What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in November

October 30, 2018October 10, 2018 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Concerts, classes, crafts, and more are on the calendar in November at CPL. And don’t forget the big Fall Book Sale – check out the Event Calendar for all of our November offerings!

Chocolate for the Holidays

Saturday, November 3, 2018, 2:00 – 4:00PM

Long time chef, chocolate expert and former Cheshire Library Assistant Director Maria Brandriff will demonstrate how to make both decadent truffles and some healthier chocolate treats to give as holiday gifts. Recipes and ample samples will be available. Registration is required.

Sunday Concert: Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem

Sunday, November 4, 2018, 2:00 – 3:00PM

This New England-based folk quartet is now in its15th year and features Rani Arbo (fiddle, guitar), Andrew Kinsey (bass, banjo, ukulele), Anand Nayak (electric and acoustic guitars) and Scott Kessel (percussion). This band’s steadfast brew of wit, camaraderie, and musicality leaves audiences everywhere humming and hopeful, spirits renewed. Join us for the first concert of CPL’s 2018-2019 Sunday concert series, made possible by the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library! No registration required.

Family Zumba

Mondays: November 5, 19, and 26, 2018, 4:00 – 4:30PM

Perfect for younger Zumba fans and their grown-ups. Family Zumba features kid-friendly routines and up-beat music! Caregivers are encouraged to attend and participate. This class helps develop a healthy lifestyle and incorporate fitness as a natural part of children’s lives by making fitness fun. No registration required.

Transcend Physical Reality for Your Healing and Empowerment

Monday, November 5, 2018, 6:3- – 8:00PM

Would you like to be able to raise above your everyday consciousness and create a new reality in your mind, so real that it shifts physical reality? You have all the power you need within you, but first you need to be able to transcend physical reality and look deeper into the essence. Your ability to transcend physical reality has tremendous healing power. You are not a victim but a director of your life. Author and healer and former Cheshire resident Sue Maisano will help you understand how to transcend physical reality to heal/empower yourself and achieve your true heart’s desires with least resistance. Registration is required.

South Asian Festival

Tuesday, November 6, 2018, 3:00 – 4:00PM

Join us for an afternoon filled with exciting activities for children of all ages! Create your own Rangoli artwork, apply henna skin art, learn the origins of henna, create fun crafts, and more! Registration is not required for this event. (Please note public schools are not in session this day.)

Finish That Book

Tuesdays: November 6, 13, 20, 27, 2018, 5:00 – 8:00PM

National Novel Writing Month, is an annual, Internet-based creative writing project that takes place during the month of November. Participants attempt to write a 50,000 word manuscript between November 1 and November 30. Join other writers for a quiet and relaxing space to write. Drop in, no registration required.

Trivia Night @ The Waverly Inn

Wednesday, November 7, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Join us for a special Trivia Night at The Waverly Inn (286 Maple Ave, Cheshire). Come by yourself or bring friends, test your knowledge of pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course, literature! It’s all for Pride, not for Prize. Don’t forget to bring your appetite, as the Waverly Inn has tasty eats to purchase. Registration begins October 24, and is required for this adult program.

Friends of Cheshire Public Library Fall Book Sale

Thursday November 15 – Sunday November 18, 2018

Thousands of gently used books, cds, and dvds. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Cheshire Public Library, who make all of our fantastic programming possible! Members of the Friends get a sneak peek on Wednesday night, and memberships will be available for purchase at the door. Support the Friends!

Wednesday, November 14, 6:30 – 8:00PM: Preview Night (members only)
Thursday, November 15, 9:00AM – 8:00PM
Friday, November 16, 9:00AM – 4:30PM
Saturday, November 17, 9:00 AM – 4:30PM
Sunday, November 18, 12:00 – 3:00PM: “Bag of Books” Sale

Create Holiday Cards

Wednesday, November 28, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

One of the many joys of the Holiday season is sending cheerful cards to the ones you love. Join Sue Bernier and create 3 Holiday cards using “Stampin Up” rubber stamps and paper. Attendees 15 years old and up. Registration is required, starting November 14.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in October

September 25, 2018October 17, 2018 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

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

August 28, 2018August 2, 2018 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

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:

Sept. 4: All the President’s Men
Sept. 11: Frost/Nixon
Sept. 18: The Post
Sept 25: Mark Felt

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.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in May

May 1, 2018May 2, 2018 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

This May brings a lot of changes to CPL, in both staff and surroundings. Our remodeling project continues on the lower level, and we say good-bye to some key staffers as we head into our busiest season. We will continue to bring you as many awesome programs as we can throughout it all – here are some of the events on the schedule for May:

Drop-In Tech Help

1:00 – 3:00 PM:
Tues. May 1
Wed. May 9
Wed. May 16
Mon. May 21
Wed. May 30

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 and problems to Cheshire Public Library’s Drop-In Tech Help. Tech help is available on a first come first served basis, and may be limited to 15 minutes per person. Please be sure your device is fully charged beforehand.

Managing Back Pain

Tuesday May 1, 2018, 6:30 PM

Resolving or managing neck and back pain can greatly improve quality of life. Recent developments in healthcare provide relief for acute, chronic and cancer-related pain, to enable a happier, healthier life. In this interactive session, Board-certified Neurosurgeon Judith L. Gorelick, MD, and Board-certified Pain Management Specialist Tamer B. Ghaly, MD discuss recent developments in surgical and non-surgical treatments for neck and back pain nand interventional techniques to manage pain and avoid or significantly reduce the use of opioids. Registration is required.

Scrabble Afternoons

Wednesdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 12:30-2:30 PM

Bring your friends, family and join your community in a game of scrabble. Please bring your up to date library card to check out a scrabble board located at the Checkout Desk.

Library After Hours – Star Wars Edition!

Friday May 4, 2018, 5:00 – 7:30 PM

MAY THE ‘FOURTH’ BE WITH YOU! Jedi Younglings and Padawan will learn the ways of the force with the Olympic Taekwondo Academy from 6:00-7:00pm. Face painting, special crafts, and a photobooth will be available from 5:00-7:00pm. 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. Registration is required so that we know how many goodies to have! (Please note that the Lower Level of the Library will not be open to the public. )

The Gift Of Therapy Dogs: Remembering Bella, Meeting Rudy

Saturday May 5, 2018, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

What exactly is a therapy dog? What do they do? Come hear author and speaker Jean Baur, and her new therapy dog, Rudy. Jean wrote a book about her first therapy dog, Bella: Joy Unleashed: The Story of Bella, the Unlikely Therapy Dog. Bella worked for six years, visiting nursing home and hospital patients as well as going to schools and colleges. Jean will share Bella and Rudy’s stories, how she trained them, and most importantly explore with us what they do and why they’re so good at it. Copies of Jean’s book will be available for sale. Children are welcome, but please leave your fur friends at home. Registration is required.

Kids Crafternoon: Huichol String Art

Saturday May 5, 2018, 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Create your own yarn painting inspired by the Huichol tribe of Mexico!

Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut

Monday May 7, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

This presentation focuses on the history of coyotes in Connecticut, an overview of coyote habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction. It also provides practical recommendations for optimum coexistence with our coyote population. Coyote artifacts will be shared with the audience. Registration is required.

Reception for Ramona Burkey and Lucas Franklin

Wednesday May 9, 2018, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Join us in saying farewell to two wonderful staff members who are leaving Cheshire for new positions, Library Director Ramona Burkey and Head of Children’s Services Lucas Franklin. Visit with your favorite Cheshire librarians and enjoy refreshments, including a show-stopper of a cake from our friends at Cheshire Baking! Simple activities and crafts will be available for our youngest guests. Please register so we know how many goodies to have!

Certified Dog Listener, Phil Klein

Thursday May 10, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Learn how canines see the human world, the importance of eye contact and movement in canine communication, the underlying reasons for your dog’s behavior problems. The best news – learn the simple, dog-friendly changes in how to interact with your dog to transform its behavior in a kind and lasting way. In doing so, you will have a calmer, happier dog and a more enjoyable relationship with it. Registration is required for this program, please bring your questions but not your pets.

The Bear Reality

Monday May 14, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

The black bear population in Connecticut has continued to increase since the 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 coexistence with bears. Felicia Ortner, a Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC) and a bear enthusiast, will provide education and facts about bears and help dispel myths and common misunderstandings. Registration is required.

Animal Mascots of the Civil War

Thursday May 17, 2018, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

The Civil War was fought by citizen armies that often had their own, very un-military, ways of fighting. One thing they did was to bring or adopt animals of many kinds. This talk will focus on those much-loved unit mascots. Professor Hamish Lutris, History, Capital Community College, presents the idea of using animals to represent military units throughout history will be discussed, as well as the particular animals honored in Civil War lore and memorialization. Registration is required.

Royal Tea Party

Saturday May 19, 2018, 1:00 PM

The Royal Public Librarians of Cheshire request the honor of your presence at our Royal Tea Party in celebration of the British Royal Wedding! Have your picture taken at St. George’s; participate in royal wedding trivia and a best fascinator contest. Enjoy tea and treats. A video presentation of past royal weddings will be showed as well. Please bring your favorite teacup! Registration will begin Saturday, May 5, and is required for this adult program.

Adios, Chanel! DIY Herbal Perfume

Tuesday May 29, 2018, 6:00 PM

Ditch your store-bought perfume! Most contain dozens of chemicals that do not have to be disclosed on the label. Become a mad scientist! Experiment with base fragrances, mid-tones, and top notes to create your own scent. The mother-daughter team of Velya Jancz-Urban and Ehris Urban are back to teach us, hands-on, how to make our own signature scent. Each participant will leave with a unique, new personal perfume. Sitting is very limited and registration is required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in February

January 30, 2018January 24, 2018 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Did you know February is Library Lovers Month? We’ve got lots to love at CPL this month, check out these great programs:

Dirty Movie Month at CPL

Tuesdays at 1:00 PM

Now that we’ve got your attention, we should explain that our Matinee Movies this month all have the word “Dirty” in the title. Disappointed? Relieved? Come by every Tuesday at 1:00 for some good, (mostly)clean fun! No registration Required.

Feb 6 : Dirty Harry
Feb 13: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Feb 20: The Dirty Dozen
Feb 27: Dirty Dancing

Movie Night – Victoria & Abdul

Thursday Feb 8, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

The extraordinary true story of the amazing and unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) and a young clerk, Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), who becomes her teacher, her spiritual advisor, and her devoted friend. Based on the book of same name by Shrabani Basu. Please register for this event.

Cheshire Anime Club

Friday Feb 9, 2018, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Konnichiwa, minna-san! Can’t get enough Anime and Manga? Be an “Otaku” and join the Cheshire Anime Club! We meet monthly, read and talk about what’s hot in the world of Manga, and watch some of the latest Anime releases on the big screen! Japanese snacks (like Ramune and Pocky) will be available for refreshments. For grades 7 -12, no registration required.

Sunday Concert – River City Slim & The Zydeco Hogs

Sunday Feb 11, 2018, 2:00 PM

It’s Mardi Gras and time to party with River City Slim and The Zydeco Hogs, who bring the exuberant sounds of the steamy bayous of southwestern Louisiana to the hills of New England. Whatever you do, don’t forget your dancing shoes! Cheshire is Slim’s old hometown so be prepared to give him a big Cheshire welcome! This concert is Paid for by the Friends of the Library and free to the public, no registration required.

Trivia Night

Wednesday Feb 14, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Come by yourself or bring your sweetheart for a Valentine’s Day Trivia Night. 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 for this adult program begins January 31.

Meet Queen Victoria

Thursday Feb 15, 2018, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Using Queen Victoria’s diary and letters, this program reveals the personal details of a powerful yet humane woman, who took seriously her role as monarch in a time of great expansion. Sally Mummey’s portrayal as the queen is one not to miss! Registration is required.

Chinese-English Storytime

Friday Feb 16, 2018, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Celebrate the first day of Chinese New Year with a special storytime! We’ll sing simple songs, learn rhymes, and read books in Chinese and English, and complete a craft as well. For children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Registration required starting January 15 for Cheshire residents, and February 1 for nonresidents.

Craft Night: Book Candle Holder

Monday Feb 19, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

A fun night crafting and upcycling books into beautiful candle holders. Registration required for this adult program.

The Men in the Life of Queen Victoria

Wednesday Feb 21, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Join us for a fun evening, as we learn about the Queen and the men in her life. From her infatuation with the Duke of Brunswick, through Uncle Leopold, her Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, Albert, then the dreaded John Brown, Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, and finally the Munshi, her Indian secretary. Registration is required.

The Rice That Helped America Grow

Monday Feb 26, 2018, 6:00 PM

A variety of rice named Carolina Gold was the first food product that America exported to Europe, and helped the coastal colonies achieve economic independence. Learn the legend of how this rice came to America, how West African ingenuity helped it thrive and become a local and international delicacy, and how it was almost lost forever before being revived by amateur enthusiasts in the past few years. Registration is required.