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Many of our virtual programs that are live will take place on our Zoom Platform. Information on how to join a program can be found by clicking here. Registration is required for these programs. You may now register online by clicking here or calling the library at 860-665-8700. Program information as well as the Zoom link to access the program will be emailed prior to the event.
Other programs that are recorded and do not require registration are on our YouTube Channel and can be accessed via YouTube or on this events page listed below.
Please contact the library or view this webpage for the most up to date information. These programs may need to change based on COVID-19 restrictions or inclement weather. We appreciate your patience in this matter. Our primary concern is everyone's safety.
To view recorded programs that you may have missed, scroll down to the end of the page to view the video.
Recipe of the month!
Culinary Delights - Roasted Shrimp Sliders
Click here to view Chef Rob Scott making Roasted Shrimp Sliders!
Book A Librarian
Make an appointment with a librarian to get help with internet searching, navigating the library’s website, using the library catalog, and setting up and using email. Call the Reference Desk to request an appointment.
Tech 4U
Make an appointment with a librarian and get help with your technology questions! Services offered include creating a social media account and help with using your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Appointments are 30 minutes. Call the Reference Desk to request an appointment.
Gardening Fun!
Seed Library and Propagation Station
Ongoing
Drop in to visit our Seed Library and Propagation Station where you pick up or donate seeds and houseplant clippings.
Recipe of the month! June
Culinary Delights - Roasted Shrimp Sliders
Click here to view Chef Rob Scott making roasted shrimp sliders!
Culinary Delights – Chef Rob Scott will share a video recipe each month. The recipe, ingredients list, and video link will be on the library website.
June – Roasted Shrimp Sliders with Remoulade Sauce & Arugula.
July– Mahi Mahi Lettuce Wraps
August– Stuffed Zucchini with Fresh Herbs & Walnuts
Adult Summer Reading, June 6 — August 11
Register yourself in-person, online, or by phone. Read or listen to the library books of your choice at your own pace. Receive one prize ticket for each book completed. Tickets will be available at the library, online, or you can call to have one submitted. Weekly drawings held on Friday. All weekly entries will be entered into the grand prize drawings which will be held on Friday, August 11. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Adult Summer Reading Kickoff & Registration
Tuesday, June 6, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Drop in between 10:00 am - 7:00 pm to register for the adult summer reading program. You can register ONLINE , at the library or call the library at 860-665-8700 and we will do it for you. Everyone who registers on June 6 is eligible to win the kickoff prize giveaway. Free gift for all who register in person that day. Light refreshments will be served.
In-Person Coloring / Puzzle Get-Togethers
Every first and third Tuesday (except July 4)
June 6 & 20, July 18, and August 1 & 15, 10:15 a.m. – noon,
Every first and third Tuesday of the month, come to the library and socialize while coloring or working on puzzle packets. If unable to attend, coloring packets will be available at the Adult Reference Desk beginning on these days! Registration required.
Stitching Time
Wednesday, June 7, & Aug 16 6:30 p.m.
Bring your yarn projects and stitch the evening away! Show off your projects and get to know your fellow yarn artists! If you have questions on crochet, there will be a staff member to troubleshoot with you. Registration required.
The Fearsome Foursome: Raccoon, Porcupine, Skunk and Opossum - Virtual
Tuesday, June 13, 6:30 p.m.
Discover what you always wanted to know about raccoons, opossums, skunks, and porcupines Often overlooked and misunderstood, these unique and fascinating animals have spectacular characteristics and adaptations for life in their environments. Come learn about these captivating critters that wander among nature – and our neighborhoods – with courage and tenacity. This program will be represented by Ginny Apple, State-certified Master Wildlife Conservationist. Sponsored by the Wethersfield Library. Register for Zoom Link.
Friends Annual Meeting
Wednesday, June 14, 6:00 p.m.
The Friends Annual Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. with the election of officers, the Friend of the Year announcement, and other recognitions. Following the meeting the Connecticut Humane Society will present Beyond the Breed Exploring DNA. All are welcome to attend. Please register in advance.
Grab & Go Puzzle Packets
Every second and fourth Tuesday
June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25, and August 8 & 22
We put together packets of fun just for you. Each packet will include puzzles, word games, and more! Stop by to pick up your packet on or after the dates listed above.
Movies @ Your Library!
A Man Called Otto
Tuesday, June 13, 2:00 p.m.
Otto is a grump who’s given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all. When a young family moves in nearby, he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around. Starring Tom Hanks, Mariana Trevino, Rachel Keller. PG-13. Running Time 126 mins. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Grab & Go Bee Friendly Garden
Thursday, June 15
Come by the library and pick up a kit for planting your own bee-friendly garden. Each kit includes a honeybee flower seed mix, as well as a biodegradable pot to plant the seeds in while supplies last.
Brown Bag It with a Book Discussion:
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict
Thursday, June 15, noon
Join us for this lively discussion while enjoying your bagged lunch brought from home. Registration required.
In-Person Coloring / Puzzle Get-Togethers
Every first and third Tuesday (except July 4)
June 20, July 18, and August 1 & 15, 10:15 a.m. – noon,
Every first and third Tuesday of the month, come to the library and socialize while coloring or working on puzzle packets. If unable to attend, coloring packets will be available at the Adult Reference Desk beginning on these days! Registration required.
A Damsel in Defense
Wednesday, June 21, 6:30 p.m.
Georg Baker is on a mission to EQUIP, EDUCATE & EMPOWER women and families. She is fighting to change statistics and wants people to refuse to be the victim by being prepared and never panicked. Registration required.
Books & Bites: Book Talks by Librarians
Thursday, June 22, 1:00 p.m.
Looking for a hot summer read? Join your librarians for some tasty bites and book recommendations of all genres! Cool off with some great titles during these dog days of summer. If you can’t be there in person, join us live online through Zoom. Registration required.
The Art of Makeup for Women
Monday, June 26, Session 1, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Session 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Come join professional makeup artist Joby Rogers for an all-encompassing presentation on how to create a makeup style that compliments your personal features and skin tone. Joby will explore products and tools and “must haves” for your makeup collection. Hands on makeup demonstrations will be included in this fun and informative program! Registration required as space is limited! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Grab & Go Puzzle Packets
Every second and fourth Tuesday
June 27, July 11 & 25, and August 8 & 22
We put together packets of fun just for you. Each packet will include puzzles, word games, and more! Stop by to pick up your packet on or after the dates listed above.
Summer Paint Night!
Tuesday, June 27, 6:00 p.m.
Follow along with library staff and create a floral painting with acrylics to celebrate summer! Come with your creativity and dressed ready to paint. No experience necessary and all materials will be provided. Registration required.
It’s not just Books!
Wednesdays, June 28, July 12 & 26, August 23 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Our new program for our ever-growing population of multi-language learners. Come to the library with family and friends to see all that the library has to offer! Join in fun activities and great conversation with library staff and community members. You can sign up for a library card, summer reading during a break from doing crafts, or playing bocce, cornhole, and more!
Spice It to GO! - Explore a different culinary spice each month. We’ll provide a small FREE take-home kit, which will include a small sample of the spice, recipes and information, and the history of each featured spice. Call to reserve your kit. Supplies are limited.
July Spice It to Go – Curry Powder
Recipe: Curried Red Pepper Dip
Pickup: July 17 – July 22
Grab & Go Puzzle Packets
Every second and fourth Tuesday
July 11 & 25, and August 8 & 22
We put together packets of fun just for you. Each packet will include puzzles, word games, and more! Stop by to pick up your packet on or after the dates listed above.
Movies @ Your Library!
Women Talking
Tuesday, July 11, 2:00 p.m.
Do nothing, stay and fight, or leave. In 2010, the women of an isolated religious community grapple with reconciling a brutal reality with their faith. Starring Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley. PG-13. Running time 104 mins. Registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
In-Person Coloring / Puzzle Get-Togethers
Every first and third Tuesday (except July 4)
July 18, and August 1 & 15, 10:15 a.m. – noon,
Every first and third Tuesday of the month, come to the library and socialize while coloring or working on puzzle packets. If unable to attend, coloring packets will be available at the Adult Reference Desk beginning on these days! Registration required.
George G. Hanel Fine Art Series Presents: Jim Lenn’s Music Tour of the 60s and 70s
The Rise & Fall of Dovie Modean
The Southern California Music Scene of the late 60s and early 70s
Monday, July 24, 6:30 p.m.
What was it like to grow up in the Southern California music scene by the local beaches and area music venues? Jim Lenn will take you on an inside look at four young men and their five-year journey to “make it” in the music industry at its peak, in Hawthorne, California (yes, the home of the Beach Boys). Come listen to Jim’s fascinating stories during the rise of the pop music industry and join in and sing along to some great songs from that amazing era. Registration required.
Grab & Go Puzzle Packets
Every second and fourth Tuesday
July 25, and August 8 & 22
We put together packets of fun just for you. Each packet will include puzzles, word games, and more! Stop by to pick up your packet on or after the dates listed above.
Summer Foraging with 3 Foragers
Thursday, July 27, 6:30 p.m.
The summer months are full of plants sourced from fields, forests, and seashore. Learn how to identify, sustainably harvest, and prepare these wild foods with photos and recipe ideas. This program will take place on Zoom only. Register for the Zoom link or sign up to attend in person at the library. Sponsored by the Cora J. Belden, Newington, Wethersfield, and Berlin Libraries.
George G. Hanel Fine Art Series Presents: Jim Lenn’s Music Tour of the 60s and 70s
The Rise & Fall of Dovie Modean
The Ovation Guitar
A Connecticut-built Guitar & Music of the late 60s and early 70s
Monday, July 31, 6:30 p.m.
The Ovation guitar, built in New Hartford Connecticut, played a significant role in the foundation and flourishing of the singer/songwriter explosion of the music scene. This guitar filled a void created by the advancement of live sound systems and propelled this segment of the music industry to the forefront. In this informative and fun presentation, Jim Lenn will explore the role the Ovation guitar played, as well as some of the music that was performed at this time on the instrument. Registration required.
In-Person Coloring / Puzzle Get-Togethers
Every first and third Tuesday (except July 4)
August 1 & 15, 10:15 a.m. – noon,
Every first and third Tuesday of the month, come to the library and socialize while coloring or working on puzzle packets. If unable to attend, coloring packets will be available at the Adult Reference Desk beginning on these days! Registration required.
Museum Meetup
Friday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m.
Join library staff and Friends of the Library for a morning at the New Britain Museum of American Art.
This tour highlights works from the permanent collection of the New Britain Museum of American Art spanning the 1940s to the 2000s. The show comprises beloved highlights, recent gifts and acquisitions, and numerous works on view for the first time. See detailed flyer regarding cost!
Grab & Go Puzzle Packets
Every second and fourth Tuesday
August 8 & 22
We put together packets of fun just for you. Each packet will include puzzles, word games, and more! Stop by to pick up your packet on or after the dates listed above.
Energy Healing 101: Crystals and Chromotherapy:
The Science Behind Healing with Color
Wednesday, August 9, 6:30 p.m.
Come join Usui Reiki Master Kim Larkin in a fun exploration of Reiki, chakras, and the amazing science of healing therapies through color. Kim will touch on tuning forks, Tibetan singing bowls, and how sound soothes the soul. She will also share how to incorporate these practices into everyday life.
Adult Summer Reading Finale – Find Your Voice!
Friday, August 11, 7:00 p.m.
Join us for refreshments and prizes for adults registered for the summer reading program. The grand prize drawings will begin at 7:00 p.m.
In-Person Coloring / Puzzle Get-Togethers
Every first and third Tuesday (except July 4)
August 15, 10:15 a.m. – noon,
Every first and third Tuesday of the month, come to the library and socialize while coloring or working on puzzle packets. If unable to attend, coloring packets will be available at the Adult Reference Desk beginning on these days! Registration required.
Find Your Voice!: A Vision to Success
Monday, August 21, 6:00 p.m.
Visually express your plans and goals for the future! Create a vision board to map out your short- and long-term goals. Materials provided; you are welcome to bring any additional item(s) you would like to complete your vision.
Grab & Go Puzzle Packets
Every second and fourth Tuesday
August 22
We put together packets of fun just for you. Each packet will include puzzles, word games, and more! Stop by to pick up your packet on or after the dates listed above.
How to Navigate the Probate Process When a Loved One Dies
Thursday, August 22, 6:00 p.m.
From the time of death until the probate estate is officially closed, Attorney Mawn will take you step-by-step through the process of administering the estate of a deceased loved one.
Trivial Trivia Night – Virtual
Friday, August 25, 7:00 p.m.
The theme is that there is no theme! Instead, test yourself with some general knowledge facts. All ages are welcome and prizes will be awarded. Register for Zoom link. Co-sponsored by the Beekley Community Library.