Berlin
Connecticut
Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Newsletter - September 2023
Schools and Libraries
September 4, 2023
From: Berlin-Peck Memorial LibraryLibrary Director's Message
Hello!
It’s the beginning of September – summer temps may not be over, but the leaves are rustling as I write this and that sounds like back to school. Do you have everything you need? Bouquet of pencils? Fresh notebook paper? Your library card? Chances are if you are reading this newsletter, your school days are long gone, your bouquet of pencils is now a keyboard, and fresh paper is for grocery lists, but lifelong learning is for every age and your library card is your free access to everything you’ve ever wanted to learn. September is Library Card Signup Month – come in and get your library card (if you don’t have one yet) or refer a friend and enter a drawing to win a gift card.
We have several new databases to share with you in honor of the start of the school year and our commitment to lifelong learning. We just launched Transparent Language which offers 63 languages for online learning including Afrikaans, Ukrainian, and Faroese. We now offer a suite of Rosen resources for teens, but the information available is for all ages. Rosen Health & Wellness offers topics like mind & body, eating disorders, grief & loss, and even getting your first car! Rosen Financial Literacy includes subjects like personal finance, the economy, and entrepreneurship. You can find these resources at berlinpeck.org/teens.
Our Library of Things continues to expand in more ways than one – we moved the collection, so we have more space to display the items we’ve added. You can find the Library of Things in front of our nonfiction section with the items displayed on a case you bring to the patron desk to exchange for the item. Our board game collection is amazing!
This month Strategic Planning gets underway for Berlin Peck Memorial Library. Strategic planning is our version of fresh notebook paper – a clean slate to dream big and set a vision for the library’s role in our community. How can we support our local businesses, job seekers, technology learners? What more can we do for our kids, their grownups, and you? We invite you to tell us! There will be two opportunities for our community to participate and provide ideas and feedback on YOUR library: Thursday October 12 at 6:30 pm, and Saturday October 14 at 10:30 am. More information to follow in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you at the library soon!
Warmly,
Kim
Tax-Aide Volunteers Wanted
Previous experience is helpful, but not required!
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax preparation services to primarily seniors of low to moderate income. They are looking for compassionate and friendly people to join their volunteer team. Prior tax preparation experience is helpful, but not required. Tax-Aide volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, and we’ll provide the training and support to help you develop new skills. If you’re interested or want more information, please visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or leave your contact information with the Berlin Library (860) 828-7125, or Berlin Senior Center (860) 828-7006.
We need new volunteers to continue to serve our community and it’s a great way to spend time during the dreary winter months. Once tax season is over, so is the time commitment!
Labor Day
Saturday–Monday, September 2–4
The library will be closed for Labor Day weekend, Saturday to Monday, September 2–4. We'll reopen on Tuesday.
See more booklists at berlinpeck.org/booklists.
Library Card Sign-Up Month
September 1-31
It's Library Card Sign-Up Month, and we're celebrating with a raffle!
Everyone who gets a new library card or renews their current card during the month of September will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to SliceWorks.
Already have an up-to-date library card? Spread the love! Refer friends and family to get their own library card, and you’ll both earn an entry in the drawing.
Friday Movie Matinees
Friday, September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 1:00 pm
Please register for each movie you'd like to attend. See all upcoming movies.
Senior Center Book Club
Wednesday, September 6, 1:30 pm
Join us at the Senior Center for a discussion of Where The Forest Meets The Stars by Glendy Vanderah. Contact the library for a copy of the book.
Sit & Knit
Thursday, September 7 + 21, 6:00 pm
Thursday, September 14 + 28, 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!
Courageous Conversations: Social Media & Mental Health
Saturday, September 9, 10:30 am
Registration Required
Join us to discuss the effect of social media on mental health. Prior to the conversation, please read this month’s articles. Printed copies are available at the Library.
Learn to Knit
Saturday, September 16, 23, 30, 10:30 am–12:00 pm
3 Week Registration Required
Join us for an intro to knitting! Each class builds on the previous one. Do not register if you cannot attend all three dates.
Attendees of previous sessions may drop in for advice.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Monday, September 18, 1:00 pm
In Person Or Online
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.
Memory Tips
Monday, September 18, 6:30 pm
Online Event
Learn the tips and techniques used by “memory athletes” to improve their memory!
Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut
Tuesday, September 19, 6:30 pm
Learn about coyotes in Connecticut with Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn!
Pen Turning
Saturday, September 23, 10:30 am to 2:00 pm
Drop In! No registration required.
Create your own wooden pen with the Central Connecticut Woodturners.
Cookbook Club
Monday, August 25, 6:30 pm
Registration Required
This month’s cookbook is The Pretty Dish by Jessica Merchant.
Copies of the cookbook are available at the Adult Reference Desk. To participate, please register and let us know which dish you will bring. You can register first, call or email us your dish later. Then bring in your dish for a fun potluck!
You do not need to be an experienced cook, just an enthusiastic one!
Perfect Apple Pie With King Arthur Baking
Tuesday, September 26, 6:30 pm
Online Event
Learn the techniques to make sure your apple pies turn out perfect—every time!
Lawyers in Libraries: Free Legal Help
Tuesday, September 26, 5:30 pm
Registration Required
Sign up to receive free legal advice, including landlord/tenant, immigration law, family law, employment, consumer rights, and personal injury.
Saturday Morning Book Club
Saturday, September 30, 10:30 am
Join us for a discussion of Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. Contact the library for a copy of the book.
Writer’s Workshop: Starting and Structuring Your Story
Monday, October 2, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Have an idea for a story, novel, or memoir but don’t know where to begin? In this workshop, we’ll examine introductions from published stories and use these as inspiration for your own opening lines, and create rough outlines for the remainder of your story.
Two-Sentence Horror Story
October 1-24
Coming up in October! We’re celebrating the spookiest month of the year with a two-sentence horror story contest. You can enter as many stories as you like, as long as they are original and two sentences long. Every participant will receive a custom bookmark with their best story illustrated with a photo or artwork.