Bibliothèque Communitaire
Deschapelles, Haiti
The creation of a library in Deschapelles was the first project initiated by Sister Cities Essex. Shortly after the devastating January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, residents of Essex, Connecticut, with the support of the Town Selectmen decided to reach out and help the people of Deschapelles. Many residents in the Essex area had previously traveled to Deschapelles at the invitation of Jenifer Grant, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Larry and Gwen Mellon who founded Hospital Albert Schweitzer in 1956 in rural Deschapelles.  Contact was made with the Organization for Economic and Social Development, a volunteer organization of residents of Deschapelles.

On June 25, 2010, Sister Cities Essex Haiti, Inc. was formed and became a member of Sister Cities International, an organization established in 1956 by President Dwight Eisenhower to encourage cultural understanding, economic relationships, and humanitarian projects. The mission of SCEH is to partner with the people of Deschapelles to strengthen and sustain educational and cultural programs that expand and create opportunities for growth in the community.

The need for a library was obvious. There was no community center in Deschapelles. No bookstore. No public access to computers. Because electricity was scarce, students had no place to study at night. They often sat with their homework under the few street lights on the hospital grounds. The library was designed by Essex architect Hope Proctor in the local Haitian style using Haitian building techniques. Local craftsmen in Deschapelles were employed to construct the library, which was built by hand without the use of power tools.

Opening in 2016, the library now has close to 2,500 books in French, Haitian Kreyol, and English. There are frequent cultural and educational presentations for the community. In addition, computers, DVD’s, educational toys and puzzles for children, and new benches, tables, and chairs are all there for use by the community. Most importantly, there is electricity, and students now have a well-lit building in which to study at night.

The Norfolk Library will be closed on Thursday, November 24.
We wish you a happy Thanksgiving!

Annual Carol Sing
Saturday, November 26, 5:00 p.m.
Please join us as we ring in the holiday season with carols led by the wonderful Liz Allyn. Cider and cookies will be served by the Library Associates as we await Santa's arrival in the fire truck and the lighting of the tree on the Village Green at 5:45 p.m.

'Tis the season to watch the Grinch steal Christmas! Or perhaps you prefer Will Ferrell in Elf. One thing we can agree on - some of the best holiday entertainment happens this time of year. But which one is your favorite? The Norfolk Library wants to know. 

Round 3 voting for the Ho Ho Holiday Showdown! takes place through Wednesday, November 23 . Winning specials/movies will advance to the next round and will be announced in the November 25 Night Owl, as well as through social media. The winning holiday special/movie will be announced on Friday, December 9, with a special screening at the Library at 4pm on Sunday, December 11, with festive beverages and treats. All voting participants will be entered to win a gift certificate to Oblong Books in Millerton, New York.

Click here to vote.

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