Not Just for Kids

Hey, adults!

Library programming isn't just for kids.

We know you're busy. We know you have other things to do.

But why not check out our info table full of programs just for you? Take advantage of a variety of free events that will instruct and inspire you.

Looking to make smarter food choices this holiday season? Register for Eating Well (Despite the holidays!) to hear from a dietitian and get ideas for family dinners. Thursday, December 5, 6:30-7:30PM.

Need some theater in your life? Check out Barrymore's Ghost, a dramatic reading of the play presented by actor Robert Hughes. Sunday, December 1, 3PM.

Want to make some new friends and play games at the same time? Try Mah Jongg on Tuesdays at 1PM, Bridge on Tuesdays at 1PM and Wednesdays at 10AM, or Scrabble on Thursdays at 1PM.

Don't forget to check our table as soon as you come in the library (on your left). Register for these programs and others by stopping by or giving us a call at 570-587-3440.

Source

Quilters, Folk Art, & the Library

Always in Stitches, the quilting group that got its start at the Abington Community Library,has done an amazing number of things in 7 years.  The group got its start in September of 2006 when the Abington Community Library began offering free weekly “Tuesday morning learn to quilt class” with a Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) facilitator, Peg Winter.  The group's first quilts were completed by February 2007 and put on display at the Library.  Astoundingly, several of the women admitted they had never sewn a stitch in their lives, but the work was exquisite. 

The women weren't willing to stop, and moved on to more advanced projects that spring.  Peg had to start a second beginners group on Tuesday afternoons to accommodate a waiting list of future quilters.  During the fall of 2007 that second group was welcomed into the original group, and Always in Stitches was formed!  The group now has over thirty participants that meet regularly, always welcoming the Tuesday afternoon ‘newbies’ into their fold. They have been extremely generous with their new-found talent and have donated numerous items for charities and people around the world.

Each woman has taken a different direction with their quilting. Some have remained traditional quilters, following specific patterns. Others have added new and exciting techniques and have created their own patterns and combinations. They are all charming, they are all beautiful, and many have been hung around Clarks Summit for the enjoyment of all during the Abington Business and Professional Associations Downtown Go Around (DGA).DGA is a celebration of all things Clarks Summit, held on the 2^nd Friday of each month, with food, fun, music, and other activities available throughout the town. The Borough Building’s old fire station is a communal meeting spot with scheduled acts and events.

This month, quilters will be demonstrating their craft, a raffle for a queen-size quilt with matching shams will be available, the Folk Lore Society will be singing, and a harpist will be playing. Activities begin at 5PM and go until 9PM and are free.

Quilts made by Always in Stitches are now on display at the following businesses: Abington Community Library; Sole to Soul; Sanderson Place; Everything Natural; Beta Bread; Paulette's Pretty Purses; Kidazzle; Jaya Yoga Studio; Duffy's Coffee House; Abington Art Studio; A1 Gold and Diamond Mine; Body & Soul / Mary Koczwara Hair Studio; and Clel's Place.

And, there is one very special quilt, made of glass, also on display for the month at the Abington Community Library, made by Karen Reid. Make sure you stop and see it!

Leah

On behalf of the ACL

Looking for "Stillness"?

Would you like to manage stress and reduce anxiety?

Improve your relationships and enhance your sleep patterns?

Are you looking to slow down and be still?

Adults: join us here at the library for a series of four classes, including a short introduction each week followed by group meditation. It is recommended that every class be attended for maximum benefit. Bring a small pillow if you are prone to back pain.

Tuesdays, 7 to 8 PM
May 28, June 4, June 11, June 18

Meditation will be with Chopra Center Certified Instructor, Joanne Scanlon.

Call or stop by to register!

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

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Reading Programs Aren't Just for Kids!

The weather outside may be frightful, but you have an advantage: your library card!

If you are 18 years or older, you can participate in our Cabin Fever: A Book Club for Grownups. Sign up at the circulation desk and receive a bag with prizes and information.

All through the month of February, every time you read a book (or listen to a talking book), fill out a Quick Rate slip and let us know how you liked it.

Each Quick Rate slip turned in gives you another chance to win one of four prizes: a gift basket, a $50 gift certificate to Weis, a $50 gift certificate to Gerrity's, or a Batman t-shirt! The more you read, the better your chances.

Read three books to complete the program and receive an extra prize.

Don't let winter get you down! Stop by, sign up, grab some books, and let us know if you liked them.

See you around the library!

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Oktoberfest at the Library!

Celebrate Oktoberfest at your library with a fundraiser you won't want to miss...

Join us on Sunday, October 7, from 6 to 8pm for an autumn evening of fun, frivolity, and food!

Experience the flavors of Germany, featuring a specialty Munich brew from Banko North Inc. We're serving up grilled bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, homemade desserts, and more.

Advance ticket sales only! Purchase your ticket before October 1 at our circulation desk.

$20 per person; for adults 21 years of age and over.

All proceeds will benefit the Abington Community Library.

See you there!

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

The Big Sale

The Spring Book Sale is almost upon us! The Friends of the Abington Community Library are managing this excellent fundraiser; it's always a big hit. We have two sales a year (one in the fall, also), and people come from miles around to stock up on good deals.

The book sale atmosphere is friendly and fun, with crowds browsing around tables of books, movies, and cds. Music is playing, people are chatting, and volunteers from the Friends are eager to help.

The ACL Teen Leadership Committee runs a fundraising bake sale during the book sale, so make sure you stop by for some sweet treats.

This year's sale is on Saturday, April 14, from 9am-2pm. It's right across the street from the library at the Clarks Summit United Methodist Church. The Friends set up at 3pm on Friday, April 13 and then are able to enjoy a Preview Sale afterwards until 6:30pm. If you aren't a Friend of the library yet, become one for $5 that night or any time you stop by the library.

After you enjoy the sale, don't forget to visit us here at the library! As part of our musical Second Saturdays, the Presbybop Jazz Quartet will be here on Saturday from 1-3pm.

The Spring Book Sale is a great way to welcome spring to Clarks Summit. Tell your friends and bring your family on April 14. See you there!



Laura
On behalf of the ACL

A Musical Library

If you're a regular at the Abington Community Library, you know we don't whisper around here.

As a public library, we strive to be a community center. A place where parents and kids, teenagers, students, seniors, everyone can hang out. People come here not only to study but to find books, to take computer classes, to be tutored, to search for jobs, to attend programs, even to listen to music!

That's right, listen to music! People may be pleasantly surprised when they learn about the musical activities at our library. Along with special events, like sing-a-longs and drum circles, we have two monthly programs for all ages: Second Saturdays and Fourth Fridays.

Second Saturdays is a creative way for our patrons to experience free, live music and artwork on display. Musicians from the community perform from 1-3pm, and free coffee is available to all. I have loved listening to the variety of genres while working these Saturdays. Music goes so nicely with a good book...

Check out Retro Rocket this Saturday, March 10, for some country blues folk-rock! This trio features Jessic Illuzzi, Mike Chafin, and MJ Pushka. Also make sure you view Barry Singer's watercolors on display on the ends of our stacks this month.

Fourth Fridays is an event for amateur musicans to do some old fashioned jammin' with acoustic instruments! We've got some regulars that come every month to hang out and play together, as well as people who just come to listen. The next Fourth Friday is March 23 from 6:30-8:30pm.

The library's not just for reading! Join us for a musical event sometime soon.



We do not have large musical numbers in the library, as seen here in The Music Man. Yet.

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Lively Library Discussion

Every third Wednesday of the month, from March to December, a small group of readers meets together to discuss a book.

It's the Afternoon Book Club!

I'm privileged enough to facilitate this group. I get to pick out the books we read, and I keep the conversation going. Not that it needs much help! My group loves to read, and that is certainly evident as we have discussed books from Frankenstein and Jane Eyre to The Story of Edgar Sawtelle and The Thirteenth Tale.

We're on a two-month break now, but we'll resume on March 21 with The Count of Monte Cristo. Luckily, we have three months to read this monster of a book, but I'm really looking forward to it!

If you're looking for a group of readers to share books with, consider checking us out.

Here is a complete list of the 2012 selections:

March 21: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas

April 18: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

May 16: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

June 20: Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

July 18: Lost in Translation by Eva Hoffman

August 15: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

September 19: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

October 17: A Painted House by John Grisham

November 21: Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn

December 19: The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Maybe I'll see you there!

Laura
On behalf of the ACL

Holiday Marketplace 2011

What a day!

We had hundreds of people from the community (and beyond!) join us last Saturday, November 12, for our third annual Holiday Marketplace.

Tables of vendors selling everything from soaps to jewelry to candy wove all around the library. We had live music, readings from A Christmas Carol, and a mini marketplace for kids. A general feeling of holiday spirit spread throughout the library as shoppers picked out gifts and then had them wrapped at our table run by the Teen Leadership Committee. The teens also sold dozens of cookies, brownies, and other delicious treats at their bake sale.

It was a busy day at the desk to be sure, with plenty of people eager to get library cards, or their favorite books and movies. The library was full, and the day was a rousing success.

People continued to buy tickets to the basket raffle all day, and we had many thrilled winners after we pulled the tickets!

This day would not have been possible without the hard work of Dorothy Boccella, Sandy Longo, and Leah Rudolph,as well as all of the adult and teen volunteers! Thanks for helping, thanks for attending, and we'll see you next year.



Laura
On behalf of the ACL