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One Book Chelmsford Banners

To promote our One Book Chelmsford community reading program, featuring Richard Russo’s book Empire Falls, the Library is using banners to get the word out.

As you drive around town (especially in the Town Center and around Vinyl Square), keep an eye out for the banners (or check out some photos in the Library’s flickr account).

And, keep an eye on the Library’s One Book Chelmsford programs webpage, for upcoming One Book Chelmsford events. These include live music in the coffeehouse, book discussions, lectures and talks, walking tours, and more.

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On File at the Library

A new public document has been given to both the Town Hall and the Library to be made available to the public. This document (a large 3-ring binder) is a copy of the Montgomery Energy Billerica Power Partners, LP Energy Facility Siting Board Petition for the Billerica Energy Center.

The petition concerns the development of a 134-acre site at the intersection of Town Farm Road and Billerica Avenue in North Billerica. Their intention is to build a new power generation facility, to be called the Billerica Energy Center.

To review this document at the library, please contact the Reference Desk.

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Changes in Museum Passes at the Library

In case you didn’t already know, discounted passes for many area museums and parks are available through the library. You can reserve passes through the library’s website or by calling the Reference Desk (978-256-5521). There are 17 museums and parks in all, with some of the most popular being the Museum of Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Discovery Museums in Acton, and the New England Aquarium. And, the library just added a new pass - the Davis’ Farmland & MegaMaze in Sterling.

Also, starting April 1st, 2007, there will be a new system for reserving passes online. All of the same passes and guidelines still apply, but the screens will look a little different. The new system will allow people to view multiple days at a time, and can also send and email to remind you to pick up your pass. Another new feature is that people will be able to delete reservations for passes they no longer want - just click on the “My Passes” link to manage all of the passes you have on request.

Funding for these passes is provided by the Friends of the Chelmsford Library, as well as from individual patrons. Passes are available to all Chelmsford residents and any member of the Friends group. To reserve passes online, you will need your library barcode number (from your library card) and your PIN. Anyone with questions or problems should contact the Reference Desk for assistance.

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Coffeehouse @ The Library

Come to the Coffeehouse @ The Library and listen to songs inspired by the mill towns of Lowell, sung by local singer/songwriters! Free and open to the public!

See our Program page for more information!

These programs are part of the “One Book Chelmsford” programming. Federally funded with LSTA funds through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

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There’s a book club for everyone

Once upon a time a book group sat in a semi-circle surrounding a fireplace. The book group leader inquired, “Well, what did you think of the book?” “I liked it,” said one gentleman. “I liked it too,” said the woman beside him. “What did you like about it?” the leader asked. “I liked the plot and the characters and the ending.” “I did too,” said another book group member.

And they all agreed that they liked the book. The End.

Not a very exciting story is it? But that is what a book group often can be like if everyone agrees. A good discussion needs strong opinions and the occasional disagreement. So, are you contrary, irascible, stubborn? Will your epitaph say, “I may not have always been right, but I was never wrong?” A book group may be just the niche you have been looking for.

As folks have been reading Richard Russo’s Empire Falls - the community reading book chosen by Chelmsford voters last fall - they have been voicing their opinions.

And those opinions have been varied.

“I don’t like the ending.” “I thought it was hilarious.” “I didn’t think it was funny at all.” “I felt hope at the end.” “I thought the whole book was sad.” “I loved the characters; they felt just like people I know.” “I don’t know anyone like the people in that book.” “I don’t get why this book won the Pulitzer Prize.” “I can see why this book won the Pulitzer, the writing is great.”

One of the hallmarks of a book worth reading is the reactions it gets from its readers. And those reactions do not all have to be positive. A few Chelmsford residents erroneously believe that they should not come to a book discussion if they didn’t love the book. Don’t make that mistake! And if you love the book, as so many do, we need you to come tell us why! We need to hear your thoughts. And our discussions promise to be lively and interesting if there is some controversy.

Book discussions will begin in April. They will be held at both the center library and at MacKay, the Senior Center, Chelmsford High School, the Town Offices, restaurants, coffee houses, and churches and at senior citizen housing. Click on the One Book logo at www.chelmsfordlibrary.org for more information or drop by the library and pick up a book discussion schedule.

If you haven’t started reading Empire Falls yet, what are you waiting for? Books are available around town and in the library. Come and get your copy now!