January Newsletter
Top checkouts of 2021, courageous conversations, AARP Tax Aide, and more!
January 1, 2022
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From the Library Director
Happy New Year!
Turning the calendar to January 1 always brings me joy. There’s just something about a clean slate, a blank calendar, and 12 months full of possibility! I immediately jump to a new page in my reading log with a goal of one book a week, but not before I check our list of top checkouts from 2021. We’ve crunched the numbers for a list of the top checkouts in fiction, genre fiction, non-fiction, and biography. I only read two books from our list last year: The Four Winds and The Midnight Library, both of which I loved and I see a few more to add to my list in 2022! Check out our Top Checkouts of 2021 for additional titles.
This year, we are bringing you something new: Courageous Conversations. Starting this month, the library is offering a discussion series for people of all backgrounds and viewpoints to discuss important local, cultural, social, and political issues in a safe environment. We are kicking off the series with a discussion on two books aimed at helping us understand how to have conversations. (You can choose to read either book.) Library staff will facilitate conversations and ensure that all participants can share in the discussion. For more information visit the Courageous Conversations page.
And we are bringing back an old favorite: AARP Tax Aide! We’re happy to announce that AARP Tax Aide will return to the Library and Senior Center this year. Tax Help begins in February, but we will start scheduling appointments on January 3. Appointments are REQUIRED and fill up FAST! For other ways to file your taxes FREE, check out our tax prep page.
To keep our community safe, we will continue to offer curbside pick-up and online programming this winter. See our list of adult programs below—we have lots to offer this winter! If you’d like a book recommendation let us know in our online form and our librarians will select some titles for you. We’re here to help however we can.
Stay safe out there!
Warmly,
Kim McNally
Library Closings
Closed for New Year’s Day on Saturday, January 1
Closing early for a staff event on Friday, January 7 at 4:00 pm.
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!
Tuesday, January 4, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Learn how to create a journaling experience that is just right for YOU!
Thursday, January 6
Create a sweet, woodland friend out of a pinecone and some simple supplies.
Thursday, January 6, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Join us for knitting and good company—six feet apart, of course.
Monday, January 10 – Monday, January 31
Start your own fig tree from a cutting.
Monday, January 10 – Friday, February 11
Read to help the Yeti find his favorite book!
Monday, January 10 – Friday, January 14
Registration begins Jan. 5th
Get ready to measure the inches, the snow is coming!
Tuesday, January 11, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Learn about iPhone and iPad fundamentals!
Tuesday, January 11, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Learn about the different types of tea, and the many different tea ceremonies and traditions from around the world.
Wednesday, January 12, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
An inspiring evening of practical tips to support comfort and happiness at home.
Thursday, January 13, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Join us for knitting and good company—six feet apart, of course.
Monday, January 17, 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.
Tuesday, January 18 – Saturday, January 29
No Registration Required
Do you want to build a snowman?
Tuesday, January 18 – Friday, January 21
Registration begins Jan. 10th
Let’s see those adorable faces!
Wednesday, January 19, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Discover Connecticut’s exciting geological past!
Thursday, January 20, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Join us for knitting and good company—six feet apart, of course.
Thursday, January 20, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Learn all about the new version of Windows, including the new interface, features, system requirements, and how you can get it (or if you should avoid it!).
Saturday, January 22, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Grab a snack and a drink and join us online as we highlight the most anticipated books of 2022.
Monday, January 24 – Friday, January 28
FULL
Do exams have you feeling stressed?
Tuesday, January 25, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Learn about Android phone and tablet fundamentals! Not sure if you have an android phone? If you don’t have an Apple iPhone, you almost certainly have an Android.
Tuesday, January 25, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Join clutter consultant Jan Baltrush to learn about clearing out the clutter and downsizing your stuff!
Wednesday, January 26, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Join Danielle Morisse-Corsetti, LCSW, to learn how to notice and recognize anxiety—and explore coping tools.
Thursday, January 27, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Join us for knitting and good company—six feet apart, of course.
Thursday, January 27, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Naturopathic physician Dr. Nicole will go over some natural remedies and tips to help sooth dry winter skin issues.
Saturday, January 29, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Join us to discuss important issues in a safe environment where differing opinions, patient listening, and respectful discussion are welcome.
Monday, January 31 – Saturday, February 5
FULL
Celebrate Lunar New Year!