Hello, Friends!
Happy May! Stop by to visit our temporary location within the Heritage Hotel! Located at 522 Heritage Road in Southbury, this temporary location will provide the in-person library services you're familiar with as we continue to recover from extreme damage caused by the flooding in August 2024.
Southbury Public Library will be closed Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. We look forward to seeing you all the other days this month! Our hours and services will vary depending on outside events at the Heritage Hotel; changes will be listed on our website, or you can call us at 203-262-0626 to check.
We hope you'll join us for our virtual and off-site events this month! Some highlights include:
Grades K-5: Create a unique gift for that important person in your life! Join the Southbury Garden Club on Saturday, May 10, offsite at Southbury Parks and Recreation to create flower collages using silk flowers.
Adults: Embark on a dazzling journey into the world of tiaras and jewelry belonging to the British royal family! Join us Tuesday, May 13, online via Zoom as accomplished historian and storyteller Valerie Gugala presents Crowned in Brilliance: Tiaras and Jewelry of the British Royal Family! Learn about how these magnificent adornments have not only adorned the heads and necks of royalty but have also become symbols of tradition, power, and elegance.
To find out more about all of our exciting events in May, see below!
If you need assistance with anything related to your library card account, please visit us at the Heritage Hotel, call 203-262-0626, or email asksbylib@biblio.org.
Best wishes,
The Staff of the Southbury Public Library
Table of Contents
- Flood Recovery Updates
- Museum Passes
- Our Favorite Online Resources
- Adult Events
- Adult Book Clubs
- Children and Teen Events
- Children's Events
- Teen Events
- Children and Teen Reading Challenges
- The Friends of the Southbury Public Library
- Artist of the Month: Patti Maher
Flood Recovery Updates
The library building at 100 Poverty Road remains structurally sound with consistent temperature and humidity throughout the main floors, but is not in a state to reopen to the public.
Purchase orders are beginning to be issued for Southbury Public Library repairs. The Town of Southbury applied for a state grant in addition to continuing to work with FEMA on their federal grant application. Currently, the library remains on schedule to open to the public in November 2025.
For the most up-to-date information, please follow our website and social media accounts or the Town of Southbury’s website and social media accounts (Town Facebook & Town Instagram). In the meantime, please come visit us at our temporary location in the Heritage Hotel at 522 Heritage Road!
Museum Passes
Museum Passes are back in circulation! A list of available museum passes can be found here. Our passes can be checked out and returned at our temporary location within the Heritage Hotel Golf, Spa & Conference Center, located at 522 Heritage Road, Southbury, CT. The passes can be checked out for 7 days.
Our Favorite Online Resources
Kanopy, Consumer Reports Online, & Libby
Check out some of our favorite online resources that you can access for free from home (or anywhere with an internet connection) with your Southbury Public Library card! We have more details on our website here about Kanopy, Consumer Reports Online, and Libby. Kanopy offers streaming of movies and television shows, including many popular BBC shows, The Great Courses, and Sesame Street. You can access all that Consumer Reports Online has to offer through the link on our website and using your Southbury library card number. Last but not least, is Libby: our app for ebooks, audiobooks, and many popular magazines. For all of these online resources, you need the number on the back of your library card that starts with "24019" and enter it in with no spaces. While Kanopy and Consumer Reports online are for Southbury library card holders only, many area libraries have access to Libby, which is our favorite for ebooks, audiobooks, and many popular magazines.
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.
Violin & Piano Classical Music Concert
Friday, May 9, 7-8pm, Offsite at the United Church of Christ, 283 Main Street North, Registration Required
Join us for a concert of classical music performed by violin soloist Alyce Cognetta Bertz and pianist Meg Cognetta Heaton! To register, click here. This event is sponsored by Southbury Public Library's Gift Fund and the United Church of Christ.
Crowned in Brilliance: Tiaras and Jewelry of the British Royal Family
Tuesday, May 13, 2-3:30pm, Online via Zoom, Registration Required
In this lecture, presented by Valerie Gugala, we will embark on a dazzling journey into the world of tiaras and jewelry belonging to the British royal family. Join us as we explore the history, significance, and stories behind some of the most iconic and cherished pieces in the royal jewelry collection. To register, click here.
The Hollywood Blockbuster: How Steven Spielberg and George Lucas Changed the Movies
Thursday, May 15, 2-3:30pm, Online via Zoom, Registration Required
Hollywood is an industry that has always depended on blockbusters. But beginning in 1974, two young filmmakers, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, would together change the way the movie industry made movies. This presentation by Brian Rose will look at their four decades of filmmaking and discuss how they changed the movies. To register, click here.
Adult Coloring Club
Monday, May 19, 2-3:30pm, Offsite at Parks and Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Requested
Welcome to the Adult Coloring Club! 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.
Valley Shakespeare Festival's Much Ado About Nothing
Tuesday, May 20, 7-8pm, Offsite at Parks and Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required
Join us for Valley Shakespeare Festival's family-friendly 60-minute production of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing! This performance will be followed with a Q&A with the actors so that the audience can get to know more about the performance. To register, click here.
Perennial Muses: Flowers in Art
Friday, May 23, 2-3:30pm, Online via Zoom, Registration Required
Throughout the history of art, flowers have been more than just beautiful decorations - they've served as powerful symbols, carrying secret meanings known to artists and their patrons. This fascinating exploration of flora in art, presented by Jane Oneail, will unveil the language of flowers, revealing how these delicate blooms have shaped our visual culture and continue to inspire artists to this day. To register, click here.
Tories, Spies, and Traitors: Divided Loyalty in Revolutionary Connecticut
Thursday, May 29, 2-3:30pm, Offsite at Parks and Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required
Which side are you on? That’s the question that every single person in Connecticut had to answer in 1775, as the thirteen colonies began a rebellion against British rule. This presentation by the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History reveals stories of Nutmeggers who risked and sacrificed to support their chosen side during this “tumultuous jarring time of civil war.” To register, click 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, May 12, 3-4pm, Offsite at Parks and Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Requested
This month we'll be discussing The Postscript Murders, by Elly Griffiths. To register, click here.
Nonfiction Book Club
Wednesday, May 14, 10-11am, Offsite at Parks and Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Requested
This month we'll be discussing Mott Street: A Chinese American Family's Story of Exclusion and Homecoming, by Ava Chin. To register, click here.
Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, May 27, 6:30-7:30pm, Offsite at Parks and Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Requested
This month we'll be discussing Lies and Weddings: A Novel, by Kevin Kwan. 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's Storytimes:
Drop-In Storytime (All Ages)
Monday, May 5, 12, 19, 10:30-11am, Mat Room, Southbury Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, No Registration Required
Join Jen for an all-ages storytime! We'll share books, rhymes, and songs, and a small craft will be available to take home. Find out more on our website here.
Babies & Books Storytime (6-24 Months)
Tuesday, May 6, 10:30-11am, Nursery Room, United Church of Christ, 283 Main Street North, 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.
Special Events for Children:
Tunes & Tales (Recommended for Ages 5 & Under)
Thursday, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 10:30-11am, Multipurpose Room, Southbury Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, No Registration Required
Join 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.
Circle Loom Weaving with Miss Laleh (Ages 7-12)
Monday, May 5, 4:30-5:30pm, Mat Room, Southbury Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required - Space Limited
In this workshop, participants will use different colored strings to weave circular patterns, learning the art of weaving with yarn. This hands-on activity will teach children both creativity in design and the traditional technique of weaving, giving everyone the chance to craft a beautiful and personalized woven piece that they can use as wall art or a coaster! Find out more and register on our website here.
ARTuesday (Ages 3-12)
Tuesday, May 6, 4:30-5:30pm, Mat Room, Southbury Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required - Space Limited
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. Find out more and register on our website here.
Mother’s Day Flower Collages with the Southbury Garden Club (Ages 7-12)
Saturday, May 10, 11:30am-1pm, Mat Room, Southbury Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join the Southbury Garden Club to create Mother's Day flower collages using silk flowers! Find out more and register on our website here.
Spring Craft Lab with Mr. Matt (Grades K-5)
Wednesday, May 14, 4:30-6pm, Mat Room, Southbury Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, Registration Required - Space Limited
Join Mr. Matt for Spring Craft Lab, with a choice of 20 spring-themed crafts and activities! Find out more and register on our website here.
LEGO Club (Grades K-5)
Thursday, May 15, 4:30-5:30pm, Kitchen/Arts & Crafts Room, Southbury Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, 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.
Special Events for Teens:
To Go Craft Kit: Snail Plush (Grades 6-12)
Starting Thursday, May 15 while supplies last, Library’s Location in the Heritage Hotel, 522 Heritage Road, No Registration Required
Pick up complete kits to make a Snail Plush while supplies last. Each kit will have instructions and all supplies needed (except scissors). Kits are not limited per person, but we ask that you only take what you (and siblings or friends you are crafting with) need. Find out more on our website here.
Teen Crochet Club (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, May 20, 6:30-7:30pm, Kitchen/Arts & Crafts Room, Parks & Recreation, 561 Main Street South, 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. Find out more and register on our website here.
Children and Teen Reading Challenges:
May Monthly Mini Reading Challenge (All Ages)
May 1-31, Online on Beanstack
Join us on Beanstack for our next Mini Monthly Reading Challenge, themed Growing Readers! Read for five hours (about 1-3 books for elementary, middle, and high school readers) and get a SurPRIZE. Find out more and sign up on our Beanstack page!
1,000 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!
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. Find out more about the Friends here!
Donations
Friends’ Donation Center, located in the Southbury Plaza between Catalyst Gym and The Paper Store
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30am, and Wednesdays from 5-7pm
The Friends of the Southbury Public Library are accepting donations for future book sales to raise funds for library programs and services to benefit the community. The Friends’ Donation Center is located at their new space, generously donated by Gatto Development Corporation, in the Southbury Plaza between Catalyst Gym and The Paper Store. The Center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
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.
The August 2024 flood completely destroyed the entire Friends’ inventory of material collected in the past year from generous donors. The Friends are extremely grateful to all those in the community, the surrounding towns, and even out of state, who have so generously donated books and other materials. The success of past sales allows us to continue to fund almost all programs offered by the library.
For more information about the Friends of the Southbury Public Library, click here.
Artist of the Month: Patti Maher
The Southbury Public Library will be virtually showcasing the artwork of artist Patti Maher for the month of May 2025.
Artist Patti Maher works primarily in watercolor, though she also enjoys pen & ink and graphite. In most recent years her artwork has developed into what she describes as her version of minimalism. There is a simple elegance that she creates by using a limited palette and sparing, yet free flowing lines, which evoke a strong feeling of peace. Maher’s subject matter tends to be the emotions and feelings one gets from a scene or object, rather than the object itself.
Maher is a writer, which also influences her artwork. She thinks of both her writing and artwork as a conversation. She loves to hear or see the reaction to her work, and when it touches someone deeply she feels that she is being “heard” and she feels connected to the world in a deep and meaningful way. She views her minimalist artwork as a type of visual poetry.
An artist for over thirty years, Maher offers a line of note cards. You can find more of her artwork at www.PattiMaher.com.
For more information, click here. To view this virtual exhibit, click here.