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Hello, Friends!
Happy almost January! We will be closed Monday, January 2, 2023, for New Year's Day; we will be open Sunday, January 1. We will also be closed Monday, January 16, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, but we look forward to seeing you all the other days this month!
In addition to a new year, we also have a new Head Librarian, Heather Szaley Aronson! You may recognize her as she’s worked at the Southbury Public Library since 2003. Starting as a volunteer, Heather decided the library was the place for her and has been everything from circulation assistant to Head of Youth Services. Excited to begin this next chapter of her career, Heather plans to rejuvenate the adult volunteer program and is looking forward to continuing to build relationships with Town and local organizations. Stop by to say hello and share your ideas for new and interesting library programs and collections!
We are excited to announce that Kanopy, the popular on-demand video streaming service, is now available at the Southbury Public Library! Easy-to-use and completely advertisement free, Kanopy showcases more than 30,000 titles, including award-winning documentaries and acclaimed films, rare and hard-to-find titles and classic films. Free for anyone with a Southbury library card, Kanopy can be accessed on computers, mobile devices, TV apps, and more. To start streaming, click here!
Looking to make 2023 a year to remember? Grades 6-12 can join us for Memory Tips for Teens with Dr. Wendy Hurwitz on Tuesday, January 17 from 6-7pm. Dr. Hurwitz will return on Tuesday, January 24 from 5:30-6:30pm to share Three Different Approaches to Meditation for Grades 4-8.
To find out more about these and all our other exciting events in January, see below!
If you know of friends or relatives who have trouble receiving this newsletter even though they signed up for it, information is available on our website here about how to make sure it goes through. Anyone with questions is also always welcome to contact us at 203-262-0626 ext. 130 for more information.
Best wishes,
The Staff of the Southbury Public Library
Table of Contents
- Adult Events
- Wednesday and Evening at the Movies
- Adult Book Clubs
- Technology Help
- Children and Teen Events
- Children's Events
- Teen Events
- The Friends of the Southbury Public Library: Holiday Lobby Book Sale
- Brinker Fireplace Room Display: 10 Tips for Mental Health & Well-being
- Artist of the Month: Hank Meirowitz
Adult 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.
Tips to Promote, Protect, and Restore Vitality
Tuesday, January 10, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Did you know that there is growing scientific evidence that cognitive decline, Alzheimer's and dementia may be prevented, reduced or reversed? Based on the latest information, come learn easy, simple, drug-free things you can do that may help prevent, reduce, or reverse cognitive decline, and strategies to promote healthy aging. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
Using Gmail More Effectively
Thursday, January 12, 2-4pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us as we learn more about the very popular email application, Google Mail (Gmail). We will cover important Gmail basics, such as: Sending, Receiving, Replying, Forwarding, Printing, etc. Additionally we will cover many of the really interesting capabilities of Gmail, such as: Labels, Categories, Themes, Signatures, Vacation Response, etc. No prior Gmail experience is necessary for this class. To register, click here.
Southbury's 350th Anniversary Kickoff - An American Pop Music Time Machine
Saturday, January 14, 1-2:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us for the kickoff of the Town of Southbury's 350th Anniversary Celebration! "An American Pop Music Time Machine" is a musical voyage through American History, using popular songs from our past as a medium to connect to our cultural heritage. In addition to live music, this presentation will also reference significant times and events in the history of the Town of Southbury. To register, click here.
The Wizard of Oz: MGM Production #1060
Friday, January 20, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Perhaps the most beloved children’s film of all time, The Wizard of Oz went through multiple directors and major cast changes. And despite critical acclaim, the original release was a financial failure! So what has made this film so popular with people of all ages for more than eighty years? A delightful look at how this screen classic came together, taking all of us “Over the Rainbow.” For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
A Fulfilling Retirement: Living Your Purpose
Saturday, January 21, 1-2:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us as we explore how having a sense of purpose is one of four key pillars that contributes to a fulfilling retirement. Discover how a well-defined purpose completes the picture of what matters most to you, and how that impacts the financial strategies that can help you reach your goals. To register, click here.
Coloring Club
Monday, January 23, 2-3:30pm, Brown Room, Registration Requested
Welcome to the Adult Coloring Club! Join us for a relaxing hour of therapeutic coloring in the Brown Room. Materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own supplies as well. Registration is requested. Register here.
James Herriot: The Simple Life of the World’s Most Famous Veterinarian
Tuesday, January 24, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us and learn more about Alf Wight, an unassuming country veterinarian who practiced for 50 years in one of England’s most beautiful places, the Yorkshire Dales. He rose to international fame later in life under the pen name James Herriot as he recounted the heartwarming animal stories and colorful characters of a bygone era, inspiring a film and multiple television series. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
New Year, New Writing - A Poetry and Short Prose Writing Workshop
Saturday, January 28, 11am-2pm, Zoom, Registration Required - Space Limited (Waitlist only)
Come kickstart your writing for 2023. Join Poet Laureate Faith Vicinanza for a writing workshop. Explore the writing process through writing prompts and sharing your work. The new year is the perfect time to work on a new skill. To register, click here.
Wednesday at the Movies
The Wizard of Oz (1939) G
Wednesday, January 11, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
Young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes. Register here.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) PG-13
Wednesday, January 18, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
After thirty years, Maverick is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN's elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it. Register here.
The Good House (2022) R
Wednesday, January 25, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
Life for New England realtor Hildy Good begins to unravel when she hooks up with an old flame of hers from New York. Based on Ann Leary's 'The Good House.' Register here.
Evening at the Movies
Nope (2022) R
Thursday, January 12, 6-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
The residents of a lonely gulch in inland California bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery. Register here.
Don't Worry Darling (2022) R
Thursday, January 26, 6-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
A 1950s housewife living with her husband in a utopian experimental community begins to worry that his glamorous company could be hiding disturbing secrets. Register here.
Adult Book Clubs
Mystery Book Club
Monday, January 9, 3-4pm, Kingsley Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing Death at Breakfast: A Novel by Beth Gutcheon. Print copies are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, click here.
Nonfiction Book Club
Wednesday, January 11, 10-11am, Brown Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb. Print copies are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, click here.
Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, January 24, 6:30-7:30pm, Brown Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing The Christie Affair: A Novel by Nina de Gramont. Print copies are available at the Circulation Desk. For more information, click 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 12-1pm.
Children and Teen 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.
Children's Storytimes:
Drop-In Storytime (All Ages)
Monday, January 9, 23, & 30, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Join Miss Jennifer for stories, rhymes, and a small craft the Mondays we’re open in January. All ages are welcome. Find out more on our website here.
PJ Storytime (All Ages)
Thursday, January 26, 6-6:30pm, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Join Miss Jennifer for snuggly stories and a craft. Feel free to wear your PJs and bring your favorite stuffed animal. All ages welcome. Find out more on our website here.
Babies & Books Storytime (6-24 Months)
Tuesday, January 10, 17, 24, & 31, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Babies and Books is an interactive lapsit program for babies ages 6-24 months and their parents and caregivers. Find out more on our website here.
Toddler Time Storytime (Ages 2 & 3)
Wednesday, January 11, 18, & 25, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space Limited (Waitlist Only)
Parents and caregivers are invited to join their toddlers ages 2 and 3 for theme based stories, songs, and a craft. Find out more on our website here.
Stories & More Storytime (Ages 4 & 5)
Thursday, January 12, 19, & 26, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space 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 out more on our website here.
Special Events for Children:
I Spy Bear Hunt (Ages 0-18)
Starting Tuesday, January 3, All Month, Upstairs, No Registration Required
The bears have escaped from the books! Can you find all the bear characters from children's literature? It's time for an I Spy Bear Hunt. Find all the bears hidden throughout the Youth Services department, complete the form and you'll receive a small prize. Forms are available in the Youth Services department (upstairs). Find out more on our website here.
ARTuesday (Ages 7 & Up)
Tuesday, January 3, 5-6pm, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Do you love art? Join Miss Renee 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.
Open House Make or Take Craft (All Ages)
Saturday, January 7, 14, 21, & 28, All Day, Upstairs, No Registration Required
Stop by the Youth Services department Saturdays to make a thematic craft. Make it here or bring it home. Crayons and glue available in the library. Available while supplies last. Find out more on our website here.
Storytime with the Southbury Police Department (All Ages)
Tuesday, January 10, 5-6pm, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Join Officer Liz and friends for an evening of stories and crafts. Find out more on our website here.
Animal Crossing Character Clay Pots (Grades 2-5)
Thursday, January 12, 4:30-6pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required—Space Limited (Waitlist Only)
Join Miss Katie to make another fun craft project. Choose your favorite character from Animal Crossing and get crafty! Find out more and register on our website here.
Tiny Food Explorers (Ages 2-5 & Caregivers)
Tuesday, January 17, 11-11:45am, 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.
Build Your Own Sticker Book Family Night: Music History (All Ages)
Tuesday, January 17, 5-6 pm, Brown Room, Registration Required
Join us for the first ever Build Your Own Sticker Book Family Night! Register as families or groups and answer music history trivia while making your own sticker book. Find out more and register on our website here.
Memory Jars (Grades 3-5)
Thursday, January 19, 6-7pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required
Join us to make your own memory jar while we talk about Memory Jars by Vera Brosgol! Pick up copies of the book from the Youth Services Desk to read it before the program. You do not have to have completed the book to attend the meeting and share your thoughts about what you read so far! Find out more and register on our website here.
Three Different Approaches to Meditation (Grades 4-8)
Tuesday, January 24, 4:30pm - 5:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Three types of meditation will be presented, and ways to augment their benefits. Alternatives to meditation will also be discussed. There will be opportunities for participants to try each method. Find out more and register on our website here.
Special Events for Teens:
Teen DIY: Book Hedgehogs (Grades 6-12)
Monday, January 9, 4-5pm, Brown Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Join us to make hedgehogs out of old books! We'll also have supplies you can use to give your hedgehog some personality in the form of clothes or accessories. Find out more and register on our website here.
Teen Trivia Tuesday (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, January 10, 6-7pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join us for a fun trivia contest! Test your knowledge of topics like books, geography, animals, space, and more! With some questions being multiple choice, we'll have a range of difficulties. Find out more and register on our website here.
Memory Tips for Teens (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, January 17, 6-7pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
Join us to learn memory tips that may help with school, preparing for exams, and more with Dr. Wendy Hurwitz. We’ll take the tips and techniques used by memory athletes and go through how you can use them in your own life. Please note: this program is fragrance free. Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers: Red Velvet Trifles (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, January 19, 4-5pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Food Explorers for a sweet and delicious cooking class! You’ll be making Red Velvet Trifles: loaded with homemade red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting made from scratch. Recipe is nut free but will contain eggs, dairy, and gluten. Find out more and register on our website here.
Minute to Win It Monday (Grades 6-12)
Monday, January 23, 4-5pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Fast-paced and fun, you’ve got one minute to succeed in these silly challenges! Everyone wins because they’re as fun to play as they are to watch. Find out more and register on our website here. Usually, Minute to Win It Monday is the last Monday of the month, but this month we will be meeting one week early. Find out more and register on our website here.
Three Different Approaches to Meditation (Grades 4-8)
Tuesday, January 24, 4:30-5:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Three types of meditation will be presented, and ways to augment their benefits. Alternatives to meditation will also be discussed. There will be opportunities for participants to try each method. Find out more and register on our website here.
Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, January 24, 6-7pm, Tutor Corner
Teen Advisory Board usually meets the last Tuesday of the month, but this month we'll be meeting one week early. Currently, applications for Teen Advisory Board are closed.
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library: Holiday Lobby Book Sale Extended!
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library's Holiday Lobby Book Sale has been extended through the end of January!
Located in the lobby and Gloria Cachion Art Gallery of the Southbury Public Library, the Holiday Lobby Book Sale is open during regular library hours. 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. Refreshed multiple times a week with new books, there's something for everyone at the Holiday Lobby Book Sale, and all at great prices!
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: 10 Tips for Mental Health & Well-being
January is Mental Wellness Month. This month, our Brinker Fireplace Room Display Case highlights 10 tips for mental health and well-being from Columbia University.
Artist of the Month: Hank Meirowitz
The Gloria Cachion Gallery at the Southbury Public Library will showcase the art of the late Hank Meirowitz from Wednesday, January 4, 2023 through Monday, February 27, 2023.
Hank Meirowitz, a longtime resident of New Milford and more recently, Southbury, formerly the CEO of a textile firm in New York City, and owner of a NYC children’s clothing store, Prissy Miss, passed away on July 20, 2022, just after his 90th birthday. Hank was a photographer with a keen eye for composition and subject matter. His work has been shown in various galleries and libraries in the area, including the Southbury Library, and in New York City. His photos have graced the covers of local magazines and, years back, his photo of a young son on his father’s shoulders at Greenwich Village Art Show appeared in Life Magazine.
He was most proud to bear the title of PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE PAMPERED PET and was a great lover of animals, using his talent to capture the personality of subjects large and small. Extreme close-ups, color or black or white, of the happy faces or full portraits of pets reclining and soulfully peering at the camera reflect the moods he created in his studio.
This retrospective of his work encompasses 28 photographs from his extensive portfolio and shows the breadth and depth of his talent.
The 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. The exhibit will also be online as a virtual gallery here. Please visit our website to learn more.
This email was sent by the Southbury Public Library, 100 Poverty Road, Southbury, CT 06488. www.southburylibrary.org
