Granby Public Library System
Website: granby-ct.gov/library
Phone: 860-844-5275
Email: GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov
Library Staff Support: Library staff are 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.
Library Open Hours – updated and extended as of May 1:
Monday and Wednesday: 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. and 4 – 6 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 12 – 3 p.m. and 4– 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Library is closed for cleaning 3 – 4 p.m.
All patrons over the age of 2 are expected to wear masks and sanitize their hands as they enter the building. All items being returned to the library should be put into the outdoor book drops prior to entering the building.
Visiting the Children’s Room: The Children’s Room will be open without an appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting May 1. Appointments are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for patrons who wish to visit the Children’s Room for socially distanced browsing. Please call the library for more information or to schedule a time to come in to browse the children’s collection and check out materials.
Curbside Library Pickup: For maximum social distancing and safe, convenient library access, Curbside Library Pickup continues to be an 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.
Book Bundles/Reader’s Assistance: Are you unsure what to read next, but you’re not ready to come inside to browse? Contact the library for help finding something new to love! Feeling lucky? 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 her direct line, 860-844-5285 to leave a message with a callback number and she will respond as quickly as possible.
Library Programs (Via Zoom) – Adults and Teens
EFT Tapping and Intro to Meditation: Monday, May 3, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Take care of your mental and physical health by learning proven techniques used by hundreds of thousands of practitioners around the world. Certified instructor and life coach Cris Jacobs offers instruction in Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as tapping. Jacobs will cover an introduction to simple meditation practices at the end of the session. Handouts are available. Register online to receive the Zoom program link.
The Art of Flower Gardening: Tuesday, May 4, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Master gardener Barry Avery shares timely tips for springtime gardening. Learn how to encourage beautiful blossoms from your perennials, annuals, and shrubbery, and come with your questions as there will be ample opportunity to ask for specific floriculture advice.
This virtual program is co-sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Women’s Breakfast Group. The general public is encouraged to register on the library’s website under the Calendar of Events page. If you are a member of the Women’s Breakfast Group and have already registered at gwomenbkfast@gmail.com, the Zoom link will be forwarded to your email address. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Women’s Breakfast Group.
Plan B Book Club: Tuesday, May 4, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Join our casual, book-themed conversation online. 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 May meeting, we will discuss A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr. No time to read the book before then? Join us next month, to discuss The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury. Register online or call the library to receive a Zoom link or call-in telephone number.
Creative Corner: Macrame Key Chain: Wednesday, May 5, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Adults and older children are invited to create a macramé key chain pendant in patriotic colors. Craft instructor Linda Dick introduces basic knot tying skills and guides the design process virtually. Register early as space and materials are limited. Then visit Granby Public Library’s main branch to pick up the project supplies. Recommended for tweens (ages 10 and up), teens and adults. Note: Participants will need a pair of scissors, small amount of tape and a work surface. Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Writers Group: Tuesdays, May 11 and 25, 5–6:30 p.m. Fiction writers meet virtually at bi-weekly workshops to hone skills using a variety of creative writing activities. If you’re looking for inspiration, kindly critiquing and an opportunity to meet other adults who share a passion for writing, register online to receive the Zoom program link.
Understanding Your Aura: Thursday, May 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m. What is an aura, and more importantly, how can knowing your aura improve your life? Author and metaphysical speaker Sydney Sherman will answer these questions and reveal much more about the fascinating world of personal energy fields. Sherman will explain how aura color can identify illnesses, stress, and emotional disturbances, as well as how energies from others affect personal auras. She will also share ways to protect your aura and see auras in others. Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement: Thursday, May 20, 7–8 p.m. Professional flutist and music educator Galen Abdur-Razzaq highlights prominent artists, their music and their influence on the evolution of jazz. The program begins with a flute prelude performed by Abdur-Razzaq and continues with pre-recorded musical examples that illustrate how the genre became an advocate for the Civil Rights Movement. Music lovers and history buffs alike will enjoy the entertaining and enlightening program sponsored by Granby Public Library, Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, Essex Library Association, Goshen Public Library, and Mansfield Public Library. Register online to receive the Zoom program link.
New and Ongoing Library Services—Adults and Teens
Linkedin Learning (formerly Lynda.com): The GPL now offers patrons free access to this comprehensive online learning database, where patrons can register using their library card and take classes in a variety of professional topics, including everything from Photoshop to Python, Change Management to Construction Management, Interpersonal Communication to iPads.
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
Jigsaw Puzzles (to borrow): The library now has a collection of puzzles for patrons to borrow. Visit the library in-person to select one, or call to pick one up Curbside. Puzzles with 300 or 500 pieces are available.
eBooks, eAudio Books, and eMagazines for all ages: 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.
In-Person Library Programs—For Children and Families
Take and Make Crafts: Curbside at GPL, Saturdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Calling all crafty kids—stop by the main library’s curbside pickup area and select a 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.
New Nutmeg Books: Monday, May 3, at GPL. The New Nutmeg books are revealed today—call the library to make an appointment for the Children’s Room to look them over and choose your favorites. Two New Nutmegs per patron, please.
Good Morning Story Time: Outdoors on the patio at GPL. Tuesdays, May 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 10:30 a.m. For ages 3–5. Now that the weather is nice again, it’s time to get outside! Miss Joan invites her preschool friends and their caregivers to join her for Story Time. Let’s sing, do a fingerplay and share a story together. Please bring a blanket or beach towel for your family to sit on as we try to stay socially distant. Everyone over the age of two must wear a mask. Hand sanitizer and baby wipes will be available. No registration needed.
Craftin’ Around: Curbside at GPL. Tuesday, May 18, 3–6 p.m. Time to get planting. Miss Heather has put together a fun craft for beginning gardeners. Decorate your planter, fill it with soil, plant the seeds, then watch it grow. All materials included. Best for age four and up. Advance registration required, as supplies are limited. Kit pick-up is curbside.
Yoga for Families: Ahren’s Park on Hungary Road. Wednesday, May 19, 10–11 a.m. Kids ages 5–12, with an adult, are invited to join instructor Aubrey Schulz in a session of yoga for the whole family. Let go of some of that pandemic stress while enjoying time outside in the fresh air. Please bring a towel or yoga mat for each participant. Advance registration is required for this free program. In case of rain, please check Granby Public Library’s online calendar for an update, or call the library.
New and Ongoing Library Services—For Children and Families
Story Time on Your Time, for babies and toddlers: 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 our online catalog or by calling the library.
Book Bundles: Looking for some special books for your family? We will be happy to put together a bundle of age-appropriate books with any theme or subject you may need. Please call Miss Joan directly at 860-844-5285 and leave a callback number.
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 for you to check them out. Call Miss Joan at 860-844-5285 to request a Tween Book Bundle, selected just for you. Please leave a callback number.
Family Puzzle Packs: Free paper puzzle packages with crosswords, word games, mazes, dot-to-dots and coloring sheets for children of all ages 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: 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 call the main desk (860-844-5275) or Miss Joan, the Children’s Librarian (860-844-5285).