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What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in March

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Is it winter or is it spring? No matter what it’s doing outside, you can count on Cheshire Library to keep you occupied inside. This month we’re learning about Ireland through lectures, films, and music. We’ve also got a spooky After Hours program featuring Dustin Pari of Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International! More of a nature lover? Check out our programs on opossums, backyard beekeeping and migrating birds. Check out our Event Calendar to sign up for these programs and more!

Open Art Studio

Fridays from 1-3pm

Bring your works in progress and supplies to this weekly drop-in art program. This is an opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with other artists. No formal instruction will be provided, but informal critiquing for those who want it is encouraged. Table covers will be provided. There is a sink in the room for basic cleanup (please do not bring turpentine).

Family Storytime

Saturday, March 4, 2022, 11:00 – 11:30am

Family Storytime is a drop-in, interactive storytime for children and family members! Learn through talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing! This storytime is for children of all ages. No registration is required.

Anniversary of Ireland’s Civil War

Monday, March 6, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

The Irish Civil War 1922-1923, the period represents perhaps one of the saddest times in Irish history. This lecture, through use of multi-media presentation, will discuss the events leading to Civil War, the leaders, the violence, and its aftermath. Registration is required.

Movie Matinees

  • Tuesday March 7: Ticket to Paradise (2022)
  • Tuesday March 21: Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959)

Join us in the Library Loft for a movie on the big screen! No registration is required and movies begin at 1pm.

Miss Representation – Film Screening and Discussion

Wednesday March 8, 2023, 5:30 – 8:00pm

In honor of National Women’s History Month, the Cheshire Public Library, Cheshire Human Services and Chesprocott Health District are partnering to hold a screening and discussion of the film Miss Representation. This documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom exposes startling facts and statistics of how the mainstream media’s often disparaging and limited portrayal of women and girls contributes to their under-representation in positions of power and influence in America. Following a screening of the film, Michelle Piccerillo, Cheshire Director of Human Services and Kate Glendon, Chesprocott Public Health Specialist will facilitate a round table discussion of the themes presented in the film. Please register in advance.

Adult Loft Knitters

Wednesday March 8, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come socialize, learn, and share your techniques with other knitters.  Experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. All levels of adult knitters are welcome. Please bring your own yarn and knitting needles (crocheters are also welcome!). This group meets monthly, please register in advance.

Classic Movie Series: The Third Man (1949)

Thursday March 9, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00pm

The Third Man is a 1949 British film noir stars Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Orson Welles, and Trevor Howard. Set in postwar Vienna, the film centers on American Holly Martins (Cotten), who arrives in the city to accept a job with his friend Harry Lime (Welles), only to learn that Lime has died. Viewing his death as suspicious, Martins elects to stay in Vienna and investigate the matter. Registration is required.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday March 9, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us for a monthly open writing group that can help answer your questions on writing, editing, grammar, and publishing. Read a selection of your work to the group for general constructive feedback, or discuss a book you’ve read that might help someone else. Registration is required.

Library After Hours: Documenting the Dead with Dustin Pari

Friday March 10, 2023, 6:00 – 7:30pm

We’ll leave the lights on for this educational (and creepy) exploration of paranormal research and spirit communication from the past to the present. Dustin Pari, paranormal investigator and cast member of Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International, takes a look back at his own efforts to conduct paranormal research and brings it back even further to some of the earliest spirit communication techniques. This program is appropriate for adults and teens, please register in advance.

Concert–Celtic Music with the Carroll Sisters

Saturday March 11, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Join us for our annual celebration of Celtic music and St. Patrick’s Day! This year we are welcoming the Carroll Sisters, a young group known for their lively traditional Celtic tunes, beautiful harmonies, intriguing counterpoints, and unique musical arrangements on fiddle and cello. 

Wags & Tales (Grades K-3)

Gromit, a Newtown-Strong Therapy Dog will be available to be read to by independent readers in grades K-3. Reading aloud in a relaxed environment is a confidence booster to all readers. 15 minute visits will be available, please register and come with a preselected book to read to Gromit.  Registration is required for each child.

Explore New Worlds: Virtual Reality

Experience virtual reality with the library’s Oculus headsets. Choose from a wide selection of tours adventures and games all in an interactive virtual world. 30 minute spots available from 6:00 to 7:30. Register for the date you want, you will be contacted prior to the program to select your spot.

Orphan Trains and the Children Who Rode Them (ONLINE)

Wednesday March 15, 2023, 6:30pm – 8:00pm

The story of the Orphan Trains, which relocated children from the eastern cities to rural farmlands, has become a part of American popular culture. This ONLINE presentation explores the facts behind the legends, follows a group of children “placed-out” in 1880, and, provides information on resources available to learn more about the orphan trains and their riders. Please register in advance to receive a link to join the program.

Backyard Wildlife: All About Opossums

Thursday March 16, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue for an overview of wildlife rehabilitation and their rescue efforts with opossums. Adults and kids can learn what makes opossums awesome, and how you can give support to wildlife in your neighborhood. There will be time for questions and a meet-and-greet with the opossum ambassadors! Registration is required.

Backyard Beekeeping

Saturday March 18, 2023, 10:00 – 11:00am

Join us as Paula from the Backyard Beekeepers Associaton teaches us all the basics of keeping backyard bees. At this all-ages program we’ll learn about starting and maintaining a hive and get to see examples of a beekeeper suit, smoker, and healthy honeycomb. Registration is required.

Happy Place: Torn Paper Landscapes

Monday March 20, 2023, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Need to take a little time for self-care? Find your happy place with soothing music, hot drinks, socializing, and low-stress crafting. This month we’ll be making landscapes from torn construction paper and listening to Gentle Love‘s instrumental jazz renditions of video game music (trust us). Registration is required.

Book Club

A monthly book group where you can meet new people, sip a warm drink, and have great discussions. This month we’re reading Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. Register for our afternoon or evening group.

Builders Brigade

Thursday March 23, 2023, 2:30 – 3:45pm

Budding engineers are invited to build freely with LEGOs, Duplos, KEVA Planks, Strawbees, and more! For kids of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.

TAB: Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)

Tuesday March 28, 2023, 3:45 – 4:45pm

The Teen Advisory Board is a group of teens in grades 6-12 who want to take an active part in helping the library and the community. Giveaways and snacks will be provided. Registration is required.

The Quinnipiac (Indigenous People)

Wednesday March 29, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

The Quinnipiac once lived throughout South Central Connecticut; along the shoreline from West Haven to Clinton and north to Cheshire and Meriden. The heart of their homeland was the Quinnipiac River. The presentation will focus on the 14,000 years of Indigenous history in the region, the changing life over time, and the impact of European settlement on their way of life. Registration is required.

Lights Out Connecticut: Help Save Our Migrating Birds

Thursday March 30, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Why Lights Out? Each fall and spring, millions of birds pass through Connecticut on their way to and from their summer nesting grounds. Artificial lights from buildings and other structures can attract and disorient birds, leading to fatal window collisions. The result is catastrophic: Almost 1 billion birds killed in the United States every year. Come find out more about how you can help millions of birds migrate safely through our state. Registration is required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in July

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Have you signed up for the Summer Adventure summer reading program yet? Everyone from babies through adults can participate – there’s still time to register! Each challenge completed this summer gets you an entry into our big prize raffles, what are you waiting for?

Audrey Mae Bluegrass Ensemble in concert at Mixville Park

Wednesday, July 6, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Audrey Mae Bluegrass Ensemble features the duet harmonies of bluegrass veterans Peter Winne and Joe Delillo accompanied by the tasteful stylings of banjo player Joe Lemeris and fiddler-mandolinist Sam McDougle. Admission to Mixville Park is free for concert attendees.  Just tell the staff at the entrance gate that you are there for the concert.  The concert will begin at 6:30, but you are welcome to come early and enjoy a picnic or a stroll at beautiful Mixville!  Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and some bug spray. There is no rain date for this concert.

Pet Professions

Thursday, July 7, 2022, 3:00 – 4:00pm

This program presented by the Connecticut Humane Society will teach middle school and high school students about the many careers related to animal welfare. Participants will get an overview of the different professions at animal welfare organizations. For teens in grades 5-12. Registration is required.

Farmer’s Bounty Cooking Workshop

Thursday, July 7, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

What better way to enjoy summer’s harvest than cooking the food from your local farmers; learning about fresh produce, juices, breads and specialty items; and then creating and enjoying a meal based upon the ingredients of the season and that week. Dishes prepared will depend on what’s available locally. Discover the joys of the slow food movement– taking time to enjoy your local produce, and realizing the power of the kitchen to bring people together for kinship, culture, and culinary delight. Registration is required.

Loft Knitters

Wednesday, July 13, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Our monthly knitting group. Come socialize, learn, share your techniques with other knitters.  All levels of adult knitters’ welcome, please bring your own yarn and knitting needles. Registration is required.

BOOM (Band of Old Men!) in concert at Mixville Park

Wednesday, July 13, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us for a fun concert for all ages!  BOOM is a locally-based rock band that plays classic hits from the 1960s and 1970s. The group is made up of George Meyers of Cheshire, Larry Rifkin of Prospect, Vern Coles of Norwalk and Haig Papasian of West Hartford. Admission to Mixville Park is free for concert attendees.  Just tell the staff at the entrance gate that you are there for the concert.  The concert will begin at 6:30, but you are welcome to come early and enjoy a picnic or a stroll at beautiful Mixville!  Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and some bug spray. Rain date: July 14.

Pirates: Lost at Sea

Tuesday, July 19, 2022, 5:00 – 5:45pm

Ahoy there, matey! Set sail with Talewise on a thrilling action-packed adventure about a crew of quirky pirates marooned on a desert island. Throughout the story, we’ll explore the incredible science behind clouds, physical and chemical changes, air pressure, and more! This program is best for kids in grades K-6. Registration is required.

Drawing for Teens: Dragons 

Thursday, July 21, 2022, 3:00 – 4:30pm

So, you want to draw a dragon, but don’t know where to start? Artist, Robin McCahill from Artsplace, will share tips for creating fantastic dragons from your imagination! You’ll be designing your own creatures in no time! For teens in grades 5-12. Registration is required.

Christmas Markets of Europe

Thursday, July 21, 2022, 6:30 – 7:45pm

It’s Christmas in July!  Join us as we learn about the magic of European Christmas markets. This informative program will introduce you to the main Christmas markets in countries like Austria, Germany, Italy, and beyond.   Enjoy beautiful photography as well as New Year’s customs and traditions of each country.  Presented by Lisa (Cisero) Phillips of Bella Europa Travel. Registration is required.

Nowashe Village: A Day in the Life

Wednesday, July 27, 2022, 3:00 – 4:15pm

Travel back in time to the Woodland period of the central Connecticut River Valley, when the bow and arrow became popular hunting tools, clay pottery was invented, and Indigenous Peoples began to rely more on an agricultural way of life. Each participant will grind native corn with a stone mortar and pestle and learn how to properly cook corn cakes. Presented by Nowashe Village. For children and teens in grades K-6. Registration is required.

The Nields in concert at Mixville Park

Wednesday, July 27, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Described by one reviewer as “equal parts Beatles, Cranberries and Joni Mitchell”, the Nields have released 17 albums, and performed with The Band, James Taylor, Dan Zanes, 10,000 Maniacs, and the Indigo Girls. dmission to Mixville Park is free for concert attendees.  Just tell the staff at the entrance gate that you are there for the concert.  The concert will begin at 6:30, but you are welcome to come early and enjoy a picnic or a stroll at beautiful Mixville!  Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and some bug spray. Rain date: July 27.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in June

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Our Summer Adventure summer reading program for kids and adults kicks off on June 1. Sign up to receive a packet of activities & challenges, then turn in completed packets to be eligible for fabulous prizes!

Open Art Studio

Fridays from 1-3pm, May 6, 13, 20, 27

Bring your works in progress and supplies to this weekly drop-in art program. This is an opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with other artists. No formal instruction will be provided, but informal critiquing for those who want it is encouraged. Table covers will be provided. There is a sink in the room for basic cleanup (please do not bring turpentine).

Remembering D-Day (2 part series)

Historian Kelvin W. Cole will be here for two nights June 6 & 13 to discuss the historic events of D-Day and Normandy.The fall of Western Europe to the Nazis and the construction of the defenses and “The  Atlantic Wall” in their bid to keep it. The “Perfect Storm” of events that descended upon the Nazis’ “Fortress Europe” and resulted in the Allied victory with the collapse and German surrender eleven months later. Registration required for each program.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, June 9, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us for a monthly open writing group that can help answer your questions on writing, editing, grammar, and publishing. Read a selection of your work to the group for general constructive feedback, or discuss a book you’ve read that might help someone else. Registration is required.

Loft Knitters

Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Our monthly knitting group. Come socialize, learn, share your techniques with other knitters.  All levels of adult knitters’ welcome, please bring your own yarn and knitting needles. Registration is required.

Dance Party at Mixville Park

Friday, June 17, 2022, 5:00 – 8:00pm

We’re kicking off our Summer Adventure Reading Program at Mixville Park with a fun dance party! There will be activities for all ages including, a DJ, lawn games, balloon twisting, volleyball, gaga ball pit, chalk drawing, and a special character appearance! Please register so that we can contact you in the event of a weather-related cancellation (rain date is June 24).

Pete The Cat Music

Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 10:00 – 10:45am

On his way to the Music Room, Pete’s white shoes get dirty but he just keeps going along and singing his songs. Pete learns a cool song, a groovy dance and discovers his own boogie shoes!

Best for Ages 1-6. Registration is required.

  • Cheshire Residents: Cheshire residents will be allowed to register starting on June 7.
  • Non-Residents: Non-residents may register starting on June 14.

Intro to Improv

Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 3:00 – 4:00pm

Join us for a program where everything is made up! Play acting games to learn the basics of improvisational comedy. For teens in grades 7-12 registration is required.

Hooked on Llamas

Wednesday, June 22, 2022, 3:00 – 4:00pm

Debbie from Country Quilt Llama Farm will bring one of her llama friends to the library for a special storytime! Children will be able to touch and pet a real llama.

Best for ages 3-8. Registration is required.

  • Cheshire Residents: Cheshire residents will be allowed to register starting on June 8.
  • Non-Residents: Non-residents may register starting on June 15.

Hot Cat Jazz Band in concert at Mixville Park

Wednesday, June 22, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us for our summer concert series kick-off!  The Hot Cat Jazz Band summer concert in June will be fun for the entire family.  The Hot Cats repertoire includes swing standards, big band hits, Dixieland favorites and classic rock. Admission to Mixville Park is free for concert attendees.  Just tell the staff at the entrance gate that you are there for the concert.  The concert will begin at 6:30, but you are welcome to come early and enjoy a picnic or a stroll at beautiful Mixville!  Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and some bug spray.   Raindate: June 23.

Bear Scavenger Hunt

Thursday, June 23, 2022, All Day Event

Drop into the Children’s Room and complete a bear scavenger hunt for a chance to win a prize from the Beardsley Zoo! No registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library and the Beardsley Zoo.

Teen Crafts: CD Suncatchers

Thursday, June 23, 2022, 2:00 – 3:00pm

Come hang out in the Teen Room, and make some aesthetically pleasing and trendy suncatchers out of recycled CDs. Snacks will be provided. For teens/tweens in grades 6-12. Registration required.

Best of England’s Dramatic Cornwall

Thursday, June 23, 2022, 3:00 – 4:00pm

Armchair travelers, this one’s for you! Join Anglophile and former UK resident Claire Evans for a lively discussion about this underappreciated English destination, Cornwall, England’s far west country bordered by the North Atlantic and the English Channel. This program will be ONLINE, please register to receive a Zoom link one hour before the program.

Zombie School: SFX Makeup Workshop for grades 5-12

Tuesday, June 28, 2022, 4:00 – 5:30pm

Decimated Designs will teach you how to transform into a monster, zombie, and more! We’ll cover the do’s and don’ts of special effects makeup, hygiene, how to get started, and some tricks you can use to improve your costumes or makeup at home. Seats are limited, registration is required.

The Bad Guys Book Party 

Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 3:00 – 4:00pm

Help the Bad Guys, characters from the book series by Aaron Blabey, complete a mission and save the library! Enjoy crafts, games, challenges and more! Best for kids in grades K-6. Siblings are welcome to attend. Registration is required.

Songs Around the Campfire

Thursday, June 30, 2022, 11:00 – 11:45am

Sing some funny and upbeat campfire songs with Julie Stepanek and her ukulele!

Best for ages 0-7. Registration is required.

  • Cheshire Residents: Cheshire residents will be allowed to register starting on June 16.
  • Non-Residents: Non-residents may register starting on June 23.

Italy Through the Seasons

Thursday, June 30, 2022, 6:30 – 7:40pm

Join us as we will introduce you to a rich and meaningful seasonal experience of Italy. We will take a full discovery across Italy, north to south including Sicily. We hope to see you for this relaxed, informational and interactive presentation. Lisa (Cisero) Phillips of  Bella Europa Travel will be presenting. Registration is required.

JUNE BOOK CLUBS

Murder by the Book Mystery Book Club: Strong Poison

Thursday, June 16, 2022, 1:00 – 2:30pm

Natural Selections Book Club: Sapiens

Saturday, June 18, 2022, 2:30 – 3:30pm

Many Stories Book Club: There There

Thursday, June 23, 2022, 7:00 – 8:00pm

Books Over Coffee: Lessons in Chemistry

Wednesday, June 22, 2022, 12:00 – 1:30pm

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.