What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in April

April showers? Head into Cheshire Library, we’ve got something fun and interesting going on every day, rain or shine! Here are a few of our programs scheduled for April:

Your Edible Landscape

Tuesday Apr 3, 2018, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

Join the 3 Foragers – a family from southeastern Connecticut who have been identifying, photographing and cooking with the edible plants and fungi of New England for more than 10 years. Things like the edible fruits of Kousa (Japanese) dogwood and nuts like acorns, as well as roses and many edible flowers, and even the weeds between your garden veggies! Registration is required.

Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail

Tuesday Apr 10, 2018, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

Those who attend this program will be treated to a modern day adventure. Sam Ducharme set out on a 2180 mile, 14 state backpacking trip from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin Maine. During his six month journey he documented the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the wildlife, the hardships encountered on the trail, as well as the people, culture and humanity at its finest. Come join him as he takes you through the trail towns, over the mountaintops and through the backcountry. Registration is required.

Strategies for a Sustainable Income in Retirement

Wednesday Apr 11, 2018, 6:30 PM

Come and  learn some of the considerations to make when addressing retirement planning including strategies to help maximize their social security benefits, how to avoid some of the common filing mistakes, and an overview of tax-advantaged savings vehicles. Registration is required.

Library After Hours Dance Party

Friday Apr 13, 2018, 5:00  –  7:30 PM

Enjoy Zumba, dancing, instrument play and more with Cheshire Public Library’s staff in program room.  We’ll have crafts and our play area open in the Children’s Room. Pizza from Cheshire Pizza and drinks will be available for sale from 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 Level of the Library will not be open to the public.  

Ask a Veterinary Technician

Saturday Apr 14, 2018, 2:00  –  4:00 PM

VCA Cheshire Animal Hospital will have a Certified Veterinary Technician on hand to answer your dog and cat questions. VCA offers general practice, emergency, specialty care and is open 24 hours a day. (Please leave your pet at home and if this is a emergency please bring your animal to the hospital). Register online.

Financial Fitness Checkup

Tuesday Apr 17, 2018, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

This workshop will help you review your current status and identify actions you can take to improve your financial situation. Participants will have an opportunity to take a quiz about their current financial practices in areas such as general money management, saving, credit, debt, and other topics. This workshop is provided by UConn Extension and the Connecticut Saves Campaign. Registration is required.

Rock Science Workshop

Wednesday Apr 18, 2018, 4:00  –  5:00 PM

Explore the physical and optical properties of rocks and minerals with local naturalist, Eric Nelson.  Observe their crystal structure and find out how to make certain rocks and minerals glow in the dark. Registration required starting March 15 for Cheshire residents and April 1 for all others.

Investment Concerns in a Fragile Market

Wednesday Apr 18, 2018, 6:30  –  7:30 PM

Come and learn why “down” down markets create investment “opportunities” for the wise investor.  Additionally, several options that may help to lessen the impact of your tax burden will be reviewed along with some tips for tax-smart investing strategies. The informational workshop will be presented by the Society for Financial Awareness. Registration is required.

Friends of Cheshire Public Library – Spring Book Sale

Thursday Apr 26 – Sunday Apr 29, 2018.

Thousands of gently used books, audiobooks, dvds, and more – it’s a bargain hunter’s paradise! Proceeds go to supporting programs and events at CPL. Special Preview Night for Friends Members only on Wednesday Apr 25, 6:30 – 8:00 PM – memberships may be purchased at the door.

Outdoor Storytime @ Bartlem Park

Saturday Apr 28, 2018, 11:00 AM

A spring-themed outdoor storytime full of books, rhymes, music, and movement. Enjoy the Kids in Motion Playground before or after the program. Best suited for ages 2-6. Registration required starting April 1 for Cheshire residents and April 15 for nonresidents.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in March

In like a lion, out like a lamb, & all that. March in New England certainly keeps the weather unpredictable, but you can count on great things happening at CPL, no matter the weather.  Our calendar is packed with terrific programs this month, here’s a sampling:

Kitchen Céilí

Sunday Mar 4, 2018, 2:00 PM

This Irish/New England band serves up healthy portions of spirited tunes and songs in an atmosphere of unpretentious good humor. Their repertoire includes driving reels and lilting jigs as well as stately waltzes, slow airs, and old and new songs. No registration required.

Spring and Summer Gardening Tips

Monday Mar 5, 2018, 6:00  –  7:30 PM

Spring and summer is a great time to be working in the garden for beauty and foods, but you might encounter a number of puzzling issues. This presentation will answer and discuss some common questions about general care, pruning, water management, fertilizing, and disease control in lawns, flower gardens, small fruits, and vegetable gardens.  Registration is required.

Introduction to Gmail

Thursday Mar 8, 2018, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

We will learn how to compose an e-mail, send an e-mail, create folders, organizing e-mails, and working with attachments. Prerequisite familiarity with computers and internet. Space is limited and registration is required.

Library After Hours: KC Sisters Family Concert

Friday Mar 9, 2018, 5:00 PM  –  7:30 PM

Join us for a family concert featuring the KC Sisters, a family band featuring 5 sisters with dad on piano! Music will include multi-harmonized songs, country fiddling, originals and a wide variety of standards from jazz to country to pop to oldies. There will be some simple crafts in the Children’s Room and pizza and drinks will be available for sale from 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 requested. (Please note that the Lower Level of the Library will not be open to the public. )

Drop-in Tech Help

  • Saturday Mar 10, 1:00  –  3:00 PM
  • Tuesday Mar 13, 1:00  –  3:00 PM
  • Tuesday Mar 20, 1:00  –  3:00 PM
  • Saturday Mar 31, 1:00  –  3:00 PM

Do you have questions about your computer, smartphone, or iPad? Do you need help navigating Facebook or downloading an ebook? Let us help! Our weekly drop-in sessions are available on a first come first served basis, and may be limited to 15 minutes per person. In the event your question or issue is more involved, we may ask you to schedule an appointment to come back for one-on-one help. Please be sure to bring your device, and make sure it is fully charged. No registration required.

Pysanky Egg Decorating (ages 8 – adult)

Saturday Mar 10, 2018:

  • Session 1: 11:00 AM  –  1:00 PM
  • Session 2: 1:30 PM  –  3:30 PM

Bring your friends & family and learn the art of Pysanky Egg decorating from the egg lady Sharon Leonard. This form of Ukrainian egg decorating uses special wax and color to make beautiful eggs.  Each participant will be able to go home with one decorated egg.  Registration is required for each participant, children must be over the age of 8 and please sign up for only one session. Please tie back hair and refrain from loose fitting clothing, as open flames are used during this process.

Author talk : Kate Moore, author of Radium Girls

Thursday Mar 15, 2018, 6:30 PM

Please join us as we welcome KATE MOORE, the author of Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women, who is coming from England to do a U.S. promotional tour of the paperback version of her non-fiction bestseller. Moore is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. We are thrilled to have her at Cheshire Library to talk about the incredible true story of the young women exposed to the “wonder” substance of radium and their brave struggle for justice. Bookclubs are encouraged to attend. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing, registration is required.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Friday Mar 16, 2018, 10:00  –  11:00 AM

Learn about the origins of St. Patrick’s Day with volunteers from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. We’ll read folktales from Irish culture, make crafts, and even explore science! Registration required starting February 15 for Cheshire residents and March 1 for nonresidents.

Your Chemical Free Home

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

Discover how the chemicals lurking in your home directly relate to your body and health. Not all green cleaners are 100% natural.   Presenter Marie Bristol will explain how to tell what is really in your cleaners, and share options for better, healthier ways to clean. Registration is required.

Conn-Men A Cappella

Sunday Mar 25, 2018, 2:00 PM

The Conn-Men are UCONN’s premier all-male a cappella group.  Join us for an exuberant concert, no registration required!

March Madness Math (Grades 3-6)

Thursday Mar 29, 2018, 4:00  –  4:50 PM

As the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball teams dribble and shoot their way to the championships, we’ll learn about sports math with hands-on experiments. We’ll look at player statistics, explore the geometry behind throwing the ball, calculate our own shooting percentages, and decide if it’s better to shoot two-pointers or three-pointers. For kids in grades 3-6. Registration required starting February 15 for Cheshire residents and March 1 for nonresidents.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in February

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

Dirty Harry, Dirty Rotten Scounfrels, The Dirty Dozen, Dirty Dancing (DVDS)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

Victoria & Abdul movie posterMovie 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.

stylized Cheshire CatCheshire 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.

River City Slim & The Zydeco Hogs (musical group)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 logoTrivia 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.

Queen Victoria reenactor Sally MummeyMeet 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.

Year of the Dog illustrationChinese-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.

candleholders made from booksCraft 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.

Queen VictoriaThe 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.

Carolina Gold rice plantThe 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.

 

 

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in January

Happy New Year! We hope one of your resolutions is to visit the library more this year, check out some of the programs we’ve got coming up in January!

Crafternoons (for grades K-6)

Tuesday Jan 2, 2018, 4:00  –  4:45 PM
 Drop-in for seasonal and fun crafts for kids!  Materials will be provided by the library, no registration required.

Bring Your Own Crafts (for Adults)

Thursday Jan 4, 2018, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

Coloring, stitching, drawing, stamping, scrapbooking, if it’s crafty, bring it in!  Come for a relaxing and de-stressing night of crafting. We will meet most every first Thursday of the month. There will be plenty of room to spread out for your crafts.  Some supplies will be provided for this adult program. Registration is required.

 

Cookbook Club: Slow Cooker

Wednesday Jan 10, 2018, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

What better way to connect with your fellow humans than by breaking bread together? To our January Cookbook Club meeting, bring a slow-cooker dish, along with copies of your recipe(s), and the cookbook(s) you used.  Must be at least 18 years of age or older to participate.  By registering for the program, participants acknowledge that they may choose to consume food that has not been prepared in a commercial kitchen.

Introduction to Microsoft Word

Part 1 – Thursday Jan 11, 2018, 12:30 PM  –  2:30 PM

Part 2 – Thursday Jan 18, 2018, 12:30 PM  –  2:30 PM

This class will provide an introduction to Microsoft Word and is divided into two sessions. Registration is required.

  • You will learn basic navigation skills to effectively use the Microsoft Word program.
  • Create a simple document.
  • Edit text and check spelling errors.
  • Format the document.
  • Insert a picture; change font formatting and much more.

Library After Hours: Spirits Alive!

Friday Jan 12, 2018, 6:00  –  7:00 PM

This month Library After Hours is hosting the Cheshire Historical Society’s Spirits Alive show! Five spirits from the past will be at the library to tell their stories. If you missed this sold-out show in October, now is your chance to experience some of the tales from the grave. By turns funny, sad, and thought-provoking, you’ll delight in these live performances. Please note, the lobby and children’s room will be open to the public but the lower level of the library will not.  Pizza, snacks and drinks will be available for sale from the Friends of the Library.  There is no admission fee, but there is a suggested donation of $5 per family to help offset costs. Seating is limited, registration is required.

Zumba for Adults

  • Wednesday Jan 17 – 2:00-3:00
  • Wednesday Jan 24 – 2:00-3:00
  • Wednesday Jan 31 – 2:00 -3:00

Burn calories and have fun doing it! Our Zumba class is open to adults of any skill or fitness level and is designed to teach the basic dance steps and easy to follow movements. Registration is required.

Zumba for Kids

  • Wednesday Jan 17 – 3:00-3:30
  • Wednesday Jan 24 – 3:00-3:30
  • Wednesday Jan 31 – 3:00-3:30

Perfect for younger Zumba fans!  Zumba Kids feature kid-friendly routines. This class helps develop a healthy lifestyle and incorporate fitness as a natural part of children’s lives by making fitness fun.

Goal Setting

Wednesday Jan 17, 2018, 6:00  –  7:30 PM

Are you struggling in one area of your life, or maybe more?  Do you know why?  Would you like to learn how to identify what your goals are and then how to take the steps to attain those goals?  Certified Life Coach Fiona Bain brings her sense of humor and love for life to help others become empowered in their own lives, to take steps to reach their goals and relieve their anxiety about what steps they want to take next. Registration is required.

Wake up Your Thyroid- Naturally Improve Thyroid, Energy and

Metabolism

Thursday Jan 18, 2018, 6:30 PM

Dr. David DeRosa, D.C., Clinical Nutritionist will discuss:

  •  Why half of all thyroid disorders go misdiagnosed.
  • The two missing nutritional links no one talks about.
  • Learn simple steps you can take to promote balance in your thyroid.

Registration is required.

Trivia Night

Wednesday Jan 24, 2018, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

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 required for this adult program beginning January 10.

Introduction to PowerPoint

Part 1 – Thursday Jan 25, 12:30  –  2:30 PM

Part 2 – Thursday Feb 01, 12:30  –  2:30 PM

This class will provide introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint and is divided into two sessions. Registration is required. You will learn to:

  • Create a new presentation.
  • Modify presentation.
  • Add and edit text.
  • Insert clipart images and shapes to slides.
  • Add sound and video to a slide presentation and more…

Movement For Your Busy Life

Thursday Jan 25, 2018, 6:30  –  7:30 PM

In this fast-paced world it seems impossible to fit in any kind of exercise or movement into our work day. Mary Hurley, holistic health coach and certified personal trainer, will teach you a series of breathing techniques, stretching and strengthening movements that can be done throughout your work day with no special equipment. Registration is required.

Valentine Cards

Monday Jan 29, 2018, 6:00  –  7:30 PM

One of the many joys of the Valentine’s Day is sending cheerful cards to the ones you love.  Join Sue Bernier and create beautiful Valentine cards. You will use rubber stamps, ink and Stampin’ Up products to create your cards.  All levels are invited to join.   Registration is required.

 

 

 

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in December

The countdown to the Holidays has begun – take a break from the frenzy with some of our December programs!

Library After Hours – Holiday Edition

Friday Dec 1, 2017, 5:00  –  7:30 PM

Library After Hours is back by popular demand! Join us for a family-friendly holiday movie (“The Polar Express”) and some seasonal activities for children and parents/caregivers.  Pizza, snacks and drinks will be available for sale from 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 Level of the Library will not be open to the public.  Please register so we know how many goodies to have on hand.  Kids are welcome to wear pajamas! Movie begins at 5:30 p.m.

Coast Guard Saxophone Quartet

Sunday Dec 3, 2017, 2:00 PM
The United States Coast Guard Saxophone Quartet is comprised of the saxophone section of the U.S. Coast Guard Band. In addition to performing throughout Taiwan in 2009 and 2010, the Quartet performs regularly at conferences held by the World Saxophone Congress and the North American Saxophone Alliance, and has performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and at Carnegie Hall. This concert is free to the public, no registration required.

Library Lab (Grades K-6)

Tuesdays, Dec 5 & 12, 2017 4:00 – 4:50 PM

Kids come together to discover the wonders of science through hands-on activities and takeaways.  Science is fun, but it can be messy. Registration required starting November 15 for Cheshire residents and December 1 for all others.  This program meets 2 times, December 5 and 12.  You only need to register once to attend all sessions.

After School Zumba

Wednesday Dec 6, 2017, 4:00 PM

Zumba® is an easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired dance-fitness program. Classes specifically for kids are formatted in a way to make getting fit fun. Kids can just let loose and be themselves. It’s referred to as the exercise in disguise. It’s an hour filled with energy and routines created to the latest music. For kids of all ages,  parents and/or caregivers are welcome to participate with their children. No registration required.

Pearl Harbor: Into the Arizona Documentary

Thursday Dec 7, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Join us for this fascinating documentary Pearl Harbor: Into the Arizona. The USS Arizona has been resting on Pearl Harbor’s ocean floor for the past 76 years. For the first time since it was destroyed in 1941, scientists have the technology to take an in-depth look inside the ship. The discoveries made inside the ship are a stark reminder of all those who paid the ultimate price for their country. The expedition retells personal stories of survivors who lived through Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. It also brings a survivor who was aboard the Arizona back to see the ship for what might be one last time. No registration required.

Create Holiday Cards with Rubber Stamps

Wednesday Dec 13, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

One of the many joys of the Holiday season is sending cheerful cards to the ones you love.  Join Sue Bernier and create beautiful Holiday cards. You will use rubber stamps, ink and Stampin’ Up products to create your cards.  All levels are invited to join.  Registration is required.

BYOC : Bring Your Own Crafts!

 Thursday Dec 14, 2017, 6:00  – 8:00 PM 
Coloring, stitching, drawing, stamping, scrapbooking, if it’s crafty, bring it in!  We will meet most every first Thursday of the month. There will be plenty of room to spread out for your crafts.  Some supplies will be provided for this adult program. Registration is required.

Relaxing Coloring Night for Adults

Thursday Dec 28, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM 

Join us for relaxing coloring night for adults and de-stress from this busy time of year.  We’ll provide coloring pages and supplies, but feel free to bring your own pages, art supplies.  Registration is required.

New Year’s Party

Friday Dec 29, 2017, 11:00 AM  –  12:00 PM

It’s a Noon-Year’s Eve party!! Get ready for 2018 with fun family activities! For children of all ages and their families. Registration required. Registration begins December 15 for Cheshire residents and December 28 for non-residents.

Cheshire Anime Club Holiday Special 

Friday Dec 29, 2017, 3:00 – 4:30 PM 

Konnichiwa, minna-san! Can’t get enough Anime and Manga? Join us for a special holiday edition of Anime Club where we will watch holiday and New Year’s themed anime! Japanese snacks (like Ramune and Pocky) will be available for refreshments. Grades 7 -12, no registration required.