Children’s Programs

*Nutmeg Book Discussions: All students in grades 4–6 are invited to join our informal Nutmeg Book Discussions at the library.

On Wednesday, January 10, at 4 pm, we will discuss Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo.

The final nominee to be discussed will be Gifts From the Sea by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock on Wednesday, January 24.

Multiple copies of both titles are available in the children’s department. Call 426-3851 for more information.

Programs For Young Adults

*Writing For Young Adults: “Creative Writing — Fiction” begins January 8 for sixth through eighth grade students who love to write and would like to be part of a writing group to share their work.

Author and teacher Wally Wood will lead the group for five sessions on Monday evenings from 6 to 8 pm, January 8 until February 26. The group is limited to ten students with preference given to Newtown residents.

For more information contact Mrs Margaret Brown, the Young Adult Librarian. Sign up at the Main Floor Circulation Desk or call 426-4533.

*YA Book Talk: Let’s talk about Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli.

A street child, known to himself only as Stopthief, finds community when he is taken in by a band of orphans in the Warsaw ghetto, which helps him weather the horrors of the Nazi regime. Readers in grades 5 and up, please join us on Tuesday, January 9, from 4 to 5 pm, in the Story Room.

During this discussion we will also select two books for the 2007 Battle of the Books

Sign up at the Main Floor Circulation Desk, call the library, or just drop in.

*Reading Buddies: The library’s YA department has come up with a new volunteer program called Reading Buddies.

High school students ages 14–18 who would enjoy reading to first and second graders once a week can submit applications now for this program, which will run February 5 to March 23. The fun, relaxing atmosphere will promote positive reading experiences for the youngsters.

For more information contact Mrs Margaret Brown, the young adult librarian. Sign up and get applications at the Main Floor Circulation Desk.

Adult Programs

*Needlecraft Book Sale: Mark your calendar for a one day book sale on Sunday, January 21, from noon to 5 pm. Needlecraft books and hard to find patterns will be featured.

*Independent Film Series: This free series will continue with a screening of Familia on Tuesday, January 9, at 7:30 pm.

*Talk On Terrorism.” On Monday, January 22, at 7:30 pm, Professor John Behling will present a program called “Threads Of Terrorism: The Israeli-Palestinian Issue.”

Dr Behling  was a covert intelligence agent during World War II as well as an intelligence analyst and foreign service diplomat for the US State Department. Most recently he has been a professor at state universities in Connecticut and New Jersey.  After the talk there will be time for audience discussion. Reservations are requested; please call the library if you plan on attending.

*What is an Aquifer? Find out about our precious resource: our town’s water supply.

On Wednesday, January 31, at 7:30 pm, there will be a slide presentation and speakers to discuss  why we need to be protecting our town’s water resources. Learn about rain gardens, how to manage runoff and erosion, help reduce pollution, take care of storm drains plus what local groups are doing and how you as an individual can get involved.

Pat Barkman, James Belden, Sarah Middeleer, and Rob Sibley will all be speaking at this very important forum, set to take place in the library’s meeting room.

*Book Nook News: ‘Tis the season to curl up by the fire with a good book. Great books at great prices are on hand at the Book Nook. Please stop by for a visit.

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