HomeCommunityPublic Library celebrates Black History Month, Valentine's Day, and more

Public Library celebrates Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and more

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“We have exciting news. The library now has a True Crime Book Club! True crime is one of the most popular genres of non-fiction, podcasts, and documentaries. The Children’s Room has some great events coming up this month, including a Story Walk. Please note that the library will be closed Mon, Feb 21 in observance of President’s Day.”

from the desk of Stephanie Piro Nolan


Love and Chocolate Program
A “Love & Chocolate” program, presented by herbalist Rivka Schwartz, will take place at the Library on February 16th at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room.  Come and learn about the history of chocolate and its health benefits while tasting recipes from different eras.

Herbal chocolates, hot chocolate, and truffles are all on the menu!  Take-home recipes and an information packet will be provided. Registration is required due to capacity restrictions. There is a limit of 20 people. Call or come to the Main Desk to sign-up.  

Love Story Book Display
There is a love story for everyone featured on this Main Floor display. Check out a book from this display and you’ll be treated to a Hershey’s kiss as well as given a raffle ticket to be in the running for a deluxe Valentine’s Day heart-shaped box of Whitman’s deluxe chocolates!

Love Story DVDs
In the mood for a romantic comedy or a serious love story? Our DVD romance display has them all! 

February is Black History Month
We feature a variety of non-fiction books at the Main Desk covering all aspects of Black history.  

Write-In Group
The Writers Group meets every first and third Thursday of the month from 10-12 p.m. in the Rose Room.  Focus on your work-in-progress surrounded by other aspiring writers. Visit rpl.lib.nh.us for more info.

True Crime Book Club
Have you always been fascinated by true crime stories? Now’s your chance to read books in this popular genre and discuss them with others in this unique book club!  The first book we will be reading is I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara.  The discussion will take place on Tuesday, February 22 at 6 p.m. in the Rose Room. Patrons can pick up copies of the book at the service desk on the top floor.  Prefer to listen? hoopla has an audiobook version, as well as an e-book. Masks will not be required, but strongly encouraged.

Tax Help
AARP Tax-Aide – Volunteers are now back at the Library to help you file your taxes. Appointments are required and are available until April 15.  Appointments take place on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon.  To make an appointment, call 211 or go to the website http://www.eznetscheduler.com/calendar/nhtaxhelp. Out of state, call 1-866-444-4211. For what to bring to your appointment, stop by the Library Main Desk on the first floor and pick up a packet with all the information and forms you will need.

Children’s Book Sale
On Saturday, February 26th, the Friends of the Library will co-host a book sale of children’s books and movies in the Storytime Room from 10am to 4pm. Rather than having everything individually priced, items will be sold by donation. 

Story Basket
Children’s Room Librarian, Jenn, says: “If you are visiting the Children’s Room be sure to make time to play with this month’s Story Basket, featuring Polar Bear’s Underwear by Tupera Tupera. The basket includes a mini-flannel board, hand-crafted underwear, and even a washing machine. Children can follow along with the flannel pieces as their grown-up reads or use them to tell the story in their own words.  Be creative and have fun.”

Story Time
Children’s Room Librarian Christina, shares: Story Time sign-ups begin Monday, February 14th! Call 603-335‑7549 or come to the library to register. Registration will remain open until Story Times are filled or through the first week of the Story Time session. The programs are free. Story Times begin the week of March 14th, and will run for six weeks.   

Story Time will start in our meeting room and will last about 20 minutes. We will share three to four books alternating with fingerplays, songs, and movement, and then follow that with a 30-minute “Stay & Play” in the Children’s Room.  This time will be for children to participate in unstructured play and socialize, while adults will have an opportunity to meet other families in our community.

 StoryWalk®- Plus!
‘Rochester Public Library Children’s Room will be holding a StoryWalk® Plus over February school vacation. Start at the Library, where packets can be picked up downstairs in the Children’s Room starting Friday, Feb 18th through Sat, Feb 26th.  Participants will move throughout downtown, stopping at the designated locations to read a page from the book and to “collect” clue words.  When the walk is completed, participants will unscramble the “collected” words to complete a phrase.   

Completed forms should be returned to the Children’s Desk by Monday, Feb 28th to collect a reward and to be entered for a chance to win a prize.  Prizewinners will be chosen at random.    

The walk will take participants approximately 45-90 min to complete.  We hope that while families are enjoying this family-friendly event, they will also get excited about visiting downtown businesses!”

Cold and flu season Protocols
Cold and flu season, as well as Covid-19, is here. If anyone in your family comes down with Covid-19, please contact us for help with items you may not be able to return on time.  Call us at 603-332-1428 or 335-7549 with any questions. While we love to share our books, we do not want to share germs! A good rule of thumb is that if you or your child are too sick to go to work or school, you are too sick to visit the Library.

RPL Animated Recommendations
Main Desk Librarian (and syndicated cartoonist) Stephanie, and Main Desk Librarian, Karyl, have created a series of weekly animated videos recommending book, DVD and other titles available at the Library.

Tech Help
Have problems with a new smartphone or tablet? Want help setting up Libby or hoopla so you can read or listen to free ebooks and audiobooks? Emerging Technology Specialist, Jessica, is here to help you if you need it! Give us a call to make an appointment at 603-332-1428 or RPLReference@rochesternh.net.

Contacting RPL

  1. Visit the Library’s website: https://rpl.lib.nh.us/
  2. Email the reference librarian Rplreference@rochesternh.net.
  3. Message us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rplnh/ or https://www.facebook.com/RPLChildrensRoom

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