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GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY

granby-ct.gov/library

860-844-5275

GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov

Library Hours – Main Branch

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Library Hours – Cossitt Branch

Tuesday and Thursday: 3–8 p.m.

Registration is required for many of the library’s programs. To register, follow the links on the library’s website, granby-ct.gov/library, or call the library at 860-844-5275. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter in person, on the website or by phone.


Adults and Teens

World War I Monuments of Connecticut: Thursday, Nov. 4, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Main Branch.

As the first World War ended, American communities hurried to memorialize the great efforts of their sons and daughters. Changes in cultural and civic ideals since the American Civil War led to extensive public discourse about what memorials should and should not be. Join us when historian Richard Franklin Donohue explores the trends in design and placement of WWI monuments located throughout Connecticut. View images of dozens of state memorials and learn more about Granby’s own WWI monument. Register online; space is limited. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library and Salmon Brook Historical Society.

Resume and Portfolio Design for Artists and Graphic Designers: Wednesday, Nov. 10, 6:30–7:30 p.m., via Zoom. Many artists will eventually need to create a resume and portfolio to advance professionally. Learn tips and tricks to ensure your presentation stands out in a crowded field. Lori Catlin Garcia has decades of hiring experience in her role as both an art director and design manager at major companies, including LEGO and Hasbro. Whether you’re looking for job as a graphic designer or jurying for a local art show, let Garcia advise you on how to be recognized for your talent. Register online for the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Artists Association.

Holiday Harvest: Wednesday, Nov. 17, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Main Branch. We’re celebrating the holiday table at this deliciously informative program. Enjoy hearing about creative cheese boards, virgin beverages, and a host of ideas for easy entertaining from Kim Larkin, Klassic Kreations. Healthful recipes and tasty samples are part of the fun. Register online; space is limited. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.

Fishers in Connecticut: Tuesday, Nov. 30, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. One of the largest members of the weasel family, fishers are shy and elusive mammals that were once hunted and eradicated from much of New England. They were reintroduced in the forested regions of the state over 40 years ago and although viewed as a threat to domestic birds, rabbits and cats, they are an important and valuable natural resource. Master wildlife conservationist Paul Colburn presents a detailed history of the fisher in Connecticut, including an overview of their habitat, diet, behavior, and a special feature of their reproduction, delayed implantation. Find out more when you register online for the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Land Trust.

Ongoing Series Programs

EFT/Tapping and Intro to Meditation: Monday, Nov. 1, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Life Coach Cris Jacobs continues his popular program of proven techniques used by hundreds of thousands of practitioners around the world. Jacobs explains, demonstrates and guides program attendees in the application of EFT, Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as Tapping. If time allows, Jacobs will offer an introduction to simple meditative practices. Register online to receive the Zoom program link.

Writers Group: Tuesdays, Nov. 9 and 23, 5–6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Fiction writers will enjoy this dedicated time to let the words flow. If your goal is to write 50,000 words this month, join fellow writers who accepted the NaNoWriMo challenge. The virtual, bi-weekly workshops focus on writing, writing and more writing. Celebrate National Novel Writing Month with this friendly group. Register online to receive the Zoom program link.

Plan B Book Discussion: Monday, Nov. 29, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. This month’s discussion title is In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. Copies are available in the library, via Libby and hoopla, or through curbside pickup. Connect online through reading, conversation and good books. No computer/internet at home? No problem—join in by phone. Contact the library to learn how. Doug Soucier and Beth Morrill lead the friendly, fun discussions. Register online for the Zoom program link.

Children and Families

Special Programs

It’s A Fire Truck! Tuesday, Nov. 2, 10:30–11 a.m. at Main Branch. For preschoolers with caregiver, meet real Fire Fighters from Lost Acres Fire Department. They will share some of the basics of fire safety and let us examine and try on some of their equipment. Then kids will get a chance to sit up in the cab of a real fire truck. This program will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Please bring a blanket for your family to sit on. If it rains, we will meet indoors in the Children’s Room. Everyone over the age of two is asked to wear a mask. No registration needed. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.

Calligraphy for Kids with Debby Reelitz: Mondays, Nov. 1, 8 and 15, 4–5 p.m. at Main Branch. For ages 8-12. Gothic (aka Blackletter) is a classic, dramatic, calligraphy style and a great way to introduce yourself to broad edge nib calligraphy. Students will learn to write with a professional quality cartridge pen. Each class builds on the one before. We will create a simple project each class, and students will have activity sheets to continue practicing at home. Some supplies must be purchased in advance or purchased from the instructor on the first day of class; please see the library website for more information. Registration required, class size is limited. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.

Padawan Training—Learn How to Become a Jedi Knight: Saturday, Nov. 13. Session 1 at 12–12:30 p.m., Session 2 at 1–1:30 p.m. at Granby Senior Center Community Room. Attention all Star Wars fans ages 6-10—learn about the ways of the Force and how to wield a lightsaber from real Jedi Masters. At the conclusion of the program, younglings are given the rank of Padawan. The Connecticut chapter of Saber Guild, an international Star Wars lightsaber performance organization, is a Lucasfilm-recognized, not-for-profit fan group that performs at conventions, charity events, and official Star Wars events in local communities and around the world. This is a free program and enrollment is limited to just 15 participants per session, so don’t wait to sign up. Registration is required. Please limit your registration to one session to make sure everyone has a chance to train.

Take and Make Crafts: Saturdays, Nov. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Main Branch Children’s Room. For ages 3 and up. Stop by the Children’s Room and select a craft kit from our Craft Box to take home and complete. 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.

Craft kits and activity sheets are also available in the Children’s Room at Cossitt Library during open hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Some crafts may contain small pieces that could be a choking hazard to children age 3 and under. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.

Decorate a Mini Gingerbread House: Saturday, Dec. 4. Get into the holiday spirit; it’s fun for the whole family. Save the date and check the library’s online calendar soon for program details and registration information.

Story Times

Good Morning Tuesday—Story Time with Miss Joan: Tuesdays, Nov. 9, 16, 23 and 30, 10:30–11 a.m. at Main Branch Children’s Room. Miss Joan invites preschoolers and caregivers to join her to sing, do a fingerplay and share a story together. Children will receive an easy craft or activity sheet to take home and complete. No registration needed. All attendees over the age of two are asked to wear a mask. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.

Good Morning Wednesday—Story Time with Miss Joan: Wednesdays, November 3, 10, 17 and 24, 10:30–11 a.m. at Main Branch Children’s Room. Can’t come to Story Time on Tuesdays? Miss Joan repeats the same program on Wednesday mornings. No registration required.

Bedtime Stories with Miss Heather: Thursdays, Nov. 4 and 18, 6–6:30 p.m. (no Nov. 11 or 25) at Cossitt Branch Children’s Room. Join Miss Heather as she welcomes children ages 4-7 and their caregivers for story time. Pajamas encouraged. We’ll read stories and sing songs together. Each child will also receive a craft to complete at home. All attendees over the age of two are asked to wear a mask. Sponsored by the Friends of Cossitt Library.

Story Time on Your Time: Are you and your baby or toddler unable to attend a scheduled Story Time program? Stop by or call the library and request a Story Time Bag. 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 860-844-5275.

New and Ongoing Library Services

Personal Service: Need help choosing books (or other library materials) for yourself or your family? Our resourceful staff are always available to help! Please stop in or call for assistance in selecting your next favorite title: 860-844-5275 for adults and teens, 860-844-5285 for children. 

Learning @ Your Library: Did you know that the library offers people free access to several online learning databases, ready to help people gain new professional skills, creative abilities, and job-seeking tips? Check out the library website’s Online Learning page to access LinkedIn Learning, CreativeBug, JobNow, and the Computer Skills Center to see what you can learn next.

Libby: Use this library app to check out up to 10 titles at a time, and read or listen to best-sellers, old favorites, and new releases—all with the click of a button. With titles that can be read on nearly any device (including your kindle), there is something for everyone. This “digital bookshelf” allows you to place holds on popular titles and download the books people are talking about as easily as pulling out your Granby library card. 

Hoopla! Granby Library patrons are now able to access the hoopla digital catalog, more than 900,000 titles of eBooks, eAudio books, music albums, TV series, and more. Download the free app and log in with your GPL library card. Every patron can borrow up to four titles a month, with no holds, and no waiting. Take advantage of these free digital checkouts in addition to the items you can borrow through Overdrive/Libby and use your Granby Library Card anywhere you are.

Museum Passes: Granby Library patrons can borrow museum passes that will provide visitors with free or reduced rates for dozens of museums across Connecticut and Massachusetts. Check the library website or call for more details.

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! Ask for information at the Children’s Desk or give us a call: 860-844-5275 (main desk) or 860-844-5285 for Miss Joan, the Children’s Librarian.