Children’s Programs

*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.

*Making Animal Masks: Artist and educator Randi Rote will return toward the end of the month to lead children in a mask making workshop using a variety of materials.

Children ages 5-9 are invited to join Ms Rote on Thursday, May 26, at 4 pm, for a one hour workshop.

A $5 material fee is due on the day of the program. Online registration is available.

Young Adult Programs

*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.

Programs For Adults

* “Get Clued In” is a new lecture series for writers of all ages and abilities. Programs will be offered on Tuesday evenings beginning at 7:30. A Q&A will follow each presentation.

On May 17, Roberta Isleib, clinical psychologist and author of three mystery series, will give an overview of plotting a mystery and discuss the importance of the first chapter, a/k/a The Hook.

On May 24, Dr Elaine Pagliaro, a forensic scientist at The Henry Lee Institute of Forensic Science, will discuss the importance of forensic science in criminal investigations, as well as evidence collection and documentation.

An officer from the Newtown Police Department will conclude the series on June 7 with a talk about police procedure both for crimes handled by local police and crimes that require collaboration between local and state police.

*Book Discussions: 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; and the next Nonfiction Book Discussion: will cover Twilight at Monticello by Allen Pell Crawford on Tuesday, June 7, 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.

*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.

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.