Children’s Programs

*Leland Kellogg’s Masterpiece Theatre: Professional actress Leland Kellogg will offer a second drama workshop, “Masterpiece Theatre: Art and Drama in One,” to focus on famous artists and their masterpieces. Under Mrs Kellogg’s expert guidance, children will bring to life such famous works as “Mona Lisa,” “Blue Boy” and others.

The class will meet Monday through Friday, July 28 to August 1, from 2 to 4 pm each day. Participants must to 7-10 years of age and able to attend all five sessions.

A $20 fee is due upon registration. Call the library’s children’s and young adult department for more information, 426-3851.

*P.J. Family Story Time and Puppet Show: PJ Time continues on Wednesday, July 16, at 6:30 pm, in the library’s meeting room. Children ages 3 and up will enjoy stories, songs and a puppet show. Come in your PJs and bring your blanket. No registration is required.

*World Wise Story Time: Philomena Conti and Rabiya Ansari are leading a series of story hours this month for children ages 7-10 that focus on habitats around the world.

The classes will run from 11 am to noon and are scheduled for Thursdays in July. Registration is required for each session. Class size is limited to 20 students, and registration is open. Remaining classes and their focus will be as follows: July 17, grasslands; and July 24, forests.

Young Adult Programs

*Middle School Madness Drawing: The first drawing of the summer for Middle School Madness is scheduled for Monday, July 14, and the winner will receive tickets to a New Haven Ravens game.

All students who have turned in raffle tickets by 1 pm on Monday, July 14, in the Middle School Madness Summer Reading Program will be eligible for a drawing for tickets to the New Haven Ravens/Erie Seawolves baseball game on Friday, August 1, in New Haven.  Several vouchers (each good for one adult and one child of any age) will be awarded thanks to the generosity of the Ravens, Quinnipiac University and the Southern CT Library Council.

Turn in raffle tickets in the Young Adult Area and watch your books stack up!

*Nutmeg Book Discussion: On Wednesday, July 16, at 4 pm, we will talk about Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan, a story of how a young Mexican girl finds a way to rise above the circumstances of a family tragedy. Books are available now in the Young Adult Area.

Check one out and sign up at the main floor circulation desk or by calling 426-4533. This program is for ages 10 and up or students entering fifth grade or higher in the fall (no younger siblings, please).

*Poetry Workshop: Join us on Tuesday, July 22, from 3 to 4:30 pm, when published poet Thalia Marakas will work with ages 10 and up (or entering fifth grade or higher in the fall). Curious beginners to experienced writers are all welcome to join in this exploratory, creative afternoon. The workshop is limited to just 15 students. Register at the main floor circulation desk or call the library.

Adult Programs

*Exploring Self-Employment and Franchising: Tim Stubbs, the owner of The Entrepreneur’s Source in Newtown, will offer a free seminar on career options on Tuesday, July 15, at 7 pm. Please call 364-9000 to register or for more information.

*Book Discussions at the Library: A variety of book groups meet every month at the library which are open to the public. On Monday, July 14, the daytime group will get together at 1 pm to discuss Road from Coorain by Jill Kerr Conway.

*Summer Concert Series: Bring a picnic basket and your lawn chairs and spend a happy hour or so listening to some homegrown local musical talent on the lawn behind the library. The series continues this year on Friday, July 18, with a performance by Washboard Slim and the Blue Lights, and then concludes on Friday, August 15, with The Golden Angels Jazz Band. Concerts take place at 7 pm. In the event of rain concerts will be moved inside the library.

Call the library at 426-4533 to register for any of its programs or for additional information.