library programs for adults

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in February

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We’ve got a lineup of online programs for young and old this month! A few adult programs are tentatively scheduled to meet in person, keep an eye on our Event Calendar for any changes.

Murder of the High Wizard – A Virtual Murder Mystery for grades 6-12

Wednesday, February 2, 2022, 3:30 – 4:30pm

The College of Wizards investigates a shocking murder! Join us in playing the roles of wizards and faculty for this virtual magic-themed murder mystery game. Your character sheet will be emailed to you about a week before the program so you can become familiar with the wizard you are playing, and the link to this event itself will be emailed to you an hour before start time to join this Zoom Virtual program. Registration is required.

Be on the Lookout: Spotted Lanternfly

Monday, February 7, 2022, 6:30 – 7:30pm

The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is the latest non-native insect to arrive in Connecticut.  Established populations have recently been found in Cheshire, and are a serious threat to residential areas and agricultural interests, especially orchards, vineyards, and nurseries. Join CAES’ Associate Agricultural Scientist, Dr. Victoria Smith, for an informative Zoom presentation to learn what the insect looks like, where to find it, tips on management and how to report sightings. Registration required.

Virtual Storytime 

Wednesdays: February 9, 16, 23, 10-10:30am

Thursdays: February 10, 17, 22, 10-10:30am

An online interactive storytime for children of all ages (and their grown-ups!) to learn through talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing! Registration is required.

Valentine Pillows (Teen Take & Make)

Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 3:30 – 4:30pm

These adorable No Sew Fleece Tie Heart Pillows make the perfect Valentine’s Day craft for tweens, teens, and big kids! They’re super easy and fun to craft! Pick up a Take + Make kit with supplies for the craft any time the library is open during the week of February 1, 2022. For grades 6-12. Registration required to reserve supplies to be picked up and to attend this virtual program.

Take + Make: Rainbow Loom Bracelets

February 14-19, 2022.

Make something at your own pace with Take + Make craft kits! We have a limited number of materials, so please register to pick up your kit in the Children’s Room any time the library is open during the week of February 14, 2022. Best for children in grades K-6. Registration for each child is required to reserve and pick up a Take + Make kit. One kit per child.

Cheshire Anime Club

Wednesday, February 16, 2022, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Can’t get enough Anime and Manga? Be an “Otaku” and join the Cheshire Anime Club! We’ll meet monthly, read and talk about what’s hot in the world of Manga, and watch some of the latest Anime releases. F0r grades 7-12. This month we’re meeting online, registration is required to receive a Zoom link before the program.

Loft Knitters

Wednesday, February 16, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come socialize, learn, share your techniques with other knitters.  Experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. All levels of adult knitters’ welcome. We hope to meet in-person, please bring your own yarn and knitting needles. Registration, face masks, and social distancing are required.

Gardens of Black America

Wednesday, February 16, 2022, 7:00pm – 8:15pm

Black Americans have laid out a cultural blueprint for garden design in their own personal spaces. In this conversation, Abra Lee, noted horticulturist, historian and writer, will explore these historic legacies and the plants they used to beautify homes and communities. Registration is required for the online program.

Books Over Coffee: The Secrets We Kept

Wednesday, February 23, 2022, 12:00 – 1:30pm

Want to engage in great discussions about books? Meet new people? Join us for an adult monthly book club program called Books Over Coffee. We will meet over Zoom. This month’s book is The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott. We will meet on Zoom, registration is required.

Trivia Night

Thursday, February 24, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come by yourself or bring your friends. Test your knowledge from general categories, including pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course literature! It’s all For Pride, Not Prize. We hope to meet in-person for this adult program – registration, face masks, and social distancing are required.

From Uptown Girls to Downton Abbey 

Saturday, February 26, 2022, 3:30 – 4:30pm

Join anglophile and former U.K. resident Claire Evans as she recounts the tales of some of the famously loaded young Americans who infused bank accounts of many stately homes, including some close relatives of Winston Churchill and Princess Diana. We will meet on Zoom, registration is required.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in January

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Happy New Year! We had a calendar full of in-person programming all set to go this month, but Covid is not cooperating. Our guidance from the Town and the Health Dept. has been to hold off on in-person programs for kids and teens for at least another month, so in the interest of safety we’re doing just that. Status of adult programs is still to be determined, keep an eye on our Event Calendar for any changes to scheduled programs.

January Art Show: Will McCarthy

All Month

Cheshire Library’s January art show features features Will McCarthy’s atmospheric landscapes.  Working in oils, Will creates luminous landscapes featuring images of trees against sky, field, and river that evoke a subtle variation of light and atmosphere. Will’s work will be on view in the lobby and the Mary Baldwin Room from January 4 through January 29. 

Teen Virtual Volunteering: Book Reviews

All Month

Teens in grades 7-12 can earn community service hours by submitting a book review for us to add to CPL’s blog! Each submission will be awarded 2 community service hours. Submit a 300 word book review HERE. 

Book Buzz Teen Book Club: A Court of Thorns and Roses

All Month

This month we are going to read A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. Books will be provided and are yours to keep! Books will be provided and are yours to keep! To pick up your Book Buzz book, starting on January 3rd, you must register for this event. Then you can come into the library and pick up your book at the Children’s Desk. Join us online here (our Google Classroom page) to share and hear our different points of view about the book! This book discussion group will be available all month -and beyond- and you can interact with us and post your thoughts any time that’s convenient for you.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, January 6, 2022, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us virtually for an 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. Join us once, join us every month! Registration is required.

Cheshire Anime Club

Wednesday, January 19, 2022, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Can’t get enough Anime and Manga? Anime Club will meet monthly, read and talk about what’s hot in the world of Manga, and watch some of the latest Anime releases. For grades 7-12. We hope to be back in-person soon, but for now we’ll meet online. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link on the day of the program.

Great Garden Escapes in New England with Jana Millbocker

Wednesday, January 19, 2022, 7:00 – 8:15pm

Do you enjoy touring beautiful gardens? We will show you the best public gardens, nursery display gardens, and private gardens open to the public in the Northeast to visit for inspiration! Learn about each garden’s highlights, ideal times to visit, and enjoy a visual tour of each amazing destination. This is a virtual program, and pre-registration is required to receive a Zoom link on the day of the program.

Online BOOK CLUBS!

Murder by the Book Mystery Book Club: Thursday, January 20, 2022, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Art League Book Club: Friday, January 21, 2022, 11:00am – 12:30pm

This month the Murder by the Book Mystery Book Club will discuss Gaudy Night by Dorothy Sayers, a classic from the golden age of detective fiction. The Art League Book Club will discuss Renoir’s Dancer: the Secret Life of Suzanne Valadon by Catherine Hewitt, plus the readers’ choice from the following list: Camille Claudel: A Life by Odile Ayral-Clause, Rodin’s Lover by Heather Webb, or Mind of Steel and Clay: Camille Claudel by Enrique Laso. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link on the day of the program.

Houseplant Swap

Saturday, January 22, 2022, 9:00am-4:30pm

Looking for a new houseplant to brighten up your indoor space this winter, or wondering what to do with yet another cutting from your overgrown plant? Bring at least one healthy, pest-free cutting or houseplant to swap. Please register on our Event Calendar.

Books Over Coffee: Miss Benson’s Beetle

Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 12:00 – 1:30pm

Want to engage in great discussions about books? Meet new people? Join us for an adult monthly book club program called Books Over Coffee. We will be meeting on Zoom this month. This month’s book is Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce. Registration is required.

Trivia Night 

Thursday, January 27, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come by yourself or bring your friends. Test your knowledge from general categories, including pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course literature! It’s all For Pride, Not Prize. Registration is required, registered participants will receive a link via email to join the event.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in December

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We’re working our way back to in-person programming this month, with a variety of programs meeting in-person, on-line, or a hybrid of both. Here’s what we’ve got planned for December:

December Teen Volunteering Challenges

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All month long

Earn community service hours by submitting a photo, video, or other content that may be added to CPL’s social media pages! Each submission will be awarded 2 community service hours. December’s challenges include:

  • Art: It’s the month of Decembird! You can draw, paint, or sculpt, but make it for the birds- 12 birds of Christmas, backyard winter birds, or whatever kind of bird you like!
  • Writing: We challenge you to write a tiny holiday story! Any holiday. Any story. Fact or fiction or something in between. But it must be 200 words or less.
  • Food: December 8th is National Brownie Day- select your favorite brownie recipe, and bake a batch of brownies. Share them with someone special!
  • Reading: Read a book about a holiday you don’t celebrate at home.
  • More Reading: Read a book while wrapped in a favorite blanket. Add a cup of hot cocoa if you’d like.
  • Even More Reading: Think ahead: What’s something you want to learn more about in the New Year? Read a book on that topic to get a jump start!
  • Extra Credit: Change your life forever by learning a new language- check out Mango Languages on our website, and send us a screenshot of what you are working on… ganbatte!!

If you participate in the challenges, earn community service credit by submitting your creations so we can share them on our social media pages.

Book Buzz Teen Book Club: Two Can Keep a Secret

All month long

This month we are going to read Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus. Books will be provided and are yours to keep! To pick up your Book Buzz book, starting on November 1st, you must register for this event. Then you can come into the library and pick up your book at the Children’s Desk. Join us online here (our Google Classroom page) to share and hear our different points of view about the book! This book discussion group will be available all month -and beyond- and you can interact with us and post your thoughts any time that’s convenient for you.

Cheshire Art League: The Art of Colonial America

Wednesday, December 1, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

The Cheshire Art League is hosting lecturer Bob Potter, who will discuss the The Art of Colonial America, and featuring the works of artists such as Charles Wilson Peale, Benjamin West, Gilbert Stuart, John Singleton Copley, and more. This is a hybrid program, register to attend either in-person or online.

Minecraft Mania

Thursdays, December 2, 9, and 16, 2021, 3:30-5:00pm

Join Minecraft Mania for an afternoon of challenges, building, and creativity! Learn physics, statistics, and engineering concepts through hands-on activities! You will be given access to a free Minecraft account. Best for kids and teens in grades 5-12. This is a hybrid program, register to attend either in-person or online.

Theremin and Piano

Friday, December 3, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us as we explore the music and the history of the Theremin, one of the world’s strangest insturments. The library’s own Jared Goldman and pianist Perla Palomo will perform a mix of modern hits and classics. This concert will feature music as well as a look at how the instrument works and it’s uses throughout the century. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Meditative Mondays

Mondays, December 6, 13, 20 from 2:00 – 3:00pm

Learn to master your thoughts, be in control of your mental & emotional well-being, and discover a world you never thought possible. This 7 session online class will be teaching you various meditation techniques along with topics of awareness for inner transformation. Dress comfortably and enjoy the experience! Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time.

Ball and Socket Project: Where Do We Stand?

Monday, December 6, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00pm

Please join us as Ilona Somogyi, President and Co-Founder of the Ball & Socket Arts, Inc. will update the community on construction progress and answer questions. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Chinese for Families

Tuesdays, December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 4:00 – 5:00pm

(classes will continue in January)

We are so excited to partner with NeuLingo, a live, engaging online Chinese program to offer free Chinese language and culture classes for children! Join us to go on a virtual tour of the most charming cities in China, learn and experience the traditions and stories behind Chinese festivals, pick up a few Chinese words, and practice them with other children through meaningful social interactions! This is an online program, best for ages 5-12. Register once per family to attend all classes.

Author Talk: No Dead Air by Larry Rifkin

Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Larry Rifkin’s career in Connecticut broadcasting spans five decades and includes varied roles including television programming executive, radio personality and now podcaster. In his new book, No Dead Air: Career Reflections from the TV Executive who Kept Barney the Dinosaur from Becoming Extinct, Larry Rifkin reflects on an improbable career that spawned two groundbreaking hits, ‘Barney & Friends’ and ‘UConn Women’s Basketball’. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, December 9, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us virtually for an 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. Join us once, join us every month! This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Trivia Night 

Thursday, December 9, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come by yourself or bring your friends. Test your knowledge from general categories, including pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course literature! It’s all For Pride, Not Prize. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Food Explorers: Cookie Decorating

Wednesday, December 22, 2021, 5:00 – 6:00pm

Join Food Explorers for a holiday cookie extravaganza! Frost and decorate your own holiday cookies by coloring your frosting with fruits! This program is nut free but will contain dairy and/or eggs. For children in grades 3-8. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Builder’s Guild 

Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 4:00 – 4:45pm

Design, build, and play with different building materials in this program for budding engineers! Today, we’ll challenge ourselves to design structures with wooden Keva Planks. For children in grades K-3. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Books Over Coffee: Winter’s Tale

Wednesday, December 29, 2021, 12:00 – 1:30pm

Want to engage in great discussions about books? Meet new people? Join us for an adult monthly book club program called Books Over Coffee. We will meet in person in the library Loft! This month’s book is Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin. 

Coding for Teens and Tweens 

Wednesday, December 29, 2021, 2:00 – 4:45pm

Learn HTML/CSS/JavaScript programming! For grades 6 through 12. Each person will need their own laptop (it can be one you bring from home- or you can use one of the library’s laptops) and you’ll need a personal email/password in order to open an account on the website repl.i t. Then you will learn how to create your own website! For kids and teens in grades 6-12. This is an in-person event at the Cheshire Library. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed for the entire event. Registration is required.

Bundle Up With a Good Book

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Do you like certain types of books – stories about dogs, or maybe vacations in Italy? Perhaps you like adventure stories, or space opera, or a good forensic mystery, but don’t know what to read next.  Do you like binge-reading a good series? 

Have you noticed the case of bound books in the middle of the lobby?

Take a closer look at our Book Bundles.

Book bundles are three books of a common theme bound together, so you can binge-read on a topic you enjoy. It might be outdoors, kidnappings, or WWII stories. It could be autism, award winners, westerns, Book Club Favorites, art heists, robots, or gothic horror. There’s always something new on the shelf, so check it frequently. Intrigued by a category? Check out the bundle and explore!

But not all of the titles seem interesting to me – what if I only want to check out one or two?

You can check out one or all three, whatever you’d like. Just return the unwanted ones to the desk and we’ll find them new partners. 

Don’t see anything to your liking? Prefer existentialist graphic novels? Right now you’re only reading novels that have cats in them? Trying to catch up on real-life medical stories? Let us know! We’d be happy to take requests!

There’s nothing like finding a good book, and it’s even better when you find three new favorites at once. A whole new world of reading adventures awaits!

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in November

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 The Friends of Cheshire Library Used Book Sale is BACK! After a 2 year hiatus due to Covid, our most awesome used book sale is scheduled for November 18-21, mark your calendars! Of course there’s a ton of other stuff going on in November, too, take a look:

November Teen Volunteering Challenges

All month long

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Earn community service hours by submitting a photo, video, or other content that may be added to CPL’s social media pages! Each submission will be awarded 2 community service hours. November’s challenges include:

  • Art: It’s the month of Slowvember!  Slowvember is about quality and getting something you really like. During this challenge, work on one image and make it as good as you can.
  • Writing: Write a conversation that would take place at someone’s Thanksgiving dinner.
  • Food: November 1st is National Cook For Your Pets Day- so take this month to cook a delicious meal or snack for your pets!!
  • Reading: If you have a family gathering this month, add something to your pre-dinner ritual: ask each person to name a book they’re thankful for, then read one that appeals to you.
  • More Reading: November is Picture Book Month- to celebrate, read a picture book you’ve never read before.
  • Even More Reading: Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month by reading a book about Native American history or experience.
  • Extra Credit: Change your life forever by learning a new language- check out Mango Languages on our website, and send us a screenshot of what you are working on… ganbatte!!

If you participate in the challenges, earn community service credit by submitting your creations so we can share them on our social media pages.

Book Buzz Teen Book Club: We Were Liars

All month long

This month we are going to read We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. Books will be provided and are yours to keep! To pick up your Book Buzz book, starting on November 1st, you must register for this event. Then you can come into the library and pick up your book at the Children’s Desk. Join us here (our Google Classroom page) to share and hear our different points of view about the book! This book discussion group will be available all month -and beyond- and you can interact with us and post your thoughts any time that’s convenient for you.

Meditative Mondays

Mondays from 2:00 – 3:00pm

Learn to master your thoughts, be in control of your mental & emotional well-being, and discover a world you never thought possible. This 7 session class will be teaching you various meditation techniques along with topics of awareness for inner transformation. Dress comfortably and enjoy the experience! Please register in advance to receive a link to the presentation an hour before the start time.

Storytime @ Bartlem Park

Tuesdays, November 2 and 9, 2021, 10:00 – 10:30am

Enjoy an outdoor storytime at Bartlem Park full of books, music, and movement! Space is limited and registration is required to attend. Please register once per family. Registration begins 48 hours prior to each class. This program is subject to cancellation due to uncooperative weather. Please check your email for the cancellation notice.

Cheshire Art League Program on Painterly Composition

Wednesday, November 3, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join nationally recognized artist and fine art photographer, Mark Battista, for a presentation on painterly composition for photographers and artists. Please register in advance for this Zoom program. All registrants will receive the emailed Zoom link at 5:30pm on November 3.

Light Pollution: What it is and why it matters

Thursday, November 4, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join dark sky advocate Leo Smith (International Dark Skies (IDS) Northeast Regional Director and Chair of the Connecticut Chapter) for an overview of the adverse effects of light pollution on people, animals and plants, together with a review of Connecticut laws and regulations and best practices individuals can use to reduce light pollution.  Registration is required. We are planning to hold this program in-person but will switch to Zoom if circumstances warrant. If that is the case, a link will be sent out to registrants prior to the program. 

The Magic of Resilience with Joyce Saltman

Friday, November 5, 2021, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Back by popular demand join us as Joyce Saltman will make us laugh and learn with her informational presentation. Join us as Joyce offers a blueprint (based on extensive research and close to 100 interviews of resilient folks of all ages) for achieving good health and joy in the years to come. Please register online. We are planning to hold this program in person, but will switch to Zoom or reschedule if the situation changes.

The Natural and Cultural History of Cheshire Through an Ecological Lens

Saturday, November 6, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30pm

How did geology shape Cheshire’s development and history?  Laurie Sanders, who grew up in Cheshire and was the town’s first environmental planner, will delve into the connection between people and the environment and how one affects the other. Join us for a fascinating overview of how Cheshire became the community it is today!  Please register online. We are planning to hold this program in person, but will switch to Zoom or reschedule if the situation changes.

Art @ The Library – Urban Sketching

Monday, November 8, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Enjoy 90 minutes of sketching in real time a favorite subject of urban sketchers- their tools of the trade: pencils, pens, brushes! Urban sketching is about filling a sketchbook with sketches of people, places and events but it is good to start small and hone your drawing skills by sketching everyday objects. All levels welcome to this workshop, all materials provided. Come and have fun. Registration required.

Drop-In Tech Help

  • Monday November 8, 7:00 – 8:15pm
  • Tuesday November 23, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Drop-in Tech Help is back! Do you have questions about your laptop, smartphone, or iPad? Do you need help navigating the internet or downloading an ebook? Let us help! NOTE: Please be sure your device is charged beforehand. Tech help is available on a first come first served basis. Tech help may be limited to 15 minutes per person.

Chinese for Families

Tuesdays, November 9, 16, 23, 30, 2021 4:00 – 5:00pm

(classes will continue in December and January)

We are so excited to partner with NeuLingo, a live, engaging online Chinese program to offer free Chinese language and culture classes for children! Join us to go on a virtual tour of the most charming cities in China, learn and experience the traditions and stories behind Chinese festivals, pick up a few Chinese words, and practice them with other children through meaningful social interactions! Best for ages 5-12, register once per family to attend all 10 classes.

Mark your calendars! The Friends of the Cheshire Public Library 2021 Fall Book Sale is scheduled for:

  • Wednesday November 17, 5-8pm (preview night for members of the Friends only, memberships are available at the door)
  • Thursday November 18, 9am-8pm
  • Friday November 19, 9am-4:30pm
  • Saturday November 20, 9am-4:30pm
  • Sunday November 21, Noon-3pm (Bag of Books sale!)

Attendees must comply with CPL’s health precautions.

Cat Tales Writers Group

Thursday, November 18, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us virtually for an 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. Join us once, join us every month! Please register online.

Trivia Night

Thursday, November 18, 2021, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Come by yourself or bring your friends. Test your knowledge from general categories, including pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course literature! It’s all For Pride, Not Prize. Registration required for this adult program, a link to the program will be sent a hour before.

Books Over Coffee: If the Creek Don’t Rise

Wednesday, November 24, 2021, 12:00 – 1:30pm

Want to engage in great discussions about books? Meet new people? Join us for an adult monthly book club program called Books Over Coffee. We will meet in person in the library Loft! This month’s book is If the Creek Don’t Rise by Leah Weiss. Please register online.