parenting classes

Most people know that libraries provide books, magazines, movies, music, audiobooks and ebooks. What many may not realize are all the other ways libraries support their communities. Here’s a sample from the librarians of the Cheshire Public Library.

“An appreciative patron had these flowers delivered to me for helping her on the computer & with her gmail to locate and print some important personal documents. It made my day!”

“A woman came in this afternoon and wanted to print some coupons from her email. English was not her first language, she did not have computer skills, and she did not know her email provider or her password! Our technology coordinator saved the day and was able to help the woman print her coupons. The really nice thing: it was the woman’s birthday and the coupons were for free coffee and other things that she could enjoy on her special day.”

“A senior who wanted to learn how to add minutes to her flip phone came to tech help yesterday. When she left, she noted that this is the only place in town to get answers to these types of questions and that her kids yell at her when she asks for them for tech help. She said she’s going to tell all of her friends to start coming here because they also have grouchy kids/grandkids…”

“An older man approached me a few weeks ago to say how glad he was to have our library. He comes in most days to read the papers and to visit with other regulars. He said it makes him feel more connected with the community.”

Email from patron: I just saw the Positive Discipline class recently on the events calendar and am super excited about it. I’ve read some of the Positive Discipline books and would love to do a better job actually incorporating it into our lives. I’ve looked into workshops before, and it just wasn’t realistic for us financially. I already have it on my calendar to sign up when it opens.

“I had a patron come to the circ desk this week saying the last two books her book club (not associated with the library) read were duds. Since they buy their books, she wanted to be sure to pick a good book this time. I brought her over to the Reader’s Advisory bulletin board and let her peruse the content. She happily found four titles, and all were on the shelf for her to check out. She was so happy and commented that she wished she had come to the library sooner.”

“A patron whose husband recently passed away came to drop-in today. She wanted to know how to use email so she could email people in a support group she’s been attending. She never used her husband’s laptop before, and English is not her first language, so she was nervous about coming in today for help. I got her all set up, and she’s going to come back next week and report how it’s going. She was very appreciative that we’re providing this service.”

“A few weeks ago, a woman was looking for tutoring help for seven children from two families newly arrived from Saudi Arabia. Our teen librarian had a contact in the high school for a teacher who arranges peer tutoring, so I got the teacher’s email and contacted her. She emailed to let us know that she has arranged peer tutoring for the 5 younger children (in the library!) and is arranging help for the older ones. It was great that the needed resources exist in our community. I was especially touched by the fact that the woman who made the initial contact thought of the library as a place to go for help. Yay us!”

Want to know more about the Cheshire Public library? Click here for our website.

Can summer be here already? It’s our busiest time at Cheshire Library – sign up now & don’t miss out on the terrific programs we have lined up. See our June Event Calendar for more!

Vision Board Workshop

Saturday Jun 3, 2017, 2:00 – 4:30 PM

Imagine what it would be like to visualize what you wanted to achieve and then use that visualization to make it happen. Could it really be that simple? How often do you “wish” for things to be different? Vision Boards Help Provide Clarity — By placing your images on a board, you create a bridge between the thoughts in your mind to something tangible-a format you can see and feel. Composing a clear, vivid vision board is an important step in making your goals and dreams a reality. Certified Life Coach Fiona Bain will show us how to create our own Vision Boards. Registration is required.

Introduction to the Internet

PART 1 : Wednesday Jun 7, 2017, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

PART 2 : Wednesday Jun 14, 2017, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

In Part 1, we will introduce you to the Internet and explain the basic elements of a Web page. Learn about Web browsers and how to access different web pages, identify hyperlinks and navigate web pages using the back, forward and refresh buttons. In Part 2, you will learn how to find information on the Web and how to use search engines. Learn how to mark a web site as a Favorite and how to print an entire web page, or a part of a web page using print preview option. Registration is required.

Expert Travel Tips From a Pro

Thursday Jun 8, 2017, 6:00 PM

With so many ways to book travel how do you know the best? What is the difference between booking with a traditional travel agency, an online travel agency or the supplier directly? With over 30 years of travel industry experience, Katie Relkin is the founder of JourneyBusters.com, a consumer friendly travel education company. She will share a wealth of travel tips in this program. Registration is required.

Beyond Death: Medical Facts, Mysticism, and Meditation

Wednesday Jun 14, 2017, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Since the 1980s when near death experiences became part of the public consciousness, they have held endless attractions for people. Why do they resonate so powerful within us? Join Dr. Matthew Raider, hear the latest medical research and discover a simple, natural way to connect with the inner light talked about by those who’ve experienced an NDE. Through a simple time-honored method of meditation, you can explore those realms of peace within you. Registration is required.

Passport Fair

Friday Jun 16, 2017, 12:00 – 4:00 PM

Join us for your one stop shop to acquire* or renew your passport.

Please bring the following:

Passport Application
Evidence of Citizenship
Two Forms of ID
Payment (2 checks for renewals)

Please direct all questions regarding Passports to the The National Passport information line at 1-877-487-2778 or visit Travel.State.Gov. This service provided by the United States Postal Service. *Please be advised to receive your completed passport by mail can take several weeks. Please see Travel.State.Gov for more information.

Taste the World: Movie Matinees

Fridays in June, 12:30 – 3:00 PM

Take a tasty tour around the globe with movies associated with international snacks. Please register individually for each movie.

Friday – June 02 – No Reservations
Friday – June 09 – The Mistress of Spices
Friday – June 16 – Julie and Julia
Friday – June 23 – Love’s Kitchen

Cut the Cord – Life Without Cable TV

Saturday Jun 17, 2017, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

This seminar presented by James Gifford will discuss how cable customers can get rid of high-priced cable services. Learn how to switch to options that give better entertainment value and review phone service choices at much lower costs, even if you’re not a tech whiz. Registration is required.

Parent Workshop: Helping Your Child Learn

Wednesday Jun 21, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Join us as we discuss simple, effective ways to get your child ready to use words. This workshop will utilize the best practices from You Make the Difference in Helping Your Child Learn, published by the Hanen Centre. Books will be available for checkout at the end of the program. We’ll go over ways you can incorporate the practices into playtime, reading time, and everyday activities. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Best suited for parents/caregivers of children ages birth to 3.

Dinner 6:00-6:30 pm
Parent class 6:30-7:30 pm
Childcare provided

Registration required. Registration is open to all Cheshire residents starting May 15. Non-residents may register starting June 20.

Brain Fitness

Thursday Jun 22, 2017, 1:30 – 2:30 PM

Come learn how to keep your brain fit. Studies show that those who engage in regular cognitive activities (such as attending educational seminars, discussion groups or learning a new language) had higher levels of brain functioning and lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment. The brain is a muscle like any other and benefits from regular exercise. Light refreshments will be served. Please register early.

Solo Travel Bootcamp

Thursday Jun 22, 2017, 6:30 PM

Get ready for a solo travel adventure! More and more people are heading out on trips alone and they aren’t just singles. Whether you are an experienced solo traveler or new to solo travel, join Travel Artisan Nina Lesiga for an evening of fresh ideas on how to achieve vibrant, authentic and fun experiences. Registration is required.

STEM Coffee Hour: The Impact of DNA-Editing Technology on the Future of Science and Medicine

Thursday Jun 22, 2017, 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Facilitator: Dr. Jian Cao, Associate Research Scientist, Yale University. Co-developer of a Gene-Editing Toolbox.

STEM Coffee Hours are designed for adults who are interested in learning more about a particular science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topic. The general format is an informative presentation followed by group discussion. Please register HERE (password CheshireSTEM).

Parenting Workshop: Positive Discipline

Monday Jun 26, 2017, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

This is an eight-session workshop for parents who are looking to learn how to develop relationships with their children based upon mutual respect, personal responsibility, and problem-solving skills for successful living. Come work with other parents finding practical solutions to children’s most challenging behaviors. Open to parents with children ages birth to 5 years old. Free childcare provided.

A Certifed Positive Discipline Parent Educator will conduct 8 weekly evening sessions that include:

Free Dinner 6:00-6:30 pm
Parent class 6:30-7:30 pm
Free children’s books

This program meets 8 times: June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7 and 14. You only need to register once to attend all 8 sessions.

Registration required. This program is open to Cheshire residents to register starting May 22 all others may register starting June 23 if space is available.

Traveling Lantern Theatre Company

Wednesday Jun 28, 2017, 1:00 PM

Play: The Ribbles Build a Residence. Soon after their lovely insect nuptuals Mr. and Mrs. Ribble are expecting a baby Ribblet, and they need a new home for their family! Mr. Ribble wants a to go big with a four grasshopper garage, but Mrs. Ribble convinces him to build a dream home that is more environmentally and neighborhood friendly. Best for ages 4+, No registration required.

Summer Reading Kickoff!

Friday Jun 30, 2017, 5:30 PM

Join us for our adult and children’s summer reading kickoff. The library will be opening at 5:30 pm to host events for children, families, and adults. At 7:00 pm the Lost Acres String Band will be performing. Bring a picnic or purchase pizza (from Cheshire Pizza and Ale) and drinks from our Friends of the Library. All ages welcome, no registration required.