What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in March

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Is it winter or is it spring? No matter what it’s doing outside, you can count on Cheshire Library to keep you occupied inside. This month we’re learning about Ireland through lectures, films, and music. We’ve also got a spooky After Hours program featuring Dustin Pari of Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International! More of a nature lover? Check out our programs on opossums, backyard beekeeping and migrating birds. Check out our Event Calendar to sign up for these programs and more!

Open Art Studio

Fridays from 1-3pm

Bring your works in progress and supplies to this weekly drop-in art program. This is an opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with other artists. No formal instruction will be provided, but informal critiquing for those who want it is encouraged. Table covers will be provided. There is a sink in the room for basic cleanup (please do not bring turpentine).

Family Storytime

Saturday, March 4, 2022, 11:00 – 11:30am

Family Storytime is a drop-in, interactive storytime for children and family members! Learn through talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing! This storytime is for children of all ages. No registration is required.

Anniversary of Ireland’s Civil War

Monday, March 6, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

The Irish Civil War 1922-1923, the period represents perhaps one of the saddest times in Irish history. This lecture, through use of multi-media presentation, will discuss the events leading to Civil War, the leaders, the violence, and its aftermath. Registration is required.

Movie Matinees

  • Tuesday March 7: Ticket to Paradise (2022)
  • Tuesday March 21: Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959)

Join us in the Library Loft for a movie on the big screen! No registration is required and movies begin at 1pm.

Miss Representation – Film Screening and Discussion

Wednesday March 8, 2023, 5:30 – 8:00pm

In honor of National Women’s History Month, the Cheshire Public Library, Cheshire Human Services and Chesprocott Health District are partnering to hold a screening and discussion of the film Miss Representation. This documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom exposes startling facts and statistics of how the mainstream media’s often disparaging and limited portrayal of women and girls contributes to their under-representation in positions of power and influence in America. Following a screening of the film, Michelle Piccerillo, Cheshire Director of Human Services and Kate Glendon, Chesprocott Public Health Specialist will facilitate a round table discussion of the themes presented in the film. Please register in advance.

Adult Loft Knitters

Wednesday March 8, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come socialize, learn, and share your techniques with other knitters.  Experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. All levels of adult knitters are welcome. Please bring your own yarn and knitting needles (crocheters are also welcome!). This group meets monthly, please register in advance.

Classic Movie Series: The Third Man (1949)

Thursday March 9, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00pm

The Third Man is a 1949 British film noir stars Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Orson Welles, and Trevor Howard. Set in postwar Vienna, the film centers on American Holly Martins (Cotten), who arrives in the city to accept a job with his friend Harry Lime (Welles), only to learn that Lime has died. Viewing his death as suspicious, Martins elects to stay in Vienna and investigate the matter. Registration is required.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday March 9, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us for a monthly 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. Registration is required.

Library After Hours: Documenting the Dead with Dustin Pari

Friday March 10, 2023, 6:00 – 7:30pm

We’ll leave the lights on for this educational (and creepy) exploration of paranormal research and spirit communication from the past to the present. Dustin Pari, paranormal investigator and cast member of Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International, takes a look back at his own efforts to conduct paranormal research and brings it back even further to some of the earliest spirit communication techniques. This program is appropriate for adults and teens, please register in advance.

Concert–Celtic Music with the Carroll Sisters

Saturday March 11, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Join us for our annual celebration of Celtic music and St. Patrick’s Day! This year we are welcoming the Carroll Sisters, a young group known for their lively traditional Celtic tunes, beautiful harmonies, intriguing counterpoints, and unique musical arrangements on fiddle and cello. 

Wags & Tales (Grades K-3)

Gromit, a Newtown-Strong Therapy Dog will be available to be read to by independent readers in grades K-3. Reading aloud in a relaxed environment is a confidence booster to all readers. 15 minute visits will be available, please register and come with a preselected book to read to Gromit.  Registration is required for each child.

Explore New Worlds: Virtual Reality

Experience virtual reality with the library’s Oculus headsets. Choose from a wide selection of tours adventures and games all in an interactive virtual world. 30 minute spots available from 6:00 to 7:30. Register for the date you want, you will be contacted prior to the program to select your spot.

Orphan Trains and the Children Who Rode Them (ONLINE)

Wednesday March 15, 2023, 6:30pm – 8:00pm

The story of the Orphan Trains, which relocated children from the eastern cities to rural farmlands, has become a part of American popular culture. This ONLINE presentation explores the facts behind the legends, follows a group of children “placed-out” in 1880, and, provides information on resources available to learn more about the orphan trains and their riders. Please register in advance to receive a link to join the program.

Backyard Wildlife: All About Opossums

Thursday March 16, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue for an overview of wildlife rehabilitation and their rescue efforts with opossums. Adults and kids can learn what makes opossums awesome, and how you can give support to wildlife in your neighborhood. There will be time for questions and a meet-and-greet with the opossum ambassadors! Registration is required.

Backyard Beekeeping

Saturday March 18, 2023, 10:00 – 11:00am

Join us as Paula from the Backyard Beekeepers Associaton teaches us all the basics of keeping backyard bees. At this all-ages program we’ll learn about starting and maintaining a hive and get to see examples of a beekeeper suit, smoker, and healthy honeycomb. Registration is required.

Happy Place: Torn Paper Landscapes

Monday March 20, 2023, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Need to take a little time for self-care? Find your happy place with soothing music, hot drinks, socializing, and low-stress crafting. This month we’ll be making landscapes from torn construction paper and listening to Gentle Love‘s instrumental jazz renditions of video game music (trust us). Registration is required.

Book Club

A monthly book group where you can meet new people, sip a warm drink, and have great discussions. This month we’re reading Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. Register for our afternoon or evening group.

Builders Brigade

Thursday March 23, 2023, 2:30 – 3:45pm

Budding engineers are invited to build freely with LEGOs, Duplos, KEVA Planks, Strawbees, and more! For kids of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.

TAB: Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)

Tuesday March 28, 2023, 3:45 – 4:45pm

The Teen Advisory Board is a group of teens in grades 6-12 who want to take an active part in helping the library and the community. Giveaways and snacks will be provided. Registration is required.

The Quinnipiac (Indigenous People)

Wednesday March 29, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

The Quinnipiac once lived throughout South Central Connecticut; along the shoreline from West Haven to Clinton and north to Cheshire and Meriden. The heart of their homeland was the Quinnipiac River. The presentation will focus on the 14,000 years of Indigenous history in the region, the changing life over time, and the impact of European settlement on their way of life. Registration is required.

Lights Out Connecticut: Help Save Our Migrating Birds

Thursday March 30, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Why Lights Out? Each fall and spring, millions of birds pass through Connecticut on their way to and from their summer nesting grounds. Artificial lights from buildings and other structures can attract and disorient birds, leading to fatal window collisions. The result is catastrophic: Almost 1 billion birds killed in the United States every year. Come find out more about how you can help millions of birds migrate safely through our state. Registration is required.

One Book, Three Readers: 3 Teens Review “Beartown”

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Teens: did you know that you can earn community service credit for writing a book review and submitting it to us? Today, we’ll hear from three teens who did just that, and get their different takes on the same book. Find out more about how to earn community service hours from home at cheshirelibrary.org/teens/.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman. Reviewed by Jocelyn C.

Beartown is a novel that discusses extreme topics that aren’t usually talked about in books and also needs an extreme trigger warning! To start off the book, we see the small town of Beartown, Sweden preparing for and anticipating the semifinal hockey game. With the 17 year old hockey star Kevin Erdal, the junior hockey team might finally have a chance to win. This wing could lead to an economical boost for the entire town. Peter Anderson of Beartown, was a NHL star in Canada, but eventually returned back to his hometown with his wife Kira, and their kids Maya and Isak. The whole family suffered a tragic loss when their son Isak died from a childhood illness at a very young age. This definitely affected the family for the rest of their lives.

Sune, the A-team coach thought that something was missing on his hockey team. This is when he discovers Amata and recruits him. Amat faces many struggles. He is sort of an outcast, and when his friends find out that he is moving up, they aren’t too thrilled. Amat is bullied in the locker room, on the ice, and even outside of school and the rink. Amat, though, refuses to give up and plays in the semifinal. Maya has had a crush on Kevin for the longest time, but Amat has a crush on Maya. While Amat attempts to ask out Maya, Kevin rudely interrupts and invites Maya and her best friend Ana to his party. This is where things take a turn for the worse.

At Kevin’s home full of drunk teenagers and no parents, Kevin makes a bet with one of his friends that he will be able to sleep with the GM’s daughter. This does not go over well. While the two of them are extremely drunk, Kevin lures Maya up to his bedroom where he sexually assults her. With the encouragement of Ana, Maya tells her parents right before the hockey final, and Kevin is arrested just as they get on the bus to leave. No one knew what happened and they were all extremely confused. Everyone claims that she was lying, little do they know Amat walked in and saw the whole thing. After the hockey season is over, Sune starts an all girls hockey team to change the town’s sexist hockey culture. Everyone steps in to teach the young girls to play so they can become the next Beartown hockey stars. This novel is extremely well written and has an incredible message behind it.

5 stars.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman. Reviewed by Ella K.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman is a novel centered around a local hockey team from the small Swedish town of Beartown. The sport of hockey is incredibly important to the town and the entire social hierarchy revolves around the team. The star of the hockey team, Kevin, is the most popular guy in town. His rich parents have funded his obsession with hockey since he was young. The town, being extremely isolated, has a struggling economy. All hopes lie with the hockey team to win the championship in order to get a new school centered around hockey built within the town.

The entire town is rooting for Kevin and the team, but things change after a house party takes a turn for the worst and the lives of the entire town are uprooted. This book has great commentary on the harmful effects of locker room talk and prevalent issues in society. Loyalty versus morality is also an important theme that is discussed throughout the story. This book made me emotionally invested in the characters and I felt things for the characters when they went through the hardships that they did. Backman writes the characters extremely well and you cannot help but get caught up in the small world of Beartown.

Anyone who is even remotely interested in realistic fiction should pick up a copy of this book. Not only is its commentary on society important, but it is also a book filled with suspense and intrigue. Backman’s writing discusses the influences and inner workings of a small town that can be detrimental on the health of its children. All in all, the book is well written and well worth the read. It is important to understand the negative effects of the mob mentality and how the internet can be harmful to one’s mental health. All these things and more are prevalent issues in the small community of Beartown.

5 stars.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman. Reviewed by Juliana J.

Beartown was an absolutely jaw-dropping book to be able to read, and I would read it again in a heartbeat. Set in Beartown, Sweden, a has-been hockey town that wishes to revive itself, the book is written in third-person and jumps from multiple perspectives between characters in the novel. The book grapples with mature themes from the mindset of a teenage girl, as well as her parents, and some of her peers. The imagery used throughout made the book even more tantalizing, and I felt myself wanting to read the whole book in one sitting on many occasions. The subtle foreshadowing leaves you even more curious about how the novel will turn out, and what conclusion will be brought forth. Styles such as plays on words and usage of dramatic irony kept the novel interesting, and there wasn’t a dull moment for me as I read through the entire book.

There are many plot twists throughout the novel, but they were all executed well. The book had excellent examples of friendships displayed throughout, especially for the age group. They had moments of heartbreak in friendship– finding out your friend isn’t who they thought they were, feeling abandoned or hurt, as well as moments of peace and solidarity– standing by them when no one else would, and forgiving past mistakes. One of my favorite parts of the book was the use of repetition in subtle themes hinted at throughout the book. The novel also puts a great stress on the presence of ‘locker room talk’, which is a toxic mindset. Beartown helped to showcase some of the greatest damages of how locker room talk can affect young people and their adolescent years, even extending further into adulthood. It also brings to light important discussions such as how to handle adult-themed topics as a friend, a sister, a parent, or even a peer.

5 stars.

Downloadable Books for Valentine’s Day

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Love is in the air with these e-books for kids and adults. Download with your Cheshire Library card!

FOR KIDS:

Franklin’s Valentines by Paulette Bourgeois. It’s Valentine’s Day and Franklin can’t wait to give his friends the cards he has made. But when he gets to school, he discovers that they’re missing.

Elmo Loves You by Sarah Albee. Elmo loves lots of things. But what does Elmo love most of all? Read along with this charming book to find out!

Dora Loves Boots by Alison Inches. It’s Valentine’s Day! Dora and Boots can’t wait to spend it together. They pick a favorite meeting place and set out with Map’s help. Will they find each other on this special day?

Rotten Ralph’s Rotten Romance by Jack Gantos. Sarah is very excited to take Ralph to Petunia’s Valentine’s Day Party. But Ralph will do almost anything to avoid the party and drippy Valentine kisses!

February Friend by Ron Roy. Bradley is passing out his class’s valentines, but one of them has no name on it. Inside, the card tells the class to look in the closet. When they open the closet door, the kids find a rabbit named Douglas in a cage! What mysterious “friend” left him there? And why?

FOR ADULTS:

Royal Valentine by Jenn McKinlay. Molly Graham stumbles across a very handsome British professor seeking refuge in her office during the Museum of Literature’s Valentine’s Day gala. But just when things start to get interesting, he disappears.

Brava, Valentine by Adriana Trigiani.When Valentine Roncalli discovers a long lost shoe design, a family secret unravels that helps her take control of the company from a conniving relative, but first she seeks the counsel, and more, of her ex-fiancee, Bret Fitzpatrick, to help re-boot the business while she pursues a hot romance with a handsome Italian from her past.

Death of a Valentine by M.C. Beaton. Announcing his engagement to associate Josie McSween, police sergeant and once-confirmed bachelor Hamish Macbeth struggles with prenuptial jitters while investigating the murder of a woman whose increasingly complicated case introduced him to his fiancée.

Sweet, Thoughtful Valentine by Alexander McCall Smith. When philosopher and amateur sleuth Isabel Dalhousie runs into an old classmate facing marital and financial troubles, the secret becomes more and more difficult for Isabel to keep. Thankfully, Isabel’s devoted husband, Jamie, is there to help her navigate her competing moral obligations.

Be My Valentine by Debbie Macomber. Dianne Williams, tired of matchmaking efforts on her behalf, enlists the help of a stranger to accompany her to a Valentine dinner; and, romance novelist Bailey York tries to find the perfect model for her new fictional hero.

Learn a Little, Live a Little

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Do love learning? Do you dream of taking college classes, but the cost and the time is too much? Are you taking a high school or college class and struggling to understand the material?  Did you cut your cable, and can’t find anything decent to watch anymore?

Fear not! The Great Courses are here!

Cheshire Public Library has always had a handful of these delightful media, but through a generous donation, we’ve been able to greatly expand our holdings to more than 70 titles.

What are the Great Courses?  Professional college-level lectures on audiobook or DVD on a variety of topics, given by actual college professors and experts (like Neil DeGrasse Tyson!), that will give you the equivalent of an entire college class in the comfort of your car or living room. Some come with study guides and questions to think about, but you will never have a test or a grade at the end!

The Great Courses was the brainchild of Thomas M. Rollins, the former Chief Counsel of the US Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources (1985-89). Inspired by a 10-hour video lecture series he watched as a student at Harvard Law, he set about creating his own video series under the business label The Teaching Company. He recruited professors to record lectures on topics people were interested in learning about. Because the lectures were chosen by customers, they caught on quickly. There are currently more than 900 lectures available in a wide variety of topics. Some are short – four hours – while others (like the Civil War) can run to 14 discs.

Great Courses are expensive – that Civil War set is more than $500 to purchase yourself, but in 2016 the company began a $20/month streaming service, and then in 2021 rebranded itself under the name Wondrium. Wondrium not only offers more than 280 of the Great Courses, but also content from Magellan TV, Craftsy, and Kino Lorber, which carries art films, documentaries, world cinema, and classic films (silent films like Metropolis, Charlie Chaplin, and more).

If you don’t feel like yet another subscription to a streaming service, check out the library’s offerings downstairs in the adult department. We have more than 30 titles on DVD, and more than 35 on audiobook for learning on the go. As Fat Albert used to say, “If you’re not careful, you may learn something!”

Did you know that if you’ve already studied the material, you can often exempt a college class? It’s called the CLEP program – College Level Examination Program.  Basically, if you can pass the exit exam for a class, you can get college credit for that class. Not every school offers it, not every class is covered, but if a Great Courses lecture can help, you can save several hundred dollars!

Check out these great titles and more!

Some of our Audiobook titles:

Ancient Greek Civilization

Beethoven’s Sonatas

Books that Have Made History

Broadway Musicals

The New Testament

Italian Renaissance

Native People of North America

Rise and Fall of the British Empire

Some of our DVD titles:

The American Civil War

Einstein’s Relativity

Monet to Van Gogh

When Rome Ruled

Photography

The Louvre

Geology

Human Language

The Vikings

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in February

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You’ll find history, crafts, music, and more on our Event Calendar this February – check out the full month of offerings and Save your spot for these programs!

February Art Show

A selection of oil paintings and paper cuttings by Cheshire artist Susan Fenaughty will be on display in the Mary Baldwin Room during the month of February.

Open Art Studio

Fridays, February 3, 10, 24, from 1-3pm

Bring your works in progress and supplies to this weekly drop-in art program. This is an opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with other artists. No formal instruction will be provided, but informal critiquing for those who want it is encouraged. Table covers will be provided. There is a sink in the room for basic cleanup (please do not bring turpentine).

Juggling and Comedy Show

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 11:00 – 11:45am

Join us for an afternoon of laughter with Bryson Lang in celebration of Take Your Child to the Library Day! Bryson’s show mixes comedy, audience participation, juggling, giant beach balls, improv, and more! For kids of all ages. Please register the number of children and teens attending.

Black Bears in Connecticut

Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 6:30 – 8:15pm

Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn will be here to teach us about our fascinating neighbors, Connecticut’s black bears. We’ll get to hear about their natural history, how to coexist with these creatures, and explore black bear artifacts. Registration is required.

Movie Matinees

  • Tuesday February 7: Philomena (2013)
  • Tuesday February 21: Hopscotch (1980)

Join us in the Library Loft for a movie on the big screen! Registration is not required and movies begin at 1pm.

Tories, Spies, & Traitors: Divided Loyalty in Revolutionary Connecticut

Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

In 1775, as the thirteen colonies began a rebellion against British rule, loyalty was not only a matter of words or opinion. For soldiers and civilians alike, loyalty could mean loss of fortune, of friends, and even of life. This presentation reveals stories— some well known, some obscure— of Nutmeggers who risked and sacrificed to support their chosen side during this “tumultuous jarring time of civil war.” Registration is required.

Craft Night: Embroider a Heart

Monday, February 13, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Learn three basic embroidery stitches to create a festive heart decoration you can display all year long. Patrons will receive personal instruction from Bristol instructor, Dawn Zillich – The Stitching Coach. Supplies will be provided, all you need to bring is creativity and love of fiber arts to the library. Space is limited for this adult program and registration is required.

Meh. : An Un-Valentine’s Day program (Teens, Grades 6-12)

Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 4:00 – 4:50pm

Are you tired of the cliché valentines day nonsense? Annoyed by all the cupids and candy hearts? This Un-Valentine’s day party is all about celebrating the non-romantic relationships in our lives- family, friends, and best of all self-love. Join us for crafts, snacks, and fun activities! For teens in grades 6-12, registration is required.

Explore New Worlds: Virtual Reality

Experience virtual reality with the library’s Oculus headsets. Choose from a wide selection of tours adventures and games all in an interactive virtual world. 30 minute spots available from 6:00 to 7:30. Register for the date you want, you will be contacted prior to the program to select your spot.

Adult Loft Knitters

Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come socialize, learn, and share your techniques with other knitters.  Experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. All levels of adult knitters are welcome. Please bring your own yarn and knitting needles (crocheters are also welcome!). This group meets monthly, please register in advance.

Weed-Free Gardening (ONLINE)

Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 7:00 – 8:15pm

Join us for a program on organic weed control prevention and control strategies that really work. Tasha Greer goes way beyond the usual suggestions for mulching and pulling weeds. In fact, she will explain why pulling weeds can actually be a bad idea and that mulching can cause problems when used with the wrong weeds. Please register in advance for this online program.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, February 16, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us for a monthly 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. Registration is required.

Upcycled Sweater Party

Friday, February 17, 2023, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Give your old sweaters a second life by turning them into winter accessories, home decor, or even another piece of clothing! We’ll provide inspiration, directions, and help for a variety of sewing and no-sew projects. In the spirit of upcycling, please bring your own sweaters from home if possible. Registration is required.

Guide to Student-Athlete College Recruitment

Thursday, February 23, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

s your child looking to play sports beyond high school? Hear a father share his child’s recruitment journey and lessons learned. Find out what to expect as you navigate your student-athlete’s recruitment process. Parents and teens are encouraged to attend. Please register in advance.

Concert: Silk’n Sounds

Saturday, February 25, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Silk’n Sounds is a women’s chorus based in the Greater New Haven area, bound together by their love of singing. The group has a broad repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs, including jazz standards, ballads, and rhythmic pop favorites from the Great American Songbook. This a cappella chorus is dedicated to excellence in the performance of four-part harmony in the barbershop tradition.