GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
granby-ct.gov/library
860-844-5275
GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov
Library Hours at 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 at Cossitt Branch
Tuesday, Wednesday 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
Pet Portrait Watercolor Workshop: Thursday, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., at the Workshop at Holcomb Farm. Paint a lasting memento of a cherished family pet. Keep it for yourself or gift it during the holidays. Adults are invited to transform a photograph of a favorite pet into a watercolor work of art with artist and instructor Nancy Roman. Simply bring a 5”x7” photograph or image of your pet and take home a personally painted memento. All materials will be provided, as well as step-by-step instruction. Register online. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Buone Feste! Italy’s Happy Holidays: Thursday, Dec. 16, 6:30–7:30 p.m., via Zoom. While Italy is a relatively young, unified country, its festive celebrations have been influenced for centuries by different religious and secular practices. Hear more from presenter Mariann Millard, who recently returned from the Mediterranean peninsula. Find out how Italy embraces the last month of the calendar year with gusto! Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library
Dashing Through the Snow: The Real History of Christmas in New England: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 6:30–7:30 p.m., via Zoom. The reality of Christmas in early New England may be disappointing to some and unbelievable to many, but the actual historical celebration—or lack of celebration —of Christmas is a very interesting tale. Join historian Dennis D. Picard when he shares the story of how the holiday blended the heritage and spirit of many cultures and many lands. Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library and Salmon Book Historical Society.
Crafters Café: Crepe Paper Poinsettia: Thursday, Dec. 16, 2–3:30 p.m. at F. H. Cossitt Library Branch. Paper floral artist Susan Canavan leads a live, in-person, workshop handcrafting the colorful poinsettia. Adults and older teens are invited to create floral art using the highest quality Italian and German crepe paper. All materials are provided; there is no fee. Register online. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library.
Writers Group: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 5–6:30 p.m., via Zoom. Adult fiction writers gather virtually each month on the first Tuesday. Hone your writing chops with timed prompts and other creative writing exercises. Enjoy the helpful critiques and friendly conversation with other writers. Register online to receive the Zoom program link.
Monday Funday: Monday, Dec. 6, 3:30–4:30 p.m., at Main Branch. Teens and tweens are invited to make a cute and colorful gnome ornament to keep or give for the holidays. There is no fee; all materials and instruction are provided. Register online to save a seat; space is limited. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.
Plan B Book Discussion: Monday, Dec. 27, 6:30–7:30 p.m., via Zoom. This month’s Plan B virtual book discussion title is All Systems Red by Martha Wells. Copies are available in the library, via 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.
Check the library website in December for programs for Adults and Teens in the New Year.
For Children and Families
Special Programs
Mail a Letter to The North Pole: Dec. 1–23, at Granby Public Library. Drop your letter for Santa into our special red mailbox located outside the library, right next to the book drops. Still need to write your wish list? We have paper and everything you need inside at the Children’s Desk. We’ll make sure your letter gets to the North Pole in plenty of time. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.
Decorate a Mini Gingerbread House: Saturday, Dec. 4, choose 10–11 a.m. or 1–2 p.m., at Granby Senior Center Community Room. Come get in the holiday spirit! We supply everything you need to decorate a mini paper house with candy, frosting, licorice and other goodies. Space is limited and registration is required in advance. All participants age 2 and older are asked to please wear a mask. Sponsored by the Friends of Cossitt Library.
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas at Main Branch: Wednesday, Dec. 22, 4 p.m. Join Miss Joan for a very special reading of the holiday classic by Clement Clark Moore. All children who attend will receive a holiday treat to take home.
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas at Cossitt: Thursday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m. Miss Heather reads the Christmas classic for all ages. Holiday pajamas encouraged! Special treats will be given to all attendees to take home.
Take and Make Crafts: Saturdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., at the Children’s Room, Main Branch. Calling all crafty kids, age 3 and up—stop by 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 regular open hours. Note: 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.
Stuffie Sleepover: Friday, Jan. 14, drop off between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, pick up between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Special Sleepover Story Time at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 14. Snow dates Jan. 21–22. Main Branch. Drop off a favorite (but maybe not the MOST favorite) stuffed toy on Friday for a sleepover at the library. Join us at drop-off for an optional Sleepover Story Time to send your huggable friends off with style. We’ll make sure your stuffie has lots of fun during their stay with us! Come back on Saturday for some donuts and juice and see what your stuffie was doing while you were sleeping. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.
Family Yoga: Saturday, Jan. 29, 9–9:45 a.m. at Main Branch. For ages 5 and up. Time to unwind and relax! Instructor Aubrey Schulz guides us through some basic poses. Please bring a towel or yoga mat. Registration required in advance. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.
Special Programs for School Vacation Week
Worried that long school vacation week will feel too long? Break up the week and bring your family to the library! There’s a new activity for every day of the week. No registration needed. All programs are sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.
LEGO Challenge: Monday, Dec. 27, 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Main Branch. For age 3 and up (small pieces may be a choking hazard). Love LEGOS? Love a challenge? Join us to test your skills—we provide the LEGOS and the challenges.
Pony Bead Creations: Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Main Branch. For age 6 and up. Use our beads and fuzzy sticks to craft a snowflake or 3-D ornament. Materials and instruction provided.
Build a Marshmallow Snowman: Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Main Branch. For age 3 and up (small pieces may be a choking hazard). Build a snowman with our marshmallows and toothpicks. How tall can you make him before he falls down?
Winter Tiny Town: Thursday, Dec. 29, 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Main Branch. For age 6 and up. Create a miniature town with paper templates and your imagination. We’ll display your tiny buildings in our display case in January.
Story Times
Good Morning Tuesday Story Time with Miss Joan: Tuesdays, Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28 and Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25. 10:30–11 a.m. at Main Branch. 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. 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, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26. 10:30–11 a.m. at Main Branch. Same program as on Tuesdays.
Bedtime Stories with Miss Heather: Thursdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27. 6–6:30 p.m. at Cossitt Branch. 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: No time to attend a scheduled Story Time program? Stop by or 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 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 at 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. Ask for information at the Children’s Desk or 860-844-5275 (main desk) or 860-844-5285 for Miss Joan, the Children’s Librarian.