Night Life

At The Library

To the Editor:

Anyone who thinks the library is a quiet and reserved place full of shushing librarians hasn’t visited C.H. Booth Library recently. This was certainly evident last Friday night as the meeting room was temporarily turned into a smoke-free nightclub with tasty appetizers and a performance of Favorite Music From Film by Bettina Paley.

The Cabaret Night, inspired by library director Janet Woycik, was a fundraiser for the library and a fun night out for those who attended. The evening was a success because of great community support. Aitor Aberdi, manager of The Inn at Newtown, generously donated hot appetizers for the event, despite the fact that he was preparing for one of the busiest restaurant weekends of the year, Valentine’s Day. Jarl Orell, owner of Events Party and Tents Rental, also was a huge help, donating the use of tables and linens. Kathy Geckle, Joanne Keane, and library staff member Pat Martin shared their decorating skills. A little black fabric, large glowing martini glasses, and Christmas tree lights transformed the room into an enchanted place. Alana Bennison created a variety of delicious appetizers on a shoestring budget and then whipped up some melt-in-your-mouth tiramisu. The evening could not have happened without help from our three enthusiastic and cheerful hostesses/waitresses; Lisa Ferrari, Erika Kroesen, and Melissa Procaccini. The entire library staff was involved, pitching in wherever needed, helping with reservations, fielding calls, assisting with setup, attending the event, and even staying late for the always popular cleanup! It was a great group effort.

To those of you who attended the event and/or visit the library, thank you. We always love seeing you and appreciate your generous support. And to those of you who haven’t stopped by recently, please come in for a visit. Several days a week you can join Children’s Librarian Alana Bennison for Mother Goose on the Loose, a fun and free music and movement class for little ones, or hone your acting skills with YA Librarian Margaret Brown’s Mask and Wig Players, or test your knowledge of Nutmeg book trivia with the Battle of the Books (coming March 27). There are craft classes for little ones as well as adults, author talks, book discussions, a Wednesday afternoon film series, how-to lectures, and job search workshops, even premiere film screenings (Saturday, February 20).

The library is a dynamic active community center with a friendly and helpful reference staff, a fun and playful children’s department, useful databases, a variety of research tools, access to new technology, and we still have lots of books. Please come check us out!

Kim Weber

Adult Program Coordinator

CH Booth Library

25 Main Street, Newtown                                        February 16, 2010