Subject: News & Events

Check out what's happening at the library!

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library • September 2021 Newsletter

Hello!


I am delighted to report that we’ve had another successful summer reading program! Thank you to our staff for putting on a fantastic series and you, our patrons, for participating despite the challenges of this summer: very few in-person programs, plenty of rain, lots of heat, and changing COVID-19 protocols.


As summer winds down, COVID19 cases in Hartford County continue to rise. In August, the Town of Berlin began asking all staff and visitors to wear a mask when in town buildings. Here at the library this means we continue to ask patrons to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status to help ensure the safety of our children who cannot get vaccinated and the immunocompromised. Breakthrough infections are possible, so we encourage you to wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance. Do you have questions about the vaccine? Please visit our website for answers and up-to-date information on the COVID-19 vaccine or join us (virtually) on September 8 at 6:30 when we host a Covid Update with the Central CT Health District. Our library is open regular hours, and we will continue with virtual programs through the fall. We will continue to monitor the situation and make any adjustments to our programs and services as needed. Thank you for your support as we continue to navigate this pandemic.


September has long been a time that I think of as the second new year. I love the fresh air and fresh start it brings! It’s a great time to learn something new, review your “to be read” list, take a class, or take time to do that thing you’ve been wanting to do. We can help! We’ve lined up some great things for September including author talks with Martha Hall Kelly and Libby Copeland, a September 11th reading list, a simple pasta sauce class, and perhaps a new-to-you spice, juniper! Our story times in Sage Park have been a hit and we’ve got more coming! Scroll down for more details of our events and resources. I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, maybe a few changing leaves, and a good book this month.


As always, I welcome your feedback. Please give me a call, send me an email at kmcnally@berlinpeck.org, or stop by. I look forward to seeing you here at the library soon.


Warmly,


Kim McNally

Library Director


Did you or your child participate in summer reading?


Library Hours

 

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

Saturday hours: 10am–4pm.

Senior hour: Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am–10am.

Closed for Labor Day Weekend on Saturday, September 4, and Monday, September 6.


Late opening on Friday, September 10, for the Town Hall Picnic.

The library will be open 1pm–5pm.


Please wear a mask.

Masks are required for all unvaccinated individuals inside the library; required for all individuals in the Children’s Department, regardless of vaccination status; and strongly suggested for everyone throughout the entire library.

September 11 Book List
Back to School Books for Parents Booklist
Books on Afghanistan and the Taliban
Women Looking Away in Period Costume

Puzzle Exchange!

Located in the middle of the Adult department!


Take a puzzle, leave a puzzle! There is no need to check puzzles out or return them to the library.


Looking to clear some space in your closet? Send those puzzles our way! You can drop off donations at the front desk.

Adult Programs

Sit & Knit

Thursdays, September 2 and 17, 6:00 pm

Thursdays, September 9, 23 and 30, 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.

Register

Simple Pasta Sauces

Tuesday, September 7, 6:30 pm  Online


Learn how to make fresh tomato sauce using tomatoes from the garden, fresh basil pesto sauce, and "almost" Ala Vodka sauce.

Register

COVID Update with Central Connecticut Health District

Wednesday, September 8, 6:30 pm  Online


Join Luis Pantoja, MPH, Central Connecticut Health District, for an update on COVID and vaccines in Connecticut.

Register

Saturday Book Club

Saturday, September 11, 10:30 am  Online


Join us online or in person to discuss The Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner.

Register

Author Talk: Martha Hall Kelly

Tuesday, September 14, 7:00 pm  Online


Join us for a very special Zoom event with Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls, Sunflower Sisters, and Lost Roses.

Register

Spice It Up! Juniper Berry

While supplies last—place your hold ASAP!

Pickup begins Wednesday, September 15.


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

Register

Senior Center Book Club

Wednesday, September 15, 1:30 pm


Join us at the Berlin Senior Center for a discussion of The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.

Register

Eat This Not That

Thursday, September 16, 6:30 pm  Online


Join Jill Patterson, RDN, for a fun and interactive nutrition program!

Register

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

Monday, September 20, 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

Author Talk: Libby Copeland

Monday, September 27, 6:30 pm  Online


Join Libby Copeland for an online discussion of her new book, The Lost Family: How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are.

Register

Children's News

It's Library Card Sign-Up Month!


The most important school supply is a library card! With access to technology, programming, and educational resources, a library card gives students of all ages the tools to succeed in school. Every child who registers for a new card (or renews an expired one) this month receives a scratch-n-sniff bookmark and a window decal!

Grab & Go Kit: Fire Breathing Dragon (Ages 2-5)

Registration is required and begins Tuesday, September 7

Pickup: Monday, Sept. 13 - Wednesday, Sept. 15


Create your own Fire Breathing Dragon Head! Instructions and most supplies are included.


Register

Little Owls Storytime (in Sage Park)

(Birth - Preschool)

Registration is required and begins September 2

Thursdays, September 16 & 30 @ 10:30 am


Come get your wiggles out in this outdoor storytime featuring a story, songs, action rhymes, and bubbles!

Register

Grab & Go Activity Kit: Bookworm Pencil Holder (Grades K-5)

Registration is required and begins Monday, September 13

Pickup: Monday, September 20 - Wednesday, September 22


Looking for a place to hold your pencils on your desk? Create your own bookworm pencil holder!

Register

Mother Goose on the Loose (in Sage Park)

(Birth - Preschool)

Registration is required and begins September 10

Friday, September 24 @ 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.

Register

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

Registration is required and begins Monday, September 20

Pickup: Monday, September 27 - Wednesday, September 29


Explore the colors of the rainbow with this adorable craft!

Register

Just for Fun (Outdoors)

(Gr. 4-7)

Registration is required and begins September 22

Wednesday, September 29 @ 3:30 pm

(Berlin Public Schools Early Release Day)


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. Registration is required and begins September 22. Weather permitting. 

Register

Read-Along Books


Our Wonderbooks and Vox books are print books with ready-to-play audiobooks already inside. Simply push a button and read along to the story! They come with built-in controls and speakers. You can also plug in headphones if you prefer. They are rechargeable, so there's no need for batteries. They come in picture book, leveled reader, early chapter book, chapter book, and non-fiction formats.


NEW Board Games to Check Out!


We just added even more games! We currently own over 100 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). 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

Teen News

Grab & Go Activity Kit: Design Your Own Notebook

(Grades 6-12)

Registration is required and begins September 20

Pickup: Monday, September 22 - Wednesday, September 29


Design and create your own notebook that is customized to you!  Instructions and most supplies are included.

Register

Just for Fun (Outdoors)

(Gr. 4-7)

Registration is required and begins September 22

Wednesday, September 29 @ 3:30 pm

(Berlin Public Schools Early Release Day)


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. Registration is required and begins September 22. Weather permitting. 

Register

Teen Take Out Boxes

Love the idea of a book subscription box but don’t want to spend the cash? Teen Take Out Boxes to the rescue! Each monthly box includes 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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