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Hello, Friends!
Happy March! Southbury Public Library will be closed Friday, March 29, and Sunday, March 31, 2024, in observance of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We look forward to seeing you all the other days this month!
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library's Donation Day is Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.! Donate gently-used or new books (hardcover & paperback) for adults, teens and kids, DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks on CD, puzzles, vinyl records, and collectibles. Unloading assistance will be provided! Please bring donations to the library's below ground rear entrance. Find out more about Donation Day on our website here. If you're a teenager interested in volunteering on Donation Day to earn service hours, please fill out this volunteer registration form by Wednesday, March 13.
March is Women's History Month! Join us Friday, March 15, for Fierce Females: Women in Art, Part II, as we celebrate the stories of an array of women artists (from the 1500s to today) who have overcome obstacles to achieve recognition and success. This event, presented by Jane Oneail, will be delivered via Zoom and will be streamed to our Kingsley Room. To register, click here.
Children and families: we are very excited that the Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance will be joining us again on Saturday, March 9 from 2-2:45pm! Register here to join us to watch them demonstrate their moves, and even learn a few steps yourself!
If you have time before Friday, March 22, please stop by to see the Tiny Art Show upstairs! We have been absolutely blown away by the quality, quantity, and variety of art we received, with more than 100 of our community members submitting 177 pieces of art! Our artists ranged in age from 4 months to 89 years old. The Tiny Art Show is mounted in the Teen Department; take a left as you come off the elevator or up the stairs and follow the orange signs.
To find out more about all our exciting events in March, 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. 2 for more information.
Best wishes,
The Staff of the Southbury Public Library
Table of Contents
- Southbury Public Library Adult Reading Challenge
- Adult Events
- Wednesday and Evening at the Movies
- Adult Book Clubs
- Technology Help
- Children and Teen Events
- Children and Teen Reading Challenges
- Children's Events
- Teen Events
- The Friends of the Southbury Public Library
- Brinker Fireplace Room Display: Southbury's Walking Trails
- Artist of the Month: Region 15 Students
Southbury Public Library Adult Reading Challenge
Southbury Public Library Adult Reading Challenge
Ongoing, On Paper and Online on Beanstack
We invite everyone to participate in Southbury Public Library's inaugural Adult Reading Challenge event! Consisting of 12 different reading challenges, one per month, this is an ongoing event that will continue throughout the 2024 calendar year. After reading a book for this month's challenge, complete a short paper or digital form to tell us about the book. You will then be eligible for this month's prize! Submit a form for each of the 12 monthly challenges throughout 2024 and you will be eligible for the Reading Challenge's grand prize at the end of the year! This event, like all Southbury Public Library programs, is open to anyone regardless of town of residency.
The reading challenge for March 2024 is to read a book that was made into a movie or television show! A drawing will occur at the end of the month to decide the winner of a $25.00 gift card to Riverview Cinemas!
To be eligible for this month's prize, after reading, complete a short paper or digital form to tell us about the book you chose for this challenge. Reading recommendations and paper forms are available at the library’s Reading Challenge display. Visit Beanstack to get started online. Completed forms must be received by Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Adult Events
Information and Registration: Reference Department at 203-262-0626 ext. 2
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.
Author Talk: James Tsacoyeanes
Wednesday, March 6, 2-3:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us as James Tsacoyeanes discusses his book How Did His Life Go So Wrong, A Father’s Memoir. This book is the product of the last eleven years as he struggled coming to terms with his son Chris’s addiction and death. The goal of the book is to help families dealing with addiction to understand the commonality of their struggles, share what he has learned and to hopefully save lives. To register, click here.
Hedda Hopper & Louella Parsons: Malice in Hollywoodland
Thursday, March 7, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Powerful women in fields dominated by men, Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons invented and perfected the art of movie gossip, glorifying some and ruthlessly destroying others. One was a frustrated screenwriter, the other a frustrated actress. Entertainment historian John Kenrick returns for this frank and sometimes hilarious look at the unique personal rivalry that propelled two legendary journalistic careers – reshaping Hollywood along the way. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
Adult Graphic Novel Club
Friday, March 8, 11:30am-12:30pm, Online and in the Brown Room, Registration Required
Join us for the Adult Graphic Novel Club! This is an adult focused group to discuss graphic novels and manga. Come with your ideas, experiences, opinions, and an open mind as we explore this amazing world of visual realism and fantasy! This month we'll be discussing Spy x Family, Vol. 1 by Tatsuya Endo: An action-packed comedy about a fake family that includes a spy, an assassin and a telepath! For more information, click here.
Write it, Polish it, Publish It: A Writing Group - Session 5, Writing and Polishing
Saturday, March 9, 10am-2pm, Brown Room, Registration Required
Join Southbury Poet Laureate Faith Vicinanza as she leads a writing workshop as part of a year long series. Explore the writing process through writing prompts and sharing your work. Continue your writing journey with us. For the first two hours we will work on writing. For the second half we will start polishing. Bring with you 10 copies of a poem or a short prose work. To register, click here.
Tips to Optimize Brain Health
Thursday, March 14, 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? This event, presented by Dr. Wendy Hurwitz, is 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 optimize brain health. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
Fierce Females: Women in Art, Part II
Friday, March 15, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Women have been barred from meaningful participation in the arts for centuries. Join us for this event, presented by Jane Oneail, as we celebrate the stories of an array of women artists (from the 1500s to today) who have overcome obstacles to achieve recognition and success. For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
The Ali Ryerson-Joe Carter Duo
Thursday, March 21, 7-8:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us as the Ali Ryerson-Joe Carter Duo celebrates the music of Brazil – Samba, Bossa Nova, Choro, Baiao and more, styles that are based on and a blend of African rhythms, indigenous rhythms and European folk and dance rhythms. The duo’s repertoire features songs by Brazil’s classic composers such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Moacir Santos, Jacob do Bandolim, Luiz Bonfa, Pixinguinha, Baden Powell, Ary Barroso and others. Ali and Joe take things a step further by using their Jazz backgrounds to add Jazz improvisation into the tunes, creating a sound that blends the best of both worlds. In other words: the best of Music from “Both Sides of the Equator”. To register, click here.
Staying Safe Online, Part 1
Friday, March 22, 2-4pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us for the beginning of this series. Presented by Mike Ingber, part one of this two-part series will focus on the types of threats and scams that exist, what the crooks are after, and some general advice for staying safe. We will discuss malware, ransomware, phishing, social engineering, tech support scams, and more. We will also discuss the importance of using good passwords. To register, click here.
Author Talk: Eileen Gorham
Saturday, March 23, 1-2:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Join us as Eileen Gorham discusses her book The Gifts. The book of poetry reflects all that Ms. Gorham feels thankful for. The collection, at 39 poems, was ready for publication but the author didn’t want to publish an uneven number of poems. After a particularly bad storm in the Southbury area, she witnessed many beautiful colors in the sky and the gift of her 40th poem came to her in the form of “The Gift of God’s Paintbrush”. To register, click here.
Adult Coloring Club
Monday, March 25, 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. To register, click here.
The Founding Mothers
Thursday, March 28, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Led by historian Valerie Gugala, in this program we learn about the women who stood behind the founding Fathers. Who were they and how did they contribute to the cause of American independence? For Zoom Program, register here. For Kingsley Room, register here.
Wednesday at the Movies
The Road Dance (2021) NR
Wednesday, March 13, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
A young girl lives in the Outer Hebrides in a small village in the years just before WWI. Isolated and hard by the shore, her life takes a dramatic change when a terrible tragedy befalls her. Register here.
Golda (2023) PG-13
Wednesday, March 20, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
Focuses on the intensely dramatic and high-stakes responsibilities and decisions that Golda Meir, also known as the 'Iron Lady of Israel,' faced during the Yom Kippur War. Register here.
Wonka (2023) PG
Wednesday, March 27, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
With dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate, a young and poor Willy Wonka discovers that the industry is run by a cartel of greedy chocolatiers. Register here.
Evening at the Movies
What Happens Later (2023) R
Thursday, March 14, 6-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
Willa and Bill are ex-lovers that will see each other for the first time in years when they both find themselves snowed in, in-transit, at an airport overnight. Register here.
Priscilla (2023) R
Thursday, March 28, 6-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested
When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable best friend. Register here.
Adult Book Clubs
The Southbury Public Library offers three book clubs: Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club, Nonfiction Book Club and Mystery Book Club. Join us for a discussion about this month’s books. Print copies are available at the Circulation Desk, there's no registration required and new members are always welcome!
Mystery Book Club
Monday, March 11, 3-4pm, Kingsley Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing The Man Who Died Twice: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery by Richard Osman.
An unexpected visitor arrives, desperate for help. He has been accused of stealing diamonds worth millions from the wrong men and he’s seriously on the lam. Then, as night follows day, the first body is found. But not the last. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim - the Thursday Murder Club - are up against a ruthless murderer who wouldn’t bat an eyelid at knocking off four septuagenarians. Can our four friends catch the killer before the killer catches them? For more information, click here.
Nonfiction Book Club
Wednesday, March 13, 10-11am, Brown Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing Agent Josephine: American Beauty, French Hero, British Spy by Damien Lewis.
Prior to World War II, Josephine Baker was a music-hall diva renowned for her singing and dancing, her beauty and sexuality; she was the highest-paid female performer in Europe. During the war years, as a member of the French Nurse paratroopers - a cover for her spying work - Baker participated in numerous clandestine activities and emerged as a formidable spy. In turn, she was a hero of the three countries in whose name she served - the US, France, and Britain. For more information, click here.
Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, March 26, 6:30-7:30pm, Brown Room, No Registration Required
This month we'll be discussing Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club: A Novel by J. Ryan Stradal.
When Mariel Prager inherited the The Lakeside Supper Club restaurant, skipping her mother Florence, it created a rift between mother and daughter that never quite healed. Mariel's husband Ned is also an heir - to a chain of home-style diners - and while he doesn't have a head for business, he knows his family's chain could provide a better future than his wife's fading restaurant. In the aftermath of a devastating tragedy, Ned and Mariel lose almost everything they hold dear, and the hard-won victories of each family hang in the balance. 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. 2 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 and Teen Reading Challenges:
1000 Books Before Kindergarten (0-PreK)
Ongoing, On Paper and Online on Beanstack
Read a book (any book!) to your newborn, infant, or toddler and keep track with a paper log or on Beanstack. Repeats count! If you read 1 book a day for 3 years, that’s 1095 books! 10 books a week for 2 years is 1040 books, and 3 books a day in one year is 1095 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! Pick up a paper log from the children’s department or 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!
Monthly Mini Reading Challenge: Spring Into Reading (PreK-Grade 12)
March 1-31, Online on Beanstack
Join us on Beanstack for our next Mini Monthly Reading Challenge! Complete the challenge within the month, and get a SurPRIZE! Our March theme is Spring Into Reading and our challenge consists of five hours of reading. Find out more and sign up on our Beanstack page here.
Teen Spring 2024 Book Bingo (Grades 6-12)
March 1–May 31, On Paper and Online on Beanstack
Pick up a Book Bingo Card and make Bingo by reading books in different fun categories to make rows horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Making bingo (or multiples) can earn you raffle entries for a $50 Visa Gift Card! Fill out your whole card and get a special library mug with candy inside! Find out more on our website here.
Who Was? Reading Challenge (All Ages, Best for Elementary School)
Ongoing, Paper Only
How many Who Was? Where Was? or What Was? books can you read? Get a checklist from our Children’s Department and keep track. Read 10 books and get your choice of special bookmark. You can repeat this challenge again if you read another 10. Click here to access the books in our catalog.
Children's Storytimes:
Drop-In Storytime (All Ages)
Monday, March 4, 11, 18, & 25, 10-10:30am and 11-11:30am, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Join Miss Jen for stories, rhymes, and a small craft every Monday. All ages are welcome. Find out more on our website here.
Babies & Books Storytime (6-24 Months)
Tuesday, March 26 and April 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Babies & Books is a 6-week lapsit program for children 6 to 24 months and their parents/caregivers. Listen to short stories and songs, and enjoy a small craft or sensory play. Find out more and register on our website here.
Toddler Time Storytime (Ages 2 & 3)
Wednesday, March 27, April 3, 10, 17, & 24, and May 1, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Toddler Time Storytime is a 6-week program for children ages 2 & 3 years and their parents/caregivers. Listen to stories and complete a small craft or sensory play activity. Find out more and register on our website here.
Special Events for Children:
Tunes & Tales (Ages 5 and Under)
Fridays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and Thursdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Join Miss Jen for a morning filled with music and stories! Children will sing, dance, and experiment with simple musical instruments. Find out more on our website here.
Open House Make or Take Craft (All Ages)
Saturday, March 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, 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 sticks are available in the library. Available while supplies last. Find out more on our website here.
LEGO Club (Ages 5-10)
Thursday, March 7, 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.
Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance (All Ages)
Saturday, March 9, 2-2:45pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us! The Southbury Public Library is thrilled to welcome back the Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance! Watch the talented professionals demonstrate their moves and learn a few steps. This program is intended for children but all are welcome. Find out more and register on our website here.
ARTuesday (All Ages)
Tuesday, March 12, 5-6pm, Storytime Room, No Registration Required
Stop by 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 on our website here.
Tiny Food Explorers (Ages 2-5)
Tuesday, March 19, 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 enjoy. Find out more and register on our website here.
Library Scavenger Hunt (Ages 5 & Up)
Thursday, March 21, 4:30-5:30pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
How well do you know your library? Join Miss Jen for a library scavenger hunt, where you will follow clues to find the hidden treasure. You will learn more about your library while having lots of fun! Younger children may require adult assistance. Find out more and register on our website here.
Family Trivia Night (All Ages)
Friday, March 22, 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.
Kids Who Code (Grades 3-5)
Monday, March 25, and April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 4-5pm, Storytime Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Kids Who Code is a 6 week computer science program series, where participants can build confidence and have fun! We will grow our project management and problem-solving skills while learning to code through the online program Scratch. Our program is based on the curriculum of the nonprofit organization, Girls Who Code. Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers: Blueberry Trifles (Ages 6 & Up)
Tuesday, March 26, 4:30-5:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required – Space Limited
Join Food Explorers for a delicious baking program! You’ll be making Blueberry Trifles: with layers of vanilla cake, blueberry pie filling and a zesty homemade whipped cream. This recipe is nut free but will contain eggs, dairy and gluten. Find out more and register on our website here.
Special Events for Teens:
Teen Spring 2024 Book Bingo (Grades 6-12)
March 1–May 31, On Paper and Online on Beanstack
Pick up a Book Bingo Card and make Bingo by reading books in different fun categories to make rows horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Making bingo (or multiples) can earn you raffle entries for a $50 Visa Gift Card! Fill out your whole card and get a special library mug with candy inside! Find out more on our website here.
The NEW Junior Friends (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, March 7, 6-7:30pm, Lower Level (Basement), Registration Required
Earn service hours while supporting the Friends! We’ll be working with the Friends on projects relating to their Lobby Sale and Annual Book Sale. The Junior Friends meet every first Thursday. Come just this once, or join us every month! Find out more and register on our website here.
Food Explorers: Smashed Potatoes (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, March 12, 4-5pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Food Explorers to make crispy and delicious cheesy smashed potatoes with a tasty avocado crema on top. This recipe is nut free but will contain dairy. Find out more and register on our website here.
Paint a Drawstring Bag! (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, March 14, 6-7pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join us to paint a canvas drawstring backpack! We’ll have a variety of fabric paints, and options for stenciling and free-handing designs. Find out more and register on our website here.
Volunteer at the Friends of the Southbury Public Library Donation Day (Grades 6-12 and Age 12 & Up)
Saturday, March 16, 9:30am-12:30pm & 12:30pm-3:30pm, Sign Up Required by 11:59pm on Wednesday, March 13
Interested volunteers would be helping to unload book, DVD, and similar donations from people's cars and bringing them into the Lower Level Friends Book Sale Area. They might also help sort book and other material donations. Teen volunteers will be working mostly in groups with other teen volunteers and Friends of the Southbury Public Library members. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out this Google Form by 11:59pm on Wednesday, March 13.
Cute Animals Hangout (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, March 19, 6-7pm, Brown Room, Registration Required - Space Limited
Come hang out with a variety of cute animals, both furry and scaly! Meet, interact with, feed snacks to, and pet a variety of animal friends including bunnies, ferrets, sugar gliders, snakes, a bearded dragon, and more! Find out more and register on our website here.
Family Trivia Night (All Ages)
Friday, March 22, 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.
Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, March 26, 6-7pm, Tutor Corner
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) members can directly influence our teen book and 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.
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. For more information about the Friends, click here.
Donation Day
Saturday, March 16, 10am-3pm, Library's Below Ground Rear Entrance
Donate gently-used or new books (hardcover & paperback) for adults, teens and kids, DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks on CD, puzzles, vinyl records, and collectibles. Unloading assistance will be provided! Please bring donations to the library's below ground rear entrance, as indicated in red in the picture above. Find out more about Donation Day on our website here. If you're a teenager interested in volunteering on Donation Day to earn service hours, please fill out this interest form and we will reach out to you.
2024 Friends Scholarship
Applications are due Monday, March 25, 2024 by 5:30pm to the Reference Desk
Applications for the Friends of the Southbury Public Library Inc. 2024 Scholarship are now available! Scholarship(s) up to $2000 will be awarded.
With a heavy emphasis on your involvement with library activities and library volunteering, there are three other points of consideration: academics, extra curriculars, and a written essay. Residents of the town of Southbury who are a graduating High School Senior with plans to continue their education in the 2024-25 academic year are eligible.
Completed application and essay reflection must be delivered to the Reference Desk at the Southbury Public Library by 5:30pm on Monday, March 25, 2024. Find out more (including how to get a copy of the application) on our website here.
Friends Donation Survey
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library are a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our mission is to support the library, funding its programs through the sale of donated books at our year-round lobby sale and annual book sale. Many of our unsold books are donated to a nonprofit that delivers them to schools in Kenya. We are considering financially supporting the nonprofit by storing and shipping the books. Click here to fill out our anonymous survey to let us know your thoughts.
Book Donations
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11:30am, Library's Below Ground Rear Entrance
Donate gently-used or new books (hardcover & paperback) for adults, teens and kids, DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks on CD, puzzles, vinyl records, and collectibles! Please bring donations to the library's below ground rear entrance, as indicated in red in the picture above, every Tuesday and Thursday from 10-11:30am.
Lobby Book Sale
Year-Round, Open During Library Hours, Lobby
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library's Lobby Book Sale continues year-round! 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. Open during library hours and refreshed regularly with new books, there's something for everyone at the Lobby Book Sale!
Library Coffee Station
Year-Round, Open During Library Hours, Lobby
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library's Coffee Station is up and running! Located in the lobby of the Southbury Public Library, just $1.00 gets you a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea! All proceeds go to the Friends of the Southbury Public Library.
Brinker Fireplace Room Display: Southbury's Walking Trails Display
Southbury's walking trails are on display this month in the Brinker Fireplace Room! This display was created by the Southbury Land Trust. Southbury Land Trust's mission is to preserve and protect farmland, open space, and natural resources, along with the plants and wildlife within, for the benefit of present and future residents of Southbury. Find out more at southburylandtrust.org!
Artist of the Month: Region 15 Students
Region 15 schools are observing Youth Art Month again this year with a display of local student artwork in the Gloria Cachion Gallery at the Southbury Public Library. The exhibit can be viewed at the library from Saturday, March 2, 2024 through Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
A selection of two-dimensional mixed media, paintings, photography, and drawings created by Region 15 students in Kindergarten through 12th grade will be on display, including work from students in Advanced Placement Fine Art and Photography classes.
The displays coincide with Youth Art Month; a program administered nationally by the Council for Art Education (CFAE) and is celebrated by the Southbury Public Library and the Region 15 community. The event emphasizes the value of art education for all students, encourages support for quality school art programs and provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences.
This year’s collection includes pieces from students from all of Region 15 Schools. The three pieces highlighted include work from Middlebury Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, and Pomperaug High School.
“We appreciate the opportunity to display our students’ extraordinary talent locally to promote arts education and for our students to experience having their work displayed in a public space. Arts education is a critical element in our educational programs and is an essential and highly-valued piece in building essential skills,” said Jeromy Nelson, Director of Fine, Applied and Technical Arts in Region 15. “The benefit students reap from participation in the arts extends to positive development in academic, social, and emotional realms. Arts are part of a comprehensive educational program. We are extremely grateful for our community’s continued support,” he continued.
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.
