March Newsletter
Updates on the Friends book sale, our new FamilySearch affiliation, library cards for Berlin businesses, board games, teen take out boxes, and the new teen section!
March 1, 2021
From the Library Director
When I was writing last year’s March newsletter, the pandemic wasn’t even on my radar. By the middle of that month, when the Library had to shut down, I never thought that in a year we would still be battling the effects of COVID and that 500,000 loved ones would be lost.
While the Library has gradually reopened close to normalcy, I know there are still some of you that are keeping your distance. I would remind you that curbside pickup is still available weekdays; senior hours continue from 9am-10am on Wednesday and Friday mornings; and our homebound delivery serves those who are ill, of an advanced age, or disabled. To take advantage of our services, please call 860-828-7125 or 860-828-7126.
Book Sale
And now for some good news. The Friends of the Library have informed us that they will be reopening their Book Sale on the bottom level of the Library/Community Center building, beginning Wednesday, March 3, from 9:30-Noon. The Sale will be available every Wednesday morning and the elevator will be operating. They will also start accepting donations again at that time. Please support them as the Friends fund many of the Library programs that you enjoy.
Genealogy Buffs!
I am pleased to tell you that we are now a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. This will allow library patrons to access typically restricted records from FamilySearch International, the largest genealogical organization in the world. These special records do need to be accessed on a library computer.
Check out the Genealogy Basics: FamilySearch program on Monday, March 15 where FamilySearch will be discussed in detail.
Berlin Business Library Card
Are you a local business owner? You are eligible for a Business Library Card, with access to the library’s online services, databases, and downloadables. (Physical items like books and DVDs cannot be borrowed with a business library card.) Just appoint a contact person and come in with proof of your business’s address and we’ll be happy to issue you a card.
Spring is on the way! Hope to see you soon!
All the best,
Helen Malinka
Library Director
At a Glance
- Library hours are weekdays 10am–8pm, 5pm on Fridays.
- Senior hours are Wednesdays and Fridays, 9am–10am.
- Book drop hours will be weekdays 7am–9pm, 6pm on Fridays.
- Curbside pickup is still available!
Book Lists
Check out one of Berlin-Peck’s themed book lists or let us build you a recommended list!
Events
Check out the Events Page to see upcoming events!
What’s New
Game On! Board Games to Check Out
Bored? Check out a board game! You can now borrow board games from the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library! We currently own 78 different games for all ages (including preschoolers, elementary school students, tweens, teens, and family games), and they can be checked out for 3 weeks. They must be picked up and returned at the Berlin-Peck Library, and they won’t be sent to other libraries. You can also request one for Curbside Pickup!
Check Out Our New Teen Section!
Our Teen section has moved! We’re excited to announce that it’s now located in its own area where the adult paperbacks and large print books used to be. The shelves where each genre are located are color-coded to make it easy to find the books you’re looking for. We’ve even added two more genres: SciFi and Horror. In addition, board games are now available for checkout! We’re still working on transforming this space into a welcoming oasis for students in grades 6 and up, and we hope you can check it out in person and let us know what you think.
Teen Take Out Boxes
Love the idea of a book subscription box but don’t want to spend the cash? Teen Take Out Boxes to the rescue! Each monthly box will include a YA library book in your choice of genre, a snack, a craft, and bookmarks, buttons, stickers or other goodies. You keep the goodies and return the box and book. Sign-up for the March box begins March 15 at 3 PM and will close on March 29 (or when all slots are full). More information and a sign-up form will be available soon in the Teen section of our website! Note: this service is for students in grades 6-12.