What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in June

May 30, 2016May 16, 2016 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

We’re starting off the summer with a lot of great programs for all ages – including a Civil War series and the Summer Reading kickoff party!

Color Yourself Calm

Thursday Jun 2, 2016, 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. Please register on our website.

Meet Mary Todd Lincoln

Thursday Jun 2, 2016, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Listen to the personal account of her extraordinary life as first lady and wife of President Abraham Lincoln. Presented by Carol Deleppo. Part of our three part series in honor of the 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the Cheshire’s Civil War Monument. Please register on our website.

Adult Knitting Night

Wednesday June 8 & 22, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Come socialize, learn, and share your techniques with other knitters. Experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. We meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Advanced adult knitters welcome, no supplies or instruction will be given. Please bring your own supplies and talent, register on our website.

Spaghetti Eddie

Wednesday Jun 15, 2016, 6:00 PM

Ryan SanAngelo, local children’s author, music performer, and all around cool guy will be visiting the Cheshire Public Library on Wednesday June 15 at 6:00 pm. Ryan SanAngelo will read his books, Spaghetti Eddie and Bye Bye Balloon. He’ll also rock the house with his exciting and engaging children’s music. Come be delighted with fun stories. Plus join the dance party!

Off The Beaten Track In The Civil War

Thursday Jun 16, 2016, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Places like Fort Sumter, Gettysburg and Vicksburg and people like Gens. Grant and Lee get most of the attention, but the four years of the Civil War produced all kinds of small and almost forgotten incidents and people whose stories also deserve retelling. Come hear captivating untold stories of these soldiers from local author Neil Hogan. Part of our three part series in honor of the 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the Cheshire’s Civil War Monument. Please register on our website.

Circle of Friends Music

Friday Jun 17, 2016, 10:00 AM

Grab a friend and join us for a lively morning of music and movement! Young children learn best when using all their senses so engaging in a class that provides visual, auditory, physical and tactile stimulation is extremely beneficial for overall growth.
This family music program is best for kids ages 0-5 and their grownups. Presented by Felice Danielson, Director of Circle of Friends Music. Registration required. Register online beginning May 30 for Cheshire residents and June 6 for all others.

Zumba for Kids

Friday Jun 17, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 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 referred to as the exercise in disguise. It’s an hour filled with energy and routines created to the latest music, like hip-hop, reggaeton and cumbia. Zumba® also increases focus and self-confidence, boosts metabolism, and improves coordination and balance. For all ages. (Parents and/or caregivers are welcome to participate with their children.) No Registration Required.

Cheshire Anime Club

Friday Jun 17, 2016, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Konnichiwa, minna-san! Can’t get enough Anime and Manga? Be an “Otaku” and join the Cheshire Anime Club! We meet monthly, read and talk about what’s hot in the world of Manga, and watch some of the latest Anime releases on the big screen! Japanese snacks (like Ramune and Pocky) will be available for refreshments. For grades 7 -12, no registration required.

Magic Workshop for Kids

Saturday Jun 18, 2016, 10:00 AM

This magic workshop will teach kids magic tricks. Learn the “secret” to the tricks and then perform them for the other participants! Please bring a deck of cards if you can. For ages 8 and up. Register online beginning on May 28 for Cheshire residents and June 4 for all others.

${E1031EA9-496A-4F3B-A144-A9CC62CAAC8F}_SlimeTime$ Slime Storytime (Grades K-2)

Mondays, Jun 20 – Jul 25, 2016, 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Enjoy this special STEM based storytime where children going into grades K-2 will listen to stories and do experiments. This will be a messy, hands on storytime so make sure to wear clothes you won’t mind get messy. This event will meet June 20, 27, July 11, 18 and 25. For kids entering grades K-2 in fall 2016. Registration is required. Register online beginning May 30 for Cheshire residents and June 6 for all others. You only need to register one time.

Wild Rumpus Dance Party

Wednesday Jun 22, 2016, 10:00 AM

Dancing is a great way to bond with your child and burn a little energy at the same time. Not only are you having fun but you are developing helpful skills. Here are just a few skills children develop while dancing: balance, coordination, rhythm, social skills, self-esteem, body-awareness, listening skills, gross motor, and fine motor. For ages 1-3, no registration required.

Zumba!

Wednesday Jun 22, 2016, 6:00 – 7:00 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 try it out! Zumba demonstration for ADULTS presented by Donna Paventy-certified Zumba instructor from the Cheshire Community YMCA.

SUMMER READING KICKOFF @ARTSPLACE!

Thursday Jun 23, 2016, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Join us for our Summer Reading kickoff hosted at Artsplace, 1220 Waterbury Road in Cheshire. Express your inner artist and learn new art techniques with Artsplace artists, play with art robots, and use our green screen to make funny pictures and videos and learn to Hula with a professional Hula dancer. . Light refreshments will be served. For all ages, no registration required.

Cheshire’s 150th Year Old Civil War Monument

Thursday Jun 23, 2016, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Come hear Bob Larkin, address the upcoming commemoration of the Cheshire’s 150th Anniversary of the Civil War Monument, one of the first in the state and among the earliest in the nation. Bob spearheaded having the only CT monument placed at Vicksburg National Military Park. Please register on our website.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in May

April 29, 2016April 15, 2016 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Welcome to May at Cheshire Library! We have lots of wonderful programs for all ages springing up throughout the month – here’s a sample:

Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Monday May 2, 2016, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club meets once per month on a Monday evening, to discuss a classic book. This month’s book is The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. There is limited seating for this event. For more information and to register for this program, contact program moderator Jennifer Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org.

Tune Time for Tots

Thursdays in May, 9:30 – 10:15 AM

Enjoy music and movement in this high energy program. Songs help children develop listening skills and pay attention to the rhythms and rhymes of spoken language. Clapping along to rhythms helps children hear the syllables in words and helps them improve motor skills. Children must be accompanied by a care giver. For ages 1 to 3 years old. No registration required.

Rhythm & Rhyme Storytime

Thursdays in May, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Shake your tail feathers during this interactive storytime with songs, rhymes, and plenty of movement. Stay afterwards for a relaxed open play session. Children must be accompanied by a care giver. For ages 2 to 3 years old. No registration required.

S.T.E.A.M. Punks – Middle School Edition

Thursday May 5, 2016, 3:30 – 4:30 PM

Investigate the many elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math. We’ll explore robotics, electronics, arts & crafts, food science and much, much more. We’ll put things together, take things apart, play games, and have a ton of fun! For grades 6-8, no registration required.

Local Author Day

Saturday May 7, 2016, 12:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Local authors will be present to sell their books and to share their knowledge about their subjects and their advice about the world of publishing with area residents who are seeking to publish books of their own.

Parent Program: Baby Brain Development

Thursday May 12, 2016, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Join us for a discussion on early baby development including learning, memory, and brain development, based on the latest research at UConn Waterbury. Presented by Kimberly Cuevas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology. Visit UConn KIDS to learn more about current research in child development and explore opportunities to participate. Please register online.

Gardening Tips & Tricks

Saturday May 14, 2016, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Do you want to be a better gardener? Looking ways to improve your technique? Join us for a presentation by Julie Harrison, a landscape designer and decorator, who has a flair for creative and imaginative designs that are infused with her own unique sense of style. She knows that a good horticulturalist has to “get their hands dirty in order to get green.” She will present unique ways and tricks to be a better gardener. Please register online.

Parent Workshop: Juggling Two- Handling Sibling Relationships

Wednesday May 18, 2016, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Participants explore what it means to add a new child to the family. Discuss emotional and practical challenges for parents and older siblings. Learn tips and strategies to nurture lifelong healthy sibling relationships. This parent workshop is presented by Christine Foster, Director of Community Relations from The Independent Day School. Please register online beginning April 25.

An Evening with a Dog Listener

Thursday May 19, 2016, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Spend the evening with Dog Listener Pat Wright. Learn how to bring your dog to peace and solve the problem of unwanted behaviors. Some of the many topics discussed are pulling on the lead, jumping up, aggression, separation anxiety, and excessive barking. You will also learn how to get willing cooperation with your dog to perform any task at hand. Please register online.

Drop-in Tech Help – Weekend Edition!

Saturday May 21, 2016, 2:00 – 4:00 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 to Cheshire Public Library’s Tech Open House. 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 and come back for one-on-one help. No registration required.

How to Use Facebook to Connect with Family and Friends

Wednesday May 25, 2016, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

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. No registration required, you may bring your own device to class.

All NEW! Teen Games

Friday May 27, 2016, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

We just got a Nintendo WiiU with Super Mario 3D World, NintendoLand, Mario Kart 8, Super Smashbrothers, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, and The Wonderful 101! We’ve got all-new card and board games too- like Channel A, Killer Bunnies, SuperFight! and Munchkin- so come play games and nibble snacks, FTW! No registration required, Grades 6—12.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in April

March 30, 2016March 15, 2016 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Spring has sprung and we’re growing a garden of programs for you this month at CPL, including our semi-annual book sale!

Where to Hike in Cheshire

Monday Apr 4, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Suzanne Simone, the town environmental planner, will introduce hiking opportunities located in Cheshire. From meadows to Connecticut’s second largest waterfall, Cheshire has over 1,500 acres ready for exploration. Free hiking maps, property descriptions and directions will be available. Seating for this event is limited. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4. This program is co-sponsored by the Cheshire Planning Department and Cheshire Public Library.

How to Grow Ground Covers

Tuesday Apr 5, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Grassy lawns are the single most popular groundcover, but they are not always the best choice for a location or the easiest to maintain. Landscape designer Kathy Connolly will offer alternative strategies for covering ground and discuss ‘5 Ways to Cover Ground and Give the Lawn a Rest’. Seating for this event is limited. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4. This program is co-sponsored by the Cheshire Planning Department and Cheshire Public Library.

Safely Surf the Internet

Thursday Apr 7, 2016, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Everyone is fearful of security breaches and identity theft. Best-selling author Abby Stokes, will help you learn how to Safely Surf the Internet and find (Almost) anything online. Copies of her book, Is This Thing On? will be available for purchase.
Please register online or call 203-272-2245 ext. 4.

Fab Film – Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Monday Apr 11, 2016, 2:00 – 4:30 PM

Come enjoy some great box office kids’ movies with Fab Films at The Cheshire Public Library! Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rated PG-13 | Runtime 2 hours and 16 minutes. No registration required.

LEGO® Junior Maker

Tuesday Apr 12, 2016, 10:00 AM

We will start with a short storytime focused around building. Kids will then have an opportunity to use their best creativity to design buildings, creatures, and more using LEGO® bricks . No registration required.

Naked Retirement

Tuesday Apr 12, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Join Michael Argiro, Financial Advisor at 4 T Financial, for this workshop on retirement. Too many people start their first day of retirement with only a financial plan and nothing else. Learn a fun and creative approach to retirement that strips away the numbers and addresses everyday life in retirement. Create a Naked Retirement Plan, build a retirement curious list, and change your retirement life forever by answering three revealing questions. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Adult Knitting Night

Come socialize, learn, and share your techniques with other knitters. Experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. We will meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Adult knitters welcome, no supplies or instruction will be given, please bring your own supplies and talent! Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Touch a Truck @ Bartlem Park

Thursday Apr 14, 2016, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Have you ever wanted to board one of those huge trucks? Your chance has arrived! This event is made possible due to the generosity of local companies and Cheshire Town Agencies. You may see fire trucks, garbage trucks, dump trucks, pay loader, rescue trucks, law enforcement vehicles and more. Come visit the children’s librarians at Bartlem Park (520 S Main St., Cheshire) for Touch a Truck. We’ll be present with our book cart for kids to touch and have special prizes to give out. Please bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to the Cheshire Food Pantry.

Parent Workshop: How Temperament Shapes your Child

Tuesday Apr 19, 2016, 6:30 PM

Learning more about children’s temperaments and how they can best mesh with yours leads to smoother parenting experiences. Participants will work to understand their child’s temperament and their own and learn to work effectively with differences.
This parent workshop is presented by Christine Foster, Director of Community Relations from The Independent Day School, and will meet on the library’s UPPER LEVEL. Register online, beginning March 28th.

Friends of Cheshire Public Library BOOK SALE

Thursday Apr 21, 9 AM – 8 PM

Friday Apr 22, 9 AM – 4:30 PM

Saturday Apr 23, 9 AM – 4:30 PM

Sunday Apr 24 “Bag of Books” sale 12 PM – 3 PM

Endangered Species & the Sixth Extinction

Tuesday Apr 26, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Dr. Isaac M. (Morty) Ortega, Wildlife Ecologist and UCONN Associate Professor, will explore the question: “The sixth extinction, are we there yet?” Dr. Ortega has traveled the world exploring and researching endangered animals. Join us to learn what is going on with endangered animals around the globe. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4. This program is co-sponsored by the Cheshire Planning Department and Cheshire Public Library.

Butterflies and Their Gardens

Wednesday Apr 27, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Naturalist John Himmelman answers many of the questions asked about the lives, and preferences, of this fascinating group of insects. Some topics covered are: butterfly families and species, life cycles, finding (and taming) butterflies, and creating butterfly habitats. There will also be a fun section on moths, the under-appreciated cousins of the butterflies. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4. This program is co-sponsored by the Cheshire Planning Department and Cheshire Public Library.

Author Talk: Kara Sundlun ~ Finding Dad: From “Love Child” to Daughter

Emmy-award winning journalist, news anchor, and co-host of Better Connecticut, Kara Sundlun, will discuss her book Finding Dad: From “Love Child” to Daughter. Sundlun’s book chronicles her life growing up without a father present, the struggle to force her biological father, World War II hero and two-term Rhode Island Governor Bruce Sundlun, to accept her as his daughter, and the development of the bond the two would eventually share. Copies of her book will be available after the talk for purchase and signing. Please register online or call 203-272-2245 ext. 4

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in March

February 29, 2016February 24, 2016 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Our South Asian Cultural Festival takes center stage in March, with more than a dozen programs this month celebrating the culture of South Asia. That’s in addition to our regular month of programs!

All About the Sari

Saturday Mar 5, 2016, 1:00 PM

Learn the history of the sari and see a demonstration on how to wear one.There will be a chance for audience members to try a sari on. Presented by Cheshire resident Uma Shankar. For female teens and adults. Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245 ext. 4.

Gandhi and the History of Nonviolent Politics

Monday Mar 7, 2016, 6:30 PM

Gandhi, the founder of the modern state of India, inspired movements for civil rights across the world. Join us for a presentation by Dr. Karuna Mantena of Yale University. Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245 ext. 4. This program is funded by CTHumanties.

Tuesday Movie Matinees

Tuesday Mar 8, 15, and 22, 1:00 PM

Join us for 3 films featuring South Asian themes, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

Mar 8: The Lunchbox

Mar 15: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Mar 22: Slumdog Millionaire

A Brief History of Yoga in the West

Wednesday Mar 9, 2016, 6:30 PM

Danielle Casioppo, a Yale Health Educator, will give a slide talk about the history of yoga in the West followed by a 30 minute class. Please wear comfortable clothing. Most exercises can be done in a chair and yoga mats are optional. Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245 ext. 4.

Women Writing India: Home and the World

Thursday Mar 10, 2016, 6:30 PM

Dr. Geetanjali Singh Chanda, of Yale University, will lead a discussion of two popular novels, Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake and Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things. Copies the these books are available at the library. Registration for this program is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245 ext. 4. This program is funded by CTHumanities.

Movie: Zokkomon

Wednesday Mar 16, 2016, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Please join us for the first live-action film from Disney Studios India “designed to give Indian kids their first superhero.” Abandoned by his heartless uncle (Anupam Kher) and aided by a street artist (Manjari Fadnis), an orphan (Darsheel Safary) discovers his inner hero. Rated PG. Following the film we’ll have snacks and a lively discussion with Hetal Radia! For grades 1-8, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

India Travelogue: Sharing the Spirit of India

Wednesday Mar 16, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Visit with John McClain for an adventure through India. Come experience the sights and sounds of this beautiful and complex country- see India through an authentic and vivid lens, to which no travel book can compare! Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245 ext. 4.

Stan Scott and the Rangila Ensemble

Saturday Mar 19, 2016, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

This concert will feature a broad range of styles, including the enchanting melodies and rhythms of Indian classical music, folk songs celebrating love, work, social life and worship in Bengal, Bangladesh, Assam and Meghalaya, and devotional songs of the great medieval Hindi poets. The lively rhythms of Indian folk songs provide a complementary contrast to the contemplative mood of Hindustani classical music. This program is funded by CTHumanities, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Indian Cooking Demonstration

Wednesday Mar 23, 2016, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Madhu Gupta will introduce Indian cooking techniques, highlighting the regional differences in regards to spicing, flavors and recipes. Born in India, Madhu’s father’s career allowed the family to visit and experience the unique regions of India. She will introduce Indian cooking techniques to make simple salads, appetizers and a variety of curries and will demonstrate that Indian cooking is not always hot and spicy but that the flavor is determined by balancing the ingredients. Space is limited, and registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245 ext. 4.

A Celebration of Holi & Rangoli Craft

Thursday Mar 24, 2016, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Please join us in celebrating Holi- the spring festival of colors! Staff from Artsplace will show us how to make rangoli, a decorative folk art of colorful patterns. For grades 1-6.
Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245.

Documentary Film: Meet the Patels

Thursday Mar 24, 2016, 6:30 PM

View this comedy documentary about Ravi Patel’s quest to find love, followed by a discussion led by Dr. Indira Karamcheti of Wesleyan University. Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245. This program is funded by CTHumanities.

Kite Making @ Artsplace

Wednesday Mar 30, 2016, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Kite making, flying, and fighting are long-standing traditions in India, and the International Kite Festival (Uttarayan) held annually in Gujarat celebrates the coming of spring. Start off the new season by crafting your own! For grades 1-8. Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245.

NOTE: This event takes place at Artsplace, 1220 Waterbury Road, Cheshire, CT 06410.

Celebrate the South Asian Cultural Festival with Us!

February 3, 2016January 28, 2016 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

Throughout the months of February and March the library will be hosting a number of events celebrating the cultures and traditions of Southern Asia. Here’s peek at some of the scheduled events:

Bhangra Dance Lesson and Performance on February 13th at 2:00 PM
Enjoy a short performance followed by a fun hour-long lesson in the vibrant, high-energy style of Bhangra, a traditional folk dance performed in the Punjab region of South Asia with modern influences from modern pop and hip-hop styles. Performance and lesson provided by Yale’s Jashan Bhangra dance troupe.Kathputli Puppet Making (takes place at Artsplace, ) on February 16th at 4:00 pm
Puppets are an ancient and popular form of folk entertainment in India. In this workshop, children will make kathputli, a type of puppet originating from Rajasthan.

Explore the Art of Henna on February 27th at 2:00 PM
Tweens and teens–interested in the art of henna? Learn the cultural roots and the different styles of henna from Jamilah Zebarth, of Jamilah Henna Creations, who will also demonstrate the art on you! (Henna is a plant based dye that safely stains the skin for 1-2 weeks.)

Zokkomon Movie on March 16th at 4:00 PM
Please join us for the first live-action film from Disney Studios India designed to give Indian kids their first superhero. [Abandoned by his heartless uncle (Anupam Kher) and aided by a street artist (Manjari Fadnis), an orphan (Darsheel Safary) discovers his inner hero. Rated PG.] Following the film we’ll have snacks and a lively discussion with Cheshire resident Hetal Radia!

India Travelogue: Sharing the Spirit of India on March 16th at 6:30
Visit with John McClain for an adventure through India. Come experience the sights and sounds of this beautiful and complex country- see India through an authentic and vivid lens, to which no travel book can compare!

Stan Scott and the Rangila Ensemble: Classical, Folk, and Devotional Music of North India on March 19th at 2:00 PM
This concert will feature a broad range of styles, including the enchanting melodies and rhythms of Indian classical music, folk songs celebrating love, work, social life and worship in Bengal, Bangladesh, Assam and Meghalaya, and devotional songs of the great medieval Hindi poets. The lively rhythms of Indian folk songs provide a complementary contrast to the contemplative mood of Hindustani classical music. Sponsored by the Connecticut Humanities Council.

Indian Cooking Demonstration on March 23 at 6:00 PM
Madhu Gupta will introduce Indian cooking techniques, highlighting the regional differences in regards to spicing, flavors and recipes. Born in India, Madhu’s father’s career allowed the family to visit and experience the unique regions of India. She will introduce Indian cooking techniques to make simple salads, appetizers and a variety of curries and will demonstrate that Indian cooking is not always hot and spicy but that the flavor is determined by balancing the ingredients.

A Celebration of Holi and Rangoli Craft on March 24th at 4:00 PM. Participate in an Artsplace workshop at the library making traditional rangoli patterns. Then celebrate the colorful festival Holi with Cheshire resident Hetal Radia.