December 14, 2012

The Twelve Days of Christmas


“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a well known holiday carol, whose familiar verses and repetitions seem to conjure an extended, jolly English holiday party.  Yet some scholars think the lyrics hold deeper symbolic meaning and tell a coded story.  Dr. Thomas Bernard will lead us on an exploration of the meaning behind the two turtledoves, the lords a-leaping, and all their friends.  Please join us in the Woodbury Room of the Jones Library at 2:30 pm on Saturday, December 15, 2012.



Dr. Thomas Bernard is a professor emeritus of psychology at Springfield College.  Having become intrigued by the lyrics of the carol, he began to research the words, their meanings, and the evolution of the song from its earliest manuscript.  He is the author of a book on this project, “The Twelve Days of Christmas: the Mystery and the Meaning,” published by University Press Division of St. Charles Place.

Free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

jubilat/Jones makes Top 10 Reading Series list!!

Did you hear? 

LitBridge just named the jubilat/Jones poetry series on of the "Top 10 Reading Series in the Northeast!" The money you donate to the Friends goes directly to programming like this.

December 13, 2012

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay book discussion



Please join us tonight, Thursday, December 13, 2012; 7-8:30pm; in the Woodbury Room of the Jones Library as Ilan Stavans, Amherst College, will lead a discussion of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, by Michael Chabon.

To see the list of upcoming discussion books which will be a part of this scholar-led series, as well as book reviews, please go to: 

Hope to see you there!

December 12, 2012

Please give!



It’s 12.12.12, which means it’s Valley Gives Day!  Please consider a gift to the Jones Library!  Just click here and you're on your way to making the Jones & its branches even more amazing!

December 6, 2012

The Jones closes Friday, Dec.7, at 3 pm!


This is the North Amherst Library.  It is filled with awesomeness.


The Jones Library will close at 3 pm tomorrow Friday, December 7, 2012 so that library staff can attend the annual Town Employee Holiday Party. Which is excellent because they deserve a terrific holiday party filled with egg nog and gingerbread cookies with lots of redhots.

But, because the North Amherst Branch Library is full of awesomeness, they will remain open so that residents can still take advantage of Amherst library services that afternoon. 

Stop by the North Amherst Branch and bring the librarians some holiday cheer!

December 4, 2012

Valley Gives on 12-12-12


On Wednesday, December 12, 2012 (12-12-12), thousands of area residents are going to show their support for their favorite nonprofit during VALLEY GIVES.  Valley Gives is a one-day virtual e-philanthropy event that encourages residents of Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties to contribute to their favorite nonprofit organizations through a single online giving platform on December 12, 2012.  On that day, every donation and donor we get will go further to help us claim our share of more than $150,000 in cash awards.

This is going to be a big event, and everyone will be talking about who they’re supporting.  So, we need you to help us with these three things:

1.       Mark 12-12-12 on your calendar and add this giving link:  http://valleygives.razoo.com/story/Jones-Library
2.       Follow the Jones on Facebook  (facebook.com/joneslibraryand Twitter (twitter.com/JonesLibraryMA) and help build the buzz.
3.       Spread the word!  Forward this email to your family and friends, along with a personal note as to why you believe in our work, and why they should give on 12-12-12.

Help spread the excitement.  Tell your friends and family why you think they should help us with their donation.  Please be our champion, and help us see it to the top.  We can’t wait to celebrate the difference your generosity will make on 12-12-12.

Betsy Ross and the Making of America




On Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 7pm in the Woodbury Room, American history comes to the Jones Library in this presentation about Betsy Ross.
 
Betsy Ross is one of the best known, and most misunderstood, figures in the history of the American Revolution.  Renowned as the maker of the nation’s first flag, Elizabeth Griscom Ross Ashburn Claypoole worked for more than five decades as a Philadelphia upholsterer.  Dr. Marla Miller, author of Betsy Ross and the Making of America, will explore the life of Betsy Ross, in search of the woman behind the legend.
 
This is the first program in a new Town/Gown Discussion Series by The Jones Library and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  Look for two additional programs this coming spring as the series continues.

Free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at413/259-3223.

December 3, 2012

If you love us...


...like us!  Just click here to "Like" the new Friends of the Jones Library System Facebook page!



November 29, 2012

Books Into Films series



The Amherst Cinema and the Jones Library have joined forces to create a new series titled "Books Into Films."  For each title chosen, the Jones Library will hold a discussion, and the Amherst Cinema will show the film.

The first selection in this series is "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy.

*  The 2012 film version of "Anna Karenina" starring Academy Award-nominated actress Keira Knightley (Rated R; 130 minutes) will be playing at the Amherst Cinema from Friday, November 30, 2012 through Thursday, December 6, 2012.  Click here for more information and to buy tickets online:  http://amherstcinema.org/films-and-events/anna-karenina

*  On Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 7pm in the Trustees Room of the Jones Library, Dr. Boris Wolfson, assistant professor of Russian at Amherst College, will lead us in an exploration of "Anna Karenina," the world of the novel, the quest of its author, and some of the earlier attempts to reconstruct and re-imagine on screen the book's "labyrinth of linkages."

November 26, 2012

North Amherst & Cushman talk


Local history comes to the Jones Library on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 2:30pm in the Woodbury Room.  Local historian Patricia Holland will speak on her newly released book, entitled “North Amherst & Cushman,” from the Images of America series by Arcadia Publishing, a publishing house which focuses on local history.

Holland and co-author William Robinson will give a talk and presentation of the images used in the book, as well as other images that were not included.

Images used in the book came from a variety of sources, including local residents and the University of Massachusetts.  The majority of images were from the Special Collections archive at the Jones Library.

Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing.  The profits from the sale of the books will be donated to support the Special Collections Department of the Jones Library.

Free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

November 16, 2012

Give books away. Please.



What do My Antonia,


Bossypants,



and The Phantom Tollbooth all have in common?









Find out as a part of World Book Night 2013!




Want to make a little difference in someone's life?  Give a small piece of happiness to a stranger?  Promote reading to folks who might not otherwise pick up a book?

Be part of World Book Night 2013!

It's free!  It's easy!  And you'll be happy you did it!  World Book Night.  Spreading the love of reading, person to person.

(Kind of like the Friends.)

November 13, 2012

jubilat/Jones Reading Series


(Please click on image to enlarge.)


"The Giver" book discussion




Please join us on Thursday, November 15, 2012; 7-8:30pm; in the Woodbury Room of the Jones Library as Barbara Goldin, children's book author and Director of the Edwards Library in Southampton, leads us in a discussion of the book "The Giver" by Lois Lowry.

To see the list of upcoming discussion books which will be a part of this scholar-led series, as well as book reviews, please go to
http://guides.library.umass.edu/peopleofthebook

Hope to see you there!


November 6, 2012

Osteoporosis discussion at the Jones


Please join us on Thursday, November 8, 2012; 7-8:30pm at The Jones Library, Inc. to learn:

•  What causes osteoporosis?
•  What laboratory tests are used for evaluating bone loss?
•  Why nutritional support for bone health requires more than calcium and vitamin D.
•  How to take a balanced, multidisciplinary approach to bone health.

This program will be presented by Dr. R. Keith McCormick, chiropractic physician, competitive athlete and author of "The Whole Body Approach to Osteoporosis: How to Improve Your Bone Strength and Reduce Your Fracture Risk."

This program is free and open to the public.

For more information, please call 413-259-3132.

No Room For Wishing




(click on image to enlarge)

November 1, 2012

Ed2go online classes

The Jones Library is very pleased to offer patrons access to a new lifelong
learning resource called Ed2go. If you are a Jones Library cardholder,
you can now take free instructor-led online courses from your home or
office — at whatever times are most convenient for you!

Choose from over 300 online courses on topics such as: Personal
Finance, Creative Writing & Memoir Writing, Website & Graphic Design,
Test Preparation, Grant Writing, Computer Skills & Programming,
Accounting & Business Skills, Digital Photography, Resume Writing &
Job Searching, Genealogy Research, Gardening, and much more!

Expert instructors develop, lead, and interact with students in each
course. All courses run for six weeks (with a two-week grace period at
the end). Courses are project-oriented and include lessons, quizzes,
hands-on assignments, discussion areas, supplementary links, and a
final exam. And the best part is: you can complete your course work
anytime — day or night.

To get started, browse our Ed2go course catalog: http://www.ed2go.com/l-amhe36057/

If you have any questions, please contact the Reference Desk at
413-259-3096 or reference@joneslibrary.org. Additional details about
Ed2go are here: http://goo.gl/yDE1g

The next round of courses begins on November 14th, and a new round of
courses begins each month. Enroll today!

Please note: These courses are designed for those seeking personal and
professional development and are not college equivalent courses.

October 5, 2012

Grand opening celebration!



Please join us for the grand opening celebration of the Woodbury Room of the Jones Library!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012; 5-7pm; Woodbury Room

Join members of the Amherst community in honoring Nathalie and Richard Woodbury, two generous donors whose gift enabled the renovation of the Jones Library.

Hope to see you there!

September 29, 2012

Baseball and race -- Oct. 13th


Saturday, Oct. 13, 1:00 pm, Jones Library, Amherst: “The Mighty Jim Crow has Struck Out! The Story of How a Small New England Town Embraced the African-American Ball Player,” a talk by Dan Genovese.   

The author of two books about 19th century baseball in Western Massachusetts, The Old Ball Ground: The Chronological History of Westfield Baseball, Vol. 1 and The Old Ball Ground: Volume 2: Town Teams & Bush Leaguers, Genovese is captain and co-founder of the Westfield Wheelmen Vintage Base Ball Club.  He is also the author of Rough House, a look at professional basketball in the early 20th century.  Genovese was born in Westfield and has played all levels of baseball in Westfield from Little League to college to Vintage Base Ball.  He is a member of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). The event is co-sponsored by Jones Library and UMass Amherst.

September 28, 2012

We need your bedrooms!



The Friends of The Jones Library System organize a program titled "Beds For Books."  Program hosts open their homes to the families of students at the Colleges during Family Weekends in October and Commencement in May. All of the money collected goes to the book fund of the Amherst Town Libraries.

The Friends are in desperate need of more hosts!  They especially need accommodations for parents on the following Family Weekends:


*  October 12-14
*  October 26-28

Even if you can only host for one night, the Friends would love to have you!


In order to register, or for more information, please call call the "Beds for Books" line at 
413-259-3184 or click here http://www.joneslibrary.org/friends/beds.html  and complete the "Host Registration Form" at the bottom of the page.

September 27, 2012

Woodbury Room grand opening celebration!


Please join the party!  

OnTuesday Oct. 9th, from 5-7, we will be celebrating Natalie and Richard Woodbury's wonderful donation to the Friends of the Jones Library.  Come see the newly renovated Woodbury Room in the lower level of the Jones Library.  Enjoy light refreshments.  See old friends.  We hope to see you there.

(Please click on the invitation to enlarge.)

Amherst Biennial 2012



(Click on image to enlarge.)

September 12, 2012

A Tale of Love and Darkness


Please join us on Thursday, September 13, 2012; 7-8:30pm; in the Amherst Room of The Jones Library as Lisa Lieberman, author and historian, leads us in a discussion of the book "A Tale of Love and Darkness" written by Amos Oz.

This is the first in a series of scholar-led book discussions which will be held at The Jones Library.  To see the list of upcoming discussion books as well as book reviews, please go to 
http://guides.library.umass.edu/peopleofthebook

Hope to see you there!

September 7, 2012

Jones Library Classics book club


The Jones Library Classics book club will meet to discuss Henry James "Portrait of a Lady" on Wednesday October 17th, 24th, and 31st from 2:00 to 4:00 in the Jones Library Trustees Room. Anyone can participate. Sign up and get a copy of the book at the Jones Library Reference Desk. Please finish the novel by our first meeting.


Questions? Contact Seth Rothberg at rothbergs@joneslibrary.org or call the Reference Desk at 413-259-3096.

September 6, 2012

"Best of the Books" Book Sale on Sept. 13

Find super bargains on high quality books at the Friends "Best of the Books" Book Sale on Thursday, September 13 starting at 4 p.m. in the Atrium of the Jones Library. Hundreds of fiction and non-fiction books for all ages will be available, culled from donations received throughout the year. These books are in like new condition and priced at a maximum of $2.00. Children's books will be available at even lower prices. 

Come early and shop before the BID Block Party!  This is a one day only event.  All book sale purchases support the collections and programs sponsored by the Friends of the Jones Library System at the Amherst Public Libraries.

September 5, 2012

Language Development Presentation at the Jones

A presentation for parents interested in learning more about language development in their children is being  offered at The Jones Library on Saturday, September 8.

A team from the Department of Communication Disorders at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst will discuss typical language development from birth to 4 years of age, how to encourage language and literacy, and how to spot areas of concern.  A question and answer period will follow the presentation.  Join us in the Amherst Room at The Jones Library at 2:30 pm.

The presenters are from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst.  Gwyneth Rost, Ph.D. CCC-SLP, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders and a certified speech-language pathologist, with an area of concentration in child language development.  Erin Andrews is a graduate student in that department, studying to become a speech pathologist.

This program is free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

September 4, 2012

Legos! Legos! Legos!


Want to be part of a Lego Club?  If you're between 6-10 years old, come to the Woodbury Room at the Jones Library on Saturday Nov. 10, Dec. 8, and Jan. 12 and build to your heart's content!



Got unused Legos?  PLEASE donate them to the Jones.  They are desperately needed and will be very happily used.

Jones Library Closed Monday!


Jones Library Renovations Cause Closings

The Jones Library will be closed all day Monday, Sept. 10th, to facilitate the flooring installation in the Woodbury Room.

The public restrooms in the lower level will be closed on Wednesday, September 5th, and on Thursday, September 6.  This will facilitate new flooring installation adjacent to the Woodbury Room.

The Jones Library staff is thrilled to see the progress of the renovations thanks to the forward thinking of the Friends of the Jones Library System.  You can see that progress by going to: www.joneslibrary.org.

August 14, 2012

Woodbury Room update



The Large Meeting Room in the basement of the Jones Library is being transformed into the Woodbury Room.  To watch its progress, click here!

July 30, 2012

Bruins mascot Blades at the Jones Tuesday, July 31!


Bruins mascot "Blades" to visit The Jones Library on Tuesday, July 31, 2012; 3-4pm. 


The Jones Library has been selected to receive a special visit from Boston Bruins mascot "Blades."  The visit will take place in the Large Meeting Room of the Library. The visit will include a story and craft, and participants will also receive a "goody bag."  This event is recommended for ages 4-9.


The Boston Bruins have been active partners and advocates for reading and literacy since 2009 when they joined the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) to create “When you read, you score!”

Milan Lucic, Tyler Seguin, Brad Marchand and other players also helped libraries develop Favorite Books of the Boston Bruins, a recommended reads list, to encourage children and teens to read a variety of books over the summer. The complete list is available on mass.gov/libraries

Can you spot the Jones library card?


Click here to see a  library card table created by MA librarian Tom Groves.

June 28, 2012

17th Annual Amherst Garden Tour & the North Amherst Library



The North Amherst Branch of The Jones Library System will be one of the stops along this Saturday's (June 30, 2012; 9:30am-4pm) Garden Tour.

Seven other unique gardens will also be featured, including the historic garden at The Renaissance Center, the award-winning Permaculture garden at UMASS, and an original garden at the Amity Place Condominiums.

This year's tour will feature artists Edith Hunsberger and Annie Shaver-Crandell working "en plein air."  See the creative process at work in an inspirational setting!

Tickets are for sale at the following locations:
•  A.J. Hastings Inc.
•  Andrew's Greenhouse
•  Amherst History Museum
•  Annie's Garden and Gift Store
•  The Hadley Garden Center

Tickets are also for sale online. Go to www.AmherstHistory.org to buy your tickets now!

June 21, 2012

Lemonade and cookies for YOU!


On Monday, June 25, 2012, from 1-5pm, the Jones Library will be serving lemonade to its patrons.  (Bonnie Isman, Former Library Director and current Friend of the Jones, and Tamson Ely, Library Trustee, will be our servers.)

We want to thank you, all our patrons, for being so patient during this transition to Evergreen.  We realize how hard it has been on you, and we want to reassure you that the system will get better.

Along with the lemonade/cookies, staff members will be available to answer Evergreen questions.  Also, we will have a suggestion box available so that patrons can write down their comments/concerns about the new OPAC; we will forward patron comments on to C/W MARS staff.

Come with your questions.  Come with your comments.  Come thirsty!

June 13, 2012

Workshop Cancellation


Artist Gregory Maichack has canceled the pastel workshop originally scheduled for tomorrow evening.  Those who have signed up can get their refunds at the Main Office in the Jones.

With deep apologies,
The Friends

June 11, 2012

Give Me Space!




Celebrate space, reading, and laugh out loud with children’s book author, Jane Schoenberg, on Saturday, June 16, 2012, at the Basset Planetarium, Amherst College, 201 Morgan Hall, from 3-4:00pm.

For directions to the Plantarium, please click here:
https://www.amherst.edu/museums/bassett/directions

Jane will be reading the first story, "Give Me Space," from her new book, "Stuey Lewis Against All Odds," the sequel to "The One and Only Stuey Lewis."

After the reading there will be a book signing, and a special planetarium show.

This free event, for 5-10 year-olds and their families, is co-sponsored by The Jones Library, Inc. and the Bassett Planetarium of Amherst College, and will launch The Jones Library's Summer Reading Program, whose theme this year is "Dream Big: Read."

June 5, 2012

Still time to sign up!




(click on image to enlarge)



Next Thursday's class still has a few openings!  If you want to spend two hours immersed in the art of Georgia O'Keeffe and pastels, sign up by calling 259.3090.

May 31, 2012

Bay State Clarinet Trio



Tuesday, June 5, 2012; 7pm;
The Jones Library Large Meeting Room

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please join the Air Force Band of Liberty Bay State Clarinet Trio for
a memorable evening of musical entertainment on Tuesday, June 5th at
7pm in the Large Meeting Room of the Jones Library, 43 Amity Street in
Amherst.

Stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base, MA, these outstanding musicians
bring audiences of all ages to their feet with sparkling performances
of a program featuring something for all musical tastes: popular,
Broadway, patriotic, jazz and folk music, as well as original pieces
for clarinet.

As professional military musicians, The United States Air Force Band
of Liberty is dedicated to using the power of music to inspire Air
Force members and the public, producing innovative musical programs
and products, and communicating Air Force excellence throughout New
England and around the globe.

This program is sponsored by the Jones Library and is free and open to
the public. For more information, contact Janet Ryan at
ryanj@joneslibrary.org or 413/ 259-3223.

May 17, 2012

Why not do what you love?



If this time of year finds you graduating, choosing a career,
contemplating a change, or re-entering the work force, join us in the
Large Meeting Room tonight, Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 7-9pm 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.

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 women over 55 desiring to make
sense and satisfaction out of the puzzle pieces of their lives for
their remaining years.

Free and open to the public.  Books will be available for purchase and
signing.