What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in November

October 25, 2017November 14, 2017 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Lots going on this month: authors and filmmakers to meet, games, crafts, and music to take part in, and don’t forget the Fall Booksale!

Teen Tabletop Night

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 – 8:00 PM

New RPG group at CPL!! Are you an adventurer? Do you like games that involve strategy, thinking, and (most importantly) roleplaying? If so, you’ve found the right group! The games we play will be a wide range of tabletop RPGs- so if you like adventure, be sure to meet us in the Teen Room! Any questions? Contact Tas at tfox100@me.com. No registration required.

Craig & Fred: A Marine, a Stray Dog & How They Rescued Each Other

Saturday Nov 4, 2017, 11:00 AM

Register early for this conversation with author and US Marine Craig Grossi as he discusses his new book, Craig & Fred, the uplifting and unforgettable true story of a US Marine, the stray dog he met on an Afghan battlefield, and how they saved each other and now travel America together, “spreading the message of stubborn positivity.” Craig will be joined at this event by Fred! Craig’s book is a poignant and inspiring tale of hope, resilience, and optimism, with a timeless message at its heart, the power of love to transform our hearts and our lives. Want a copy of the book for Craig to sign? Please indicate on the registration form which edition you want: the adult or the young reader’s edition, so we can be sure to have enough on hand.

What Do You Mean There’s More to Retirement Than Just Money?

Saturday Nov 4, 2017, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Attendees will learn about the six life areas that will all deal with and need to address in varying degrees before and during retirement. All attendees will complete the Life of Balance activity to see where they are currently in their own life. Registration is required.

New Duke Band

Sunday Nov 5, 2017, 2:00 PM

New Duke, a classic 8-piece horn band from the Connecticut and New York City areas, is led by Guilford resident Brian Torff and features lead vocalist Darryl Tookes. The group is influenced by Ellington, Frank Zappa, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Gil Evans, the Beatles and James Brown and brings the past forward by combining classic grooves with topical issues. No need to travel to New York to hear a smoking hot big band! No registration required.

Cheers to Good Health! Maintaining a Healthy Diet Throughout the Holidays and New Year

Monday Nov 6, 2017, 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Join Jennifer Zarrilli, RD (Registered Dietitian) as she discusses how to continue a healthy diet throughout the holiday season and beyond. By the end of the lecture, participants will be able to understand the new 2015 Guidelines for Healthy Americans and how to apply these guidelines to eating healthy daily as well as during the holiday season. Registration is required.

Not Because It’s Easy: A Story of Pain, Struggle and Reward on the Tahoe Rim Trail

Tuesday Nov 7, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Author and Cheshire Police Officer David Maliar discusses his book, Not Because It’s Easy: A Story of Pain, Struggle and Reward on the Tahoe Rim Trail, which he wrote after this grueling 165-mile hike through California and Nevada. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the program. Registration is required.

Furniture Renewal – Connecting the Past, the Present and the Future

Thursday Nov 9, 2017, 6:30 PM

Join us for an evening with Gary LeClerc of FURNITURE REFINISHING by [RE]new and David Verdosci of Hidden Creek Fine Art Workshop as they discuss their most recent collaboration – the restoration and renewal of Mary Baldwin’s 100-year-old desk. This will be followed by a brief introduction to furniture refinishing, restoration and renewal by Gary LeClerc which will include tips for DIYers and a question and answer time. Registration is required.

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale

Thursday Nov 16 – Sunday Nov 19, 2017, (see our Event Calendar for times)

This semi–annual used book sale, run by Friends of the Cheshire Library, raises money to pay for programming at Cheshire Public Library, among other things. All of the library’s programs are funded through the Friends, and the books sale is their biggest fundraiser. Come support the library and pick up some bargains in the process! See our event calendar for more info.

Cheshire Filmmaker James W. Hawk

Wednesday Nov 29, 2017, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Cheshire Connecticut’s independent filmmaker, James W. Hawk will be screening several of his short films, “EENY, MEENY, MINY, MOE”, “FAILURE”,” THE SATURN MISSION”, “DR. DO RONG” and “ESQUIRE”. His films have been highly praised by Mr. Jan Harlan, an executive producer for Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick. Please be advised that this adult program contains strong language.

What Kind of Services Can You Find at the Library? (You might be surprised.)

October 12, 2017September 11, 2017 / Mary / Leave a comment

Most people know that libraries provide books, magazines, movies, music, audiobooks and ebooks. What many may not realize are all the other ways libraries support their communities. Here’s a sample from the librarians of the Cheshire Public Library.

“An appreciative patron had these flowers delivered to me for helping her on the computer & with her gmail to locate and print some important personal documents. It made my day!”

“A woman came in this afternoon and wanted to print some coupons from her email. English was not her first language, she did not have computer skills, and she did not know her email provider or her password! Our technology coordinator saved the day and was able to help the woman print her coupons. The really nice thing: it was the woman’s birthday and the coupons were for free coffee and other things that she could enjoy on her special day.”

“A senior who wanted to learn how to add minutes to her flip phone came to tech help yesterday. When she left, she noted that this is the only place in town to get answers to these types of questions and that her kids yell at her when she asks for them for tech help. She said she’s going to tell all of her friends to start coming here because they also have grouchy kids/grandkids…”

“An older man approached me a few weeks ago to say how glad he was to have our library. He comes in most days to read the papers and to visit with other regulars. He said it makes him feel more connected with the community.”

Email from patron: I just saw the Positive Discipline class recently on the events calendar and am super excited about it. I’ve read some of the Positive Discipline books and would love to do a better job actually incorporating it into our lives. I’ve looked into workshops before, and it just wasn’t realistic for us financially. I already have it on my calendar to sign up when it opens.

“I had a patron come to the circ desk this week saying the last two books her book club (not associated with the library) read were duds. Since they buy their books, she wanted to be sure to pick a good book this time. I brought her over to the Reader’s Advisory bulletin board and let her peruse the content. She happily found four titles, and all were on the shelf for her to check out. She was so happy and commented that she wished she had come to the library sooner.”

“A patron whose husband recently passed away came to drop-in today. She wanted to know how to use email so she could email people in a support group she’s been attending. She never used her husband’s laptop before, and English is not her first language, so she was nervous about coming in today for help. I got her all set up, and she’s going to come back next week and report how it’s going. She was very appreciative that we’re providing this service.”

“A few weeks ago, a woman was looking for tutoring help for seven children from two families newly arrived from Saudi Arabia. Our teen librarian had a contact in the high school for a teacher who arranges peer tutoring, so I got the teacher’s email and contacted her. She emailed to let us know that she has arranged peer tutoring for the 5 younger children (in the library!) and is arranging help for the older ones. It was great that the needed resources exist in our community. I was especially touched by the fact that the woman who made the initial contact thought of the library as a place to go for help. Yay us!”

Want to know more about the Cheshire Public library? Click here for our website.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in October

September 27, 2017September 14, 2017 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Science, History, and Technology all come alive with CPL programs this month! Here are some highlights:

Cheshire World War I Digitization Day

Tuesday Oct 3, 2017, 1:00 – 4:30 PM

Cheshire Public Library will be partnering with the Connecticut State Library to hold a World War I Digitization Day on Tuesday, October 3, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m., at the library, 104 Main Street. Cheshire area residents and their family, friends, and neighbors are being asked to find their WWI related items and stories that might be tucked away in drawers or trunks so they can be included in this important archive. Registration is not required – just drop in.

Town-Wide Instagram Scavenger Hunt

Saturday Oct 7, 2017, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Grab your friends, family, and phone for the third annual Town-Wide Instagram Scavenger Hunt! You’ll receive a set of clues in the morning, then travel all around Cheshire photographing your solutions and posting them to Instagram. Solve as many or as few clues as you like. All you need is a smartphone or network-enabled device, an Instagram account, a vehicle, and a sense of fun! After the hunt, come back to the Library for a celebratory snack, prizes, and a raffle drawing. Participants of all ages are encouraged to participate. For those unfamiliar with Instagram, technology help will be available when you pick up your clues on the morning of the hunt. Registration is required.

Donuts with Grownups and Coffee with the Candidates

Saturday Oct 7, 2017, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

We are inviting the candidates who are running for the Cheshire Town Council to attend this special session to give Cheshire families the opportunity to meet, ask questions and register to vote if you haven’t already! Donuts with Grownups Storytime is designed especially for working families with children ages 2 and up who can’t make it to our weekday storytimes. Enjoy crafts, activities, music, stories, and of course Donuts as a family! Best suited for children age 2-6. Cheshire residents only, please. Registration is required.

Introduction to Microsoft Word

Part 1 – October 11, Part 2 – October 18, Part 3 – October 25, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

This class will provide an introduction to Microsoft Word and is divided into three sessions.

You will learn basic navigation skills to effectively use the Microsoft Word program.
Create a simple document.
Edit text and check spelling errors.
Format the document.
Insert a picture; change font formatting and much more.

Registration is required.

It Happened in Connecticut

Thursday Oct 12, 2017, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Witchcraft trials, a serial murderer who inspired a popular movie, and a bizarre vagabond who has fascinated people for 150 years are three amazing yet true stories from the state’s past. Author Diana Ross McCain draws the tales from her books It Happened in Connecticut: Twenty-five Events that Shaped the Nutmeg State and Mysteries and Legends of New England: True Stories of the Unsolved and Unexplained. Following the presentation, McCain will sell and autograph copies of her books. Registration is required.

Yale Jashan Bhangra

Saturday Oct 14, 2017, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Yale Jashan Bhangra, a dance team founded in 2005, performs a traditional folk dance from Punjab. Learn about Punjabi and Sikh culture, watch a short bhangra performance and get a dance lesson from these talented dancers. No registration required.

Introduction to iPad

Thursday Oct 19, 2017, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Do you have an iPad or are you thinking of getting one? Get the lowdown on apps, music, settings and more. Please bring your fully charged iPad (if you have one), Apple user name/password and your e-mail user name/password if applicable. Registration required as space is limited.

Friday Night @ the Library

Friday Oct 20, 2017, 5:30 PM

The library will be opening at 5:30 pm on Friday October 20 for another Friday Night @ the Library! Enjoy events for children, families & adults including a concert, mini-art lessons for adults and children 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. Purchase pizza (from Cheshire Pizza and Ale) and drinks from our Friends of the Library. No registration required.

DNA Testing for Genealogy Research: Fact & Fiction

Saturday Oct 21, 2017, 2:30 – 4:00 PM

Thinking about doing a DNA test for your genealogy research or have done one already? Genealogist Janeen Bjork will talk about the three major companies offering DNA testing, the costs, facts and misconceptions of what testing can do for you. Registration is required.

Reviving Five Thousand Years of Chinese Civilization

Monday Oct 23, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

This presentation covers the essence of the traditional Chinese philosophies: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, how those core concepts influence medicine, literature, music, and arts, how the rich traditions are being interrupted, and how the authentic culture is returning to world stage through New York based Shen Yun Performing Arts. Registration is required.

Connecticut Rock ‘n Roll: A History

Tuesday Oct 24, 2017, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Join author Tony Renzoni as he shares tales from his book “Connecticut Rock ‘n Roll: A History.” Learn about some of the Nutmeg State’s musical highlights: the beautiful harmonies of New Haven’s Five Satins, Gene Pitney’s rise to fame, Stamford’s the Fifth Estate and notable rockers such as Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Rivers Cuomo of Weezer and Saturday Night Live Band’s Christine Ohlman. Book sale and signing immediately following the program, registration is required.

Connecticut Made

Thursday Oct 26, 2017, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Join us as Cynthia Parzych discusses her book Connecticut Made. She will explain interesting, fun business to visit in the state, from wine, beer, jewelry, art and much more. Her book will also be available for purchase and signing after the presentation. Registration is required.

Halloween Dance Party and Trick-or-Treating

Monday Oct 30, 2017, 6:00 PM

Come dressed in your Halloween costume for this special Halloween dance party followed by trick-or-treating around the library! For ages 2 and up. Registration required. Open to Cheshire residents on September 15, all others on October 29th.

Anime Club Halloween Cosplay Extravaganza

Tuesday Oct 31, 2017, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Dress up and act like your favorite character: anime or otherwise! Prizes will be awarded and Japanese refreshments will be provided—this is one event you won’t want to miss!! For grades 7—12, no registration required.

It’s National Keep Kids Creative Week

September 25, 2017September 9, 2017 / Louise / Leave a comment

September 24st – 30th, 2017 is “National Keep Kids Creative Week”. The holiday was started in 2003 by author/illustrator Bruce Van Patter to restore children’s innate ability to “think outside the box“, not “in front of the box.”

During National Keep Kids Creative Week, parents are encouraged to eliminate or at least cut down on kids’ screen time, and help them brainstorm creative activities instead. Write a story or create a recipe together. Challenge them to come up with their own superhero, cool invention, or fun game to play. Bruce Van Patter’s website has some great ideas to get the ball rolling.

Cheshire Library has a lot of resources to encourage creativity, too, as you might imagine. Let’s get those creative juices flowing!

Art Lab for Kids : 52 creative adventures in drawing, painting, printmaking, paper, and mixed media by Susan Schwake

The Artful Parent : simple ways to fill your family’s life with art and creativity by Jean Van’t Hul

You Can Write a Story! : a story-writing recipe for kids / by Lisa Bullard

150+ Screen-free Activities for Kids : the very best and easiest playtime activities from FunAtHomeWithKids.com! by Asia Citro, MEd

Tinkerlab : a hands-on guide for little inventors by Rachelle Doorley

365 Things to do with LEGO Bricks by written by Simon Hugo

ChopChop : the kids‘ guide to cooking real food with your family by Sally Sampson

Relish: My Life in the Kitchen

September 20, 2017August 14, 2017 / Kaitlin / Leave a comment

Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley is a wonderful graphic novel about her lifelong relationship with cooking. Lucy grew up in a household where food was always central. Her mother ran a catering business, grew her own food, and operated a farmer’s market stall. Due to this constant exposure, Lucy based many of her memories on food. Huevos rancheros reminds her of her adventures in Mexico with her best friend. Croissants remind her of the time she backpacked through Europe with a close college friend. Sushi takes her back to her travels in Japan. Hot chocolate, burgers, and fries remind her of traveling Italy with her father. Baking sweets became her way of working through stressful times in her life. Accompanied by these recorded memories are delicious recipes that are fun to make. After reading this graphic novel, you will gain a new appreciation for the importance different types of food can have on impacting people’s lives.