WOODSTOCK — The once sleepy Whitman Memorial Library in Bryant Pond has so much happening these days,  it’s hard to keep track.

There are weekly events like chair Pilates and “Village Makers,” a weekly craft night. An ongoing project involves compiling recipes for a cookbook, that will be sold as a fundraiser. The deadline to submit a recipe and an accompanying anecdote is Aug. 25. Local homeschoolers also meet at the library monthly.

Crafters and vendors are invited sell their wares at the “Annual Book and Craft Event” on Sept. 20 — and the list goes on.

Library Trustees President Sue Staples said, “The role of community libraries is expanding.  In addition to offering access to a large collection of books, libraries are becoming ‘gathering places’ for community involvement and new learning opportunities.  So providing space and supporting on-going activities (like Chair Pilates, Cookbook Club, Games On, weekly technology help, and the Village Makers knitting and crafts group), are ways we can welcome more people into the library and foster new connections and enjoyment.”

Staples added that they are offering a variety of one-time programs like author visits and informational presentations, as they strive toward their mission of “providing a free and inviting place for everyone to discover, create, share ideas, and enjoy cultural enrichment.”

Staples’ fellow trustees are: Sonja Davis, Linda Stowell, Ruth Feeney and Alice Deegan. The Library Director is Pat Little.

 Of her weekly chair Pilates class, Staples shared, “The class helped me become more aware of my own levels of strength and flexibility and what I can do to maintain them.  Just as important to me, though, are the new friends I have met and the laughs we always share during class.”

Weekly Interest Groups, Open to All:

Chair Pilates – Mondays 12-12:45 p.m.
Village Makers (Knitting/Crafts) – Tuesdays 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Games On! Group (with support of Bethel Aging Friendly Initiative ), Thursdays 12 -2 p.m.

Monthly Interest Group

Cookbook Club –  Meeting the 3rd Monday of each month from May through Sept. from 5 – 6:30 p.m.. Please call the library to reserve a spot.

Upcoming Projects and Events

Whitman Memorial Library Cookbook – Welcoming old and new recipes from area friends and families by Aug. 25  Also encouraging any little memories or anecdotes related to recipes. Goal is to have published cookbooks available for sale before the holidays. Recipe forms are available at the library or by e-mail.

Annual Book and Craft Event – Saturday, September 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  An updated array of great books available at no charge. “Free-will” donations are gratefully accepted.  No table charge for crafters/vendors but please call the library to register.  (207-665-2505)

Archivist Rhonda Chadwick Presentation – Monday, October 6 at 1 p.m.  Rhonda will talk with us about ways to organize, preserve and safeguard our stories ( in photos, printed documents, and other materials) for future generations.