What’s Happening (virtually) at Cheshire Library in December

November 24, 2020December 15, 2020 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Winter is coming, and this year looks to be a challenging one. We’re working hard to come up with fun and interesting online programs to keep you engaged & connected all winter long. Take a look what we’ve got scheduled, and visit our Event Calendar to learn more and sign up!

December Teen Volunteering Challenges

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: Make art as a gift for someone.
Writing: Write a story, poem, or essay, about a holiday. Any holiday. Any story. Fact or fiction or something in between.
Food: December 4th is National Cookie Day, so make some cookies and share them with your family and friends.
Reading: Read a book about a winter sport.
More Reading: Celebrate National Short Story Day on December 21, by exploring an anthology or collection of short stories- you can use it as inspiration to write your own short story!
Even More Reading: Read a book while wrapped in your favorite blanket. (Cup of hot chocolate optional).

Submit HERE for the Art, Writing, and Food Challenges. Submit a 300 word book review HERE for what you read for the Reading Challenges.

Support Through Meditation – Weekly Zoom Event

Tuesdays, December 1-22, 11:00am – 12:00pm

This introductory meditation class is geared towards helping you through these anxious and challenging times. You will learn various meditation techniques that you will practice in session and guidance to perform meditation on your own. Presenter Tia Mandrozos will explain the purpose of meditation and interact with the participants to provide the help needed and to address specific concerns. Please register via the Event Calendar for each session you wish to attend.

Cheshire Art League – Watercolor Demo

Wednesday, December 2, 2020, 6:00 – 8:15pm

Author of the upcoming book White! Light! Bright! Weaving Subjects with Backgrounds for Distinctive Watercolor Paintings, Connecticut artist Bivenne Staiger will give a demonstration in watercolor of a bird in its natural setting. This event is sponsored by the Cheshire Art League. For more information contact cheshireartleague@gmail.com. Advance registration is required to join this program.

On With Life (OWL) Meeting and Program

Monday, December 7, 2020, 10:00am – 12:00pm
10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Open Meeting, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. When the Holidays Hurt, Meditation Can Help

The Holiday season can be a painful time for many who have lost a loved one. It is difficult to be merry and bright when sadness and heartache fill your heart. In this session, we will turn to the work and the teachings of one of the biggest experts in the field of human suffering…the Buddha himself. This event is sponsored by OWL. To learn more, please visit Facebook at facebook.com/cheshireowl or email any questions to cheshireowl2020@gmail.com. Advance registration is required to join this program.

Holiday Cooking in the Time of Quarantine

Monday, December 7, 2020, 6:30 – 8:00pm

The holidays won’t be the same this year for ANY of us, but we can still enjoy cooking and discussing our some of our favorite holiday recipes! Please join Cheshire librarians and avid cooks, Sandy and Deb (who are both already stocking up on flour and yeast), for our special holiday edition of Cooking During Covid. Get out your cookbooks and recipe files, fire up that cookie press and be ready to share a favorite holiday recipe or talk about one of your special holiday food traditions. Please register in advance to receive a link to join this online program.

Family Trivia Night

Monday, December 7, 2020, 6:30 – 7:15pm

Looking for something that you can do as a whole family? Team up for this virtual trivia challenge! Trivia questions will cover a variety of topics and will be appropriate for children of all ages. Each family will need a device (or devices) to participate in Zoom and answer trivia questions. Advance registration is required–please register once per family participating. You will receive a link via email for the Zoom meeting prior to the event.

Technology Chat: Holiday Gifts

Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Join us for a Technology Chat! We’ll informally discuss the latest gadgets (see below for examples of what we could discuss) and make recommendations for the perfect holiday gift. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about gadget features and utility. Our technology obsessed Librarians will answer questions and give advice. Please register in advance to receive a link to join this online program.

CT Partnership for Long Term Care

Wednesday, December 9, 2020, 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Just one year in a Connecticut nursing home can cost more than $162,100. And Medicare and health insurance may only cover a fraction of these costs. If you’re 40 or older, long-term care insurance approved by the State’s Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care should be part of your retirement plan. These policies provide asset protection, protect against inflation, and – most important – give you peace of mind through your retirement years. Guest speaker Aldo Pantano, from the CT Partnership for Long-Term Care, with the State Office of Policy and Management will present this free seminar. Please register in advance to receive a link to join this online program.

Waiting for Winter Storytime

Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 10:00am – 10:30am

As the weather gets cooler and we wait for winter, get cozy at home with a virtual storytime! We’ll enjoy the changing season by talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing together! Best for children ages 2-5. Younger and older siblings are welcome. Registration is required. Registered participants will receive a Zoom link in a confirmation email, and a reminder email 1 hour before the program begins.

Book Buzz Teen Book Club

Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

This month we are going to do something different- we will each read a book of our choice (all different books) and then share the stories with each other. Books will be provided and are yours to keep! You can pick up a Book Buzz book at the Children’s Desk, starting on November 2nd. Registration is required, registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the program. For grades 6-12.

Comics Club: New Kid

Thursday, December 17, 2020, 4:00 – 4:45pm

This month we’ll make our own memory boxes in addition to discussing the book, New Kid by Jerry Craft. Please read the book before attending this virtual event. Copies of the book are available at the children’s information desk. For children in grades 3-5. Registration is required, kids must be registered in order to pick up a copy of the book and craft supplies. Registered participants will receive a Zoom link 1 hour prior to the event start time.

Family Holiday Baking

Chocolate Fudge: Monday, December 21, 2020, 4:00 – 5:00pm
Cinnamon Rolls: Tuesday, December 29, 2020, 10:00 – 11:00am

Join Katie, Registered Dietitian from Food Explorers and learn to make delicious holiday treats! Ingredients needed are on the Event Calendar listings for each program. Registration is required, one registration per family. You will receive a link to join the program 1 hour prior to the start time.

Pajama Storytime

Monday, December 28, 2020, 7:00 – 7:30pm

Put on your pajamas and fuzzy slippers and tune in for a fun-filled evening of stories, songs, and adventures! Best for ages 2-5. Registration is required for this virtual event. You will receive a link to the Zoom meeting 1 hour prior to the event start time.

Books Over Coffee: The Queen’s Gambit

Wednesday, December 30, 2020, 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 Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis. Advance registration is required, registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the program.

What’s Happening (virtually) at Cheshire Library in November

October 27, 2020November 5, 2020 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

We’re ramping up our online storytime programs and book clubs this month, and looking forward to a virtual visit from our favorite humorist, Joyce Saltman. Reading and laughing, what could be better?

November Teen Volunteering Challenges

Art: Create fall-inspired art.
Writing: Write a story, poem, or essay, about being thankful.
Food: Make a dish using pumpkin or apples as an ingredient.
Reading: Read a book about voting, elections, or running for office.
More Reading: Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by reading a book about our nation’s first people.
Even More Reading: It’s also Picture Book Month- read a picture book you’ve never read before and review it for our families.

Submit HERE for the Art, Writing, and Food Challenges. Submit a 300 word book review HERE for the Reading Challenges.

**Comics Club – Pick up New Kid this month!**

Comics Club will be held on Thursday, December 17 at 4pm. Starting November 2, copies of New Kid by Jerry Craft and the program supplies are available for pickup at the children’s information desk during open hours. Want to know what the book is about? Watch the book trailer here! For children in grades 3-5, register for the December meeting here.

Book Buzz Teen Book Club – Pick up your December books this month!

In December, we are going to do something different- we will each read a book of our choice (all different books) and then share the stories with each other. Books will be provided and are yours to keep! Books are available for pick up at the Children’s Desk. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing during pickup. We’ll meet on Zoom to discuss our books on December 16. For grades 6-12.

Take + Make: Paper Helicopters

Monday, November 2, 4:00 – 7:00pm
Tuesday, November 3, 1:00 – 4:00pm

Make something at your own pace with Take + Make kits! With this kit, you’ll make your very own paper helicopter. For grades k-6. We have a limited number of materials so please register to pick up your kit at the library on Nov. 2 or 3.

Baby Playgroup on Zoom

Tuesdays, November 3 -17, 2020, 10:00 – 10:30am

For babies ages 0-12 months and their caregivers, this program provides an opportunity to strengthen your connection with your child and enriches your baby’s cognitive development through joyful movement and social experiences. We will meets five times beginning October 20, you only need to register once to attend all five classes. Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the morning of each program.

Support Through Meditation – Weekly Zoom Event

Tuesdays, 11:00am – 12:00pm

Preschool Storytime

Wednesdays, November 4 & 18, 2020, 10:00 – 10:30am

A virtual storytime for preschoolers to learn through talking, singing, reading, writing,and playing! Best for children ages 3-5, younger and older siblings are also welcome. This program meets four times: October 21 & 28 and November 4 & 18, (there will be no storytime on November 11). Register once to attend all four sessions. Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the morning of each program.

Kids Cook Dinner: Guacamole Grilled Cheese with Baked Fries

Wednesday, November 4, 2020, 4:00 – 5:00pm

Spend some quality time with your children in the kitchen while encouraging them to try new foods! An instructor from Food Explorers will show kids 7-14 how to prepare a delicious meal for the whole family! Registration is required, and the ingredients needed for this program can be found on the Event Calendar listing.

Toddler Storytime

Thursdays, November 5-19, 2020, 10:00 – 10:30am

A virtual storytime for toddlers and their caregivers, with interactive songs, stories, and other fun activities. Best for children ages 1-3. Younger and older siblings are welcome. This program meets five beginning October 22, you only need to register once to attend all sessions. Registered participants will receive a Zoom link one hour before the beginning of each program.

Take + Make STEM: Polymer

Monday, November 9, 4:00 – 7:00pm
Thursday, November 12, 1:00 – 4:45pm

Make something at your own pace with Take + Make STEM kits! With this STEM-based kit, learn all about polymers by making your own stress ball and completing two other fun experiments for kids in grades 1-6! We have a limited number of materials so please register to pick up your kit at the library on Nov. 9 or 12. Please be advised this kit contains latex.

Adult Take + Make: DIY Folded Book Turkey

Tuesday, November 10, 2020, 10:00am – 4:00pm

Do you enjoy the Cheshire Public Library book turkey? Have you wanted to make one yourself but didn’t know where to start? Now is your chance to make a Do It Yourself Folded Turkey book. On November 10 from 10-4PM, pick up the pre-reserved materials you will need at the library. When convenient watch the video and make your turkey book. Registration required to reserve supplies. (You will also need: an Exacto knife or other sharp cutting tool, a ruler, a hot glue gun and glue, and some tape.)

Pandemic Pandemonium: Joyce Saltman Virtual Program

Monday, November 16, 2020, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Is the pandemic getting you down? Join us for a little dose of positive thinking, with a double dose of humor. In this timely session, Joyce will attempt to lighten our loads with some positive re-framing of the present corona virus pandemic and lots of crazy jokes that have been produced by the creative minds of some obviously desperate individuals! Please register online to receive a link on November 16 to join the program.

Take + Make: Thankful Tree

Monday, November 16, 4:00 – 7:00pm
Tuesday, November 17, 1:00 – 4:00pm

Populate a tree with leaves of things that make you thankful in this simple craft for kids of all ages. We have a limited number of materials so please register to pick up your kit at the library on Nov. 16 or 17.

Book Buzz Teen Book Club: Alice By Heart

Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 3:00 – 4:00pm

Our new teen book club! For our first book we’ll be talking about Alice by Heart by Steven Sater. A young girl takes refuge in a London Tube station during WWII and confronts grief, loss, and first love with the help of her favorite book, Alice in Wonderland, in this debut novel from Tony Award-winning playwright Steven Sater. Books will be provided (pick up a copy starting October 1 in the Children’s Room) and are yours to keep! Please register online, registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the program. Didn’t read the book? Join us anyway and hear what others thought of it!

Pajama Storytime

Monday, November 23, 2020, 6:30pm – 7:00pm

Put on your pajamas and fuzzy slippers and tune in for a fun-filled evening of stories, songs, and adventures! Best for ages 2-5. Registration is required for this virtual event. Registered participants will receive a link to the Zoom meeting 1 hour prior to the event start time.

Murder of the High Wizard – Virtual Murder Mystery

Tuesday, November 24, 2020, 3:00 – 4:00pm

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. For grades 6-12, registration required.

Virtual Books Over Coffee: The Darwin Affair

Wednesday, November 25, 2020, 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 Darwin Affair by Tim Mason. Please register in advance, registered participants will receive a Zoom meeting link on the day of the program.

Decorate Your Home for the Holidays

Monday, November 30, 2020, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join noted floral designer and Cheshire resident Sylvia Nichols virtually in her design workroom as she prepares to “dress up” her home for the holidays. This fun fast-paced program will be filled with easy, affordable, practical ideas. Sylvia uses her personal holiday keepsakes, which will inspire your own creativity. As always, she will entertain you with lively anecdotes and offer her reassurance that you too, can create beautiful holiday arrangements. No stress! It’s fun! Please register online for this virtual program. We will email you an hour before the program begins with a link to join the Zoom meeting.

Outside Book Groups

Art Book Discussion: A Piece of the World

Friday, November 20, 2020,11:00am – 12:30pm

Do you love to read? And love art? Let’s discuss! Join us for a monthly book club discussion on the third Friday of each month from 11am to 12:30pm in a Zoom Virtual meeting. This month’s discussion is on A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline. Please register for this program online.

Murder by the Book Mystery Book Club: Fer-de-Lance

Thursday, December 3, 2020, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Do you like to read and talk about mysteries? Then join us for monthly book discussions, fresh perspectives, new authors and a friendly atmosphere! We are meeting virtually via Zoom. This month’s discussion is on Fer-de-Lance by Rex Stout. Please register for this program online, registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the program.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library (virtually) in October

September 29, 2020October 6, 2020 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Welcome to fall! In October we’re meditating, gaming, cooking, and getting in the Halloween spirit as we continue our virtual programming for all ages. There are even some live animals to see this month! Check our Event Calendar to see more and register for our programs.

**Book Buzz Teen Book Club – pick up Alice by Heart this month!**

Our new teen book club meets next month, and for our first book we’ll be talking about Alice by Heart by Steven Sater. Teens can pick up a copy at the Children’s Desk, or by calling the Children’s Desk (at 272-2245 x 33003) to schedule a Grab n Go pickup. Don’t forget to register to join the book club on Zoom November 18!

Support Through Meditation – Weekly Zoom Event

Tuesdays, 2:00 – 3:00pm

Kids Cook Dinner

Wednesdays, 4:00 – 5:00pm

Spend some quality time with your children in the kitchen while encouraging them to try new foods! An instructor from Food Explorers will show kids 7-14 how to prepare a delicious meal for the whole family! Registration is required, and the ingredients needed for each program can be found on the Event Calendar listing.

Spirits of the World

Wednesday, October 7, 2020, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Dustin Pari from SyFy’s Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters International shares some of his favorite stories from investigations in Irish castles, French chateaus, Australian prisons, and more! Grab your passport and prepare for a fun and frightening journey! Registration is required, registered participants will receive a link on Oct. 7 to join the Zoom virtual program.

Christine’s Critters

Thursday, October 8, 2020, 4:00 – 4:45pm

Learn about birds of prey and reptiles with a virtual visit from live animal ambassadors! All ages are welcome to attend. Please register in advance to receive a link to the Zoom meeting prior to the event.

Before Salem: Witch Hunting in CT

Thursday, October 8, 2020, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Decades before the Salem Witch trials, 11 people were hanged as witches in the Connecticut River Valley. Dr. Richard Ross will present his acclaimed book and discuss new information his research has uncovered regarding Connecticut’s witch hunting history. Please register in advance to receive a link to the Zoom meeting prior to the event.

Switch it up at CPL! Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

2:00 – 3:00pm:

Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Thursday, October 29, 2020

Social distancing got you down? Got a Nintendo Switch? Join us at CPL’s Smash Ultimate arena! Play against your friends and folks from all across Cheshire, all skill levels welcome! No registration required, instructions on our Event Calendar for how to join. For teens in grades 6-12. A Nintendo Online Account required to connect with others and play online.

Baby Playgroup on Zoom

Tuesdays, October 20 – November 17, 2020, 10:00 – 10:30am

For babies ages 0-12 months and their caregivers, this program provides an opportunity to strengthen your connection with your child and enriches your baby’s cognitive development through joyful movement and social experiences. We will meets five times, you only need to register once to attend all five classes. Registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the morning of each program.

Preschool Storytime

Wednesdays, October 21 & 28, 2020, 10:00 – 10:30am

Spooktacular Storytelling (dramatic reading)

Thursday, October 22, 2020, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Join us for master storyteller Christian Hege as he delights us with a Spooktacular storytelling. Hear Christian tell the tales of:

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow based on the story by Washington Irving
Josh: a Werewolf Story (original story)
The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar based on the story by Edgar Allan Poe

Registration in advance is required to receive a link to the Zoom meeting prior to the event. Please note this program is intended for adults.

Virtual Books Over Coffee: The Lions of Fifth Avenue

Wednesday, October 28, 2020, 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 for our Oct. meeting. This month’s book is The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis. Please register in advance, registered participants will receive a Zoom meeting link on the day of the program.

Witches in CT

Thursday, October 29, 2020, 6:30 – 7:45pm

The trials and executions of witches in Connecticut predated the more famous Salem witch panic by over 40 years. Hear the stories of some of the women and men accused, tried, and executed as witches and learn how Connecticut successfully controlled the spread of witch accusations long before Salem erupted in panic and violence. Please register in advance to receive a link to the Zoom meeting prior to the event.

Outside Book Groups

Art Book Discussion: The Lost Painting

Friday, October 16, 2020, 11:00am – 12:30pm

Do you love to read? And love art? Let’s discuss! Join us for a monthly book club discussion on the third Friday of each month from 11am to 12:30pm in a Zoom Virtual meeting. This month’s discussion is on The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr. Please register for this program online, registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the program.

Murder by the Book Mystery Book Club: The Widows of Malabar Hill

Thursday, October 22, 2020, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Do you like to read and talk about mysteries? Then join us for monthly book discussions, fresh perspectives, new authors and a friendly atmosphere! We are meeting virtually via Zoom. This month’s discussion is on The Widows of Malabar Hill: A Perveen Mistry Novel (Book 1) by Sujata Massey. Please register for this program online, registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the program.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library (virtually) in September

September 1, 2020September 3, 2020 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

We’ve reached the 6-month mark of providing virtual programming, if you can believe it. Though we’d all rather be together in the library for programs, we’re committed to providing services in the safest way possible for our patrons and staff alike. For now, that means meeting online. September is typically a light programming month, as staff recovers and regroups after a busy summer of programs, but we still have something going on each week, check it out:

Support Through Meditation – Weekly Zoom Event

Tuesdays starting September 8, 2:00 – 3:00pm

This introductory meditation class is geared towards helping you through these anxious and challenging times. You will learn various meditation techniques that you will practice in session and guidance to perform meditation on your own. Presenter Tia Mandrozos will explain the purpose of meditation and interact with the participants to provide the help needed and to address specific concerns. There are 8 scheduled sessions in September and October, please register via the Event Calendar for each session you wish to attend.

Digital Photo Organizing

Thursday, September 17, 2020, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Are your digital images and videos scattered over various devices and in different locations? Do you struggle to find your most important images? This class will review the difference between backup and sync, tips on how to consolidate your images & videos into one manageable library so you can easily access, share and backup your most important memories. Registration is required, registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the program to join the event.

Simplifying the Financial Aid Process

Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 3:00 – 4:30pm

Jennifer Philips’ seminar will provide parents and students with tips on securing the best possible financial aid package from the college of their choice. Jennifer will describe the best student loans, grants and scholarships available, explain the critical financial aid forms and deadlines and the various components of a financial aid offer, describe how to best compare and appeal offers in extenuating circumstances, and provide tips on how to address the gap between tuition and financial aid. Please register in advance, registered participants will receive a Zoom meeting link on the day of the program.

Virtual Books Over Coffee: Next Year in Havana

Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 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 for our Sept. meeting. This month’s book is Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton. Please register in advance, registered participants will receive a Zoom meeting link on the day of the program.

Kids Cook Dinner: Southwest Quesadillas (Ages 7-14)

Wednesday, September 30, 2020, 4:00 – 5:00pm

Spend some quality time with your children in the kitchen while encouraging them to try new foods! An instructor from Food Explorers, will show you how to prepare southwest quesadillas with guacamole (optional)! Best for ages 7-14. Registration is required, and the list of ingredients can be found on the Event Calendar page.

	Outside Book Groups meeting this month:

Murder by the Book Mystery Book Club: The Seven-Per-Cent Solution

Wednesday, September 16, 2020, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Do you like to read and talk about mysteries? Then join this monthly book discussion for fresh perspectives, new authors and a friendly atmosphere! This month’s discussion is on The Seven-Per-Cent Solution by Nicholas Meyer. A best-seller when it came out in 1974, The Seven-Per-Cent Solution is a pastiche about Sherlock Holmes and Sigmund Freud. Who can imagine a more exciting team?! Explore why this bestseller made history and, as a bonus, learn how to write a pastiche. Learn more and register online here.

Art Book Discussion: Strapless

Friday, September 18, 2020, 11:00am – 12:30pm

Do you love to read? And love art? Let’s discuss! This monthly book club meets on the third Friday of each month from 11am to 12:30pm. This month’s discussion is on the book Strapless by Deborah Davis. Learn more and register online here. (We are hoping to host the September meeting in-person at Mixville Park under the shade trees. If weather and other factors cooperate, we invite you to bring your own chair and join us in a socially-distanced outdoor setting. Should conditions not prevail, keep an eye out for an emailed notice of a meeting via Zoom or a postponed meeting date.)