What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in February

January 28, 2020December 30, 2019 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

February’s a short month, but it’s long on programs here at Cheshire Library. Visit our Event Calendar for the full roster of programs for adults & kids this month – here are some highlights!

Explore New Worlds: Virtual Reality Tours

Monday, February 3, 2020, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Experience virtual reality with the library’s Oculus Quest headsets. Choose from 3 of our own Cheshire-based VR adventures or visit other new places and experiences. The event starts at 6pm, but you will be contacted prior to the event with the exact time of your personal session. Sessions will be in the order of registration.

Drop-in Tech Help

Tuesday, February 4, 1:00 – 2:30pm
Wednesday, February 19, 11:00am – 12:30pm

Do you have questions about your laptop, smartphone, or iPad? Do you need help navigating the internet or downloading an ebook? Bring your technology-related questions and issues to Cheshire Public Library’s Drop-In Tech Help. Our librarians will be available to answer your questions and offer advice. NOTE: Please be sure your device is charged beforehand. Tech help is available on a first come first served basis. Tech help may be limited to 15 minutes per person.

Terrific Tweens – Let’s Make Wishing Bracelets!

Wednesday, February 5, 2020, 4:00 – 4:45pm

Kids in grades 5-8 can drop in and decorate paper beads on one side with crayons, markers or pencils, and then write a wish on the other. Then we’ll roll them up, string them together and wish for good things! No registration required.

Take Your Child to the Library Day

Saturday, February 8, 2020 9:00am – 5:00pm

Celebrate your local library today! Stop by the Children’s Room and go on a scavenger hunt, play with toys, crafts, and more! Cheshire residents of any age can get a library card with a photo ID and proof of address. Non-residents can bring their card from their hometown library and get set up to borrow Cheshire materials. And as always, no card is needed to enjoy the day’s activities!

The Winter-Wonderland Music, Bubble and Comedy Show!

Saturday, February 8, 2020, 10:00 – 10:45am

This movement-focused 45-minute performance by Turtle Dance Music is a musical experience that is designed to engage children through song, movement, stories, projections, and interactive music technology! Best for children ages 2-12 but younger siblings are welcome to attend. Please register in advance for this program.

Sally Rogers concert

Sunday, February 9, 2020, 2:00 – 3:15pm

Join us for a concert of traditional, contemporary and original ballads and songs with acclaimed folk musician and recording artist Sally Rogers. Much of the material Sally performs includes compositions of her own (accompanying herself on guitar and Appalachian dulcimer), many of which are considered classics of the folk and popular genre. No registration required.

Intermediate Mac

Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 11:00am – 12:00pm

Have you purchased a Mac and want to learn more about the applications? In this lecture style class we will go over Calendar, Photos, Finder, Preview and more. To take this class you must have a fundamental understanding of Mac computers. Please bring your fully charged Mac computer and all applicable passwords. Space is limited and registration is required.

Learn to Scan Family Photos

Thursday, February 13, 2020, 2:00 – 3:00pm

Do you have albums and boxes of family photos that you would like to digitize? You can do it for free at the Library! Learn how to use the Scannx Scan Center on the library’s lower level in this short hands-on demonstration. Registration is required.

Author Talk: Dear George, Dear Mary

Thursday, February 13, 2020, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Author Mary Calvi has written a fascinating book called Dear George, Dear Mary: A Novel of George Washington’s First Love. Did unrequited love spark a flame that ignited a cause that became the American Revolution? Dear George, Dear Mary explores George’s relationship with his first love, New York heiress Mary Philipse, the richest belle in Colonial America. Books will be for sale and signing after the presentation. Registration is required.

Simply Lincoln

Saturday, February 22, 2020, 2:00 – 4:00pm

Being in the presence of Howard Wright as President Abraham Lincoln is an experience you will not soon forget. Dressed in precise period attire and speaking with a Kentucky accent, Lincoln’s mannerisms, speaking style, and humanity flows over the listener with each moving sentence, witty observance, or eloquent description of a tortuous time that was the Civil War. Registration is required.

The Hot Flashes concert

Sunday, February 23, 2020, 2:00 – 3:00pm

The Hot Flashes are an exciting and eclectic group fronted by three female vocalists who have made a name for themselves on the New England music scene showcasing their tight vocal harmonies and jazzy acoustic stylings. Join us for a rousing afternoon of bluegrass, folk, vintage country, swing, jazz, and blues tunes…with a few cowgirl and traditional tunes thrown in for good measure! No registration required.

Principles of Organic Gardening

Monday, February 24, 2020, 1:00 – 2:00pm

This talk by Dr. Yonghao Li from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station will explain the basic elements of successful organic gardening including site selection, soil preparation, garden design, irrigation, mulching, fertilization, and disease management. Registration is required.

Trivia Afternoon

Monday, February 24, 2020, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Come by yourself or bring friends. Test your knowledge from general categories including pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course, literature! Registration required for this adult program. When registering please register entire group from one person to a max five people.

The Changing Nature of the American Presidency

Tuesday, February 25, 2020, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Dr. Matthew Warshauer, Professor of History, Central Connecticut State University, will deliver a talk on The Changing Nature of the American Presidency. Dr. Warshauer received his Ph.D. (1997) in American Studies at Saint Louis University and joined the faculty at CCSU that same year. He is the author of several history books. Registration is required.

New England Country Dance

Thursday, February 27, 2020, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us for a night of dance! Hosted by Rich Sbardella who has been a dance caller for thirty years. Please wear good shoes for dancing! Registration is required for this adult program.

Color Yourself Calm & Watch a Movie

Saturday, February 29, 2020, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Back by popular demand! De-Stress from your busy life and color. In addition to coloring we will be watching New in Town (2009, rated PG) starring Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr. All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Registration required for this adult program.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in June

June 1, 2015May 31, 2015 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

There’s lots going on at CPL in June: including our new hours and the start of summer reading! Take a look:

Just in time for summer – NEW HOURS!

Beginning June 1st, the library will be open 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM Monday – Thursday, and 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday and Saturday (Saturdays 9-1 in July & August).

Volunteer Vacations

Tuesday Jun 2, 2015, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Don’t just take a vacation, immerse yourself in vacations that give back & make a difference! Join Sheryl Kayne, author of several books including Immersion Travel USA, awarded The Society of American Travel Writers Foundations award for Best Travel Guidebook, as she shares with you amazing trips all over the US. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Is This Thing On? with Abby Stokes

Thursday Jun 4, 2015, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

The digital divide widens with the rapid pace of new innovations and gadgets. What is out there and how it might benefit you can be lost in all the tech talk. Should you buy a tablet or a computer? Stick with your PC or move onto an Apple? How do you maximize your searches and why on earth do people want to share on Facebook? Abby helps you understand what everyone is talking about and how to decide what might work best for you. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Online Marketing: Email Campaigns, LinkedIn for Business, Social Media Time Savers

Tuesday Jun 9, 2015, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

This presentation will be a practical look at best practices, tips, and tools for marketing with email campaigns, LinkedIn, and social media. Attendees will come away from this 90 minute session with concrete “to-do” actions that will help them be more effective online marketers. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Fab Film Saturday: Song of the Sea

Saturday Jun 20, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

From the writer and director of the Academy Award-nominated The Secret of Kells comes an enchanting fable about loss, magic and the love of family. Featuring the voices of Brendan Gleeson (Braveheart) and Fionnula Flanagan (The Others), The Song of the Sea is a “delightful piece of magical animation” (Mark Adams, Screen International)! Running Time 1 hour, 33 minutes. Rated PG. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

Summer Reading Signup

Monday Jun 22, 2015

Summer reading has never been easier! Keep up your reading log when you’re at home and when you’re on vacation. Don’t worry about losing your reading record—just print it out when you’re done! See the Kids Page of our website for details!

Plant Science

Monday Jun 22, 2015, 2 sessions, 2:00 and 3:15 PM

Explore the growth, reproduction, special features and uses of plants through fun hands-on activities with local naturalist Eric Nelson. Please register online beginning June 1.

Toddler Dance Party

Thursday Jun 25, 2015, 2 sessions, 10:00 and 11:00 AM

Enjoy music and movement in this high energy program. Songs help children develop listening skills and pay attention to the rhythms and rhymes of spoken language. Clapping along to rhythms helps children hear the syllables in words and helps them improve motor skills. The 10:00 session is for ages 1-2, the 11:00 session is for ages 2-3. Children must be accompanied by a care giver. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Local Author Talk: America, Freedom and Enlightenment

Thursday Jun 25, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Cheshire author John White discusses his new book, America, Freedom and Enlightenment: An Open Letter to Americans About Patriotism and Global Society. Join Mr. White and your fellow citizens for a lively discussion about the founding principles of our nation, where our country is today, and what it means to be an American. Please register online.

Bedtime Math’s Crazy 8s Club

Friday Jun 26, 2015, 10:00 AM

Crazy 8s is an over-the-top fun math club that helps kids appreciate the math that’s all around them! Each session focuses on a math topic with an engaging activity: like glow in the dark geometry, toliet paper olympics, bouncy dice explosion, and a zip line zoo. The activities are designed for kids entering kindergarten through grade 2. Crazy 8s is funded by the Bedtime Math Foundation, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to putting the fun and discovery back into learning math. This club runs for 8 weeks. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED, but we will build on math skills week to week, so come to as many sessions as you can! Kids must be accompanied by a caregiver.

LEGO® Brunch at the Library

Saturday Jun 27, 2015, 11:00 AM

Enjoy donuts, coffee, juice and more in this special LEGO® storytime. We will start with a short storytime focused around building. Kids will then have an opportunity to use their best creativity to design buildings, creatures, and more using LEGO® . ALL AGES, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Night Skies Planetarium

Monday Jun 29, 201, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Night Skies is a program featuring Mike Francis using Starlab, the inflatable planetarium dome and projector system. A remarkably realistic night sky awaits groups of up to 30. There is no need to worry about the weather, time of day or travel. The experience of entering the giant bubble fascinates. The excitement of being able to identify that bright red star from last night’s sky or locating an elusive constellation sparks the imagination.

Family Drum Circle with Garden of Beats

Tuesday Jun 30, 2015, 10:00 – 10:45 AM

Join us as we create a lively “Garden of Beats” with drum circle leader Conga J. With hand drums of every size and lots of shaky and percussion toys we introduce the world of rhythm to people of all ages. Drumming encourages creativity, community, individuality, working together, culture, self confidence, and coordination (to name a few). All ages, kids must be accompanied by a caregiver. Space is limited; register on our website beginning June 1.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in March

March 1, 2015March 1, 2015 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

March, they say, comes in like a lion, out like a lamb. It’s safe to say that those of us who’ve been in Connecticut this winter are really ready for the lamb! While you’re waiting for the milder weather to come sweeping in, we’ve got lots of great programs to keep you busy!

Weekend Concert Series – I Love a Piano” with Paul Bisaccia

Sunday Mar 1, 2015, 3:00 PM

Local audience favorite Paul Bisaccia will return to Cheshire with a new concert, “I Love a Piano,” featuring classic composers such as Chopin, Debussy, Satie and Paderewski, as well as popular composers, including Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Scott Joplin and Marvin Hamlisch. This concert is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Grow Your Own Meadow

Tuesday Mar 3, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Join landscape designer Kathy Connolly for a one-hour discussion on the establishment, care and feeding of a flowering meadow. She’ll discuss meadow ecology and the role of native species, look at helpful tools, and explain steps you can take from June to December to start a new meadow or encourage an existing one. Seating for this event is limited. Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Fab Film Saturday: “Big Hero 6”

Saturday Mar 7, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, BIG HERO 6 is an action-packed comedy adventure that introduces Baymax, a lovable, personal companion robot, who forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. Rated PG. Running Time 1 hour, 30 minutes.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

Phoenix Performing Arts Troupe

Sunday Mar 8, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Come enjoy this Hartford-based troupe as they perform a variety of Chinese classical and traditional dances, and teach about Chinese arts and culture. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Dinosaur Tea Party

Monday Mar 9, 2015, 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Enjoy a dinosaur themed storytime with craft followed by a tea party (juice and refreshments will be served). Children are encouraged to dress up. Register on our website. For children ages 3-7 years old.

Ctrl Alt Achieve: Green Screen Fun!

Tuesday Mar 10, 2015, 4:30 PM

By using a green screen, kids will be able to bring portions of the book The Day the Crayons Quit to life. Kids will have the opportunity to dress up as their favorite crayons from the book and design and create props. By posing in front of the green screen, they will then be able to complete the scene with the addition of a background from the book. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. For Children in grades K-2.

Take a Hike!

Tuesday Mar 10, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Sometimes referred to as the area’s best kept secret, the Regional Water Authority owns 27,000 acres of land in south central Connecticut, some of which is open for recreational activities with a Regional Water Authority Recreation Permit. Each recreation area is unique. Visitors may hike, jog, cross-country ski or just meander along more than 60 miles of trails through Regional Water Authority watershed lands. Come to the program to find out more! Seating for this event is limited. Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Storyteller: Tales of Deep-Rooted Magic

Saturday Mar 14, 2015, 2:00 PM

Storyteller Sara deBeer will present stories from cultures around the world, and tales of the magic which waits for those who venture into the woods, into the wilds, and into the deep, dark, forest. Sara’s lively storytelling is suitable for listeners of all ages and includes audience participation to keep the youngest listeners involved. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Full of Joy Yoga

Mondays Mar 16, 23, 30, 2015, 9:45 – 10:15 AM

Yoga helps children develop strong, flexible bodies while cultivating a lifetime of joy, peace and wonder. Classes with Lani Rosen of Full of Joy Yoga, combine music, games, props and stories which give everyone the benefits of yoga. For ages 3-5. Register on our website starting March 1.

Teen Time: Stop Motion Video

Friday Mar 20, 2015, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Learn to make a stop motion video using legos, play dough, and an iPad. For grades 6 through 12- no registration required -come whenever you feel like it. The more the merrier- bring your friends and have a ball at the library!

Author Talk: Jon Katz

Sunday Mar 22, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz (A Dog Year, A Good Dog, Rose In a Storm) will speak about his newest book, a memoir called Saving Simon: How a Rescue Donkey Taught Me the Meaning of Compassion. In 2011, state police notified him of a severely neglected donkey who needed attention. It was at that time that Simon entered his life and changed it forever. Hear more about Simon’s story of healing, Mr. Katz’s writing experiences, and much more. Register on our website.

Creating the Non-Stop Garden

Monday Mar 23, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

A nonstop garden doesn’t mean nonstop work. Lower maintenance is just one of the many benefits of four-season gardening. In this lecture, horticulturist Jennifer Benner will outline the benefits of creating a nonstop garden. Sit back and enjoy a botanical journey filled with inspiring photographs that will recharge your gardening batteries. Seating for this event is limited. Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Edible Book Festival

Saturday Mar 28, 2015, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

What exactly is the Edible Book Festival, you may ask? It’s a chance for patrons of all ages to test their creativity and combine their love of both books and food in fun displays that will be viewed by both a panel of judges and the public. The only rules are that entries must be based on a book (any book will do!) and they must be composed of edible items. We’ll be accepting entries in three age-group categories:

Child (up to age 12)
Teen (ages 13-19)
Adult (ages 20+)

A three-person panel of impartial, non-library judges will evaluate all entries based on overall design and creativity, as well as how well entries represent their noted books. At the end of the event, one “Best in Show” prize will be awarded in each age-group category. The basic timeline for the day will be:

10:00 am – 12:00 pm participants will drop off entries at the library
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm the panel of judges will privately evaluate the entries
1:30 pm the public can begin viewing the entries
2:30 pm the winners will announced!

Registration will open on February 1st and will need to be done in-person at the Children’s desk at the library so that we can make sure all participants receive a packet of information for the event.

Weekend Concert Series: “Irish Music In America” with Atwater-Donnelly Band

Sunday Mar 29, 2015, 3:00 PM

The award-winning band Atwater-Donnelly will present a unique blend of traditional American and Celtic folk music and dance on the mountain dulcimer, banjo, tin whistle, guitar, mandolin, harmonica and more. For this very special performance, Aubrey and Elwood will be joined by John and Heidi Cerrigione on upright bass and autoharp, and Irish step-dancer Kevin Doyle. This concert is free and open to the public. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

For the Sake of the Country: Female Spies in the Civil War

Monday Mar 30, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

When you think of the role women played during the Civil War, what do you think of? Do you think of laundresses, homemakers, or nurses? Would you ever think of spies? Female spies played an essential and critical role in shaping the political, military, and social landscape. They changed the course of military battles, political intrigue, and even saved a president! Learn about four extraordinary Union and Confederate spies who risked all for the sake of their country.

Matthew Bartlett is a 2013 graduate of American Military University with a Master’s in Military History with a specialization in the American Civil War. His specialty is the battle of Gettysburg, about which he has written six books. A historian and lecturer, Matthew and his wife belong to the 14th CT CVI, Company F. He and his wife, Jenn, will appear in period attire as Allan Pinkerton and Kate Warne. Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in February

February 1, 2015February 1, 2015 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Fight the February Blahs with some educational, enriching, and entertaining programs at Cheshire Library! Mark your calendar for these events, and see even more on our Event Calendar.

Frozen Sing Along

Sunday Feb 1, 2015 , 2:00 PM

Experience FROZEN, hit musical comedy from Walt Disney Animation Studios, like never before in an all-new, full-length SING-ALONG EDITION! Follow the lyrics with a bouncing FROZEN snowflake. It’s pure enchantment — and full of fun for the whole family! All Ages Welcome. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Monday Feb 2, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club meets once per month on a Monday evening. The Fellowship of the Ring will be discussed at the February 2nd meeting.
There is limited seating for this event. For more information regarding this program, contact Jennifer Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org.

Irish Family History: Researching Irish Websites

Tuesday Feb 3, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

This workshop will introduce you to dozens of websites that can help you to research your Irish ancestors. The speaker will navigate websites and discuss the content of each one. Participants will be given a handout that lists the sites that benefit the Irish family history researcher. Register on our website.

Take Your Child to the Library Day! Magic with Chick Kelman

Saturday Feb 7, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Magician Chick Kelman is returning to the Cheshire Public Library to add some magic to our Bring Your Child to the Library Day celebration. Join us for an afternoon program of magical tricks that will entertain and amaze! Stop by the Children’s Room after the performance for a special prize. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Fab Film Saturday: The Boxtrolls

Saturday Feb 14, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Come enjoy some great box office kids’ movies with Fab Film Saturdays at Cheshire Public Library!
THE BOXTROLLS. A family event movie from the creators of Coraline and ParaNorman that introduces audiences to a new breed of family – The Boxtrolls, a community of quirky, mischievous creatures who have lovingly raised a human boy named Eggs (voiced by Isaac Hempstead Wright) in the amazing cavernous home they’ve built beneath the streets of Cheesebridge. Running Time 1 hour, 37 minutes. Rated PG. Feel free to bring your own snacks! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Author Talk: Jon Katz

Sunday Feb 15, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz (A Dog Year, A Good Dog, Rose In a Storm) will speak about his newest book, a memoir called Saving Simon: How a Rescue Donkey Taught Me the Meaning of Compassion.
Jon Katz has become well-known for rescuing “irredeemable” animals. In 2011, state police notified him of a severely neglected donkey who needed attention. It was at that time that Simon entered his life and changed it forever. Hear more about Simon’s story of healing, Mr. Katz’s writing experiences, and much more. Register on our website.

Bird Biology and Winter Plants

Monday Feb 16, 2015, two sessions, 2:00 and 3:15 PM

Local naturalist Eric Nelson will introduce children to the anatomy, identification and bird behavior through fun hands-on activities and exercises. Children wshould wear loose clothing and sneakers. For ages 6 and up. Register on our website starting on February 1st.

Rainforest Rendezvous with Animal Embassy

Tuesday Feb 17, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Join Animal Embassy on a journey through the four major tropical rainforest regions of the world! Library patrons will meet Animal Ambassadors such as a Chinchilla, a jungle Carpet python, a Red-foot tortoise, Red-eyed tree frogs, a large Green iguana or Solomon Islands monkey-tailed skink and possibly an Eclectus parrot! For ages 4 and up. Register on our website starting on February 1st.

Genealogy Software for Family History Researchers

Tuesday Feb 17, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

After a discussion of factors to consider when purchasing genealogy software and a review of the current Top 10 software packages, presenter Edwin Strickland will explore some of the other computer software options to aid in the recording and publication of your family data and planning further research tasks. Register on our website.

Squishy Circuits

Wednesday Feb 18, 2015, 10:00 – 12:00 PM

Electricity + play dough = lights? Awesome!
Squishy Circuits area a great introduction to the fundamentals of electronics. We will use a play dough that can conduct electricity. Once you know the basics you can plug in lights and motors to bring you already cool sculpture to new levels of awesome. Drop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. and noon. For ages 6 and up. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Truck Storytime

Thursday Feb 19, 2015, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Bring your toy trucks and cars to this special event. There will be storytime followed by playtime. We will provide kiddie pools filled with sand to support play. Be sure to wear clothes you can get messy in. For ages 3-8. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Dads & Donuts

Saturday Feb 21, 2015, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Dads & Donuts is a storytime designed especially for dads and children ages 3 and up. You don’t have to be a dad either. Moms, grandparents, or partners – everyone is welcome to attend and eat delicious donuts. Snacks will follow stories based around the theme of Animals! Enjoy stories with donuts, juice and coloring and crafts to follow. For ages 3-8.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

E-Library Workshop: Downloadable Content at Cheshire Library

Saturday Feb 21, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Want to learn how to download library e-books, audiobooks, movies, magazines and music to your laptop, tablet, e-reader, or smartphone? Bring your device and join us for a hands-on workshop. We’ll start with an overview of our various products and will then break into small groups with library staff, who can answer your questions about getting started.

Learn Spanish Storytime

Monday Feb 23, 2015, 10:00 – 10:30 AM

A hands-on Spanish program for toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary aged children. This bilingual storytime will be tons of fun with songs, games, activities and stories in both English and Spanish! No prior knowledge of Spanish is necessary. For ages 2 to Kindergarten. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Exploring Connecticut and the Slave Trade

Tuesday Feb 24, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Journalist and independent historian Anne Farrow will discuss her new book The Logbooks : Connecticut’s Slave Ships and Human Memory. In 1757, a sailing ship owned by an affluent Connecticut merchant sailed from New London to the tiny island of Bence in Sierra Leone, West Africa, to take on fresh water and slaves. On board was the owner’s son, on a training voyage to learn the trade. The Logbooks explores that voyage, and two others documented by that young man, to unearth new realities of Connecticut’s slave trade and question how we could have forgotten this part of our past so completely. Seating for this event is limited. Register on our website.