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

*New this week: Mother’s Day Craft with Marie Walker.

Children ages 6-9 are invited to join Mrs Walker on Thursday, May 5, from 4 to 5 pm, to make a present for their mom just in time for Mother’s Day on May 8.

There is a $3 materials fee due at registration.

*Mother Goose Note: Please note that due to a special program in the meeting room there will be NO Mother Goose programs Wednesday and Thursday, May 4 and 5.

Both classes will resume the following week.

*Creating From Clay: 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.

Young Adult Programs

* 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.

*The Mask & Wig Players, the library’s teen drama group, will present Simply Shakespeare on Sunday, May 22, at 3 pm.

The play shows that while language may change, people don’t. Martha Bishop is directing.

The cast members will also perform a selection of short plays they have created, using Shakespeare’s language in a modern context. There will be a special reception after the performance to honor Mrs Bishop, who is retiring this spring.  She has led the group since 2007. Everyone who has ever been part of any of her plays or audiences is invited to attend.

Adult Programs

*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.

*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.

*Book Discussions: The Nonfiction Book Group will discuss, on Monday, May 3, at 1 pm, Crazy for the Storm by Norman Ollestad; The Daytime Book Discussion Group will talk about Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout on Monday, May 9, at 1 pm; and The Evening Book Group will discuss John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath on Thursday, May 19, at 730 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.