Currently On View

*“The Life & Talent of Arthur A. Anderson,” an exhibition of photographs by the late Newtown resident that has been coordinated by friends and fellow members of Candlewood Photography Club, is on view until October 31.

*Also on view, until October 23, is the annual exhibition of recent works by The Scrapbag Art Quilters. “Gray Plus One” is the result of a challenge to the quilters to use only one color in addition to grays their works.

Children’s Department

*Register For Story Times, through October 21.

Parents can register for our 3-5 year old story times in the children’s department. Children must be a resident of Newtown and at least 3 years old by October 26.

Sessions will begin the week of October 26 and end the week of December 7.

 *Halloween Craft:  Children ages 6 and up are invited to make a Halloween craft with Mrs Walker on Thursday, October 29, from 4 to 5 pm, in the story time room.

Space is limited and a $3 material fee is due upon registration. Sign up at the children’s circulation desk.

Young Adult Programs

*Halloween Drama: The Mask & Wig Players will present “Freaky Phil’s Costume Shop,” an original play and dramatic readings of thrills and chills, on Sunday, October 18, at 3 pm, for ages 10 and up and parents. No tickets or registration needed.

*Signups for Creative Writing – Poetry are open online. Liz Arneth will lead the five-week programs on Mondays, October 19 to November 16, from 6 to 8 pm each week, for students in grades 6-8. Students are expected to attend all five sessions.

*Chess Club meets Saturday afternoons on the third floor with Glenn Budzinski.

It’s for all ages and player levels, and boards and pieces are provided. Drop in and play chess from any Saturday between 1 and 5 pm.

*Chess Lessons: Signups are open online for students ages 9-12 who would like to learn how to play chess from a master.

US Chess Federation Candidate Master Glenn Budzinski will offer free lessons on Thursdays from 6 to 7 pm, beginning October 22. The lessons will run for five weeks, and are free.

Students must know the basic rules of the game and how to move the pieces, however.

Adult Programs

*Come Knit With Us: Join us for a four week course taught by Robin Taylor beginning Tuesday, October 20.

This is a group to help get beginners on their way, enhance the skills of intermediate knitters, and bring lapsed knitters back to the fold.

Once you’ve signed up, Robin will email you supply information, including suggested yarn and needle size. Please sign up online. Space is limited.

*Documentary Screening: On Monday, October 26, we will host a screening of Pray the Devil Back to Hell, which chronicles the remarkable story of the Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country. Thousands of women prayed for peace and then staged a silent protest outside the Presidential palace in 2003. A story of sacrifice, unity and transcendence, Pray the Devil Back to Hell honors the strength and perseverance of the women of Liberia.

Social hour will begin at 6, and the screening will start at 7. Reservations are requested.

*Behind the Crimes: Julie Stern’s series will continue with a discussion of Smilla’s Sense of Snow on Wednesday, October 21, at 7:30, and newcomers are absolutely welcome.

The finale will cover James Lee Burke’s Dixie City Jam, on Wednesday, November 4, also at 7:30.

*The History of Jury Duty: Join us on Wednesday, October 28, at 7 pm, and learn about how juries have changed throughout the ages. Come with your own humorous tales of jury duty experiences, too.

*Stowe and Twain: Effecting Social Change. On Thursday, October 29, at 7 pm, members of The Mark Twain House & Museum and The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center will discuss two great Connecticut neighbors who had a great impact on American culture in the late 19th Century, and whose works continue to have relevance in today’s discussions on race in America.