Milnelibrary’s Weblog

The second Haunted Williamstown, brain child of Juliana Haubrich, was a successful “fun-raiser” for the House of Local History despite a downpour on Halloween evening. On Friday night, about 70 teens and adults danced, in costume, to the tunes of local band DaFe Brudajo. Sean McHugh was and believable Edgar Allen Poe and his escort a remarkable “Raven.” Lisa Sheldon took first prize as “Medusa.” The historical tour was deemed a rousing success with local actors telling the history of the Pine Cobble grounds and buildings. Food and friends for a perfect evening.

The following night featured a “pre-treat” party for children with magician Scott Jameson and a huge hay fort in the courtyard. Children also met Laura Ingalls Wilder and Beatrix Potter retelling their favorite stories in the children’s room. The later tours were dampened by a sudden downpour but several daring souls enjoyed another tour through the haunted House of Local History. It was a great event and kudos go out to Juliana, her crew of talented actors, and legions of volunteers.

And find out what all the fuss is about. Here at the Milne Library we occasionally have someone take offense at a certain book. Usually it’s a wonderful parent trying to protect their child from more mature or disturbing content. And we understand that. But the Library Bill of Rights endorsed by the American Library Association and our public library really discourages removing or labeling materials in any way. There is a procedure in place that involves a written complaint submitted to the Director and Board of Trustees to review potentially offensive material but the list of most contentious items usually includes great literature including writers like Mark Twain, J.K. Rowling, Judy Blume, Maurice Sendak and many others. For a look at some challenged classics check out this site :

Great post here about the importance of libraries.
http://thenonconsumeradvocate.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/grateful-for-public-libraries-a-guest-post/

The children’s room just purchased three USB language programs for children 3+. The format is a USB (“thumb” drive or serial bus) that starts automatically when plugged into your home computer. The new media is so small and so expensive to replace that we are asking parents to let us photocopy their license as a commitment to handle it carefully and return it in a timely manner. But on the little portable drive you will find a very powerful language instruction program available in English, Spanish or French. Children will need parental help initially because the cartoon instructor starts off without English instruction. But clicking the “question mark” help menu will usually guide an older child through the games. For more advanced study or homeschooling, the program also contains worksheets. We are pleased to be the first library in western Massachusetts offering this new technology. Come by and let us demonstrate it if you have questions or need tech support.

The reconstruction of Field Park has discouraged many visitors at the Milne Library this week. Even the Moon Rock program and Jules Verne presentation have suffered the affects of too much confusion and dust. We expect there will be minor delays and detours until the rotary’s anticipated finish in early September. For townspeople who know their way around, Sabin Drive, a very poorly marked private road off Route 7, is one way around the tie-up. If you use it, please keep in mind that it winds through a neighborhood and that it can be treacherous to enter or exit! For people coming up from the south, the police will route you around the park and into the “wrong side” on the normally one-way route. Please be careful and accept our apologies for any inconvenience. If getting here is just too much of a hassle, we will renew your materials by phone. Thanks