LIBRARY CLOSED DUE TO BLIZZARD!

Yes, pictures tell a thousand words, but, in this case the words are what is most important: STAY HOME TODAY if you can! The Library is CLOSED on Monday, December 27, 2010 due to our blizzard. (If you don't know what I am talking about, where exactly are you vacationing right now?)
Be safe, be warm, and we will be back at 268 to serve, entertain, educate and more -- on Tuesday, December 28th. I SHOULD be shoveled out by then.....!

Bruce White - Fabulous Friend of the Library!

"When something does not insist on being noticed. . . we take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." - Cynthia Ozick

I believe anyone who knows me knows how I feel about Cynthia Ozick - and maybe that is why this quote resonates so deeply. But, it is true - and so very much so as we consider tomorrow night's celebration to be held here at the Library. It is especially true when it comes to a friend, a Library Board Member, a neighbor and friend to many of you, who due to a work obligation is not in Caldwell and cannot be with us tomorrow night - Bruce White.

It seems like yesterday that Joe and Therese Collerd came to the Library to see Bruce's amazing "Images of Eternity" exhibit he shared with us all in June of 2005. After they enjoyed Bruce's exhibit we proceeded downstairs where they were shown the inner sanctum - the "then" local history room/archives/vault. At that time, Bruce described a vision, a dream, and clearly Joe and Therese along with Gene and Elizabeth Collerd could see that dream as well. It took so much time to get to that point, and then hundreds upon hundreds of hours afterwards to get where we are today.

"The Collerd Collection" would not be what it is, or where it is, without hours and hours of time and expertise and passion shared with all of us by Bruce. The meetings and the telephone and email conversations - innumerable! - and those meetings and conversations involved not just Board Members and Library personnel, they included detailed exchanges with our consulting Archivist Tony Cucchiara, the Collerd family, and then yet another call or email from me! (Sorry Bruce!)

Bruce's vision also came into play with the exhibit and project we will celebrate tomorrow night - "Caldwell: Then and Now." Bruce's patient mentorship and guidance shared with EAGLE SCOUT TO BE Stephen Cristiano and his colleagues created a lasting memorial to our community, a living testament to Gene and Kathryn Collerd. Bruce (and his son, Christopher, and Stephen) hung the display you will enjoy tomorrow night - giving up hours on Halloween to do so. And, beyond that, can we talk about gallery guides? Bruce's input on the gallery guide for this exhibit, as well as the Introductory statement he carefully crafted to orient us to the Exhibit, again, he shows he is as much an artist with his words as he is with his photographer's eye.

(Which is how he created -- along with Gene Collerd -- his derivative exhibit of "Caldwell's Age of Innocence" in 2007, which we unveiled as we celebrated this Carnegie Library's 90th anniversary.

Bruce, I know work calls and you are unable to be with us tomorrow night - but - in addition to the thanks to you that I will share with the community and all gathered tomorrow night I needed to state LOUDLY to you and all, I am so honored to call you my friend, and so deeply appreciative for all you have done, and do, and then continue to do, for the Library, for the community, for Scouting, for your family and friends.

~ Karen (Kleppe Lembo)

Director, Caldwell Public Library

Caldwell College Service Learning Project ROCKS!

Poet Marcia Ivans played to a FULL HOUSE last month, thanks to Caldwell College students (l-r) Marina Vasilic, Kathleen Hastings, Brian Singer, Krista Ruggero and Diana Lopez, shown in this picture with Ms. Ivans. And, what better time than now - Thanksgiving! - to express our gratitude to Caldwell College, and Professor Mary Ann Miller, for allowing us to be part of this collaboration for the past three years. Talk about "win win"! And, as we shared with the students working with Ms. Ivans, as well as those working with poets Laura Freedgood and Jessica de Koninck, maybe they will consider a catering or bakery business on the side? What GREAT cookies and treats were provided for the reception! Forget about saving calories pre-holidays -- absolutely delish treats to accompany brilliant poetry in October and November.

Happy 70th Birthday Shop Rite!

Did you see the fabulous Nic Corbett article in the Star Ledger this past Tuesday? Click here if you didn't.

At the right is one of the fabulous "Then" photographs shared with our community thanks to The Collerd Archives, which, when paired up with the "Nows" created thanks to Stephen's Eagle Scout project, will have many talking and walking down Bloomfield Avenue with a different view.

The exhibit is on display in The Gene and Kathryn Collerd Local History Resource Room, and make sure as you come in and enjoy the exhibit you refer to our "Gallery Guide" -- created by a number of us who worked on the archiving the Collerd Collection over the past three years. We hope you will add to the stories we have collected, and that you will most definitely join us on Friday, December 17, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. when Gene Collerd, Jr. and his wife Elizabeth join us to officially open our Local History Collection to the community.

We are so delighted to share with you "Then and Now" and cannot wait for you to see what other parts of our communities' history can be found right in your own library, in your own back yard.

The Caldwell Public Library MUSEUM!

Halloween was a VERY busy day at the Caldwell Public Library as volunteers from the Caldwell Fire Department transported our October exhibit of "The Great Fires and Firefighters of Caldwell" to its permanent home on the walls of the Caldwell Fire House. And, an hour later, Eagle Scout Candidate Stephen Cristiano, with the assistance of fellow Scout Christopher White and Assistant Troop Leader Bruce White hung an exhibit a long time in the making: Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell: Then and Now. My suggestion? Although it will be on display in The Gene and Kathryn Collerd Local History Resource Room from now until December 31, 2010 -- STOP what you are doing, and, check it out. The "Gallery Guides" accompanying the exhibit should be finished momentarily -- so set aside some time to step back in time, and remember, enjoy, appreciate. Thank you Gene. Thank you Stephen. What better way to celebrate 100 years of Scouting than this exhibit, this project?!

Join us tomorrow (Tuesday, October 26th @ 7 p.m.) to hear from PHIL SIMON!

Phil SimonTechnology Consultant and Author of "The New Small: How a New Breed of Small Business is Harnessing the Power of Emerging Technologies” will be our first speaker for the 2010-2011 Speakers' Series presented by Caldwell College, Mount Saint Dominic Academy and The Caldwell Public Library.

He will share his wisdom with us tomorrow evening, Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 7 p.m. in the Alumni Theater at Caldwell College.

Immediately following there will be a Q & A session along with a book signing with books available for purchase.

Simon will be speaking about his upcoming third book “The New Small: How a New Breed of Small Business is Harnessing the Power of Emerging Technologies.” The New Small shows how a new breed of small businesses is using emerging technologies in fascinating ways. Simon profiles 11 small businesses from a wide variety of industries. His book shows how these companies are using emerging technologies to save money, grow their customer bases, win the war for talent, and create meaningful jobs. If you want to know more about Phil in advance of tomorrow evening, check out his website - http://www.philsimonsystems.com/.

Free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Karen Kleppe-Lembo at (973) 226-2837; klembo@caldwellpl.org or Colette Liddy at (973) 618-3209; cliddy@caldwell.edu

It's not easy being Green - but Green was the word of the day this past week-end!

As in what was happening ON the Green as well as the Green Fair!

While my husband & I were visiting our daughter for “Parents’ Weekend” my colleagues were extremely busy upholding our library mission statement – in ever-changing, expanding and creative ways. The fall means not only our traditional “Always the First Sunday in October” Street Fair but also the CMA (“Caldwell Merchants Association”) Fall Fest with Scarecrows and pumpkins and more community fun. We at the Library felt the best way we could be supportive was to extend our hours on Saturday so that we were open for the duration of the Fair (noon to four). Our bathrooms were valuable – but apparently so was our electricity! So, once again, the library is happy to report that “in a pinch” as well as for daily consumption, the library can serve you. (Special thanks are due to Marsha, Emily and Nicole, for adding extra hours to your days, for the benefit of your community.)


Sunday meant the annual “Green Fair” as conceived and created years ago by the Caldwell Environmental Commission. Caldwell College provided a lovely venue – and large enough to accommodate all the vendors and tables and non-profits – including the Caldwell Public Library. Again, my colleagues – in this case our teen library assistants, Emily and Mary-anna – “tabled” (as the college kids call it now, I learned this week-end!). And, I understand they tabled very ably. The Library recycled and reused by sharing some materials from our “Book Sale” shelves – as well as provided an environmental bibliography.


Thanks to all who attended both events and to all who worked so very hard on both events. (With my own personal thanks to my colleagues who made it possible for the library to have such a rich, and relevant, role as well.)



-Karen

93 years later, Andrew's Library is still going strong!

Have you been to the Caldwell Public Library lately? There's a lot to see! We are almost finished with a renovation to bring back the historic simplicity of this "Carnegie gem." (The Caldwell Library is one of the libraries funded by a grant from Andrew Carnegie.) As one of four libraries in New Jersey to be awarded a "SWAT" makeover award, and then with the generous support of the Women's Club of Caldwell, we are especially proud that we have accomplished so much and spent so little! We added doors to existing bookcases, cut a table top into shelves for the Children's Room, and moved things around to make the best use of our space. Our October 2010 exhibit, "The Great Fires, and Firefighters, of Caldwell" is waiting for you to come in and experience (complete with Gallery Guide and stunning bookmarks!). And, for the first time, photos from the Gene Collerd Collection are on permanent display. We are so proud to be your library. Come by and tell us what you think!

Do you remember where you were July 14, 1974?

The Great Fires, and Firefighters, of Caldwell! Do not miss seeing our exhibit of great photographs of the fires of, and firefighters who serve, Caldwell shared by members and friends of the Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department ("CVFD"), along with many Gene Collerd photographs. Join us for our "debut" between noon and 5 as the Library will be open during the Rotary/Kiwanis Street Fair on Sunday, October 3, 2010. A reception for our great Fire Department will be held here on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Please join us Sunday, as well as on the 22nd - and tell all your friends to check out the exhibit which will be on display in The Gene & Kathryn Collerd Local History Resource Room from Sunday, October 3 to Saturday, October 30, 2010.

September is -- SIGN UP FOR A LIBRARY CARD MONTH!

Summer is over - but the library is STILL open, and September is "Sign Up for a Library Card Month" - so why not double check your card is up-to-date, and at the same time join us, at the Caldwell Public Library, in the Gene and Kathryn Collerd Local History Resource Room, for a fascinating program tomorrow evening - Wednesday, September 15th, at 6:30 p.m. Local author, John Lanza, will be speaking about his book "Shot Down Over Italy." This event is free and open to all, and, if you missed the article in The Progress about John, his uncle, and writing of this inspirational book, read it right now by clicking HERE!

A decade of partnering with Camp Caldwell!

As I look at the summer reading program pictures, and say a sad farewell to our INVALUABLE Summer Library Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator, Susan Reeve - who disguises herself as a SPANISH TEACHER at JCHS from September to June - I still cannot believe this is our 10th reading to and programming with Camp Caldwell! I started here at CPL only a month or two before the Caldwell Community Center opened, and Camp Caldwell was unveiled. In 2001 we read to the campers here at the library, and, even then, Carol Shenuski (JCHS Math Teacher) and Dr. Gerardi (C/WC Superintendent) volunteered to be guest readers. From 2002 to 2006 we, library staffers, along with guest readers* (of all ages, and from all parts of our lives and communities), read to campers at the Community Center, either in the "tree house" or inside the Center. Then, from 2007 to the present, the campers returned to the library. Picking out books to read, finding (sometimes BEGGING) guest readers, became a major part of Susan Reeve's summer job description, and has she ever shone! So, Susan, deepest gratitude from literally hundreds of children whose lives you have touched over the past four years. And, thank you too, a million times over, to all the educators and administrators, from ALL the schools (including, but not limited to, Riverdale Public Schools, Caldwell College, Seton Hall Prep, all schools in the C/WC Public School System, and, as shown in this picture.....a teacher who taught at Jefferson School in the '60s - my Aunt Janet!) who volunteered to be readers. There are so many to thank, and we tried to say it in person when you were here, but please know how very much we appreciate your generous sharing of yourselves. - Karen (Kleppe Lembo)

* I feel as if I have the Romper Room mirror -- those of you of a certain age will understand this idea -- when I say thank you to the likes of: Barry Bachenheimer, Nancy Caplan, current and retired CPD officers and chiefs, Dr. Blattner, Scott Keena, Jim Brown, Dr. Barnes, Claudia Dargento, Sue Ploch, Scott Chamberlain, Cindy Kellenberger and countless teens who then were rewarded with volunteer hours!

Summer Reading Program Finale!

Wow oh WOW did we have a BLAST as well as a SPLASH last night! Our Summer Reading Program end as it began, in the pool at the Caldwell Community Center and was then followed by our basket raffle (Congrats to all!), as well as the wild sharing of all sorts of great books, prizes and of course cool reading certificates signed by Mrs. Khost and Mrs. Lembo. (Collector's items, to be sure!) We ended the evening on a fabulously high and sweet note - with italian ices from Gelotti. Thank you a million times over to our dear friends at Gelotti - now - don't you need a gelato or an ice cream?!?!

Don't forget: "Make a Splash" and "Make Difference"

Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 10th doesn't mean "end of fun" but it DOES mean the finale to our Summer Reading Program here at Caldwell Public Library.

We will end as we began, by MAKING A SPLASH at the pool at The Caldwell Community Center! Come in your bathing suits at 6:30 p.m. ready to "Make a Splash" and consider bringing some food for our Food Pantry or Beanie Babies for "Project Gratitude" to "Make a Difference."

After our swim we will be handing out certificates and drawing for the baskets. FUN!

STARS WARS CANTINA ON THE GREEN

On Wednesday, July 21, The Force was with us!

Darth Vader, Boba Fett, a Jedi knight and many more Star Wars characters marched out of none other than the Caldwell Public Library to meet our patrons on the Green. In addition to posing for pictures and sharing high fives, the 15 members of NJ's Rebel Legion (good guys) and 501st Legion (bad guys) signed autographs and gave away activity books and tattoos to the kids. Our fearless (and crazy) director didn't come as Princess Leia but DID bake Star Wars cookies*!

Thanks to Mrs. Khost for arranging this event, which everyone agreed was simply AWESOME!

(*Check out Williams-Sonoma for the FABULOUS Star Wars cookie cutters - which we learned about thanks to the Star Ledger picture and article earlier this summer!)

SHOP for a GREAT cause -- YOUR LIBRARY!

BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKFAIR FOR THE CALDWELL LIBRARY

· When: Friday, July 23, 2010
· Where: The Barnes and Noble on Route 3 in Clifton
· What: Bookfair for the Caldwell Public Library. A percentage of all sales using our Bookfair voucher will go to the Library.
· Why: Support your library “The Heart of Our Town”
· How: Go to Barnes and Noble with the voucher (click HERE!). Choose the books and other items you want to buy. Present the voucher at check out. A portion of your purchases will be donated to the Library.

Can’t make it to the store that day? No worries as the Bookfair continues online!

· When: Friday, July 23 through Wednesday, July 28
· How: Shop online at www.bn.com/bookfairs and enter our Bookfair ID -- 10246643-- at checkout. A portion of the sale will go to the Library.
· Where: Online sales can be from anywhere so encourage friends and family to support your Library.

Belle en route to Caldwell Public Library to "Make a Splash" ....

But, will the Beast be here as well?!

Who knows, but hope you can join us as we continue with our decade old (or young, depending on your point of view) and then some, tradition of "Family Fun Nights" during the Summer Reading Program. Hope to see you at 6:45 p.m. this evening for our Ice Cream Social - with our beautiful Princess Belle joining in the fun. She might even sing for us, so get here early! (And, as we continue to "Make a Splash" and "Make a Difference" please consider bringing some items for the Caldwell Food Pantry - may we suggest a jar of peanut butter and/or jelly, pasta and/or tomato sauce?)

"Make a Splash" and "Make a Difference" Book Group debuts tonight!

Have you always wanted your own book group? Okay, so "c'mon down" tonight to the library and join us as we Kick Off a book group designed just for you -- kids in 5th to 8th grade.
We can pick whatever you want - a book such as "Three Cups of Tea" - The Young Reader's Edition - or maybe a book suggested by a friend, or a teacher you really like. There are certainly enough books here - and we are open to anything (but you know that already!).
The summer has just begun, so, lets use this book group to "Make a Splash" AND "Make a Difference" - see you at 6:45 p.m.!

BOY, did we ever "Make A Splash" yesterday!

The summer reading program KICK OFF yesterday was FANTABULOUS! Thank you again to all of our friends at the Caldwell Community Center for a positively refreshing and fun and splash-filled pool party. And, thank you Mrs. Khost, Mrs. Walker, Ms. Reeve and our countless teen library assistants and volunteers who made the sign up go so "swimmingly" at the Library beforehand.
Now, must head out for "Art in the Afternoon" brought to us by Mrs. Stewart -- who just can't stay away from art, even when school is closed for the summer!

Make a Splash, Make a Difference!

We are counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until....BLAST OFF! Kick Off for the 2010 Summer Reading Program is "officially" next Wednesday, June 30th, but we are readying and have been for months. Flyers, info, 0nline sign up - if you wish! - and more is all on our website. As usual, we are putting our own spin on things and instead of simply "Mak[ing] a Splash, READ!" we are asking all to "Make a Splash, Make a Difference." More to come, but we have a kids, teen and adult component on the website and programs to meet all needs - and desires - we hope. How better to celebrate the longest day of the year?!

John Paul Endress Photo Exhibits June 2 - June 30, 2010

If this picture doesn't say "I can't wait for the Caldwell Public Library Summer Reading Program to begin" what does?!

So, okay, I took a little poetic license on that one, however, please do race over before the end of the month to savor our June exhibit of the Masterful Photography of John Paul Endress. And, thank you so much John for sharing your talents and treasured work with our community.

Check out our website - especially the "Events" page for more details on John and his work.

IRON CHEF - watch out for the Scouts!

Yes indeed - the IRON CHEF competition at the Longfellow Wayside Inn Scout Camporee was FANTASTICO! And, while Mayor Gartland may have been sharing some of her culinary talents, I, KKLembo certainly was NOT! (ask my husband, ask my children, ask anyone - "what shape pasta? what color sauce?")

We all want to know how many of our Scout Chef recipes ended up on the Dining Room Menu at the Wayside Inn since we left? Who wants to call Innkeeper John Cowden and ask? (And, while you are at it - make reservations to stay for a night or two. You will understand why Longfellow wrote poetry about the Inn once you go there.)

A Field of Dreams to be Sure!

This picture captures but a few of the thousands of images and memories all of us left Sudbury with this past Sunday.

Baseball with the Melrose Pondfeilders...a talk about vintage baseball by author/historian John Zinn....Pastor John Nash's homily during the 8 a.m. ecumenical service ("Everything I need to Know About Life I Learned from Baseball") (note: Pastor John is an Eagle Scout!)...the Wayside Iron Chef contest of Saturday night....a tour by Ben Edwards...meeting the Wayside Inn's miller, and innkeeper, and chef.....setting up camp....all the great new friendships and the fun of sharing with "old" friends. More pictures, along with "roses and thorns" later....

< 20 hours and, Sudbury bound are we!

"Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our
lives sublime, and departing, leave behind us, footprints on the sands of time."

Well, I do believe Scouts leave nothing behind, if I understand correctly from Mr. Downey, Mr. White and Mr. Cristiano - and I will see that "up close and personal" when we leave campgrounds behind Longfellow's Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts Sunday afternoon the 16th.
(But, why jumpahead before the weekend even starts!)

Over a year, really close to 18 months, of planning is coming to an end with this week-ends camping event in Sudbury. Bruce White, Bill Downey and the good leaders and scouts of Troops 9, 6, 3, and 1 have collaborated and planned, and we will meet up with Sudbury Scouts for a weekend of camping and GREAT FUN!

More will be shared when we return -- but must share one secret: Saturday night's schedule includes the Wayside Iron Chef Competition! I know the "secret ingredients" as well, but I won't talk.

Last Friday's Caldwell Day was Most Excellent!

Thank you again to all the wonderful volunteers from Caldwell College who spent hours last Friday working on our shelves, planting flowers in the front and back of the Library, assisting some of our patrons on the computers - for very kind, patient and informative "one on one" training sessions - and for countless other assists.

And, hopefully, our library "pitching" during the day resulted in 8 new visitors to CPL, and a host of additional "win win" ideas. Key Note speaker, Joy Rodino, joined Professor Joanne Jasmine in showcasing our "Young Adult" collection and updating it's "eye appeal" -- since we all know that many readers indeed DO "judge a book by it's cover!"

And, if you want more info on the day, click here for more pictures and a wonderful rundown -- from Caldwell College's own website.

Think GREEN, as in Greenwood Gardens, while still appreciating our Teens' Art

Morgan Peck (photo at top left) and Jackie Niscivoccia (photo directly above, center) created art inspired by Longfellow's Poetry, via their Phenomenal Photographs, and clearly their work is set in winter and snow. However, you CAN today think spring and green, as well as be part of The Big Read - and join us at Greenwood Gardens at 10 a.m. for a Tour of the Gardens and then a Poetry Reading by Caldwell Poet, Rick Mullin. Free and open to the public. Hope to see you there. (And, remember -- Morgan and Jackie's work, along with many others created by Mount Saint Dominic Academy students, are still on display at the Caldwell Public Library and will be there until the end of next week. C'mon over!)

"Music as Muse" by Danielle Nichols

Only two weeks left to enjoy, appreciate and marvel at the talents of our youth - at least only two more weeks to visit The Gene & Kathryn Collerd Local History Resource Room at The Caldwell Public Library and see the Exhibit of Photographs by Linda Stewart's students at Mount Saint Dominic Academy.

Please stop in - and see how The Poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and The Big Read, can be relevant and transformative, in your life and your world. Hooray for the Arts!

(And keep a watch on the Progress and "Patch" to hear more about youth and art and Longfellow -- all who attended Sunday's concert at the Grover Cleveland Middle School were in awe - not only of the famed Longfellow Chorus hailing from Portland, Maine -- but of the 55 teens in the James Caldwell Chorus who sang as well - under the direction of Music Teacher Elsie Timpson.)

More Teen Art Work on Display at Caldwell Public Library

And, as we continue to enjoy and appreciate the talents of these amazing young women, let us also appreciate the influence of an inspired, passionate and talented TEACHER - such as Mount Saint Dominic Art Teacher, Linda Stewart. That is clearly evident in all these photographs, including (but not limited to) these works of art -- the photograph on the left created by Katie Rossi, and the photograph at the top of this page on the right, by Mai Nyugen.

The display of ALL the photographs created in the course of Mrs. Stewart's photography classes -- all inspired by the Poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow -- can be found in The Gene and Kathryn Collerd Local History Resource Room of the Caldwell Public Library. Of course, you can also head over to

The Big Read Blog -- and check out April 9, 2010 posting -- and also keep an eye on the Caldwell Public Library website, especially the photographs.

AND, speaking of TEEN ARTISTS connecting with Longfellow -- hope you can join us Sunday, April 18 at 1 p.m. at the Grover Cleveland Middle School when The Longfellow Chorus joins us, having travelled from Portland, Maine, to share Longfellow's poetry, set to music! In addition to a premiere performance, they will be performing "Snow-Flakes" along with teen singers directed by James Caldwell High School Music Teacher, Elsie Timpson. Free and open to the public -- tell all your friends, and BE THERE!

Teen Art Work on Display at Caldwell Public Library!

It was exciting, indeed, to see the BLOG POSTING on The Big Read blog last Friday -- but -- only three of the many phenomenal photographs created by Linda Stewart's photography students were included. We know space must have been an issue, but, while we want you to come into the Library to see the entire exhibit, we also want to share more of the photographs, so, here goes! Here is Sarah Sengatta's photograph, inspired by Longfellow....

Illustrator Christopher Bing has returned to Massachusetts, but we are still feeling the effects in Caldwell!

What a week - for students, teachers, administrators and our community alike.
We will all think differently as we read "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" and also look forward to adding another version of "Little Red Riding Hood" to our bookshelf come year's end.

Now, onward and upward and lets start making plans to enjoy our upcoming visit from The Longfellow Chorus from Portland, Maine. Conductor, Charles Kaufman, and a number of the Chorus Members will be coming to Caldwell on Saturday, April 17th to be guests at The Dapper Dans of Harmony concert that evening (First Presbyterian Church, Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, 7 p.m. - call 973-226-9414 for tickets). Then, on Sunday, April 18th The Longfellow Chorus will be performing at Grover Cleveland Middle School at 1 p.m. That event, a HIGHLIGHT of The Big Read this year, is free and open to the public. And, as an extra treat, Students from James Caldwell High School, under the direction of Elsie Timpson, will be joining the Chorus for a special number.

Call us at 973-226-2837 and/or check out our website -- www.caldwellpl.org -- for more information on both events.

Wondering what NEXT week holds with The Big Read?

Local Poets Take on Longfellow!

Tuesday, March 30th @ 6:30 p.m. We invited area poets to incorporate Longfellow's work into a reading in any way they wanted. Join us this evening as we see what Elaine Barden came up with as part of The Big Read of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Free and open to the public.

Art Reception for MSDA art students

Tuesday, March 31st @ 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Teen Photographers Take on Longfellow! Please join us for a reception to honor the young women, their teacher Linda Stewart, and their families this evening. The student artists from Mount Saint Dominic Academy created art inspired by The Poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and it is on display in The Gene and Kathryn Collerd Local History Resource Room for the month of March. Please make certain to spend some time appreciating their work, their efforts, and we hope you can join us for this reception. (Thank you again, students and all, for being part of The Big Read of the Poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Click here for a full roster of events.)

K1 P2 (Knit 1 Purl 2)

Thursday, April 1st @ 6:15 p.m. K1 P2 (Knit 1 Purl 2) is an ever growing group of knitters (and crocheters!) of all ages which meets on Thursday evenings for chatting and needling fun. Scouts and service groups (young and young-in-spirit) are encouraged to join us. You will be "hooked" as soon as you cast on your first row of stitches. Already two big boxes of blankets, hats and mittens created during The Big Read of "The Poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow" have been shared with our friends at Okiciyapi Tipi Habitat for Humanity in Eagle Butte, South Dakota.

Teens Take on Longfellow!

Have you come by yet to see how our Teen Photographers Take on Longfellow? Students from Mount Saint Dominic Academy and James Caldwell High School have created some AMAZING work inspired by The Poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and it is on display in The Gene and Kathryn Collerd Local History Resource Room. The MSDA students, under the direction and guidance of Art Teacher Linda Stewart, displayed their work in March, and James Caldwell High School students, under the direction and guidance of Art Club Moderator Bridgit Martin, are displaying their creations in April. Please make certain to spend some time appreciating their work, their efforts. Hopefully you joined us last Wednesday for the reception for the Mount girls, and keep an eye out for the date in April where we will celebrate our JCHS artists at a reception. And, thank you again, students and all, for being part of The Big Read of the Poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Click here for a full roster of events.


NOTE: If you want to know more about Christopher Bing's visit this past week click here for the article on Patch and click here for a video of part of Tuesday night's program at MSDA open to the community. And -- if your children attend school at Trinity, Grover Cleveland Middle School (6th & 7th graders), Harrison, Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington, Wilson, and/or The Children's Institute - have you asked them about Mr. Bing's visit to their school this week? That visit would not have been possible without this library receiving the grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for The Big Read, as well as matching monies received from Kiwanis and Rotary, as well as a very generous check from the Caldwell-West Caldwell Education Foundation. We are all working together for our children!

Illustrator Christopher Bing lands in Newark in approximately 50 hours!

Most likely, by now, you are the recipient of emails, flyers, "word of mouth reminders", posting on your school's website - or you know from checking out the Caldwell Public Library and/or the National Endowment for the Arts website for THE BIG READ - that...
Illustrator Christopher Bing will be IN the Caldwells the week of March 22nd.
He will be visiting all public and parochial grammar schools in Caldwell/West Caldwell, and he will be visiting The Children's Institute in Verona. In addition, on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. he will be offering his comments and program and art to our community at the newly opened Doris M. Byrne Performing Arts Center at Mount Saint Dominic Academy. PLEASE join us! For more info check out our website, come to the library, or phone a friend.
And, while you are on the computer -- watch the Metrowest Video's fabulous You Tube of Christopher talking about his passion for his work, and lots of other things as he works on his latest book - Little Red Riding Hood.

Friday, March 5, 2010

"Footprints on the Sands of Time"

Wow oh WOW! Was yesterday ever a banner day for The Big Read of Longfellow in the Caldwells. (Really, a banner week - if we look to Tuesday evening's inaugural "Local Poets Take on Longfellow!" which was most excellent. Thank you again poets (disguised by day as Library Directors) Gabriella Radujko and John J. Trause.

Anyway, back to yesterday, first, at 11 a.m. a full house was captivated by Poet/Caldwell College's Lifelong Learning Institute Teacher Carrie Howson, as she shared stories of the famous "Saturday Morning Club." Even if you missed yesterday's program, pen in next Thursday's 11 a.m. talk right now. Thank you Carrie!

The pictures you see on this page were taken in the afternoon, when 20 teenage students from James Caldwell High School, students in English Department Chair, Sue Callaghan's class, joined with 16 vibrant adults and heard their stories, and took notes, asked questions, and started on a legacy writing project. Above you see Mildred Fitzburgh of Caldwell, and William Nikel of West Caldwell, being interviewed. This program was a collaboration of the library, Caldwell LIVE, and in partnership with the Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education. Cannot wait to read these stories -- and again, please, oh please, be part of The Big Read of Longfellow.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Was yesterday's Birthday Bash FUN or what?!?! One of our guests commented something like "I daresay Henry never had a birthday celebration like this before." I don't know, I sort of HOPE he did, but I do also know: yesterday was magnificent. The poetry, the company, the art, the COOKIES, the sneak peek at the 1914 "Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" film, and so much more. If you couldn't make it, or forgot, no worries: just come on over Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. as we kick off our March to May "Local Poets Take on Longfellow!" evenings. This Tuesday will feature poets John J. Trause and Gabriella Radujko. And, more to come this week, but will post again tomorrow or Tuesday on those events. (If you cannot wait, go to http://www.caldwellpl.org/ and check it out!)

Oh, and of course, there WILL be cookies at all these events - thanks to our chefs and bakers at Essex Vo-Tech Culinary School, West Caldwell campus! Yum Yum!

Happy 203d Henry!

Join us on Saturday, February 27, 2010 between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. when we shall sing, celebrate, read 203 lines of his poetry, and KICK OFF The Big Read of the Poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in a memorable and delicious way. Birthday treats will be baked by our "chefs of the future" from Essex Vo-Tech School, West Caldwell campus. Special happenings for the children downstairs, fun for all, THE place to be. (This Longfellow cake was created for our "Educator's Workshop" last October, thanks to Le Baker's Dozen Bake Shoppe in Upper Montclair, who also created our Abe Lincoln birthday cake last Friday. Massive thanks to Therese and Colleen!)

Recalling Abe, Reflecting on Artemus and Readying for Henry

Join us for an entertaining evening as Seton Hall educator John Pascal shares stories about Artemus Ward, who was known as "the man who made Lincoln laugh."

We'll have cake after the lecture and a chance to chat about our upcoming Big Read of the poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Don't miss it!

Friday, Feb 12, 2010 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The Big Read has returned to the Caldwells! Get Ready!

With the hanging of The Big Read banners on our Carnegie Library exterior, and now the unveiling of the poster proclaiming four of our hallmark events this afternoon, we are READY! As to the poster, let us first express our never-ending gratitude to Mount Saint Dominic Academy art teacher, artist and friend extraordinaire, Linda Picini Stewart, for creating the art - and to our friends at Caldwell LIVE for assisting us in the production. (Linda does NOT usually use her maiden name, but, we like to give credit to her mom and dad - the PICINIS - in addition to her lovely husband, Michael, whenever we are able.)
Anyway, please add our list of events to your favorites right now - and join us next Friday, February 12, 2010 at 7 p.m. as we celebrate Abraham's Lincoln's birthday in a very special way - as a "preview" to The Big Read of Longfellow. Seton Hall Prep educator, and West Caldwell resident, John Pascal will be sharing with us stories about "the man who made Lincoln laugh" - Artemus Ward. His program will be enjoyable - and the birthday treats created by the culinary students at Essex Vo-Tech, West Caldwell campus, will be delicious as well! See you on the 12th, if not before.

Screening of "A Place Out of Time"

Join us on Tuesday, February 2 at 6:30 pm for a screening of "A Place Out of Time: The Bordentown School." Dr. Leslie Wilson, Professor of History at Montclair State University, and filmmaker Dave Davidson will introduce the film and lead a discussion following the screening.

Narrated by Ruby Dee, this film tells the story of this school in Bordentown, New Jersey which was an educational utopia and cultural oasis for African-Americans for more than 70 years. Founded in 1886, the school was forced to close in 1955 after the Brown v. Board of Education decision. The demise of the Bordentown School was an unexpected casualty of the fight for social and educational justice in the Civil Rights Movement. The film features remarkable archival footage and interviews with historians and Bordentown School alumni.

"A Place Out of Time: The Bordentown School" will be featured on the award-winning PBS documentary series P.O.V. and has been screened at numerous New Jersey film festivals, including the Newark Black Film Festival.

This program is being offered through the New Jersey Council for the Humanities' "Justice: A Dialogue Through Film." It is free and open to the public.

For more information on this marvelous program, as well as this compelling documentary, go to http://www.njch.org/justicefilms.html.

Author Brad Parks on The Power of Storytelling

On Tuesday, January 26, author Brad Parks will be speaking at Caldwell College's Werner Hall at 7pm. This presentation by the former Washington Post and Star Ledger reporter is part of an ongoing collaboration among the Caldwell Public Library, Caldwell College and Mount St. Dominic Academy.

Parks, the author of a new mystery series set in New Jersey, will give a talk entitled “The Power of Storytelling: A Writer’s Journey from Journalist to Novelist,” that will touch on both his fiction and non-fiction work.

A book-signing of his new book, “Faces of The Gone” will immediately follow the talk. Copies will be available for purchase that evening.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Karen Kleppe-Lembo at (973) 226-2837.

About the Author: Brad Parks’ debut novel, a mystery/thriller titled FACES OF THE GONE, was released from St. Martin’s Press on December 8, 2009. A reformed newspaper reporter, Brad spent a dozen years covering news and sports for The Star-Ledger and The Washington Post. His work has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors, the National Headliner Awards, the National Association of Black Journalists and others. Most recently, he won the New Jersey Press Association's enterprise award for a four-part series on the 40th Anniversary of the Newark Riots.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Dartmouth College, he lives with his wife, Melissa, and two young children and is currently at work on the next Carter Ross adventure. www.bradparksbooks.com.

A Visit from Spot!

Where's Spot?

On Saturday, January 23rd he will be right here at the Caldwell Public Library from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m!

Stop by and say hello. We will read some of his stories and make a simple craft with Spot visiting us periodically.

THIS WEEK AT THE LIBRARY

As we start a new week of our new year, may I suggest, if you haven't done so already, that you:

1) Stop in to renew your library card privileges, if need be.

2) Check out the showcase dedicated to Caldwell's own "The Amazing Kreskin" who will be honored tomorrow by the Mayor and Council at their evening council meeting. He will also be sharing birthday cake with us in the children's room of the library at 3:30 p.m. as he reads one of his favorite books from his childhood. JOIN US for cake and celebrating!

3) Visit The Gene and Kathryn Collerd Local History Resource Room where derivative exhibit of "The Collerd Collection," as curated by talented professional photographer (and Caldwell Public Library Board Member) Bruce White, will be on display for the month of January.

And, once you "ooh" and "aah" at the exhibit, may we suggest a LOVELY calendar created from the images contained in "The Collerd Collection," for a mere $15, and on top of everything, it will benefit the Library. We still have 2010 Calendars featuring the Gene and Kathryn Collerd Collection right here at the library.

We are open until 8 p.m. this evening and tomorrow evening, and we are open until 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday. Pick one up today, or tomorrow at Kreskin's birthday party, or any day this week you bring your children to Story Time (winter sessions start this week, did you sign up yet?), or when you come to see Spot on January 23d, or when you come to hear Brad Parks on January 26^th?

GET READY FOR LONGFELLOW

“Music is the universal language of mankind”

“Lives of great men [and women!] all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time”

“Listen my children and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five;
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year."

“There was a little girl,

Who had a little curl,

Right in the middle of her forehead.

When she was good,

She was very good indeed,

But when she was bad she was horrid”

The above quotes are but four snippets from the vast amount of Longfellow's poetry.

Our community is delighted that a third experience with The Big Read has been presented to us. After “The Shawl” as well as “The Age of Innocence” we know what is in store: Great and miraculous moments, innumerable memories, fabulous collaborations and cooperation, imaginations soaring and excitement overflowing!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As I type this on Friday, January 8, 2010, the first week of the new year is coming to an end I am both excited, and exhausted!

Happy New Year to all and thank you for your support and friendship, your patience and understanding, for reading, using the computers and the wifi, for being part of the summer reading programs and story hours and book groups, for checking out DVDs and CDs and downloading books and READING books, for keeping our statistics as well as our spirits high!

Winter Story Hours start next week, Spot and Brad Parks will visit the following week, and Black History Month will be observed in an amazing fashion thanks to the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and their generosity. More to follow!

In the short term - don’t forget that Caldwell’s own, The Amazing Kreskin, will celebrate his 75th birthday next week with cake at 3:30 on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 here at CPL. He will also share a book that is special to him. It is the new year, let us be grateful for each other, and try to find reasons to celebrate!