What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in November

October 26, 2016October 24, 2016 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Whether your interests are cooking, art, science, history, or music (or all of the above), we’ve got the programs for you at CPL this month! Here’s a sampling:

Painting Large with Artist Tony Falcone

Wednesday Nov 2, 2016, 6:30 – 8:15 PM

Educational program presented by the Cheshire Art League. Artist Tony Falcone presents a program about his murals, portraits, and more. Free and open to the public, no registration required.

Carrie Welton

Thursday Nov 3, 2016, 6:30 PM

Anyone who grew up in Waterbury, CT is familiar with Carrie Welton’s name, mainly because of the presence of a large drinking fountain located at the east end of the city green. Join author Charles Monagan as he shares his new novel about this local, historic figure. This program is funded by the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library. Registration is required. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4

Tellabration (Ages 2+)

Saturday Nov 5, 2016, 11:00 AM

Join us as we celebrate the art of storytelling with the Connecticut Storytelling Center. All Ages welcomed! No registration required.

Paul Bisaccia in concert

Sunday Nov 6, 2016, 2:00 PM

A unique piano concert based on Paul’s CD featuring waltzes by Scott Joplin, (we’ll bet you’ve never heard a Joplin Waltz before!) the Carousel Waltz by Richard Rodgers plus Sousa’s Washington Post March. Music by Stephen Sondheim, Irving Berlin and Gershwin standards will also be performed. Free to the public, no registration required.

Crafternoon

Monday Nov 7, 2016, 4:30 PM

School-aged children are invited to an afternoon of crafting! Will we paint? Collage? Whatever it is, get ready to BE CREATIVE! Ages 5 and up. Registration required.

Forensics

Monday Nov 7, 2016, 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 bring a donation of non-perishable food for the Cheshire Food Pantry. Let’s support our neighbors this Thanksgiving! Registration is required. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Cookbook Club: Desserts and Holiday Baking

Wednesday Nov 9, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Check out a cookbook related to our theme: “Desserts and Holiday Baking”.
Try one or more recipes at home.
Come to Cookbook Club. Wednesday, November 9 at 6:30pm. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Ages 18 and up only.
Share your thoughts (and dishes). Bring your cookbook(s), copies of your recipe, and a prepared dessert to share with the group.

***Hands-on pie crust and pastry workshop with library staff! Be prepared to get messy.***

S.T.E.A.M. Punks

Thursday Nov 10, 2016, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Investigate the many elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math. We’ll explore robotics, electronics, arts & crafts, food science and much, much more. We’ll put things together, take things apart, play games, and have a ton of fun! For grades 7—12. No registration required.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Preview Night
Wednesday, November 16th. Friends Members only.
6:30pm – 8:00pm
(You may purchase a membership at the door that evening.)

Sale Dates
Thursday, November 17th, 9:00 – 8:00
Friday, November 18th, 9:00 – 4:30
Saturday, November 19th, 9:00 – 4:30

Bag of Books Sale
Sunday, November 20th, Noon – 3

Digital Download Help-a-thon

Monday Nov 28, 2016, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Did you know Cheshire residents can download ebooks, audiobooks, movies and more for FREE? Learn how to use your Library’s Digital Collection! Bring your device for a hands-on tutorial. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, and e-readers all apply, but make sure your device is fully charged! Please register online.

Tis the Season

Monday Nov 28, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

“Tis the Season” to invite friends, neighbors and family to share the warmth of your home during the holidays. Noted floral designer and Cheshire resident Sylvia Nichols will demonstrate easy techniques to create personalized arrangements to decorate your home such as a wreath for the front door, a swag for the lamppost, a beautiful arrangement for your dinner table and much more. Join us for a lively demonstration full of surprises and fun! Please register online. This program is generously sponsored by Cheshire Nursery.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in October

September 28, 2016September 22, 2016 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

From Phantom to Scavenger Hunt to Halloween Fun, our programs have something for everyone this month!

Phantom of the Opera

Saturday Oct 1, 2016, 1:00 – 4:00 PM

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first performance of Phantom of the Opera, the longest running musical on Broadway. Watch a performance of Phantom filmed on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in London and starring Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess. No registration required.
Meet the Phantom!
Pose for pictures with the Phantom before and after the show!
Refreshments will be served.

Breaking Bread: Is Gluten-Free For You?

Monday Oct 3, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

You’ve heard all this talk about the gluten-free diet. But what is it? And how do you know if you are one of the 30% of the population who should be on it? Heather Jacobsen, author of GOING GLUTEN-FREE: 7 Surprising Facts You Should Know if You Want to Achieve Dietary Success, will discuss just what the gluten-free diet is all about, and whether or not you might benefit from it. If you suffer from chronic symptoms of one kind or another, you might find some answers in her discussion. Registration required.

Learn How to Self-Manage Your Health

Wednesdays Oct 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 2016, 12:30 – 3:00 PM

Attend a FREE 6-week Live Well workshop and learn skills to understand and take control of your ongoing health condition. Learn better ways of dealing with pain, fatigue, difficult emotions, anxiety and stress. Learn easy exercises to help improve or maintain strength and energy. Learn ways to improve your nutrition, appropriate use of medications, and more. Sponsored by the Western CT Area Agency on Aging, the State of CT Department of Aging, and the CT Department of Public Health. Please register for each workshop online.

Internet Safety Seminar

2 sessions:

Wednesday Oct 5, 2016, 1:30 – 3:00 PM, or
Thursday Oct 6, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Staff from Apex Technology Group will give a presentation on Internet safety, specifically the following topics:

Phishing
Ransomare
Malware
Passwords
Email safety
Good browsing habits

There will be an open forum for Q&A after the session, along with handouts with additional helpful information. Please register online.

Town-Wide Instagram Scavenger Hunt

Saturday Oct 8, 2016, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Grab your family, friends, and mobile device for the second annual Town-Wide Scavenger Hunt! Form a team and assemble at the Library in the morning, then go all around Cheshire snapping photos of clues and posting them to Instagram. Later, meet back at the library for a party and prizes. Learn a little local history and have a lot of fun! Children and adults of all ages are welcome to participate. Teams must provide their own transportation and smartphone/tablet with data service and Instagram app. Registration required. (Registration opens September 1 and ends Friday, October 7.)

Author Talk: Tracey Medeiros

Wednesday Oct 12, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Join cookbook author Tracey Medeiros for a discussion of her book, The Connecticut Farm Table Cookbook, along with a cooking demo. The Connecticut Farm Table Cookbook brings home cooks a stellar collection of 150 delicious recipes from the Nutmeg State’s celebrated chefs and the dedicated farmers, fishers, ranchers, foragers, and cheese makers they partner with to create dynamic New American and New England fare. Ms. Medeiros will sign copies of her book at the end of the program. Purchase copies of her book in advance at your local bookstore or online. Registration required.

Tea and Food Pairings

Thursday Oct 13, 2016, 6:00 PM

Step out of the cold and enjoy some hot tea with Unionville’s own Culteavo! Owner Viviana Pinhasi will take you into the complex and fascinating world of teas, focusing on what foods pair best with different types of tea. Culteavo Tea Shop in Unionville is a local gourmet tea shop offering over 100 kinds of loose-leaf tea, including black, green, oolong and white teas, as well as herbal infusions and tea blends. Space is limited for this adult only program, please register early.

Zumba® for Kids

Friday Oct 14, 2016, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Join us for an hour filled with energy and exercise routines created to the latest music, like hip-hop, reggaeton and cumbia. Zumba® also increases focus and self-confidence, boosts metabolism, and improves coordination and balance. For all ages. [Parents and/or caregivers are welcome to participate with their children.] No Registration Required.

Halloween Donuts with Grownups

Saturday Oct 15, 2016, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Enjoy this Halloween-themed Donuts with Grownups. Dress up to get in the spirit! Donuts with Grownups Storytime is designed especially for working families with children ages 2 and up who can’t make it to our weekday storytimes. Enjoy crafts, activities, music, stories, and of course Donuts as a family! Each session will also have a literacy building station to help young ones start building necessary pre-literacy skills or enhance those skills for older children. Dads are highly encouraged to attend! No registration required.

Documentary Screening of Dark Side of the Full Moon

Monday Oct 17, 2016, 6:00 PM

Documentary Screening of Dark Side of the Full Moon (75 min), followed by Q&A Panel. This film about postpartum mood disorders is both informative and a call to action. If you are someone interested or concerned about the well-being of mothers, babies and families, please come. Light Refreshments Available. Please register online.

Halloween Read Aloud with FEA

Wednesday Oct 19, 2016, 3:30 – 4:15 PM

Come and read with the Future Educators of America (FEA) from Dodd Middle School! Dress up to get in the spirit. There will be stories, crafts, and a snack. For ages 3-6. Please register online.

Concert: Belle of the Fall

Saturday Oct 22, 2016, 2:00 PM

Belle of the Fall, an indie-rock vocal duo, will perform at 2:00 pm Saturday October 22 as part of the Cheshire Library’s week-long celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week (Oct. 16-22, 2016). Join us for a family-friendly concert and refreshments! Belle of the Fall is a male/female vocal duo featuring upright bass and guitar. Think Simon and Garfunkel if Art Garfunkel were female! Lots of harmonies and storytelling can be expected. Free and open to the public, No registration required.

Anime Club Halloween Cosplay Extravaganza

Friday Oct 28, 2016, 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Dress up and act like your favorite character: anime or otherwise! Prizes will be awarded and Japanese refreshments will be provided—this is one event you won’t want to miss!! For grades 7—12, No registration required.

Monster Mayhem Storytime

Saturday Oct 29, 2016, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Bring your favorite little monsters to our Monster Maheym Storytime and “let the wild rumpus start!” We will read some monster stories (not too scary) and enjoy some fun activities that will be sure to make you roar. Get ready to show your claws, gnash your teeth and stomp your feet! Costumes are welcome! Best suited for ages 2-6. Registration required.

Halloween Family Fun

Monday Oct 31, 2016, 4:00 PM

Come celebrate Halloween with activities that are fun the whole family. We will have games, spooky science experiments, and treats from 4-5pm, followed by a family dance party. Wear your costume and bring a friend! Best suited for ages 3 and up. Registration required.

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What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in September

August 31, 2016August 18, 2016 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

The kids are back to school, so this month let’s explore some of our programming for adults!

Movie Matinees

Tuesdays, Sep 6, 13, 20, 27 at 1:00 PM

“Back-to-school” is our theme for this month’s movies:

Hand Painted Tissue Paper Collage

Wednesday Sep 7, 2016, 6:30 – 8:15 PM

Artist Carol Ganick will present an educational program about hand painted tissue paper collage, featuring watercolors and abstracted designs. Presented by the Cheshire Art League.

Introduction to Microsoft Word

A 3-part program:

Mondays Sep 12, 19, 23, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

This introduction to Microsoft Word is divided into three sessions. You will learn basic navigation skills to effectively use the Microsoft Word program; create a simple document; edit text; check spelling errors; format the document; adjust the page layout; preview; print; save; open flies; insert a picture; change font formatting and much more. Registration is required.

Cookbook Club – What’s for Lunch?

Wednesday Sep 14, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Our newest (and most delicious) book club! Here’s how it works (register online):

Check out a cookbook related to our September theme: “What’s For Lunch: Mid-Day Meals Your Kids (and Grownups) Will Eat”. (Visit our Cookbook Club display near the catalog computers in the lobby for cookbook suggestions.) Let’s get out of that PB&J rut and get creative!
Try one or more recipes at home.
Come to Cookbook Club. Wednesday, September 14 at 6:30pm. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Ages 18 and up only. By registering for this program, you acknowledge that you may choose to consume food that has not been prepared in a commercial kitchen.
Share your thoughts (and dishes). Join Library Director Ramona Burkey and other CPL staffers to discuss your cookbook reviews and “all things culinary.” Bring your cookbook, copies of your recipe, a prepared dish to share with the group, and (very important) some take-home containers for leftovers. Bon Appetit!

Adult Knitting Night

Wednesdays, Sep 14 and 28, 6:30 PM

Adult knitters meet at CPL the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. 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. Please bring your own supplies and talent. This adult program has a required registration.

Drop-in Tech Help

Monday Sep 12, 2016, 12:00 – 2:00 PM

Do you have questions about your computer, smartphone, or iPad? Do you need help navigating Facebook or downloading an ebook? Let our tech staff help! NOTE: Please be sure your device is fully charged beforehand. In the event your question or issue is more involved, we may ask you to schedule an appointment and come back for one-on-one help.

Remembering G. Fox & Co. in the 1950s

Saturday Sep 24, 2016, 2:00 PM

In the 1950s, just about every major city had a landmark department store. In Connecticut, it was G. Fox & Co. in Hartford! This presentation will bring you back in time to Fox’s heyday, as we go from floor to floor and recall the various departments. Please register online.

line-of-kids

Of course, we still have a full roster of children’s programs in September, including our new Little Lambs baby program, Wigglers & Crawlers for pre-walkers, Toddler Time for ages 1-3, Slime Time Storytime for ages 5-7, and Afternoons of Awesome for older kids (8-12). There’s lots more on our Event calendar, check it out!

What’s Happening At Cheshire Library in August

July 29, 2016August 1, 2016 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Our summer programming is at its peak in August, with lots of things going every day! Check our Event Calendar for the full lineup, here are some of the highlights:

Nature Nick Animal Show

Wednesday Aug 3, 2016, 4:30 PM

Let Nature Nick introduce you to the true athletes of the animal world! This show will feature hopping kangaroos and lightening fast falcons! Nature Nick will also read excerpts from his new book entitled Animal Athletes. Registration Required.

Intro to Kids Hip-Hop at United Rhythms Studio

Friday Aug 5, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Join us for a special kids introduction to hip-hop workshop at United Rhythms Dance Studio! Meet us at United Rhythms at The Watch Clock Factory at 134 Elm Street in Cheshire. Don’t miss this fun chance to try out your best dance moves! For ages 5 to 12, no registration required.

Movie Matinees

Tuesdays: Aug 9, 16, 23, 30, 2016, 1:00 PM

Our movies all have a sports theme this month:

Aug 2 – Knute Rockne All American (1940)
Aug 16 – Flying Scotsman (2006)
Aug 23 – Miracle (2004)
Aug 30 – McFarland USA (2015)

Introduction to Hatha-Tantra Yoga

Wednesdays: Aug 10 – 31, 2016, 5:00 – 6:00 PM

In this series, participants will experience gentle stretching, basic postures (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), and guided meditation. This slower-paced series is a good place for those looking to begin a yoga practice or to learn more about what yoga is and experience some fundamental practices and philosophy. Suitable for beginners, no prior experience with yoga is necessary. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring your own mat. Accommodations for those who may prefer to practice using a chair are possible. Space is limited – register today!

Massage Guru

Thursday Aug 11, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Come learn the benefits of massage with licensed massage therapist Mary Rossi. Learn how you can reduce stress and anxiety, promote deep sleep and improve circulation in the body and much more! Registration required.

The Cheshire Performing Arts Academy – Creative Movement

Friday Aug 12, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Join us for a introductory ballet and creative movement class presented by The Cheshire Performing Arts Academy! Ages 3-4, no registration required.

Managing Stress in a 24/7 World

Thursday Aug 18, 2016, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Does trying to juggle work, family and self-care leave you feeling exhausted and stressed out? Join Nancy Boudreau for an informative seminar on managing stress. During this talk you’ll learn how stress affects your body, strategies for dealing with stress (including meditation) and breath work that will help quiet your mind and calm your nervous system. Registration required.

Beginner Irish Dance Workshop

Friday Aug 19, 2016, 1:00 PM

Join us for a special Irish dance beginner workshop from The Horgan Academy of Irish Dance in Naugatuck and Cheshire. This is a unique opportunity to take a demo class with an award winning studio! Ages 5 to 12, no registration required.

Kid’s Summer Reading Finale @ Cheshire Pool

Wednesday Aug 24, 2016, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Join us for our Summer Reading Finale hosted at the Cheshire Pool at Bartlem Park, 520 South Main Street in Cheshire. Enjoy swimming and bring a picnic!!! You will be able to purchase dessert from the Sugar Bakery Cupcake Truck. Have a family picnic and swim during our last program for the summer. All ages welcomed! No registration required.

To The Nines

Thursday Aug 25, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Author and golf enthusiast Anthony Pioppi will profile notable 9-hole golf courses around the county, including Fenwick Golf Course in Old Saybrook. In addition he will discuss the long gone 9-hole Honey Pot Country Club in Cheshire. Copies of Mr. Pioppi’s book To the Nines will be available for purchase. Registration required.

Adult Summer Reading Finale: Hula Hoop Dance Fitness @ Cheshire Park

Wednesday Aug 31, 2016, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Join Meg Geyser for this upbeat, aerobic workout mixes low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party with a SPIN. We will be using specially designed and easy to use adult sized hula hoops on the waist and off the body to add an extra element of fun and fitness. At the conclusion of this program we will reveal the grand prize winner for the Health is Wealth Adult Summer Reading. Registration required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in July

June 29, 2016July 13, 2016 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

As we head into July’s hot & muggy days, remember that Cheshire Library is an official “Cooling Station” – come in, get out of the heat, and enjoy some great programs while you’re here!

Please note: Cheshire Library will be CLOSED Saturday July 2 and Monday July 4 for Independence DaySummer Saturday hours (9am-1pm) are in effect starting Saturday July 9.

The Head-to-Toe Movement Show

Wednesday Jul 6, 2016, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

This movement-focused 60-minute performance is designed to engage children in physical activity using awesome music, original stories, incredible visuals, exciting games and interactive music technology to promote fitness, healthy eating, going to your library and celebrating music! For children ages 2 & up and their caregivers. Please register on our website.

Family Yoga

Friday Jul 8, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Lani Rosen-Gallagher from Full of Joy Yoga will present a yoga class that is fun for the whole family. Kids of all ages are welcome. We will do lots of partner poses, group poses and of course relaxation. Connect with your whole family in a fun class. For all ages, no registration required.

Storytime at Cheshire Park

Tuesdays: Jul 12, 19, 26, 2016, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Meet us at the Cheshire Park Pavilion this summer for a special program! Bring your lunch and we will read stories and have fun with our parachute. Look for our Cheshire Public Library banner. If it’s raining, we will see you on the next sunny Wednesday! Please use the entrance located at the intersection of Highland Ave. and Stony Hill Rd., Cheshire, CT 06410. For ages 3 & up. Drop-in, no registration required!

Afternoons of Awesome

Tuesdays: Jul 12, 19, 26, 2016, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Every Tuesday afternoon is awesome at the Library! School-age kids are invited to have fun with art, science, technology, and games. We’ll explore something new every week! For ages 7-12, please register on our website.

Cookbook Club

Wednesday Jul 13, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

It’s a new kind of book club – welcome to the CPL Cookbook Club!

Check out a cookbook related to our July theme: Summer Side and Salads. (Visit our “Summer Sides & Salads” display near the catalog computers in the lobby.)
Try one or more recipes at home.
Come to Cookbook Club. Wednesday, July 13th at 6:30pm in the Mary Baldwin Room. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Ages 18 and up only. By registering for this program, you acknowledge that you may choose to consume food that has not been prepared in a commercial kitchen.
Share your thoughts (and dishes). Join library director Ramona Burkey and Deputy Director Deb Rutter to discuss your cookbook reviews and all things culinary. Bring your cookbook and a prepared dish (if you can) to share with the group.

Move & Groove with Mr. Gym

Friday Jul 15, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Get physically fit through music and creative movement with “Mr. Gym”, a children’s singer and songwriter from Connecticut. For ages 3 & up, no registration required.

Stretching and Balance

Wednesday Jul 20, 2016, 6:00 PM

Are you concerned about falls? Learn ways to improve balance and flexibility with simple exercises you can do anywhere!!! Come to the Cheshire Public Library and attend 40 minute workout combining stretching, balance and coordination activities presented by Donna Paxton, Health & Wellness Instructor from the YMCA Cheshire Community. For adults, no registration required.

How to Attract Hummingbirds, Songbirds and Butterflies to Your Garden

Thursday Jul 21, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Join us for a presentation by Shaun Roche, Visitor Services Manager at Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. He will share a few simple tips to make your home into a refuge for wildlife and learn the essentials of a good habitat, food, water, shelter for hummingbirds, birds and butterflies. Please register on our website.

Zingalingz Music and Fitness Class

Diverse group of children in a dance fitness class

Friday Jul 22, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Circle of Friends Music of Southington is proud to present Zingalingz, a music and fitness program for children ages 5-12. Our specially designed movements and activities can help kids gain the important benefits of increased fitness and greater learning power. No registration required.

The Healing Power of Meditation

Wednesday Jul 27, 2016, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Matthew Raider, MD presents the latest clinical research on how meditation can improve our physical, mental and spiritual health. This evening you will have a chance to practice some simple techniques that can reduce stress, enhance relaxation and promote inner growth. For adults, no registration required.

Shell Craft Class

Thursday Jul 28, 2016, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Please Join Gail Farrar as she demonstrates how to make a seashell craft. Each attendee may choose one object to make (Frame, Box etc.). Her shell craft hobby started as a gift idea and has grown into a thriving business in her retirement. Class is free but space is limited. Please register online for this adults-only class.