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.

Our Year in eBooks

February 13, 2016February 13, 2016 / Louise / Leave a comment

We had a lot of eBook readers at Cheshire Library in 2015! Over 1000 unique users checked out close to 8000 eBooks from our main digital catalog, OverDrive.

Here’s a breakdown our year in eBooks:

Kindle was the preferred download format by a wide margin, and Go Set a Watchman was far and away the most downloaded eBook in our OverDrive collection in 2015.

Although OverDrive has our largest collection of eBooks, don’t forget that we also have ebooks available for download (with your Cheshire Library card) from our OneClick Digital and hoopla catalogs. Our “eLibraries” are open 24/7, you can check out books, movies, music, and magazines right from home whenever the mood strikes, and the items return themselves, so there’s never a late fee! Head to the “Download It!” link on our website to learn more about our digital collections.

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.

For more information on any of the programs, or to register for a program please visit our events calendar. If you would like to research some of the recipes, art, or other culture wonders that we will be sharing check out these great resources: Mehndi: the Timeless Art of Henna Painting by Loretta Roome, Recipe and Craft Guide to India by Khadija Ejaz, At Home with Madhur Jaffrey: Simple, Delectable Dishes from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, & Sri Lanka by Madhur Jaffrey, Mangoes & Curry Leaves: Culinary Travels Through the Great Subcontinent by Jeffrey Aldford & Naomi Duguid, The Kids’ Multicultural Cookbook: Food & Fun Around the World by Deanna F. Cook, and East & Southeast Asia by Steven A. Leibo among others.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in February

January 29, 2016January 22, 2016 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

February might be the shortest month, but you’d never know it by looking at our Events Calendar! February is chock full of fun and interesting programs just about every day at Cheshire Library. Here are a few highlights:

Sir George and the Dragon by Pumpernickel Puppets

Saturday Feb 6, 2016, 10:30 AM

The Cheshire Public Library is pleased to welcome Pumpernickel Puppets this year for the 5th annual Take Your Child to the Library Day. Join an adventurous princess as she journeys to Mystery Mountain to visit the Great Green Dragon. Along the way you’ll meet Zelda the babysitter, a silly bat, Sir George and his clumsy dog, and of course the lovable dragon. Will Sir George slay the dragon? Not to worry, everything ends happily in this fun show. Ages 3 and up, no registration required.

The Harris Brothers Balkan Band

Sunday Feb 7, 2016, 2:00 PM

Exciting and joyful music that celebrates the culture of the Balkans. Local resident Drew Harris is a member of this popular band! This concert is free and open to the public, no registration required.

Valentine’s Day Read-Aloud with the FEA

Thursday Feb 11, 2016, 3:30 PM

Come read with the Future Educators of America from Dodd Middle School for a special Valentine’s Day Storytime. Please register online or call the library at (203) 272-2245.

Mighty Aphrodite

Thursday Feb 11, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Come and enjoy a Valentine celebration of chocolate, love, and friendship! Kim Larkin is the owner and chocolatier of a commercially licensed chocolate company located in Connecticut, Klassic Kreations Gourmet. This fun, educational workshop covers interesting topics such as new chocolate trends, the various types of chocolate, the history and health benefits of chococate, and highlights friends and lovers throughout history. Free samples are available to all! Seating is limited, please register online or call the library at (203) 272-2245.

Bhangra Dance Lesson and Performance

Saturday Feb 13, 2016, 2:00 – 3:15 PM

Enjoy a short performance followed by a fun hourlong 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 Jashan Bhangra. Part of our South Asian Cultural Festival. Lesson: ages 6 – adult. Performance: all ages. No registration required.

Family Concert: Sheri Miller

Sunday Feb 14, 2016, 2:00 PM

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sheri Miller writes and performs her soulful, Beatles-inspired love songs, while accompanying herself on guitar and piano. She also sings a wide range of popular, classic, love song favorites for families, children, and all ages, including The Beatles, Jackson 5, Louis Armstrong and Johnny Cash, among others. This concert is free and open to the public, no registration required.

Stamping

Monday Feb 15, 2016, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Crafting ideas are endless with stamps from cards, fabric, scrapbooking etc. Bring your crafty ideas, we will provide the stamps, ink and paper. You may bring your own items to stamp. Please register for this adult program early as space is limited, online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Italy, A Cultural Journey

Thursday Feb 18, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Ashley Turney has spent 25 years living, studying and working in the place that she calls her second home. Italy’s 20 regions are each unique in customs, language and cuisine making this small country a true mosaic of cultures. We will explore the regional differences from an eager traveler’s perspective in a slide presentation which takes us on a colorful journey from north to south and even to the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Please register online or call the library at (203) 272-2245.

Preschool Fair

Saturday Feb 20, 2016, 1:00 – 4:00 PM

The Cheshire Public Library would like to invite you to participate in our first Preschool Fair on Saturday, February 20. In the event of bad weather, the snow date will be March 12 from 1:00-4:00 pm. This program will allow you to meet and ask questions with preschools in the Cheshire area. Our objective is to provide you support by offering a one-stop-shop to community preschools in order to navigate through endless information regarding school facilities, personnel, and educational philosophies. No registration required.

The Heart of Organizing with Sheri Bertolini

Thursday Feb 25, 2016, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Sheri Bertolini, a professional organizer, has learned that organizing doesn’t start with trips to a donation center, or by purchasing labels, containers and bins. The first step is to connect with your heart to build a home you love to spend time in, and are proud to show off. With humor and tools to implement her ideas, Sheri will show how to make decisions about what goes and what stays, give you fresh perspective and energy to reorganize your home. Please register online or call the library at (203) 272-2245 ext. 4.

Explore the Art of Henna

Saturday Feb 27, 2016, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Tweens and teens–interested in the art of henna? As part of our South Asian Cultural Festival, 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.) Space is limited, Please register online or call the library at (203) 272-2245.

One Password to Rule Them All!

January 13, 2016January 7, 2016 / emily100101 / Leave a comment

password

I’ve noticed some patrons who come to library tech tutoring struggle to keep track of their passwords. They scribble them in notebooks, tape them to their laptops, jot them down on post-its, and before they know it, they’ve lost them. Sound familiar?

Resetting a password is no simple matter either, and if you don’t have access to your email or remember your security questions, you might find yourself locked out of your account permanently.

Adding to the confusion, many of us have more than one password reset email, and we all certainly have more than one account we need to remember. As Technology Coordinator for the Library, I have about 100 passwords to remember at any given time, and that’s just for my job.

You’re really in trouble if you forget the password to your computer as one gentleman I recently worked with will tell you. His MacBook had no recovery partition, and we had to completely reinstall his entire computer—All for forgetting a little password!

Luckily, there are several companies offering solutions to the password dilemma. Two of my favorites are 1Password and LastPass.

1Password is an app that stores all of your passwords and automatically fills them in for you on websites. You can download it for Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and as a browser extension for Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, so you’re never without your passwords everywhere you go. It even stores data for security questions, pin numbers, and anything else you might need. All you need to remember is your one Master Password which will grant you access to your encrypted password database.

In the event your laptop stops working or you drop your iPhone in a toilet, you’re still covered. You can opt to backup your passwords to the cloud through DropBox or iCloud, or save it to a folder on an external backup drive. I use the DropBox backup, and it saved me when I lost a harddrive last year. All 184 passwords were still safe!

I really can’t say enough good things about 1Password. I use it every single day and it gives me immense peace of mind. If you’re struggling to remember and document your passwords in a reliable manner, definitely give 1Password or its similar competitor, LastPass, a try.

Technology Help – Need device advice? Schedule a one-on-one lesson in the basics of computers, laptops, tablets, and eReaders. Call the library at 203-272-2245 to make an appointment or come to our monthly Drop-in Tech Help program.