December Newsletter

Hands down, the best thing about the library this year is you, our patrons.

December 1, 2022

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    From the Library Director

    Hello,

    It’s December and that means one thing: gift-giving season is upon us. No matter how or what you celebrate, it’s hard to escape the commercialization of the month. You might also be thinking: Did I read all the books I wanted to? Did I meet my goals? Did I make good memories, or most importantly, what was the best thing about 2022? I can say, hands down, the best thing about the library this year is you, our patrons. Our fiscal year runs separate from our calendar year but encompasses twelve months. During our last fiscal year (reported last month), I’m happy to report that we saw 64,557 patron visits, answered 15,652 questions for you and checked out more than 188,000 items for you. Thank you for using your local library. You are the reason we are here.

    In the spirit of giving (and lending), the library offers you more than 92,000 items and counting. This month we’re adding free prints to the list! Beginning Thursday, December 1, every patron will receive 10 black and white prints each day. We hope this makes your library experience that much easier. We’re also hosting a Holiday Décor Swap on December 3. All holiday décor is accepted if it’s in good condition. That means you can participate no matter what holiday(s) you choose to celebrate.

    And finally, a big thank you to the Kensington Garden Club. Did you know that they provide our beautiful flower display each month? It’s a gift that our entire community can enjoy and it’s here every month at the library! They also decorate our Veterans Tree which has now transformed into a Winter Wonderland tree, and it is lovely. If you haven’t seen it yet we invite you to come by and while you’re here, pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read, a cake pan for your special holiday dessert, or sign up for that program you want to attend. Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season. We hope to see you soon at the library!

    Warmly,
    Kim McNally
    Library Director

     

    2022 Winter Holiday Books
    The Art of Cozy

     

    Closed for Christmas

    Friday, December 23 – Monday, December 26

    The Library will close for the Christmas weekend, Friday through Monday. We will re-open on Tuesday.

     

    Events

    Check out the Events Page to see upcoming events!

    Cozy Crafts

    Thursday, December 1 – Saturday, December 31

    All Month Long!

    Sit & Knit

    Thursday, December 1, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

    Join us for knitting and good company.

    Mother Goose on the Loose

    Friday, December 2, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

    Songs, stories and more!

    Holiday Décor Swap Drop-Off

    Friday, December 2, 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm

    Give some of your holiday décor a new home—and earn an early bird ticket for the Holiday Décor Swap!

    Holiday Décor Swap

    Saturday, December 3, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

    Spruce up your holiday décor without spending any money—or give some of your own décor a new home!

    A Night of Hygge

    Monday, December 5, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

    Learn how to create a warm, cozy atmosphere, enjoy a hot chocolate and treats, make a giant paper snowflake, and a candle to bring home. Feel free to wear your comfiest of clothes!

    Wiggles & Giggles Storytime

    Tuesday, December 6, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

    Rhymes, songs, bounces & more!

    Books & Bites: Nutmeg Book Club

    Tuesday, December 6, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

    Why would one person own 217 cats?

    Little Waddlers Storytime

    Wednesday, December 7, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

    Songs, stories and more!

    Sit & Knit

    Thursday, December 8, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

    Join us for knitting and good company.

    Make & Take: Shampoo Bars and Homemade Soap

    Thursday, December 8, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

    Make a simple shampoo bar and a Lemon Poppy Seed Soap using all natural ingredients.

    Mother Goose on the Loose

    Friday, December 9, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

    Songs, stories and more!

    Movie Matinee: Love the Coopers

    Friday, December 9, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

    Join us for an afternoon movie!

    13th Annual Gingerbread House Contest

    Saturday, December 10 – Thursday, December 29

    Celebrate the season with delicious decorations!

    Owls of Connecticut

    Monday, December 12, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

    Learn more about local owls, their habits and habitats, and how to watch them.

    Wiggles & Giggles Storytime

    Tuesday, December 13, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

    Rhymes, songs, bounces & more!

    Local Author F.R. Rivers

    Tuesday, December 13, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

    Join us for a book launch with local Berlin author F.R. Rivers.

    Spice It Up! Anise

    Wednesday, December 14

    Anise is one of the oldest known spice plants. It smells and tastes like star anise, fennel, licorice, and tarragon.

    Little Waddlers Storytime

    Wednesday, December 14, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

    Songs, stories and more!

    Senior Center Book Club

    Wednesday, December 14, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm

    Join us at the Berlin Senior Center for a discussion of Love and Saffron by Kim Fay.

    POSTPONED: Snow Much Science!

    Wednesday, December 14, 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm

    A Flurry of Fun!

    Library Littles Playgroup

    Thursday, December 15, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

    Ready, Set, Play!

    Coffee With A Cop

    Thursday, December 15, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

    Join us for coffee, snacks, and conversation with officers from the Berlin Police Department.

    Drop-In: Games Unplugged!

    Thursday, December 15, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

    Learn a new game or master an old one!

    Sit & Knit

    Thursday, December 15, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

    Join us for knitting and good company.

    Mother Goose on the Loose

    Friday, December 16, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

    Songs, stories and more!

    Movie Matinee: The Family Stone

    Friday, December 16, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

    Join us for an afternoon movie!

    Saturday Book Club

    Saturday, December 17, 10:30 am to 11:30 am

    Join us for a discussion of Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan.

    Dementia Caregiver Support Group

    Monday, December 19, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

    Join us ONLINE or IN PERSON to share practical information, feelings, needs and concerns. This group meets monthly as a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia.

    Sit & Knit

    Thursday, December 22, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

    Join us for knitting and good company.

    Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?: Winter Reading Challenge!

    Tuesday, December 27 – Saturday, January 21

    Cozy up with a good book!

    FULL Snowy Pottery Painting!

    Tuesday, December 27, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

    A snowman that will never melt!

    FULL Simply Enchanted Presents: The Snow Sisters!

    Wednesday, December 28, 10:30 am to 11:30 am

    Calling all Frozen Fans!

    Sit & Knit

    Thursday, December 29, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

    Join us for knitting and good company.

    FULL Noon Year’s Eve!

    Friday, December 30, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

    Help Us Ring in the New Year!