Hidden Treasures in the Library Lobby

When you walk into the Cheshire Public Library you enter the main floor lobby. This large area is home to CD’s, DVD’s, Audiobooks, adult fiction, and new books. There are also a variety of displays, the public catalogs, the circulation desk, and the Friends book sale and donation area. Most regular visitors to the library are aware of their favorite areas, and browse those areas comfortably. However, like in the children’s room there are some hidden treasures that often get over looked and deserve some attention.

IMG_3110Science Fiction
I have always been a big fan of science fiction and fantasy, and love helping people discover new authors and series to explore. Unfortunately, most people miss our Science Fiction shelving area entirely. As with our mystery books, they are shelved separately from the rest of the fiction. You can see which area any adult (or children’s) book is shelved in by reading the call number. Adult fiction call numbers will all start with where they are shelved; Fiction, Mystery, or IMG_3116Science Fiction. The mysteries are easy to find, since they are shelved right after the regular fiction. However, the Science Fiction materials are shelved on the wall near the fiction between the audiobooks and classic movies.

Graphic Novels
Graphic novels are not just for children and teens. Take for example the popularity of The Walking Dead. Our selection of graphic novels in the lobby is not huge, but it is high IMG_3111quality and well worth taking a look at. Since it is a fairly small collection it might be easy to over look, but it is not hard to find or to browse if you are interested. The collection is housed on the endcap of the New Biography and Nonfiction shelf, facing the windows and DVD’s. If you like what you see, but are looking for even more graphic novels, do not be afraid to explore the large selection in the Teen’s Room!IMG_3113

Categorized DVD’s
Most regular visitors know where to find the DVD’s they enjoy most, and where our Quick Flick, New, regular, and Blu-Ray movies are each shelved. However, there are a few groups of films that are shelved separately. We have labeled  these disks and changed their call numbers to IMG_3112match these special areas, but infrequent movie borrowers might not know about these little nooks and crannies. Classic movies are labeled with a red Classics label and are shelved on a slat-wall display on the wall by the fiction books. Comedy movies have an orange Comedy label and shelved in the next slat- wall display. On the same wall, in the build in bookcase between those two IMG_3114slat-wall displays, you can find the television show box sets which have a bright pink TV label on them.  If you keep following that wall to the corner you will find the Family Films (with a green label), and in the next bookcase after a window you can find the non-fiction films (classed by number) and the Foreign Films which have a yellow Foreign sticker on them.IMG_3115

Lost And Found
While not a part of our library collection, it is an often asked for and searched for item. Small or valuable items (wallets, phones, jewelry, etc) that have been turned into library staff stay at that service desk for a time and then are tucked away in a safe until claimed. However, items like coats, mittens, notebooks, umbrellas, and so on are kept at the IMG_3117service desk of the area they were found in for a few hours and are then placed in our Lost and Found bin. This is located between the Friend’s donation area and the Audiobook collection.

Do not forget about the variety of ever changing displays. Any of our items that are on these displays can be checked out. If you are still unsure where to find what you are looking for swing by the Circulation desk and we would be glad to help you!

College Applications and Financial Aid Help

collegetopHave you decided to go back to college? Maybe you have a family member that is going back to school, or just starting to think about life after high school?  Well, it is never too early, or too late, to start researching options and resources that might be available to you. The library has plenty of books, guides, and other resources that can make the decision and application process a little bit easier. Here are some great places to start the search and decision making process, but keep in mind that there are many more resources and help you available at the library and online.

After checking out the paper resources you might also want to check out an upcoming program on the subject. On January 12 2016 Jennifer Philips will be presenting a seminar on College Financial Aid at 6:30pm. Registration is required. For more information or to register take a look at all the details here.

Choosing the Right School:
college1The Other College Guide: a Roadmap to the Right School for You by Jane Sweetland, Paul Glastris and the staff of Washington Monthly
Profiles of American Colleges 2016 compiled and edited by the College Division of Barron’s Educational Series
The Hidden Ivies: Fifty Top Colleges from Amherst to Williams that Rival the Ivy League by Howard R. Greene and Matthew W. Greene
Bound-for-College Guidebook: a Step-by-Step Guide to Finding and Applying to Colleges by Frank Burtnett

Applying to School:
college2In! College Admissions and Beyond: the Experts’ Proven Strategy for Success by Lillian Luterman and Jennifer Bloom
The New Rules of College Admissions: Ten Former Admissions Officers Reveal What it Takes to Get into College Today by Stephen Kramer, Michael London
The Simple Guide to College Admission & Financial Aid: How to Select the Right College, Applying for Admission, Writing the College Essay, [and] the Financial Aid Process Made Easy by Anne M. St. Pierre & Danielle M. Printz
B+ Grades, A+ College Application: How to Present your Strongest Self, Write a Stand-Out Admissions Essay, and Get into the Perfect School For You–Even with Less-than-Perfect Grades by Joie Jager-Hyman, EdD

Paying for School:
Paying for College Without Going Broke by Kalman A. college3Chany with Geoff Martz
Getting Financial Aid 2016 from College Board
Peterson’s How to Get Money for College 2016
Scholarship Handbook 2016
Paying for College: the Greene’s Guide to Financing Higher Education by Howard R. Greene and Matthew W. Greene

This is just a starting point, and everyone’s path through higher education is different.  If you need further help using online resources or finding materials you need please stop by the Reference desk, we will be more that happy to help. And do not forget about our eLearning resources on the library website, which can help with the research and preparation as well. We are also holding a College Financial Aid Seminar at the library on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 6:30pm.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in December

December means heading  warp speed into the holiday season. Take a break from the craziness with some of the free programs at Cheshire Library. Here’s a few of the things our calendar for December:

jewelry_makingJewelry Jam

Wednesday Dec 2, 2015,  6:00  –  8:00 PM

Join us for an evening of fun, free jewelry making! The holidays are just around the corner…make a necklace for yourself and earrings as a gift..or keep them all! Seating is very limited and registration is required. Register online  or call 203-272-2245 ext. 4.

Color Yourself Calm

Thursday Dec 3, 2015, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

Our last program was such a success, we decided to do it every month! 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, art supplies. Meets the first Thursday of every month, no registration required.

Yu-Gi-Oh: It’s Time to Duel!

Friday Dec 4, 2015, 2:30  –  4:30 PM

A Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game tournament here at CPL!   Just bring your cards, and join in the fun!  No registration required, Grades 7-12.

Read, Play & Learn Storytime

talksingreadwriteplaySunday Dec 6, 2015, 2:00  –  4:00 PM

Join us for stories, songs, activities and play that promote the five best practices of Every Child Ready to Read  — talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing — for developing language and pre-reading skills. This program will start with a storytime with books, songs, and rhymes followed by activities such as a writing or art station.  The last hour of the program will be play based, with children given puppets, dress-up clothes, blocks and other toys to foster imaginative play! Best for ages 3-6, no registration required.

20151056253046a9e8cMarrow Donor Registry Drive

Monday Dec 7, 2015, 1:00  –  7:00 PM

As the holidays near, the library invites you to consider giving the greatest gift of all—life– by participating in the “Be the Match” bone marrow registration drive.  A representative from “Be the Match” will be here to answer any questions and explain what the commitment involves.  The age for potential donors is 18-44 years old.  If you decide to participate, registration will take about 15 minutes, swabbing the inside of your cheeks with a Q-tip, and providing contact information.  No blood or pain involved!
For thousands with blood cancers like leukemia or other diseases like sickle cell anemia, a marrow transplant is their only hope for life. If you have diverse ancestry, patients especially need you because they are most likely to match someone who shares their heritage.

imageMovie Matinees

Tuesdays at 1:00, no registration required.

Dec 8: Hitched for the Holidays

Dec 15: White Christmas

Dec 22: Miracle on 34th Street

Holiday Read-Aloud with the FEA

https_img.evbuc.com_https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F15910274%2F144875589570%2F1%2Foriginal.jpg?rect=159%2C0%2C1280%2C640&s=cb02efb5f5e38591b6ce11e51efe8d01Thursday Dec 10, 2015, 3:30 PM

Come read with the Future Educators of America from Dodd Middle School for a special Holiday Storytime.  We will be reading books, creating crafts, and snacks will be provided. Ages 3-6. Register online  or call 203-272-2245 ext. 3.

Entywned Early Music presents a Renaissance Christmas

Sunday Dec 13, 2015, 2:00 PM

The Entwyned Early Music trio performs Renaissance settings of some of our most beloved Christmas carols, and a few charming surprises too. This historically informed performance with lutes, voice, Renaissance flutes, and viola da gamba, celebrates the season with sounds you won’t hear anywhere else. This concert is free and open to the public.

Cheshire Cats Classics ClubJacket.aspx

Monday Dec 14, 2015, 6:30  –  7:30 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club meets once per month on a Monday evening, to discuss those classics you’ve always been meaning to read. This month we are discussing The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. Copies are available at the Checkout Desk.
There is limited seating for this event.  For more information regarding this program, contact Jennifer Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org.

51+bbKAdGGL._SY300_Inside Out Blowout

Sunday Dec 20, 2015,  2:00  –  4:00 PM

Join us for a viewing of the newest Pixar film and fun activities. Children of all ages and their families welcome. No registration required!

Jacket.aspx‘Who Was’ Book Club: Who Was Walt Disney?

Wednesday Dec 30, 2015,  2:00   –  3:00 PM

If you love reading books from the ‘Who Was’ series, then this is the book club for you! This month we’ll be talking about the book Who Was Walt Disney? . Extra copies of the book are available in the Children’s Room.  At the meeting, we’ll chat about what we discovered in the book and do some fun activities inspired by Walt Disney’s life. No registration required – all fans of the series are welcome!

186965019(1)Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party

Thursday Dec 31, 2015, 11:00 AM

Join us for dancing, singing, crafts and more as we count down to noon!  Enjoy juice and cookies as we toast the New Year.  All Ages, No registration required.

 

Hidden Treasures and Tips for Exploring the Children’s Room

As someone who spends most of her working and non working hours surrounded by children and children’s books, I am pretty savvy with how our children’s room is organized and what all the stickers and categories mean. However, not all of it is obvious and I want to share some of the small pockets of the children’s collection with you so that it is easier for you to find just the right book. We have updated our signage to make it easier to find the right section, but there are still some nooks and crannies that you might not know about.

Parents ShelfIMG_3102
If you are looking for books to help you manage the joys of parenthood, including everything from pregnancy to how to have tough discussions with older children, then this area is a great resource. There are non fiction books for parents, DVD’s, and some books to share and read with your children on a variety of topics. Whether you are facing the wonder of potty training or the teen years, there are books here to help. There are also Parent’s Magazines and publications that are free to take. This shelf is right before the play area, so parents can browse with little ones still in sight. The call numbers for these materials all begin with Parent.

IMG_3096Older Picture Books
These books typically look like the average picture book. However, they are shelved after the chapter books and tend to have more words and/or subject matter that might require more explanation or discussion than expected from a picture book. These are great options for readers who are ready for chapter books but do not want to leave behind picture books or easy readers. The call numbers for these books all begin J OPB.

Easy NonfictionIMG_3103
Trapped between the nonfiction books and the picture books are a couple rows on easy nonfiction. You can tell these nonfiction books apart from the rest because of the bold red E under the call number. These are non fiction materials especially suited for Kindergartners through second graders to explore on their own or for reading together. The text tends to be simple, with glossaries for the harder words, and plenty of pictures. The call numbers for these items begin with J E followed by a number.

IMG_3097Fiction and Nonfiction with a Yellow Dot
When exploring the fiction section (including series, science fiction, and mystery) and the nonfiction section of our children’s room, you might notice that some of the labels wear an extra yellow dot. This dot means that it is a transitional or easy chapter book. These books are not quite as easy to IMG_3098read as the easy readers wearing the blue stickers (shelved over by the picturebooks) but are great for the readers who are venturing into the world of chapter books and might be intimidated by the sheer size and lack of pictures in some. The these books tend to have a large font, lots of pictures, and less words on a page that other chapter books.

 IMG_3101ABC’s and 123’s
Between the Easy Nonfiction and the Parent’s Shelf lies a small section of picture books and easy nonfiction books that help teach numbers and letters. All of the books that specifically teach numbers have a yellow 123 sticker on the spine, and the alphabet books have a red ABC on the spine. The call numbers for these items begin with an ABC or 123 as appropriate.

There are a few more special stickers and sections in the children’s room. Please, come explore the room, and if you need help finding anything or want to know what any of the labels mean, stop by the Children’s Desk and we will be glad to help!

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in November

Lots of things to be thankful for this month at Cheshire Public Library. We begin our Sunday hours (1-5) with a new free performance every week! Lots of other great programs on the calendar, as well. Here’s a sampling:

Deanna-as-soldier-dollThe Nutcracker by the Brass City Ballet

Sunday Nov 1, 2015, 3:00 PM

Where else but in the magical ballet, The Nutcracker, will you see Snowflakes drifting, Flowers waltzing, Mice & Soldiers battling, and Sugarplums dancing? Brass City Ballet brings excerpts of this classic Christmas tale to life with a shortened version of the beautiful classic.  No registration required.

 

GalvinHannahMikeWeddingGenetic Genealogy

Monday Nov 2, 2015,  6:30  –  8:00 PM

Certified Genealogist Nora Galvin will examine the use of DNA analysis by those researching their family history. This lecture will discuss the types of tests available, explain what can be learned from each test and identify the companies that offer the tests. There will be discussion of strategies for figuring out relationships based on DNA data. Seating for this event is limited.  Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.  This program is funded by the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library.

 

CRamaColor Yourself Calm

Wednesday Nov 4, 2015,  6:00  –  8:00 PM

De-stress with a night of relaxing activities for adults. Drop in any time from 6pm to 8pm and enjoy coloring pages, soothing music, warm drinks, and other calming crafts. All the necessities will be provided, but feel free to bring your own favorite coloring books, coloring supplies, yarnwork, or other projects. This program will take place on the library’s Upper Level.

 

Hypnosis Works! Hypnosis for Stress Reduction and Relaxation

Thursday Nov 5, 2015, 6:30  –  8:00 PM
Join James M. Vera,  CH.t Certified hypnotist, for an evening of stress reduction and relaxation. Discover what hypnosis is and what hypnosis is not and experience a group relaxation session using mindfulness. Hypnosis can be used to help manage pain, reduce anxiety and stress, increase sports performance, improve scholastic performance, and control bad habits. Please register online.
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It’s Time For Tea

Saturday Nov 7, 2015, 2:00  –  3:30 PM

Come join us for a presentation by R.C. Bigelow Tea on the history and benefits of tea.  Bring a friend and your favorite tea cup for this fun event.  A cup of tea and light refreshments will be served.  Space is limited, please register early. Please register online  or call 203-272-2245 ext.4.

 

Lion-Witch-Wardrobe-bookThe Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe

Sunday Nov 8, 2015, 2:00 PM

Step with us through the door of an old wardrobe and enter a snowy world laced with fantasy and wonder. This delightful play is entertainment for the whole family, while still providing insight about the emotional climate of childhood during World War II.  Additionally, the play uses elements of traditional English folklore, Greek mythology, and of course 20th century literature to educate the audience. No registration required.

 

crimeForensics

Thursday Nov 12, 2015, 6:30 PM

Are you curious about forensic science? crime scene investigations? blood pattern analysis? Join Peter Massey, Training Coordinator for the National Crime Scene Training and Technology Center at the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science at UNH for an evening of forensic science. Please register online  or call 203-272-2245 ext.4.

 

1435717727_11699081_10207343782177567_122972672310354247_oHard Tango Chamber Band

Sunday Nov 15, 2015, 2:00 PM

Experience tango as you’ve never heard it before as five members of JP Jofre HTCB – JP Jofre, bandoneon, Eric Silberger, violin, Amy Kang, cello, Chris Johnson, bass and Pablo Cafici, piano – come to Cheshire Public Library.  No registration required.

 

black-bear-0012Black Bears in Connecticut

Tuesday Nov 17, 2015,  6:30  –  8:00 PM

Felicia Ortner, who’s been involved in bear research in Connecticut for 25 years, will describe the resurgence of this remarkable survivor that once was extinct here and is now rapidly increasing, numbering in the many hundreds of individuals. There are bear sightings throughout the year in Cheshire and surrounding towns. Ortner, a Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist and a bear enthusiast, provides education about bears and helps dispel misunderstandings. Please register online  or call 203-272-2245 ext. 4.

 

silk-n-soundsSilk’n Sounds

Sunday Nov 22, 2015, 3:00 PM
Silk’n Sounds is the Greater New Haven’s premier women’s a cappella chorus.  The chorus recently took 2nd place in the 2015 Harmony Inc. Area 2 Contest, qualifying to compete in the International Competition in November, and winning multiple awards.  This concert is free and open to the public, no registration required.
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imagesQuilts of Valor

Tuesday Nov 24, 2015, 7:00 PM

The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts of valor. Please join us to learn more about the QOVF and to see and touch some beautiful quilts.  Please register online  or call 203-272-2245 ext. 4.