Subject: Library News

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library • August 2020 Newsletter 
More Service Features

First, I'd like to thank you for bearing with us as we navigate how best to serve you during this time of COVID. Your in-person and social media comments complimenting the staff and our decisions has meant a lot to all of us.

Back to Regular Hours plus Bonus Time for Seniors!

Beginning August 10, we will resume our regular hours (minus Saturdays until after Labor Day) for lobby and curbside pickup service. You will be able to reach us by phone from 10am – 8pm on Mondays-Thursdays and 10am – 5pm on Fridays. On Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am – 10am, the lobby will be open for Senior Hour for those over 65. Soon after, we will have browsing available (date to be announced). Please see paragraph below.

Look & Book It!

Those of you itching to browse for your books can take advantage of this new service starting mid-August sometime (we're still working on it!) which will allow you 20 minutes of browsing time by appointment. More details to follow! We will continue our Curbside Pickup into the future.

Please Know…

In addition to limiting the number of people in the library and requiring masks, the library has reduced and adjusted seating to accommodate distance, provided distance markers, installed plexiglass shields at service points, and increased frequency of cleaning high-touch areas. To the extent that hand sanitizer is available, we are providing hand sanitizer for public use. Families should be aware that for public health and safety we’ve removed toys and interactive activities from our children’s areas for now. Our interactions with you will be different, but we are still ready to help you find the information and materials you need.


Thank you for protecting our community,

Helen Malinka
Library Director

Starting August 10

Lobby hours will be weekdays 10am–8pm, 5pm on Fridays.
Services include express computer, print, copy, restrooms.  Computers and study rooms available by appointment.

Senior hour will be Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am–10am.
Lobby access for those over 65.

Book drop hours will be weekdays 7am–9pm, 6pm on Fridays.

Curbside pickup will continue!
Summer Reading
Summer Reading is still going strong! 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!
Adult Programs
The Electoral College Online
Tuesday, August 4, 6:30 pm

Learn the inner workings of the Electoral College and its history in the United States voting system.

Sit & Knit Online
Thursday, August 13, 2:00 pm

Join local knitters for a relaxing time filled with knitting and good company! 

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group Online
Monday, August 17, 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.
Crafting at a Distance Online
Thursday, August 20, 6:30 pm

Connect with friends, neighbors and other crafters in our virtual crafting get-together. This session will focus on creating Pinecone Succulents using the library's Pinecone Succulents art kits. Kits must be reserved and picked up in advance.

Saturday Book Club Online
Saturday, August 22, 10:30 am

Join us for a discussion of So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo. This book is available for free download in audiobook through Hoopla, for Berlin residents. Contact the library for a copy of the print book.

Cookbook Club Online
Monday, August 24, 6:30 pm

Pick a recipe from a cookbook and discuss it with fellow cooking enthusiasts. Our August cookbook is The Farmers Market Cookbook by Julia Shanks and Brett Grohsgal.

Healing During a Crisis Online
Tuesday, August 25, 1:00 pm

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

Children's Programs
So, You're Thinking About Homeschooling? Online
Monday, August 24, 6:30 pm

Join Linda Hincks, owner of Wren Homeschool Consulting, for a conversation about homeschooling. With 20 years of experience as a homeschool Mom herself and 10 additional years in classrooms, coops, and museum instruction, she’s the perfect person to answer your questions. Find out what the requirements are, how it works, and what it can mean for you and your family. Registration is required and begins August 10. Those registered will receive a link to join the virtual event prior to the meeting.

Summer Sensory Science Online
Mondays, August 10, 17 & 24, 2:00 pm

Join Ms. Cara for some simple, exciting sensory experiences you can do at home, using easily acquired materials. Learn how to make playdough, slime, and oobleck and hear some ideas for exploration that you can try at home. Get ready for some messy summer science! Videos will premiere on Facebook but will also be available on the Children's Department YouTube Channel

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 up to 10 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!

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program is available via Curbside Delivery! 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. Find out more at https://berlinpeck.org/children/1000bbk/ or call us at (860) 828-7127.

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!
Book Bundles for Teens

Don’t know what to read next, or looking for a new author or series to try? Request a Book Bundle for Teens! Fill out a quick form and one of our librarians will choose 5 books selected just for you. We’ll put those books together in a bag (along with a bookmark and a Scratch Ticket) and then we’ll contact you to schedule a pickup! Find out more on our Book Bundles for Teens page.
Questions? Call 860-828-7125 or email library@berlinpeck.org.

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

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Town of Berlin, 234 Kensington Rd, Berlin, CT 06037, United States
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