You’ll find history, crafts, music, and more on our Event Calendar this February – check out the full month of offerings and Save your spot for these programs!

February Art Show

A selection of oil paintings and paper cuttings by Cheshire artist Susan Fenaughty will be on display in the Mary Baldwin Room during the month of February.

Open Art Studio

Fridays, February 3, 10, 24, from 1-3pm

Bring your works in progress and supplies to this weekly drop-in art program. This is an opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with other artists. No formal instruction will be provided, but informal critiquing for those who want it is encouraged. Table covers will be provided. There is a sink in the room for basic cleanup (please do not bring turpentine).

Juggling and Comedy Show

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 11:00 – 11:45am

Join us for an afternoon of laughter with Bryson Lang in celebration of Take Your Child to the Library Day! Bryson’s show mixes comedy, audience participation, juggling, giant beach balls, improv, and more! For kids of all ages. Please register the number of children and teens attending.

Black Bears in Connecticut

Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 6:30 – 8:15pm

Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn will be here to teach us about our fascinating neighbors, Connecticut’s black bears. We’ll get to hear about their natural history, how to coexist with these creatures, and explore black bear artifacts. Registration is required.

Movie Matinees

• Tuesday February 7: Philomena (2013)
• Tuesday February 21: Hopscotch (1980)

Join us in the Library Loft for a movie on the big screen! Registration is not required and movies begin at 1pm.

Tories, Spies, & Traitors: Divided Loyalty in Revolutionary Connecticut

Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

In 1775, as the thirteen colonies began a rebellion against British rule, loyalty was not only a matter of words or opinion. For soldiers and civilians alike, loyalty could mean loss of fortune, of friends, and even of life. This presentation reveals stories— some well known, some obscure— of Nutmeggers who risked and sacrificed to support their chosen side during this “tumultuous jarring time of civil war.” Registration is required.

Craft Night: Embroider a Heart

Monday, February 13, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Learn three basic embroidery stitches to create a festive heart decoration you can display all year long. Patrons will receive personal instruction from Bristol instructor, Dawn Zillich – The Stitching Coach. Supplies will be provided, all you need to bring is creativity and love of fiber arts to the library. Space is limited for this adult program and registration is required.

Meh. : An Un-Valentine’s Day program (Teens, Grades 6-12)

Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 4:00 – 4:50pm

Are you tired of the cliché valentines day nonsense? Annoyed by all the cupids and candy hearts? This Un-Valentine’s day party is all about celebrating the non-romantic relationships in our lives- family, friends, and best of all self-love. Join us for crafts, snacks, and fun activities! For teens in grades 6-12, registration is required.

Explore New Worlds: Virtual Reality

• Tuesday February 14, 6:00 – 7:30pm
• Tuesday February 28, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Experience virtual reality with the library’s Oculus headsets. Choose from a wide selection of tours adventures and games all in an interactive virtual world. 30 minute spots available from 6:00 to 7:30. Register for the date you want, you will be contacted prior to the program to select your spot.

Adult Loft Knitters

Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come socialize, learn, and share your techniques with other knitters.  Experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. All levels of adult knitters are welcome. Please bring your own yarn and knitting needles (crocheters are also welcome!). This group meets monthly, please register in advance.

Weed-Free Gardening (ONLINE)

Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 7:00 – 8:15pm

Join us for a program on organic weed control prevention and control strategies that really work. Tasha Greer goes way beyond the usual suggestions for mulching and pulling weeds. In fact, she will explain why pulling weeds can actually be a bad idea and that mulching can cause problems when used with the wrong weeds. Please register in advance for this online program.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, February 16, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us for a monthly 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. Registration is required.

Upcycled Sweater Party

Friday, February 17, 2023, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Give your old sweaters a second life by turning them into winter accessories, home decor, or even another piece of clothing! We’ll provide inspiration, directions, and help for a variety of sewing and no-sew projects. In the spirit of upcycling, please bring your own sweaters from home if possible. Registration is required.

Guide to Student-Athlete College Recruitment

Thursday, February 23, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

s your child looking to play sports beyond high school? Hear a father share his child’s recruitment journey and lessons learned. Find out what to expect as you navigate your student-athlete’s recruitment process. Parents and teens are encouraged to attend. Please register in advance.

Concert: Silk’n Sounds

Saturday, February 25, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Silk’n Sounds is a women’s chorus based in the Greater New Haven area, bound together by their love of singing. The group has a broad repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs, including jazz standards, ballads, and rhythmic pop favorites from the Great American Songbook. This a cappella chorus is dedicated to excellence in the performance of four-part harmony in the barbershop tradition.