Granby Public Library
Main Branch
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cossitt Branch
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 3 – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 2 – 5 p.m.
To register for any program, call 860-844-5275, email gplibrary@granby-ct.gov, sign up online at granby-ct.gov/library, or visit either library branch. We strongly encourage patrons to register for any programs they plan to attend, as registrants will receive emails notifying them of any changes to schedules or locations.
As the Drummer went to press, the library was closed in compliance with the CDC recommendation. For updates on April programs and activities, please visit the library website at granby-ct.gov/library, follow us on Facebook, and sign up for the eNewsletter.
Online Resources
As citizens are being encouraged to stay home and practice “social distancing,” now is a good time to remind library patrons about some of the many online resources available. All of the following are accessible from the website or via a free app (available in your App Store). If you would like assistance accessing them, please call the library at 860-844-5275.
Overdrive/Libby and RBdigital: Two different eBook, eAudio book, and eMagazine collections for all ages that are available to Granby library patrons. Best-sellers, old favorites, and the most recent issues of dozens of popular magazines are available to borrow. Each can be accessed from the library website or by downloading a (free) app. There are well over 30,000 titles for you (or your children) to use—just enter your Granby library card, download, and enjoy.
Consumer Reports Online: Research the best products to buy, explore safety ratings, and learn about recalls with this online resource. Everything in the paper magazine and more. The site will ask for a “Patron ID”—enter your Granby library card number.
Universal Class: Unlimited access to over 500 courses in over 30 subject areas (everything from accounting to yoga). Classes are taught through videos, assignments, quizzes, tests and the opportunity to use social media to further engage with other learners. Each library cardholder can enroll in up to five courses at a time. Many courses offer continuing education units (CEUs).
Transparent Language: Learn a new language without having to leave your living room. Register on the library website and then log in to learn everything from Spanish to Japanese to Zulu!
Adults and families
Bet Your Bottom Dollar, a Money Smart Week program: Wednesday, April 1, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Cossitt Branch. Author and psychologist Charles Zanor, PhD, speaks about the psychology of separating you from your money in this crash course in behavioral economics. Gain a better understanding of who has their hand on your wallet. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library.
Retirement By Design, a Money Smart Week program: Monday, April 6, 6:30–7:30 p.m., at Main Branch. Whether you are 10 or 40 years from retirement, learn strategies now to help design the retirement you want tomorrow. Financial Advisor Cris Jacobs returns to the library during national Money Smart Week for another enlightening presentation about money management. Registration requested.
Family And Friends CPR: Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., at Main Branch. Parents, grandparents, students, and caregivers will benefit from the life-saving skills taught by certified instructor, Kate Coupe, B. S., Paramedic, EMS-Instructor and Chief of Services, Granby Ambulance Association. This training is intended for anyone, age 12 or older, who wants to learn CPR and does not need a course completion card to meet a job requirement. All materials will be provided and instruction will cover CPR and AED use for adults and children, infant CPR, and choking relief for all ages. A $20 per person fee is required to hold your reservation. The fee includes a 40 percent discount off the standard course fee. Please make checks payable to Granby Ambulance Association and either hand-deliver or mail them to: Granby Public Library, Attn: Holly Johnson, Program Coordinator, 15 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035.
Earth Day Anniversary, Let’s Talk Trash! Wednesday, April 22, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Main Branch. Representatives from Granby’s Department of Public Works will share tips and answer questions about recycling, curb-side pickup, the local Transfer Station, and more. Additional resources and handouts will be available, as well as giveaways. Registration requested.
Addressing Addictive Behaviors: Thursday, April 30, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Main Branch. Addiction to alcohol and other drugs is more prevalent than ever in society today. These addictions often create chaos in the lives of family and friends. Many tend to instinctively enable the behaviors, believing this helps the individual with the addiction. However, medical professionals tell us enabling addictive behavior only intensifies the problem. Learn more when Jane Reardon, MSN, RN, and Clinical Nurse Specialist, speaks about addictive behaviors and shares practical advice. Registration requested.
Recurring Programs
EFT Tapping Group: Monday, April 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Main Branch. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a powerful procedure used by tens of thousands of practitioners around the world. EFT, commonly known as “tapping,” helps people overcome anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, traumatic memories, grief, and emotional or physical pain. Certified instructor Cris Jacobs leads a monthly group session. Space limited; registration required.
Movie Matinee: Tuesdays, April 14 and 28. 1–3 p.m., Main Branch. Enjoy free screenings of pre-selected movies on the library’s big screen. Join us the second and fourth Tuesday of the month when we feature award-winning films from a variety of genres. Check movie listings the beginning of the month on the library’s website or by calling the main number. Registration requested.
Chess, Anyone? Thursday, April 9, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Main Branch. Join a group of dedicated chess fans for friendly, competitive games the second Thursday morning of the month. It truly is the most popular game in the world. Registration requested; drop-ins are always welcome.
Mostly Makers, for teens and tweens: Wednesday, April 15, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Main Branch. Kids 10 and older are invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and create a decorative clothespin flower pot from items that were previously headed to the trash bin. Registration requested. Drops ins are always welcome when space and supplies allow. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Did you know? Many of the maker projects are inspired by and led by students. If you are a teen with a special talent, skill or hobby, contact Holly Johnson, Program Coordinator, to talk about the possibilities. Let’s bring your great maker idea to others!
Crafters Café, RePurpose, ReDesign, ReStyle: Wednesday, April 15, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Cossitt Branch. The project is all about re-using and re-purposing every-day stuff. Adults and teens are invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and create something that can be used in a new way. Registration required. Sponsored by Library Friends.
Writers Group: Tuesdays, April 14 and 28, 6–7:45 p.m., Cossitt Branch. Fiction writers are invited to meet with others who enjoy honing their writing skills. Each session features a variety of activities: writing prompts, sprints and critiques are all on the menu at the semi-monthly workshops. Find inspiration in the late-Victorian era library. Registration requested; drop-ins are always welcome.
Nature As Mentor: Sunday, May 3, 2–3:30 p.m., Holcomb Farm, North Barn Pavilion. Learn the magnificent language of nature in this powerful workshop. Marlow Shami leads a program illustrated with beautiful compelling images, a simple group outdoor activity and a guided meditation. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library and Granby Land Trust.
Book Groups
GPL Book Groups are free and open to the public; new members are welcome. Copies of the selected titles or author’s works are available for borrowing at the Main Branch. Register online, call (860-844-5275), or just come.
Something About The Author: Monday, April 16, 1:30–2:30 p.m., Main Branch. The group will discuss author Colm Toibin.
Around The World Book Group: Monday, April 20, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Main Branch. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (Russia).
Sci-Fi / Fantasy Group: Wednesday, April 29, 7–7:45 p.m., Main Branch. Semiosis by Sue Burke.
Children and Families
Register online at granby-ct.gov or call 860-844-5275. Programs will be cancelled if Granby schools are closed. If in doubt, call in advance.
Yoga For Kids: Saturday, April 25, 10:15 a.m., Main Branch. Learn some basic poses, stretch and relax with instructor Aubrey Schulz. For boys and girls ages 5–11. Please bring a towel or a yoga mat. Register in advance.
Crafternoon: Thursday, April 23, 4–5 p.m., Main Branch. Time to get creative. Stop by after school and make a fun craft project. We’ll supply the instruction and all the materials. For ages 8 and up. Please register in advance.
Crafts For Kids: Stop by Cossitt Branch anytime during open hours, all month long, and create a cool winter craft. All materials provided. All ages welcome. No registration needed. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library.
Family Movie Night: Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 22 and 29 (no April 15), beginning at 6 p.m., Main Branch. Drop in and enjoy a family-friendly film, popcorn provided. All ages. Call for titles.
Craft Week: Monday to Saturday, April 13–18, Main Branch. Drop in anytime during the week and create a simple craft to take home. All materials supplied. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Preschool Story Time, ages 3–5: Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 10:30 a.m., Main Branch. Preschoolers with a caregiver share stories, songs, finger plays and a craft. Drop in.
Wee Ones Story Time, ages 0–2: Thursdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 10:30 a.m., Main Branch. Board books, finger plays, songs and gentle movement for birth to 2 years with caregiver. Drop in.
Bedtime Stories For The “I’m-Not-Tired”: Thursdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 6:30 p.m., Cossitt Branch. For ages 4–7 (siblings welcome). Drop in for picture books, songs, stories and a craft. Ages 4-7 with caregiver. Pajamas encouraged.
School Vacation Week
Healthy Eating For Kids, ages 5–8: Monday, April 13, 1:30–2:30 p.m., Main Branch. Angel Cruz, manager of Stop & Shop in Granby, will present an interactive program for kids about healthy food choices. Kids with a caregiver are invited to listen to a story and learn about some unusual and exotic foods. Take home a goody bag and a treat. Please register online in advance.
Fort Night: Tuesday, April 14, 6–7:30 p.m., Main Branch. Kids take over the library. Join us after hours to create one giant fort. Stories and snacks will follow. Bring blankets, flashlights, clips and other “construction” materials. Best for ages 6 and up. Please pre-register online.
Family Movie Matinee: Wednesday, April 15, beginning at 2 p.m., Main Branch. Enjoy some popcorn while watching the newest Disney movie about two brave sisters and their lovable snowman friend on our new big screen. No registration needed.
Crafternoon: Wednesday, April 15, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Cossitt Branch. Let’s get crafty, all materials and instruction provided. Best for ages 6 and up. Please preregister.
Visit From A Garbage Truck: Thursday, April 16, 10:30 a.m., Main Branch. Our friends from Paine’s return with another program for preschoolers. Meet Gordon, everyone’s favorite driver, and climb up into his seat in the truck. Listen to a story or two, and color a picture of a garbage truck. It’s a special story time. For preschoolers with a caregiver. No need to register. Drop in.
We Love LEGOs: Thursday, April 16, 3:30–5 p.m., Cossitt Branch, and Friday, April 17, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Main Branch. All you need is your imagination, we have plenty of LEGOs and Duplos for you to play with. Drop in.