Subject: Library News

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library • July 2020 Newsletter 
July 6th – Further Service Enhancements!

On Monday, July 6th, we will begin the next phase of reopening by creating a mini "lobby library." Services in the lobby, added to those we currently have implemented, will include an express internet station, catalog computer, and the copier. You will also be able to schedule a one-hour time slot on a public internet computer or in a study room (both will be limited to once per day per patron).

For everyone's protection, masks are required to enter, and social distancing will be monitored. If you are unable to wear a mask inside the building, we can offer reasonable accommodation in the form of curbside pickup and assistance by phone or online. Please use our virtual services instead of accessing the building if you feel sick.

Unfortunately, browsing books in the stacks is still not allowed, but we are happy to pull what you want. Please keep placing your holds online or by phone. We will continue our 9am-5pm schedule Monday-Friday and will extend hours on Thursdays until 7pm to be consistent with Town Hall.

Curbside Service is a Success!

As I write this on June 26, we have had over 1,000 curbside pickups! Feedback from you all has been extremely positive and we appreciate your understanding that due to this volume as well as the thousands of books being returned, you may need to wait a bit to get your bundle. Curbside pickup is also being used to distribute materials for summer reading, children’s Book Bundles, and the very popular Take and Makes. Don't be left out—take advantage of our curb soon!

Homebound Delivery Resumes!

Our wonderful volunteers are anxious to get books to you, if you are temporarily or permanently incapacitated due to illness or advanced age. Just fill out the Homebound Delivery Form or call 860-828-7126 and we'll get you started.

Looking forward to seeing you in person soon!



Best,

Helen Malinka
Library Director
Starting July 6

Lobby hours will be weekdays 9am–5pm, 7pm on Thursdays.
Services include express computer, print, copy, restrooms.  Computers and study rooms available for 1 hour by appointment.

Book drop hours will be weekdays 7am–7pm, 6pm on Fridays.

Curbside pickup will continue!
Summer Reading
Summer Reading is here... for all ages! Escape the heat (and your computer screen) with a good book, hands-on crafts, and fabulous prizes. And yes, you can pick up books, beads, prizes, and craft materials through curbside pickup!

Record your reading for a chance to win some great raffle prizes!

Check out anything from the library and you could win instantly!

Earn beads for reading, being read to, completing challenges and activity kits!
Berlin and the Thousand Paper Cranes
You’re invited to join us in a town-wide project of making 1,000 paper cranes, symbolizing a collective wish for health, hope, and peace and doing everything we can to work together towards these goals.

Call or request origami kit online!

A storytelling event for all ages!
Adult Programs
Recovering from a Financial Disaster and Getting on Track Online
Wednesday, July 8, 6:00 pm

Get helpful ideas on how to cope with troubling financial situations, and how to save time, money, and stress.

Sit & Knit Online
Thursday, July 9, 2:00 pm

Gather online with your fellow knitters!

On the Wings of Wishes Online
Storytelling Event for All Ages
Thursday, July 9, 6:30 pm

Storyteller Andrea Kamens tells the true story of Sadako Sasaki folding 1,000 paper cranes, as well as other related tales. This event kicks off our summer-long project, Berlin and the Thousand Paper Cranes!

Introduction to the New Britain Museum of American Art Online
Wednesday, July 15, 6:30 pm

This gem of a museum is practically in your back yard!  Discover pieces from the NBMAA’s permanent collection and special exhibitions.

Crafting at a Distance Online
Thursdays, July 16 + 30, 6:30 pm

Connect with friends, neighbors and other crafters in our virtual crafting get-together. Bring any craft that you're currently working on and work on it while enjoying one of the best benefits of a craft group—the socializing!

Saturday Book Club Online
Saturday, July 18, 10:30 am

Join us for an online discussion of Everything is Horrible and Wonderful by Stephanie Wittels Wachs. Berlin residents can download the eBook or audiobook free on Hoopla.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group Online
Monday, July 20, 1:00 pm

This new group meets monthly as a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia. Join us to share practical information, feelings, needs and concerns.

RSVP to Patty O’Brian by calling 203-859-1992.
Cookbook Club Online
Monday, July 20, 6:30 pm

Pick a recipe from Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering by Joanna Gaines and discuss it with fellow cooking enthusiasts. Berlin residents can download the eBook free on Hoopla.

Healing During a Crisis Online
Tuesday, July 21, 1:00 pm

Join our resident Social Worker for a group session to discuss coping strategies for emotional health.

Understanding Credit Reports and Scores Online
Wednesday, July 22, 6:00 pm

Join us for a virtual event on how to read and understand your credit reports and scores. Presented by Rosa Carrero, Community Outreach Officer of Liberty Bank.

Children's Programs
Book Bundles

We know that many families are missing being able to browse our shelves for children’s books, so we're introducing Book Bundles! Simply fill out a form and the Children’s Department staff will choose 3-5 books (depending on the category) for your child.

Grab & Go Activity Kits Ages 4+

Grab & Go Activity Kits contain science projects, arts & crafts, and other fun activities to help keep kids' brains busy without screen time this summer! Each Kit comes with supplies and written instructions. Kits are generally appropriate for ages 4+ (young children may need some help from grownups).

Registration is required. Visit our Events page to see upcoming kits, including card-making for senior citizens, process art kits, Mystery Bags, and more!

Online Storytimes Online
Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 am

Join us for online summer storytimes. Like the Children's Department FB page to get up-to-date notifications!
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
It's a great time to read at home with your child! 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is an ongoing library program that encourages all families and caregivers to read at least 1,000 books (any book) to their infant, toddler and/or preschooler before entering kindergarten. You can download the first log from our 1,000 BBK page to get started, and there is no need to register. When the library opens, bring in your logs to earn your rewards!


Teen Programs
Teen Book Reviews Online

Are you in grades 6-12? Have you read a book you loved (or just liked) and want to tell others about? Share it with us and we'll post it on our website! It's a great way to learn about the great books others are reading and share titles you really love!

You'll earn one Scratch Ticket during our Teen Scratch Ticket Challenge for each book you review (limit 4 per week). Visit the Submit a Book Review page and fill out a quick form to submit your book review (note that reviews are moderated). If approved, your review will be added to our Teen Book Reviews webpage!
COVID-19 Updates
For the latest guidance in Connecticut, visit the official CT COVID-19 Knowledge Base.
Travel Advisory and Quarantine
A travel advisory is currently in effect for anyone entering Connecticut from states with high community spread of COVID-19. Click here for detailed information on the travel advisory.

Anyone traveling into Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey from a state that has a new daily positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a state with a 10% or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average are directed to self-quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state. As of today, the list of states includes: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.
Gatherings
What are the current rules on gatherings? Click here for detailed information on gatherings.

Rules effective June 17
  • Indoor private gatherings – 25 people
  • Outdoor gatherings – 100 people
  • Outdoor event venues – 25% of fire capacity and distancing
Rules effective July 3
  • Indoor private gatherings – 25 people
  • Outdoor private gatherings – 100 people
  • One-time exception for graduation 150 people
  • Outdoor organized gatherings – 500 people, 15 feet of space blanket to blanket
  • Outdoor event venues – 25% of fire capacity and distancing
Face Coverings
When in public and a six-foot distance is unavoidable, face coverings are required to be worn. This does not apply to anyone for whom doing so would be contrary to their health because of a medical condition. Guidance on face coverings has been issued to the state's businesses. To make a face covering at home, watch this video from the CDC.
Unemployment
From the CT Department of Labor: If you become unemployed due to coronavirus (COVID-19), you should file for unemployment benefits. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. We are processing claims as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience during this difficult time.

The quickest way to file, manage, or learn more about unemployment claims.
Housing & Food Security

Connecticut 211
Community services for food, mental health, healthcare, housing and shelter, transportation, income, and utility assistance.

Provided by the Connecticut Food Bank

Homeowners and Renters
Updates and information taken by state and federal government to help protect homeowners and renters impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Questions? Call 860-828-7125 or email library@berlinpeck.org.

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library | 234 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT 06037

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