Richards Free Library

Engage, Enrich, Entertain

Events

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!

Celebrate National Library Week with Fun-filled Activities at Richards Free Library!

Get ready to show your love for the Richards Free Library during National Library Week, happening from April 8th to April 13th! We have an exciting lineup of events and activities for patrons of all ages to enjoy.

Monday kicks off with our heartfelt theme, “I Love my Library.” Patrons can showcase their affection by decorating paper hearts to be displayed proudly at our front desk. Plus, grab a bingo card filled with engaging activities to participate in throughout the week.

On Tuesday, it’s Coloring for All! Stations will be set up around the library for everyone to unleash their creativity. And for adults, join us at 6pm for a relaxing Creative Coloring Lounge, complete with snacks to fuel your imagination.

Wednesday is Game Night! Join fellow patrons at 6pm for an evening of fun and friendly competition.

Thursday is all about poetry with “Haiku for You.” In honor of National Poetry Month, submit a haiku with a “library” theme to be featured in our special display.

Friday is Party Day! The library will be decked out in festive decorations, and there will be tasty treats for all to enjoy.

Saturday is the perfect day for a Read-in! Complete your bingo card to gain entry to our after-hours reading party from 2-4pm. Don’t forget your “ticket” for entry!

Additionally, we’re offering special tours of the library. On Tuesday, families can join us for a tour at 1pm or 3pm. For those interested in architecture, a tour will be held on Thursday at 6pm.

All these fantastic events are happening at the Richards Free Library in Newport, NH. You don’t have to have a library card to join (but it helps)! All events are free and open to the public.

Don’t miss out on the fun as we celebrate National Library Week together! Mark your calendars and join us for a week filled with love, creativity, games, poetry, and, of course, plenty of reading. See you there!

Land Wisdom: Strengthen your Connection to the Natural World

We live in a time when our connection to the natural world is more crucial than ever. As communities grapple with environmental challenges, it becomes increasingly evident that fostering a deeper relationship with the land is essential for our well-being and the health of the planet. On Tuesday, April 16th, at 5pm, the Richards Free Library in Newport, NH will host an enlightening event aimed at exploring this vital topic.

Meet the Speakers: Emily Boles and Dan ‘Rudi’ Ruddell

Our event will feature two remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to understanding and caring for the Earth in both traditional and scientific ways. Emily Boles, an Abenaki environmental scientist, brings her rich heritage and academic background to the table. Her work is guided by Traditional Knowledge and principles from ecology and conservation, offering a unique perspective on land stewardship.

Joining Emily is Dan ‘Rudi’ Ruddell, a conservation biologist and watershed scientist deeply rooted in the community of Tunbridge, VT. Together, Emily and Rudi lead the White River Land Collaboratives’ Forest Project, an initiative that combines Abenaki insight with modern science to promote a balanced approach to environmental care.

Building Reciprocal Relationships with the Land

During the event, Emily and Rudi will delve into the concept of reciprocity in our relationship with the natural world. They will discuss how increased understanding and experience can pave the way for a more harmonious bond with the land. Drawing from their collaborative efforts, they will share insights from their work and highlight the importance of hands-on learning from ecosystems.

Exploring Paths to Environmental Stewardship

Through engaging discussions and real-life examples, attendees will gain valuable insights into nurturing a deeper connection with nature. Emily and Rudi will explore the intersection of tradition and science, showcasing how these complementary approaches can guide us towards sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

Join Us in Newport on April 16th

We invite you to join us at the Richards Free Library on April 16th at 5pm for an enlightening evening of dialogue and discovery. Together, let’s explore how we can cultivate a stronger, healthier connection with the natural world. Emily and Rudi’s expertise and passion promise to inspire and empower us to become better stewards of the Earth.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a conversation that’s not only timely but also essential for the well-being of our planet and future generations. See you there!

Estate Planning Seminar

Thursday, April 4 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Back by popular demand, now at convenient evening time slot!

Join us for an invaluable seminar and learn the keys to protecting your home and life savings from an unexpected nursing home stay, how to avoid the costly and draining probate process, plus many other end-of-life planning strategies.

Attorney Edward Beasley of Donohue, Beasley & Ferber and Greg Gagne of Affinity Investment group will present this powerful educational session at Richards Free Library Thursday, April 4 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.  To register, call 1-800-370-5010 or go online to https://docrlaw.com/seminars/.