Children’s Programs

*Story Hour Registration: Registration for the next series of story times at the library will run January 19 through January 29.

Story times are offered for infants ages 12-24 months, toddlers ages 2-3 years, and children ages 3-5 years.

The next six-week session begins on February 5 and ends on March 24.

Registration forms will be available on January 19 at the children’s circulation desk. No phone registrations will be accepted, but parents are welcome to call the children’s department for more information at 426-3851.

*Nutmeg Book Discussions: All students in grades 4-6 are invited to join our informal Nutmeg Book Discussions at the library.

The final book in this series will be discussed on Wednesday, January 24, when we cover Gifts From The Sea by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock. The program will start at 4 pm, and multiple copies of the book are available in the children’s department. Call 426-3851 to reserve one or for more information.

Programs For Young Adults

*Reading Buddies: The library’s YA department has come up with a new volunteer program called Reading Buddies.

High school students ages 14–18 who would enjoy reading to first and second graders once a week can submit applications now for this program, which will run February 5 to March 23. The fun, relaxing atmosphere will promote positive reading experiences for the youngsters.

For more information contact Mrs Margaret Brown, the young adult librarian. Sign up and get applications at the Main Floor Circulation Desk.

*Nutmeg Book Ballots: January is the month for students to vote for their favorite Nutmeg books of the year.

If you aren’t voting in school, students may vote at the library.

The Children’s ballots are in the Children’s department and the Teen ballots are in the Young Adult department. It is not necessary to read all the books in order to vote.

*Chocolate for Valentine’s Day!

This year’s program for grades 6 and up will be Thursday, February 1 (snow date February 8), from 3 to 5 pm. Marie Walker will lead the group, which is limited to 12 students.

There is a $6 supply fee to cover costs. Call the library or sign up in person at the Main Floor Circulation Desk.

Adult Programs

*Needlecraft Book Sale: Mark your calendar for a one day book sale on Sunday, January 21, from noon to 5 pm. Needlecraft books and hard to find patterns will be featured, many from the former Newtown shop The Common Thread.

*Talk On Terrorism.” On Monday, January 22, at 7:30 pm, Professor John Behling will present a program called “Threads Of Terrorism: The Israeli-Palestinian Issue.”

Dr Behling  was a covert intelligence agent during World War II as well as an intelligence analyst and foreign service diplomat for the US State Department. Most recently he has been a professor at state universities in Connecticut and New Jersey.  After the talk there will be time for audience discussion. Reservations are requested; please call the library if you plan on attending.

*What is an Aquifer? Find out about our precious resource: our town’s water supply.

On Wednesday, January 31, at 7:30 pm, there will be a slide presentation and speakers to discuss  why we need to be protecting our town’s water resources. Learn about rain gardens, how to manage runoff and erosion, help reduce pollution, take care of storm drains plus what local groups are doing and how you as an individual can get involved.

Pat Barkman, James Belden, Sarah Middeleer, and Rob Sibley will all be speaking at this very important forum, set to take place in the library’s meeting room.

*Rails To Trails: On Thursday, January 30, at 7 pm, there will be a slide presentation, “From Rails to Trails,” giving the railroad history of southern Connecticut. Come learn how the train impacted our local area, and how some of these rail beds have become some of Connecticut’s best biking and hiking trails.

Local historian and author Sue DelBianco will be giving the program, and she will also have a book signing session of her novel, The Last Phantom Train.

*Book Nook News: With warm weather, green lawns and a multitude of birds in the year it’s easy to think spring.

Come to The Book Nook for a wonderful collection of gardening books including some on garden design, care of plants, and choosing plants for our climate zone.

C.H. Booth Library, at 25 Main Street, can be reached by calling 426-4533.