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.

This February we are celebrating this year’s 91st Academy Awards Ceremony (airing Sunday, February 24th). Check out our “Night at the Oscars!” display table on the main floor to see what is available to checkout and to learn more about the list of nominees. Feeling lucky? Grab a ballot, return it completed with contact information to the box, and you might win our “Night at the Oscars!” Giveaway basket full of movie night goodies. Winner to be announced on Monday, February 25th.   Nominated Films are playing in the Collins Room this month! Click on the title to register online: Tuesday, February 5th: First Man (5:30-8pm, PG-13, 142min, Four Nominations) Saturday, February 9th: Christopher Robin (1-2:45pm, PG, 103min, One Nomination) Wednesday, February 13th: A Quiet Place (6-7:30pm, PG-13, 91min, One Nomination) Friday, February 15th: BlacKkKlansman (5-7:30pm, R, 136min, Six Nominations) Saturday, February 16th: Incredibles 2 (10-12:15pm, PG, 125min, One Nomination) Tuesday, February 19th: Solo: A Star Wars Story (1-3:15pm, PG-13, 135min, One Nomination) Friday, February 22nd: Black Panther (1-3:15pm, PG-13, 135min, Seven Nominations) All listed events are free and light refreshment will be provided. To learn more about the movies and to register for an event, you can also visit: ipswichlibrary.org/events. Questions? Please contact Teen Librarian Katy Wuerker at kwuerker@ipswichlibrary.org or (978) 356-6648.  

Registration for the Cookbook Club starts today!  Click here to register.

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.      

We’ll end our summer reading program like we started – with cupcakes! The theme? “Books into Movies”! Prizes will be awarded to cupcakes for creativity. Registration required. This event is free and for TEENS ONLY (rising 6th graders through exiting 12th graders).