Subject: News & Events

Check out what's happening at the library!

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library • January 2023 Newsletter

Library Director's Message

Hello,


Happy new year! The start of a new year is a wonderful time to consider both what we’ve accomplished and what lies ahead in our work and in our lives. Personally, I’m not one for resolutions, but I do like to ask questions and reflect on the answers. For example: What do I want to learn more about this year? Why is this important? The truth is I like to ask those questions year-round, but they seem especially timely for January. Over the last year we’ve asked ourselves lots of questions here in the library: How can our library services reflect the community we serve? What processes can we streamline to be more efficient for our patrons? In what ways can we provide better service? Here are some ways we are doing that in 2023:


  • In case you missed it last month, each patron now gets 10 free black and white prints per day.

  • We are getting new multi-function copiers this month that print and scan. Look for them soon in the library!

  • And computers – our desktop computers will be upgraded with 27-inch screens later this month.

  • We now offer Niche Academy with tutorials for patrons on our tools and databases.


For those of you looking to explore new skills in 2023 we’ve got you covered in January: learn meditation, become a little smarter, try your hand at writing a memoir (only 6 words!), organize and declutter, and communicate more effectively with your healthcare provider among many other programs. I hope you have some time to reflect on what you want more (or less) of this year. Whatever it is we are here to support you. If have suggestion for how we can better serve you, please drop me an email at kmcnally@berlinpeck.org. I’ll see you soon at the library!


Warmly,

Kim McNally

Library Director

See more booklists at berlinpeck.org/booklists!

AARP Tax Aide

Tuesdays, February 14–April 11

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY


AARP Tax-Aide provides free tax prep for low and middle-income taxpayers. Appointments will be available on Tuesdays at the Library (860-828-7126) and Thursdays at the Senior Center (860-828-7006).


Here's how it works:

  1. Call to schedule your appointment.

  2. Pick up your paperwork packet.

  3. Fill out your packet ahead of time.

  4. Attend your appointment.

Appointments usually fill up fast, so please schedule as soon as possible.

Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Monday, January 16


The Library will close on Monday, January 16, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We will re-open on Tuesday.

Sit & Knit

Thursday, January 5, 19, 6:00 pm

Thursday, January 12, 26, 1:00 pm


Join us for a relaxing session of knitting and good company.

Friday Movie Matinees

Friday, January 6, 13, 20, 27, 1:00 pm


Please register for each movie you'd like to attend. See all upcoming movies.

Garden Kit: Fig Cuttings

Pickup starts Wednesday, January 4

REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED


Start your own fig tree from a cutting! Kit includes cutting and instructions to help your figs grow. There are three fig varieties available this year: Olympia, White Marseille, and Brown Turkey. Choices are first come, first served, when you pick up your kit.

Six Word Memoir Contest

Monday, January 9 – Friday, January 27


Writing the story of your life could take years… but what if you used only six words? Six-Word Memoirs are “a simple, creative way to get to the essence of anything—from the breaking news of the day to your own life and the way you live it.”


We invite you to create and share your own Six-Word Memoir online or at the Reference Desk. Memoirs will be shared anonymously in our display case, and all participants will receive a personalized bookmark with their memoir on it.

Organizing and Decluttering

Monday, January 9, 6:30 pm


Get tips and ideas on how to declutter and organize your home!

Meditation for People Who Can’t Meditate

Wednesday, January 11, 6:30 pm

ONLINE EVENT


Let’s find a meditation that’s right for you, so you can relax and enjoy a tranquil moment!

Communicating With Your Primary Care Provider

Thursday, January 12, 10:30 am

ONLINE EVENT


Learn how to talk to your doctor to help you both make informed choices about your health.

Book Discussion with the Berlin Police Department

Tuesday, January 17, 6:30 pm


Join Officer Aimee Krzykowski and Librarian Carrie Tyszka for a new quarterly book discussion series. This month’s book is At the Edge of the Haight by Katherine Seligman.

Make & Take: DIY Cat Toys

Thursday, January 19, 6:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED


Learn how to make three different cat toys: a rattle ball, a wand toy, and a fabric spider.

Saturday Book Club

Saturday, January 21, 10:30 am


Join us for a discussion of Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy. Contact the library to reserve a copy of this title. The book is also available on Hoopla as an eBook and eAudiobook.

The Value of Old and Rare Books with Ken Gloss

Monday, January 23, 6:30 pm

ONLINE EVENT


Ken Gloss, rare book specialist and appraiser, will talk about the history of his historic bookshop and discuss the value of old and rare books.


Following the talk and question-and-answer session, Ken will give free verbal appraisals of books. To receive a free verbal appraisal, you must register and submit your book ahead of time.

The Unknown Schubert

Tuesday, January 24, 6:30 pm

ONLINE EVENT


Discover the history of Schubert’s ascent to the pantheon of great composers.

Ancestors Road Show

Saturday, January 28, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED


Stumped on your family research? Sign up for a free one-on-one session with experts from Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council! To register for a time slot, call 860-828-7126 or visit the Adult Reference Desk.

Cookbook Club

Monday, January 30, 6:30 am


You do not need to be an experienced cook, just an enthusiastic one! January’s cookbook is Smitten Kitchen Keepers: New Classics for Your Forever Files by Deb Perelman. Visit the Reference Desk to pick a recipe.


Powered by:
GetResponse