The Hotchkiss Library rearranges history resources

SHARON  — There’s a lot to see at The Hotchkiss Library this month — in addition to the usual abundance of books, DVDS and books on tape.

The building has been spruced up and rearranged. The upstairs rooms in particular are newly inviting, and the books in the history room are neatly arrayed in their elegant wood cases.

The library is also holding an art showcase and sale until Saturday, Jan. 30. It includes 59 works of art from 17 local artists.

The works vary in style and media and include acrylic paintings by Alan McCord and Irene Blagden, oil paintings by Sally Pettus and Peter Lefferts, pastel paintings by Sally Cummins and Tina Chandler and photographs by Valerie Root and Jonathan Doster.

Library board member Dotty Smith said the show and sale will be the first of many that the library will hold throughout the year.

“We’re going change the show every two months or so throughout 2010,†Smith said. “It’s nice to bring local artists from throughout the area together.â€

The art shows are a way to showcase the recent refurbishment, she said.

“We opened up a wonderful new space on the second floor. We now have two rooms upstairs, including a new children’s room and a computer room.  Opening up more space allows us to offer not just an art show, but also new programs throughout the year for the community,†she said.

One idea being discussed is a lecture series.

“As for the other programs, the board is just beginning to talk about ideas,†she said. “We really want to offer something interesting to residents.â€

Smith said that 25 percent of the proceeds from sales at the show will go to the library.

The library is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 860-364-5041 or visit the Web site at hotchkisslibrary.org.