Library Services

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in August

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Play, learn, and create with these programs at Cheshire Library in August!

Color Yourself Calm

Thursday Aug 3, 2017, 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, drop on by!

Builders Brigade LEGO Club

Tuesday Aug 15, 2017, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Do you love building with LEGO® blocks or Mega Bloks? The Builders Brigade is the program for you! All Ages, No registration required.

The Bear Reality

 Wednesday Aug 16, 2017, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

The black bear population in Connecticut has continued to increase since 1980. It’s important for residents and outdoor enthusiasts to learn real facts about black bears enabling them to stay safe, protect themselves and their property and make possible coexistense with bears.  Join presenter Felicia Ortner, a Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC) for a program  that will provide education and facts about bears and help dispel myths and common misunderstandings. Registration is required.

Pottery Night

Thursdays,  Aug 17 & 24, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Join us for two nights of fun with pottery.  You will learn the origin of clay, how it’s been used through the ages and how it’s used today.  Participants will have the opportunity to make handprint bowls and lace bowls.  Your pottery will be fired at Cheshire’s own Ready Glaze Fire. Space is limited, registration required for this adult only program. By signing up you agree to attend both 8/17/17 & 8/24/17.

Trading Card Club: Yu-Gi-Oh & Pokemon

Friday Aug 18, 2017, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokemon trading card game tournaments here at CPL!   Just bring your cards, and join in the fun!  No registration required, Grades 7-12

Afternoons of Awesome: Exploring the Eclipse

Monday Aug 21, 2017,  1:00 – 2:00 PM

Kids entering grades 3-6 are invited to Afternoons of Awesome (or A-squared for short) for fun with art, science, technology, and games. Today we’re learning about the solar eclipse taking place across the U.S. today, and we’ll head outside to view its beginning here in Cheshire! Registration required. Registration begins August 1 for Cheshire residents and August 15 for nonresidents.

Free glasses for viewing the eclipse will be given out at Cheshire Library beginning August 16 –  1 per person, first come first served.

University Admissions and the Application Process

Tuesday Aug 22, 2017, 6:30  –  7:30 PM
Join Jas Jernaill, the Managing Director of Bulldog Tutors, for a general discussion on the university admissions and college application process. Topics will include the primary components of a successful application, standardized testing options, how the admissions timeline differs for aspiring collegiate athletes, and building the common app. Registration is required.

Baby Play Group (pre-walkers)

Wednesday Aug 23, 2017, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Baby Play Group is a special time for babies and caregivers to interact with books, songs, rhymes, American Sign Language, PLAY. This program is for pre-walking babies and their caregivers. In order to give our youngest patrons a safe space of their own, we request no siblings, please.  Registration required starting August 1st for Cheshire residents and August 16th for all others.

Five Common Diseases of Apple in New England

Wednesday Aug 30, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Apples are important specialty crops in New England. Join Dr. Quan Zeng as he explains the most common diseases of apple in New England orchards and backyard gardens, from the aspects of disease symptoms, diagnostics, and management. Registration is required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in July

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Both indoor and outdoor activities are on the schedule for July, we’re getting back to nature! Take a look:

Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Monday Jul 3, 2017, 6:30  –  7:30 PM

CCCC is headed out to sea with this month’s modern classic, Jaws by Peter Benchley. Put your water-wings on and join us to discuss this creepy anti-beach read. Contact Jennifer Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org to register.

Farmington Canal Trail Family Hike @ Lock 12 Historical Park

Thursday Jul 6, 2017, 10:00 AM

For all ages. Get on your walking shoes for stories, songs, and science in the great outdoors! We’ll take a family-friendly walk along the Farmington canal trail at Lock 12 Historical Park and explore nature and local history. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and sun protection! For children of all ages and their families. Registration required.

Farmington Canal Trail STEM Hike @ Lock 12 Historical Park

Tuesday Jul 11, 2017, 10:00 AM

For ages 8 and up. A STEM program in the great outdoors! We’ll meet at Lock 12 Historical Park and walk along the Farmington canal trail while learning about science, nature, and history. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and sun protection! For kids ages 8+ and their parents/caregivers. Registration required.

Movie Matinees

Tuesdays at 1:00 PM

Too much nature? Beat the heat with a movie matinee! No registration required.

  • July 11: Avanti. (1972, Rated “R”; 2 hours, 20 minutes.)
  • July 18: Groundhog Day. (1993, Rated “PG”; 1 hour, 41 minutes.)
  • July 25: Captain Fantastic. (2016, Rated “R”; 1 hour, 58 minutes.)

Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures

Thursday Jul 13, 2017, 4:00 –  4:45 PM

Nature Nick is returning to the Cheshire Public Library bringing his new show “Build a Better World.”  In this show, Nature Nick will introduce you to some of the strangest animals on earth while giving little known facts about each one. See how every animal in nature has a role which in turn helps us build a better world! Ages 4 and up. Registration required starting June 1 for Cheshire residents and July 12th for all others. 

Insects: The Good, the Bad, the Beautiful and the Just Plain Ugly

Thursday Jul 13, 2017, 6:00 PM  –  8:00 PM

Join presenter Rose Hiskes, diagnostician and horticulturist at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in Windsor, as we enter the world of plant pests, showing the beautiful, the beneficial, the bad and the just plain ugly. Registration required.

The Bobcat – Connecticut’s Secretive Wild Cat

Wednesday Jul 19, 2017, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

Join certified Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn to learn about the history of bobcats in CT, with an overview of bobcat habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, and current research efforts. Bobcat artifacts will be on display. Registration required.

DIY: Backsplash

Thursday Jul 20, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

An indoor project to do-it-yourself. Is it time for a change in your bathroom or kitchen?  Time to replace that old backsplash but don’t know where to begin?  Join us as Jenn of Home Depot, Milldale CT will show us how to put up backsplash. Registration required.

Lyme Disease and Tick Control

Wednesday Jul 26, 2017, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

You’ve heard it on the news, CT officials expect an increase in the number of ticks this year, including those carrying diseases. Medical-veterinary entomologist Dr. Kirby C. Stafford will provide valuable info on the epidemiology and basic symptoms of Lyme disease, the biology of the tick vector, and tick bite prevention and tick control. Registration required.

 

Vacation Reading

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I don’t know about you, but I like to read on vacation. Considering I work in a library, it’s probably not surprising that I like to bring a book with me wherever I go, but vacation reading is special. Laying about, maybe on a beach or by a pool, with nothing on my schedule but relaxing with a book is my idea of a perfect vacation.

 

One wrinkle in this perfect plan, though,  is getting the books from here to there. How many to pack? (don’t want to run out…) How much book-space is in the suitcase? Are these books going to put me over the baggage weight limit?

 

This is where eBooks become the vacationing bibliophile’s best friend. You can bring 10 (or 20, or 30!) books with you in less space than 1 book would take in your luggage.  Rapture!

As I write this I am preparing to head out on a vacation myself, and believe me, I have loaded my ereader with plenty of reading material for my trip, downloaded for FREE from the library.  I use an e-ink reader (the kind with a monochrome screen, like Nook GlowLight and Kindle Paperwhite), so OverDrive is my go-to for downloading eBooks from the library.  I can borrow up to 10 titles at once, and keep them on my ereader for up to 21 days, after which they will return themselves. No worries about overdue books on my vacation.

If you prefer to read on a tablet (color screen, like an iPad), there are even more options for downloading eBooks. You can use the OverDrive App for iPad & Android to download & read eBooks. You can also use the hoopla app to download 5 books a month for up to 21 days, and they’ll return themselves at the end of the lending period. Super simple, and best of all free, with a Cheshire Library card.

I’ll be by the pool…

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in June

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Can summer be here already?  It’s our busiest time at Cheshire Library – sign up now & don’t miss out on the terrific programs we have lined up.  See our June Event Calendar for more!

Vision Board Workshop

Saturday Jun 3, 2017, 2:00  –  4:30 PM
Imagine what it would be like to visualize what you wanted to achieve and then use that visualization to make it happen.  Could it really be that simple? How often do you “wish” for things to be different? Vision Boards Help Provide Clarity — By placing your images on a board, you create a bridge between the thoughts in your mind to something tangible-a format you can see and feel. Composing a clear, vivid vision board is an important step in making your goals and dreams a reality. Certified Life Coach Fiona Bain will show us how to create our own Vision Boards. Registration is required.

Introduction to the Internet

PART 1 : Wednesday Jun 7, 2017, 2:00  –  3:00 PM

PART 2 : Wednesday Jun 14, 2017,  2:00  –  3:00 PM

In Part 1, we will introduce you to the Internet and explain the basic elements of a Web page. Learn about Web browsers and how to access different web pages, identify hyperlinks and navigate web pages using the back, forward and refresh buttons. In Part 2, you will learn how to find information on the Web and how to use search engines. Learn how to mark a web site as a Favorite and how to print an entire web page, or a part of a web page using print preview option. Registration is required.

Expert Travel Tips From a Pro

Thursday Jun 8, 2017, 6:00 PM

With so many ways to book travel how do you know the best? What is the difference between booking with a traditional travel agency, an online travel agency or the supplier directly? With over 30 years of travel industry experience, Katie Relkin is the founder of JourneyBusters.com, a consumer friendly travel education company. She will share a wealth of travel tips in this program. Registration is required.

Beyond Death: Medical Facts,  Mysticism, and Meditation

Wednesday Jun 14, 2017, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

Since the 1980s when near death experiences became part of the public consciousness, they have held endless attractions for people. Why do they resonate so powerful within us? Join Dr. Matthew Raider, hear the latest medical research and discover a simple, natural way to connect with the inner light talked about by those who’ve experienced an NDE. Through a simple time-honored method of meditation, you can explore those realms of peace within you. Registration is required.

 Passport Fair

Friday Jun 16, 2017, 12:00  –  4:00 PM

Join us for your one stop shop to acquire* or renew your passport.

Please bring the following:

  • Passport Application
  • Evidence of Citizenship
  • Two Forms of ID
  • Payment (2 checks for renewals)

Please direct all questions regarding Passports to the The National Passport information line at 1-877-487-2778 or visit Travel.State.Gov. This service provided by the United States Postal Service. *Please be advised to receive your completed passport by mail can take several weeks.  Please see Travel.State.Gov for more information.

Taste the World:  Movie Matinees

Fridays in June, 12:30  –  3:00 PM

Take a tasty tour around the globe with movies associated with international snacks. Please register individually for each movie.

Cut the Cord – Life Without Cable TV

Saturday Jun 17, 2017, 2:00  –  4:00 PM

This seminar presented by James Gifford will discuss how cable customers can get rid of high-priced cable services. Learn how to switch to options that give better entertainment value and review phone service choices at much lower costs, even if you’re not a tech whiz. Registration is required.

Parent Workshop: Helping Your Child Learn

Wednesday Jun 21, 2017, 6:00  –  7:30 PM

Join us as we discuss simple, effective ways to get your child ready to use words. This workshop will utilize the best practices from You Make the Difference in Helping Your Child Learn, published by the Hanen Centre. Books will be available for checkout at the end of the program. We’ll go over ways you can incorporate the practices into playtime, reading time, and everyday activities.  Dinner and childcare will be provided. Best suited for parents/caregivers of children ages birth to 3.
  • Dinner 6:00-6:30 pm
  • Parent class 6:30-7:30 pm
  • Childcare provided
Registration required. Registration is open to all Cheshire residents starting May 15. Non-residents may register starting June 20.

Brain Fitness

Thursday Jun 22, 2017, 1:30  –  2:30 PM

Come learn how to keep your brain fit.   Studies show that those who engage in regular cognitive activities (such as attending educational seminars, discussion groups or learning a new language) had higher levels of brain functioning and lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment. The brain is a muscle like any other and benefits from regular exercise.  Light refreshments will be served. Please register early.

Solo Travel Bootcamp

Thursday Jun 22, 2017, 6:30 PM

Get ready for a solo travel adventure! More and more people are heading out on trips alone and they aren’t just singles. Whether you are an experienced solo traveler or new to solo travel, join Travel Artisan Nina Lesiga for an evening of fresh ideas on how to achieve vibrant, authentic and fun experiences. Registration is required.

STEM Coffee Hour: The Impact of DNA-Editing Technology on the Future of Science and Medicine

Thursday Jun 22, 2017, 7:00  –  8:00 PM

Facilitator: Dr. Jian Cao, Associate Research Scientist, Yale University.  Co-developer of a Gene-Editing Toolbox.

STEM Coffee Hours are designed for adults who are interested in learning more about a particular science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topic. The general format is an informative presentation followed by group discussion. Please register HERE (password CheshireSTEM).

 Parenting Workshop: Positive Discipline

Monday Jun 26, 2017, 6:00  –  7:30 PM

This is an eight-session workshop for parents who are looking to learn how to develop relationships with their children based upon mutual respect, personal responsibility, and problem-solving skills for successful living. Come work with other parents finding practical solutions to children’s most challenging behaviors. Open to parents with children ages birth to 5 years old. Free childcare provided.

A Certifed Positive Discipline Parent Educator will conduct 8 weekly evening sessions that include:

  • Free Dinner 6:00-6:30 pm
  • Parent class 6:30-7:30 pm
  • Free children’s books

This program meets 8 times: June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7 and 14.  You only need to register once to attend all 8 sessions.

Registration required. This program is open to Cheshire residents to register starting May 22 all others may register starting June 23 if space is available.

Traveling Lantern Theatre Company

Wednesday Jun 28, 2017, 1:00 PM

Play: The Ribbles Build a Residence. Soon after their lovely insect nuptuals Mr. and Mrs. Ribble are expecting a baby Ribblet, and they need a new home for their family! Mr. Ribble wants a to go big with a four grasshopper garage, but Mrs. Ribble convinces him to build a dream home that is more environmentally and neighborhood friendly. Best for ages 4+, No registration required.

Summer Reading Kickoff!

Friday Jun 30, 2017, 5:30 PM

Join us for our adult and children’s summer reading kickoff.  The library will be opening at 5:30 pm to host events for children, families, and adults.  At 7:00 pm the Lost Acres String Band will be performing.  Bring a picnic or purchase pizza (from Cheshire Pizza and Ale) and drinks from our Friends of the Library.  All ages welcome, no registration required.

Like Romance Novels but Hate the Covers? Here’s one solution.

/ Louise / Leave a comment

I’m going to come clean – I’m a romance reader. There, I’ve said it. There can be some  stigma about the genre, though. Smart women don’t read romance. Romance is poorly-written schlock. It’s paperback porn. And the covers – oh the covers! – don’t exactly help overcome these assumptions about the quality of romance books.

Well, I’m a smart woman. I’m not a fan of bad writing. And the porn argument is pretty sexist. One thing I can’t argue with, though, are the covers; so many of them are just awful.

Like every genre, they’re not ALL gems, but these cheesy covers dumb the books down considerably. So what’s a romance-loving, cover-cringing reader to do?

E-books! We can read the books we like without flashing the eyebrow-raising covers around. Until the publishers figure out that romance readers don’t need a disembodied torso on the cover to sell copies, I will do most of my reading with a digital book.

These are just a few books I’ve loved in which the cover (and sometimes even the title!) had little or nothing to do with the actual story. If I were going by the covers, I probably wouldn’t have picked up these books, and would have missed some great reads:

 

 

 

Lucky for me, the library has digital copies of these titles, plus a LOT more. Cheshire Library has a large collection of all types of ebooks (including romance) available to download with your CPL card to your device of choice.  Our OverDrive platform has over 1500 romance ebooks available to check out, while our hoopla platform has over 1000. Enough to keep the most voracious reader supplied with happy endings.