February Newsletter
Check out the news about our passport office, homework help, assistance for veterans, tax forms, the seed library—plus events coming up in February.
February 4, 2021
Passports
We’re featuring some new things this month that deserve a look. Our passport acceptance service is back in operation! You may begin contacting the library immediately for an appointment for a new passport at 860-828-7126. We regret that due to the inability to safely distance, we will not be able to provide photos at this time.
Homework Help
In partnership with the Berlin Schools, we will be offering a new database called HelpNow. HelpNow is a fabulous homework help resource, with both live tutoring and skill-building modules for K-12 students and beyond. Live tutoring is available in English and Spanish from 2pm – 11pm each day to provide assistance in core subjects, including math, science, and social studies.
Assistance for Vets
The Library will also offer VetNow to help veterans and their families identify and access benefits, transition to civilian employment, and brush up on academic skills. All VetNow navigators are veterans themselves. Live online assistance is available in English and Spanish from 2pm – 11pm each day to guide users through their eligible benefits, provide unemployment help, and assist with job searching and academic tutoring.
Tax Forms
Federal 1040s forms and instruction books have arrived! We are happy to arrange curbside pickup if you prefer not to enter the building.
Unfortunately, we’ve just gotten word that the State of Connecticut will NOT be sending their usual shipment of state tax forms to libraries this year. To request paper forms by mail, call 860-297-5962. You can also download and print forms online.
Seed Library
And finally, a friendly reminder for all you gardeners that our Seed Library is available for you to start planting some new varieties or old favorites. If you missed the recent presentation by Chris Fasciano, experienced gardener and creator of the Berlin-Peck’s Seed Library, on starting a garden from seed, you can click here to see the slides.
We are open and would love to see you but understand about COVID concerns. For that reason, we are continuing our curbside pickup service and our senior hours on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9-10 am.
Most sincerely,
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!
Book Lists
See what Berlin-Peck staff, and your fellow patrons, were reading this year with these 2020 book lists:
- Books for Black History Month
- America Today! New Social and Political Books
- New in Arts, Crafts, and Literature
- Science is Fun! New Science Books
- Food! New Cooking and Gardening Books
- New Books for Living Your Best Life
- New History Books
- Bridgerton Read-Alikes
Check out one of Berlin-Peck’s themed book lists or let us build you a personalized recommended list!
Adult Programs
Spice It Up! Cardamom
Place your hold starting Friday, January 29
Pickup starts Wednesday, February 3
Try out a new spice each month! February’s kit includes cardamom pods, a Coffee & Cardamom Truffle recipe, and information sheets on the spice. Supplies are limited, so place your hold today.
Take & Make Paper Orbs
Place your hold starting Friday, January 29
Pickup starts Thursday, February 11
Learn how to create fun paper orbs with simple cardstock. Supplies are limited; place your hold today!
Basics of Breathing
Wednesday, February 3, 6:30 pm
Breathing is an important tool that fuels every system in your body. In this workshop we’ll go over a number of breathing exercises to help you feel stretched and revitalized. What you’ll need: Comfortable clothes, a pillow, a mat or soft surface.
Book Tasting
Saturday, February 6, 1:00 pm
Grab a snack and a drink and join us online as we highlight the most anticipated books of 2021. You will leave with a long list to add to your TBR (To Be Read) pile.
Pain Relief for Neck and Shoulders
Tuesday, February 9, 6:30 pm
Most neck and shoulder tension and discomfort come from the way we hold our bodies most of the day. There are ways to counteract this misalignment in a few minutes a day. Join local yoga instructor Liz Hall to learn how to get pain free with simple proven techniques.
Presidents Day
Monday, February 15
The library will be closed. See you Tuesday!
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
Monday, February 15, 1:00 pm
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.
Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Beneficials
Thursday, February 18, 6:30 pm
Naturalist and landscaper John Root will discuss pollinators and other beneficial organisms in our ecosystem and provide guidance on meeting their needs for food, cover, and water. Sponsored by the Berlin Land Trust.
Saturday Book Club
Saturday, February 20, 10:30 am
Join us for a virtual discussion of the book The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer. Contact the library to reserve a copy of this book.
Your Spending and Savings Plan
Wednesday, February 24, 6:30 pm
Join Liberty Bank’s Rosa Carrero as she discusses how to use a monthly spending and savings plan as a guide to prioritize expenses.
Children’s Programs
Take the Library to Your Child Week
Monday, February 1 — Monday, February 8
Celebrate reading all week long! Check out children’s books in person or via Curbside Pickup and earn a very cool Brag Stick, Cable Ring, and sticker (while supplies last). Participate in the Guess How Many Marbles in the Jar Contest for a chance to win a gift basket of goodies.
Check our website and the Children’s Facebook Page for further details and photos!
Beginner Chess with Nolan DeMott
Wednesday, February 10, 4:15 pm
Learn the basics of chess as well as fundamental chess principles. This one-time session will teach you what you need to know to start playing chess. Best suited for elementary-aged children as and slightly older students interested in chess.
To borrow a chessboard, call 860-828-7127 or email kids.bpml@gmail.com.
Dinosaur Storytime (Grades K-2)
Wednesday, February 17, 4:15 pm
Join us for an exciting virtual live storytime and activity about dinosaurs! Supplies for the activity (and a list of common household items you will need) will be available to pick up at the library as a grab and go kit starting Thursday, February 11th.
NEW Quick Picks Premade Bundles
Bored kids? Not quite sure what books or movies to get? The Children’s Department has got you covered! Quick Pick Bundles are librarian-selected items with a common theme. Each bundle includes 4-6 books or 3 DVDs (when available) on a single subject. Choose from Space, Adventure, Gross Stuff, Pirates, Dinosaurs, Monsters, Unicorns, and more (while supplies last). Stop by the library or call us at (860) 828-7127 to schedule a Curbside Pickup.
NEW Playaway Launchpads
NEW Playaway Launchpads are here! These popular learning tablets feature high quality, ad-free learning apps, and games that are both fun and educational for kids through fifth grade.
Brand-new titles include Game Run! (Grades 3-5): This is fun at a faster pace! These just-for-fun games including Candy Sudoku, Ninja Blitz, and Candy Bash are a great way for kids to unwind, relieve stress, challenge their skills, and play against their high scores.
More titles are available! Call us at (860) 828-7127 to request Curbside Pickup. Launchpads check out for 3 weeks.
HelpNow
In partnership with the Berlin Schools, we will be offering a new database called HelpNow. HelpNow is a fabulous homework help resource, with both live tutoring and skill-building modules for K-12 students and beyond. Live tutoring is available in English and Spanish from 2pm – 11pm each day to provide assistance in core subjects, including math, science, and social studies.
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.
Sock Penguin (Grades K-5)
Sock Penguin (Grades K-5)Registration begins February 1
Pickup February 8-10
Make an adorable penguin out of socks!
Valentine’s Day (Ages 2+)
Valentine’s Day (Ages 2+)Registration begins February 1
Pickup February 8-10
Love is in the air! Create a unique Heart Yarn Card (adult supervision may be required) and an adorable heart-shaped animal Valentine.
STEAM Butterfly Experiment (For Ages 2-5)
STEAM Butterfly Experiment (For Ages 2-5)Registration begins February 9
Pickup February 16-18
Brighten up a wintry day and learn about static electricity with the butterfly experiment.
STEAM Q-Tip Snowflakes (For Grades K-5)
STEAM Q-Tip Snowflakes (For Grades K-5)Registration begins February 16
Pickup February 22-24
Make your own snowflakes out of Q-tips.
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
HelpNow
In partnership with the Berlin Schools, we will be offering a new database called HelpNow. HelpNow is a fabulous homework help resource, with both live tutoring and skill-building modules for K-12 students and beyond. Live tutoring is available in English and Spanish from 2pm – 11pm each day to provide assistance in core subjects, including math, science, and social studies.
Beginner Chess with Nolan DeMott
Wednesday, February 10, 4:15 pm
Learn the basics of chess as well as fundamental chess principles. This one-time session will teach you what you need to know to start playing chess. Best suited for elementary-aged children and slightly older students interested in chess.
To borrow a chessboard, call 860-828-7127 or email kids.bpml@gmail.com.
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.
Valentine’s Day (Ages 2+)
Registration begins February 1
Pickup February 8-10
Love is in the air! Create a unique Heart Yarn Card (adult supervision may be required) and an adorable heart-shaped animal Valentine.
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 Teen Book Reviews webpage!