February Newsletter

Winter holidays and events—plus tax season information and our new Lucky Day collection!

February 1, 2022

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From the Library Director

Hello!

You are receiving this letter on the first day of February which coincides with the Lunar New Year, celebrated by people all over the world. Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day follow. It’s Black History month, National Library Month, and American Heart Month among other observances. In the library world we devote an entire week to Take Your Child to the Library January 31 – February 5. What a gift to have a month of celebration in the middle of winter! We are celebrating with programming and take & make kits inspired by these winter holidays.

February also ushers in tax season. We are delighted to welcome AARP Tax Aide back this year! While doing taxes may not be considered cause for celebration, having Tax Aide to assist our community certainly is. See below for more information and registration. Federal Tax forms are available at the library, but Connecticut state forms are not. You can file CT state income tax online, pick up CT State forms from their office in Hartford, or you can come to the library, and we will print one copy for you free of charge.

Just in time for winter reading we have launched our Lucky Day collection! This collection of bestsellers (with long waitlists) will allow extra copies of popular books to be available to our community. Here is how it works: If you come into the library and you see that book you’ve been waiting for on our Lucky Day table it’s your lucky day—the book is yours to check out! Books are available for 3 weeks, no holds and no renewals!

Thank you for allowing us to serve you in so many ways. We always welcome your thoughts and suggestions. Send us an email at library@berlinpeck.org or feel free to stop by. My door is always open.

Warmly,
Kim McNally

 

Library Closings

Closed for Presidents Day on Monday, February 21

 

Please Wear a Mask

Masks are required for all unvaccinated individuals inside the library; required for all individuals in the Children’s Department, regardless of vaccination status; and strongly suggested for everyone throughout the entire library.

 

 

AARP Tax Aide

AARP Tax-Aide provides free tax prep for low and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to seniors. AARP will provide a packet that must be filled out at home, prior to your appointment.

Appointments are REQUIRED and they fill up FAST. The Library and Senior Center will start taking appointments on January 3. Tax Aide appointments will be held February through April.

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library (860-828-7126)
Tuesdays, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Berlin Senior Citizens Center (860-828-7006)
Thursdays, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

 

Events

Check out the Events Page to see upcoming events!

Get Yeti to Read Winter Reading Challenge!

Monday, January 10 – Friday, February 11

Read to help the Yeti find his favorite book!

FULL Grab & Go Kit: Lunar New Year Dragon Twirler

Monday, January 31 – Saturday, February 5
FULL

Celebrate Lunar New Year!

Drop-In Activity: My Favorite Book

Tuesday, February 1 – Monday, February 28
No Registration Required. *While Supplies Last

Do you LOVE Books?

Drop-in Activity: Valentine Studio!

Tuesday, February 1 – Monday, February 14
No Registration Required. *While supplies last

Create a Valentine for someone you love!

First Line Literary Contest

Tuesday, February 1 – Thursday, February 24

Berlin-Peck invites you to compose your best original opening line to an imaginary novel! Entries must be submitted before February 24.

The First Ladies of the United States with Mariann Millard

Tuesday, February 1, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

This President’s Day, join us to learn about the WOMEN who stood beside our famous presidents.

Sit & Knit

Thursday, February 3, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Join us for knitting and good company—six feet apart, of course.

FULL Grab & Go Kit: Lots of Love!

Monday, February 7 – Friday, February 11
FULL

More Crafts, More Love!

FULL Grab & Go Kit: Valentine’s Day Cottage

Monday, February 7 – Friday, February 11
FULL

Create a house made with love!

Author Talk: Matthew Dicks

Monday, February 7, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Join local author Mathew Dicks for a fun and engaging night.

Spice It Up! Tarragon

Wednesday, February 9

Try a sample of tarragon!

10 Minutes to Save the Planet

Wednesday, February 9, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

How can we reduce global temperature and impacts from climate change?

Take & Make: Mini Clay Pot Snowman

Thursday, February 10

Create a winter snowman who won’t melt when the sun comes out.

Sit & Knit

Thursday, February 10, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Join us for knitting and good company—six feet apart, of course.

Saturday Book Club

Saturday, February 12, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Eternal by Lisa Scottoline

Join us online or in person for a discussion of Eternal by Lisa Scottoline.

Microsoft Excel Basics

Tuesday, February 15, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Learn how to create a document with Microsoft Word.

The Life of Hattie Carthan

Tuesday, February 15, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Learn about pioneering urban gardener and environmentalist Hattie Carthan!

Owls of Connecticut

Wednesday, February 16, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Who? Who? (Owls, that’s who!)

Sit & Knit

Thursday, February 17, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Join us for knitting and good company—six feet apart, of course.

It Happened Last Year in Real Estate

Thursday, February 17, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Learn about the real estate market during the pandemic, predictions for the upcoming spring season, and how you can prepare and navigate as a buyer or seller.

Drop-in Activity: Presidential Palooza!

Friday, February 18 – Friday, February 25
No Registration Required. *While Supplies Last

How much do you know about our Presidents?

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Monday, February 21, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
RSVP to Patty O’Brian: 203-859-1992

This 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.

FULL Grab & Go Kit: Story Quilt

Tuesday, February 22 – Friday, February 25
Grab & Go Kit - FULL

Discover visual storytelling through collage!

Microsoft PowerPoint Basics

Tuesday, February 22, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Learn how to create a digital presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint.

Immune Support

Tuesday, February 22, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Naturopathic physician Dr. Nicole will go over natural ways that we can boost our immune systems.

Coffee Tasting Kit #1

Wednesday, February 23 – Monday, February 28

Join us on a 3-month journey into the world of coffee!

Sit & Knit

Thursday, February 24, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Join us for knitting and good company—six feet apart, of course.

Make a Simple Website with HTML

Thursday, February 24, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Join us for a one hour crash course on basic HTML web design!

Courageous Conversations: Health Care

Saturday, February 26, 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Join us for an open, respectful conversation about Health Care. All backgrounds and viewpoints are welcome in the discussion. Each participant is asked to read this month’s article on the topic prior to the discussion.

Lilacs in Bethlehem

Monday, February 28, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Experience the Connecticut Landmarks Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden!