What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in March

February 23, 2017February 16, 2017 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Two concerts this month, plus fun and informative programs on everything from Aromatherapy to Starting a Business! Here are the highlights from our March Events Calendar:

Scents and Sensibility

Thursday Mar 2, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Learn about the medicinal benefits of various herbs and essential oils and create your own 8-ounce herbal reed diffuser. This 90 minute hands-on workshop includes all materials. Seating is limited and registration is required.

Cuentos y Cantos

Friday Mar 3, 2017, 10:00 – 10:45 AM

¡Hola y bienvenidos a Cuentos y Cantos! Join Miss Lauren for a bilingual storytime in English and Spanish. We’ll read books, sing songs, learn new words, and have fun in two languages! For children ages 0-5 with a parent/caregiver. No registration required.

Atwater-Donnelly Trio

Sunday Mar 5, 2017, 2:00 PM

Award-winning, internationally acclaimed performers, Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly blend gorgeous harmonies and play an astonishing array of instruments, showcasing traditional American and Celtic folk songs and percussive dance featuring Irish step dancer Kevin Doyle. This concert is free to the public, no registration required.

Starting and Running a Small Business

Tuesdays, Mar 7, 14, 21, 28 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

The basics of starting and running a small business will be presented in a series of four programs to be hosted by SCORE, a network of business mentors, at the Cheshire Public Library, in the month of March. The sessions will take place on Tuesday evenings – March 7, 14, 21, and 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Space is limited, please register early!

Cookbook Club: Pasta and Noodles

Wednesday Mar 8, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

March is Noodle Month! Bring your favorite pasta/noodle cookbooks (from the library or home) to discuss, and a pasta/noodle dish to share with the group. Must be at least 18 years of age or older to participate. By attending the program, participants acknowledge that they may choose to consume food that has not been prepared in a commercial kitchen. Registration is required.

Adult Knitting Night

Wednesdays Mar 8 and 22, 2017, 6:30 PM

Come socialize, learn, and share your techniques with other knitters. Experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. Advanced adult knitters welcome, no supplies or instruction will be given. We will meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday every month, no registration required.

300 Years of Connecticut’s Remarkable Women

Thursday Mar 9, 2017, 6:00 PM

Please join us as we celebrate Women’s History Month with a tribute to 300 Years of Connecticut’s Remarkable Women presented by The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame. This multi-media program will discuss well-known figures like Ella Grasso, Katharine Hepburn and Marian Anderson and lesser known heroines like Maria Sanchez, Barbara McClintock and Hannah Watson. Registration is required.

Celebrate the Caldecott!

Saturday Mar 11, 2017, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join us as we celebrate some of our favorite Caldecott Medal books! The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children published that year. This hands-on family friendly program will include art activities and games featuring some of the past award winners. For all ages, registration is required.

Food Your Kids Will Eat!

Monday Mar 13, 2017, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Do you have a favorite recipe that your family loves? Do you have a recipe that freezes well that you can heat up after a long day at work? Well this program is for you. Bring a sample of your favorite dish, and the recipe to share with the group. We’ll share ways of getting kids to eat the food you prepare! Must be at least 18 years of age or older to participate. By attending the program, participants acknowledge that they may choose to consume food that has not been prepared in a commercial kitchen. Registration is required.

Microsoft PowerPoint

3-part class, Wednesdays Mar 15, 22, 29, 1:30-2:30 PM

This class will provide introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint and is divided into three sessions.
You will learn how to:
– Create a new presentation.
– Modify presentation themes.
– Add and edit text.
– Add new slides to a presentation.
– Insert clipart images and shapes to slides.
– Add sound and video to a slide presentation.
– Insert and edit animations and slide transitions and much more. Registration is required.

READ Photo Week

Monday Mar 20 – Saturday Mar 26, 2017

Kids, show off your love of reading! Stop by the Children’s Room any time from Monday, March 20th to Saturday, March 26th to get your photo taken with a favorite book. Take a book from our shelves or bring a book from home, select a snazzy background, then smile and say “read”! During National Library Week from April 10-16, come pick up your photo and enjoy our brand-new display featuring all the readers at Cheshire Library.

SAT/ACT Preparation

Thursday Mar 23, 2017, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Want to learn about free resources such as practice SAT/ACT tests and eBooks available to you free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Attend this free session and learn about Learning Express a digital service that will help you master the SAT/ACT. Registration is required.

Noah Baerman Trio

Sunday Mar 26, 2017, 2:00 PM

Noah Baerman is an acclaimed jazz pianist/composer, educator, author, and Artistic Director of the non-profit Resonant Motion. For this program, Noah and his trio will demonstrate some of the nuts and bolts of instrumental jazz in lay terms, but without watering down the music itself. This concert is free to the public, no registration required.

Author Talk : The Brass Valley by Emery Roth

Monday Mar 27, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

They called the steep valley of Connecticut’s Naugatuck River, “Brass Valley,” because from the time the world began running on steam and bearings, trolleys and soot, the Naugatuck Valley came to be where most of the world’s brass manufacturing happened. Author and photographer, Emery Roth will talk about his new book, Brass Valley: The fall of an American Industry, a book of pictures and stories about how it all happened.

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Collection Spotlight: Magazines for Children and Teens

January 30, 2017January 13, 2017 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

Cheshire Public Library subscribes to a variety of magazine, both in print and digitally. Print Magazines for adults are kept on the lower level, and get a good amount of traffic. Our digital offerings via Zinio and Overdrive also get a good deal of use. However, I think people forget about the print magazines we carry for our children and young adult readers.

Our children’s magazines live on and end caps of the children’s chapter books shelves. Included with the children’s magazines are a few selections for parents and family reading. New items are on one side of the shelf and back issues are on the opposite end of the same shelf.

The young adult magazines are housed in the teen room in a corner by the bistro table and end of the manga collection. All magazines circulate for a two week loan period, but are renewable. If the issue you are looking for is not available a hold can be placed on it. Simply stop by any service desk or call to place a hold.

Our children’s magazine collection includes: LEGO Club Magazine, The Horn Book Magazine, Kids Discover, Chop Chop, National Geographic Kids, Discovery Girls, Girls’ Life, American Girl, Ladybug, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Zoobooks, Ask!: Arts and Sciences for Kids, Plays, Muse, Highlights Hello, Ranger Rick, Ranger Rick Jr, Boys’ Life, Brick Journal, Highlights for Children, and Cobblestone.

The magazines for parents and family include: Practical Homeschooling, Parents , and Family Fun.

Our young adult magazine collection includes: Game Informer Magazine: For Video Game Enthusiasts, Teen Vogue, Mad, Seventeen, J-14, and Twis t.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in February?

January 25, 2017January 12, 2017 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

February is a short month, but there’s no shortage of great programs on our Event Calendar – here are just a few:

JobNow

Wednesday Feb 1, 2017, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Do you need help with your job search, your resume, or interviewing techniques? JobNow, powered by Brainfuse, provides live interactive online help combined with online resources to guide you through the necessary tasks to get a job, and is available free to CPL cardholders. No registration required for this workshop.

Color Yourself Calm

Thurs, Feb 2, and Mon, Feb 20, 2017, 6:00 PM

De-stress your busy life with a relaxing night of coloring. We’ll provide coloring pages and supplies, but feel free to bring your own pages and art supplies!

Preschool Fair

Saturday Feb 4, 2017, 1:00 – 3:30 PM

The Cheshire Public Library would like to invite you to participate in our Preschool Fair on Saturday, February 4. In the event of bad weather, the snow date will be March 4th. This program will allow you to meet and ask questions with preschools in the Cheshire area. Our objective is to provide you support by offering a one-stop-shop to community preschools in order to navigate through endless information regarding school facilities, personnel, and educational philosophies. No registration required.

Chinese New Year with Acrobat Li Liu

Saturday Feb 11, 2017, 11:00 – 11:45 AM

Celebrate the end of Chinese New Year with acrobat Li Liu! For all ages, no registration required.

Folk Duo Andy and Judy Daigle

Sunday Feb 12, 2017, 2:00 PM

Talented folk duo Andy & Judy Daigle blend popular folk covers with their growing list of original songs. he New England natives have been singing together since 2009, first performing at open mic nights where they featured cover versions of songs written by favorites John Prine, Bob Dylan, Ian and Sylvia, and Peter, Paul & Mary. This concert is free and open to the public, no registration required.

Awesome Jr. : Edible Architecture

Tuesday Feb 14, 2017, 4:00 – 4:45 PM

School-age kids in grades K-2 are invited to Awesome Jr. for fun with science, technology, engineering, art, and math. We’ll read stories, conduct experiments, play with apps, and make works of art. Today we’re going to make edible architecture out of frosting, graham crackers, pretzels, and other yummy building materials. Registration is required.

Cheshire C.A.T.s

Thursday Feb 16, 2017, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Are you looking to give back to your community? Fulfill a community service requirement? Have fun? Consider becoming a member of the Cheshire Council of Advisory Teens (Cheshire CATs). Just what IS Cheshire CATS you ask? It’s a group of dedicated teens who are interested in making a difference at the Cheshire Public Library. Members will play a critical role in developing the library’s young adult collection, young adult outreach, event planning and marketing, and making the library a friendlier place for young adults. Members will meet monthly, earn community service credit and will have a direct impact on teen life at the library. No registration required, join us!

Paint Night

Thursday Feb 16, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Escape from the clutches of winter at our Tropical Paradise Paint Night…come dressed in your favorite summer outfit and be transported to a scene by the sea, where all of your thoughts drift into hues of summer. No experience necessary, only a desire for fun and relaxation. We will explore basic techniques to create your masterpiece. Registration required for this adult program.

Pete the Cat Party

Saturday Feb 18, 2017, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Join us for the coolest storytime around! We’ll read some of our favorite Pete the Cat books, do lots of singing and dancing, and make our own musical instruments. Pete the Cat himself will be dropping by for hugs, high-fives, and photos. It’s all good! For children of all ages and their families. Registration is required.

Bird Feeders In Winter

Thursday Feb 23, 2017, 6:30 PM

Angela Dimmitt who will help us identify birds that you might typically see at your bird feeders and discuss which type of feeders and feed will attract particular birds. She is a member of Litchfield Hills Audubon Society, the Western Connecticut Bird Club and the Connecticut Ornithological Association. Registration is required.

Zumba

Saturday Feb 25, 2017, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Have you been wondering what Zumba is and if it’s right for you? Zumba is a popular dance based fitness program inspired by Latin music and dance. It’s Different, it’s Fun, it’s Effective and it’s Easy to do! Come and experience Zumba!! This Zumba demonstration for adults presented by Donna Paventy-certified Zumba instructor from the Cheshire Community YMCA. Registration is required.

Introduction to Computers

Tuesday Feb 28, 2017, 2:00 PM

Join us to learn the basic computer skills including the different parts of a computer, how to use a mouse and keyboard, how to turn the computer on and off properly and how to navigate the desktop. This class is for individuals with little to no experience with computers. Registration is required.

High Interest Books for Middle Grade Readers

January 19, 2017December 20, 2016 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

I have talked before about reluctant readers and transitional readers, particularly about finding books that can interest and engage them as they work to become more confident readers. (Check out the list here if this would apply to the books you are looking for). However, my kids are a little older now, so I have spent more time looking for the elusive perfect middle grade book to interest my high energy readers. They both love to read but only if the subject matter and action level meet their specific standards. I know this is a common issue since I have helped many a frustrated parent and child find something to read while working in the children’s room.

Why do I bring this up? Well, this week as I was unpacking a new order of children’s books I was thrilled to see a large number of books that fill this sweet spot of reads that would interest many middle grade readers. Right away I started mentally listing some of the best and realized how many zany, energy packed reads are available.

Here are some high interest, high humor, and high action reads for those who have trouble getting into a book, or who have convinced themselves that reading is boring. These are not readers who have trouble reading, only who are tired of being told what to read or have not found highly entertaining books and might have lost interest in books because of it.

Most of these suggestions are series starters or are by authors who consistently write this style of book, so if you find one that makes your reader happy they will have more to follow it up with.

The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier & Douglas Holgate

Whales on Stilts by M.T. Anderson

Home Sweet Motel by Chris Grabenstein

Marvin and the Moths by Matthew Holm and Jonathan Follet

Attack of the Fluffy Bunnies by Andrea Beaty

The Hero Revealed by William Boniface

The Adventures of Nanny Piggins by R.A. Spratt

Wonkenstein by Obert Skye

Castle Hangnail by Ursula Vernon

My Rotten Life by David Lubar

As usual, I found more books I wanted to include than can fit in a simple list, so more suggestions are: The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, SPHDZ by Jon Scieszka, The Robe of Skulls by Vivian French, Herbert’s Wormhole by Peter Nelson and Rohitash Rao, Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka, The Lunch Witch by Deb Lucke, Dodger and Me by Jordan Sonnenblick, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis, My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish by Mo O’Hara, The Odd Squad: Bully Bait by Michael Fry, The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood, and The Abominables by Eva Ibbotson.

Did I miss a book that was a hit with you or a reader you know? Share the title here so we can give it a look too!

Fictional Family Troubles For Young Readers

January 4, 2017November 22, 2016 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

Oftentimes reading about another person in a similar (or worse) situation than your own helps a reader of any age feel less alone and better about their personal situation. It can also help them process what is happen and deal with their own emotions. While nothing helps more than a solid support system or counseling, reading a book that we can relate to can also do wonders. This is true for the children and teens in our lives, not just for adult readers.

If there is something serious going on in the home life of a young child in your life, here are some books they might relate to that could help them know they are not alone. They can also see someone else come to terms with and learn to cope with the same issues with which they are currently dealing. Most of these novels deal with the characters coming to terms with family issues such as separation or divorce, but some also include other family changes or conflicts.

Shelved in Childrens:
Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary
I, Lorelei by Yeardley Smith
Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo
Sarah Simpson’s Rules for Living by Rebecca Rupp
The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner
Words with Wings by Nikki Grimes
What Would Joey Do? by Jack Gantos
How Tía Lola Learned to Teach by Julia Alvarez
Your Friend in Fashion, Abby Shapiro by Amy Axelrod
The Accidental Adventures of India McAllister by Charlotte Agell

Shelved in Young Adult:
Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
Unbecoming by Jenny Downham
Dark Water by Laura McNeal
Far from Fair by Elana K. Arnold
Black, White, Other by Joan Steinau Lester
The Secret Diary of Ashley Juergens by Ashley Juergens
Pearl by Deirdre Riordan Hall
Fans of the Impossible Life by Kate Scelsa
Zipped by Laura and Tom McNeal
The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten

As always, these are just some suggested titles, there was no way to include all the wonderful books out there that might help. If you have a favorite book that you would suggest on this topic please share it in the comments.