*Summer Hours: The library will be closed on Sundays through September 3.

*37th Annual Book Sale hosted by Friends of the C.H. Booth Library will be July 14–18 at Reed Intermediate School, 3 Trades Lane. For a full listing of hours and daily specials, visit www.boothbooksale.org.

*Signups for all programs are online at www.chboothlibrary.org unless noted.

Children’s Programs

*Reading Buddies: Independent readers can sign up to read with a special young adult buddy beginning July 9. Practice reading aloud for 20-minute sessions Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5 to 7:30 pm and Saturday from 1 to 4:30 pm.

*Artist and educator Randi Rote will read The Sand Castle Contest by Robert Munsch on July 11 between 3:30 and 4:30 pm. Children ages 4–7 will create an image from the book starting with a watercolor, then add sand for texture. A $3 material fee is due on the day of the program.

*“Hawks and Owls.” On Friday, July 13, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm, the Sharon Audubon Society will bring live hawks and owls and will explain how the animals live in their natural habitat. The program is for ages 4 and up.

*Robert the Guitar Guy will sing and entertain on Saturday, July 14, at 10 am. Robert Markowitz is a children’s singer, guitarist, songwriter, educator, and recording artist. His repertoire includes more than 75 children’s songs. The program is for ages 3–5.

*PJ Time: From July 17 to August 14, between 6:30 and 7:45 pm, drop in for songs, stories, a puppet show and merriment for ages 3–7.

*Storyteller Marty Bishop will tell the story of Rafe’s Grand Performance on Thursday, July 12, at 3:30 pm, for ages 5 and older. Her story has been made into a children’s book, which is available.  

*Teachers from the EverWonder Children’s Museum committee will conduct four hands-on science workshops for children ages 4–6. Explore the topic of Color and Light on Tuesdays, July 17 and 24, at 3:30 pm.  Air and Flying is the topic for Tuesdays, July 31 and August 7, at 3:30 pm. A $5 material fee is due on the day of the program.  Proceeds to benefit the EverWonder Museum fund. 

*On Friday, July 20, 3:30 to 4:30 pm,  nationally known story-performer Chris Fascione will act out children’s colorful characters in literature and folktales with his unique combination of storytelling, mime, juggling, and comedy.  The program is for children ages 4 and up. 

*Cooking with Parul Patel: Learn how to make delicious Indian food with Chef Patel on Saturday, July 21, 11:30 to 1 pm. This cooking class is geared for children ages 8 and up when accompanied with an adult helper. Learn to make a simple tasty meal in a few easy steps. The meal will include a drink, salad, bean curry, basmati rice, and warm dessert; $35 per pair (1 adult and 1 child), $10 for each additional child.

*Renowned children’s book author and illustrator and longtime Newtown resident Bruce Degen will share his new book, I Gotta Draw, on July 18 at 3:30 pm, geared for children ages 5 and up. Mr Degen has written or illustrated books which include Jamberry and the Magic School Bus series.

YA Programs

*Knit & Crochet Club For Teens in rising grades 6–12 will meet on Mondays, July 9, 16, and 23, 4 to 5:30 pm. Come to one or come to all. Longtime instructor Maggie Flynn will work with you to complete a simple project. She teaches knitting and single, double and triple crochet. All ability levels are welcome. There is a one-time materials fee of $8.

*Duct Tape Crafts for rising grades 6–12 will be on Tuesday, July 10, 1 to 2:30 pm. Katie Stevenson will lead the workshop where young people can make all kinds of things from colorful duct tape, such as sandals, wallets, iPod or cell phone holders, flowers, tool belts, tote bags and more. Limited to 15. Supply fee is $6, payable at program.

*Henna Body Art Workshop for young adults entering grades 6–12 will be available on Wednesday, July 25, 5:30–7:30 pm.  Newtown resident Parul Patel will demonstrate the art of Mehndi all-natural henna temporary tattoos. Practice using templates and natural henna cones to make simple traditional designs. Each participant will receive a small tattoo on their hand from Parul. There is a materials fee of $5, payable at the program.

*An “Altered Books” craft program for rising grades 5-12 will be held on Tuesday, July 24, 1–2:30 pm.  Katie Stevenson leads this workshop to transform an old book into a personalized work of art.  Bring an old book to cut up and decorate, or use one of ours.  Limited to 12.  Supply fee $6, payable at program.

 

Adult and Family Programs

 *“Play with Your Food” Carol Collins will conduct a fun interactive demonstration workshop for children ages 6 and up with adult helper, and also teens and adults on Wednesday, July 11, from 2 to 3:30 pm or Thursday, July 12, from 7 to 8:30 pm. Can broccoli really look like a French poodle? Do pretzel sticks make good fences? Come get inspired for the Incredible Edible Book Contest or just come to have fun. A supply fee of $5 is due at time of the workshop. Space is limited.

*The Incredible Edible Book Contest is back! Create a book for the contest or just come for the show on Saturday, July 28, at 11 am. Check the website for more details and to register. This contest is for all ages. Entries must be book related, edible, and family friendly.

*Live music and called dances with Patricia Campbell and The Reel Thing on Friday, July 20, from 6 to 8 pm. This is for couples, singles and fun seekers of all ages. There will also be a cookie “throw down” so come with your favorite homemade cookie. Door prizes and the Best Cookie Award. Space is limited.

Programs For Adults

*Good Reads for Hot Days: This lecture series of good books with Julie Stern, a retired English and philosophy teacher from Western Connecticut State University, is on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm in the Antiques Room. The books include Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler, July 11, and Hemingway’s Short Stories on July 21.

C.H. Booth Library is at 25 Main Street. Call 203-426-4533 or visit CHBoothLibrary.org for full details on or to register for the above programs as well as others that are being offered.