Booth Library Announces Summer Programs

Children’s Programs:

Summer Reading Dream Big Magic Show and Children’s Book Sale:  June 26th

Summer Reading officially begins on June 26th with two special magic shows by Magician, Debbie O’Carroll at 11 a.m.  and 1 p.m.  Free tickets for both performances will be available at the children’s circulation desk at 9:30 a.m. on June 26th.  The Friends of the Library will hold a special children’s book sale on the same date from 9:30-5:00 p.m.  Prices are reasonable, so you’ll want to stock up for your summer reading. Check the calendar on our website (www.chboothlibrary.org) for upcoming summer programs, including an author visit from Bruce Degen, Storytelling by Marty Bishop, various art and science workshops, live animal programs, a Book Buddy program for independent readers, and much more!

Young Adult Programs:

Signups are online for all teen programs at www.chboothlibrary.org.

COOL DRINKS & COOL STORIES, Monday, June 25 from 2:00-4:00pm, is the kickoff for the Teen Summer Reading Challenge for Newtown’s Rising 6th thru 12th Graders.  Relax and beat the heat with a delicious fruit smoothie, then settle back and listen to acclaimed storyteller Jackson Gillman, "The Stand-Up Chameleon."   Full details will be available for the 2012 Teen Summer Reading Challenge, including the prizes and how to take part.  We urge young people to sign up quickly for this popular event!  Signups are online at www.chboothlibrary.org.

GLOWING ANKLETS & BRACELETS, Wednesday, June 27 from 3:00-4:30pm, for Rising Grades 6-12.  Make a beaded anklet or bracelet that glows in the dark with Newtown artist Pat Martin!  Limited to 15 young people; $3.00 supply fee payable at program.  Sign up online atwww.chboothlibrary.org.

CREATIVE WRITING SUMMER CAMP, for young people who love to write, welcomes back YA author Sarah Darer Littman for 2012.  Rising Grades 6&7 will meet from 3:30-5:30 and Rising Grades 8&9 from 6:00-8:00 on five Thursdays from June 28 to July 26.   Each group is limited to 10 participants, with preference given to Newtown students and residents.   Students are expected to attend all class sessions.  Every session allows time for writing and sharing stories.  Sharing is an important part of all writing groups.  Sign up online atwww.chboothlibrary.org.

KNIT & CROCHET CLUB FOR TEENS in rising grades 6-12 will meet on four Mondays:  July 2, 9, 16, 23 from 4:00-5:30pm.  Come to one or come to all!  Long-time instructor Maggie Flynn will provide all the materials to get you started, then work with you to complete a simple project.   She also teaches single, double and triple crochet.  All ability levels are welcome.  There is a one-time materials fee of $8. Sign up online at www.chboothlibrary.org . 

HENNA BODY ART WORKSHOP for rising grades 6-12 will be held on Saturday, July 7, from 1:30-3:30pm.  Newtown resident Parul Patel will provide all materials and demonstrate the art of Mehndi all-natural henna temporary tattoos.  Participants will be able to practice using templets and natural henna cones to make simple traditional designs.  Also, each participant will receive a small tattoo on their hand from Parul.  There is a materials fee of $5.00, payable at the program.  Sign up online at www.chboothlibrary.org. 

Book Discussion Groups:  Evening Book Group:  Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand on Thursday, June 21st at 7:30 pm in the Old Board Room

Non-Fiction Book Group:  Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley on Tuesday, June 5th at 1 pm

Wedding Dress Exhibit

June is here, which means wedding dresses! Mary Thomas has been working with library staff to assemble a small but distinguished group of wedding dresses on loan from Newtown families. Dresses from the 1930’s to the 1980’s will be on exhibit in the dining room on the third floor through July 2.  

Good Reads for Hot Days-A Book Discussion Series

This is a  four part lecture series of good books with Julie Stern Wednesday evenings at 7:30 PM in the Antiques Room of the library.  The remaining books to be discussed are:

June 27th - The Soloist - Mark Salzman, July 11th - Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant - Anne Tyler and on July 21st - Hemingway's Short Stories.

 Julie Stern is a retired English and Philosophy teacher from Western Connecticut State University. She teaches a writing class for young adults at CH Booth Library and also is a columnist for The Newtowner Magazine. Multiple copies of the books are available at the second floor circulation desk.

Meet the Author-Todd Wood

On Monday, June 18th at 7 PM Todd Wood will speak about his new book, Currency. In Currency, Wood has pulled off a first novel that captures the reader with a page-turning adventure, while it addresses head-on the most pressing and intense global economic, military and political issues of our very challenging current times. Wood's real world experience on both Wall Street and at the center of the US Military Special Operations world, combine with his love of history and command of current global issues, to create a story that is as intense and gripping as it is timely. Currency weaves the historical adventures of our US Founding Fathers who built the country's early economic structure, with current day hero Connor Murray. Connor unexpectedly finds himself thrust into a world shaped as much by greed, betrayal and violence as it by heroism, loyalty, love and the quest for personal peace. Join us for a special evening. Books will be available for purchase at the time of the talk.

Exhibits

Luecella of the Newtown Seamstress has created a unique display of her knitted cats and dogs, and the books that have inspired them, in the case near the circulation desk on the main floor of the library. The miniature models, on display through the middle of June, are of actual pets whose owners have fondly commissioned them. Luecella is a local seamstress with a varied career in clothing design and construction, experienced in tailoring and alterations for the family. To the delight of library patrons, a visit to this exhibit reflects her artistic creativity with yarn and needles.  

The Little Book Store Notes

Special Selection of NASCAR books – Great for Father’s Day gifts!!  We were very fortunate to receive a beautiful collection of 1970’s – 1990’s hard cover NASCAR books.  They are in like-new gift condition and are at bargain prices.  If you are looking for a great Father’s Day gift or are a NASCAR fan come in and see our display.  We have a selection of NASCAR Illustrated magazines with storage case and some Race Car Classics books also. Remember, all items from The Little Book Store are available for purchase whenever the library is open. 

 Summer Hours:  Beginning this weekend the library will be closed on Sundays through September 3rd