Welcome to 2022! This month we are closed on January 17 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day but we look forward to seeing you all the other days in January.
Currently, masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 inside the library and other municipal buildings regardless of vaccination status. As our COVID safety procedures evolve, updates are posted on our website here. If you don't feel comfortable or are unable to enter the library, we have a curbside pickup service by appointment; click here to learn more.
January brings the return of DVD fines, as well as fines on museum passes and kindles. DVDs checked out starting on Sunday, January 2 will accrue late fines. To find out more about this change, click here.
Adult Virtual Events
Information and Registration: Reference Department at 203-262-0626 ext. 130
All programs require registration unless otherwise noted. The majority of programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. Library programs are not funded by the town fiscal budget. For all virtual adult programs requiring registration, registrants will receive an email with the Zoom links the morning of the program.
“Make ‘Em Laugh”: A History of Movie Comedy
Friday, January 7, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Since the beginning of motion pictures, making audiences laugh has been one of the film industry’s chief box office attractions. Join us for a look at the major highlights of screen comedy over the last 125 years, illustrated with more than 40 examples from Hollywood’s funniest films. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.
Musical Journey with Matthew
Tuesday January 11, 6:30-7:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us for a virtual live performance featuring Matthew on piano. Matthew offers an interactive musical program presenting Jazz and Blues styles that emanated from the Harlem Renaissance and from the southern United States. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.
The Stress Code®: Ten Tips to Manage Stress
Thursday, January 13, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Stress happens to all of us. According to Harvard's Mind/Body Institute, up to 90% of all visits to the doctor’s office are stress-related. Join us to learn about the 10 tips to manage stress and techniques to minimize stress and maximize vitality. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.
Decoding the Mysteries of Cats
Thursday, January 20, 6-7pm, Online, Registration Required
Join Stephen Quandt, a feline behaviorist, as he explains why cats do what they do! The webinar will be followed by a Q&A where you can ask about your cat’s behavior issues! For Zoom Program register here.
Walking the Camino de Santiago
Friday, January 21, 1-2:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us and learn more about the Camino de Santiago, the medieval pilgrims’ trail that ends in Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Presenter Art Charles has traveled it on two occasions: in 2007 and in 2015. This presentation will focus on his four-week, 700-kilometer walk in 2007 from Pamplona to Santiago along the Camino Francés, with his wife Sandy. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.
Wednesday at the Movies
Dream Horse (2021) PG
Wednesday, January 12, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Based on a true story, small-town Welsh bartender Jan Vokes convinces her neighbors to join together to raise a race horse to compete. Register here.
Here Today (2021) PG-13
Wednesday, January 19, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
When veteran comedy writer Charlie Burnz meets New York street singer Emma Payge, they form an unlikely yet hilarious and touching friendship that kicks the generation gap aside and redefines the meanings of love and trust. Register here.
A Call to Spy (2019) PG-13
Wednesday, January 26, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Based on a true story. In the beginning of WWII, with Britain becoming desperate, Churchill orders his new spy agency - SOE - to recruit and train women as spies. Register here.
Adult Book Clubs
Mystery Book Club
Monday, January 10, 3-4pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing The English Wife by Lauren Willig. Hard copies are available for pick up at the circulation desk. There are also audiobook copies available on Hoopla. Register here.
Nonfiction Book Club
Wednesday, January 12, 10-11am, Brown Room, Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister: Three Women at the Heart of Twentieth Century China by Jung Chang. Hard copies are available for pick up at the circulation desk. Register here.
Tuesday Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, January 25, 6:30-7:30pm, Online, Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin. Hard copies are available at the circulation desk. Register here.
Children and Teen Virtual Events
Information and Registration: Children/Teen Department at 203-262-0626 ext. 3
See below for information about our upcoming Children's and Teen Programming! All of our Children's and Teen Programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. Library programs are not funded by the town fiscal budget. Currently, youth services programs are a mix of virtual and in person; in person programs are dependent on the current COVID-19 situation and may move online if needed. Registration is required for all in person programs. For virtual programs requiring registration, registrants will receive an email reminder with the Zoom links approximately 24 hours before the start of the program.
Children's Storytimes:
Drop-In Storytime (All Ages)
Monday, January 3, 10, 24 & 31, 10:30am, Online, No Registration Required
Join us Monday mornings on the Youth Services Southbury Library Facebook Page. This storytime will be live at 10:30am and viewable after, with no Facebook account required to watch. Our Friend Miss Heather is here to share stories, songs, and a simple craft all themed around a different fun topic each Monday. Craft supplies can be picked up in the library after storytime and are available while supplies last (they go quickly!). Find more on our website here.
Wednesday, January 5, 12, 19 & 26, 10:30am, Online, No Registration Required
Join us online on the Youth Services Southbury Library Facebook Page (live at 10:30am and viewable after, no Facebook account required to watch) for a special virtual storytime and craft. Miss Katie will share stories, rhymes, and songs geared towards toddlers and older. Crafts can be picked up in the library after storytime and are available while supplies last (they go quickly!). Find more on our website here.
Special Events for Children:
Open House Take and Make Craft (All Ages)
Saturday, January 8, 15, 22 & 29, All Day, Upstairs, No Registration Required
Stop by the Youth Services Department on Saturdays to take a home a fun seasonal craft (while supplies last)! Due to COVID-19, this program is Take & Make only. Find out more on our website here.
Aprende Conmigo: Spanish Language Program (Grades 1-3)
Tuesday, January 4, 11, & 16 and Thursday, January 13, 4:30-5:30pm, Brown Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Join Chris-Ann Bennett for a six session/three week Spanish language immersion program. Participants will learn basic phrases and key expressions and collaborate on a book highlighting the program. This series continues the first two weeks in January on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30pm (the 4, 6, 11, & 13). Participants should be able to attend all six sessions. Find out more and register on our website here.
First Chapter Friday Nutmegs (Grades 3-5)
Friday, January 7, 14, 21 & 28, 12:00pm, Online, No Registration Required
Miss Heather introduces the 2022 Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees. Join Miss Heather on our Facebook Page as we explore the nominees. Catch us live or watch it later! No Facebook account required to view. Find out more on our website here
Tiny Food Explorers In-Person (Ages 2-5 and Their Caregivers)
Thursday, January 13, 10-11am, Kingsley room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Tiny Food Explorers for some fun with food! Come and explore new flavors and textures while playing games all about food and MyPlate! You’ll make a hands-on healthy snack that even the pickiest of eaters will be keen to try. All snack ingredients will be nut free but may contain dairy. Find out more and register here.
STEAMonday: Snow Painting (Grades 2-5)
Monday, January 24, 4:15-5pm,Kingsley Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Participants will learn how to make their own snow paint using everyday household ingredients and then will create a painting to take home. Find out more and register on our website here
Sock Platypus Craft (Grades 2-5)
Thursday, January 27, 4:30-5:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space limited
Join Miss Heather and Miss Katie to make your very own sock platypus craft. Find out more or register on our website here.
Special Events for Teens:
LitLoot: Book Subscription Boxes for Teens (Grades 6-12)
Available Starting Monday, January 3, Registration Required- Space Limited
Register for our LitLoot book subscription box and get two book selections customized to you along with some extra added on goodies in this box of book magic! Your box will be ready approximately 1 week after your registration. Find out more, including how to register on our website here.
Teen To-Go Craft Kits: Penguin Plushies (Grades 6-12)
Starting Tuesday, January 18 while supplies last
Pick up complete kits to make a Penguin Plush from the Teen Department while supplies last. Each kit will have instructions and all supplies needed (except scissors). Find out more on our website here.
Food Explorers Online: Whoopie Pies (Grades 6-12 and Their Families)
Wednesday, January 19, 5-6pm, Online, Registration Required – Space Limited
Join Food Explorers to make Whoopie Pies! These delicious thick chocolate cakey cookies are filled with a creamy marshmallow filling (with no gelatin). Cook along with us over Zoom from the comfort of your very own kitchen. Space is limited for time to answer individual questions and walk everyone through this program. Find out the ingredients list and register on our website here.
Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, January 25, 6-7pm, Tutor Corner, Application Required– Space Limited
We are looking for creative, energetic volunteers in Grades 6-12 who are interested in making a difference at the Southbury Public Library! Teen Advisory Board (TAB) members can directly influence our teen book & AV collections, teen programming and events, and other teen services. Each monthly meeting opens with a discussion about ideas for programs, materials, and more and closes out with some special volunteer projects. If you are interested in becoming a TAB member, fill out the application form on our website and we will contact you. Find out more and apply on our website here.
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library Holiday Lobby Book Sale: Extended through January 31!
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library Holiday Lobby Sale has been extended through the end of January! There will be many gift quality books, covering Children’s, Cooking, Boutique, History, Biography, Fiction, Non Fiction, Special Interest and so much more!
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library sponsor almost all of our fun virtual and in person programs found on the calendar page of our website. For more information about the Friends, click here.
Brinker Fireplace Room Display: Sustainable Southbury
This month, sustainability is on display in the Brinker Fireplace Room as Sustainable Southbury shares some of their recent efforts. This grassroots group is focused on sustainability efforts throughout the town of Southbury and the pursuit of the Town's accreditation as a Sustainable CT town. Sustainable Southbury will also be holding their own talk on reducing food waste in the Kingsley Room on Tuesday, January 11 at 1pm. This talk will discuss meal planning, shopping, and understanding food waste in addition to tips on extending the shelf life of purchased food and proper storage techniques.
Artist of the Month: David Zinni
January 4 – February 27, 2022
This is the first exhibit for Dave Zinni, a local emerging artist who embarked on his art journey after retiring from an accomplished career as an analytical engineer in the aerospace industry.
Dave began working with acrylics at the outset of his painting experience and after a short period of time added oils to his repertoire in pursuit of their high intensity pigments. This exhibit is comprised of multiple pieces in each medium.
Dave is a realist who is inspired by local landscapes and wildlife. His works are based on his own and family photography.
The exhibit in the Gloria Cachion Gallery will be open during regular library hours from Tuesday, January 4, 2022 through Sunday, February 27, 2021. Please visit our website to learn more.