Exhibit features K-5 artwork from William Allen, Maple St. Magnet and Nancy Loud

Representing William Allen School is 5th grade artist Rowan Stevens with a Self-portrait, graphite on paper (Courtesy photos)

ROCHESTER - The Love Story raffle is over and we have a happy winner of our big Whitman's Sampler heart shaped box of chocolates! Thank you to everyone who read the love stories from our display and entered! You all received a kiss for your entries...a Hershey's Kiss, that is! Our winner was Judy McSheehan. Congratulations!

The Lazy Gardener

The Lazy Gardener is back, just in time for Spring! Her latest column features

Other themed gardens she shares are a pizza garden, a night garden and a butterfly garden. To read more about these gardens and to see her archive of past columns go to: https://rpl.lib.nh.us/lazy-gardenerCreating a Themed Garden: She says: "One of the most popular themed gardens is the Three Sisters. Corn, or maize, squash and beans have been grown together for centuries by native Americans."

Irish Traditional Music Program

The winner of the Rochester Public Library's "Love Story" Whitman's chocolate sampler heart raffle prize was Judy McSheehan, shown here with son, Tyler.

The "Songs of Emigration: Storytelling Through Traditional Irish Music" program will be on Wednesday, March 9th at 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room. This is a Humanities to Go program presented by Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki who will use traditional music to relay some of the adventures, misadventures, and emotions experienced by Irish emigrants. The presenter discusses the historical context of these songs, interspersing their stories with tunes from Ireland that made their way into New England's musical repertoire, played on his fiddle or guitar. There is a sign-up sheet at the main desk or patrons can email RPLreference@rochesternh.net to register.

Current Artist Exhibit

Librarian and Artist Liaison, Melissa, shares news about our current art exhibit: " RPL is pleased to present the artwork of Maura Sullivan during the month of March. Sullivan was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) in her thirties and is deaf and sight impaired as a result of treatment. She paints with acrylics and finds the process of creating art to be therapeutic and enjoyable. Sullivan paints commissions to support various charities near and dear to her heart. Her work can be found in the display case on the main level of the library.

Main Floor Displays

Deaf History: Main Desk Librarian, Emily, has put together a display in honor of Deaf History month including biographies, sign language manuals and other books to better understand and communicate with our hearing-impaired community members. Be sure to grab a special bookmark with the word READ in sign language.

Stabbed in the Back: March 15 is the Ides of March, the date of one of the most famous historical betrayals when Julius Ceaser was stabbed in the back by a whole bunch of Roman Senators including his buddy, Brutus, who forever has his name linked to that betrayal with the phrase: "Et tu, Brute?" In this month's display fictional betrayers are featured in books and separately DVDs, dealing with betrayal in life, love and the workplace.

It's Women's History Month!

March is also Women's History Month and we have a huge selection of fiction featuring strong, sassy and independent women of all types. Be sure to stop by and grab a few from this great display!

Tax Help

AARP Tax-Aide - Volunteers are back at the Library to help you file your taxes. Appointments are required and will be available Feb 1 - April 15 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. To make an appointment, call 211 or go to the web site 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 Room

Art Show!

Children's Room Librarian, Christina, shares: "The Children's Room will be collaborating with the Rochester Elementary Schools to provide space for a rotating art display. Marcey Buchakjian, Elementary Art Teacher, suggests stopping by to see a diverse selection of K-5 artwork, beginning Tuesday, March 2nd and running through late May!

This first exhibit will be a sampling of art from: William Allen, School Street, Nancy Loud, and Maple Street Magnet Schools, grades K-5".

Spring Story Times: Registration for Spring Story Times began in February, but there are still a couple of openings! To register call 335‑7549 or come to the library and speak with a Children's Librarian. Story Times begin the week of March 14th and run for six weeks. Registration remains open until Story Times are filled or through the first week of the Story Time session. The programs are free.

Little Lamb ~ Take It & Make It Craft

Families can pick up a kit beginning Saturday, March 5th through Saturday, March 12th or until they are gone. Pick up times are during library open hours only. The kits will be inside the Children's Room entryway. (One kit per child please.)

March Book Display: The March chapter book display is MARCH MADNESS!

You will find all levels of chapter books as well as nonfiction books all about basketball! Pick up a basketball bookmark and submit your vote on our March Madness bracket! Reading for fun is a slam dunk in the Children's room!

Cold and flu season Protocols

Cold and flu season, as well as Covid-19, is here. If anyone in your family contracts 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.

Tech Help

Having 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

Visit the Library's website: https://rpl.lib.nh.us/

Email the reference librarian Rplreference@rochesternh.net.

Message us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rplnh/ or https://www.facebook.com/RPLChildrensRoom