Planning Ahead

Please note Booth Library will be closed on Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day.

Now On View

*Reference librarian Andrea Zimmerman and curator Mary Thomas have collaborated on a new exhibit about Pola and Rex Stout which is located in the Reference Department.

Rex Stout is famous for his long literary career, notably stories featuring detective Nero Wolfe, and many of his paperback mysteries collected by Andrea are displayed. Pola was a famous textile weaver and fashion designer, and several of her handwoven wool fabrics are featured. There is a Newtown connection to this pair, since Mary Pace of George’s Hill Road, a skilled dressmaker, tailored Pola’s designs in the 1950s to 1980s, and one of her creations specially made for Pola is shown on a mannequin.

Please stop by to view the creative works of this unique couple of the 20th Century.

*Artisan Mike Agius has very kindly lent the library a collection of wooden bowls he carved from locally sourced wood.

Our thanks go to Mike for sharing the results of his expertise with library patrons.

*Curator Mary Thomas would like to invite other residents of Newtown to share their collections with library patrons for display on a temporary basis. Please call the library if you’re interested in sharing your special interest with others.

Young Adult Programs

*On Sunday, May 16, at 3 pm, the young adult drama group Mask & Wig Players will present A Case of Mistaken Identity by John Murray.

In this crime drama for young people ages 10 and up, and their families, unwelcome visitors arrive on a dark and stormy night.  The play will be performed in the Booth Cabaret on the first floor, with refreshments at each table.

No tickets or registration are required, just come on over for an afternoon of good entertainment.

*Volunteer for Summer Reading: Young adults ages 12-18 are invited to sign up to be a volunteer for our summer reading program.

Anyone who has not participated in the program in the past must attend one of two training sessions: Wednesday, June 2, or Thursday, June 3, both starting at 4 pm.

Returning volunteers can pick up their registration forms beginning June 2.

Each student will fill out a calendar with their availability during the eight-week summer program, which begins June 22 and ends August 14. Volunteers are essential to the success of the summer reading program. The primary task is to listen to younger children discuss the books they are reading and give them their rewards.

A typical shift is approximately two hours. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the library.

Registration forms must be returned to the Children’s Department no later than June 10. Participants will receive their schedule in the mail by June 18. Late applicants will be put on a substitute list. For more information call 203-426-3851.

 Programs For Adults

*Sierra Club: On Monday, May 17, at 7 pm, the Housatonic Valley group of The Sierra Club will meet at the library.

Light refreshments will be served, and all are welcome. For additional information contact Marcia Wilkins at 203-775-9644.

*Book Discussions: On Thursday, May 20, at 7:30 pm, the Evening Book Discussion will concern Cities of the Plain by Cormac McCarthy.

*Flagpole Photography Club: On Thursday, May 20, at 7:30 pm, the Flagpole Photographers will hold their monthly meeting. The public is welcome.

*Needlefelting with Katie Stevenson: On Tuesday, May 27, from 7 to 8:30 pm, Katie will visit the library to teach needlefelting.

The class is for beginners and intermediate felters. There is a $5 supply fee, and the class is limited to 15 participants.

*Book Nook Note: The Book Nook has just received a quantity of brand-new still in the shrink-wrap boxes of soccer balls with an instruction book of games. The packages are $5 a piece and would be perfect for your little soccer player.

*Planning Ahead: The library will be closed Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day.

C.H. Booth Library is at 25 Main Street in Newtown. Call 426-4533 or visit CHBoothLibrary.org to register for any of the above listings, and for information on additional programs and offerings.