*Support Local Talent: We have 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.

On Display

*Paula Brinkman Hughes, local artist, has created a colorful display of Art Dolls which have been featured in the Traveling Doll Project, an online group. Two of the dolls in the display are titled Ginny 1 and Ginny 2, after Newtown’s beloved Ginny Lathrop. From costumes once belonging to Ginny, Paula fashioned some of the elements of the dolls’ costumes, and they were further embellished in their travels from one artist to another. The presentation is near the main floor circulation desk and is on display through April 15.

*On April 14, from noon to 4 pm, the Housatonic Model Yacht Club will have Radio Control Sailboats on display. These “mini yachts” were built by members and are sailed in competition on Thursdays (pm) and Sundays (am and pm) mid-April through mid-October at Hop Brook Lake, Middlebury. Members of the club will be on hand to answer questions and give a talk on the club

Children’s Programs

*On Thursday, April 19, young adult Matthew Tassiello, who loves origami, would like to share his enthusiasm with a workshop during spring vacation week. Children ages 5–7 at 1 pm and ages 8–10 at 2:30 pm will learn some basic techniques and make some simple shapes to take home. The workshop is free, but a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society would be greatly appreciated. Register online.

*Little Kids Little Songs will be presented on Sunday, April 22, at 2 pm. Green Golly’s Little Kids Little Songs is a fabulous introduction to live music, comedy, and theater for young children. Each song is a small tale requiring only a tiny bit of attention and is presented through the eyes of a child, and addresses the emotional needs of the very young. The original music of Keith Torgan and the virtuosity of Barbara Siesel will tickle not only the newest and youngest of audience members, but anyone within earshot. For ages 3 and up. A free program sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Register online.

*Theater Games: Acting teacher and director Twyla Hafermann-Kessler will lead children in a variety of short games and creative activities. Learn techniques to build confidence and improve your observation and listening skills in a fun environment. Children in grades K–1 can register for the classes on Mondays, April 30 and May 7, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, and children in grades 2–3 can register for Mondays, May 14 and May 21, 4:30 to 5:30 pm. Register online.

YA Programs

*Newtown artist Suzanne Lang offers a basic and perspective drawing class for students in grades 5–12, of all levels of drawing ability, on Wednesday, April 18, from 1 to 3 pm, and is limited to 15 students. Professional quality pencils, charcoals and paper will be provided. A $5 supply fee will be charged, payable at the program. Sign up online.

*Calling young authors! The Booth Library Creative Writing Group for Young Adults will offer Mysteries and Adventure Thrillers from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday evenings, April 26, May 3, 10, 17, and 24. There is a limit of ten students in grades 6–8. Participants are expected to attend all five sessions, and preference is given to Newtown students and residents. There is no fee. The group will be led by Julie Stern, retired teacher, writer and Newtown resident. All sessions will allow time for writing and sharing stories in progress, as well as one-on-one communication between adults and young people. Sharing is an important part of all writing groups. Call or register online.

Programs For Adults

*Daytime Book Group: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese on Monday, April 9, at 1 pm in the Antiques Room; Evening Book Group: Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan on Thursday, April 19, at 7:30 pm in the Old Board Room; and Book Discussion: Nonfiction Book Group: Outliers  by Malcolm Gladwell on Tuesday, May 1, at 1 pm, in the Antiques Room.

*“Spring Cleaning! Out with the Old — Organizing Tips for Your Home” — From attics to basements, home offices to garages, moving in/out, photographs, downsizing...you name it, we have answers! Larry Russick will be at the library on Tuesday, April 24, 7 pm, to share tips and solutions for all of your clutter hot spots. Either register online or call the library. Refreshments will be served.

*“From Oliver to David to Pip”: Mark Schenker, senior associate dean of Yale College, will give a survey of Dickens’ development as a novelist. The three-part series focuses on Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations as boy-centered novels that give insight into the early, middle and late phases of Dickens’ fiction writing career. The program dates are Thursday, April 26 (David Copperfield), and Wednesday, May 9 (Great Expectations) from 7 to 8 pm in the meeting room. Registration is recommended.

Don’t have time to read the books before the talk? Then come for a film screening a few days prior to each lecture. David Copperfield is on April 23 at 7 pm or April 25 at 1 pm; and Great Expectations on May 7 at 1 or 7 pm.

*Getting to Know Your Laptop is a free informative class. Mike Ingber will explain the parts of your computer, what can be connected to your laptop, how to enjoy music and movies, how to access the Internet, how to stay safe from viruses, and more, on Friday, April 27, from 9 to 11 am. Bring your PC laptop. Call to register.

*Author Talk and Book Signing — Darcy Scott, author of Hunter Huntress will talk about her new novel on Tuesday, May 1, at 7 pm. The book has been described as dark, twisted and utterly haunting. Hunter Huntress is a stunning psychological game of cat and mouse in the shadows between love and hate, right and wrong and life and death.  Books will be available for purchase at the time of the signing, and refreshments will be served.

 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.