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.

line-of-kids

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!

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in February

February 1, 2015February 1, 2015 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Fight the February Blahs with some educational, enriching, and entertaining programs at Cheshire Library! Mark your calendar for these events, and see even more on our Event Calendar.

Frozen Sing Along

Sunday Feb 1, 2015 , 2:00 PM

Experience FROZEN, hit musical comedy from Walt Disney Animation Studios, like never before in an all-new, full-length SING-ALONG EDITION! Follow the lyrics with a bouncing FROZEN snowflake. It’s pure enchantment — and full of fun for the whole family! All Ages Welcome. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Monday Feb 2, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club meets once per month on a Monday evening. The Fellowship of the Ring will be discussed at the February 2nd meeting.
There is limited seating for this event. For more information regarding this program, contact Jennifer Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org.

Irish Family History: Researching Irish Websites

Tuesday Feb 3, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

This workshop will introduce you to dozens of websites that can help you to research your Irish ancestors. The speaker will navigate websites and discuss the content of each one. Participants will be given a handout that lists the sites that benefit the Irish family history researcher. Register on our website.

Take Your Child to the Library Day! Magic with Chick Kelman

Saturday Feb 7, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Magician Chick Kelman is returning to the Cheshire Public Library to add some magic to our Bring Your Child to the Library Day celebration. Join us for an afternoon program of magical tricks that will entertain and amaze! Stop by the Children’s Room after the performance for a special prize. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Fab Film Saturday: The Boxtrolls

Saturday Feb 14, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Come enjoy some great box office kids’ movies with Fab Film Saturdays at Cheshire Public Library!
THE BOXTROLLS. A family event movie from the creators of Coraline and ParaNorman that introduces audiences to a new breed of family – The Boxtrolls, a community of quirky, mischievous creatures who have lovingly raised a human boy named Eggs (voiced by Isaac Hempstead Wright) in the amazing cavernous home they’ve built beneath the streets of Cheesebridge. Running Time 1 hour, 37 minutes. Rated PG. Feel free to bring your own snacks! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Author Talk: Jon Katz

Sunday Feb 15, 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.
Jon Katz has become well-known for rescuing “irredeemable” animals. 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.

Bird Biology and Winter Plants

Monday Feb 16, 2015, two sessions, 2:00 and 3:15 PM

Local naturalist Eric Nelson will introduce children to the anatomy, identification and bird behavior through fun hands-on activities and exercises. Children wshould wear loose clothing and sneakers. For ages 6 and up. Register on our website starting on February 1st.

Rainforest Rendezvous with Animal Embassy

Tuesday Feb 17, 2015, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Join Animal Embassy on a journey through the four major tropical rainforest regions of the world! Library patrons will meet Animal Ambassadors such as a Chinchilla, a jungle Carpet python, a Red-foot tortoise, Red-eyed tree frogs, a large Green iguana or Solomon Islands monkey-tailed skink and possibly an Eclectus parrot! For ages 4 and up. Register on our website starting on February 1st.

Genealogy Software for Family History Researchers

Tuesday Feb 17, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

After a discussion of factors to consider when purchasing genealogy software and a review of the current Top 10 software packages, presenter Edwin Strickland will explore some of the other computer software options to aid in the recording and publication of your family data and planning further research tasks. Register on our website.

Squishy Circuits

Wednesday Feb 18, 2015, 10:00 – 12:00 PM

Electricity + play dough = lights? Awesome!
Squishy Circuits area a great introduction to the fundamentals of electronics. We will use a play dough that can conduct electricity. Once you know the basics you can plug in lights and motors to bring you already cool sculpture to new levels of awesome. Drop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. and noon. For ages 6 and up. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Truck Storytime

Thursday Feb 19, 2015, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Bring your toy trucks and cars to this special event. There will be storytime followed by playtime. We will provide kiddie pools filled with sand to support play. Be sure to wear clothes you can get messy in. For ages 3-8. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Dads & Donuts

Saturday Feb 21, 2015, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Dads & Donuts is a storytime designed especially for dads and children ages 3 and up. You don’t have to be a dad either. Moms, grandparents, or partners – everyone is welcome to attend and eat delicious donuts. Snacks will follow stories based around the theme of Animals! Enjoy stories with donuts, juice and coloring and crafts to follow. For ages 3-8.
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

E-Library Workshop: Downloadable Content at Cheshire Library

Saturday Feb 21, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Want to learn how to download library e-books, audiobooks, movies, magazines and music to your laptop, tablet, e-reader, or smartphone? Bring your device and join us for a hands-on workshop. We’ll start with an overview of our various products and will then break into small groups with library staff, who can answer your questions about getting started.

Learn Spanish Storytime

Monday Feb 23, 2015, 10:00 – 10:30 AM

A hands-on Spanish program for toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary aged children. This bilingual storytime will be tons of fun with songs, games, activities and stories in both English and Spanish! No prior knowledge of Spanish is necessary. For ages 2 to Kindergarten. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Exploring Connecticut and the Slave Trade

Tuesday Feb 24, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Journalist and independent historian Anne Farrow will discuss her new book The Logbooks : Connecticut’s Slave Ships and Human Memory. In 1757, a sailing ship owned by an affluent Connecticut merchant sailed from New London to the tiny island of Bence in Sierra Leone, West Africa, to take on fresh water and slaves. On board was the owner’s son, on a training voyage to learn the trade. The Logbooks explores that voyage, and two others documented by that young man, to unearth new realities of Connecticut’s slave trade and question how we could have forgotten this part of our past so completely. Seating for this event is limited. Register on our website.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in January

January 1, 2015January 1, 2015 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

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

Tuesdays 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!

Essential 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.

Fab 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

Sunday 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.

Family 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

Saturday 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.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in December

December 2, 2014November 21, 2014 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

It may be cold outside, but we’ve got some hot programming at Cheshire Library this December. Mark your calendars for:

Personal Preparedness

Tuesday Dec 2, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Alicia Hanke of the Chesprocott Health District will provide residents with information and tips on how to prepare for potential emergencies. Hanke will focus on 3 components to living prepared: building a kit, making a plan, and staying informed. Register on our website.

The Ancient Art of Paper Cutting

Thursday Dec 4, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Martha Link Walsh, who has practiced the ancient art of paper cutting for over 40 years, will give a brief overview of its history, present a demonstration, share her “secrets” of the craft, and discuss her book, A Paper-cut Christmas – Legends of the Gift Giver. Register on our website.

A Seussified Christmas Carol, with Cheshire Community Theatre

Saturday Dec 6, 2014, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

A whimsical reinvention of Dickens’ most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets. With zoot fruited juices and binka bird geese, from Bed-Headed Fred to Timmy Loo Hoo, this is a tale of glorious holiday cheer! Register on our website.

Jewelry Jam

Monday Dec 8, 2014, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

The holidays are right around the corner. Come in for a free, fun evening of jewelry making. Kim Larkin, a Cheshire resident and jewelry maven, will teach attendees how to create wonderful, unique necklaces. Attendance is limited, please register on our website.

Cheshire Cats Classics Club – The War of the Worlds

Monday Dec 8, 2014, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

The Cheshire Cats Classics Club meets once per month on a Monday evening. The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells will be discussed at the December meeting.

There is limited seating for this event. For more information regarding this program, contact Jenn Bartlett at jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org

Music Together Workshop

Wednesday Dec 10, 2014
2 sessions: 10:00 – 10:45 AM, and 11:00 – 11:45 AM

Music Together® s an internationally recognized early childhood music program for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, kindergartners, and the adults who love them. This research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum strongly encourages adult involvement and emphacizes actual music experiences rather than concepts about music. Register on our website beginning December 1.

Holiday Read-Aloud with FEA

Wednesday Dec 10, 2014, 3:30 – 4:15 PM

Come and read with the Future Educators of America (FEA) from Dodd Middle School. Dress in red or green to get in the holiday spirit! There will be stories, crafts, and a snack. For ages 3-6. Register on our website beginning December 1.

Holiday Silly Song Sing-a-long

Friday Dec 12, 2014, 10:30 – 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. This program is designed for children ages 5 and under, but all ages are welcome. Register on our website beginning December 1.

Fab Film Saturdays: Muppets Most Wanted

Saturday Dec 13, 2014, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

There’s plenty of fun for the whole family as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal and the entire Muppets gang head out on a world tour. But mayhem follows the Muppets, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper. Running Time 1 hour, 47 minutes. Rated PG. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

Maker Fun

Thursday Dec 18, 2014, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

We’ll have 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. For children ages 4 and up, [children must be accompanied by an adult]. Register on our website beginning December 1.

Joy to the World: Holiday Music for Classical Guitar & Mandolin

Saturday Dec 20, 2014, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Local audience favorites Judy Handler and Mark Levesque return to the Cheshire Library with a new concert for the holidays featuring traditional and contemporary holiday music with an international flavor. The audience will have a chance to join in at the end of the program on some rhythm instruments! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

HOLIDAY HOURS:

The library will be CLOSED Wednesday, December 24th and Thursday, December 25th.

We will be OPEN Friday, December 26th and Saturday, December 27th.

We will CLOSE AT 4PM on Wednesday, December 31st.

We will be CLOSED on Thursday, January 1st.

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!