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Friends keep Library spirit alive

Audience members practice their miming with Robert Rivest during his "A to Z Literacy" presentation on Feb. 11. Reminder submitted photo
By Debbie Gardner

PRIME Editor



HAMPDEN It's been seven months and counting since the town's rejection of a Proposition 2 1/2 override vote forced the Hampden Free Public Library to close its doors.

But thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Library, the sense of community that the Library created for townspeople lives on.

For example, on the second Saturday of every month, the Friends have organized a Community Book Swap, allowing readers of all ages to continue to get their literary "fix" within the borders of their own town.

And in conjunction with theBook Swap, the Friends have promoted a slate of literary-minded activities designed to keep the Library issue in the forefront of people's minds.



Poetry Contest Winners

For example, on Feb. 10, the Friends of the Hampden Free Public Library announced the winners of the "Love Your Library" prose and poetry contest launched last October.

The contest, open to all ages of Hampden residents, was co-sponsored by the Hampden branch of Monson Savings Bank.

Among those recognized during a public pizza party were Green Meadows Elementary School students:Lara Cushman, 1st Place, Grade 2; Billy Bond, 2nd Place, Grade 2;Billy Simmons, 3rd Place, Grade 2.

In addition, the following students penned winning poems: Nicholas Bouchard, 1st Place, Grade 3; Nate Mortimer, 2nd Place, Grade 3; Nicole Millet, 3rd Place, Grade 3; Adam Patterson, 1st Place, Grade 4; Robert McGregor, 2nd Place, Grade 4; and KristinReeves,3rd Place, Grade 4.

From Thorton Burgess Middle School, the following were selected as winners: Erin Lee, 1st Place, Grade 5;Jeffrey House, 2nd Place, Grade 5; Riley Jane Marini, 3rd Place, Grade 5; and Stephanie Reeves, 1st Place, Grade 6.

According to Cindy Bailey and Patty Ehlers, co-presidents of the Friends of the Hampden Free Public Library, each of the first-place winners received a $50 savings bond, and all received a "Love Your Library" magnetic bumper sticker.

There was also one adult winner, Nancy Willoughby. She was rewarded with a $50 gift certificate to the Somers Inn.

"Thank you to all who entered," Patty Ehlers told Reminder Publications via e-mail. "The Friends of Hampden Library wanted to pick [every entry] as a winner."



Mime is a hit

On Feb. 11, the Friends and the Hampden Cultural Council hosted a special presentation by "A to Z Literacy" the alphabet through mime in conjunction the Friends' "Love Your Library Month" celebration.

Presented by internationally acclaimed mime Robert Rivest, a student of the world famous mime Marcel Marceau, the show had both volunteers on stage and audience members practicing mime skillsthat expressed reading a paper, making a pizza, playing baseball, and acting out letters.

"It was great fun, and a privilege to have Robert bring his show to Hampden," co-president Cindy Bailey told Reminder Publications."Watch for young mimes miming can be catchy!"



Have you found the quote yet?

No? Well, you still have two more chances.

Hidden somewhere in the pages of this edition, and that of the week of Feb. 27 will be a "Library Quote of the Week."

Look for the quote, fill out an entry form (printed in the paper each week) and you could win a "Love Your Library" bumper sticker.

In addition, all correct entry forms that are received on time will enter a second drawing for the following prizes: $75 gift certificate to the Hampden House Restaurant; $50 gift certificate to the Village Food Mart; $25 gift certificate to Professional Dry Cleaners of Hampden.

Winners will be selected at the Community Book Swap on March 11 between 10 and 11:30 a.m.

All prizes were supplied by the proprietors. The "Library Quote of the Week" is co-sponsored by Reminder Publications.



Keeping the spirit alive

The poetry contest, mime presentation and "Library Quote of the Week" contest are some of the programs "put on by the Friends of the Hampden Free Public Library to keep literacy and cultural activities available to Hampden residents while the Hampden Library is closed," Ehlers said."The Friends thank all the individuals and local businesseswho help makeevents like thesepossible."

For more information about the Friends you may call Cindy Bailey at 566-8212.