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What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in January

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Happy New Year! We’ve packed January with programs to help you start off 2020 right!

New Movie Thursday: Judy (2019)

Thursday, January 2, 2020, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Did you miss the screening of a film you wanted to see in theaters?  Join us for the first Thursday of the month for a screening of a recently released film. This month we’re screening Judy, the biopic about Judy Garland, starring Renee Zellweger, rated PG-13. Registration is appreciated.

Nekita Waller concert

Sunday, January 5, 2020, 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Nekita Waller, Connecticut’s 17th  State Troubadour, will perform a mix of pop, Motown, soul, jazz, gospel and classic rock favorites together with some of her favoite sidemen! No registration required.

Tuesday Movie Matinees

Tuesdays at 1:00pm

A different popular film on the big screen, Tuesday afternoons at CPL. No registration required.

  • January 7: Varsity Blues (1999)
  • January 14: Growing Up Smith (2015)
  • January 21: Marty (1955)
  • January 28: Holiday (1938)

Shooting Vietnam with Author Dan Brookes

Tuesday, January 7, 2020, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Shooting Vietnam by Dan Brookes & Bob Hillerby  shares firsthand accounts of what it was like to be a military combat photographer in the most photographed war in history. The book contains hundreds of photographs by men who lived the war through the lens of a camera. Registration is required.

Let’s Celebrate the 20’s!

Thursday, January 9, 2020, 2:30 – 4:30pm

Lets celebrate the roaring ’20s! Join us for a screening of Downton Abbey : the Motion Picture (2019).   Bring your favorite teacup, tea and light refreshments will be served. Come in 20’s attire and have your picture taken at a speakeasy! Registration is required.

Preschool Fair

Saturday, January 11, 2020, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Want to explore the many great opportunities for your child’s preschool education within the Cheshire community? Representatives from local preschools will be at Cheshire Public Library to give you information regarding school facilities, teaching staff, and educational philosophies. Activities for children and refreshments will be provided. Please register so we can contact you in the event of inclement weather. Snow date is January 18.

Food and Inflammation

Thursday, January 16, 2020, 6:30 – 7:40pm

Inflammation in the body is related to many diseases. Marisa McCoy, a Registered Dietitian, will discuss foods that make it worse and foods that make it better. Registration is required.

Intro to iPad

Friday, January 17, 2020, 10:00 – 11:30am

Join us for this lecture style class as we will learn the fundamentals of the iPad.  We will go over how to turn on your device on and off and how to use various apps.  Bring your fully charge iPad if you own one, but a device is not required. Registration is required.

Intro to Social Media

Wednesday, January 22, 2020, 1:00 – 2:00pm

Learn the basics of using social media to connect with friends and family.  We will cover everything you need to get started using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Registration is required.

How to Spot Fake News

Thursday, January 23, 2020, 6:30 – 8:00pm

This talk by Kenn Venit will focus on what “news consumers” should be aware of in terms of how various media ethics, competitiveness, ownerships ,revenue, bias and other factors may affect news coverage. Registration is required.

Caryn Lin’s One-Woman Musical Extravaganza

Sunday, January 26, 2020, 2:00 – 3:00pm

Tradition and technology meet when classically trained violinist Caryn Lin literally transforms sound! With her electric violin and the technology of looping and sound effects, on the spot recordings emerge.  Layers of sound with deceptively simple melodies create music that is both other worldly and totally catchy. No registration required.

Trivia Afternoon

Monday, January 27, 2020, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Come by yourself or bring friends. Test your knowledge from general categories, including pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course literature! Registration is required for this adult program (please register entire group, from one person to a maximum of five people).

Books Over Coffee: Killers of the Flower Moon

Wednesday, January 29, 2020, 12:00 – 1:30pm

Join us for an adult monthly book club program called “Books Over Coffee.”  On the last Wednesday of every month we’ll meet from 12-1:30 in The Loft to discuss the selected title. This month we are discussing Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann. You bring your lunch, we’ll provide the coffee and tea. Registration is required.

The Kondo/KonMari Organizing Method

Thursday, January 30, 2020, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Let this be the year you get organized! Join us as Certified KonMari consultant Christine Thorn of Connecticut presents a informative, in-depth and entertaining talk on Marie Kondo and the KonMari Method™, as detailed Kondo’s bestselling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Registration is required.

 

 

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in November

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There’s so much going on at CPL this month: two concerts, special programs honoring our veterans, a new Homeschool meetup, the big Fall Book Sale, and so much more!  Check out our Event Calendar for the full roster, here are some highlights:

Play & Learn

Saturday, November 2, 2019, 10:00-11:00am

Our new drop-in play group for children and their caregivers! Explore interactive and sensory activities, encouraging the development of early literacy skills.  We will have lots of movement, songs, and a short storytime during the last 20 minutes of the program. Recommended for ages 2 to 5 years old.  Younger and older siblings are also welcome to attend. No registration required.

College Financial Aid Seminar

Saturday, November 2, 2019, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Jennifer Philips’ seminar, “Simplifying the Financial Aid Process, “ will provide parents and students with tips on securing the best possible financial aid package from the college of their choice. Jennifer will describe the best student loans, grants and scholarships available, explain the critical financial aid forms and deadlines and the various components of a financial aid offer. Registration is required.

United States Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band

Sunday, November 3, 2019, 2:00 – 4:00pm

Performing classic jazz, blues, and rags with a “New Orleans” flavor. The Dixieland Jazz Band has entertained audiences across America and around the world.  Please join us for a very special concert! No registration required.

Author Talk – Formation: A Woman’s Memoir of Stepping Out of Line

Monday, November 4, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Ryan Dostie never imagined herself on the front lines of a war halfway around the world. But then a conversation with an Army recruiter in her high-school cafeteria changes the course of her life. Hired as a linguist, she quickly has to find a space for herself in the testosterone-filled world of the Army barracks, and has been holding her own until the unthinkable happens: she is attacked by a fellow soldier. Join us as the author discusses her powerful book. Registration is required.

Veterans’ Writing Group

Tuesday, November 5, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us for a short film and a panel discussion with members of the Veterans’ Writing Group. The Russell Library Veterans’ Writing Group has been meeting and writing stories of their incredible experiences for several years, which will be published by En Route Publishing this year. Come get a sneak peak of this fascinating book, and listen to true stories from veterans from all branches of service. Registration is required.

Veterans Day Concert with the Cheshire Community Band

Sunday, November 10, 2019, 2:00 – 4:00pm

The Cheshire Community Band will perform a variety of selections including historical and patriotic numbers in celebration of Veterans Day. No registration required.

Veterans Day Movie: They Shall Not Grow Old 

Tuesday, November 12, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm

On the centenary of the end of the First World War, experience the Great War as never before. Using state-of-the-art technology and materials from the BBC and Imperial War Museum, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson allows the story of World War I to be told by the men who were there. Life on the front is explored through the voices of the soldiers, who discuss their feelings about the conflict, the food they ate, the friends they made and their dreams of the future. Registration is required.

Homeschool Meetup (all ages)

Wednesday, November 3, 2019, 11:00am – 12:00pm

Meet other local families who are educating their children and teens at home while sharing tips, ideas, and educational materials. Toys and sensory play will be available for young children and crafts will be provided for older children and teens. Please register each child or teen separately.

Medicare Supplement and Advantage: Q & A

Thursday, November 14, 2019, 1:00 – 3:00pm

Staff from the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging will present this seminar and provide vital information about Medicare, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage.  Their mission is to provide the information and assistance necessary for consumers to understand their rights, receive benefits to which they are entitled and make informed choices about health insurance concerns. Registration is required.

A Night with Georgia O’Keeffe ~ Craft night

Thursday, November 14, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us for a short film on the life of Georgia O’Keeffe and then create your own work of art in her style. All materials will be provided. Registration is required for this adult (18+)  program.

“Are You In Your Right Mind?” – A Joyce Saltman Workshop

Monday, November 18, 2019, 1:00 – 2:30pm

Interactive and fun, this lecture will explore individual differences through left-brain/right brain research, in an effort to understand and appreciate these differences in ourselves and others. Joyce Saltman is a professor Emeritus of Special Education at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven and a former Cheshire resident. Her experience in the areas of education, therapy, and comedy has provided an outstanding background for her research on The Therapeutic Value of Laughter. Registration is required.

Fall Book Sale!

Thursday, November 21  – Sunday, November 24, 2019

Bargains galore at the big Fall Book Sale! Browse more than 15,000 books of every possible genre. Stock up on audiobooks and DVDs. You never know what treasures you’ll find. Book sale hours:

  • Wednesday, November 20, 6:30-8:00pm (Preview Night for Friends’ Members only)
  • Thursday, November 21, 9:00am – 8:00pm
  • Friday, November 22, 9:00am – 4:30pm
  • Saturday, November 23, 9:00am – 4:30pm
  • Sunday, November 24, 12:00 – 3:00pm

Mysteries of St. Peter’s Basilica

Tuesday, November 26, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Did you know that St. Peter’s church at the Vatican has hidden geometry pinpointing certain locations? Robert Kerson will discuss this fascinating mystery. Learn details of the current basilica few people are aware of. Registration is required.

Books Over Coffee

Wednesday, November 27, 2019, 12:00 – 1:30pm

On the last Wednesday of every month from 12-1:30p we’ll meet in the Loft to discuss the selected title. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is our November selection. Books are available in print,  audio, & ebook format. You bring your lunch, we’ll provide the coffee and tea. Registration is required.

 

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in March

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In like a lion, out like a lamb, and in between there’s a month full of marvelous programming at Cheshire Library. Here are the highlights for March:

Terrific Tweens

Wednesdays, March 6 and 20, 4:00 – 4:45pm

Kids are invited to drop in for fun with art, science, technology, and games. We’ll assemble robots & contraptions, play with our food, create fun works of art, and bring video games to life,  something different each time! For grades 5-8, no registration required.

New Movie Thursday: Bohemian Rhapsody

Thursday, March 7, 2019, 5:45 – 8:00pm

Did you miss the screening of a film you wanted to see in theatres?  Join us for the first Thursday of the month for a screening of a recently released film. This month we are screening Bohemian Rhapsody, starring Oscar-winner Rami Malek as the unconventional lead singer of the celebrated band Queen. Rated PG-13. Registration is appreciated for the adult program.

Game Night : Dominion

Thursday, March 7, 2019, 6:15 – 8:00pm

Spend your evening meeting new people or with your family and friends playing tabletop games! There will be a different game each month for you to try and to enjoy, this month we are playing Dominion.   Staff will be available to teach you how to play. Light refreshments will be served.  Registration required for this adult program.

From Jazz to Soul with Rhonda Denet and her trio

Sunday, March 10, 2019, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Rhonda and her trio will perform jazz and soul standards from the 1930s through the 1960s, paying tribute to song stylists from Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. The trio features Mike Bardash on piano, Gene Torres on bass, and Chuck Batton on drums. No registration required, but get here early for the best seats!

Author Talk: Xhenet Aliu, author of “Brass: A Novel”

Monday, March 11, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Please join us as we welcome Xhenet Aliu, Waterbury native and author of Brass: A Novel, who joins us on her U.S. promotional tour of the paperback version of her bestseller. Told in parallel narratives with biting wit and grace, Brass announces a fearless new voice with a timely, tender, and quintessentially American story. Bookclubs are encouraged to attend. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing, registration is required.

Comics Club

Wednesday, March 13, 2019, 4:00 – 4:45pm

Bang! Pow! Join us for a new graphic novel book club for kids!  Make comic strips, play games, and other fun activities. This month we are discussing Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke. You can pick up a copy of the book at the children’s information desk starting on February 15. For kids in grades 2-5, registration is required.

Art in the Afternoon: A Cheshire Public Library & Artsplace Collaboration

Saturday, March 16, 2019, 1:00 – 4:00pm

Have you always wanted to try a class at Artsplace? Here is your chance to sample up to three classes at no charge! Four artists from Artsplace will be giving free mini-lessons during the afternoon sign up for 1 or more.

  • Sketchbook 101 with Linda Marino
  • Ink & Watercolor with Bob Noreika
  • Felting with Robin McCahill
  • Colored Pencil with Rita Paradis

Pre-registration is necessary as class sizes are limited.

“Headin’ Home” St. Patrick’s Day concert

Sunday, March 17, 2019, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Hailing from Cheshire, the father- daughter duo Headin’ Home creates a joyous sound. Dan Hedden (guitar/vocals) and Christine Hedden (fiddle) dig into the soil of New England and Irish traditions, playing both traditional tunes and songs as well as originals grown from these traditional seeds. No registration required.

Italy: A Cultural Journey

Monday, March 18, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

When one thinks of Italy the usual thoughts come to mind: great food, great wine, beautiful countryside. But delve deeper into this rich and complex country and you will actually find a melting pot of cultures. We will explore the regional differences in a slide presentation which takes us on a colorful journey from north to south and even to the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Registration is required.

Historic Homes of Cheshire

Thursday, March 21, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Robert Kerson will discuss the historic Nathaniel/Benedict Ives Homestead, the historic Deacon Joseph Ives home, and the Steven R. Bradley house. Learn more about these hometown historical properties! Registration is required.

Kensett Birthday Party Celebration

Friday, March 22, 2019, 3:00 – 5:00pm

Join us for a celebration of John Frederick Kensett’s 203rd birthday!  Cheshire native Kensett was a renowed landscape painter and a founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  We will enjoy cake and activities for both children and adults, including pop-up cards. Sponsored by Artsplace, registration is required.

Cuba: More Than Rum and Revolution

Monday, March 25, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

For decades, US tourism to Cuba has been illegal , and the importation of Cuban coffee, rum and other goodies has been banned, but no longer. Join Dr. Cynthia Pope of the CCSU Geography Department as she talks about the link between our two countries and takes a look at why Cuba is a worthy destination for travel. Registration is required.

Kids Yoga

Wednesday, March 27, 2019, 4:00 – 4:45pm

Get moving at the library with fun and relaxing yoga games, songs and stretches! Yoga helps kids with relaxation, focus, balance and flexibility. This class will be taught by one of our children’s librarians who is also a certified kids yoga instructor. For kids in grades K-6. Registration is required starting March 1st.

Renovation Celebration! Concert & Reception featuring the CONN-MEN

Sunday, March 31, 2019, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Join us for a reception, concert and library tours to celebrate Cheshire Library’s newly renovated space!  The concert will feature the CONN-MEN, UCONN’s premier all-male a cappella group. No registration required. This concert is made possible by donations given to the Friends of the Library in loving memory of Janice Miner.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in November

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Concerts, classes, crafts, and more are on the calendar in November at CPL. And don’t forget the big Fall Book Sale – check out the Event Calendar for all of our November offerings!

Chocolate for the Holidays

Saturday, November 3, 2018, 2:00 – 4:00PM

Long time chef, chocolate expert and former Cheshire Library Assistant Director Maria Brandriff will demonstrate how to make both decadent truffles and some healthier chocolate treats to give as holiday gifts.   Recipes and ample samples will be available. Registration is required.

Sunday Concert: Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem

Sunday, November 4, 2018, 2:00 – 3:00PM

This New England-based folk quartet is now in its15th year and features Rani Arbo (fiddle, guitar), Andrew Kinsey (bass, banjo, ukulele), Anand Nayak (electric and acoustic guitars) and Scott Kessel (percussion). This band’s steadfast brew of wit, camaraderie, and musicality leaves audiences everywhere humming and hopeful, spirits renewed. Join us for the first concert of CPL’s 2018-2019 Sunday concert series, made possible by the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library! No registration required.

Family Zumba

Mondays: November 5, 19, and 26, 2018, 4:00 – 4:30PM

Perfect for younger Zumba fans and their grown-ups. Family Zumba features kid-friendly routines and up-beat music! Caregivers are encouraged to attend and participate. This class helps develop a healthy lifestyle and incorporate fitness as a natural part of children’s lives by making fitness fun. No registration required.

Transcend Physical Reality for Your Healing and Empowerment

Monday, November 5, 2018, 6:3- – 8:00PM

Would you like to be able to raise above your everyday consciousness and create a new reality in your mind, so real that it shifts physical reality? You have all the power you need within you, but first you need to be able to transcend physical reality and look deeper into the essence. Your ability to transcend physical reality has tremendous healing power. You are not a victim but a director of your life.  Author and healer and former Cheshire resident Sue Maisano will help you understand how to transcend physical reality to heal/empower yourself and achieve your true heart’s desires with least resistance. Registration is required.

South Asian Festival

Tuesday, November 6, 2018, 3:00 – 4:00PM

Join us for an afternoon filled with exciting activities for children of all ages! Create your own Rangoli artwork, apply henna skin art, learn the origins of henna, create fun crafts, and more! Registration is not required for this event. (Please note public schools are not in session this day.)

Finish That Book

Tuesdays: November 6, 13, 20, 27, 2018, 5:00 – 8:00PM

National Novel Writing Month, is an annual, Internet-based creative writing project that takes place during the month of November. Participants attempt to write a 50,000 word manuscript between November 1 and November 30.  Join other writers for a quiet and relaxing space to write. Drop in, no registration required.

Trivia Night @ The Waverly Inn

Wednesday, November 7, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Join us for a special Trivia Night at The Waverly Inn (286 Maple Ave, Cheshire). Come by yourself or bring friends, test your knowledge of pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course, literature! It’s all for Pride, not for Prize. Don’t forget to bring your appetite, as the Waverly Inn has tasty eats to purchase. Registration begins October 24, and is required for this adult program.

Friends of Cheshire Public Library Fall Book Sale

Thursday November 15 – Sunday November 18, 2018

Thousands of gently used books, cds, and dvds. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Cheshire Public Library, who make all of our fantastic programming possible! Members of the Friends get a sneak peek on Wednesday night, and memberships will be available for purchase at the door. Support the Friends!

  • Wednesday, November 14, 6:30 – 8:00PM: Preview Night (members only)
  • Thursday, November 15, 9:00AM – 8:00PM
  • Friday, November 16, 9:00AM – 4:30PM
  • Saturday, November 17, 9:00 AM – 4:30PM
  • Sunday, November 18, 12:00 – 3:00PM: “Bag of Books” Sale

Create Holiday Cards

Wednesday, November 28, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

One of the many joys of the Holiday season is sending cheerful cards to the ones you love. Join Sue Bernier and create 3 Holiday cards using “Stampin Up” rubber stamps and paper. Attendees 15 years old and up. Registration is required, starting November 14.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in August

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Our “Discover a New You” series of summer programs continues this month with art, music, and health programs for adults, and fun with science for kids. Check out our Events Calendar for the full lineup of programs!

[PLEASE NOTE: Cheshire Library will be CLOSED for renovations on Thursday, August 23 and Friday, August 24]

Intro to Piano for Adults

Monday, August 6, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00PM

Join music instructor Dan Fontana as he reviews what you will need to know about learning to play the piano as an adult.  Students are not required to bring a keyboard, but may do so. Paper keyboards will be provided for this workshop for everyone else. Registration required starting July 16 for Cheshire residents and July 30 for all others.

Family Movie Matinees

Tuesdays, 3:30PM, no registration required.

 

Tai Chi for Your Health

Tuesday, August 7, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Join Tai Chi instructor Kathy Brenner as she explains the nature and benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong (pronounced Chee – Gung). Qigong is adaptive for people with differing physical abilities. She will have attendees join her in an easy to follow series of Qigong exercises and demonstrate Tai Chi forms. Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Class size is limited and registration is required.

Library After Hours: Back in Time Family Singalong Concert

Friday, August 10, 2018, 5:00 – 7:00PM

Join us for a family concert and mini-art lessons with ArtsPlace artists and more!  The “Back In Time”’ concert at 6:00 pm will feature Liz McNicholl and Lindsey Ceitinn in a family-style singalong of old favorite songs and fiddle tunes. Pizza, snacks and drinks will be available for sale from the Friends of the Library. [Please register] in advance so we know how many goodies to have on hand!  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.  

Science Tellers: Wild West

Monday, August 13, 2018, 4:00 – 5:00PM

Science Tellers presents “Wild West”. Grab your spurs and journey with us to the Wild West, where a legendary bank-robbing outlaw is back in town, about to strike again! Throughout this absolutely wild adventure story, volunteers from the audience will help us explore the fascinating science behind chemical reactions, combustion, air pressure, inertia and more. Don’t miss this classic action-packed western with ‘notes’ of science! Best suited for children going into grades K-5,  no registration required.

Night Skies Planetarium

Thursday, August 16, 2018, 10:00am – 7:00pm

Night Skies is a program featuring Mike Francis using Starlab, the inflatable planetarium dome and projector system.  A remarkably realistic night sky awaits groups of up to 30.  There is no need to worry about the weather, time of day or travel. The experience of entering the giant bubble fascinates.  The excitement of being able to identify that bright red star from last night’s sky or locating an elusive constellation sparks the imagination. [Check back for ticketing information]

Create Zentangle

Wednesday, August 22, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.  Each patron will learn the Zentangle method and leave with one landscape artwork.  Space is limited for this adult program, please register beginning Wednesday, August 8, at 9:00AM.

Benefits of Massage

Monday, August 27, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Wondering if massage is beneficial to your health? Come to the Cheshire Public Library and learn about the benefits of massage, as well as the different types of massage modalities. Registration is required.