Children’s Programs

*Housatonic Valley Waldorf School Presents: The Gingerbread Man on Thursday, January 12, from 11 to 11:30 am. Teachers from the Housatonic Valley Waldorf School will present their interpretation of The Gingerbread Man for ages 2–5. No registration required. Parents will have an opportunity to ask questions about the Waldorf teaching method following the program.

*“Theater Games” with acting teacher and director Twyla Hafermann-Kessler will offer theater game workshops for children in grades K–3 on Mondays, January 23, and 30, from 4 to 5 pm, in the children’s story hour room. The children will explore their creative side as they engage in a variety of interactive activities that focus on using their imagination through characters and role playing. Register for one or both of the workshops online.

*Story Time for 3–5 year olds will meet Monday or Tuesday at 10 am or Monday or Wednesday at 1 pm, starting the week of February 13. This 45-minute program of stories, songs, rhymes and a simple craft takes place in the children’s story hour room. Registration forms will be available at the children’s circulation desk January 24–February 5. No phone registrations. Limited to Newtown residents only.

*Sensory Story Time — Thanks to a grant from GE Capital Real Estate, an additional story time for children ages 3–5 on Saturday mornings at 10:30 am in the meeting room has been added. Sensory Story Time is designed to engage all of the senses through music, movement, art, reading, and a variety of play activities. Open for ten children (along with a caregiver) who are residents of Newtown. Registration forms available January 24–February 5 for the next session beginning Saturday, February 18.

*Saturday, February 4, at 10 am, is Take Your Child to the Library Day — Bring your children ages 3–9 to the library for a performance by Lionheart Puppet Theatre of Jack Tuesday, the Fairy Tale Investigator. This semi-original story features some favorite storybook characters. Register online.

 

YA Programs

*Creative Chocolates for Valentine’s Day with Marie Walker on February 1 (snow date February 8). Signups are now open for young adults in grades 6–12. Make a variety of chocolate candies and take home your treats. The group is limited to ten. There is a $6 supply fee, payable at the program. Sign up online.

*Nutmeg 2012 — Voting is now open! You can vote for your favorite title here in the library if you are not voting at school. Ballots are available in the YA Department for the Teen Nominees, and in the Children’s Department for the Intermediate Nominees. Deadline is January 30.

 

Programs For Adults

*Lunch & Learn — Why I Left the Amish with Saloma Furlong. On Wednesday, January 25, at 12:30 pm, Saloma Furlong, author of Why I Left the Amish, will touch on the two ways to leave the Amish.

One is through life and the other through death. When Saloma Miller Furlong’s father dies during her first semester at Smith College, she returns to the Amish community she had left 24 years earlier to attend his funeral. Her journey home prompts a flood of memories. In this personal and moving memoir, Ms Furlong traces the genesis of her desire for freedom and education and chronicles her conflicted quest for independence. Eloquently told, Why I Left the Amish is a revealing portrait of life within — and without — this frequently misunderstood community.

This program was originally scheduled as lunch and learn, but due to such a good response plans have been modified. Now we are asking people to bring a bag lunch and the library will provide drinks and something sweet to eat. Lunch is at 12:30 pm; Saloma will speak at 1 pm. Call 203-426-4533 or visit www.chboothlibrary.org for reservations.

*Independent Film Series: Join us at 1 pm on Wednesdays for free screenings of The Piano in the Factory on January 18; The Human Resource Manager on February 15; The Colors of the Mountains on February 29; and Protekor on March 7.

*Book Discussions: Evening Book Discussion will meet Thursday, January 19, at 7:30 pm in the Old Board Room to discuss I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb; and Nonfiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, February 7, at 1 pm in the Antiques Room to review The Man Who Loved China by Simon Winchester.

*An Evening of Cabaret — Francine Wheeler will present an hour of music exploring the many paths her career as a vocalist has taken, from early standards of the American Popular Songbook to contemporary folk, rock and originals on Friday, February 10, 7 pm. She will be accompanied by her husband David Wheeler.

Space is limited to 60. Doors open at 6 pm for refreshments You are welcomed to bring your own drinks and snacks. The library will provide some homemade treats, as well as coffee and tea. The price for the program is $10 payable at the door. Register at the library’s website.

 

Support Local Talent

There is a nice selection of books written by local authors for sale at the library. There are titles for both young and old and all copies have been autographed.

 

C.H. Booth Library is at 25 Main Street. Call 203-426-4533 or visit CHBoothLibrary.org for full details on or to register for the above programs as well as others that are being offered.