Granby Public Library System
Library website: granby-ct.gov/library
Library phone: 860-844-5275
Library email address: GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov
Visiting the Library In Person
Main Branch Open Hours
Tuesday and Thursday, 12–3 p.m. and 4–7 p.m. (closed 3-4 p.m. for cleaning)
Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Children’s room by appointment during open hours (call to schedule)
Curbside Library Pickup
For maximum social distancing and safe, convenient library access, Curbside Library Pickup continues to be a great option. Library materials can be reserved online through the catalog or by telephone, and then patrons can schedule a pick-up appointment—no need to come inside.
Visiting the Library Online
Granby residents are encouraged to use the library’s “third location,” the library website. There, any time of day or night, you’ll find: Libby/Overdrive (eBooks, eAudio Books, eAudio Books, and eMagazines); Program Registration; Library eNewsletter registration; Library Card sign-up; Consumer Reports; Ancestry.com; Universal Class; Transparent Language; JobNow and Job and Career Accelerator; Value Line.
Adults, teens, tweens, and families
Learn more about upcoming programs and register on-line under the Calendar of Events tab or call to speak with library staff. An email address is required to register for a virtual program. Programs covering a variety of topics are always being added to the events calendar. For the latest information, sign up to receive the Library eNewsletter on the website.
EFT Tapping Group: Monday, Nov. 2, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a process used by tens of thousands of practitioners around the world to help people overcome anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, traumatic memories, grief, and emotional and physical pain. First-timers and repeat attendees are welcome to join the monthly group Tapping session. Registration required.
Plan “B” Book Group: First Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. When the Library Book Clubs can’t meet in the library, they go online! Join us as we connect online through reading, conversation and good books. Leading the discussions are Doug Soucier and Beth Morrill, who have led our popular SciFi/Fantasy and Around the World book discussions. Register online or call the library. Look for a confirmation email with a Zoom link and log-in information if you sign-up online. No computer/internet at home? Call the library for information on how to connect without a computer.
The Nov. 3 selection is News of the World, by Paulette Jiles. Copies are available in the library, via Overdrive, and through curbside pickup. The December selection will be available online and in the library by Nov. 3.
Write On! Tuesdays, Nov. 10 and 24, 5–6:30 p.m. Virtual program. Adult fiction writers are invited use this time to “get the words out” and meet personal goals for National Novel Writing Month. Be a part of this internet-based creative writing project with like-minded writers and enjoy a pep-talk or two from well-known authors. Registration required.
Leave It To Beavers: Thursday, Nov. 12, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Virtual Program. Ever wonder why beavers are called “eager” or why they cut down saplings, even larger trees, to build their dams and lodges? Find out when Connecticut DEEP Master Wildlife Conservationist Ginny Apple presents the basics of this keystone species, including their biology, behavior, history and unique role as nature’s engineers. Beaver ponds and wetlands shape the North American landscape and help fight environmental problems from water pollution to erosion and climate change. Registration required.
Connecticut Aviation History: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Virtual Program. Enjoy hearing a full flight of stories from Connecticut’s long and rich history of aviation innovation. Historian and author John Cilio shares fascinating tales spanning 17 decades. Connecticut provided the global aviation community with critical engines, instruments, technologies and more. Did you know that in addition to being an aviation industry leader, the state was home to the pioneers of aerial photography? Or that Connecticut’s Gustave Whitehead successfully flew a powered airplane in Fairfield on Aug. 14, 1901, beating the Wright brothers by more than two years? Learn more in a fun, fact-filled virtual presentation. Registration required.
Managing Forestland, From Acorns to Ancients: Monday, Nov. 30, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Virtual Program. For an in-depth look at our native oaks, join Connor Hogan, McLean Game Refuge Director and Forest Manager. Learn the story of their past, hear about their current status and gain insight regarding their future. Climate, wildlife, carbon storage and old growth potential are all part of the discussion. Registration required. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Land Trust.
Children and Families
Story Time with Miss Joan: Tuesdays, Nov. 3, 10 and 17, 10:30 a.m., in-person at GPL. For ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Have you been missing Story Time as much as we have? Miss Joan invites her preschool friends and their caregivers to join her outdoors for a very special Story Time. We’ll meet on the patio for stories, dancing, finger plays and fun! Please wear a mask and bring a blanket for your family to sit on, as we must observe social distancing. In the event of bad weather, we will move indoors with our masks and blankets. Please register in advance. Limited to five families.
LEGO Challenge: Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12 and 19. Virtual program, for all ages. Check the library’s online calendar each Thursday for a different challenge. Then use your LEGOs, or any other materials you have at home, to build your creation. Email us a photo of your completed project and we’ll post it to our Facebook page. No registration needed.
First Chapter Fridays: Fridays, Nov. 6, 13 and 20. Virtual Program, for ages 8 and up. Get a hot cup of cocoa, find a nice spot to snuggle in and listen as Miss Joan reads aloud the beginnings of some favorite—or soon-to-be favorite—books. There will be a new video posted each Friday. No registration needed. Nov. 6: Framed! by James Ponti; Nov. 13: Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo; Nov. 20: The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.
Take and Make Crafts: Saturdays, Nov. 7, 14, and 21, 10 a.m.–noon. Curbside at GPL. Our popular Take and Make craft program will continue right through the fall and winter months. Stop by the Main Library’s curbside pickup area on Saturday mornings to select a craft kit from the Craft Box placed outside. No registration or reservation needed. An assortment of crafts for all levels of ability will be available, and all materials and instruction will be provided. One craft kit per child, please—first come, first served. Supplies are limited. Note: Some crafts may contain small pieces that could be a choking hazard to children age 3 and under.
Story Stroll: Have you discovered our Story Stroll yet? You and your family can read a picture book together as you stroll the grounds of Granby Public Library. Pages from a colorful children’s book are posted on several signs trailing around the library lawn, and if you follow the numbers on the signs, you can read the book in its entirety. Each story begins near the walkway to the patio (to the right of the library’s front door). Check back every time you visit. New books will be posted often, through the fall season.
Family Puzzle Packs: All month long. Shorter days and cooler nights mean longer evenings inside at home. It’s the perfect time for puzzles. All month the library will be handing out free paper puzzle packs with crosswords, word games, mazes, dot-to-dots and coloring sheets for children of all ages. Packets will be available in the Children’s Room for in-person pickup or they can be included in curbside bags. Just ask. Give your family a “screen time” break and relax with a puzzle or two.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten: Ongoing. It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Studies have shown that a child that has been read to is more likely to do better in school—and in later life—than one who has not been exposed to books when young.
Granby Public Library’s popular program, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, is an easy and fun way to spend time reading together. We provide everything you need. Just call the library to register and schedule a convenient time to stop by for curbside pickup of your program information folder. Then start reading together. As you and your child reach 100 book milestones on your way to 1000 books, your child will receive small toy prizes and books to keep motivated. And a very special, personalized gift is presented to your child when the goal of 1000 books is reached. We would love to help you get started. Just give us a call: 860-844-5275 (main desk) or 860-844-5285 for the Children’s Librarian.
Need help choosing books for your family?
Miss Joan, the Children’s Librarian, is happy to help. Reserve a time to stop by in person or call her direct line, 860-844-5285, leave a message with a callback number and she will respond as quickly as possible.