What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in March


March, they say, comes in like a lion,  out like a lamb. It’s safe to say that  those of us who’ve been in Connecticut this winter are really ready for the lamb! While you’re waiting for the milder weather to come sweeping in, we’ve got lots of great programs to keep you busy!

 

Weekend Concert Series – I Love a Piano” with Paul Bisaccia

Sunday Mar 1, 2015, 3:00 PM

Local audience favorite Paul Bisaccia will return to Cheshire with a new concert, “I Love a Piano,” featuring  classic composers such as Chopin, Debussy, Satie and Paderewski, as well as popular composers, including Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Scott Joplin and Marvin Hamlisch.  This concert is free and open to the public. No registration required.

 

Grow Your Own Meadow

Tuesday Mar 3, 2015, 7:00  –  8:00 PM

Join landscape designer Kathy Connolly for a one-hour discussion on the establishment, care and feeding of a flowering meadow. She’ll discuss meadow ecology and the role of native species, look at helpful tools, and explain steps you can take from June to December to start a new meadow or encourage an existing one. Seating for this event is limited.  Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

 

Fab Film Saturday: “Big Hero 6”

Saturday Mar 7, 2015, 2:00  –  4:00 PM

With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, BIG HERO 6 is an action-packed comedy adventure that introduces Baymax, a lovable, personal companion robot, who forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. Rated PG. Running Time 1 hour, 30 minutes.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.  Feel free to bring your own snacks!

 

dancePhoenix Performing Arts Troupe

Sunday Mar 8, 2015, 2:00  –  3:00 PM

Come enjoy this Hartford-based troupe as they perform a variety of Chinese classical and traditional dances, and teach about Chinese arts and culture. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

Dinosaur Tea Party

Monday Mar 9, 2015, 6:00  –  7:00 PM

Enjoy a dinosaur themed storytime with craft followed by a tea party (juice and refreshments will be served).  Children are encouraged to dress up. Register on our website. For children ages 3-7 years old.
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Ctrl Alt Achieve: Green Screen Fun!

greenscreenTuesday Mar 10, 2015,  4:30 PM

By using a green screen, kids will be able to bring portions of the book The Day the Crayons Quit to life. Kids will have the opportunity to dress up as their favorite crayons from the book and design and create props.  By posing in front of the green screen, they will then be able to complete the scene with the addition of a background from the book.  NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. For Children in grades K-2.

Take a Hike!

Tuesday Mar 10, 2015, 7:00  –  8:00 PM

Sometimes referred to as the area’s best kept secret, the Regional Water Authority owns 27,000 acres of land in south central Connecticut, some of which is open for recreational activities with a Regional Water Authority Recreation Permit.  Each recreation area is unique.  Visitors may hike, jog, cross-country ski or just meander along more than 60 miles of trails through Regional Water Authority watershed lands. Come to the program to find out more! Seating for this event is limited.  Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

 

Storyteller: Tales of Deep-Rooted Magic

Saturday Mar 14, 2015, 2:00 PM

Storyteller Sara deBeer will present stories from cultures around the world, and tales of the magic which waits for those who venture into the woods, into the wilds, and into the deep, dark, forest. Sara’s lively storytelling is suitable for listeners of all ages and includes audience participation to keep the youngest listeners involved.  NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

Full of Joy Yoga

Mondays Mar 16, 23, 30, 2015, 9:45  –  10:15 AM

Yoga helps children develop strong, flexible bodies while cultivating a lifetime of joy, peace and wonder. Classes with Lani Rosen of Full of Joy Yoga, combine music, games, props and stories which give everyone the benefits of yoga. For ages 3-5. Register on our website starting March 1.

 

Teen Time: Stop Motion Video

Friday Mar 20, 2015, 3:00  –  4:30 PM

Learn to make a stop motion video using legos, play dough, and an iPad.  For grades 6 through 12- no registration required -come whenever you feel like it.  The more the merrier- bring your friends and have a ball at the library!

 

Author Talk: Jon Katz

Sunday Mar 22, 2015, 2:00  –  3:00 PM

New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz (A Dog Year, A Good Dog, Rose In a Storm) will speak about his newest book, a memoir called Saving Simon: How a Rescue Donkey Taught Me the Meaning of Compassion. In 2011, state police notified him of a severely neglected donkey who needed attention.  It was at that time that Simon entered his life and changed it forever. Hear more about Simon’s story of healing, Mr. Katz’s writing experiences, and much more. Register on our website.

 

Creating the Non-Stop Garden

Monday Mar 23, 2015, 7:00  –  8:00 PM

A nonstop garden doesn’t mean nonstop work. Lower maintenance is just one of the many benefits of four-season gardening. In this lecture, horticulturist Jennifer Benner will outline the benefits of creating a nonstop garden. Sit back and enjoy a botanical journey filled with inspiring photographs that will recharge your gardening batteries. Seating for this event is limited.  Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4.

 

Edible Book FestivalEdible Book Festival

Saturday Mar 28, 2015, 10:00 AM  –  4:00 PM

What exactly is the Edible Book Festival, you may ask? It’s a chance for patrons of all ages to test their creativity and combine their love of both books and food in fun displays that will be viewed by both a panel of judges and the public. The only rules are that entries must be based on a book (any book will do!) and they must be composed of edible items. We’ll be accepting entries in three age-group categories:

  • Child (up to age 12)
  • Teen (ages 13-19)
  • Adult (ages 20+)

A three-person panel of impartial, non-library judges will evaluate all entries based on overall design and creativity, as well as how well entries represent their noted books. At the end of the event, one “Best in Show” prize will be awarded in each age-group category. The basic timeline for the day will be:

  • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm participants will drop off entries at the library
  • 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm the panel of judges will privately evaluate the entries
  • 1:30 pm the public can begin viewing the entries
  • 2:30 pm the winners will announced!

Registration will open on February 1st and will need to be done in-person at the Children’s desk at the library so that we can make sure all participants receive a packet of information for the event.

 

Weekend Concert Series: “Irish Music In America” with Atwater-Donnelly Band

Sunday Mar 29, 2015, 3:00 PM

The award-winning band Atwater-Donnelly will present a unique blend of traditional American and Celtic folk music and dance on the mountain dulcimer, banjo, tin whistle, guitar, mandolin, harmonica and more.  For this very special performance, Aubrey and Elwood will be joined by John and Heidi Cerrigione on upright bass and autoharp, and Irish step-dancer Kevin Doyle.  This concert is free and open to the public. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

For the Sake of the Country: Female Spies in the Civil War

Monday Mar 30, 2015,  7:00  –  8:00 PM

 Bartlettscivilwar

When you think of the role women played during the Civil War, what do you think of? Do you think of laundresses, homemakers, or nurses? Would you ever think of spies? Female spies played an essential and critical role in shaping the political, military, and social landscape. They changed the course of military battles, political intrigue, and even saved a president! Learn about four extraordinary Union and Confederate spies who risked all for the sake of their country.

Matthew Bartlett is a 2013 graduate of American Military University with a Master’s in Military History with a specialization in the American Civil War. His specialty is the battle of Gettysburg, about which he has written six books. A historian and lecturer, Matthew and his wife belong to the 14th CT CVI, Company F. He and his wife, Jenn, will appear in period attire as Allan Pinkerton and Kate Warne. Please register on our website or call 203-272-2245, ext. 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in January

Happy New Year! We hope one of your resolutions this year is to take advantage of the wonderful things your library has to offer. We’ve got lots of BRAND NEW programs for kids and teens starting in January, and great programming for adults as well. Take a look at what’s coming up:

NEW Sunday hours for 2015!

Sundays 1:00 – 5:00 PM

The library begins its winter hours – adding from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, January 4 through March 29, 2015! Come see us!

 

Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Monday Jan 5, 2015, 7:00  –  8:00 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club meets once per month on a Monday evening.  Far From the Maddening Crowd will be discussed at the January 5th meeting.
There is limited seating for this event.  For more information regarding this program, contact Jennifer Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org.

 

College Financial Aid Seminar

Tuesday Jan 6, 2015, 7:00 –  8:00 PM

This seminar will provide parents and students of all ages with tips on securing the best possible financial aid package. Throughout the presentation, presenter Jennifer Philips will explain the various student loans, grants and scholarships available, the critical financial aid forms and deadlines, the various components of a financial aid offer and how to best compare and appeal offers in extenuating circumstances. This is a very popular program and has the potential to fill up quickly. Register on our website.

 

Kids Coding Corner

Thursday Jan 8, 2015, 4:00 –  5:00 PM

Learn the foundations of coding using Scratch Jr., a free application available on iPads.  Participants will learn how to use Scratch Jr. and what coding is in this first class.
For children in grades Kindergarten to 2nd. Register on our website.

 

Tune Time for Tots

Wednesdays 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM

NEW at Cheshire Library! Enjoy music and movement in this high energy program.  Children will dance and use musical instruments.  Children must be accompanied by a care giver. Ages birth to 2 years old.  NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

Pajama Storytime

Thursday Jan 15, 2015, 6:30 –  7:30 PM

Join us for stories, songs, videos and a craft, PJs optional!
This is a multisensory celebration of literacy with a seasonal theme.
For children ages 3 – 8. Register our website starting on January 1st.

 

Teen Time

Friday Jan 16, 2015, 3:00  –  4:30 PM

This program will feature a variety of activities: games, teen tech projects, domino racing, arts & crafts… you name it- you’ll just have to show up to find out what we’ll be doing! For grades 6 through 12– no registration required, come whenever you feel like it. The more the merrier- bring your friends and have a ball at the library!

 

Tween Tuesdays

tween tuesdayTuesdays 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Every Tuesday is a TWEEN Tuesday! 🙂
Starting on January 20, 2015, librarian Nicole Dolat will be doing a regular after school program every Tuesday for kids ages 7-12. No registration required – just come when you can! We’ll do any of a variety of activities: board games, Zentangles, duct tape wallets, playing with squishy circuits…you’ll just have to come to find out what we’ll be doing on any given Tuesday. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. FOR AGES 7-12.
Come, brings some friends (or make some new ones), and have some fun at the library!

 

appsEssential Apps for Smartphones and Tablets

Wednesday Jan 21, 2015, 7:00  –  8:30 PM

There are literally hundreds of thousands of apps available for smartphones and tablets, but where do you start? Library staff will show you a few of the most popular apps for work, play, and everything in between. Bring your device so you can download the apps for yourself. Register on our website.

 

ZenDoodle

Friday Jan 23, 2015, 3:00  –  4:30 PM

When you draw a ZenDoodle, you’re creating a work of art, but you’re also deliberately creating a mood, a focus and a state of mind. You don’t have to be a Michaelangelo to create a great ZenDoodle… because they’re based around following a series of steps focused on a set of patterns, it’s easy for beginners to get started. With ZenDoodle art, you absolutely can’t fail, so join us and let your creativity soar! Grades 6-12, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

maze runnerFab Film Saturday: THE MAZE RUNNER (2014)

Saturday Jan 24, 2015, 2:00 –  4:00 PM

Thomas wakes up in an elevator, remembering nothing but his own name. He emerges into a world of about 60 teen boys who have learned to survive in a completely enclosed environment, subsisting on their own agriculture and supplies from below. A new boy arrives every 30 days. The original group has been in “the glade” for two years, trying to find a way to escape through a maze that surrounds their living space. They have begun to give up hope. Then a comatose girl arrives with a strange note, and their world begins to change. Based on the popular young adult series of books by James Dashner. Running Time 1 hour, 53 minutes.  Rated PG-13.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.  Feel free to bring your own snacks!

 

Weekend Concert Series: Yale’s Society of Orpheus and Bacchus

YaleOrpheusBaccusSunday Jan 25, 2015, 2:00 PM

Yale University’s Society of Orpheus and Bacchus is the second longest-running a cappella group in the nation. Accompanied by an eclectic songbook that features jazz, folk, gospel and contemporary arrangements, this all-male ensemble of talented and dedicated singers has performed for countless audiences the world over, delighting thousands while sharing their love of music and laughter across generations. This program is free and opened to the public, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

 

GenealogyFamily History: How to Research Your Genealogy

Tuesday Jan 27, 2015, 7:00  –  8:00 PM

This program will demonstrate how to begin the search for your ancestors.  Become a detective by uncovering the details of your family’s arrival in the U.S., where they lived, the occupations they engaged in, their triumphs, and their tragedies.  Register on our website.

 

Tea Party and Storytime

fancySaturday Jan 31, 2015, 11:00 AM –  12:00 PM

Enjoy a Fancy Nancy and Pinkalicious storytime with craft followed by a tea party (juice and cookies will be served).  Children are encouraged to dress up. For children ages 3-7 years old. Register on our website starting January 15.