Library History In 1933, a group of Easton visionaries voted to create a public library in their town. The Easton Public Library opened in the basement of Samuel Staples School with a budget of $200 from a state grant and $50 from the local P.T.A. In 1937, the Library had new quarters, a room on the main floor of Town Hall. The Library Board, to consist of six members—no more than three from any particular political party— with six year terms, was established in 1950. Once again, space became an issue, and the Library was moved to the basement of Town Hall where it occupied 1,125 square feet. Crowded conditions forced residents into action in 1968. A Town Meeting authorized a bond issue of $300,000 to finance an addition to Town Hall. In 1979, eleven civic-minded women met to form the Friends of the Easton Public Library. With the Friends’ support, the Library began to act as a center for the whole community, offering more programs for children and adults. Fire code violations mandated improvements to the facility in 1991. The Library Board of Trustees applied to the State Library and was awarded a grant for library construction. Library Trustees championed a town-wide fund raising campaign and pledged $300,000 toward the cost of a new building. A special referendum for construction of a new Library was conducted on December 11, 1994 and passed by fifteen votes. The much anticipated new Library building opened for business on May 29, 1996. The Library became a member of the computer age when it joined reQuest, a statewide library network whereby patrons and staff can locate items in other area libraries. It also made a computer available to the public for word processing. In 1998, with monies raised by the Friends of the Library and Library Board private funds, the Library’s circulation functions were automated and the oak card catalogs were replaced by on-line catalogs. The next year saw three workstations in the Library’s Reference area networked to make Internet and on-line databases available to the public. In 1999, the Library received the prestigious Award of Excellence for Small Libraries from the Association of Connecticut Library Boards. This auspicious group also awarded Library Director, Bernadette Baldino, a citation for Outstanding Contribution to Library Service in Connecticut. With the creation of a web page in 2000, www.eastonlibrary.org , Library resources were made available to patrons in the comfort of their homes. In 2010, the Library began circulating downloadable ebooks and audiobooks to its patrons. While taking advantage of this new technology, patrons still come to the Library to check out materials, attend programs, use the computers, and receive technology assistance. The Library looks forward to continuing its history of growth and service, helping community members of all ages lead richer, more interesting lives by providing access to print, audio and electronic resources, hosting cultural activities, and serving as a forum for community gatherings.

Art Exhibits The Library offers the use of its Conference Room, Community Room, and Glass Display Case for artists to display their work. The Conference Room and Glass Display Case are curated by Dolly Curtis, while the Community Room features mainly exhibits in conjunction with the Easton Arts Council. If you're interested in displaying your work, contact Dolly Curtis at dollycurtis72@gmail.com, or Sheila Weaver at saweaver@optonline.net . Please read our artist guidelines below. Artist Guidelines Out of the Barn A collective exhibition featuring the works of ten accomplished artists Through September 23 Community Room Out of the Barn, A collective exhibition featuring the works of ten accomplished artists - 8/16-9/24 Out of the Barn, A collective exhibition featuring the works of ten accomplished artists - 8/16-9/24 Out of the Barn, A collective exhibition featuring the works of ten accomplished artists - 8/16-9/24 Out of the Barn, A collective exhibition featuring the works of ten accomplished artists - 8/16-9/24 1/7 The Easton Arts Council is honored to present "Out of the Barn," a collective exhibition featuring the works of ten accomplished artists. The exhibition is being held through September 23. The participating artists are notable members of a vibrant artistic community that convenes for discussions and paint-out sessions at Weir Farm in Wilton, Connecticut. Featured artists include: · Chris Bedell, Ridgefield, CT · Clarice Shirvell, Ridgefield, CT · Randy Carboni, Ridgefield, CT · Bob Boger, Trumbull, CT · Leslie Carone, South Salem, NY · Maria Reed, South Salem, NY · Jama Hansonbrook, North Salem, NY · Thomas Carruthers, Bethel, CT · Bobbi Eike Mullen, Weston, CT · Jane Wright Wolf, Weston, CT "Out of the Barn" presents an array of artistic styles and media, including oil paintings, acrylics, pastels, watercolor, woodcut prints, and mixed-media artworks. Collectively, the exhibition underscores the breadth of artistic talent within the region and celebrates the creative collaborations inspired by the picturesque setting of Weir Farm. The public is invited to attend a reception and artist meet-and-greet on Saturday, August 22, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists, discuss their creative processes, and enjoy refreshments while viewing the exhibition. Admission to both the exhibition and reception is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bobbi Eike Mullen, 203-544-8826. Jane Forrest Nature and Narratives Drawings & Paintings September 1-October 14 Community Room Art Reception: Sunday, September 20, 3:00-6:00pm Jane Forrest - Nature & Narratives, September 1-October 15 Promotional poster for Jane Forrest's Nature and Narratives art exhibit. Grey background with three circles featuring two paintings and a drawing Jane Forrest - Nature & Narratives, September 1-October 15 Jane Forrest - Nature & Narratives, September 1-October 15 Jane Forrest - Nature & Narratives, September 1-October 15 Promotional poster for Jane Forrest's Nature and Narratives art exhibit. Grey background with three circles featuring two paintings and a drawing 1/8 Jane paints to connect with and express the energy that exists within the world around her. Through color, movement, and form, she seeks to reveal the life force present in people, objects, plants, and landscapes, allowing viewers to experience life through the language of paint. Many of her paintings begin with photographs taken during walks and explorations in natural settings. These images serve as inspiration, evolving into acrylic works that capture not only what is seen, but also what is felt. In her narrative paintings, Jane explores thoughts, emotions, dreams, and longings, creating visual stories that invite personal reflection and interpretation. Alongside her paintings, Jane creates intricate pen-and-ink flower drawings using an extremely fine-point pen. Each flower is drawn directly from life rather than from photographs, reflecting her close observation of nature and appreciation for its unique energy and structure.Jane’s art studio is in the NEST Arts Factory.

Teen Advisory Group Want to help shape what the library offers for teens? Join our Teen Advisory Group (TAG)! If you’re in grades 7–12, this is your chance to share ideas, plan programs, and make the teen space your own! Complete the form below—we’d love to have you join us! 💬📚 Click here to fill out the survey

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A Space for All Voices of Diversity The Easton Public Library, in collaboration with the Easton Diversity & Inclusion Task Force (EDIT), is proud to present Voices of Diversity, a lawn sign exhibit celebrating select inspirational quotations of diverse voices from around the world. All quotations have been submitted by members of the Easton Community "The library is an arena of possibility, opening both a window into the soul and a door onto the world." - Rita Dove, Former U.S. Poet Laureate Photo © by Fred Viebahn. Copied, with permission, from Rita Dove's homepage at http://www.people.virginia.edu/~rfd4b/. "It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength." - Maya Angelou (1928-2014) American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. "Inclusivity means not 'just we're allowed to be there,' but we are valued. I've always said: smart teams will do amazing things, but truly diverse teams will do impossible things." - Claudia Brind-Woody (1955-) V ice President & Managing Director for Global Intellectual Property Licensing and Global Co-Chair for the LBGT Executive Taskforce at IBM. "For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it If only we're brave enough to be it." - Amanda Gorman(1998-) A graduate of Harvard University, Amanda Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in U. S. history, and an award-winning writer. "We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced." “There is only one way to look at things, until someone shows us how to look at them with different eyes.” - Malala Yousafzai(1997-) The youngest Nobel Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai is a human rights advocate and activist, known for championing the education of women and children, especially in her native Pakistan. "We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference and lvie our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity." - George Takei(1937-) Actor, social justice activist and New York Times bestselling author, George Takei is also an outspoken member of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender political organization. "Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures." - Cesar Chavez(1963-) A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Cesar Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers of America) and dedicated his life to improving the working and living conditions of farm workers in the United States. "A lie doesn't become truth, wrong doesn't become right, and evil doesn't become good, just because it's accepted by a majority." - Booker T. Washington(1856-1915) Founder of what is now Tuskegee University, Booker T. Washington was an American orator, educator, author, and an adviser to a number of United States presidents. "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller(1880-1968) American educator and advocate for the blind and deaf, as well as co-founder of the ACLU. Easton resident. "You cannot let all the world's tragedies into your heart. You'll drown. But the ones you do let in should count. Let them manifest action." - Lin-Manuel Miranda(1980-) The creator of Broadway's Hamilton and In the Heights , Lin-Manuel Miranda is a Pulitzer Prize, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award-winning composer, lyricist, and actor. "This is my charge to everyone: We have to be better, we have to love more and hate less. Listen more and talk less. It is our responsibility to make this world a better place." - Megan Rapinoe(1985-) Highly regarded professional soccer player and advocate for many LGBTQ+ organizations. "Diversity is about all of us, and about us having to figure out how to walk through this world together." - Jacqueline Woodson(1963-) The Poetry Foundation's Young People's Poet Laureate from 2015-2017, Jacqueline Woodson is an award-winning author of books for children and young adults, and was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship in 2020. "The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace." "No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive." - Mahatma Gandhi(1869-1948) Internationally know for his non-violent social activism, Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, politician, and writer, and the leader of the nationalist movement against the British rule of India. "If you can't fly, then run; If you can't run, then walk; If you can't walk, then crawl; but by all means keep moving." "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. " - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.(1929-1968) Advancing civil rights through non-violence and civil disobedience, Martin Luther King, Jr was the most visible spokesperson of the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences. " - Audre Lorde(1934-1992) A self-described "black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet," Audre Lord was an American writer, feminist, womanist, librarian, and civil rights activist. "The most fulfilled people are the ones who get up every morning and stand for something larger than themselves. " - Wilma Mankiller(1945-2010) The first woman elected to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Wilma Mankiller was a social worker, community developer, and American Cherokee activist. "O, let my land be a land where Liberty Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath, But opportunity is real, and life is free, Equality is in the air we breathe. " - Langston Hughes(1902-1967) Playwright, novelist, essayist, and most notably, poet, Langston Hughes was a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance. "Justice is what love looks like in public . " - Cornel West(1953-) Prominent intellectual and author, Cornel West is Professor of the Practice of Public Philosophy at Harvard University and holds the title of Professor Emeritus at Princeton University. "The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart; the most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace . " - Carlos Santana(1947-) Mexican-American award-winning guitarist and leader of the band Santana, know for its blend of Latin-infused rock, jazz, blues, salsa, and African rhythms. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. " - Margaret Mead(1901-1978) American anthropologist who developed the field of culture and personality and the related field of national character research. "We need diversity of thought in the world to face the new challenges. " - Tim Berners-Lee(1955-) English Computer Scientist, Professorial Fellow of Computer Science at the University of Oxford and a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Best known as the inventor of the World Wide Web. "You see, art brings us together as a family because it is an individual expression of universal human experience. It comes from that part of us that is without feat, prejudice, malice, or any of the other things we create in order to separate ourselves one from the other. " - Jessye Norman(1945-2019) Highly regarded American operatic soprano and recitalist. "There will not be a magic day when we wake up and it's now okay to express ourselves publicly. We make that day by doing things publicly until it's simply the way things are. " - Tammy Baldwin(1962-) First openly gay U. S. Senator. "You never completely have your rights, one person, until you all have your rights. " - Marsha P. Johnson(1945-1992) African-American transgender woman, drag queen and LBTQ activist, memorably present at the Stonewall Riots. "My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. " - Desmond Tutu(1931-) South African Anglican cleric. He received the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1984 for his role in opposing South African apartheid. "Diversity of thought and culture and religion and ideas are the strength of America. " - Gary Faye Locke(1950-) American politician who served as 10th United States Ambassador to China, 21st governor of Washington, U. S. Secretary of Commerce in the Obama administration, and the first East Asian American governor in U. S. history. "The best kind of leadership isn't about telling people what to do, it's about helping people see who we can be--as individuals and as a community. " - Michelle Obama(1964-) The first African-American First Lady of the United States. A lawyer, writer, and the wife of the 44th President, Barack Obama. "Perhaps the turning point in one's life is realizing that to be treated like a victim is not necessarily to become one. " - James Baldwin(1924-1987) American novelist, essayist, poet, playwright, and activist. He was a leading voice on the subject of race in America in the 50s and 60s. "Giving women education, work, the ability to control their own income, inherit and own property, benefits a society. If a woman is empowered, her children and her family will be better off. If families prosper, the village prospers, and eventually so does the whole country. " - Isabel Allende(1942-) Chilean author and women's advocate. "A central tenet to success is to show up--again and again and again--to take an alternate approach, and keep at it until it works. And when we show up, act boldly and practice the best ways to be wrong, we fail forward. No matter where we end up, we've grown from where we begin. " "We are strongest when we see the most vulnerable in our society, bear witness to their struggles, and then work to create systems to make it better." - Stacey Abrams(1973-) American politician, lawyer, voting rights activist, and author who served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2007 to 2017, serving as minority leader from 2011 to 2017. "Fear difference, you learn nothing. " - Hanna Gadsby(1978-) Australian comedian, writer, actress, and television presenter. "We have not always been forced to pass, to go underground, in order to work and live. We have a right to live openly and proudly...when our lives are suppressed, everyone is denied an understanding of the rich diversity of sex and gender expression and experience that exist in human society. " - Leslie Feinberg(1949-2014) Transgender activist and author. "We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion. " - Max De Pree(1924-2017) American businessman and writer, who fostered the idea of an inclusive corporation in which all voices are heard. "In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught. " - Baba Dioum(1937-) American businessman and writer, who fostered the idea of an inclusive corporation in which all voices are heard. “In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.” - Thurgood Marshal(1908-1993) an American lawyer and civil rights activist who served as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from October 1967 until October 1991. Marshall was the first African-American Supreme Court Justice in the history of the United States. “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” - Verna Myers(1960-) a nationally recognized expert on diversity and inclusion within law firms, law departments and law schools. Myers is a dynamic speaker and creative advisor in support of creating inclusive environments and improving the recruitment, retention and advancement of underrepresented groups. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” - Muhammad Ali(1942-2016) an American professional boxer, activist, entertainer, poet, and philanthropist. Nicknamed The Greatest, he is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated figures of the 20th century, and is frequently ranked as the best heavyweight boxer of all time. “Diversity doesn't look like anyone. It looks like everyone.” - Karen Draper a writer, poet and former inclusion advocate who turned her passion for celebrating diversity into her first book. “We are all different. There is no such thing as a standard or run-of-the-mill human being, but we all share the same human spirit.” - Stephen Hawking(1942-2018) English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge. “We are less when we don't include everyone.” - Stuart Milk(1960-) American LGBT human rights activist and political speaker. The nephew of civil rights leader Harvey Milk, he is the co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation. “For only love can conquer hate.” - Marvin Gaye(1939-1984) American singer and songwriter who helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s. “Inclusion works to the advantage of everyone. We all have things to learn, and we all have something to teach.” - Helen Henderson(1946-2015) Canadian disability rights activist and journalist.

Library Hours & Holidays Library Hours Monday: 10 – 6 Tuesday: 10 – 6 Wednesday: 10 – 6 Thursday: 10 – 7 Friday: 10 – 5 Saturday: 10 – 3 Sunday: Closed New Year's Day Thursday, January 1, 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 19, 2026 Presidents' Day Monday, February 16, 2026 Good Friday Friday, April 3, 2026 Memorial Day Monday, May 25, 2026 Juneteenth Friday, June 19, 2026 Independence Day Friday, July 3, 2026 Saturday, July 4, 2026 Closed for Staff Development Day Friday, August 28, 2026 Labor Day M onday, September 7, 2026 Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day Monday, October 12, 2026 Veterans Day Wednesday, November 11, 2026 Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 26, 2026 Day After Thanksgiving Friday, November 27, 2026 Day Before Christmas Thursday, December 24, 2026 Christmas Friday, December 25, 202 6 New Year's Eve Closed at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2026

Library Policies Animals in the Library Circulation Policy Donations Art Displays and Exhibits in the Library Code of Conduct Exam Proctoring Bulletin Boards Collection Development Child Behavior and Supervision Display Policy Hotspot Policy Inter-Library Loans Laptop Loaning Policy Library Computer and Internet Safety Policy Library Personnel Material Review and Reconsideration Policy Meeting Room Policy Privacy and Confidentiality Programs Policy Study Pod Policy Tutoring Volunteers Public Relations and Media

How to Play the Library Land Game 1. Choose a white scratch-off from the “Numbers” pile. This will tell you how many spaces to move forward. Begin under the “Library Land” sign. 2. Take as many white scratch-offs as you’d like to continue the game. Answer trivia questions and complete activities along the way. 3. Answer sheet for trivia questions is available at the Circulation Desk . 4. Finish at the Youth Services Office! Click here for the answers

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Program Proposals The Easton Public Library welcomes program proposals on a wide variety of topics. Please click on the appropriate box below to complete the form. Your submission will be acknowledged within one week. Your proposal will be reviewed, and a Library staff member will reach out if we are interested in hosting your program. Adult Program Proposals Children's Program Proposals

Safe Space Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC) Differently Abled LatinX LGBTQIA+ Hotlines & Helplines 2024 Rainbow Book List Goodreads YA LGBT Books Stonewall Book Awards List Young Children's Reading List Juvenile LGBTQ+ Reading List Middle Grade Queer Fiction YA LGBTQ+ Reading List Mental Health

FALCON TO FALCON Click here to view the entire brochure Additional Info Midterms and Finals Information At the end of the Second Quarter, all students take midterms for their classes, unless otherwise notified. The midterms take place within the span of four days. On each of the four days, students take two midterms, with the exception of the day(s) when they have their study hall (when they would take just one). Students arrive at 7:30 a.m. for the first exam of each day, and the school day ends as if it were a half day, at 12:00 p.m. The same goes for all students at the end of the Fourth Quarter, when they take their finals. GPA and Grading Information Grade Point Average (GPA) is a measurement of a student's grades. A student’s GPA is determined by their letter grade in each course, the number of credits the course is worth, and whether or not the course is Honors/AP. At Joel Barlow, a weighted GPA system is used, meaning that Honors and AP courses are weighted more than other classes, and a student has the possibility of having a GPA higher than a 4.0. Students are unable to access their GPA in PowerSchool, however, they can find it in Naviance by going to My Account under the About Me section. Writing Center The Writing Center staff provides students with individual help on any of their writing assignments. In order to make an appointment with a staff member of the Writing Center, students simply go onto the JBHS website under the School Resources tab to locate the link to the Writing Center homepage ( Writing Center Homepage Link ). The Writing Center itself acts as a quiet area for students to work where there are computers and printers available. FAQs What if I’m late to school or need to leave early? If you are ever late to school, you must check in at the security desk located in the main lobby. They will provide you with a pass to give to your first period teacher. If you have a note to leave early, drop it off at the Security Dest in the front lobby at the start of the day. Where should I go during study hall/break? In a normal school year, you would have a choice of going to the library or the lunch room for study hall. However, it is also a possibility that the auditorium and upper gym will be available as well. What are Activity periods? Activity is a time when you can participate in clubs that meet during school hours related to a skill or passion. Check out the Activity Fair in September and feel free to try out a few different clubs, or start your own! What happens in advisory? In advisory, your advisor will review upcoming events and schedule changes (a.k.a the AdMinIt). You will have the opportunity to ask any questions and to talk with some of your peers. Your advisory is meant to have an open environment allowing all students to feel comfortable sharing out. How do I find my bus? Your advisory will have a diagram of the bus lineup on the first day of school, and there are teachers outside on the first day to direct you. When you find your bus, don’t wait to get on it, because they all leave at the same time shortly after school gets out. How does the student drop off/pick up work? Both the student drop off and pick up happens in the front of the school. The car lines are usually long so it’s recommended that your parents arrive somewhat early. When should I visit my counselor? You can visit your counselor in Student Services at any time to ask a question, discuss/fix your schedule, or just to talk (if they are available). It’s great to email them ahead of time to make an appointment. You’ll also have designated times when you’ll be called down to meet about future class schedules in the middle of the year. It’s a great idea to make an effort to get to know your counselor, as they’ll be able to help you throughout high school and make it easier for them to write a letter of recommendation. How do you create a PDF to submit for an assignment? There are two primary ways to do this. The first is by using the Notes app. Once in the app, click on the camera icon, then select scan documents. Once you complete the scan of your work, click done, and then the images can be uploaded as a PDF to your Google Drive. The second way to do this is to take a picture of your work and upload the pictures to your computer. Once they are on your computer, you can convert the images from a PNG to a PDF, combine the separate PDFs into a singular one, and then upload the PDF to your Google Drive.