Now On View

*Faith Gulick and John Renjilian from the Newtown Historical Society have created two displays near the circulation desk with memorabilia that document Newtown’s growth in the 20th Century. The items include the founding of the Newtown chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, volume one of the Bugle from 1919, pictures from the Boy’s Social and Athletic Club from the fifties, and the golf course at Eden Hill in the Hattertown area. We appreciate the contributions of the Newtown Historical Society for sharing their archives with townspeople.

*Paula Brinkman has mounted a beautiful collection called “The Pool Books of Paula Brinkman” in the lower level display case. The sketchbooks contain watercolor images painted in Paula’s diary of her experiences in New York exercising in a pool every day. Also shown are her favorite art supplies. Reflections in her books include this quote: “Water holds all of the mystery and all of the answers for me.” We are very grateful to Paula for sharing her special collection of personal art with the community.

*A costume from the antique garment collection is displayed on the second floor. It is a ball gown worn in 1882 by Mrs E.A. Hawley, aunt of Mary Hawley. It was a gift from Mirable Crabtree, and considering its age, is in very good condition.

*Curator Mary Thomas would like to present a display in the fall featuring needlework such as embroidery and needlepoint from local residents. Items would be on temporary loan for display. If you would like to share your creation(s), call Mary Thomas at 203-426-9696.

 

Children’s Programs

*Bach 2 Rock: New Date and Time! Classically trained violinist Caryn Lin will transform her single instrument into a virtual orchestra through the magic of looping on Tuesday, August 24, at 3:30 pm in the library meeting room. Caryn’s enthusiasm for music will inspire and entertain. A family program for ages 6 to adult. Register online at chboothlibrary.org.

*Register For Story Time: August 26–September 8. Children ages 3–5 are eligible to register for a weekly story time beginning August 26. Classes are offered on Monday or Tuesday at 10 am and Monday or Wednesday at 1 pm. Children must be at least 3 years old on or before September 13 and a resident of Newtown to be eligible for this free program.

*New Program: Sensory Story Time. Beginning in September, thanks to a grant from GE Capital, the library will offer a new story time designed to engage all of the senses through music, movement, art, reading and play activities for children ages 3–6. The program is geared to accommodate children who may have sensory processing disorder, but is not limited to children with processing difficulties. All children can benefit from this multisensory approach. Children must be a resident of Newtown to be eligible for this program. Registration forms and a brief questionnaire will be available at the children’s circulation desk from August 26 to September 8. Classes will meet for six weeks at 10:30 am in the library meeting room on Saturday mornings beginning September 18. Parents must remain with their child throughout the program.

Adult Programs:

*Mark Twain: A Book Discussion Series with Julie Stern. In this year that will see the publication of his autobiography, so scandalous that it was kept under wraps for 100 years after his death, let’s read classic works by Mark Twain and see why he may well be the greatest American novelist.

Tom Sawyer: Wednesday September 22 at 7:30 pm

The Prince and the Pauper: Wednesday October 13 at 7:30 pm

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Wednesday, October 22 at 7:30 pm

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court: Wednesday, November 10 at 7:30 pm

*Other Book Groups:

The Nonfiction book Discussion Group will meet to discuss Too Big to Fail by Andrew Sorkin on Tuesday, September 6, at 1 pm.

The Daytime Book Group will discuss This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald on Monday, September 13, at 1 pm.