January 9, 2009

The Sherborn Library has developed a new facet in its collection to complement the collaborative effort “One Book, Two Towns, Three Cups of Tea,” at the Sherborn and Dover libraries and Regional High School. The Library will begin circulating “Culture Capsules,” carry-away totes that are designed to enhance the understanding of Pakistani culture, history, and politics with both hands-on activities and reading materials. “Culture Capsule, Pakistan” participants can practice written Arabic using the calligraphy pen and the copy of the Arabic alphabet. Related reading can be enjoyed over a cup of chai, the national beverage of Pakistan. The necessary spices for making chai are included, along with instructions for brewing this milky spiced tea. Complimentary laminated bookmarks will mark your place in reading materials appropriate for both adults and children. The “One Book, Two Towns, Three Cups of Tea” initiative offers all members in the family an opportunity to participate in this two-town learning experience.

On Saturday, Nov. 8th, six teenage girls had Henna tattoos painted on their arms. Henna artist Sondarya explained the history of Henna in various cultures and how to do this art form at home. The girls had fun learning about the supplies to make their own designs and various design ideas. Pennies for Peace: In this season of giving, the Sherborn Library will be collecting pennies that in turn will help build and support schools for children in remote areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. To learn more about this program go to http://www.penniesforpeace.org/, Central Asia Institute http://www.ikat.org/ and Three Cups of Tea http://www.threecupsoftea.com/. The Sherborn Library will be collecting pennies through the month of February.

Three Cups of Tea Now Available at Dover

Copies of Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson are now available at Dover Town Library to patrons who wish to participate in 1 Book, 2 Towns, 3 Cups of Tea. Please check at the circulation desk if you would like to borrow a copy of the book or if you need to request this book on CD. Additional events related to this program will be announced in the next several weeks.

Sherborn Library events

Throughout the summer of 2008, approximately 104 students borrowed the Sherborn Library's copies of "Three Cups of Tea." The Library has organized a couple of events with themes relevant to Mortenson's book. On Thursday, October 16 at 7 p.m., we will be showing the film "Osama," which is set in Afghanistan. This movie depicts a girl who disguises herself as a boy in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan to support her family. "Osama" was the winner of the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film in 2004. On Saturday, November 8 at 3 p.m., middle school and high school students are invited to a free henna tattoo workshop with henna artist Sondarya. Registration is required, so please call (508) 653-0770 to sign up. On Thursday, November 20 at 6:45 p.m., the Library will be showing the movie "Not One Less." While this film is set in China, it is a similar story that portrays the education of girls during China's Cultural Revolution.

Charlie Sennott addresses DSHS

Mr. Charlie Sennott, Executive Editor and Vice President, of Global News Enterprises, addressed the entire faculty and student body at a school Assembly, September 8, 2008. Mr. Sennott is an award winning journalist and foreign correspondent having been Boston Globe bureau chief for both Europe and the Middle East. The topic of his speech was the current situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan and a highlighted history of our involvement in the region. The context for his speech was one person making a difference, specifically, Greg Mortenson and his work as outlined in, Three Cups of Tea. Mr. Sennott graduated from Dover Sherborn High School (Class of 1980).

Combined Efforts

A meeting was held Monday, June 23 with over twenty school teachers, librarians and interested partners. Stay tuned as the activities of the year begin later this fall. In the meantime, the public libraries have over 12 copies of each of the books in their collections. The Dover Town Library has a Bookclub Bookbag ready for any group who would like to check out the entire bag plus reading materials. All students in the high school are reading the book as a summer reading requirement.

June 23rd, 1 pm Meeting at DSHS

The first collaborative meeting of school professionals and librarians will take place at the DSHS library on Monday June 23rd from 1 to 2 p.m.