Did You Know That April is Lawn and Garden Month?

April 6, 2015March 17, 2015 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

Now that spring is under way you might be thinking about taking care of your lawn and garden. With April being National Lawn and Garden Month I know I am starting to gather my seeds to start indoors and planning just what I want to do in my yard this year. Whether a landscaping change is in your near future, you are plotting your garden, or you are just preparing for regular mowing, it is a perfect time to get the reading resources you need to do it right.

1. The Lawn & Garden Owner’s Manual: What to do and When to Do It by Lewis and Nancy Hill

2. The Organic Lawn Care Manual: a Natural, Low-Maintenance System for a Beautiful, Safe Lawn by Paul Tukey

3. The Complete Compost Gardening Guide: Banner Batches, Grow Heaps, Comforter Compost, and Other Amazing Techniques for Saving Time and Money, and Producing the Most Flavorful, Nutritious Vegetables Ever by Barbara Pleasant & Deborah L. Martin

4. All New Square Foot Gardening: Grow More in Less Space! by Mel Bartholomew

5. Decoding Gardening Advice: the Science Behind the 100 Most Common Recommendations by Jeff Gillman & Meleah Maynard

6. The Lawn Bible: How to Keep it Green, Groomed, and Growing Every Season of the Year by David R. Mellor

7. Lawn Gone!: Low-Maintenance, Sustainable, Attractive Alternatives for Your Yard by Pam Penick

8. Solar Gardening: Growing Vegetables Year-Round the American Intensive Way by Leandre Poisson and Gretchen Vogel Poisson

9. The National Wildlife Federation’s Guide to Gardening for Wildlife: How to Create a Beautiful Backyard Habitat for Birds, Butterflies, and Other Wildlife by Craig Tufts and Peter Loewer

10. Gardening in Miniature: Create Your own Tiny Living World by Janit Calvo

This just scratches the surface for great lawn and garden books in our library. Some more of the best or most unique books I would recommend on the subject include: Vegetable Gardening the Colonial Williamsburg Way: 18th-Century Methods for Today’s Organic Gardeners by Wesley Greene, 1,001 Ingenious Gardening Ideas: New, Fun, and Fabulous Tips That Will Change the Way you Garden-Forever! edited by Deborah L. Martin, Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening edited by Fern Marshall Bradley, Barbara W. Ellis, and Ellen Phillips, Gardening Without a Garden by Gay Search, Water Gardening Basics by Helen Nash & Marilyn M. Cook, Taylor’s Master Guide to Gardening, Heirloom Vegetable Gardening: a Master Gardener’s Guide to Planting, Growing, Seed Saving, and Cultural History. by William Woys Weaver, and Lawn Care for Dummies by Lance Walheim & the editors of the National Gardening Association.

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Love (or hate) gardening and want to get some kids involved? Well then don’t forget to check in the children’s room for: Kids’ Container Gardening: Year-Round Projects for Inside and Out by Cindy Krezel, Gardening with Children by Monika Hannemann and others, Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children by Sharon Lovejoy, It’s Our Garden: from Seeds to Harvest in a School Garden by George Ancona, How Does Your Garden Grow?: Great Gardening for Green-Fingered Kids by Clare Matthews, or Gardening Projects for Kids: 101 Ways to Get Kids Outside, Dirty, and Having Fun by Whitney Cohen and John Fisher.

Celebrating the Onset of Spring With Children

March 19, 2015February 24, 2015 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

March 20th is the official first day of Spring, and many of us are more than ready to enjoy the season. It might be a little to early to get out and seriously garden but it is not too early to talk about the season with our kids, grandchildren, students, and so on. So, here are some wonderful easy nonfiction and picture books to share with our younger readers about the wonders of Spring.

Spring by Ron Hirschi

And Then it’s Spring by Julie Fogliano

Spring is Here! by Will Hillenbrand

How Robin Saved Spring by Debbie Ouellet

Sun Above and Blooms Below: a Springtime of Opposites by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky

Hooray for Spring! by Kazuo Iwamura

Everything Spring by Jill Esbaum

Spring Things by Bob Raczka

Let’s Look at Spring by Sarah L. Schuette

The Spring Equinox: Celebrating the Greening of the Earth by Ellen Jackson

What Happens in Spring? by Sara L. Latta

Spring Goes Squish!: a Vibrant Volume of Vociferous Vernal Verse by Marty Kelley

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For even more spring seasonal selections you might want to check out; Spring: an Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur, The Twelve Days of Springtime: a School Counting Book by Deborah Lee Rose, My Spring Robin by Anne Rockwell, Crafts to Make in the Spring by Kathy Ross, How Do You Know it’s Spring? by Allan Fowler, The Busy Spring by Carl Emerson, It’s Spring! by Samantha Berger and Pamela Chanko, When Spring Comes by Robert Maass, What Blossoms in Spring? by Jenna Lee, A to Z of Spring by Tracy Nelson Maurer, A New Beginning: Celebrating the Spring Equinox by Wendy Pfeffer.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in March

March 1, 2015March 1, 2015 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

March, they say, comes in like a lion, out like a lamb. It’s safe to say that those of us who’ve been in Connecticut this winter are really ready for the lamb! While you’re waiting for the milder weather to come sweeping in, we’ve got lots of great programs to keep you busy!

Weekend Concert Series – I Love a Piano” with Paul Bisaccia

Sunday Mar 1, 2015, 3:00 PM

Local audience favorite Paul Bisaccia will return to Cheshire with a new concert, “I Love a Piano,” featuring classic composers such as Chopin, Debussy, Satie and Paderewski, as well as popular composers, including Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Scott Joplin and Marvin Hamlisch. This concert is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Grow Your Own Meadow

Tuesday Mar 3, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Join landscape designer Kathy Connolly for a one-hour discussion on the establishment, care and feeding of a flowering meadow. She’ll discuss meadow ecology and the role of native species, look at helpful tools, and explain steps you can take from June to December to start a new meadow or encourage an existing one. Seating for this event is limited. Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Fab Film Saturday: “Big Hero 6”

Saturday Mar 7, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, BIG HERO 6 is an action-packed comedy adventure that introduces Baymax, a lovable, personal companion robot, who forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. Rated PG. Running Time 1 hour, 30 minutes.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

Phoenix Performing Arts Troupe

Sunday Mar 8, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Come enjoy this Hartford-based troupe as they perform a variety of Chinese classical and traditional dances, and teach about Chinese arts and culture. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Dinosaur Tea Party

Monday Mar 9, 2015, 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Enjoy a dinosaur themed storytime with craft followed by a tea party (juice and refreshments will be served). Children are encouraged to dress up. Register on our website. For children ages 3-7 years old.

Ctrl Alt Achieve: Green Screen Fun!

Tuesday Mar 10, 2015, 4:30 PM

By using a green screen, kids will be able to bring portions of the book The Day the Crayons Quit to life. Kids will have the opportunity to dress up as their favorite crayons from the book and design and create props. By posing in front of the green screen, they will then be able to complete the scene with the addition of a background from the book. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. For Children in grades K-2.

Take a Hike!

Tuesday Mar 10, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Sometimes referred to as the area’s best kept secret, the Regional Water Authority owns 27,000 acres of land in south central Connecticut, some of which is open for recreational activities with a Regional Water Authority Recreation Permit. Each recreation area is unique. Visitors may hike, jog, cross-country ski or just meander along more than 60 miles of trails through Regional Water Authority watershed lands. Come to the program to find out more! Seating for this event is limited. Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Storyteller: Tales of Deep-Rooted Magic

Saturday Mar 14, 2015, 2:00 PM

Storyteller Sara deBeer will present stories from cultures around the world, and tales of the magic which waits for those who venture into the woods, into the wilds, and into the deep, dark, forest. Sara’s lively storytelling is suitable for listeners of all ages and includes audience participation to keep the youngest listeners involved. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Full of Joy Yoga

Mondays Mar 16, 23, 30, 2015, 9:45 – 10:15 AM

Yoga helps children develop strong, flexible bodies while cultivating a lifetime of joy, peace and wonder. Classes with Lani Rosen of Full of Joy Yoga, combine music, games, props and stories which give everyone the benefits of yoga. For ages 3-5. Register on our website starting March 1.

Teen Time: Stop Motion Video

Friday Mar 20, 2015, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Learn to make a stop motion video using legos, play dough, and an iPad. For grades 6 through 12- no registration required -come whenever you feel like it. The more the merrier- bring your friends and have a ball at the library!

Author Talk: Jon Katz

Sunday Mar 22, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz (A Dog Year, A Good Dog, Rose In a Storm) will speak about his newest book, a memoir called Saving Simon: How a Rescue Donkey Taught Me the Meaning of Compassion. In 2011, state police notified him of a severely neglected donkey who needed attention. It was at that time that Simon entered his life and changed it forever. Hear more about Simon’s story of healing, Mr. Katz’s writing experiences, and much more. Register on our website.

Creating the Non-Stop Garden

Monday Mar 23, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

A nonstop garden doesn’t mean nonstop work. Lower maintenance is just one of the many benefits of four-season gardening. In this lecture, horticulturist Jennifer Benner will outline the benefits of creating a nonstop garden. Sit back and enjoy a botanical journey filled with inspiring photographs that will recharge your gardening batteries. Seating for this event is limited. Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Edible Book Festival

Saturday Mar 28, 2015, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

What exactly is the Edible Book Festival, you may ask? It’s a chance for patrons of all ages to test their creativity and combine their love of both books and food in fun displays that will be viewed by both a panel of judges and the public. The only rules are that entries must be based on a book (any book will do!) and they must be composed of edible items. We’ll be accepting entries in three age-group categories:

Child (up to age 12)
Teen (ages 13-19)
Adult (ages 20+)

A three-person panel of impartial, non-library judges will evaluate all entries based on overall design and creativity, as well as how well entries represent their noted books. At the end of the event, one “Best in Show” prize will be awarded in each age-group category. The basic timeline for the day will be:

10:00 am – 12:00 pm participants will drop off entries at the library
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm the panel of judges will privately evaluate the entries
1:30 pm the public can begin viewing the entries
2:30 pm the winners will announced!

Registration will open on February 1st and will need to be done in-person at the Children’s desk at the library so that we can make sure all participants receive a packet of information for the event.

Weekend Concert Series: “Irish Music In America” with Atwater-Donnelly Band

Sunday Mar 29, 2015, 3:00 PM

The award-winning band Atwater-Donnelly will present a unique blend of traditional American and Celtic folk music and dance on the mountain dulcimer, banjo, tin whistle, guitar, mandolin, harmonica and more. For this very special performance, Aubrey and Elwood will be joined by John and Heidi Cerrigione on upright bass and autoharp, and Irish step-dancer Kevin Doyle. This concert is free and open to the public. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

For the Sake of the Country: Female Spies in the Civil War

Monday Mar 30, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

When you think of the role women played during the Civil War, what do you think of? Do you think of laundresses, homemakers, or nurses? Would you ever think of spies? Female spies played an essential and critical role in shaping the political, military, and social landscape. They changed the course of military battles, political intrigue, and even saved a president! Learn about four extraordinary Union and Confederate spies who risked all for the sake of their country.

Matthew Bartlett is a 2013 graduate of American Military University with a Master’s in Military History with a specialization in the American Civil War. His specialty is the battle of Gettysburg, about which he has written six books. A historian and lecturer, Matthew and his wife belong to the 14th CT CVI, Company F. He and his wife, Jenn, will appear in period attire as Allan Pinkerton and Kate Warne. Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4

Everything I Know About Stonescaping I Learned from the Library

November 16, 2014November 6, 2014 / Mary / Leave a comment

It’s true. I didn’t know much about stonescaping when I began a little over ten years ago. And when I don’t know about something, the first thing I do is head for the book shelves.

The books I found were educational and inspiring. I marveled at all the creative ways gardeners had used stones in their landscapes. Ideas began to brew. I collected stones and left them in piles around my yard like the Blair Witch.

My love of rocks grew. From the boulders down to the gravel, I cherished every last bit of stone in my landscape. Some, like the rocks in the old stone wall that runs along the border of my property, have been there since that late 1800’s. Others, my husband and I purchased and carefully placed throughout the yard, guided by the beautiful pictures in the books we borrowed from the library.

How much do I really love rocks? Well one year for my birthday, my husband bought me a 5-ton dumpster full of broken slabs of granite that were destined for a landfill. It took me five years, but I found a place in our yard for every last piece, from the slab as large as I am to the small round sink cutouts. Some wound up as stepping-stones, others as part of the backyard patio. Some line my garden beds. A few ended up in unusual places, such as cascading down the side of a berm or encircling a small tree. Each piece is unique, and I like to think that they are better in my yard than being forever buried in a landfill.

Rocks are great in a yard. They don’t care if it is flooding or it hasn’t rained in a month. They never need to be trimmed. They look spectacular when it rains.

Together, my husband and I have moved several tons of stone, from gravel to boulders. Every time we are working with stone, he makes jokes (We’re really rockin’ now!), priding himself on his wit. I pride myself on the fact that I have never once given into the temptation to whack him with a shovel.

Want to be inspired to try stonescaping? Start with some great titles like these:

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in September

September 2, 2014September 2, 2014 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Summer may be over, but lots of great programming continues at Cheshire Library! Here are some of the special programs we’ve got lined up this month:

SAT Preparation Seminar

Tuesday Sep 2, 2014, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Prominent language arts tutor, Ellis Ratner will address all aspects of the Reading and Writing Sections, including sentence completion, reading comprehension, grammar and essay writing. Attendees will also receive, free of charge, and SAT Preparation Primer. Register on our website.

Reckless: True Story of the Legendary Korean War Pony

Thursday Sep 4, 2014, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Janet Barrett, author of They Called Her Reckless — A True Story of War, Love And One Extraordinary Horse, will appear to discuss the story of Reckless, a small Korean pony who became a real-life hero during the Korean War. She saved many lives, raised spirits and won the love and respect of all who knew her. Reckless hauled ammo, brought back dead and wounded Marines, boosted the troops’ morale, was awarded two Purple Hearts and finally brought back to the U.S., where she lived out her years at Camp Pendleton, California. Register on our website.

Zumba for Kids

Saturday Sep 6, 2014, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Join Tracy Brody in a great Zumba program designed just for kids!
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! Register on our website.

Cheshire Cats Classics Club – The Good Soldier by Ford Maddox Ford

Monday Sep 8, 2014, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club will resume after a summer break on Monday September 8 at 7 p.m. at the Cheshire Public Library. The book club will read The Good Soldier by Ford Maddox Ford in honor of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I. Register on our website. Copies of this book may be borrowed at the library.

Our Health in the Balance: Toxic Lawn Pesticides

Tuesday Sep 9, 2014, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Concerned about your health, your children’s health, your pet’s health, and the health of the environment? Find out more when presenter Dr. Jerry Silbert, a physician trained in Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, and Environmental Health, speaks about toxic lawn pesticides and chemical trespass. Register on our website.

Builder’s Brigade

Wednesdays, Sep 10 and 24 2014, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Kids have the opportunity to use their best creativity to design buildings, creatures, and more using Lego and Mega blocks. They can work alone, or in a team with peers. A different theme is picked for each session and kids can build on that theme or build a creation of their own. At the end of each session, kids can put their creations on display at the library for all to see until the next club is scheduled! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Silly Song Sing-a-long

Saturday Sep 13, 2014, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Silly Song Sing-a-long is a mix of popular children’s songs, musical games, dance movements, and rhythms. Children and adults will be encouraged to participate and act silly along with Edward Leonard and his guitars, drums, and maracas. Register on our website.

Fab Film Saturdays: ERNEST AND CELESTINE

Saturday Sep 20, 2014, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Ernest & Celestine (2012). Academy Award Nominee (Best Animated Feature) and featuring the voices of Forest Whitaker, Mackenzie Foy, and more! This is the gorgeously animated story of an unlikely friendship between a bear, Ernest, and a mouse named Celestine. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Bring your own snacks!
Running Time 1 hour, 20 minutes. Rated PG.

Occult and Demonology in the Civil War

Monday, Sep 22, 2014, 7:00 PM

Join Matthew Bartlett, local author and Gettysburg historian, as he discusses demonology and the occult in the Civil War. Register on our website.

Halloween Science Workshop – 2 Sessions

Saturday Sep 27, 2014, 1:15 PM and 2:30 PM

Explore a Halloween skeleton, the science of darkness, the inner workings of Halloween toys and gadgets, and live spiders and other scary creepy-crawlies in a fun hands-on workshop conducted by local naturalist and amateur scientist, Eric Nelson. Register on our website.

Small Business Lending
Monday Sep. 29, 2014, 7:00pm

Sheldon L. Pollock, Banking Consultant and former Bank CEO, will explain the points that a business owner should consider when applying for a small business loan. Register on our website.