Hello, Friends!
Season’s greetings! Check out some of our favorite online resources that you can access for free from home (or anywhere with an internet connection) with your Southbury Public Library card! Download ebooks, audiobooks, movies, television shows and more!
Thank you for your continued support and patience during this difficult time as we recover from extreme damage caused by the flooding on August 18 and 19. While our building is closed, please join us for virtual and off-site events.
Grades K-5: Create holiday flower arrangements with the Southbury Garden Club on Saturday, December 14, from 11:30am to 1:00pm, at the Southbury Senior Center Building! Space is limited, so make sure to register on our website here if you'd like to join us!
Grades 6-12: Feeling crafty and looking for holiday gift ideas? Join us for either or both of our DIY Felt Keychain crafts this December: PB&J from 4-5 on Thursday, December 5 and Sun and Moon from 4-5 on Tuesday, December 5. Both require simple sewing we'll show you how to do, and you'll leave with instructions to make more.
Adults: Join us Saturday, December 14, at the United Church of Christ in Southbury for the Berkshire Jazz Orchestra's Holiday Concert! The songs featured will include “Winter Wonderland,” “Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Sleigh Ride,” and many other favorites. Vocalist Jan Maki will also bring us special arrangements of Bette Midler’s “Baby its Cold Outside,” Dianna Krall’s “Jingle Bells” and other well known holiday standards. To register, click here.
To find out more about all our exciting events in December, see below!
The Southbury Public Library, the “Heart of the Community,” will reopen as soon as possible. For the most up-to-date information, please follow our website and social media accounts or the Town of Southbury’s website and social media accounts (Town Facebook & Town Instagram). If you need assistance with anything related to your library card account, please call 203-262-0626 or email asksbylib@biblio.org.
Best wishes,
The Staff of the Southbury Public Library
Table of Contents
- Flood Recovery Updates
- How to Get a Library Card
- Adult Reading Challenge
- Adult Events
- Adult Book Clubs
- Our Favorite Online Resources
- Children and Teen Events
- Museum Passes
- Children and Teen Reading Challenges
- Children's Events
- Teen Events
- The Friends of the Southbury Public Library
Flood Recovery Updates
Now that the library basement cleanup is completed, the Town is focusing on plans for replacing the library infrastructure and securing an engineer to create a plan to move forward. The upper floors of the building continue to be monitored for humidity; temporary industrial cooling and heating are regulating temperatures. Plans are coming together for a larger temporary space to house library staff and provide more access to library services. More information to come once the plan is finalized.
How to Get a Library Card
Southbury residents: apply online to get your library card, and pick it up in person during select library events! To get a library card, we need proof of Southbury residency. Proof can be anything with your name and address on it, such as a bill, piece of mail, or lease agreement. For children who don’t have proof of residency, we need proof of residency from one of their parents or legal guardians. If you don’t live in Southbury, you can borrow materials when we are open again with a valid library card from your hometown library. Once you get a card from your home library, you can register it with us. To apply for a library card online for Southbury Residents, click here.
While the library remains closed due to flood damage, you can pick up your card in person and verify your address during our library storytime programming on Mondays from 10:30-11:30am (at Southbury Parks & Recreation), and Thursdays from 10:30-11:30am (at Southbury Parks & Recreation). For more information about applying for a library card online, click here.
Adult Reading Challenge
Adult Reading Challenge (Ages 18 & Up)
Online on Beanstack
The reading challenge for December 2024 is to read a book that was published in 2024! A drawing will occur at the end of the month to decide the winner of a $25.00 gift card to T.J.Maxx!
To be eligible for this month's prize, after reading, complete a digital form to tell us about the book you chose for this challenge. Visit Beanstack to get started online. Completed forms must be received by Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Submit a form for each of this year's 12 monthly challenges and you will be eligible for the Reading Challenge's grand prize, a $200 Visa Gift Card! Previous months' challenges can be completed after they have occurred to obtain eligibility for the grand prize. Completed forms must be received by Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
We invite everyone (Adults: Age 18 & Up), regardless of town of residency, to participate in Southbury Public Library's inaugural Adult Reading Challenge event!
Adult Events
Information and Registration: Reference Department at 203-262-0626
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. All virtual adult programs require registration, registrants will receive an email with the Zoom links the morning of the program.
Tips For Increasing Happiness: Raising Your Happiness Setpoint
Tuesday, December 10, 2-3:30pm, Online via Zoom, Registration Required
Did you know that researchers have found that every person has an individual baseline of happiness, and that this baseline of happiness can be raised? Come learn tips and techniques from Dr. Wendy Hurwitz to raise your happiness setpoint and enhance well-being. To register, click here.
Twins: Science, Myths, and Mystique
Wednesday, December 11, 2-3:30pm, Offsite at Parks and Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required
Seeing double? Twins - whether identical or fraternal - stand out in a world dominated by single births, sparking intense interest and curiosity from the ancient past to today. Sometimes viewed with superstition or fear, sometimes seen as powerful and awe-inspiring, twins have a long history in legend and in pop culture. Hear from identical twins Isabel Burk and Marian Wood about the science, myths, and mystique of twinship. To register, click here.
The Holidays Unwrapped
Thursday, December 12, 2-3:30pm, Online via Zoom, Registration Required
The month of December is a month of celebrations that go back thousands of years. This program, led by Dr. Bill Thierfelder, explores the fascinating history behind these holidays that untold numbers of people celebrate every year. To register, click here.
Snowy Scapes & Celebrations: The Artist’s Holiday
Friday, December 13, 2-3:30pm, Online via Zoom, Registration Required
Through the years, artists have created works both grand and intimate, religious and secular in response to the “most wonderful time of the year.” Enjoy this special overview, presented by Jane Oneail, of the variety of ways artists have captured the magic of the season. This program includes works by Grandma Moses, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol. To register, click here.
Berkshire Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 14, 1-3pm, Offsite at United Church of Christ, 283 Main Street North, Southbury, CT 06488, Registration Required
The Berkshire Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece ensemble based in Fairfield County, is back to give a twist to your favorite classic holiday songs! The songs featured will include “Winter Wonderland,” “Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Sleigh Ride,” and many other favorites. Vocalist Jan Maki will also bring us special arrangements of Bette Midler’s “Baby its Cold Outside,” Dianna Krall’s “Jingle Bells” and other well known Holiday standards. To register, click here.
American Red Cross Blood Drive at Heritage Hotel
Wednesday, December 18, 11am-4pm, Offsite at Heritage Hotel, 522 Heritage Road, Southbury, CT 06488
The American Red Cross Blood Drive is being hosted at the Heritage Hotel on Friday, September 27, from 11am-4pm. Thank you to the Heritage Hotel for accommodating this event! Blood donation is the most common type of donation, during which approximately a pint of 'whole blood' is given. This type of blood donation usually takes about an hour. For more information and to schedule a blood donation, click here or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Adult Graphic Novel Club
Wednesday, December 18, 4-5pm, Online via Zoom, Registration Required
Join us for the Adult Graphic Novel Club! This is an adult focused group to discuss graphic novels and manga. Come with your ideas, experiences, opinions, and an open mind as we explore this amazing world of visual realism and fantasy! This month we'll be discussing Fruits Basket, Vol. 1, by Natsuki Takaya. Join us for a discussion about this month’s book. To register, click here.
80 Years Ago: D-Day, June 6, 1944
Thursday, December 19, 2-3:30pm, Online via Zoom, Registration Required
D-Day, June 6, 1944: One of the decisive days of our time. The significance of Normandy lies not in merely serving Hitler his eviction notice from Western Europe; but, in addition, those who risked life and limb at Normandy won the first big battle of the Cold War. Join us as Mark Albertson explores what happened on D-Day. To register, click here.
50 Years in Broadway Audiences: Memories of a Theatre Going Lifetime
Friday, December 20, 2-3:30pm, Online via Zoom, Registration Required
Guest speaker and theater historian John Kenrick saw his first Broadway show in 1974. Join us as he shares some of his favorite showstoppers and personal memories from half a century in the audience and behind the scenes. Included are some rare videos - including footage of John fulfilling a childhood dream by asking Carol Burnett a question from the audience. To register, click here.
Adult Book Clubs
The Southbury Public Library offers three book clubs for adults: Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club, Nonfiction Book Club and Mystery Book Club. Registration is requested, not required. Join us for a discussion about this month’s books! Please sign up so we know how many people to expect and to receive event updates!
Mystery Book Club
Monday, December 9, 3-4pm, Offsite at Parks and Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Requested
This month we'll be discussing A Red Herring Without Mustard: A Flavia de Luce Novel, by Alan Bradley.
In the hamlet of Bishop’s Lacey, the insidiously clever and unflappable eleven-year-old sleuth Flavia de Luce had asked a Gypsy woman to tell her fortune—never expecting to later stumble across the poor soul, bludgeoned almost to death in the wee hours in her own caravan. Was this an act of retribution by those convinced that the soothsayer abducted a local child years ago? Certainly Flavia understands the bliss of settling scores; revenge is a delightful pastime when one has two odious older sisters. But how could this crime be connected to the missing baby? As the red herrings pile up, Flavia must sort through clues fishy and foul to untangle dark deeds and dangerous secrets.
Registration is requested, not required. Please sign up so we know how many people to expect and to receive event updates! To register, click here.
Nonfiction Book Club
Wednesday, December 11, 10-11am, Offsite at Parks and Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Requested
This month we'll be discussing These Precious Days: Essays, by Ann Patchett.
The beloved New York Times bestselling author reflects on home, family, friendships and writing in this deeply personal collection of essays. From the enchantments of Kate DiCamillo’s children’s books (author of The Beatryce Prophecy) to youthful memories of Paris; the cherished life gifts given by her three fathers to the unexpected influence of Charles Schultz’s Snoopy; the expansive vision of Eudora Welty to the importance of knitting, Patchett connects life and art as she illuminates what matters most. Infused with the author’s grace, wit, and warmth, the pieces in These Precious Days resonate deep in the soul, leaving an indelible mark—and demonstrate why Ann Patchett is one of the most celebrated writers of our time.
Registration is requested, not required. Please sign up so we know how many people to expect and to receive event updates! To register, click here.
Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, December 17, 6:30-7:30pm, Offsite at Parks and Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Requested
This month we'll be discussing Good Night, Irene: A Novel, by Luis Alberto Urrea.
In 1943, Irene Woodward abandons an abusive fiancé in New York to enlist with the Red Cross and head to Europe. She makes fast friends in training with Dorothy Dunford, a towering Midwesterner with a ferocious wit. Together they are part of an elite group of women, nicknamed Donut Dollies, who command military vehicles called Clubmobiles at the front line, providing camaraderie and a taste of home that may be the only solace before troops head into battle. After D-Day, these two intrepid friends join the Allied soldiers streaming into France. Their time in Europe will see them embroiled in danger, from the Battle of the Bulge to the liberation of Buchenwald.
Registration is requested, not required. Please sign up so we know how many people to expect and to receive event updates! To register, click here.
Our Favorite Online Resources
Kanopy, Consumer Reports Online, & Libby
Check out some of our favorite online resources that you can access for free from home (or anywhere with an internet connection) with your Southbury Public Library card! We have more details on our website here about Kanopy, Consumer Reports Online, and Libby. Kanopy offers streaming of movies and television shows, including many popular BBC shows, The Great Courses, and Sesame Street. You can access all that Consumer Reports Online has to offer through the link on our website and using your Southbury library card number. Last but not least, is Libby: our app for ebooks, audiobooks, and many popular magazines. For all of these online resources, you need the number on the back of your library card that starts with "24019" and enter it in with no spaces. While Kanopy and Consumer Reports online are for Southbury library card holders only, many area libraries have access to Libby, which is our favorite for ebooks, audiobooks, and many popular magazines.
Children and Teen Events
Information and Registration: Children/Teen Department at 203-262-0626
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.
Museum Passes:
Museum Passes are back in circulation! A list of available museum passes can be found here. Our passes can be checked out and returned during our library storytime programming on Mondays from 10:30-11:30am (at Southbury Parks & Recreation), and Thursdays from 10:30-11:30am (at Southbury Parks & Recreation). The passes can be checked out for 7 days.
Children and Teen Reading Challenges:
December Mini Reading Challenge (All Ages)
December 1-31, Online on Beanstack
Join us on Beanstack for our next Mini Monthly Reading Challenge, themed Reading Wrap-Up! Read for five hours (about 1-3 books for elementary, middle, and high school readers) and get a SurPRIZE. Find out more and sign up on our Beanstack page!
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten (Birth to Entering Kindergarten)
Ongoing, Online on Beanstack
Read a book (any book!) to your newborn, infant, or toddler and keep track on Beanstack. Repeats count! If you read 1 Book a Day for 3 years, that’s 1,095 books! 10 books a week for 2 years is 1,040 books, and 3 books a day in one year is 1,095 books. Every book you read you get one sticker, and if you finish you can get a certificate, small prize, and your picture on our wall of fame if you’d like! Visit Beanstack to get started online.
100 Books Before Graduation (Grades 9-12)
Ongoing, Online on Beanstack
Read 100 books before High School Graduation! 100 books may seem like a lot (and it is), but it works out to about 1 book every 2 weeks. When you sign up, get a special tracking bookmark to fill out as you read. Make it to half way and get a $5 Gift Card to Dunkin' or The Bakery. Read 100 books and get a special throw blanket! Every 10 books you read, pick out something from the prize box (pins, stickers, animal sticky notes, and more!). Visit Beanstack to find out more and get started!
Children's Storytimes:
Drop-In Storytime (All Ages)
Monday, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10:30-11am, Multi-Purpose Room, Southbury Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, No Registration Required
Join Jen for an all-ages storytime! We'll share books, rhymes, and songs, and a small craft will be available to take home. Find out more on our website here.
Special Events for Children:
Tunes & Tales (Recommended for Ages 5 & Under)
Thursday, December 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:30-11am, Multi-Purpose Room, Southbury Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, No Registration Required
Join Jen for a morning filled with music and stories! Children will sing, dance, and experiment with simple musical instruments. Find out more on our website here.
Main Street Ballet Presents Storybook Nutcracker: An Interactive Event (All Ages)
Friday, December 6, 6-7pm, Multi-Purpose Room, Southbury Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, 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. This program is geared towards young children and does not show the complete ballet, just selections. Participation is not mandatory. Find out more and register on our website here.
Holiday Flower Arranging with the Southbury Garden Club (Ages 7-12)
Saturday, December 14, 11:30am-1pm, Southbury Senior Center, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join the Southbury Garden Club to create holiday flower arrangements! Find out more and register on our website here.
LEGO Club (Grades K-5)
Thursday, December 19, 4:30-5:30pm, Multi-Purpose Room, Southbury Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required
Join Michelle and Jen 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. Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers Baking: Cannoli Cupcakes and Hot Chocolate Mousse Pies (Grades 2-5)
Friday, December 27, 10am-12pm, Kitchen, Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Food Explorers for a holiday baking extravaganza! You’ll be making two new recipes, Cannoli Cupcakes and Hot Chocolate Mousse Pies! You’ll be making everything from scratch, from the cupcake batter to the mousse filling in your pies. Recipes are nut free but will contain dairy, eggs and gluten. Find out more and register on our website here.
Special Events for Teens:
DIY Gift Series: Felt PB&J Keychains (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, December 5, 4-5pm, Mat Room at Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required - Space Limited
Make cute felt PB&J pairs and turn them into keychains! These easy-to-make gifts require simple sewing we’ll show you how to do, and you’ll leave with handouts for how to recreate them at home. Find out more and register on our website here.
DIY Gift Series: Felt Sun & Moon Keychains (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, December 10, 4-5pm, Mat Room at Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required - Space Limited
Make cute felt sun and moons and turn them into keychains! These easy-to-make gifts require simple sewing we’ll show you how to do, and you’ll leave with handouts for how to recreate them at home. Find out more and register on our website here.
Teen Crochet & Knitting Club (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, December 17, 6:30-7:30pm, Kitchen of Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join us for our crochet and knitting club, open to both new and experienced crafters alike. If you’re already working on a project, bring it with you. If you’re new to knitting and crocheting, get started with us! We will have basic knitting and crocheting supplies available. Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers Baking: Apple Pie Cupcakes & Tiramisu Pies (Grades 6-12)
Friday, December 27, 1-3pm, Kitchen of Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Food Explorers for a holiday baking extravaganza! You’ll be making everything from scratch; from the apple pie filling and frosting for your cupcakes, to your personal pie crust and filling. These recipes are nut free but will contain dairy, eggs, and gluten. Find out more and register on our website here.
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library are a non-profit, voluntary, incorporated organization that sponsors almost all of our fun virtual and in-person programs found on the calendar page of our website. For information about how to become a member of the Friends, click here. If you would like to donate to the Friends, please use the PayPal donate button on our website. You do not need to have a PayPal account, just a credit or debit card. To do a regular donation, select "Donation" under the "Use this Donation For" drop down menu.
Donations
Friends’ Donation Center, located in the Southbury Plaza between Catalyst Gym and The Paper Store
Tuesdays and Thursdays, December 3, 5, 10, and 12, from 9:30-11:30am, and Wednesdays, December 4 and 11, from 5-7pm
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library are accepting donations for future book sales to raise funds for library programs and services to benefit the community. The Friends’ Donation Center is located at their new space, generously donated by Gatto Development Corporation, in the Southbury Plaza between Catalyst Gym and The Paper Store. The Center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, December 3, 5, 10, and 12, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and Wednesdays, December 4 and 11, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Items accepted include gently-used hardcover, softcover, and paperback books in all genres, both fiction and nonfiction, for adults, teens, and children. The Friends also accept DVDs, music CDs, vinyl records, audiobooks on CD, jigsaw puzzles, and games. Donation receipts for tax purposes are available.
The Center will be closed from December 13 to January 6, and will resume regular hours on January 7. The closing will give the Friends volunteers a much needed break, and will accommodate increased holiday traffic at the Plaza. If you're donating items to the Friends, we ask you not to leave items outside when the Donation Center is closed.
The floods of August 18-19, 2024, completely destroyed the entire Friends’ inventory of material collected in the past year from generous donors. The Friends are extremely grateful to all those in the community, the surrounding towns, and even out of state, who have so generously donated books and other materials. The success of past sales allows us to continue to fund almost all programs offered by the library.
For more information about the Friends of the Southbury Public Library, click here.