June 17 – August 7
Granby Public Library welcomes library patrons of all ages to participate in a series of fun-filled events this summer that will get you excited about reading, learning and growing together. This year’s theme, Tails and Tales, invites patrons to explore stories and events that feature animals, as well as opportunities to gather with friends and neighbors in a safe, distanced way. Register on the Library website or in person, and visit the GPL for opportunities to enter our prize drawing and to borrow materials—the library truly has Something for Everyone!
The Safety PAWtrol: On the lawn at GPL, Thursday, July 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Rain date July 9) Ages 5-11 with caregiver. Join staff from the Connecticut Humane Society as they teach us the tools kids need to be safe around dogs. Learn how to understand dog body language, how to safely interact with friendly dogs, and what to do when approached by an unfamiliar dog. Make sure to bring your questions—but leave your pets at home. Please register in advance online or by calling 860-844-5275. Sponsored by the Friends of Cossitt Library.
Police K9 Demonstration: On the lawn at GPL, Wednesday, July 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For ages 5 and up. This is a special opportunity to watch Police Dog teams in action. Join Officer Joe Malone and K9 Rocko, Officer Chris Dufrense and K9 Kodi, and Officer Mike Colantuono and K9 Nova as they demonstrate some of their amazing skills, talk about their training, and answer your questions. Please leave your own dogs at home. Register in advance online or by calling 860-844-5275.
Creative Corner Series
Locations vary, inside and outside. In-person craft programs for tweens, teens and adults. Tuesday evenings, July 13, 20, and 27. Registration required.
Kite Tails: In-person, Holcomb Farm Workshop, and outdoors at Holcomb Farm. Tuesday, July 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Adults and kids over 10 will make and then fly their own kite. We’ll build and decorate a traditional diamond style kite, including a bow tie tail. Then we’ll head outside to find an end-of-day breeze to test our work. Register early; space is limited. Sponsored by Beman True Value Hardware and Friends of Granby Public Library.
Paint Your Pet: In-person, Holcomb Farm Workshop, Tuesday, July 20, 6–8 p.m. Transform a photograph of a favorite pet into a watercolor work of art. All materials will be provided, as well as step-by-step instruction. Simply bring a 5” x 7” photograph or image of your pet and take home a personally painted memento. Recommended for adults and youth 12 and older; no previous experience required. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Clay Critters: In-person, GPL lawn, Tuesday, July 27, 6:30–7:30 p.m. (rain date Aug. 3). All ages are invited to a special presentation with the Pied Potter Hamelin. Circle around to watch the amazing potter Rick Hamelin while he creates fantasy creatures on his magical potter’s wheel. After the demonstration participants will have an opportunity to create their own clay pinch pot. Program is suitable for school age children and adults. Families welcome. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library.
Music Tales and Tails: In-person, GPL lawn and patio, Wednesday, July 14, 6:30–7:30 p.m. (rain date July 15). Enjoy iconic songs that formed the soundtrack of American life. We’re featuring music from as far back as the 1920s birth of radio along with tales about the music’s creators and performers, and most importantly, their beloved pets. Performers Dan and Debra will entertain and share inspiring animal rescue stories. Will you be able to name that tune? Bring your own chair or blanket, get comfortable on the patio or lawn, and enjoy the evening. No registration needed. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Miss Brittany and Her Chickens: In-person, GPL lawn and patio, Wednesday, July 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (rain date July 21). All ages. Librarian and chicken expert, Miss Brittany, has been raising poultry on her family farm since she was a little girl. She has selected some of her current favorites and will be bringing them to the library for us to meet! We’ll have handouts with lots of interesting chicken facts and Miss Brittany will be available to answer your questions. We’ll also have special food on hand for the kids to feed to the chickens, if they wish. Everyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask, please. Hand sanitizer will be available. No registration required.
Magic Show: at the Bandshell, Salmon Brook Park, Thursday, July 15, 2-3 p.m. (rain date July 22). For ages 5 and up with caregivers. Master Magician Ed Popielarczyk returns with an all-new show! Come see all the new tricks! Kids in the audience are always invited to participate in the on-stage fun. Please register in advance online or by calling 860-844-5275. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.
Tales of the Old West: In-person, GPL lawn and patio, Wednesday, July 21, 6:30–7:30 p.m. (rain date July 22). All ages will enjoy storyteller and author James J. Griffin when he shares Texas Ranger tales and other stories from the Old West. Griffin wears a replica Colt 45 and brings a Winchester rifle for added authenticity. You’ll be treated to cowboy truths and maybe a yarn or two. Signed copies of Griffins’s published works—for adults and children— will be available for purchase after the program. Seating is on the lawn in your own chair or on your own blanket. No registration needed. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library.
Yoga For Families: at Ahren’s Park, Wednesday, July 28, 10-11 a.m. Kids age 5-12 and their caregivers are invited to join instructor Aubrey Schulz in a yoga session for the whole family. Let go of some of that “pandemic stress” while enjoying time together outside. Please bring a towel or yoga mat for each participant. Register in advance for this free program online or by calling 860-844-5275. In case of rain, please check the library’s online calendar for an update. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.
Popsicle Party at the Pond! At the waterfront, Salmon Brook Park, Saturday, Aug.7, 12–2 p.m. All ages. Our Summer Library Celebration ends with a party! Come enjoy the cool water, warm summer sun and a yummy popsicle! Every participant in our Summer Library Celebration will receive a free pass to the waterfront at Salmon Brook Park, and every child will receive a voucher for a free popsicle at the concession stand. Bring a beach chair or a towel and relax! Advance registration required.
Don’t forget to fill out a ticket for our Prize Drawing every time you visit the library or attend one of our programs. Winners will be chosen Aug. 9. Check website or call 860-844-5275 to get program details and to register. Or stop by the library—we would love to see you.