Granby Public Library System
granby-ct.gov/library
860-844-5275
GranbyLibrary@granby-ct.gov
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.
ADULT PROGRAMS
Cantica Nativitatis: Six Centuries of Christmas Music: Thursday, Dec. 1, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. No tradition has yielded a greater collection of music than Christmas. Historian and musician Richard Franklin Donohue will explore this extraordinary repertoire from the 14th through 19th centuries. Hear carols sung in their original languages of German, Latin, Middle English, French and Modern English accompanied on Harpsichord and Portative Organ. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library and the Salmon Brook Historical Society.
Metaphysical Monday: Energy Cleansing: Monday, Dec. 5, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Many cultures use some form of cleansing to protect their homes, workspaces and bodies from negative energy. Learn a variety of cleansing practices, from smoke cleansing to sound vibration, and usher in new, clean energy for personal well-being. Isabel Carrington, The Bell and Raven, leads the seminar. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Crafters Café: Holiday Centerpiece: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Enjoy the season by creating a holiday nature-scape for your home. Allie Kraushaar, founder of the new age nursery Mosslife, leads a holiday arrangement workshop for adults. All materials are provided; space is limited. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Decked Out for the Holidays: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. Visit magnificently decorated conservatories and mansions and beautifully lit gardens in a virtual holiday tour. Jana Milbocker, author, lecturer and principal of Enchanted Gardens, guides a seasonally inspiring journey to Longwood Gardens, Winterthur, Blithewold, Newport Mansions and others. Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Ice Fishing 101: Saturday, Jan. 7, 12:30–1:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Ice fishing is a fun way for adults, teens and tweens to enjoy the outdoors during the winter months. Learn the basics from competitive angler Dylan Napoleone at a seminar for all ages. Find out where to fish in Connecticut, the best equipment, and how to have a safe experience with family and friends. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Movie Matinee: Sunday, Jan. 8, 1:30–3:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Adults are invited to watch a classic comedy featuring the skill and talent of the great comedic actor, producer, and director Mel Brooks. Registration required; space is limited.
Metaphysical Monday: Sigil Magic: Monday, Jan. 9, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Learn about the concept of Sigil magic and how people create a personal symbol for success. Participants will design a pictorial signature that incorporates their personal dreams, desires, and goals. Enjoy this unique experience with metaphysical educator Isabel Carrington, The Bell and Raven. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
The Magic of the Winter Garden: Thursday, Jan. 12, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. The garden can be a magical place, even in winter. Stripped of summer foliage and flowers, the success of a winter garden lies in its structure, basic design and choice of plant material. This richly illustrated virtual lecture provides inspiration and tips on designing your garden for winter interest, choosing the best trees, shrubs and perennials, and grouping them to create arresting vignettes. Register to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Crystal Products of the Frost King: Thursday, Jan. 19, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Ice harvesting was a thriving industry in the 19th century. Blocks of ice were harvested and shipped around the world. Journey back in time with historian Dennis D. Picard and hear about New England’s role in the natural ice industry. Must pre-register for Zoom link. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library and Salmon Brook Historical Society.
The Brill Building Sound: Sunday, Jan. 22 2–3 p.m. at the Main Branch. American popular music of the 1960s was influenced by countless traditions from many cultures. This dynamic post-war soundtrack became a huge industry in America. Much of that industry was centered around the Brill Building at 1619 Broadway, where composers, lyricists, recording studios, performers, publishers and business managers worked together—and in competition—to produce some of the most memorable pop music ever created. Find out more and hear the biggest hits of the 1950s and early ‘60s performed by the musically talented duo Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehl. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks, Grandmasters of American Comedy: Wednesday, Jan. 25 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. For more than seven decades Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks made America laugh through their remarkable solo careers and legendary partnership. Examine their extraordinary accomplishments with Brian G. Rose, author and professor emeritus, Fordham University, Department of Communications and Media Studies. The presentation includes a look at their work on Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows, creation of The 2000-Year-Old Man, and their individual accomplishments as writers, directors and performers. Register online to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Connecticut Innovations That Helped to Change the World: Thursday, Jan. 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Innovation is often defined simply as a new idea, device or method of accomplishing something. Join us as we delve into a host of important Connecticut innovations that ultimately changed the lives of people around the world. Some remain relevant even as time has marched on. Registration required to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library and Salmon Brook Historical Society.
Connecticut’s Changing Landscape and Impact on Wildlife: Sunday, Jan. 29, 2–3 p.m. at the Main Branch. Landscapes are dynamic ecosystems. Learn how Connecticut’s landscape changed through the centuries and how those changes impacted major wildlife species. Master wildlife conservationist Ginny Apple presents a brief natural history of Connecticut and addresses the current state of wildlife, their respective habitats and the factors involved with wildlife management. There will be opportunity for questions, answers and discussion. Several animal pelts and skulls will be on display. Registration required. Sponsored by Granby Public Library and Granby Land Trust.
Time For Chess: Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 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 weekly on Thursday mornings. Drop-ins are welcome!
Book Discussions
Books for book 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, Dec. 5, 1:30–2:30 p.m. at the Main Branch.
Read and discuss Snow Country, the 1968 Nobel Prize for Literature winner by Yasnuari Kawabata. Kawabata was born into a wealthy Osaka family in 1899, orphaned at the age of four and raised by his grandparents. He graduated from Tokyo Imperial University in 1924 and would go on to publish numerous acclaimed novels. When Kawabata accepted the Nobel Prize, the first Japanese writer to do so, he remarked that he “tried to beautify death and to seek harmony among man, nature, and emptiness.”
Monday, Jan. 9, 1:30–2:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Discuss author Janet Quin-Harkin aka Rhys Bowen by reading a title of your choice. Bowen is a bestselling author of two historical mystery series, “Molly Murphy” and “Royal Spyness,” as well as several historical stand-alone novels. Her works have been nominated for every major mystery award and she has won 20 of them to date.
Leading both discussions is John Rusnock. Registration requested.
Sci/Fi Fantasy Book Club: Wednesday, Dec. 28, 6–7 p.m. at the Main Branch. Read and discuss Blindsight, a hard science fiction novel (emphasizes scientific accuracy and precise technical detail) written by Peter Watts and published in 2006. It was nominated for several awards including the Hugo Award for Best Novel. The Earth is covered by a shower of shooting stars that turn out to be survey equipment sending a powerful radio signal to the outer reaches of the solar system. As the Earth prepares for alien invasion, a cutting-edge ship with a highly trained and specialized crew is sent to make first contact.
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6–7 p.m. at the Main Branch. Read and discuss All the Birds in the Sky, the 2016 speculative fiction novel (has elements that do not exist in reality, recorded history, nature or the present universe) written by Charlie Jane Anders. It won the 2017 Nebula Award for Best Novel and was nominated for the 2017 Hugo Award for Best Novel. The novel is about Patricia and Laurence, a witch and a techno-geek, who are ostracized in junior high school for being too strange. They meet again ten years later as the world is unraveling—being destroyed by storms, earthquakes, climate change and wars. Can Patricia and Laurence stop, “The Unraveling” by combining their science and magic? Leading the discussion is Doug Soucier. Registration requested.
Teens and Tweens
Monday Funday
For Grades 6–12, Mondays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library. Registration required.
DIY Light Up Winter Cards: Dec. 5. Light up the holidays and winter nights by creating a light up pop up card. This program is a great way to learn about circuits while creating a winter inspired gift for a friend, or for a keepsake of your own. All supplies and a snack will be provided.
Snow Globes: Dec. 12. Celebrate the winter season by creating your very own winter wonderland snow globe. All supplies and a snack will be provided.
DIY Tie Die Journal: Jan. 9. Join us in the New Year by creating your own retro style, tie-dye journal for your thoughts, short stories, poetry or sketches. All materials will be supplied.
Children and Families
Story Times
Baby Rhyme Time: Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13, 20; Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 10:30–11 a.m. at the Main Branch. Babies and toddlers up to 2 years, with their caregivers, are invited to an interactive lap-sit program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs and baby sign language. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14, 21; Jan. 11, 18, 25, 10:30–11 a.m. at the Main Branch. Children 18 months to 4 years, with caregivers, are invited to an interactive program featuring nursery rhymes, stories and music activities that promote language development, visual literacy, social and emotional skills. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Bedtime Stories with Miss Heather: Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13, 20; Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 6–6:30 p.m. at Cossitt Branch. Ages 4–7 are invited to join Miss Heather for stories, songs, and a craft activity. Pajamas encouraged. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library.
Mini Movers: Fridays, Dec. 9, 16; Jan, 6, 20, 27, 10:30–11 a.m. at Main Branch. Children aged 14 months to 4 years, with caregivers, are invited to this fun, interactive music program featuring songs, dancing, scarves and shaker egg activities. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Afterschool Programs
Thursday Makers: Thursdays, Jan. 5 and 19, 4:15–5 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. For grades K–2. Join us for fun, engaging hands-on learning activities. Each week will feature a different theme and type of S.T.E.A.M. activity. Registration requested. Sponsored by Granby Public Library.
Crazy 8s Club: Thursdays, Jan. 12 and 26, 4:15–5:15 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. For grades 3–5. Join Bedtime Math’s Crazy 8s Club, a totally new kind of math club! Make mischief and memories with activities like Neon Geometry and Bouncy Dice Explosion! Take home some cool gadgets too! Registration is required. Sponsored by Bedtime Math.
Crafts
Snowman Craft: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. For grades K-5. Join us in celebrating winter by creating your own sock snowman to take home. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Snowflake Craft: Wednesday, Dec. 27, 10:30–11:30 a.m. at the Main Branch. All ages welcome. Help us turn the Children’s Room into a winter wonderland by learning and creating a variety of paper snowflakes…leave one for us to hang up, and take a few home. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library
Special Events
Gingerbread Houses: Saturday, Dec. 3, 10:30–11:30 a.m. at the Granby Senior Center. For ages 5 and older, with a caregiver. Get into the holiday spirit We supply everything you need to decorate a mini gingerbread house with candy, frosting, licorice, and other goodies. Space is limited; registration is required in advance. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library.
Critter Caravan: Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2 –2:45 p.m. at the Granby Senior Center. Children of all ages with their caregivers are invited to Critter Caravan, a hands-on traveling exotic mammal and reptile show. Children learn about chinchillas, hedgehogs, rabbits, lizards, guinea pigs, tortoises, and more. Registration is required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Appreciate a Dragon Day Celebration: Save the date, Saturday, Jan. 14, more information coming soon.