We’re working our way back to in-person programming this month, with a variety of programs meeting in-person, on-line, or a hybrid of both. Here’s what we’ve got planned for December:

December Teen Volunteering Challenges

All month long

Earn community service hours by submitting a photo, video, or other content that may be added to CPL’s social media pages! Each submission will be awarded 2 community service hours. December’s challenges include:

• Art: It’s the month of Decembird! You can draw, paint, or sculpt, but make it for the birds- 12 birds of Christmas, backyard winter birds, or whatever kind of bird you like!
• Writing: We challenge you to write a tiny holiday story! Any holiday. Any story. Fact or fiction or something in between. But it must be 200 words or less.
• Food: December 8th is National Brownie Day- select your favorite brownie recipe, and bake a batch of brownies. Share them with someone special!
• Reading: Read a book about a holiday you don’t celebrate at home.
• More Reading: Read a book while wrapped in a favorite blanket. Add a cup of hot cocoa if you’d like.
• Even More Reading: Think ahead: What’s something you want to learn more about in the New Year? Read a book on that topic to get a jump start!
• Extra Credit: Change your life forever by learning a new language- check out Mango Languages on our website, and send us a screenshot of what you are working on… ganbatte!!

If you participate in the challenges, earn community service credit by submitting your creations so we can share them on our social media pages.

Book Buzz Teen Book Club: Two Can Keep a Secret

All month long

This month we are going to read Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus. Books will be provided and are yours to keep! To pick up your Book Buzz book, starting on November 1st, you must register for this event. Then you can come into the library and pick up your book at the Children’s Desk. Join us online here (our Google Classroom page) to share and hear our different points of view about the book! This book discussion group will be available all month -and beyond- and you can interact with us and post your thoughts any time that’s convenient for you.

Cheshire Art League: The Art of Colonial America

Wednesday, December 1, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

The Cheshire Art League is hosting lecturer Bob Potter, who will discuss the The Art of Colonial America, and featuring the works of artists such as Charles Wilson Peale, Benjamin West, Gilbert Stuart, John Singleton Copley, and more. This is a hybrid program, register to attend either in-person or online.

Minecraft Mania

Thursdays, December 2, 9, and 16, 2021, 3:30-5:00pm

Join Minecraft Mania for an afternoon of challenges, building, and creativity! Learn physics, statistics, and engineering concepts through hands-on activities! You will be given access to a free Minecraft account. Best for kids and teens in grades 5-12. This is a hybrid program, register to attend either in-person or online.

Theremin and Piano

Friday, December 3, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us as we explore the music and the history of the Theremin, one of the world’s strangest insturments. The library’s own Jared Goldman and pianist Perla Palomo will perform a mix of modern hits and classics. This concert will feature music as well as a look at how the instrument works and it’s uses throughout the century. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Meditative Mondays

Mondays, December 6, 13, 20 from 2:00 – 3:00pm

Learn to master your thoughts, be in control of your mental & emotional well-being, and discover a world you never thought possible. This 7 session online class will be teaching you various meditation techniques along with topics of awareness for inner transformation. Dress comfortably and enjoy the experience! Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time.

Ball and Socket Project: Where Do We Stand?

Monday, December 6, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00pm

Please join us as Ilona Somogyi, President and Co-Founder of the Ball & Socket Arts, Inc. will update the community on construction progress and answer questions. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Chinese for Families

Tuesdays, December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 4:00 – 5:00pm

(classes will continue in January)

We are so excited to partner with NeuLingo, a live, engaging online Chinese program to offer free Chinese language and culture classes for children! Join us to go on a virtual tour of the most charming cities in China, learn and experience the traditions and stories behind Chinese festivals, pick up a few Chinese words, and practice them with other children through meaningful social interactions! This is an online program, best for ages 5-12. Register once per family to attend all classes.

Author Talk: No Dead Air by Larry Rifkin

Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Larry Rifkin’s career in Connecticut broadcasting spans five decades and includes varied roles including television programming executive, radio personality and now podcaster. In his new book, No Dead Air: Career Reflections from the TV Executive who Kept Barney the Dinosaur from Becoming Extinct, Larry Rifkin reflects on an improbable career that spawned two groundbreaking hits, ‘Barney & Friends’ and ‘UConn Women’s Basketball’. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, December 9, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us virtually 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! This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Trivia Night 

Thursday, December 9, 2021, 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. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Food Explorers: Cookie Decorating

Wednesday, December 22, 2021, 5:00 – 6:00pm

Join Food Explorers for a holiday cookie extravaganza! Frost and decorate your own holiday cookies by coloring your frosting with fruits! This program is nut free but will contain dairy and/or eggs. For children in grades 3-8. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Builder’s Guild 

Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 4:00 – 4:45pm

Design, build, and play with different building materials in this program for budding engineers! Today, we’ll challenge ourselves to design structures with wooden Keva Planks. For children in grades K-3. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Books Over Coffee: Winter’s Tale

Wednesday, December 29, 2021, 12:00 – 1:30pm

Want to engage in great discussions about books? Meet new people? Join us for an adult monthly book club program called Books Over Coffee. We will meet in person in the library Loft! This month’s book is Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin. 

Coding for Teens and Tweens 

Wednesday, December 29, 2021, 2:00 – 4:45pm

Learn HTML/CSS/JavaScript programming! For grades 6 through 12. Each person will need their own laptop (it can be one you bring from home- or you can use one of the library’s laptops) and you’ll need a personal email/password in order to open an account on the website repl.i t. Then you will learn how to create your own website! For kids and teens in grades 6-12. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.