among other things, purchase books for the town libraries, fund music and art programs, and support the Jubilat/Jones poetry series. Thank you, Amherst Books!

Joe Blumenthal of Northampton's Downtown Sounds will be leading a "Ukulele Jam Session," with a special performance by AEIOUkes, at The Jones Library on Sunday, January 8, 2012, from 2 to 3:30pm. Come strum, learn to play, sing along, or just listen. All ability levels are welcome. Please call Amy Anaya at 413.259.3132 if you would like to borrow a Uke for this event. This FREE program is intended for ages 13+.

From Monday, December 5th through Friday, December 30th, The Jones Library, Inc. invites you to bring in your overdue library materials along with a non-perishable food donation to any branch library in Amherst. In return, the libraries will send your donations to the Amherst Survival Center as well as waive your overdue fines. Help our libraries and those in need at the same time!

Annual Meeting News At today's meeting, the Friends of the Jones Library voted to sponsor  the family-friendly Children's Music Series presented in February & March,  the monthly Chess Club for Kids,  emergency cleanup and plant care for the Kinsey Memorial Garden,  extra supplies for frame conservation, and  support for the Library Legislative Breakfast in January.   More Friends projects are underway, including a reception for new Director Sharon Sharry (cancelled earlier due to snow, now tentatively set for January 10) and the Friends Fabulous Valentine Basket Auction coming in February.  Many thanks to all members of the Friends! Your membership contributions make these events and library improvements possible.