The C.H. Booth Library is going green: No more paper overdues! In an effort to save money and resources, the C.H. Booth Library is phasing out paper overdue notices effective immediately. Patrons are encouraged to register their email address (forms are available at the circulation desk), and sign up for Library Elf. Patrons can log on to the library’s website chboothlibrary.org, to manage their account. Please keep receipts if you are not an email user. Schedule a regular library visit every week and your items will always be on time.

 Children’s Programs:

Story time registration begins on January 16 and continues through January 26. Classes for 2- and 3-year-olds are offered on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 10 am; or Monday and Thursday at 11 am; 4- and 5-year-olds meet on Tuesday at 11 am or Wednesday at 1 pm. A lapsit program for 12 to 24 months of age will meet on Thursday at 10 am. This is a free program open only to Newtown residents. You must register in person. No phone registrations please. Classes begin the week of February 3. Registrants will be notified by phone after January 26 if they have a place in one of the classes.

 Purple Rock productions will present a unique adaptation of the classic story of Rapunzel, Saturday, February 14, at 2 pm, in the library meeting room. The program is recommended for ages 4 through 9. Registration is required for this free program. Sign up at the children’s circulation desk. Thanks to Camp Playland of Redding, a traditional summer day camp, for sponsoring this program.

 Young Adult Programs:

For full details of YA programs, visit biblio.org/yawebspot/.

 Mysteries & Thrillers, the Creative Writing Group for Young Adults in grades 6 through 8, begins January 26. Teacher/writer Julie Stern leads the group, assisted by Philip Kotch, one of the library’s adult writer volunteers. The group will meet from 6 to 8 pm on five consecutive Monday evenings, January 26 to March 2. There is no class during February break; makeup March 9 if needed. This free program is limited to ten students. For more information, speak to Margaret Brown, YA librarian. Sign up at the main floor desk or call 426-4533.

 Creative Chocolates for Valentine’s Day this year is on Tuesday, January 27, from 3 to 5 pm. Snow date is February 3. Making creative chocolates with Marie Walker has become a tradition for students in grade 6 and up. The group is limited to 12. There is a $6 supply fee, payable at the program. Sign up at the main floor desk or call 426-4533.

Book Discussions:

Great Fireside Reads: The novel in the 19th and 20th Centuries

Study great authors who created tales with memorable characters, gripping plots, vividly detailed settings, and moral questions that are as relevant today as when they were first published. The four-part reading and book discussion begins Tuesday, January 13, at 7:30 pm, and will be led by Julie Stern. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens on January 13, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley on February 24, The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton on March 17, A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving on April 21.

Art Exhibit:

Father-daughter exhibit by Mary Eddy and Ben Palagonia in meeting room through January 31. Artists reception Sunday, January 11, from 2 to 4 pm.

 Programs:

On Thursday, January 22, from 7 to 8:30 pm, The Newtown Animal Shelter will share tips and tricks for dealing with housebreaking, chewing, and jumping and other common puppy problems. This is a free seminar with dog trainer Rob Mullin. Please call the library at 426-4533 or Newtown Animal Control 426-6900 for more information.