Check out some DVDs at the Lane Memorial Library

If you’ve been to the Lane Memorial Library lately, you’ve probably checked out DVDs of your favorite movies. But what you might not know is that we have lots of DVDs that aren’t on those bestseller shelves. Documentaries, how-to’s, and travel programs are here for the borrowing. Sure, you can get these on NetFlix, but why not check them out for free? Here’s a small sample of what you’re able to get right here at your local library.

The Longest Hatred: a revealing history of anti-semitism (305.892 LON)
This documentary series tracks the roots of anti-Semitism all the way back to Roman times, when Jesus was persecuted and the idea that Jews were responsible for his death first took hold.

Hidden Turkey (915.61 HID)
Bustling trading ports, vibrant bazaars and exotic culinary delights are mainstays of Turkish culture that go back thousands of years. This fascinating travel guide explores the culture and history of Turkey's inner Anatolia and Black Sea regions. From the traditional foods of rural towns to the revered spiritual dance of the Whirling Dervishes and the masterful rug makers, it's a tour that reveals the heart and soul of hidden Turkey.

Keeping Fit in Your 50s (613.7 KEE)
This total body workout program was designed by exercise physiologist Robyn Stuhr specifically for people in their 50s, and it addresses the body's changing needs. The effective and easy-to-follow workout routines, expert advice, and examples focus on overall health for all abilities of activity and expertise, including suggestions for beginners or those new to flexibility and core strength training.

Is Wal-Mart Good for America? (381.14 IS)
This PBS series dares to pose a question: Is one of America's biggest corporations actually ruining the economy? Marching across the nation, the big-box chain brings jobs and much-needed retail options to many towns. But, as a major purveyor of goods, the company's also hacked away at manufacturing jobs stateside, since the bulk of its products are made in China.

Dare to Repair: A Do-It-Herself Guide to Home Improvement (643.7 DAR)
Don't call that expensive plumber -- join handywomen Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet as they unjam the garbage disposal, get the wiggle out of the washer and valiantly retrieve precious jewelry that slipped down the kitchen sink with this visual do-it-yourself guide. Julie and Stephanie offer simple-to-follow steps for various repairs and fixes, from electrical shorts to clogged toilets.

The Persuaders (659.1 PER)
PBS's long-running television series "Frontline" examines the inner workings of advertising and public relations and the men and women -- dubbed "persuaders" -- whose job it is to influence the buying habits of today's consumers. See how they research the preferences of shoppers, pique their interest, entice them to part with their hard-earned money, and get their own messages across in an increasingly complicated and tech-savvy world.

If you would like to reserve these or any other DVDs we have, give us a call at (603) 926-3368.

Earth Day events at the Lane Library

The public is invited to free Earth Day Events at the Lane Memorial Library. On April 1 from 6:30-8:00 p.m we will feature the "N.H. Carbon Challenge", a presentation on simple steps that Hampton residents can take to reduce carbon emissions.

On April 19 from 2-4 we will be showing "An Inconvenient Truth", a 90 minute documentary film by Al Gore. This eye opening, must see DVD is for anyone who is concerned about our environment and wants to be part of the solution.

Both events are being co-sponsored by the Hampton Beach Beautification Committee and the Energy Committee. Library parking is in the lot across the street on Academy Ave. Free house plants will be given to the first 25 people who attend. For more information, contact johnlgebhart@aol.com

Spring Storytimes begin!

Spring story times begin this week!

They will run for six weeks (the week of March 17th to the week of April 21st).

Children 15 months to 3 years-Tuesday mornings at 9:30
Children 15 months to 3 years-Wednesday Mornings at 9:30

Three-year-olds on Wednesday mornings at 10:30
Four-and-five-year-olds on Thursday mornings at 10

Space is limited, so sign ups are strongly encouraged. Please phone the Children's Room at 603-926-4729 to add your child to the list or for further information.

Twilight Book Club to Discuss "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

The next Friends of the Lane Library’s Twilight Book Club is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Dorothy Little Room.  The focus of discussion will be A Thousand Splendid Suns, the newest novel by Khaled Hosseini, bestselling author of The Kite Runner.
 
“Our first meeting was a success -- conversation was engaging and the gathering was well attended,” comments Friends volunteer Debra Perry who is organizing the book group along with fellow Friends member Pat Trionfo-Spitz. “Our goal is to bring together people from the Hampton community who enjoy reading and exchanging ideas about literature.  We look forward to another evening of literary conversation and encourage anyone interested -- new and returning members -- to attend.“

For more information, contact Debra Perry at debraperry@gmail.com or Pat Trionfo-Spitz at ptrionfo@aol.com.

The Friends is a multi-age volunteer organization whose mission is to preserve and strengthen Hampton's library as a community resource.   For more information, visit the Friends website at www.lanelibraryfriends.org

Share a story with Tosca, the Reading Dog

On Thursday afternoon, March 20th, from 4:30-5:15, Tosca the Labradoodle will come to hear stories read to her. Sessions are 15 minutes long, and patrons are urged to call in advance to save a timeslot. Tosca is utterly sweet and LOVES kids and the books they read.Please call the Children's Room at 926-4729.

AARP tax help at the library

AARP offers tax help during stressful time
by Amy Kane

(Reprinted from the Hampton Union, March 11, 2008)

Volunteers are providing free tax preparation help for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older, at several locations on the Seacoast as part of the AARP Tax Aide program.

"We see that those people who need money the most get every cent coming to them without added expenses," said Ann Kaiser, tax aide site coordinator in Hampton.

On Monday and Wednesday evenings and Tuesday and Thursday mornings, IRS-trained volunteers are on hand at Lane Memorial Library in Hampton. Help is first come, first served.

"We try to match volunteer to client by areas of expertise, and according to problems they may have," said Kaiser.

It is important people wait until they receive all the W-2s and statements they may need, said Kaiser. Volunteers strive to file every return electronically, with refunds deposited directly in individuals' bank accounts.

"We strongly urge people to sign up for direct deposit for returns," said Kaiser. "They just need to bring a bank routing number and account number. Refunds will be deposited there. If they owe, it can be withdrawn from a checking or savings account."

Kaiser said even if they have no taxable income, they have to file this year to qualify for the economic stimulus package rebate.

People are eligible for a rebate up to $600 for a joint return and $300 individually if their qualifying income is more than $3,000. Qualifying income includes wages and salaries, self-employment income, and Social Security benefits. More than $75,000 and the rebate phases out incrementally.

Kaiser was Hampton's tax collector for many years and now dedicates volunteer time to the Tax Aide program.

"I've been fortunate in my life and now it's time to help out others," she said.

Volunteer John Sovich said, "As a tax aide, I have found it very rewarding to have a senior citizen come to our site looking confused and worried about their taxes only to leave with their return completed and e-filed and their mood greatly improved."

Kaiser said the Hampton site is fully staffed but some other sites in the Seacoast could use more volunteers.

The AARP Tax Aide program is the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service.

"You do not need to be a member of AARP, or even old enough to join AARP, to qualify for free help," said Kaiser.

AARP Tax Help is available in Hampton at the Lane Memorial Library on Mondays and Wednesdays: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9:15 to 11:30 a.m., through April 15th.

$5000 Donation for New Library Chairs

Thanks to a generous gift of $5000 from library patron Cheryl Lassiter, the library was recently able to acquire many new chairs. Cheryl's discomfort sitting in the library's old computer chairs led to the donation, so the first things we purchased were a dozen black leather office chairs on casters. They are quite comfortable and very popular with the multitudes of people who use our public computers all day long.



The remaining money was used to purchase six comfortable lounge chairs for the magazine reading area. All of these new chairs replaced furniture that was originally purchased when the library addition was opened in 1985, so they were quite tired and worn out. Thank you again, Cheryl, for your generous donation!

Library Volunteers Needed

The library is currently looking for a few good volunteers. We are looking for volunteers to work on a variety of projects and tasks. Do you like to read the newspaper and keep up with current events? The library needs one or more volunteers to help us index our local papers. This index is available on our website and goes back to 1994. We are having a hard time finding enough people to keep it current at the moment, and have fallen a few months behind. If we are able to catch up we would also like to extend back before 1994. Newspaper indexers need to have a head for detail and precision, and be able to think up subject terms with which to describe the articles that appear in the newspaper. If you think you might be the right person for the job, please contact us.

Another job that needs attention a few hours each week is the covering and processing of new books. One of our volunteers is currently on leave caring for a family member and we need someone who can step into her shoes in the interim. (It's also a great way to get first dibs on anything new to the collection!)

In addition to these two urgent jobs we are always looking for people to help us repair books and cassettes, and to clean and repair our CD and DVD collections. Interested in local Hampton history and remember your typing class from High School? We are always on the lookout for help in transcribing town records and reports into our web space. And for those who can’t or don’t like to type, there are always digital scanning projects in the works.

We will be happy to train you for any of these jobs. The library depends on a cadre of dedicated volunteers. To join this vital group, please contact Darrell Eifert or Bill Teschek at 926-3368 or email the library at library(at)hampton.lib.nh.us. We look forward to hearing from you.