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Hello, Friends!
Happy June!
Thank you for helping make this year's Spring Book Sale the best ever! The Friends of the Southbury Public Library is dedicated to serving the Southbury Public Library and its relations with the community. The funds raised will allow them to continue to fund the Children, Teen, and Adult programs at the library, in addition to their other generous activities.
June marks the beginning of one of our favorite parts of the year: Summer Reading! In addition to continuing our Children and Teen Summer Reading Programs, we are very excited to add in something new this year: a Summer Reading Challenge for Adults! Summer Reading for all ages runs from Saturday, June 8 through Friday, August 16, making it our longest Summer Reading ever at 20% longer than previous years! For adults, each book you read earns one raffle ticket towards a variety of gift cards. For children and teens, each hour you read counts as one raffle ticket for a variety of prizes. Pre-Kindergartners can earn stickers or beads! All of our Summer Reading programs are open to residents of any town in the appropriate age or grade. Find out more about Summer Reading for all ages here! While Summer Reading doesn't start until next Saturday, you can pre-register on Beanstack starting today to get signing up out of the way.
Are you mystified by wild mushrooms? Curious? Scared? Or do they make you hungry? Join us Tuesday, June 18, for "Mushroom Identification for Beginners" as The 3 Foragers share some of the secrets of the fungal world and teach you how to safely identify wild mushrooms using various available tools and techniques. For more information, click here.
Children and families: join us for a special Rolie Polie Guacamole Concert on Tuesday, June 25 from 11am-12:30pm! This Brooklyn-based band has won three Parent's Choice awards, as well as accolades from The New York Times, and their music is infectious fun for all ages.
Grades 6-12: get your game on with Dungeons & Dragons Mini Making Mayhem at 5pm on Thursday, June 13 or our Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament on Saturday, June 29 from 1-4pm!
To find out more about all our exciting events in June, 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. 2 for more information.
Best wishes,
The Staff of the Southbury Public Library
Table of Contents
- Adult Reading Challenges
- Adult Events
- Wednesday and Evening at the Movies
- Adult Book Clubs
- Technology Help
- Children and Teen Events
- Children and Teen Reading Challenges
- Children's Events
- Teen Events
- The Friends of the Southbury Public Library
- Brinker Fireplace Room Display: Connecticut’s Native Plants
- Artist of the Month: Rick Daskam
Adult Reading Challenges
2024 Adult Summer Reading Challenge: Read, Renew, Repeat (Ages 18 & Up)
June 8 – August 16, On Paper and Online on Beanstack
From June 8 to August 16, we invite everyone (Adults: Age 18 & Up), regardless of town of residency, to participate in Southbury Public Library's Adult Summer Reading Challenge! This summer's theme, Read, Renew, Repeat, focuses on protecting species from extinction, maintaining and restoring habitats, enhancing ecosystem services, and protecting biological diversity.
For each book you read this summer, earn a raffle ticket towards one of several $25 gift cards! All submitted tickets are eligible for this summer's grand prize, a $150 Visa Gift Card! Complete a raffle form for each book you read this summer and submit your tickets to a prize box at the Reference Department, or log your books virtually in Beanstack and submit your tickets there. A drawing will occur at the end of August to decide the winners of this year's prizes. Paper raffle ticket forms are available at the library's Reference Department. All raffle tickets must be received by Friday, August 16, 2024. For more information about this summer's prizes, click here.
Adult Reading Challenge (Ages 18 & Up)
Ongoing, On Paper and Online on Beanstack
The reading challenge for June 2024 is to read a book about nature or the environment! A drawing will occur at the end of the month to decide the winner of a $25.00 gift card to KRU Juice Bar!
To be eligible for this month's prize, after reading, complete a short paper or digital form to tell us about the book you chose for this challenge. Reading recommendations and paper forms are available at the library’s Reading Challenge display. Visit Beanstack to get started online. Completed forms must be received by Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Submit a form for each of the 12 monthly challenges throughout 2024 and you will be eligible for the Reading Challenge's grand prize at the end of the year: A $200 Visa Gift Card! Previous months' challenges can be completed after they have occurred to obtain eligibility for the grand prize at the end of the year.
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 EventsInformation and Registration: Reference Department at 203-262-0626 ext. 2
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.
When is it Time to Have My Child Receive Therapy? Informational Session with Therapy Kinections
Tuesday, June 4, 6-7pm, Brown Room, Registration Required
Presented by the staff of Therapy Kinections, this informational session will cover the red flags (things to look out for) in the areas of OT, PT, and Speech. Parents and caregivers are invited to come with questions they may have. At the end of the presentation the presenter will open the session up to questions. To register, click here.
Quakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis
Tuesday, June 11, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Led by Dr. Bill Thierfelder, this program looks at some of the major seismic and volcanic events of the last few thousand years - not only in the Northwest, but around the Pacific Rim - and helps separate fear-filled hype from science-based facts. We’ll look at the causes for earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis and how tectonic movement changes our globe across time, and explore cutting edge technology that’s being used to predict when and where the next event might occur. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
Native vs Invasive Plants
Thursday, June 13, 2-3:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Not all plants are good for our environment. Join us as Allison Middlemass explores how invasive plant species damage our ecosystem and how we can lessen their impact. Learn about the benefits of planting native plants and where to find them, how to plant them, and when to do so. To register, click here.
Adult Graphic Novel Club
Friday, June 14, 12:30 - 1:30pm, Online and in the Brown Room, 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 Why Don't You Write My Eulogy Now So I Can Correct It?: A Mother's Suggestions by Patricia Marx and Roz Chast: Every mother knows best, but New Yorker writer Patty Marx's knows better. Patty has never been able to shake her mother's one-line witticisms from her brain, so she's collected them into a book, accompanied by full color illustrations by New Yorker staff cartoonist Roz Chast. To register, click here.
The Landscape as Canvas: Earth Art
Friday, June 14, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
In the 1960s and 70s, artists like Robert Smithson, Nancy Holt, and Ana Mendietta began the revolutionary practice of making art using materials from the natural world. Join us for this program with Jane Oneail to learn more about the inspiration for the movement and get insight into the works of several leading artists, including Andy Goldsworthy. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
Write it, Polish it, Publish It: A Writing Group - Session 8
Saturday, June 15, 10am-1pm, Brown Room, Registration Required
Join Southbury Poet Laureate Faith Vicinanza as she leads a writing workshop as part of a year long series. Explore the writing process through writing prompts and sharing your work. Continue your writing journey with us. To register, click here.
Mushroom Identification for Beginners
Tuesday, June 18, 6-7pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Are you mystified by wild mushrooms? Curious? Scared? Or do they make you hungry? Join The 3 Foragers as they share some of the secrets of the fungal world and teach you how to safely identify wild mushrooms using various available tools and techniques. You'll learn how to use your senses to examine mushrooms for their sights, smells, and tastes, and consider the relationships between fungi and the natural world around us. We will dispel common myths, and discuss mycophagy, the cooking and eating of wild mushrooms. To register, click here.
How to Use Your iPhone
Wednesday, June 19, 11am-12pm, Brown Room, Registration Required
Join us and learn more about your iPhone. Topics will include using the camera, texting, sending messages, using facetime and more. To register, click here.
Paint Your Pet
Thursday, June 20, Afternoon Session: 2-4pm, Evening Session: 6-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Create a portrait of your pet with watercolor artist Nancy Roman! No experience necessary. All materials will be provided - paint, paper, brushes, etc. You will need a 5” x 7” photo of your pet. For the Afternoon Session, register here. For the Evening Session, register here.
Spies, Lies and Alibis: Spies, Patriots and Traitors of the American Revolution
Saturday, June 22, 2-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us for the return of Damien Cregeau for a lecture on espionage operations during the American Revolution in and around Connecticut, including Long Island Sound and New York. To register, click here.
Health Talks with the Housatonic Valley Health District: Let's Talk Ticks
Monday, June 24, 2-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Recommended
Join us for this health talk with the Housatonic Valley Health District to learn more about tick-borne illness with recent updates and how to protect yourself from tick bites. To register, click here.
Adult Coloring Club
Monday, June 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.
Author Talk: Faith Vicinanza
Tuesday, June 25, 7-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us for an author talk with Southbury's Inaugural Poet Laureate Faith Vicinanza! Ms. Vicinanza's latest poetry collection, Shall We Dance, chronicles the first three years of her trials and tribulations, relatable and often humorous, learning to ballroom dance at nearly seventy, a decision she made after an emergency medical event that quickly became complicated and led her to impulsively take a free dance class after her recuperation. To register, click here.
Scams and Spams
Friday, June 28, 1-2pm, Kingsley Room B, Registration Required
Join us and learn more about avoiding scams and spam. Topics will include what is spam, two factor authentication, face id and wallet protection. To register, click here.
Wednesday at the Movies
Rear Window (1954) PG
Wednesday, June 12, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
A photographer spies on his neighbors from his apartment window and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder. Register here.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) PG-13
Wednesday, June 19, 1-3:45pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
A prequel to ”The Hunger Games”, Coriolanus Snow mentors and develops feelings for the female District 12 tribute during the 10th Hunger Games. Register here.
One Life (2023) PG
Wednesday, June 26, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
Based on a true story, Sir Nicholas 'Nicky' Winton, a young London broker who, in the months leading up to World War II, rescued over 600 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. Register here.
Evening at the Movies
The Beekeeper (2024) R
Thursday, June 13, 6-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
One man's brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he is revealed to be a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as "Beekeepers." Register here.
Dune Part Two (2024) PG-13
Thursday, June 27, 6-8:45pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. 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, June 10, 3-4pm, Kingsley Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing Smoke and Mirrors by Elly Griffiths.
It’s Christmastime in 1950s Brighton, and the city is abuzz about magician Max Mephisto’s star turn in Aladdin. But the holiday cheer is lost on DI Edgar Stephens. He’s investigating the murder of two children, Annie and Mark, who were found in the woods alongside a trail of candy - a horrifying scene eerily reminiscent of “Hansel and Gretel.” Does the macabre staging of the bodies point to the theater and the capricious cast of Aladdin? Edgar enlists Max’s help in penetrating the shadowy world of the theater. But is this all just classic misdirection? For more information, click here.
Nonfiction Book Club
Wednesday, June 12, 10-11am, Brown Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me by Patrick Bringley.
Millions of people climb the grand marble staircase to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art every year. But only a select few have unrestricted access. They’re the guards who roam unobtrusively in dark blue suits, keeping a watchful eye on the two million square foot treasure house. Caught up in his glamorous fledgling career at The New Yorker, Patrick Bringley never thought he’d be one of them. We follow him as he guards delicate treasures from Egypt to Rome, strolls the labyrinths beneath the galleries, wears out nine pairs of company shoes, and marvels at the beautiful works in his care. For more information, click here.
Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, June 25, 6:30-7:30pm, Brown Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing The Spectacular: A Novel by Fiona Davis.
New York City, 1956: Nineteen-year-old Marion Brooks knows she should be happy. Her high school sweetheart is about to propose. But instead, Marion finds herself feeling trapped. So when she comes across an opportunity to audition for the famous Radio City Rockettes, she jumps at the chance. Meanwhile, the city is reeling from a string of bombings orchestrated by a person the press has nicknamed the “Big Apple Bomber.” Unexpectedly pulled in to the police search for the bomber, Marion realizes that as much as she’s been training herself to blend in - performing in perfect unison with the Rockettes - if she hopes to catch the bomber, she’ll need to stand out and take a terrifying risk. 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. 2 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 and Teen Reading Challenges:
Summer Reading Program: Read, Renew, Repeat (PreK to Grade 12 & Class of 2024 Graduates)
June 8 - August 16, On Paper and Online on Beanstack
Log your reading time and enter to win different raffle prizes, join us for fun events, and more! You can keep track of your time read on a paper log, or online on Beanstack. While Summer Reading does not officially start until Saturday, June 8 you can get signing up out of the way early by pre-registering on Beanstack!
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten (0-PreK)
Ongoing, On Paper and Online on Beanstack
Read a book (any book!) to your newborn, infant, or toddler and keep track with a paper log or 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! Pick up a paper log from the children’s department or 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!
Who Was? Reading Challenge (All Ages, Best for Elementary School)
Ongoing, Paper Only
How many Who Was? Where Was? or What Was? books can you read? Get a checklist from our Children’s Department and keep track. Read 10 books and get your choice of special bookmark. You can repeat this challenge again if you read another 10. Click here to access the books in our catalog.
Children's Storytimes:
Drop-In Storytime (All Ages)
Monday, June 3, 10, 17, 24, 10-10:30am and 11-11:30am, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Join us every Monday morning in the Storytime Room for drop-in storytimes at 10am and 11am. We'll share books, rhymes, and songs and end with a simple paper craft. Craft materials are available to be picked up in the library while supplies last. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Find out more on our website here.
Babies & Books Storytime (6-24 Months)
Tuesday, June 18 and 25, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Babies & Books is a 6-week lapsit program for children 6 to 24 months and their parents/caregivers. Listen to short stories and songs, and enjoy a small craft or sensory play. Find out more and register on our website here.
Toddler Time Storytime (Ages 2 & 3)
Wednesday, June 19 and 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.
Special Events for Children:
Open House Make or Take Craft (All Ages)
Saturday, June 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 sticks are available in the library. Available while supplies last. Find out more on our website here.
SpongeBob Party (Ages 7-12)
Saturday, June 1, 1-2:30pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Library Staff Members Katie and Cole for a SpongeBob SquarePants Party! We will enjoy SpongeBob-themed snacks, make the characters from sponges, make and race your own Gary, and participate in a scavenger hunt! Before you leave, make sure to take a photo in the SpongeBob photo-op area! Find out more and register on our website here.
Tunes & Tales (Ages 5 and Under)
Thursday, June 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Join Miss 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.
Summer Reading Begins!
Saturday, June 8, All Day, Second Floor and Online
Join us for the start of Summer Reading! You can register in person at the Second Floor Circulation Desk, or online with our easy-to-use tracker, Beanstack! Log your reading time, attend fun events, and participate in other activities! Find out more and register on our website here.
Summer Reading Kickoff Family Storytime (All Ages)
Saturday, June 8, 11-11:30am, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Let's launch Summer Reading together with stories and songs! Parents and older siblings are encouraged to join in for this family event. All ages welcome. No registration required. Find out more on our website here.
ARTuesday (All Ages)
Tuesday, June 11, 5-6pm, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Stop by 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.
LEGO Club (Ages 5-10)
Thursday, June 13, 3-4pm, 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.
First Chapter Friday (Ages 7 & Up)
Friday, June 14 and 28, 2:30-3:15pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required
Looking for something new to read? Join Jen for a sneak-peek, first chapter read-aloud of some of her favorite chapter books! If you love what you hear, you can borrow the book and find out what happens next. Find out more and register on our website here.
Father's Day Surprise Gifts with the Southbury Garden Club (Ages 7 & Up)
Saturday, June 15, 11:30am-1pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join the Southbury Garden Club to create Father's Day surprise gifts! Find out more and register on our website here.
Board Games Afternoon (Ages 7 & Up)
Tuesday, June 18, 2:30-3:30pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Let's have fun, make new friends, and play some games! We will have a variety of board and card games to enjoy here at the library. Come as a group to play, or attend alone and join others in some friendly competition. Find out more and register on our website here.
Stuffie Library Storytime & Sleepover (All Ages)
Thursday, June 20, 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.
The Story of Ferdinand: Waterbury Symphony Orchestra Creating Musical Readers (All Ages)
Friday, June 21, 11am-12pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Creating Musical Readers is a musical literacy program recommended for children ages 8 and under, developed and presented by the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra. WSO musicians bring beloved children’s stories to life, reading aloud and playing their instruments as part of “story time” at public libraries throughout the region. Find out more and register on our website here.
Recycled Robots Craft (Grades 1-5)
Monday, June 24, 3:30-4:30pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Katie to make recycled robots! We will read The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess, by Tom Gauld, and create our own unique robot from recycled materials. Find out more and register on our website here.
Rolie Polie Guacamole Music Concert (All Ages)
Tuesday, June 25, 11am-12:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join us for an all-ages children's concert with the popular duo, Rolie Polie Guacamole! Frank Gallo & Andrew Tuzhilin created Rolie Polie Guacamole in 2006 while living in Brooklyn, NY. The band released their first album in 2008 and have been at it ever since, playing thousands of shows, releasing 11 albums, and receiving top picks from Boston.com, Time Out NY Kids, The New York Times, and Time Out Chicago. Find out more and register on our website here.
Build Your Own Sticker Book: U.S. History (Ages 6-12)
Wednesday, June 26, 3-4:30pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join us for a Build Your Own Sticker Book program, and have fun while you learn all about U.S. History! The U.S. History Sticker Book is 16 pages containing 60 of some of the most interesting, important and inspiring people, places, events and concepts in U.S. history! Fun and inspiring for all ages! This is a wonderful program to enjoy as a family. Find out more and register on our website here.
Tiny Food Explorers (Ages 2-5)
Thursday, June 27, 11am-12pm, 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 enjoy. Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers: Three Cheese Pizza Bites (Ages 6 & Up)
Thursday, June 27, 1-2pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Food Explorers to make Three Cheese Pizza Bites! You’ll be using crescent roll dough and filling your pizza bites with a delicious three cheese filling. You’ll dunk your cheesy pizza bites in marinara sauce to finish off the dish! Recipe is nut free but will contain dairy and gluten. Find out more and register on our website here.
Family Trivia Night (All Ages)
Friday, June 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.
Family Open Play Gaming (Ages 7 & Up)
Saturday, June 29, 4:30-7:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join us for some friendly family competition with OneUp Games! A wide selection of video games will be available for individual or group play. Find out more and register on our website here.
Special Events for Teens:
Summer Reading Begins!
Saturday, June 8, All Day, Second Floor and Online
Join us for the start of Summer Reading! You can register in person at the Second Floor Circulation Desk, or online with our easy-to-use tracker, Beanstack! Log your reading time, attend fun events, and participate in other activities! While Summer Reading does not officially start until next Saturday, you can pre-register starting today on Beanstack!
Cute Animals Hangout (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, June 11, 6-7:15pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Come hang out with a variety of cute animals, both furry and scaly! Meet, interact with, feed snacks to, and pet a variety of animal friends including bunnies, ferrets, sugar gliders, snakes, a bearded dragon, and more! Find out more and register on our website here.
DND Mini Making Mayhem (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, June 13, 5-7pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Customize your own Dungeons and Dragons (or other tabletop RPG) miniatures! We’ll have a wide variety of character bases to choose from and plenty of paint and other accessories. In addition to minis, we will also have options to customize terrain, buildings, and maps. Find out more and register on our website here.
The Great Oreo Taste Off (Grades 6-12)
Monday, June 17, 2-3pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Original, Double Stuf, Lemon, Birthday Cake, Mint, and more! Which Oreo flavor will reign supreme? We'll sample a variety of Oreo flavors to figure out our favorites, and crown one Oreo the best of all! Find out more and register on our website here.
Watercolor Selfies/Portraits (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, June 18, 6-8pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Turn a selfie into a watercolor self-portrait, with all supplies provided! Artist Nancy Roman will be walking us through all the necessary steps (and it is easier than you think!). Selfies are great because there’s no pressure to please anyone else, but photos of loved ones are fine, too. Find out more and register on our website here.
Cute Animals Hangout (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, June 20, 2-3:15pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Come hang out with a variety of cute animals, both furry and scaly! Meet, interact with, feed snacks to, and pet a variety of animal friends including bunnies, ferrets, sugar gliders, snakes, a bearded dragon, and more! Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers: Stuffed Pizza Naan (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, June 27, 2:30-3:30pm, Kingsley Room. Registration Required - Space Limited
Make your own dough from scratch for these cheese-stuffed pizza naan breads! Mix, knead and roll your dough into mini naan breads stuffed with cheese! Served with a side of marinara sauce. This recipe is nut free but will contain dairy and gluten. Find out more and register on our website here.
Family Trivia Night (All Ages)
Friday, June 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.
Super Smash Bros. Video Game Tournament (Grades 6-12)
Saturday, June 29, 1-4pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join us for our Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game tournament with OneUp Games! Challenge your friends, choose your main and see if you can last to the end! Controllers will be available, but you can bring your own if you prefer! Find out more and register on our website here.
The Friends of the Southbury Public LibraryThe 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.
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library Inc. 2024 Scholarship
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library awarded four merit-based scholarships to college-bound seniors from Southbury. Trey Brattain and Kitan Arole were each awarded a $2,000 scholarship. Brody Bowser and Isabelle Pepe were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Awarding these scholarships to college-bound Southbury residents is an investment in the future of our community. The Board of the Friends of the Southbury Public Library believes that encouraging the further education of our children benefits all of us. The Friends are able to award scholarships with financial support from membership dues and the proceeds of the annual and ongoing book sales. Membership forms are available at the library and on the library’s website.
Book Donations
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11:30am, Library's Below Ground Rear Entrance
Donate gently-used or new books (hardcover & paperback) for adults, teens and kids, DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks on CD, puzzles, vinyl records, and collectibles! Please bring donations to the library's below ground rear entrance, as indicated in red in the picture above, every Tuesday and Thursday from 10-11:30am.
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: Connecticut’s Native Plants
This month's Brinker Fireplace Room Display, created by the Southbury Land Trust, focuses on Connecticut’s native plants. Join us Thursday, June 13, in the library's Kingsley Room for “Native vs. Invasive Plants.” Learn about the benefits of planting native plants and where to find them! For more information, click here.
Artist of the Month: Rick Daskam
The Gloria Cachion Gallery at the Southbury Public Library will showcase the art of Rick Daskam from Tuesday, June 4, 2024 through Thursday, June 27, 2024.
Rick first discovered Monhegan Island in 2002, when his High School Art Teacher, Richard Montross, called to invite Rick and his wife for a weekend visit to Port Clyde Maine and Monhegan Island. He had been going there for years and he wanted to share his love of this wonderful place with Rick.
Monhegan is a small island less than 1 square mile in size and 10 miles out into the Atlantic Ocean. It is an island where many famous artists such as Henri, Hopper, Bellows, Kent and the Wyeth’s have painted for the last 125 years. Once there, Rick and his wife spent the day walking on the island’s rocky shore and exploring its trails. Rick was hooked into its spell. The next year he returned, he brought his paints and went to work, painting from sun-up to sun-down. Since that first time he has returned every year for either 1, 2, or 3 weeks of painting. In 2019, he was honored by being picked as the Artist of the Year! This is an annual show of a single artist at the Island Inn. His work was exhibited in the dining room of the inn for the entire season, resulting in the sale of 44 paintings.
The works you will see in the Gloria Cachion Art Gallery are mostly done plein-air, a French term for “In the open air”. A majority of them (27) were done during last year’s visit to Monhegan. Also, the frames in the gallery were custom crafted by Rick, based on his own design.
Since 2004, Rick has entered many Juried Art Exhibitions and Museum shows. His works have won numerous awards which include: The Butler Museum of American Art, The Hudson Valley Art Association, The American Artists Professional League, The Salmagundi Club, and The Rockport Art Association and Museum.
Rick is the co-President of the Hudson Valley Art Association since 2016.
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.