Virtual author event scheduled for August 25

The book is by Dan Szczesny and his daughter Uma. (Courtesy imae)

ROCHESTER - Join us for our virtual author event with Dan Szczesny coming up soon!

And don't miss the Seacoast NH LGBT History Project display in our Carnegie Gallery throughout August.

New Patron Services Supervisor

Our Director, Marie Lejeune, shares this exciting news:"I am pleased to announce that Katherine Parker-Wright has accepted the position of Patron Services Supervisor. She has been on the Library staff for a number of years, and during that time has worked in both the Children's and Adult Departments. I had the great pleasure of being Katherine's supervisor during the time she worked in the Children's Department and am very much looking forward to working with her in this new role."

We are all very happy for Katherine and wish her all the best in this new position!

Goodbyes

It seems like we've had to say goodbye too often in the past couple of weeks as our two long time pages, Henri and Miranda, moved on to other jobs.

Now, our wonderful Main Desk co-worker, Nick, is leaving us for a position at the Dover Public Library where he will be a Systems and Technology Librarian. We will miss him greatly and we know he will be missed by many of our patrons who enjoyed his cheerful presence at the desk.

System Migration Scheduled

Heads up for patrons using the library on Wednesday, September 1, we may have limited circulation services due to a system migration scheduled for that day. We will be open with our regular business hours.

Nick Gagnon Photo Exhibit

While Nick may not be working with us anymore, you can still enjoy his award winning nature and wildlife photography which is on exhibit here for the month of August. Nick Gagnon remembers shooting his first photograph at a young age, in the White Mountains. Of his work, Gagnon writes:

"Growing up in New England, I have been inspired by the environment around me, from the seacoast to the mountains and the changing seasons. I enjoy exploring and sharing the sights I see on my adventures. I can often be found camping and hiking in the White Mountains or cycling through the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

My photographs have been published in the Appalachian Mountain Club Outdoors Magazine, Best Read Guide and online as a web exclusive article for the Appalachian Mountain Club.

I have been exploring various styles of photography as I continue creating works, including portrait, wedding, events and human-environment interaction, which is very important to me."

Find more of Gagnon's work at www.nicholasgagnonphotography.com or @nick.gagnon220 on Instagram.

Virtual Author Event

August 25th at 6 p.m. When outdoors writer Dan Szczesny and his daughter Uma hiked out to the famous landmark boulder that looks remarkably like a frog, his six-year-old asked if there were other rocks in the state that were famous as well. Turns out, there's a lot! And so began a state-wide adventure to visit, document and learn about one of the state's most famous features, thousands of rocks and boulders. Dan will be chatting with us about his new book, NH Rocks That Rock: an Adventure Guide to Twenty-Five Famous Boulders of the Granite State, along with his journey in writing it.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, please email us at rplreference@rochesternh.net. Once registered, you will be sent a link for the program. We look forward to seeing you!

Kait Recommends

Assistant Librarian, Kait, is well known on social media for her book recommendations with many followers online and through this column! This week, she says: "Today I'd like to share some of my favorite historical fiction books with you! I think you'll enjoy these if you like reading about what it was really like to grow up at different points in history, from the 17th century right up through the early 21st. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

Jess Darling series by Megan McCafferty*

Music From Another World by Robin Talley

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

Rebel Spy by Veronica Rossi

Angel of Greenwood by Randi Pink

Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian

*While the Jess Darling series was written as contemporary fiction, I think in 2021 it is better suited as historical fiction because of it's depiction of life before and immediately following 9/11. For more book lists like these and other bookish fun, follow Kait Plus Books at kaitplusbooks.com or @kaitplusbooks on social media!

(Most of Kait's list recommendations can be found in the library. Some are available on the Libby app.)

RPL Recommends Animated Videos

Main Desk Librarian (and syndicated cartoonist), Stephanie, and Main Desk Librarian Karyl, have created a series of animated videos recommending books and DVDs and other items. Check in each week on our Facebook and Instagram accounts to see our latest videos with great title recommendations in each one.

Upstairs/Downstairs

We have now opened the street level entrance to the Library for the convenience of our patrons. You can now enter and leave on either floor.

Contacting Patrons for Library Holds

If you signed up for email notifications for your holds for library items you will longer be receiving an additional phone call unless you specifically request it. We know people are busy and we don't want to add to your day with extra phone messages. Patrons who only want to be notified with a phone call will continue to receive our calls and messages. We are always happy to talk to you and let you know when your items are ready for you! Let us know your preference.

Seacoast NH LGBT History Project Display

Throughout the month of August, the Library is hosting a Seacoast LGBT History Project exhibit. The exhibit chronicles the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in the Seacoast area and will be on display in the Carnegie Gallery. The Seacoast LGBT History Project was founded in 2015 by Tom Kaufhold to research, document and preserve the history of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people on the Seacoast with an emphasis on Portsmouth.

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/