March into STEM

During the month of March we will offer 5 science and technology workshops.
Advance registration - now at the Reference desk or call 978-468-5577.

Computer Aided Design Workshop
with Jeffrey Walsh on Saturday, March 12

For ages 10-15, sign up for the
10:30 AM to noon workshop session.

(The adults or age 16 and up workshop 
session has been cancelled.)

Before attending, please sign-up for a Tinkercad account at tinkercad.com. Participants must bring their own 
laptop to this workshop.

Limited space. Registration required. 
Sign-up at the Reference desk on the 2nd floor, or call the Library at 978-46-5577.

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Make Your Own Video Game with the Rhode Island Computer Museum
on Saturday, March 26

This is a chance to put down your controllers and learn Scratch, the interactive software developed by MIT. Scratch is a computer program developed to teach software coding and allows you to create your own video game sample. The workshop aims to explain how early video games were made and give workshop participants new skills to develop their own games. The program will include an exhibit on “Historic Video Games”. The exhibit aims to explain the impact of Early Video Games.

Two hour session, for ages 11 & up.

Limited space. Registration required. 

Sign-up at the Reference desk on the 2nd floor, or call the Library at 978-46-5577.

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Coding with Minecraft with the Rhode Island Computer Museum on Saturday, March 26

Calling all crafters! Learn how to summon lightning bolts with a bow and arrow or build giant rainbows in the Minecraft world with code! Spawn farm animals or monsters instantly and have fun "modding" your world. This workshop introduces coding concepts by showing how to build or change (e.g. mod) the game using the Javascript or Python programming language. The set-up is easy for beginners, challenging for experienced gamers and fun for everyone. 

Two hour session, for ages 11 & up.

Limited space. Registration required. Sign-up at the Reference desk on the 2nd floor, or call the Library at 978-46-5577.

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Star Party with the North Shore
Astronomy Club on Thursday, March 31

The North Shore Astronomy Club will give a short astronomy presentation in our large meeting room, followed by astronomy-related crafts & games, and observation of the night sky through club telescopes on the field behind the library. The evening will also feature the library's new lending telescope, now open for reservations. 

This program is for all ages, though best for elementary school age to adult.

Registration is not required for this event.

Library Lending Telescope Program Brochure.

Teen Summer Programs

2014 Summer Programs 

for Teens at the 

Hamilton-Wenham Public Library

Registration is underway for the Library's teen summer programs, and they are filling up fast, don't miss out.  All programs are free; paid for by the Friends of the Hamilton-Wenham Library.  Sign up for your spot in a program at the Reference desk, or call: 978-468-5577, to sign up by phone.

THURSDAYS: JUNE 5, & AUGUST 7 

6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

TEEN THINK TANK MEETINGS
The Teen Think Tank is the Library's teen advisory
board, for ages 11-18.  We meet 11 times a year, on the first Thursday of the month (except July), for 90 minutes.
The Teen Think Tank works with the Young Adult Librarian to improve the library's teen collections (books, audiobooks, music, and films), and to create programs and services designed specifically for teens.
Come share your bright ideas! 
Earn community service credit.

Interested in becoming a member of the Teen Think Tank?  

To participate in the TTT stop by the library and talk with Kim Claire, Young Adult Librarian, or send an email stating your interest to: kclaire@mvlc.org.

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MINECRAFT CLUB at the LIBRARY

TUESDAYS,  5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Play Minecraft at the Library!  During the summer, starting Tuesday, June 24, the Minecraft Club will meet on Tuesday evenings, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
For all ages who play well with others. No griefing EVER. Bring your own laptop and have an active Minecraft membership. The club is run by a member of the Teen Think Tank (the Library's teen advisory board). Beginners and advance players welcome.

On Tuesday, July 29, at 5 PM, the Minecraft Club will meet in the large meeting room on the first floor for a presentation from Bailey Sostek:  Bailey will demonstrate some of the mods that he has made for Minecraft, and then he will demonstrate what that has enabled him to do independently with the different games he has made. He may also do a walkthrough of how to create a simple base modification to Minecraft. He will conclude with showing the links and programs that he used to create the mods and to learn java.

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THURSDAY, JULY 10, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
(meet in the Gymnasium next door to the Library)

BLUE STAR PLANETARIUM

BLACK HOLES:THE OTHER SIDE OF INFINITY

Narrated by actor Liam Neeson, this production features high-resolution visualizations of cosmic phenomena; the formation of the early universe, star birth and death, the collision of giant galaxies, and a simulated flight to a super-massive black hole lurking at the center of our own Milky Way Galaxy.  Currently in distribution to more than 100 theaters worldwide,Black Holes: the Other Side of Infinity is one of the most successful full-dome shows ever produced.
Audience size is limited to dome capacity.  To attend please register at the Reference Desk located on the 2nd floor of the Library, or call the Reference Desk at 978-468-5577. 

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THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2:30pm - 4:00 and
THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
OPTICAL ILLUSIONS
WORKSHOP & EXHIBIT

  Join Toni Carolina for a two part 

photography workshop for teens.

1st part meets on:
Thursday, July 17, 2:30pm to 4:00pm
This session will focus on forced perspective photography; a manipulation of objects to look big or tiny without the use of Photoshop.  For example: making a person look as though they are floating in air.  Let your imagination be your guide with the help of your digital camera to create optical illusions.   Bring a camera and a tripod or a couple of bags of rice or beans to steady the camera shots.

2nd part meets on:
Thursday, July 31, 2:30pm to 3:30pm

This session bring your printed optical illusion images to the Library, where you will mount and hang them in a show in the Young Adult area of the Library.

Open to teens 12-18 years old, or to students entering grades 6-12 in 2014.  Limited to 12 participants.  There is no charge to attend. Register at the Reference desk, or call 978-468-5577.

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SATURDAY, JULY 19, 9:30 PM to 12:30 PM 

TEEN THINK TANK GOES SHOPPING for the Library

The Library's teen advisory board will be going to Barnes & Noble to shop for items, that the Library does not already own, to add to our teen collections.  To participate in this trip you must have attended at least one previous Teen Think Tank meeting.

Parent/guardian permission forms are due by June 30. 

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THURSDAY, JULY 24, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 
SUBLIME SUNFLOWERS:
a PASTEL WORKSHOP for Teens and Adults 

A hands-on experience of basic pastel painting, as well as advanced techniques, using professional grade materials with award-winning artist, Gregory Maichack.

Extensively researched, Maichack teaches participants by lecture, revealing anecdotes, historical context and demo of techniques. This workshop is designed for beginners to advanced participants. Maichack, a faculty member of the Springfield Museum Studio School, will explain concepts and then start you off by sharing a fearless approach to drawing. Participants will use photos of famous “Sunflowers” artwork by van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Monet, and also Maichack’s reference photos, to create their unique sunflower pastel painting.

This workshop includes all materials:  Indigo paper, white charcoal pencils, black paper, Rembrandt soft pastels, Nupastels, French and English pastel pencils, assorted colored mid-toned Canson pastel paper and other materials.

Class size limited to 30 participants.   Open to teens ages 12-19, and to adults.
To attend register at the Reference desk on the 2nd floor of the Library, or call 978-468-5577.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Hamilton-Wenham Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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TUESDAY, JULY 29, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 
iROBOT visits the Library



Curious about robots? A representative from iRobot will bring their robots to the library.  Enjoy a presentation and hands-on demonstration of robots used both in the home and by soldiers and emergency response teams.

For ages 10 and up. No registration required.

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THURSDAY, JULY 31 

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

HISTORICAL SWORDS: WESTERN EUROPEAN  

This presentation is a combination of lecture/discussion and physical demonstration given by Jeff Goodhind and Jeff Lord. Seeking a correlation between the book and the sword, they include material from the earliest known combat manual (MS I.33 from the early 14th century) to Alfred Hutton's Cold Steel (a manual from 1890) covering over half a millennia of the history of the sword in Western Europe and its use.  This program will include:

• A chronological presentation of several different eras of sword use, including a physical demonstration of the use of several different types of swords (It is all choreographed and practiced in advance and they only use blunt steel swords.).
• A question and answer "mythbusters" segment where they discuss the common misconceptions about swords.
• Some images from historical works (PowerPoint).
• An introduction to historical interpretation which includes some audience participation (Usually they provide two audience members with foam swords and have them work through a historical combat sequence.)

This program is for all ages. There is no registration required.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 10:15 AM to 2:00 PM

SAT/ACT COMBO PRACTICE TEST

Take a practice SAT/ACT (half SAT, half ACT) test, complete with results, provided free of charge by
Kaplan Test Prep.  A proctored SAT/ACT practice test shows students what to expect in a test-like environment. Students will receive a comprehensive analysis of their performance from Kaplan, detailing individual strengths and weaknesses.
Bring #2 pencil and a calculator to use during the test. The College Board sets the policy for calculators, here is the link to the policy:http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/calculator-policy

Limited to 24 participants.  Register at Kaplan Test Prep, 

or go to the Reference desk on the 2nd floor of the Library.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

CSI: FORENSICS LAB WORKSHOP

Engage in the mystery and the science of a Crime Scene Investigation Forensics Lab. From traditional fingerprinting techniques to DNA sampling and analysis, students will have the opportunity to explore methods used by scientists and detectives to properly identify suspects wrapped up in criminal investigations.

A small amount of cell biology will be discussed as students extract DNA from fruit cells or their own cheek cells. Historic and modern techniques of fingerprinting will be used as students make their own fingerprint charts and dust for latent prints using magnetic and UV powder.  A microscope and two stereoscopes will be available for further investigation. Students can: identify significant markers on latent prints, study their own fingers and magnify sampled DNA. To end the investigation two - three real crimes that used covered practices will be discussed.

Open to teens 12-18 years old or to students entering grades 6-12 in 2012. 

Class size is limited to 14.  Register at the Reference desk on the 2nd floor, or call 978-468-5577.

Fall Programs for Teens

Minecraft Club Meetings
Every Wednesday 2:30PM to 4:30PM

The Minecraft Club is run by teens, for all ages who play well with others.  Bring your own laptop and have an active Minecraft membership.  Beginners and advance players welcome.  Minecraft Resources in the Catalog.

Teen Think Tank Meetings
First Thursday of the month
6:30PM to 7:50PM
The Library's teen advisory board, for ages 11-18, meets 11 times a year, on the first Thursday of the month (except July), for 90 minutes.  The Teen Think Tank works with the Young Adult Librarian to improve collections (books, audiobooks, music, and films), and to create programs and services designed specifically for teens.  Come share your bright ideas!  To participate drop by the Library and talk with the Young Adult Librarian, Kim Claire, about your interest in the TTT, or contact Kim at kclaire@mvlc.org.

PSAT Practice Test
Saturday, Sept. 28, 10AM to 1PM

Take a practice PSAT test, complete with results, provided free of charge by Kaplan.
A full-length proctored PSAT practice test shows students what to expect in a test-like environment. Students will receive a comprehensive analysis of their performance from Kaplan, detailing individual strengths and weaknesses.  Pre-register at the Reference desk, or call 978-468-5577, or email Kim at kclaire@mvlc.org. Bring a pencil and a calculator to use during the test.  The College Board sets the policy for calculators here is the link to the policy:
http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/calculator-policy

Movie: Bless Me Ultima

Friday, Oct. 1, 3PM to 4:50PM

"A drama set in New Mexico during WWII, centered on the relationship between a young man and an elderly medicine woman who helps him contend with the battle between good and evil that rages in his village".-from IMDb   Rated PG-13.  Based on the book by Rudolfo A. Anaya. Read the book before seeing the movie: Bless Me, Ultima.

College Financial Aid Workshop
Thursday, Oct. 17, 7PM to 8:30PM
College Financial Aid Workshop, for parents & students. Presented by Certified College Planning Specialist Jim Femia. There are billions of dollars available in need-based and merit-based aid available every year to assist students in paying for college. In order to receive financial aid however, the proper paperwork must be submitted accurately and on time. Many of these forms, FAFSA, CSS Profile, Institutional Forms, etc. can be longer and more complicated than the federal tax forms. This workshop is designed to introduce the financial aid process and provide helpful hints to potentially increase your financial aid eligibility.


Lives of Civil War Soldiers
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 3PM to 4:30PM
South Coast Historical Associates takes us into the lives of the everyday soldiers and citizens of the Civil War. Using replica firearms and original artifacts such as medical devices, battle flags and everyday items, experience an interactive and engaging program for ages 10+ and adults.

Keynote Speaker for the Library's 2013 Community Read

Dwight Jon Zimmerman

at the Ken Olsen Science Center

Gordon College, Wenham, MA

Thursday November 7, 2013
Reception @ 6:30 PM
Dwight Jon Zimmerman's Author Talk @ 7:30 PM

No living person has experienced the tragic loss of life, heart-rending decisions and dark days of the American Civil War. Dwight Jon Zimmerman, acclaimed military expert, award-winning author and radio show host, uses his extensive research on Douglass and Lincoln to shed light on our complex past, and invites dialogue about what divides and unites our nation 150 years later.

Click here for a pdf of the many related community read events.

In The Hammer and the Anvil, author Dwight Jon Zimmerman and artist Wayne Vansant recreate the turbulent era of American history that culminated in the Civil War through the lives of two pivotal figures: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Douglass, an escaped slave and brilliant orator, railed against the inequities of human bondage, while Lincoln used his time as a state legislator to try to curb the westward expansion of slavery.
Although the two men had their differences, they had experiences in common as well, and were ultimately united by the same cause. Their dynamic personalities, motives and efforts are skillfully portrayed in this engrossing historical graphic novel.
Reserve your copy of The Hammer and the Anvil today.

NaNoWriMo
Every Saturday in November, 10AM to 3:45PM
NaNoWriMo is short for National Novel Writing Month. This November, people all over the world will attempt to write a 50,000-word novel by midnight, November 30. Local writers will meet at the library every Saturday in November for write-ins. Come when you can! Leave when you like! Brainstorm, socialize, and boost your word count in the company of others who are doing the same. Last year, some authors produced upwards of 3,000 words in a single session. (That's 12 pages in the average printed book!) Call 978-468-5577 or email Sarah at slauderdale@mvlc.org to find out more. Or visit our Library's NaNoWriMo page. 
Click this link for: NaNoWriMo's Young Writers Program webpage

Graphic Novel As Art
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7PM to 8:30PM
Word Bubbles and Thought Balloons: The Graphic Novel as an Art Form 

Montserrat College of Art professors Adam Miller and Blyth Hazen present a brief history of comics and graphic novels, followed by a survey of the artistic styles and subgenres - from fantasy to autobiography and historical fiction - that make up this growing and evolving art / literary form. The presentation ends with examples of their work and process from their own studios, leaving time for Q&A about how to develop a graphic novel from idea to finished product.

Minecraft Club at the Library

The Library's Minecraft Club will start 

Wednesday, September 4, 2:30PM to 4:30PM. 

Bring your own laptop and have an active Minecraft membership.  

Registration will take place on club days.  Club is run by teens, for all ages who play well with others.
The club will meet every Wednesday at 2:30pm to 4:30pm.  

RULES: No griefing, raiding, or killing other players unless it is announced that a specific day will be a raiding and/or a player versus player day.  You will be banned until the next club meeting if you raid other players or engage in PVP on a no raiding/no PVP day. Three strikes and you will not be allowed to play with the club. You may ask the Op/Administrator (Daniel) to encase your house in bedrock if you do not want to play on a raiding or PVP day.

If you have a question or a comment use the comment section below.

Click this link to see: Minecraft Books in the Library's Catalog