Walingford and Meriden Library News September 2008

Wallingford and Meriden Library News and Events – September 2008

PROGRAMS GALORE AND MORE @ WPL!
Wallingford Public Library has had quite a summer! The July circulation figures were up 33% from last year and all record were broken on July 7th when over 1800 people visited the library. We hope everyone was able to participate in one of our summer reading programs and a safe and happy summer was enjoyed by all.
Leaving summer behind won't be too hard once you explore the many September happenings at the library. First of all, Saturdays are back! Our new Fall hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Go online and check out our newly designed website: http://www.wallingford.lioninc.org/. You will still be able to search our catalog and find some great links from this site. In addition, link to the calendar of events and keep current on all our events.

And speaking of events, September is chocked full of great programs.

Our children's department will continue its popular Mother Goose programs, Itty Bitty Babies, preschool and bilingual drop-in storytimes in addition to some special programming. Call the Children's Library at 284-6418 for more information.

After a Rock and Roll summer, the Teen Department is going full steam ahead with more special events and regularly scheduled programs. The ever popular Ninteno Wii will continue to be featured in a Guitar Hero Tournament on September 10th. Like graphic novels? Try our Anime Night: Ranna ½ on the 16th. The library's Teen Club and Mother Daughter Book Group will be back on the schedule too. Call the library and ask Jen Nash, Wallingford Public Library's top teen librarian for more information.

Adults too will find September to be an exciting time at the library. Our featured author on September 18th is a special appearance by Sichan Siv, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and author of the recently published, Golden Bones: An Extraordinary Journey from Hell in Cambodia to a New Life in America. Mr. Siv's memoir is a moving account of his life in Cambodia and his daring escape from the killing fields of the Khmer Rouge to a refugee camp in Thailand. From Thailand Mr. Siv came to Wallingford, CT where he was welcomed by a local family. A truly inspiring story of hard work, hope, and perseverance; Mr. Siv will share his life experiences and discuss his new book. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the conclusion of his presentation.

Here at the library we know that sometimes we need help to become inspired and the flux of our lives may seem out of balance. Sound familiar? Many people are turning to a "life coach" to help them through life's transitions. Curious about what that means? What is a life coach anyway? Come to our "What is a Life Coach and Do I Need One?" program on September 11 at 7:00 p.m. and meet Karen Caplan, MSW, CEC. Ms. Kaplan will define and explore ways to achieve the ultimate goal of a balanced life lived in alignment with one's deepest values, and with a powerful sense of clarity, purpose, and fulfillment.

A popular topic that warrants programming is healthy living and fortunately the library has been able to establish a partnership with Masonicare to once again bring the ever popular "Lunch and Learn" series back to the library. In addition, MidState Medical Center has offered to participate with the library and offer evening programs on select health topics. Watch for more information on both!

Not just back to school, the month of September is in the throes of Hurricane Season and the library has renowned meteorologist, Art Horn coming to present Hurricane: the ultimate storm. Join us on September 25th at 6:30 p.m. and find out why these storms happen; is climate change affecting their frequency and power? Don't miss out on this informative and enlightening program.

The library is a great place to explore new ideas and learn new things. Whether it's learning how to use computers or how to program computers, landscape your backyard or build a new home, the library offers an array of materials and programs to assist you in your quest for knowledge. Come and visit us, we are your information network and we are eager to serve you! All library programs are free and open to the public. Due to space constraints, some programs may require advance registration, please contact the library at 203-265-6754 for more information.


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Certified Life Coach, Karen Caplan Presents
Who Needs a Life Coach? at Wallingford Public Library

Thursday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m., the Wallingford Public Library will present a program by certified life coach, Karen Caplan, MSW, CEC, on what a life coach does and what a life coach might do for you. With over 20 years experience as a psychotherapist, Karen currently specializes in coaching individuals who are in transition, either by choice or circumstance. Life coaching provides individuals with the tools to identify their individual potential and make the necessary changes in their lives to achieve that potential. "The ultimate goal is a balanced life lived in alignment with one's deepest values, and a powerful sense of clarity, purpose and fulfillment," says Caplan when asked to sum up her focus in providing life coaching services. During the course of her hour long program, Caplan will address issues that inhibit personal growth and present alternative ways of thinking to encourage positive change.

Please join us in the Collins Meeting Room for this free program. Seating is limited, reserve your seat today. Please contact the library at 265-6754 to make your reservation.

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ADULT CIVIC EDUCATION CLASS SEPTEMBER 10 AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Knowledge is power! Join us at 6:30 pm on September 10 at the Meriden Public Library and get to know more about how the state and federal governments affect our daily lives. Volunteer attorneys will facilitate a two-hour workshop in which participants will engage in discussions of real-life legal scenarios and small group activities. The material will come alive for participants as they immediately see its impact on their daily lives. Issues such as wiretapping, the death penalty, the right to die, and eminent domain will be discussed. This enrichment program is sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Association.

This program is free and all are invited. Contact the Meriden Public Library Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email us at comsvc@hotmail.com or visit our website at http://www.meridenlibrary.org/ and click on Adult events to sign up for the program.

“THE BASICS OF EBAY SELLING” CLASS AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Meriden Public Library will host “The Basics of eBay Selling” a two-part class by Cheryl Adamo on Saturday, September 27 and October 4 at 1:30 pm in the Griffin Room. In the class, you will learn how to set up an eBay and Paypal account, create a listing for your item you are selling, how to monitor the sale, and what to do after you have sold your item. There is a limit of 20 people for the class. To reserve a seat, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email us at comsvc@hotmail.com or visit our website at http://www.meridenlibrary.org/ and click on “Adult events” to sign up.

Cheryl Adam started to sell on eBay in January 2004. In three months she and her husband obtained Powerseller status. Cheryl became an eBay Education Specialist in July 2004 and can teach you everything she knows to help you become an eBay user and Powerseller.

FENG SHUI PROGAM SEPTEMBER 17 AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Join us at the Meriden Public Library on Wednesday, September 17 at 7:00 pm in the Griffin Room for “Feeling Fantastic with Feng Shui” presented by Ned Farrell, certified Feng Shui consultant. With a little Feng Shui help, we can work with our surroundings to make ourselves feel better, feel happier, accomplish more, live with less stress, even become wealthier!

The program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email us at comsvc@hotmail.com or visit our website at http://www.meridenlibrary.org/ and click on “Adult events” to reserve a seat.


PLAY SCRABBLE AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Meriden Public Library will be hosting sessions in the fall for people to come and play Scrabble. Come alone or with a friend to learn or practice the game. The Scrabble sessions will be held on Mondays at 2:00 pm in the Friends Room on the following dates:
September 8 September 22
October 6 October 20
November 3 November 17
December 1 December 15
Contact the Community Services Department at 630-6349 if you have questions.

The Book Seller
The Book Seller, a cozy new book shop located in the Library's lower level, features used books, CDs, DVDs, etc. in excellent condition. Stop by for a visit and browse the shelves for a novel to read, gifts for the kids, or a new CD to play on your way home.
Regular hours are Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.; and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
All proceeds benefit the Wallingford Public Library Association.

BEGINNER KNITTING CLASSES AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Have you ever wanted to know how to knit? If so, join us on Tuesday, September 16, October 14, and November 18 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at the Meriden Public Library. Instructor Mary Ann Reyes will show you how to get started and knit a simple project. You will need to bring your own supplies – one pair of size US 8 knitting needles 10 or 14 inch lengths and a skein of Redheart Super Saver yarn, worsted weight, any ounce or color.

Ms. Reyes is a resident of Meriden and has been knitting since the age of 8. She enjoys sharing this timeless craft with others and hopes you will join her for a fun evening. Class size is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com or go to our webpage http://www.meridenlibrary.org/ and click on “Adult events” to reserve a place.