Granby Public Library System
860-844-5275
Library Hours, 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, 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.
Summer Library Celebration
Read Beyond the Beaten Path: June 15-Aug. 6. Readers of all ages are invited to participate in the Summer Library Celebration—win prizes and have fun! Every time you visit either branch of the library through Aug. 6, you can earn a ticket to enter the prize drawings. Participate in the Library’s Trail Map Challenge to be eligible for even more chances to win. Stop by either branch to learn more and to register.
Trail Map Challenge: June 15-Aug. 6. Pick up your trail map at either library branch and travel around Granby to visit new places, learn new things and enjoy your home town. Fun for all ages, Maps will be available at the libraries until Aug. 6 or until we run out. This special program is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Connecticut State Library.
Adults and Teens
Pendulum Dowsing: Wednesday, July 6, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Explore the ancient art of pendulum dowsing and discover a new way to find information and objects. Divining with a crystal pendulum is a fun and fascinating metaphysical art form, and it’s easy to learn with experienced dowser Gail Altschwager. Participants will receive a pendulum, handout, and lots of hands-on instruction and practice. Register to attend. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Adventure Around the World: Thursday, July 14, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Take a photographic journey around the world with Jason Karadimas, professional pilot, photographer, and long-time Granby Public Library patron. From the chilly waters of the Silfra crack to the crashing waves of Ka’ena Point, on to the beauty of Hatshepsut Temple, the home of Genghis Khan. Discover behemoth wrecks and meet amazing creatures from the deep. Join us for a breath-taking tour of unique and colorful places and be inspired to go beyond the beaten path on your next travel adventure.
Tie Dye: Saturday, July 16, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (rain date July 23) on the lawn of the Main Branch. All ages are invited to get colorfully creative at a favorite annual event. We provide the tie dye supplies and instruction; you make a unique piece of wearable art. Bring pre-washed cotton items like T-shirts, towels, socks or pillowcases. Everyone who attends will receive a free 22” x 22” bandana to tie dye. We’re offering three time slots to ensure enough space for everyone. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Nature Signs: Wednesday, July 20, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (rain date July 21) at the Granby Land Trust Dismal Brook Nature Preserve, Silver Street, North Granby. Bring the family for a nature walk with two of Connecticut’s favorite Master Wildlife Conservationists. Ginny Apple and Peggy Lareau share their knowledge of local species, including how to detect their presence and what to do when you encounter wildlife on the trail. Join us at GLT’s Dismal Brook trailhead for a half mile hike to the cabin and pond where a display of furbearers’ pelts, skulls and tracks will be available for viewing. This is hands-on learning for all ages. Register to attend. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Land Trust.
Page Turners Book Club: Wednesday, July 20, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. The group will discuss Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. The novel follows the adventures of two white boys and an escaped Black slave as they sail along the Mississippi River. Shortly after its publication the public commissioners in Concord, Mass. described the book as racist, coarse, trashy and inaccurate. This was the first time the novel was recommended to be banned, and it wouldn’t be the last. Twain commented that this would only increase sales, and indeed, the book became a best seller.
Wednesday, Aug. 17, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch., the group will discuss The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. The novel features 14-year-old Arnold, or “Junior,” born with disabilities and growing up on a reservation in Spokane, Wash. Junior transfers from the “rez” school to one in a small white town 22 miles away. Throughout this humorous book, Junior struggles with questions about community and identity. The award-winning YA novel was the most-challenged book in the United States from 2010 to 2019 for reasons that included profanity, sexual references, alcohol, bullying, and racism.
Leading the discussions will be veteran discussion leader Beth Morrill. Copies of the books will be available at the library and online. Registration recommended, but not required.
Ecology of the Eastern Coyotes: Wednesday, July 27, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. The eastern coyote (Canis latrans) was first documented in Connecticut in the 1950s. Since then, this highly adaptive species has made a home in our forested and human-dominated landscapes. Through the use of 35 motion-sensor trail cameras, Samantha Lewis, graduate student intern, will provide a detailed look into the lives of the eastern coyotes at McLean Game Refuge. The presentation will include topics such as history, diet, family dynamics, spatial and temporal movements, and interactions with other species. Register to attend. Sponsored by Granby Public Library, Granby Land Trust and McLean Game Refuge.
SciFi/ Fantasy Book Club: Wednesday, July 27, 7 – 7:55 p.m. at the Main Branch. The group will discuss Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler. Published in 1993, the story begins in the year 2024, when society in the U.S. has become unstable due to climate change, wealth inequality and corporate greed. The novel is written in the form of a journal kept by Lauren Oya Olamina, an African American teenager. Lauren believes society must travel to and live on other planets, and that her self-created belief system, Earthseed, will prepare them for this destiny.
Wednesday, Aug. 31, 7 – 7:55 p.m. at the Main Branch. The group will discuss Rainbows End by Vernor Vinge. Written in 2006, the story is set in 2025. Robert Gu, a former world-renowned poet, is a recovering Alzheimer’s patient thanks to advances in medical technology. He must learn to adapt to a different world than he remembers, where almost everything is networked. The novel examines the implications of rapid technological change and the age-old question, “Who watches the watchers?”
Leading the discussions is veteran discussion leader, Doug Soucier. Copies of the books will be available at the library and online. Registration recommended, but not required.
Time for Chess: Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Main Branch Reading Room. Chess fans of all ages are invited to friendly, competitive games every Thursday morning. Registration is recommended though drop-ins are always welcome when space allows.
Monday Funday Summer Series for Ages 10 to 18
Crunchy Crowd Remix: Monday, July 11, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Fuel up for all your summer adventures with fun, tasty and healthy snacks. Sample a variety of trail mix ingredients, mix your own favorite blends, and learn how to pack your snacks to avoid creating litter. Compete for trail-friendly prizes and earn raffle tickets for the Summer Reading Challenge. Registration required; space is limited. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Sand Art: Monday, July 18, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Create colorful sand art in a bottle. We supply all the materials and you arrange them in a beachy decoration. Registration required; space is limited. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Friendship Bracelets: Monday, July 25, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Make a different kind of friendship bracelet when you learn kumihimo, a style of braiding that originated with the Japanese. Choose from a variety of colors, including Granby School’s maroon and gold. Registration required; space is limited. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
The History and Art of Henna: Monday, Aug. 1, 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Main Branch. Learn about the history, origin and traditions of henna, the ancient art form of temporary tattooing. Each participant will have an opportunity to get a professionally applied henna design made from henna powder and lemon juice, cajeput and lavender oil. No caustic dyes or other chemicals are used. Registration required; space is limited. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Children and Family Programs
Good Morning Story Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 – 11 a.m. at the Main Branch. Our preschool friends (ages 1-4) and their caregivers are invited to Story Time. Let’s sing, do a fingerplay and share a story together. No registration needed. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Bedtime Stories with Miss Heather: Tuesdays, 6 – 6:30 p.m. at the 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 and each child will receive a craft to complete at home. No registration needed. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt.
Exploration Station: Camp Crafts (ages 6-14): We love camp crafts. Make a friendship bracelet, braid a lanyard, paint a suncatcher or create with sand art. Experiment and explore your creativity. We’ll provide the materials and the instruction, if needed. Please register in advance. Wednesday, July 6, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch, and Thursday, July 7, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Stack Attack (ages 8-12): Saturday, July 9, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Main Branch. Join Miss Brittany for a Super Saturday event all about cup stacking. Who can stack the fastest? The highest? Who can make the most interesting stack? And can we succeed in the biggest challenge of them all… the SUPER stack? Please register in advance.
Birds of Prey (ages 8 and up): Wednesday, July 13, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Main Branch. Meet four raptors from Horizon Wings, a raptor rehabilitation organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear amazing stories of survival and learn about the birds’ individual characteristics and behaviors. Please register in advance. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Family Camp Story Time (all ages): Let’s pretend we’re camping! Bring a blanket to drape across a table, chair or bookcase and create a “tent” for your family. Sit inside to listen to stories, then stay to do a camp craft. Please register in advance. Wednesday, July 20, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Main Branch and Tuesday, July 26, 6 – 6:30 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library
Paws and Pages: For ages 3-5 with a caregiver. An educator from the Connecticut Humane Society will read a pet-themed book, then lead a discussion about safe and kind interactions with the type of animal featured in the book. Please register in advance as space is limited. Thursday, July 21, 4 – 4:30 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch and Monday, July 25, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Main Branch.
Cuddly Campout (all ages): Friday, July 22 – Saturday, July 23 at the Main Branch. Drop off a teddy bear, doll or other toy on Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for an overnight camp-out at the library. We’ll make sure they have lots of fun! Come back Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and watch a video to see what your cuddly friend was doing while you were sleeping. Please register in advance. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Magic Show (ages 5 and up): Saturday, July 30, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Senior Center Community Room. Master Magician Ed Popielarczyk returns for another interactive show with all-new tricks that lead us Beyond the Beaten Path—sure to be tons of fun. Please register in advance. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Popsicle Party at the Pond (all ages): Saturday, Aug. 6, 12 – 2 p.m. at the Pond at Salmon Brook Park. It’s the end of another Summer Library Celebration. Stop by our table near the concession stand and pick up a coupon for a free popsicle and free entry to the Pond. Please register in advance. Popsicles generously donated by Zen Catering in Granby.
Everything But the Brush—Wild Painting: Saturday, Aug. 20, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. on the lawn at the Main Branch. All ages, join Miss Heather for a Super Saturday where we go wild with paint. We’ll splatter, throw, squirt and get creative with color. Wear something that can get paint on it as we will get messy! Please register in advance.
Ongoing Library Services
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.
Cossitt Seed Library: There is still time to sow seeds. The public is welcome to visit the Seed Library at the F. H. Cossitt Library Branch in North Granby. Browse for free packets of fruit, vegetable, herb and flower seeds. Take advantage of the large collection of gardening books to help plan and grow your garden. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library.
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 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.