Richards Free Library

Engage, Enrich, Entertain

Events

From the Desk of the Director

I am honored and thankful to be appointed the new Library Director at the Richards Free Library in Newport, NH. For the past three years, as Assistant Director, I have worked closely with our amazing staff and patrons, learning so much along the way. When I stepped into the role of Interim Director 4 weeks ago, I was truly humbled by the trust and support from our community, our library staff, and our Board of Trustees. As the new Library Director, I am committed to upholding the high standards of service and excellence for which our library is known.

To our patrons, I want you to know that I am dedicated to you and our community. The Richards Free Library is more than just a place to borrow books; it is a hub of knowledge, creativity, and connection. I will work hard to make sure the library continues to be an important part of our community and that every visitor feels welcome. Thank you for your continued trust and support as we start this new chapter together.

Sally Bernier

Monica Wood to Accept the 2024 Hale Award

The Richards Free Library proudly announces best-selling Maine author, Monica Wood, as the recipient of the 2024 Sarah Josepha Hale Award. 

Monica Wood is an award-winning novelist, memoirist and playwright. Originally from Mexico, Maine, her writing tells character-driven stories about life-changing events. Wood was awarded the 2019 Constance Carlson Prize for contributions to the public humanities in

Maine; and the 2018 Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance Distinguished Achievement Award for her contributions to the literary arts.

Her newest novel, “How to Read a Book,” has already secured translation rights in five countries. Her previous novel, the bestselling “The One-in-a-Million Boy,” has been translated into 20 languages in over 30 countries. She is also the author of “When We Were the Kennedys,” a New England bestseller and winner of the May Sarton Memoir Award. Her other fiction, “Any Bitter Thing,” “Ernie’s Ark,” and “My Only Story” have also won awards and made bestseller lists. Her short stories have been widely anthologized and featured

on Public Radio International. Her nonfiction and reviews have appeared in O, the New York Times, Literary Hub, Down East, the San Francisco Chronicle, Martha Stewart Living, Parade and many other publications. She has also written several books for aspiring writers and three plays including “The Half-Light,” “Saint Dad,” and “Papermaker,” that in 2015 debuted in an extended run at Maine’s Portland Stage. She lives in Portland with her husband, Dan Abbott, and their cat, Susie.

Please join us Saturday September 7, 2024 at 7pm at the Newport Opera House for the award ceremony, which will include a speech by Wood as well as book sales and signing. The award ceremony is free and open to the public.

We will once again host a dinner with the author at the Old Courthouse Restaurant on the same evening at 5pm, prior to the ceremony. Dinner tickets are available for purchase at the library.

Author Visit with Marek Bennett, graphic novel author/illustrator

LOCATION CHANGE
Due to forecasted rain, we’ll hold this event at the Newport Rec gym at 65 Belknap Ave, just down the side-street from the library.
The whole family is invited to meet graphic novel author/illustrator Marek Bennett! The Children’s Literacy Foundation, (CLiF) is sponsoring this visit for the Richards Free Library and Library Arts Center, as well as providing 2 free books to children who attend. Join us at the gym for the perfect rainy-day activity!

New London Hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment RESULTS Community Conversation

Join us on Tuesday, July 9th at 6 PM at the Richards Free Library for an important New London Hospital Community Health Conversation. This event is an opportunity for you to engage in a meaningful discussion about the results of the Community Health Needs Assessment you participated in this spring.

Your feedback is crucial as New London Hospital begins to develop new programs that address the specific health needs of our community. The library will be providing coffee, so you can enjoy a warm beverage as you share your thoughts. By attending, you can help shape the future of local healthcare and ensure that our community’s voices are heard.

Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to make a difference. We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your insights!

Celebrating Knit in Public Day: The Joys and Benefits of Knitting

June 8th marks Knit in Public Day, a celebration that encourages knitters worldwide to bring their craft out of the confines of their homes and into the community. Join the library group on the common from 10-2. This annual event, initiated in 2005 by Danielle Landes, aims to foster a sense of camaraderie among knitters and to break the stereotype of knitting as a solitary, indoor activity. But beyond the joy of sharing this hobby with others, knitting offers numerous benefits that can enhance both mental and physical well-being.

Social Connection and Community Building

Knit in Public Day is a perfect opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts, share tips and tricks, and enjoy the collective creativity of a group. Participating in public knitting events can help build a sense of community, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. It’s a wonderful way to make new friends who share a common interest and to strengthen bonds with existing friends and family members.

Stress Relief and Mental Health Benefits

The repetitive motions of knitting have been shown to induce a state of relaxation similar to meditation. This rhythmic activity can lower heart rates and blood pressure, reducing stress and anxiety. Moreover, focusing on a knitting project can serve as a mindful distraction from worries and negative thoughts, promoting a sense of calm and mental clarity.

Cognitive Enhancement and Skill Building

Knitting is not just about creating beautiful garments and accessories; it also engages the brain in complex ways. Following patterns, counting stitches, and making color choices involve cognitive processes that can improve memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. For older adults, knitting can be a valuable tool for maintaining cognitive function and dexterity.

Physical Benefits

While it may seem sedentary, knitting can have physical benefits too. It can help keep fingers agile and improve hand-eye coordination. For those with arthritis, the gentle, repetitive motion can maintain joint flexibility and reduce pain.

Conclusion

Please join us for a community knit on the common. Bring a chair and your knitting/crocheting/etc.! We’ll have tents up, a yarn exchange, and some books for for inspiration. This is a free and public event that is open to all. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or a curious beginner, knitting offers a rewarding way to enhance your well-being and connect with others. So, grab your needles and yarn, join us on the common, and share the joy of knitting with the world!