What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in April

/ cheshirelib / 2 Comments

We’re springing into April with so many great programs for kids, teens & adults, we can’t fit them all here! Check our Event Calendar for the full list of programs coming up this month.

Movie Matinees

  • Tuesday April 4: Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris (2022)
  • Tuesday April 18: Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Join us for a movie on the big screen! No registration is required and movies begin at 1pm.

This Business of Fighting: A Human Face on WWII

Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Equipped with a Ph.D. in history from Yale and a lifetime of storytelling experience, Arnie Pritchard paints a picture of his father’s WWII experience. Registration is required.

Upcycled T-shirt Party

Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Reduce, reuse, and recycle your old t-shirts! We’ll provide a variety of sewing and no-sew projects for you to breathe new life into old t-shirts. Bring a t-shirt from home or use a thrifted t-shirt provided by the Library. Registration is required for this adult program.

Wags & Tales (Grades K-3)

Gromit, a Newtown-Strong Therapy Dog will be available to be read to by independent readers in grades K-3. Reading aloud in a relaxed environment is a confidence booster to all readers. 15 minute visits will be available, please register and come with a preselected book to read to Gromit.  Registration is required for each child.

Tween Escape Room: The CPL Art Gallery (Grades 3-5)

Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Work as a team to solve the puzzles and get the final prize! For grades 3-5. Please note this is a school vacation day. Please register in advance.

Adult Loft Knitters

Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come socialize, learn, and share your techniques with other knitters.  Experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. All levels of adult knitters are welcome. Please bring your own yarn and knitting needles (crocheters are also welcome!). This group meets monthly, please register in advance.

Basics of Chocolate Truffle Making

Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

The lecture by Maria Brandriff will include some basic information about chocolate, the various types, and how to work with it. Samples and recipes will include several different types of truffle candies, perfect for giving your loved ones at any time. Space is limited and registration is required.

No-Sew Upcycled T-shirt Tote (Grades 6-12)

Thursday, April 13, 2023, 3:00 – 4:00pm

Keep the earth in mind this month and create your own customized t-shirt tote bag made out of recycled materials. Bring your own t-shirt to upcycle or choose from a selection of washed, thrifted t’s. Registration required.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, April 13, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us for a monthly open writing group that can help answer your questions on writing, editing, grammar, and publishing. Read a selection of your work to the group for general constructive feedback, or discuss a book you’ve read that might help someone else. Registration is required.

Builder’s Block (kids of all ages)

Friday, April 14, 2023, 10:00 – 11:15am

Block off some time to build freely with LEGOs, Duplos, KEVA Planks, Strawbees, and more! For kids of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.

Titanic A Date with Destiny

Monday, April 17, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us as we will learn of the Titanic’s celebrated construction, employing thousands during difficult times, its sailing, life on board and final hours. Join us as we share insights about a well-known story that might change your viewpoint of that fateful date with destiny. Registration is required.

Book Club

A monthly book group where you can meet new people, sip a warm drink, and have great discussions. This month we’re reading I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys . Register for our afternoon or evening group.

Life in the White House: The President’s Butler

Wednesday, April 19, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us as former White House butler, Mr. Alan DeValerio, shares his memories, stories and adventures of the 10 years he spent working in the White House under Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. He will describe how staff prepares to entertain guests at the White House and how that process has evolved since the time of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Registration is required.

Jellyfish Science: Are You Ready for This Jelly? (ONLINE)

Thursday, April 20, 2023, 6:30 – 7:30pm

Learn about the importance of jellyfish and how studying them is leading to discoveries that could change our lives.These animals have inspired many technologies used in medicine, robotics, and engineering. In this talk learn about the importance of jellyfish and how studying them is leading to discoveries that could change our lives. Presented by Yale graduate student Lauren Mellenthin. Registration is required for this online program.

Earth Day Storytime (All Ages)

Saturday, April 22, 2023, 11:00 – 11:30am

Join us for a storytime focused on celebrating the earth and the ways that we can help it. Complete with a craft which inspires us to use recycled materials from home to make art! All ages. Registration not required.

Smartphone Photography

Monday, April 24, 2023, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Professional Photographer Andy Mars will show you how to take better photos with your smartphone and/or iPad. Learn tips on photo composition and how to gain control over your
shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings. Then learn to edit your photos with the free editing
app Snapseed. Registration is required.

Plant & Seed Swap

Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 3:00 – 8:00pm

Calling all plant enthusiasts! Bring your healthy house plants, outdoor plants, cuttings, seedlings, seeds, and containers to the library and swap them out for others. Maybe your houseplant has had a major growth spurt and needs to be tamed- take some cuttings and bring them to the swap! Maybe you bought 14 packets of pumpkin seeds but now realize you don’t actually want to be a pumpkin farmer- bring some to the swap! This is a great way to diversify your collection, try growing a new type of plant, and see what others are growing. Drop in anytime between 3:00 and 8:00pm, registration is required.

Explore New Worlds: Virtual Reality

Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Experience virtual reality with the library’s Oculus headsets. Choose from a wide selection of tours adventures and games all in an interactive virtual world. 30 minute spots available from 6:00 to 7:30. Registration is required, you will be contacted prior to the program to select your spot.

TAB: Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)

Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 3:45 – 4:45pm

The Teen Advisory Board is a group of teens in grades 6-12 who want to take an active part in helping the library and the community. Giveaways and snacks will be provided. Registration is required.

Book-to-Screen Adaptations Coming in 2023

/ Louise / 1 Comment

If you love seeing your favorite books come to life on the big or small screen, 2023 is shaping up to be a great year. And if you’re a read-it-before-you-see-it person, you’ll want to take note of the screen adaptations slated for release this year, and add the following books to your reading list! (Release dates are given when known, though they are subject to change).

Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano (on Apple TV+ Feb. 3)

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay (in theaters Feb. 5)

The Black-Eyed Blonde by Benjamin Black (in theaters Feb. 15)

Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (on Amazon Prime Mar. 3)

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume(in theaters Apr. 28)

Text for You (movie title: Love Again)by Sofie Cramer (in theaters May 12)

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann (in theaters May 2023)

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson (in theaters June 30)

American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin (in theaters July 21)

Hallowe’en Party (movie title: A Haunting in Venice) by Agatha Christie (in theaters Sept. 15)

Dune (Part Two) by Frank Herbert (in theaters Nov. 3)

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (in theaters Nov. 17)

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (movie title: Wonka) by Roald Dahl (in theaters Dec. 15)

The Color Purple by Alice Walker (in theaters Dec. 20)

Expected to premier in 2023, but no release dates available yet for:

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (on Amazon Prime)

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave (on Amazon Prime)

The Power by Naomi Alderman (on Amazon Prime)

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (on Apple TV+)

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang (on Disney+)

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn (on Netflix)

The Three-Body Problem Series by Cixin Liu (on Netflix)

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo (on Showtime)

10 Movies Set in Ireland (perfect for St. Patrick’s Day!)

/ Louise / Leave a comment

On St. Patrick’s Day, after you’ve eaten your corned beef and cabbage and drunk your green beer, why not settle in for a movie that sweeps you away to Ireland? In 2014 I put together a list of movies set in Ireland, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day viewing. Since then, there have been quite a few more good movies set in the Emerald Isle, so I thought an update might be in order. Here are 10 movies to add to your celebration of all things Irish.

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  1. The Banshees of Inisherin. On a tiny island off the coast of Irelend in 1923, two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them. This film was one of the highlights of 2022, nominated for multiple awards for cast and crew alike.
  2. Wild Mountain Thyme. Headstrong farmer Rosemary Muldoon has her heart set on winning her neighbor Anthony Reilly’s love. The problem is, Anthony believes he’s inherited a family curse, and remains oblivious to his beautiful admirer. Stung by his father’s plans to sell the family farm to his American nephew, Anthony is jolted into pursuing his dreams.
  3. Belfast. A semi-autobiographical film written and directed by Kenneth Branagh, which chronicles the life of a working class family and their young son’s childhood during the tumult of the late 1960s in Northern Ireland.
  4. Song of the Sea. When Saoirse and Ben’s mother mysteriously disappears into the ocean, the two children go on an epic journey to find out the truth about her, and in the process, discover mystical secrets about both their mother and Saoirse herself. The film takes inspiration from the mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become humans on land.
  5. My Left Foot. Born with cerebral palsy, the 10th of 22 children of a Dublin bricklayer and his wife, Christy Brown was doomed to life as a vegetable by physicians in 1932. His strong-willed mother’s love and faith encouraged him to overcome this label. An astounding story of an artist who defeated a physical disability, degrading stereotypes, and poverty to fulfill his dreams.
  6. Michael Collins. The life of an Irish man whose dreams inspired hope, whose words ignited passion, and whose courage forged a nation’s destiny. His powerful gifts sparked the fierce battles that led to the Irish Republic that exists today, but his unshaken confidence in those gifts led him to become a victim of the very men he inspired to fight by his side.
  7. Once. A Dubln street musician and a young mother discover each other’s talents and push one another to realize their dreams. The soundtrack from this film won a Grammy award, and the song “Falling Slowly” won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
  8. Albert Nobbs. A woman (Glenn Close) passes as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland. Some thirty years after donning men’s clothing, she finds herself trapped in a prison of her own making.
  9. Waking Ned Devine. When Ned Devine dies from shock after winning the lottery, two longtime friends, Micheal and Jackie, discover the body and agree Ned would want them to benefit from his good luck. They embark upon an outrageous scheme to claim the ticket but first they have to get all the townsfolk to go along with their plan.
  10. The Wind That Shakes the Barley. Set during the Irish War of Independence (1919–1922) and the Irish Civil War (1922–1923), this drama tells the fictional story of two County Cork brothers who join the Irish Republican Army to fight for Irish independence from the United Kingdom. It takes its title from the Robert Dwyer Joyce song “The Wind That Shakes the Barley”, a song set during the 1798 rebellion in Ireland and featured early in the film.

 

Movie Magic

/ Susan O. / Leave a comment

When we talk about the powerhouses of music, we think of The Beatles or Michael Jackson or Reba MacIntyre or Beyonce, among others. People who have multiple-decade careers, whose very touch seems to turn to gold, who sell records just walking down the street. Everyone knows their name.

So if I said, Guess which musician has won four Oscars, four Golden Globes, seven BAFTAs (the British equivalent of the Oscar), 25 Grammys, was Knighted by Queen Elizabeth even though he was born in Queens, and has had 52 Oscar nominations – second only to Walt Disney, who would you pick?  Someone with a net worth of between $300 million and $50 billion, depending on how many assets you count?

Would you believe it’s composer John Williams?

Williams, who is 91 and still going strong, has a Master’s touch when it comes to composing music, and he’s written more film and television music than you realize. An alumni of the prestigious Juilliard School, Williams’ career has spanned more than six decades, and he’s written the scores for everything from the pilot of Gilligan’s Island and Lost in Space  to Schindler’s List (his fifth Oscar for score).  Although he didn’t write the music or win the Oscars, Williams played piano for the score for Bernstein’s West Side Story. His scoring of Jerry Bock’s music for the film adaption of Fiddler on the Roof won him his first Oscar. That iconic Jaws DA-dunt, DA-dunt that scared everyone from the water, won him his second. Spielberg then recommended him to his buddy George Lucas, who needed a composer for the movie he was working on. Star Wars became Williams’s third Oscar, a soundtrack among the most widely recognized music in history, and remains the highest grossing non-popular music of all time (interactive fun fact: you can dance the Macarena perfectly to Darth Vader’s theme music. Go ahead. Try it.). Williams went back to Spielberg for his fourth Oscar – the soundtrack to E.T.  Harry Potter? Yep, Williams wrote that. Superman? Home Alone? Jurassic Park? The Post? Sometimes, it seems as if a movie is destined for greatness if Williams writes the score.

March is Oscar month, and this year John Williams is the oldest Oscar nominee for the score to Spielberg’s The Fabelmans. So cheer for Williams on March 12, and in the meantime, check out one of his dozens of utterly amazing scores on the following films:

The BFG / Star Wars / Raiders of the Lost Ark / Schindler’s List / ET / Jaws / Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone /

Superman / Jurassic Park / Saving Private Ryan / Towering Inferno / Close Encounters / Hook / JFK /

Memoirs of a Geisha / Minority Report

 

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in March

/ cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Is it winter or is it spring? No matter what it’s doing outside, you can count on Cheshire Library to keep you occupied inside. This month we’re learning about Ireland through lectures, films, and music. We’ve also got a spooky After Hours program featuring Dustin Pari of Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International! More of a nature lover? Check out our programs on opossums, backyard beekeeping and migrating birds. Check out our Event Calendar to sign up for these programs and more!

Open Art Studio

Fridays from 1-3pm

Bring your works in progress and supplies to this weekly drop-in art program. This is an opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with other artists. No formal instruction will be provided, but informal critiquing for those who want it is encouraged. Table covers will be provided. There is a sink in the room for basic cleanup (please do not bring turpentine).

Family Storytime

Saturday, March 4, 2022, 11:00 – 11:30am

Family Storytime is a drop-in, interactive storytime for children and family members! Learn through talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing! This storytime is for children of all ages. No registration is required.

Anniversary of Ireland’s Civil War

Monday, March 6, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

The Irish Civil War 1922-1923, the period represents perhaps one of the saddest times in Irish history. This lecture, through use of multi-media presentation, will discuss the events leading to Civil War, the leaders, the violence, and its aftermath. Registration is required.

Movie Matinees

  • Tuesday March 7: Ticket to Paradise (2022)
  • Tuesday March 21: Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959)

Join us in the Library Loft for a movie on the big screen! No registration is required and movies begin at 1pm.

Miss Representation – Film Screening and Discussion

Wednesday March 8, 2023, 5:30 – 8:00pm

In honor of National Women’s History Month, the Cheshire Public Library, Cheshire Human Services and Chesprocott Health District are partnering to hold a screening and discussion of the film Miss Representation. This documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom exposes startling facts and statistics of how the mainstream media’s often disparaging and limited portrayal of women and girls contributes to their under-representation in positions of power and influence in America. Following a screening of the film, Michelle Piccerillo, Cheshire Director of Human Services and Kate Glendon, Chesprocott Public Health Specialist will facilitate a round table discussion of the themes presented in the film. Please register in advance.

Adult Loft Knitters

Wednesday March 8, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come socialize, learn, and share your techniques with other knitters.  Experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. All levels of adult knitters are welcome. Please bring your own yarn and knitting needles (crocheters are also welcome!). This group meets monthly, please register in advance.

Classic Movie Series: The Third Man (1949)

Thursday March 9, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00pm

The Third Man is a 1949 British film noir stars Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Orson Welles, and Trevor Howard. Set in postwar Vienna, the film centers on American Holly Martins (Cotten), who arrives in the city to accept a job with his friend Harry Lime (Welles), only to learn that Lime has died. Viewing his death as suspicious, Martins elects to stay in Vienna and investigate the matter. Registration is required.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday March 9, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us for a monthly open writing group that can help answer your questions on writing, editing, grammar, and publishing. Read a selection of your work to the group for general constructive feedback, or discuss a book you’ve read that might help someone else. Registration is required.

Library After Hours: Documenting the Dead with Dustin Pari

Friday March 10, 2023, 6:00 – 7:30pm

We’ll leave the lights on for this educational (and creepy) exploration of paranormal research and spirit communication from the past to the present. Dustin Pari, paranormal investigator and cast member of Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International, takes a look back at his own efforts to conduct paranormal research and brings it back even further to some of the earliest spirit communication techniques. This program is appropriate for adults and teens, please register in advance.

Concert–Celtic Music with the Carroll Sisters

Saturday March 11, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Join us for our annual celebration of Celtic music and St. Patrick’s Day! This year we are welcoming the Carroll Sisters, a young group known for their lively traditional Celtic tunes, beautiful harmonies, intriguing counterpoints, and unique musical arrangements on fiddle and cello. 

Wags & Tales (Grades K-3)

Gromit, a Newtown-Strong Therapy Dog will be available to be read to by independent readers in grades K-3. Reading aloud in a relaxed environment is a confidence booster to all readers. 15 minute visits will be available, please register and come with a preselected book to read to Gromit.  Registration is required for each child.

Explore New Worlds: Virtual Reality

Experience virtual reality with the library’s Oculus headsets. Choose from a wide selection of tours adventures and games all in an interactive virtual world. 30 minute spots available from 6:00 to 7:30. Register for the date you want, you will be contacted prior to the program to select your spot.

Orphan Trains and the Children Who Rode Them (ONLINE)

Wednesday March 15, 2023, 6:30pm – 8:00pm

The story of the Orphan Trains, which relocated children from the eastern cities to rural farmlands, has become a part of American popular culture. This ONLINE presentation explores the facts behind the legends, follows a group of children “placed-out” in 1880, and, provides information on resources available to learn more about the orphan trains and their riders. Please register in advance to receive a link to join the program.

Backyard Wildlife: All About Opossums

Thursday March 16, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue for an overview of wildlife rehabilitation and their rescue efforts with opossums. Adults and kids can learn what makes opossums awesome, and how you can give support to wildlife in your neighborhood. There will be time for questions and a meet-and-greet with the opossum ambassadors! Registration is required.

Backyard Beekeeping

Saturday March 18, 2023, 10:00 – 11:00am

Join us as Paula from the Backyard Beekeepers Associaton teaches us all the basics of keeping backyard bees. At this all-ages program we’ll learn about starting and maintaining a hive and get to see examples of a beekeeper suit, smoker, and healthy honeycomb. Registration is required.

Happy Place: Torn Paper Landscapes

Monday March 20, 2023, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Need to take a little time for self-care? Find your happy place with soothing music, hot drinks, socializing, and low-stress crafting. This month we’ll be making landscapes from torn construction paper and listening to Gentle Love‘s instrumental jazz renditions of video game music (trust us). Registration is required.

Book Club

A monthly book group where you can meet new people, sip a warm drink, and have great discussions. This month we’re reading Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. Register for our afternoon or evening group.

Builders Brigade

Thursday March 23, 2023, 2:30 – 3:45pm

Budding engineers are invited to build freely with LEGOs, Duplos, KEVA Planks, Strawbees, and more! For kids of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.

TAB: Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)

Tuesday March 28, 2023, 3:45 – 4:45pm

The Teen Advisory Board is a group of teens in grades 6-12 who want to take an active part in helping the library and the community. Giveaways and snacks will be provided. Registration is required.

The Quinnipiac (Indigenous People)

Wednesday March 29, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

The Quinnipiac once lived throughout South Central Connecticut; along the shoreline from West Haven to Clinton and north to Cheshire and Meriden. The heart of their homeland was the Quinnipiac River. The presentation will focus on the 14,000 years of Indigenous history in the region, the changing life over time, and the impact of European settlement on their way of life. Registration is required.

Lights Out Connecticut: Help Save Our Migrating Birds

Thursday March 30, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Why Lights Out? Each fall and spring, millions of birds pass through Connecticut on their way to and from their summer nesting grounds. Artificial lights from buildings and other structures can attract and disorient birds, leading to fatal window collisions. The result is catastrophic: Almost 1 billion birds killed in the United States every year. Come find out more about how you can help millions of birds migrate safely through our state. Registration is required.