New Year, New Arts Program

There is still room left - call ASAP to register!

Local teaching artist Renee Malowitz will be offering a program at the Library for students ages 8 to 14.

The 4-week series is Art & Culture for Young People.

Classes will be held on Mondays, January 12 & 26, February 2 & 9 from 4:45 - 5:30 pm.

This program is free.

Pre-registration is required.

Please call the Library to register or for more information.

This program is supported byte the Hubbardston Cultural Council, a local agency of the MA Cultural Council.

Thank You!

The Trustees and Staff of the Hubbardston Public Library would like to thank the generous prize donors and ticket purchasers who made the Annual Holiday Raffle such a huge success. We raised over $550 with your help and all of it will go directly to the Library operating costs. Thank you!

Holiday Hours

The Library will be open from 9 am to 12 noon on Wednesday, December 24 and will resume regular hours beginning Monday, December 29.

Library to Remain Closed through Storm

Despite having power restored to the Library building earlier this week, the Staff and Trustees have not been so lucky.

The Library will remain closed and resume regular hours Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23.

Hours will be shortened on Wednesday, December 24 and we will be open from 9 am until 12 noon.

We hope all are safe and warm and wish everyone a happy holiday season.

Holiday Open House/Raffel Drawing

You are cordially invited to attend

the Hubbardston Public Library's Holiday Open House

Rescheduled!

Monday, December 22, 6 -7 pm

Come t the Library for coffee, cookies (feel free to bring a plate), carolers and good company.

Trustees will be taking an opportunity to update patrons about the Library as well as take written questions, concerns and suggestions. The written responses will be used to help further address patron concerns.

We'll wrap things up with the Holiday Raffle Drawing. Tickets will be on sale right up to the drawing - we have 41 prizes and they still keep coming! Thank you!

Guess Who is Coming to the Library?!!

On Saturday, December 6 from 10 am - 2 pm, the Friends of Hubbardston Public Library are having one of their favorite friends in to visit - SANTA! Santa will be available for photos for $5 (proceeds to benefit the Library). Hot cocoa and cookies will be available as well. Raffle tickets will be available as well (drawing is December 15).

Raffle Prizes! Drawing Dec. 15 at 7 pm!

The 2nd annual Holiday Raffle is drawing amazing prizes from our amazing local businesses and residents. Here is the list so far:

• Handcrafted Meditation Benches
• Mellisa & Doug Wooden Toys from Hubbardston Hobby Barn
• Handcrafted Jewelry from various local artisans including Laura M. Foley Design & Tintom Jewelry
• Bird Watching Guide Services
• Composting/Gardening Consulting from Karen Difranza
• $50 LL Bean Gift Card
• Floating Dovetail Handcrafted Cutting Board from Near Designs
• Hand painted Piggy Bank
• Hand crocheted Afghan
• Book Gift Certificate from The Curiosity Book Shop
• The famous Library Coffeehouse Almond Pastry!
• Homemade Chocolate Truffles
• Home baked organic Scones
• Glass Votive holders with Beeswax Votive Candles
• Country Blessings Wreath
• Hubbardston Inn framed print
• Artwork from Renee Malowitz
• Hands Down Massage Gift Certificate & Nail Care Kit
• Hand knit Mittens
• Homemade All Natural Dog Treats
• Local Honey
• Journal & Card Set
• Moravian Star Ornaments
• Classic Toy Set
• Motives Shampoo
• Heiden & Engle Glass Bead Bookmarks
• Webkinz Gift Certificate from The Anchor,Christian Books

Check back often - prizes are being added daily!

Art Classes to be Held - January

Local teaching artist Renee Malowitz will be offering a program at the Library for students ages 8 to 14. The 4-week series is Art & Culture for Young People.

New dates! Postponed until January - sign up now!
Classes will be held on Mondays, January 12 & 26, February 2 & 9 from 4:45 - 5:30 pm.

This program is free. Pre-registration is required. Please call the Library to register or for more information.






This program is supported byte the Hubbardston Cultural Council, a local agency of the MA Cultural Council.

Return of the Holiday Raffle

The Trustees will again be holding what is now our Annual Holiday Gift Raffle. We're seeking donations of handcrafted items, merchandise and gift certificates (local businesses preferred). If you are a crafter or local business merchant, your donations are greatly appreciated. If you know some talented crafters or business owners, requests from you for a donation on the Library's behalf would also be appreciated.

The Library is running on quickly-depleting trust funds and donations only right now! We are depending on the continued generosity of our residents and patrons in order to stay open. THANK YOU!

It is asked that items be in the Library by November 10 so we can begin selling tickets. Raffle will be drawn in December. We'll begin posting the list of items to be raffled here as soon as they start coming in so be sure to check back soon!

Great Prizes are already coming in! Come check out the prizes and start entering to win!

Friends' Bake Sale - Election Day!

The Friends of the Hubbardston Library are baking again! Their bake and book sale were a tremendous success in October so they're holding an encore. Be sure to treat yourself for voting by buying a baked good at the polls on November 4. Volunteers are needed to both bake and sell items. Contact Wendy at 928-4737 to sign up.

Hours Change Beginning November 3

The Library has found it necessary to adjust our hours. New hours are:

• Mondays 2-7 pm
• Tuesdays 4-7 pm
• Wednesdays 9 am - 2 pm

During these hours patrons may run across some new faces. Please be kind as our volunteers learn the ins and outs of running our library!

Also, be sure to congratulate our Library Director, Jayne, on her new position as Director of the Petersham Memorial Library - what a great catch for them! And be sure to thank her staying on to lend us a hand.

November Book Discussion

NOTE: Date change - Thursday, November 6 at 7pm. This is to accommodate Election Day, Tuesday, November 4.

This month's book is Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. Stop by the library to request a copy. all are welcome!

Friends Sponsor a Book & Bake Sale

The newly formed Friends of the Hubbardston Public Library will be holding a used book sale on Saturday, October 18 from 9 am until 4 pm at the Library. Used books are being collected during the Library's open hours through the week of the sale.

Stop by on the 18th to pick up some good reads and great treats!

This Week Only - Library Hour Adjustment

CHANGES TO LIBRARY HOURS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 15TH ONLY

Tuesday Sept. 16 1P.M. - 7P.M.
Wednesday Sept. 17 9A.M. - Noon
Thursday Sept. 1P.M. - 7P.M.

We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for your continued patronage.

New Hours

A new season brings new hours at the Library.

Tuesday 2 P.M. - 7P.M.
Wednesday 9 A.M.- 2P.M.
Thursday 2P.M.-7P.M.

Shedding some light...

It has been requested that some light be shed on the recently announced plans for the relocation of Town Offices from the basement of the Library Building to the Slade Building. The Library Trustees can hopefully shed light on the issue.

Let's start by stating that the role of the Board of Trustees is to preserve not only a free public library, but the Jonas E. Clark Public Library Building itself and to oversee the various types of trusts bequeathed to the Library. In recent years, the Trustees have been working on long range planning for the Library as well as dealing with the everyday responsibilities of a 134 year old building. Part of that long range planning includes utilizing the space in the lower level in hopes of filling a need for community and programming space for the Library and the community at large.

Move to March of 2008. Quite literally, the night before the budget meeting that proposed the Library's budget be cut 100%, the Trustees were preparing to do two things. First, they were getting ready to send out a direct mailing to all residents for a "Reach for the Stars" campaign to raise funds to replace electrical work, restore flooring, repaint the children's room and renovate the lower level.

Secondly, they were drafting a letter to the Town requesting that the offices currently occupying the lower level of the Library be made available to the Library in order to go forward with said renovations. The possible relocation of Town Offices from the basement of the Library Building has been an ongoing discussion between the Trustees and town management for many years, even under our previous Town Administrator. This relocation has been viewed as a long needed process that will allow Town Residents a central venue for the various services provided to them.

The FY09 Budget review meeting and subsequent Proposition 2 ½ Override Vote activities in town put an immediate halt to both the campaign and the formal request for relocation.

At the Annual Town Meeting held in May, residents approved the funds to relocate the Town Offices. This was made public at that meeting and was discussed and approved. These funds are still in place, making this the optimal time for the transition of the offices from the Library basement to the Slade Building to take place. It needs to be understood that the approved maintenance and utilities budget for the Library Building will not cover the utility bills if both levels require heating at different hours during the week. In the long run, the move may actually save some money for the Town by consolidating the various offices into one building since the Slade building will need to be heated the exact same hours whether there are 4 or 8 offices in that building.

For those who believe that moving these line items (as well as funds from other town line item accounts) will retain the Library’s certification, this is unfortunately not possible. While the many thoughts and generous efforts being made by Town Residents are appreciated, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner (MLBC) regulations require full municipal funding to required levels (as well as meeting other requirements).

In closing, the Hubbardston Library Trustees make decisions that will benefit the Library based on the facts presented at any given moment. We have adjusted operating hours over the summer based on the outcome of each subsequent vote. The operating hours for the fall hours are based on a combination of the decision of the town to not fund the operating costs of the Library, as well as MBLC requirements. An ad hoc committee of interested parties will move forward with the planned office relocation based on funds available for that purpose.

Those who may still have questions, please don’t hesitate to attend a Trustee Meeting. We meet at 7 pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, unless otherwise posted. Please remember that the Library staff is not responsible for this decision. Kindly spare our beloved and wonderful Director from becoming the focus of any negativity or demands for the details of this matter.

Still open!

In order to best serve our patrons, the Hubbardston Public Library Trustees have voted to keep the Library open for 15 hours per week through December 31 utilizing savings and donations. All services will continue to remain in place so keep on reading! New hours will be posted soon for the fall as soon as they are confirmed. As always, keep checking back for updates and donations are welcome! Thanks for your continued patronage and support.

VOTE Fails - No Library Funding

The July 29 override vote failed on all 8 ballot questions.

For the library, this means no operating budget and no stabilization funds. The Library will continue its summer hours (Wednesdays 9-4 and Thursdays 1-7) through August and remains a certified library until further notice. Funds for staffing are being taken from a small reserve funds account and donations. All donations welcome at this time.

For residents using other libraries, there is currently no reason you should be restricted or turned away from other libraries (unless you have fines) Please let the Library know your borrowing privileges are being restricted.

So, What Are You Reading?

Have a favorite beach read (Comet Pond IS a beach)? Picking up a book instead of the remote (all re-runes anyway)? Tell us what you're reading this summer and we'll share your favorite reads here. Here are a few to get you started:

The Nanny Diaries: A Novel by Emma Mclaughlin & Nicola Kraus
Enchanted, Inc by Shanna Swendson (this is the first in a series)
Weekend In Paris by Robin Sisman

Some Wild Reads for Kids

The Hubbardston Public Library is participating in the state-wide Summer Reading program. This year's theme is Wild Reads at Your Library.

Children are encouraged to participate by coming into the Library to sign up. They will receive rewards based on their choice of books or pages read or time spent reading. Happy reading!

The Library is Number 6

Several inquiries have come into the Library regarding the July 29 ballot wording. (See below for additional Special Election information.)

The Library is part of Culture and Recreation, article number 6 on the ballot. Article 6 includes the Library's day-to-day operating budget - staff, books and materials, regular maintenance, etc. Article 6 also includes the Park Commission, Historical Commission and the Memorial Day events.

The Library is also mentioned in article number 7. This item is asking if voters wish to set aside funds for future capital expenditures - repairs, major upkeep, items beyond the regular operating budget. The Library's portion is $5,000 and will be set aside and added to future funds until it is needed.

So, What is a Library Worth?

Check out this worksheet to find out how much a library can save you!

(This link takes you to the Beaman Memorial Library in West Boylston who, in turn, borrowed the worksheet from the Bancroft Library in Hopedale. Libraries are all about sharing!)

Services Given a Second Chance

Information as it appears on the Town web site:
(items in parenthesis do not appear on the ballot nor on the Town website. They have been added by this site to help make the information clearer.)

SPECIAL ELECTION TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2008

1. Shall the Town of Hubbardston be allowed to assess an additional $ 24,764 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding the General Government operating budget of the Town for the fiscal year beginning July first, two thousand and eight?
Yes ________No ________

(Accountant, Administrator, Assessor, Clerks, Conservation, Counsel, Custodian, Elections, Moderator, Personnel Board, Phones & Copiers, Planning, Secretary, Select Board, Slade Building, Tax Collector, Town Clerk, Treasurer)

2. Shall the Town of Hubbardston be allowed to assess an additional $ 142,059 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding the Public Safety budget for the fiscal year beginning July first, two thousand and eight?
Yes ________No ________

(Dispatch, Fire, Police)

3. Shall the Town of Hubbardston be allowed to assess an additional $105,347 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding the Education budget of the Town for the fiscal year beginning July first, two thousand and eight?
Yes ________No ________

(Monty Tech, Quabbin, Transportation)

4. Shall the Town of Hubbardston be allowed to assess an additional $51,057 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding the Public Works budget of the Town for the fiscal year beginning July first, two thousand and eight?
Yes ________No ________

(Cemeteries, Equipment, Fuel, Highway, Lights, Plowing)

5. Shall the Town of Hubbardston be allowed to assess an additional $12,099 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding the Human Services budget of the Town for the fiscal year beginning July first, two thousand and eight?
Yes ________No ________

(Board of Health, Council on Aging, Elderly Van, Recycling, Veterans’ Services)

6. Shall the Town of Hubbardston be allowed to assess an additional $60,868 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding the Culture and Recreation budget of the Town for the fiscal year beginning July first, two thousand and eight?
Yes ________No ________

(Historical Commission, Library, Memorial Day, Parks, Recreation )

7. Shall the Town of Hubbardston be allowed to assess an additional $43,500 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding the targeted stabilization accounts for police, fire, highway, library and facilities for the fiscal year beginning July first, two thousand and eight?
Yes ________No ________

8. Shall the Town of Hubbardston be allowed to assess an additional $150,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding road maintenance and repair and/or as matching grant funds for said purpose, for the fiscal year beginning July first, two thousand and eight?
Yes ________ No ________

Notice of New Hours

Please note that the Library will be adjusting it's hours for July and August. Beginning July 2, the Library will only be open on Wednesdays, 9 am to 4 pm and Thursdays from 1 pm until 7 pm. The Library is fully operational during those hours, including Inter Library Loan. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our patrons.

This effort to keep the Library staffed and open in order to maintain certification will be funded using our very small savings as there are no municipal funds available after June 30. The July 29 vote will determine future hours and funding.

Thank you for your continued support and be sure to keep checking this site for updates.

Just in case you missed it...

..we're allowing Inter Library Loan again until the proposed July 29 vote. This is an effort to keep our services at the current level in order to maintain our certification. We will continue to adjust our operations as needed as things change. Keep checking here for updates.

Now, go borrow books!

The Library on NECN & other media

Other media coverage has included articles in local papers including The Gardner News, as excerpted here from Friday, June 13:


Effects felt across town after override failure
By Daniel Kittredge - News Staff WriterPublished On Friday, June 13, 2008
HUBBARDSTON - ...

The override’s failure also has dire consequences for the Hubbardston Public Library, which Library Trustee Rhonda Hamer said is set to close June 28.

While the approved fiscal 2009 budget includes funds for building maintenance, funding for staff and supplies was contingent on the override. Ms. Hamer said the library has ceased its interlibrary loan program, and the trustees “are looking into the legal and financial possibilities of other options.”

The library building was given to the town as a gift from Clark University founder and Hubbardston native Jonas Clark 134 years ago to serve as a free and municipally-funded public library, and Ms. Hamer said much uncertainty exists regarding deed requirements and the ramifications of the facility’s closure.

Town counsel is currently working with the trustees to help answer such questions as to whether the deed requires the library be 100 percent town-funded, she said. It also remains unclear whether Mr. Clark’s estate or heirs have any interest in reacquiring the town-owned facility, she said, or would instead leave it to the town “in the spirit in which it was given, as a gift.”

Ms. Hamer said the “worst-case scenario” will involve the library operating as a free-standing facility independent of the regional network, although liability and staffing issues would need to be addressed before that occurs.

dkittredge@thegardnernews.com

Other articles have appeared in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette and are easily found through their On the Common page dedicated to Hubbardston news and allows reader comments.

National media has taken an interest in this as well. See what the Library Journal has to say on it's web site.

Speak Up, Be Heard

There is an additional vote being held on July 29 - the details of the ballot are still being worked out. Tell your Select Board you want choices! The next Select Board meeting is Thursday, June 19 at 7 pm in the Slade Building.

The following article appeared in today's Gardner News:

Selectmen set Thursday vote to finalize new override plan

By Daniel Kittredge - News Staff Writer
Published On Tuesday, June 17, 2008

HUBBARDSTON — Following a lengthy public forum and a tabled motion to set a new Proposition 2 1/2 override vote for July 29, the Board of Selectmen Monday night set an additional Thursday meeting at which its members plan to approve a finalized override proposal to bring before voters.

Selectman Paul Hale made the initial motion, seconded by Selectman Kristie Casey, to set a new July 29 ballot at which voters would act on three override questions — $356,000 for town government and education, $150,000 for road repair and maintenance and $43,500 to fund municipal stabilization funds.

The proposal, which Mr. Hale had prepared in advance of the meeting, essentially divided the $635,000 override that narrowly failed in a June 10 vote into three parts. He said he favored holding a new vote as quickly as possible — the law requires the selectmen notify the town clerk of a vote no later than 35 days in advance — and presented the three-question ballot as a way to provide voters with options.

“There’s choices in there,” he said, suggesting the new approach would address concerns that many residents expressed about the town’s fiscal 2009 budget approach. “If we wait until September (for a new vote), we’re in real bad shape.”

Mr. Hale ultimately tabled the motion after expressing a willingness to further separate the requested override into separate line items. While Mr. Hale and Selectman Matthew Castriotta expressed a willingness to act on the motion, Town Clerk Joyce Green said June 23 would be the final day for a ballot to be set in time for a July 29 vote, and the select board chose to wait until Thursday to allow additional discussion and the finalizing of the ballot language.

The three-question override proposal elicited varying responses from the officials and residents in attendance, some of whom felt it largely ignored the sentiments expressed at the meeting and others who disagreed with what was characterized as a “menu” approach.

Finance Committee member Ed Blanchard said Mr. Hale’s motion concerned him, and asked why a public forum had been held if the selectmen had already chosen and prepared a course of action.

“Where does the input from the people come in?” he asked.

Reaction was split to what Mr. Castriotta called a “government by menu” approach. Some, like Joe Bartolomei — who voted against the override — said his opposition was rooted in the fact that he “wanted a choice” beyond the two-budget, override-contingent approach town officials had taken.

Laura Foley also spoke favorably about a new vote with additional options. “What can we lose by putting it to that kind of a vote?” she said, noting that at present the town is prepared to begin fiscal 2009 with layoffs and lost services across the board.

Others, though, suggested that breaking the override down into line items would contradict the town’s fiscal planning and place municipal departments in competition with each other.

“I don’t know that that’s going to bring people together to support each other,” said Mr. Castriotta of breaking the override down into line items.

Patricia Gregson made a similar point, noting the narrow 600-567 margin against the override and warning of the consequences of the proposed new approach.

“We were so close to passing it last time that pitting department against department is in no one’s best interest,” she said.

Thursday’s meeting is set for 6 p.m. at the Slade Building. The finance committee has a meeting set for 7 p.m. at the Slade Building Wednesday.

dkittredge@thegardnernews.com
____

Looking for more information on this? Contact your Select Board in advance - give them a call or an email. Contact information can be found at the Town web site.

Some good news...

Inter Library Loan has been reinstated until further notice. Borrow away!

Back by popular demand - pastel painting!

Pastel painter Gregory Maichack will be returning to the Library to teach his art to others. In the da Vinci Mode, Greg will present from the perspective of Leonardo da Vinci’s working methods, giving participants an engaging hands-on experience of pastel painting with beginning to advanced techniques.


Greg has filled his programs at the Library for the last 2 years so sign up soon! And if you've participated in his past programs, consider this one as well as the techniques will be new.


June 23, 6-8 pm, FREE.


This program is supported in part by a grant from the Hubbardston Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Closing June 28

It is with deep sadness that we, the Library Trustees and Staff, inform you that the Hubbardston Library as we currently know it will be closing Saturday, June 28.

The 600 people who voted NO for the override made a decision that affects the remaining 4000+ residents of Hubbardston. This means the Library is no longer funded through the Town budget including staff salaries. Many other Town services are cut as well, many of which will affect our public safety.

To those remaining 567 who supported the Library through their vote, THANK YOU! The override vote failed by a mere 34 votes.

The Library will be operating as usual through June 28. The future of the Library past that point is uncertain. With the loss of town funding, we will no longer be able to be a certified library. This means there will no longer be inter library loans and Hubbardston residents will lose the privilege of borrowing from other libraries.

Please check this site again soon for further details.

Our Video Blog

Recently, resident cinematographer Gary Kangas compiled some thoughts from residents regarding the library and other services. Take a peek to see what folks young and old in town have to say and see some of the work of one of Hubbardston's artists.

Don't forget to vote!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - the polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm at the HCS Library (enter on Main St.). See you there!

June Coffee House

Resident Tom DiBuono will be entertaining us with his acoustical guitar as we enjoy coffee and baked goods. This is the last coffee House before the summer break so join us as we celebrate a great season!

June 5, 6-7:30 pm, as always - FREE! Consider bringing a goodie to share, a donation and some friends!

June Book Discussion

NOTE: Date Change - moved to June 26.

Join us for the final book discussion before the summer break. We're reading the non-fiction story Into the Wild by John Krakauer. This book has recently made into a movie starring Sean Penn. Read it before watching the DVD!

Due to the Special and Annual Town Meetings on June 3 at 7pm, June Book Discussion has been scheduled for Thursday, June 26 at 7 pm at the Library.

New Trustees Elected

Welcome to our newest Trustees, Josephine Amato and Camilla Thompson. And a huge thank you to Bonnie Cunningham and Diane Parks for their many years of faithful service to the Hubbardston Library.

For More Information

Also, check out the Save Our Services web site for information and links

From Woods Memorial Library, Barre

Dear Hubbardston Residents,

My name is Stephanie Young, Acting director of the Woods Memorial Library in Barre. In January 2007 our library was declared uncertified by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. At this time I was a full time library assistant and experienced the hardship. Our library remained open and functioning but many consequences followed.

Once certification is lost, any library in Massachusetts by law can decide to revoke borrowing privileges from any resident in Hubbardston. The address alone will cause these privileges to be taken away, even if the resident has an existing account. There are no loop-holes. Our patrons were turned away from libraries they had been using for years, not always politely.

We do not own the amount of books larger libraries own, but we can borrow them though a service called inter-library-loan. Every certified library shares the resources they have. If your certification was lost and your library closed, this service would cease and resources will become non-existent. Every resident will be forced to buy their own resources or suffer without. A library actually saves every resident hundreds of dollars on books, movie rental fees, music and much more.

We have a patron who is house-bound, she uses CWMARS online database to order books and then has them sent to Barre so her husband can pick them up. She cannot walk to browse books but can browse from home, online. These books come from other libraries statewide. When certification was lost she was unable to use this service. Disabled people and elderly need these services.

Please remember our library remained open and we were still able to help our patrons as much as we could manage; not every resource could be borrowed. Many surrounding libraries would not lend to Barre residents. Our library had to be the main resource for the town without exceptions. It was daunting enough to be uncertified. If Hubbardston chooses to close the library the town will lose its main resource and certification. Library directors and trustees will ask, "If the residents don't want to support their own library, why should we support them?" Many will make policies denying any borrowing privileges to Hubbardston residents limiting a vast network of knowledge and literature.

I implore you to support your library’s budget. Do not let your town lose its cultural center or its literary resources.

Stephanie Young, Acting Director

Journal Making for All Ages

Saturday, May 31, 10 am - 12 noon. FREE! All materials will be provided. Feel free to bring your own photos or images. Call the Library to register.


Join Hubbardston artist and teacher Renee Malowitz in making your own personalized decoupage journal. Participants will look at journals of famous people and then cut, paste and make their own.


This is a hands-on, process oriented, multi generational, family friendly project. Journals can be used for recipes, nature journals, diary and more!


This program is supported in part by a grant from the (name of local cultural council), a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Young Illustrators Workshop

Hands-on Story & Art for ages 3-6 years. Three Tuesdays in May - 5/6, 5/13, & 5/20 form 3-3:45 pm. FREE! Register for one session or all three.

Resident Artist and Teacher Renee Malowitz will be leading the children in a workshop inspired by the books of Eric Carle and Lois Elbert. Young Artists will make their own Zoo animals, Very Hungry Caterpillars and Spring Gardens.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Hubbardston Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

The Return of Fish Fry Fred!

He's back! Hubbardston's own Fish Fry Fred will be returning to the Coffee House and bringing his blues guitar with him on Thursday, May 1 from 6 to 7:30 pm.

The April Coffee house was packed and we're sure Fred will fill all available seats as well! These are becoming "must-do" events here in town so be sure to mark your calendar. As always, Coffee Houses are free and so are the coffee and beverages. Consider baking up a spring time treat to share. Donations of goodies and cash are always welcome.


The Library's Coffee House Series has been supported, in part, by a grant from the Hubbardston Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

May Book Discussion

Join us in our discussion of Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shores on Tuesday, May 6 at 7 pm.

"In Beneath a Marble Sky, readers enter a realm rife with contrasts; where love turns into betrayal; where war collides with beauty; and where the visions of a commoner inspire the dreams of a princess. Richly authentic, superbly written, this extraordinary work of historical fiction immerses one within ancient India's finest and darkest days.

Set at the height of the Mughal Empire, Beneath a Marble Sky recreates the remarkable lives of those responsible for the Taj Mahal's existence. From the famous lovers who inspired it, Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, to the architect who designed it to the man who sought to destroy it, Beneath a Marble Sky recounts the stories of those who oversaw the rise of the world’s most famous building."

Regarding Certification & Notice From Gardner Library

The following information is provided from the MA Board of Library Commissioner’s web site:

“The Closure of a Public Library

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners considers any municipality that closes its main public library or ceases offering library service to the public for any reason other than the undertaking of a project to improve library services (such as construction, automation preparation or inventory) or the occurrence of a natural catastrophe (including a limited emergency closing due to illness or death) to be, as of the date of that termination of service, no longer a certified participant in the State Aid to Public Libraries program.

The Commissioners will confirm the municipality's loss of certification at their next regularly scheduled Board meeting.

Once the municipality has lost certification, it cannot be recertified as meeting the minimum standards of public library service for State Aid to Public Libraries (as set forth in MGL c.78, s. 19A and 19B, 605 CMR 4.0, and current budget language) until the municipality's library has been meeting the standards for one complete fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) and proper application for State Aid to Public Libraries is made to the Board of Library Commissioners.

When a public library is not certified...

1. The noncertified municipality and its library will not receive any State Aid to Public Libraries monies (M.G.L. c.78, s.19A).

2. Libraries in certified municipalities are not required to lend library materials to the library in the noncertified municipality (605 CMR 4.01 (6a)).

3. Libraries in certified municipalities are not required to extend reciprocal library services, beyond in-library use of their materials, to residents of the noncertified municipality (605 CMR 4.01 (6b)).

4. The library will not receive support through the Small Libraries in Networks Program.

5. The municipality is not eligible to apply for funds under the Public Library Construction Program (605 CMR 6.05 (1)(c)), and any existing grant will be invalidated because the library must maintain eligibility throughout the construction process in order to receive grant funds (605 CMR 6.09(7)(b)).

6. The library will not be eligible to apply for grants under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) program.”

According to the above state regulations, the Gardner Library has posted the following statement:

“To Our Hubbardston Patrons
We have received word…that the preliminary town of Hubbardston budget for the next fiscal year has zeroed out all funding for the Hubbardston library. If the Hubbarston Library closes it means that as of its closing date you will not be able to check out items from this library and many other libraries in the commonwealth. In addition, you will not be able to borrow items through network transfer and have them delivered her or to most other C/WMARS libraries.

If these services are important to you and your family, your support of the library should be expressed to your town officials as soon as possible.”

At this writing, Holden and Worcester libraries have indicated the same will be true for Hubbardston patrons trying to use those libraries.

Letter from Trustees

Dear Hubbardston Residents:

We are writing regarding the upcoming vote at the Annual Town Meeting on the Town’s budget. As slated, in order to balance the Town of Hubbardston’s budget, cuts will need to be made to several services. The Hubbardston Free Public Library is one of those services.

As proposed, the budget will cut the library’s funding in its entirety. The result will mean the following to Hubbardston residents:

Proposed Town Budget for FY09 = 100% Cut of Library Operating Cost

Impact on Library Services = Loss of Borrowing Privileges in ALL MA Libraries
= Loss of State Funds to the Library (Over $10K)
= Loss of Library Director & Library Assistant

Impact on Library Building = Potential Inability of Town to Retain Use of Building

Impact on Town = Change of Town Seal
= Loss of Space for Programs & Town Offices

As stated on the town web site:

“INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS FOR PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009 Informational meetings are scheduled for Saturday April 5th from 9:00 to 11:00 am and Thursday April 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Both meetings will be held at Center School cafeteria. All are welcome to attend to find out more about the proposed budget for the town for fiscal year 2009 which begins on July 1 and the possible need for an override vote to balance the budget.”

If you would like to talk more about this, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Your Library Board of Trustees
Bonnie Cunningham
Diane Parks
Rhonda Hamer
Johanna Henning
Judi McArthur
Cartherine North-Erickson

Library Slated as a Budget Cut

Please become an informed citizen and learn more about the proposed budget options for the next fiscal year (beginning July 1, 2008) and how the budget will affect the library, its patrons and the residents of Hubbardston. More information will be made available through this site, as well as at the library, as it is made available.

From the town web site:

INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS FOR PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009

Informational meetings are scheduled for Saturday April 5th from 9:00 to 11:00 am and Thursday April 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Both meetings will be held at Center School cafeteria. All are welcome to attend to find out more about the proposed budget for the town for fiscal year 2009 which begins on July 1 and the possible need for an override vote to balance the budget.

April Coffee House

Come enjoy the folk and country vocals of Hubbardston's own Greentones on Thursday, April 3 from 6 to 7:30 in the library. As always, Coffee Houses are free and offer some great home baked treats. Consider baking but definitely join us!

April Book Discussion

A treasured classic is this month's book - The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Read of the many adventures of Bilbo Baggins before the Lord of the Rings and share your thoughts on Tuesday, April 1 at 7pm in the Library.

March Coffee House

Back by popular demand, Denis Caughlin will be returning to the Hubbardston Library. He'll be bringing some Irish tunes along with him in addition to his original work. Hit the ATM on the way and pick up a copy of his latest CD.

As always, donations and baked goods are welcome. Join us Thursday, March 6 from 6 to 7:30 pm. The event is free.

Need help getting those books returned?

Perhaps you need a Library Elf. Library Elf is a free service for patrons of participating libraries (CWMARS is a participant) that can email and text message you when you have holds to be picked up or books due. By simply entering all of the library cards your family holds, you'll always know what is due when. Of course, it can't help you know where the book is - that's still up to you! Library Elf has been added to our links list in the side bar.

Reach for the Stars!

Reach for the Stars and help the library reach its fundraising goal of $10,000! We are looking to upgrade and improve many areas of the library including painting the children's room, new flooring and many other must-fix items. With the community's help, we can reach this goal.

You can be a star with your donation. Donations will be recognized with stars of blue (over $25), silver (over $50)and gold (over $100) on the mural in the children's room (picture at left - artwork by Renee Malowitz).

Stop by the library for more details and to make a donation!

As always, the continued support of the community is appreciated and it is our pleasure to serve our patrons. Thank you!

March Book Selection

The selection for March is Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer. Stop by the library to pick up a copy and join us Tuesday, March 4 at 7 pm.

February Coffee House

We just wanted to give the Coffee House a little bump up the blog list. Be sure to join us Thursday, February 7 at 6 pm for Muga Wump.

We'd also welcome any donations made to the Coffee House series. Consider baking a goodie to go with the coffee (please list ALL ingredients) or making a cash donation to be used towards paper goods, coffee and performer fees. Another way to support the library is to help promote our programs and services - email a friend with the latest library news! Your support makes many things at the library possible!

Look up!

Next time you're in the library, take a look up and around as you enter. We've repainted the hallway with thanks to our patrons who have made donations to the library in 2007. We think it is looking good and hope to be able to make more necessary changes to other parts of the library soon. The marble statues have anew home in the entryway as well. Be sure to take a peak.

Thank You!

A quick word of thanks to all who donated their products, services and talents to our Holiday Raffle. It was a great success thanks to these local businesses and residents. We plan to do it again in 2008! Thank you to:

Amato-Hansen Family- Art Supplies
Anonymous - Ceramic Pig
Calico & Crème - Gift Card
Renee Carleen-Motives Make-Up
Nir Cohen -cutting board
Kathy Davis-Best Buy Gift Card
Laura Foley- Necklace and Earring Set
Hair For You- Gift Certificate and Product
Hubbardston Hobby Barn - Chess Set
Stephanie LeBlanc- Pampered Chef
Letmesellit4you.com – Cash
Library Staff & Trustees and Families – various prizes
Meridian Gymnastic Center - Gift Certificate
Dale Mullaney- Holiday Tree

And thanks to all who bought raffle tickets. We raised over $300 on this first time event and 100% of the proceeds will go towards the library. As you notice repairs, new programs and more during the year, know that YOU made it possible. Thanks!

Ever steal a book?!

The main character of February's Book Discussion book has!

We're reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

Join us for the discussion on Tuesday, February 5 at 7 pm.

What's a Muga Wump? Come to the February Coffee Huse to find out!

Thursday February 7, 2008
6:00 - 7:30 PM
An acoustical performance of Folk and Jazz by Muga Wump. Please join us for this free performance.