November Newsletter
“The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” ~Jeff Miller
November 1, 2020
Hello Friends,
“The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.”
Once again, the Kensington Garden Club will display a Veterans Tree for the month of November at the Berlin-Peck Library. Please click here to submit the name of a loved one.
Thanksgiving Holiday
No matter how you’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving this year, the staff at the Berlin-Peck Library wishes you a safe and happy holiday. This year we will be closed from 5 pm on Wednesday, November 25th through Sunday, November 29th. Regular hours will resume on Monday, November 30th.
11th Annual Gingerbread House Contest!
This year’s Gingerbread House Contest will take place online. On the bright side, this means you can eat your gingerbread creations after you finish—just make sure to take photos first! Click here to learn more.
- December 1-14: Submit your gingerbread house photos
- December 15-22: Vote for your favorites
Memory Kits
Also in December—be on the lookout for our new memory kits, Those Were the Days. Thanks to a grant from the American Savings Foundation, we will be circulating these kits for the caregivers of loved ones suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Each kit will contain caregiver handbooks, music, conversation starter cards, simple picture books and other reminders of times gone by.
During moments of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a grateful perspective is critical to sustain our positive attitude—to energize, to heal, and to bring hope. Take a moment during November to focus on the goodness in the world and in your life. As always, we appreciate your support of our services. Feel free to give us feedback and suggestions. We are still navigating our way through these extraordinary times.
Gratefully,
Helen Malinka
Library Director
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!
Voting
Are you registered to vote? Are you eligible to vote by mail? What are the deadlines?
Learn more about the upcoming General Election with this handy FAQ!
Book Lists
Did you know Berlin-Peck has themed book lists? Check out the book lists for this month!
Adult Programs
Tips for a Successful Virtual Interview
Monday, November 2, 6:30 pm
Join us to discuss ideal locations and conditions for conducting the interview, the importance of body language, technology overviews, appropriate dress codes, and strategies to build confidence.
Take & Make
Christmas Tea Trees with Origami Star
Starting Friday, November 6 — while supplies last
Create a fun gift for a tea-lover in your life or as a cute take-apart decoration and also learn how to fold an origami star. Request a kit online or call 860-828-7126.
Songbirds of the Northeast
Thursday, November 12, 6:30 pm
Learn how to recognize songbirds by their songs and calls as well as fascinating facts about their adaptations and behavior. Sponsored by Berlin Land Trust.
The Importance of LinkedIn
Monday, November 16, 6:30 pm
Learn how to create a great LinkedIn profile, manage your account, and other great ways to use LinkedIn to find a job and further your career.
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
Monday, November 16, 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.
Invasive Exotic Trees and Shrubs and Well Behaved Alternatives
Thursday, November 19, 1:00 pm
Learn about common problem plants and a diversity of well-behaved (and beloved) alternatives to integrate into our gardens. Presented Adam Wheeler, Broken Arrow Nursery in Hamden. Sponsored by Kensington Garden Club.
Saturday Book Club
Saturday, November 21, 10:30 am
Join us for a virtual discussion of the novel The Cactus by Sarah Haywood. Contact the library to reserve a copy of this book.
Children’s Programs
School-Aged Storytime (Grades K-3)
Thursday, November 19, 4:30pm
Join us for a fun virtual live storytime and activity about space! Supplies for the activity will be available to pick up at the library as a Grab & Go kit. Registration is required. Upon registration, you will be sent a link with WebEx login information. You may pick up your Grab & Go kit starting Monday, Nov. 16th at 10am in the * lobby * and anytime between 10am-7pm Monday – Thursday. Your kit will be in a bag labeled with your last name and first initial. If you prefer to pick up your kit outside, please call the library and we will bring it out to you. Questions? Call us at (860) 828-7127.
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! We’ll also provide video links to our Children’s staff performing fingerplays and songs. 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. Registration is required. Visit our EVENTS page to register for each kit and for more details. Questions? Call us at (860) 828-7127.
Cheerio Bird Feeder and Ornamental Corn (For Ages 2-5)
Registration required, begins October 26
This Grab & Go activity kit (for Ages 2-5) contains everything you will need to create a bird feeder and ornamental corn out of cheerios! Instructions and most supplies are included. This craft will require adult assistance. Registration is required. Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit in the **lobby** anytime between Monday, November 2nd and Friday, November 6th between 10am and 7pm Monday-Thursday, or 10am-4pm on Friday. Your kit will be in a bag labeled with your last name and first initial. 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 Friday, November 6th at 4pm it will be given to the next spot on the waiting list. Questions? Call us at (860) 828-7127.
Portable Tic Tac Toe Game (For Grades K-5)
Registration required, begins November 2
This Grab & Go activity kit (for Gr. K-5) contains everything you will need to make your own tic tac toe game, to play at home or on the go! Instructions and most supplies are included. Registration is required. Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit in the **lobby** anytime between Monday, November 9th and Friday, November 13th between 10am and 7pm Monday-Thursday, or 10am-4pm on Friday. Your kit will be in a bag labeled with your last name and first initial. 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 Friday, November 13th at 4pm it will be given to the next spot on the waiting list. Questions? Call us at (860) 828-7127.
Toy Parachute (For Ages 2-5)
Registration required, begins November 2
This Grab & Go activity kit (for Ages 2-5) has the materials you will need to make your own toy parachute! Instructions and most supplies are included. This craft will require some adult assistance. Registration is required. Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit in the **lobby** anytime between Monday, November 9th and Friday, November 13th between 10am and 7pm Monday-Thursday, or 10am-4pm on Friday. Your kit will be in a bag labeled with your last name and first initial. 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 Friday, November 13th at 4pm it will be given to the next spot on the waiting list. Questions? Call us at (860) 828-7127.
Thanksgiving (For Grades K-5)
Registration required, begins November 11.
This Grab & Go Activity Kit (for Grades K-5) contains everything you will need to create some arts & crafts fun at home this Thanksgiving! Instructions and most supplies are included. Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit in the **lobby** anytime between Wednesday, November 18 and Wednesday, November 25. Your kit will be in a bag labeled with your last name and first initial. If you prefer to pick up your kit outside, please call the library and we will bring it outside for curbside pickup. Questions? Call us at (860) 828-7127.
Thanksgiving (For Ages 2-5)
Registration required, begins November 11.
This Grab & Go Activity Kit (for ages 2-5) contains everything you will need to create some arts & crafts fun at home this Thanksgiving! Instructions and most supplies are included. Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit in the **lobby** anytime between Wednesday, November 18 and Wednesday, November 25. Your kit will be in a bag labeled with your last name and first initial. If you prefer to pick up your kit outside, please call the library and we will bring it outside for curbside pickup. Questions? Call us at (860) 828-7127.
Hedgehog Craft (For Grades K-5)
Registration required, begins November 23
This Grab & Go activity kit (for Gr. K-5) contains everything you will need to make an adorable hedgehog. Instructions and most supplies are included. Registration is required. Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit in the **lobby** anytime between Monday, November 30th and Friday, December 4th between 10am and 7pm Monday-Thursday, or 10am-4pm on Friday. Your kit will be in a bag labeled with your last name and first initial. 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 Friday, December 4th at 4pm it will be given to the next spot on the waiting list. Questions? Call us at (860) 828-7127.
Gingerbread Puppets (For Ages 2-5)
Registration required, begins November 23
This Grab & Go activity kit (for Ages 2-5) contains everything you will need to create a gingerbread puppet! Instructions and most supplies are included. This craft will require adult assistance. Registration is required. Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit in the **lobby** anytime between Monday, November 30th and Friday, December 4th between 10am and 7pm Monday-Thursday, or 10am-4pm on Friday. Your kit will be in a bag labeled with your last name and first initial. 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 Friday, December 4th at 4pm it will be given to the next spot on the waiting list. Questions? Call us at (860) 828-7127.
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.
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.
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.
Glass Pebble Magnets (For Tweens/Teens Gr 4+)
Registration required, begins November 9
This Grab & Go activity kit (for Gr. 4+) contains everything you will need to create one of a kind glass pebble magnets! This kit is intended for tweens and teens in grade 4 and up. Instructions and most supplies are included. Registration is required. Once you have registered, you may pick up your kit in the **lobby** anytime between Monday, November 16th and Friday, November 20th between 10am and 7pm Monday-Thursday, or 10am-4pm on Friday. Your kit will be in a bag labeled with your last name and first initial. 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 Friday, November 20th at 4pm it will be given to the next spot on the waiting list. Questions? Call us at (860) 828-7127.
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 Submit a Book Review 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 webpage!