Now On View

*“Two Generations,” featuring work by Newtown quilting artist Mary Eddy and her father, Ben Palagonia of Sherman, a graphic and fine artist, is on view through January 31 in the Olga Knoepke Memorial Room (the meeting room). The exhibition offers eight works by Ms Eddy, and eight dry-brush paintings of buildings and sights in the Fairfield/Litchfield County areas by Mr Palagonia.

New Notes

*We’re going green: No more paper overdues!

In an effort to save money and resources, C.H. Booth Library is phasing out paper overdue notices effective immediately. Patrons are encouraged to register their email address (forms are available at the circulation desk), and sign up for Library Elf. Patrons can then log on to the library’s website CHBoothLibrary.org) to manage their account.

Please keep receipts if you are not an email user. Schedule a regular library visit every week and your items will always be on time.

Children’s Programs:

*Register For Story Time: Story time registration begins January 16 and continues through January 26.

Classes for 2- and 3-year-olds are offered on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 am; or Monday and Thursday at 11 am; 4- and 5-year-olds meet on Tuesday at 11 am or Wednesday at 1 pm. A lapsit program for toddlers 12 to 24 months of age will meet on Thursday at 10 am.

This is a free program open only to Newtown residents. You must register in person; phone registrations will not be taken.

Classes begin the week of February 3. Registrants will be notified by phone after January 26 if they have a place in one of the classes.

*Let Down Your Hair: Purple Rock Productions will present a unique adaptation of the classic story of Rapunzel on Saturday, February 14, at 2 pm, in the library meeting room. The program is recommended for ages 4 through 9.

Registration is required for this free program. Sign up at the children’s circulation desk. Camp Playland of Redding, a traditional summer day camp, is sponsoring this program.

Young Adult Programs:

*Mysteries & Thrillers, the Creative Writing Group for Young Adults in grades 6 through 8, will begin January 26.

Teacher and writer Julie Stern will lead the group, assisted by Philip Kotch, one of the library’s adult writer volunteers. The group will meet from 6 to 8 pm on five consecutive Monday evenings, January 26 to March 2. There is no class during February break; makeup will be March 9 if needed.

This free program is limited to ten students. For more information, speak to Margaret Brown, YA librarian. Sign up at the main floor desk or call 426-4533.

* Creative Chocolates for Valentine’s Day this year will be on Tuesday, January 27, from 3 to 5 pm. Snow date is February 3.

Making creative chocolates with Marie Walker has become a tradition for students in grade 6 and up. The group is limited to 12.

There is a $6 supply fee, payable at the program. Sign up at the main floor desk or call 426-4533.

Programs For Adults

*Coming This Winter — “Great Fireside Reads: The Novel in the 19th and 20th Centuries.”

Study great authors who created tales with memorable characters, gripping plots, vividly detailed settings, and moral questions that are as relevant today as when they were first published.

The four-part reading and book discussion begins Tuesday, January 13, at 7:30 pm, and will be led by Julie Stern. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens on January 13, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley on February 24, The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton on March 17, A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving on April 21.

*Common Puppy Problems: Is your Christmas puppy leaving you presents?

On Thursday, January 22, from 7  to 8:30 pm, staff from The Newtown Animal Shelter will share tips and tricks for dealing with housebreaking, chewing, and jumping and other common puppy problems. This is a free seminar with dog trainer Rob Mullin.

Call the library or Newtown Animal Control (426-6900) for more information.

*Coming Next Month: Join us for a screening of Under Our Skin: The Lyme Disease Movie on Saturday, February 7, at 1 pm; and for a performance of the historical drama They Called Me Lizzy… from slavery to The White House on Monday, February 9, at 7 pm.

Details about both of these programs are available now at the library, and will be offered in this space in upcoming weeks.

C.H. Booth Library is open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 8 pm; Friday from 11 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; and Sunday from noon to 5 pm (closed Sundays in July and August).