Subject: News & Events

Check out what's happening at the library!

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library • April 2023 Newsletter

Library Director's Message

Hello,


The children’s display has a wonderful new saying this month that I must share: April Showers....Read for Hours. This is exactly the message I needed to hear! Does this message resonate with you, too? Life gets busy, things come up, and sometimes the things that bring us joy get pushed to the side. Of course, May flowers are wonderful, but permission to curl up with a book when it is gray outside? Yes, please!


Our new paint has coincided perfectly with the beginning of spring. You will see our dedicated facilities team working here in the library throughout the months of April and May, painting our walls and making some adjustments in the children’s area, which has already received a bold new shade of green. By the start of summer, there will be new carpet throughout our library, and we cannot wait for you to see it! You may not know that our current carpet is original to our building, and we are both excited and grateful to get this update which will make our library feel fresh and welcoming. We hope you will agree.


Spring is also planting season and as I mentioned last month our seed library has been restocked with new seeds ready for you to plant! This year, you can "check out” entire seed packets of your choosing – just bring your library card and the seed packets to the circulation desk. You do not have to return the seeds, but we do keep track of our inventory so we can be sure to restock our seeds as needed. At the end of this growing season, we welcome you to bring in your saved seeds for us to share next season. Please drop off any seeds you are donating to the circulation desk, with the name and date, and we will get them cataloged.


Reading, planting, painting, crafting, learning. We have it all here at the Berlin Peck Library. I hope you can spend time this spring on something that brings you joy. If it is not here at the library drop me a line at kmcnally@berlinpeck.org and let me know – maybe, we can add it to our collection!


Warmly,

Kim McNally

Library Director

Library Holidays in April

The library will be CLOSED Friday, April 7, for Good Friday.

See more booklists at berlinpeck.org/booklists!

Courageous Conversations: Let’s Talk (Political) Parties!

Saturday, April 1, 10:30 am

REGISTRATION REQUIRED


Where do our major political parties stand today?

How do you feel about the options you have on voting day?


In this conversation, we’ll talk about why people in one party often don’t understand why someone can vote for another party, what is and isn’t working in our political parties, and the ways our own values may align with or differ from the parties for whom we vote.


Prior to the conversation, please read the articles and take the Political Typology Quiz.

Beekeeping

Saturday, April 1, 1:00 pm


Join Catherine Wolko of The Humble Bee Honey Company to learn about her journey in becoming a beekeeper—as well as the resources, tools, and tips needed to become a successful beekeeper yourself.

Friday Movie Matinees

Friday, April 14, 21, 28 at 1:00 pm


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

Senior Center Book Club

Wednesday, April 5, 1:30 pm


Join us at the Berlin Senior Center for a discussion of the book Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II by Robert Matzen.

Sit & Knit

Thursday, May 6, 20, 6:00 pm

Thursday, May 13, 27, 1:00 pm


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

Learn to Knit!

Saturday, April 15, 22, 29, 10:30 am

Saturday, May 6, 10:30 am

REGISTRATION REQUIRED


Join a local knitting instructor for a four week intro class!

Please note the new dates.


Please bring size 7 or 8 needles and a skein of worsted weight #4 yarn to class. The library has a limited supply of needles and yarn for those who need assistance. We recommend attending all four classes, but it's not mandatory.

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Monday, April 17, 1:00 pm


A safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia. Join us to share practical information, feelings, needs and concerns. Sponsored and hosted by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Association.


This group will meet in person, with the option for participants to join us on video chat using Zoom. RSVP to Patty O’Brian: 203-859-1992.

Finding Your Motivation to Move

Monday, April 17, 6:30 pm


We know physical activity is important, but getting motivated for exercise can seem impossible. The secret is to learn what it is that really motivates YOU! This 45-minute class will help you learn how to gamify movement and motivate yourself to move.


Sponsored by a partnership with Berlin Social Services (“Anchored in Wellness” series).

NBSO Mini Concert

Tuesday, April 18, 6:30 pm

REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED


Join us for a rousing lecture and demonstration of the history and variety of percussion instrument, presented by members of the New Britain Symphony Orchestra’s percussion section.

Emerging Trends, Ideas, and Products in Landscapes and Land Care

Thursday, April 20, 7:00 pm

REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED


There’s a lot of talk about changes in landscapes and land care. But what’s really going on?


Join landscape designer Kathy Connolly to explore the growing popularity of naturalized landscapes—and learn about new landscaping technology, from robots and drones to new grub-control products.

Saturday Book Club

Saturday, April 22, 10:30 am


Join us for a discussion of The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley.

Cookbook Club

Monday, April 24, 6:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED


You do not need to be an experienced cook, just an enthusiastic one! This month’s cookbook is Italian American: Red Sauce Classics and New Essentials by Angie Rito.

Estate Planning Documents: Overview and Recent Law Changes

Tuesday, May 2, 6:30 pm


Join us to learn about wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. You’ll walk away understanding what these documents are for, and what you need to do to create yours.

Make and Take: Watercolor Pet Paint Night

Thursday, May 4, 5:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED


Create a portrait of your family pet with watercolor artist Nancy Roman. No experience necessary!


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