Richards Free Library

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Keep Sarah Warm 2024

This year, we’re inviting our community of knitters to come together once again to create a beautiful scarf for the Sarah Josepha Hale statue in front of the library.

Here’s how you can contribute:

  • Knit a piece measuring 8 inches on one side.
  • Bring your knitted piece to the front desk of the library.
  • Fill out a card with your contact information

If you don’t have your own supplies, don’t worry! There will be knitting needles and yarn on display at the library, generously provided by the library. You can knit your contribution right there. Signs will provide knitting instructions to help you get started.

Need some yarn to get started at home? Stop by the library for a free skein, generously donated by a fellow craft enthusiast.

We will kick off this years “Scarf Season” by celebrating Sarah Josepha Hale’s 236th birthday on October 24th at the RFL! Then it’s time to bring your pieces in and register to be a part of the scarf! A dedicated volunteer will assemble all the contributions into a single, magnificent scarf.

Come and sip some cider at the “Wrap Party” on November 22nd and help wrap the scarf around the Sarah Josepha Hale statue in time to honor her for Thanksgiving. The scarf will remain on display until the first snowfall and will be taken down before the New Year.

When you bring in your contribution, you’ll be asked to fill out a registration form with your contact information. This year we would love to credit contributors with a list that will be displayed next to the scarf! You can also opt to sign up for the library newsletter or express your interest in joining our knitting group.

Let’s come together to celebrate Sarah Josepha Hale and keep her warm this season. Happy knitting!

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!

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.

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!