Position Open

The Babcock Library needs a Library Assistant. The position is approximately 19 hours per week and requires at least a high school diploma and two years of library experience. For more details, see our ad on the Connecticut Library Consortium web site at http://www.ctlibrarians.org/ctlibs/jobs.html or call the library at 860-487-4420. We are accepting applications through August 31st.

Redesigned Web Site

Check out our redesigned and updated web site! Many thanks to Jean Jakoboski who made it happen! Our web address is www.babcocklibrary.org. There's lots of new content and links here now, also thanks to Jean.

Board Meeting Rescheduled

The Babcock Library Board of Directors normally meets the 4th Tuesday of each month. For May, the meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday the 29th at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Babcock's Birthday Party

We were pleased to celebrate Archibald Babcock's 227th birthday on April 28, 2007 in the Knowlton Auditorium. Party goers enjoyed the balloon twisting artistry of Nick Connell, music by Larry Gag and Jimbo of the J.J. Diamond Band, and cake from Chez Marie, served by Library Friend Paula Hallene. Here are a few shots taken by Library Friend and Board member Cindy Curry.

If you missed the party, you can still make a donation in his memory. Please take a candle or two from the cake in the Knowlton Auditorium upstairs to the library with your donation. We appreciate it!

Babcock Book Discussion online

Babcock Library's Book Discussion title for May is Omnivore's Dilemma.

Michael Pollan, the author of this inspiring book, takes us on trips through the US to learn where the food in four of his meals is originating. He calls it the "natural history of four meals." By taking a closer look at our grocery store and restaurant food and food in general, all kinds of things become more visible. It seems when agriculture and food join in big business, ignorance, greed and illusion appear. Politics enters.

Some questions to consider if you are reading the book: are you eating differently than you were before you read the book? How is the book effecting you? What in this, if anything, is positive? This is about omnivores. Would the stories of the four meals be a lot different for a vegetarian?
He talks about eating locally in the chapter on the Grass Farmer. Do you think you could eat most of your food from local sources all year and feel satisfied? What kind of issues come up for you around food as you read this?

We will also be discussing this book on Monday, May 14, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the library, in the Reading Room. Multiple copies of the book are available at the library.

Friends Meeting Rescheduled

The Friends of the Babcock Library meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, April 17 has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 19. It will be at the library, from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. New Friends members are welcome! See you on the 19th.

Library Closed April 17 for Conference

The Babcock Library will be closed on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 so the staff can attend day 1 of the Connecticut Library Association annual conference. After this continuing education day, the library will be open again as usual on Wednesday, April 18.