What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in July

June 26, 2018February 24, 2019 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Summer is a busy time at CPL, and we’ve packed July with amazing programs every day we’re open. Here are some of the highlights, check out our Events Calendar to see the full roster!

Born to Read Music, Bubble, and Comedy Show

Tuesday Jul 3, 2018, 4:00 – 5:00PM

This movement-focused 60-minute performance by Turtle Dance Music is designed to get kids moving 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! Appropriate for ages 2 and up. Registration is required.

Unbound Book Club (Gr 3-6)

Mondays, July 9, July 23, Aug 6, 2018, 4:00 – 4:45PM

A casual book club for kids entering grades 3 to 6 with no parents and no required reading! Come every other week and talk about what you’re currently reading, get recommendations from other kids, do fun activities, and play games. No parents or caregivers allowed! Registration required starting June 18 for Cheshire residents and July 1 for nonresidents. Unbound Book Club meets three times: July 9, July 23, and August 6.

Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures

Tuesday, July 10, 2018, 3:00 – 4:00PM

Nature Nick is back! Get ready to meet some of the most exotic animals in the world! All ages are welcome. No registration required.

Connecticut Vanguards

Tuesday, July 10, 6:00 – 8:00PM

Connecticut author Eric D. Lehman will discuss Connecticut Vanguards: Historic Trailblazers & Their Legacies, his chronicle of two dozen state residents whose inventive spirits and talents influenced the state and the world. Lehman has published a dozen books of history, travel and fiction, many of which have won awards. Registration is required.

Intro to Guitar for Adults

Wednesday, July 11, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00PM

Join music instructor Dan Fontana as he reviews what you will need to know about learning to play the guitar as an adult. He will provide an overview of what it takes to start and the benefits of learning how to play music. Fontana will provide in-class and online materials that attendees can access at home. All the students have to bring to this workshop is their guitar and some paper to take notes.

Registration required starting June 20 for Cheshire residents and July 4 for all others.

Kindness Rocks

Thursday, July 12, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00PM

Help us promote random acts of kindness around Cheshire by participating in our Kindness Rocks event! Adults are invited to help us paint rocks with inspirational pictures and words. After, the class will leave the rocks around town. Patrons are encouraged to take pictures of the rocks you find #CPLKindnessRocks and post them on social media, and tag us @cheshirelibrary. Space is limited for this adult program. Registration is required.

Library After Hours: Acrobat Li Liu

Friday Jul 13, 2018, 5:00 – 7:00PM

Join us for an acrobatic performance, children’s activities, and more! Li Liu will perform plate spinning, trick cycling, Chinese water bowl manipulation, and other acrobatic feats at 6:00 pm. 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.

Family Movie Matinees

Tuesdays at 3:30PM, no registration required.

July 17 : Ferdinand
July 24 : Coco
July 31 : Moana

The Farmington Canal

Tuesday, July 17, 2018, 7:00 – 8:00PM

Thought you knew everything about the Farmington Canal? Think again! Cheshirepedia Inc. is sponsoring a talk by Carl Walter, the country’s leading authority on the Farmington Canal. Registration is required.

Backpacking Gear Show and Tell

Thursday, July 19, 2018, 3:00 – 5:00PM

A casual drop-in program to demonstrate backpacking gear used for multi-day trips into the wilderness, hosted by staff member and Long Trail thru-hiker Lauren Gledhill. Come in any time between 3:00pm and 5:00 pm to ask questions and see photos of life on the trail. Children are especially encouraged to attend! For children and adults of all ages, no registration required.

Vinyasa Yoga

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Monday, July 23, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

A vinyasa style class suited for all levels. Students will be introduced to dynamic sequences and a variety of pranayama or yogic breathing techniques. Focus is on linking movement and asana to the breath and building internal heat. The instructor will offer options and modifications for all levels of practice. Bring your own mat and water bottle and props such as yoga blocks or yoga blanket if you would like. Registration is required.

DIY: Marble Roller Coasters (Ages 7-12)

Thursday, July 26, 2018, 3:00 – 4:00PM

Explore kinetic energy, gravity, and other physics concepts by making your own 3D marble roller coasters! Can you keep your marble on the track? For ages 7-12. Class size is limited, registration is required.

Meditation

Monday, July 30, 2018, 6:30 – 7:00PM and 7:00 – 7:30PM

Meditation is a practice in mindfulness and an exploration of the inner self. Through guided imagery, focusing on the breath, and sitting in stillness students will begin to facilitate a feeling of inner peace and tranquility that can be carried out into their everyday lives. his class is open to all, with or without experience to come and explore and hold space together. Please dress comfortably and bring a blanket or cushion if you would like. Registration is required.

Writing Fiction: The Creative Process

Tuesday, July 31, 2018, 6:30 – 7:30PM

Join writer Patrick Scalisi for this workshop, where he’ll discuss:

What do you like to write? (Some broad genres, finding examples of the work you like, reading to become a better writer)
Barriers to creativity
Coming up with ideas
Developing ideas (i.e. character, setting, dialogue)

Attendees will be presented with writing prompts to attempt in the session. Registration required starting July 10 for Cheshire residents and July 24 for all others.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in July

June 28, 2017June 8, 2017 / cheshirelib / 2 Comments

Both indoor and outdoor activities are on the schedule for July, we’re getting back to nature! Take a look:

Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Monday Jul 3, 2017, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

CCCC is headed out to sea with this month’s modern classic, Jaws by Peter Benchley. Put your water-wings on and join us to discuss this creepy anti-beach read. Contact Jennifer Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org to register.

Farmington Canal Trail Family Hike @ Lock 12 Historical Park

Thursday Jul 6, 2017, 10:00 AM

For all ages. Get on your walking shoes for stories, songs, and science in the great outdoors! We’ll take a family-friendly walk along the Farmington canal trail at Lock 12 Historical Park and explore nature and local history. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and sun protection! For children of all ages and their families. Registration required.

Farmington Canal Trail STEM Hike @ Lock 12 Historical Park

Tuesday Jul 11, 2017, 10:00 AM

For ages 8 and up. A STEM program in the great outdoors! We’ll meet at Lock 12 Historical Park and walk along the Farmington canal trail while learning about science, nature, and history. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and sun protection! For kids ages 8+ and their parents/caregivers. Registration required.

Movie Matinees

Tuesdays at 1:00 PM

Too much nature? Beat the heat with a movie matinee! No registration required.

July 11: Avanti. (1972, Rated “R”; 2 hours, 20 minutes.)
July 18: Groundhog Day. (1993, Rated “PG”; 1 hour, 41 minutes.)
July 25: Captain Fantastic. (2016, Rated “R”; 1 hour, 58 minutes.)

Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures

Thursday Jul 13, 2017, 4:00 – 4:45 PM

Nature Nick is returning to the Cheshire Public Library bringing his new show “Build a Better World.” In this show, Nature Nick will introduce you to some of the strangest animals on earth while giving little known facts about each one. See how every animal in nature has a role which in turn helps us build a better world! Ages 4 and up. Registration required starting June 1 for Cheshire residents and July 12th for all others.

Insects: The Good, the Bad, the Beautiful and the Just Plain Ugly

Thursday Jul 13, 2017, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Join presenter Rose Hiskes, diagnostician and horticulturist at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in Windsor, as we enter the world of plant pests, showing the beautiful, the beneficial, the bad and the just plain ugly. Registration required.

The Bobcat – Connecticut’s Secretive Wild Cat

Wednesday Jul 19, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Join certified Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn to learn about the history of bobcats in CT, with an overview of bobcat habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, and current research efforts. Bobcat artifacts will be on display. Registration required.

DIY: Backsplash

Thursday Jul 20, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

An indoor project to do-it-yourself. Is it time for a change in your bathroom or kitchen? Time to replace that old backsplash but don’t know where to begin? Join us as Jenn of Home Depot, Milldale CT will show us how to put up backsplash. Registration required.

Lyme Disease and Tick Control

Wednesday Jul 26, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

You’ve heard it on the news, CT officials expect an increase in the number of ticks this year, including those carrying diseases. Medical-veterinary entomologist Dr. Kirby C. Stafford will provide valuable info on the epidemiology and basic symptoms of Lyme disease, the biology of the tick vector, and tick bite prevention and tick control. Registration required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in May

April 26, 2017April 12, 2017 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

MAY we interest you in some programs this month? When you’re done groaning over that terrible pun, check out some of the highlights from May’s event calendar:

Friends of Cheshire Public Library Spring Book Sale

Thursday May 4, 2017, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday May 5, 2017, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday May 6, 2017, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday May 7, 2017, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Bargains! More Bargains! And don’t forget Sunday is Bag of Books Day – fill up a bag of books for one low price (bags provided) – $10 for one bag, $15 for two!

Tuesday Movie Matinees

Tuesdays, May 9, 16, 23, 30 at 1:00 PM

A different movie each week! No registration required.

Mark Twain in Connecticut

Tuesday May 16, 2017, 6:30 PM

Dr. James Golden of the Mark Twain House and Museum explains the importance of Connecticut and Hartford to Twain’s life and work, including his famous neighbors, such as novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe, travel writer and journalist Charles Dudley Warner, Civil War hero and senator Joseph Hawley, and female suffrage campaigner Isabella Beecher Hooker. Registration is required.

Writing Workshop: Story First (Plotting your novel)

Wednesday May 17, 2017, 6:00 PM

This workshop takes participants through the process of developing an idea into a workable premise that can generate a full story. From there writers will examine how to build a plot that will keep readers asking questions and turning pages until they reach a powerful and satisfying ending. Presented by author Steve Liskow. Registration required for this adult program.

Pet First Aid with VCA

Thursday May 18, 2017, 6:30 PM

Pet First Aid will teach participants emergency care procedures for your fur babies and provide tips for keeping your pet healthy too. Join us as Doctor Deborah Goul, Director of General Practice at VCA Cheshire Animal Hospital, and other VCA ER doctors, Please be so kind as to leave your fur family at home. Registration required.

Introduction to Microsoft Word

Wednesdays, May 24 & 31, 2017, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

This class will provide an introduction to Microsoft Word and is divided into two sessions.You will learn basic navigation skills to effectively use the Microsoft Word program:

Create a simple document.
Edit text and check spelling errors.
Format the document.
Insert a picture; change font formatting and much more.

Please register separately for May 24 and May 31 sessions.

STEM Coffee Hour: Virtual Reality

Thursday May 25, 2017, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

STEM Coffee Hours are designed for adults who are interested in learning more about a particular science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topic. The general format is an informative presentation followed by group discussion. Facilitator: Dr. Tracie Addy, Center for Teaching and Learning, STEM Educator, Yale University. Please be aware that Coffee Hours are first come, first served. Please arrive 10 minutes in advance. If for any reason you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation to open your space. Register here (required).

Above and Beyond

Thursday May 25, 2017, 6:30 – 7:45 PM

Join us for the incredible documentary film of the escape from Nazi-occupied Europe by Jewish-American Pilot Bruce Sundlun and his subsequent return to support the French Resistance. Registration required.

Soccer Shots Mini Demo Class (ages 2-3)

Tuesday May 30, 2017 – Two sessions: 10:30 AM & 11:15 AM

Soccer Shots of Central CT will be hosting a demonstration class for kids ages 2-3 years old. Soccer Shots Mini is a high-energy program introducing young children to fundamental soccer principles, such as using your feet, dribbling and the basic rules of the game. Through fun games, songs and positive reinforcement, children will begin to experience the joy of playing soccer and being active. This program is presented by Soccer Shots of Central CT. For ages 2-3 years old with caregiver. Registration begins May 9.

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.

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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!