Labor Day Weekend Hours

The library will be closed Sunday, September 2, and Monday, September 3, in observance of Labor Day.

Children’s Programs

*The Results Are In! We had 530 children register for the C.H. Booth Library Summer Reading Program this year. Between June 26 and August 18 participants read a total of 7,339 books! That is amazing!

The raffle winners have been notified by phone. If you received a call, please come to the children’s department as soon as possible to claim your prize.

A special thanks to the businesses that made donations to this year’s program. Your support really kept the children reading!

*Fall Story Time Sign-Ups: Registration for fall story times began this week and ends on September 4. Sessions are offered for ages 12-24 months, 2-3 year olds, and 3-5 year olds.

No phone registrations will be accepted. You must reside in Newtown to be eligible for this free program.

Sessions will meet once weekly for six weeks beginning the week of September 10. For more information call the children’s department at 426-3851.

Adult Programs

*Book Discussions: Upcoming book discussions include the Nonfiction Book Group talking about Teacher Man by Frank McCourt on Tuesday, September 4, at 1 pm; Daytime Book Group talking about One True Thing by Anna Quindlen on Monday, September 10, also at 1 pm; and the Evening Book Group discussing Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen on Thursday, September 20, at 7:30 pm.

Newcomers are always welcome to join these discussions.

*Independent Film Series: The next film in the Independent Film Series will be Something Like Happiness on Thursday, September 13, at 7 pm.

Please note the date and time change! (The screening was previously scheduled for Tuesday, September 11, at 7:30 pm.)

While her boyfriend pursues wealth and success in America, Monika waits, ever hopeful that he will arrange for her to join him. Meanwhile, Tanik has fled his stifling conservative family and lives with an eccentric aunt: together they struggle to defend her derelict farmhouse against the encroaching industrial development.

*Author Talk and Book Signing: Local author Thomas Craughwell will discuss his book Stealing Lincoln’s Body on Tuesday, September 18, at 7:30 pm. With charm and authority, Thomas Craughwell offers an illuminating portrait of 19th Century America as he writes of the origins of the Secret Service, counterfeiting in America, the rambunctious growth of Chicago, and the assassination of the beloved president.

Copies of Mr Cruaghwell’s book will be available for sale at the time of the talk.

*Searching For Shakespeare: A Shakespeare lecture series is kicking off in September with a discussion of the bard’s sonnets. Copies of the featured sonnets are available at the library. Please ask at the circulation desk.  

The play to be discussed in September will be Julius Caesar.

A screening of the 1953 film starring Marlon Brando will be offered at the library on Tuesday, September 11, at 7 pm.

Join us at Mocha Coffee House on Thursday, September 20, at 7 pm, for the first discussion program. Professor Bill O’Connell will moderate the discussion.

Additional events focusing on Julius Caesar will include a lecture led by Dr Mark Schenker, Associate Dean at Yale College, on Tuesday, September 25, at 7 pm; and a play discussion led by Newtown residents Joyce Goldin and Peg Jacques on Tuesday, September 27, at 7 pm.

The series will continue until March, with lectures and programs focusing on a different play each month. Copies of the plays are available at the circulation desk, to borrow or buy ($4). Stop by the library to pick up a schedule or visit us online.

*Book Nook News: Get ready for school by visiting the Nook. There is a great selection of back to school books for parents, students, and educators, all at great prices. 

 C.H. Booth Library, at 25 Main Street,  426-4533, website, CHBoothLibrary.org.