What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in August

July 31, 2018August 8, 2018 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

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.

Aug 7 : Sing
Aug 14 : The Lego Batman Movie
Aug 21 : Finding Dory

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.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in July

June 26, 2018February 24, 2019 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

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!

Born 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’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

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.

Library 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.

July 17 : Ferdinand
July 24 : Coco
July 31 : Moana

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.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in June

May 29, 2018May 17, 2018 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Summer is our busiest time at Cheshire Library, as anyone who has circled our parking lot on a summer afternoon can attest! Despite being a bit short on staff and tall on construction chaos, we have managed to put together some terrific programming this summer. We’ve got a bit of a railroad theme this month, take a look at what’s on the calendar for June:

The Electrification of the New Haven Railroad

Monday Jun 4, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

This program will cover the development of the New Haven’s freight and passenger electric locomotives and what made them unique with their pioneering designs. The program will also cover the development of the New Haven’s industry setting AC power and its distribution system. Registration is required.

Scrabble Evenings

Wednesdays, Jun 6, 13, 20, 27, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Bring your friends, family and join your community in a game of scrabble. Please bring your up to date library card to check out a scrabble board located at the checkout desk. Please meet fellow players on the third floor area. No registration required.

New Movie Thursday ~ Black Panther

Thursday, June 7, 2018, 5:45pm – 8:00pm

Did you miss the screening of a film you wanted to see in theatres? Join us for the first Thurday of the month for a screening of a recently released film. At the conclusion of the movie vote for next months not to miss movie. June’s movie is….. Black Panther! T’Challa, the King of Wakanda, rises to the throne in the isolated, technologically advanced African nation, but his claim is challenged by a vengeful outsider who was a childhood victim of T’Challa’s father’s mistake.

Cat Tales- Writers Group

Thursday, June 14, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Do you write in secret, or do you publish your own blog? Are you working on your dream novel, a memoir, or poetry? Interesting in being published, whether traditionally or self-published? Join us at the library 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! Registration required for this adult program.

Passport Event

Saturday Jun 16, 2018, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Join us for your one stop shop to acquire* or renew your passport.

Please bring the following:

Passport Application
Evidence of Citizenship
Two Forms of ID
Payment (2 checks for renewals)

Payments:
– Checks or money orders only. No credit cards.
– First-time applicants must bring two checks or money orders:
– One check or money order for the passport application fee made payable to “U.S. Department of State”
– A second check or money order for the $25 execution fee – add $15 for a photo if applicable – made payable to “Postmaster”.

*Typical Processing Time for Passports is 4-6 Weeks.
For questions regarding Passports please contact The National Passport information line at 1-877-487-2778 or visit Travel.State.Gov

The Pennsylvania Station in New York City

Monday Jun 18, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

This presentation will cover the inception of Pennsylvania Station, its sub-aqueous tunnels and the challenges faced in the construction of this massive and impressive undertaking. The tragic demolition of this grand structure by the Pennsylvania RR will also be included. Registration is required.

Chalk Painting Furniture

Thursday Jun 21, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Do you have furniture you want to update with a fresh new look? Traci Selinske, the owner of the Posh Pear in Cheshire, will show you the techniques to get that naturally aged look using chalk paint, light & dark waxes, dusk of ages, and distressing techniques. Registration will begin on Monday, May 21, 2018 at 9:00 AM.

Friday After Hours: Lost Acres String Band

Friday Jun 22, 2018, 5:00 – 7:30 PM

Join us as we kick off summer reading with the Lost Acres String Band! The concert will begin at 6:00 and there will be plenty of fun activities for children of all ages! Pizza, snacks and drinks will be available for sale from the Friends of the Library. Please register 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. This concert is made possible by donations given to the Friends of the Library in loving memory of Jo Korten.

Streamlined Trains of the 1930s and Their Industrial Designers

Monday Jun 25, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

With the popularity of the private automobile and the effects of the Great Depression, passenger travel on the American railroads was in a steep decline. Something was needed to bring passengers back to the trains. This presentation will show how it was done and how the same steps were taken in the 1950s to once again bring passengers back to the trains. Registration is required.

Kids Spa Day

Wednesday, June 27, 2018, 4:00 – 4:45pm

Start the summer off right! Join us to make your own sugar lip scrub and a stress ball. You will learn relaxation techniques and enjoy snacks with friends! Registration is required.

Trivia Night

Wednesday Jun 27, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

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 for this adult program will begin on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 9:00 AM.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in May

May 1, 2018May 2, 2018 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

This May brings a lot of changes to CPL, in both staff and surroundings. Our remodeling project continues on the lower level, and we say good-bye to some key staffers as we head into our busiest season. We will continue to bring you as many awesome programs as we can throughout it all – here are some of the events on the schedule for May:

Drop-In Tech Help

1:00 – 3:00 PM:
Tues. May 1
Wed. May 9
Wed. May 16
Mon. May 21
Wed. May 30

Do you have questions about your computer, smartphone, or iPad? Do you need help navigating Facebook or downloading an ebook? Bring your technology-related questions and problems to Cheshire Public Library’s Drop-In Tech Help. Tech help is available on a first come first served basis, and may be limited to 15 minutes per person. Please be sure your device is fully charged beforehand.

Managing Back Pain

Tuesday May 1, 2018, 6:30 PM

Resolving or managing neck and back pain can greatly improve quality of life. Recent developments in healthcare provide relief for acute, chronic and cancer-related pain, to enable a happier, healthier life. In this interactive session, Board-certified Neurosurgeon Judith L. Gorelick, MD, and Board-certified Pain Management Specialist Tamer B. Ghaly, MD discuss recent developments in surgical and non-surgical treatments for neck and back pain nand interventional techniques to manage pain and avoid or significantly reduce the use of opioids. Registration is required.

Scrabble Afternoons

Wednesdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 12:30-2:30 PM

Bring your friends, family and join your community in a game of scrabble. Please bring your up to date library card to check out a scrabble board located at the Checkout Desk.

Library After Hours – Star Wars Edition!

Friday May 4, 2018, 5:00 – 7:30 PM

MAY THE ‘FOURTH’ BE WITH YOU! Jedi Younglings and Padawan will learn the ways of the force with the Olympic Taekwondo Academy from 6:00-7:00pm. Face painting, special crafts, and a photobooth will be available from 5:00-7:00pm. Pizza and drinks will be available for sale by the Friends of the Library. There is no admission fee, but there is a suggested donation of $5 per family to help offset costs. Registration is required so that we know how many goodies to have! (Please note that the Lower Level of the Library will not be open to the public. )

The Gift Of Therapy Dogs: Remembering Bella, Meeting Rudy

Saturday May 5, 2018, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

What exactly is a therapy dog? What do they do? Come hear author and speaker Jean Baur, and her new therapy dog, Rudy. Jean wrote a book about her first therapy dog, Bella: Joy Unleashed: The Story of Bella, the Unlikely Therapy Dog. Bella worked for six years, visiting nursing home and hospital patients as well as going to schools and colleges. Jean will share Bella and Rudy’s stories, how she trained them, and most importantly explore with us what they do and why they’re so good at it. Copies of Jean’s book will be available for sale. Children are welcome, but please leave your fur friends at home. Registration is required.

Kids Crafternoon: Huichol String Art

Saturday May 5, 2018, 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Create your own yarn painting inspired by the Huichol tribe of Mexico!

Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut

Monday May 7, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

This presentation focuses on the history of coyotes in Connecticut, an overview of coyote habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction. It also provides practical recommendations for optimum coexistence with our coyote population. Coyote artifacts will be shared with the audience. Registration is required.

Reception for Ramona Burkey and Lucas Franklin

Wednesday May 9, 2018, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Join us in saying farewell to two wonderful staff members who are leaving Cheshire for new positions, Library Director Ramona Burkey and Head of Children’s Services Lucas Franklin. Visit with your favorite Cheshire librarians and enjoy refreshments, including a show-stopper of a cake from our friends at Cheshire Baking! Simple activities and crafts will be available for our youngest guests. Please register so we know how many goodies to have!

Certified Dog Listener, Phil Klein

Thursday May 10, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Learn how canines see the human world, the importance of eye contact and movement in canine communication, the underlying reasons for your dog’s behavior problems. The best news – learn the simple, dog-friendly changes in how to interact with your dog to transform its behavior in a kind and lasting way. In doing so, you will have a calmer, happier dog and a more enjoyable relationship with it. Registration is required for this program, please bring your questions but not your pets.

The Bear Reality

Monday May 14, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

The black bear population in Connecticut has continued to increase since the 1980. It’s important for residents and outdoor enthusiasts to learn real facts about black bears enabling them to stay safe, protect themselves and their property and make possible coexistence with bears. Felicia Ortner, a Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC) and a bear enthusiast, will provide education and facts about bears and help dispel myths and common misunderstandings. Registration is required.

Animal Mascots of the Civil War

Thursday May 17, 2018, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

The Civil War was fought by citizen armies that often had their own, very un-military, ways of fighting. One thing they did was to bring or adopt animals of many kinds. This talk will focus on those much-loved unit mascots. Professor Hamish Lutris, History, Capital Community College, presents the idea of using animals to represent military units throughout history will be discussed, as well as the particular animals honored in Civil War lore and memorialization. Registration is required.

Royal Tea Party

Saturday May 19, 2018, 1:00 PM

The Royal Public Librarians of Cheshire request the honor of your presence at our Royal Tea Party in celebration of the British Royal Wedding! Have your picture taken at St. George’s; participate in royal wedding trivia and a best fascinator contest. Enjoy tea and treats. A video presentation of past royal weddings will be showed as well. Please bring your favorite teacup! Registration will begin Saturday, May 5, and is required for this adult program.

Adios, Chanel! DIY Herbal Perfume

Tuesday May 29, 2018, 6:00 PM

Ditch your store-bought perfume! Most contain dozens of chemicals that do not have to be disclosed on the label. Become a mad scientist! Experiment with base fragrances, mid-tones, and top notes to create your own scent. The mother-daughter team of Velya Jancz-Urban and Ehris Urban are back to teach us, hands-on, how to make our own signature scent. Each participant will leave with a unique, new personal perfume. Sitting is very limited and registration is required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in April

March 27, 2018April 10, 2018 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

April showers? Head into Cheshire Library, we’ve got something fun and interesting going on every day, rain or shine! Here are a few of our programs scheduled for April:

Your Edible Landscape

Tuesday Apr 3, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Join the 3 Foragers – a family from southeastern Connecticut who have been identifying, photographing and cooking with the edible plants and fungi of New England for more than 10 years. Things like the edible fruits of Kousa (Japanese) dogwood and nuts like acorns, as well as roses and many edible flowers, and even the weeds between your garden veggies! Registration is required.

Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail

Tuesday Apr 10, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Those who attend this program will be treated to a modern day adventure. Sam Ducharme set out on a 2180 mile, 14 state backpacking trip from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin Maine. During his six month journey he documented the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the wildlife, the hardships encountered on the trail, as well as the people, culture and humanity at its finest. Come join him as he takes you through the trail towns, over the mountaintops and through the backcountry. Registration is required.

Strategies for a Sustainable Income in Retirement

Wednesday Apr 11, 2018, 6:30 PM

Come and learn some of the considerations to make when addressing retirement planning including strategies to help maximize their social security benefits, how to avoid some of the common filing mistakes, and an overview of tax-advantaged savings vehicles. Registration is required.

Library After Hours Dance Party

Friday Apr 13, 2018, 5:00 – 7:30 PM

Enjoy Zumba, dancing, instrument play and more with Cheshire Public Library’s staff in program room. We’ll have crafts and our play area open in the Children’s Room. Pizza from Cheshire Pizza and drinks will be available for sale from the Friends of the Library. 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.

Ask a Veterinary Technician

Saturday Apr 14, 2018, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

VCA Cheshire Animal Hospital will have a Certified Veterinary Technician on hand to answer your dog and cat questions. VCA offers general practice, emergency, specialty care and is open 24 hours a day. (Please leave your pet at home and if this is a emergency please bring your animal to the hospital). Register online.

Financial Fitness Checkup

Tuesday Apr 17, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

This workshop will help you review your current status and identify actions you can take to improve your financial situation. Participants will have an opportunity to take a quiz about their current financial practices in areas such as general money management, saving, credit, debt, and other topics. This workshop is provided by UConn Extension and the Connecticut Saves Campaign. Registration is required.

Rock Science Workshop

Wednesday Apr 18, 2018, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Explore the physical and optical properties of rocks and minerals with local naturalist, Eric Nelson. Observe their crystal structure and find out how to make certain rocks and minerals glow in the dark. Registration required starting March 15 for Cheshire residents and April 1 for all others.

Investment Concerns in a Fragile Market

Wednesday Apr 18, 2018, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Come and learn why “down” down markets create investment “opportunities” for the wise investor. Additionally, several options that may help to lessen the impact of your tax burden will be reviewed along with some tips for tax-smart investing strategies. The informational workshop will be presented by the Society for Financial Awareness. Registration is required.

Friends of Cheshire Public Library – Spring Book Sale

Thursday Apr 26 – Sunday Apr 29, 2018.

Thousands of gently used books, audiobooks, dvds, and more – it’s a bargain hunter’s paradise! Proceeds go to supporting programs and events at CPL. Special Preview Night for Friends Members only on Wednesday Apr 25, 6:30 – 8:00 PM – memberships may be purchased at the door.

Outdoor Storytime @ Bartlem Park

Saturday Apr 28, 2018, 11:00 AM

A spring-themed outdoor storytime full of books, rhymes, music, and movement. Enjoy the Kids in Motion Playground before or after the program. Best suited for ages 2-6. Registration required starting April 1 for Cheshire residents and April 15 for nonresidents.