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ILL Librarian Donna is retiring!

After an incredible 28-year journey, we are celebrating Donna as she embarks on her retirement this December! Her story at the Rochester Public Library began

the day after Labor Day in 1997. Starting as a part-time employee, she transitioned to a full-time role by January 1998, taking on various responsibilities—perhaps we should say, wearing many book covers. From serving as a Library Assistant at the main desk to reigning for fifteen years as the Young Adult Librarian, and spending nearly as long at the Reference desk, she has hand-delivered books to homebound readers and is currently our Interlibrary Loan Librarian! We will certainly miss her delicious desserts, festive socks, and earrings. Thank you immensely, Donna, for all your remarkable contributions to our community!

Main Desk Updates

Leave 12 days of Christmas to the amateurs — we upgrade to a full month here at the Main Desk! 'Tis the season for the RPL version of an advent calendar, and yule love the treats we have for our beloved patrons. Every day you visit the desk in December, you can pick up a small token of our appreciation — from a holiday button or a candy to tea, coffee, or a coupon to use in our book sale.
Speaking of the book sale, it's the best deal in town for great holiday gifts! Check out the fiction and nonfiction books we have for sale (usually for $1 or $2) or the many DVDs (usually $1) and CDs (50 cents each) available.
But wait, there's myrrh! The best gift of all might be a Rochester Public Library tote bag for the library lover in your life. Each bag is only $3 — ideal for carrying all of the new books ready to be checked out, and to cart around your daily December treat.  
So ride your sleigh over to the first floor soon to experience the joy of the holidays with your merry friends at RPL!

Upcoming Events

The Spirit of Christmas Past: Four Centuries

of Christmas in New England

Tuesday, December 2nd
6:30-7:45PM

Community Room

This richly illustrated talk by Historic New England's Kenneth C. Turino traces the evolving celebration of Christmas in New England. Follow the development of the holiday, from the time it was outlawed in seventeenth-century New England through the beginning of the twenty-first century, when all the trappings of a traditional Christmas were in place.

For many, the celebration of Christmas today is the most important holiday of the year. But many of the customs that we take for granted as part of today's festivities and religious celebrations are products of a more recent history. Find out how Christmas was transformed from a rowdy celebration into a family-centered event. Discover how the Christmas tree became popular, halls were decked, and Santa Claus came to town.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Moving Showing: It's A Wonderful Life 

Thursday, December 11th 
2:00-4:00PM

Community Room

Join us for a showing of the beloved holiday film It's a Wonderful Life!

This PG-related classic is perfect for all ages. Popcorn will be provided.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Level Up Grocery Store Bouquets: Holiday Edition

Monday, December 15th
6:00-7:30PM

Community Room

Discover how to style budget-friendly grocery store flowers to create professional looking arrangements for the holidays! The class will be led by Library Director and talented floral arranger, Marie Lejeune. While we will supply some materials, please remember to bring your own flowers (one large or two small bouquets) and vase.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Double Movie Feature- Home Alone

(Ages 10+)

Saturday, December 20th
11:30-4:00PM

Community Room

Join us for a special feature screening of Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York! 

Pizza will be served between movies--- just like Kevin McCallister would've wanted.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ongoing Events

Drop-In Tech Help

Every Monday
2-3PM

First Floor near the Main Desk.

Need assistance with Libby, hoopla or other library resources? Need basic instruction on using a cell phone or tablet? Stop in for a 15-minute tech help session! Please Note: We are unable to help with device repairs, hardware issues or viruses


Unwind

Every Tuesday
6-7:45PM

Second Floor

Join the craft enthusiasts for a relaxing session each week. Whether your passion lies in knitting, crocheting, embroidering, or utilizing threads, yarn, and strings for repairs, come and enjoy a leisurely time fostering camaraderie. For any inquiries, kindly contact Abby at rpl.info@rochesternh.gov. Please be advised that meeting locations may vary due to scheduling conflicts with other events.

All Abilities Club

Monday, December 1st
10-12PM

Community Room

This inclusive program is geared towards adults with developmental disabilities. Coloring pages, Legos, cards, and board games will be available for use! No sign up necessary!

Reiki Healing Circle

Saturday, December 6th
2-4PM

Community Room

Reiki Master Marilyn Carter cordially extends an invitation to participate in an immersive session dedicated to the gentle and non-invasive healing practice of Reiki. Whether you are new to Reiki or unfamiliar with its principles, our circle provides a secure environment to explore this healing modality. We enthusiastically welcome Reiki practitioners of all proficiency levels to engage in both giving and receiving. Our session commences with a warm welcome, followed by an overview of what to anticipate, a guided meditation to elevate your energy, and a collaborative healing experience where practitioners circulate the healing energy around the group, ensuring everyone receives the benefits. As you engage in the collective energy of the healing circle, the transformative powers of Reiki will permeate the space for your utmost well-being. The session concludes with moments of reflection and harmonious melodies.

Puzzle Swap

Thursday, December 11th
9-5PM

Second Floor

Bring a completed puzzle and exchange it for a new one to solve! The puzzles should consist of at least 250 pieces and cater to adults.

Guidelines for puzzle exchanges: Ensure the puzzle is whole with no missing pieces. Place the puzzle in a zip-lock bag along with the original box or container.

Provide an image of the completed puzzle (either on the box, a poster, or a large photograph).If you don't have a puzzle to trade, feel free to take one and return it for exchange at the next swap. 

Book Groups

Monday, December 8th
1:00PM

Community Room

Copies are available at the Main Desk.

No sign-up is required, and everyone over 18 is welcome!

Wednesday, December 17th
6:00PM

Rose Room

Copies are available at the Main Desk.

No sign-up is required, and everyone over 18 is welcome!

Tuesday, December 30th
6:30PM

Rose Room

Are you in your 20s or 30s and looking for a book club that aligns with your interests? Come and join our relaxed book club where we will delve into current reads and share recommendations with one another! Please note that this group is not facilitated by a staff member. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Abby at 603-335-7550 or email rpl.info@rochesternh.gov


Sneak Peek: January Programs

Cold/ Flu Prevention and Treatment: A Natural Approach for Acute Illnesses

Tuesday, January 6th

 6:00—7:30 PM

*Registration open


Drop-in: Create Your Own Birdfeeder Gingerbread House

Saturday, January 10th

10:00 AM—1:00 PM


Cybersecurity Awareness for NH Residents

Tuesday, January 13th

4:00—5:30 PM

*Registration open

Investigative Genetic Genealogy and the DNA Doe Project: A Crash Course

Saturday, January 20th 
2:00 PM-3:30 PM
*Registration open


Contact us!


Rochester Public Library

65 South Main St

Rochester NH 03867


603-332-1428 | rpl.info@rochesternh.gov

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