What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in May

May 1, 2015May 11, 2015 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Here are just a few of the new programs we’ve got on the schedule for May. Mark your calendars!

Friends of the Library Semi-Annual Book Sale Continues…

Friday & Saturday, May 1 & 2, 9:30AM -4:00PM

Friends of the Library Bag of Books Sale

We will be open for the first time on Sunday, May 3rd from noon – 3:00pm for our close out “Fill a Bag” sale.

Art Kids

Tuesday May 5, 2015, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Kids and their caregivers will use all their senses during this hands-on experience that combines a story and an art activity (or three). We won’t be afraid to get a little messy, so bring a smock if you have one. (Don’t worry we will have some here to share too.)Best for ages 3 and up. Kids must be accompanied by a caregiver. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Nathan Hale: America’s First Spy

Tuesday May 5, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

M. William Phelps, award-winning veteran journalist and author of twenty-nine nonfiction books, discusses his NY Times bestselling book “Nathan Hale – The Life and Death of America’s First Spy.” Was Nathan Hale a legend, a hero, or an ill-equipped spy? Phelps charts the life of this famed patriot and separates the historical fact from long-standing myth. Seating for this event is limited. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Mother Goose Rhyme Time

Monday May 11, 2015, 10:00 – 10:30 AM

Mother Goose Rhyme Time is special time to interact with stories, songs, rhymes, and lap bounces. This fun and interactive time features music, repetition, rhymes, puppets, instruments, and felt boards. A must-do for babies and toddlers! Ages 0 to 2 years. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

The World of Rare Books

Tuesday May 12, 2015, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Rare book collector Michael Dooling will present an overview of the fascinating field of rare and collectible books and will show books and manuscripts with examples of different eras, binding methods and illustrators. Seating for this event is limited. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Breast Health and Tomosynthesis

Wednesday May 13, 2015, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Presented by Dr. Liane Philpotts, MD, Chief of Breast Imaging at Yale-New Haven Hospital and Professor of Diagnostic Radiology at Yale School of Medicine. Three dimensional mammography is revolutionizing how we practice breast imaging. Yale- New Haven Hospital have been leaders in utilizing and studying the benefits of this imaging modality. Tomosynthesis has the dual benefit of decreasing false positives (screening recalls) while also increasing cancer detection. Tomosynthesis is also beneficial in the diagnostic environment as it shortens work ups resulting in less radiation and costs. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Spring into Reading! Read-Aloud with the FEA

Thursday May 14, 2015, 3:30 – 4:15 PM

Come read with the Future Educators of America from Dodd Middle School!
We will be reading books, creating crafts, and snacks will be provided.
Ages 3-6. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Eat Better, Feel Better, Live Better

Tuesday May 19, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Nutritionist Maribeth Abrams will explore the benefits of a plant-strong diet and discuss the hows and whys of plant-based eating. Is it the same thing as being vegan? Are there health risks? Is it boring and bland? What about dining out? This presentation will answer all of these questions and more as it pertains to eating for help with the treatment and prevention of chronic disease. Seating for this event is limited. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Apps for the Outdoors

Wednesday May 20, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Get out and explore the great outdoors with help from your phone! We’ll show you apps you can download to your smartphone or tablet to help you enjoy your excursions and enjoy nature, whether or not you have a network connection. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Circle of Friends Music Class

Wednesday May 27, 2015, 10:00 – 10:45 AM

Felice Danielson, from the Circle of Friends Music Studio, will lead us in a morning of musical activities for kids and their caregivers. This program is open to all young children and their caregivers, no registration required. Ages 0 to 6 years old. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Fab Film Saturday: “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”

Saturday May 30, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (2014). Disney’s heartwarming comedy will have your entire family laughing out loud. Based on the best-selling book, it follows the exploits of Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life and wonders if bad things only happen to him. Running Time 1 hour, 21 minutes. Rated PG. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

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Get ready for New Hours at the Library!
We are adjusting our hours to better serve you.

Beginning June 1st the library will open at 9:00am Monday-Saturday. The library will be closing at 8:30pm Monday – Thursday.
Friday and Saturday closing times are unchanged.
NEW HOURS:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 8:30pm
Friday and Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday (July 11th – August 29th): 9:00am – 1:00pm

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in April

April 1, 2015April 1, 2015 / cheshirelib / 2 Comments

Lots of great stuff happening at Cheshire Library this month, including a terrific schedule of programming for School Vacation Week, and at the end of the month, it’s BOOKSALE time!

Navigating Your Financial Landscape: The Basics

Thursday Apr 2, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

In your 20s and 30s and wondering how you’ll ever afford a house, your future kids’ college expenses, and retirement? Now is the perfect time to start planning your financial future! You’ll learn all about 401ks, investing, building and maintaining credit, and lending options. Presented by Jonathon Dibble of Morgan Stanley. Register on our website.

Cheshire Cats Classics Club- Ben-Hur

Monday Apr 6, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club meets once per month on a Monday evening. Ben-Hur will be discussed at the April 6th meeting. Copies are available to check out from the library.

There is limited seating for this event. For more information regarding this program, contact Jennifer Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org.

Where to Hike in Cheshire

Monday Apr 6, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

This program will introduce hiking opportunities located in Cheshire. From meadows to Connecticut’s second largest waterfall, Cheshire has over 1,500 acres ready for exploration. Free hiking maps, property descriptions and directions will be available. The town website, a valuable resource for open space information, will be highlighted. Seating for this event is limited. Register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Squishy Circuits

Monday Apr 13, 2015, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Electricity + play-doh = lights? Awesome! Squishy Circuits are a great introduction to the fundamentals of electronics. We will use play-doh that can conduct electricity. Once you know the basics, you can plug in lights and motors to bring you already cool sculpture to new levels of awesome. Drop in anytime between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Ages 6 and up welcomed. No registration required.

LEGO® Junior Maker

Tuesday Apr 14, 2015, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Do you love building with LEGO® Blocks? Then LEGO® Junior Maker is perfect for you. We will start with a short storytime focused around building. Kids will then have opportunity to use their best creativity to design buildings, creatures, and more using Lego and Mega bloks. They can work alone, or in a team with peers. A theme will be given for kids to design around based on stories read. All ages welcomes. No registration required.

Rocks and Minerals

Tuesday Apr 14, 2015, 2 sessions: 1:00 PM and 2:15 PM

Local naturalist Eric Nelson will introduce children to the identification, characteristics, and historical use of rocks and minerals through fun hands-on activities and exciting demonstrations. For ages 6 and up. Register on our website starting on April 1st.

Ctrl Alt Achieve: Float Your Boat

Wednesday Apr 15, 2015, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

As part of our Ctrl Alt Achieve series, kids can test their creativity and engineering skills at building a boat. Kids will build boats using assorted materials and see how much weight they can hold. For grades Kindergarten – 2nd. No Registration Required.

Touch a Truck at Bartlem Park

Thursday Apr 16, 2015, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Come visit the children’s librarians at Bartlem Park for Touch a Truck. We’ll be present with our book cart for kids to touch and have special prizes to give out. Please bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to the Cheshire Food Pantry.

Have you ever wanted to board one of those huge trucks? Your chance has arrived! This event is made possible due to the generosity of local companies and Cheshire Town Agencies. You may see fire trucks, garbage trucks, dump trucks, pay loader, rescue trucks, law enforcement vehicles and more. There will be a free raffle of toy trucks.

Where: Bartlem Park – 520 S. Main St, Cheshire

Open to All Ages

Robot Petting Zoo

Thursday Apr 16, 2015, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

The first ever CPL Robot Petting Zoo brings out friendly robots for kids & teens to touch, operate, and even program! Some robots follow a line and are programmed with color, some are controlled with apps on a smart phone or tablet. They can look like a ball, a cube, a bird, or even a race car! Come meet our many unusual robots and learn a bit about circuits and electronics at our Robot Petting Zoo. For grades 4—12. No registration required.

Edible Insects with Stamford Museum and Nature Center

Thursday Apr 16, 2015, 6:00 PM

Discover the who, what, where and why behind eating bugs. From mealworm spaghetti to roasted tarantula, we’ll find out why people have been eating insects and invertebrates for hundreds of years. We’ll meet some live bugs that might be on a menu somewhere as well as some animals that eat bugs. Brave participants will also have a change to try an edible snack, if desired, at the end of the program. For ages 5 and up. Register on our website starting on April 1st.

Fab Films: Penguins of Madagascar

Saturday Apr 18, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Come enjoy some great box office kids’ movies with Fab Film Saturdays at Cheshire Public Library!
Penguins of Madagascar (2014). From the creators of Madagascar comes the funniest movie of 2014, starring your favorite penguins – Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private – in a spy-tacular new film!Running Time 1 hour, 32 minutes. Rated PG. No registration required. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

Sinatra and Me

Tuesday Apr 21, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Join Pulitzer Prize-nominated writer Franz Douskey as he discusses his book Sinatra and Me: The Very Good Years, an intimate look at the legendary Frank Sinatra by one of his closest friends Tony Consiglio, as told to the author. Seating is limited, please register on our website.

Skype Video Chat with Friends and Family

Saturday Apr 25, 2015, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Here is your chance to “visit” that person who lives too far away to just drop in on! A member of the Rotary eClub of the Southwest will stop by the Cheshire Public Library on Saturday, April 25th, from 10:00am – 1:00pm to sit with you as you make a Skype video call from his computer to the computer of a friend or family member. The webcams and microphones on both computers will let you see and hear each other–almost like sitting in the same room together!
Register on our website, sign up slots will be 30 minutes in duration.

Friends of the Library Semi-Annual Book Sale

Thursday, April 30 – Saturday, May 2, 2015, 9:30AM – 8:00PM

PREVIEW FOR FRIENDS’ MEMBERS ONLY: Wednesday Apr 29, 2015, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in March

March 1, 2015March 1, 2015 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

March, they say, comes in like a lion, out like a lamb. It’s safe to say that those of us who’ve been in Connecticut this winter are really ready for the lamb! While you’re waiting for the milder weather to come sweeping in, we’ve got lots of great programs to keep you busy!

Weekend Concert Series – I Love a Piano” with Paul Bisaccia

Sunday Mar 1, 2015, 3:00 PM

Local audience favorite Paul Bisaccia will return to Cheshire with a new concert, “I Love a Piano,” featuring classic composers such as Chopin, Debussy, Satie and Paderewski, as well as popular composers, including Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Scott Joplin and Marvin Hamlisch. This concert is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Grow Your Own Meadow

Tuesday Mar 3, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Join landscape designer Kathy Connolly for a one-hour discussion on the establishment, care and feeding of a flowering meadow. She’ll discuss meadow ecology and the role of native species, look at helpful tools, and explain steps you can take from June to December to start a new meadow or encourage an existing one. Seating for this event is limited. Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Fab Film Saturday: “Big Hero 6”

Saturday Mar 7, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, BIG HERO 6 is an action-packed comedy adventure that introduces Baymax, a lovable, personal companion robot, who forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. Rated PG. Running Time 1 hour, 30 minutes.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

Phoenix Performing Arts Troupe

Sunday Mar 8, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Come enjoy this Hartford-based troupe as they perform a variety of Chinese classical and traditional dances, and teach about Chinese arts and culture. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Dinosaur Tea Party

Monday Mar 9, 2015, 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Enjoy a dinosaur themed storytime with craft followed by a tea party (juice and refreshments will be served). Children are encouraged to dress up. Register on our website. For children ages 3-7 years old.

Ctrl Alt Achieve: Green Screen Fun!

Tuesday Mar 10, 2015, 4:30 PM

By using a green screen, kids will be able to bring portions of the book The Day the Crayons Quit to life. Kids will have the opportunity to dress up as their favorite crayons from the book and design and create props. By posing in front of the green screen, they will then be able to complete the scene with the addition of a background from the book. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. For Children in grades K-2.

Take a Hike!

Tuesday Mar 10, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Sometimes referred to as the area’s best kept secret, the Regional Water Authority owns 27,000 acres of land in south central Connecticut, some of which is open for recreational activities with a Regional Water Authority Recreation Permit. Each recreation area is unique. Visitors may hike, jog, cross-country ski or just meander along more than 60 miles of trails through Regional Water Authority watershed lands. Come to the program to find out more! Seating for this event is limited. Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Storyteller: Tales of Deep-Rooted Magic

Saturday Mar 14, 2015, 2:00 PM

Storyteller Sara deBeer will present stories from cultures around the world, and tales of the magic which waits for those who venture into the woods, into the wilds, and into the deep, dark, forest. Sara’s lively storytelling is suitable for listeners of all ages and includes audience participation to keep the youngest listeners involved. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Full of Joy Yoga

Mondays Mar 16, 23, 30, 2015, 9:45 – 10:15 AM

Yoga helps children develop strong, flexible bodies while cultivating a lifetime of joy, peace and wonder. Classes with Lani Rosen of Full of Joy Yoga, combine music, games, props and stories which give everyone the benefits of yoga. For ages 3-5. Register on our website starting March 1.

Teen Time: Stop Motion Video

Friday Mar 20, 2015, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Learn to make a stop motion video using legos, play dough, and an iPad. For grades 6 through 12- no registration required -come whenever you feel like it. The more the merrier- bring your friends and have a ball at the library!

Author Talk: Jon Katz

Sunday Mar 22, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz (A Dog Year, A Good Dog, Rose In a Storm) will speak about his newest book, a memoir called Saving Simon: How a Rescue Donkey Taught Me the Meaning of Compassion. In 2011, state police notified him of a severely neglected donkey who needed attention. It was at that time that Simon entered his life and changed it forever. Hear more about Simon’s story of healing, Mr. Katz’s writing experiences, and much more. Register on our website.

Creating the Non-Stop Garden

Monday Mar 23, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

A nonstop garden doesn’t mean nonstop work. Lower maintenance is just one of the many benefits of four-season gardening. In this lecture, horticulturist Jennifer Benner will outline the benefits of creating a nonstop garden. Sit back and enjoy a botanical journey filled with inspiring photographs that will recharge your gardening batteries. Seating for this event is limited. Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Edible Book Festival

Saturday Mar 28, 2015, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

What exactly is the Edible Book Festival, you may ask? It’s a chance for patrons of all ages to test their creativity and combine their love of both books and food in fun displays that will be viewed by both a panel of judges and the public. The only rules are that entries must be based on a book (any book will do!) and they must be composed of edible items. We’ll be accepting entries in three age-group categories:

Child (up to age 12)
Teen (ages 13-19)
Adult (ages 20+)

A three-person panel of impartial, non-library judges will evaluate all entries based on overall design and creativity, as well as how well entries represent their noted books. At the end of the event, one “Best in Show” prize will be awarded in each age-group category. The basic timeline for the day will be:

10:00 am – 12:00 pm participants will drop off entries at the library
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm the panel of judges will privately evaluate the entries
1:30 pm the public can begin viewing the entries
2:30 pm the winners will announced!

Registration will open on February 1st and will need to be done in-person at the Children’s desk at the library so that we can make sure all participants receive a packet of information for the event.

Weekend Concert Series: “Irish Music In America” with Atwater-Donnelly Band

Sunday Mar 29, 2015, 3:00 PM

The award-winning band Atwater-Donnelly will present a unique blend of traditional American and Celtic folk music and dance on the mountain dulcimer, banjo, tin whistle, guitar, mandolin, harmonica and more. For this very special performance, Aubrey and Elwood will be joined by John and Heidi Cerrigione on upright bass and autoharp, and Irish step-dancer Kevin Doyle. This concert is free and open to the public. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

For the Sake of the Country: Female Spies in the Civil War

Monday Mar 30, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

When you think of the role women played during the Civil War, what do you think of? Do you think of laundresses, homemakers, or nurses? Would you ever think of spies? Female spies played an essential and critical role in shaping the political, military, and social landscape. They changed the course of military battles, political intrigue, and even saved a president! Learn about four extraordinary Union and Confederate spies who risked all for the sake of their country.

Matthew Bartlett is a 2013 graduate of American Military University with a Master’s in Military History with a specialization in the American Civil War. His specialty is the battle of Gettysburg, about which he has written six books. A historian and lecturer, Matthew and his wife belong to the 14th CT CVI, Company F. He and his wife, Jenn, will appear in period attire as Allan Pinkerton and Kate Warne. Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in February

February 1, 2015February 1, 2015 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Fight the February Blahs with some educational, enriching, and entertaining programs at Cheshire Library! Mark your calendar for these events, and see even more on our Event Calendar.

Frozen Sing Along

Sunday Feb 1, 2015 , 2:00 PM

Experience FROZEN, hit musical comedy from Walt Disney Animation Studios, like never before in an all-new, full-length SING-ALONG EDITION! Follow the lyrics with a bouncing FROZEN snowflake. It’s pure enchantment — and full of fun for the whole family! All Ages Welcome. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Monday Feb 2, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club meets once per month on a Monday evening. The Fellowship of the Ring will be discussed at the February 2nd meeting.
There is limited seating for this event. For more information regarding this program, contact Jennifer Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org.

Irish Family History: Researching Irish Websites

Tuesday Feb 3, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

This workshop will introduce you to dozens of websites that can help you to research your Irish ancestors. The speaker will navigate websites and discuss the content of each one. Participants will be given a handout that lists the sites that benefit the Irish family history researcher. Register on our website.

Take Your Child to the Library Day! Magic with Chick Kelman

Saturday Feb 7, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Magician Chick Kelman is returning to the Cheshire Public Library to add some magic to our Bring Your Child to the Library Day celebration. Join us for an afternoon program of magical tricks that will entertain and amaze! Stop by the Children’s Room after the performance for a special prize. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Fab Film Saturday: The Boxtrolls

Saturday Feb 14, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Come enjoy some great box office kids’ movies with Fab Film Saturdays at Cheshire Public Library!
THE BOXTROLLS. A family event movie from the creators of Coraline and ParaNorman that introduces audiences to a new breed of family – The Boxtrolls, a community of quirky, mischievous creatures who have lovingly raised a human boy named Eggs (voiced by Isaac Hempstead Wright) in the amazing cavernous home they’ve built beneath the streets of Cheesebridge. Running Time 1 hour, 37 minutes. Rated PG. Feel free to bring your own snacks! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Author Talk: Jon Katz

Sunday Feb 15, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz (A Dog Year, A Good Dog, Rose In a Storm) will speak about his newest book, a memoir called Saving Simon: How a Rescue Donkey Taught Me the Meaning of Compassion.
Jon Katz has become well-known for rescuing “irredeemable” animals. In 2011, state police notified him of a severely neglected donkey who needed attention. It was at that time that Simon entered his life and changed it forever. Hear more about Simon’s story of healing, Mr. Katz’s writing experiences, and much more. Register on our website.

Bird Biology and Winter Plants

Monday Feb 16, 2015, two sessions, 2:00 and 3:15 PM

Local naturalist Eric Nelson will introduce children to the anatomy, identification and bird behavior through fun hands-on activities and exercises. Children wshould wear loose clothing and sneakers. For ages 6 and up. Register on our website starting on February 1st.

Rainforest Rendezvous with Animal Embassy

Tuesday Feb 17, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Join Animal Embassy on a journey through the four major tropical rainforest regions of the world! Library patrons will meet Animal Ambassadors such as a Chinchilla, a jungle Carpet python, a Red-foot tortoise, Red-eyed tree frogs, a large Green iguana or Solomon Islands monkey-tailed skink and possibly an Eclectus parrot! For ages 4 and up. Register on our website starting on February 1st.

Genealogy Software for Family History Researchers

Tuesday Feb 17, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

After a discussion of factors to consider when purchasing genealogy software and a review of the current Top 10 software packages, presenter Edwin Strickland will explore some of the other computer software options to aid in the recording and publication of your family data and planning further research tasks. Register on our website.

Squishy Circuits

Wednesday Feb 18, 2015, 10:00 – 12:00 PM

Electricity + play dough = lights? Awesome!
Squishy Circuits area a great introduction to the fundamentals of electronics. We will use a play dough that can conduct electricity. Once you know the basics you can plug in lights and motors to bring you already cool sculpture to new levels of awesome. Drop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. and noon. For ages 6 and up. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Truck Storytime

Thursday Feb 19, 2015, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Bring your toy trucks and cars to this special event. There will be storytime followed by playtime. We will provide kiddie pools filled with sand to support play. Be sure to wear clothes you can get messy in. For ages 3-8. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Dads & Donuts

Saturday Feb 21, 2015, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Dads & Donuts is a storytime designed especially for dads and children ages 3 and up. You don’t have to be a dad either. Moms, grandparents, or partners – everyone is welcome to attend and eat delicious donuts. Snacks will follow stories based around the theme of Animals! Enjoy stories with donuts, juice and coloring and crafts to follow. For ages 3-8.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

E-Library Workshop: Downloadable Content at Cheshire Library

Saturday Feb 21, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Want to learn how to download library e-books, audiobooks, movies, magazines and music to your laptop, tablet, e-reader, or smartphone? Bring your device and join us for a hands-on workshop. We’ll start with an overview of our various products and will then break into small groups with library staff, who can answer your questions about getting started.

Learn Spanish Storytime

Monday Feb 23, 2015, 10:00 – 10:30 AM

A hands-on Spanish program for toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary aged children. This bilingual storytime will be tons of fun with songs, games, activities and stories in both English and Spanish! No prior knowledge of Spanish is necessary. For ages 2 to Kindergarten. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Exploring Connecticut and the Slave Trade

Tuesday Feb 24, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Journalist and independent historian Anne Farrow will discuss her new book The Logbooks : Connecticut’s Slave Ships and Human Memory. In 1757, a sailing ship owned by an affluent Connecticut merchant sailed from New London to the tiny island of Bence in Sierra Leone, West Africa, to take on fresh water and slaves. On board was the owner’s son, on a training voyage to learn the trade. The Logbooks explores that voyage, and two others documented by that young man, to unearth new realities of Connecticut’s slave trade and question how we could have forgotten this part of our past so completely. Seating for this event is limited. Register on our website.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in January

January 1, 2015January 1, 2015 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Happy New Year! We hope one of your resolutions this year is to take advantage of the wonderful things your library has to offer. We’ve got lots of BRAND NEW programs for kids and teens starting in January, and great programming for adults as well. Take a look at what’s coming up:

NEW Sunday hours for 2015!

Sundays 1:00 – 5:00 PM

The library begins its winter hours – adding from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, January 4 through March 29, 2015! Come see us!

Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Monday Jan 5, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club meets once per month on a Monday evening. Far From the Maddening Crowd will be discussed at the January 5th meeting.
There is limited seating for this event. For more information regarding this program, contact Jennifer Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org.

College Financial Aid Seminar

Tuesday Jan 6, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

This seminar will provide parents and students of all ages with tips on securing the best possible financial aid package. Throughout the presentation, presenter Jennifer Philips will explain the various student loans, grants and scholarships available, the critical financial aid forms and deadlines, the various components of a financial aid offer and how to best compare and appeal offers in extenuating circumstances. This is a very popular program and has the potential to fill up quickly. Register on our website.

Kids Coding Corner

Thursday Jan 8, 2015, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Learn the foundations of coding using Scratch Jr., a free application available on iPads. Participants will learn how to use Scratch Jr. and what coding is in this first class.
For children in grades Kindergarten to 2nd. Register on our website.

Tune Time for Tots

Wednesdays 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM

NEW at Cheshire Library! Enjoy music and movement in this high energy program. Children will dance and use musical instruments. Children must be accompanied by a care giver. Ages birth to 2 years old. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Pajama Storytime

Thursday Jan 15, 2015, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Join us for stories, songs, videos and a craft, PJs optional!
This is a multisensory celebration of literacy with a seasonal theme.
For children ages 3 – 8. Register our website starting on January 1st.

Teen Time

Friday Jan 16, 2015, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

This program will feature a variety of activities: games, teen tech projects, domino racing, arts & crafts… you name it- you’ll just have to show up to find out what we’ll be doing! For grades 6 through 12– no registration required, come whenever you feel like it. The more the merrier- bring your friends and have a ball at the library!

Tween Tuesdays

Tuesdays 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Every Tuesday is a TWEEN Tuesday! 🙂
Starting on January 20, 2015, librarian Nicole Dolat will be doing a regular after school program every Tuesday for kids ages 7-12. No registration required – just come when you can! We’ll do any of a variety of activities: board games, Zentangles, duct tape wallets, playing with squishy circuits…you’ll just have to come to find out what we’ll be doing on any given Tuesday. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. FOR AGES 7-12.
Come, brings some friends (or make some new ones), and have some fun at the library!

Essential Apps for Smartphones and Tablets

Wednesday Jan 21, 2015, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

There are literally hundreds of thousands of apps available for smartphones and tablets, but where do you start? Library staff will show you a few of the most popular apps for work, play, and everything in between. Bring your device so you can download the apps for yourself. Register on our website.

ZenDoodle

Friday Jan 23, 2015, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

When you draw a ZenDoodle, you’re creating a work of art, but you’re also deliberately creating a mood, a focus and a state of mind. You don’t have to be a Michaelangelo to create a great ZenDoodle… because they’re based around following a series of steps focused on a set of patterns, it’s easy for beginners to get started. With ZenDoodle art, you absolutely can’t fail, so join us and let your creativity soar! Grades 6-12, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Fab Film Saturday: THE MAZE RUNNER (2014)

Saturday Jan 24, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Thomas wakes up in an elevator, remembering nothing but his own name. He emerges into a world of about 60 teen boys who have learned to survive in a completely enclosed environment, subsisting on their own agriculture and supplies from below. A new boy arrives every 30 days. The original group has been in “the glade” for two years, trying to find a way to escape through a maze that surrounds their living space. They have begun to give up hope. Then a comatose girl arrives with a strange note, and their world begins to change. Based on the popular young adult series of books by James Dashner. Running Time 1 hour, 53 minutes. Rated PG-13.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

Weekend Concert Series: Yale’s Society of Orpheus and Bacchus

Sunday Jan 25, 2015, 2:00 PM

Yale University’s Society of Orpheus and Bacchus is the second longest-running a cappella group in the nation. Accompanied by an eclectic songbook that features jazz, folk, gospel and contemporary arrangements, this all-male ensemble of talented and dedicated singers has performed for countless audiences the world over, delighting thousands while sharing their love of music and laughter across generations. This program is free and opened to the public, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Family History: How to Research Your Genealogy

Tuesday Jan 27, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

This program will demonstrate how to begin the search for your ancestors. Become a detective by uncovering the details of your family’s arrival in the U.S., where they lived, the occupations they engaged in, their triumphs, and their tragedies. Register on our website.

Tea Party and Storytime

Saturday Jan 31, 2015, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Enjoy a Fancy Nancy and Pinkalicious storytime with craft followed by a tea party (juice and cookies will be served). Children are encouraged to dress up. For children ages 3-7 years old. Register on our website starting January 15.