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 or call the library. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter on the website or by telephone
Adults
Crafters Café: Kumihimo Necklace: Thursday, Oct. 6, 6–7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese art that has been adapted for modern crafters. Make a colorful 16-inch satin cord necklace on Kumihimo looms. It’s a lovely piece to keep or give to others. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
History of the U.S. Life Saving Service: Thursday, Oct. 12, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. In 1879 the federal government established an organization to address the loss of the life of crew and passengers on grounded and wrecked ships. Lifesaving stations were built and manned on all the U.S. coastlines including those of the Great Lakes. Find out about the daily duties of “surfmen” along the New England coast, the tools they used and their lifesaving accomplishments. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library and Salmon Brook Historical Society.
Seed Saving: Thursday, Oct. 20, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. Seed saving is a great way to preserve some of your harvest for next year. Join UConn extension master gardener Donna Kaffenberger as she discusses the many aspects of basic seed-saving, including information on harvesting and appropriate ways to store seeds from fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs. Sponsored by F. H. Cossitt Library and Granby Agricultural Commission.
Iwo Jima Traveling World War II Museum: Saturday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. –2 p.m. in the Main Branch parking lot. Visit an extraordinary museum on wheels honoring American soldiers from the World War II era. Tour the extensive display of pictures, uniforms, and actual sand from Normandy Beach. The museum also serves as a tribute to local men and women who served in all branches of the military throughout the world. No registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library, Shannon Shattuck American Legion Post 182 and the Salmon Brook Historical Society.
Conservation Conversation: Food Waste Solutions: Monday, Oct. 24, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. The public is welcome to a presentation and discussion regarding food waste and its environmental, economic and social impact. Special guests from Blue Earth Compost and Granby’s Conservation Commission will join the conversation. This program is part of a continuing series of Conservation Conversations sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Conservation Commission. Registration requested.
Stagecoaches, Railroads and Airlines: Thursday, Oct. 27, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. America has always been on the move. Join us to hear some of the most interesting stories behind the creation of the country’s mass transit systems. Historian John Cilio covers the passenger miles in a journey of wheels, tracks and wings. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library and Salmon Brook Historical Society.
Time for Chess: Thursdays, 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 weekly on Thursday mornings. Drop-ins are welcome.
Book Discussions
Books for these discussions are available at the library, online and through curbside pickup. Register online or call the library to reserve your seat.
Something About The Author Book Club: Monday, Oct. 3, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. The group will discuss The Immortal Irishman: The Irish Revolutionary who became an American hero by Timothy Egan. Published in 2016, this biography that reads like an adventure novel details the life and times of Thomas Francis Meagher. As a dashing young orator during the Great Famine, Meagher led a failed uprising against British Rule and was banished to a Tasmanian prison. He escaped and made his way to New York to lead the newly formed Irish Brigade, which fought many fierce battles in the Civil War. Leading the discussion is John Rusnock. Want to prepare for the Nov. 7 meeting? The author will be Chris Bohjalin.
Page Turners Book Club: Wednesday, Oct. 19, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. The group will discuss The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones. Published in 2020, this award-winning novel blends horror with social commentary (perfect for fans of Jordan Peele) and reminds us that we can never escape the culture and traditions of our people—particularly when they want revenge. Four men from the Blackfeet Nation who made a single terrible decision in their youth now find themselves and their families in a desperate struggle for their lives, haunted by a violent and vengeful entity they thought they left behind. Leading the discussion is Beth Morrill.
SciFi/Fantasy Book Club: Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6 – 7 p.m. at the Main Branch. The group will discuss The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. In this 2009 contemporary thriller/horror, an airplane lands at JFK airport filled with row after row of corpses. As the Center for Disease Control races to find out how the passengers died, the reader learns the truth: an uncontrolled vampire virus has infected the few survivors, who now have a new goal: to feed and spread the virus across the city. Leading the discussion is Doug Soucier.
Teens and Tweens
Monday Funday: Owl Art: Monday, Oct. 10, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. For grades 6-12. Hoot, hoot! Learn how to fold book pages to create a “hootastic” owl! Registration is requested.
All-Ages
Pumpkin Carving on the Lawn: Saturday, Oct. 15 (rain date Oct. 22), 1 – 2 p.m. at the Main Branch. For adults, teens and families. Get outside and make some art with pumpkins and gourds! Celebrate the harvest season by carving, painting and decorating these seasonal vegetables. Children must be ages 12+ to carve without a guardian. Sponsored by Stop and Shop and Friends of Granby Public Library.
Children
Story Times
Baby Rhyme Time: Tuesdays, Oct. 4, 11 and 18, 10:30 – 11 a.m. at the Main Branch. Babies and toddlers up to age 2, with their caregivers, are invited to join us for an interactive lap-sit program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs, and baby sign language. Registration requested.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Wednesdays, Oct 5,12 and 19, 10:30 – 11 a.m. at the Main Branch. Children 18 months to 4 years, with their caregivers, are invited to join an interactive program featuring nursery rhymes, stories and music activities that promote language development, visual literacy, social and emotional skills. No registration needed.
Bedtime Stories with Miss Heather: Tuesdays, Oct 4, 11, 18 and 25, 6 – 6:30 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. Children age 4–7 years join Miss Heather for stories, songs, and a craft activity. Pajamas encouraged. Registration requested.
Special Events
Mini Movers: Fridays, Oct. 7, 21 and 28, 10:30 – 11 a.m. at the Main Branch. A fun interactive music program for children aged 14 months to 4 years featuring songs, dancing, scarves and shaker egg activities. Registration requested.
Halloween Who-Dunit: Saturday, Oct. 15, 10:30–11:30 a.m. at the Main Branch. Budding detectives in grades 3–5 are invited to help solve a mystery in the library. Use your investigation skills, follow the clues and work with friends to figure out who committed the crime.
Thursday Makers: Thursdays, Oct. 6, 13 and 27, 4 –5 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. For grades K–5. Join us for fun, engaging hands-on learning activities. Each week will feature a different theme and type of S.T.E.M. activity. Registration requested. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Preschool Halloween Parade: Wednesday, Oct. 26, 10:30 – 11 a.m. at the Main Branch. Children age 2–5 years, with a caregiver, are invited to listen to some (not-too-scary) Halloween stories, sing songs and take part in our costume parade around the library. Everyone gets a goodie bag to take home with Halloween stickers and small prizes. Registration requested. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Dia de la Muertos / Day of the Dead: Wednesday, Nov. 2, 4 – 5 p.m. at the Main Branch. For ages 8-12. Join us in celebrating the Mexican Day of the Dead with a special craft activity. Registration requested. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.