The Friends of Cheshire Library Used Book Sale is BACK! After a 2 year hiatus due to Covid, our most awesome used book sale is scheduled for November 18-21, mark your calendars! Of course there’s a ton of other stuff going on in November, too, take a look:

November 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. November’s challenges include:

• Art: It’s the month of Slowvember!  Slowvember is about quality and getting something you really like. During this challenge, work on one image and make it as good as you can.
• Writing: Write a conversation that would take place at someone’s Thanksgiving dinner.
• Food: November 1st is National Cook For Your Pets Day- so take this month to cook a delicious meal or snack for your pets!!
• Reading: If you have a family gathering this month, add something to your pre-dinner ritual: ask each person to name a book they’re thankful for, then read one that appeals to you.
• More Reading: November is Picture Book Month- to celebrate, read a picture book you’ve never read before.
• Even More Reading: Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month by reading a book about Native American history or experience.
• 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: We Were Liars

All month long

This month we are going to read We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. Books will be provided and are yours to keep! To pick up your Book Buzz book, starting on November 1st, you must register for this event. Then you can come into the library and pick up your book at the Children’s Desk. Join us here (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.

Meditative Mondays

Mondays from 2:00 – 3:00pm

Learn to master your thoughts, be in control of your mental & emotional well-being, and discover a world you never thought possible. This 7 session class will be teaching you various meditation techniques along with topics of awareness for inner transformation. Dress comfortably and enjoy the experience! Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time.

Storytime @ Bartlem Park

Tuesdays, November 2 and 9, 2021, 10:00 – 10:30am

Enjoy an outdoor storytime at Bartlem Park full of books, music, and movement! Space is limited and registration is required to attend. Please register once per family. Registration begins 48 hours prior to each class. This program is subject to cancellation due to uncooperative weather. Please check your email for the cancellation notice.

Cheshire Art League Program on Painterly Composition

Wednesday, November 3, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join nationally recognized artist and fine art photographer, Mark Battista, for a presentation on painterly composition for photographers and artists. Please register in advance for this Zoom program. All registrants will receive the emailed Zoom link at 5:30pm on November 3.

Light Pollution: What it is and why it matters

Thursday, November 4, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join dark sky advocate Leo Smith (International Dark Skies (IDS) Northeast Regional Director and Chair of the Connecticut Chapter) for an overview of the adverse effects of light pollution on people, animals and plants, together with a review of Connecticut laws and regulations and best practices individuals can use to reduce light pollution.  Registration is required. We are planning to hold this program in-person but will switch to Zoom if circumstances warrant. If that is the case, a link will be sent out to registrants prior to the program. 

The Magic of Resilience with Joyce Saltman

Friday, November 5, 2021, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Back by popular demand join us as Joyce Saltman will make us laugh and learn with her informational presentation. Join us as Joyce offers a blueprint (based on extensive research and close to 100 interviews of resilient folks of all ages) for achieving good health and joy in the years to come. Please register online. We are planning to hold this program in person, but will switch to Zoom or reschedule if the situation changes.

The Natural and Cultural History of Cheshire Through an Ecological Lens

Saturday, November 6, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30pm

How did geology shape Cheshire’s development and history?  Laurie Sanders, who grew up in Cheshire and was the town’s first environmental planner, will delve into the connection between people and the environment and how one affects the other. Join us for a fascinating overview of how Cheshire became the community it is today!  Please register online. We are planning to hold this program in person, but will switch to Zoom or reschedule if the situation changes.

Art @ The Library – Urban Sketching

Monday, November 8, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Enjoy 90 minutes of sketching in real time a favorite subject of urban sketchers- their tools of the trade: pencils, pens, brushes! Urban sketching is about filling a sketchbook with sketches of people, places and events but it is good to start small and hone your drawing skills by sketching everyday objects. All levels welcome to this workshop, all materials provided. Come and have fun. Registration required.

Drop-In Tech Help

• Monday November 8, 7:00 – 8:15pm
• Tuesday November 23, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Drop-in Tech Help is back! Do you have questions about your laptop, smartphone, or iPad? Do you need help navigating the internet or downloading an ebook? Let us help! NOTE: Please be sure your device is charged beforehand. Tech help is available on a first come first served basis. Tech help may be limited to 15 minutes per person.

Chinese for Families

Tuesdays, November 9, 16, 23, 30, 2021 4:00 – 5:00pm

(classes will continue in December and January)

We are so excited to partner with NeuLingo, a live, engaging online Chinese program to offer free Chinese language and culture classes for children! Join us to go on a virtual tour of the most charming cities in China, learn and experience the traditions and stories behind Chinese festivals, pick up a few Chinese words, and practice them with other children through meaningful social interactions! Best for ages 5-12, register once per family to attend all 10 classes.

Mark your calendars! The Friends of the Cheshire Public Library 2021 Fall Book Sale is scheduled for:

• Wednesday November 17, 5-8pm (preview night for members of the Friends only, memberships are available at the door)
• Thursday November 18, 9am-8pm
• Friday November 19, 9am-4:30pm
• Saturday November 20, 9am-4:30pm
• Sunday November 21, Noon-3pm (Bag of Books sale!)

Attendees must comply with CPL’s health precautions.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, November 18, 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! Please register online.

Trivia Night

Thursday, November 18, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come by yourself or bring your friends. Test your knowledge from general categories, including pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course literature! It’s all For Pride, Not Prize. Registration required for this adult program, a link to the program will be sent a hour before.

Books Over Coffee: If the Creek Don’t Rise

Wednesday, November 24, 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 in person in the library Loft! This month’s book is If the Creek Don’t Rise by Leah Weiss. Please register online.