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 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.

*Valentine Craft: Make something special for Valentine’s Day with Marie Walker.

Her annual workshop will be Saturday, January 31, at 1 pm, in the children’s story hour room. The workshop is limited to children ages 6 and older, and there is a $3 materials fee due at registration (which needs to be done in person; no phone registrations please).

*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

*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.

*Upcoming Book Discussions: Join us on Tuesday, February 3, at 1 pm, for a discussion of The Fall and Rise of the Islamic State by Noah Feldman; Monday, February 9, at 1 pm, for Snow Flower and The Secret Fan by Lisa See; and again on Monday, February 9, at 7:30 pm, for The Crossings by Cormac McCarthy.

Multiple copies of each of these titles are available. Newcomers are always welcome.

*Film Screening: Join us on Saturday, February 7, at 1 pm, for a screening of the documentary Under Our Skin, a documentary about Lyme disease.

This eye-opening film investigates the untold story of  Lyme disease, one of the most misunderstood illnesses of our time.  Because the disease is difficult to test accurately, tens of thousands of people go undiagnosed – or misdiagnosed. Following the stories of patients and physicians as they battle for their lives and livelihoods, the film brings into focus a haunting picture of our healthcare system and its ability to cope with a silent terror under our skin.

The film was an audience Choice Award Finalist at the Tribeca Film Festival.

*Historical Drama: They Called Me Lizzy… from slavery to the White House will be performed on Monday, February 9, at 7 pm.

Actress Tammy Denease Richardson of East Haddam Stage Company will portray Elizabeth Keckly, dressmaker and confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln.

This program is being co-sponsored by the library and Newtown Historical Society. Seating is limited and registration is required; please call the library.

*Great Fireside Reads: The Novel in the 19th and 20th Centuries: Join us as we 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 discussions are being led by Julie Stern and will continue with Frankenstein by Mary Shelley on February 24, The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton on March 17, and A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving on April 21.

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).