Cheshire

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

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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

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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.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in September

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Seems like summer just began, and now it’s over. Our Fall lineup of programs kicks off with some ways to help you get organized, get crafty, and get connected.

 

After school Zumba

Thursdays, Sep 7, 14, 21, 28, 4:00 – 5:00 PM 

Zumba® is an easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired dance-fitness program. Classes specifically for kids are formatted in a way to make getting fit fun. Kids can just let loose and be themselves. It’s an hour filled with energy and routines created to the latest music, like hip-hop, reggaeton and cumbia. For all ages, Parents and/or caregivers are welcome to participate with their children. No registration required.

B.Y.O.C.

Thursday Sep 7, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Bring Your Own Crafts!  Coloring, stitching, drawing, stamping, scrapbooking, if it’s crafty, bring it in!  Come for a relaxing and destressing night of crafting. We will meet most every first Thursday of the month. There will be plenty of room to spread out for your crafts.  Some supplies will be provided for this adult program, no registration required.

Keepsakes: Sorting the Stuff of Memories 

Saturday Sep 9, 2017, 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Back by popular demand Sheri Bertoolini will build on her teachings Heart of Organization.  She will discuss what to do with sentimental or inheritance of family members earthly goods and are both faced with the question: which things do I keep?  Registration is required.

A Day in the Life of a 102d Infantry Soldier

Tuesday Sep 12, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

America entered World War I, the Great War, 100 years ago.  What was it like for the men and women who served?  Alan Crane of the 26th Yankee Division WWI Living History Group will lead the discussion. Seating is limited and registration is required.

Get a Handle on All that Paper

Thursday Sep 14, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Do you waste time searching through piles and stacks of paper in order to find the one piece that you really need? Are you wondering where you put the bills you just received? This workshop will teach you how to create functional, efficient paper management systems for your home and office. Registration is required.

Rosh Hashanah with PJ Library and Temple Beth David

Friday Sep 15, 2017, 10:30 – 11:15 AM

PJ Library in cooperation with Cheshire Library and Temple Beth David present a family friendly Rosh Hashanah program – come read, sing and create an apples and honey dish with other families! All ages welcomed. Registration is required.

Create Greeting Cards with Rubber Stamps

Thursday Sep 21, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Greeting cards are quick and fun to create – and even more fun to receive. Join Sue Bernier and create three beautiful greeting cards with rubber stamps, in, and Stampin’ Up products. All levels are invited to join. Space is limited, registration is required.

Community Connections Civic Engagement Fair

Saturday Sep 23, 2017, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Are you looking to find local volunteer opportunities but can’t seem to find anything?  Are the volunteer opportunities you find not really appealing to you?  Do you want to meet fellow civic minded individuals? Let the Cheshire Public Library and the Cheshire High School help! Join us at the Cheshire High School for a civic engagement fair.  Local non-profit organizations as well as political groups will be onsite for you to learn how to get involved. This program will take place at the Cheshire High School 525 S Main St, Cheshire, CT.

Mark Twain in Connecticut

Tuesday Sep 26, 2017, 6:30 PM
Welcome Dr. James Golden of the Mark Twain House and Museum as he explains the importance of Connecticut and Hartford to Twain’s life and work, including his famous neighbors, such as novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe, travel writer and journalist Charles Dudley Warner, Civil War hero and senator Joseph Hawley, and female suffrage campaigner Isabella Beecher Hooker. Registration is required.

Job Search! Tune In & Tune Up!

Wednesday Sep 27, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

This 90-minute workshop will look at job searching from a wholistic perspective. Come prepared to address your barriers, review your job search skills and build a plan that re-energizes your search! At this interactive workshop, you will learn about:

  • Your emotional, social and/or physical barriers
  • How to move beyond your barriers
  • Winning strategies of the successful job seeker

Registration is required.

Organizing for Those Downsizing

Thursday Sep 28, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Are you thinking of downsizing to a smaller home or apartment?  Are you overwhelmed on what to do with all the stuff you have accumulated over the years?   Join us as Elaine C. Turek, a declutter specialist,  gives you the techniques you need to organize the maze of clutter. Registration is required.

 

 

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in August

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Play, learn, and create with these programs at Cheshire Library in August!

Color Yourself Calm

Thursday Aug 3, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

De-stress your busy life with a relaxing night of coloring. We’ll provide coloring pages and supplies, but feel free to bring your own pages, art supplies. This adult only program meets the first Thursday of every month, drop on by!

Builders Brigade LEGO Club

Tuesday Aug 15, 2017, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Do you love building with LEGO® blocks or Mega Bloks? The Builders Brigade is the program for you! All Ages, No registration required.

The Bear Reality

 Wednesday Aug 16, 2017, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

The black bear population in Connecticut has continued to increase since 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 coexistense with bears.  Join presenter Felicia Ortner, a Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC) for a program  that will provide education and facts about bears and help dispel myths and common misunderstandings. Registration is required.

Pottery Night

Thursdays,  Aug 17 & 24, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Join us for two nights of fun with pottery.  You will learn the origin of clay, how it’s been used through the ages and how it’s used today.  Participants will have the opportunity to make handprint bowls and lace bowls.  Your pottery will be fired at Cheshire’s own Ready Glaze Fire. Space is limited, registration required for this adult only program. By signing up you agree to attend both 8/17/17 & 8/24/17.

Trading Card Club: Yu-Gi-Oh & Pokemon

Friday Aug 18, 2017, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokemon trading card game tournaments here at CPL!   Just bring your cards, and join in the fun!  No registration required, Grades 7-12

Afternoons of Awesome: Exploring the Eclipse

Monday Aug 21, 2017,  1:00 – 2:00 PM

Kids entering grades 3-6 are invited to Afternoons of Awesome (or A-squared for short) for fun with art, science, technology, and games. Today we’re learning about the solar eclipse taking place across the U.S. today, and we’ll head outside to view its beginning here in Cheshire! Registration required. Registration begins August 1 for Cheshire residents and August 15 for nonresidents.

Free glasses for viewing the eclipse will be given out at Cheshire Library beginning August 16 –  1 per person, first come first served.

University Admissions and the Application Process

Tuesday Aug 22, 2017, 6:30  –  7:30 PM
Join Jas Jernaill, the Managing Director of Bulldog Tutors, for a general discussion on the university admissions and college application process. Topics will include the primary components of a successful application, standardized testing options, how the admissions timeline differs for aspiring collegiate athletes, and building the common app. Registration is required.

Baby Play Group (pre-walkers)

Wednesday Aug 23, 2017, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Baby Play Group is a special time for babies and caregivers to interact with books, songs, rhymes, American Sign Language, PLAY. This program is for pre-walking babies and their caregivers. In order to give our youngest patrons a safe space of their own, we request no siblings, please.  Registration required starting August 1st for Cheshire residents and August 16th for all others.

Five Common Diseases of Apple in New England

Wednesday Aug 30, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Apples are important specialty crops in New England. Join Dr. Quan Zeng as he explains the most common diseases of apple in New England orchards and backyard gardens, from the aspects of disease symptoms, diagnostics, and management. Registration is required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in July

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Both indoor and outdoor activities are on the schedule for July, we’re getting back to nature! Take a look:

Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Monday Jul 3, 2017, 6:30  –  7:30 PM

CCCC is headed out to sea with this month’s modern classic, Jaws by Peter Benchley. Put your water-wings on and join us to discuss this creepy anti-beach read. Contact Jennifer Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org to register.

Farmington Canal Trail Family Hike @ Lock 12 Historical Park

Thursday Jul 6, 2017, 10:00 AM

For all ages. Get on your walking shoes for stories, songs, and science in the great outdoors! We’ll take a family-friendly walk along the Farmington canal trail at Lock 12 Historical Park and explore nature and local history. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and sun protection! For children of all ages and their families. Registration required.

Farmington Canal Trail STEM Hike @ Lock 12 Historical Park

Tuesday Jul 11, 2017, 10:00 AM

For ages 8 and up. A STEM program in the great outdoors! We’ll meet at Lock 12 Historical Park and walk along the Farmington canal trail while learning about science, nature, and history. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and sun protection! For kids ages 8+ and their parents/caregivers. Registration required.

Movie Matinees

Tuesdays at 1:00 PM

Too much nature? Beat the heat with a movie matinee! No registration required.

  • July 11: Avanti. (1972, Rated “R”; 2 hours, 20 minutes.)
  • July 18: Groundhog Day. (1993, Rated “PG”; 1 hour, 41 minutes.)
  • July 25: Captain Fantastic. (2016, Rated “R”; 1 hour, 58 minutes.)

Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures

Thursday Jul 13, 2017, 4:00 –  4:45 PM

Nature Nick is returning to the Cheshire Public Library bringing his new show “Build a Better World.”  In this show, Nature Nick will introduce you to some of the strangest animals on earth while giving little known facts about each one. See how every animal in nature has a role which in turn helps us build a better world! Ages 4 and up. Registration required starting June 1 for Cheshire residents and July 12th for all others. 

Insects: The Good, the Bad, the Beautiful and the Just Plain Ugly

Thursday Jul 13, 2017, 6:00 PM  –  8:00 PM

Join presenter Rose Hiskes, diagnostician and horticulturist at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in Windsor, as we enter the world of plant pests, showing the beautiful, the beneficial, the bad and the just plain ugly. Registration required.

The Bobcat – Connecticut’s Secretive Wild Cat

Wednesday Jul 19, 2017, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

Join certified Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn to learn about the history of bobcats in CT, with an overview of bobcat habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, and current research efforts. Bobcat artifacts will be on display. Registration required.

DIY: Backsplash

Thursday Jul 20, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

An indoor project to do-it-yourself. Is it time for a change in your bathroom or kitchen?  Time to replace that old backsplash but don’t know where to begin?  Join us as Jenn of Home Depot, Milldale CT will show us how to put up backsplash. Registration required.

Lyme Disease and Tick Control

Wednesday Jul 26, 2017, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

You’ve heard it on the news, CT officials expect an increase in the number of ticks this year, including those carrying diseases. Medical-veterinary entomologist Dr. Kirby C. Stafford will provide valuable info on the epidemiology and basic symptoms of Lyme disease, the biology of the tick vector, and tick bite prevention and tick control. Registration required.