A Note from Our Curator

Lil Orlowski has donated to C.H. Booth Library a quilt that was originally in the collection of Lynn Johnston. Lil, a well-known quilting expert and teacher of the art form, states that this is a turn of the century hand-made velvet quilt in the Log Cabin pattern. The quilt is from the same era as the quilt made by Mary Hawley herself which is displayed on the third floor of the library.

The quilt will be displayed in August near the reference area, and the library staff thanks Lil for her generosity in sharing this beautiful piece with Newtown’s residents.

Children’s Programs

*Les Julian: We All Laugh in the Same Language.

Award winning entertainer Les Julian will perform songs that will make you laugh and think on Friday, July 29, at 4 pm.

The program is for ages 5 and up.

*Crafts Around the World: Children ages 4-9 can drop by the story hour room between 1 and 3 pm on Monday afternoon in the summer and make a craft to bring home.

On August 1 we will be making Mardi Gras glasses.

While registration is not required, parents are asked to remain with their child while they are working on their craft.

*Papillion: Le Raconteur Acadien — Tuesday, August 2, at 4 pm.

Papillion is a Louisiana based musician and storyteller whose multi-cultural performances are a delightful gumbo of Cajun, Zydeco and New Orleans songs and stories created for young children (and the young at heart)...

Papillion serves up a toe-tappin’, two-steppin’ good time for the whole family! Online registration is required for this program, suitable for ages 4 and up.

*PJ Story Time: Join us on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm for PJ Story Time. This popular family program features stories, silly songs and a puppet show for ages 3-7.

No registration required, and pajamas encouraged. The puppet show for August 2  will be “The Monkey and the Crocodile.”

*Cooking Around the World: Explore the cuisine of Peru on Wednesday, August 3, at noon, with  Monica Toll.

Monica  will demonstrate how to make causa rellena and mazamorra morada. The program is for ages 8-12, online registration is required, and a $5 material fee is due on the day of the program.

*3-D Bird Masks with Randi Rote: On Thursday, August 4, at 3 pm, ages 5-7 will hear the story of Jabuti by Gerald McDermott and then create their own three-dimensional bird masks with artist and teacher Randi Rote.

A $3 material fee is due on the day of the program, and online registration is requested.

*The Art of Collage: Sandy Hook artist and teacher Randi Rote will return to the library for a program on Thursday, August 11, at 3 pm.

Ages 5-7 will read two folk tales that have been illustrated using collage — I Feel a Foot, written by Maranke Rinck and illustrated by Martijn Van Der Linden, and Zomo the Rabbit by Gerald McDermott — and then create animal headbands using markers and collage materials. 

Registration is required, and a $3 materials fee will be due at the program.

Programs For Young Adults

*The 2011 Teen Summer Reading Challenge for those entering grades 6-12 this fall is in full swing.

Every time you finish a book, fill out a summary at the YA display, take it to the desk and receive one ticket for every 50 pages.  Then come back and deposit your tickets in the raffle boxes of your choice.

The final prize drawings will be on August 8, and all participants will be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing for a Kindle Wi-Fi, which will also take place August 8.

*Mehndi Henna Body Art: Wednesday, August 3, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.

Henna artist Nev Levin, a/k/a Remarkable Blackbird, will apply henna tattoos for young people age 10-18. Henna is a non-toxic, non-permanent application that can be crafted into beautiful, intricate designs on the hands and forearms.

Parental permission slips will be required at drop-off, and online registration is requested.

*Duct Tape Crafts with Katie Stevenson, Thursday, August 4, 1 to 2 pm.

Katie Stevenson returns for another year of fun craft projects made with colorful duct tape, with projects including a tote bag from an empty pet food, birdseed or other colorful bag (bring an empty bag if you have one), or a spare pair of flip-flops, a belt, a wallet, or one of many other things Katie will show you.

The workshop is limited to 15 participants entering grades 5-12, a $6 supply fee will need to be paid at the program, and online registration is required.

*Seed Bead Necklace: On Thursday, August 11, from 2 to 3:30, artist Pat Martin will show you how to string and fasten tiny seed beads into a necklace in a beautiful array of colors.

This class is limited to 15 young adults entering grades 6-12, online registration is required, and a $3 supply fee will be due at the program.

Adult Programs

*Purchasing a Laptop with Mike Ingber: Learn everything you need to know before you purchase a laptop. This very informative program is on Tuesday, August 2, at 10 am.

 *Join us for Escapes and Intrigues: Classic Thrillers for Summer Reading.

Julie Stern, a retired teacher of English and philosophy teacher, is back at the library this summer to lead a discussion on some classic mysteries, so whether you love a good mystery or just like attending Julie’s discussions you’ll love this series. Copies of all of the books are available at the second floor circulation desk. Below is a schedule of the meeting times and titles.   

The next program, on Tuesday, August 9, at 7:30 pm, will concern Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene.

*Summer Bracelet: Artist Pat Martin will lead workshops on making a braided bracelet with seed beads and crystals on Wednesday, August 10, at 2 and 7 pm. Pick the time that is more convenient for you and come make a summer accessory that will being back fun memories next winter.

Please register online or by calling the library at 203-426-4533, and note there is a $9 supply fee due at start of class.

*Computer Skills Help is available every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 until noon. Visit the Reference Department on the third floor and learn how to create an e-mail account, save to a flash drive, basic word help, cutting and pasting, plus upload files to job hunting sites.

*Nonfiction DVDs: Check out our nonfiction DVD collection! We have added many new DVDs on travel, fitness, Ken Burns series, dancing, sign language, coaching youth sports and more. We also have a large collection of “Dr V on Call” health topic DVDs, featuring local physicians discussing the latest medical information.

Nonfiction DVDs are on the second floor and circulate for two weeks with two renewals allowed.

C.H. Booth Library is at 25 Main Street in Newtown. Call 203-426-4533 or visit CHBoothLibrary.org for full details on or to register for the above programs.