Subject: News & Events

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library • December 2024 Newsletter

Library Director's Message

Hello and welcome to our December newsletter!

Soon the library will be filled with scents of gingerbread and icing, which means it is almost time for our annual gingerbread house contest. It’s hard to believe that we will be celebrating the 15th year of this beloved display in the library. We invite you to participate or stop by during the week of December 16th to admire the amazing creativity of the Berlin community. This contest is open to all ages and abilities, and we even have some kits available to help those for whom buying materials is a concern.

Our holiday decor swap is also returning for its second year!

On behalf of the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library staff, I wish you all a wonderful holiday season. We hope to see you in the library soon!

Carrie Tyszka

Library Director

Closed for Staff Training

Closed Wednesday, December 18

The library will be closed on Wednesday, December 18 for staff training.

Closed for the Holidays

Closed Tuesday, December 24

Closed Wednesday, December 25

Closing early (4:30 pm) on Tuesday, December 31

Closed Wednesday, January 1

The library will be closed on December 24-25, the last Wednesday and Thursday of the month, for the Christmas holiday. The following week, the library will close early on Tuesday, December 31 at 4:30 pm, and will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, for the New Year holiday.

See our booklists at berlinpeck.org/booklists.

Comfort and Benefits of Tea

Tuesday, December 3, 6:00 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join us for a cozy evening exploring all things tea! Taste 12 different varieties and learn about tea’s health benefits, proper brewing, and the differences between loose and bagged tea.

Senior Center Book Club

Wednesday, December 4, 1:30 pm

Join us at the Senior Center for a discussion of Should We Stay or Should We Go? by Lionel Shriver. Contact the library for a copy of the book.

Unearthed: Exploring the Smithsonian National Gem Collection with Dr. Jeffrey Post

Wednesday, December 4, 2:00 pm

ONLINE EVENT

The Smithsonian’s Unearthed explores the scandals, mysteries, and human stories behind the world’s greatest gems. In this original book, the surprising stories behind this world-renowned gem collection are brought to life by Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, curator of the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection for over 30 years.

Career Navigation

Wednesday, December 4, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Connect with a career navigator from the American Job Center to get help in your job search! No registration necessary. Drop in between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm.

Learn More

Sit & Knit

Thursday, December 5, 19, 6:00 pm

Thursday, December 12, 26, 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!

Learn More

Holiday Decor Swap

Drop Off: Friday, December 6, 1:00 pm–4:30 pm

Swap Day: Saturday, December 7, 11:00 am–1:00 pm

Drop off holiday decor in good condition on Friday. Then, join us on Saturday to take home new-to-you decor! You do not need to donate in order participate. All holiday decor is accepted, from Halloween spiders to Christmas trees, as long as it's in good condition.

Learn More

15th Annual Gingerbread House Contest

Drop off: Monday, December 9 to Saturday, December 14

Voting: Monday, December 16 to Friday, December 20

The Library is celebrating the season with our annual Gingerbread House Contest! ALL AGES are welcome participate!

Doesn’t fit in your budget? The library has a limited number of gingerbread house kits available on a first come, first serve basis.

Learn More

Empathy Book Club

Tuesday, December 10, 6:30 pm

Join us for a discussion of Solito by Javier Zamora. Contact the library for a copy of the book.

Author Laura Dave: On Pulse-Pounding, Family Driven Mysteries

Wednesday, December 11, 2:00 pm

Join us online for a captivating conversation with Laura Dave, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me, as she chats with us about her newest book The Night We Lost Him.

Friday Movie Matinees

Friday, December 13, 20, 27, 1:00 pm

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

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Monday, December 16, 1:00 pm

Join us to share practical information, feelings, needs and concerns. This group meets monthly as a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia.RSVP to Patty O’Brian: 203-859-1992.

Learn More

Cookbook Club Cookie Swap!

Monday, December 16, 6:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Cookie swap is back! Bring 3-4 dozen cookies of one type, a container to bring cookies home, and one photocopy of your recipe.

Saturday Morning Book Club

Saturday, December 21, 10:30 am

Join us for a discussion of How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior. Contact the library for a copy of the book.

One Book One Berlin: The Anxious Generation Book Discussions

Coming up in January and February

One Book One Berlin is a collaboration between the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library, Berlin Public Schools, Berlin police—and you! Our purpose is to bring the community together to promote reading, discuss ideas, and break down barriers between people. This year's book is The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, a thought-provoking work that explores the rise of anxiety and mental health struggles among young people in the modern world.

Each event is separate, so you may attend whichever discussions interest you!

Discussion of Chapters 1-4: Saturday, January 11, 10:30 am

Discussion of Chapters 5-8: Tuesday, January 14, 6:30 pm

Discussion of Chapters 8-12: Saturday, January 18, 10:30 am

Online Discussion (All Chapters): Monday, February 3, 6:30 pm

Other upcoming programs inspired by The Anxious Generation:

Little Learners: Play is Their Superpower: Thursday, January 16, 6:00 pm

Courageous Conversations: Social Media & Mental Health: Saturday, February 8, 10:30 am

See All Events

From the Children's Department

Families and adults participating with a child are invited to participate in the Children's Department's Winter Reading Bingo! Adults may participate on their own but will not be eligible for prizes.

Learn More

Friends of the Library

Let's be friends! Join the Friends of the Library to share your passion for the Library and make a difference in the the whole community.

Book Sale Hours

The Book Sale is located downstairs in the Community Center. Please drop off donations during book sale hours. Do not leave donations in the hallway. Visit our hours page to see upcoming book sale hours!

Pop-Up Book Sale

Our Pop-Up Book Sale is located upstairs in the library's adult department. Visit any time the library is open!

Subscribe

Subject: News & Events

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library • December 2024 Newsletter