March comes in like a lion, but at RPL you can go out with a lamb

The Children's Room's next Make it and Take It craft is this cute Little Lamb. It will be available in early March. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Still need help with your taxes? Don't forget you can make an appointment with AARP by calling 211. This week several of our staff share some of their favorite items.

Irish Traditional Music Program

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.

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.

Staff Recommendations

Children's Room series: RPL Librarian, Amy, shares her thoughts on a series she likes: "I recently came across a great chapter book in the Children's room that I would like to share. Changeling, book one of the Oddmire series by William Ritter, is a wonderful story about a goblin who messed up his one job of replacing a human baby with a goblin changeling. His mistake took on a life of its own and ended up creating a new version of what friendship and family look like. The two main characters, Tinn and Cole are twins of sorts and go on a mission to the Wild Wood to solve the great mystery of their origins. You will find this fantasy/adventure book in the children's room along with many others like it. Ask a librarian to help you find your next great read!"

DVD Series

Main Desk Librarian, Emily, has this to say about the TV series Resident Alien: "Coming from someone who typically avoids sci-fi, Resident Alien is a laugh out loud comedy that is bingeable! It also gets additional thumbs up from 4 other Librarians! It is available on DVD at the Library".

Audio Book

Emily also shares a recent audiobook she enjoyed: "Harlem Shuffle, the audiobook, by Colson Whitehead is read by Dion Graham whose voice is perfect for this story. It was an enjoyable listen during my commute. Set in the early 1960s, Harlem Shuffle tackles racial issues as well as other social-political issues while focusing on a character who toes the line in the criminal world. An excellent read that is both funny and poetic."

DVD Movie

Main Desk Librarian, Stephanie, shares a favorite film recommendation: "Last Night in SOHO is gorgeous, gripping and completely original. Set in London, this story revolves around Ellie, a girl raised by her grandmother in the country who is obsessed with 1960s London, which was once, as she says, "The center of the Universe!". She is a natural talent when it comes to fashion designing and is excited to receive acceptance into the London College of Fashion. Once she arrives, she is overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the city as well as by her new roommate and the cool crowd that revolves around her. Then she sees a woman who seems to have stepped right out of her 1960s world, someone who is a bright, self-confident vision of everything Ellie would like to be. What happens next is something you'll have to check this DVD out to find out! It stars Anya Taylor-Joy, who lights up the screen in every scene and Thomasin McKenzie is heartbreaking as Ellie. Also in the cast are 1960s icons Diana Rigg, Terence Stamp and Rita Tushingham. This movie has a fantastic, perfectly scored soundtrack filled with some of the best and catchiest songs from the 1960s which is another reason to check it out!"

Children's Room

Story Time: Children's Room Librarian, Christina, shares: Story Time sign-ups are now open. Call 603-335‑7549 or come to the library to register. Registration will remain open until Story Times are filled or through the first week of the Story Time session. The programs are free. Story Times begin the week of March 14th and will run for six weeks.

Story Time will start in our meeting room and will last about 20 minutes. We will share three to four books alternating with fingerplays, songs, and movement, and then follow with a 30-minute "Stay & Play" in the Children's Room. This time will be for children to participate in unstructured play and socialize, while adults will have an opportunity to meet other families in our community.

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.)

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