This fall the Nevins Library was part of the launch for the Methuen Literacy Partnership, which is a community-driven campaign to promote grade-level reading in our local schools. The primary goal of the partnership is to increase reading proficiency levels for our younger readers. If children achieve reading proficiency in the lower grades, they will continue to learn more, attain better grades and have more success in life. Currently, almost half of Methuen students are reading below grade level.
The Partnership is currently in the discovery phase, actively seeking parents, school professionals and community leaders and YOU to join us. Your voice and perspective are crucial as we design and lead programs that truly meet the community’s needs.
Hearing community perspectives will help us identify the specific gaps and needs that must be addressed to make our efforts Methuen-specific. It’s essential we involve the community because you are the experts in your own experiences. This effort doesn’t fall on one specific group alone; it’s not the sole responsibility of our teachers or parents. Literacy is a community good, and a community responsibility, and that’s why we’re here! Please take a few moments and go to methuenreads.org and click on “Community Survey” at the top of the page. You will be directed to a brief survey asking for your observations and opinions about support for children’s literacy in our community. The survey will be open until Dec. 12. Thank you for your support of literacy in Methuen!

Free Holiday
Movie Matinee

Join us for a free Holiday Movie Matinee on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 11am and find out what happens when a group of mischievous and unruly Herdman siblings take over their local church’s Christmas pageant and, in doing so, end up teaching the town the true meaning of Christmas. Popcorn will be served. Save your seat by registering through our calendar of events on our website or by calling (978) 686-4080.

Library hours

Please be aware of the following changes to the library’s regular hours in December:
• Closed Friday, Dec. 5 – Staff Development Day.
• Closed Wednesday, Dec. 24; Thursday, Dec. 25 and Friday, Dec. 25 – Christmas.
• Closing at 3pm on Wednesday, Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve.
• Closed Thursday, Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day.

Museum Passes

Looking for something different to do over the holidays? Don’t forget about the Museum Passes at the library! All you need is a library card (which is free), and you can reserve and use any of our many Museum Passes for discounts at attractions like The Museum of Science, The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, The Peabody Essex Museum and many more! Visit nevinslibrary.org/services/museum-passes to see all the passes available and to reserve, or call (978) 686-4080 for more information or with any questions. Thank you to the Friends of the Nevins Library for making these passes available to library patrons to use!

After-school clubs
for teens

• Book Babble: Wednesday, December 3 at 4pm. This month we’ll be discussing “Plain Jane and the Mermaid” by Vera Brosgol. When her last shot at happiness is kidnapped by a mermaid, Jane, who is incredibly plain according to everyone around her, ventures underwater to rescue her maybe-fiancé, summoning her courage, confidence and inner beauty to crusade for the only thing that matters–her independence. Pick up your copy at the Main Desk.
• Teen Anime Club: Thursday, December 4 at 4pm
• Teen Arts & Crafts Club: Wednesday, December 10 at 4pm
• Teen Gaming Club: Thursday, December 11 at 4pm
• Teen Movie Club: Wednesday, December 17 at 4pm

From the
Children’s Room

Can you believe the holidays are upon us already? We’re here to help you celebrate with holiday-themed programs in December, including our popular “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas” storytime featuring special guests, and a “Noon Year’s Eve Party” that lets our youngest patrons celebrate the new year without staying up until midnight! (Space is limited for these programs, so you’ll want to register soon.)
And, in the best spirit of the season, once again we’re sponsoring a Giving Tree to provide Christmas gifts to Merrimack Valley homeless children and teens served by Emmaus Inc. Through its shelters and housing programs, Emmaus has served thousands of young people since 1985, and on any given night 300 adults and youths call Emmaus home. Please help ensure that these kids have a happy holiday by donating gifts through our Giving Tree – last year our wonderful patrons were able to meet every wish, and we hope to match that success this year! If you’d like to help, just drop by the Children’s Room, choose a Wish List item to purchase, and put it (unwrapped) under our tree by Dec. 12. Thank you for making some Christmas dreams come true!
We’re also offering two important programs for parents and caregivers this month. “CPR & First Aid Training” will teach participants how to respond to illnesses and injuries in a child or infant, as well as first aid and CPR for adults; there is a $35 fee per person, payable to the library by cash or check, and payment must be received by Dec. 3 to secure your registration. And you’ll want to bring your toddlers (3-5 years old) to “Raising Kids in a Digital World” – a fun, playful program that helps children and their caregivers explore healthy digital habits together through stories, creativity and movement, guided by beloved “Sesame Street” characters and including free take-home activities and materials.
Of course we’re also offering our usual array of storytimes, baby & toddler fun, craft and science programs, book groups, and teen programs – keep an eye on the Youth Services calendar and Facebook page to learn the latest about upcoming programs, fundraisers, and special events – there’s always something interesting going on.
Happy December, Happy Holidays, and Happy Reading!
For an extensive list of Nevins Memorial Library happenings, check out nevinslibrary.org.