What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in February?

January 25, 2017January 12, 2017 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

February is a short month, but there’s no shortage of great programs on our Event Calendar – here are just a few:

JobNow

Wednesday Feb 1, 2017, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Do you need help with your job search, your resume, or interviewing techniques? JobNow, powered by Brainfuse, provides live interactive online help combined with online resources to guide you through the necessary tasks to get a job, and is available free to CPL cardholders. No registration required for this workshop.

Color Yourself Calm

Thurs, Feb 2, and Mon, Feb 20, 2017, 6:00 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 and art supplies!

Preschool Fair

Saturday Feb 4, 2017, 1:00 – 3:30 PM

The Cheshire Public Library would like to invite you to participate in our Preschool Fair on Saturday, February 4. In the event of bad weather, the snow date will be March 4th. This program will allow you to meet and ask questions with preschools in the Cheshire area. Our objective is to provide you support by offering a one-stop-shop to community preschools in order to navigate through endless information regarding school facilities, personnel, and educational philosophies. No registration required.

Chinese New Year with Acrobat Li Liu

Saturday Feb 11, 2017, 11:00 – 11:45 AM

Celebrate the end of Chinese New Year with acrobat Li Liu! For all ages, no registration required.

Folk Duo Andy and Judy Daigle

Sunday Feb 12, 2017, 2:00 PM

Talented folk duo Andy & Judy Daigle blend popular folk covers with their growing list of original songs. he New England natives have been singing together since 2009, first performing at open mic nights where they featured cover versions of songs written by favorites John Prine, Bob Dylan, Ian and Sylvia, and Peter, Paul & Mary. This concert is free and open to the public, no registration required.

Awesome Jr. : Edible Architecture

Tuesday Feb 14, 2017, 4:00 – 4:45 PM

School-age kids in grades K-2 are invited to Awesome Jr. for fun with science, technology, engineering, art, and math. We’ll read stories, conduct experiments, play with apps, and make works of art. Today we’re going to make edible architecture out of frosting, graham crackers, pretzels, and other yummy building materials. Registration is required.

Cheshire C.A.T.s

Thursday Feb 16, 2017, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Are you looking to give back to your community? Fulfill a community service requirement? Have fun? Consider becoming a member of the Cheshire Council of Advisory Teens (Cheshire CATs). Just what IS Cheshire CATS you ask? It’s a group of dedicated teens who are interested in making a difference at the Cheshire Public Library. Members will play a critical role in developing the library’s young adult collection, young adult outreach, event planning and marketing, and making the library a friendlier place for young adults. Members will meet monthly, earn community service credit and will have a direct impact on teen life at the library. No registration required, join us!

Paint Night

Thursday Feb 16, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Escape from the clutches of winter at our Tropical Paradise Paint Night…come dressed in your favorite summer outfit and be transported to a scene by the sea, where all of your thoughts drift into hues of summer. No experience necessary, only a desire for fun and relaxation. We will explore basic techniques to create your masterpiece. Registration required for this adult program.

Pete the Cat Party

Saturday Feb 18, 2017, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Join us for the coolest storytime around! We’ll read some of our favorite Pete the Cat books, do lots of singing and dancing, and make our own musical instruments. Pete the Cat himself will be dropping by for hugs, high-fives, and photos. It’s all good! For children of all ages and their families. Registration is required.

Bird Feeders In Winter

Thursday Feb 23, 2017, 6:30 PM

Angela Dimmitt who will help us identify birds that you might typically see at your bird feeders and discuss which type of feeders and feed will attract particular birds. She is a member of Litchfield Hills Audubon Society, the Western Connecticut Bird Club and the Connecticut Ornithological Association. Registration is required.

Zumba

Saturday Feb 25, 2017, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Have you been wondering what Zumba is and if it’s right for you? Zumba is a popular dance based fitness program inspired by Latin music and dance. It’s Different, it’s Fun, it’s Effective and it’s Easy to do! Come and experience Zumba!! This Zumba demonstration for adults presented by Donna Paventy-certified Zumba instructor from the Cheshire Community YMCA. Registration is required.

Introduction to Computers

Tuesday Feb 28, 2017, 2:00 PM

Join us to learn the basic computer skills including the different parts of a computer, how to use a mouse and keyboard, how to turn the computer on and off properly and how to navigate the desktop. This class is for individuals with little to no experience with computers. Registration is required.

High Interest Books for Middle Grade Readers

January 19, 2017December 20, 2016 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

I have talked before about reluctant readers and transitional readers, particularly about finding books that can interest and engage them as they work to become more confident readers. (Check out the list here if this would apply to the books you are looking for). However, my kids are a little older now, so I have spent more time looking for the elusive perfect middle grade book to interest my high energy readers. They both love to read but only if the subject matter and action level meet their specific standards. I know this is a common issue since I have helped many a frustrated parent and child find something to read while working in the children’s room.

Why do I bring this up? Well, this week as I was unpacking a new order of children’s books I was thrilled to see a large number of books that fill this sweet spot of reads that would interest many middle grade readers. Right away I started mentally listing some of the best and realized how many zany, energy packed reads are available.

Here are some high interest, high humor, and high action reads for those who have trouble getting into a book, or who have convinced themselves that reading is boring. These are not readers who have trouble reading, only who are tired of being told what to read or have not found highly entertaining books and might have lost interest in books because of it.

Most of these suggestions are series starters or are by authors who consistently write this style of book, so if you find one that makes your reader happy they will have more to follow it up with.

The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier & Douglas Holgate

Whales on Stilts by M.T. Anderson

Home Sweet Motel by Chris Grabenstein

Marvin and the Moths by Matthew Holm and Jonathan Follet

Attack of the Fluffy Bunnies by Andrea Beaty

The Hero Revealed by William Boniface

The Adventures of Nanny Piggins by R.A. Spratt

Wonkenstein by Obert Skye

Castle Hangnail by Ursula Vernon

My Rotten Life by David Lubar

As usual, I found more books I wanted to include than can fit in a simple list, so more suggestions are: The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, SPHDZ by Jon Scieszka, The Robe of Skulls by Vivian French, Herbert’s Wormhole by Peter Nelson and Rohitash Rao, Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka, The Lunch Witch by Deb Lucke, Dodger and Me by Jordan Sonnenblick, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis, My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish by Mo O’Hara, The Odd Squad: Bully Bait by Michael Fry, The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood, and The Abominables by Eva Ibbotson.

Did I miss a book that was a hit with you or a reader you know? Share the title here so we can give it a look too!

Fictional Family Troubles For Young Readers

January 4, 2017November 22, 2016 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

Oftentimes reading about another person in a similar (or worse) situation than your own helps a reader of any age feel less alone and better about their personal situation. It can also help them process what is happen and deal with their own emotions. While nothing helps more than a solid support system or counseling, reading a book that we can relate to can also do wonders. This is true for the children and teens in our lives, not just for adult readers.

If there is something serious going on in the home life of a young child in your life, here are some books they might relate to that could help them know they are not alone. They can also see someone else come to terms with and learn to cope with the same issues with which they are currently dealing. Most of these novels deal with the characters coming to terms with family issues such as separation or divorce, but some also include other family changes or conflicts.

Shelved in Childrens:
Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary
I, Lorelei by Yeardley Smith
Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo
Sarah Simpson’s Rules for Living by Rebecca Rupp
The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner
Words with Wings by Nikki Grimes
What Would Joey Do? by Jack Gantos
How Tía Lola Learned to Teach by Julia Alvarez
Your Friend in Fashion, Abby Shapiro by Amy Axelrod
The Accidental Adventures of India McAllister by Charlotte Agell

Shelved in Young Adult:
Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
Unbecoming by Jenny Downham
Dark Water by Laura McNeal
Far from Fair by Elana K. Arnold
Black, White, Other by Joan Steinau Lester
The Secret Diary of Ashley Juergens by Ashley Juergens
Pearl by Deirdre Riordan Hall
Fans of the Impossible Life by Kate Scelsa
Zipped by Laura and Tom McNeal
The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten

As always, these are just some suggested titles, there was no way to include all the wonderful books out there that might help. If you have a favorite book that you would suggest on this topic please share it in the comments.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in January?

December 29, 2016December 19, 2016 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Happy New Year! We’ve got some programs to help you start the year off right, whether it’s getting healthier, spending quality family time together, or figuring out that new technology you got over the holidays… check out our January calendar for the full roster of programs this month, including:

Tuesday Movie Matinees

Tuesdays, Jan 3, 10, 17, 24, 1:00 PM

Jan 3: Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)
Jan 10: Money Monster (2016)
Jan 17: Sully (2016)
Jan 24: All the Way (2016)

Family Game Night

Wednesday Jan 4, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Enjoy a fun-filled, family-friendly evening at Family Game Night! We’ll bring out a mix of classic and new tabletop games, as well as video games for Wii. Use the library’s games, or feel free to bring your own! Best for families with children ages 3 and up, registration required.

Cheshire Board Game Club

Thursday Jan 5, 2017, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Cheshire Board Game Club is a table top gaming group welcoming all skill levels and gaming abilities. We have a ton of games, so come on by, play games and nibble snacks with us! Grades 7—12, no registration required.

Little Movers: Indoor Obstacle Course

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

Baby, it’s cold outside! Come in from the cold and join us for an indoor obstacle course that’s just right for kids under 6. Healthy snacks will be served. No registration required.

The Karkowska Sisters Duo

Sunday Jan 8, 2017, 2:00 PM

60 Minutes Around the World will take the audience on a breathtaking journey/adventure around the world with unforgettable stories, a healthy dose of humor, and an amazing program of the most beloved classical music. Free to the public, no registration required.

Drop-In Tech Help

Mondays Jan 9, 23, 30 and Saturday Jan 21, 1:00 PM

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. NOTE: Please be sure your device is fully charged beforehand. In the event your question or issue is more involved, we may ask you to schedule an appointment to come back for one-on-one help. Tech help is available on a first come first served basis.

Cookbook Club: Good and Good FOR You

Wednesday Jan 11, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Let’s explore recipes that not only keep up healthy and fit, but that also taste great! Are you like us, and looking to get back on track after the holidays? Then this Cookbook Club is for you. Check out a cookbook from the library, bring a sample dish, and discuss healthy and delicious food with some great people. Don’t forget to bring copies of your recipe to share with the group. Bon Appetit! Registration is required.

Introduction to iPad

Thursday Jan 12, 2017, 6:30 PM

Do you have an iPad or are you thinking of getting one? Then this class is for you! Get the lowdown on apps, music, settings and more. Please bring your fully charged iPad, apple user name/password and your e-mail user name/password if applicable. Registration is required.

Pilates

Saturday Jan 14, 2017, 2:30 – 4:00 PM

Pilates is a highly effective exercise that can be practiced by all ages and abilities to help you build strength, flexibility and overall well-being. Pilates is designed to help you improve muscles, strength, breathing, posture, balance and more. Come improve core strength mobility and stability with Pilates instructor Nadine Phillips. Registration is required.

Healing Power of Nature

Wednesday Jan 18, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Join Dr. Lynnette M. Guida, a Naturopathic Physician and Licensed Acupuncturist, as she explains principles and benefits of naturopathic medicine and acupuncture. Registration is required.

Introduction to Kindle Fire

Thursday Jan 19, 2017, 6:30 PM

Join us as we discuss the fundamentals of the Amazon Fire HDX. We will look at apps, setting, how to connect your device to the internet and more. Please bring your fully charged Amazon Fire HDX and your Amazon user name/ password. Registration is required.

Live a Happier More Fulfilling Life

Wednesday Jan 25, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Join Lynn Healy as she shares her own personal stories for overcoming fear and limiting beliefs around self-worth and happiness. She’ll provide tips and tools you can put into your life today to help you find your happiness. Talk includes meditation designed to help you bust through the blocks that are holding you back. Previous meditation experience is not necessary. This meditation will help spiritual gurus and newbies, alike. Registration is required.

Making Healthy Chocolate Treats

Saturday Jan 28, 2017, 2:00 PM

With the holidays over, we naturally begin to focus on healthy eating and exercise but we still want our chocolate! Can chocolate really be part of a healthy diet? Long time chef and chocolate expert Maria Brandriff will demonstrate that it can. The program will feature information about the health benefits of chocolate as well demonstrations of some healthy and easy-to-make recipes. Ample samples and recipes will be available. Registration is required.

Snowy Day Books for Little Readers

December 5, 2016October 6, 2016 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

As the weather gets a little colder, we have to face the fact that ice and snow will not be far behind. If, like me, you prefer the chilly days of autumn and early winter to the heat of summer, that this is not necessarily a bad thing. If you, or the young kids in your life, are looking forward to the colder weather and the possibility of snow days I have gathered some picture books and easy readers that can help you all get in the mood. Here are some of my favor books about snow and snow days for our youngest readers.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Snow by Cynthia Rylant
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
Snow by Uri Shulevitz
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
Sugar on Snow by Nan Parson Rossiter
Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
Snowballs by Lois Ehlers
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
Big Snow by Jonathan Bean
Ladybug Girl and the Big Snow by David Soman
In The Snow: Who’s Been Here? by Lindsay Barrett George
The Snow Day by Komako Sakai
In the Snow by Sharon Phillips Denslow
Snow by Manya Stojic
The Three Snow Bears by Jane Brett
Snow Day! by Lester L. Laminack

Did I miss one or more of your favorites? Please share your favorite picture books featuring snow so that the rest of us can add it to our reading lists!

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