Tag Archives: Maxine Bleiweis

Library’s Hot Spot Gets Healthy

Posted on January 15, 2011 | 1 comment

Just a few years ago, the Westport Library’s decision to open a tiny cafe was controversial.

Too Starbucks-y! some cried.

Too noisy! others complained.

This is a library, for god’s sake! a few harrumphed.

Library Cafe manager Sarah Tunney, hard and happily at work.

Today, of course, the Library Café is one of the most important hubs in a building that has become a true community gathering place.  It’s a spot where business meetings, study sessions, writing, socializing — and sandwich-nibbling and coffee-drinking — take place.  Often all at the same time.

Now it’s time for an upgrade.

The Café is serving healthy, organic — and local — food.

The whole grain muffins and scones are baked daily in Westport (without preservatives).

Sandwiches — available 7 days a week — come from right around the corner (well, Oscar’s and the Organic Market).

Even the soft drinks are locally bottled — and sweetened with cane sugar, not yucky ol’ corn syrup.

Café manager Sarah Tunney — who, in typical Westport Library fashion has a Ph.D., and taught at NYU — has added a few other wrinkles.

For example, a “Word of the Day” challenges patrons.

And a “Pay It Forward” option allows anyone to buy a drink for anyone else — even if she’s not there at the moment.  It’s another small piece of community-building, library director Maxine Bleiweis says.

Next week — during Staples’ mid-term exams — the cafe will stay open later than usual.  “Brain food and drink” will include free samples of “Jaina Chai,” named for teen librarian Jaina Lewis.  (It’s all local too — the black tea and spices, even the honey.)

There are also extended hours during WestportREADS events, with the added attraction of desserts and sweets from local bakeries (and sandwiches, for those who missed dinner).

The best part of the Library Cafe:  You don’t hear that annoying, just-a-bit-too-loud music Starbucks is so fond of.

Then again, what do you expect?  This is a library, for god’s sake!

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Westport Welcomes A New Library

Posted on January 7, 2011 | 1 comment

For nearly 100 years, the Westport Library got along without a logo.

But as part of her effort to make the library fresh and modern, director Maxine Bleiweis introduced one.

That was a dozen years ago.  It served its purpose — for a while.  Now it’s time to freshen up and modernize the logo.  But this is not just change for change’s sake.

“Where you put things today is totally different,” Maxine says.  With so many people accessing so many small devices — smartphones, iPads, laptops and the like — a small symbol comes in handy.

Voilà — the new Westport Library logo!

“We wanted to keep some elements, though,” Maxine says.  The old “dots” between the syllables of “library” have been replaced by…one large dot.

The “wave” — a subliminal signal that our library sits on a river — remains.  It’s even more pronounced now.

But — because the Westport Public Library is no longer a typical “library” — the logo now reads “wpl.”  It’s the modern way of communicating that all the old stuff is gone.  (Kinda like Kentucky Fried Chicken becoming KFC.)

The logo is very flexible.  The circle can be tweaked.  If, say, the library wants to promote its reference staff’s ability to answer questions more personally than Google, it can use the dot as a question mark.

“It will be fun,” Maxine promises.  Of course, that’s in the future — once the logo becomes well known on its own.

The logo wasn’t all that needed updating.  Like most organizations, its website was built when sites were static.  As pages and functions were added, and it was asked to do more — photos, video clips, commenting — the foundation could no longer support its own weight.

A new website is coming — next Tuesday or Wednesday, Maxine promises.  Here’s a preview:

The site is built on a state-of-the-art open source platform.  A robust commenting section, and greater highlights of upcoming programs, are two key features.  Plus, of course, the new logo.

If you’re the type who needs help navigating a new website — or you just enjoy going to library events — then circle Monday (Jan. 10).  From noon to 1 in the McManus Room, you’ll get a guided tour.

No, it’s not as simplistic as it sounds.  The website features exciting new options, like downloading music.  Sony catalog’s 400,000 items are online — with more to come.

Library users can download three songs a week — to an iPod, computer, probably even a Victrola.  You can create a “wish list.”  And all items are yours, forever (or until a newer, better technology comes along).

The website is also a portal to language education.  You can access at-your-own-speed instruction in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Spanish — even American Sign Language.  (In video format, smart alec.)

Next month, the website adds a downloadable book service.  Users can “borrow” books on a variety of electronic reading devices.  There is a time limit (to be determined — probably 3-4 weeks), with an option to renew.

So there you have it:  a logo.  A website.  Downloadable music.  Downloadable books.

It’s not your father’s Westport Public Library anymore.

Not even 2010’s.

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Zeitoun

Posted on January 4, 2011 | 1 comment

Other places have community-wide reading months.

Westport is not “other places.”

For WestportREADS — the 8th annual event in which individuals, families and organizations read, discuss and share the same book — Westport Library director Maxine Bleiweis and her staff have created a series of lectures, movies, music and more that is a local, literary version of Mardi Gras.

The analogy is apt.  Zeitoun — the 2011 WestportREADS book — is a riveting tale that leaves no inch of New Orleans unexplored.

Dave Eggers — a young, cool and very insightful writer — describes the true tale of Syrian-American Abdulrahman Zeitoun, his American wife Kathy, and their 4 children, as they are buffeted by 2 of America’s toughest challenges:  the war on terror, and Hurricane Katrina.

The library says:  “Told with eloquence and compassion, Zeitoun is an inspiring story of one family’s unthinkable struggle with wind, water, and forces beyond.”

With its themes of heroism, chaos, tolerance and stereotypes, Zeitoun practically begs to be read — and responded to.  The library has devised many ways to do that.

But, in typical WestportREADS fashion, plenty more thought-provoking programming builds upon the book’s base.

  • Tomorrow (Wed., Jan 5, 7:30 p.m.) Dr. James Hansen — arguably America’s leading climatologist — will discuss the hurricane’s relationship with climate change.
  • On Thursday (Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m.), New Orleans author Tom Piazza talks about the culture and uncertain future of this great city.
  • This Sunday (Jan. 9, 1:30 p.m.), the movie “My Name is Khan” follows an autistic Muslim man from India who — following 9/11 and a personal tragedy — embarks on an inspiring journey to prove his loyalty.
  • Next week (Wed., Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m.) 3 intriguing women — a Muslim, a Christian and a Jew — discuss how their search for understanding led them to found The Faith Club.
  • Later (Thurs., Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m.) Columbia University provost Dr. Claude Steele tackles the topic of stereotypes, and their effect on everyone.
  • “Zeitoun Monologues” — original staged readings by New Orleans playwright Rob Florence, with casting assembled by Westport’s Carole Schweid — is set for Sat., Jan. 29 (7:30 p.m.).
  • Throughout the month there are book discussions — some led by the library, others not.
  • And — if all this jawing and thinking tires you out — get ready for Friday, Feb. 11 (8 p.m.).  A big party features live jazz, and New Orleans cuisine.  It’s a fundraiser for both the library and the Zeitoun Foundation.

“When WestportREADS happens, so do connections,” Bleiweis says.

“People meet their neighbors.  And they talk about things they otherwise don’t.”

New Orleans has plenty of stereotypes — good and bad.  So do Muslims.

And so does Westport.

WestportREADS offers an opportunity to burrow beneath the surface of those stereotypes.

And read a great book, too.

(For more information on WestportREADS, click here or call 203-291-4800.  There are 2 companion books for children: Two Bobbies (about a cat and dog left behind during Katrina) for the youngest readers, and Ninth Ward (about a girl and her grandmother in the hurricane) for upper elementary and some middle school readers.)

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About Those DVDs…

Posted on August 31, 2010 | 5 comments

Maxine Bleiweis — everyone’s favorite library director — enjoyed “06880”‘s recent shout-out about the Westport Public Library‘s DVD collection.

In true librarian fashion, she quickly offered up some background information, historical references and intriguing tidbits, so Westporters can better understand what a treasure the library collection is.

Maxine noted that when Downtown Video and Best Video (near Bombay Restaurant) went out of business, they offered their collections to the library.

Not only did the institution purchase both collections (with help from a generous supporter) — the library also got Jim Grosner on staff.

The longtime night manager of Downtown Video, Jim has worked every Monday through Thursday night at the library, ever since the store closed.

Maxine added said that the excellent DVD collection grew when a patron decided that — rather than amass his own film “library” — he would give money to the Westport Library, for everyone to enjoy.

This couple was recently spotted looking for Blu-rays at the Westport Library.

After the man get a Blu-ray player, he continued the tradition with Blu-ray DVDs.  “It’s a financial challenge to have a multiplicity of formats, so his donation was critical,” Maxine praised.  “We now have an excellent Blu-ray collection too.”

But wait!  There’s more!

“Beyond the collection itself is the community feeling you get while you select DVDs and audiobooks,” Maxine said.

“Strangers ask each other for advice.  Some say spontaneously, ‘Have you seen this?  It’s terrific’ to the person next to them.

“Our staff knows the collection well, and also makes great suggestions.  We have many of the Criterion DVDs — very special re-masterings — as well as all the TV shows.

“Our international film collection” — what used to be called “foreign films” — “is superb, and you’ll find every language imaginable. Many people have dropped premium services and Netflix because they find the collection, plus the camaraderie is more important to them.”

Maxine could go on and on, but she’s not that type of librarian.

“06880” has no idea what the next blockbuster trend in video will be.  Whatever it is, the Westport Library will embrace it.

Unlike, um, Blockbuster.

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Local business

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Will Shortz Gets Booked

Posted on May 27, 2010 | 2 comments

Will Shortz is sharp.

When asked what the title of his autobiography might be, he replied:  Times Square.

If that pun falls a bit flat, you’re 1 of the 3 Westporters who haven’t at least tried the New York Times crossword puzzle.

Will Shortz at the Westport Public Library tonight.

The rest of the town flocked to the Westport Public Library last night to honor Will Shortz at the 12th annual Booked for the Evening celebration.

They were not disappointed.

After music by the Doughboys; a Shortz-themed crossword puzzle by Times constructor Patrick Merrell; introductions by Phil Donohue and library director Maxine Bleiweis (battling pneumonia), and praise from Bill Clinton (via letter), the Times crossword editor/NPR puzzlemeister/Indiana University enigmatology major took the stage.

He led an audience participation word game whose rules are too complex to repeat here.  The key point is that — after some solid brain-twisting — the answer emerged:  “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

If I was half as clever as Will Shortz, I’d be a very happy man.

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Losing The Library

Posted on May 1, 2010 | 13 comments

Theo Sullivan is a Staples water polo coach — and Westport Public Library lover.

Recently, he urged the Board of Finance to restore cuts proposed in next year’s budget.  If not, he noted, the library might have to close on many Sundays.

When he told his team what he’d said, one responded:  “I didn’t know they were allowed to close a library.”

“They” can do whatever “they” want.

So Westporters have barraged RTM members with phone calls and emails, pleading for restoration.  The RTM Finance Committee recommended restoring $45,000 cut by the Board of Finance.  The full RTM now must agree, by at least a 70 percent vote.

The Westport Library is busy all the time -- but always welcoming.

The proposed cuts have touched citizens in ways that others — aimed at public safety, recreation, even education — have not.

The reason, director Maxine Bleiweis thinks, is because the library is integrally tied in with the way the town identifies itself.

“The library embodies how nearly everyone learns, grows, and becomes creative,” Maxine says.  “It’s like part of the Westport air — and now the air supply may be cut off.”

“We don’t have time to be closed,” she says.  “We have to be open, to feed and nurture all that goes on in this community.”

Our discussion was interrupted — it seemed almost like a setup, but it wasn’t — by a call to Maxine from Keith Richards’ publicist.  If the Rolling Stones’ PR guy needs the Westport library, there can’t be anyone in the area who doesn’t.

If the library can’t get no satisfaction through the restoration of funds, Sunday closings are a real possibility.  That’s a better option, Bleiweis says, than cutting staff and services whenever the doors are open.

“You can’t have a restaurant that functions at less than full capacity,” the library director notes.  And — as has been proven over and over — the Westport library is as much a part of town life as food and wine.

Or the air that we breathe.

(The RTM begins voting Monday to accept or restore Board of Finance budget cut recommendations for all town departments.  The library is one of the last agenda items — meaning a vote may not come until Tuesday, or even Wednesday.  In the meantime, Westporters are contacting RTM members, and/or making plans to attend the meeting — whenever it is held.)

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Posted in Library, Local politics, Weather

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Green Day

Posted on April 22, 2010 | 1 comment

Happy Earth Day!

In honor of today’s holiday, “06880” shines a light on “On the Green.”  Like many aspects of the green movement, it’s local, little-publicized — and potentially very important and impactful.

“On the Green” is a wiki — a collaborative, interactive website — where users share ideas, information and thoughts about sustainable environmentalism.

Nancy Kuhn-Clark — a Westport Public Library reference librarian — started “On the Green” in 2007.  She and library director Maxine Bleiweis wanted to cover environmental issues locally, inclusive and creatively.

“We figured no one needed another boring list of books,” Nancy — a realistic librarian — says.

Find "green parenting" books on the wiki.

“On the Green” is anything but boring.  Topics include organic gardening, green homes, green parenting (“green mothers,” there’s a blog for you!) and green pets (as in natural dog food).

There are links to green restaurants like Sugar & Olives, The Dressing Room and Le Farm; sections on farmers markets, green businesses, green products and green travel (who knew there is such a thing as a green RV?).

The “Green Gifts” section includes ideas like tree seedlings, eco-clothes and compact fluorescent light bulbs (“You’re so sweet — these bulbs are just what I wanted!”).

Westport-specific information includes “Westport Library Greener Than Ever,” the Green Village Initiative, and our plastic bag ban.

The wiki is a work in progress — the “Discussion” and “Video” pages are a bit thin — but there is plenty here to feast on (organically, of course).

Here's what a green RV looks like.

Nancy’s background is in English and education — not environmentalism — though in her hippie days she held build a log cabin in Nova Scotia, cooked on a wood-burning stove, and planted organic veggies long before green became the new black.

“On the Green” is mentioned on the Library’s home page, and appears in its newsletter.  Mostly it’s marketed by word of mouth.  It got a boost in 2008 when Wetpaint — the wiki’s software host — awarded it a Golden Paint Can as “Civic Superstar.”

Celebrate Earth Day by checking out “On the Green.”  Nancy Kuhn-Clark thanks you — as does the planet.

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Loving The Library

Posted on March 16, 2010 | 7 comments

It may be the library’s finest hour day week.

With thousands of Westporters powerless, the Public Library has become Westport’s community center.  It’s our warming hut, meeting place, town square, movie theater, food court, bathroom — and comfort zone — all at once.

And all the time.

Maxine Bleiweis smiles, while hosting thousands of displaced Westporters.

Earlier this morning Maxine Bleiweis — the indefatigable director — paused during her rounds of the jam-packed building to recall a few highlights of the past few days.  Her own Black Rock home lacks power, so she knows what the huddled masses in every nook and cranny of her library are going through.

“Starting on Sunday, parents and teenagers have come in together — happily,” she says.  “There’s a real feeling of ‘we’re all in this together.'”

Since then, patrons have availed themselves of every library service — and invented their own.  Women blow dry their hair in the restroom.  Men shave.

The AV Center is less popular than usual — not surprisingly, because a DVD without power is useless.  Instead, people grab books — and read them right on the floor.

Others play chess or Scrabble.  Westporters who haven’t seen each other in years reconnect, and share trees-in-houses-and-on-cars stories.

Children’s librarians pop in movie after movie.  One of the most popular:  “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.”

Custodians ventured out to buy extra power strips for patrons.  A staff member brought oranges for colleagues.

Stacey Landowne, daughter Claudia and son Will -- armed with laptops, books, food and coffee -- settle in for Day 3 at the library.

Yesterday, around 4 p.m. — the moment youngsters were supposed to find out if school was canceled today — wireless usage hit its peak.  Maxine was thrilled.

“I’ve never seen so many teenagers here — not even during exam time,” she marvels.  “They were all over the place.  It was great!”

Taking cues from their director, the staff never stops smiling.  They answer the same questions over and over — “Is the cafe open?”  “Can I get internet access?”  “Do you have plugs?” — as pleasantly as if they’ve never heard them before.

“Years ago, I was saying libraries need to be ‘warm and wired,'” Maxine says.  “Literally, that’s what we’ve been since Saturday.”

The Westport Library, she notes, is a “familiar, secure, safe, welcoming space.  You can’t find that in a hotel.  This is community at its best.”

(WSHU’s Craig Lemoult reported on the Westport Library’s response to the storm yesterday afternoon.  Click here to listen.)

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Posted in Library, People, Weather, Westport life

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Library Love

Posted on March 11, 2010 | 4 comments

The Westport Library’s winter book sale starts this Saturday (March 13) and runs through Tuesday.  Westport author and media critic Eric Burns is — like many Westporters — a huge Westport Library fan.  Unlike the rest of us, he’s put his thoughts down in (appropriately) words.  He writes:

As an author, I make unusual requests of the Westport Public Library.  I do not ask for the latest James Patterson; I ask for the oldest John Adams.  I do not ask for that volume of short stories John Grisham just wrote; I ask for that volume of even-shorter letteres Theodore Roosevelt wrote to his children a century ago. 

I do not want to rent time on the computers; I want to borrow a 200-year old pamphlet from a branch library in Nova Scotia through the Inter-Library Loan program, or ILL, an acronym that does double duty, for it also describes how Susan Madeo, who heads the ILL program, surely reacts when she sees me coming through the door with another of my arcane requests.

Then again, I do double duty myself, for I also use the library as a normal patron — finding books that are already on the shelves, annoying no one with requests for esoterica.

In both capacities, I find that it is the people, not the building, not even the books, that are most satisfying to me.  Never in my life have I met a collection of men and women who so cordially attend to the needs of young and old, pushy and modest, erudite and bumbling, pleasant and grumpy.

The Westport Public Library's architectural has always been controversial. The intelligence, creativity, helpfulness and warmth of its staff is never in doubt.

I am pleased to be well acquainted with the 2 people who run the library.  Maxine Bleiweis and George Wagner have assembled an extraordinary staff of intelligent, competent, charming and eagerly helpful people, so extraordinary that I want to take advantage of their services even when I could figure out something for myself.  I want to enjoy their conversation, their company.  I want to take up their time.

It is said that the Westport Public Library is not a warm, inviting structure.  It isn’t.  The people who work there, however, make it the coziest, most inviting place in town.

Maybe there’s something else I could order from that branch library in Nova Scotia.

(Eric Burns’s forthcoming book, “Invasion of the Mind Snatchers: Television’s Conquest of America in the Fifties,” will be published in September.  The acknowledgments page will be full of names from the Westport Public Library, where he appears to discuss the book, also in the fall.)

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