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Hello, Friends!
Happy almost April! We will be closed Friday, April 7, for Good Friday, and Sunday, April 9, 2023, for Easter Sunday. We look forward to seeing you all the other days this month!
Thank you to everyone for responding to our Library Survey, and for giving the Southbury Public Library a 96% approval rate! Your input and suggestions will guide us in shaping our Strategic Plan: a guiding document that outlines our goals and priorities over the next 3 to 5 years.
Tweens and teens in Grades 6-12 looking for something to do during Spring Break: join us for a 2 hour baking class with Food Explorers on Thursday, April 13 from 1-3pm to make Mini Buttercream Cakes and Lemon Raspberry Whoopie pies! Register here.
For families, we're very excited to have a weekend Drop-In Storytime on Saturday, April 15 at 10:30am! We'll share stories and songs together, and parents and older siblings are encouraged to join us, too.
Join us April 18 for an Earth Day Poetry Reading! Celebrate Earth Day and National Poetry Month by sharing a poem on the theme of nature and our connection to the environment. Please read for us, share your favorite poem of yours or another poet in celebration of our magnificent planet and the earthly wonders we all can embrace. To register, click here.
If you know of friends or relatives who have trouble receiving this newsletter even though they signed up for it, information is available on our website here about how to make sure it goes through. Anyone with questions is also always welcome to contact us at 203-262-0626 ext. 130 for more information.
Best wishes,
The Staff of the Southbury Public Library
Table of Contents
- Adult Events
- Wednesday and Evening at the Movies
- Adult Book Clubs
- Technology Help
- Children and Teen Events
- Children's Events
- Teen Events
- The Friends of the Southbury Public Library: Lobby Book Sale
- Brinker Fireplace Room Display: Our Favorite Poems and Poets!
- Artist of the Month: Lee Skalkos
Adult Events
Information and Registration: Reference Department at 203-262-0626 ext. 130
All programs require registration unless otherwise noted. The majority of programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. Library programs are not funded by the town fiscal budget. For all virtual adult programs requiring registration, registrants will receive an email with the Zoom links the morning of the program.
Marc Berger Live in Concert
Saturday, April 1, 1-2:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us for Marc Berger and his unique musical interpretation of the American West. Listen and watch as Marc weaves memorable stories into his musical sets of his adventures as an "easterner" in the mountain and desert West, along with experiences that influenced the writing of his songs. There will be country folk songs, a touch of bluegrass, and Americana in his performance. To register, click here.
When You Wish Upon a Star: The History & Films of Walt Disney Studios
Tuesday, April 11, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Walt Disney famously said, “I hope we never forget that it all started with a mouse,” but did it? Join us as we discuss the history of Walt Disney Studios and talk about many of the films they have produced over the years. Some were instant classics, and less so. Which are your favorites? For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
No Swastikas in Southbury Book Talk
Saturday, April 15, 1-2:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us for returning local author Melinda Elliott to discuss her new book No Swastikas in Southbury as part of the 350th History Series at Southbury Public Library. Learn more about the history of this event in Southbury history. To register, click here.
Introduction to Creating a 350th Celebration Quilt Block
Saturday, April 15, 10am-12pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space is Limited
Join us as we learn more about quilting, and how to make your 350th Celebration quilt square. Christy Keefe of the Southford Falls Quilt Guild will discuss the basic techniques, tools and materials that could be utilized in creating your 350th Celebration quilt square. Connect with experienced quilters during a Q&A for advice on process and design. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and writing utensils to take notes and jot down design ideas. Register here.
Earth Day Poetry Reading
Tuesday, April 18, 6:30-8:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
To celebrate Earth Day, the Southbury Public Library invites you to share a poem on the theme of nature and our connection to the environment. Please come read for us, share your favorite poem of yours or another poet in celebration of our magnificent planet and the earthly wonders we all can embrace. We look forward to celebrating with you. Southbury Poet Laureate Faith Vicinanza will provide some poems of celebration to support this program. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
My Century Book Talk by Dr. Kristaps Keggi
Thursday, April 20, 2-3:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join Dr. Kristaps J. Keggi for an author talk and book signing event about his memoir My Century. As a boy in Latvia during World War II, Kristaps Keggi and his family dodged both Soviet Communist and German Nazi invaders, eventually escaping to America. Copies of My Century will be available for sale. To register, click here.
Classical Music Concert - Alyce Cognetta Bertz and Meg Cognetta Heaton
Friday, April 21, 7-8pm, Brinker Fireplace Room, Registration Required
Join us by the fireplace for the return of this talented duo. Alyce and Meg will be performing a program of Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak, John Williams and Fritz Kreisler. To register, click here.
Coloring Club
Monday, April 24, 2-3:30pm, Brown Room, Registration Requested
Welcome to the Adult Coloring Club! Join us for a relaxing hour of therapeutic coloring in the Brown Room. Materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own supplies as well. Registration is requested. Register here.
Credit 101
Tuesday, April 25, 2-3:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Are you confused about what is credit? What is a FICO score? Join us as Stephen Robert of Bedrock Credit America explains Credit Scores vs. FICO Credit Scores, what makes your FICO Credit Score, negative accounts, collections, and common myths. To register, click here.
Secret Stories Behind the World’s Most Iconic Paintings, Part II
Friday, April 28, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
From Starry Night to The Nighthawks, there are some images that are so ubiquitous in our culture that we have stopped looking at them closely. Join us as we delve into these iconic works and share the secret stories behind their creation and reception. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
Wednesday at the Movies
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022) PG-13
Wednesday, April 12, 1-3:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
A joyous, emotional, heartbreaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, one of the greatest female R&B pop vocalists of all time, tracking her journey from obscurity to musical superstardom. Register here.
Women Talking (2022) PG-13
Wednesday, April 19, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
Do nothing, stay and fight, or leave. In 2010, the women of an isolated religious community grapple with reconciling a brutal reality with their faith. Register here.
A Man Called Otto (2022) PG-13
Wednesday, April 26, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
Otto is a grump who's given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all. When a young family moves in nearby, he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around. Register here.
Evening at the Movies
The Menu (2022) R
Thursday, April 13, 6-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
A young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises. Register here.
The Whale (2022) R
Thursday, April 27, 6-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
A reclusive, morbidly obese English teacher attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter. Register here.
Adult Book Clubs
Mystery Book Club
Monday, April 10, 3-4pm, Kingsley Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing The Glass Room by Ann Cleeves. Print copies are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, click here.
Nonfiction Book Club
Wednesday, April 12, 10-11am, Brown Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown. Print copies are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, click here.
Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, April 25, 6:30-7:30pm, Brown Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing French Braid: A Novel by Anne Tyler. Print copies are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, click here.
Technology Help
Technology Help with James Chapin
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12-1pm, Reference Area, No Registration Required
Do you have technology questions or are you having issues with a device? Come by for help with local tech expert James Chapin. Feel free to ask your questions to our Reference Staff as well. For more information, click here.
Reference Technology Assistance
Did you know that the Reference Department offers assistance with mobile devices, downloading our e-resources, and more? If you have a simple question, stop by the Reference Desk more than an hour before we close and we can assist you. Like other Reference Questions, you may have to wait for a Reference Librarian to be available. If your question is more in-depth or you're not sure how long it will take, call the Reference Department at 203-262-0626 ext. 130 to inquire about making an appointment. Most of our assistance is related to answering questions about how to use a device, app, or website. We cannot touch your device directly, but instead we teach you how to do what you are looking for help with. If you have a hardware question or very technical question, we recommend visiting James Chapin during his Technology Help on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-1pm.
Children and Teen Events
Information and Registration: Children/Teen Department at 203-262-0626 ext. 3
See below for information about our upcoming Children's and Teen Programming! All of our Children's and Teen Programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. Library programs are not funded by the town fiscal budget.
Children's Storytimes:
Drop-In Storytime (All Ages)
Monday, April 3, 10, 17, & 24, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Join Miss Jennifer for stories, rhymes, and a small craft every Monday. All ages are welcome. Find out more on our website here.
Babies & Books Storytime (6-24 Months)
Tuesday, April 11, 18, & 25, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space Limited (WAITLIST ONLY)
Babies and Books is an interactive lapsit program for babies ages 6-24 months and their parents and caregivers. Find out more and register on our website here.
Toddler Time Storytime (Ages 2 & 3)
Wednesday, April 12, 19, & 26, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space Limited (WAITLIST ONLY)
Parents and caregivers are invited to join their toddlers ages 2 and 3 for theme based stories, songs, and a craft. Find out more and register on our website here.
Stories & More Storytime (Ages 4 & 5)
Thursday, April 13, 20, & 27, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Children ages 4 and 5 able to sit and pay attention independently are invited to listen to longer stories and complete a craft or activity. Find out more and register on our website here.
Saturday Family Storytime (All Ages)
Saturday, April 15, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Join us for a special storytime for the whole family! We will share some stories and songs together. Parents and older siblings are encouraged to join in for this family event. Find out more on our website here.
Special Events for Children:
Open House Make or Take Craft (All Ages)
Saturday, April 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, All Day, Upstairs, No Registration Required
Stop by the Youth Services department Saturdays to make a thematic craft. Make it here or bring it home. Crayons and glue available in the library. Available while supplies last. Find out more on our website here.
ARTuesday (Ages 7 & Up)
Tuesday, April 4, 5-6pm, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Do you love art? Join us for a playful, messy, and expressive art experience where there is no right or wrong. Come play and experiment with a variety of art mediums and themes. Smocks recommended. Please wear something you don't mind getting messy. Find out more on our website here.
Food Explorers: Chocolate Banana Cream Pie (Ages 7 & Up)
Thursday, April 6, 4-5pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited (WAITLIST ONLY)
Make a delicious treat with the registered nutritionists from Food Explorers. This month, you’ll enjoy making a quick snack version of banana cream pies. This recipe is nut free, but does contain dairy and gluten and may contain eggs. Find out more and register on our website here.
LEGO to the Library! (Grades 1-5)
Tuesday, April 11, 4-5pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required
Join us for an afternoon of LEGO fun! We’ll provide the LEGO bricks, and you bring the creativity! You can free build, or work off of instructions. Pomperaug High School senior Dylan B. will be running this event alongside library staff as a part of his Senior Year Experience Project. Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers: Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches and Cheesecake Eggrolls (Grades 2-5)
Thursday, April 13, 10:00am-12:00pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join Food Explorers for a special two hour baking workshop! You’ll create two delicious recipes: Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches and Cheesecake Eggrolls! This recipe is nut free, but will contain gluten and dairy and may contain eggs. Find out more and register on our website here.
Little Witch Hazel Craft (Grades 2-5)
Thursday, April 13, 4:30-6pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited (WAITLIST ONLY)
Make a fairy garden based on the Little Witch Hazel book by Shannon Hale in this month's craft with Miss Katie! Find out more and register on our website here.
Tiny Food Explorers (Ages 2-5 & Caregivers)
Tuesday, April 18, 11-11:45am, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Tiny Food Explorers for some fun with food! Come and explore new flavors and textures while playing games all about food and MyPlate! You’ll make a hands-on healthy snack that even the pickiest of eaters will be keen to try. All snack ingredients will be nut free but may contain dairy. Find out more and register on our website here.
Make-Your-Own-Slime Party (Grades K-5)
Tuesday, April 25, 5:30-6:45pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited (WAITLIST ONLY)
It's slime time at the library! Join Miss Katie to learn how to make your own slime! You will also get to customize a special container to bring your slime home with you. Find out more and register on our website here.
Stuffie Library Sleepover (All Ages)
Thursday, April 27, 6-6:30pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Grab your PJs and a stuffed friend and join Miss Jen for a special PJ Storytime with your stuffie! Listen to bedtime stories, songs & rhymes and complete a small craft. After storytime, you can choose to leave your stuffie here at the library for a special sleepover. The next day, you can pick up your stuffie and receive a letter and photos of their amazing adventures at the library! Find out more and register on our website here.
Annie and the Natural Wonder Band: Spring Earth Day Program (All Ages)
Saturday, April 29, 1-2pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Annie and Safari Bob are back! Join the Natural Wonder Band to celebrate Earth Day! This program is for children of all ages. Families welcome! Find out more and register on our website here.
Special Events for Teens:
Teen Trivia: Jeopardy (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, April 11, 6-7pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join us for a fun, Jeopardy-style trivia contest! Test your knowledge of different topics, including history, music, and science fiction! Find out more and register on our website here.
Protect Your Peeps (Grades 6-12)
Wednesday, April 12, 2-3pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Multiple Teams, multiple Peeps. One Goal: Destroy the other teams' peeps before they destroy yours. Spend the first part of the program building forts to protect your peeps and the next part of the program trying to destroy the other teams' peeps with marshmallows. Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers: Special Baking Workshop (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, April 13, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Food Explorers for a special two hour baking workshop! You’ll create two delicious recipes in this hands-on baking class: Lemon Raspberry Whoopie Pies, and Mini Buttercream Cakes you'll decorate yourself. These recipes are nut free, but will contain gluten and dairy. Find out more and register on our website here.
Teen DIY: Cloud Lamps (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, April 20, 6-7pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
What comes with April showers? Rain clouds! Let's brighten up the clouds by making these surprisingly easy cloud lamps! Find out more and register on our website here.
Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, April 25, 6-7pm, Tutor Corner
Teen Advisory Board meets the last Tuesday of the month. Currently, applications for Teen Advisory Board are closed.
Food Explorers: Chopped! Tacos (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, April 27, 4-5pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Food Explorers for a round of Chopped! You’ll be making Tacos as a team, and working together you’ll choose from an assortment of delicious and fresh ingredients to make your tasty taco recipe. All ingredients are nut free but may contain dairy and/or eggs. Find out more and register on our website here.
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library: Lobby Book Sale
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library sponsor almost all of our fun virtual and in-person programs found on the calendar page of our website. For more information about the Friends, click here.
Lobby Book Sale
Year-Round, Open During Library Hours, Lobby
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library's Lobby Book Sale continues year-round! Located in the lobby of the Southbury Public Library, this sale features a wide selection of books for all ages, including Children’s, Cooking, Boutique, History, Biography, Fiction, Nonfiction, Special Interest and so much more. Open during library hours and refreshed regularly with new books, there's something for everyone at the Lobby Book Sale!
Brinker Fireplace Room Display: Our Favorite Poems and Poets!
This April, the Southbury Public Library is celebrating National Poetry Month with a display of our staff's favorite poems and poets.
Artist of the Month: Lee Skalkos
The Gloria Cachion Gallery at the Southbury Public Library will showcase the art of Lee Skalkos, Pastel Artist, Metalsmith from Tuesday, April 4, 2023 through Thursday, April 27, 2023.
Lee Skalkos considers herself primarily a metalsmith and is a certified art teacher in Connecticut grades K-12. She has been featured in ten national magazines, featured on HGTV, and was national Entrepreneur of the Year with Victoria Magazine for her metal work. Lee’s students at Joel Barlow High School were honored with 45 statewide gold metals, 18 silvers, and 5 national titles. Lee took a middle school teaching position when she lost her 13 year position at her beloved high school because of budget cuts. Fate would have it as it was in this new school that Lee found chalk pastels in her school art closet. After experimentation with this brand new medium she became immediately hooked on pastels. Lee now considers herself a pastel artist and in one short year has shown her work in many different shows in CT and has had three one woman shows this year. When not teaching art at her new position in Woodbury, or creating pastels Lee is working in her metals studio in Newtown, CT where she also teaches young students after school, weekends and during the summer the fine art of metalsmithing.
Artist’s Statement: As a teacher, I know before I teach a subject, I teach the children who I am. Therefore I must be aware of how I think of myself and how I represent myself. I do not wish to be viewed as an art expert, or a person who definitively knows if an artwork is good or significant, instead I consider myself a skilled and enthusiastic teacher who promotes students’ critical thinking and creating. Art education should focus on children’s ideas because their experiences must be valued and built upon. In this way, art lessons can be not only successful, but relevant. I consider myself a teacher, a metalsmith, and most recently, a pastel painter. I have practiced some form of art my whole life. Pastels have now consumed me, taking over my thoughts, how I see, and even how I dream. I deeply understand the power, complexity, relief, and inner joy which comes from painting.
This year, Lee was presented with the National Endowment for Humanities Fellowship to visit and learn about the Battle of the Little Bighorn and she was one of 104 teachers statewide selected for the Funds for Teachers Fellowship.
The exhibit will be open during regular library hours which are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30am to 5:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9:30am to 9:00pm, Saturdays 9:30am to 4:00pm and Sundays 12:00pm to 5:00pm. The exhibit will also be online as a virtual gallery here. Please visit our website to learn more.
This email was sent by the Southbury Public Library, 100 Poverty Road, Southbury, CT 06488. www.southburylibrary.org