If you’ve been by the Library recently, you’ve probably noticed an exciting addition to our beautiful grounds – we’ve recently erected a large tent! The library staff is already planning an exciting menu of outdoor programs for the coming months, but we are happy to announce that our tent is also available to the community to reserve. Click HERE to view our guidelines, check availability, and make a reservation request right online! You can also simply call the library or ask a staff member to help you with a reservation. When the tent is not reserved, it will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.    

The Ipswich Public Library is pleased to announce the launch of our new Library of Things collection! A “Library of Things” is a collection of non-traditional items that provides library cardholders access to a variety of items, many of which might be used infrequently.  Beyond being a fun collection of interesting items, the Library of Things movement reinforces a shared community vision of reducing consumption and the potential for wasted resources. The Library’s new collection includes over forty kits that library users can check out and take home. Some highlights include: A sewing machine with introductory books Night vision goggles Outdoor games such as bocce and corn hole Household tool kits Electronic equipment such as a mini projector, cassette to mp3 converter, and Roku stick (pre-loaded with content) Too many more Things to mention here! For additional information and a complete list of items, please visit www.ipswichlibrary.org/library-of-things/ or call 978-356-6648 x3015.   This collection was generously funded in part by the Ipswich Public Works Department through a grant from MassDEP!

The changing season marks several new beginnings we are excited to tell you about! Beginning Monday, September 21, you can browse parts of the collection and use our public computers by appointment. Online booking is live now! These appointment-based services will allow us to safely manage capacity limits and protocols for cleaning and disinfecting. Click HERE to read about how the new system works, and book right online, or call us to reserve a time to visit. We will keep offering our Library Takeout service for those who prefer to “grab and go!” For a refresher on how this service works, click HERE. Another way you can get help from home is through our new Online Chat Service! When you visit our website you will see a new “Ask Us” button that you can click to chat live with one of our librarians (more information available HERE). We know that families have a long list of issues to navigate and skills to learn this fall as plans and expectations shift constantly. To help you keep track of it all, we’ve been working on this Family Resource Guide – an extensive compilation of library materials, educational guides, and other resources as your family manages both this school year and the years ahead. It contains tools and tutorials for remote learning technology that we’ve compiled with input from the Ipswich Public Schools, and a wealth of information about other services and issues your family may be juggling right now. Last, but most certainly not least, we’re expanding our program menu in a variety of ways! For families, we have on-demand versions of our storytimes, updated every week! School-age book groups are resuming outdoors and online, and many of your long-time favorite events will return this fall in online form (keep an eye on our calendar)! Also make sure to ask us about take-home crafts next time you’re in. For adults, many book groups are moving their discussions online, and Cookbook Club has resumed with an outdoor meet-up. The ever-popular Armchair Traveler will be back (in Zoom form!), and we’re introducing a new monthly wine webinar you won’t want to miss. Many more exciting offerings will be coming your way, so definitely check our event calendar often and follow us on social media for updates. And don’t forget about these great ongoing services that are still available: Printing Services and Tax Forms You can […]

It’s been a challenging year in so many ways. Here at the library, we cherish the relationships we have developed with each one of you, and cannot thank you enough for the outpouring of support we’ve received. As we forge ahead to keep serving the community, another great way to help us is by joining the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library. The Friends are a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to the support of our library. Without the hard work and generosity of our Friends, the library would not be able to offer half the services our community has come to love. Did you know that the library has NO line item in its municipal budget for programs? Over 11,000 people attend library programs at the library each year, and most are funded by this amazing group! In addition, the Friends assist in many other areas that are above and beyond the municipal budget, sponsoring projects including: New furnishings Technology enhancements Discount museum passes for over 20 area attractions (saving our patrons over $30,000 every year!) Scholarships (presented annually to graduating high school seniors) While our Friends have always provided the bedrock on which we build our services, they’ve especially been there for us during the pandemic. They’ve continued to fund new online programs, take-home crafts, and other needed services. In order to have two very successful book sales this fall, they navigated the complicated requirements of setting up for social distancing and quarantining inventory. We don’t know what the future brings, but we know the Library will rise to challenge, because of the partnership and support we can count on from the Friends. CLICK HERE to learn how you can make a donation and/or become a member of the Friends today (you can now donate or join right online!).      

This has been a challenging year for everyone, but it’s been a particularly difficult time for families. Here at the Ipswich Public Library, we know that parents and children have long lists of issues to navigate and skills to learn this fall, and that plans and expectations are shifting constantly. To help you keep track of it all, we’ve been working on an extensive Family Resource Guide. This new resource is a compilation of library materials, educational guides, and many other resources to help your family manage this school year and the years ahead. Inside, you will find tools and tutorials for remote learning technology that we’ve compiled with input from the Ipswich Public Schools. Our staff has also been familiarizing themselves with this technology, in order to be able to help answer your questions as you get up to speed with new platforms and environments. In addition to school-specific information, the Resource Guide also contains a wealth of information about other services and support for issues your family may be juggling right now. We’ve included information about health and wellness, mental health resources, and other support organizations. We hope you find it helpful to bookmark, and we will continue to update it as needs and resources evolve. We’d like to be your partners in gathering this information in one place and keeping it up to date. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone on our staff. Even if we don’t directly provide the service you need, we will find a way to connect you to someone who can help. Click here to connect to the Family Resource Guide.

Join Colin Budzyna (WSET II) on a virtual tour of the most famous wine regions in Italy. Pick up a glass of Italian wine and Zoom in to learn about the grapes, the wines, and the regions. This online course will be divided into three monthly sessions, where we will explore a different regions of Italy each month (Northern, Central, and Southern). Italy is defined by its iconic wines, including Pinot Grigio, Chianti (Sangiovese), and Nero d’Avola. In each Zoom class, we will explore a region, then taste and discuss a wine that is prominent there. Participants may choose to attend one or all of the sessions – please click on the dates below to register for each session. Sunday, October 4th at 7pm: Northern Italy Sunday, November 8th at 7pm: Central Italy Sunday, December 6th at 7pm: Southern Italy Registered participants will be sent the link for the Zoom meeting prior to the event.   About the presenter: Colin Budzyna began his wine studies as a server at Eataly Boston, where he first fell in love with Italian wines. As his knowledge and interest grew, he enrolled in Boston University’s Elizabeth Bishop School of Wine. Colin completed Levels 1 and 2 of their wine studies program, before receiving his WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (with distinction). He is originally from Newburyport, Massachusetts, and currently resides in New York City.

Are you using this time to discover (or rediscover) eBooks and downloadable audiobooks? We’re here to help with that! Many of you have asked us about wait lists and availability (we’re working on adding a lot more titles as we speak!) but you also may need help with navigating all the different apps, devices and tools! We’ve gathered some of the most commonly asked questions we receive all in one place, for your convenience! Still not sure about something? Feel free to contact Reference Librarian Katy Wuerker directly at kwuerker@ipswichlibrary.org!

Until we can all venture further from home, we hope Library Takeout at the Ipswich Public Library will keep you reading, watching, listening, and smiling during this time. You need to “place an order” ahead of time. To learn more about our additional services such as printing and librarian reading recommendations, click here. Easy as 1, 2, 3! 1) Place items on hold online in the library catalog, or by calling us at 978-356-6648 2) We’ll notify you when your items are ready for pickup 3) Come to the library during our open hours and follow the signs to pick up your order How do I place an order? If you know what you’d like, you can simply login to the library’s catalog online and make a request! When your items are available, we will notify you to come pick them up. Statewide delivery service (ILL) among libraries has been restored. Please keep in mind that transit and fulfillment time might take a little longer than usual, as we work to return the large backlog of items to their owning libraries. If you need help placing holds, or would prefer to have a staff member assist you – no problem! We have staff ready to help over the phone. Call us at 978-356-6648 or 978-412-8713 (Children’s Room). Please be patient! We may be busy as we roll out this service. You can also email anyone on our staff with your questions. What are your hours for the Library Takeout Service? Monday: 9am – 8pm Tuesday: 9am – 5pm Wednesday: 9am – 8pm Thursday: 9am – 5pm Friday: 9am – 5pm Saturday: 9am – 4pm How You’ll Be Notified When your items are ready we’ll send a notice by the method you indicated (email, text, or phone). Unsure what this is? Call us and we can check and/or change it for you. How Will Pickup Work? You do not need to make a reservation to pick up items, simply come to the library during our regular open hours. When you arrive at the library to pick up your items, please use the front entrance at 25 North Main Street. After entering the building, follow the and markers on the floor until you reach the holds station. A staff member will be at the holds station to retrieve and check out your item.  MASKS are required. At this time, we do not have […]

May, 8, 2020   Dear Patrons,   The staff and I look forward to the day we can reopen our doors and welcome you back into our beautiful library, but we’re still unsure when that will be. Although the Town Hall is reopening to the public soon, the Library and the Council on Aging will take a little longer, as our services and uses of our spaces are a little more varied.   At the library, we are working on a phased reopening plan that allows for an incremental restoration of services. In each phase, we will adapt our services in order to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our staff members and our patrons. We will coordinate our reopening plans/tasks with the Town of Ipswich, the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Please check our website’s News page, and follow us on social media for the latest updates.   In the meantime, the staff is all still hard at work finding new ways to deliver services to you, and learning new skills to make our library the best it can be. Do not hesitate to reach out to any member of our staff for assistance!   Stay safe and well, Patty DiTullio, Library Director pditullio@ipswichlibrary.org   Some quick reminders! All due dates have been extended, and we have no overdue fines, so you are welcome to keep any books you have as long as you like. Our website has tons of resources that are available to you any time of day or night! Click here for an overview. Need us to look up your card number, reset your PIN, or apply for a new card? Get help here! Since the closure, the 36 libraries in our network have contributed over $200,000 toward new ebooks and audiobooks, and you can also borrow form every other network in the state. Learn more about Overdrive here. The children’s room has been creating online offerings for you, including our popular Mother Goose Storytimes! Explore over 200,000 digitized pages of Ipswich newspapers dating to as early as 1872 (a recently completed grant project).

Friday, March 16, 2020: Dear Patrons, As of today, all town offices, including the library, are closed to the public. We do not charge late fees, but due dates have been extended and all requests have been suspended until we reopen. We encourage you to check this page and follow us on social media for the latest updates. Sincerely, Patty DiTullio, Library Director Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact me at pditullio@ipswichlibrary.org or 978-356-6649.   Friday, March 13, 2020: Dear Patrons, After consultation with town administration and under guidance from public health officials, the Ipswich Library has made the difficult, but necessary, decision to close the library to the public beginning Friday, March 13, 2020 at 5pm, until further notice. Please visit our website frequently and follow us on social media for updates about reopening dates, and services available by phone/email during the closure. We understand, and deeply regret, the inconvenience this will cause our loyal patrons. Our entire community’s health and wellness are our top priority. Ipswich Public Library offers many amazing resources that are available 24/7 available through our website. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we face this health emergency together.   Thursday, March 12, 2020: Dear Patrons, We know the current health emergency is causing anxiety across our community. The Town and the Library are sensitive to that, and want to apprise you of the steps we are taking to address the situation. The Ipswich Public Library is working closely with the Ipswich Public Health Department and other Town Departments to monitor the latest information and guidelines provided by the by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Library’s highest priority is the health and well-being of library users, staff and volunteers. To help ensure that our library is safe and welcoming to all, we have implemented a strategy that aims to prevent and slow the spread of the virus. At present, there is no change in our hours. However, we are taking the following precautions: In response to the latest recommendations by emergency management and health professionals, we are canceling all library programs until further notice. We are also closing our public meeting rooms to outside use until further notice, and will be in touch with those scheduled to use these spaces. Out of an […]

Dear Library Patrons, The library staff misses you terribly and sends you wishes for good health and safety. We wanted to let you know that we are currently hard at work behind the scenes, working to put new services into place during this unprecedented time! Like many other organizations, libraries are scrambling to adapt in order to move forward. Under normal circumstances, we base our decisions and plans on fairly extensive needs assessment and usage data. In this strange time, our community has an ever-shifting menu of needs and we want to make sure we hear from you what they are so we can respond. As the library plans for an extended closure, what services would be most valuable to you and your family? Please take this 30-second survey to weigh in!

Welcome to our series of recommended things to do online! Bookmark this page and check back often… #1 – Discover Kanopy Kids: educational and engaging videos for children of all ages—as well as the young at heart! Their collection encourages social and emotional development, promotes respect for community diversity, and inspires creativity. Simply get a Boston Public Library ecard (it’s easy and free, just click here!) and then visit the BPL Kanopy page to login and start watching! #2 – Museums are closed but that can’t stop you from appreciating art! Did you know that you can take virtual tours, and view high-resolution images of renowned museum collections all over the world at Google Arts & Culture? You could spend hours roaming this site! #3 -The Cleveland Inner City Ballet is launching a FREE Virtual Online Ballet Instruction Program during the next 3 weeks while kids are off from school! Act now, classes start 3/18 at noon! #4 – While you are missing story time with our own amazing children’s room staff, try Storyline Online, videos of acclaimed actors reading children’s books along with animations and music! #5 – Join Discovery Education on a mission to inspire the world through aerospace innovation with an exclusive virtual field trip to historic Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas! #6 – Experience the National Aquarium from home! You can stream live feeds of Blacktip Reef, Pacific Coral Reef and Jellies Invasion exhibits every day by checking out the link below. 🖥️🐠 #7 – Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura and his family have started a “Kitchen Quarantine” Cooking Show, giving live cooking lessons daily. #8 – The Cincinnati Zoo is doing a daily HOME SAFARI – complete with related activities. You can see their past Home Safaris and projects here on their website. #9 – Ready to explore Yellowstone National Park? You don’t have to wait for a future trip – You can start exploring now by virtually touring some of the main attractions around the park. Learn more about geysers, paint pots and canyons at this link! #10 – The Metropolitan Opera is hosting “Nightly Met Opera Streams” on its website to audiences worldwide. The presentations will begin at 7:30 p.m. EST each night on the company’s website and will then be available for an additional 20 hours thereafter. #11 – The great children’s musician Laurie Berkner is performing live every day at 10am on her […]

Back by Popular demand.. the “Traveling Librarian” will be here every month through June to take you on a virtual journey around the world! Click for more details and times… February 11th at the Senior Center: Cornwall March 14th at the Library: France (The Dordogne) April 14th at the Senior Center: Thailand May 9th at the Library: Laos June 9th at the Senior Center: Greece (Macedonia) Jeff Klapes has been Head of Reference Services at Wakefield’s Beebe Library for over 20 years, where he is also known as the “Traveling Librarian.” Having visited more than 50 countries and five continents over the years, he does frequent armchair travel presentations showcasing the history and culture of various places, using photography to capture people, scenery, and local details. From Iceland to Namibia, Laos to Oman, Jeff has visited many off-the-beaten path places, as well as more popular ports of call. And of course, as a librarian, he also reads voraciously about his destinations to learn about their culture, history, politics, literature, nature, and cuisine. This series is funded by a grant from the Coburn Charitable Trust.

You can now sign up for author alerts so you never miss a book by your favorite author! Get notified by email or text message when we order new titles by your favorite authors or performers (sometimes well in advance of publication date). When you’re notified, you can place a hold for the new title! Simply visit THIS LINK and put in the author(s) name that you want to be alerted about. Depending on how you want to be notified you will either receive a text or an email.

Celebrate the Ipswich Public Library’s 150th anniversary with this necklace designed by Ipswich jewelry designer Betsy Frost!⁣ ⁣ The Ipswich Public Library has stood atop Town Hill since 1869, serving the town’s citizens as a place of learning and as a nexus for the community, where everyone is welcome. The Library’s now-familiar logo was inspired by the intricate wrought-iron railing that circumscribes the Gallery, the topmost floor of the building and created as part of the Library’s original structure. Both elegant and workmanlike, this logo has come to quintessentially represent the Library’s past, present, and future.⁣ ⁣ 50% of the sales of this necklace will be donated to the Friends of the Ipswich Library, who support the overwhelming majority of Library programs! The necklace also comes with a bookmark that highlights the Library’s logo design history. For more information, visit www.betsyfrostdesign.com, call 978-356-4040 or visit the shop at 4 Market Street, Ipswich.

The Ipswich Reads…One Book program encourages the community to read the same book and come together to explore its themes and issues at a variety of community events each fall. This year’s title is Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey through His Son’s Addiction, by David Sheff. We are pleased to announce that Mr. Sheff will visit Ipswich as our keynote speaker for this series. About the Book: David Sheff chronicles his son’s downward spiral into addiction and tentative steps toward recovery. Beautiful Boy is a fiercely candid memoir that brings immediacy to the emotional roller coaster of loving a child who seems beyond help, as only a parent can. Copies of the book are available to borrow now at the library! About the Series: Addiction impacts every community, with devastating consequences. But as a town, Ipswich is not standing idle. This initiative was born of the shared response to this crisis in our community. Countless individuals and groups are working diligently to create awareness, reduce stigma and foster conversations, as we seek answers to difficult questions. In its 15th year, Ipswich Reads One Book is an ideal platform for those conversations. Perhaps more than any other activity, reading has the power to bring people together around difficult issues. The power of storytelling to share experiences and create empathy paves the way for common ground, and for working together to solve problems. This fall, we hope that you will join us in reading, listening, learning, and continuing to discuss this complicated topic. With the combined effort of many hands and voices, we can support every individual and family impacted in our community. No matter who you are or how you connect with this issue, we can all be part of the solution. Ipswich Reads One Book 2019 is sponsored by the Ipswich Public Library, Ipswich Police Department, Ipswich Public Schools, Ipswich Family YMCA, and Ipswich Aware. Events at a Glance (click on dates below for detailed descriptions and registration requirements) Event Date and Time Location Keynote Speaker Author David Sheff Thursday, November 7th at 7pm Ipswich Performing Arts Center Open Book Discussions: Beautiful Boy ·   Friday, October 11th at 10am ·   Thursday, October 17th at  2pm ·   Monday, October 21st at 6:30pm Ipswich Public Library Panel Discussion: Substance Abuse and Community Policing Wednesday, October 9th at 7pm Ipswich Town Hall Talking with Children about Substance Use and Addiction: Strategies for Communicating […]

Our Library Opened its Doors in 1869! “Always Bring Your Library Card” Special Exhibition: Opening October 1, 2019 Explore 150 years of public service, reading, and culture in our community through the lens of the Ipswich Public Library. The exhibition presents a history of the IPL including library cards, do’s and don’ts of library behavior through the years, and rarely seen highlights from the archives! Cosponsored by the Ipswich Public Library and the Ipswich Museum. Artwork: Darcy Scanlon Moulton, courtesy of the Friends of the Ipswich Library

Please join us for this lecture by special guest, Robert Shetterly! Thursday, July 11th at 7pm. Space is limited! Register at this link. Americans Who Tell the Truth, a collection of portraits painted by nationally acclaimed cultural and educational artist Robert Shetterly, will be on public display throughout the town of Ipswich during the month of July. The portraits and accompanying narratives in the “Americans Who Tell the Truth” series highlight citizens who courageously address issues of social, environmental and economic fairness. In this presentation, Shetterly will share the origin story of the Americans Who Tell the Truth portrait series, how its mission has transformed over time, and what it means now. He will also discuss how he chose the portrait subjects, talk about art & activism,  and tell stories of several of the portrait subjects. To learn more about this series and other related events happening in Ipswich, please visit this link.

The library is pleased to announce that the next author for this lecture series will be Gregory Maguire on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Space is limited – Click HERE to save your seat! Mr. Maguire is the author of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, and several dozen other novels for adults and children. Many of Maguire’s adult novels are inspired by classic children’s stories; Wicked transforms the Wicked Witch of the West from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its 1939 film adaptation into the misunderstood green-skinned Elphaba Thropp. The blockbuster Broadway musical Wicked, at its height running nine companies simultaneously around the world, was inspired by Maguire’s first grown-up novel. Borned and raised in Albany, New York, he now lives in Massachusetts. To learn more about this special author series, please follow this link.

Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors at EBSCO Information Services, in partnership with Rosetta Stone Inc., patrons of the Ipswich Public Library can now enhance their language learning goals with access to the Rosetta Stone Library Solution. Whether patrons are looking to learn a new language, further their ESL learning as non-native English speakers, or brush up on a language for business or vacation travel, Rosetta Stone Library Solution offers the proven immersion method that more than 22,000 schools and 12,000 businesses have trusted for more than 20 years. It includes 30 languages to meet a range of cultural interests. Learning is structured around core lessons to build reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills and also includes focused activities to refine grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more. Patrons can also take advantage of available mobile apps that enable learners to reinforce their language learning wherever they may be. To start using Rosetta Stone, follow this link. Simply log in with your library card and follow the instructions! Please also feel free to contact the Reference Desk at 978.356.6648 ext. 15 if you need assistance.

OverDrive just became even better! Now you can check out ebooks and audiobooks from eight Massachusetts library networks using your Ipswich (or other MVLC) library card! You can do this either on the Overdrive website or through the Libby app. If our copy is checked out or we don’t own it, you’ll have seven other systems to search. For full details, you can find information by following THIS LINK.

Saturday, May 18, from 10:00—11:30 AM Learn how to take better photos with your smartphone or tablet, use filters & edit images, save photos, and share them. Bring your charged phone or tablet, or any camera you’d like to use – this tips are all-purpose! Note: We will be walking outside the library if weather permits; dress for the weather. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email them to Jennifer before the class at jennifer.koerber@gmail.com No Registration Required!

Satisfy your inner wanderlust and check out our monthly “Armchair Traveler” series! Jeff Klapes has been Head of Reference Services at Wakefield’s Beebe Library for over 20 years, where he is also known as the “Traveling Librarian.” On Tuesday, May 7th, Jeff will take us on an armchair traveler’s journey to Hungary’s impressive capital, Budapest. Opulent architecture along the Danube, spas and baths from the Ottoman era to the 19th century, and elegant Parisian style boulevards all create a unique atmosphere. Mixed in are the leftovers from the bleak era of Communist occupation, which make for compelling experiences learning about Hungary’s history. Having visited more than 50 countries and five continents over the years, Jeff does frequent armchair travel presentations showcasing the history and culture of various places, using photography to capture people, scenery, and local details. From Iceland to Namibia, Laos to Oman, Jeff has visited many off-the-beaten path places, as well as more popular ports of call. And of course, as a librarian, he also reads voraciously about his destinations to learn about their culture, history, politics, literature, nature, and cuisine. This series will take place monthly, alternating between the library and the senior center. Check out our online calendar for additional dates and times! This series is free and open to the public, and is funded by a grant from the Coburn Charitable Society.

Are you prepping to see Avengers: Endgame? Check out this amazing collection of Marvel Comics available on Overdrive, free with your library card!

You probably know that the library is a busy place! Last year alone more than 10,000 people attended programs at the Ipswich Public Library. But did you know that we have NO money in our town budget for programming? Most library programs (as well as supplies, computer equipment, furnishings and many other needs) are funded through the generosity of the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library. The Friends work to raise funds all year long to support the library, but this month in particular there are two easy ways you can help! During the month of April, the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library will be the designated nonprofit in the Shaw’s Supermarket Give Back Where it Counts program. This means that each time you purchase a reusable bag at the Shaw’s at 146 High Street, $1 will be donated to the Friends of the Ipswich Library. Also throughout April, the Friends will be running a special promotion in the Friends of the Library Book Shop, which is right inside the library and open during all regular library hours. This month only, ALL books with BLUE and YELLOW dots will be BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! Come pick up some great deals and support the library at the same time! To learn more about the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library, or to donate and/or volunteer, click HERE.

Sisters in Crime is a robust organization of mystery and thriller authors whose speakers span New York Times bestselling authors to emerging greats. Each engages and entertains while sharing their experiences in the fast-changing world of publishing. Join us for three monthly panel discussions on the ins and outs of writing mysteries and getting published. Space is limited and registration is required – follow the links below to our calendar to read more about our guest authors for each month and to save your seat! Sunday, March 10th at 2pm: Mystery Making In this interactive workshop, four mystery authors representing different sub-genres, including cozy/traditional and thriller/suspense, will brainstorm on their feet to create a brand new mystery using suggestions provided by the audience. Fun, fast-paced, and fascinating, this improv game offers important insights into mystery writers’ minds and the conventions of the genre. [Click HERE for more information and to register]. Sunday, April 7th at 2pm: Stealing from the Dead You don’t need to be an international spy to write a page-turning thriller, or a law enforcement professional to write a police procedural. This discussion shows how authors put new twists on old plots, research facts and settings, and discover potential stories right in their own neighborhood. [Click HERE for more information and to register]. Sunday, May 5th at 2pm: Pathways to Publication Mystery authors today not only have to write a good book, they must help it get into the hands of readers. Today’s authors have multiple choices to bring their book to life. From getting an agent and a large press offer to deciding to go with a small press or to self-publish, hear how authors decided upon their unique publication path. [Click HERE for more information and to register]. These programs are free of cost, thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library.

As the thermometer drops, it’s a great time to curl up on the couch and watch your favorite movies or TV shows. The Library makes it easy for you to plan a cozy night in with our great Binge Boxes – a box full of movies or TV shows so you can catch up on a series or enjoy a themed box for your own at-home film festival (Hitchcock, horror films, chick flicks, and more…). Check out all of our Binge Boxes in the library catalog at this link, or stop in to see what’s available today! Also make sure to look for our holiday-themed Binge Boxes, just in time to get you in the spirit!

Poetry Workshops Throughout March and April, taught by award-winning poet and educator Carla Panciera. Register for some or all – click on the links below to learn more and save your spot!   Let’s Play – March 6th at 3:30 PM       The Witnessed Experience and Beyond – March 12th at 6:30 PM Words, Words, Words – March 16th at 1:00 PM          Imagery – It Starts Here – March 26th at 6:30 PM Out of this World – April 3rd at 3:30 PM Ipswich Poetry GroupThe Ipswich Poetry Group meets upstairs on the second and fourth Wednesdays every month at 6:30pm to share poems in progress and give and receive feedback. All are welcome! Click here to learn about the group and their upcoming meetings and events. Poetry Reading Wednesday, April 10th at 6:30pm Open to all: come listen to the work of our spring workshop participants! Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library

Tuesday, April 23 at 6pm Learn about different kinds of mobile devices – smartphones, tablets, e-readers, cell phones – and how they work. We’ll discuss the basics of what an app is, and how to find and start using apps that are useful to you. Bring your mobile device if you have one, and we’ll try to answer your questions. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email them to Jennifer before the class at jennifer.koerber@gmail.com This class is free and open to the public. No registration required. Will be presented by consultant Jennifer Koerber, trainer and speaker on emerging technologies and the social web, and co-author of Emerging Technologies: a Primer for Librarians (Rowman & Littlefield, May 2015). Visit her at www.jenniferkoerber.com

Stop by the Friends of the Library Book Shop for some great deals and special sale items! ALL STOCK HALF OFF ALL DAY! Saturday, March 9th from 9am-3pm and Sunday 1pm-4pm in the Rogers Room on the first floor of the library. All proceeds directly benefit library programs and services.

The Library Board of Trustees approved a new three-year strategic plan in September of 2018, which was subsequently approved by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). Ipswich is continually growing and changing, and library services must grow and change with the Town. It is time for us to look again to be sure that we are using our resources effectively to meet the shifting needs of our community, and that we define ways to maintain and increase library services while we plan for the future. Our Long Range Plan is the result of a months-long process. It strives to bring focus to the library’s services over the next three years. While not inclusive of everything we do on a daily basis, this plan attempts to identify specific areas where the community has expressed a desire for us to strengthen and grow, while still maintaining all other services under our mission. It will guide the Library staff as they make library service and program decisions, and will guide the Trustees and Director as they allocate resources to achieve the most effective library services possible. Read more about the Library’s new plan here.