What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in November

November 2, 2014November 2, 2014 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Programs about Puppetry, Power, and Photographs are only Part of the Phenomenal Presentations you can Participate in at CPL in November!

Ghostly Photographs

Monday Nov 3, 2014, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Julie Griffin, author of Ghostly Photographs: Ghost Stories You Can See with Your Own Eyes, (copies of which will be available for purchase on the night of the program) will tell the tales behind the very real “ghostly” photographs she has taken. Register on our website.

Tuesday Movie Matinees

Tuesdays at 1:00 PM

Tues Nov 4 – Saving Mr. Banks (2013 – 120 minutes)

Tues Nov 18 – The Pursuit of Happyness (2006 – 117 minutes)

Tues Nov 25 – Philomena (2013 – 98 minutes)

No registration required.

Wrimo Write-In Wednesdays

Wednesday Nov 5 and Wednesday Nov 19, 2014, 5:00 – 9:00 PM

All NaNoWriMo and YWP participants are invited to Write-In Wednesdays on November 5 and November 19 from 5 – 9 pm. Drop by the Moss Room on the top floor for a dedicated space to write and rant as you strive to reach 50,000 words. The Library will supply power strips, scrap paper, and some resources for inspiration. Bring anything else you might need for an evening of high-velocity writing: laptops and power cords, tablets, typewriters, notebooks, etc. No registration required.

Rescue of the Bounty: Disaster and Survival in Superstorm Sandy

Thursday Nov 6, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Michael J. Tougias, co-author of Rescue of the Bounty: Disaster and Survival in Superstorm Sandy will give a dramatic visual presentation about this event. The tall ship Bounty, featured in the Marlon Brando classic movie Mutiny on the Bounty, sank in 2012 during a voyage from New London, CT, to St. Petersburg, FL. The Captain and a crew member perished, but the Coast Guard managed to perform harrowing helicopter rescues to save the other fourteen sailors. Register on our website.

Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Monday Nov 10, 2014, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club meets once per month on a Monday evening. This month we are discussing Around the World in Eighty Days, the classic adventure novel by Jules Verne. Copies of the book are available to check out. Please register on our website.

The Power Within, Part I

Thursday Nov 13, 2014, 6:00 – 8:30 PM

Join Cheshire resident Cindy Mazzaferro, Registered Physical Therapist, Master Reiki Practitioner, Motivational Speaker and Life Coach, for a presentation on how your thoughts affect you physically, mentally and emotionally and what you bring into your life. (This is Part I of a two part series. Participants of this session will have the opportunity to attend a follow-up session, which will be presented at the library on Thursday, March 12, 2015, at 6:00 p.m.). Register on our website.

PUPPETRY DEMONSTRATION with the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry

Saturday Nov 15, 2014, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Ever wonder how puppets are made for movies like The Muppets, and how people are trained to perform with them?
Cheshire Public Library is proud to host a puppetry demonstration with graduate students enrolled in the University of Connecticut’s puppetry program in affiliation with the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry in Storrs, CT. The students will demonstrate several of their own puppets, talk about the world of puppetry, and answer any questions you may have about puppetry and what it takes to become a professional puppeteer. This program is for ages 6 and up. Please register on our website.

Public Reception for Librarians Cindy Tencza and Sue Hartley

Monday Nov 17, 3:00 – 6:00 PM

Two long-time Children’s Librarians are retiring! Please join us at a public reception to help us say farewell to Head of Children’s Services Sue Hartley and Children’s Librarian Cindy Tencza.

Maker Fun

Wednesday Nov 19, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

We’ll set up several seasonal crafting stations around the room and children will be able to make several art projects to take home with them at the end of the two hours. The framework of the program will be very loose, so children will be free to work at their own speeds and do only the crafting that interests them. Register on our website.

Fab Film Saturdays: THE DARK CRYSTAL

Saturday Nov 22, 2014, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Travel back in time to the faraway planet of Thra. Cheer on the Mystics as they fight to overthrow the evil Skeksis and take back control of their planet! From the brilliant imagination of Jim Henson, this masterpiece of animation recounts the timeless tale of good vs. evil and has become a cult favorite of children and grown-ups alike! Running Time 1 hour, 33 minutes. Rated PG.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in October

October 2, 2014October 2, 2014 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

It’s October, leaves are changing on the trees, the days are getting shorter, and Cheshire Library’s got loads of great programs to keep you busy all month long. And it’s BOOK SALE MONTH!

Gargoyles of Yale University

Monday Oct 6, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Mathew Duman, author and photographer of An Education in the Grotesque : The Gargoyles of Yale University, has explored the variety of sculpture found on the buildings of Yale University and has researched and documented these new world grotesques which are much closer but no less interesting than their European counterparts. Registration required.

Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Monday Oct 6, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

For the October meeting, the book club will be discussing All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque. Copies of this book may be borrowed at the library. Registration required.

Halloween Read-Aloud with FEA

Thursday Oct 9, 2014, 3:30 – 4:15 PM

Come and read with the Future Educators of America (FEA) from Dodd Middle School! Dress up in Halloween colors to get in the spirit. There will be stories, crafts, and a snack. For ages 3-6. Registration required starting on October 1st.

Fab Film Saturday

Saturday Oct 11, 2014, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Today’s film is Frankenweenie (2012 – rated PG – 1 hr, 27 min). From Disney and creative genius Tim Burton comes the hilarious and offbeat FRANKENWEENIE, a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life — with just a few minor adjustments. Feel free to bring your own snacks! No registration required.

Tuesday Movie Matinees

Tuesday Oct 14, 2014 – The Uninvited (1944 – 99 minutes).

Tuesday Oct 28, 2014 – Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941 – 94 minutes)

1:00 – 3:00 PM, No registration required.

Witchcraft Trials of Connecticut

Tuesday Oct 14, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Join Richard Tomlinson, author of Witchcraft Prosecution : Chasing the Devil in Connecticut as he discusses the fears that drove some citizens to seek out and punish accused witches that lived in their community. Tomlinson will explore the witchcraft trials in 1600s Connecticut and highlight three major trials in Connecticut history: the Hartford Witch Panic of 1662-63; the landmark prosecution of Katherine Harrison of Wethersfield; and the trial of Mercy Disbrow, the last woman convicted of witchcraft in Connecticut. Registration required.

Bobcats in Connecticut

Wednesday Oct 15, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Bobcats are common in Connecticut and found in most towns throughout the state. They have been spotted in Cheshire and in other towns in the region. Bobcats are stealthy predators; secretive, solitary and seldom observed, tending to hunt and travel in areas of thick cover. Christine Clark, from Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, will highlight the abilities, adaptations and natural history of the bobcat using slides, video and artifacts. Registration required.

Friends of the Library Semi-Annual Book Sale: Members-Only Preview Night

Wednesday Oct 22, 2014, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Preview the popular Friends of the Cheshire Public Library Semi-Annual Book Sale. Memberships can be purchased at the door.

Friends of the Library Semi-Annual Book Sale

Thursday Oct 23 – Saturday Oct 25, 2014

Halloween Magic

Monday Oct 27, 2014, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Please join us for a fun-filled Halloween Magic Show with Mr. Magic, Rick Rothstein. Rick will amaze everyone with his illusions with water and other visual trickery. For all ages. Registration required starting on October 1st.

iPad 101

Tuesday Oct 28, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Learn the basics on how to use the most popular tablet on the market. This class will cover everything from changing settings to taking photographs. Please bring your own iPad if possible. The library has a limited number of iPads participants can use.

Topics covered:
Changing your settings
Securing your iPad for unauthorized use
Downloading Apps
Setting up your email
Organizing your life with iCalendar and Reminders
Photo-taking 101

Cheshire Magic : The Gathering Club

Tuesday Oct 28, 2014, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

In Magic: The Gathering, you are counted among the elite spellcasters of the Multiverse—the Planeswalkers. Your deck of cards represents your weapons, containing the spells you know and the creatures you can summon to fight for you. (Cards will be provided to play with if you don’t have any of your own.) Grades 9—12 and up, no registration required.

Before the Auto: Transportation in Cheshire during the 19th Century

Wednesday Oct 29, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Learn how turnpikes, the Farmington Canal, steam railroads, and electric trolleys provided transportation in Cheshire in the nineteenth century. Presenter Richard DeLuca is the author of “Post Roads and Iron Horses,” which looks at transportation in Connecticut from Colonial Times to the Age of Steam.

Halloween Storytime and Costume Parade

Thursday Oct 30, 2014, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

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

Anime Club Halloween Cosplay Extravaganza

Friday Oct 31, 2014, 3:00 – 4:45 PM

Dress up and act like your favorite character: anime or otherwise! Prizes will be awarded for effort and creativity. Japanese refreshments will be provided, but the major event will be the cosplay contest, so start planning your costume and moves today—this is one event you won’t want to miss!! Grades 6—12. No registration required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in September

September 2, 2014September 2, 2014 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Summer may be over, but lots of great programming continues at Cheshire Library! Here are some of the special programs we’ve got lined up this month:

SAT Preparation Seminar

Tuesday Sep 2, 2014, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Prominent language arts tutor, Ellis Ratner will address all aspects of the Reading and Writing Sections, including sentence completion, reading comprehension, grammar and essay writing. Attendees will also receive, free of charge, and SAT Preparation Primer. Register on our website.

Reckless: True Story of the Legendary Korean War Pony

Thursday Sep 4, 2014, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Janet Barrett, author of They Called Her Reckless — A True Story of War, Love And One Extraordinary Horse, will appear to discuss the story of Reckless, a small Korean pony who became a real-life hero during the Korean War. She saved many lives, raised spirits and won the love and respect of all who knew her. Reckless hauled ammo, brought back dead and wounded Marines, boosted the troops’ morale, was awarded two Purple Hearts and finally brought back to the U.S., where she lived out her years at Camp Pendleton, California. Register on our website.

Zumba for Kids

Saturday Sep 6, 2014, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Join Tracy Brody in a great Zumba program designed just for kids!
Zumba is an easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired dance-fitness program. Classes specifically for kids are formatted in a way to make getting fit fun. Kids can just let loose and be themselves! Register on our website.

Cheshire Cats Classics Club – The Good Soldier by Ford Maddox Ford

Monday Sep 8, 2014, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club will resume after a summer break on Monday September 8 at 7 p.m. at the Cheshire Public Library. The book club will read The Good Soldier by Ford Maddox Ford in honor of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I. Register on our website. Copies of this book may be borrowed at the library.

Our Health in the Balance: Toxic Lawn Pesticides

Tuesday Sep 9, 2014, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Concerned about your health, your children’s health, your pet’s health, and the health of the environment? Find out more when presenter Dr. Jerry Silbert, a physician trained in Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, and Environmental Health, speaks about toxic lawn pesticides and chemical trespass. Register on our website.

Builder’s Brigade

Wednesdays, Sep 10 and 24 2014, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Kids have the opportunity to use their best creativity to design buildings, creatures, and more using Lego and Mega blocks. They can work alone, or in a team with peers. A different theme is picked for each session and kids can build on that theme or build a creation of their own. At the end of each session, kids can put their creations on display at the library for all to see until the next club is scheduled! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Silly Song Sing-a-long

Saturday Sep 13, 2014, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Silly Song Sing-a-long is a mix of popular children’s songs, musical games, dance movements, and rhythms. Children and adults will be encouraged to participate and act silly along with Edward Leonard and his guitars, drums, and maracas. Register on our website.

Fab Film Saturdays: ERNEST AND CELESTINE

Saturday Sep 20, 2014, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Ernest & Celestine (2012). Academy Award Nominee (Best Animated Feature) and featuring the voices of Forest Whitaker, Mackenzie Foy, and more! This is the gorgeously animated story of an unlikely friendship between a bear, Ernest, and a mouse named Celestine. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Bring your own snacks!
Running Time 1 hour, 20 minutes. Rated PG.

Occult and Demonology in the Civil War

Monday, Sep 22, 2014, 7:00 PM

Join Matthew Bartlett, local author and Gettysburg historian, as he discusses demonology and the occult in the Civil War. Register on our website.

Halloween Science Workshop – 2 Sessions

Saturday Sep 27, 2014, 1:15 PM and 2:30 PM

Explore a Halloween skeleton, the science of darkness, the inner workings of Halloween toys and gadgets, and live spiders and other scary creepy-crawlies in a fun hands-on workshop conducted by local naturalist and amateur scientist, Eric Nelson. Register on our website.

Small Business Lending
Monday Sep. 29, 2014, 7:00pm

Sheldon L. Pollock, Banking Consultant and former Bank CEO, will explain the points that a business owner should consider when applying for a small business loan. Register on our website.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in August

July 31, 2014August 18, 2014 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Lots more summer fun to be had before the kids head back to school (and adults, we’ve squeezed in a few programs for you, too!). Here are some of the events on our schedule for August:

Butterfly Program with Jerry Schneider

Friday August 1, 10:30 AM

Participants will learn about wing symmetry, defense mechanisms, and interesting butterfly behavior (did you know that butterflies taste their feet?), and then make a butterfly t-shirt! Please bring a white or light colored t-shirt to this program, (participants need to have registered previously for this program).

Movie Matinees

Tuesdays at 1:00 PM, no registration required.

August 5 – Hopscotch (1980)
August 12 – Murder by Death (1976)
August 19 – A Shot in the Dark (1964)

The Gulf of Tonkin – 50 Years Later

Tuesday Aug 5, 7:00 PM

Join local author and historian John White as he discusses his book The Gulf of Tonkin – 50 Years Later. White “blew the whistle” on the alleged attack upon two U.S. naval ships on August 4, 1967. President Johnson used this as an excuse to rush Congress into passing the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution which provided him with the legal authority to wage war on Vietnam. Copies of his book will be available for purchase. Registration Online.

Builder’s Brigade

Wednesdays, Aug 6 and Aug 20, 4:00 PM

Teen Games Drop-In

Fridays, Aug 8, 22, and 29, 2:30-4:30 PM

Nintendo Wii available for group play with ROCK BAND 2, DDR, MARIO KART, BRAWL, and lots more! We’ve got board games too, so come play games and nibble snacks, no registration required.

Cartoon Workshop with Rick Stromonski

Monday Aug 11, 7:00 PM

Rick Stromonski, a nationally recognized cartoonist and author of Soup to Nutz, will lead children ages 6 and up in a cartoon workshop. Participants need to bring a pencil and pad of paper. Registration Online starting August 1st.

Fab Film Summer Movies: DIVERGENT (rated PG-13)

Wednesday Aug 13, 6:00 PM

Come enjoy some great box office family movies with Fab Film Saturdays at Cheshire Public Library! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Divergent is set in a world where people are divided into distinct factions based on human virtues. Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) is warned she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group. When she discovers a conspiracy by a faction leader (Kate Winslet) to destroy all Divergents, Tris must learn to trust in the mysterious Four (Theo James) and together they must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it’s too late. Based on the best-selling book series by Veronica Roth.

Is There Water on Zork?

Thursday Aug 14, 10:30 AM

Become inhabitants of the alien planet zork and help Earthlings find water. After listening to the story — June 29, 1999 — you will conduct simple experiments to test the characteriestics of mystery liquids to discover if Zork has water. Participants will work in groups and use common household objects to test liquids for pH, adhesion, evaporation and other properties to make their conclusions.
For ages 7-12. Registration Online starting on August 1st.

Summer Reading Finale with Jester Jim

Monday Aug 18, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

With nothing more than a trunk full of props, Jester Jim will have you glued to his every sound as he performs his amazing beat-boxing, juggling, and balancing.
For kids of any age who have completed the Cheshire Public Library summer reading challenge. Pre-concert snacks and beverages from 6:30-7:00 pm, performance by Jester Jim at 7:00 PM.

Registration Online starting on August 1st.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in July

July 1, 2014July 1, 2014 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

It’s summer, and you know what that means – Summer Reading is in full swing! There are lots of terrific programs on tap for July, here’s a preview:Fizz and Boom with Four O’Clocks

Tuesday Jul 1, 2014. 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Science and art promise to come together with Artsplace instructor Rebecca Rice’s help in this fun class. Students will use pastels and other materials to explore projects to explain the magic and beauty of Four O’Clock Flowers.
For ages 6 and up. Register on our website.

Magic Show with Ed Popielarcyk

Wednesday Jul 2, 2014. 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Come join Ed Popielarcyk with his amazing interactive magic show followed by balloon sculpting!
Register on our website.

Snakes and Amphibians with Eric Nelson

Two sessions Thursday Jul 3, 2014, at 2:00 PM and 3:15 PM Join Eric Nelson in a fun exploration of snakes and amphibians!Register on our website.

Kellogg Environmental Center presents: INTO THE WOODS

Thursday Jul 3, 2014, 2:00 – 3:00 Expand your naturalist skills by solving mysteries of natural finds like footprints, feathers, twig chewings and objects seen around the state. Children will listen to Into the Woods: Who’s Been There and explore mysterious finds from nature. Each child will make and take a nature journal of their own to help continue their exploration of outdoor signs and mysteries. Register on our website.

Lego Robots with the CHS MECHA RAMS

Thursday Jul 10, 2014, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
The robots have returned!
The summer G3 programs will offer a special 3-part event. Guest instructors and teen members of the Cheshire High School MECHA RAMS Robotics team will provide robotics demonstrations to our G3 kids. Kids will also get hands on experience with simple robotics using Lego robot kits and will receive instruction from their teen mentors, wrapping up with a friendly team competition on July 24th! Register on our website.

Fab Film Summer Movies: THE LEGO MOVIE

Wednesday Jul 16, 2014, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM The Lego Movie (2014). An ordinary Lego construction worker, thought to be the prophesied ‘Special’, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil tyrant from gluing the Lego universe into eternal stasis. Running Time 1 hour, 40 minutes. Rated PG.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

Zoology for Kids with Animal Embassy

Thursday Jul 17, 2014, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Animal Embassy will uncover some of the mysteries of animal biology as we learn about classifications and habitats in the animal kingdom, as well as discover the life of an animal scientist. We will meet Animal Ambassadors such as giant White’s tree frogs, an Eclectus parrot or Spectacled owl, a Green tree python or Emerald Tree boa, Chinchillas, a Pink-toed tarantula, an Argentine Black & White Tegu and/or a Solomon Islands monkey-tailed skink! Register on our website.

BENDING GRAVITY with Eric Girardi

Monday Jul 21, 2014, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Bending Gravity is an amazing show by performance artist Eric Girardi and includes a breathtaking mastery of object manipulation, juggling, yoyos, and more! For ages 4 and up. Registration begins on July 1st.

Sciencetellers present DRAGONS AND DREAMS

Monday Jul 28, 2014, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Join us as we learn about the science of fire and ice through the tale of “Dragons & Dreams.” Wouldn’t dragon’s breath be an amazing sight to see?! Well, get ready to see it…feel it…smell it…maybe even taste it! This story features interactive science experiments with dry ice, flash paper, exploding bottles, and much more.
Enjoy this spectacular adventure and be swept away to a world where dragons are real and dreams come true — and where only the most daring of people will survive to tell the tale!
For ages 4 and up. Registration begins on July 1st.

Gregory McAdams with Team Magic

Wednesday Jul 30, 2014, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM The Greg & Axel show is a totally unique entertainment experience that provides magic, comedy, audience participation and one hilarious dog. Your audience will fall in love with Axel as he helps Greg the Magician amaze the audience…he might even cause a little bit of trouble!
Greg & Axel donate a percentage of every show to help rescue animals!
For all ages. Registration begins on July 1st.

Time Capsule to Mars!
Thursday Jul 31, 2014, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Join Dr. Daniel Burkey, Associate Dean of the UConn School of Engineering, at the Cheshire Public Library on Thursday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m. to learn about the Time Capsule to Mars™ (TC2M) Project. Participants will compose and record a group message at the library, to be uploaded to the Time Capsule and sent the 35 million miles from Earth to Mars. This program is for all ages, but is especially geared towards students entering grades K-12. Register on our website.

Summer Saturday Hours : 9:30am – 1:00pm
The Cheshire Library is now open Saturdays in the summer!
From July 12th – August 23rd, the library will be open from 9:30am – 1:00pm. Stop by to beat the heat and catch up on some great summer reads.