Cheshire Library

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in September

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This month at CPL we’ve got programs to get you more organized, healthy, and informed. Check out our Event Calendar for the full roster of September programs!

Tuesday Movie Matinees

Tuesdays at 1:00PM

Come relax with a good movie every Tuesday afternoon at CPL, no registration required. This month, we’re revisiting the Watergate era:

Zumba for Adults

Mondays, September 10, 17, 24, 2:00 – 3:00pm

Zumba’s back! Our Zumba class is open to adults of any skills or fitness level and is designed to teach the basic dance steps and easy to follow movements. Please register for each session individually: Sept 10, Sept 17, Sept 24.

Medicare and Beyond

Tuesday, September 11, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Are you turning 65 or just confused about Medicare? Medicare can be a complicated topic to many people.  This seminar, presented by Lou Pelletier of American Senior Benefits will educate you on the options and programs available.  Learn what Medicare options best suit your needs – about the many laws and programs that may be relevant to your situation, such as maximizing Social Security or protecting your assets from long term care exposure without insurance.  Registration is required.

First Ladies: An Adventure in Glamour, Guts & Gumption

Wednesday, September 12, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

The First Ladies of the United States, who were they really?  What made them tick?  Did they love or loathe their role?  The presentation is designed to be lively, humorous and engaging by weaving historical and modern events and facts about First Ladies to understand and appreciate the important role they play, starting with Martha Washington. Registration is required.

Rightsizing your Life

Thursday, September 13, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

During Life’s transitions, it is important to consider your possessions and whether they still fit with your life. Learn ten key steps for making that happen. Sandra Wheeler- Professional Organizer and owner of For Peace of Mind will share key organizing tips to help you with any space in your home or office. Registration is required.

Go Paperless with Evernote

Saturday, September 15, 2018, 1:00 – 2:30pm

Imagine having no big filing cabinets stuffed with paperwork and no cluttered mess of folders to organize. You never have to search through stacks of paper to find the documents you need. All of your documents are organized, searchable, and accessible on your computers and devices at all times and wherever you are. Sounds crazy, right? It’s not! Enter Evernote: with this tool, you can organize your paperwork and declutter your life. We’ll go over the basics of getting started with Evernote to create the paperless lifestyle of your dreams. Registration is required.

The Connecticut CCC

Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 6:30 – 8:30PM

Join author Martin Podskoch as he shares his book, Connecticut Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: History, Memories and Legacy. This year marks the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a program  begun by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Mar. 31, 1933  to relieve the poverty and unemployment of the Depression—the “New Deal.”  Books will be available for purchase and signing. Registration is required.

Trivia Night

Wednesday, September 26, 2018, 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 is required, beginning Wednesday September 12.

Clutter, Clutter Everywhere – What Do I Do with It?

Thursday, September 27, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Professional Organizer Anita Taylor will show you how to and why of organizing all your stuff.  Systems are the answer!  Find easy solutions and simplify your life with Anita’s help. Copies of “Anita’s Book” a workbook solution to organizing important papers, will be available to purchase for $40 (cash or check) after Anita’s presentation. Registration is required and begins on August 31.

Simplifying the Financial Aid Process

Tuesday, September 25, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Presenter Jennifer Philips will provide parents and students with tips on securing the best financial aid package from the college of their choice.  Jennifer worked for Fairfield University for 6 years as Assistant Director of Financial Aid, and having been in the field for 10+ years, Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge and insight into the college financial aid process.  Registration is required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in August

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Our “Discover a New You” series of summer programs continues this month with art, music, and health programs for adults, and fun with science for kids. Check out our Events Calendar for the full lineup of programs!

[PLEASE NOTE: Cheshire Library will be CLOSED for renovations on Thursday, August 23 and Friday, August 24]

Intro to Piano for Adults

Monday, August 6, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00PM

Join music instructor Dan Fontana as he reviews what you will need to know about learning to play the piano as an adult.  Students are not required to bring a keyboard, but may do so. Paper keyboards will be provided for this workshop for everyone else. Registration required starting July 16 for Cheshire residents and July 30 for all others.

Family Movie Matinees

Tuesdays, 3:30PM, no registration required.

 

Tai Chi for Your Health

Tuesday, August 7, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Join Tai Chi instructor Kathy Brenner as she explains the nature and benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong (pronounced Chee – Gung). Qigong is adaptive for people with differing physical abilities. She will have attendees join her in an easy to follow series of Qigong exercises and demonstrate Tai Chi forms. Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Class size is limited and registration is required.

Library After Hours: Back in Time Family Singalong Concert

Friday, August 10, 2018, 5:00 – 7:00PM

Join us for a family concert and mini-art lessons with ArtsPlace artists and more!  The “Back In Time”’ concert at 6:00 pm will feature Liz McNicholl and Lindsey Ceitinn in a family-style singalong of old favorite songs and fiddle tunes. Pizza, snacks and drinks will be available for sale from the Friends of the Library. [Please register] in advance so we know how many goodies to have on hand!  There is no admission fee, but there is a suggested donation of $5 per family to help offset costs.  Please note that the Lower Level of the Library will not be open to the public.  

Science Tellers: Wild West

Monday, August 13, 2018, 4:00 – 5:00PM

Science Tellers presents “Wild West”. Grab your spurs and journey with us to the Wild West, where a legendary bank-robbing outlaw is back in town, about to strike again! Throughout this absolutely wild adventure story, volunteers from the audience will help us explore the fascinating science behind chemical reactions, combustion, air pressure, inertia and more. Don’t miss this classic action-packed western with ‘notes’ of science! Best suited for children going into grades K-5,  no registration required.

Night Skies Planetarium

Thursday, August 16, 2018, 10:00am – 7:00pm

Night Skies is a program featuring Mike Francis using Starlab, the inflatable planetarium dome and projector system.  A remarkably realistic night sky awaits groups of up to 30.  There is no need to worry about the weather, time of day or travel. The experience of entering the giant bubble fascinates.  The excitement of being able to identify that bright red star from last night’s sky or locating an elusive constellation sparks the imagination. [Check back for ticketing information]

Create Zentangle

Wednesday, August 22, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.  Each patron will learn the Zentangle method and leave with one landscape artwork.  Space is limited for this adult program, please register beginning Wednesday, August 8, at 9:00AM.

Benefits of Massage

Monday, August 27, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Wondering if massage is beneficial to your health? Come to the Cheshire Public Library and learn about the benefits of massage, as well as the different types of massage modalities. Registration is required.

The Founding Fathers’ Families in Fiction

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As Independence Day nears, we are all reminded of our nation’s founding fathers, and the way they shaped our nation. These men have become icons, but they were just human beings, often quite complicated human beings, with wives, mistresses, and children (both legitimate and illegitimate).

Historical fiction can flesh out the characters we know from our history books and give us a look at what life may have been like in those tumultuous times. Here are five novels featuring the men who were there at our nation’s beginnings, and the women who were at their sides.

America’s First Daughter America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie.  This carefully researched tale  imagines the experiences of Thomas Jefferson’s daughter Patsy, who while accompanying her father to Paris struggles with his past affair with a slave and falls in love with his protégé against a backdrop of a growing revolution.

Mount Vernon Love Story Mount Vernon Love Story by Mary Higgins Clark by Mary Higgins Clark. In researching George Washington’s life, Mary Higgins Clark was surprised to find the engaging man behind the pious legend. Her novel tells the story of a rare marriage between  Washington and Martha Dandridge Custisand, and brings to life the human side of the man who became known as the father of our country.

Benjamin Franklin’s BastardBenjamin Franklin's Bastard by Sally Cabot by Sally Cabot. This work of literary historical fiction that brings to life a little-known chapter of the American Revolution — the story of Benjamin Franklin and his bastard son, William (a steadfast loyalist), and the women who loved them both.

Patriot Hearts Patriot Hearts: A Novel of the Founding Mothers by Barbara Hambly by Barbara Hambly. The triumphs and turmoil of early America are revealed through fictional portraits of four women–Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Sally Hemings, and Dolley Madison–who played key roles during four presidential administrations.

The Hamilton Affair The Hamilton Affair by Elizabeth Cobbs by Elizabeth Cobbs. A tale inspired by the true romance between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler traces Hamilton’s rise to one of America’s most unlikely heroes and Schuyler’s establishment of New York’s first orphanage.

 

 

 

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in July

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Summer is a busy time at CPL, and we’ve packed July with amazing programs every day we’re open. Here are some of the highlights, check out our Events Calendar to see the full roster!

Turtle Rock Music showBorn to Read Music, Bubble, and Comedy Show

Tuesday Jul 3, 2018, 4:00  –  5:00PM

This movement-focused 60-minute performance by Turtle Dance Music is designed to get kids moving using awesome music, original stories, incredible visuals, exciting games, and interactive music technology to promote fitness, healthy eating, going to your library, and celebrating music! Appropriate for ages 2 and up. Registration is required.

Unbound Book Club (Gr 3-6)

Mondays, July 9, July 23, Aug 6, 2018, 4:00 – 4:45PM

A casual book club for kids entering grades 3 to 6 with no parents and no required reading! Come every other week and talk about what you’re currently reading, get recommendations from other kids, do fun activities, and play games. No parents or caregivers allowed! Registration required starting June 18 for Cheshire residents and July 1 for nonresidents. Unbound Book Club meets three times: July 9, July 23, and August 6.

Nature Nick program at Cheshire Public LibraryNature Nick’s Animal Adventures

Tuesday, July 10, 2018, 3:00 – 4:00PM

Nature Nick is back! Get ready to meet some of the most exotic animals in the world! All ages are welcome. No registration required.

Connecticut Vanguards : historic trailblazers & their legacies by Eric D. LehmanConnecticut Vanguards

Tuesday, July 10, 6:00 – 8:00PM

Connecticut author Eric D. Lehman will discuss Connecticut Vanguards: Historic Trailblazers & Their Legacies, his chronicle of two dozen state residents whose inventive spirits and talents influenced the state and the world. Lehman has published a dozen books of history, travel and fiction, many of which have won awards. Registration is required.

Intro to Guitar for Adults

Wednesday, July 11, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00PM

Join music instructor Dan Fontana as he reviews what you will need to know about learning to play the guitar as an adult. He will provide an overview of what it takes to start and the benefits of learning how to play music. Fontana will provide in-class and online materials that attendees can access at home. All the students have to bring to this workshop is their guitar and some paper to take notes.
Registration required starting June 20 for Cheshire residents and July 4 for all others.

Kindness Rocks

Thursday, July 12, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00PM

Help us promote random acts of kindness around Cheshire by participating in our Kindness Rocks event!  Adults are invited to help us paint rocks with inspirational pictures and words. After,  the class will leave the rocks around town. Patrons are encouraged to take pictures of the rocks you find #CPLKindnessRocks and post them on social media, and tag us @cheshirelibrary. Space is limited for this adult program. Registration is required.

Acrobat Li Liu performs at Cheshire Public LibraryLibrary After Hours: Acrobat Li Liu

Friday Jul 13, 2018, 5:00  –  7:00PM

Join us for an acrobatic performance, children’s activities, and more!  Li Liu will perform plate spinning, trick cycling, Chinese water bowl manipulation, and other acrobatic feats at 6:00 pm. Pizza, snacks and drinks will be available for sale from the Friends of the Library. Please register in advance so we know how many goodies to have on hand! There is no admission fee, but there is a suggested donation of $5 per family to help offset costs.  Please note that the Lower Level of the Library will not be open to the public.

Family Movie Matinees

Tuesdays at 3:30PM, no registration required.

The Farmington Canal

Tuesday, July 17, 2018, 7:00 – 8:00PM

Thought you knew everything about the Farmington Canal? Think again! Cheshirepedia Inc. is sponsoring a talk by Carl Walter, the country’s leading authority on the Farmington Canal.  Registration is required.

Backpacking Gear Show and Tell

Thursday, July 19, 2018, 3:00 – 5:00PM

A casual drop-in program to demonstrate backpacking gear used for multi-day trips into the wilderness, hosted by staff member and Long Trail thru-hiker Lauren Gledhill. Come in any time between 3:00pm and 5:00 pm to ask questions and see photos of life on the trail. Children are especially encouraged to attend! For children and adults of all ages, no registration required.

Vinyasa Yoga

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Monday, July 23, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

A vinyasa style class suited for all levels.  Students will be introduced to dynamic sequences and a variety of pranayama or yogic breathing techniques.  Focus is on linking movement and asana to the breath and building internal heat.  The instructor will offer options and modifications for all levels of practice.  Bring your own mat and water bottle and props such as yoga blocks or yoga blanket if you would like. Registration is required.

DIY: Marble Roller Coasters (Ages 7-12)

Thursday, July 26, 2018, 3:00 – 4:00PM

Explore kinetic energy, gravity, and other physics concepts by making your own 3D marble roller coasters! Can you keep your marble on the track? For ages 7-12.  Class size is limited, registration is required.

Meditation

Monday, July 30, 2018, 6:30 – 7:00PM and 7:00 – 7:30PM

Meditation is a practice in mindfulness and an exploration of the inner self.  Through guided imagery, focusing on the breath, and sitting in stillness students will begin to facilitate a feeling of inner peace and tranquility that can be carried out into their everyday lives. his class is open to all, with or without experience to come and explore and hold space together.  Please dress comfortably and bring a blanket or cushion if you would like. Registration is required.

Writing Fiction: The Creative Process

Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 6:30 – 7:30PM

Join writer Patrick Scalisi for this workshop, where he’ll discuss:

  • What do you like to write? (Some broad genres, finding examples of the work you like, reading to become a better writer)
  • Barriers to creativity
  • Coming up with ideas
  • Developing ideas (i.e. character, setting, dialogue)

Attendees will be presented with writing prompts to attempt in the session. Registration required starting July 10 for Cheshire residents and July 24 for all others.

 

 

 

 

Book Recommendations Based on Your Favorite Marvel Superheroes

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The Marvel Universe has never been more popular, with more movie and television adaptations being produced every year. But in between movies and TV seasons, what’s a superhero superfan to do? These YA books can help to fill the void your hero has left behind:

If you’re an Iron Man fan, try The Thousandth Floor by Katherine McGee. A tale set in a luxury tower 100 years in the future follows the experiences of an addicted perfectionist, a betrayed teen, a financially strapped girl, a socialite with an illegal A.I., and a genetically perfect girl. In this world, the higher you go, the farther there is to fall.

If The Incredible Hulk is your guy,  Monster by Michael Grant is also pretty incredible. When  meteorite strikes introduce an alien virus that gives humans unique superpowers, it triggers an epic battle between teen hero defenders and out-of-control supermonsters.

Need more like Thor? Try the Magnus Chase series by Rick Riordan. After the death of his mother, Magnus finds out that he is the son of a Norse god and must track down a lost ancient sword to stop a war being waged by mythical monsters.

If you love Guardians of the Galaxy, give Invictus by Ryan Graudin a try. Born outside of time as the son of a time-traveler from the 24th century and a first-century gladiator, Farway takes a position commanding a ship that smuggles valuables from different eras before meeting a mysterious girl with knowledge that places his existence in question.

If you can’t wait for the next Black Panther movie,  try Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi in the meantime. Zâelie, her brother Tzain, and princess Amari fight to restore magic to the land and activate a new generation of magi, but they are pursued by the crown prince, who believes the return of magic will mean the end of the monarchy.