December Newsletter
Get creative this winter with our 11th Annual Gingerbread House Contest! Plus some great library resources to help you learn, create, and have fun.
December 1, 2020
11th Annual Gingerbread House Contest
Get creative this winter! Build something awesome with gingerbread (and gumdrops! and icing!) The Gingerbread House Contest is taking place online this year, and we’ll be accepting photos December 1 through 14. Submit your photos here.
On the bright side, this means you can eat your gingerbread creations after you finish—just make sure to take photos first!
Winter is Coming!
With winter fast approaching, we wanted to remind you of some library resources to help you learn, create, and have fun.
Our Library of Things has some cool items that you can take home:
- Borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot for 2 weeks of free, portable wireless internet.
- Take home a puzzle from the puzzle exchange (no due dates!)
- Happy lights may help improve your mood during the darker days of winter.
- Personalize nearly anything with an engraver pen.
- Use the light pad to trace photos, improve your calligraphy, and more.
And of course, your library card gives you access to tons of great online resources like AtoZ World Food, Creativebug, Chilton Auto Repair, Mango Languages, and JobNow.
At a Glance
- Lobby hours are weekdays 10am–8pm, 5pm on Fridays.
- Services include 20-minute express computer, print, copy, restrooms.
- 1-hour computers and 2-hour study rooms available by appointment.
- Senior hours are Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am–10am.
- Lobby access and browsing for those over 65.
- Book drop hours will be weekdays 7am–9pm, 6pm on Fridays.
- Curbside pickup is still encouraged!
Book Lists
Did you know Berlin-Peck has themed book lists? Check out the book lists for this month, or let us build you a personalized recommended list!
Adult Programs
Cut the Cord!
Thursday, December 3, 6:30 pm
Instead of overpaying for a massive selection of channels you never watch, discover how easy it is to watch what you want using your existing internet connection.
Take & Make
Origami Gift Card Holders
Starting Thursday, December 3
While supplies last
Are you giving gift cards this holiday season? Give your gift a thoughtful touch by delivering it in this origami holder complete with matching ribbon. Request a kit online or call 860-828-7126.
Online Job Search and Resume Submittal
Monday, December 7, 6:30 pm
Join us to learn about online search strategies like job alerts, job boards, job aggregators, and company employment pages—and how to use these web sites for submitting your resume.
Saturday Book Club
Saturday, December 19, 10:30 am
Join us for a virtual discussion of the book From Scratch by Tembi Locke. Contact the library to reserve a copy of this book.
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
Monday, December 21, 1:00 pm
This new group meets monthly as a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia. Join us to share practical information, feelings, needs and concerns. Sponsored and hosted by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Association.
RSVP to Patty O’Brian by calling 203-859-1992.
Children’s Programs
Food Explorers: Chocolate-Peppermint Pop-Tarts
Tuesday, December 29, 6:00 pm
Join Katie, Registered Dietitian from Food Explorers to make homemade Chocolate Peppermint Pop-Tarts! You’ll learn how to make pastry dough from scratch, a chocolate fudge filling, and a delicious glaze to drizzle on top with crushed candy canes. This event is family-friendly (for families with children in grades 2 and up) and will take place over Zoom!
Noon Year’s Eve Countdown
Thursday, December 31, 11:45 am
All ages family program. Berlin-Peck Memorial Library’s Noon Year’s Eve tradition continues—online! Join us for a fun countdown to Noon Year’s Eve! As a bonus, register to pick up a Happy New Year Grab & Go Kit and use the supplies to make some noise when the noon hour rolls in.
Registration is required and begins on December 21. Upon registration, you will be sent a link with WebEx login information.
Storytime 2 Go Book Bundles!
We’ve introduced themed Storytime 2 Go Book Bundles so you don’t have to miss out on storytime fun! Each Bundle will include an adorable Mo Willems Pigeon Book Bag (for reuse); a Mo Willems bookmark; 5-7 books; literacy activities (including fingerplays, games, and songs); video links to our Children’s staff performing fingerplays and songs, and more! Some Bundles will even include supplies and instructions for a simple activity or craft.
Storytime 2 Go Book Bundles can be scheduled for pick-up via our Curbside Pickup Service by filling out the Storytime 2 Go Book Bundle form on our website or by calling the Children’s department at (860) 828-7127.
Book Bundles
Kids need books, and we’ve made it easy for you to get them! Simply fill out one of the forms on our website, and the Children’s department staff will choose up to 10 books (depending on the category) for your child. When your books are ready, you’ll be called to schedule a pick-up time via our Curbside Service!
Grab & Go Activity Kits
Each kit comes with supplies and instructions and is available for Curbside Pick-Up. Visit our EVENTS page to register for each kit and for more details. Registration is required.
Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit at the Children’s Desk during the pickup dates. If you prefer to pick up your kit outside, please call the library, and we will bring it out to you. If you do not pick up your kit by the last pickup date, it will be given to the next spot on the waiting list.
Questions? Call us at (860) 828-7127.
Happy New Year! (All Ages Family Kit)
Registration required, begins December 14
Pickup December 21-29
Everything you need to have a rockin’ New Year’s Eve (or Noon Year’s Eve), including DIY party hats and noisemakers! Supplies are limited. For even more fun with your kit, register for our (virtual) !
Shimmering Snowflakes (Grades K-5)
Registration required, begins December 21
Pickup December 28-30
Cut and fold your own unique snowflakes and decorate them with sequins! Scratch off other snowflakes to reveal a rainbow of colors. These will make great winter decorations! Instructions and most supplies are included.
Hot Cocoa Thumbprint Craft (Ages 2-5)
Registration required, begins December 21
Pickup December 28-30
Make your own hot cocoa complete with marshmallow pompoms and add your own thumbprints to make it your own! Instructions and most supplies are included.
Accordion Snowman Craft (Grades K-5)
Registration required, begins December 21
Pickup December 28-30
Spruce up your home with an adorable dangling snowman! Instructions and most supplies are included.
Booklists for Kids!
Are you looking for something to read but don’t know where to start? Check out our booklists! There’s something for every grade and interest, and more are being added all the time.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program is available via Curbside Delivery! 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is an ongoing library program that encourages all families and caregivers to read at least 1,000 books (any book) to their infant, toddler and/or preschooler before entering kindergarten. Find out more at https://berlinpeck.org/children/1000bbk/ or call us at (860) 828-7127.
Teen Programs
Book Bundles for Teens
Don’t know what to read next, or looking for a new author or series to try? Request a Book Bundle for Teens today! Fill out a quick form, and one of our librarians will choose 5 books selected just for you. We’ll put those books together in a bag (along with a bookmark) and then we’ll contact you to schedule a pickup. If you have specific titles you would like put on hold, please use our Curbside Pickup service. Visit https://berlinpeck.org/teens/book-bundles/ to get started!
Grab & Go Kits
Each kit comes with supplies and instructions and is available for Curbside Pick-Up. Registration is required. Visit our EVENTS page to register for each kit and for more details. Questions? Call us at (860) 828-7127.
DIY Ornaments (For Tweens/Teens Gr. 4+)
Registration begins December 7
Pickup December 14-16
Contains a variety of materials you will need to make your own glass ornament! This kit is intended for tweens and teens in grades 4 and up. Instructions and most supplies are included.
Teen Book Reviews Online
Are you in grades 6-12? Have you read a book you loved (or just liked) and want to tell others about it? Share it with us and we’ll post it on our website! It’s a great way to learn about the great books others are reading and share titles you really love! Visit the page and fill out a quick form to submit your book review (note that reviews are moderated). If approved, your review will be added to our Teen Book Reviews webpage!