GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Website: granby-ct.gov/library
Phone: 860-844-5275
Email: GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov
Library Hours at Main Branch
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 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 or call the library. 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
Monday Funday for Teens and Tweens: Monday, May 2, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. For ages 10-18. Shh.. it’s a Mother’s Day surprise! Youth ten and older are invited to get creative at the monthly maker session. Register online; space is limited. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.
Manuscripts From Around the World: Wednesday, May 4, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Handwritten manuscripts have brought communities together throughout history. Visit the extraordinary world of manuscripts from across the globe with calligraphic artist Debby Reelitz and seven amazing art apprentices. We’re celebrating the culmination of a nine-month study of manuscripts that originated from Ethiopia, China, the Islamic and Mayan worlds. Learn about and view the art that emerged from this study sponsored by the Southern New England Apprenticeship Program. Additional funding and support came from the National Endowment for the Arts, Connecticut Historical Society, and Massachusetts Cultural Council. Artwork will be on display through the month of May. Register online for the program.
Special Showing: Jaws, the movie: Saturday, May 7, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Duunnn dunn… Duunnn dunn… The Granby Public Library will be showing the film Jaws in conjunction with Granby Public Library’s Page Turners Book Discussion group. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, omitted many of the novel’s subplots and chose to focus more on the shark. It became an instant block-buster and was the highest grossing film in movie history until the release of Star Wars in 1977. Film watchers are encouraged to participate in the book discussion on May 18 (even if they didn’t read the book!) Drop-ins welcome.
Author Talk with Rob Penfield: Wednesday, May 11, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Granby field hockey is legendary in the state of Connecticut, and author Rob Penfield has written a thrilling account of the first Connecticut Interscholastic and Athletic Conference championship. Nearly 50 years ago Dot Johnson coached the Granby team to victory, but the story is about more than winning. Meet a sports legend or two and hear stories from the author, former Farmington Valley Herald sports editor. Don’t miss A Life of Obstructions: The 1973 Connecticut Field Hockey Season and First-Ever Tournament. Register online to ensure a seat.
No Mow May: A Conservation Conversation: Monday, May 16, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Have you heard about No Mow May? It’s the relatively new and simple practice of providing resources for pollinators, particularly during the early spring foraging season. Its purpose is to save millions of honeybees and other pollinators through the growth of natural wildflowers. Learn more about this community science initiative, find possible alternatives to improve our bee population, and offer input in a public session with the Granby Conservation Commission. For additional information, read the article submitted by the Conservation Committee in this issue of the Drummer. Register online to ensure a seat.
Socially Responsible Investing: Thursday, May 19, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Do you want to align your financial goals with your values? Are you concerned you will sacrifice returns to make a positive impact? Find out how to incorporate responsible investing in your financial plan. Financial advisors will present options for doing well by doing good. There’s no obligation on the attendees’ part. Register online.
Emotional Freedom Technique: Monday, May 2, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. EFT is used by thousands of practitioners around the world to improve mental and physical health. Try Tapping with life coach Cris Jacobs to find out what benefits it may offer you. Handouts are available. Register online for to receive the Zoom program link.
Writers Group: Tuesdays, May 10 and 24, 5 – 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Adult fiction writers looking to take the next step with their work are invited to attend bi-monthly workshops led by local writers. Exchange ideas and sharpen your skill set with creative writing prompts, character development exercises, and helpful critique responses. Register online to receive the Zoom program link.
Time for Chess! Thursday, May 26, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Main Branch. Do you enjoy the game of chess? Players of all skill levels are encouraged to register online for friendly matches held on the fourth Thursday of the month. Drop-ins are always welcome and will be accommodated as time and space allow. Registering online guarantees a seat at the table.
Cossitt Seed Library: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 3 – 8 p.m. at Cossitt Branch. The Cossitt Seed Library continues to attract gardeners of all ages. You are invited to stop by for free packets of fruit, vegetable, herb and flower seeds. Check out the collection of library resources to help plan and grow your garden.
Page Turners Book Club: Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 – 7:30 at the Main Branch. Just as we’re getting ready to get back in the water, the Page Turners will be discussing Jaws by Peter Benchley. Jaws was first published in 1974 and, despite having mixed reviews, was on the New York Times Bestseller List for 44 weeks! When the film was released on June 2, 1975, 5.5 million copies of the book had already been sold in the U.S. Join us for a special showing of the movie on May 7, and then join discussion leader Beth Morrill for a book and movie discussion on May 18. Copies of the book are available at the library, online and through curbside pickup. Registration for the discussion is recommended, but not required.
Sci-Fi Book Club: Wednesday, May 25, 6:30 – 7:30 at the Main Branch. Join us as we return to in-person conversations about our favorite things—books. The title selected for this month is Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer. The book follows a team of four women (a biologist, an anthropologist, a psychologist and a surveyor) into an abandoned area known as Area X. Previous expeditions were plagued with disappearances, suicides, cancers, and mental trauma. They are the twelfth expedition. Leading the conversation will be veteran discussion leader Doug Soucier. Copies of the book will be available for checkout both in the library and online. Registration is recommended, but not required.
Children and Families
Story Times
Good Morning Story Time: Wednesdays, May 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 10:30 – 11 a.m. at Main Branch. Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to share stories, songs, finger plays and a craft. No registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.
Bedtime Stories with Miss Heather: Tuesdays: May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 6- 6:30 p.m. at Cossitt Branch. Join Miss Heather as she welcomes children ages 4-7 with their caregivers for story time. Pajamas encouraged! We’ll read stories and sing songs together and each child will also receive a craft to complete at home. Sponsored by the Friends of Cossitt Library.
Story Time On Your Time: All month at Main Branch. 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 to share. 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.
Special Programs
Nutmeg Reveal! Monday – Saturday, May 2 – 7. Visit either branch of the Granby Public Library to be among the first to check out copies of this year’s titles nominated for the Nutmeg Book Award. Multiple copies of each book will be available to borrow for readers in grades K-12.
LEGO Masters: Granby Library Edition: Saturday, May 14, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Main Branch. Love LEGO Masters? Put your LEGO building skills to the test and come join the first ever LEGO Masters: Granby Library Edition. Families will compete against other teams to create a special build challenge. Teams will vote on a winner, as well other fun award categories! You decide at the end—will you smash your build or leave it to display at the library for future visitors? Please register each family/team once and include how many members will be on your team. Depending on attendance, teams may be divided to accommodate all participants. LEGO Masters is part of the Super Saturdays series, a new series of high-energy, high-interest monthly programs for school-age children at the Granby Public Library. Build teamwork, STEM, and social skills while having fun. Sponsored by the Friends of GPL.
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 at 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 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.