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 October

October means falling leaves, picking pumpkins, and shopping for bargains at our Fall Booksale! Not to mention TONS of great programs for kids and adults:

1ABC Amigos

Friday, Oct 2, 2015, 10:00 AM

Cheshire Public Library is proud to host ABC Amigos,  a bilingual storytime to start teaching Spanish to toddlers and preschoolers. This storytime will be tons of fun with songs, games, activities and stories in both English and Spanish. No prior knowledge of Spanish is necessary. Ages 3-6, no registration required.

Screen Shot 2015-09-16 at 7.35.43 PMDrop-in Tech Help

Monday, Oct 5, 2015, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

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Do you have questions about your computer, smartphone, or iPad? Do you need help navigating Facebook or downloading an ebook? Let our tech gurus help! Bring your technology-related questions and curiosities to Cheshire Public Library’s Tech Open House. Our knowledgeable staff will be available to answer your questions and help solve your technology-related problems.  No registration required. NOTE: If you are coming for assistance with your own electronic device, please be sure it 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.

2Rick Riordan New Book Release Party

Tuesday, Oct 6, 2015, 6:30 -7:30 PM

Are you a fan of Rick Riordan’s book series, like Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus? Then this is the party for you! October 6th is the day that Rick Riordan releases the first book in a brand-new series: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, Book 1: The Sword of Summer. We’ll have some fun Norse mythology activities and even a chance for a few lucky kids to win their very own copies of Riordan’s new book! No registration required. For ages 8 and up. [NOTE: We will be meeting upstairs on the 3rd floor of the library.]

a010255-v6Germans to America, 1683-1893

Tuesday, Oct 6, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

German Americans comprise the largest ancestry group in the U.S., having high rates of immigration to the U.S. beginning in the mid-1800s. Genealogist Penelope Hartzell will present an overview of German immigration, which began in 1683, and end in 1892, with the opening of Ellis Island. She will discuss pre-Ellis Island ports of entry, early German settlements before the American Revolution, online resources to access for transcriptions of German records, microfilms of German records in German, helpful online info about German research, and organizations to join. Penelope Hartzell has 20 years of research experience and is a member of numerous genealogical societies. Seating for this event is limited. Please register online at or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

51lTkG2sJSL._SX327_BO1,204,203,200_Oktoberfest

Thursday, Oct 8, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Join us on October 8th at 7 pm as we celebrate a mini-Oktoberfest! Local beer historian and author Will Siss leads a discussion of the history of beer in Connecticut and provides profiles for nearly all existing breweries. He will discuss his book Connecticut Beer : A History of Nutmeg State Brewing.  Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Registration is required. Come learn about the hoppy history of Connecticut! Please register online at or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Social Security

Tuesday, Oct 13, 2015, 6:15 – 7:45 PM

07132011_Social_Security_articleThe Cheshire Public Library presents a series of retirement planning workshops this Fall. The three topics are Social Security, Retirement Income Planning, and Long Term Care. Social Security will be the focus on Tuesday, October 13.  After being told for years that Social Security is “going broke,” baby boomers are realizing that it will soon be their turn to collect. But the decisions they make now can have a tremendous impact on the total amount of benefits they stand to receive over their lifetime.  Seating for this event is limited. Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

couponsKeep the Stress Out of Holiday Shopping With Coupons

Thursday, Oct 15, 2015, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

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Don’t stress about the holidays. Come learn how to save money with tips and tricks with coupons. Presented by Gina Juliano. Please register online  or call 203-272-2245 ext. 4.

Book Sale Members Preview

booksaleWednesday Oct 21, 2015, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

A preview sale for members of the Friends of the Library. Memberships will be for sale at the door, so you can join and then browse before the sale opens to the general public.

The Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale!

book-sale_fb_cover_imae_0Thursday, October 22 – Sunday, October 25

This bi-annual used book sale, run by Friends of the Cheshire Library, raises money to pay for programming at Cheshire Public Library, among other things.  All of the library’s programs are funded through the Friends, and the books sale is their biggest fundraiser.  Come support the library and pick up some bargains in the process! See our event calendar for more info.

A Halloween Read-Aloud with the FEA

FEA logo with childrenThursday Oct 22, 2015, 3:30 –  4:15 PM

Come read with the Future Educators of America from Dodd Middle School!
Dress up in Halloween colors to get into the spirit! We will be reading books, creating crafts, and snacks will be provided. This program will meet on the 3rd floor of the library. Please register online.

Howlarious Halloween Show with Mary Jo Maichack, Storyteller

maryjomMonday Oct 26, 2015,  6:00 PM

A guaranteed hoot and a holler, this show of classic ghost stories, songs & jokes will make you jump, giggle & groan like a coffin lid. Once you hear Mary Jo’s opening version of e.e. cummings’s “hist whist,” you’ll understand why MJ has become known for the spookiest, eeriest, snort-your-candy-corn-in-the dark funniest set of Halloween fun. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Retirement Income Planning

Retirment-Plan-300x199Tuesday Oct 27, 2015,  6:15 PM  –  7:45 PM

With recent reductions and eliminations in pension plans, an uncertain future for social security, and the shift towards employee-directed retirement plans, the need to plan for your own retirement has never been greater.  This class is geared for people within 5 years of retirement to help them determine when they can retire and how to make the most of what they’ve saved.   Seating for this event is limited.  Please register online or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

Honest Conversations with Muslim Neighbors

Screen Shot 2015-09-16 at 7.54.50 PMWednesday Oct 28, 2015, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

CCIU – CT Council for Interreligous Understanding, the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut, and Hartford Seminary are co-sponsoring a series of conversations throughout Connecticut to inform the public about the American-Muslim experience and to discuss some of the concerns about that community raised by the broader American public since 9/11. Four Muslim neighbors will informally share some of their experiences and respond to questions involving customs, politics, and perspectives on other monotheistic faiths. American Muslims do not have all the answers, but guests will respond out of their own experiences, raising issues that concern all Americans.

Screen Shot 2015-09-16 at 8.01.16 PMHalloween Storytime and Parade

2 sessions:

Thursday Oct 29, 2015, at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM

Join Miss Nicole and her friends for a Halloween Storytime and Parade in the library! We’ll read some stories and then go trick-or-treating around the library!
Be sure to wear your costume! For ages 8 and under.  Registration online starting on October 1st.