Currently On View

*Tools of The Trade: Newtown Historical Society has installed the second of its Tercentennial exhibitions at the library, entitled “Tools of the Trade.” Using the word “trade” broadly, the exhibition offers a number of occupational tools as well as utensils that were used in non-occupational pursuits.

From cooking utensils and a bullet mold to carpentry tools and even a ceramic mold, the display illustrates those useful objects that make the lifestyle possible from the 18th through the early 20th Century.

As a unique interactive component, one display case contains 14 objects that are not  identified. Each one is numbered, and a corresponding numbered sheet allows viewers to offer suggestions as to the identity of each object, its purpose and a rough date.  The contest will close and the answers will be posted with the tools on July 25. Successful participants will receive a Reward of Merit designed after the manner of a nineteenth century school award.

The exhibition will remain on view until the end of July.

*History of The Horse Guard: In a separate case on the first floor, the Second Connecticut Governor’s Horse Guard has installed an exhibit showing the nearly 200-year history of the unit and some the weapons, equipment and memorabilia the Guard has accumulated during its long history.

Still a component of Connecticut’s National Guard, the troop remains one of the oldest continuously serving cavalry units in the nation. The exhibit will serve to introduce the Guard to the community, and hand-outs detailing its history are available.

*Sandi Randall Exhibit: An art exhibit featuring the paintings of Woodbury artist Sandi Randall will open on Friday, July 1, and run through Thursday, July 28, during regular library hours in the Olga Knoepke Memorial Meeting Room.

Ms Randall, a landscape artist, loves to work outside close to nature. Her art has been defined as abstract realism.

She has won many juried awards and is represented in both corporate and private collections.

Children’s Programs

*Summer Reading 2005: Our summer reading program was launched in June and is now ongoing through August 20.

Children ages 4 through grade 5 may sign up to participate in our independent reading program anytime during the eight-week period. Incentives will be given for every five books or every 50 pages read.

Young adult volunteers are available during all library open hours to listen to the children’s reading reports.

*Make and Take Craft Workshops: Marie Walker will conduct seven special craft workshops on Monday afternoons, each to run from 4 to 5 pm.  The workshops are limited to ages 6 and up and you must register at the children’s desk.

There is no fee thanks to a grant given to Mrs Walker earmarked for children’s crafts.

The next workshop with available space is on July 25. Participants will make a miniature potpourri hat.

*“We Dig Reading” Story Times: Dinosaurs, Pirates, Egypt and The Beach are the topics for a story time and craft for 4-6 year olds.

The story time conducted by Mimi Morin will take place on July 19, July 26 and August 2, from 10:30 to 11:15 am.

A separate registration is required for each individual program. Sign up sheets will be available the week before each program.

*PJ Story Time: PJ Story Time is an evening program of stories, songs and a puppet show for children ages 3-7. The program begins at 6:30 pm in the library’s main meeting room on the following dates: July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3, August 10 and August 17.

No registration is required, but PJs and blankets are encouraged.

*“We Dig Reading and Science”: Three special science programs will be offered on Tuesdays during the summer in the library’s main meeting room. The programs will begin at 4 pm and are for children ages 5-10.

Future programs include July 26: Walter Heinz, The Fossil Hunter. Mr Heinz engages his audience with his knowledge of fossils and an authentic shark tooth for all children in attendance.

The next program will be on August 9, when Connecticut Science Center presents the program, “Weird Science.”

*Nutmeg Book Discussions: Our series of Nutmeg book discussions will continue in the summer for children entering grades 4-6 in the fall.

On Wednesday, July 27, the title will be Trial by Journal by Kate Klise.

We invite any and all newcomers to join these informal lively book discussions.

Young Adults

*Visit the Young Adult Area under the bicycle all summer for fliers and new information on all our programs!

Information is also available online at www.biblio.org/YAWebspot/

*Roll Out More Fun: Due to the popularity of last year’s workshop, we will be hosting another duct tape workshop this summer.

“Duct Tape II” will be presented on Wednesday, July 20, from 2 to 4 pm, and Katie Stevenson will be returning with new projects.

Readers ages 10 and up (rising grades 5-12) are invited to make a tool belt, cell phone or iPod holder, purse, sandals and other accessories.

Cost for the workshop is $5 (payable at sign-up), and space limits us to 15 participants.

*Let’s Talk About: The next YA book discussion, on Wednesday, July 27, will concern The House of the Scorpion, a science-fiction adventure by Nancy Farmer.

Matteo Alacran knows he is a clone; no one lets him forget it for even a moment. Escape is the only chance Matt has to survive.

This book is a 2006 YA Nutmeg nominee, and copies are available at the library.

Please note: This discussion will take place at Reed Intermediate School and is for those who will be entering grade 6 and higher in the fall. The one-hour program will begin at 1 pm.

*Make Your Own Comic Book: On Monday, August 1, from 1 to 3 pm, join Vince Giarrano as he shows us how to take our ideas and turn them into a original comic book including artwork, story line and lettering.

There is no charge for this workshop, but space is limited to 15 participants. The program is for ages 10 and up (rising grades 5-12). Sign up in person or just give the library a call.

Adult Programs

*A Gentle Reminder: Summer is here and we’re all traveling a little lighter, but if you want to check out books please make sure you bring your library card with you when you visit the library.

Thanks!

*Summer Concert Series: The next concert in the library’s annual outdoor concert series will be on Saturday, July 16.

The band entertaining us will be Northern Bound, a bluegrass band. The concert will begin at 7 pm at The Pleasance; please park at the library and walk to help alleviate parking problems near the park.

In the event of rain the concert will move to the meeting room of the library.

*A Passport to Newtown’s Past: On Saturday, July 30, from 10 am to 2 pm, the public is invited to a kick-off reception for the photographic exhibit, “Passport to Newtown’s Past.”

The collection will be presented during August in the library’s lower meeting room.

The exhibit, which features images from the Newtown Historical Images Archive of daily life in Newtown during the late 1800s through the mid 1900s, is sponsored by The Friends of the Library. The archive is a project of Newtown Historical Society.

*Historical Dance & Music: Patricia Campbell and The Reel Thing will present a participatory social dance repertoire, “Historical Dance and Music in Newtown,” featuring dance and music selections of New England from the early 18th through early 19th centuries.

The free program will be in the meeting room from 2:30 until 3:30 on Saturday July 30, immediately following the reception for “Passport to Newtown’s Past.”

*Books Back Under The Big Tent: The 30th Annual Labor Day Book Sale will be held at Fairfield Hills this year.

Watch for more details!

C.H. Booth Library, at 25 Main Street, can be reached at 426-4533.