2015 Annual Meeting Marks 75th Anniversary of Friends’ Founding

Join us Thursday, September 17, for a

program honoring John P. Marquand,

Pulitzer Prize–winning Newburyport

author

The fiscal-year 2015 annual meeting of the

Friends of the Newburyport Public Library

will take place Thursday, September 17, 2015,

at 7:00 p.m. in the library’s Program Room. All 900-plus members

are cordially invited to get an update on the group’s work and hear

recollections of Newburyport’s own John P. Marquand.

After a brief business meeting, board President

Nancy Peace will welcome the Honorable Richard E.

Welch III of Newburyport, who will offer a special

reminiscence of his grandfather, John P. Marquand,

whose many novels made his a “household name.”

The board sees it as particularly fitting for the

Friends to honor Marquand this year, because it is the

anniversary of the first annual meeting of the group

that today, some 75 years later, has become the Friends

of the Library. Marquand was the guest speaker at that

first meeting in October 1940,

In December 1939, three months after outbreak of World War

II in Europe, Irving Cole, head librarian of the Newburyport Public

Library, joined with about 30 other city residents to form what they

called the Association of Library Friends. Their first regular meeting

was held in the Reading Room of the original library building (formerly

(continued on page 3)

N E W B U R Y P R T

PUBLIC LIBRARYfootnotes

September 2015 Volume 25 Number 1

T H E F R I E N D S O F T H EDear Friends…

Since becoming president of the Friends

of the Newburyport Public Library, I have

found myself paying greater attention to

the many and varied programs that the

library offers. In June, I had the pleasure of

visiting Melanie Bennett’s Library Babies

class, which the library has been offer-

ing since 2010. Intended for pre-walking

babies up to age 1 and their parents, this

class is designed to share books, lap games,

singing, music and dance with babies. The

program allows parents to experience the

joys and benefits of being in the moment

with babies and witness just how bright

they are.

On the day I visited Library Babies,

approximately 15 children and their parents

were sitting in the Children’s Room activity

area. The children all had pieces of colorful,

sheer fabric that they were using to keep

time to age-appropriate music. Clearly

everyone was having a great time and, as

might be expected, over time the energy in

the room increased. What totally amazed

me was the way Melanie brought the class

to a conclusion. As she sang the song “Tree,

Tree, Tree,” the entire room simply became

calm. I have never seen anything like it.

Melanie told me the song was by Fred

Rogers, better known as “Mr. Rogers” on

PBS. She added that when parents sing this

song to their children, they become calm

right along with the children. Amazing and

well worth knowing!

Yankee Homecoming offered another

opportunity to observe and work with

staff from the Children’s Department.

On Wednesday, July 29, Allison Driscoll

and Diane Oxton participated in Kids’

Day in the Park at Atkinson Common.

They each read stories, and two musicians

engaged the children in music making and

song. This event highlighted the library’s

(continued on page 6)

Hon. Richard E. Welch III

Online events calendar: www.newburyportpl.org/events

Brain Teaser

by Al Lavender

We got a good response from cryptograms in the last

issue of “Footnotes,” so we’ll do another set. Remember,

substitute one letter for another to solve the following:

1. qtujjteteqxbubsuoqrqbsexlfojmubs,pfjqtljliusblxqbzeuohfojqopqr.—jmlgqoq.eruolb.

2. jpzygkyh’siazahzsujhe,zygtyh’sonmarrnkgdyhsyqndnasjs.—marvjhmyyrjken.

3. doebmejbrma’qisaqqmlmhbmvqqmqzbcsjjesuf,amcmrt’wgmdagqmwqmeqzbh.—tmgdcbuus.

4. zrtowcgxciyjwcmkxiitczxjntcgutgm’wetwzcxfhwcg.—rxqmrfqmckhnmy.

5. yqerpemjcroaegafevgo’ylksagfjyjcrfzgklfe-yrftugmebem.—xemrfzugmz

Entries, limited to one per member, must be sent to Al

Lavender, 10 Rawson Hill Road, Newburyport, MA 01950

or e-mail to: allavender@comcast.net. Deadline for receipt

of entries is October 1, 2015.

Contest Results

The answers to the cryptograms in the last issue are:

1. Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains,

no matter how improbable, must be the truth.

— Sherlock Holmes

2. If everything seems under control, you’re just not

going fast enough.

— Mario Andretti

3. Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be

looking for it. — Henry David Thoreau

4. You got to be careful if you don’t know where you’re

going, because you might not get there. — Yogi Berra

5. The man who does not read good books has no

advantage over the man who cannot read them.

— Mark Twain

Sheila Johnson, winner of this contest, was chosen at

random from among the five correct answers received.

October Means It’s Time for the Great Old Book Sale!

It’s been happening in October (and March) for so many

years now that for some people, when they see October on

the calendar, their minds immediately turn to thoughts of

the Friends of the Newburyport Public Library’s Great Old

Book Sale.

Mark Your Calendar Now

Do you follow a routine to prepare for the sale? If so, it

probably starts with marking your calendar, so here are the

dates for this year’s fall sale:

Book donations accepted at the library—Saturday, October

17, at 9:00 am, to Wednesday, October 21 at noon sharp).

Members-Only Preview Night—Wednesday, October 21, 6:30–8:30 pm

Opening Day—Thursday, October 22, 9:00 am–8:30 pm

Great Old Book Sale continues—Friday, October 23,

9:00 am–6:30 pm. Although the selection is now more limited,

tons of books still remain, and prices are reduced by half.

Great Old Book Sale Discount Day—Saturday October 24,

9:00 am–3:00 pm. We provide the bag, you fill it—for $3.00

Meet Ms. Paige Turner

Paige is a Friend with a ritual of preparing for the sale: “First I bring out the box with books I’ve been collecting since the last sale,” she says. “I like to have my donations ready beforehand so I don’t miss the dates set aside for donations. Now where is that box?”

Upon finding the box in a closet, she pulls it out for inspection. “Oh dear, I have to remove these videotapes? Ah well, they’re no longer accepted for the sale, but everything else looks good. I simply have to jot down these dates! Now where’s my calendar? Of course, it’s on my phone! I’m ready for the fall 2016 Great Old Book Sale.

“I’ve noticed the people who volunteer to help are friendly, and they look like they’re having fun. I’ve been hoping to find a new way to meet people, so this year, I think I’ll offer my help,” Ms. Turner decides.

Paige Turner has the right idea. Find your donations and mark your calendar for the October Great Old Book Sale. Starting early in October, a binder with volunteer sign-up sheets will be available in the library lobby beneath the bulletin board by the foot of the stairs. Hillary Hawkins

Events information: call (978) 465-4428 ext. 242 3

John P. Marquand—A Brief Chronlogy

Marquand was born into a

Newburyport family with a

proud heritage of shipbuilders

and mariners, and was a great-

nephew of Margaret Fuller

and cousin of Buckminster

Fuller. He considered his early

years in Newburyport as for-

mative for his writing career

and success. Following is a brief synopsis of some of the

highpoints of his life.

november 10, 1893  John Phillips Marquand is born in

Wilmington, Delaware; shortly after, the family moves

to Rye, New York, a wealthy suburb of New York City

1907 The Crash of 1907 devastates the family

financially, and JPM’s parents send their son to live

with two aunts and a great-aunt at Curzon’s Mill; he

attends Newburyport High School

1911 JPM graduates Newburyport High; he enrolls at

Harvard College, which awarded him a scholarship

1915 JPM graduates Harvard; the Boston Evening

Transcript hires him as a reporter

Marquand Honored at Annual Meeting(continued from page 1)

the Tracy Mansion), and at that meeting guest speaker John

P. Marquand read a paper entitled “Where Are You, Prince?”

At the time, Marquand was the most widely read author

in the United States. Whether from his serialized “Mr. Moto”

mysteries or the other bestselling novels, such as The Late

George Apley or Point of No Return, it was fairly certain that

just about everyone knew his work. Although Marquand’s

name retains its luster and familarity in Newburyport, where

he lived and worked, sadly it has been supplanted by those

of contemporary writers of bestselling novels, mysteries, and

thrillers, many of whom built careers by following his lead.

Some acknowledge Marquand’s influence, but dozens who

may not also are deeply in his debt.

This special program is likely to attract a full house to

the library’s Program Room, but seating is strictly limited.

Be sure to arrive early to get a seat. Ron Ziemba

1916 As member of Battery A of the Massachusetts

National Guard, which is activated for duty, JPM is

sent to the Mexican border.

1922 JPM’s first novel, The Unspeakable Gentleman, is

published; he marries Christina Sedgwick, with whom

he will have a son and a daughter

1925 JPM’s first important book is published: Lord

Timothy Dexter, a work of nonfiction.

1935 Publication of Your Turn, Mr. Moto—first of

the series that will bring JPM great fame; JPM and

Christina are divorced

1936 JPM marries Adelaide Ferry

Hooker; the couple will have two sons

and a daughter

1938 JPM wins Pulizer Prize for his novel

The Late George Apley, published in 1937

1940 JPM addresses first meeting of

the Association of Library Friends,

Newburyport

1942 H. M. Pulham, Esquire

published; like many of JPM’s novels,

it becomes a well-received movie (in

this instance, one directed by King

Vidor and starring Hedy Lamarr and

Robert Young)

1949 Publication

of Point of No

Return, JPM’s

satirical novel about W. Lloyd

Warner’s Yankee City project

(a sociological examination of

Newburyport)

1957 “Rendezvous in Tokyo”—the

last of JPM’s “Mr. Moto” stories—is

serialized in New York Post, then published as Stopover:

Tokyo, another bestseller

1958 JPM and Adelaide divorce

july 16, 1960 JPM dies in Newburyport

“Distrust the book which reads too easily because

such writing appeals more to the senses than to the

intellect. Hard reading exercises the mind.”

— John P. Marquand, The Late George Apley

Online events calendar: www.newburyportpl.org/events

The Fans

Are you a super fan? Or do you have lots of different Fan-

doms you want to celebrate? Do you want to meet other

fans just like you? Do you attend sixth grade or higher?

Then The Fans is for you!

This new group meets on a Tuesday night each month

to discuss favorite books, TV shows, movies, and more!

Each meeting will have a new theme along with fun food

and activities for all. Check our online events calendar to

see which of your fandoms is up for celebration!

Questions? Get in touch with Sara, Teen Services

Librarian (see contact information in opposite column).

MOVIES AT THE NPLMovie Matinees

Every Wednesday at 2:30 pm, Program Room

Come and enjoy the library’s theaterlike screen and sound

system with fellow film buffs. Each week we will be show-

ing a new or popular film that you can enjoy with some

popcorn and your friends! Check the library’s website for

a listing of the movie titles, descriptions and run times.

History Through the Lens: Historical Film Series

Every Wednesday at 6:00 pm, Program Room

Join us as we explore different ages in history through

film. This new weekly movie series will focus on popular

historical fiction titles that have dramatized the past to

bring historical events to the big screen. Enjoy the library’s

theaterlike screen and sound system with fellow film buffs!

Check the library’s online events listing for the films’ titles,

descriptions, and lengths.

Adult Summer Reading ProgramOur second Adult Summer Reading program was a great

success! Participants reviewed each book they read on

forms and were entered into weekly drawings and one

for the grand prize, a Kindle Fire. Each weekly winner

received a gift certificate to a local establishment, such as

Jabberwocky, Buttermilk Baking Company, and Abraham’s

Bagels. The review forms were posted in the library lobby

for participants to share their favorite (and not-so-

favorite) books. Thanks to all of those who participated!

This fall we are beginning a winter reading challenge,

For details, check our website or stop by the library.

TEEN LOFT

Dumbledore’s Army

Calling all Harry Potter fans from age 10 up:

Dumbledore’s Army wants you!

If you’re all about the boy who lived, join us monthly

on a Thursday afternoon for all things Hogwarts. We’ll

make drinkable potions, charmtastic wands, and golden

snitches, all while sharpening our HP skills with Trivia and

more! Summon up our magical online events calendar to

learn more!

Please contact Sara, Teen Services Librarian, with

questions at nplteenlibrarian@gmail.com.

BOOK GROUPS FOR ADULTSNovel Ideas: Fiction Book Group

Second Wednesday of the month; find out what the

month’s title will be by checking the online events calendar

or calling for events information.

Just the Facts: Nonfiction Book Group

Last Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm; this fall’s titles are:

september 29 The Underground Girls of Kabul,

by Jenny Nordberg

october 27 The Coke Machine, by Michael Blanding

november 17 Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

Reading Glasses: A 20/30–Something Book Group

Last Wednesday of the month, 7:00 pm; location varies

Join Reading Glasses, a new book group for adults in their

20s and 30s. The Newburyport and Amesbury Public Librar-

ies have partnered to offer this great new opportunity. We

will read a specific novel each month, then meet at a local

restaurant for food, drinks, and discussion. Copies of each

book will be available at both libraries. Here is what’s on tap:

september 30 Discuss Dark Places, by Gillian Flynn, at

Flatbread Company in Amesbury (downstairs function

room)

october 28 Meet at The Port Tavern, Newburyport

(upstairs lounge); check online events calendar for

October’s book

november 18 Our book is The Good Luck of Right Now,

by Matthew Quick; Flatbread Company, Amesbury

december 16 Jennifer Egan’s A Visit from the Goon Squad

will be discussed at The Port Tavern, Newburyport

Events information: call (978) 465-4428 ext. 242

Adult Craft Night

Third Monday of the month, 6:00 pm (begins September 21)Children’s Activity Room [Registration required]

Swooning over all the cool crafts you see on Pinterest?

Wondering when you’ll find time to do some yourself?

Worried your crafting skills aren’t up to par or hesitant to

attempt them on your own? Come to the library and learn

to make fun, cool (sometimes useful) crafts at our new

monthly Adult Craft Night.

For our inaugural class on September 21, we will be

taking a blast to the past, resurrecting shrinky-dinks for

a more adult use: wine charms. Examples of the crafts

will be posted on our website and Facebook and will be

available at the Reference Desk. Enrollment is limited and

registration required. Supplies will be provided, so just tap

into your inner creative side beforehand!

New Help for Patrons with Vision Loss

JAWS screen reader now available

JAWS, the world’s most popular screen-reader software,

which was developed for computer users whose vision

loss prevents them from seeing content on their com-

puter screen or navigating with a mouse, is now available

for public use at the Newburyport Public Library. JAWS

provides speech and Braille output for the most popular

computer applications. Contact the second-floor Refer-

ence Desk for more information.

We will be having some great presenters this fall, so please

check our online events calendar, subscribe to our weekly

eNewsletter (see box below), or pick up a monthly events

handout to stay informed about what is happening at the

library!

Tai Chi at the Library

Every Friday at 9:05 am and 10:00 am

Improve physical and mental health by joining the free

weekly drop-in tai chi class at the NPL every Friday. Kath-

leen Kondylas leads the classes in tai chi and qigong in the

form of Wu Dang, as taught by Xuan Yun. No experience is

necessary; please wear comfortable clothing.

Knitters in a Bookstack

Every Wednesday at 6:30 pm

Our drop-in knitting group is open to all. Whether you are

a beginner or an advanced knitter, drop by the library on

Wednesday nights to knit and share tips with others. This

program is free, and no registration is required.

Facebook Friends

As announced in the June issue of “Footnotes,”

the Friends’ new Facebook page is live at

www.tinyurl.com/newburyportlibraryfriends. So far we have more than 80 “likes,” and we

need your help to make it 100. . . and more!

One benefit of being online is that we

get to learn more about our fellow Friends. According

to statistics Facebook provides, our posts have reached

people as far away as Colorado and Australia, though of

course our main audience is right here in the Newburyport

area. As we work to make our page more active, we’d love

for you to be involved. We’ll keep you updated with news

and events, and if you have any comments, suggestions,

or pictures to share, let us know. Together we can spread

the Friends’ message around the world—after all, “social”

media is about being social! Tyler Nelson

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

Coming soon!New e-newsletter will help you stay in the know at the NPL

Never miss another movie matinee or find yourself

in the dark about a book club’s selection again.

Beginning this fall the library will be sending email

newsletters. Swing by the Reference or Circulation

desks and sign up for this new, convenient library

communication. Once a week, library news, events,

and book lists will be sent right to your email inbox.

Online events calendar: www.newburyportpl.org/events 6

Making Friends at Kids’ Day in the Park

On July 29, at Atkinson Common, a great time was had by all at

Kids’ Day in the Park, the annual Yankee Homecoming event

sponsored by the Exchange Club of Greater Newburyport.

Children of all ages enjoyed books, music, face

painting, an opportunity to check out a police cruiser and

a fire truck, and more. The Friends of the Newburyport

Janet Schoene (left) and Nancy Peace show off the new Friends of the Library tote bags for children at Kids’ Day in the Park, 2015

Public Library had a table at the event for the first time this

year, and it is expected to become a new tradition. Three

volunteers at the Friends’ table offered children and their

parents a membership brochure, a bottle of cold water on

what was a very warm day, and a smile.

Friends President Nancy Peace said, “It was a joy to

be there, and we had so many great conversations with the

parents about what we do and the children’s programs at

the library.” The Friends is pleased to provide funding for

the library’s popular museum passes program and help

provide youth programming at the library, among other

things. Kids’ Day presented a great opportunity to connect

with parents and children and increase their awareness of

the work we do. Cassandra Patel

Dear Friends (continued from page 1)

programming for children as well as provided an opportu-

nity for three membersof the Friends’ board to interact with

parents, telling them about the Friends and the work we do.

As many of you know, the Friends’ annual membership

fees, semiannual Great Old Book Sales, and other activities

raise money to purchase free and subsidized museum passes;

enhance programming for children, teens, and adults;

and purchase materials beyond what the library budget

can support. Many folks in the community still do not

understand the difference between having a library card and

being a “Friend of the Library”—but we are working on it.

Looking toward the fall, I hope you will join us at

the Friends of the Newburyport Public Library Annual

Meeting (September 17) and the fall edition of the Great

Old Book Sale, which opens on October 21 to Friends

members exclusively before the general public is welcomed

the following day. I feel confident saying there is no better

place to pick up a wide range of books for children and

adults, CDs, DVDs, and other materials at very low prices.

Finally, if you are at

the Newburyport Farmers’

Market on Sunday, Octo-

ber 25, I hope you will stop

by the Friends’ table to say

hello. Perhaps you also can

bring a neighbor or friend

who would like to become

a Friend.

With best regards,

Nancy E. Peace, President Getting into the swing at a recent Library Babies program

Investing for the Future

The Friends has shifted the investment policy for its endowment fund and retained Brandt Wealth Advisors to manage investments. The board selected the Brandt firm because of its experience working with nonprofit organiza-tions and the fact that it is a local firm. In fact, its office is located just across from the library on Prince Place.

Effective in June, about one-third of the Friends’ endowment fund was moved from maturing certificates of deposit (CDs) into a conservative mix of stocks, bonds, and cash equivalents recommended and managed by Brandt. The other two-thirds remain in CDs, though the plan is for the entire fund to be invested in line with the new policy by early next year.

It is expected that the new asset allocation will yield an annual return in the range of 3 to 7 percent, a consider-able increase over the CD-based policy, which has been earning less than one percent annually since 2008. Each year, half of the investment income will be used for main-tenance and improvements to the library, and the other half will be rolled back into the endowment, thereby per-mitting the fund to continue growing in perpetuity.

Formed in 2001, upon completion of the library

renovation and expansion, the endowment fund’s express

intention is the provision of funds to maintain the library’s

programs and facilities. Jo-Ann Poinelli, treasurer of the

Friends, said, “We want to make sure that this library stays

as well-funded and as well-stocked as it is now, or better!

This is what’s going to be our legacy.” Cassandra Patel

Events information: call (978) 465-4428 ext. 242

Welcome Friends!If you are one of the new Friends who became a mem-

ber during the recent membership drive, Welcome!

June was Membership Month, when volunteers manned

tables in the lobby, created bulletin boards and posters

seen around the library encouraging all patrons to join the

Friends of the Newburyport Public Library in supporting

the NPL in ways that extend beyond their visits. A special

feature of the membership drive was the raffle of a new Kin-

dle HD. Any patron who bought a ticket was eligible, and

the winner was a happy regular patron and Friend.

The current paid membership of 900-plus is more than

twice what it was just two years ago. We are well on our way

to achieving our short-tem goal of having 1,000 members

by the end of December. Our long-term goal—a minimum

membership of 1,700 members, or 10% of Newburyport’s

population—remains farther off. Of course, our library

serves many people living in surrounding communities,

too, and we welcome every one of you to join us. For a small

annual contribution—as little as $5.00—a library patron

can become a full-fledged supporter.

By having both types of card—the library card that

lets you check out materials, and a Friends’ membership

card—you assure the library will continue to have the

funds it needs to remain an essential community resource

continuing into the future. Dixie Smetana

Attention Gardening Enthusiasts. . .Even though your thoughts may be turning to putting your

gardens to bed, now also is a great time to think spring!

Preparations have begun for our fifth annual fund-

raiser, “Books in Bloom.” In just a few years, this joint effort

with the Newburyport Horticultural Society has become a

cherished springtime event and will be held April 9, 2016.

Once again the library will be transformed with

beautiful floral arrangements that interpret themes of

their artists’ favorite books. Guests are treated to deli-

cious refreshments, including beer and wine, and can

enjoy musical entertainment, raffles, and silent auctions.

But we need your help to make this event successful.

Please consider joining us as we prepare for what has become

a rite of spring. There are many ways to lend your talents

and time. We need people to coordinate obtaining sponsors,

work on publicity, provide refreshments, etc. Please contact

Karen Houston (kghou@comcast.net) or Nancy Peace

(nancypeace@comcast.net) to express an interest.

Do you have one of these? Is “2016” handwritten on it?

If you answered “No” to either question, your membership

has expired, and this is your last issue of “Footnotes.” To

remedy this, go to the Friends’ web page — www.newbury-portpl.org/sup/downloads/fol_membership_form.pdf —and download a membership form. Or pick one up at the

library. Once you’ve completed it, follow the instructions

for returning it to us. In just a few days you will have one.

Is Your Contact Information Current?

Moving? New e-mail address or phone number?

Be sure to let your Friends at the library know!

Having your updated contact information allows the

Friends to send you quarterly issues of “Footnotes” as well

as other updates in a timely fashion. (Your information

will never be shared outside the library.)

You may either send an email that includes your

name, telephone number, and mailing address to:

friends.nbptlibrary@gmail.com; or complete this form

and leave it at the NPL circulation desk or mail it to:

Friends of the Newburyport Public Library

94 State Street, Newburyport, MA 01950

Name

Email

Telephone

Mailing address

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage Paid Newburyport, MAPermit No. 383

N E W B U R Y P R T

PUBLIC LIBRARY

T H E F R I E N D S O F T H E

94 State StreetNewburyport, MA 01950

P: 978 465-4428 x222

http://www.newburyportpl.org

Autumn 2015

Join us to honor Newburyport's own

John P. Marquandat our 2015 Annual Meeting

Thursday, September 17 (details on page 1)

Autumn Hours

Main LibraryMonday–Thursday, 9:00 am–9:00 pm

Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm

Saturday,9:00 am–5:00 pm (beginning September 12)Closed on Sunday through October 11; beginning

October 18, open 1:00–5:00pm

Archival CenterMonday–Friday, 9:00 am–12:00 pm and 1:00–4:00 pm

Saturday, 9:00 am–1:00 pm Call ahead for availability on Wednesday

from 5:00–8:00 pm

The Fall 2015 Great Old Book Sale is just around the corner… Donation drop off begins Saturday, October 17

Members’ Preview Night is Wednesday, October 21

And $3-a-Bag Day is Saturday, October 24

Mark your calendar now, before it becomes filled up!(And see complete details on page 2 of this issue)

The Friends of the Newburyport Public Library is a nonprofit organization under IRS Section 501(c)3. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

“Footnotes” is printed in Newburyport, Massachusetts, by Coastal Printing.