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Hello, Friends!
Happy almost December! We will be closed Friday, December 23 through Monday, December 26, 2022 for Christmas, but we look forward to seeing you all the other days this month! In the beginning of January, we will also be closed on Monday, January 2, 2023 for New Year's; we will be open on Sunday, January 1, 2023.
Join us Saturday, December 10, for Southbury’s inaugural Town Poet Laureate Reading! Presented by Faith Vicinanza, Southbury’s first Town Poet Laureate, this event for adults is free to attend and open to anyone regardless of town of residency. A published poet and visual artist who has resided in Southbury since 2016, Faith Vicinanza will be presenting workshops and poetry readings during her three year term as Town Poet Laureate.
For Grades 6-12, we're starting out the month with 12 Tips to Manage Anxiety on Thursday, December 1 from 6-7:30pm. Get information, tools, and techniques to help reduce and relieve anxiety and help regain and restore balance and calm.
Children of all ages are invited to join us on Tuesday, December 6 from 5-6pm for a special Storytime with the Southbury Police Department. Officer Liz Armeno will be joining us for stories and a craft.
To find out more about these and all our other exciting events in December, see below!
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
- Wednesdays and Evenings at the Movies
- Adult Book Clubs
- Technology Help
- Children and Teen Events
- Children's Events
- Teen Events
- The Friends of the Southbury Public Library: Holiday Lobby Book Sale
- Brinker Fireplace Room Display: Southbury Versus the Bund
- Artist of the Month: Romy Brooks
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.
Happy Christmas at Home: Celebrating the Holiday, UK Style
Wednesday, December 7, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join former UK resident and lifelong Anglophile Claire Evans for a cultural tour of Christmas in Great Britain. She’ll be your culinary travel guide to what special food and drink appears at the holiday table, with authentic recipes to try at home. You’ll be fully prepared to eat, drink, and be merry, UK-style! For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
Using Google Chrome
Thursday, December 8, 2-4pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us and begin getting more out of Google Chrome! We will cover useful browsing techniques and shortcuts, searching for information, using Browser tabs, adding Bookmarks, using History, setting a Homepage, and more! To register, click here.
Remembering When: A Fire and Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults
Thursday, December 8, 6:30-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
At age 65, older adults are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires compared to the population at large. Thirty percent of people aged 65 and older are involved in falls each year - some of those are fatal, while others permanently disable victims, often causing loss of mobility or independence. Join us as Fire Marshal Tim Baldwin discusses the way to protect older adults from fires and falls. To register, click here.
Inaugural Poet Laureate Reading
Saturday, December 10, 1-2pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us for the inaugural poetry event by Southbury’s first Town Laureate Faith Vicinanza. To register, click here.
America’s Favorite Holiday Movie: A Look Inside It’s a Wonderful Life
Friday, December 16, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Voted the most inspirational movie ever made by the American Film Institute, Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life has been a beloved Christmas classic for many generations. Join us as we examine the fascinating story of It’s a Wonderful Life, look at the challenges of how it was made, its surprisingly dark portrait of small-town life, and how it became the ultimate portrayal of holiday goodwill and cheer. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
Wednesdays and Evenings at the Movies
There are no movies for the month of December. We will start movies again in January, and look forward to seeing you then!
Adult Book Clubs
Mystery Book Club
Monday, December 12, 3-4pm, Kingsley Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing The Windsor Knot: A Novel by S.J. Bennett. Print copies are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, click here.
Nonfiction Book Club
Wednesday, December 14, 10-11am, Brown Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II by Daniel James Brown. Print copies are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, click here.
Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, December 20, 6:30-7:30pm, Brown Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing The Secrets We Kept: A Novel by Lara Prescott. 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, December 5, 12 & 19, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Join Miss Jennifer for stories, rhymes, and a small craft the first three Mondays in December. All ages are welcome. Find out more on our website here.
PJ Storytime (All Ages)
Thursday, December 8, 6-6:30pm, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Join Miss Jennifer for snuggly stories and a craft. Feel free to wear your PJs and bring your favorite stuffed animal. All ages are welcome. Find out more on our website here.
Special Events for Children:
Pokéball Ornament Craft (Grades 2-5)
Thursday, December 1, 4:30-5:30pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required
Join Miss Katie to make a Pokémon inspired craft perfect to hang for the holidays or give as a gift. Find out more and register on our website here.
Main Street Ballet Presents Storybook Nutcracker (All Ages)
Friday, December 2, 6-7pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
The Main Street Ballet is back to kick off the holiday season with an interactive event. Learn the story of the classic ballet The Nutcracker and try your hand at a few steps. Find out more and register on our website here.
Open House Make or Take Craft (All Ages)
Saturday, December 3, 10, 17 & 31, 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.
Storytime with the Southbury Police Department (All Ages)
Tuesday, December 6, 5-6pm, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Join Officer Liz Armeno from the Southbury Police Department for stories and a craft. Find out more on our website here.
ARTuesday (Ages 7 & Up)
Tuesday, December 13, 5-6pm, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Do you love art? Join Miss Renee 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.
Winter Themed Game Night (Grades 3-5)
Thursday, December 15, 6-7pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required
Join Miss Jen for a winter themed game night based on books and movies. Come warm up with challenging and fun trivia, followed by winter-themed BINGO. Find out more and register on our website here.
Holiday Centerpieces with the Southbury Garden Club (Ages 7-18*)
Saturday, December 17, 11:30am-12:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
The Southbury Garden Club is back to lead a class in floral arranging. Make a beautiful holiday inspired centerpiece. *Families are welcome to work together. This program is geared toward children and teens. Find out more and register on our website here.
Tiny Food Explorers (Ages 2-5 & Caregivers)
Tuesday, December 20, 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.
SeaQuest Connecticut: Small Animal Experience (All Ages)
Wednesday, December 28, 11am-12pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
During this extraordinary presentation, audience members will get the chance to see, touch and experience several different animal species. This program was created to highlight and educate the public about the wildlife of our planet, and teach about the wonderful conservation efforts in place to protect endangered species and preserve their natural habitats. Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers: Hot Chocolate Mousse Cups (Ages 7 & Up)
Thursday, December 29, 1-2pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Make a delicious treat with the registered nutritionists from Food Explorers. Stay warm this winter break with a cozy dessert cup. Find out more and register on our website here.
Special Events for Teens:
12 Tips to Manage Anxiety (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, December 1, 6-7:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us to learn about anxiety and what you can do to help prevent it and manage it when it occurs, with Dr. Wendy Hurwitz. Get information, tools, and techniques to help reduce and relieve anxiety and help regain and restore balance and calm. Please note: this program is fragrance free. Find out more and register on our website here.
Teen DIY Gift Series: Pom-Pom Bookmarks (Grades 6-12)
Monday, December 5, 4-5pm, Brown Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Join us for our Teen DIY Gift Series featuring easy to make gifts you can use for the holidays (or keep for yourself!). Today we'll be making pom-pom paperclip bookmarks! These little bookmarks are easy to make and make great gifts. Find out more and register on our website here.
Teen DIY Gift Series: Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub (Grades 6-12)
Monday, December 12, 4-5pm, Brown Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Join us for our Teen DIY Gift Series featuring easy to make gifts you can use for the holidays (or keep for yourself!). Today we'll be making vanilla brown sugar scrub! This sweet skincare gift is easy to make, and you’ll leave with the recipe to make more. Find out more and register on our website here.
Teen Trivia Tuesday: Winter Edition (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, December 13, 6-7pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join us for a fun trivia contest! With today’s winter theme, we’ll have questions about cold weather animals like penguins and polar bears, snowy weather, winter holidays, and more. Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers: S'Mores Pie (Grades 6-12)
Wednesday, December 14, 4-5pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
What's better than s'mores? S'mores in pie form! Join us as the registered dieticians from Food Explorers show us how to make our very own S'Mores Pies! Create your own graham cracker crust, a delicious chocolate filling and create a design with mini marshmallows on top. All food is nut free, but will contain dairy and gluten. Find out more and register on our website here.
Teen DIY Gift Series: Upcycled Book Page Ornaments (Grades 6-12)
Monday, December 19, 4-5pm, Brown Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Join us for our Teen DIY Gift Series featuring easy to make gifts you can use for the holidays (or keep for yourself!). Today we'll be upcycling old book pages into ornaments! If you don't want ornaments, you can also turn these paper creations into part of a garland. Find out more and register on our website here.
Fall Book Bingo Cards Due (Grades 6-12)
Due by Wednesday, December 21 at 5:30pm
Make sure to get your Book Bingo Card submitted by 5:30pm Wednesday, December 21! Every Bingo made is one entry into a drawing for a $50 gift card. If you fill out your whole card, you can get a special library mug with candy inside. Find out more on our website here.
Minute to Win It Tuesday (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, December 27, 4-5pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Fast-paced and fun, you’ve got one minute to succeed in these silly challenges! Everyone wins because they’re as fun to play as they are to watch. We moved this month to Tuesday because we are closed on Monday, December 26. Find out more and register on our website here.
Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, December 27, 6-7pm, Tutor Corner
Our Teen Advisory Board meeting for current members is on the last Tuesday of the month; because this month falls during Winter Break, attendance is optional. Currently, applications for Teen Advisory Board are closed.
Bead Critter Keychains (Grades 6-12)
Wednesday, December 28, 4-5pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Relax over winter break by making bead critter keychains! We've got patterns for lizards, zebras, frogs, and more! Find out more and register on our website here.
DIY Stencil Paintings (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, December 29, 4-5pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join us for another Winter Break craft where we'll make negative space silhouette art! We'll use vinyl stencils and acrylic paint to make paintings, and then peel away the vinyl stencils to reveal a negative space design. Please wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty; we will be using acrylics and they stain clothing. Find out more and register on our website here.
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library: Holiday Lobby Book Sale
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library are having a Holiday Lobby Book Sale! Located in the lobby and Gloria Cachion Art Gallery of the Southbury Public Library, the Holiday Lobby Book Sale is ongoing throughout the month of December. Open during regular library hours, this sale features books in many different categories, including Children’s, Cookbooks, Fiction, and more.
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.
Brinker Fireplace Room Display: Southbury Versus the Bund
The Southbury Historical Society's display recognizing the 85th Anniversary of When Southbury Said NO to the Nazis continues in December. Included in the Brinker Fireplace Room display are photographs, newspaper articles and documents of the time.
Artist of the Month: Romy Brooks
The Gloria Cachion Gallery at the Southbury Public Library will showcase the art of Romy Brooks from Friday, December 2, 2022 through Thursday, December 29, 2022.
This is Romy’s first public exhibition of abstract liquid acrylic art. Romy studied at the New York Institute of Photography and with well known knit artists, including Susannah Lewis and others. This laid the foundation for many artist endeavors ranging from knitwork to painting. She began by painting flowers and nature but through a class at the Southbury Senior Center discovered the joy of abstract liquid acrylic painting. She is 93 years young and has lived in Southbury, CT for the past 26 years.
Rather than brushes, the medium of liquid acrylics uses a variety of unique specialized tools, some purchased and some household items. This unusual technique produces strong abstract images that can invoke landscapes, to clouds, to ocean waves.
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