Cheshire

Exploring the Rich History of Cheshire

/ Cara / Leave a comment

Cheshire may be a small town, but it has an interesting and well documented history. Whether you have lived here all your life or just moved to Cheshire, you might have fun exploring the library’s local history collection.

You may be aware that the Farmington Canal ran through Cheshire and the rail trail goes right by Lock 12 park. If you have ever wanted to know more about the history of the Farmington Canal, we have the book: Reflections on the Canal in Cheshire, composed by Raimon L. Beard and published by the Cheshire Historical Society in June of 1976. This 81-page booklet gives a complete account of the inspiration, construction and usage of the Farmington Canal during a time when actual boats moved goods and people through the town of Cheshire. There are illustrations and some fun stories. It’s well worth the read and probably something to read while you’re sitting on one of the benches on the linear park.


If you’re curious about the earliest history of Cheshire, History of Cheshire Connecticut from 1694-1840, by Joseph Perkins Beach is a good one to read. It takes you from the arrival of the first ships in New Haven Harbor until 1840. The first half of the book is a historical narrative and the second half are records from various churches, tombstones, and the Town Hall, listing individuals who were born, baptized, married, and died in Cheshire.  The Cheshire Daughters of the American Revolution were responsible for getting this book finished and published. This is a good book for those who are looking for early history and it is also available for free online.

One book that I always love to read and reread is Landmarks of Old Cheshire, published by the Cheshire bicentennial committee in 1976. Landmarks is the go-to book for Cheshire history. It is logically laid out by geographical area and pulls from several historical accounts. It covers information and stories from the colonial area to the mid-20th century. Kathleen Gagnon did an incredible job providing about a hundred illustrations for this book. Even if you don’t read the book, just look at the pictures!

Glaciers to Greenhouses, the Changing Landscape of Cheshire Connecticut, from Mile-High Ice to Surburban Backyards is a recent book by local author Jeanne R. Stewart, our town historian from 2012-2019. This one takes quite a different spin on the history of the area. It begins with the ice age and the history of the Native Americans in our area, the Quinnipiac. The book includes many illustrations and is so wonderfully written that it is hard to put down.

The above are a few titles to get you started on your path to learn about Cheshire’s past. There are plenty of other very interesting books on Cheshire’s history that are available for checkout from the library. Come see us at the reference desk or give us a call at (203) 272-2245 ext. 33007 to learn more!

The Third Place

/ Beth Piezzo, Library Director / 3 Comments

I am currently rewatching my favorite television series of the 1990’s, Northern Exposure. For those not familiar with this program, the show offers viewers a glimpse into the quirky lives of residents living in the small, close-knit town of Cicely, Alaska. In a recent episode, resident bush pilot, Maggie O’Connell, meets up with other locals at the town’s laundromat. Within the drab space, residents share the latest gossip as they plug coins into battered washers and dryers. Upon discovering that one of the machines has destroyed some of her clothing, Maggie decides it is time to buy her own washer and dryer. However, soon after the new set is delivered to her home, Maggie realizes it was not just about washing her clothes but the sense of connection and community the activity brought (remember, this is pre-internet and social media!). She tries calling other residents while her washer is running but they are too busy to talk on the phone. She extends invitations to friends to do their laundry at her house, but they decline. Through her experience, Maggie comes to realize the laundromat functions as the village’s “third place.”

Urban sociologist and author, Ray Oldenburg defines the concept of “third place” as distinct from a person’s “first place” which is their home and their “second place” which is work. The “third place” is defined as an informal gathering spot where members of the community can come together and exchange ideas. Traditionally, these are places such as pubs (epitomized in another great TV show, Cheers), post offices, coffee shops, barber shops or even main streets. According to Oldenberg an important facet of the “third place” is neutrality. All members are welcome to gather and freely express their viewpoints. As such, Oldenburg says “third places” are vital to the success of a democratic society.

By Oldenburg’s definition, libraries can be considered a “third place” in a community. As librarians we take great care to ensure that our buildings, services and collections are free and accessible and that all are welcome regardless of socio-economic status. While today the internet and social media allow people to connect instantaneously without leaving home, there is still a desire for people to connect with others in person.  

Library programs such as book clubs, storytimes, and educational lectures are designed to bring people together to meet and share ideas and points of view. These programs allow people to find support for their challenges from others who are going through similar situations. Throughout my career I have witnessed mothers sharing childrearing strategies in storytime, teens who feel they do not fit in finding a peer group, and adults finding hope from the experiences of others dealing with the same mental and physical health issues. 

It is a common misperception that libraries are only about books. The concept of the library as a “third place” raises the definition beyond a resource for reading or research materials. It extends the organization’s mission to be a place where those who feel excluded elsewhere can find a sense of belonging. Where those who need a respite from life’s challenges can find calm. Where those who thought they were so different from each other can find commonality and connection. It allows the library to play a key role not just, as Oldenburg says, in protecting democracy, but also in helping create a more humane society where all are treated equally and with respect. 

At the end of the episode, Maggie reports that her new washer and dryer are not working correctly and convinces the technician that they need to be sent back to the factory despite his reassurances he can fix the problem onsite. He tells her sending the machines back to the factory could mean she is without them for an extended time (it is Alaska after all) but she insists. In the final scene, Maggie is happily back in the dingy, detergent-smelling laundromat listening to the latest news and finding community with her fellow residents. If you are looking for such a place in Cheshire, I hope you will stop by the library soon and discover all this wonderful “third place” has to offer.

Still using the OverDrive app? It’s time to switch to Libby!

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On May 1, 2023, the OverDrive app will be discontinued. Now’s the time switch to Libby, OverDrive’s newer reading app. Libby is made by the same people, with the same goal of connecting you to your favorite books, audiobooks, and magazines, and is streamlined to make finding and downloading digital materials easier than ever!

Why is the original app going away? Libby has actually been around since 2017, and and for that period of time OverDrive offered both options. Since then, Libby has seen much more use than the older OverDrive app, and it no longer made sense to maintain both apps.

Making the switch is easy! Simply download the app on your mobile device to get started. Good news, once you add your library card to Libby, all your loans and holds will be waiting on your Shelf! You won’t lose your place in line for any items you have on hold. If you have a Wish List, you’ll be prompted to import it from OverDrive via an in-app notification. Your wish list items will become a tag that’s available on your Shelf.

After checking out a digital item with Libby, you can read/listen right through the app. Prefer to read ebooks on a Kindle? Check out your ebook through the Libby app, then send it to Kindle and read it there:

  1. Tap Shelf.
  2. Tap loans at the top of the screen.
  3. Tap Read With….
  4. Tap Kindle.
  5. You’ll be taken to Amazon’s website. If prompted, sign into your Amazon account.
  6. Verify the “Deliver to:” device and tap Get Library Book to finish getting the book.

If you use a Kindle Fire tablet, you can sideload the Libby app to your Kindle Fire by following these instructions. You can also use the OverDrive website or Libbyapp.com in your Fire’s browser. 

Finally, if you’re more comfortable using a computer instead of a mobile device to access our digital collection, don’t worry, Libby works on a computer, as well! Visit libbyapp.com to browse, search, read or listen and more on your computer.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in September

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Story-times, movie matinees, book clubs, and more are on the calendar in September, take a look:

Open Art Studio

Fridays from 1-3pm

Bring your works in progress and supplies to this weekly drop-in art program. This is an opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with other artists. No formal instruction will be provided, but informal critiquing for those who want it is encouraged. Table covers will be provided. There is a sink in the room for basic cleanup (please do not bring turpentine).

Movie Matinees are Back!

  • Tuesday September 1, 1:00pm: The Lady Vanishes (1938)
  • Tuesday September 20, 1:00pm: Murder on the Orient Express (2017)

We’re bringing our Movie Matinees back, and this month there’s trouble on a train! This is a drop-in program, no registration required, come by for a movie on the big screen!

Art Journaling with Megan Jeffery

Thursday, September 8, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Learn how you can get started in documenting your life with art journaling in this engaging workshop led by illustrator and avid journaler Megan Jeffery.  Participants will create their own journaling cards using a variety of supplies. Space is limited, registration is required.

Adult Loft Knitters

Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come socialize, learn, and share your techniques with other knitters.  Experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. All levels of adult knitters are welcome. Please bring your own yarn and knitting needles (crocheters are also welcome!). This group meets monthly, please register in advance.

The Humane Gardener: Nancy Lawson (Online)

Thursday, September 15, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join author Nancy Lawson as our special guest speaker in an online presentation related to her book The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife, which explains the importance of coexisting with the local wildlife. Registration required to receive a Zoom link one hour before the start of the program.

Music Together: Babies (0-12 months)

Mondays: September 19, 26, October 3, 17, 24 from 9:30 – 10:15am

Music Together an internationally recognized early childhood music program. This developmentally appropriate early childhood music program strongly encourages adult involvement and emphasizes actual music experiences rather than concepts about music. In order to maintain a safe environment, we request no older siblings, please. Registration: Cheshire residents may register beginning on September 5, non-residents may register beginning on September 12.

Ancient Tunnel Mystery Explained

Monday, September 19, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

A solution for ancient World famous mystery solved. Learn why and  how in Jerusalem a 3000 year old Tunnel dug by two opposing teams met inside solid rock. Anomalies in tunnel explained.  Hint: they used rope or string, paint, and copper.  Registration required.

Preschool Storytime (Ages 3-5)

Tuesdays: September 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10:00 – 10:45am

A storytime for preschoolers to learn through talking, singing, reading, writing,and playing! For Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Registration :  Cheshire residents may register beginning on September 6th, Non-residents may register starting on September 13th.

Wiggle Worms Storytime (12-26 months)

Wednesdays: September 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 29 from 10:00 – 10:45am

Join us for reading, singing, movement, and play. This program is based on the Every Child Ready to Read initiative. For children 12-26 months old and their caregivers. Registration :  Cheshire residents may register beginning on September 7th, Non-residents may register starting on September 14th.

Caregiver Support Group

Wednesday, September 21, 2022, 12:00 – 1:00pm

A support group for caregivers to share tips, strategies, challenges, and successes. Caregivers of all types are welcome, including spouses and adult children caring for relatives, caregivers to children, and professional caregivers. Registration required.

Tales & Tunes for Twos (22-36 months)

Thursdays: September 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27 from 10:00 – 10:45am

Talk, sing, read, write, and play during this short storytime with hands-on activities to build children’s early literacy skills! For children 22-36 months old and their caregivers. Registration : Cheshire residents may register beginning on September 8th, Non-residents may register starting on September 15th.

Teen Volunteer Orientation (Grades 6-12)

Tuesday, September 27, 2022, 3:30 – 4:15pm

Interested in volunteering for the library? Need community service hours? Attend this informal session to learn what teen volunteers at the library do and how to sign up. Snacks will be provided. For teens in grades 6-12. Registration required.

Sisters in Crime-CT Panel: Creating Authentic Characters

Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 6:00 – 7:00pm

Be sure to attend this exciting panel of accomplished crime fiction authors who will share the process of creating characters in their novels. Registration is required.

OCTOBER BOOK CLUBS

Murder by the Book Mystery Book Club: The Lost Apothecary

  • Thursday, September 15, 2022, 1:00 – 2:15pm (ONLINE) Register

Many Stories Book Club: Detransition, Baby

  • Thursday, September 15, 2022, 7:00 – 8:00pm Register

Art League Book Club: Nefertiti

  • Friday, September 16, 2022, 11:00am – 12:30pm More info

Books Over Coffee: The Overstory

  • Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 12:00pm – 1:30pm Register

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in August

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Two more weeks to complete your Summer Adventure challenges and receive entries into our BIG PRIZE RAFFLE! How’s your summer adventure going?

Riverside Reptiles

Thursday, August 4, 2022, 3:00 – 4:00pm

Want to meet live animals? Join one of our educators from Riverside Reptiles Education Center as they introduce you to exotic animals through a hands-on learning experience. Get ready! It’s sure to be one scaly ride! This program is intended for families with children.  Registration is required. Small children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Drawing for Teens: Manga

Tuesday, August 9, 2022, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Artist, Robin McCahill from Artsplace, will show you how to make your drawings spring into action! For teens in grades 5-12. Registration is required.

Paint Night

Monday, August 15, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Learn how to paint a real work of art! Follow instructor Pamela Halligan of Pam’s Picassos as she walks you through the steps of creating your own masterpiece and you will create a beautiful completed painting.  Please note this program is intended for adults. Registration is required. 

Loft Knitters

Wednesday, August 17, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Our monthly knitting group. Come socialize, learn, share your techniques with other knitters.  All levels of adult knitters’ welcome, please bring your own yarn and knitting needles. Registration is required.

Murder by the Book Mystery Book Club: The Devil in the White City

ONLINE Thursday, August 18, 2022, 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Do you like to read and talk about mysteries? Then join us for monthly book discussions, fresh perspectives, new authors and a friendly atmosphere! We are meeting virtually via Zoom for the present.  This month we will discuss The Devil in the White City : Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson. Register to receive a Zoom link on the day of the program.