NEWS
July 28, 2023
Fantastic season so far!
A few notes:
  • Youth Game Night was a big success with over 15 friends joining in for fun on the porch.
  • Storytime at the Schoolhouse was enjoyed by 9 children and their grownups. Thanks, Pat, for the invitation and for a wonderful presentation of artifacts.
  • Thank you to Mary Brennan for presenting twice at Teatime on her learning cohort with the Wabanaki and First Light.
  • Great books are circulating and getting all the personal reviews you need to make an informed decision! Come on in and grab your next great read. 
  • We have many more weeks ahead of storytimes and teatimes, so please check your calendar to set the dates.
  • Annual Meeting Tuesday August 1 7:30pm at the Library. After Library business, Pete Karvounis, Naval Aviator, will give a talk.
  • Please note our new phone number: 207-422-0045
June 20, 2023
Welcome to the 2023 season! 110th for our Hancock Point Library!
A few notes before Opening Day:
  • The biennial book + bake sale will be July 29, 10am-1pm
  • Please do not drop book sale donations on the library porch. 
  • Please contact the library hancockpointlibrary (at) gmail (dot) com with donation or general book sale questions
  • If you have books published in the last 12 months that you would like to donate to the library collection, bring in on/after July 1.
  • Programming notes available on the programming link in sidebar
  • See you soon!
July 1, 2022
Welcome to the 109th Season!
  • Masks will still be required for entry
  • We have some great programming this summer! Speakers, 6th Annual Game Night and more!
  • Please contact with any questions.
July 5, 2021
Welcome to the 2021 Season!
We look forward to welcoming you back into the library! 
A few notes:
  • Please mask upon entry to the Library
  • Be aware of your social distancing
  • Family pods in the children's wing
  • Teatime, 4pm Weds, Porch
  • Storytime, 10am Thurs, Lawn weather permitting (bring a blanket!)
  • Special Author visit for YOUTH! Kate O'Shaughnessy, July 17, 11am
  • 5th Annual Youth Game Night, July 20, 6-7:15pm 
  • Octameron via Zoom! Reach out via email if you are not receiving the links. hancockpointlibrary(at)gmail(dot)com
  • Book + Bake Sale, July 31, 10-1
  • Follow us on Instagram! HancockPointLibrary
  • Fill out our membership form online here.
  • As always, visit the website for more information and a mostly up-to-date online catalog!

 


Opening Week Video

Library Memo July 23, 2020
  • Youth and Teen game nights were a hit! 6 great kids Zoom'd in for Youth Game Night and 6 super teens Zoom'd in for Teen+ Popup!
  • Storytimes have been well attended, too.
  • Circulation is sailing along; please return or request renewals for the titles you have out. 
  • Email me with book requests! If you don't see it in the catalog, please check in with me - we just might have it as a recent acquisition!
Library Memo July 14, 2020
Hancock Point Library

Greetings! Loads of Programming! I appreciate your patience as you scroll through. Email for more details on this programming or to become a member!
  • Storytime Thursday July 16, 10amEST, theme: MAINE!
  • Octameron Monday July 20, 5:30pmEST: Bill Janeway on Harold L. Ickes
  • 4th Annual Youth Game Night, Zoom edition, Tuesday July 21, 5-6pm EST
  • 2nd Annual Teen+ PopUp, Zoom edition, Wednesday July 22, 5-6pm EST PARENTS PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO YOUR TEEN CHILDREN so they can access the link for Teen PopUp night!
LIBRARY MEMO, June 23, 2020
Greetings and welcome to the 107th Season of the Hancock Point Library! This season will be different, but no less interesting! I will miss seeing you in the library and enjoying the questions and commentary as you browse, but programming will still be on for 2020!
What you need to know right now:
  • Winter borrowers, please return your items by June 30. The return box is outside. Please email hancockpointlibrary (at) gmail (dot) com if you need a list of what you currently have out.
  • Curbside Service begins July 1.
  • Call 422-6400 or email hancockpointlibrary (at) gmail (dot) com
  • Request specific titles, The Board Recommends..., or a "mixed mystery bag" from the stacks!
  • Children's themed picture book and chapter book bags will also be available. Email hancockpointlibrary (at) gmail (dot) com to inquire.
  • Two-week borrowing will be strictly followed as books require a 72-hour quarantine period before recirculation. Please be mindful of this.
  • Pick up and returning will be on the porch or contactless into your car. Please wear a mask and observe social distancing.
  • During Library hours, the lawn is open for social-distanced visiting and relaxing with a book. Sorry, the porch is closed this year.
  • Virtual Browsing of the 2020 table and 2019 browsing table IS LIVE!
  • Catalog is updated daily with new titles!
  • LIVE Zoom all-ages storytime begins July 9 at 10AM EST! It will be recorded so you can view when it works for your family! (link shared via HPVIS email)
  • I am taking suggestions for how to make Zoom teatime interesting and effective. Please email hancockpointlibrary (at) gmail (dot) com with your ideas. 
  • Much MORE TO COME!

Follow us on Instagram for fresh updates! @hancockpointlibrary

Library Memo, Week of May 4, 2020
Greetings friends! Hoping you are taking care, staying safe, and looking forward to summer. Please check back regularly for updates on Summer 2020 Library Procedures and distance programming. This summer will be different, but will still be special. Please reach out to us with questions hancockpointlibrary (at) gmail (dot) com. 

 

Library Memo, Week of Aug 5, 2019
Greetings!!

Another fantastic week at The Library!

1) Storyteller HOPE LEWIS was here on July 31 and a wonderful crowd of over 25 listeners came for the fun! She was a fabulous storyteller and had all of us at the edge of our seats, singing, laughing and even crying! We hope to host her again sometime in the future.

2) Storytime has been well attended this year! Thanks to all the little and big ones who have joined me. Storytime is ALL AGES! See you next Thursday at 10am.

3) My colleague Emily arrives on Monday night and will be in the library from Tuesday August 6 until August 28. The two of us will work together on Tuesday and present at the Annual Meeting together. My family and I depart after the Annual Meeting. Stop in to meet Emily next week!

4) Tuesday August 6, 7:30pm, 106th Annual Meeting of the Library. After Library business, Alex MacGillivray, Hancock Point community member and former Deputy US Chief Technology Officer under President Obama, will speak.

Thanks to everyone who has supported the library with visits, donations of books, donations of funds, supplies, participation in activities and stopping by for tea. Our 106th Season continues to be wonderful! Stop in for a great book or to chat!
Library Memo, Week of July 22, 2019

Greetings from the Hancock Point Library! Lots of news here...bear with me and be sure to catch it all!
Connect with the library anytime:
  @hancockpointlibrary -- And our fellow community friends, too: @pointchapel and @hancockpointsailing ! It is here you will see photos of events, and the day to day fun of the Point. If you would like help setting up an account, stop by the library or drop me an email.

Calling all artists! 2 weeks left! Please submit your B&W drawing of the front of The Library for our tote bag contest! All entries due by August 6, 2019! Email hancockpointlibrary@gmail.com for more information.

1. Teatime and Storytime have been very well attended! Friends, neighbors, and new guests have joined us. Toby S. was a guest storytime leader and it was loads of fun. Teatime is 4pm Weds and Storytime is 10am Thurs through August. ALL AGES!

2. Youth Game Night and Teen+ Team Night packed fun and action this week! Kids of all ages on the Point had loads of fun this week! 12 teens came for the Teen+ Popup and 16 kids came for Game Night!! BIG THANK YOU to Eleanor Morse who co-led Teen+ Popup with me! And thanks to all the parents and grandparents for sending your children along to play. 

3. July 31, Weds 4pm, Hope Lewis, All Ages Storyteller. Join in on the fun at the Library!

Hope Lewis is a storyteller from Seal Cove, Maine. She retired from teaching and just couldn't stay retired. Currently she performs as a storyteller and teaches for two Senior Colleges. Her stories are typically crafted to appeal to the entire family. You will find wisdom stories, traditional folktales, children's songs, Maine humor and environmentally conscious stories in her repertoire.

4. Tuesday August 6, 7:30pm, 106th Annual Meeting of the Library. After Library business, Alex MacGillivray, Hancock Point community member and former Deputy US Chief Technology Officer under President Obama, will speak.

5. Shake out the cottage for library books! Many of you have been enjoying new titles. Please return them when due to share with community members.
See you at the Library!

Library Memo, Week of July 22, 2018

Stunning days and gorgeous nights! Plenty of plein air reading happening! Next week doesn't look so promising, but the library is cozy and warm. Stop by!

1. Shake out the cottage for library books!
Many of you have been enjoying books since the opening day. Please check on your titles and return for others to enjoy!

2. Youth Game Night!
Tuesday 7/24, 6:30-8pm, ages 5-17. Come for board and card games, charades and a guessing game! Snacks and prizes!
((High school students can earn up to 3 hours of community service. Please see/email Christina.))

3. Weds TeaTime 4pm, Come chat about longtime HP resident Eleanor Parker Clarke, relative of the donor of the Library building!
It is Eleanor Parker Clarke's 141st birthday this week! Come learn from Alice Cochrane about the granddaughter of Isaac S. Johnson and first cousin of Edward Steinbach. Longtime HP resident, artist and art teacher, Clarke was a prolific watercolorist and traveler. Her writings and artwork will be on display for this interesting conversation!

4. ALL AGES STORYTIME, Thursdays 10am. This week's theme is MAINLY MAINE! Stories, Maine Bingo and a craft!

5. BOOK, BAKE, AND ART SALE! 
Saturday 7/28, 9am
Come for the sale, stay for the community! All proceeds benefit the library. If you are interested in donating baked goods of any kind, please contact Ann Amstutz Hayes. If you still have books to donate, please do so by Thursday 7/26.

Happy reading!
Christina
July 7, 2018 Library Memo 

1. WELCOME!
The Library is bursting with great books new and old for you and your family to enjoy. Stop by and say hello and leave with the next great book you've yet to enjoy!

2. Events! Events! Events!
So many fun happenings at the Library this season, be sure to check the website for a full detail. 
    
     Coming Soon: 

**TUESDAY July 10, 4:30pm, Exclusive engagement with Artist GREG MORT! Come to the library for a wonderful talk by world-renowned artist Greg Mort and enjoy wine, cheese and conversation with friends. Guests receive a book, and posters and notecards will be available for sale. Proceeds benefit the Library. Thank you to Lesley Robinson and Howard Weiner for sponsoring this special event.

**Wednesday July 11, 4-5pm Teatime, Podcast Potluck! Bring a 1 minute sample of your favorite podcast(s) to share with the group. If you are unable to make this event, please send an email with your favorites to me athancockpointlibrary@gmail.com as I will be curating a list to share. Thank you to Charles Greenacre for the inspiration for this Teatime.

3. Teatime Snack Signup Sheet
Speaking of Teatime, calling all foodies! If you would like to share a treat an upcoming Teatime, please sign up at the library or via email hancockpointlibrary@gmail.com. Two (2) dozen bites are appreciated on Wednesdays through August. 

4. Find us on Instagram!
Your Hancock Point Librarians, Christina & Emily, are keeping an active presence on Instagram! Find us @hancockpointlibrary

Library News Week of August 13, 2017
Beautiful weather ahead and great selection of materials and continued programming at the Library. Last week, the Writing Tea with Mary was well attended on our sunny porch. Thanks, Mary! Thursday morning, author Stephanie Calmenson led storytime for over 6 children and sold out of her books. She is donating all proceeds to the library! 
This week: 
Emily Valente, my colleague from Brooklyn, will begin Tuesday morning! She and her family are excited to join the library and I hope you get a chance to meet her before you depart for the season.
1) Check your cottage (and remind family members!) for library books. Check the date stamp to see when your books are due back. Many of you have utilized the drop-box on the porch! Thank you!
2) All Ages Tea Time this Wednesday! Come by to visit with friends, relax on the porch and meet Emily. 
3) Fairytales Storytime on Thursday morning at 10am. All ages welcome!
Wishing you a beautiful week ahead, wherever your roads may lead.
Library News Week of August 6, 2017

 

What a great annual meeting, Art Tea and Maine Storytime last week! Matt Weber gave an interesting presentation on development in Afghanistan enjoyed by many HP friends. Rosemary led a fun Art Tea where we painted with balloons! And during Maine Storytime this week, we read two classics and one brand new tale featuring all things Maine. We played Bingo and made Maine mobiles, whales, drawings and mussel jewelry.
THIS WEEK
1) Shake out the cottage for library books on the loose! We have a convenient drop box on the porch for after hours drop-offs.
2) Wednesday 4pm Writing Tea with our Mary Brennan! Join Mary on the porch for an informal stream-of-consciousness writing journey. No writing experience necessary!
3) Thursday 10am Author Visit during Storytime! Stephanie Calmenson, author of over 100 children's books, will be here with her dog Harry to share three of her titles with children. Afterward there will be book sales and signing!
What a sun-filled, fun-filled summer so far! Swing by the library to see what the fun is all about during one of the events this week, or check out @hancockpointlibrary on Instagram to stay connected while off the Point!
Happy Reading!

 

 

LIBRARY NEWS, Week of July 30, 2017

What a fabulous showing at all of this week's events! Tuesday, we held our first Hancock Point Youth Game Night! A wonderful success with over 15 youth ages 5-15! We started with a round of Musical Chairs, then enjoyed board games and charades. We closed with sparklers on the lawn. So much fun! Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual, July 24, 2018! Wednesday, we hosted author Ann Smallidge. Born and raised in Seal Harbor, she has traveled all over and joined the Peace Corps at age 50. She shared her three books, stories and lots of laughs with over 18 tea attendees! And, if that all wasn't enough, Thursday, we held Storytime at the Hancock Point Schoolhouse. Pat Moll hosted us in her lovely, restored, National Historic Registered schoolhouse! We took a tour, enjoyed some stories, did some crafts and finished the morning with lemonade and cookies. What a great week!

Upcoming Events!

1. Tuesday 7:30pm Hancock Point Library Association Annual Meeting. After a short business meeting, Matt Weber, a development practitioner in Afghanistan for 7 years, will present on the role of Afghanistan in our 21st century world.

2. Wednesday 4pm Art Tea with Rosemary! A much loved and now annual event! Please join us for tea and fun art on the library lawn.

3. Thursday 10am Mainly Maine Storytime. Please join me for a Maine-themed storytime for all ages. Maine stories, Bingo and a craft.

LOOKING AHEAD! (yes, there's more!)

**Weds Aug 9, 4pm** Writing Tea with our Mary Brennan

**Thurs Aug 10, 10am** AUTHOR VISIT FOR STORYTIME! Friend of the library Stephanie Calmenson will lead storytime, sharing some of her books and her Dachshund Harry! 3 of her titles will be available for sale and book signing!

  

LIBRARY NEWS, Week of July 23, 2017

1. By the Numbers!

  • The Library has seen 178 adult and 79 youth visitors since opening day. Many more than this time last year!
  • 90 Adult books and 159 Youth books have been checked out. 
  • We have held 2 author events, 3 Teas and 3 Storytimes - with storytimes surpassing attendance compared to this time last year. 

2. Upcoming Events!

  • Tuesday 7/25 7-8:30pm: 1st Annual HP Youth Game Night!    All young people aged 5-17 are invited to join in for an evening of games with friends and neighbors. Prizes! Snacks! Fun! This is a drop off event, but parents are welcome to attend!
  • Wednesday 7/26 3pm: Maine Author Ann Smallidge    Blue Hill author Anne Smallidge will read from her book ADAMA’S FIRST LOVE at the Hancock Point Library. The book is about a young woman in Gambia whose first love, Modu, has been promised in an arranged marriage to another woman. The course of each of their lives is described with quiet beauty. Both the place and the people described by Smallidge tells the story with passion and an underlying love for Gambia. This is Smallidge’s third novel. Anne joined the Peace Corps at age 50 and worked in Gambia for several years. She was born and raised on the coast of Maine.
  • Thursday 7/28 10am: Storytime at the HANCOCK SCHOOL, 644 Point Rd.  Please join friends at the Hancock One-Room School for stories, crafts and a snack!

3. Shake out the cottage for Library Books! There are a number of books due yesterday, today and in the next few days. Check your due date to see if yours should make their way back. As always: there is a drop-box on the library porch for after-hours dropoffs.

 

LIBRARY NEWS, Week of July 16, 2017

We have several events coming up in the next few weeks, so get your pens and calendars out!

Special Evening at the Library!

1. Maine Author, Monica Wood 7:30pm, Tuesday, July 18 

MONICA WOOD is a novelist, memoirist, and playwright. Her most recent novel, The One-in-a-Million Boy, has been published in 19 foreign editions and in 18 languages. She is also the author of When We Were the Kennedys, a New England bestseller, Oprah magazine summer-reading pick, and winner of the Mary Sarton Memoir Award and Maine Literary Award. Her nonfiction is widely published and her recent play, Papermaker, enjoyed an extended debut run at Portland Stage Company in Portland, Maine, its best selling play in its history.  
2. Wednesday Teatime with HP Author David Hirzel 4-5pm, Wednesday July 19

Are you seeking to improve your decision-making? Interested in exploration, travel, and discovery? These stories will compel you to evaluate and improve your own decision-making and reveal just how you would deal with risk and adversity. Hancock Point author David Hirzel will read selections and discuss his newest title, WHEN YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT, at the Hancock Point Library Wednesday Tea.

And looking beyond...

1st Annual Game Night for Kids 5-17! Tuesday, July 25, 7ish - 8:30pm

Author Ann Smallidge will speak on Wednesday, July 26, 3-5pm

 

LIBRARY NEWS, Week of July 2, 2017

Happy 4th! Welcome one and all to Hancock Point! Our opening day on July 1 was well-attended and many friends enjoyed a cup of hot tea, a warm-up by the fire, and a tasty apple tart brought over by Sam Morse.

1. We have an INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT! @hancockpointlibrary is our handle! We encourage you to follow and tap on our profile images. We will share news, great reads and young people on the point will find contests, as well!

2. Have you seen our website lately?The layout is essentially the same, but the links and information have been completely refreshed. Over the winter, if you have suggestions, please do send them along via our website. At the top, click SUGGEST TITLES.

3. I look forward to seeing you and assisting you in your search for the perfect summer read. See you here soon!

 

 

LIBRARY NEWS, Week of August 22, 2016

Greetings! This is my last update for the season as I leave this week. What a gorgeous summer! So much sunshine! I look forward to returning next summer with my family for another exciting season of great books and library programming. 
1. Library open through Saturday September 3.
The library will be OPEN through Saturday September 3, 2016 thanks to the efforts of current and past library board members and friends. As always, the drop box on the porch is available for after hours returns.
2. Beware! Library books camouflage as cottage books! 
As we order many new books each year, we don't always put spine labels on them right away! They can look just like books you might own. Please look through your cottage libraries before heading south for the winter. Thank you!
The layout is essentially the same, but the links and information have been completely refreshed. Over the winter, if you have suggestions, please do send them along via our website. At the top, click SUGGEST TITLES.

 

LIBRARY NEWS, Week of August 15, 2016

Good afternoon, Hancock Point!
We are winding down the season, but many great reads are still to be enjoyed. Be sure to stop in and visit!

1. Shake out the cottages for library books on the loose! 
If you find any library materials, feel free to drop them off inside or outside in the book drop box. Can't remember if you still have books out? Stop by or call 
422-6400 for more information.
2. Last Tea Time of the season this Weds. Aug. 17 4pm
Come by for tea and a treat and let's talk books! Favorite book of the summer? Worst book of the year? We'd love to hear.
3. Last Storytime of the season this Thurs. Aug. 18 10am
All ages storytime this Thursday with the theme of Friendship. School or fall playdates will be starting soon for our younger friends on Hancock Point. We will read stories relating to friendship and creating a craft to celebrate friends.
4. Suggestions of authors or titles for next year?
I have begun my 2017 list. Please drop a line or stop in to the library and share topics, authors or titles you'd like to see in the library next year. Feel free to reach out over the course of the academic year, as well.
And an interesting piece recently in the NYT about reading and longevity!

Read Books, Live Longer? - NYTimes.com
mobile.nytimes.com

Read the full story

 

 

LIBRARY NEWS, Week of August 8, 2016

Thanks to all who came out for the Annual Library Meeting! Eleanor, Library Board President, updated everyone on the wonderful donations that have been given this summer, shared information about the grounds, and welcomed two new members to the board. Barb Welch gave a treasury report. After the business meeting, we heard an engaging, critical presentation from Mrs. Andrea Denny-Brown on ornamentation, architecture and writing with interpretations around the Medieval period on these topics. While we do not have any titles featuring architect Adolf Loos, we do have some fascinating architecture books. We also have a bio of Chaucer as well as a volume of his work; for comparison we have a volume of 15th century poetry and prose, 
which -gasp!- has a few pages devoted to John Lydgate. Stop in and take one home!
1. Wednesday Tea 4pm: Living Abroad
Have you ever lived abroad? Dream of living abroad? Come by and share your experience and hear those of others. All ages welcome!
2. Thursday Storytime 10am : Eric Carle
Come hear some of the wonderful tales and enjoy the astounding art of Eric Carle. For those driving south for the winter, The Eric Carle Museum in Amherst MA is well worth going off the beaten path. All ages welcome for stories and a craft.
3. Art on the Lawn: date TBD
Rosemary is returning for the premier art event of the summer on Hancock Point! This year it has to do with frames, sea glass and glue guns. Be on the lookout for more information. All ages.

4. Have you read the best book of the summer? 
My favorite book of the summer so far is LAROSE by LOUISE ERDRICH (we do have in our collection!). Do we have yours in our collection? Please share your best book titles with me, and (if we don't have them) we'll consider adding them to the collection. Donations of your favorites are also welcome!
Happy reading!
Christina