Now On View

C.H. Booth Library will host an opening reception this weekend for “Images of Nature,” an exhibition of photographs by Art Anderson, Bob Berthier and Frank Gardner. The show is already on view, having been hung on February 1, and will remain on view until February 29.

A formal opening reception is planned for Sunday, February 5, from 1 to 3 pm.

The show offer landscapes and wildlife, with views covering everything from Newtown to Denali National Part in Alaska. Mr Berthier is a member of Flagpole Photographers; Mr Gardner and Mr Anderson are both members of Candlewood Valley Photo Club.

A Fully Wireless Library

C.H. Booth Library is now a wireless zone.

Thanks to our generous Friends of the Cyrenius H. Booth Library, wireless Internet access is available 24/7.

Children’s Programs

*Valentine’s Day Craft Workshop: Marie Walker will lead a valentine craft workshop on Saturday, February 11, at 1 pm, for ages 6 and up.

A $3 material fee is due upon registration. Sign up in the children’s department.

Programs For Young Adults

*We Love Chocolate!

Students in grades 6 and up can make creative chocolates for Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 7, from 3 to 5 pm. Snow dates will be February 9.

Marie Walker will lead her popular workshop in making a variety of delicious chocolate gifts to enjoy or give as a gift. A $6 supply fee will be due on the day of the program.

Limit is 12 participants, and preference will be given to Newtown residents. Sign up at the main floor circulation desk or call the library.

*YA Book Talk: Let’s talk about Eragon by Christopher Paolini. Our next Young Adult book discussion will be on Wednesday, February 8, from 4 to 5 pm, in the Story Room.

In Alagaesia, a 15-year-old boy finds a mysterious stone that weaves his life into an intricate tapestry of destiny, magic and power, peopled with dragons, elves and monsters.

These monthly book discussions for readers in grades 5-9, or any young person who has read the book, are co-sponsored by Reed Intermediate School, and books are available at both libraries.

Sign up at the in person at Booth Library or call 426-4533.

*Battle of the Books 2006 sneak preview: This year’s competition will be Saturday, March 18 (snow date March 19), at the library.

It is open to Newtown students in grades 5-8. Sign-ups will start next week for teams of three to five people.

The books for this year’s trivia contest are Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins, Hoot by Carl Hiaasen, Trouble Don’t Last by Shelley Pearsall, and Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling.

Adult Events

*A Different Point of View: Cathryn Price will be at the library on Thursday, February 9, at 7:30 pm, to discuss her book, Shot From The Sky: American POWs in Switzerland.

*Book Discussions: All discussions are ongoing and newcomers are always welcome. If you need a copy of any book to be discussed, call the library and we’ll reserve one for you.

Upcoming discussions include Tuesday, February 7, at 1 pm, featuring Holy War, Inc. by Peter Bergen; Monday, February 13, at 1 pm, The Human Stain by Philip Roth; and Thursday, February 16, at 7:30 pm, The Interpreter of Maladies.

*Independent Film Series: The next film in our series will be Le Grand Voyage on Friday, February 7.

This film concerns Reda, a young man who lives in the south of France, who finds himself obligated to drive his father to Mecca just a few weeks before his college entrance exams. The wide cultural and generational gap between the two is worsened by their lack of communication. Reda finds it hard to accommodate his father, who demands respect for himself and his pilgrimage.

The film has a running time of 108 minutes, and is in French.

The series will continue on March 7 with film shorts including Sangam, Inja and Das Rad; April 4, Drifters; and May 2, Agata and the Storm.

Screenings are free, and all begin at 7:30 pm. Fliers with descriptions for each of the films are available at the library.

*Working In Japan: Darius Mehri, the author of Notes from Toyota-Land, will be at the library on Wednesday, February 22, at 7 pm, to discuss his work.

Notes from Toyota-Land is a wonderfully rich first-hand account, sure to be enjoyed by anyone interested in the organization of work in Japan. This compelling memoir shows the author’s transformation from a naïve young engineer to a journalist, social critic, and activist.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the time of the talk.

*Computer Classes: Please register for these classes by calling the library.

A beginner’s class will be offered on Saturday, February 11, from 9 am until noon.

Digital Photography Basics, a new class, will be presented on Saturday, February 18, from 10 to 11:30 am.

*Book Nook News: There are wonderful book available this week for all the sweethearts in your life plus a large selection of romance novels.

Come visit us before you do your Valentine’s Day shopping.

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