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Hello, Friends!
Happy July! Our summer hours begin this month, so we'll be closed on Sundays now through Labor Day Weekend. We'll also be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day, but we look forward to seeing you all the other days this month!
Join us Tuesday, July 11, for This is My Country with Francine Evans and Joel Zelnik, a thoughtful and uplifting musical journey of Americana music that touches on history, compromise, democracy and today’s America. Come celebrate our country with music by Irving Berlin, Lee Greenwood, Woody Guthrie, Elton John, the Armed Forces and more. To register, click here.
Starting soon, Southbury Public Library will have Wowbrary. With Wowbrary, you can get each week a list of the new items from the library. Keep your eyes peeled for more information.
To find out more about all our exciting events in July, 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
- 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 and Library Coffee Station
- Brinker Fireplace Room Display: Southbury Land Trust
- Artist of the Month: Betsy Rogers-Knox and Students
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.
Declaration of Independence
Thursday, July 6, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
The Declaration of Independence is a cornerstone document of the United States of America. Join us as we explore it as well as the documents that preceded it, such as the Articles of Association and the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms. We will examine the other revolutions inspired by the American Revolution. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
This is My Country with Francine and Joel
Tuesday, July 11, 2-3:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us for a musical journey of Americana music. Come celebrate our country with music by Irving Berlin, Lee Greenwood, Woody Guthrie, Elton John, the Armed Forces and more. This thoughtful and uplifting show touches on history, compromise, democracy & today’s America. To register, click here.
Food Scrap Recycling Information Session
Thursday, July 12, 1-2pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Free Food Scrap Recycling comes to Southbury! Join us for an information session exploring food scrap recycling. Learn how this program works and could be of use to you. This program is sponsored by Sustainable Southbury. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
Learn to Play the Ukulele! - Adults
Friday, July 14, 1-2pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Want to try an instrument that is fun and easy to play? Join Julie Stepanek as she shows the fundamentals of ukulele playing, which you really can learn in an hour. No experience necessary. Ukuleles provided, though if you already have one you are welcome to bring it. To register, click here.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: I Dissent
Saturday, July 15, 1-2pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life is one of achievement: as a lawyer, professor of law, a judge, and then a Supreme Court justice, she stands out because she was not afraid to dissent, disapprove, and disagree with conditions of unfairness and inequality. Join us as we explore this inspiring story of how she changed her life—and ours. To register, click here.
Lotions, Potions, Elixirs, and Bath Salts
Tuesday, July 18, 3:30-5:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Learn about why and how to use essential oils, the myths and the facts. Then, create your own scented hand lotion, sugar scrub, elixir oil, and bath salt. Includes handouts to recreate at home. To register, click here.
An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe
Thursday, July 20, 6:30-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
The undisputed master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, comes to life for a special evening of mystery and horror. Learn the truth behind the fiction of the life, legacy, and death of this American legend. Enjoy your favorite stories and poems performed live by historic re-enactor, Campbell Harmon. To register, click here.
Coloring Club
Monday, July 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. To register, click here.
General Rochambeau
Saturday, July 22, 2-2:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, also known as General Rochambeau was a French nobleman who played a critical role in the American Revolutionary War. In 1781, General Rochambeau passed through Southbury on his route to Yorktown, Virginia. Join us and learn more about this important figure in the American Revolution. To register, click here.
Mel Brooks: "It's Good to Be the King"
Tuesday, July 25, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
After getting his start as a Catskill resort tummler, he proved his genius writing for TV’s Your Show of Shows before creating some of the greatest comic films of our time. From The Producers and Young Frankenstein to Blazing Saddles, a look at how Brooks has offended and delighted, earning his place as a national comic treasure. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
Food Scrap Recycling Information Session
Tuesday, July 25, 6:30-7:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Free Food Scrap Recycling comes to Southbury! Join us for an information session exploring food scrap recycling. Learn how this program works and could be of use to you. This program is sponsored by Sustainable Southbury. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
Wednesday at the Movies
Missing (2023) PG-13
Wednesday, July 12, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
After her mother goes missing, a young woman tries to find her from home, using tools available to her online. Register here.
Devotion (2022) PG-13
Wednesday, July 19, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
A pair of U.S. Navy fighter pilots risk their lives during the Korean War and become some of the Navy's most celebrated wingmen. Register here.
The Lost King (2022) PG-13
Wednesday, July 26, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
An amateur historian defies the stodgy academic establishment in her efforts to find King Richard III's remains, which were lost for over 500 years. Register here.
Evening at the Movies
Marlowe (2022) R
Thursday, July 13, 6-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
In late 1930s Bay City, a brooding, down on his luck detective is hired to find the ex-lover of a glamorous heiress. Register here.
My Happy Ending (2023) R
Thursday, July 27, 6-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
Follows a famous star who finds herself in a British hospital room with three other women who help her. Register here.
Adult Book Clubs
The Southbury Public Library offers three book clubs: Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club, Nonfiction Book Club and Mystery Book Club. Join us for a discussion about this month’s books. Print copies are available at the Circulation Desk, there's no registration required and new members are always welcome!
Mystery Book Club
Monday, July 10, 3-4pm, Kingsley Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing Stay Hidden, by Paul Doiron. For more information, click here.
Nonfiction Book Club
Wednesday, July 12, 10-11am, Brown Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing Hero of Two Worlds: The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution, by Mike Duncan. For more information, click here.
Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, July 25, 6:30-7:30pm, Brown Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing Counterfeit: A Novel, by Kirstin Chen. 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, July 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 10-10:30am and 11-11:30am, 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, July 11, 18, & 25, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
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, July 12, 19 & 26, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
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, July 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.
Special Events for Children:
Open House Make or Take Craft (All Ages)
Saturday, July 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.
July 4th Flower Arranging with the Southbury Garden Club (Ages 7 & Up)
Saturday, July 1, 11:30am-1:00pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join the Southbury Garden Club to create July 4th-themed flower arrangements! Find out more on our website here.
Make Your Own Animal Lantern (Grades 2-5)
Thursday, July 6, 4:30-6pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Celebrate the summer with a unique animal lantern to light your way! Bring your creativity and join Miss Katie to create a lantern critter craft. Find out more on our website here.
Bring the Hoopla (Ages 3-5)
Saturday, July 8, 10-10:30am, Kingsley Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Have fun with this new spin on hula hooping with Bring the Hoopla in this event tailored for ages three to five! We’ll play games and do activities with their signature Hoopla Hoops, and engage in self-expression and creativity. Find out more and register on our website here.
Bring the Hoopla (Ages 6 & Up)
Saturday, July 8, 10:30-11:30am, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Bring the Hoopla brings the fun back into fitness with their high energy, unique program where we use our Hoopla hoops as the main tool! Build self-confidence and focus on teamwork and creativity through the journey of positive movement in this event tailored for ages 6 and up. Find out more on our website here.
ARTuesday (Ages 7 & Up)
Tuesday, July 11, 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.
Crackers & Cheez-Whiz Construction (Grades 3-5)
Wednesday, July 12, 2:30-3:30pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Crackers and Cheez-Whiz: two of humanity's greatest building materials. That's right - put your engineering skills to the test by building different structures out of just crackers and canned cheese. We'll start easy and then get progressively harder with our challenges, including everything from dog houses to bridges to recreations of famous structures. This program will contain gluten and dairy. Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers: Strawberry Mousse Cups (Ages 6 & Up)
Thursday, July 13, 3-4pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Food Explorers for a delicious summer cooking program! You’ll be making Strawberry Mousse Cups: graham cracker crust, a sweet strawberry filling and fresh strawberries. Recipe is nut free but will contain dairy and gluten. Find out more and register on our website here.
Find Your Voice Music Program (All Ages)
Friday, July 14, 10:30-11:30am, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us for Find Your Voice, an all-ages participatory music program featuring chants, call & responses and singable songs. Musician and music teacher Julie Stepanek will be joining us for this fun, interactive event. Find out more and register on our website here.
Wee Wings with Horizon Wings (All Ages)
Monday, July 17, 1-1:45pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
What do you do if you find a baby bird? Join Horizon Wings to find out in this special program for ages 3 and up. This Wee Wings program will feature three raptors and an informative talk about what to do if you find a baby bird in your yard. This event is aimed at ages 3 and up; families are invited to attend together. Find out more and register on our website here.
CT Humane Society: Paws and Pages (Ages 4-7)
Tuesday, July 18, 1-2pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required
This program is designed for early learners interested in pets. A CHS humane educator will share a pet-themed book and then lead an interactive discussion about safe and kind interactions with the type of companion animal featured in the book. Find out more and register on our website here.
Soulshine Arts: Music Together! (Ages 0-5 & Caregivers)
Wednesday, July 19, 10:30-11:30am, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Leslie Pratt of Soulshine Arts in Woodbury invites children ages birth to 5 years old and the grownups who love them to join in a morning of family music! Join us as we sing, dance, and play while bonding with your children through music. Come wiggle, sing, dance and jam with us! Find out more and register on our website here.
Tiny Food Explorers (Ages 2-5 & Caregivers)
Thursday, July 20, 1:30-2:30pm, 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.
Ryan SanAngelo Music Program (All Ages)
Saturday, July 22, 10:30-11:30am, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Ryan SanAngelo is a children’s author, music performer, and an all-around cool guy. Plus, he grew up here in Southbury! On Saturday, July 22 at 10:30, come join Ryan when he’s back in town, for an awesome program of stories and lively songs. The “Spaghetti Eddie” author will share his 4th book, “Searching for Treasure,” before it is officially released. He’ll be rocking a set of original songs and familiar children’s songs. Get ready to laugh, dance, move, groove, and enjoy a super-fun 45 minute show! Books will be available for purchase. This program is recommended for ages 3-7, but all are welcome! Find out more and register on our website here.
LEGO to the Library! (Ages 5-10)
Thursday, July 27, 2-3pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
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. Find out more and register on our website here.
Family Trivia Night (All Ages)
Friday, July 28, 6:30-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join us for another Family Trivia night! Work together as a family team to answer our trivia questions! We'll have a variety of topics, including kid-centric knowledge, general information, and questions aimed at parents, too. The family who answers the most questions correctly will win a $100 gift card to Riverview Cinemas! Find out more and register on our website here.
Special Events for Teens:
Book Hedgehogs & Possums (Grades 6-12)
Friday, July 7, 2-3pm, Brown Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Join us to make hedgehogs (or possums!) out of old books! We'll also have supplies you can use to give your hedgehog or possum some personality in the form of clothes or accessories. Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers: Loaded Avocado Boats (Grades 6-12)
Monday, July 10, 2-3pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Food Explorers for a delicious summer cooking program! You’ll be making Loaded Avocado Boats! Create your own delicious filling and scoop out an avocado to create this cool snack. Recipe is nut free but may contain dairy. Find out more and register on our website here.
Pet Professions (Grades 6-12)
Wednesday, July 12, 3-3:45pm, Brown Room, Registration Required
Get a look at the wide array of careers in the animal welfare field from the CT Humane Society! You’ll learn about the skills and education needed for different positions and hear about a typical work day from CHS staff. Find out more and register on our website here.
Learn to Play the Ukulele (Grades 6-12)
Friday, July 14, 2-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Want to try an instrument that is fun and easy to play? Join Julie Stepanek as she shows the fundamentals of ukulele playing. No experience necessary. Ukuleles provided. Find out more and register on our website here.
Horizon Wings: Principles of Flight (Grades 6-12)
Monday, July 17, 2-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
What makes a bird able to fly? Explore the differences in the flying and hunting techniques of four species of raptors, including an American Kestrel, a Peregrine Falcon, a Red-Tailed or Broad-winged Hawk, an owl, and an eagle. What makes an American Kestrel able to “kite”? What are the special anatomical features that make the Peregrine Falcon the fastest creature on the planet? Find out more and register on our website here.
Leather Workshop: Make a Wallet or Bracelet (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, July 18, 6-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Vanessa Fasanella to make a basic wallet or bracelet out of your choice of high quality leather. Customize your project! Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers: Rainbow Pasta (Grades 6-12)
Friday, July 21, 2-3:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Food Explorers for a colorful pasta class! You’ll learn how to make homemade pasta dough and make it bright and colorful using natural food colorings. The end result will be beautiful rainbow noodles! Recipe is nut free but will contain gluten and eggs. Find out more and register on our website here.
Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, July 25, 6-7pm, Tutor Corner
Teen Advisory Board meets the last Tuesday of the month. Currently, applications for Teen Advisory Board are closed.
DIY Terrariums (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, July 27, 2-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Make your own terrarium! We’ll have all the supplies you need to make a closed moss terrarium for your room (or wherever you like!) These mini-mossariums are cute and easy to care for! You'll leave with your terrarium and care instructions. Find out more and register on our website here.
Family Trivia Night (All Ages)
Friday, July 28, 6:30-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join us for another Family Trivia night! Work together as a family team to answer our trivia questions! We'll have a variety of topics, including kid-centric knowledge, general information, and questions aimed at parents, too. The family who answers the most questions correctly will win a $100 gift card to Riverview Cinemas! Find out more and register on our website here.
Mad Science Monday: Bridges (Grades 6-12)
Monday, July 31, 4-5pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join us for another Mad Science Monday! We’ll explore physics and engineering by building and testing a variety of bridges. Find out more and register on our website here.
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library: Lobby Book Sale and Library Coffee Station
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!
Library Coffee Station
Year-Round, Open During Library Hours, Lobby
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library's Coffee Station is up and running! Located in the lobby of the Southbury Public Library, just $1.00 gets you a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea! All proceeds go to the Friends of the Southbury Public Library.
Brinker Fireplace Room Display: Southbury Land Trust
This month in the display case, the Southbury Land Trust is promoting its upcoming Phillips Farm Preserve 20th Anniversary Celebration (October 7), at Phillips Farm Preserve, 400 Sanford Road, Southbury.
The land trust’s display highlights the history of the land, the farm, and the families from the earliest times.
Phillips Farm was acquired by the Southbury Land Trust with a huge showing of public support. Saving the farm from development began as an earnest grassroots movement by the community. Phillips Farm Preserve is now a dedicated nature preserve, and open daily to the public for passive recreation.
Learn more about Phillips Farm Preserve at the October 7 Celebration and enjoy a day of special presentations, food trucks, hikes, a farm petting zoo, Blue Rose Raptor show, hayrides, pumpkin painting and more.
Stay in touch at southburylandtrust.org and Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok. For more information call 203-262-4441
Artist of the Month: Betsy Rogers-Knox and Students
The Gloria Cachion Gallery at the Southbury Public Library will showcase the art of Betsy Rogers-Knox and some of her students. “Botanical Explorations” will be on display from Friday, June 2, 2023 through Saturday, July 29, 2023.
Enjoy the watercolor paintings of local botanical artists and gardeners who have created unique watercolor paintings inspired by our wildflowers and forests here in Connecticut.
The other artists included in this show are students of botanical artist Betsy Rogers-Knox and include: Nancy Dauz, Vicki Mulligan, Kim Doyle, Kate Pomeroy, Liz Mainolfi, Christine Doty, Mary Fracchia, and Claire Simler.
Betsy’s work has been shown widely in the US and exhibited in London at the Royal Horticultural Botanical Art Show in 2016 and 2019 where she won The Judges Special Award for her series of six paintings depicting Beckley Bog in Norfolk, CT. Her work has been exhibited at the 11 – 23rd ASBA Annual International Exhibitions in NYC and throughout the US.
Betsy has been teaching Botanical Art for 15 years to adults in her studio in Bethlehem, online, and at local venues in Litchfield County, including Hollister House Garden. Betsy also teaches online for the New York Botanical Garden.
She can be reached at: brogersknox@gmail.com or through her website: rogersknoxart.com
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, and Saturdays 9:30am to 4:00pm. 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