What’s All the Hoopla?

July 5, 2016August 9, 2024 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

What is Hoopla?

For those that have never explored our digital offerings, Hoopla is a free service that is available to Cheshire library card holders (just like Overdrive)! All you need to register is your library card number, and then you create your own user name and password, which you will use to sign in from your computer or mobile device. (If you are a cardholder from another library, you may have access to the service through your own library. If you are unsure check with your home library.)

Hoopla offers users digital access to videos (movies & TV), full music albums, audiobooks, e-books & comics and more twenty-four hours a day. While there is a limit to how many items you can borrow per month with this service (six per user per month) as long as you are not binge watching a television series, this should not cause much frustration. Many people use this service to watch movies without having to wait their turn on a holds list. I tend to use it to watch the harder to find titles like Anime or Foreign Films that are less likely to be found in our physical collection.

The varied genres and search categories Hoopla offers can make it easy to find the documentary that was recommended but you somehow never got to see, or that weird children’s movie that your kids keep asking for but your old VHS or DVD is no longer working. My husband, who is not a big reader, has caved to the influence of myself, a coworker, and some of his favorite shows, and started reading graphic novels. What we do not hand him, he reads via Hoopla. I have since used the service for the same thing.

Want to take a moment and browse the huge collections available via Hoopla? Well, no time like the present! Take a quick gander at all the Audiobooks, Movies, Music, Comics, Ebooks, and Television Shows at your fingertips!

Want to know some of the curious and simply interesting things I have found via Hoopla just to get you started? How about the non-fiction mythology guide Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes, or a book with instructions and patterns for Quick & Easy Crochet Cowls. Perhaps the very first episode of the original Lone Ranger television show or the Audiobook of The Scarlet Pimpernel is more your speed? Do you want to help you children learn french with the help of cartoon dinosaurs, or maybe try a new work out from Jillian Michaels? Personally, I am currently reading the first graphic novel of Lucifer, while my husband is pursuing a variety of titles after having finished up all the published volumes of The Walking Dead.

The variety is huge! Frankly, I am sometimes overwhelmed by the the choices and have to pace myself so that I do not hit my limit of materials before the end of any given month- simply because there are so many choices and I am too excited to read or watch something right now to hold back from clicking that borrow button.

Need some technical help with Hoopla or still have some questions? Please comment below and I will answer any questions I can, and if I do not know the answer I will get the information for you. If you do not want to wait for me to get back to a computer to answer, you can also try our information page, the official hoopla support page, or give us a call at 203-272-2245 and choose the reference desk option.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in July

June 29, 2016July 13, 2016 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

As we head into July’s hot & muggy days, remember that Cheshire Library is an official “Cooling Station” – come in, get out of the heat, and enjoy some great programs while you’re here!

Please note: Cheshire Library will be CLOSED Saturday July 2 and Monday July 4 for Independence DaySummer Saturday hours (9am-1pm) are in effect starting Saturday July 9.

The Head-to-Toe Movement Show

Wednesday Jul 6, 2016, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

This movement-focused 60-minute performance is designed to engage children in physical activity using awesome music, original stories, incredible visuals, exciting games and interactive music technology to promote fitness, healthy eating, going to your library and celebrating music! For children ages 2 & up and their caregivers. Please register on our website.

Family Yoga

Friday Jul 8, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Lani Rosen-Gallagher from Full of Joy Yoga will present a yoga class that is fun for the whole family. Kids of all ages are welcome. We will do lots of partner poses, group poses and of course relaxation. Connect with your whole family in a fun class. For all ages, no registration required.

Storytime at Cheshire Park

Tuesdays: Jul 12, 19, 26, 2016, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Meet us at the Cheshire Park Pavilion this summer for a special program! Bring your lunch and we will read stories and have fun with our parachute. Look for our Cheshire Public Library banner. If it’s raining, we will see you on the next sunny Wednesday! Please use the entrance located at the intersection of Highland Ave. and Stony Hill Rd., Cheshire, CT 06410. For ages 3 & up. Drop-in, no registration required!

Afternoons of Awesome

Tuesdays: Jul 12, 19, 26, 2016, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Every Tuesday afternoon is awesome at the Library! School-age kids are invited to have fun with art, science, technology, and games. We’ll explore something new every week! For ages 7-12, please register on our website.

Cookbook Club

Wednesday Jul 13, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

It’s a new kind of book club – welcome to the CPL Cookbook Club!

Check out a cookbook related to our July theme: Summer Side and Salads. (Visit our “Summer Sides & Salads” display near the catalog computers in the lobby.)
Try one or more recipes at home.
Come to Cookbook Club. Wednesday, July 13th at 6:30pm in the Mary Baldwin Room. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Ages 18 and up only. By registering for this program, you acknowledge that you may choose to consume food that has not been prepared in a commercial kitchen.
Share your thoughts (and dishes). Join library director Ramona Burkey and Deputy Director Deb Rutter to discuss your cookbook reviews and all things culinary. Bring your cookbook and a prepared dish (if you can) to share with the group.

Move & Groove with Mr. Gym

Friday Jul 15, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Get physically fit through music and creative movement with “Mr. Gym”, a children’s singer and songwriter from Connecticut. For ages 3 & up, no registration required.

Stretching and Balance

Wednesday Jul 20, 2016, 6:00 PM

Are you concerned about falls? Learn ways to improve balance and flexibility with simple exercises you can do anywhere!!! Come to the Cheshire Public Library and attend 40 minute workout combining stretching, balance and coordination activities presented by Donna Paxton, Health & Wellness Instructor from the YMCA Cheshire Community. For adults, no registration required.

How to Attract Hummingbirds, Songbirds and Butterflies to Your Garden

Thursday Jul 21, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Join us for a presentation by Shaun Roche, Visitor Services Manager at Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. He will share a few simple tips to make your home into a refuge for wildlife and learn the essentials of a good habitat, food, water, shelter for hummingbirds, birds and butterflies. Please register on our website.

Zingalingz Music and Fitness Class

Diverse group of children in a dance fitness class

Friday Jul 22, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Circle of Friends Music of Southington is proud to present Zingalingz, a music and fitness program for children ages 5-12. Our specially designed movements and activities can help kids gain the important benefits of increased fitness and greater learning power. No registration required.

The Healing Power of Meditation

Wednesday Jul 27, 2016, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Matthew Raider, MD presents the latest clinical research on how meditation can improve our physical, mental and spiritual health. This evening you will have a chance to practice some simple techniques that can reduce stress, enhance relaxation and promote inner growth. For adults, no registration required.

Shell Craft Class

Thursday Jul 28, 2016, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Please Join Gail Farrar as she demonstrates how to make a seashell craft. Each attendee may choose one object to make (Frame, Box etc.). Her shell craft hobby started as a gift idea and has grown into a thriving business in her retirement. Class is free but space is limited. Please register online for this adults-only class.

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.