Meriden Wallingford Library News September 2009

To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!


SEPTEMBER EVENTS AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY~ 105 MILLER STREET ~ MERIDEN, CT. 06450-0868

MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES LABOR DAY CLOSINGS

Meriden Public Library will be closed Saturday, September 5 and Monday, September 7 to celebrate Labor Day. The library will reopen for business on Tuesday, September 8 at 9:30 a.m. and resume Saturday hours on September 12.

The library’s hours are: Monday through Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed Sunday.

FREE COMPUTER CLASSES IN SEPTEMBER AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

The following free computer classes will be held in September at Meriden Public Library.
Learn Microsoft Word on Mondays 2:30 to 3:15 pm - September 14, 21, 28.
Internet and Email class on Wednesdays 2:30 to 3:15 pm – September 2, 9, 16, 23.

Class size is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 to register for either class.

POETRY AND MUSIC PROGRAM SEPTEMBER 12 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

Classical pianist Nathaniel Baker will be performing at Meriden Public Library on Saturday, September 12 at 3:00 pm in the Griffin Room. Mr. Baker has taken many poems and developed them into performance pieces. He treats each poem like it is a scene or part of a play and recites it dramatically. This program is cosponsored by the Meriden Poetry Society and Meriden Public Library.

The program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com or visit the library’s homepage at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on “adult events” to reserve a seat.

WRITERS NETWORK MEETS IN SEPTEMBER 16 AND 30 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

Meriden Public Library will host a Writers Network group on Wednesday, September 16 and September 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the Friends Room. We invite anyone who is serious about writing fiction or nonfiction, wants to learn the process of getting published, or needs support for writing a book proposal or query letter to attend. The Writers Network is for anyone who is looking for a support network to keep the motivation going, is interested in sharing their writing with others and is longing for the camaraderie of others who share a passion for writing.

The group will be run by Roberta Dolan, a Meriden resident who is trained in group facilitation and is in the process of writing her first book. The Writers Network group will meet twice a month and will occasionally invite editors, published authors and people versed in the publishing process to speak to the group.

If you are interested in joining the Writers Network, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email us comsvc@hotmail.com.

FREE SAT/ACT WORKSHOPS AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

Meriden Public Library will be hosting a series of free workshops to assist students in preparing for the SAT or ACT. The schedule of workshops, presented by Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, will be as follows:
Tuesday, September 15 – 6:30 to 8:00 pm – “SAT vs ACT workshop”
Saturday, September 26 – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm – “SAT/ACT Combo Practice Test”
Tuesday, October 13 – 6:30 to 8:00 pm – “Accepted: Getting into the college of your
choice”
Tuesday, November 10 – 6:30 to 8:00 pm – “Financial Aid Workshop”

The programs are free but registration is required. Sign up at www.kaptest.com, put in your zip code and locate the workshop you wish to attend. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have questions about this program.

FALL LUNCH TIME BOOK CLUB AT MERIDEN LIBRARY (SEP 17)

Meriden Public Library will begin holding a Thursday lunch time book club at noon in the Griffin Room starting in September. Bring your lunch and join in to share insights or comments about the book of the month. The following books will be featured:
September 17 – Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O’Nan
October 15 – Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris
November 12 – The Guernsey Literary and Potatoe Peel Society by Mary Ann Schaeffer

No registration is required. Just stop in and enjoy our literary feast of great novels. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email comsvc@hotmail.com for more information.

HISTORY OF BALLROOM DANCING SEPTEMBER 19 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

Ballroom dancers, Valerie Bubon and Donald Antonio, will present a dance program at Meriden Public Library on Saturday, September 19 at 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room. The one hour program will highlight dances from the 1930’s to the present, showcasing the fox trot, waltz, Viennese waltz, rumba, tango, swing, and others. Ms. Bubon will speak on the history of ballroom dance and the music has been selected to guarantee to have the audience’s toes tapping.

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

HELP ASSEMBLE AFGHANS AT MERIDEN LIBRARY (SEP 26)

Meriden Public Library and the Silver City Knitting Group is asking for help to assemble the afghans for the homeless. The group has collected approximately 1900 sections that are being made into afghans, but we need help and Redheart black yarn donations.

We are looking for people who have crochet experience to crochet 2 rows of single crochet around each section using a crochet hook size H8 and Redheart black yarn. There are two finished afghans on display at the library if you would like to see a sample. Donations of Redheart black yarn, any size skeins, are also needed.

If you are interested in helping with this project, come to the Meriden Public Library, Friends Room, on Saturday, September 26 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm to pick up sections to work on and the directions. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email comsvc@hotmail.com if you would like more information.

LOS VIJEGANTES, STORY TELLING AND MASK MAKING SEPTEMBER 21 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

Do you know about Vijegantes? Come to Meriden Public Library, Griffin Room, on Monday, September 21 at 6:00 pm for a fun filled evening of story telling and mask making that will have you dancing about. The evening will start with the story of the Vijegantes, followed by a simple mask project for the children. The program is open to children ages 4 and up. Parents are welcome to join their children for the mask making session. The program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email comsvc@hotmail.com to reserve a seat.

INFORMATIONAL MEETING ABOUT CASA BORICUA SEPTEMBER 23 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

Casa Boricua needs your help! An informational meeting about Casa Boricua will be held at Meriden Library, Griffin Room, on Wednesday, September 23 at 5:30 pm. Casa Boricua has been a staple to the Hispanic community for over 30 years. It has helped establish many Hispanics in the Meriden area with workshops, translation services, youth programs, and the elderly lunch program. It has continued its mission by helping all people seeking case managing or general support. It is now in dire need of help and support from the community. Come to this informative meeting regarding the future of this organization. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email comsvc@hotmail.com for more information.

“EVENINGS WITH THE ARTISTS: LATINO, ONE NAME UNDER ART” SEPTEMBER 28 AND 29 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

Come to the Meriden Public Library Griffin Room on Monday, September 28 and Tuesday, September 29 at 6:00 pm for “Evenings with the Artists: Latino, One Name Under Art” a meet and greet with some of Connecticut’s own established and emerging Latino artists. In this two day art exhibit, you will meet a few of Connecticut’s working artists and artists who re-connected to their heritage through art based on their fondest memories. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email comsvc@hotmail.com for more information or if you are an artist who would like to exhibit with the group.

“PARA TU SALUD/FOR YOUR HEALTH” SEPTEMBER 30 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

Join Lucia Gonzalez, LPN, on Wednesday, September 30 at 6:30 pm in the Griffin Room at Meriden Public Library, as she talks about health. Ms. Gonzalez will explain about various genetic risks as well as healthy eating habits and what you can do to improve your health. There will be blood pressure checks available as well as health care information for your child. This program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email comsvc@hotmail.com for more information.

FALL STORY HOURS AT THE MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
ATTENTION: All Parents, Grandparents, and Daycare Providers: Fall Story Hours to begin week of September 8th. Sign-up now.Kindergarten through second grade stories and crafts on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm.Tuesdays at 10:15 am for independent two year olds, for three to four year olds at 11:15 am.,1:15 pm., and 6:30 pm.Wednesdays at 10:15 am. for two & three year olds with parent or caregiver, 11:15 am. for three & four year olds, and 6:30 pm. for two year olds with parent.All first time participants must show proof of age. Children must be of age by July 1st. mornings at 10:30 am: Septe Start on Stories for children under the age of two with parent or caregiver are invited to join us for stories, finger plays, music and socialization. Registration begins the week of August 16th. These programs will be held on the following Thursday mber 3 & 17, October 1, 15 & 29, & November 5th.For more information or sign-up call us at (203) 630-6347.

BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE

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

Wed. Sep. 2 - Lil Rascals Day Care 9:15 to 9:45 a.m.; Meriden Center 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.;

Thu. Sep. 3 - Connecticut Baptist Home (box drop off) 3:00 to 3:30 pm;

Fri Sep. 4 – Kindercare 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.; The Right Place 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.;

Wed. Sep. 9 – Easter Seals (Broad St.) 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.; Bradley Home 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.;

Thu. Sep. 10 – First Congregational Nursery School 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.; YMCA Kid’s Campus 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. and 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.;

Mon. Sep. 14 – Midstate Christian Academy 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.;

Tue. Sep. 15 – Catholic Charities 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.;

Wed. Sep. 16 - First Congregational Nursery School 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.; Senior Center 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.; First Congregational Nursery School 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.;

Thu. Sep. 17 – Headstart (Liberty St.) 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.;

Fri. Sep. 18 – Stork Club 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Miller Memorial 10:45 to 11:30 a.m.;

Tue. Sep. 22 - Lil Rascals Day Care 9:15 to 9:45 a.m.; Sunshine Daycare 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.;

Wed. Sep. 23 – St. John’s Preschool 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.;

Thu. Sep. 24 - Kindercare 9:30 to 10:15 a.m; St. John’s Preschool 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.; The Right Place 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.; St. John’s Preschool 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.;

Fri. Sep. 25 – Carriage House Day Care 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.; Meriden Child Care Center 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.;

Mon. Sep. 28 - Center Congregational Nursery School 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.; Women and Families Center 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.; Village at Kensington Place 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.;

Tue. Sep. 29 – Catholic Charities 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.;

Wed. Sep. 30– Easter Seals (Broad St.) 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.; Bradley Home 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

FREE FOUR PART SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP BEGINNING
SEPTEMBER 21 AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Meriden Public Library will host a free four part scrapbooking workshop from 5 – 8 p. m. in the Friends Room beginning Monday, September 21. Come have fun and learn about an exclusive page demo, organizing your photos, digital, and work on creating an album to share with your family and friends.
Preserve your photos and get them out of the attic, out of boxes, display them and ENJOY them. They make great gifts for any occasion and Christmas will be here soon. There will be free handouts and demonstrations. Gather your supplies and come use some of ours. Please call or email to reserve your table at 203 630-6349 or comsvc@hotmail.com.


To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!


FRIENDS OF LIBRARY BOOKSTORE SLATES SPECIAL SEPTEMBER SALES

Several special sales will be held at the Friends of the Library Bookstore, 35 West Main Street in downtown Meriden, during the month of September.

On sale throughout the month will be books on the Kennedy legacy, books by recently deceased authors including Dominic Dunne and Frank McCourt, and biographies, both hard and soft-cover.

All of our newest bestselling fiction, which usually sells from $4 to $6, will be on sale for $3 across the board. This is an exceptional opportunity to pick up books by some of our best loved fiction writers.

Also, on every Saturday throughout the month, during regular Saturday store hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every book in the store will be sold at half price. Since none of our books cost more than $6, this is an incredible offer.

Weekdays store hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking tickets from the municipal garage behind the store will be validated on request for up to two hours.


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NEWS FROM WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY:

JOB NOW: Live Job Assistance

Wallingford Public Library announces an exciting new service for job seekers and career changers: JobNow. This unique online service gives job seekers on-demand access to trained career coaches and job resources. JobNow’s free professional services are available on any of our public Internet computers; ask for more information at the Information Desk. Wallingford

Library cardholders can also access JobNow from home by linking to http://main.wallingford.clc.jobnow.brainfuse.com. Job seekers should register for an account after using their Wallingford Library card to enter the site. JobNow is the first service of its kind to provide live career coaching from any computer with Internet access. Services available are live interview coaching, with interview tips and resources; a resume lab with sample templates, along with resume analysis within 24 hours by a JobNow expert; assistance with writing cover letters; and a career resource library that includes links to current job openings locally and nationally, as well as career and personality assessment instruments.

ON DISPLAY!

You may have noticed that there are several new book display units near the Information Desk. We are delighted that now we can create pleasing displays of materials we hope you will enjoy browsing through and checking out. One of those displays is devoted to “Staff Picks”. Here you will find books of all kinds that various staff members have enjoyed and recommend. Take a look next time you are looking for something to read and are feeling adventurous!

BOOK YOUR SUMMER @ WPL CONCLUDES WITH FINAL DRAWING

Last chance to win a summer book bag of goodies, entries will be accepted at the Information Desk until 5:00 p.m. on September 3rd. The drawing will be held at that time and the winner will be notified. Thanks to all who participated this summer! If you were not a winner, don’t feel bad. You can buy a Library-logo book bag at the Circulation Desk, and fill it with book borrowed from the library or purchased at the Book Seller in the lower lobby.

ADAPTIVE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

The Library now offers adaptive technology for our patrons with vision impairment. If you are interested in learning more, ask about the trackball mouse, large print keyboard, and iZoom screen magnifier/reader. They are available in the Adult Computer area. We also have an Optelec video magnifier for anyone wishing to manipulate the size of print while reading books, magazines, and newspapers. It is located by the Periodicals Area of the adult section.

CELL PHONE RECYCLING

Remember that you can bring in your old cell phones for recycling. Drop them in the box near the copier across from the Circulation Desk. The Library receives a percentage for each phone. Thanks!

Just Fax It!

In response to popular demand, we have installed a self-service public fax machine next
to the photocopier by the Circulation Desk. It transmits faxes for $1.50 per page with
a credit or debit card, but does not receive faxes. Librarians at the Information Desk can help you get started.

More Playaways!

Wallingford Public Library was a recent winner in the Playaway Giveaway Contest. We submitted our entry, and were surprised and delighted to find out we were a winner. Playaway sent us 15 new releases which we added to our popular and expanding collection of these handydandy little MP3 audiobooks. Take a look at the large selection of titles. All you need is a set of headphones (you can get a pair for $1.00 at the Information Desk) a AA battery, and you’re in business.

COMPUTER TUTORING SESSIONS

Wednesdays @ 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Free one-on-one sessions for computer novices cover basic keyboarding and mouse skills, word processing, Internet searching, email, online job searching, etc. Call the library to sign up and specify your area of interest.

WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS:

CINEMA CLUB: The Boy in the striped pajamas
Tuesday, September 1
6:30 p.m.
Community Room
The innocence of childhood savagely collides with the Holocaust; discussion to follow the film and refreshments will be served. This film is rated PG-13.Book to Movie Matinee: The Kite Runner

Wednesday, September 2
2:00 p.m.
Community Room
This powerful tale of friendship and betrayal is based on the book by Khaled Hosseini and takes us from the final days of Afghanistan’s monarchy to the atrocities of the Taliban reign. In Dari and English with English subtitles, this film is rated PG-13. This
is the final film in the Book Your Summer @ the Library series.

New Release Documentary Film Screening:

It Happened but Nobody Noticed
Friday, September 11
7:00 p.m.
Community Room

Join us for a special screening of the documentary movie It Happened but Nobody Noticed on Wallingford Public Library’s big screen. The film, by local film-maker Jerry Lombardo, charts the rise of the Connecticut punk, rock and indie music scene. Full of live footage from the heyday punk years of 1978-’88, as well as lots of new interviews with featured musicians and scene-watchers, this movie is a must-see event for anyone interested in the Connecticut new-wave music scene. Were you there? Did you notice? Perhaps you’ll appear in the crowd footage. Check out that hair! This film is not rated, but is intended for adults due to theme and language. No registration necessary. Refreshments will be served.

Board the Career Bus! It’s a Free Ride!
Tuesday, September 15
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Library Parking Lot

The Connecticut Department of Labor Career Express will be parked in the north end of the Library parking lot from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15. DOL staff
will provide job search assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. Jobseekers can conduct online job searches, learn about online job search sites, or have their résumé critiqued by a certified professional résumé writer. Staff will also be available to answer questions on job searches and interviewing techniques; and information will be provided on the DOL/CTWorks Career Centers and the services they provide.

Dessert with a Doc: Focus on Women’s Health
Tuesday, September 15 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Community Room

Wallingford Public Library and MidState Medical Center invite you to join David Booth, APRN, for a discussion of women’s health issues that affect women of all ages. What
screenings should you get to stay healthy? And when? Discover answers to all your burning questions. All are welcome to this free program. Refreshments will be served.
Advance registration is appreciated (so we don’t run out of dessert). Please call the Library or register online at wallingford.lioninc.org.

Thursday Night Book Club
September 17 7:00 p.m. Collins Room

This month’s selection is the novel Cakes & Ale by W. Somerset Maugham.
Copies are available from the Information Desk. The Thursday Night Book Club is an
informal gathering of book enthusiasts who meet monthly to discuss popular fiction and nonfiction. All are welcome.

Lunch and Learn
Tuesday, September 22 11:30 a.m. Community Room

Join us for a stimulating program: Truth & Myths about Memory Loss with Ronald Schwartz, Medical Director, Masonicare Health Center. Cosponsored by Masonicare and the Wallingford Public Library, we will explore what can be considered “normal” Memory loss and which symptoms might be caused by other conditions. A complimentary light lunch will be served. Please contact the Library by Friday, September 18 to make your reservation.

COMPUTER CLASS: Internet Basics
Wednesday, September 23 2:00 p.m. Board Room

Learn to navigate the World Wide Web at our September computer class. The class will cover Internet browsers, search engines, and evaluating web sites. Seating is limited to 6 at this hands-on class, so be sure to sign up early. You may register online, in person, or by phone at 203-265-6754.

WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY: TEEN ZONE

Mother Daughter Book Club: Accidental Love by Gary Soto
Wednesday, September 9 7:30 p.m. Board Room

Do you need something to do now that Summer Vacation is over? The Wallingford Library Mother Daughter Book Club is a group of Teen girls and their mothers or other adult females who gather monthly to discuss a selected book. Ours is the oldest in the state! Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Library’s Board Room. Refreshments are served and a great time is had by all. Upcoming meetings: October 7th- Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick, November 4th- Wake by Lisa McMann, December 2nd-Marked by Kristin and P.C. Cast. Books are obtained through the Library and may be reserved online or by calling/stopping by the Information Desk.

Anime Night: L: Change the World
Wednesday, September 9 6:00 p.m. Community Room

In case you missed the only two days it was in U.S theaters, we will be showing the third Deathnote movie L: Change the World. Come and watch L solve one last case in his last 23 days. Open to all Teens in grades 6-12 who love manga, anime, and Japanese culture.

Back to School Bash: Wii DDR
Wednesday, September 30 6:00 pm Community Room

Join us for a Wii Dance Dance Revolution Tournament to ring in the school year! Open to all Teens in grades 6-12. Spots are limited and registration is required. There will be prizes for the winners. We look forward to seeing your dance moves!

Plan Ahead for the Teen Nutmeg Book Club
Wednesday, October 21 7:00 p.m. Collins Room

Do you like to read? Do you like to talk about book s with friends? All Teens in grades 6-12 are welcome to a discussion of the 2010 Nutmeg nominee Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass. Come in and pick up your copy at the Information Desk today! We look forward to seeing you and hearing what you thought about the book!

Wallingford Public Library’s Summer Reading Wrap-Up

Over 1,000 children participated in this year’s successful summer reading program. We are very grateful to our 60 student volunteers who helped make the program possible and we would also like to give special thanks to all our local donors who have provided prizes to help make this summer’s reading programs more fun than ever. Please thank these sponsors at every opportunity!




What’s Happening this fall in the Wallingford Public Library’s Children’s Library?

Lots! Stop by for a flyer listing programs or check the website at www.wallingford.lioninc.org
Story Times and Early Literacy

How can you be sure your child is ready to learn to read when they begin Kindergarten? One way is to make the Library, and story times, a part of your preschooler’s life. Story times at the Wallingford Public Library are offered for babies, toddlers and preschoolers ages three - five each season. At every story time librarians share books, songs, fingerplays and activities that give kids the skills they need to begin to read.
The following programs are free and do not require pre-registration
Itty Bitty Babies
(12 Months and under)
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 siblings are welcome.
Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. September 24 – November 19
Mother Goose Time [ Wednesday morning open to Wallingford residents]
(ages 1 and 2)
Join us for a lively, interactive program filled with music and movement for ones and twos and their caregiver!

DROP-IN
DAY: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. DATE: October 6-November 17
OR DAY: Wednesdays, 10:00 DATE: October 7-November 18
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5)
Books, flannelboard stories, rhymes, songs and more are offered in this fun, drop-in program for preschoolers! Younger interested siblings are welcome to join us.
DAY: Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. DATE: September 22-November 17
DAY: Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. DATE: September 23-November 18
DAY: Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. DATE: September 24- November 19

Homework Help

We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Gina Cabrera will return to the Children’s Library on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., to offer homework help. Mrs. Cabrera is a bilingual teacher and is available to help children who speak Spanish or English. We are grateful to the Board of Education for making this program possible.


To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!