OVL now owns partial copy of Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language. Who wrote the first English Dictionary? Ans.? Samuel Johnson, in London, in 1755, after 9 years of labor, using 6 full-time assistants, issuing in 40,000 words and their definitions, using phrases from English literature as definitions, as in:"patron: a wretch who supports in insolence and is paid in flattery." Actually, there had been a list of words and meanings as early as 1623 but not a dictionary of common words and usage. Johnson was a lexicographer, essayist, scholar, political thinker. OVL now owns Vol I (of four), a gift of an anonymous benefactress in April, who also gave 33 other books to the Library. It is in fair condition but can and will be restored and added to our holdings in Rare Books.It was published in Philadelphia by Moses Thomas, 1818, the first published in America due to cost of the copyright. Thomas bet the farm on American's hunger for Johnson's Dictionary but by 1818, Americans were into shortened versions of everything. Thomas's publishing house failed for lack of sales. By that time Noah Webster had composed a distinctly American Dictionary with words like squash, moccasin, and sledge. It was vastly successful. Still, "Johnson's achievement marked an epoch in the history of the language. The most amazing, enduring, and endearing one-man feat in the field of lexicography."                               

 

 In July, I plan to do an hour morning program entitled Old Books, in which I show and tell our Library holdings, one of which is this Johnson Dictionary. I will also show how we will restore it, how to repair and rebind books. July 6 @ 10, scheduled by Barbara Hanson.

Thank you, Andrea Leonard wherever you are.  We know that wherever that is, you will be researching the geography and the families who first settled there, and gettng it down in suitable prose for future readers.

 

She did that for most of her life, part of which was spent here in Osterville.  She researched all the primary sources (material written at the time of the event) and secondary sources (material written after the event occured).  And she collected them, catalogued and saved them in physical form, and then passes them off to the Osterville Village Library and to CCCC.  Its how historians think and act, and she was a faithful historian - journalist.  We have now, for future researchers, students, and library visitors, genealogies of the Crockers, Nyes, Crosbys, Barnstable families, and Mayflower decendants. 

 

Here at the Library we are actively seeking out donors of primary and secondary history materials, like genealogies, diaries, journals, published and unpublished writings for our Local History Collection.  Give us a call if you have such writings to donate.

They are called Friends of the Library because for the privilege of shelving books, staffing the bookstore,  chairing and serving on  committees, raising funds, preparing  dishes, grilling  hot dogs, and bestowing gifts, endowments, and trusts to support the Osterville Village Library, they  also pony up  annual dues.  And they all do it  with a good spirit.

One such friend passed away this past week at age 87, who up to a month ago visited the  Wednesday morning Book Sale every week for the past 10 years that  I know of, and probably long before that.  Without fail.

 He was Dr. Robert Davis, who donated hundreds of books to  our book sales over many years.  No one made a count of how many books he gave to the library but it was many hundreds, an armful at at a time over many years.  He said he ran out of books and strength to get them to the Library at about the same time.    He was an avid reader, a collector of First Editions and more importantly, he was a friend of those who shopped in our downstairs bookstore and an especial friend of those who labored back in the workroom. 

 

He visited the workroom every Wednesday, looked over each book contributed, purchased some, talked with the Volunteers and was back on his solitary walk through the little town which he loved, every Wednesday morning.  He missed the last 4 Wednesdays and his friends downstairs missed him.  The Volunteers all signed one more card to be sent along to him. It was too late. He was gone. 

Thus, another good reason why they are called Friends of the Library. 
David Yount

 

To begin with, not all are valuable. Only about 10% are.  And why?

          1) We like "firsts" in everything.

          2) Dust Jackets and typography of "firsts" look different; they look dated,

             usually less decorated than later editions; they appear more attractive.

         3) Firsts represent the labors of the author, who nursed the book along

             usually over a long, gruelling time.

 

These are all subjective judgments.  So is the last reason:  Because someone else sets the value, collectors and buyers. 

 

Did you know our Friends bookshop downstairs in the Library has over a 1000 "Firsts" for sale? As low as $4. Come shop with us.

The Friends of the Library are offering a new service for people who would like to have their books valued for personal or tax purposes.  Friends member and Book Dealer, Mr. David Yount is available to help you evaluate your books. 

 

Need a letter for tax purposes?  Call and make an appointment with David at 508-428-5757.  David is available on most Wednesdays between 9:00 am to 12:00 noon in the Friends Book Sale room.

Your friends membership provides funds for the following library materials:

There’s never been a better time to become a Friend… a Friend of The Osterville Village Library, that is.

For those who love the Library, believe in literacy programs, and understand the need to continually improve the Library System, a membership in The Friends is a great way to show support. Membership dues help fund the wide array of programs and activities sponsored by  The Friends to assist the Library.

Membership in The Friends has its benefits too: a chance to enjoy the fellowship of other library friends and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping the Library make knowledge and learning opportunities available throughout our community.

 

The following volunteer Opportunities are available:

Annual membership dues are only $10 for individuals and $15 for families. 

 

A membership in The Friends is a terrific gift to give to your family and friends.
To join The Friends, simply click on the Friends Membership tab, fill out the form and either mail it or drop it off at the library.

Additional information on Friends’ memberships is available by sending an email to ecashin@clamsnet.org or by calling 508-428-5757.

Become a Friend today!

Don’t add to landfills by throwing out your unwanted reading material and videos. Instead, donate your gently used books, cassettes, CDs or DVDs to The Friends. These gifts will not only replentish our stock of merchandise for sale but also will recycle the items to other people for their enjoyment and benefit.

Fiction and non-fiction books in good condition (no musty books, no torn pages, broken spines or markings in the text), whether hardback or paperback, are welcome additions to The Friends’ supply of sale items.  We also are grateful for any useable CDs, audio tapes and books-on-tape, as well as DVDs and VHS tapes.   We are sorry but we cannot accept encyclopedias.

It’s easy to give items to The Friends: Place books, tapes, record albums, CDs or DVDs in a box or bag marked Friends on any Wednesday morning or on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. 

Turn your used books, cassettes and tapes into Library programs and activities by donating them to The Friends!