June Newsletter

Events for Juneteenth, voting and elections, wildlife, two author talks, a mini concert—and more!

June 6, 2022

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From the Library Director

Hello!

It’s June and my favorite time of the year (for books!) is upon us. It’s Summer Reading time! During June, July, and August many new books hit our shelves, “To-Be-Read” lists are edited and checked-off, and reading challenges abound. June has many new releases coming oaut from prolific writers like James Patterson (James Patterson: The Stories of My Life), Kristin Hannah (Summer Island), Elin Hilderbrand (Hotel Nantucket), and Nelson DeMille (The Maze). Shiny new titles are hard to resist (believe me, I know, I work here.) But I’m here to share my love of backlist titles. The books that were written before this newest release was popular, the ones that were popular last year (or 5 years ago) that you couldn’t get your hands on? Those books. Our stacks are full of good books even if they no longer sit on the “new” bookshelf. So, if the book you want to read is checked out consider all the other titles we have. You might find your new favorite book! You might find a surprise favorite author! You might realize you like something now that you weren’t drawn to before! Chances are a favorite author had a book or two released before they became popular, and you never know what you might encounter. Some of the titles we’ve recently read include The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline, Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, The Gilded Wolves by Roshana Chockshi, The Editor by Steven Rowley, and The One by John Marr. We have read alike options based on author, plot, and writing style. So many possibilities…. All you have to do is ask. This could be your summer of reading! And in case you’re not convinced we’ve compiled a list of new release summer beach reads.

Our summer reading program for adults begins June 15 and we encourage you to read whatever you like. You can register on our website, track your books online, and every book read will count towards an entry to win one of our prize bags. This year, our summer reading prizes will be themed, but instead of baskets, the goodies will be housed in a boat and tote style bag you can later use to carry all your library books! If you would like a personalized reading recommendation to start off your summer reading list, fill out our form and we’ll send you some titles you might like. Happy reading!

Warmly,
Kim McNally
Library Director

 

Books for Juneteenth
Books for Pride Month
2022 Beach Reads
Juneteenth Daylong Event Saturday June 18 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

 

Events

Check out the Events Page to see upcoming events!

Project Peep! Chicken Hatching

Wednesday, May 4 – Monday, June 6, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

The babies have hatched! Visit them in the Children’s Department from now until June 6th! 

Sit & Knit

Thursday, June 2, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

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

Movie Matinee: Ghostbusters Afterlife

Friday, June 3, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Join us for an afternoon movie! Please register. We will be checking registration at the door.

Courageous Conversations: Voting & Elections

Saturday, June 4, 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Join us for an open, respectful discussion of voting and elections in America. All backgrounds and viewpoints are welcome in the discussion. Each participant is asked to read this month’s articles on the topic prior to the discussion.

Author Lisa Steele

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

Join us for a night with author and Fresh Eggs Daily blogger Lisa Steele, better known as “Queen of the Coop”.

Sit & Knit

Thursday, June 9, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

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

Voting in Our Elections

Thursday, June 9, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Get more informed about the local voting process! Berlin’s Registrars of Voters and Town Clerk will cover voting registration, new polling locations, redistricting, and more.

Movie Matinee: American Underdog

Friday, June 10, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Join us for an afternoon movie! Please register. We will be checking registration at the door.

Save at the Supermarket

Monday, June 13, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Slash your grocery bill while eating nutritiously with this informative and interactive workshop.

Broadway Brass with the New Britain Symphony Orchestra

Tuesday, June 14, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Enjoy a mini concert in the library!

Adult Summer Reading

Wednesday, June 15 – Thursday, September 1

Each book you read earns you one raffle ticket!

Drop-In Activity: Superhero Wrist Cuffs

Wednesday, June 15 – Friday, July 1

Who is your favorite Superhero?

Living with Connecticut’s Wildlife

Wednesday, June 15, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Black bears, bobcats, and skunks—oh my! Join us to learn about our wild neighbors.

Spice It Up! Dill

Thursday, June 16

Dill’s feathery leaves have a bright, sweet flavor, similar to anise, parsley, and celery.

Sit & Knit

Thursday, June 16, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

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

Author Stewart O’Nan

Thursday, June 16, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Join bestselling author Stewart O’Nan as he discusses his new book, Ocean State.

Bubble Mania

Friday, June 17, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Bubbles, Bubbles, Everywhere!

Movie Matinee: Marry Me

Friday, June 17, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Join us for an afternoon movie! Please register. We will be checking registration at the door.

Juneteenth Daylong Event

Saturday, June 18, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Learn all about Juneteenth and its connection to Berlin! Featuring food, live music, speakers and presentations, and more.

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Monday, June 20, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

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.

Games Unplugged!

Monday, June 20, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Get Your Game On!

So Fine a Prospect

Tuesday, June 21, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Explore the unique geology, ecology, history, and cultural significance of Connecticut’s Traprock Ridgelands.

Energy in Action Mobile Exhibit

Thursday, June 23, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Mind-blowing, energy-g saving experiments!

Sit & Knit

Thursday, June 23, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

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

Movie Matinee: Death on the Nile

Friday, June 24, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Join us for an afternoon movie! Please register. We will be checking registration at the door.

Saturday Book Club

Saturday, June 25, 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Join us for a discussion of A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

FULL Pottery Painting Party

Monday, June 27, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Get Ready to Paint!

FULL Mystic Aquarium Traveling Touch Tank

Tuesday, June 28, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Enjoy fun, active learning with hands-on investigations of live invertebrates such as lobsters, horseshoe crabs, and shellfish from the Mystic Aquarium. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

*Please note there are two registrations for this event. Please register for the 1-2 pm OR the 2-3 pm time slot.

Just For Fun

Wednesday, June 29, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Get Ready For Fun!

Sit & Knit

Thursday, June 30, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

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

Make & Take: Botanical Wood Prints

Thursday, June 30, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Learn how to transfer vintage botanical prints to wood to create unique decor.