Library Director's Message

It’s December and that means one thing: gift-giving season is upon us. No matter how or what you celebrate, it’s hard to escape the commercialization of the month. You might also be thinking: Did I read all the books I wanted to? Did I meet my goals? Did I make good memories, or most importantly, what was the best thing about 2022? I can say, hands down, the best thing about the library this year is you, our patrons. Our fiscal year runs separate from our calendar year but encompasses twelve months. During our last fiscal year (reported last month), I’m happy to report that we saw 64,557 patron visits, answered 15,652 questions for you and checked out more than 188,000 items for you. Thank you for using your local library. You are the reason we are here.

In the spirit of giving (and lending), the library offers you more than 92,000 items and counting. This month we’re adding free prints to the list! Beginning Thursday, December 1, every patron will receive 10 black and white prints each day. We hope this makes your library experience that much easier. We’re also hosting a Holiday Décor Swap on December 3. All holiday décor is accepted if it’s in good condition. That means you can participate no matter what holiday(s) you choose to celebrate.

And finally, a big thank you to the Kensington Garden Club. Did you know that they provide our beautiful flower display each month? It’s a gift that our entire community can enjoy and it’s here every month at the library! They also decorate our Veterans Tree which has now transformed into a Winter Wonderland tree, and it is lovely. If you haven’t seen it yet we invite you to come by and while you’re here, pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read, a cake pan for your special holiday dessert, or sign up for that program you want to attend. Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season. We hope to see you soon at the library!

Warmly,

Kim McNally

Library Director

Closed for Christmas

Friday, December 23 – Monday, December 26

The Library will close for the Christmas weekend, Friday through Monday. We will re-open on Tuesday.

Sit & Knit

Thursday, December 1, 15, 6:00 pm

Thursday, December 8, 22, 29, 1:00 pm

Join us for a relaxing session of knitting and good company.

Friday Movie Matinees

Friday, December 9, 16, 1:00 pm

Please register for each movie you'd like to attend. See all upcoming movies.

Register for Love the Coopers on December 9

Register for The Family Stone on December 16

Holiday Décor Swap

Drop-Off: Friday, December 2, 1:00 pm–4:30 pm

Swap Day: Saturday, December 3, 11:00–1:00 pm

Spruce up your holiday décor without spending any money—or give some of your own décor a new home! All seasons and holiday décor accepted.

You DO NOT have to donate to be able to take items from the Swap, but you will earn a ticket for the Early Bird Hour.

Learn More

A Night of Hygge

Monday, December 5, 6:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Learn how to create a warm, cozy atmosphere, enjoy a hot chocolate and treats, make a giant paper snowflake, and a candle to bring home. Feel free to wear your comfiest of clothes!

Join Waiting List

Take & Make: Shampoo Bars and Homemade Soap

Thursday, December 8, 6:30 pm
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Make a simple shampoo bar and a Lemon Poppy Seed Soap using all natural ingredients.

Join Waiting List

13th Annual Gingerbread House Contest

Saturday, December 10 – Thursday, December 29

Celebrate the season with delicious decorations!

Drop off your gingerbread between Saturday and Friday, December 10-16. Vote for your favorite December 17-21. Separate categories for adults/groups and children.

Doesn’t fit in your budget? The Library has a limited number of gingerbread house kits available on a first come, first serve basis. Please register online to reserve a kit. Kits will be distributed beginning Wednesday, December 7.

Learn More

Owls of Connecticut
Monday, December 12, 6:30 pm

Learn more about local owls, their habits and habitats, and how to watch them.

Register

Local Author F.R. Rivers
Tuesday, December 13, 6:30 pm

Join us for a book launch with local Berlin author F.R. Rivers, celebrating the second book in his fictional dark series, The Gathering.

Register

Spice It Up! Anise
While supplies last—place your hold ASAP!
Pickup begins Wednesday, December 14

Anise is one of the oldest known spice plants. It smells and tastes like star anise—which is actually unrelated!—fennel, licorice, and tarragon.

Register

Senior Center Book Club
Wednesday, December 14, 1:30 pm

Join us at the Berlin Senior Center for a discussion of Love and Saffron: A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love by Kim Fay.

Register

Saturday Book Club
Saturday, December 17, 10:30 am

Join us for a discussion of Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan.

Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Monday, December 19, 1:00 pm
ONLINE or IN-PERSON

A safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia. Join us to share practical information, feelings, needs and concerns. Sponsored and hosted by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Association.

This group will meet in person, with the option for participants to join us on video chat using Zoom. RSVP to Patty O’Brian: 203-859-1992.

Learn More