Now On View

*Art For The Tercentennial: C.H. Booth Library, in honor of the town’s Tercentennial, is featuring art by Newtown students of all grades celebrating favorite Newtown places. The exhibit is open during regular library hours.

*Historical Society exhibit: Until Thanksgiving, Newtown Historical Society will be exhibiting some treasures from its collection this month including some of William Sniffen’s souvenirs from his service in the Civil War. Sniffen was proud of his service in the Second Connecticut Light Artillery, and especially proud to have fought at Gettysburg.

Along with Sniffen’s sword, hat, canteen and holster, the society is exhibiting some other wonderful artifacts that have not been on view for quite a long time.

Programs For Children

*Comedy and Magic Show: Full Effect Productions will present “Magic, Myth and Monsters” just in time for Halloween on Friday, October 21, at 4 pm, in the library’s meeting room.

This not so scary program of magic, comedy and ventriloquism is sure to entertain. It is recommended for ages 4-10. No registration required.

*Nutmeg Book Discussion: The next book to be discussed in our Nutmeg series will be City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau.

Students in grades 4-6 are invited to participate. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, October 26, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, in the story room at the library.

*Halloween Craft: Children ages 6 and older are invited to make a Halloween craft with Mrs Walker on Saturday, October 29, at 1 pm.

A $3 material fee is due upon registration. Sign up in the children’s department beginning October 14.

*Halloween Fun: Children ages 3-7 can drop into the library Monday afternoon, October 31, from 4 to 6 pm, for Halloween stories and crafts.

The program will be sponsored by the C.H. Booth Library’s Young Adult Council. Costumes are encouraged. No sign-up required.

For Young Adults

*Writing With Mrs Arneth: “Creative Writing: Poetry” will be offered on five consecutive Mondays – November 7 to December 5 –from 6 to 8 pm each week.

Liz Arneth, a retired English teacher and Newtown resident, will lead the series of workshops for ten students in grade 6 and up.  Participants are expected to attend all five sessions, and preference is given to Newtown residents.

All sessions will allow time for writing and sharing poems as well as one-on-one communication between adults and young people.

There is no fee for this workshop. Sign up at the main floor circulation desk or call to register.

*Young Writers’ Salon will be held on Friday, November 4, at 7 pm.

Sign up for the third annual evening of reading by young people in grades 6-12.

The program is being expanded this year to include both poetry and other original creative writing. We invite you and your friends to read to the audience of parents and friends in the coffeehouse atmosphere.

Sign up at the main floor circulation desk or call to register.

Adult Programs

*Book Talks: Upcoming discussions will include Fast Food Nation on Tuesday, November 1, and Jane Austen’s Persuasion on Monday, November 14.

Call for the start times of these programs if you’d like to attend.

*Author Talk: Suzanne Strempke Shea, the author of seven critically acclaimed books, will be at the library on Thursday, November 3, at 7:30 pm, to discuss Shelf Life, a charming and engaging memoir on her year spent working at an independent bookstore in Western Massachusetts.

Full of wonderful anecdotes about favorite books and favorite patrons, this is a book for anyone who loves to read.

Call for more details.

*Book Nook News: Celebrate Halloween with a scary book from The Book Nook.

Thrill seekers can find all of their favorite authors including Koontz, King and Rice, plus great children’s books for the little goblins in their lives. Gently used books at bargain prices.

C.H. Booth Library, at 25 Main Street, can be reached at 426-4533.