March 2009 Library News and Events

To read The People’s Press – Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s community newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com

MERIDEN-FREE SPRING STORY HOURS TO BEGIN AT THE MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Come join us for some fun! Registration for story hours will begin on March 23rd. Story hours will be as follows:Mondays at 6:30 PM. stories and crafts for children in kindergarten to second grade.

Tuesdays for independent 2 years old at 10:15 AM., Tuesdays at 11:15 AM., 1:15 PM., and 6:30 PM. for children who are 3 to 4 years old.

Wednesdays for 2 to 3 years old with parent or guardian at 10:15 AM., 11:15 AM. for children who are 3 to 4 years old, and 6:30 PM. for children 2 years old with parent or guardian.All first time participants must show proof of age. Children must be of age by January 1st.

Start on Stories-A special program designed for children under the age of 2 with parent or guardian. Join us for stories, finger plays, music, and socialization. This program will be held on the following Thursdays are 10:30 AM. April 2, 16th, 23rd, May 7, 21, and June 4th.

Come visit our Children's Library to see all the things we have to offer for FREE. Computers to use, Preschool computers, videos, DVD's, books and music on tape, books and music on cd's, magazines, software for computers, puzzles, coloring books, parenting books, playaways, a friendly play area, free and discounted passes to museums and other places of interest.

For more information call us at the Meriden Public Library in the Children's Room at (203) 630-6347.


Wallingford Public Library News and Events

March Madness at the Wallingford Public Library!

Every year thousands of screaming fans across the nation pack themselves into gymnasiums to watch college basketball teams compete in the NCAA March Madness tournament. Millions more are watching the competition on television. From Selection Sunday to the Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, Final Four and ultimately to the National Championship, it’s all about college basketball.

Since Connecticut is home to championship NCAA men’s and women’s basketball teams, the library is pulling out all the stops and blasting into the wild and crazy days of March Madness. We’ve got coaches, book discussions, authors, movies, games and televised viewing of the games on our movie-sized screen.* Check your schedule and find some time to join us for March Madness!

March Madness Matinee: Hoosiers

Saturday, March 14th 2:00 p.m. Community Room
Based on the true story of a small-town Indiana team that made the state basketball finals in 1954, this movie chronicles the attempts of a coach with a spotty past, and the town's basketball-loving drunk to lead their high school team to victory. This movie is acknowledged by the American Film Institute as one of the top 5 all time great sports movies and stars Gene Hackman, Dennis Hopper, Barbara Hershey, and Sheb Wooley. Rated PG-13, run time is 115 minutes.

March Madness Presents Cathy Inglese

Monday, March 16th 6:30 p.m. Community Room
Wallingford native and former women’s head coach at the University of Vermont for seven years, and head coach of the Boston College women’s basketball team for fifteen years, Cathy Inglese will give a presentation on her coaching experience and give advice for those interested in getting recruited for college level sports. During her tenure at BC Cathy Inglese guided the Eagles to the most wins in their women's basketball history.

Thursday Night Book Club’s March Madness Book Discussion and Author Event:

C. J. Jones and Tom Hazuka
Thursday, March 19th
7:00 p.m. Community Room

Co-authors C. J. Jones and Tom Hazuka will join us for a discussion of their book: “A Method to March Madness: An Insider’s Look at the Final Four.” (You may borrow a copy to read from the Library’s Information Desk.) C.J. Jones is a 1969 graduate of Central Connecticut State University, where he lettered in basketball and baseball. A member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches for over thirty years, C.J. is Director of Athletics at CCSU. Tom Hazuka teaches English and Fiction Writing at CCSU. He is the author of two novels, The Road to the Island and In the City of the Disappeared. Come and hear about how a once simple albeit popular college basketball championship turned into the international multi-billion spectacle that it is today.

Copies of Inside March Madness will be available for purchase and signing at the conclusion of the program.


March Madness on the Big Screen
Community Room
*dates to be determined

Enjoy the action of college basketball’s national tournament projected on out movie-sized television screen. Our surround sound speaker system will give you the roar of the crowd and make you feel like you are right there at the game! Games will be shown depending upon NCAA scheduling. Stay tuned!


March Madness, Wii Event
Monday, March 30th
6:00 p.m. Community Room
Teens in 6th to 12th grades are welcome at a Wii free-throw shooting competition in celebration of the NCAA March Madness tournament. Winner will receive a gift certificate to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Registration is limited, please contact the library to register for this free event.

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Additional Library Programs and Events for the month of March include:

Poetry 811.54: Poetry Workshop
Saturday, March 7th 10:00 a.m
Board Room
The Meriden Poetry Society’s “Poetry 811.54 Workshop” is sponsored by the Meriden Poetry Society, the Meriden Public Library, and the Wallingford Public Library. Writing exercises, form and style discussions, and sharing poetry and poetry resources are the focus of the group. The Meriden Poetry Society’s mission is to encourage all aspiring poets, youth through senior citizens. All meetings are free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend and share their own poetry and writing experiences. For more information please contact Al Mueller at 265-2445 or argusargus@sbcglobal.net.

March Movie Events
Join us in the Community Room for these great films in March! All films are free and no registration is required.

Cinema Club presents SidewaysTuesday, March 3rd, 6:30 p.m.Rated: R
March Madness Matinee HoosiersSaturday, March 14th, 2:00 p.m.Rated: PG-13
Special Screening TwilightTuesday, March 24th, 6:30 p.m.Rated: PG-13
Friday Flicks Night Presents James Bond: Quantum of SolaceFriday March 27th, 6:30 p.m.Rated: PG-13

March Computer Classes

Job Search
Learn how to use the Internet to find your next job. Join us on Monday, March 16th, 2:00 -3:30 p.m. for an intimate online job search presentation. Topics include employer web sites, online classified and social networking. Class size is limited to 12.

Excel 2007
Expand your spreadsheet knowledge with Excel 2007 Formulas & Functions on Tuesday, March 31st, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. This hands-on class will cover common business calculations as well as conditional formatting. Seating is limited to 6.


Book Lovers Take Note!

Spring Book Sale
Saturday, March 21st
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Collins Room

The Wallingford Public Library Association will sponsor a used book sale on Saturday March 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Collins Meeting Room. The sale is free and open to the public and features selected fiction and non-fiction for children, young adults, and adults. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Wallingford Public Library. For more information please contact the library, 203-265-6754.

The Book Seller

The library’s used book store, The Book Seller, is open Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Be sure to come by and see the wonderful bargains on gently used popular fiction and nonfiction in both hardcover and paperback, children’s books and books for young adults. All the Book Seller’s proceeds benefit the Wallingford Public Library’s Development Fund. We thank you for your patronage!

Now on Display!

Our antique library tables located in the center aisle of the book stacks and across from the Circulation Desk are currently being used for books and materials that feature both of our themes this month. Look for a special collection of biographies, poetry, and fiction that celebrate Irish History and another celebrating our March Madness theme with books on coaching, championship teams and players. Please remember; always inquire at the Information Desk if you cannot locate what you are looking for. We are here to help with your information requests!


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To read The People’s Press – Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s community newspaper in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/




MERIDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY SLIDE SHOW MARCH 14 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

MERIDEN – The Meriden Historical Society invites everyone to the Meriden Public Library on Saturday, March 14 at 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room to view slides of historic Meriden. Some of the slides are of old postcards, some are from the Centennial in 1906 and some from the 1956 celebration. As these slides are being shown, the Historical Society will be asking the audience to help identify the images in the photos.

The program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have questions about this or any program at the library.


“MORE THAN ONE WAY TO ESCAPE FROM A COURTROOM” BY SALLY ROBERTS MARCH 16 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

MERIDEN – Is the struggle of everyday life becoming overwhelming? Would you like to be more active but just can’t seem the find the time? Join us on Monday, March 16 at 7:00 pm in the Griffin Room of the Meriden Public Library as Attorney Sally Roberts presents “More than one way to escape from a courtroom.” Using slides of her outdoor adventures, Ms. Roberts will demonstrate how one can find a balance in life in the midst of a busy career.

As an associate at Brown Paindiris & Scott, Ms. Roberts practices in the area of civil litigation, with an emphasis on civil rights cases (including police misconduct), medical malpractice, products liability and personal injury. She is President and Chairman of the Board of the Preventive Medicine Center, a non-profit holistic health education organization dedicated to the prevention and reversal of multiple diseases simultaneously. Ms. Roberts is an avid hiker, kayaker, snowshoer, cross-country skier and a member of the Sierra Club, Appalachian Mountain Club, New Haven Hiking Club, Green Mountain Club, Meshomasic Hiking Club, Housatonic Valley Paddle Club, ConnYak (Connecticut Sea Kayakers), the Connecticut Valley Mycological Society, the Connecticut Audubon Society, and the Hartford Audubon Society.

The program is free and all are invited. To reserve a seat, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit the library’s homepage at http://www.meridenlibrary.org/ and click on “Adult events
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STORYTELLER MARCH 28 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

Meriden Public Library will host storyteller Joyce Marie Rayno on Saturday, March 28 at 3:00 pm in the Griffin Room. Ms. Rayno has been telling stories for over twelve years and is a member of the Connecticut Storytelling Center, the National Storytelling Association, LANES (League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling) and the Tale Waggers of New Milford. Her stories cover a wide range of folktales, fairytales, Indian legends, child and adult classics, humorous, and scary stories. All are invited. To reserve a seat, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit the library’s homepage at http://www.meridenlibrary.org/ and click on “Adult events.”


“KNIT FOR THE HOMELESS” DEADLINE MARCH 16

The knitting project to make blankets for the homeless sponsored by the Knit 2 group at the Meriden Public Library has announced a deadline of March 16 for all donations of knitted sections. Please drop off all finished sections to the library during normal business hours. If you would like to knit sections for the blankets, the pattern is as follows: using a 4 ply yarn, any color and size US-8 needles, cast on 35 stitches and knit 45 rows in basic garter stitch. The finished size is approximately 9” by 6”. That’s it! The Knitting 2 Group will combine the sections into blankets. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have any questions about this project or any programs held at the library.

To read The People’s Press – Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s community newspaper in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/


BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE

The Bookmobile, or Library on Wheels, will be visiting the following facilities in March:

Monday, Mar. 2 –YMCA Kid’s Campus 10:30 to 11:30 AM and 1:00 to 1:30 PM;
Wednesday, Mar. 4 - First Congregational Nursery School 9:00 to 10:00 AM; St. John’s Lutheran Preschool 10:15 to 11:00 AM; First Congregational Nursery School 1:00 to 1:30 PM;
Thursday, Mar. 5 - First Congregational Nursery School 9:00 to 10:00 AM; St. John’s Lutheran Preschool 10:15 to 11:00 AM; St. John’s Lutheran Preschool 1:00 to 1:30 PM; Connecticut Baptist Homes (box drop off) 3:00 to 3:30 PM;
Friday, Mar. 6 - Meriden Senior Center 10:00 to 10:30 AM; Meriden Center 10:40 to 11:30 AM;
Tuesday, Mar. 10 – Lil Rascals Day Care Center 9:15 to 9:45 AM; Sunshine Daycare 10:15 to 10:45 AM;
Wednesday, Mar. 11 – Easter Seals (Broad St.) 9:00 to 10:15 AM; Bradley Home 10:20 to 11:00 AM;
Thursday, Mar. 12 – Kindercare 9:30 to 10:15 AM; The Right Place 10:30 to 11:00 AM;
Friday, Mar. 13 – Stork Club 9:30 to 10:30 AM; Miller Memorial 10:45 to 11:30 AM; Home deliveries 2:00 to 2:30 PM:
Monday, Mar. 16 – Center Congregational Nursery School 9:30 to 10:00 AM; Women and Families Center 10:15 to 11:15 AM; Village at Kensington Place 1:30 to 2:00 PM;
Tuesday, Mar. 17 - Catholic Charities 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:15 to 11:00 AM;
Wednesday, Mar. 18 – Carriage House Day Care Center 10:15 to 11:00 AM;
Friday, Mar. 20 – Meriden Child Care Center 9:15 to 10:00 AM; Midstate Christian Academy 10:15 to 11:30 AM;
Tuesday, Mar. 24 – Sunshine Day Care Center 10:15 to 10:45 AM;
Wednesday, Mar. 25 - Easter Seals (Broad St.) 9:00 to 10:15 AM; Bradley Home 10:20 to 11:00 AM;
Thursday, Mar. 26 – Head Start (Liberty St.) 9:15 AM to 1:00 PM;
Monday, Mar. 30 –YMCA Kid’s Campus 10:30 to 11:30 AM and 1:00 to 1:30 PM;
Tuesday, Mar. 31 – Lil Rascals Day Care Center 9:15 to 9:45 AM; Carriage House Day Care Center 10:15 to 11:00 AM.


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Tom Callinan Concert at Wallingford Public Library

Irish eyes will be smiling at the Wallingford Public Library on Thursday, March 12th when Connecticut's first Official State Troubadour, Tom Callinan, will perform his unique blend of Irish songs and stories in the Community Room at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Callinan has been entertaining Wallingford crowds for many years and seats for his performance are always in demand. Callinan is a talented singer, songwriter, storyteller, and multi-instrumentalist. Young and old enjoy his traditional and original songs, humorous stories, and corny sense of humor.

Seats for this popular event may be reserved by registering online at the library’s website: http://www.wallingford.lioninc.org/, or by picking up free tickets from the library’s Information Desk. Please contact the library at 203-265-6754 for additional information.

Spring children’s programs at the Wallingford Public Library Children’s Library
Spring has sprung at the Wallingford Library and we have a great line up of programs for children birth to age 5. Patrons can check out what’s happening at the library by going online at http://www.wallingford.lioininc.org/ or by stopping by and picking up a flyer. Spring storytimes are back in full swing with a whole line-up of options. Looking for an evening storytime with ones and two’s? Want to do something fun with your preschooler on a Wednesday afternoon? We’ve got what you’re looking for!

ITTY BITTY BABIES STORYTIME FOR CHILDREN
12 Months and Under:
Thursdays, March 26-April 16 at 1:30p.m.
Fridays, April 23-May 7 at 10:30 a.m.

This drop-in program introduces babies and their grown-ups to the library and each other in a program filled with songs, rhymes and books. Stories and songs are for children 12 months and under but older siblings are welcome to attend.

There is no registration required for this program but seating is limited and Wallingford residents are given priority. Please bring your Wallingford library card to the Information Desk and pick-up a nametag. For further information stop by, or call, the Children's Library at 284-6436.

MOTHER GOOSE STORY TIME FOR ONES AND TWOS:
Registered: Mondays, March 23-May 4 at 1:30p.m.
Join us for a toe-tapping good time in this fun program for one's and two's and their parent or caregiver-no siblings please.

Wallingford residents may register for this program beginning Monday, September 8. Non-residents are welcome to call the day before the program to see if there are spaces available. For further information, or to register for this program, stop by or call the Children's Library at 284-6436.

Drop-in: Tuesdays, March 24-May 5 at 6:30p.m., Wednesdays, March 25-May 6 at 10:00a.m.
Join us for a toe-tapping good time in this drop-in program. Songs, rhymes, books and more will be shared. Stories are geared for children ages one and two but older siblings are welcome to attend. This drop-in program will be held in the Community Room. For further information, stop by, or call the Children's Library at 284-6436.

STORY TIME FOR PRESCHOOLERS AGES THREE TO FIVE:
Tuesdays, March 24-May 5 at 10:00a.m.
Wednesdays, March 25-May 6 at 1:30p.m.
Thursdays, March 26-May 7 at 6:30p.m.

Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays and more in this lively storytime for preschoolers ages three to five and their grown-ups. Younger interested siblings may attend.

There is no registration required for this program but seating is limited and Wallingford residents are given priority. Please bring your Wallingford library card to the information desk and pick up a nametag. For further information stop by or call the Children's Library at: 284-6436.

To read The People’s Press – Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s community newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com