| | Berlin-Peck Memorial Library • March 2020 Newsletter |
| Volunteer of the Year!
It is my pleasure to announce that our very own Barbara Ritchie will be receiving the state-wide Edith B. Nettleton Award for Library Volunteer of the Year!
Barbara Ritchie has been delivering library materials to homebound library patrons in Berlin since 2013. Her story began in 2012, with a broken ankle. Due to her injury, she couldn’t work or drive for ten weeks. Barbara, an avid reader, was fortunate enough to have family members visit the library and bring books to her. While recuperating, Barbara started thinking of those who didn’t have the same support system she had. She especially felt an affinity for book lovers without access to the library. One day, she decided to do something about it.
When Barbara was able to drive again, one of her first stops was to the library to inquire about volunteering to deliver books to the homebound. This was a service library staff had always wanted to implement and thus began a wonderful partnership. An official homebound delivery service was soon off the ground. Barbara was so enthusiastic, she even purchased business cards and a banner to advertise the service.
Our patrons look forward to Barbara’s weekly visits, smiling face, and their new pile of books. Sometimes she might be the only person they see all week. They discuss their favorite authors and ideas for new titles. Barbara makes notes of their preferences and brings the requests back to the library (one elderly woman said the books weren’t “spicy” enough, so her picks were adjusted).
When people are unable to leave home, whether due to advanced age, illness or disability, they can become quite isolated from the outside world. For our homebound patrons, some of whom can read five novels a week, books bring joy into their lives. Barbara delivers joy, in more ways than one.
The program has grown so much that we have accepted another volunteer, Sharman French, to give Barbara a hand. If you would like a visit from one of these lovely ladies, please call the reference desk at 860-828-7126.
Caregiver' s Support Group
As part of a grant we received to establish services for those dealing with memory issues, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, we are starting a caregiver's support group in association with Hartford Healthcare and the Alzheimer’s Association of CT. The group will meet the 3rd Monday of each month from 1:00 to 3:00 pm in the Library Board Room beginning March 16.
These groups allow caregivers of all ages to discuss ways of coping, learn about community resources and share their feelings, needs and concerns. Those interested in attending should call Patty O'Brian, CDP, Dementia Specialist, from Hartford Healthcare Center for Healthy Aging, at 860-628-3833. |
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Have a great month!
Helen Malinka
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| | | Sit & Knit Join local knitters for a relaxing time filled with knitting and good company!
Thursdays, March 5 + 19, 6:00 pm Thursdays, March 12 + 26, 1:00 pm
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| Movie Matinees
Join us on Fridays at 1:00 pm for a free movie!
March 6: LuceMarch 13: Knives Out March 27: Motherless Brooklyn
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| | Books & Coffee Monday, March 2, 1:30 pm
Join us at The Avenue for an informal book talk. Get reading recommendations from a librarian, learn about some upcoming releases and share information about the books you are currently reading. No purchase necessary. |
| Mindfulness and Breathing Workshop Tuesday, March 3, 6:30 pm
Learn simple mindfulness and breathing exercises to enhance your well-being. Presented by yoga instructor Liz Hall.
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| Make and Take: Flexible "Glass" Sculptures Thursday, March 5 & 12, 6:30 pm
Join us to create unique sculpture pieces that will be used as a permanent display in the library. Attendance at both sessions is preferred but not required. Registration required.
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| | | Stock Club Tuesday, March 10, 1:30 pm
Discuss investment trends with local investors. |
| Cooking for Diabetes
Tuesday, March 10, 6:30 pm
Presented by the dietitian from the ShopRite of Cromwell. This will be a hands on class, guaranteed to leave you full of new knowledge...and food!
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| Dementia and Palliative Care Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 pm
Learn about palliative care and its purpose in the face of aging and dementia.
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| Saturday Book Club Saturday, March 14, 10:30 am
Join us for a discussion of Something Missing by Matthew Dicks. Please contact the library for a copy of the book. |
| Dementia Caregiver Support Group Monday, March 16, 1:00 pm
This new monthly group is a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to develop a support system and find resources.
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| Learn to use Weiss Financial Ratings Database Monday, March 16, 1:30 pm
Learn how to navigate the library’s Weiss database to research stocks, mutual funds, banks, insurance providers, and more—even from home!
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| IV Vitamin Therapy Workshop Monday, March 16, 6:30 pm
Presenter Aericka Khongdy, accredited and licensed APRN, will discuss the basics of IV nutrient therapy.
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| Senior Center Book Club Wednesday, March 18, 1:30 pm
Join us at the Berlin Senior Center for a discussion of The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin. Please contact the library for a copy of the book.
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| Book Tasting for Adults Saturday, March 21, 1:00 pm
A fun afternoon for book lovers! Sample several books in a short period of time and come away with a wish list of titles. Refreshments will be served.
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| Connecticut Wine Trail Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 pm
Discover (or re-discover) the Connecticut Wine Trail with Michelle Griffis, writer for the Wine Trail!
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| Cookbook Club Monday, March 30, 6:30 pm
Borrow a cookbook, make a recipe, and share it at the club. All cooks welcome! This month we're cooking from 100 Days of Real Food on a Budget.
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| You can register for programs online, visit the Adult Reference Desk to register in person, or call (860) 828-7126 to register by phone. |
| | Sphero Bolt Program Grades 3+
Monday, March 2, 6:30 pm
Have a blast with this app-enabled robot! Play games, draw, discover awesome activities, drive and play.
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| College Planning Night Wednesday, March 18, 6:00 pm
Learn about the FAFSA form and how to pay for college without putting a strain on your finances.
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| Nutmeg Book Club Grades 4-6 Wednesday, March 25, 5:30 pm
BPML's Nutmeg Book Club reads, discusses, and votes for their favorite books! This meeting's title is Front Desk by Kelly Yang.
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| Robotics Demonstration All ages
Thursday, March 26, 6:30 pm
Do you like LEGO’s? Are you interested in driving robots? Do you like STEM? Join us for an evening of robot driving, LEGOs, STEM challenges and games! |
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| | Sphero Bolt Program Grades 3+
Monday, March 2, 6:30 pm
Have a blast with this app-enabled robot! Play games, draw, discover awesome activities, drive and play.
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| Wiggles & Giggles Ages 0-2 Tuesdays, March 3, 10 & 31, 10:30 am
Storytime for children ages birth to 2 years old and their caregivers that focuses on enriching your child’s life and supporting pre-literacy with nursery rhymes, songs, bounces, and books. Program is followed by an open play and chat session. No registration necessary.
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| Busy Bumble Bees Ages 1-3 Wednesdays, March 4 & 11, 10:30 am
Help your toddler work out their wiggles in this lively storytime that includes early literacy fun with stories, songs, and action rhymes. Program is followed by an open play and chat session. No registration necessary.
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| Collage Night Grades 1-6
Wednesday, March 4, 6:00 PM
Join us for stories and art here at the library! Learn about collage, see how some of our favorite illustrators use it in their book, and try it out for yourself!
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| Mother Goose on the Loose Ages 0-4 Fridays, March 6 & 13, 10:30 am
A fun-filled, interactive program featuring simple picture books, nursery rhymes, puppets, musical instruments and movement. Program is followed by an open play period. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. No registration necessary.
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| Ed Leonard Silly Song Sing-Along All agesMonday, March 16, 10:30 am
An educational and creative program that allows children, accompanied by guitars, drums, and a grab bag full of musical surprises, to sing, dance, and act silly! No registration is necessary.
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| PJ Storytime All ages
Tuesday, March 17, 6:30 pm
Snuggle up to a good book in PJ Storytime! Wear your pajamas and bring your bedtime friend for music, stories, and fun! No registration necessary.
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| Nutmeg Book Club Grades 4-6 Wednesday, March 25, 5:30 pm
BPML's Nutmeg Book Club reads, discusses, and votes for their favorite books! This meeting's title is Front Desk by Kelly Yang.
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| Robotics Demonstration All ages
Thursday, March 26, 6:30 pm
Do you like LEGO’s? Are you interested in driving robots? Do you like STEM? Join us for an evening of robot driving, LEGOs, STEM challenges and games! |
| SaturPLAY All ages
Saturday, March 28, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
A playgroup that includes fun toys, sensory materials, bubbles, games, and other activities. A great way for kids to meet new friends and for parents to socialize with one another! No registration is required. |
| Musical Munchkins Birth to preschool New!
Monday, March 30, 10:30 am
Start the week off having some fun with your little one! Come join us for music, instruments, and more. No registration necessary.
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| You can register for programs online, visit the Children's Reference Desk to register in person, or call (860) 828-7127 to register by phone. |
| | Berlin Peck Memorial Library 234 Kensington Road Berlin, CT 06037 |
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| Contact Us 860-828-7125 (main) 860-828-7126 (reference) 860-828-7127 (children's) |
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| Library Hours Monday-Thursday 10-8 Friday 10-5 Saturday 10-4 |
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