May we tempt you with our upcoming programs? We’re excited to have a return visit from local author Kathleen Marple Kalb, to do some virtual traveling to the Outer Banks, to dig deep into the subject of vegetable gardens, and much more. Sign up for as many virtual programs as you want and participate from the comfort of home!

May 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. May’s challenges include:

• Art: It’s the month of Monster MAY-hem! Draw your favorite monster, creature, or beast.
• Writing: Write a bucket list for summer- what do you hope to do this year?
• Food: May 6th is National Beverage Day, so make something fun to drink- it can be hot or cold.
• Reading: On May 4, celebrate “May the Fourth Be with You” by reading a Star Wars-inspired story!
• More Reading: Listen to an audiobook of a story you’ve read and loved.
• Even More Reading: Take a book vacation! Read a book set somewhere you would love to visit.

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

How to Have a Successful Vegetable Garden

Saturday, May 1, 2021, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Have you found yourself wanting to start growing food in your backyard, or apartment patio, but have no idea where to begin? Cut through the intimidation by attending this step-by-step workshop all about how to have a successful vegetable garden with CT garden expert, Jillian Shea of PlantHer Garden Coaching. 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.

Take + Make Kits for kids & teens

• Week of May 3: No-Sew Sock Bunny (Ages 3 & up)
• Week of May 10: DIY Crystal Geodes (Grades 6-12)
• Week of May 17: Fingerprint Fun (Grades K-6)
• Week of May 24: Flower Friends (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.

Birdscaping: Home Sweet Habitat

Tuesday, May 4, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30pm

This beautifully illustrated program explores the importance of creating welcoming habitats for birds through thoughtful landscape choices, including native plants vital for food and nesting sites. Learn about the benefits and joys of creating beautiful layered gardens designed for avian – and human – habitat. 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, May 10, 2021, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Come by yourself or bring your friends! ! Test your knowledge from general categories, including pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course, literature. Please register once per home computer for this virtual event and you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting 1 hour prior to the start of the program.

Spaceship Harmony: A Musical Journey through the Universe

Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 10:00 – 10:45am

Experience new and familiar music with a cosmic twist! Blast off in a rocket ship, walk on the moon, shake your moon rocks and defy gravity! Best for children ages 2-7. 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: Animals

Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 3:00 – 4:00pm

Award winning cartoonist and humorous illustrator, Rick Stromoski, will teach you how to create your own cartoon animals! All you will need is a stack of paper and something to draw with. Please note this is an early dismissal day for Cheshire Public Schools. 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.

Cheshire Author Talk: A Fatal First Night

Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 6:30 – 7:30pm

Calling all cozy mystery lovers!  Join us for a conversation with local author Kathleen Marple Kalb on A Fatal First Night, her second Ella Shane mystery. While Ella’s opera company’s latest premier manages to attract adoring crowds and rave reviews, it also attracts a killer who’s a real showstopper. Please register once per home computer for this virtual event and you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting 1 hour prior to the start of the program.

Lighthouses of the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Thursday, May 13, 2021, 3:00 – 4:30pm

The Outer Banks of North Carolina have been called “The Graveyard of the Atlantic” because of their centuries of shipwrecks and disasters. This Illustrated Lecture will share not just the history, but also the beauty of the lighthouses that guard the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Please register once per home computer 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, May 17, 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.

Pajama Storytime

Monday, May 17, 2021, 7:00 – 7:30pm

Put on your pajamas and fuzzy slippers and tune in for a fun-filled evening of stories, songs, and adventures! Best for ages 2-5. 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.

Genealogy: Where to Find Cemetery Data Online

Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30pm

While most people are familiar with Find-A-Grave, there are actually several other sites and sources that contain cemetery images and information, which Carol Ansel, Godfrey Memorial Library Director, will share with you. 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.

Author Talk: Arlington National Cemetery

Saturday, May 22, 2021, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Join Us as author Cindy Parych presents the backstory of Arlington National Cemetery and highlights some of the stories of the interesting people who lived and were buried there. 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.

New Haven’s First Pizzerias

Monday, May 24, 2021, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Join us, as Colin M. Caplan the pizza guru will discuss how pizza in New Haven came to be, from the Italian immigrants bringing their special recipes. 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.

Sing Me a Fairy Tale: Not so Nimble Jack

Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 10:00 – 10:45am

A musical retelling of the classic tale about a boy named Jack who uses his quick wits to outsmart a giant and make a fortune for himself and his mother. Best for ages 2-5. 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.

Books Over Coffee: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

Wednesday, May 26, 2021, 12:00 – 1:30pm

Want to engage in great discussions about books? Meet new people? Join us for an adult monthly book club program called Books Over Coffee. This month’s book is Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. We will meet over Zoom, 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.