Holiday Weekend Hours

C.H. Booth Library will be closed Friday, April 22, in observance of Good Friday and also on Sunday, April 24, for Easter.

We will, however, be open for regular hours (9 am-5 pm) on Saturday, April 23.

Exhibits

Hop on up to the third floor reference department display case to see the wonderful collection of Ukrainian Easter eggs made by Anastazia Perun Cooper, some of which date to the 1980s. Meticulous artistry and patience were used to create these geometric designs featuring wheat stalks and flowers reflecting the four seasons and life in Newtown.

The collection will be on display until the beginning of May.

Children’s Programs

*Creating From Clay with Randi Rote:

Residents ages 6-9 are invited to join local artist and educator Randi Rote for her next program.

On Thursday, May 12, at 4 pm, children will first hear the true story of Dave, a slave who created amazing pottery and inscribed it with original poetry. Following the story, participants will create their own pot using clay.

Registration is necessary and can be done online. A $5 material fee is due on the day of the program.

*Imagination Library Open House: Register your child for free books during the launch of The Imagination Library in Newtown.

On Sunday, May 15, from 1 to 3 pm, in the library meeting room, join us for stories, face painting, balloon animals by Sparkles the Clown, and an appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog, all part of an introduction to a great program.

This early literacy program is a partnership between the United Way of Western Connecticut and The Dolly Parton Foundation.  All children who live in Newtown age 4 and under can register to have a book sent to their home every month absolutely free of charge. The goal of the foundation is to put age appropriate books in the hands of children.

For reservations or additional information call 203-792-5330 extension 229 or send email to roleary@uwwesternct.org.

For Young Adults

Creative Writing – Mysteries for young people in grades 6-8 begins on Thursday, May 5.

Julie Stern will lead the group on successive Thursday evenings, meeting from 6 to 8 pm through June 2.  There is a limit of ten participants, who are expected to attend all five sessions.

Sharing is an important part of all writing groups, so sessions will allow time for writing and sharing stories as well as one-on-one communication between adults and young people.

There is no fee for this program. Preference will be given to Newtown students and residents.  Sign up online.

Adult Programs

*Needlework and Craft Books at The Little Book Store: A wonderful collection of beautiful needlework books have been donated to The Little Book Store and are available for purchase.

There are selections of sampler art, stump work, crewel, embroidery as well as other needlework art and instruction books. Several other crafts are also represented including glass painting, drawing instruction, quilting, beading, and crafts for children.

These are all in addition to our normal selection of craft books.  Stop in and stock up for your summer crafting.

*The Ropes of Life — Social Class, Responsibility and the Individual’s Struggle Against the Tide:

The final book in the series being led by Julie Stern is Pride and Prejudice, which will be discussed on Wednesday, April 27, at 7:30 pm.

Multiple copies of the book are available at the second floor desk.

*The Royal Wedding: The honor of your presence is requested on Friday, April 29, at 2 pm, in the Antiques Room of C.H. Booth Library, for a viewing of the Royal Wedding.

Tea will be served.

*Book Discussions: The Nonfiction Book Group will discuss, on Monday, May 3, at 1 pm, Crazy for the Storm by Norman Ollestad; and The Daytime Book Discussion Group will talk about Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout on Monday, May 9, at 1 pm.

Copies of these titles are available at the library, and newcomers are always welcome to join any of the library’s book groups.

C.H. Booth Library is at 25 Main Street in Newtown. Call 203-426-4533 or visit CHBoothLibrary.org to register for any of the above listings, and for information on additional programs and offerings.