Unless otherwise noted, Alton Book Chat meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning at 7:00 pm. Call the library at 875-2550 to reserve your copy of the next book discussion title and get in on the fun!
Alton Book Chat, established in 1999, is a library-sponsored book discussion group that meets monthly in the Agnes Thompson Meeting Room (lower-level entrance), Gilman Library, 100 Main St., Alton, NH 03809
COOL STUFF for Kids
Night Watch
by Jayne Anne Phillips
PULITZER PRIZE WINNER LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD IN FICTION
A NEW YORKER BEST BOOK
OF THE YEAR
From one of our most accomplished novelists, a mesmerizing story about a mother and daughter seeking refuge in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War--and a brilliant portrait of family endurance
Night Watch
by Jayne Anne Phillips
PULITZER PRIZE WINNER LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD IN FICTION
A NEW YORKER BEST BOOK
OF THE YEAR
From one of our most accomplished novelists, a mesmerizing story about a mother and daughter seeking refuge in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War--and a brilliant portrait of family endurance against all odds
"A tour de force." --Tayari Jones, author of An American Marriage
In 1874, in the wake of the War, erasure, trauma, and namelessness haunt civilians and veterans, renegades and wanderers, freedmen and runaways. Twelve-year-old ConaLee, the adult in her family for as long as she can remember, finds herself on a buckboard journey with her mother, Eliza, who hasn't spoken in more than a year. They arrive at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia, delivered to the hospital's entrance by a war veteran who has forced himself into their world. There, far from family, a beloved neighbor, and the mountain home they knew, they try to reclaim their lives.
The omnipresent vagaries of war and race rise to the surface as we learn their story: their flight to the highest mountain ridges of western Virginia; the disappearance of ConaLee's father, who left for the War and never returned. Meanwhile, in the asylum, they begin to find a new path. ConaLee pretends to be her mother's maid; Eliza responds slowly to treatment. They get swept up in the life of the facility--the mysterious man they call the Night Watch; the orphan child called Weed; the fearsome woman who runs the kitchen; the remarkable doctor at the head of the institution.
Epic, enthralling, and meticulously crafted, Night Watch is a stunning chronicle of surviving war and its aftermath.
Little Critter's : These Are My Pets
by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter describes his pet frog, turtle, fish, dog, cat, bug, and snake, and the things they like to do together
Unless otherwise posted, our Theater Thursday Monthly Movie Matinee will be shown in the Agnes Thompson Meeting Room (lower level). At 1:00 pm on the first Thursday of each month, the Gilman Library offers new and classic movies to enjoy with complimentary beverages and snacks to go hand in hand.
ENJOY THE SHOW
You will also receive a raffle ticket for coming and have the chance to win that afternoon's movie theme-related prize.
For more info, stop at the circulation desk, use our contact form, or call 875-2550.
Seasonally-themed craft kits available at the circulation desk, or reserve for curbside pick-up. Simple and fun! ~ Yours FREE for the asking. LIMITED SUPPLY
The Alton Parks and Recreation Department and Friends of Gilman Library collaborate to sponsor a variety of fun family activities on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Events have included Book Bingo in the afternoon, Family Game Night, Family Movie Night, and Trivia Night, in the early evening.
The times are subject to change from month to month but it will always be held on the Third Thursday. Join the fun with your family, friends, and neighbors. Light refreshments will be provided by Friends of Gilman Library. For more information about this free program contact parksrec-asst@alton.nh.gov or call 603-875-0109.
If you are visiting the Whimsy Corner at the Gilman Library, with your grown-up, please ask for your Whimsy Corner Card. You can get a stamp on the card for each visit (and one on your hand, too if you'd like!). After ten visits and the card is full and you can pick a free prize, and get a new Whimsy Corner Card.
We also offer:
Contests & Raffles
Blind-Date-with-a-Book
Geocaching and Letterboxing
LIBRARY OF THINGS
For more info, search catalog under keywords: Call# starts with: DISH, GAME, etc.
FREEBIES:
SWAPS:
SALES:
In lieu of specific library passes, Gilman Library cardholders may visit any museum or educational attraction of choice and return with a receipt within thirty days, to request a reimbursement of up to $20 per visit, up to three times per calendar year.
1. Limited to library card holders in good standing.
2. Patrons must submit stubs or receipts to have a reimbursement check issued for up to $20.00 per family per visit with a limit of $60.00 per year.
3. Receipts must be submitted within 1 month of the visit.
You are welcome to apply for a library card in person or online. Both methods require you to come into the library with your photo identification and proof of residence in order to obtain a valid library card. Non-resident fees are waived for all persons employed anywhere within Alton and Alton Bay, and for any students from neighboring towns, who attend Prospect Mountain (These courtesy cards become null and void if you leave your employment or when you graduate from high school). Alton and Alton Bay property owners and residents have a free, renewable five-year membership and Summer residents have a free, renewable two-year membership. Non-residents are charged $20 per year for a yearly membership.
To initiate the process online, VIEW OUR CATALOG by clicking the link below. Once there, simply click the [SIGN-UP] tab in the upper-right corner by the [LOG-IN] tab. Please read the instructions carefully, as you complete the simple form. We will print it out after you bring in your documentation.
DO YOU NEED TO RENEW YOUR CARD
Library cards do expire. If you need to renew, simply call the library and answer a few security questions, and we will be happy to renew it for you over the phone. You will keep your same account number!
DID YOU LOSE YOUR CARD?
If you misplaced your library card you may still use your library account. We are happy to look up your number, once we have verified your identity. If you would like a card reprinted, the replacement fee is $1.00.
Friendly check out service
FAX and photocopy service
Guessing Games and Riddles
Featured Display Case
Internet Access
Word Processing
Online research databases
Printing (15 cents / sheet)
Free Wireless
(sorry, no wireless printing, yet)
DVDs
Blu-Ray
Books on CD
Music CDs
Audio and Book Kits
Whimsy Corner
The Stacks
Teen Zone
Biography, Classics, Large Print and Magazines
Jigsaw Puzzle Table and Chess/Checkers Table
Puzzle & Paperback Swaps
Comfortable Seating
Local History
Town Reports
Library programs
Community Group Meetings
Ongoing-year-round Book Sale
The meeting room is available to reserve for public groups. Please think of us when searching for a venue for your group. Please note that the meeting room is for nonprofit activity.
Elevator for baby strollers, walking disabilities, heavy burdens, or just plain old "tired dawgs." Unattended children are not allowed use. Comfortable foyer and public restrooms. Lower entrance leads to back parking lot.
Open by appointment, year round. Also open during the summer, on the 3rd Saturday of each month, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.