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Berlin-Peck Memorial Library • July 2021 Newsletter

From the Library Director

Hello!

I am delighted to be writing my inaugural letter to the community of Berlin. My arrival coincides with the start of summer reading which also happens to be my favorite time of year for books. New books arrive year-round, but there’s something special about summer reading. I remember summers past based on what I read and where I was: Circle of Friends on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Anne of Green Gables on the shores of Lake Wateree, Loving Frank in my backyard on Miami Beach, and The Devil in the White City while visiting New Orleans. I love that summer reading brings an opportunity to try a new release, read a new-to-you genre, or dive into a beloved author’s backlist. The best part? You only need to visit your local library in person or online to find a book and make a memory. I’m looking forward to a modern classic, The Prince of Tides, and a new release, The Little Book of Cottagecore, because I can't resist an epic family saga and I enjoy learning something new. What are you reading?

Summer Reading

We welcome the whole family to join us for summer reading this year! Children can design their own necklace by reading books and collecting beads with our Read and Bead for preschool thru age 5. Booking Around Berlin is a book-themed scavenger hunt for all ages, and the Teen Scratch Ticket Challenge rewards readers for every book they read—get a scratch ticket to see if you’re an instant winner! Adults can experience the thrill of reading with our Adult Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win prize baskets throughout the summer.

Welcome Back!

We are excited to welcome you back into the library! No appointments necessary for browsing and we’ve made seating available for those who wish to read or use our Wi-Fi indoors. We are also a designated cooling center for our community as temperatures heat up this summer. We do ask that both vaccinated and unvaccinated patrons continue to wear a mask out of consideration for children under 12 who cannot be vaccinated. Learn more about our hours and services here.

We are slowly bringing back in-person programming with book discussion and story times outside this summer! Little ones will enjoy Mother Goose on the Loose at Sage Park and our 1st-3rd graders will meet for Summer Storytime. Grades 4-7 will meet outside to read, chat, draw, dance, and play. Our Monday Night Book Club will discuss When All is Said by Anne Griffin. Check the online event calendar for details and we look forward to seeing you and your family at our library soon!

And finally, I invite your ideas and suggestions about our programs, space, and services. I can't wait to get to know you, our Berlin community. Please stop by and say hello. I look forward to meeting you!

Warmly,

Kim McNally

Library Director

Library Hours

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

Saturday Hours are 10am–4pm.

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

Book drop is now open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Curbside pickup is still available!

The Library will be closed for Independence Day weekend, July 3-5.

Community Scavenger Hunt

Booking Around Berlin Summer Edition

July 1–July 21

Booking Around Berlin is returning! Berlin schools and businesses will be hanging posters of book covers in their windows - how many will you be able to find? Pick up a log at the library (or online) and record each book title you find, and return it to the library for a special Brag Tag and reward.

Learn More

Games and More

Did you know that Berlin-Peck offers non-traditional items like cake pans and memory kits? Well, we're adding more!

This summer, borrow a lawn game or portable movie projector and enjoy the nice weather—or stay inside and play one of our many board games!

Book Lists

Check out one of Berlin-Peck's themed book lists or let us build you a recommended list!

Looking for more reading lists? Check out the Adult Summer Reading Challenges!

Adult Programs

Sit & Knit

Thursdays, July 1 and 15, 6:00 pm

Thursdays, July 8, 22, and 29, 1:00 pm

Join us in the library's large meeting room for a relaxing session of knitting and good company—six feet apart, of course.

Take & Make Paper Tube Flower Art

While supplies last—place your hold ASAP!

Pickup begins Thursday, July 8.

Learn how to turn household paper tubes into beautiful wall art.

Spice It Up! Harissa

While supplies last—place your hold ASAP!

Pickup begins Wednesday, July 14.

Try out a new spice (or herb) each month! This month's kit includes a sample of harissa, information sheets, and a few recipes to try.

Monday Book Club

Monday, July 12, 6:30 pm

Rain date: Monday, July 19 at 6:30 pm.

Join us outside for a discussion of the book When All is Said by Anne Griffin. This discussion will take place outside the library, to the left of the front doors.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

Monday, July 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

Learn More

Children's Programs

Pop-Up Grab & Go Kits

During the month of July, check our Events page or follow the Children's Department Facebook page for announcements of Pop-Up Grab & Go Kits! There will be a limited number of kits and registration will be required.

Mother Goose on the Loose (in Sage Park)

Registration is required and begins July 2

Fridays, July 9 and 23, 10:30 am

Join us at Sage Park for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and bubbles! Bring your own blanket or chair and please practice social distancing. Caregivers must be present. If there is inclement weather, registrants will be notified (via email and our Facebook page) ahead of time of cancellation.

Grab & Go Activity: Monster Bookmark (Grades 1-5)

Registration is required and begins Tuesday, July 6

Pickup: Monday, July 12 – Wednesday, July 14

Create your own silly monster bookmark and curl up with a good book!

Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit in the Children's Dept. anytime between Monday, July 12, and Wednesday, July 14. Your kit will be in a bag labeled with the last name and first initial (please register using your child's name). If you do not pick up your kit by Wednesday, July 14 at 8 pm, it will be given to the next spot on the waiting list.

Turtle Dance Music presents:

Reading Rocks: the Music, Bubble, and Comedy Show (All Ages)

Registration is required and begins July 7.

Wednesday, July 14, 6:30 pm Online

The show engages children with songs, comedy, bubbles, and music technology. Join us for this novel 30-minute performance which will be accompanied by visual and sensory experiences. Kids will dance, sing, laugh, use their imaginations and connect with new friends. The show is crafted to be inclusive for all children, including children on the Autism Spectrum, and a great time for parents and caregivers!

Grab & Go Activity: Crown Craft (Ages 2-5)

Registration is required and begins Tuesday, July 12

Pickup: Monday, July 19 – Wednesday, July 21

Be a king or queen for the day and decorate your own crown!

Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit in the Children's Dept. anytime between Monday, July 19, and Wednesday, July 21. Your kit will be in a bag labeled with the last name and first initial (please register using your child's name). If you do not pick up your kit by Wednesday, July 21 at 8 pm, it will be given to the next spot on the waiting list.

Just for Fun Outdoors (Grades 4-7)

Registration is required and begins Wednesday, July 14

Wednesday, July 21, 6:30 pm

Come hang out outside - read, chat, draw, dance, play! Enjoy MakerSpace-style activities and materials. Bring your friends and any supplies you might need to be safe and comfy outside (i.e., sunscreen, outdoor blankets). Snacks provided.

Summer Storytime (Grades 1-3)

Registration required, begins July 15

Thursday, July 22, 2:00 pm

Join us for fun stories and a take home craft! Bring your own blanket or towel, and a water bottle/hat if you have one. Caregivers must be present (chairs will be provided for caregivers). If there is inclement weather, registrants will be notified ahead of time of cancellation.

Grab & Go Activity: Balloon Squish Monster (Grades 1-5)

Registration is required and begins Monday, July 19

Pickup: Monday, July 26 – Wednesday, July 28

Create your own silly monster from a balloon, then squish and squeeze it to your heart’s content!

Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit in the Children's Dept. anytime between Monday, July 26, and Wednesday, July 28. Your kit will be in a bag labeled with the last name and first initial (please register using your child's name). If you do not pick up your kit by Wednesday, July 28 at 8 pm, it will be given to the next spot on the waiting list.

Game On! Board Games to Check Out

Bored? Check out a board game! We currently own nearly 80 different games—with more on the way!—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 (they won't be sent to other libraries). You can also request one for Curbside Pickup! The games are located in the Children's Department, and you can see a list of them HERE in our online catalog.

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

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

Teen Programs

Grab & Go Activity: Sunshine Pillow (Grades 6-12)

Registration is required and begins Tuesday, June 29

Pickup: Tuesday, July 6 – Thursday, July 8

Add a little bit of sunshine to your summer with this plush sunshine pillow!

Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit in the Children's Dept. anytime between Tuesday, July 6, and Thursday, July 8. Your kit will be in a bag labeled with the last name and first initial (please register using your child's name). If you do not pick up your kit by Thursday, July 8 at 8 pm, it will be given to the next spot on the waiting list.

Grab & Go Activity: No Sew Collector's Pouch (Grades 6+)

Registration is required and begins Tuesday, July 12

Pickup: Monday, July 19 – Wednesday, July 21

Create your very own collector’s pouch for all your beach, coin or other treasures you find this summer!

Teen Take Out Boxes

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

Just for Fun Outdoors (Grades 4-7)

Wednesday, July 21, 6:30 pm

Registration is required and begins Wednesday, July 14

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Subject: News & Events

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library • July 2021 Newsletter

From the Library Director

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