Drop by the library at 17 Constitution Way on Saturday, December 7 between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm for the Friends of Plumb Library’s Holiday Open House. There will be the Silent Auction, Bake Sale, Children’s Table (run by the Junior Friends), and Pampered Chef. Enjoy the singing of the Rochester Brownie Troop, and there might just be a visit from Santa! Free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be served. All proceeds help the Friends and Junior Friends support the library’s programs, such as the book groups, story times, and summer reading program. Wreath orders can be picked up on that day, or extra wreaths may be purchased.
On Saturday, December 14, the Plumb Library will present a marathon reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Volunteer readers will read aloud chapters or sections of the book starting at 11:00 am. After the reading is concluded, we will have a short discussion of A Christmas Carol, and its importance in the celebration of Christmas. Refreshments will be served, supplied by the Friends of Plumb Library. Understudies for the readers are now being recruited. If you would like to sign up to be an understudy or assist during the reading, contact the Library Director.
Café Parlez’ selection for December is “The Light Between Oceans”, by M.L. Stedman. Tom, a World War I veteran, and his wife Isabel find a baby in a boat washed up on their lighthouse island shore. Isabel takes the baby to her heart, and they claim her as their own. Two years later, they return to the mainland, and find out that there are other people in the world, and that their action has devastated one of them. We are led to believe that Isabel’s decision to keep this “gift from God” is the right one, until the consequences emerge. We will discuss this book, recommended by member Barbara Brown, on Monday, December 30 at 6:30 pm. Books are available at the desk, or bring your own copy. Café Parlez is sponsored by the Friends of Plumb Library.
The nonfiction book discussion group “Just the Facts” will be reading “At Home: A Short History of Private Life”, by Bill Bryson. Bryson lives in an old parsonage in England. In this book, he takes us from room to room in that parsonage, detailing the history behind the creation of that space, not just in his house, but in all of our houses. The kitchen leads to a discussion of the spice trade and nutrition. The bathroom provides the occasion for the history of hygiene. From the telephone to the Eiffel Tower, from food preservation to epidemics, Bryson demonstrates that whatever happens in the world ends up in our houses. We will discuss this book on Thursday, December 19 at 6:30 pm. Copies are available at the desk.
December 1 – 26 is Food for Fines time. If you have an overdue book or fine, you can bring in nonperishable food items for Damien’s Pantry, or pet food and supplies for Its All About the Animals or the Fairhaven Animal Shelter, and we’ll waive your fines. This does not cover lost book or card fees, or copying and faxing fees.