Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Newsletter - October 2023

Library Director's Message

Hello!

Ahhh...the rustle of leaves in the air reminds me of my favorite poem by Robert Frost titled Nothing Gold Can Stay. As you can tell by the title, the poem is a reference to the changing of seasons, and I love how it illustrates the evolution of a leaf from green to gold. Libraries evolve and change, too, as I’m sure you have experienced during the last few years. Thankfully, we don’t completely disappear and come back every year as leaves do. But we have had to get creative in the past to continue library services specifically in the midst of a pandemic. We move forward as we always do, and I’m excited to share that we are spending the month of October gathering information from you, our patrons, on the programs, services, and ideas you have for your library. Your input is vital, and I hope you will consider participating.

The Berlin-Peck Memorial Library leadership is seeking community input from October 10-30, 2023 to develop a three-year strategic plan for library services. All information will be kept confidential. Community members can participate in one of three ways:

 - Complete a short survey by October 30, online or at the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library.

 - Attend a 90-minute community conversation session on Thursday, October 12 at 6:30 pm OR Saturday October 14, 10:30 am.

 - Stop by Berlin Town Hall or the Berlin Peck Memorial Library and share your idea on our idea wall.

This is your opportunity to think big about what the library can do for our community. All ideas will be considered, even if we may be limited in what we can implement over the next three years. We invite you to look into the future and imagine what Berlin-Peck Library could be. Libraries are so much more than books, and we are excited to hear your hopes and dreams for your community and your library! Please send me an email at kmcnally@berlinpeck.org  or give me a call at 860-828-7131 if you have any questions about this process. And I hope you have a moment this month to step outside and enjoy the annual changing of the leaves from green to gold – we are so lucky to experience it here in New England.

Warmly,
Kim McNally

Closed for Columbus Day
Monday, October 9

The library will be closed for Columbus Day. We'll reopen on Tuesday.

Closed for Staff Training
Tuesday, October 24

The library will be closed for a day of staff training, where we will learn how to better support our community. We'll reopen on Wednesday.

See more booklists at berlinpeck.org/booklists.

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.

Learn More

Writer’s Workshop: Starting and Structuring Your Story
Monday, October 2, 6:30 pm

Join writer Chelsea Dodds for a workshop on starting and outlining a story.

Register

Senior Center Book Club
Wednesday, October 4, 1:30 pm

Join us at the Senior Center for a discussion of Honor by Thrity Umrigar. Contact the library for a copy of the book.

Register

Friday Movie Matinees
Friday, October 6, 13, 20, 27, 1:00 pm

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

Register

Sit & Knit

Thursday, October 5 + 19, 6:00 pm
Thursday, October 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

Black Bears in Connecticut
Tuesday, October 10, 6:30 pm

Join certified Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn to learn all about bears!

Register

Community Conversation: Imagine the Library
Thursday, October 12, 6:30 pm
or Saturday, October 14, 10:30 am

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

An opportunity for our community to provide ideas and feedback on the library. This conversation will be held twice so that more people are able to attend. You only need to sign up for one date.

Register for Thursday the 12th

Register for Saturday the 14th

Medicare & You
Monday, October 16, 1:00 pm

Join Doug Truitt, retired Director of Berlin Social and Youth Services, for an informative presentation about your healthcare options under Medicare.

Register

Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Monday, October 16, 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.

Learn More

Cancer Ghosting: The Traumatic Side Effect No One Warns You About
Monday, October 16, 6:30 pm

Learn about "cancer ghosting," the phenomenon of family and friends cutting off contact after a cancer diagnosis—and how to best support a loved one through their diagnosis.

Register

Lawyers in Libraries: Free Legal Help
Wednesday, October 18, 5:30 pm / 6:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Sign up to receive free legal advice, including landlord/tenant, immigration law, family law, employment, consumer rights, and personal injury. Registration is strictly required.

Register

Saturday Book Club
Saturday, October 21, 10:30 am

This month, instead of everyone reading the same book, please read a book of your own choice. Choose one that falls within the reading challenge of: “Read a book written by a Booker Prize or National Book Award nominated author.”

Register

Book Discussion with the Berlin Police Department
Monday, October 23, 6:30 pm

Join Officer Aimee Krzykowski and Librarian Carrie Tyszka to discuss Craig & Fred: A Marine, a Stray Dog, and How they Rescued Each Other by Craig Grossi.

Register

Make and Take: Bad Art Night @ The Truck Bar
Wednesday, October 25, 6:00 pm

Absolutely NO good art allowed! If your crafting projects belong in a slideshow of Pinterest Fails, this is the program for you! We’ll end with a bad art exhibition and voting, with prizes for the worst art.

Register

Protect Your Financial Info From Scammers
Thursday, October 26, 1:00 pm

Learn about common scams and find out important tips to help you understand the methods of identity theft, take action steps to reduce your risk, and recognize signs to help you avoid becoming a victim.

Register

Learn to Knit
Saturday, October 28 and November 4 + 11, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Each class builds on the previous one. Register only if you can attend all three dates.

Join us for a three-week introduction to knitting!

Register

Film Screening: The 29th Connecticut
Saturday, October 28, 11:00 am

Learn about the eleven African-American soldiers who enlisted from Berlin, Connecticut, during the American Civil War. Join us after the documentary for audience Q&A.

Register

Smart DriverTEK Workshop
Monday, October 30, 1:00 pm

Discover the safety benefits of new car technology: what new technologies are available, how they work, and how they can improve your peace of mind on the road.

Register

Cookbook Club
Monday, October 30, 6:30 pm

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

This month’s cookbook is Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child.

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 and 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!

Register

Behind the Bench: A Conversation with Two Superior Court Judges
Wednesday, November 1, 6:30 pm

Meet with two Connecticut Superior Court Judges who will speak about how the courts work and how they impact our daily lives.The judges will talk about their background and the importance of the rule of law as well as answer patron questions.

Register