Now On View

*Images of Nature: C.H. Booth Library is hosting “Images of Nature,” an exhibition of photographs by Art Anderson, Bob Berthier and Frank Gardner, in the library’s lower meeting room. The show will remain on view until February 29.

The show offers landscapes and wildlife, with views covering everything from Newtown to Denali National Part in Alaska. Mr Berthier is a member of Flagpole Photographers; Mr Gardner and Mr Anderson are both members of Candlewood Valley Photo Club.

*Wooden Wildlife: In the display case near the children’s department, Newtown residents Carol and Wayne Smith have assembled recent works that they have created for a display called “Artistry in Wood.” Mr Smith (a/k/a The Grizzly Woodsmith) carves wonderful animals (and for the holiday season, Santa figures) carves the animals and Mrs Smith brings them to life with painted details. The Grizzly Woodsmith has been honored with Best of Show and blue ribbons at numerous fine arts and crafts and woodcarving shows.

The carved critters will remain on view until March 31.

Programs For Young Adults

*Battle of the Books 2006: This year’s competition will be Saturday, March 18 (snow date March 19), at the library. Sign up your team – three to five friends per team – for this year’s event, which is open to Newtown students in grades 5-8.

The books for this year’s trivia contest are Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins, Hoot by Carl Hiaasen, Trouble Don’t Last by Shelley Pearsall, and Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling.

Adult Events

*Class Dismissed: Please note the intermediate-level computer class scheduled for Saturday, February 25, has been cancelled.

*Independent Film Series: The series will continue on March 7 with film shorts including Inja, Mt Head and Das Rad (three of the selections included in a compilation that received Academy Award nominations) and Sangam, a Sundance selection.

Upcoming films will be Drifters on April 4, and Agata and the Storm on May 2.

Screenings are free, and all begin at 7:30 pm. Fliers with descriptions for each of the films are available at the library.

*Book Discussions: All book groups are ongoing, and newcomers are welcome. If you need a copy of a book call the library and we’ll reserve a copy for you.

Upcoming discussions include All the Shah’s Men by Stephen Kinzer on Tuesday, March 7, at 1 pm; The Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde on Monday, March 13, at 1 pm; and The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger on Thursday, March 16, at 7:30 pm.

*Author Talk: Sue Delbianco, the author of The Last Phantom Train, will be our guest on Thursday, March 9, at 7:30 pm.

Sue will give a slide show presentation featuring her new book, plus information regarding the history of the Rails to Trails project in our region.

*A History of Beer: Steve Small, general manager of Yankee Wine & Spirits in Newtown, will give a talk on the history of beer and offer a beer tasting at the library on Friday, March 10, at 7 pm.

Participants must be 21 years or older. Refreshments will be served. Registration is requested.

*How To Eat A Truffle: Maria Poirer Brandriff will give a lecture and demonstration celebrating chocolate on Wednesday, March 22, at 7 pm.

The demonstration will focus mainly on the making of hand-rolled and dipped chocolate truffles. Participants will sample the chocolate candies and compare several types of chocolate, both imported and domestic.

*Book Nook News: Opening Day for baseball season 2006 is not far away and to help you get into the swing of things come see what’s available at The Book Nook. A great selection of books on baseball, baseball cards, and baseball games including great games for traveling to the ball park are all available.

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