We’ve got a touch of Spring Fever this month, with programs about gardening and birdwatching on the calendar, along with several authors joining us to talk about their books. And don’t forget Take + Make projects for all ages. Sign up early to reserve your spots!

April Teen Volunteering Challenges

Earn community service hours by submitting a photo, video, or other content that may be added to CPL’s social media pages! Each submission will be awarded 2 community service hours. April’s challenges include:

• Art: Now that the weather is getting nicer, draw something in your backyard.
• Writing: Write a story, poem, or essay about April showers. Do they really bring May flowers?
• Food: April 12th is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, so cook up some cheesy goodness to share with your friends or family.
• Reading: Celebrate National Siblings Day on April 10 by reading a book about siblings. Share the story with your own sibling if you have one!
• More Reading: Think of a skill or hobby you’d like to learn or get better at. Find a nonfiction book with information or how-tos.
• Even More Reading: Think of your favorite movies. Find out if any of them were books first and, if so, read the book!

If you participate in the challenges, earn community service credit by submitting your creations so we can share them on our social media pages.

Book Buzz Teen Book Club: Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel

All month long

This month we are going to read Long Way Down: the Graphic Novel by Kate Moore. Register starting April 1 to pick up your copy of the book in the Children’s Room, then join us on our Google Classroom page to share and hear our different points of view about the book! (This book discussion group will be available all month -and beyond- and you can interact with us and post your thoughts any time that’s convenient for you.) For grades 6-12.

Take + Make Kits for kids & teens

• Week of April 5: Magic Kit (Grades 2-8)
• Week of April 12: Owl Pellet Dissection (Grades 6-12
• Week of April 19: Pipe Cleaner Constellations (Grades 1-6)
• Week of April 26: Finger Knitting (Grades K-6)

Make something at your own pace this week with a Take + Make kit! We have kits for kids in every age group this month, and registration is required to pick up a kit in the Children’s Room each week. We have a limited number of materials and the kits get reserved very quickly, so please register early and limit to one kit per child.

Good Looking: how to get better views of birds

Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30pm

This program will focus on “Fieldcraft”, the field practices and specialist skills for observing birds at close range. Techniques intended to advance birding proficiency and get those killer views will be revealed with the goal of raising gratification and lowering frustration that can accompany our favorite pursuit. Please register for this virtual event and you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting 1 hour prior to the start of the program.

Stunning Spring Perennials

Wednesday, April 7, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Whether you garden in sun or shade, there are lovely spring perennials that will add colorful flowers and interesting foliage to the early season garden. Master Gardener  Joan Butler will tall about some favorites with and how to combine them for best effect in your garden.  Please register for this virtual event and you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting 1 hour prior to the start of the program.

Paint Night for Teens

Wednesday, April 7, 2021, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Follow along with instructor, Pamela Halligan, of Pam’s Picassos as she walks you through creating your own masterpiece. For this virtual class, we will be painting a sunflower. For teens in grades 6-12. The library will provide all the materials you need, but supplies are limited.. Each teen must register in advance to pick up their supplies during open library hours.

Author Talk: Kupanda and Being Brave in the Attempt

Saturday, April 10, 2021, 1:30 – 2:30pm

David Maliar, a Cheshire Police Officer, has written a book about his quest to raise awareness and much needed funds for the Special Olympics athletes, by conquering the tallest mountain in Africa. Please join us as the author talks about his experiences climbing the mountain, his book and the Special Olympics. Please register for this virtual event and you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting 1 hour prior to the start of the program.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Monday, April 12, 2021, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Join us virtually for an 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. Join us once, join us every month! Please register for this virtual event and you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting 1 hour prior to the start of the program.

Broadway Tails With Bill Berlioni

Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 2:00 – 3:00pm

For more than 30 years, animal stage trainer Bill Berlioni has been rescuing animals and making them stars! The only trainer to ever receive a Tony Award, Bill is currently the director of Animal Behavior at the Humane Society of New York. Come hear Berlioni’s tales as he shares stories of his latest book Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars. Please register for this virtual event and you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting 1 hour prior to the start of the program.

Cartooning Workshop: Superheroes

Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 4:30 – 5:30pm

Award winning cartoonist and humorous illustrator, Rick Stromoski, will teach you how to create your own cartoon superheroes! All you will need is a stack of paper and something to draw with. For children and teens in grades 3-8. Please register once per family and you will receive a Zoom meeting link 1 hour prior to the program start time.

Poetry Matters

Wednesday, April 14, 2021T, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Pat Mottola, President of the Connecticut Poetry Society and Aspiring Cheshire Poet Laureate, invites you to spend an evening with poetry and learn how it changes lives. Please register for this virtual event and you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting 1 hour prior to the start of the program.

Cut the Cord

Saturday, April 17, 2021, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Back by popular demand, James Gifford returns to show you how to get out of a cable service agreement, find and negotiate the best internet/broadband access deal, and get started with streaming services for a vast range of entertainment options… many of which are free! Due to the popularity of this program and limited capacity,  registration will begin two weeks before the program.

Adult Take & Make Paint Night

Monday, April 19, 2021, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Follow along with instructor Pamela Halligan of Pam’s Picassos online as she walks you through the steps of creating your own masterpiece.  You must be registered in advance for the program in order to pick up a paint kit, which will be available for pickup on April 14 from 1-7 and April 15 from 10-4. Please make sure you can attend (and pick up kit) BEFORE you register.  A link to the program will be sent the day of the program. Please note this program is intended for adults.

Insomnia Affects your Overall Health

Wednesday, April 21, 2021, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Join Health and Wellness Coach Cynthia Griffin and learn why insomnia, inflammation and unstable weight can be related. You will be introduced to healthy natural practices that will align you with the circadian rhythms of nature, and learn how food can affect our sleep and the way we feel in our bodies. Please register for this virtual event and you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting 1 hour prior to the start of the program.

Earbud Holders and Wrapped Earbuds (Teen Take + Make tutorial)

Wednesday, April 21, 2021, 6:00 – 6:45pm

Create a fun earbud holder out of a metal tin using scrapbook paper and washi tape, and embroidery thread. Register in advance to pick up a Take + Make kit with supplies for the craft any time during open library hours the week of April 12, 2021, then join us on April 21 for the tutorial!

Stories from a Peace Corps Volunteer in Libya

Wednesday, April 21, 2021, 6:30 – 7:30pm

Randy Hobler served in the Peace Corps in Libya in 1968 and 1969.  When he set out to write a book about his experiences he decided the book should include the stories of some of the other volunteers who also served in Libya.  Eventually,  Randy tracked down 101 of his fellow volunteers.  His new book, 101 Arabian tales : how we all persevered on Peace Corps Libya is a collective memoir of these volunteers. Please register for this virtual event and you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting 1 hour prior to the start of the program.

Virtual Trivia Night

Monday, April 26, 2021, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Science Comics: The Digestive System

Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 4:00 – 4:45pm

Join Massachusetts-based graphic novel writer, Jason Viola, for a behind-the-scenes look at how a comic is made and learn about some of the decisions that go into the construction of a professional comic book page! Jason will also discuss his newest book, Science Comics: The Digestive System. Participants will receive a free copy of the book to keep! For ages 7-12. Please register for this virtual event and you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting 1 hour prior to the start of the program.