Granby Public Library System
Website: granby-ct.gov/library
Telephone: 860-844-5275
Email: GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov
Library Staff Support is in the building and available to answer questions, provide recommendations, fill holds, schedule curbside pickup and technology appointments, and assist with online research/resources six days a week:
Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
New! Library Browsing Appointments: Browsing appointments are available for Granby Public Library patrons. Please call the library for more information or to schedule a time to come in to browse the library collection and check out materials.
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. Call the library for details.
Technology Appointments: Available for Granby Library patrons. Please call the library for more information or to schedule a time to use a library computer, printer, fax machine or photo copier.
Book Bundles/Reader’s Assistance: Not sure what to read next? Contact the library for help finding something new to love or ask for a random assortment and we’ll surprise you with some staff favorites. Need help choosing books for your children? Miss Joan, the Children’s Librarian, is happy to help. Call 860-844-5285, leave a message with a callback number and she will respond as quickly as possible.
Creativebug Classes: Granby Library Cardholders can now access hundreds of art, craft, maker, and creativity classes online for free through this excellent resource. Follow the link from the library website and enter your card to start learning how to paint, sculpt, draft, knit and more.
In-Person Library Programs
Winter Reading Fun: March 1–31. Take a break and escape the winter blahs with a fun activity for the whole family. Pick up a copy of the Winter Reading Fun sheet curbside by request, or look for the link on the library’s website. Complete the challenges, then return the sheet to the library. You could win a gift certificate to Necker’s.
Take & Make Crafts: Saturdays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Curbside at GPL. Calling all crafty kids—stop by the main library’s curbside pickup area and 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. One craft kit per child, please. All materials and instruction will be provided. 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.
Live Virtual Library Programs (Via Zoom)
Register online to receive the Zoom program link for each of these programs.
EFT Tapping and Intro to Meditation: Monday, March 1, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Be good to yourself by learning more about the techniques used by hundreds of thousands of practitioners around the world. Find out how to carve out several minutes of calm during a stressful day and then reap the benefits. During the session, certified instructor and Life Coach Cris Jacobs guides the group in Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as “Tapping,” and includes introductory meditation practices. Handouts are available.
Plan B Book Club: Tuesday, March 2, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Join us as we connect online through reading, conversation and good books. Leading the discussions are Doug Soucier and Beth Morrill, both experienced book club leaders who know how to keep the conversation fun and interesting. At the March meeting, we will discuss Born A Crime: Stories From A South African Childhood by Trevor Noah. Too late for this month’s reading? Join us April 6 and discuss The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon. No computer/internet? Join the conversation by phone—call the library for information on how you can participate.
Fierce Females In Art: Sunday, March 7, 2–3 p.m. Women have long been the subject of art, often depicted as nothing more than objects of desire. How do images of women change when women become the creators? Find out from Jane Oneail, art educator and curator, when we explore the lives, careers and works of several major women artists from the Renaissance to the twentieth century, including Artemisia Gentileschi and Mary Cassatt. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Writers Group: Tuesdays, March 9 and 23, 5–6:30 p.m. Adult fiction writers are welcome to attend bi-weekly workshops to hone skills using a variety of creative writing exercises and prompts. The group is focusing on critiquing each other’s work this month, and finishing short pieces for a local story writing contest.
Financial Planning For Families With Special Needs: Thursday, March 11, 6:30–7:30 p.m. The financial concerns of families with loved ones who have special needs can be as unique as the care needed for their loved ones. Many families are challenged to navigate the special-needs landscape. A financial advisor can help with financial considerations and a legal professional can advise the appropriate estate planning solutions. Learn more from Jim Hammel, Financial Advisor, CFA, and Attorney Steven M. Zelman, Judge of Probate (Ret.), for an information session on working with families of special needs individuals.
Daffodils By Design: Tuesday, March 16, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Fine paper florist Sue Canavan guides and demonstrates how to make crepe paper daffodils. Learn to make this quintessential spring bloom and create your own paper blossom during the session. Register early as virtual space and materials are limited. Then visit Granby Public Library’s main branch to pick up templates and enough supplies to make 3-4 flowers. Participants will supply their own scissors and white glue, and will need to attend virtual program for live instruction. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Pubic Library.
Power To The Pollinators: Monday, March 22, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Emma Hoyt, environmental biologist and Holcomb Farm farmer, introduces not only the bees and butterflies, but a swarm of pollinating insects that are vital to a healthy and diverse food-production system. Learn about the multiple threats facing our pollinators and ways we can protect and restore their health and habitat. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Agricultural Commission as part of the Granby Grows program series. We bring the experts to you with webinars featuring local farm and garden professionals and environmental educators. Each program in the series speaks to agricultural and environmental topics, and includes opportunity for live or texted chat with the host, presenter and other program attendees.
Booby-Trapped: The History Of The Bra In America: Wednesday, March 24, 6:30–7:30 p.m. In a 2014 survey of 3,000 women, 92 percent rated their bra, “An enemy. I wish I had never met her.” Hear more about the evolution of the American brassiere in an enlightening and humorous tale with Grounded Goodwife presenters Velya Jancz-Ruban and Ehris Urban. Learn more about women in history as we travel through the evolution of women’s underpinnings. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Author Talk with Douglas W. Tallamy: Monday, March 29, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Doug Tallamy is a Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Delaware and the author of Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard. In his latest book, Tallamay outlines his practical and easy solutions for turning your backyard into a wildlife habitat corridor. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the author speak and respond to specific questions and comments. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Land Trust.
Let’s Talk: A Guide To Conversation In Challenging Times
Thursdays, March 4, March 18, March 25, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Navigating conversations with family, friends and neighbors that include sensitive and controversial topics can be difficult and awkward. Pick up pointers for more effective and less stressful communication at one or all of these important programs facilitated by Linda T. Darcy, equity consultant and trainer. Darcy grew up in Granby and attended Granby Memorial High School, Class of ’85. She’s returning virtually and looking forward to spending this time with the people of Granby. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
What Is Social Identity And Why Do I Care? March 4. As people, we are all more than the sum of our parts. We identify ourselves in myriad ways: race, gender, religion, nationalist, ethnicity, etc. These aspects of self are simply ingredients…not the whole recipe. We’ll delve further into this concept during the program.
What Is The Impact Of Culture? March 18. In this session, as we build on the concept of social identity, we will discuss how our many social identities combine to create our culture. We’ll explore how culture impacts behavior and how that behavior impacts the interpretation of other people’s behavior.
The Words We Use: March 25. “The pen is mightier than the sword.” We know that words have power. We can use them as weapons or as shields. Words are also abstract and can be interpreted differently by different people in different contexts. In this final session, we will discuss how we can be mindful of the words we use and the impact they can have.
Programs For Teens and Tweens
Snack Attack III-Lemon Bars With Raspberry Sauce: Friday, March 19, 3:30–4:30 p.m. Learn to make a sweet treat to share with family and friends when Katie Shepherd, registered dietitian and founder of Food Explorers, shows you the fun and simple steps. Bake in the comfort of your kitchen while tuning into the Zoom program. Space is limited so be sure to register early. The ingredients list and other kitchen prep tips are available on the library website. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Programs For Children and Families
Good Morning Story Time: Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 10:30 a.m. For ages 3–5 with caregiver. Miss Joan invites her preschool friends and their caregivers to join her to sing, do a fingerplay and share a story together. Register by 10 a.m. on the day of the program.
Watch When You’re Ready…
These virtual programs do not need registration.
GPL On YouTube: The library has a YouTube channel, and you’re invited to watch. Visit the GPL channel to view archived library programs, story times and helpful videos to improve your library experience. Find the page by searching for “Granby Public Library” on the YouTube page, and subscribe to know when we post something new.
It’s Dr. Seuss’s Birthday! Tuesday, March 2. Everyone has a favorite Dr. Seuss book—what’s yours? Miss Joan will be reading her favorite, Green Eggs and Ham, and posting it to our Facebook page and YouTube channel for fans to enjoy. Our library staff has chosen their favorites, too. Keep an eye out for staff photos, quotes and more.
First Chapter Fridays: Fridays, March 5, 12, 19 and 26, for ages 6–12. Miss Joan reads the beginnings of some favorite, or soon-to-be favorite, books. There will be a new video posted each Friday at noon. Please check the library’s online calendar for book titles.
“I Survived” Fan Club: For ages 7–10. Books in this popular series by Lauren Tarshis tell thrilling stories from history through the eyes of a child who lived to tell the tale. A different title will be featured each month. Sign up to receive new book news, fun activity sheets, videos from the author and other exclusive online features.
New and Ongoing Library Services
Story Time On Your Time: Too busy to attend a scheduled Story Time program? Call the library and request a Story Time Bag for you and your baby or toddler. Each bag contains board books, a washable toy and pages of suggested finger plays, songs and nursery rhymes to enjoy together. Keep each bag for up to one month, then return it and check out another. Each bag is unique. Place a hold in the Online Catalog or by calling the library.
eBooks, eAudio Books, and eMagazines: Download the free Libby or Overdrive App and access tens of thousands of eBooks, eAudio Books, and eMagazines using your Library Card. The entire catalog is available for Granby residents, just by registering at the library.
Book Bundles: Looking for books to celebrate Women’s History Month? St. Patrick’s Day? Passover? We will be happy to put together a bundle of age-appropriate books for your family with any theme in mind. Please call Miss Joan directly at 860-844-5285 and leave a callback number.
New! Book Bundles Just For Tweens: Did you know we have a special section of books just for Tweens? And right now, we have tons of new Tween books, just waiting to be checked out. Call to request a New Tween Book Bundle, chosen specifically for you by Miss Joan. Call 860-844-5285 and leave a callback number.
Family Puzzle Packs: Short days and chilly 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. Packs are available for curbside pickup and during Browsing Appointments – Just ask! Give your family a screen-time break and relax with a puzzle or two.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Granby Public Library’s popular program is an easy and fun way to spend time reading together. We provide everything you need. We would love to help you get started. Just give us a call: 860-844-5275 (main desk) or 860-844-5285 for Miss Joan, the Children’s Librarian.