May Events at the Southbury Public Library

Southbury Public Library Upcoming Events

Adults

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.

Current Event Update: Ukraine
Wednesday, May 4, 1-2:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Join us and learn more about the history of the Russo-Ukrainian War as well as its position in a larger conflict. This conflict between the Great Powers is for resources, financial domination and political control. Ukraine is another conflict in the episodic war for domination by the Great Powers. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.

The Sinking of the Titanic
Thursday, May 5, 7-8pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required

For over 100 years the details of this maritime disaster have fascinated the public. The Titanic has been the subject of multiple movies, songs, cookbooks, novels, and a Broadway musical. Join us as we explore the Titanic's creation, design, interior decoration, and her final—and only—voyage. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.

Tales of Connecticut Aviation History
Tuesday, May 10, 2-3pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Join us and hear some of the stories that unfolded in Connecticut’s rich and perpetual history of aviation innovation. Learn more about how Connecticut created history and contributed to the nation’s overall leadership in aviation. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.

Preparing to Save for College
Tuesday, May 17, 7-8pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required

According to CNBC, the cost of college has increased by more than 25% in the last 10 years. Join us and learn more about how to save for college for your children and grandchildren. This program will be of most use for those who have at least 5 to 10 years before their child or grandchild attends college. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.

Classical Music Concert - Alyce Cognetta Bertz and Meg Cognetta Heaton
Friday, May 20, 7-8:30pm, Brinker Fireplace Room, Registration Required

Join us for an in-person musical performance by sisters Alyce Cognetta Bertz and Meg Cognetta Heaton. Alyce and Meg will be performing pieces by Beethoven, Dvorak, Kreisler, and more. This program will be in-person only. To register click here.

Ulysses S. Grant
Tuesday, May 24, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Ulysses S. Grant is one of the foremost figures in late 19th century American history but is also one of the most misunderstood. Although he served two terms as our 18th President, he is more well known today for being the commanding general of the U.S. army during the Civil War. Join us as we take a look at this larger-than-life figure and try to learn more about the man behind the myth. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.

Dr. William Reszelbach — Child of the Holocaust Lecture Series
Thursday, May 26, 7-8:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Join Dr. William Reszelbach, a child of Holocaust survivors, as he shares his family’s harrowing experiences at the hands of the Nazis, coupled with Holocaust history. Dr. Reszelbach will discuss his parents will to survive and how these traumatic events affected their new life in the USA, as well as his own life, and his perspective on modern-day anti-Semitism. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.

Wednesday at the Movies

Marry Me (2022) PG-13
Wednesday, May 11, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Music superstars Kat Valdez and Bastian are getting married before a global audience of fans. But when Kat learns seconds before her vows that Bastian has been unfaithful, she instead decides to marry Charlie, a stranger in the crowd. Register here.

The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021) PG-13
Wednesday, May 18, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

An intimate look at the extraordinary rise, fall, and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. Register here.

Death on the Nile (2022) PG-13
Wednesday, May 25, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

While on vacation on the Nile, Hercule Poirot must investigate the murder of a young heiress. Register here

Adult Book Clubs

Mystery Book Club
Monday, May 9, 3-4pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

This month we'll be discussing "G" is for Gumshoe by Sue GraftonHard copies are available for pick up at the circulation desk. Register here.

Nonfiction Book Club
Wednesday, May 11, 10-11am, Brown Room, Registration Required

This month we'll be discussing Crying in H Mart: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner. Hard copies are available for pick up at the circulation desk. Register here.

Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, May 24, 6:30-7:30pm, Online, Registration Required

 This month we'll be discussing Faye, Faraway by Helen Fisher. Hard copies are available for pick up at the circulation desk. Register here.

Technology Help

Technology Help with James Chapin
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12-1pm, Reference Area, No Registration Required

Do you have technology questions or are you having issues with a device? Come by for help with local tech expert James Chapin. Feel free to ask your questions to our Reference Staff as well. For more information click here.

Reference Technology Assistance

Did you know that the Reference Department offers assistance with mobile devices, downloading our e-resources, and more? If you have a simple question, stop by the Reference Desk more than an hour before we close and we can assist you. Like other Reference Questions, you may have to wait for a Reference Librarian to be available. If your question is more in-depth or you're not sure how long it will take, call the Reference Department at 203-262-0626 ext. 130 to inquire about making an appointment. Most of our assistance is related to answering questions about how to use a device, app, or website. We cannot touch your device directly, but instead we teach you how to do what you are looking for help with. If you have a hardware question or very technical question, we recommend visiting James Chapin during his Technology Help on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00-1:00pm


Children and Teen Events

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, May 2, 9 & 16, 10:30-11am, 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. Miss Heather is here to share stories, songs, and a simple craft all themed around a different fun topic. 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.

Babies & Books Storytime (6-24 Months)
Tuesday, May 3 & 10, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space is limited

Babies and Books is an interactive lapsit program for babies ages 6-24 months and their parents and caregivers. Find more and register on our website here.

Toddler Time Storytime (Ages 2 & 3)
Wednesday, May 4 & 11, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space is limited

Parents and caregivers are invited to join their toddlers ages 2 and 3 for theme based stories, songs, and a craft. Find more and register on our website here.

Stories & More Storytime (Ages 4 & 5)
Thursday, May 5 & 12, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space is limited

Children ages 4 and 5 able to sit and pay attention independently are invited to listen to longer stories and complete a craft or activity. Find more and register on our website here.

Special Events for Children:

StoryWalk: Big Dance (All Ages)
Ongoing through Friday, June 3, 2022, Outside on the Library Grounds

Follow along and get moving with our spring StoryWalk featuring Big Dance by Aoife Greenham. Stop by the Youth Services department to make or take a craft. Find out more on our website here.

Imagine Nation Nature Study: Herb Planting (Preschool & up)
Tuesday, May 3, 4:30-5:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space is limited

Join the educators from Imagine Nation Museum Early Learning Center for a nature study all about herbs. Find out more and register on our website here.

Food Explorers Online: Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes (Ages 7 & Up)
Wednesday, May 4, 5:30-6:30pm, Online, Registration Required

Join the Registered Dietitians of Food Explorers to make a sweet spring snack. We're making Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes! Find out the ingredients list and register on our website here.

Mother’s Day Flower Arranging with the Southbury Garden Club (Ages 7 & up)
Saturday, May 7, 11:30am-12:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

The Southbury Garden Club is back with a lesson in floral arranging. Find out more and register on our website here.

Open House Make or Take Craft (All Ages)
Saturday, May 7, 14, 21 & 28, All Day, Upstairs, No Registration Required

Stop by the Youth Services Department every Saturday to make a thematic craft (while supplies last)! Make it here or bring one home. Crayons and glue sticks are now available in the library. Find out more on our website here.

ARTuesday (Ages 7 & Up)
Tuesday, May 10 & 24, 5-6pm, Storytime Room, No Registration Required

Do you love art? Join Miss Renee and Miss Kim for a playful, messy, and expressive art experience where there is no right or wrong. Come to either or both sessions to play and experiment with a variety of art mediums and themes. Smocks recommended. Please wear something you don't mind getting messy. Find out more on our website here.

Tiny Food Explorers (Ages 2-5 & Caregivers)
Thursday, May 12, 11am-12pm, 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 on our website here.

Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health Read Alongs & Activities (Children and Families/Caregivers)
Three Sessions: Thursday, May 12, 4:30-5:30pm; Tuesday, May 17, 6-7pm; OR Tuesday, May 31, 4:30-5:30pm; Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Join the professionals from S.M.A.R.T. for a fun and informational read aloud and activity! We’re hosting three Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health read alongs in May, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Find out more and register on our website here

Pom Pom Hamster Craft (Grades 2-5)
Thursday, May 19, 4:30-5:30pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space is limited

Join Miss Heather and Miss Katie to make a yarn pom pom hamster. Find out more and register on our website here.

Special Events for Teens:

Teen DIY In-Person: Book Page Roses (Grades 6-12)
Monday, May 2, 4-5pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required – Space Limited

Join us to make beautiful paper roses out of old book pages. Celebrate spring with a bouquet of these never-wilting flowers that are surprisingly easy to make. Find out more and register on our website here.

Minute to Win It (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, May 10, 6-7pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Fast paced and fun, you've got one minute to succeed in these quick challenges! With snacks involved in some challenges and all of them being hilarious to watch, everyone wins. Find out more or register on our website here.

Teen To-Go Craft Kits: Koala Cord Keeper (Grades 6-12)
Starting Monday, May 16 while supplies last.

Pick up complete kits to make a Koala Cord Keeper 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.

Third Thursday Game Night: Life Size Clue (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, May 19, Two Sessions: 4-5pm OR 6-7pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Join us in-person to play Clue in a group setting! Find out whodunnit in this larger-than-life mystery. In order to accommodate everyone, there will be two sessions: one from 4-5pm and one from 6-7pm. Please only register for one session. Register for our 4-5pm session here and our 6-7pm session here.

Book Themed Mad-Libs (Grades 6-12)
Wednesday, May 25, 4-5pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Join us to play Mad Libs themed around book series like Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games, Selection Series, The Chronicles of Narnia and more! These ________(adjective) word games will make you laugh until you __________ (verb). Find out more and register on our website here.

Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, May 31, 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 2022 Book Sale and Half Price Sale

Book Sale
Saturday, April 30, 10am-3:30pm and Sunday, May 1, 12-4:30pm, Library Lower Level

This year's Book Sale features more than 100,000 items organized into several dozen categories, including fiction by author, biographies, history, and more. Additionally, there are thousands of DVDs, Music CDs, and Vinyl Records. Also featuring Collectibles, Art Gallery, Manga, Graphic Novels, Cookbooks, Children’s Books, limited Old & Interesting Books, Puzzles, Games, Boutique Items and so much more! Checks, Cash and Credit Cards accepted. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Southbury Public Library. Find out more on our website here.

Half Price Sale
Thursday, May 12, to Sunday, May 15, Library Lower Level

Get a great deal at the Friends' Half Price Sale, featuring left over items from their previous Book Sale. Checks, Cash and Credit Cards accepted. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Southbury Public Library. Thursday: 10am-8pm. Friday: 10am-5pm. Saturday: 10am-3:30pm. Sunday: 12-4:30pm. Find out more on our website here.

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: Pysanky Ukrainian Easter Eggs by Marianne Lurie

This month, Southbury resident Mack Stewart is sharing a special gift with the community: his collection of Pysanky that a friend and artist Marianne Lurie gave him, one each Christmas over the years. These eggs decorated Mack’s holiday trees, and this year Mack is sharing his gift with the community for all to enjoy. The display features a variety of egg designs both traditional and contemporary. To learn more about Pysanky and the artist Marianne Lurie, visit our display in the Brinker Fireplace Room anytime during library open hours during the month of May.

Also displayed in the case is a clay horse by artist Louise King. Louise King was an accomplished artist, writer, animal lover, philanthropist and longtime patron of the arts. Known for her keen intelligence, whimsical clay horses and furtive-but-boundless generosity, Louise lived in Washington, CT since 1976.


Artist of the Month: Brenda Molloy May 3 – May 29, 2022

The Gloria Cachion Gallery at the Southbury Public Library will showcase the art of Brenda Molloy from Tuesday, May 3, 2022 through Sunday, May 29, 2022.

Brenda is an award-winning fractal artist. While she creates digital print images and animations based on mathematical formulas, her approach to the work is highly intuitive and the ethereal images produced beautifully reflect her artistic vision.

Having studied Fine Arts and worked in graphic design, Brenda began to transition to making fractal art in 2007. The underlying mathematical geometry of fractals has a vibration that is closely related to the patterns found in nature. As a trained reiki practitioner, subtle energy fascinates Brenda, and makes itself felt on many levels, including in her artwork. The attraction to creating fractal art was a natural progression.

Capturing as much beauty as possible is an integral part of her practice. Beyond the visual appeal, viewers often comment on the calming effect that her work has on them, describing it as transformational or healing. Currently Brenda is finding great joy in creating fractal animations as well as single images. She enjoys collaborating with musicians on multidimensional audio/visual projects, weaving the art and music together for a beautiful, transcendent experience.

The exhibit in the Gloria Cachion Gallery will be open during regular library hours from Tuesday, May 3, 2022 through Sunday, May 29, 2022. The exhibit will also be online too as a virtual gallery here. Please visit our website to learn more.


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Submitted by Southbury, CT

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