music and movement for kids

Our summer programming is at its peak in August, with lots of things going every day! Check our Event Calendar for the full lineup, here are some of the highlights:

Nature Nick Animal Show

Wednesday Aug 3, 2016, 4:30 PM

Let Nature Nick introduce you to the true athletes of the animal world! This show will feature hopping kangaroos and lightening fast falcons! Nature Nick will also read excerpts from his new book entitled Animal Athletes. Registration Required.

Intro to Kids Hip-Hop at United Rhythms Studio

Friday Aug 5, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Join us for a special kids introduction to hip-hop workshop at United Rhythms Dance Studio! Meet us at United Rhythms at The Watch Clock Factory at 134 Elm Street in Cheshire. Don’t miss this fun chance to try out your best dance moves! For ages 5 to 12, no registration required.

Movie Matinees

Tuesdays: Aug 9, 16, 23, 30, 2016, 1:00 PM

Our movies all have a sports theme this month:

Aug 2 – Knute Rockne All American (1940)
Aug 16 – Flying Scotsman (2006)
Aug 23 – Miracle (2004)
Aug 30 – McFarland USA (2015)

Introduction to Hatha-Tantra Yoga

Wednesdays: Aug 10 – 31, 2016, 5:00 – 6:00 PM

In this series, participants will experience gentle stretching, basic postures (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), and guided meditation. This slower-paced series is a good place for those looking to begin a yoga practice or to learn more about what yoga is and experience some fundamental practices and philosophy. Suitable for beginners, no prior experience with yoga is necessary. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring your own mat. Accommodations for those who may prefer to practice using a chair are possible. Space is limited – register today!

Massage Guru

Thursday Aug 11, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Come learn the benefits of massage with licensed massage therapist Mary Rossi. Learn how you can reduce stress and anxiety, promote deep sleep and improve circulation in the body and much more! Registration required.

The Cheshire Performing Arts Academy – Creative Movement

Friday Aug 12, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Join us for a introductory ballet and creative movement class presented by The Cheshire Performing Arts Academy! Ages 3-4, no registration required.

Managing Stress in a 24/7 World

Thursday Aug 18, 2016, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Does trying to juggle work, family and self-care leave you feeling exhausted and stressed out? Join Nancy Boudreau for an informative seminar on managing stress. During this talk you’ll learn how stress affects your body, strategies for dealing with stress (including meditation) and breath work that will help quiet your mind and calm your nervous system. Registration required.

Beginner Irish Dance Workshop

Friday Aug 19, 2016, 1:00 PM

Join us for a special Irish dance beginner workshop from The Horgan Academy of Irish Dance in Naugatuck and Cheshire. This is a unique opportunity to take a demo class with an award winning studio! Ages 5 to 12, no registration required.

Kid’s Summer Reading Finale @ Cheshire Pool

Wednesday Aug 24, 2016, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Join us for our Summer Reading Finale hosted at the Cheshire Pool at Bartlem Park, 520 South Main Street in Cheshire. Enjoy swimming and bring a picnic!!! You will be able to purchase dessert from the Sugar Bakery Cupcake Truck. Have a family picnic and swim during our last program for the summer. All ages welcomed! No registration required.

To The Nines

Thursday Aug 25, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Author and golf enthusiast Anthony Pioppi will profile notable 9-hole golf courses around the county, including Fenwick Golf Course in Old Saybrook. In addition he will discuss the long gone 9-hole Honey Pot Country Club in Cheshire. Copies of Mr. Pioppi’s book To the Nines will be available for purchase. Registration required.

Adult Summer Reading Finale: Hula Hoop Dance Fitness @ Cheshire Park

Wednesday Aug 31, 2016, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Join Meg Geyser for this upbeat, aerobic workout mixes low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party with a SPIN. We will be using specially designed and easy to use adult sized hula hoops on the waist and off the body to add an extra element of fun and fitness. At the conclusion of this program we will reveal the grand prize winner for the Health is Wealth Adult Summer Reading. Registration required.

As we head into July’s hot & muggy days, remember that Cheshire Library is an official “Cooling Station” – come in, get out of the heat, and enjoy some great programs while you’re here!

Please note: Cheshire Library will be CLOSED Saturday July 2 and Monday July 4 for Independence DaySummer Saturday hours (9am-1pm) are in effect starting Saturday July 9.

The Head-to-Toe Movement Show

Wednesday Jul 6, 2016, 10:00 – 11:00 AM

This movement-focused 60-minute performance is designed to engage children in physical activity using awesome music, original stories, incredible visuals, exciting games and interactive music technology to promote fitness, healthy eating, going to your library and celebrating music! For children ages 2 & up and their caregivers. Please register on our website.

Family Yoga

Friday Jul 8, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Lani Rosen-Gallagher from Full of Joy Yoga will present a yoga class that is fun for the whole family. Kids of all ages are welcome. We will do lots of partner poses, group poses and of course relaxation. Connect with your whole family in a fun class. For all ages, no registration required.

Storytime at Cheshire Park

Tuesdays: Jul 12, 19, 26, 2016, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Meet us at the Cheshire Park Pavilion this summer for a special program! Bring your lunch and we will read stories and have fun with our parachute. Look for our Cheshire Public Library banner. If it’s raining, we will see you on the next sunny Wednesday! Please use the entrance located at the intersection of Highland Ave. and Stony Hill Rd., Cheshire, CT 06410. For ages 3 & up. Drop-in, no registration required!

Afternoons of Awesome

Tuesdays: Jul 12, 19, 26, 2016, 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Every Tuesday afternoon is awesome at the Library! School-age kids are invited to have fun with art, science, technology, and games. We’ll explore something new every week! For ages 7-12, please register on our website.

Cookbook Club

Wednesday Jul 13, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

It’s a new kind of book club – welcome to the CPL Cookbook Club!

Check out a cookbook related to our July theme: Summer Side and Salads. (Visit our “Summer Sides & Salads” display near the catalog computers in the lobby.)
Try one or more recipes at home.
Come to Cookbook Club. Wednesday, July 13th at 6:30pm in the Mary Baldwin Room. 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 Deputy Director Deb Rutter to discuss your cookbook reviews and all things culinary. Bring your cookbook and a prepared dish (if you can) to share with the group.

Move & Groove with Mr. Gym

Friday Jul 15, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Get physically fit through music and creative movement with “Mr. Gym”, a children’s singer and songwriter from Connecticut. For ages 3 & up, no registration required.

Stretching and Balance

Wednesday Jul 20, 2016, 6:00 PM

Are you concerned about falls? Learn ways to improve balance and flexibility with simple exercises you can do anywhere!!! Come to the Cheshire Public Library and attend 40 minute workout combining stretching, balance and coordination activities presented by Donna Paxton, Health & Wellness Instructor from the YMCA Cheshire Community. For adults, no registration required.

How to Attract Hummingbirds, Songbirds and Butterflies to Your Garden

Thursday Jul 21, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Join us for a presentation by Shaun Roche, Visitor Services Manager at Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. He will share a few simple tips to make your home into a refuge for wildlife and learn the essentials of a good habitat, food, water, shelter for hummingbirds, birds and butterflies. Please register on our website.

Zingalingz Music and Fitness Class

Diverse group of children in a dance fitness class

Friday Jul 22, 2016, 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Circle of Friends Music of Southington is proud to present Zingalingz, a music and fitness program for children ages 5-12. Our specially designed movements and activities can help kids gain the important benefits of increased fitness and greater learning power. No registration required.

The Healing Power of Meditation

Wednesday Jul 27, 2016, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Matthew Raider, MD presents the latest clinical research on how meditation can improve our physical, mental and spiritual health. This evening you will have a chance to practice some simple techniques that can reduce stress, enhance relaxation and promote inner growth. For adults, no registration required.

Shell Craft Class

Thursday Jul 28, 2016, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Please Join Gail Farrar as she demonstrates how to make a seashell craft. Each attendee may choose one object to make (Frame, Box etc.). Her shell craft hobby started as a gift idea and has grown into a thriving business in her retirement. Class is free but space is limited. Please register online for this adults-only class.