October Newsletter

This month we are offering several programs focused on nature—plus a 5-week, in person program focused on helping you find purpose, feed your brain, and challenge your mind daily.

October 3, 2022

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From the Library Director

Hello!

Anne of Green Gables said, “I’m so glad to live in a world where there are Octobers.” You know what? Me, too! In that way, Anne is a kindred spirit. I’m here for all things fall: changing leaves, brisk weather, pumpkins on my doorstep, and the annual love or hate Pumpkin Spice Latte (I’m a fan!) This year, we grew our own pumpkins and I highly recommend giving it a try. Be warned: the plants may take over your yard, but it is a fun way to watch the changing of seasons and delight your neighbors. Look for pumpkin seeds in our seed bank next year for you to check out so you can give it a try!

Fall days are a great time to explore the great outdoors and this month we are offering several programs focused on nature – hiking, bobcats, even astronomy! We are delighted to be partnering with Hartford Healthcare Center for Healthy Aging on a 5-week, in person program focused on helping you find purpose, feed your brain, and challenge your mind daily. And if you’re stacking your TBR (To Be Read list) we have a selection of titles that our patrons love here!

The library will be closed on Tuesday October 25 for our first annual All Staff Day. We appreciate your patience as we have a day to learn, share, and grow so that we can better serve you. We are always open online at www.berlinpeck.org where you can browse our catalog, place holds, and manage your account. Here’s hoping you have an opportunity to enjoy all that fall has to offer here in New England. I hope to see you in the library soon.

Warmly,
Kim McNally
Library Director

 

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Read Around the World
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Events

Check out the Events Page to see upcoming events!

Two-Sentence Horror Story Contest

Saturday, October 1 – Monday, October 24

Compose your own original horror story—in only two sentences! Entries must be submitted before Monday, October 24.

Wiggles & Giggles Storytime

Tuesday, October 4, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

Rhymes, songs, bounces & more!

Bobcats

Tuesday, October 4, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Discover the natural history of bobcats in Connecticut!

Little Waddlers Storytime

Wednesday, October 5, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

Stories, Songs and More!

Take & Make: Halloween Ghost Kit

Thursday, October 6

Create a spooky light-up mini ghost for Halloween!

Games Unplugged!

Thursday, October 6, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Get Your Game On!

Sit & Knit

Thursday, October 6, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Join us for knitting and good company.

Challenge Your Mind Daily

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

Learn about activities that can help keep your mind sharp!

FULL Mother Goose on the Loose

Friday, October 7, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

Songs, stories and more!

Movie Matinee: Only the Brave

Friday, October 7, 1:00 pm to 3:15 pm

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

Wiggles & Giggles Storytime

Tuesday, October 11, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

Rhymes, songs, bounces & more!

Halloween Pottery Painting Party!

Tuesday, October 11, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Paint your own Halloween Pottery!

Birds: Their Side of the Story

Tuesday, October 11, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Join us for light-hearted stories of birds and bird watching!

Little Waddlers Storytime

Wednesday, October 12, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

Stories, Songs and More!

Senior Center Book Club

Wednesday, October 12, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm

Join us at the Senior Center for a discussion of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles.

Get Outside: Hiking on the New England Trail

Wednesday, October 12, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Discover the 220-mile national scenic trail that passes right through Berlin!

AARP Safe Driver Program: Get Smart About New Vehicle Technology

Thursday, October 13, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Stay up to date with the latest car safety technology!

Sit & Knit

Thursday, October 13, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Join us for knitting and good company.

Feeding the Brain

Thursday, October 13, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Learn about the importance of diet and hydration for your brain health.

Mother Goose on the Loose

Friday, October 14, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

Songs, stories and more!

Movie Matinee: Elvis

Friday, October 14, 1:00 pm to 3:45 pm

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

Saturday Book Club

Saturday, October 15, 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Join us for a discussion of These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham.

Witches in Connecticut

Saturday, October 15, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Hear the stories of the Connecticut women and men accused, tried, and executed as witches—and learn how Connecticut successfully controlled the spread of witch accusations long before Salem.

Drop-In Activity: Halloween Door Hangers!

Monday, October 17 – Monday, October 31

The Perfect Halloween Decoration!

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Monday, October 17, 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.

Games Unplugged!

Monday, October 17, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Get Your Game On!

Healing with Books

Monday, October 17, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Join historian Mary Mahoney for a talk on bibliotherapy, or the use of books as medicine.

FULL Books & Bites: Nutmeg Book Club

Tuesday, October 18, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

The perfect Halloween read!

Spice It Up! Cloves

Wednesday, October 19

Cloves have a warm, sweet flavor—one you may find very familiar!

Little Waddlers Storytime

Wednesday, October 19, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

Stories, Songs and More!

America’s Best Idea: Our National Parks

Wednesday, October 19, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Join Dr. Richard Benfield for an immersive look at America’s National Parks, World Heritage Sites, and conservation.

Sit & Knit

Thursday, October 20, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Join us for knitting and good company.

Benefits of a Purposeful Life

Thursday, October 20, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Learn about activities that can help keep your mind sharp.

Mother Goose on the Loose

Friday, October 21, 10:30 am to 11:00 am

Songs, stories and more!

Movie Matinee: Mrs Harris Goes to Paris

Friday, October 21, 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: Prisons

Saturday, October 22, 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Join us for an open, respectful discussion of prisons. 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.

Mastering Self-Awareness and Compassion

Monday, October 24, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Live a happier, more fulfilling life through self-awareness and self-compassion!

Crafternoon: Halloween Buttons

Wednesday, October 26, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Crafternoon with a Halloween twist!

Backyard Astronomy

Wednesday, October 26, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Join us for a journey through space and time… from your own backyard!

Sit & Knit

Thursday, October 27, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Join us for knitting and good company.

Good Sleep and Brain Power

Thursday, October 27, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Learn why sleep is so important to your brain health.

Movie Matinee: Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window

Friday, October 28, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

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

Eye Screen & Ice Cream Halloween Party

Monday, October 31, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

(Ages 6 months to 5 years) Wear your best costumes and join the Berlin Visiting Nurse Association and the Berlin Lions for a special Halloween eye screening and ice cream party!