What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in January?

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

img_8439Tuesdays, 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

familyWednesday 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.

board-game-1719449_960_720Cheshire 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.

fbf9a5407e5c6c03f4ccda8cca141cd3Little 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.

karkowska_sistersThe 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

notebook, and two persons on white backgroundMondays 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.

3_healthy___delicious_pasta_alternatives_0_27750151_ver1-0_640_480Cookbook 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.

apple_me276ll_a_16gb_ipad_mini_with_1011237Introduction 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.

05-stock-illustration-13570049-gym-exercises-silhouettes-female-copy-2Pilates

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.

dr_lynnette_m_guida-61115356_stdHealing 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.

kindle-fire-hdxIntroduction 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.

home-page-revised-225x300Live 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.

20110816142644Making 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

snowydayAs 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 snowyday9readers 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 Shulevitzsnowyday6
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 Georgesnowday
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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What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in December

Thanksgiving is but a memory as we move full steam ahead into the December holiday season. We hope you can take some time out of your busy schedules to spend some time with us this month! Here are a few of the programs scheduled for December at CPL:

gallery_image5The Nutcracker by the Brass City Ballet

Saturday Dec 3, 2016,  11:00   –  11:55 AM

This FREE program will be a shortened version of the beautiful classic and will take place right here at The Cheshire Public Library. Children and adults alike are sure to enjoy the up-close and personal performance by the dancers. For all ages,  no registration required.

ar-161029988-jpgmaxh400maxw667‘Remembering Katharine Hepburn’ with Ann Nyberg

Saturday Dec 3, 2016, 1:00  –  2:00 PM

Please join journalist, author, and news achor Ann Nyberg as she shares her latest book Remembering Katharine Hepburn: Stories of Wit and Wisdom About America’s Leading Lady. Nyberg interviews and shares stories and photos from the people who knew Katherine Hepburn and cared for her––her friends, her fans, her family, and her neighbors.  Books will be available for purchase and signing. Registration required.

img_7638Sunday Concert: Connecticut Yankee Chorus

Sunday Dec 4, 2016, 2:00 PM

The CT Yankee Chorus is an all-male singing ensemble based in the Meriden-Wallingford area and has been a part of the Barbershop Harmony Society for over 60 years. Join us for a concert of cappella four-part harmony chorus and quartet singing featuring traditional favorites and holiday music. Free and open to the public, no registration required.

facebook-holiday-logoFacebook For Everyone

Monday Dec 5, 2016, 6:00   –  7:30 PM

The Holiday Season is just around the corner. Come to the Cheshire Public Library and learn how to create a Facebook account, connect with friends, family, share photos and videos, send messages, get updates and more. Registration required.

img_7578Retro Holiday Movie Nights

Thursday Dec 8, 15, and 22, 2016, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

Ugly holiday sweaters strongly encouraged but not required. Light refreshments will be served for this adult program.

Kids Create: Homemade Gifts

wrapped-gifts-600Saturday Dec 10, 2016, 2:00  –  3:30 PM

Kids are invited to craft and create from 2 to 3:30 pm. Library staff and teen volunteers will be on hand to help little elves create and wrap their gifts. Caregivers are encouraged to help their children craft. If children wish to work with the volunteers instead, parents must remain in the library during the program. For ages 5-11, registration required.

jewelryJewelry Jam

Tuesday Dec 13, 2016, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

Come for a free, fun evening of jewelry making. Seating is very limited and registration is required. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4. This adult only program is sponsored by the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library.

new_tech_gadgets_hitting_store_shelvesEmerging Technologies – presented by Verizon

Wednesday Dec 14, 2016, 6:00  –  7:30 PM

Do you ever wonder how to stay on top with the latest technologies? If yes, come to the library and find out what the newest technology trends are and how to select the right device for you or for your family members. You will learn about: Computers, Cell Phones, Tablets, WiFi and much more. Registration required.

jacket-aspxFab Film: The Polar Express

Saturday Dec 17, 2016, 2:00  –  3:45 PM

Come enjoy some great box office kids’ movies with Fab Films at The Cheshire Public Library!  Watch The Polar Express and enjoy hot chocolate! Rated G | Runtime: 100 minutes. All Ages. No registration required.

santa-storytimeHolly Jolly Christmas Family Storytime

Tuesday Dec 20, 2016, 10:00  –  11:00 AM

A Christmas-themed storytime for children of all ages and their families. We’ll read stories, sing some classic Christmas songs about snow and Santa, and create a craft together. All ages. No registration required.

parent-child-yoga-11Family Yoga

Tuesday Dec 27, 2016, 10:00  –  10:45 AM

Connect with your whole family with an all ages yoga class that is presented by Lani Rosen-Gallagher from Full of Joy Yoga. These classes are fun for the whole family! We will do lots of partner poses, group poses and of course relaxation. All ages, families are welcome. Registration required.

 

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The Joy of Following Your Own Rules

There is significant pressure in the world for us all to be perfect. The perfect employee, parent, student, child, and so on. There is a seemingly endless supply of information available claiming that it can help us get closer to that goal of perfection.  The pressure of this constant pushing can be hard to handle, and some make different choices (good and bad) than they might without the social pressures.

While it might sound easy, it is actually difficult to let go and ignore the people who should really have no say in our lives. Sometimes we need to put the blinders on and focus on doing the best we can with what we feel is important, rather than doing the best we can to fit the expectations of others. It is a challenge, especially now when new is so immediate and our lives feel so interconnected via social media.

I have found that there is a movement out there to help us all focus on what is truly important (the health and happiness of ourselves and those we love) rather than fitting the labels perfect1or expectations others might want to impose on us. Here are a variety of book that encourage us to let go of those restrictions to take care of ourselves and our loved ones in our own way. Fair warning though, there is some censored profanity in some of the titles, and the tone of the book often matches the title.

Big Girl: How I Gave up Dieting and Got a Life by Kelsey Miller

The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck: How to Stop Spending Time You Don’t Have with People You Don’t Like Doing Things You Don’t Want to Do by Sarah Knight

Instant Mom by Nia Vardalos

Better Than Normal: How What Makes You Different Can Make You Exceptional by Dale Archer

jacket-aspxF*ck Feelings: One Shrink’s Practical Advice for Managing All Life’s Impossible Problems by Michael I. Bennett, MD, and Sarah Bennet

The Tao of Martha: My Year perfect2of LIVING, or Why I’m Never Getting All That Glitter Off of The Dog by Jen Lancaster

Helping Me Help Myself: One Skeptic, Ten Self-Help Gurus, and a Year on the Brink of the Comfort Zone by Beth Lisick

Fat Girl Walking: Sex, Food, Love, and Being Comfortable in Your Skin– Every Inch of It by Brittany Gibbons

Do you have a favorite read that helps remind you to just be you and ignore the critics of society? Please share it with us in the comments!

Helping Young Children Deal With Grief

griefp1When a family faces grief due to the loss of a pet, home, or family member it is often hard to help our youngest family members deal with the changes. Sometimes we are so busy trying to deal with our own grief and the practical matters that need to be handled that we don’t have the energy and creative thinking necessary to handle the questions children have. Here are a variety of books that might help you and your kids deal with the emotions and changes.

In Our Parenting Section:griefp2
Tear Soup: a Recipe for Healing After Loss by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen; illustrated by Taylor Bills

Lifetimes: a Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingp

griefp3When Dinosaurs Die: a Guide to Understanding Death by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown

Guiding Your Child Through Grief by Mary Ann Emswiler and James P. Emswiler

When Children Grieve: For Adults to Help Children Deal GRIEF1with Death, Divorce, Pet Loss, Moving, and Other Losses by John W. James and Russell Friedman with Leslie Landon

With Our Picture Books and Children’s Non Fiction:
Always and Forever by Alan Durant; illustrated by Debi Gliori

Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varleygrief8

When Aunt Mattie Got Her Wings by Petra Math

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: a Story of Life for All Ages by Leo Buscaglia

I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelmgrief5

Boats for Papa by Jessixa Bagley

Harry & Hopper by Margaret Wild

When People Die by Pete Sanders and Steve Myersgrief7

Death by Patricia J. Murphy

When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers