Library Services

How to Find a Read-alike

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If you are like me, when I find a series I love I burn through it in record time and then am left mourning that I have finished the series. Finding a new series can be difficult, so invariably I turn to NoveList for help.

NoveList is an online database available through Cheshire Library’s website (for other libraries, check your local library’s website to see if NoveList is offered there) that offers recommended reading lists. You can sort by age and genre and even by topics such as “fast-paced and amusing” or “moving and haunting” and even “snarky and compelling”. However my favorite part of NoveList is the Read-alike links.

If you type in a book title or author, NoveList will produce a list of results that include three very handy links: Title Read-alikes, Author Read-Alikes and Series Read-alikes.

What is a Read-alike?

A read-alike is a book, author, or series that shares some of the basic characteristics  of another book, author, or series. It means that if you enjoy, say, author Marcia Muller, you may also like books by Laurie R. King, Kate Wilhelm, or Iain Pears,

For example, type in  Lord Peter Wimsey (one of my favorite British mystery sleuths), click on Series Read-alikes, and you will get a list of recommendations that include the Phryne Fisher mysteries by Kerry Greenwood (stories that have also been turned into a wonderful BBC drama: Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries) and the Adam Dalgliesh mysteries by P.D. James, among many others.

Bingo! Two more series just waiting to be devoured.

Try NoveList. It works! Cheshire Library cardholders can link to NovelList from the Reading Resources page on the CPL website. Scroll down and you’ll find a Reading Resources link on our homepage or click on How Do I…? in our upper left menu and click the Find a Good Book link.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in October

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Welcome to October at Cheshire Library! We’ve got a lot of science coming your way this month, in addition to some spooky fun. And don’t forget our 4th Annual Scavenger Hunt! Here’s a sample of what’s in store for October:

Terrific Tweens – Make a Spectroscope!

Wednesday, October 3, 2018, 4:00 – 4:45PM

A spectroscope is an instrument used for breaking down light into its component wavelengths for visual observation. We’ll make a spectroscope and separate light into all its component colors! For grades 5 – 8, no registration required.

4th Annual Town-Wide Instagram Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, October 6, 2018, 9:30AM – 3:00PM

Charge your phone and fill your gas tank for the fourth annual Town-Wide Scavenger Hunt! Form a team with members of any age and travel around town solving clues and posting your solutions to Instagram. When time is up, come back to the Library for celebratory snacks and a raffle drawing. Participants of all ages are encouraged to join the hunt. Each team needs a vehicle, a smartphone or network-enabled device, and an Instagram account set to public for the duration of the hunt. Technology help will be available when you pick up your clues.

  • 9:30-10:00  Pick up clues at the Library
  • 9:30-1:00  The scavenger hunt is on!
  • 2:00-3:00  Post-hunt party

Pre-registration is required for all teams, starting September 1.

Makeup 101: How to accentuate your best features

Thursday, October 11, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Cheshire’s own Dana Bartone of Co. Salon and Spa will demonstrate on how to apply makeup.  Not just any makeup routine but one that will accentuate your best features. Our two models that will be demonstrated on are a millennial and baby boomer. Registration is required.

DNA Testing: Get Into Your Hand-Me Down Genes

Saturday, October 13, 2018, 2:00 – 4:00PM

Thinking about doing a DNA test for your genealogy research or have done one already?  Genealogist Janeen Bjork will talk about the three major companies offering DNA testing. Registration is required.

Cat Tales – Writers Group

Thursday, October 18, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00PM

Do you write in secret, or do you publish your own blog? Are you working on your dream novel, a memoir, or poetry? Join us at the library for an open writing group that can help answer your questions on writing, editing, grammar, and publishing. Read a selection of your work to the group for general constructive feedback, or discuss a book you’ve read that might help someone else. Join us once, join us every month!  Registration required for this adult program.

The Ever Changing Connecticut Forest

Monday, October 22, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

The resilient Connecticut forest has undergone dramatic changes over the past 400 years and earlier. This talk by  Dr. Jeffrey Ward will cover the changes in our forests since the ice age, and what the future forest may look like. Registration is required.

Crazy Colorful Chemistry (Ages 6+)

Wednesday, October 24, 2018, 4:00 – 5:00PM

To celebrate National Chemistry week, Jane Snell Copes from Science Outside the Box will be presenting a hands-on chemistry class for children ages 6 and up.  Space is limited, so please register starting October 1.

Library After Hours: Halloween Spooktacular

Friday, October 26, 2018, 5:00 – 7:00PM

Join us for a spooky bubble dance party and face painting.  Pizza and drinks will be available for sale by the Friends of the Library. There is no admission fee, but there is a suggested donation of $5 per family to help offset costs.  Please note that the Lower and Upper Levels of the Library will not be open to the public. Please register so that we know how many goodies to have! Sponsored by the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library.

Culinary Chemistry

Saturday, October 27, 2018, 2:30 – 4:00PM

Through discussion and hand-on demonstrations, participants will gain an appreciation of chemical transformations in a culinary context.  This seminar will explore cooking through the four ancient elements of fire, air, earth and water.  Each of these ancestral elements will be paired with a contemporary cooking method (roasting, baking, fermentation, sous vide) and applied through a featured food.  The session concludes with light tastings of the featured foods. Registration is required for this adult program.

Paranormal Investigations in CT

Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

The truth behind investigating the unknown will be presented by the Eastern CT Paranormal Society. This program focuses on educating the public about how paranormal investigations are actually done, as opposed to what is seen on TV. We stress the importance of education as an asset to researching paranormal claims. We will showcase evidence that we have caught and explain the process of debunking paranormal activity, such orbs, light anomalies, and apparitions. Registration is required.

Spooky Storytime (Ages 2-5)

Wednesday, October 31, 2018, 10:00 – 11:00AM

Spooktacular stories, ghoulish goodies, and decorate your own mini pumpkin!  Costumes are encouraged!  Supplies are limited so please register starting on October 1.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in September

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This month at CPL we’ve got programs to get you more organized, healthy, and informed. Check out our Event Calendar for the full roster of September programs!

Tuesday Movie Matinees

Tuesdays at 1:00PM

Come relax with a good movie every Tuesday afternoon at CPL, no registration required. This month, we’re revisiting the Watergate era:

Zumba for Adults

Mondays, September 10, 17, 24, 2:00 – 3:00pm

Zumba’s back! Our Zumba class is open to adults of any skills or fitness level and is designed to teach the basic dance steps and easy to follow movements. Please register for each session individually: Sept 10, Sept 17, Sept 24.

Medicare and Beyond

Tuesday, September 11, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Are you turning 65 or just confused about Medicare? Medicare can be a complicated topic to many people.  This seminar, presented by Lou Pelletier of American Senior Benefits will educate you on the options and programs available.  Learn what Medicare options best suit your needs – about the many laws and programs that may be relevant to your situation, such as maximizing Social Security or protecting your assets from long term care exposure without insurance.  Registration is required.

First Ladies: An Adventure in Glamour, Guts & Gumption

Wednesday, September 12, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

The First Ladies of the United States, who were they really?  What made them tick?  Did they love or loathe their role?  The presentation is designed to be lively, humorous and engaging by weaving historical and modern events and facts about First Ladies to understand and appreciate the important role they play, starting with Martha Washington. Registration is required.

Rightsizing your Life

Thursday, September 13, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

During Life’s transitions, it is important to consider your possessions and whether they still fit with your life. Learn ten key steps for making that happen. Sandra Wheeler- Professional Organizer and owner of For Peace of Mind will share key organizing tips to help you with any space in your home or office. Registration is required.

Go Paperless with Evernote

Saturday, September 15, 2018, 1:00 – 2:30pm

Imagine having no big filing cabinets stuffed with paperwork and no cluttered mess of folders to organize. You never have to search through stacks of paper to find the documents you need. All of your documents are organized, searchable, and accessible on your computers and devices at all times and wherever you are. Sounds crazy, right? It’s not! Enter Evernote: with this tool, you can organize your paperwork and declutter your life. We’ll go over the basics of getting started with Evernote to create the paperless lifestyle of your dreams. Registration is required.

The Connecticut CCC

Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 6:30 – 8:30PM

Join author Martin Podskoch as he shares his book, Connecticut Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: History, Memories and Legacy. This year marks the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a program  begun by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Mar. 31, 1933  to relieve the poverty and unemployment of the Depression—the “New Deal.”  Books will be available for purchase and signing. Registration is required.

Trivia Night

Wednesday, September 26, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come by yourself or bring your friends. Test your knowledge from general categories, including pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course literature! It’s all for Pride, not Prize. Registration is required, beginning Wednesday September 12.

Clutter, Clutter Everywhere – What Do I Do with It?

Thursday, September 27, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Professional Organizer Anita Taylor will show you how to and why of organizing all your stuff.  Systems are the answer!  Find easy solutions and simplify your life with Anita’s help. Copies of “Anita’s Book” a workbook solution to organizing important papers, will be available to purchase for $40 (cash or check) after Anita’s presentation. Registration is required and begins on August 31.

Simplifying the Financial Aid Process

Tuesday, September 25, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Presenter Jennifer Philips will provide parents and students with tips on securing the best financial aid package from the college of their choice.  Jennifer worked for Fairfield University for 6 years as Assistant Director of Financial Aid, and having been in the field for 10+ years, Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge and insight into the college financial aid process.  Registration is required.

Library Services Online

/ Mary / Leave a comment

In our 24/7 society, life moves pretty fast. You meant to stop by the library on your way into work, or perhaps on your way home, but…

Yeah, we’ve all been there. Too much to do and not enough time to do it. But, never fear! The Cheshire Public Library is here to help. Many library services are now available online 24/7.

That means you can renew your books while staying at home in your pajamas. You can download and watch a movie from hoopla rather than having to go out on a dark and stormy night (with a nod to Edward Bulwer-Lytton) to borrow one. You can place holds, listen to music, or download an audiobook. Research your family tree on HeritageQuest. Scope out the ratings of your next new car from the comfort of your bed by browsing Consumer Reports Online. Refresh your resume with tips from JobNow. Put up your feet and browse through your favorite magazine with RBdigital‘s online magazines.

The great thing about online resources is that they are never late! They auto-return so you never accrue fines, and in the case of digital magazines, they remain on your device for you to enjoy.

Finding these resources is easy.

All downloadable content (ebooks, audiobooks, movies, magazines, music, and comics) are available from links right on the library homepage at cheshirelibrary.com.

All databases (Consumer Reports, JobNow, HeritageQuest and many, many more) are accessed simply by clicking the eResources link on our website.

Renew your books, place holds and even pay your account balance by clicking the Your Account button at the top of our website.

So, relax! You have all day and all night, too, to get to the library.

(Image source: Anchor Point Animation)

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in August

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Our “Discover a New You” series of summer programs continues this month with art, music, and health programs for adults, and fun with science for kids. Check out our Events Calendar for the full lineup of programs!

[PLEASE NOTE: Cheshire Library will be CLOSED for renovations on Thursday, August 23 and Friday, August 24]

Intro to Piano for Adults

Monday, August 6, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00PM

Join music instructor Dan Fontana as he reviews what you will need to know about learning to play the piano as an adult.  Students are not required to bring a keyboard, but may do so. Paper keyboards will be provided for this workshop for everyone else. Registration required starting July 16 for Cheshire residents and July 30 for all others.

Family Movie Matinees

Tuesdays, 3:30PM, no registration required.

 

Tai Chi for Your Health

Tuesday, August 7, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Join Tai Chi instructor Kathy Brenner as she explains the nature and benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong (pronounced Chee – Gung). Qigong is adaptive for people with differing physical abilities. She will have attendees join her in an easy to follow series of Qigong exercises and demonstrate Tai Chi forms. Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Class size is limited and registration is required.

Library After Hours: Back in Time Family Singalong Concert

Friday, August 10, 2018, 5:00 – 7:00PM

Join us for a family concert and mini-art lessons with ArtsPlace artists and more!  The “Back In Time”’ concert at 6:00 pm will feature Liz McNicholl and Lindsey Ceitinn in a family-style singalong of old favorite songs and fiddle tunes. Pizza, snacks and drinks will be available for sale from the Friends of the Library. [Please register] in advance so we know how many goodies to have on hand!  There is no admission fee, but there is a suggested donation of $5 per family to help offset costs.  Please note that the Lower Level of the Library will not be open to the public.  

Science Tellers: Wild West

Monday, August 13, 2018, 4:00 – 5:00PM

Science Tellers presents “Wild West”. Grab your spurs and journey with us to the Wild West, where a legendary bank-robbing outlaw is back in town, about to strike again! Throughout this absolutely wild adventure story, volunteers from the audience will help us explore the fascinating science behind chemical reactions, combustion, air pressure, inertia and more. Don’t miss this classic action-packed western with ‘notes’ of science! Best suited for children going into grades K-5,  no registration required.

Night Skies Planetarium

Thursday, August 16, 2018, 10:00am – 7:00pm

Night Skies is a program featuring Mike Francis using Starlab, the inflatable planetarium dome and projector system.  A remarkably realistic night sky awaits groups of up to 30.  There is no need to worry about the weather, time of day or travel. The experience of entering the giant bubble fascinates.  The excitement of being able to identify that bright red star from last night’s sky or locating an elusive constellation sparks the imagination. [Check back for ticketing information]

Create Zentangle

Wednesday, August 22, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.  Each patron will learn the Zentangle method and leave with one landscape artwork.  Space is limited for this adult program, please register beginning Wednesday, August 8, at 9:00AM.

Benefits of Massage

Monday, August 27, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Wondering if massage is beneficial to your health? Come to the Cheshire Public Library and learn about the benefits of massage, as well as the different types of massage modalities. Registration is required.