Subject: News & Events

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library • January 2024 Newsletter

Library Director's Message

Happy New Year! As we usher in 2025, our library hopes to be Berlin's “Cultural Living Room”, providing opportunities for learning, creating, and community connection. Whether you're looking to pick up a new skill, dive into a captivating novel, or simply enjoy a quiet space to work or read, we are here to help and encourage you to explore all that we have to offer.

We invite you to join us for our January events, including crafts, lectures, book clubs focused on our One Book One Berlin initiative, children’s playgroups, movie matinees, and so much more. We're also excited to share with you our brand-new All-Year Adult Reading Challenge and literary contests for every month! Be sure to check our calendar for details and registration information.

We look forward to a wonderful year ahead, filled with opportunities to connect, discover, and grow together. We hope to see you in the library soon!

Carrie Tyszka

Library Director

Closed for New Year's Day

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

Closed Wednesday, January 1

The library will close early on Tuesday, December 31 at 4:30 pm, and will be closed all day Wednesday, January 1. Happy New Year!

Live From New York! Stories from the cast of SNL

See our booklists at berlinpeck.org/booklists.

Sit & Knit

Thursday, January 2 + 16, 6:00 pm

Thursday, January 9 + 23 + 30, 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

Friday Movie Matinees

Friday, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 1:00 pm

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

Make and Take: Mini Crystal Lights

Thursday, January 9, 6:00 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Light up a dark corner with this simple project. All supplies will be provided.

One Book One Berlin: Book Discussions

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 9-12: Saturday, January 18, 10:30 am

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

See All Events

Garden Kit: Fig Cuttings

Starting Monday, January 13

Start your own fig tree from a cutting! While supplies last. Once you’ve placed a hold, kits will be available for pickup starting January 13.

Place a Hold

Learn More

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

Monday, January 13, 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

Unveiling Your Money Story: Understanding the Roots of Your Financial Behavior

Monday, January 13, 6:30 pm

Explore how childhood experiences, cultural influences, and personal values impact your relationship with money.

Career Navigation

Wednesday, January 15, 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

Sound Meditation Concert with The Conduit Sound

Wednesday, January 15, 6:00 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Relax to the soothing sounds of live gongs and singing bowls washing over you for deep meditative bliss.

Author TJ Klune: The Magic of Found Family

Wednesday, January 15, 7:00 pm

ONLINE EVENT

Come have a magical moment with New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune as he chats about his Cerulean Chronicles, with special emphasis on his newest in the series, Somewhere Beyond the Sea.

Little Learners: Play is Their Superpower

Thursday, January 16, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Learn how everyday playtime can transform into powerful learning moments that boost your child’s confidence and curiosity. Adults only, please!

You, With a New Dog

Tuesday, January 21, 6:30 pm

Learn all the things you should consider before getting a dog.

Author Amanda Montell: Notes on Modern Irrationality

Thursday, January 23, 2:00 pm

ONLINE EVENT

Join us as we chat with New York Times bestselling author Amanda Montell about her newest book, The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality.

The Art of the Mocktail

Thursday, January 23, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Join artist Eddie Hall and mixologist Josh Fowler for an art reception featuring talks by both, mocktail samples, and refreshments.

Lawyers in Libraries: Free Legal Help

Monday, January 27, 5:30 pm / 6:00 pm / 6:30 pm

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Sign up to receive free one-on-one legal advice, including landlord/tenant, immigration law, family law, employment, consumer rights, and personal injury.

Call the library at 860-828-7126 to register.

Learn More

Cookbook Club

Monday, January 27, 6:30 pm

This month’s cookbook is Every Season is Soup Season by Shelly Westerhausen Worcel with Wyatt Worcel.

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!

Author Seth Fishman: An Inside Look at Working with a Literary Agent

Tuesday, January 28, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

ONLINE EVENT

You’re writing a book (or thinking about it), but what happens next? Join us for an inside look into working with an agent and the beginning stages of the publishing process.

Memory Loss: When To Worry

Wednesday, January 29, 1:00 pm

Learn the differences between mild forgetfulness, serious memory problems and causes of memory loss.

Broken Bowls

Thursday, January 30, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Thursday, February 6, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

TWO WEEK CLASS / REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join us for a creative and reflective two-part workshop that blends hands-on crafting and mindfulness. This is a two-week class. By registering, you agree to attend both classes.

Second Annual Puzzle Contest

Saturday, February 1, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Race to complete a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle! Snacks and drinks will be provided, and the winning team will each receive small prizes. Join as a team or register solo, and we’ll match you up with other puzzlers.

Courageous Conversations: Social Media & Mental Health

Saturday, February 8, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join us for a small-group discussion on the effect of social media on mental health. Participants may be asked to read short articles prior to the meetings and will be asked to abide by our shared discussion guidelines.

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!

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Subject: News & Events

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library • January 2024 Newsletter