Subject: News & Events

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library • April 2021 Newsletter

A Fond Farewell

Jonathan Lockwood Huie said, “Celebrate endings—for they precede new beginnings.” So, I'm writing to celebrate my ending here at Berlin-Peck, after starting my Connecticut library career back in 1977.


Was I being a wiseacre when I planned April 1st as my retirement date? Maybe a little. I teased the staff that on that day I was going to say, "April Fools, I'm staying!"


I'm proud of everything we've accomplished during my 10+ years here in Berlin, and most especially during this past, very difficult, year. While the library doors may have been shut for a few months in the beginning, our services never were. We answered phones and emails (at home at first!), strengthened Wi-Fi so it could be accessed outside, established curbside pickup and senior hours which are continuing to this day, set up express internet and expanded our eBook resources. We recently resumed our passport and notary services.


I truly appreciate the support from this community, as well as a loyal Board of Trustees and Friends of the Library. But it all comes down to this staff. As I come to the close of my time here, I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them for making this a fantastic place to work, and for making this team the best in the area. Time after time, they have supported each other and pitched in where it was needed to get the job done. They are professional, hardworking, personable, fun, and funny, and I will miss them terribly.

Please help me thank them by supporting the Berlin-Peck Library budget this spring. Only 1.26% of municipal revenue goes to support the library. All the wonderful services you can receive here are most certainly worth that and more!


Libraries are such a vital part of the community. It has been a privilege and honor to lead Berlin-Peck. I wish you all well.

All the best,


Helen Malinka

Library Director

Special Hours

 

Library hours are weekdays 10am–8pm, 5pm on Fridays.

Senior hours are Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am–10am.

Book drop hours are weekdays 7am–9pm, 6pm on Fridays.

Curbside pickup is still available!


The library will be closed Friday, April 2, for Good Friday.

Adult Programs

Take & Make

Felt Bird Bookmarks

Registration required • Registration is open now!

Pickup starts Thursday, April 8


Fly through your next book with an adorable felt bookmark!

Register

Spice It Up! Star Anise

Registration required • Registration is open now!

Pickup starts Wednesday, April 14


Try out a new spice each month! April’s kit includes whole star anise, a cinnamon stick, information sheets and a few recipes to try.

Register

Sit & Knit

Thursday, April 8, 15, 22, 29, 2:00 pm


Join us in front of the library for a relaxing session of knitting and good company—six feet apart, of course.


We’re hoping for good weather, but it’s still spring in Connecticut! So please make sure to register, so we can let you know about changes or cancellations.

Register

You Really Need an Estate Plan

Thursday, April 8, 6:30 pm  Online


Without an estate plan, some of your end of life decisions are dictated by the state. If you’re OK with that, you don’t need this program. But if you want to decide how your estate is divided, who is responsible for your care, and who gets custody of your children… this program is for you!


Presented by Attorney Colleen Masse from Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri.

Register

House History: Accessing Land Records

Monday, April 12, 6:30 pm  Online


Learn how to navigate Connecticut’s land records so that you can determine who once owned your property.

Register

10 Steps to Gardening & Inner Peace

Thursday, April 15, 7:00 pm  Online


Learn ten steps to help examine stressful gardening habits and expectations, focus on what is important, and take a deep breath and chill. Sponsored by Kensington Garden Club.

Register

Saturday Book Club

Saturday, April 17, 10:30 am  Online


Join us for a virtual discussion of the book Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland. Contact the library to reserve a copy of this book.

Register

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

Monday, April 19, 1:00 pm Online


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.


RSVP to Patty O’Brian: 203-859-1992

Join the Zoom meeting: https://hartfordhealthcare.zoom.us/j/98719138494

Book Discussion with the New Britain Museum of American Art

Tuesday, April 20, 2:00 pm  Online


Join the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library and the New Britain Museum of American Art for a book discussion of the novel I Always Loved You: A story of Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas by Robin Oliveira.

Register

Getting Credit Ready for Homeownership

Wednesday, April 21, 6:30 pm  Online


Learn how to understand credit scores, what lenders are looking for in potential credit applicants, and what mortgages, products, and grants are available for first time homebuyers.

Register

House History: Who's Lived in Your House?

Monday, April 26, 6:30 pm  Online


From maps to the census to local photo collections, you’ll be able to put together the stories of your home’s “past lives.”

Register

Connecticut and the Pandemic of 1918

Tuesday, April 27, 6:30 pm  Online


What was it like to live through the Influenza Pandemic of 1918? We’ll look at archival images, letters, and newspapers to explore this topic, including sources left by Connecticut residents who experienced the flu first-hand.

Register

Help Your Yard Get a Little Wilder!

Thursday, April 29, 6:30 pm  Online


Get in the Arbor Day spirit by learning about the benefits of a more natural world—and how we can make our own yards and towns more natural. Sponsored by Berlin Land Trust.

Register

Children's Programs

Book Bingo Spring Reading Challenge

Monday, April 12 to Friday, April 30


We’re kicking off Spring Break with one of the most popular games in the world: BINGO! Between Monday, April 12, and Friday, April 30, complete at least five squares on our Bingo Card and earn a Brag Stick, cable ring, and sticker! Every completed Bingo Card submitted will also be entered into a drawing to win a $25 Amazon gift card!

Learn More

Swing Into Spring with Turtle Dance Music! (All Ages)

Wednesday, April 14, 2:00 pm  Online


This show engages children with comedy, swing music, jazz music, “March”-ing songs, poems, bubbles, music technology, and children’s stories that foster literacy, storytelling, and a lifelong love of your library!

Register

Grab & Go Activity Kits

Registration is required.


Each kit comes with supplies and instructions and is available for Curbside Pick-Up. Visit our EVENTS page to register for each kit and for more details.


Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit at the Children's Desk during the pickup dates. If you prefer to pick up your kit outside, please call the library, and we will bring it out to you. If you do not pick up your kit by the last pickup date, it will be given to the next spot on the waiting list.


Questions? Call us at 860-828-7127.

Bunny Treat Box (Ages 2-5)

Registration begins Monday, March 29

Pick up Monday, April 5 – Wednesday, April 7


Make and decorate your own adorable bunny treat box!

Register

Spring Wreath (Grades K-5)

Registration begins Monday, April 5

Pick up Monday, April 12 – Wednesday, April 14


Make your own beautiful spring wreath!

Register

Blackout Poetry (Grades 3-6)

Registration begins Monday, April 5

Pick up Monday, April 12 – Wednesday, April 14


Get creative and artsy by creating your own nature-inspired blackout poetry in celebration of National Poetry Month and Earth Day!

Register

Farm Animal Puppets (Ages 2-5)

Registration begins Monday, April 12

Pick up Monday, April 19 – Wednesday, April 21


Make your own farm animal puppets and put on a show!

Register

Pikachu and Totoro Origami (Grades 4+)

Registration begins Monday, April 19

Pick up Monday, April 26 – Wednesday, April 28


Create an adorable Pikachu origami and Totoro corner bookmark.

Register

Game On! Board Games to Check Out

Bored? Check out a board game! You can now borrow board games from the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library! We currently own 78 different games for all ages (including preschoolers, elementary school students, tweens, teens, and family games), and they can be checked out for 3 weeks. They must be picked up and returned at the Berlin-Peck Library, and they won't be sent to other libraries. You can also request one for Curbside Pickup!

Check Out Board Games
STEAM MACHINE! (Grades K-2): Kids create, build, and grow their way through lessons on science, technology, engineering, and math.

Playaway Launchpads

Check out our Playaway Launchpads! These popular learning tablets (that don't connect to the internet) feature high quality, ad-free learning apps, and games that are both fun and educational for kids through fifth grade.

Check Out Launchpads

Book Bundles

Not sure what to borrow next? Simply fill out a quick form and the Children’s Department staff will choose up to 10 books for your child in the category of your choice. When the books are ready, we'll contact you to schedule a pick-up time! If you have specific titles you would like to put on Hold, please use our Curbside Pickup Service or call (860) 828-7125.

Check Out Book Bundles

Booklists for Kids

Are you looking for something to read but don't know where to start? Check out our booklists! There's something for every grade and interest, and more are being added all the time.

Check Out Booklists

Homework Help with HelpNow

In partnership with the Berlin Schools we are offering a new database called HelpNow. HelpNow is a fabulous homework help resource, with both live tutoring and skill-building modules for K-12 students and beyond. Live tutoring is available in English and Spanish from 3pm - 10pm each day to provide assistance in core subjects, including math, science, and social studies. You can access HelpNow via our website!

Visit HelpNow

Teen Programs

Grab & Go Activity Kits

Registration is required.


Each kit comes with supplies and instructions and is available for Curbside Pick-Up. Visit our EVENTS page to register for each kit and for more details.


Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit at the Children's Desk during the pickup dates. If you prefer to pick up your kit outside, please call the library, and we will bring it out to you. If you do not pick up your kit by the last pickup date, it will be given to the next spot on the waiting list.


Questions? Call us at 860-828-7127.

Tie-Dye T-Shirt Tote Bag (Grades 6+)

Registration begins Monday, April 5

Pick up Monday, April 12 – Wednesday, April 14


Looking to make the perfect bag for school, the library, or anywhere in between? Create your own tie-dye tote bag using a t-shirt!

Register

Pikachu and Totoro Origami (Grades 4+)

Registration begins Monday, April 19

Pick up Monday, April 26 – Wednesday, April 28


Create an adorable Pikachu origami and Totoro corner bookmark.

Register

Game On! Board Games to Check Out

Bored? Check out a board game! You can now borrow board games from the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library! We currently own 78 different games for all ages (including preschoolers, elementary school students, tweens, teens, and family games), and they can be checked out for 3 weeks. They must be picked up and returned at the Berlin-Peck Library, and they won't be sent to other libraries. You can also request one for Curbside Pickup!

Check Out Board Games

Check Out Our New Teen Section!

Our Teen section has moved! We're excited to announce that it's now located in its own area where the adult paperbacks and large print books used to be. The shelves where each genre are located are color-coded to make it easy to find the books you're looking for. We've even added two more genres: SciFi and Horror. In addition, board games are now available for checkout! We're still working on transforming this space into a welcoming oasis for students in grades 6 and up, and we hope you can check it out in person and let us know what you think.

Teen Take Out Boxes

Registration begins on Monday, April 5


Love the idea of a book subscription box (like OwlCrate or Once Upon a Book Club) but don’t want to spend the cash? Teen Take Out Boxes to the rescue! Each monthly box will include a YA library book in your choice of genre, a snack, and fun goodies. You keep the goodies and return the book!

Learn More

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