Richards Free Library

Engage, Enrich, Entertain

Newport NH

Summer Reading 2024 “Adventure Begins at Your Library” Events Schedule

June 27th 10:30am KICKOFF Family “Adventure Concert” with Miss Julieann Join us for a free family concert and adventure that will be fun for the whole family. Sing along to catchy new songs written and performed by music therapist Julieann Hartley, and come along as we go on an adventure around the library grounds and learn to look at things a little closer.

June 28th 10-12pm Kids’ Craft Button Making: Drop in to make a home-made button pin or two to adventure with this summer!

July 1st thru July 3rd Drop in Scavenger Hunt! Try out our library-themed scavenger hunt any time. Will you find everything we hid?

July 3rd 11am Adventure Family Story time! Pretend to be your favorite animal for this animal-themed story time for ages 0-6.

July 5th 10-4pm LEGO Day at the library! Build an obstacle to add to our LEGO obstacle course!

July 9th 2pm-3:30pm Unicorn and Dragon Party! Join us for stories, crafts, activities and snacks at this party celebrating our imaginations. Wear a costume to be part of our party parade!

July 10th 6pm Fantasy Map Making. Make your own fantasy map with some tips from an expert world builder! Big kids ages 8+, teens, and adults are all welcome to join in!

July 12th 12-4pm Let’s Crazy Craft! Make anything with our craft supplies: Summer Edition!

July 15th 2 pm Design a Hero: Needle Felt or use LEGO to build an adventurer to take home or use next week for Stop Motion!

July 17th 11am Adventure Story Time: Wonder Quest! Join in for an inspiring story time, and then we’ll go on a Quest around the library grounds to find the wonder surrounding us in the world outdoors. What will you find?

July 19th 1-3pm World Record Challenge. Kids and teens are invited to try out these challenges to see how quickly you can do them compared to the world record! It’s all fun and games, but can you get the fastest times?

July 22nd 1-3pm Make Your Own Adventure: Stop Motion Video. We’ll work together to film a stop-motion adventure, or you can learn some tricks to try it out in your own small group. For kids age 6-11 with their families.

July 23rd 2pm Author Visit with Marek Bennett, the beloved graphic novel author-illustrator who so many Newport kids love. Bring the whole family to meet Marek! The Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) is sponsoring this visit and bringing 2 books for each child that attends. The presentation will be on the library side lawn.

July 24th 11 / 11:30am Fairy Houses! Come for our 11am family storytime, and stay to build nature-safe fairy houses on the library side lawn at 11:30. Items found in nature (fallen bark, sticks, shells) from home are welcome to supplement ours.

July 29th and 30th 2-5pm Library Escape Room: Register online or call to reserve a time slot to try our library-themed Escape Room with your friends or family. Kids under 9 will need at least one adult, please!

July 31st 11am Special Story Time: Bubbles! After a bubbly story time we’ll play with Ms Mo’s famous soap bubbles! Rain: Aug 7

August 2nd 10:30am-12 Navigation Games! Join expert Dawn Dextraze to learn an adventure skill and have a blast at the same time! Dawn is Sullivan county’s Natural Resources Education and Outreach Specialist, and she Knows. Her. Stuff!

August 3rd 10:30 -1:30 Stuffed animal drop-off! Drop off your stuffy for a weekend of epic stuffy adventures. Make your plushie a button pin before you go! See you Monday! (Registration required.) Note: Stuffies sleepover, not kids.

August 5th 1pm Stuffed Animal Tea Time Pick Up Party! Join the stuffies for a tea party in the ballroom, and watch a slideshow of all the adventures the Stuffies had over the weekend at the library!

August 6th 3:30pm Frozen T-Shirt Challenge: Can you wiggle into a frozen-solid t-shirt? Don’t miss this Newport tradition! We’ll round out the fun with other outdoor games.

August 8th 3pm Summer Reading Finale Ice Cream & Tie Dye Party! with ice cream donated by Sanctuary Dairy Farms. Bring something white to tie-dye! Kids, teens, and their families are all invited.

Town wide Yard Sale & Touch a Truck!

This year the town is having a Town-Wide Yard Sale on Saturday June 22nd, and we’re collaborating with all the town departments to have a Touch-the-Truck event in our parking lot, so families can have a fun break during the day.

Vehicles from all the Newport departments will park here so families can see, touch, learn and explore them between 10 am and 12. We’ll have a police car, firetruck, ambulance, school bus, digger, sidewalk snowplow, and more! Stop by and join the fun!

Discover the Rich History of Brewing in New Hampshire

Calling all beer enthusiasts and history buffs! We have an exciting event lined up just for you. Join us on June 12th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Richards Free Library for “Brewing in NH,” a captivating journey through the history of beer and ale brewing in New Hampshire. This event is made possible by a grant from NH Humanities.

Dive into New Hampshire’s Brewing History

Glenn Knoblock, an expert in the field, will take us back in time to explore the fascinating evolution of brewing in our state. From the days when brewing was a home and tavern-based activity during Colonial times, to the thriving modern breweries and brew pubs of today, this event promises a comprehensive look at how beer and ale have become an integral part of New Hampshire’s culture.

Rare Photos and Advertisements

One of the highlights of “Brewing in NH” is the collection of unusual and rare photos and advertisements that document this evolving industry. These visual aids offer a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the state’s earliest brewers, including the renowned Frank Jones. You’ll also learn about many lesser-known brewers and breweries that once operated here, including the only brewery owned and operated by a woman before the modern era.

Society’s Changing Attitudes

Through illustrations and discussions, Glenn will present evidence of how society’s attitudes towards beer and alcohol consumption have shifted over the years. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or a “tea-totaler,” this lecture will provide fascinating insights that are sure to captivate adults of all ages.

Tasting Component

And it’s not just about learning! There will be a tasting component to the event, allowing you to sample some of the flavors that have made New Hampshire’s breweries famous. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the rich heritage and diverse offerings of our local brewing industry.

Brewfest: Another Event to Look Forward To

If you’re excited about “Brewing in NH,” you’ll definitely want to mark your calendar June 15th, 12:00-3pm for the Nano Brewfest on the Newport Common hosted by the Newport Chamber of Commerce. It’s another fantastic event for beer lovers, offering a chance to enjoy a variety of brews and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Event Details

  • 📅 Date: June 12th
  • ⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
  • 📍 Location: Richards Free Library Ballroom
  • 🎟️ Funded by: NH Humanities

Don’t miss out on this fun and educational evening. Come join us at the library for a deep dive into the history of brewing in New Hampshire, and get a taste of what’s to come at the Brewfest. Let’s raise a glass to New Hampshire’s rich brewing heritage!

See you there! 🍻

Looking Forward to Summer Reading 2024

Summer is around the corner!
It’s time to mark your calendars for June 27th for the kick off of the Summer Reading Program: Adventure Begins at Your Library! Mo is busily preparing activities and program to fill our warm months with fun! In the mean time, check out these events for May!

May 3rd- Kids Video Games, 4-5:00pm. Bring your friends and your favorite hand held video game, and join us for video games at the library! We’ll have our Nintendo Switches available for group games, too! This is just for kids ages 6-11 and their families.
May 6th-Let’s Crazy Craft! Drop in 1-6 pm. Let your imaginations run wild: Make anything at all with the supplies on the craft table! For families of all ages.
May 7th My First Book Group 3:30 read a beginning reader book together. We’ll have a snack, read, and discuss. This months book is Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff. Grownups are expected to stay
May 7th Chapter Chats 4:00pm We’ll start a chapter book together and discuss it! for grades 2-5, depending on reading level. This months book is Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier. Grownups are expected to stay
May 9th Needle Felt! Kids Craft, drop in 1-4pm. For kids 6-11 and their families.
May 20th LEGO Day, Drop in between 1-6pm. Come build with our LEGOS! What can you build?
May 24th Newport Rec Play Group Story Visit, 10-11:30am at the Newport Rec Center down the road from us! Ms Mo will join the fun with some books to read aloud.
May 24th Kids Craft 1pm & 3pm – Suncatchers!
May 29th Kids Craft 1pm & 3pm – Shrinky dinks!

See you at the Library! 

Navigating Care: A Community Event on VNA Services and Hospice Care

In a world where healthcare options can be overwhelming, understanding the available services for oneself or a loved one is crucial. Richards Free Library in Newport is proud to host an enlightening event on May 2nd, 5pm, aimed at providing clarity on VNA (Visiting Nurse Association) services and hospice care. Whether you’re a caregiver, aging individual, or simply curious about end-of-life care, this event promises valuable insights.

Leading the discussion is Jim Culhane, President & CEO of Lake Sunapee VNA. With his extensive experience and expertise, attendees can expect comprehensive guidance on various aspects of VNA services and hospice care. From understanding the basics to navigating complex topics, Jim will cover it all.

The event will delve into several critical themes, including:

  1. Hospice/End-of-Life Care: Facing end-of-life decisions can be daunting. Jim will shed light on hospice care, explaining its purpose, benefits, and how it differs from traditional medical care.
  2. Bereavement Support: Coping with loss is a challenging journey, and knowing where to find support is essential. Attendees will learn about the bereavement services offered by VNA, helping them navigate the grieving process with compassion and understanding.
  3. Aging in Place: Many individuals wish to remain in their homes as they age. Jim will discuss how VNA services facilitate aging in place, providing necessary healthcare and support to maintain independence and quality of life.
  4. Caregiving: Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting their loved ones, but often face their own challenges and needs. Jim will address caregiver support services offered by VNA, offering valuable resources and guidance for those in caregiving roles.

This event isn’t just about providing information; it’s about empowering community members to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share their experiences, and connect with others facing similar situations.

Whether you’re personally navigating healthcare options or supporting a loved one through their journey, this event is for you. Join us at Richards Free Library on May 2nd, 5pm, and take the first step towards understanding and accessing the vital services provided by VNA and hospice care. Together, we can navigate care with knowledge, compassion, and support.