Some art, some history, some travel, and more is on the agenda for May – check out our Events Calendar for details on all the programs blooming this month! Here’s a preview:
SPRING BOOK SALE!
The Friends of the Cheshire Library are excited to announce their annual Spring Book Sale! The book sale features more than 15,000 books of every possible genre. Adult and children’s titles are available in both hard and soft cover editions and are priced from 50 cents to $2.

Color and Form in Abstract Art
Wednesday, May 1, 2019, 6:00 – 8:15pm
Artist Elizabeth Gourlay discusses her use of the nuances of color and form in her abstract paintings and works on paper, which she compares to musical compositions. Gourlay incorporates warmth and gesture into all of her works, whose layered vocabulary of abstract forms emerges from her thoughts, emotions and observations of the world. No registration required, sponsored by the Cheshire Art League.
Open Art Studio in the Library Loft
Fridays from 1:00 – 3:00pm
Bring your works in progress and supplies (no turpentine, please!) to this 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.
Terrific Tweens
Make a CD Hovercraft! Wednesday, May 8, 2019, 4:00 – 4:45pm
Lemon Power! Wednesday May 22, 2019, 4:00 – 4:45pm
Kids are invited for fun with art, science, technology, and games. We’ll assemble robots & contraptions, play with our food, create fun works of art, and bring video games to life! For grades 5-8, no registration required.
New Movie Thursday: Welcome to Marwen
Thursday, May 9, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Did you miss the screening of a film you wanted to see in theatres? Join us for the first Thursday of the month for a screening of a recently released film. May’s movie is Welcome to Marwen starring Steve Carrell. A victim of a brutal attack finds a unique and beautiful therapeutic outlet to help him through his recovery process. Rated PG-13. Registration is appreciated.
Author Talk: Soldiers of a Foreign War
Tuesday, May 14, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Vietnam Veteran, Dr. Charles McNair, shares his novel that presents the Vietnam War in all its conflicted complexity. It is told from the enlisted soldiers’ perspective and deals with the American and Vietnamese’s, North and South, all teenagers, experiences as they leave their families and enter their countries’ respective armies. Registration is required.
Armchair Traveling
Discovering France: Wednesday, May 15, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Mexico and Central America: Wednesday, May 29, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Come and join us on the journey to different parts of these magnificent regions. During our journey through France, we will visit Paris, the Palace of Versailles, Giverny, Normandy, the Loire Valley and the Southern region. For our look at Mexico and Central America, we will look at photos of traditional landscapes and architecture of the Aztecs and Mayans and then look at contemporary tourism landscapes. Please register separately for each program.
Katharine Hepburn: From Hartford to Hollywood
Thursday, May 16, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Born and raised in Connecticut, Katherine Hepburn had a career in stage, film and television that reflected the changing role of women in broader society. The story of her life-long ties to Connecticut offers a complete picture of how Hepburn became the woman and the star she was. Registration is required.
Improving Your Life Through Meditation
Monday, May 20, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Meditation can bring about a sense of calm and balance that benefits both your emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Join Clare Vidich for this enjoyable and informative meditation workshop for new or experienced meditators. Registration is required.
Crafting for a Cause
Wednesday, May 22, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Unleash your artistic side while making your community a better place! Come and decorate canvas totes to be donated to the Cheshire Food Pantry. The Library will supply the totes and art supplies, but feel free to bring art materials from home! This program is open to adults and children of all ages. Please register in advance so we can provide enough supplies. Please register in advance.
Books Over Coffee: Where’d You Go, Bernadette
Wednesday, May 29, 2019, 12:00 – 1:30pm
Want to engage in great discussions about books? Meet new people? Eat lunch with friends? Join us for an adult monthly book club program called “Books Over Coffee.” Books are available each month ahead of time, and will be available in audio & ebook format. Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple is our May selection. You bring your lunch, we’ll provide the coffee and tea! Registration is required.
Author Talk: The Dogs of Camelot: Stories of the Kennedy Canines
Thursday, May 30, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Join us as Joan Lownds talks about her book The Dogs of Camelot: Stories of the Kennedy Canines, which illuminates the inside story of the Kennedys’ lifelong love of dogs and the unparalleled canine corps they brought to the White House. Through cooperation with the Kennedy Library, the authors have access to rare and previously unpublished photos and stories that present a fascinating angle about the Kennedys that is deeply revealing about their character and compassion. Books will be available for purchase and signing after the talk. Registration is required.
_______
Don’t forget, May is Food for Fines Month!