This May brings a lot of changes to CPL, in both staff and surroundings. Our remodeling project continues on the lower level, and we say good-bye to some key staffers as we head into our busiest season. We will continue to bring you as many awesome programs as we can throughout it all – here are some of the events on the schedule for May:

Drop-In Tech Help

• 1:00  –  3:00 PM:
• Tues. May 1
• Wed. May 9
• Wed. May 16
• Mon. May 21
• Wed. May 30

Do you have questions about your computer, smartphone, or iPad? Do you need help navigating Facebook or downloading an ebook? Bring your technology-related questions and problems to Cheshire Public Library’s Drop-In Tech Help.  Tech help is available on a first come first served basis, and may be limited to 15 minutes per person. Please be sure your device is fully charged beforehand.

Managing Back Pain

Tuesday May 1, 2018, 6:30 PM

Resolving or managing neck and back pain can greatly improve quality of life. Recent developments in healthcare provide relief for acute, chronic and cancer-related pain, to enable a happier, healthier life. In this interactive session, Board-certified Neurosurgeon Judith L. Gorelick, MD, and Board-certified Pain Management Specialist Tamer B. Ghaly, MD  discuss recent developments in surgical and non-surgical treatments for neck and back pain nand  interventional techniques to manage pain and avoid or significantly reduce the use of opioids. Registration is required.

Scrabble Afternoons

Wednesdays,  May 2, 9, 16, 23, 12:30-2:30 PM

Bring your friends, family and join your community in a game of scrabble.  Please bring your up to date library card to check out a scrabble board located at the Checkout Desk.

Library After Hours – Star Wars Edition!

Friday May 4, 2018, 5:00  –  7:30 PM

MAY THE ‘FOURTH’ BE WITH YOU!  Jedi Younglings and Padawan will learn the ways of the force with the Olympic Taekwondo Academy from 6:00-7:00pm.  Face painting, special crafts, and a photobooth will be available from 5:00-7:00pm. Pizza and drinks will be available for sale by the Friends of the Library.  There is no admission fee, but there is a suggested donation of $5 per family to help offset costs.  Registration is required so that we know how many goodies to have! (Please note that the Lower Level of the Library will not be open to the public. )

The Gift Of Therapy Dogs: Remembering Bella, Meeting Rudy

Saturday May 5, 2018, 11:00 AM  –  12:30 PM

What exactly is a therapy dog? What do they do? Come hear author and speaker Jean Baur, and her new therapy dog, Rudy. Jean wrote a book about her first therapy dog, Bella:  Joy Unleashed:  The Story of Bella, the Unlikely Therapy Dog. Bella worked for six years, visiting nursing home and hospital patients as well as going to schools and colleges. Jean will share Bella and Rudy’s stories, how she trained them, and most importantly explore with us what they do and why they’re so good at it.  Copies of Jean’s book will be available for sale. Children are welcome, but please leave your fur friends at home. Registration is required.

Kids Crafternoon: Huichol String Art

Saturday May 5, 2018, 3:00  –  4:00 PM

Create your own yarn painting inspired by the Huichol tribe of Mexico!

Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut

Monday May 7, 2018, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

This presentation focuses on the history of coyotes in Connecticut, an overview of coyote habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction.  It also provides practical recommendations for optimum coexistence with our coyote population.  Coyote artifacts will be shared with the audience. Registration is required.

Reception for Ramona Burkey and Lucas Franklin

Wednesday May 9, 2018, 4:00  –  6:00 PM

Join us in saying farewell to two wonderful staff members who are leaving Cheshire for new positions, Library Director Ramona Burkey and Head of Children’s Services Lucas Franklin. Visit with your favorite Cheshire librarians and enjoy refreshments, including a show-stopper of a cake from our friends at Cheshire Baking! Simple activities and crafts will be available for our youngest guests. Please register so we know how many goodies to have!

Certified Dog Listener, Phil Klein

Thursday May 10, 2018, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

Learn how canines see the human world,  the importance of eye contact and movement in canine communication, the underlying reasons for your dog’s behavior problems.  The best news – learn the simple, dog-friendly changes in how to interact with your dog to transform its behavior in a kind and lasting way. In doing so, you will have a calmer, happier dog and a more enjoyable relationship with it. Registration is required for this program, please bring your questions but not your pets.

The Bear Reality

Animal Mascots of the Civil War

Thursday May 17, 2018, 6:30  –  7:30 PM

The Civil War was fought by citizen armies that often had their own, very un-military, ways of fighting. One thing they did was to bring or adopt animals of many kinds. This talk will focus on those much-loved unit mascots. Professor Hamish Lutris, History, Capital Community College, presents the idea of using animals to represent military units throughout history will be discussed, as well as the particular animals honored in Civil War lore and memorialization. Registration is required.

Royal Tea Party