February 2026 Newsletter

Hello, Friends!

February is here, and we hope that you'll join us for an event or to borrow a book! We'll be closed on Monday, February 16 for President's Day, but we look forward to seeing you all the other days this month!

And speaking of this month's events, our Youth Services department will making some sweet treats in a Tiramisu Workshop for children ages 7-11, and a Peach Melba Crumbles event for Grades 6-12! We're also excited to be bringing adults a calorie-free author talk by bestselling author Caroline Sutton.

This month also brings the launch of our new Library of Things collection! If you've ever wanted to get even more with your library card, check out our announcement below!

The elevator remains out of order, though the Second Floor is still accessible via the stairs. Staff are happy to retrieve any materials from the second floor as needed, as well as make any other reasonable accommodations. We are very grateful for your support and patience during the past year and ask you to continue that during this transition period.

Best wishes,
The Staff of the Southbury Public Library

Table of Contents

New! Library of Things

Your Southbury Library card just got a major upgrade! We are excited to introduce our new Library of Things: a collection of items that goes beyond books and DVDs. As of now, you will be able to use your library card to borrow jigsaw puzzles and games, including Clue, Catan, Mancala, and more! These are located on our first floor, in the Reference Area. And, if you've ever wanted to bring storytime home, you'll want to explore our collection of Toniebox audio player kits, housed in our Youth Services department! Visit us to find your next snowy day activity!

Mini Monthly Reading Challenge

February 1-28: Winter Olympics

Mini Monthly Reading Challenge: Winter Olympics (Grades K-12 & Adults)
February 1-28, Online on Beanstack and On Paper

Continuing this month: we have a Mini Monthly Reading Challenge for adults! Read for 5 hours during the month of February to get a SurPRIZE and bragging rights! Pick up a paper Tracking Bookmark from the Reference Desk or track your time on Beanstack. This challenge is also open to Grades K-12; children and teens would pick up their bookmarks from the Second Floor Circulation Desk.

If five hours is too easy, try making it a specific type of reading, such as a new genre or listening to an audiobook during a walk (or while you clean out that one closet you've been avoiding).

Adult Events

Information and Registration: Reference Department at 203-262-0626

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. All virtual adult programs require registration; registrants will receive an email with the Zoom links the morning of the program.

And Still We Rise: Harriet Tubman
Thursday, February 5, 2-3:30pm, Online via Zoom and Streamed to the Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Born in upstate New York in 1822, Harriet Tubman helped to reshape America. Tubman, born Araminta Ross, often referred to as the "Black Moses" of the Underground Railroad, dedicated her life to creating safe passages for slaves to escape to freedom. By the time of her death in 1913 at the age of 91, she had risen from the shadows of slavery to a prominent role of leadership. Dr. Bill Thierfelder will lead us through an exploration of the life of Harriet Tubman. Register to watch over Zoom here and register to watch in the Kingsley Room here.

Arts & Crafts Club
Tuesday, February 10 and 24, 1-2:30pm, Brown Room, Registration Required

Join us at the Southbury Public Library for our Arts & Crafts Club. All crafts, skill levels and ages welcome. Bring your own projects and have a space to work and chat. To register, click here.

Tiny Art Show Unveiling & Reception
Wednesday, February 11, 7-8pm, Fireplace Room, No Registration Required

Join us for the unveiling of our 2026 Tiny Art Show, followed by a reception with light refreshments. Meet and talk to some of the artists, and come see the wonderful variety of art shared! This reception is open to both artists in the show and interested community members. The art will also be on display during library open hours from Thursday, February 12 through Tuesday, March 31. Find out more on our website here.

Blood Drive at the Heritage Hotel
Thursday, February 12, 11am–4pm, Lincoln Room of the Heritage Hotel, 522 Heritage Road, Southbury, CT. Sign up through the Red Cross Required.

Donate blood and help save up to three lives! Every two seconds, someone in the US needs blood and/or platelets, and you can help! We are very proud to be sponsoring this event with the Heritage Hotel (who are very generously hosting it). Register for this event directly through the Red Cross' website. If you want to donate blood but can't make this drive, find other appointments here. There are several drives every week within 10 miles of Southbury!

Hamilton: The Man, The Musical, The Cultural Phenomenon
Thursday, February 12, 2-3:30pm, Online via Zoom and Streamed to the Kingsley Room, Registration Required.

When Lin Manuel Miranda combined his love of Broadway musicals with his passion for hip hop, the result changed musical theater forever. Why was Hamilton's story a perfect fit for rap? And how did this innovative hit build on the legacies of Oklahoma and Sondheim? Entertainment historian John Kenrick pulls back the curtain on this landmark musical hit with backstage stories and exciting performance videos. Register to watch over Zoom here and register to watch in the Kingsley Room here.

Caroline Sutton: Author Talk
Friday, February 13, 2-3:30pm, Online via Zoom and Streamed to the Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Join us for an author talk by bestselling author Caroline Sutton about her new book Eyes in the Soles of My Feet: From Horseshoe Crabs to Sycamores, Exploring Hidden Connections to the Natural World. Over the course of twenty-nine essays, Sutton observes a variety of flora and fauna, making surprising observations that could be explored in interviews. This program is sponsored by the Southbury Land Trust. Register to watch over Zoom here and register to watch in the Kingsley Room here.

Poetry Open Mic (Adults)
Sunday, February 15, 3:30pm-4:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Encouraged

Southbury poet laureate Claire Schreier Warner will host a Poetry Open Mic on Sunday, January 18th from 3:30 to 4:30. Each poet will have 5 minutes to share their work. Registration is encouraged, in case of cancellation, but walk-ins are welcome. To register, click here.

Discover OLLI!
Tuesday, February 17, 2-3:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Join us to learn more about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UConn. OLLI is a vibrant community offering non-credit classes, engaging lectures, and social opportunities designed for adults 50+ who love learning and staying connected. Explore sample courses, learn how membership works, and hear about in-person and online options that fit a variety of interests and schedules. A sample class will also be presented. Bring your curiosity — and bring a friend!. To register, click here

The Founding Fathers: Myths, Realities, and Legacies
Thursday, February 19, 2-3:30pm, Online via Zoom and Streamed to the Kingsley Room, Registration Required

They are hailed as heroes, visionaries, and the architects of American democracy—but who were the Founding Fathers, really? This lecture separates fact from fiction to explore the complex lives, beliefs, and contradictions of figures like Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Hamilton. Historian Valerie Gugala will discuss the myths that surround them, the truths history reveals, and the lasting legacies they left on the nation they helped create. Register to watch over Zoom here and register to watch in the Kingsley Room here.

Jazz: If It Sounds Good, It Is Good!
Saturday, February 21, 1-2:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Presenter Peter Farber will lead an exploration through the various sounds of jazz music. This program will include a few tunes from the Great American Songbook (GAS) and more. To register, click here.

Adult Coloring Club
Monday, February 23, 2:00-3:30pm, Brown Room, Registration Requested

Join us for a relaxing hour of therapeutic coloring. Materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own supplies as well. Registration is requested, not required. Please sign up so we know how many people to expect and to receive event updates! To register, click here.

Plan with Me: Adult Planner Meet-Up
Friday, February 27, 2-3pm, Brown Room, Registration Required

Put your New Year's resolution to become more organized into action! This monthly meet-up is all about socializing, having a creative outlet, and getting your plans in order. Come decorate and fill out your planners for the month ahead, or work on any other planning activity you'd like. Bring your own markers, washi tape and stickers, or use some of the supplies we will have on hand. A limited supply of free 12-month planners will be available for those who need them! To register, click here.

Artivism: Turning Art into Action Through Performance & Dialogue
Saturday, February 28, 11am-1:30pm, Brown Room, Registration at SACA's Website Required

Artist Steve Parlato presents works from his They Are Not Disposable series, the powerful art that inspired Not Disposable: The Play. Audiences will experience live spoken word performance excerpts by one of the producers MayaRose of Spoken Word, along with original poetry by local artists within the cast, bringing the artwork and its themes to life. This immersive Theatre Artivism event explores racial injustice, police brutality, and moral responsibility through performance, spoken word, and visual art. The event concludes with a moderated panel and community dialogue examining art as activism and how creative expression can inspire understanding, conversation, and collective action for social change. To register, click here.

March Event Sneak Peek

Letter Writing Social
Wednesday, March 4, 12-2pm, Brown Room, Registration Requested

Come celebrate National Write a Letter of Appreciation Week at our letter writing social! Drop in any time between noon and 2pm to write letters to friends, family, or anyone else you’d like to gift with handwritten mail. Paper, envelopes, and stamps will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite cards or stationery. Registration is not required, but is requested, so that we can estimate the amount of supplies to have on hand. For more information, click here.

Wednesday & Evening at the Movies

Thelma (2024) PG-13
Wednesday, February 11, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

When 93-year-old Thelma Post gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her. Register here.

Reagan (2024) PG-13
Wednesday, February 18, 1-3:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

From the glitter of Hollywood to the world stage, Ronald Reagan overcomes the odds to become the 40th president of the United States. Register here.

F1 (2025) PG-13
Wednesday, February 25, 1-3:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested

Racing legend Sonny Hayes is coaxed out of retirement to lead a struggling Formula 1 team—and mentor a young hotshot driver—while chasing one more chance at glory. Register here.

Evening at the Movies

Love Hurts (2025) R
Thursday, February 12, 6-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

A realtor is pulled back into the life he left behind after his former partner-in-crime resurfaces with an ominous message. With his crime-lord brother also on his trail, he must confront his past and the history he never fully buried. Register here.

The Roses (2025) R
Thursday, February 26, 6-8:00pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

A tinderbox of competition and resentments underneath the façade of a picture-perfect couple is ignited when the husband's professional dreams come crashing down. Register here.

Adult Book Clubs

The Southbury Public Library offers three book clubs for adults: Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club, Nonfiction Book Club, and Mystery Book Club. Registration is requested, not required. Join us for a discussion about this month’s books! Please sign up so we know how many people to expect and to receive event updates!

Mystery Book Club
Monday, February 9, 3-4pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested

This month we'll be discussing Stone Cold by C. J. Box. To register, click here.

Nonfiction Book Club
Wednesday, February 11, 10-11am, Brown Room, Registration Requested

This month we'll be discussing The Swans of Harlem by Karen Valby. To register, click here.

Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, February 24, 6:30-7:30pm, Brown Room, Registration Requested

This month we'll be discussing People of Means by Nancy Johnson. To register, click here.

Children and Teen Events

Information and Registration: Children/Teen Department at 203-262-0626

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.

Children and Teen Reading Challenges

Mini Monthly Reading Challenge: Winter Olympics (Grades K-12 & Adults)
February 1–28, Online on Beanstack and On Paper

Continuing this month: you can use a paper tracking bookmark instead of Beanstack AND adults can join! Read for 5 hours during the month of February; track your time spent reading on Beanstack or pick up a Tracking Bookmark from the Second Floor Circulation Desk. Adults can participate on Beanstack or pick up an Adult Mini Monthly Reading Challenge Bookmark from the Reference Desk.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten (Birth to Entering Kindergarten)
Ongoing, Online on Beanstack

Read a book (any book!) to your newborn, infant, or toddler and keep track on Beanstack. Repeats count! If you read 1 book a day for 3 years, that’s 1,095 books! 10 books a week for 2 years is 1,040 books, and 3 books a day in one year is 1,095 books. Every book you read you get one sticker, and if you finish you can get a certificate, small prize, and your picture on our wall of fame if you’d like! Visit Beanstack to get started online.

100 Books Before Graduation (Grades 9-12)
Ongoing, Online on Beanstack

Read 100 books before High School Graduation! 100 books may seem like a lot (and it is), but it works out to about 1 book every 2 weeks. When you sign up, get a special tracking bookmark to fill out as you read. Make it to half way and get a $5 Gift Card to Dunkin' or The Bakery. Read 100 books and get a special throw blanket! Every 10 books you read, pick out something from the prize box (pins, stickers, animal sticky notes, and more!). Visit Beanstack to find out more and get started!

Children's Storytimes

Drop-In Storytime (All Ages)
Monday, February 2, 9, 23, 10:30-11am, Kingsley Room, No Registration Required (The library is closed February 16)

Join Jen for an all-ages storytime! We'll share books, rhymes, and songs, and a small craft will be available to make with us or take home. Find out more on our website here.

Take Your Child to the Library Day: Drop-In Storytime (All Ages)
Saturday, February 7, 10:30-11am, Youth Services Department, No Registration Required

Join us on Take Your Child to the Library Day for a special drop-in storytime. We'll share books, rhymes, songs, and lots of fun! Find out more and register on our website here.

Special Events for Children

Family Giant Games Night (All Ages)
Tuesday, February 3, 17, 6-7pm, Youth Services Department, No Registration Required

Join us for an evening of Giant Games! Drop in between 6-7pm to enjoy a variety of traditional, larger-than-life, board games. This event is perfect for families or a group of friends; if a team is not made of middle schoolers and above, an adult must be present. Find out more on our website here.

Tunes & Tales (Recommended for Ages 5 & Under)
Thursday, February 12, 19, 26, 10:30-11:30am, Kingsley Room, No Registration Required (No event on February 5)

Join Jen for a morning filled with music and stories! Children will sing, dance, and explore musical instruments. Find out more on our website here.

Yoga for Kids (Ages 2-5)
Friday, February 6, 10:30-11:30am, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

CT Yoga instructor Nick Switz, certified with five years of experience and training from Radiant Child Yoga, guides children through a playful class. The class is guided throughout with yoga-based games and captivating stories, fostering creativity, cooperation, and body awareness. The class ends with a calming guided story, offering a moment of reflection. Find out more and register on our website here.

Take or Make Crafts (All Ages)
Saturday, February 14, 21, 28, Youth Services Department, While Supplies Last

Stop by the Youth Services Department on three Saturdays this month to make a thematic paper craft. Make it here or bring it home. Crayons and glue available in the library. Appropriate for all ages. Young children may need assistance. Find out more and register on our website here.

Take Your Child to the Library Day: Craft-a-thon (All Ages)
Saturday, February 7, While Supplies Last, Youth Services Department, No Registration Required

We're celebrating the 15th annual Take Your Child to the Library Day! Stop by the Youth Services department for our Open House Make or Take Craft-a-Thon! Make your craft while you browse for books or take home a fun and exciting winter or Valentine's paper craft to make later! Appropriate for all ages, though young children may need assistance. Find out more and register on our website here.

Yoga for Kids (Ages 6-10)
Saturday, February 7, 11am-12pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Take Your Child to the Library Day: Family Giant Games Afternoon (All Ages)
Saturday, February 7, 1-3pm, Youth Services Department, No Registration Required

Join us for an afternoon of Giant Games! Drop in between 1-3pm to enjoy a variety of traditional, larger-than-life, board games. This event is perfect for families or a group of friends; if a team is not made of middle schoolers and above, an adult must be present. Find out more and register on our website here.

ARTuesday (Recommended for Ages 5 & Up )
Tuesday, February 10, 5-6pm, Brown Room, No Registration Required

Do you love art? Join us for a playful, messy, and expressive art experience where there is no right or wrong. Come 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 and register on our website here.

Tiny Art Show: Unveiling & Reception (All Ages)
Wednesday, February 11, 7-8pm, Fireplace Room, No Registration Required

Join us for the unveiling of our 2026 Tiny Art Show, followed by a reception with light refreshments. Meet and talk to some of the artists, and come see the wonderful variety of art shared! This reception is open to artists in the show and interested community members. Find out more and register on our website here.

Makerspace Morning (Ages 5-12)
Saturday, February 21, 10-11:30am, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Join us to explore, think, and create in our mobile makerspace! Choose from a wide range of materials to create something new and unique, or complete a craft project using provided instructions. Find out more and register on our website here.

LEGO Club (Grades K-5)
Tuesday, February 24, 4:30-5:30pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Join us for an afternoon of LEGO fun! We’ll provide the LEGO bricks, and you bring the creativity! You can free build, or work off of instructions. Find out more and register on our website here.

Family Trivia Night (All Ages)
Friday, February 27, 6:30-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Join us for another Family Trivia night! Work together as a family team to answer our trivia questions! We'll have a variety of topics, including kid-centric knowledge, general information, and questions aimed at parents, too. The family who answers the most questions correctly will win a $100 gift card to Riverview Cinemas! Find out more and register on our website here.

Tiramisu Workshop (Ages 7-11)
Saturday, February 28, 11am-12:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited.

Join Mr. Matt to learn the steps of making Tiramisu, this wonderful Italian dessert, in a hands-on class! Find out more and register on our website here.

Special Events for Teens

Family Giant Games Night (All Ages)
Tuesday, February 3, 17, 6-7pm, Youth Services Department, No Registration Required

Join us for an evening of Giant Games! Drop in between to enjoy a variety of traditional, larger-than-life, board games. This event is perfect for families or a group of friends; if a team is not made of middle schoolers and above, an adult must be present. Find out more and register on our website here.

Teen Crochet Club (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, February 3, 17, 6:30-7:30pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Join us for our crochet (and knitting) club, open to both new and experienced crafters alike. If you’re already working on a project, bring it with you. If you’re new to knitting and crocheting, get started with us! We will have basic knitting and crocheting supplies available. Attend one or both meetings. Find out more and register on our website here.

Tiny Art Show: Unveiling & Reception (All Ages)
Wednesday, February 11, 7-8pm, Fireplace Room, No Registration Required

Join us for the unveiling of our 2026 Tiny Art Show, followed by a reception with light refreshments. Meet and talk to some of the artists, and come see the wonderful variety of art shared! This reception is open to artists in the show and interested community members. Find out more and register on our website here.

Food Explorers: Peach Melba Crumbles (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, February 26, 4-5pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Join Food Explorers for a fruity spring dessert! You’ll be making Peach Melba Crumbles by creating your own crumbly sweet topping, a filling full of peaches and raspberries and topped off with homemade whipped cream. This recipe is vegetarian and nut-free, but will contain dairy and gluten. Find out more and register on our website here.

Family Trivia Night (All Ages)
Friday, February 27, 6:30-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

The Friends of the Southbury Public Library

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, our Mini Monthly Reading Challenges, and most of our Summer Reading Program Prizes! Find out more about the Friends here!

2026 Friends Scholarship
Applications due by 4:00pm on Saturday, March 14, 2026 to the Reference Desk

Applications are now available for the 2026 Friends of the Southbury Public Library Scholarship! The Friends are awarding scholarship(s) up to $2000! To be eligible, applicants must be Southbury residents, a 2026 Graduating High School Senior, and planning to continue their education in the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship takes into account involvement with the library and library volunteering, academics, extracurricular activities, and a written essay. Details about the essay, how to apply, and application forms can be found on our website or at the Reference Desk.

A hard copy of your application (including all three pages of the application and your essay) is due by 4pm on Saturday, March 14 2026 to the Reference Desk.

Friends Lobby Book Sale
Extended through May, Open During Library Hours, Lobby

The Friends of the Southbury Public Library's Lobby Book Sale continues through May! Located in the lobby of the Southbury Public Library, this sale features a wide selection of books for all ages, including Children’s, Cooking, Boutique, History, Biography, Fiction, Nonfiction, Special Interest and so much more. The sale is being refreshed regularly as space allows, so new items are being added all the time. Open during library hours, there's something for everyone at the Friends Lobby Book Sale!

Friends Donation Center
Located in the Southbury Plaza between Catalyst Gym and The Paper Store
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30am; Wednesdays from 5-7pm

Because we do not have the same basement storage access, please continue to bring any book donations to the Friends Donation Center in the Southbury Plaza rather than the library. The Friends Donation Center is located between the Catalyst Gym and the Paper Store and is generously donated by Gatto Development Corporation. The Donation Center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am to 11:30am and Wednesdays from 5-7pm.

Items accepted include gently-used hardcover, softcover, and paperback books in all genres, both fiction and nonfiction, for adults, teens, and children. The Friends also accept DVDs, music CDs, vinyl records, audiobooks on CD, jigsaw puzzles, and games. Donation receipts for tax purposes are available. These donations will be used in future book sales to raise funds for library programs and other services to benefit the community.

For more information about the Friends of the Southbury Public Library, click here.

Perspective and Perception: 3 Artists' Work

This February brings the work of three artists to the Gloria Cachion Gallery: Becky Butler, Sandra Daignault, and Lucy C. Pierpont. Their work will be on display during library open hours from Tuesday, February 3 through Thursday, February 26, 2026.

About the artists:

Becky Butler: Becky is a Connecticut-based artist working in pastel, acrylic, and mixed media. Her work is rooted in abstraction and draws from themes of identity, emotion, and connection. In 2024 she was awarded Best in Show for her mixed media piece "Somewhere Out There" in the Art at the Meeting House exhibition in Roxbury. Becky’s work has been exhibited at Five Points Gallery’s Small Works show in Torrington, CT and the CT+6 show in West Hartford and the Mixmaster exhibit at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, CT. She lives in Woodbury, Connecticut, with her husband, Paul.
Sandra Daignault: Sandra is a Connecticut-native abstract artist. Her artwork has been exhibited in galleries across CT, including the New Britain Museum of American Art in New Britain, the Five Points Gallery in Torrington, and the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury. Since 2023 her work has been in one woman-shows in Roxbury, Brookfield, Litchfield, and Naugatuck. One of her abstracts, "The Music Inside," is on display as a permanent piece at the US Headquarters of Jägermeister, Westchester, NY. In addition, she is an author and has recently published a climate change fiction novel, O2: Earth’s Last Breath. Visit her at sdaignaultfineart.com.
Lucy C. Pierpont: Lucy has worked in the marketing/graphic design field and has created art her whole life. Her photographs and paintings have been displayed in exhibits at the Mattatuck Museum, Majors Inn, Hartwick College, Oneonta Art Association, Kent Art Association, Washington Art Association, Burnham Library, Kent Memorial Library, Flanders Nature Center, Roxbury Meetinghouse, Ridgefield Art Walk and The Smithy in New Preston. She has studied oil painting with Peter Seltzer since 2021. Her graphic designs for the Kent Memorial Library have been the recipient of 8 Connecticut Library Association Publicity Awards in recognition of design, marketing, and publicity created to promote a Library service or event. Her work can be seen at lucypierpont.carrd.co.

The full exhibit will be open during regular library hours which are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30am to 5:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9:30am to 9:00pm, Saturdays 9:30am to 4:00pm and Sundays 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Visit our online gallery for a sample of photos from the exhibit.

Published by on February 04, 2026
Last Modified February 04, 2026

Type:

News Newsletter

Southbury Public Library

Elevator Out of Order