Library Director's Message

Hello!

This month marks my two-year anniversary as the director of the Berlin Peck Library. I could not have asked for a better community to serve and I’m so happy to be here. I know for sure we have some of the best library staff members in the business! In fact, many of them live right here in Berlin, which makes our customer service extra special. We love hearing your ideas (and implementing them—more new books, a growing ESL collection, and a place to sit outside!) and connecting with our community.

A sense of home is such a wonderful feeling and that’s how Berlin feels to me two years in. This month the refresh of our interior “home”—the place where you gather, learn, connect, find materials, and use our computers—will be complete. While the layout is the same, we hope this refreshed space feels comfortable and welcoming and much like "home” to you. Though we don’t allow any sleepovers as depicted in the 1979 book “Help I’m a Prisoner in the Library” (one of my favorites as a kid)... we do welcome everyone at the library, and we invite you to come to see our new carpet later this month! I hope you will take us up on the invitation.

We are proud of our community, and we are offering some programs that highlight our history this month. On June 17 we will host our second annual Juneteenth event in partnership with the Berlin Equity Action Team (BEAT). This is the first year that the Town of Berlin is recognizing this as a holiday and our Town offices and library will be closed on Monday June 19, 2023, in observance of Juneteenth. We’re also partnering Berlin’s Economic Development department on a tiny art show with the theme My Hometown. Pick up a canvas at the library and use your talent to show us what Berlin, your hometown, means to you. We look forward to seeing you (and maybe your art?) at the library soon.

Warmly,

Kim

Library Hours in June

Thursday, June 8: Delayed Opening

All Town of Berlin buildings and facilities will be officially closed until 2:15pm on Thursday, June 8, so that staff may attend a Town of Berlin staff event. The library's open hours will be 2:15 pm to 8:00 pm.

Monday, June 19: Closed

The library will be closed Monday, June 19, in honor of Juneteenth.

B.E.A.T's Juneteenth celebration will take place at the library on Saturday, June 17.

See more booklists at berlinpeck.org/booklists.

My Hometown Art Project

Monday, May 22 – Saturday, June 24

The Town of Berlin has teamed up with the Berlin Peck Memorial Library for a special town-wide tiny art project! Pick up a tiny canvas at the library—and capture your favorite places to explore, visit, or enjoy in Berlin!

Learn More

Sit & Knit
Thursday, June 1 + 15, 6:00 pm
Thursday, June 22 + 29, 1:00 pm

We are a friendly and welcoming group of all skill levels from beginner to advanced. It’s a great opportunity to trade knitting tips and tricks, and to socialize and make new friends—so come on down and join us for a fun and creative time!

Please note that the board room will be getting new carpet, so we will not be able to meet on June 8.

Learn More

Adult Summer Reading
Monday, June 12 – Friday, September 1
Each book you read earns you a raffle ticket for one of our TEN awesome raffle baskets!
Summer Reading opens on June 12, but you can sign up now. If you participated in last year's summer reading, you can sign up with the same username and password. Reading booklets will be available at the Adult Reference Desk.

Sign Up

Over a Wyoming Campfire: The Beginnings of the National Park Service
Tuesday, June 13, 6:30 pm
Join Professor Hamish Lutris to learn about the creation of the National Park Service in 1916, a radical move for its time, to intervene in the health of the nation’s lands. We’ll discuss the history of conservation and how the American wilderness plays an important role in the identity of the American people, as well as outlining the personalities and events that created this, one of the most successful and popular government agencies ever conceived.

Register

Juneteenth Celebration

Lantern Making Workshop

Saturday, June 17, 11:00 am–3:30 pm

Join us for a fun and creative Juneteenth lantern making workshop! All ages are welcome. Let’s make beautiful lanterns together and light up the night!

Learn More

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Monday, June 19, 1:00 pm

June's meeting will be ONLINE ONLY.

The library is closed on June 19.

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.

Because the library is closed on June 19, this month's group will be meeting ONLINE ONLY. We'll be using Zoom. RSVP to Patty O’Brian: 203-859-1992.

Learn More