library programs for adults

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in April

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We’re springing into April with so many great programs for kids, teens & adults, we can’t fit them all here! Check our Event Calendar for the full list of programs coming up this month.

Movie Matinees

  • Tuesday April 4: Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris (2022)
  • Tuesday April 18: Sherlock Holmes (2009)

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

This Business of Fighting: A Human Face on WWII

Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Equipped with a Ph.D. in history from Yale and a lifetime of storytelling experience, Arnie Pritchard paints a picture of his father’s WWII experience. Registration is required.

Upcycled T-shirt Party

Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Reduce, reuse, and recycle your old t-shirts! We’ll provide a variety of sewing and no-sew projects for you to breathe new life into old t-shirts. Bring a t-shirt from home or use a thrifted t-shirt provided by the Library. Registration is required for this adult program.

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.

Tween Escape Room: The CPL Art Gallery (Grades 3-5)

Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Work as a team to solve the puzzles and get the final prize! For grades 3-5. Please note this is a school vacation day. Please register in advance.

Adult Loft Knitters

Wednesday, April 12, 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.

Basics of Chocolate Truffle Making

Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

The lecture by Maria Brandriff will include some basic information about chocolate, the various types, and how to work with it. Samples and recipes will include several different types of truffle candies, perfect for giving your loved ones at any time. Space is limited and registration is required.

No-Sew Upcycled T-shirt Tote (Grades 6-12)

Thursday, April 13, 2023, 3:00 – 4:00pm

Keep the earth in mind this month and create your own customized t-shirt tote bag made out of recycled materials. Bring your own t-shirt to upcycle or choose from a selection of washed, thrifted t’s. Registration required.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, April 13, 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.

Builder’s Block (kids of all ages)

Friday, April 14, 2023, 10:00 – 11:15am

Block off some time to build freely with LEGOs, Duplos, KEVA Planks, Strawbees, and more! For kids of all ages and their caregivers. No registration required.

Titanic A Date with Destiny

Monday, April 17, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us as we will learn of the Titanic’s celebrated construction, employing thousands during difficult times, its sailing, life on board and final hours. Join us as we share insights about a well-known story that might change your viewpoint of that fateful date with destiny. 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 I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys . Register for our afternoon or evening group.

Life in the White House: The President’s Butler

Wednesday, April 19, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us as former White House butler, Mr. Alan DeValerio, shares his memories, stories and adventures of the 10 years he spent working in the White House under Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. He will describe how staff prepares to entertain guests at the White House and how that process has evolved since the time of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Registration is required.

Jellyfish Science: Are You Ready for This Jelly? (ONLINE)

Thursday, April 20, 2023, 6:30 – 7:30pm

Learn about the importance of jellyfish and how studying them is leading to discoveries that could change our lives.These animals have inspired many technologies used in medicine, robotics, and engineering. In this talk learn about the importance of jellyfish and how studying them is leading to discoveries that could change our lives. Presented by Yale graduate student Lauren Mellenthin. Registration is required for this online program.

Earth Day Storytime (All Ages)

Saturday, April 22, 2023, 11:00 – 11:30am

Join us for a storytime focused on celebrating the earth and the ways that we can help it. Complete with a craft which inspires us to use recycled materials from home to make art! All ages. Registration not required.

Smartphone Photography

Monday, April 24, 2023, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Professional Photographer Andy Mars will show you how to take better photos with your smartphone and/or iPad. Learn tips on photo composition and how to gain control over your
shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings. Then learn to edit your photos with the free editing
app Snapseed. Registration is required.

Plant & Seed Swap

Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 3:00 – 8:00pm

Calling all plant enthusiasts! Bring your healthy house plants, outdoor plants, cuttings, seedlings, seeds, and containers to the library and swap them out for others. Maybe your houseplant has had a major growth spurt and needs to be tamed- take some cuttings and bring them to the swap! Maybe you bought 14 packets of pumpkin seeds but now realize you don’t actually want to be a pumpkin farmer- bring some to the swap! This is a great way to diversify your collection, try growing a new type of plant, and see what others are growing. Drop in anytime between 3:00 and 8:00pm, registration is required.

Explore New Worlds: Virtual Reality

Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 6:00 – 7:30pm

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. Registration is required, you will be contacted prior to the program to select your spot.

TAB: Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)

Tuesday, April 25, 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.

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 February

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You’ll find history, crafts, music, and more on our Event Calendar this February – check out the full month of offerings and Save your spot for these programs!

February Art Show

A selection of oil paintings and paper cuttings by Cheshire artist Susan Fenaughty will be on display in the Mary Baldwin Room during the month of February.

Open Art Studio

Fridays, February 3, 10, 24, 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).

Juggling and Comedy Show

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 11:00 – 11:45am

Join us for an afternoon of laughter with Bryson Lang in celebration of Take Your Child to the Library Day! Bryson’s show mixes comedy, audience participation, juggling, giant beach balls, improv, and more! For kids of all ages. Please register the number of children and teens attending.

Black Bears in Connecticut

Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 6:30 – 8:15pm

Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn will be here to teach us about our fascinating neighbors, Connecticut’s black bears. We’ll get to hear about their natural history, how to coexist with these creatures, and explore black bear artifacts. Registration is required.

Movie Matinees

  • Tuesday February 7: Philomena (2013)
  • Tuesday February 21: Hopscotch (1980)

Join us in the Library Loft for a movie on the big screen! Registration is not required and movies begin at 1pm.

Tories, Spies, & Traitors: Divided Loyalty in Revolutionary Connecticut

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

In 1775, as the thirteen colonies began a rebellion against British rule, loyalty was not only a matter of words or opinion. For soldiers and civilians alike, loyalty could mean loss of fortune, of friends, and even of life. This presentation reveals stories— some well known, some obscure— of Nutmeggers who risked and sacrificed to support their chosen side during this “tumultuous jarring time of civil war.” Registration is required.

Craft Night: Embroider a Heart

Monday, February 13, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Learn three basic embroidery stitches to create a festive heart decoration you can display all year long. Patrons will receive personal instruction from Bristol instructor, Dawn Zillich – The Stitching Coach. Supplies will be provided, all you need to bring is creativity and love of fiber arts to the library. Space is limited for this adult program and registration is required.

Meh. : An Un-Valentine’s Day program (Teens, Grades 6-12)

Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 4:00 – 4:50pm

Are you tired of the cliché valentines day nonsense? Annoyed by all the cupids and candy hearts? This Un-Valentine’s day party is all about celebrating the non-romantic relationships in our lives- family, friends, and best of all self-love. Join us for crafts, snacks, and fun activities! For teens in grades 6-12, registration is required.

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.

Adult Loft Knitters

Wednesday, February 15, 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.

Weed-Free Gardening (ONLINE)

Wednesday, February 15, 2023, 7:00 – 8:15pm

Join us for a program on organic weed control prevention and control strategies that really work. Tasha Greer goes way beyond the usual suggestions for mulching and pulling weeds. In fact, she will explain why pulling weeds can actually be a bad idea and that mulching can cause problems when used with the wrong weeds. Please register in advance for this online program.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, February 16, 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.

Upcycled Sweater Party

Friday, February 17, 2023, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Give your old sweaters a second life by turning them into winter accessories, home decor, or even another piece of clothing! We’ll provide inspiration, directions, and help for a variety of sewing and no-sew projects. In the spirit of upcycling, please bring your own sweaters from home if possible. Registration is required.

Guide to Student-Athlete College Recruitment

Thursday, February 23, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

s your child looking to play sports beyond high school? Hear a father share his child’s recruitment journey and lessons learned. Find out what to expect as you navigate your student-athlete’s recruitment process. Parents and teens are encouraged to attend. Please register in advance.

Concert: Silk’n Sounds

Saturday, February 25, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Silk’n Sounds is a women’s chorus based in the Greater New Haven area, bound together by their love of singing. The group has a broad repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs, including jazz standards, ballads, and rhythmic pop favorites from the Great American Songbook. This a cappella chorus is dedicated to excellence in the performance of four-part harmony in the barbershop tradition.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in January

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Welcome to 2023 at Cheshire Library! We’re bringing our popular Virtual Reality programs back this month, along with a new Tabletop Gaming group. We’ve got plenty of indoor activities for the cold weather months – check our Event Calendar for all the lastest happenings at CPL!

Movie Matinees

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

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.

Color Yourself Calm (With a Movie)

Monday, January 9, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00pm

De-Stress from this busy time of year and color. In addition to coloring we will be watching  The Lost City. All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Registration required for this adult program.

Wellness Talk – Osteoporosis

Wednesday, January 11, 2023, 4:30 – 5:30pm

This talk will include different information about osteoporosis. Talked about will be prescribed exercises, reducing your risk, what does a physical therapy session look like, vitamins and minerals associated with bone health and methods to increase protein intake. Register to attend in-person or online.

Adult Loft Knitters

Wednesday, January 11, 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.

Backyard Wildlife: All About Opossums

Thursday, January 12, 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 required. This program is made possible by the Al Sanders Memorial Fund.

Family Storytime

Saturday, January 14, 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.

Tabletop Gaming Group

1:00pm – 4:00pm

Saturday, January 14, 2023
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Saturday, January 28, 2023

Join us for an afternoon of gaming featuring the popular role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons! Try out D&D with a four-week campaign, or just enjoy a quick round of board games and card games that you can borrow from the library. No gaming experience necessary. Snacks will be provided. No snacking experience necessary. Registration required. This program is best for adults and teens. The Dungeons and Dragons campaign will run for four sessions: January 14, 21, 28, and February 4.

Houseplants are For Everyone!

Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Do you want to fill your home with easy-care housplants ? Or learn to care for the ones you already have? Join us for a program with garden expert Karla Dalley who will discuss houseplants that work for all areas of the home. Karla will bring handouts and a selection of plants for “show and tell”. Bring your questions! Registration is required.

Concert–World Café!

Concert--World Café!

Saturday, January 21, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Experience an exuberant celebration of cultures with this exceptional program of music from around the world performed by Judy Handler and Mark Levesque on guitar and mandolin! No registration required.

Life Planning Series

Mondays at 6:30pm.

January 23: Downsizing Doesn’t Need to be Painful

January 30: Your Children Don’t Want It (online)

February 6: Leave your loved ones with answers…not questions (online)

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, January 26, 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.

Know Your News: Become a Media Expert

Thursday, January 26, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Not sure if a new source is fact or fake? Learn how to tell the difference in this hands-on workshop. You’ll learn tips and tricks for finding reliable and credible information in any format and get a chance to practice your new skills. Registration is required.

The Happy Place

The Happy Place

Tuesday, January 31, 2023, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Find your happy place with soothing music, hot drinks, socializing, crafting, and other self-care activities. We’ll provide a low-stress craft,66-=[`but feel free to bring your own crochet, scrapbook, cross stitch, or other projects from home that help you reach your happy place. Registration is required.

January Book Clubs:

Murder by the Book Mystery Book Club: Light on Bone

Books Over Cocoa: Wintering (January 24, 7pm)

Books Over Coffee: Wintering (January 25, 2:30pm)

Murder by the Book Mystery Book Club: Light on Bone (January 26, 1pm)

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in December

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It’s cold outside, but we’ve got some hot programming to warm you up this month. Here’s some of what’s in store for December.

December Art Show–Assemblages by Sarah Schneiderman

All month

This month’s exhibition by Sarah Schneiderman, MFA tells the stories of some barrier breakers from marginalized groups and celebrates their wins.

TAB: Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)

  • Thursday, December 1, 2022, 3:45 – 4:45pm
  • Thursday, December 15, 2022, 3:45 – 4:45pm Holiday Party!

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. Register on our volunteer Signup page and you will receive community service credit. You will earn 1 hour of community service credit for attending this event and 1 hour for every additional hour spent working on projects outside of the event.

Baby & Toddler Playgroup (Ages 0-36 months)

A playgroup for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers to socialize and connect. Children will enjoy unstructured play with their peers and age appropriate toys provided by the library. Registration is required. Best for ages 0-36 months and their caregivers.

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).

The Hot Flashes Holiday Concert

The Hot Flashes Holiday Concert

Saturday, December 3, 2022 2:00 – 3:00pm

The Hot Flashes will be returning to Cheshire to perform their popular holiday concert, blending upbeat, fun and familiar songs with more contemplative quiet music coupled with the Flashes’ captivating on-stage camaraderie.

Movie Matinees

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

Cheshire Art League–Mike Berlinski Painting Demonstration

Wednesday, December 7, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

The Cheshire Art League is hosting a presentation by guest artist, Mike Berlinski.  Much of Mike’s work is created outdoors in the “plein-air” tradition. For this demonstration, he will set up his French easel and paint a small painting from a photo, describing the process and talking about some of the basics of the painting process along the way. Registration is not required.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, December 8 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.

John Singer Sargent: Master with a Brush

Thursday, December 8, 2022, 7:00 – 8:15pm

John Singer Sargent, a masterful nineteenth-century artist, is celebrated for his Grand Manner portraiture of the European and American elite. This online program will explore his most beloved as well as rarely seen images, including portraits, forays into Impressionism and stunning watercolors. Registration required. A Zoom link will be sent to your email one hour before the start of the program.

R & R Book Group (Grades 3-5)

Friday, December 9, 2022, 4:00 – 4:45pm

R & R (Reading & Relaxation) Book Group is an interactive book discussion group, that meets once a month. Refreshments will be served! December’s title: The Potato Chip Puzzles by Eric Berlin. Registration is required.

Caregiver Support Group

Wednesday, December 14, 2022, 12:00 – 1:00pm

A support group for caregivers to share tips, strategies, challenges, and successes. Caregivers of all types are welcome, including spouses and adult children caring for relatives, caregivers to children, and professional caregivers. Registration is required.

Adult Loft Knitters

Wednesday, December 14, 2022, 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.

Preschool Playgroup

Thursday, December 15, 2022, 10:00 – 10:30am

A playgroup for preschoolers and their caregivers to socialize and connect. Preschoolers can enjoy unstructured play with their peers and age appropriate toys provided by the library. Best for ages 3-5 months and their caregivers. Registration is required.

Library After Hours: Bingo Night

Friday, December 16, 2022, 5:00 – 7:30pm

Bring your good luck charms to an evening of action-packed Bingo excitement! Snacks and drinks will be available, but feel free to bring your own. We will also have an ugly sweater competition! Wear your ugliest sweater and the winner will take home a special prize! Players of all ages are welcome. Registration is required for each person and will be checked at the door.  Bingo as well as other interactive games will be played from 5:30-7:00pm in the Mary Baldwin Room. The Children’s room, lobby, and lower level will be closed during this event. 

Family Storytime

Saturday, December 17, 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.

Winter Ball (Ages 0-5)

Wednesday, December 21, 2022, 10:30 – 11:30am

You are cordially invited to the Winter Ball! Please join us on the twenty first of December at ten thirty in the morning at the Cheshire Public Library. There will be music, dancing, playing, and crafts. We request formal attire. Best for ages 0-5. Please register each child. Costumes or formal attire is strongly encouraged.

Cocoa & Cookies Storytime

Thursday, December 22, 2022, 6:30 – 7:00pm

Cocoa & Cookies Storytime is a drop-in, interactive storytime for children of all ages! Enjoy cocoa & cookies and learn through talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing! This storytime is for children of all ages. No registration is required.

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition

Tuesday, December 27, 2022, 2:00 – 4:30pm

Looking to get out of the house in the middle of all the winter holidays? Grab your best puzzling buddies and see who’s the fastest puzzler of them all! Winner gets a puzzle prize and bragging rights! This is a great opportunity to do something fun with visiting friends and family. Sign up as a team of 3-5 people, or sign up as a single or pair and we’ll place you on a larger team. You’ll have two hours to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle, provided by the library. Please leave personal puzzling equipment at home. We will provide puzzle trays and snacks. Registration required. To accommodate as many participants as possible, registrations will go on the wait list for staff to review, and you will be notified when your registration is approved. Priority will be given to Cheshire residents.

Crazy Librarian's Office: Teen Escape Room (Grades 6-12)

Crazy Librarian’s Office: Teen Escape Room (Grades 6-12)

Tuesday, December 27, 2022, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

A teen escape room set in a “Crazy Librarian’s Office”, work as a team to solve the puzzles and get the final prize! For teens in grades 6-12. Registration required.