Welcome to fall!  In October we’re talking about books, learning to code, decorating pumpkins, and inaugurating our new piano with a concert by a Cheshire favorite. All that an a lot more, check out the October Calendar for details on all our upcoming programs!

October Teen Volunteering Challenges

All month long

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. October’s challenges include:

• Art: It’s the month of Drawlloween!  Draw anything that reminds you of Halloween!
• Writing: Write about what you have always SECRETLY wanted to be for Halloween.
• Food: October is National Pizza Month- so explore the world of pizza and all the flavors it offers by making your own fabulous version!
• Reading: Celebrate Dictionary Day (October 16) this month by looking up the definitions of words that you don’t know. Which words were they?
• More Reading: Read a spooky story. If you don’t enjoy scary stories, read a non-spooky book with a traditionally spooky character.
• Even More Reading: Read a book that features a character who wears a costume or disguise.
• Extra Credit: Change your life forever by learning a new language- check out Mango Languages on our website, and send us a screenshot of what you are working on… ganbatte!!

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: The Inheritance Games

All month long

This month we are going to read The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Books will be provided and are yours to keep! Join us here (our Google Classroom page) to share and hear our different points of view about the book!  To pick up your Book Buzz book, starting on October 1st, you must register for this event. Then you can come into the library and pick up your book at the Children’s Desk.

Introduction to Medicare

Saturday, October 2, 2021, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Join us online as we will learn about the enrollment processes, enrollment periods, timelines, deadlines, penalties, benefits, and costs relating to Medicare coverage and Medicare plans. We will also review coordination of benefits issues and address questions involving Medicare and HSAs. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time.       

Let’s Draw: Monsters

Tuesday, October 5, 2021, 4:00 – 5:00pm

Award winning cartoonist and humorous illustrator, Rick Stromoski, will teach you how to create your own creatures, goblins, and ghosts during this virtual event! For children and teens in grades 2-6, please register once per family to receive a Zoom meeting link 1 hour prior to the program start time.

Navigating College Admissions

Tuesday, October 5, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00pm

Learn how COVID-19 has changed the college admissions landscape and how it will affect Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors. This virtual program covers how students can position themselves to develop a compelling narrative to increase their chances for admission. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time.

Coding Club: Roblox 

Wednesdays in October, 4:00 – 5:00pm

Happy Code Club will teach students in grades 5-8 the basics of scripting in Lua to add gameplay elements like traps and other game features during this virtual event. Technology Requirements: PC or Mac with wifi, Scroll mouse. No chromebooks or tablets. Roblox Studio must be installed and tested prior to class. This program meets four times: October 6, 13, 20, & 27. Register once to attend all four sessions.

¡Arte! A Bilingual Art Class for Kids! 

Fridays in October, 10:00 – 10:45am

Join us for a virtual bilingual art and music class presented by Mi Amigo Hamlet from Go Creative Programs. Children will learn simple Spanish vocabulary through music, movement, and art! Best for ages 2-6. This virtual program meets 4 times: October 8, 15, 22, 29. Please register once per family to attend all 4 sessions. 

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, October 14, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

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! We’ll meet on Zoom, please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time.

Mixville Family Halloween Bash!

Friday, October 15, 2021, 5:00 – 8:00pm

Bring your own pumpkin to turn into a Jack-O-Lantern and display on the Mixville Park hillside before you take it home. Artsplace instructors and volunteers will be on-hand to provide stencils and guidance. Carving tools provided for use on first come/first served basis (or bring your own) as well as glow sticks to illuminate the pumpkins. Pumpkin carving and decorating will take place 5:00-6:00pm (pre-registration required for this portion of the event). Pumpkins will be lit by 6:15pm. Hocus-Pocus, everyone’s favorite family Halloween movie, will start at dusk. Bring a picnic dinner, your blankets, chairs and some bug spray!

Coalition for a Sustainable Cheshire: Going for Silver!

Monday, October 18, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Since early 2020, the CSC has successfully collaborated with our municipal government, local non-profits, and small Cheshire businesses to build relationships and promote sustainable projects. These projects and others helped Cheshire earn “Bronze” certification with the state-wide initiative, Sustainable CT.  Coalition members will share information about what it means for Cheshire to go for “Silver” and how you can take small (or large!) steps to improve our community with simple everyday actions. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time.

Simplifying the Financial Aid Process

Tuesday, October 19, 2021, 6:30 – 8:15pm

This seminar will provide parents and students with tips on securing the best possible financial aid package from the college of their choice. Presented by Jennifer Philips, who worked for Fairfield University for over 6 years as Assistant Director of Financial Aid & has been in the field for 10+ years. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time of the program.

Homegrown National Park: Nature’s Best Hope

Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 7:00 – 8:30pm

Join us via Zoom for a talk with acclaimed author and speaker Doug Tallamy to learn more about the importance of native species and the difference each of us can make in planting them in our own yards. Doug will discuss simple steps that each of us can take to reverse declining biodiversity and will explain why by joining Homegrown National Park, we, ourselves, are nature’s best hope. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time of the program.

Author Talk: You are Not Alone

Thursday, October 21, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Author Sydney Sherman looks at why and what we believe about the afterlife. Her book draws distinctions between myths and the paranormal and recounts numerous experiences with energies. She offers hints to avoid falling prey to the frauds in the paranormal field, and educates readers on how they too can continue their relationship with their loved ones. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time of the program.

Books Over Coffee: The Push 

Wednesday, October 27, 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. We will meet over Zoom. This month’s book is The Push by Ashley Audrain. Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time of the program.

Trivia Night

Thursday, October 28, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come by yourself or bring your friends. Test you knowledge from general categories, including pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course, literature! Registration is required for this adult program.  When registering, please register entire group from one person to a max five people. (Please note that his program may be moved to a virtual program.  An e-mail will be sent to registered participants with any schedule changes.)