Love the library? Want to get involved?

Merrill Memorial Library’s Board of Trustees is seeking new members. Trustees are volunteers who work with the Library Director and town leadership to provide strategic oversight for the library. The Board meets once a month and performs various other tasks as needed. Trustees serve for a three-year term, and can be re-elected for an additional two-terms.

The Trustees and staff of the Merrill Memorial Library are committed to providing a broad range of information, services, and opportunities to the entire community in an environment that is welcoming, stimulating, respectful and supportive. All Yarmouth residents are welcome to apply. Candidates with particular expertise relating to finance and investing, or the care and maintenance of historic buildings are encouraged.

If you would like to support the library’s mission by serving as a Trustee, please send your resume or CV and a letter describing your interest and any particular skills, experience or perspectives you would bring to the position to trustees@yarmouthlibrary.org by Friday, April 7, 2023.

Merrill Memorial Library in Yarmouth is seeking a Youth Services Librarian. This is a full-time 37.5 hr/wk position with full benefits. The Youth Services Librarian works one evening a week and one Saturday per month.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience connecting children of all ages and abilities with literature, library resources, multiple technology formats and various types of programming. The ability to think creatively on your feet, work collaboratively with staff and volunteers and maintain a professional demeanor while juggling multiple projects is a must. This individual is responsible for collection development and programming for juvenile and young adult patrons, and covers in the absence of the Children’s Librarian. The Youth Services Librarian also works throughout the entire Library including adult reference and circulation.

A bachelor’s degree in Library Science or related field is required, as is experience in a fast-paced automated Library. An MLS is preferred. The starting salary for this position is approx $25/hr.

Merrill Memorial Library is situated on Main Street in historic Yarmouth Village. MML serves a local and enthusiastic population of 8900.

Interested candidates can send a single PDF attachment that includes:

*a current resume
*an introductory letter detailing your experience and interests
*contact information for three professional references

To: Heidi Grimm, Library Director – hgrimm@yarmouthlibrary.org

Full Job Description

Do you have a favorite first line of a book? Many of us know “Call me Ishmael” from Melville’s Moby Dick. Great first lines help pull a reader into a story. With millions of books published every year, how do the books you read land in your hands? Do you only read from the best sellers list? Maybe you rely on your neighbors’ recommendations; or maybe the local librarian or book store employee. How often do you try to find your “own” next great read?

I took classes with a great creative writer professor during my undergrad days. She laid out some simple structures for writing; “show, don’t tell,” and “grab them with a great first line”. Since then, I use the first sentence as a guide when choosing a book. Sometimes the first sentence is the last sentence I read in a book. Other times, great times, I finish the book to find a great last line.

As I started thinking on this, I wondered, what are some great first lines of a book that you still remember? Could you name the title of a book based on its first line? Maybe you need the first and last line. For fun, I’ll be posting to the Library’s Facebook the first and last lines of random books. Specifically, random books from the adult fiction section of Merrill Memorial Library. Some of the books may come from the New Fiction display, some may come from the bottom shelf in the Adult Fiction room. Follow along once a week and see if you can figure out the title of the book from the first and last lines. Maybe you will find your next great read.

-Andi

Are you searching for a book that you are unable to find? Perhaps the book is brand new, and none of the libraries have a copy of it yet. You can still request it.

Fill out this form with as much information about the book as you know, include your name, card number, and your email address or phone number, and we will consider purchasing it for the library. You will be the first to borrow it if we do.

The Yarmouth Community Coronavirus Task Force is still ready with information and resources.

Need groceries, information, resources, or a person to talk to? Call 207-846-4763 (the library’s phone number). All calls will be returned within 24 hrs. Visit the group on Facebook.