Portland Library!

Open Thursday, Dec. 24th ~ 10:00 am-12:00 noon
Closed Friday, December 25th
Open Thursday, Dec. 31st ~ 10:00 am-12:00 noon
Closed Friday, January 1st, 2016
Open Saturday, Dec. 26th & Jan. 2nd ~ 10:00 am-5:00 pm


Food for Fines
Now through January 2, 2016
You may pay overdue library fines with non-perishable food items that will be given to the Portland Food Bank. Please bring your donations to the circulation desk so that your fines may be cancelled. We ask that your donations reflect the spirit of the season. Food may not be used to pay for missing/lost items.
Saturday December 5, 2015
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Friends of The Portland Library Holiday Book sale featuring coffee table books, puzzles and holiday books.
Check the ongoing Friends’ book sale for holiday books and puzzles.
Learn something new with Universal Class!
Universal Class offers over 500 online continuing education courses for all ages. To set up your free account and sign up for classes you’ll need to have a valid Portland Public Library card, a valid e-mail address and login via a link on the library website. Professional, job enhancing and leisure pursuits are covered. You are welcome to enroll in up to 5 courses; You have up to 6 months to finish each course. You have access to your course 24/7 via the Internet.

SMS TEXT MESSAGES OF HOLD PICKUP NOTICES!

SIGN UP TODAY for SMS TEXT MESSAGES OF HOLD PICKUP NOTICES
1) Go to our Encore catalog (www.portlandlibraryct.org)
2) Log in to your account
3) Click on Edit Account
4) In the Modify Patron Information popup, enter your cell number in the “Mobile Phone No.” field, click on the “Opt In” check box, and click on Submit at the bottom of the page
5) You will receive a text within a few minutes confirming that you want to sign up. You need to text back “YES”.
6) You will receive a confirmation message within a few minutes saying you have signed up.

The SMS messages are in addition to the other notices, not a replacement. So patrons will still receive email/print notices as they always have, but those signing up for SMS messages will also receive the immediate text message.

Once that is all done, you will start getting text messages every time an item goes on to the holdshelf for you, within a few minutes of when the item is ready for pickup. This does not replace traditional email/print notices; it is in addition to them. Note that multiple patron accounts cannot use the same cell number for receiving these texts.

If you have any questions, please ask at the Portland Library’s Information Desk.
Monthly Book Discussion
All are welcome to attend. Titles are available to borrow; no reservations are necessary.
Thursday December 3, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Life after Life by Kate Atkinson

On a cold and snowy night in 1910, Ursula Todd is born to an English banker and his wife. Ursula promptly dies. On the same night, Ursula Todd is born again, lets out a lusty wail, and embarks upon a life that will be, to say the least, unusual. For as she grows, she also dies, repeatedly, in a variety of ways, while the young century marches on toward its second cataclysmic world war. Does Ursula’s apparently infinite number of lives give her the power to save the world from its inevitable destiny? If she can, will she?

Thursday, January 7th at 6:30 p.m.
Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple

When her notorious, hilarious, volatile, talented, troubled, and agoraphobic mother goes missing, teenage Bee is desperate to find her. While examining her mom’s emails, private correspondence, and other evidence for clues, the portrait of a woman Bee never knew begins to emerge along with a secret that could explain everything.
Book Discussion, Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 12:00 noon
Lunch & Learn Book Discussion
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by May Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

In 1946, writer Juliet Ashton finds inspiration for her next book in her correspondence with a native of Guernsey, who tells her about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a book club born as an alibi during German occupation. Books will be available for borrowing prior to the discussion.
Bring a lunch if you like. Dessert and beverages will be served. Registration appreciated!
Tuesday, January 12th, 2016
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear

A Book Discussion with something added!
Enjoy a discussion of a book with a Downton Abbey era tie-in. A proper tea will be served!
Maisie Dobbs is back and this time she has been hired to find a wealthy grocery magnate’s daughter who has fled from home. What seems a simple case at first becomes complicated when Maisie learns of the recent violent deaths of three of the heiress’s old friends.
Movies in the Afternoon
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.
Showing: The Longest Ride

Starring Alan Alda, Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, and Naomi Eckhaus; Fox; directed by George Tillman, Jr.; PG-13, 2015, 129 minutes.
Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, centers on Luke, a former champion bull rider looking to make a comeback, and Sophia, a college student who is about to embark upon her dream job in New York City’s art world. As conflicting paths test their relationship, Sophia and Luke make a connection with Ira, whose memories of his beloved wife deeply inspire the young couple. Spanning generations and two love stories, The Longest Ride explores the challenges and infinite rewards of enduring love.
Movies in the Evening
Monday, December 14, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
Showing: Testament of Youth

Starring Miranda Richardson, Alicia Vikander, Hayley Atwell, & Jonathan Bailey; Sony; directed by James Kent; PG-13, 2015, 130 minutes. A British woman recalls coming of age during World War I; a story of young love, the futility of war, and how to make sense of the darkest times.
No reservations necessary!

The Friends of Portland Library supports the Library’s DVD collection.
Art Exhibit
Richard Raicik of Portland will present his show entitled Summer to Winter during the month of December. He is an award winning, self-taught watercolor artist and is a member of many art groups, including the Connecticut Watercolor Society, Middletown Art Guild, and the Lyme, Clinton and Essex Art Associations.
A reception will be held at the Library on Saturday, December 12 from 2-4 pm. which is hosted by the Friends of the Portland Library!

On Display in December 2015
Books on Display
In December, the Library will have a large display of newly arrived materials and will also feature holiday fiction and baking books.
From our special displays in December, check out Holiday Themed DVDs and Music CDs.

Children’s Department

Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m.
December 1, 8Even though our storytime session has ended for the fall, we welcome kids between the ages of 0-5 and their caregivers to visit the library for drop-in playtimes! We will meet in the Wagner Room and have fun enjoying our storytime toys, puzzles, and some new age-appropriate board games with our friends!
No registration is required.



When: Thursdays from 3:00-4:30 p.m.,
December 3, 10.
Where: Portland Library
Who: Gamers in grade 1 and higher.
What: Drop-in gaming! Age-appropriate players and games will be grouped together. No registration is required. Just drop in! Pick-up games are always available. Tons of games to choose from!


Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. December 2, 9
Whether you can’t make it to our afternoon Game Club or just want to spend some quality family time together, we welcome you to visit the library at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights for family game nights! We have recently added a bunch of great family board games to our collection. Families with children of all ages are welcome to meet in the Wagner Room for some friendly competition and fun.
No registration is required.

Holiday Storytimes, Tuesday, December 15th at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday, December 16th at 6:30 p.m.
Miss Jenn will help your little ones get in the holiday spirit with a special winter holiday storytime. This program is open ages 0-5 and their caregivers. We will enjoy stories, songs, and finger plays about the holiday season and will end the program with a special craft. Older siblings are always welcome. Registration is required.

Winter Storytimes

Our Winter Story Times will start during the week of January 4, 2016. Registration is required and will begin later this month. Look for more information on dates and times in our January newsletter or on our website in late December.

PASSPORT TO READING: January 4—February 29
Our Winter Reading Club was a hit last year, so we’re bringing it back this year! The theme for 2016 is “Passport to Reading!” Even if the cold weather keeps you stuck indoors, you can travel to faraway and exotic (and WARM!) places through the books that you read. Everyone who participates will be given a “passport” to fill in; as you read more books and accomplish the activities listed on the passport, you will earn stickers to fill in your passport book.

Visit the library to pick up a flyer for more information on the Passport to Reading program and our special programs for school-age and teen participants, or visit the Portland Library website at www.portlandlibraryct.org.

Teen Advisory Board
Portland Library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB) will have their next meeting on Monday, December 14, at 3:30 p.m. We will be having our holiday party and exploring the photography skills taught to us at last month’s photography workshop. New members are always needed. Contact a Youth Services staff member for more information or attend a monthly meeting.