Children’s Programs

*Spring Craft Program: Marie Walker will conduct a spring craft workshop on Saturday, April 12, from 1 to 2:30 pm, for children ages 6 and older. A $2 material fee is due upon registration. The sign up sheet will be located in the children’s department. No phone registrations, please.

*Tea With Felicity: Witness a dramatization of the American Girl play Tea With Felicity on Thursday, April 24, at 7 pm. The production will repeat on Saturday, April 26, at 4 pm. Following the play, the audience will be invited to participate in a mock town meeting to discuss the “issues of the day.” Does England have the right to tax colonists in America? What does it mean to be an Englishman living in America? Who would you be loyal to and how would you defend your position to the opposing point of view? We invite any and all opinions to be heard at our meeting.

NewtownREADS Programs

*Mimi Fast to Visit the Library: On Friday, April 11, at 7:30 pm, Mimi Fast will introduce a video presentation featuring her late husband, Howard Fast, speaking on his novel April Morning. The screening will be followed by a question and answer period.

*Take a Hike: Dust off those hiking boots, spring is finally here and so it’s time to step outside and visit Putnam Park with Dan Cruson on Saturday, April 12, at 1 pm. Mr Cruson, our town historian, will take us on a tour of a what was once a winter encampment for colonial soldiers during the Revolutionary War. The hike is about one mile long and the terrain is very gentle. Please meet at the parking lot of Putnam Park. Call the library if you need directions.

*You’ve Read the Book, Now Let’s Talk About It! Discussions are taking place at the library during the month of April on what else, April Morning. Bring a friend or neighbor and join some other Newtowners in some good conversation. Whether you loved the book or not we want to hear what you think. Discussion leaders have done their homework and are ready with some great background material and good discussion questions that have no right answer.

Upcoming discussions are planned for Monday, April 21, at noon, at the library, with Cecilia Dalzell and Cheryl Wicks leading the talk; Monday, April 21, at noon, at Edmond Town Hall, with First Selectman Herb Rosenthal (for town employees); Monday, April 21, at 7:30 pm, at Newtown Congregational Church House, 41-A Main Street, with Gordon Williams; Wednesday, April 23, at 7:30 pm, at the library, with Elizabeth Adam and Janice Fields; and Thursday, April 24, at 7:30 pm, by Gordon Williams at his home (directions with reservations).

Call the library to sign up for any of the discussions. Large groups are welcome. Trained volunteers would be happy to lead discussions for existing book groups, bowling leagues, you name it!

*The British are Coming (Back) to Newtown: Step back in time and celebrate Tavern Night at the library on Friday, April 25, from 7 to 10 pm, with British and Colonial re-enactors. Two floors of the library will be full of a variety of exciting activities including singing, dancing, and games for the family (activities are best for children over age 8). Get into the spirit of the evening and come dressed in costume. If you’re able to bake a dessert for the evening or have questions please call the library.

*Re-enactment at Fairfield Hills: On Saturday, April 26, beginning at 9:30 am, the British re-enactment group Delancey Brigade will be joined by some of their “Colonial” on the meadow just east of the soccer fields for an encampment at Fairfield Hills. Open hearth cooking, 18th Century medicine demonstrations, a Calvary exhibition, and a variety of craftsmen will be on hand. Please stop by during your busy Saturday routine to see what is going on. A more detailed schedule of events will appear in next week’s Newtown Bee.

Adult Programs

*Free Tax Help: Just one Saturday left before tax day! Stop by the library’s Genealogy Room for free tax help any time between 10 am and 1:30 pm in the Genealogy Room. No appointment is necessary.

*Book Clubs at the Library: On Monday, April 14, at 1 pm, the Daytime Book Group will discuss Emma by Jane Austen; on Tuesday, April 15, at 7 pm, the Mystery Book Group will talk about April Morning by Howard Fast (this is a change from the originally scheduled book); and on Thursday, April 24, at 7:30 pm, the evening group will discussion A Dive from Clausen’s Pier by Ann Packer (which is also a change in the schedule). All book groups are open to the public and new members are always welcome.

*Intermediate Computer Class: On Saturday, April 26, from 9 am to noon, Dan Tannenbaum will be conducting an intermediate computer class focusing on advanced topics such as email, sending attachments, and receiving attachments. There is a $10 fee for this class and registration is required by calling the library.

*Job Search Strategies: Janice Weinberg of Career Solutions will be at the library on Monday, April 28, at 7 pm, to talk about “Innovative Job Search Strategies.” She is the author of How to Win the Job You Really Want. The program is free and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by calling the library.

*Free Blood Pressure Screening: Ashlar sponsors a free blood pressure screening in the genealogy room on the last Wednesday of every month, so this month’s screening will take place on Wednesday, April 30, from 10 am to noon.

Call the library at 426-4533 to register for any of its programs or for additional information. The library’s winter hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm, Friday from noon to 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm.