What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in February

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 November

Concerts, classes, crafts, and more are on the calendar in November at CPL. And don’t forget the big Fall Book Sale – check out the Event Calendar for all of our November offerings!

Chocolate for the Holidays

Saturday, November 3, 2018, 2:00 – 4:00PM

Long time chef, chocolate expert and former Cheshire Library Assistant Director Maria Brandriff will demonstrate how to make both decadent truffles and some healthier chocolate treats to give as holiday gifts.   Recipes and ample samples will be available. Registration is required.

Sunday Concert: Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem

Sunday, November 4, 2018, 2:00 – 3:00PM

This New England-based folk quartet is now in its15th year and features Rani Arbo (fiddle, guitar), Andrew Kinsey (bass, banjo, ukulele), Anand Nayak (electric and acoustic guitars) and Scott Kessel (percussion). This band’s steadfast brew of wit, camaraderie, and musicality leaves audiences everywhere humming and hopeful, spirits renewed. Join us for the first concert of CPL’s 2018-2019 Sunday concert series, made possible by the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library! No registration required.

Family Zumba

Mondays: November 5, 19, and 26, 2018, 4:00 – 4:30PM

Perfect for younger Zumba fans and their grown-ups. Family Zumba features kid-friendly routines and up-beat music! Caregivers are encouraged to attend and participate. This class helps develop a healthy lifestyle and incorporate fitness as a natural part of children’s lives by making fitness fun. No registration required.

Transcend Physical Reality for Your Healing and Empowerment

Monday, November 5, 2018, 6:3- – 8:00PM

Would you like to be able to raise above your everyday consciousness and create a new reality in your mind, so real that it shifts physical reality? You have all the power you need within you, but first you need to be able to transcend physical reality and look deeper into the essence. Your ability to transcend physical reality has tremendous healing power. You are not a victim but a director of your life.  Author and healer and former Cheshire resident Sue Maisano will help you understand how to transcend physical reality to heal/empower yourself and achieve your true heart’s desires with least resistance. Registration is required.

South Asian Festival

Tuesday, November 6, 2018, 3:00 – 4:00PM

Join us for an afternoon filled with exciting activities for children of all ages! Create your own Rangoli artwork, apply henna skin art, learn the origins of henna, create fun crafts, and more! Registration is not required for this event. (Please note public schools are not in session this day.)

Finish That Book

Tuesdays: November 6, 13, 20, 27, 2018, 5:00 – 8:00PM

National Novel Writing Month, is an annual, Internet-based creative writing project that takes place during the month of November. Participants attempt to write a 50,000 word manuscript between November 1 and November 30.  Join other writers for a quiet and relaxing space to write. Drop in, no registration required.

Trivia Night @ The Waverly Inn

Wednesday, November 7, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

Join us for a special Trivia Night at The Waverly Inn (286 Maple Ave, Cheshire). Come by yourself or bring friends, test your knowledge of pop culture, current events, history, music, and of course, literature! It’s all for Pride, not for Prize. Don’t forget to bring your appetite, as the Waverly Inn has tasty eats to purchase. Registration begins October 24, and is required for this adult program.

Friends of Cheshire Public Library Fall Book Sale

Thursday November 15 – Sunday November 18, 2018

Thousands of gently used books, cds, and dvds. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Cheshire Public Library, who make all of our fantastic programming possible! Members of the Friends get a sneak peek on Wednesday night, and memberships will be available for purchase at the door. Support the Friends!

  • Wednesday, November 14, 6:30 – 8:00PM: Preview Night (members only)
  • Thursday, November 15, 9:00AM – 8:00PM
  • Friday, November 16, 9:00AM – 4:30PM
  • Saturday, November 17, 9:00 AM – 4:30PM
  • Sunday, November 18, 12:00 – 3:00PM: “Bag of Books” Sale

Create Holiday Cards

Wednesday, November 28, 2018, 6:30 – 8:00PM

One of the many joys of the Holiday season is sending cheerful cards to the ones you love. Join Sue Bernier and create 3 Holiday cards using “Stampin Up” rubber stamps and paper. Attendees 15 years old and up. Registration is required, starting November 14.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in June

Summer is our busiest time at Cheshire Library, as anyone who has circled our parking lot on a summer afternoon can attest! Despite being a bit short on staff and tall on construction chaos, we have managed to put together some terrific programming this summer. We’ve got a bit of a railroad theme this month, take a look at what’s on the calendar for June:

The Electrification of the New Haven Railroad

Monday Jun 4, 2018, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

This program will cover the development of the New Haven’s freight and passenger electric locomotives and what made them unique with their pioneering designs. The program will also cover the development of the New Haven’s industry setting AC power and its distribution system. Registration is required.

Scrabble Evenings

Wednesdays, Jun 6, 13, 20, 27, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Bring your friends, family and join your community in a game of scrabble.  Please bring your up to date library card to check out a scrabble board located at the checkout desk.  Please meet fellow players on the third floor area. No registration required.

New Movie Thursday ~ Black Panther

Thursday, June 7, 2018, 5:45pm – 8:00pm

Did you miss the screening of a film you wanted to see in theatres?  Join us for the first Thurday of the month for a screening of a recently released film.  At the conclusion of the movie vote for next months not to miss movie.  June’s movie is…..  Black Panther!    T’Challa, the King of Wakanda, rises to the throne in the isolated, technologically advanced African nation, but his claim is challenged by a vengeful outsider who was a childhood victim of T’Challa’s father’s mistake.

Cat Tales- Writers Group

Thursday, June 14, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Do you write in secret, or do you publish your own blog? Are you working on your dream novel, a memoir, or poetry? Interesting in being published, whether traditionally or self-published?  Join us at the library 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 required for this adult program.

Passport Event

Saturday Jun 16, 2018, 1:00  –  3:00 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)

Payments:
–  Checks or money orders only. No credit cards.
–  First-time applicants must bring two checks or money orders:
–  One check or money order for the passport application fee made payable to “U.S. Department of State”
–   A second check or money order for the $25 execution fee – add $15 for a photo if applicable – made payable to “Postmaster”.

*Typical Processing Time for Passports is 4-6 Weeks.
For questions regarding Passports please contact The National Passport information line at 1-877-487-2778 or visit Travel.State.Gov

The Pennsylvania Station in New York City

Monday Jun 18, 2018, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

This presentation will cover the inception of Pennsylvania Station, its sub-aqueous tunnels and the challenges faced in the construction of this massive and impressive undertaking. The tragic demolition of this grand structure by the Pennsylvania RR will also be included. Registration is required.

Chalk Painting Furniture

Thursday Jun 21, 2018, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

Do you have furniture you want to update with a fresh new look? Traci Selinske, the owner of the Posh Pear in Cheshire, will show you the techniques to get that naturally aged look using chalk paint, light & dark waxes, dusk of ages, and distressing techniques. Registration will begin on Monday, May 21, 2018 at 9:00 AM.

Friday After Hours: Lost Acres String Band

Friday Jun 22, 2018, 5:00  –  7:30 PM

Join us as we kick off summer reading with the Lost Acres String Band!  The concert will begin at 6:00 and there will be plenty of fun activities for children of all ages!  Pizza, snacks and drinks will be available for sale from the Friends of the Library. Please register so we know how many goodies to have on hand! There is no admission fee, but there is a suggested donation of $5 per family to help offset costs.  Please note that the Lower Level of the Library will not be open to the public. This concert is made possible by donations given to the Friends of the Library in loving memory of Jo Korten.

Streamlined Trains of the 1930s and Their Industrial Designers

Monday Jun 25, 2018, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

With the popularity of the private automobile and the effects of the Great Depression, passenger travel on the American railroads was in a steep decline. Something was needed to bring passengers back to the trains. This presentation will show how it was done and how the same steps were taken in the 1950s to once again bring passengers back to the trains. Registration is required.

Kids Spa Day

Wednesday, June 27, 2018, 4:00 – 4:45pm

Start the summer off right!  Join us to make your own sugar lip scrub and a stress ball. You will learn relaxation techniques and enjoy snacks with friends!  Registration is required.

Trivia Night

Wednesday Jun 27, 2018, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

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 for this adult program will begin on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 9:00 AM.

 

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in February

Did you know February is Library Lovers Month? We’ve got lots to love at CPL this month, check out these great programs:

Dirty Harry, Dirty Rotten Scounfrels, The Dirty Dozen, Dirty Dancing (DVDS)Dirty Movie Month at CPL

Tuesdays at 1:00 PM

Now that we’ve got your attention, we should explain that our Matinee Movies this month all have the word “Dirty” in the title. Disappointed? Relieved? Come by every Tuesday at 1:00 for some good, (mostly)clean fun! No registration Required.

  • Feb 6 : Dirty Harry
  • Feb 13: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
  • Feb 20: The Dirty Dozen
  • Feb 27: Dirty Dancing

Victoria & Abdul movie posterMovie Night – Victoria & Abdul

Thursday Feb 8, 2018, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

The extraordinary true story of the amazing and unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) and a young clerk, Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), who becomes her teacher, her spiritual advisor, and her devoted friend. Based on the book of same name by Shrabani Basu.  Please register for this event.

stylized Cheshire CatCheshire Anime Club

Friday Feb 9, 2018, 3:00  –  4:30 PM

Konnichiwa, minna-san! Can’t get enough Anime and Manga? Be an “Otaku” and join the Cheshire Anime Club! We meet monthly, read and talk about what’s hot in the world of Manga, and watch some of the latest Anime releases on the big screen! Japanese snacks (like Ramune and Pocky) will be available for refreshments. For grades 7 -12, no registration required.

River City Slim & The Zydeco Hogs (musical group)Sunday Concert – River City Slim & The Zydeco Hogs

Sunday Feb 11, 2018, 2:00 PM

It’s Mardi Gras and time to party with River City Slim and The Zydeco Hogs, who bring the exuberant sounds of the steamy bayous of southwestern Louisiana to the hills of New England.  Whatever you do, don’t forget your dancing shoes!  Cheshire is Slim’s old hometown so be prepared to give him a big Cheshire welcome! This concert is Paid for by the Friends of the Library  and free to the public, no registration required.

Trivia Night logoTrivia Night

Wednesday Feb 14, 2018, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

Come by yourself or bring your sweetheart for a Valentine’s Day Trivia Night. 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 for this adult program begins January 31.

Queen Victoria reenactor Sally MummeyMeet Queen Victoria

Thursday Feb 15, 2018, 6:00  –  7:30 PM

Using Queen Victoria’s diary and letters, this program reveals the personal details of a powerful yet humane woman, who took seriously her role as monarch in a time of great expansion. Sally Mummey’s portrayal as the queen is one not to miss! Registration is required.

Year of the Dog illustrationChinese-English Storytime

Friday Feb 16, 2018, 10:00  –  11:00 AM

Celebrate the first day of Chinese New Year with a special storytime! We’ll sing simple songs, learn rhymes, and read books in Chinese and English, and complete a craft as well. For children ages 2-5 and their caregivers.  Registration required starting January 15 for Cheshire residents, and February 1 for nonresidents.

candleholders made from booksCraft Night: Book Candle Holder

Monday Feb 19, 2018, 6:00  –  8:00 PM

A fun night crafting and upcycling books into beautiful candle holders.  Registration required for this adult program.

Queen VictoriaThe Men in the Life of Queen Victoria

Wednesday Feb 21, 2018, 6:30  –  8:00 PM

Join us for a fun evening, as we learn about the Queen and the men in her life.  From her infatuation with the Duke of Brunswick, through Uncle Leopold, her Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, Albert, then the dreaded John Brown,  Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, and finally the Munshi, her Indian secretary. Registration is required.

Carolina Gold rice plantThe Rice That Helped America Grow

Monday Feb 26, 2018, 6:00 PM

A variety of rice named Carolina Gold was the first food product that America exported to Europe, and helped the coastal colonies achieve economic independence. Learn the legend of how this rice came to America, how West African ingenuity helped it thrive and become a local and international delicacy, and how it was almost lost forever before being revived by amateur enthusiasts in the past few years. Registration is required.