News & Events

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Subject: News & Events

Welcome to our December newsletter! As we wrap up 2025, I wanted to take a moment to highlight some library initiatives and services we introduced this year and share a preview of what’s ahead in 2026.

New in 2025

Kanopy: Berlin cardholders have free access to Kanopy, a streaming platform offering over 30,000 ad-free films, TV shows, educational videos, and documentaries. This is a fantastic resource that could help you save hundreds on streaming costs.
Oral History Project: By recording personal stories from Berlin residents, we’re creating a living record of what it means to call this town home. This project is in conjunction with the Berlin Historical Society.
The Healing Library: A series of kits designed to help families tackle hard topics together. Funded by a donation from the Berlin Lions Club, each includes picture books, art and play therapy activities, family discussion guides, resource lists, and more.
Writers Group: A monthly meeting for the local writing community to discuss and share their work.
The Pecking Order: Our adult non-fiction section has switched to a word-based organization system to allow for easier locating and browsing books.

A sneak peek for 2026

One Book One Berlin: Join us for discussions and programs related to the book The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan.
3D printing: More information coming soon!
A monthly tea club: See details at the end of this newsletter.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season. Remember, the best way to support your local library is to use it and remind your friends and family to do the same. We hope to see you in the library soon!

Carrie Tyszka

Library Director

Staff Training

Closed Tuesday, December 16

Christmas Holiday

Closed Wednesday, December 24

Closed Thursday, December 25

New Year’s Holiday

Closing early at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, December 31

Closed Thursday, January 1

See our booklists!

Regular Events

These events happen every month.

Friday Movie Matinees

Friday, December 12, 19 — 1:00 pm

Sit & Knit

Thursday, December 4, 18 — 6:00 pm

Thursday, December 11 — 1:00 pm

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Monday, December 15 — 1:00 pm

Writers Group

Tuesday, December 23 — 6:00 pm

Book Discussions

Registration is requested, so we have a headcount. Copies of each book are available at the library. Click here to see all our book clubs.

Cookbook Club

Monday, December 15 — 6:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Cookie swap is back! Bring 3-4 dozen cookies of one type, a container to bring cookies home, and one photocopy of your recipe.

Saturday Morning Book Club

Saturday, December 20 — 10:30 am

Join us for a discussion of The Favorites by Layne Fargo. Contact the library for a copy of the book.

Special Events

Special events happening this month.

Last Line Contest

Monday, December 1 to Wednesday, December 31

Write the last line of an imaginary novel using exactly ONE sentence.

Learn More

Author Sue Hincenbergs: Scheming Wives and High-Stakes Hilarity

Tuesday, December 2 — 2:00 pm

ONLINE EVENT

Join author Sue Hincenbergs for an online chat about her novel The Retirement Plan, in which murder is the name of the game.

An Introduction to Tea Blending

Thursday, December 4 — 6:30 pm

Learn the difference between an infusion and decoction, the art of flavor pairings, gain confidence in creating your own blends using the tea pyramid, and discover the proper temperatures and methods for preparing a good cup of tea.

Sponsored by a partnership between the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library and Berlin Social Services (Anchored in Wellness series).

16th Annual Gingerbread House Contest

Drop off your gingerbread: Monday, December 8 to Saturday, December 13

Vote for your favorite: Monday, December 15 to Friday, December 19

Winner announced: Saturday, December 20

The Library is celebrating the season with our annual Gingerbread House Contest! ALL AGES can participate! Voting will take place at the library as well as online.

Learn More

A Christmas Carol: A Performance by “Charles Dickens”

Monday, December 8 — 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Get into the holiday spirit with a reading of the classic story “A Christmas Carol.” Enjoy refreshments as you listen to Professor Kenneth Noll perform a shortened version of the story in character as its author Charles Dickens. The performance is 90 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.

Make and Take: Holiday Cork Crafts

Thursday, December 11 — 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Create three ornaments—a snowflake, snowman, and nutcracker—out of wine corks. Please bring a hot glue gun if you have it. All other supplies provided.

Nutcracker Tea Party with Dance Legacy

Saturday, December 13 — 11:00 am
REGISTRATION REQUIRED • Registration begins December 6

Join us for a festive tea… a magical ballet… a wonderful time! This family-friendly event is perfect for the child in all of us. Dance Legacy will perform a shortened version of the holiday classic followed by a delightful tea party.

Let’s Celebrate Kwanzaa!

Saturday, December 27 — 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Join us for a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of the culture and principles of Kwanzaa! We invite the entire community to share in the warmth, history, and fellowship of this special holiday season. The celebration will include music and dancing, crafts, and refreshments.

Co-sponsored by BEAT (Berlin Equity Action Team).

The American Revolution by Ken Burns: Screening and Discussion

Monday, January 5 — 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join us for a screening of selections from The American Revolution, a new 6-part, 12-hour documentary by celebrated documentarian Ken Burns. The 47-minute clip reel will be followed by a discussion of the themes of the documentary led by librarian and former history teacher Laurie Finke.

Courageous Conversations: Asking Questions

Saturday, January 10 — 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Are you a Republican or Democrat who has questions you wish you could ask someone from “the other side?” Are you an Independent or Unaffiliated voter who has questions for either or both major parties? Join us for a workshop on how to ask neutral questions followed up by an opportunity to ask those questions and engage in thoughtful dialogue on the topics you want to know.

Republicans, Democrats, and Independent/Unaffiliated voters are all encouraged to attend!

Monthly Tea Club—Coming in 2026!

Discover a new flavor each month with our Monthly Tea Club! Each kit includes a sample of loose-leaf tea and an information sheet.

Tea kits are first-come, first-served. Pickup dates will generally be the last Saturday of the month—but there may be some exceptions, so sign up for email alerts!

Learn More

All-Year Reading Challenge Prizes

Did you participate in the 2026 All-Year Reading Challenge? Don't forget to pick up any prizes you've earned! Prizes must be picked up by the end of January.

5 books in one month = 1 small prize per month
1 book for every month of the year = 1 medium prize (library socks or BPML mug)
5 books for every month of the year = 1 large prize (BPML t-shirt)

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Subject: News & Events