By Janet Arden,
Programs Librarian
HAMPSTEAD - There is a free chair yoga class at the Hampstead Public Library on Tues., December 4, from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. This monthly class features non-impact exercises that are beneficial for men and women, teens and adults. Participants move at their own pace, sitting, standing, or using a chair for support. The instructor is Maggie Morgan from the Yoga Room in Hampstead.
HOLIDAY BOOK BUDDIES - There is a Holiday Book Buddies session at the Hampstead Public Library on Mon., December 3, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. This program pairs middle and high school students as mentors for young children (preschool through grade 2.) The event features stories, crafts, food and fun. Parents: sign-up your young children to spend time with a “Big Kid.” They will love the one-on-one attention. Middle and high school students interested in being a mentor, please sign-up as well. It is a great way to earn volunteer hours. Call the library at 329-6411 or email pfalconer@hampstead.lib.nh.us to register for this event.
NEW TO MEDICARE WORKSHOP - On Mon., December 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., a representative from ServiceLink of Rockingham County will be at the Hampstead Public Library to answer questions about Medicare. If you or a loved one are new to Medicare, or will be going on Medicare soon, this meeting is for you. Workshop topics include: understanding the basics of Medicare, prescription drug coverage, Medicare supplements, and preventing fraud. To register for this workshop, call the library at 603/329-6411.
WOODWORKING - On Wed., December 5, at 6:30 p.m., the Hampstead Public Library hosts NH woodworking artist Stephen Carey as he presents “My Grandfather’s Lathe: Basic Woodworking.” Do you have an interest in wood crafts? Are you curious about how wood bowls, vases, and chessboards are made? Whether you are a woodworker, hobbyist, or admirer of wood craftsmanship, this event is sure to inspire you. Carey offers a basic introduction to woodworking including the variety of materials and tools available and ways to learn the craft, along with woodworking resources. Visit the library in the days before this event to get a preview of Carey’s work in the library’s display cases.
HOLIDAY CONCERT - With the holiday season upon us, the Hampstead Public Library would like to give back to the community with a free Holiday Concert and refreshments on Sat., December 8, from 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. We’ll have books to read, crafts for kids, plus coffee, hot cocoa, pastries and other goodies. We’ll give an award to the person with the most fabulous holiday sweater or outfit. Best of all, you will be entertained by the fantastic Profile Chorus! Performing between noon and 1:00pm, this women’s a-cappella show chorus sings joyfully in four-part harmony. If you plan to go to the town parade, you will still have plenty of time to drop-in at the library first and fortify yourself with hot drinks, goodies, and wonderful music. Bring family and friends and join us for this relaxing event.
NONFICTION BOOK DISCUSSION - For their December meeting, the Non-Fiction Book Group at the Hampstead Public Library will be discussing “In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin” by Erik Larson. This novel gives a real-life, eyewitness perspective inside the Nazi hierarchy as Hitler came to power. William E. Dodd became the first US ambassador to Hitler’s Germany in 1933. He and his family lived there for about five years. Drawing on the diaries and letters of Dodd’s 24-year old daughter, much of the book centers on her romantic affairs with high-ranking Nazi officials and her eventual heroism when she realized Hitler’s true character.
Meanwhile, Dodd informed the US State Department of increasing Jewish persecution and received little response. The book sheds light on why it took so long for the world to recognize the threat posed by Hitler. Discussion of “In the Garden of Beasts” is on Mon., December 17, at 7:00 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the library’s front desk. Newcomers are always welcome, and are encouraged to come and help choose further books for the group to read and discuss.
THIRD THURSDAY BOOK DISCUSSION - At their December meeting, the Third Thursday Book Group of the Hampstead Public Library will be discussing “The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating” by Elisabeth Tova Bailey. The author shares an inspiring story of her uncommon encounter with a common woodland snail.
While an illness keeps her bedridden, Bailey watches a wild snail that has taken up residence on her nightstand. As a result, she discovers the solace and sense of wonder that this mysterious creature brings and comes to a greater understanding of her own confined place in the world. The book discussion is on December 20th at 1:00 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the library’s front desk, and newcomers are always welcome.
