Subject: News & Events

Check out what's happening at the library!

Happy New Year from your friends at the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library! 


We are excited to kick off 2026 by announcing our latest One Book One Berlin title. This year we have chosen The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan! One Book One Berlin is a collaborative initiative intended to bring the community together to promote reading, discuss ideas, and break down barriers between people. We encourage you to borrow a copy and read about the food chains that sustain us! The book is available in multiple formats as well as a young readers adaptation.


We have an amazing lineup of programs scheduled throughout the next several months, all relating to themes within the book. Visit our One Book One Berlin page for book details and a complete list of programs which include book discussions, food and gardening programs, a lecture on Berlin's farming history, children's programs, and more. Except for the two book discussions, you are welcome to attend OBOB events without reading the book.


As always, I welcome your feedback and encourage you to stop by to say hello. Contact me to schedule a personal library tour or send me an email at ctyszka@berlinpeck.org. Remember, the best way to support your local library is to use it and encourage your friends and family to do the same.


I wish you a wonderful year ahead!


Carrie Tyszka

Library Director

Christmas Holiday

Closed Wednesday, December 24

Closed Thursday, December 25

New Year’s Holiday

Closing at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, December 31

Closed Thursday, January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Closed Monday, January 19

Regular Events

These events happen every month.

Friday Movie Matinees

Friday, January 2, 9, 16, 30 — 1:00 pm

No movie on January 23. Join us for our Jewelry and Accessories Swap!

Sit & Stitch

Thursday, January 8, 22 — 6:00 pm

Thursday, January 15, 29 — 1:00 pm

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Monday, January 12 — 1:00 pm

Writers Group

Tuesday, January 27 — 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.

Book Discussion: The Omnivore’s Dilemma

Saturday, January 17 — 10:30 am

Wednesday, January 21 — 6:00 pm


Join us to discuss this year’s One Book One Berlin choice, The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan.

Cookbook Club

Monday, January 26 — 6:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED


This month’s cookbook is Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy by Tieghan Gerard.

Special Events

Special events happening this month.

2026 All-Year Reading Challenge

Thursday, January 1 – Thursday, December 31


Read more this year with Berlin-Peck’s 2026 All-Year Reading Challenge for adults! Record your books in the booklet then visit the Adult Reference Desk to pick up your raffle tickets and prizes.

First Line Contest

Thursday, January 1 – Saturday, January 31


We invite you to create and share the first line to an imaginary novel. Entries can be serious or funny! Every participant will receive a custom commemorative bookmark with their best entry. Multiple entries are allowed.

The American Revolution by Ken Burns: Screening and Discussion

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

REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Hybrid Program: Attend In Person or Online


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!

Intro to AI

Monday, January 12 — 6:30 pm


Explore how generative AIs like ChatGPT and Claude work and what to consider when using them.

Author David Brooks: The Creative and Compassionate Art of Seeing Others Deeply

Tuesday, January 13 — 2:00 pm

ONLINE EVENT


Join author David Brooks for an online chat about on his book How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply.

Tour du Mont Blanc

Tuesday, January 13 — 6:30 pm


Armchair Explorers! Join us to hear Dave Vogt’s account of hiking most of the Tour du Mont Blanc, a classic hike in Europe. Sponsored by Berlin Land Trust.

Pet Boredom Busters

Wednesday, January 14 — 6:30 pm


Keeping pets entertained is important for their physical and mental health. So, what can you do to curb your pets’ boredom and keep them happy and healthy? Join CT Humane Society Community Outreach Manager Ashley Holm to learn different tips and tricks to keep all types of pets active.

Make and Take: Junk Journaling

Thursday, January 15 — 6:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED


Junk journaling is a fun, eco-friendly way to repurpose old paper, envelopes, book pages, ticket stubs, and other everyday “junk” into unique works of art that create lasting memories, tell stories and track time.

Author Julia Hotz: Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine

Tuesday, January 20 — 2:00 pm

ONLINE EVENT


Join journalist and author Julia Hotz for an online chat about her book The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging.

The Truth About Long-Term Care Insurance

Wednesday, January 21 — 1:00 pm


If you or a loved one is among the 100,000 Connecticut residents who carry Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI), you may have seen as much as a 400% increase in your premium costs over the years. Join LTCI Policyholder Advocate David Schwartzer to learn what happened with this once promising product, the hidden reasons behind the increase in cost, what needs to be done to fix it, and what you can do to help.

Berlin-Peck Swap Shop: Jewelry and Accessories

Drop Off Day: Friday, January 23 — 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Swap Day: Saturday, January 24 — 11:00 am to 1:00 pm


Swap Shop offers a sustainable way to declutter and find fresh treasures. This month's theme is jewelry and accessories! First, drop off any items you’d like to donate on Drop-Off Day. Then, visit on Swap Day to take home new-to-you items.


Anyone who donates items on Friday will earn a ticket for Early Bird Entry on Saturday. You DO NOT have to donate to be able to take items from the Swap Shop.

Author Liz Moore: Secrets and Second Chances

Wednesday, January 28 — 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

ONLINE EVENT


Join author Liz Moore for an online chat about her book The God of the Woods, a tale of thrilling twists and disturbing disappearances.

Setting Goals & Intentions Through Journaling

Thursday, January 29 — 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm


Discover journaling as a practical tool for self-reflection and for setting intentions and goals.

Third Annual Puzzle Contest

Saturday, January 31 — 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED • Registration opens January 2


Race to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle! Teams of four will compete to see who can finish their puzzle first. All teams will receive the same puzzle. Join as a team or register solo, and we’ll match you up with other puzzlers.


Snacks and drinks will be provided. The winning team will each receive small prizes.

January Tea Club Pickup

January 31, beginning at 10 am

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST


Discover a new flavor each month with our Monthly Tea Club! Each kit includes a sample of loose-leaf tea, an information sheet, and a few reading suggestions, just for fun. Tea kits are first-come, first-served. Available until we run out!

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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