*Summer Hours: The library will be closed on Sundays through September 3.

*37th Annual Book Sale hosted by Friends of the C.H. Booth Library will be July 14–18 at Reed Intermediate School, 3 Trades Lane. For a full listing of hours and daily specials, visit www.boothbooksale.org.

*Signups for all programs are online at www.chboothlibrary.org unless noted.

Children’s Programs

*Reading Buddies: Independent readers can practice reading aloud with a young adult buddy for 20-minute sessions Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5 to 7:30 pm and Saturday from 1 to 4:30 pm.

*PJ Time: From July 17 to August 14, between 6:30 and 7:45 pm, drop in for songs, stories, a puppet show and merriment for ages 3–7. PJs are encouraged.

*Teachers from the EverWonder Children’s Museum committee will conduct four hands-on science workshops for children ages 4–6. Explore the topic of Color and Light on Tuesdays, July 17 and 24, at 3:30 pm. Air and Flying is the topic for Tuesdays, July 31 and August 7, at 3:30 pm. A $5 material fee is due on the day of the program. Proceeds to benefit the EverWonder Museum fund.

*Renowned children’s book author and illustrator and longtime Newtown resident Bruce Degen will share his new book, I Gotta Draw, on July 18 at 3:30 pm, geared for children ages 5 and up. Mr Degen has written or illustrated books which include Jamberry and the Magic School Bus series.

*On Friday, July 20, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, nationally known story-performer Chris Fascione will act out children’s colorful characters in literature and folktales with his unique combination of storytelling, mime, juggling, and comedy. The program is for children ages 4 and up.

*Cooking with Parul Patel: Learn how to make delicious Indian food with Chef Patel on Saturday, July 21, 11:30 to 1 pm. This cooking class is geared for children ages 8 and up when accompanied with an adult helper. Learn to make a simple tasty meal in a few easy steps. The meal will include a drink, salad, bean curry, basmati rice, and warm dessert; $35 per pair (1 adult and 1 child), $10 for each additional child.

*Robert the Guitar Guy will sing and entertain on July 26 between 10 and 10:30 am. Robert Markowitz is a children’s singer, guitarist, songwriter, educator, and recording artist. His repertoire includes more than 75 children’s songs. The program is for ages 3–5.

*Critter Caravan: Meet small mammals and reptiles up close and personal in this traveling animal exhibit, Friday, July 27, at 3:30 pm, for ages 3 and up.

*Basic Origami with young adult Matthew Tassiello will share his love of origami in a workshop on Monday, July 30, at 3:30 pm, for ages 5-8.

YA Programs

*Knit & Crochet Club For Teens in rising grades 6–12 will meet on Mondays, July 16 and 23, 4 to 5:30 pm. Come to one or come to all. Longtime instructor Maggie Flynn will work with you to complete a simple project. She teaches knitting and single, double and triple crochet. All ability levels are welcome. There is a one-time materials fee of $8.

*Henna Body Art Workshop for young adults entering grades 6–12 will be available on Wednesday, July 25, 5:30–7:30 pm. Newtown resident Parul Patel will demonstrate the art of Mehndi all-natural henna temporary tattoos. Practice using templates and natural henna cones to make simple traditional designs. Each participant will receive a small tattoo on their hand from Parul. There is a materials fee of $5, payable at the program.

*An “Altered Books” craft program for rising grades 5–12 will be held on Tuesday, July 24, 1–2:30 pm. Katie Stevenson leads this workshop to transform an old book into a personalized work of art. Bring an old book to cut up and decorate, or use one of ours. Limited to 12. Supply fee $6, payable at program.

*On Monday, July 30, from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, create your Zombie alter-ego with Caroline Wilcox, professional theatrical makeup artist. Young people in rising grades 6–12 will transform into zombies right before your eyes. Everyone gets some hands-on practice creating burns, wounds, scabs, bruises and more. This is seriously gross stuff! Limited to 12 participants.

 

Adult and Family Programs

 *The Incredible Edible Book Contest is back! Create a book for the contest or just come for the show on Saturday, July 28, at 11 am. Check the website for more details and to register. This contest is for all ages. Entries must be book related, edible, and family friendly.

*Live music and called dances with Patricia Campbell and The Reel Thing on Friday, July 20, from 6 to 8 pm. This is for couples, singles and fun seekers of all ages. There will also be a cookie “throw down” so come with your favorite homemade cookie. Door prizes and the Best Cookie Award. Space is limited.

Programs For Adults

*Good Reads for Hot Days: This lecture series on Hemingway’s Short Stories with Julie Stern, a retired English and philosophy teacher from Western Connecticut State University, is on Wednesday, July 21, at 7:30 pm in the Antiques Room.

C.H. Booth Library is at 25 Main Street. Call 203-426-4533 or visit CHBoothLibrary.org for full details on or to register for the above programs as well as others that are being offered.