GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
granby-ct.gov/library • 860-844-5275
Library Hours, 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, Cossitt Branch: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 3 – 7 p.m.
Granby Libraries will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, July 3 and 4, in observance of Independence Day.
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.
Check the library website for additional programs and activities—new things are added all the time.
Adults
Summer Reading Wonderland Bingo: Thru Saturday, Aug. 5. Adults are invited to pick up a Granbyland bingo card and enjoy reading while completing a series of reading challenges. Turn in the bingo card by Aug. 5 to earn a chance at winning your choice of summer celebration gift cards from local businesses. Visit the library in person or online for details and to pick up your bingo card. Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Card Game Nights: Mondays, July 10, 17, 24 and 31, 6–7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. The Queen of Hearts and Mad Hatter invite you to learn and play a different card game each Monday night in July. We’ll start with cribbage, move on to setback/pitch and close out with Wonderland Fluxx. All materials are provided.
Mad Hatter Tie Dye: Saturday, July 15. Sign up for one session, 10–10:45 a.m., 11–11:45 a.m. or 12–12:45 p.m. at the Main Branch. Everyone is invited to get colorfully creative at one of our favorite annual events. 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. There will be giveaways (hats, of course) for participants who pre-register.
A Visit to the Cocos Islands: Thursday, July 20, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Join local resident Jason Karadimas for a photographic tour of the Cocos Islands, above and below the water. The Cocos Island National Park is located in the Pacific Ocean 340 miles west of mainland Costa Rica and is only accessible via a 36-hour boat ride. There are no accommodations on the island and only 3,000 people a year are allowed to visit. The park is designated a National and Historic Treasure of Costa Rica. Karadimas will take you from beneath the waves of shark infested waters to trail hikes offering beautiful views of an island waterfall. Register for this colorful tropical adventure captured in stunning photographs from a recent 10-day trip.
Tasting Adventure 2, Through the Looking Glass: Thursday, July 27, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Explore different food flavors and textures when The Whisk presents a culinary experience for the adventurous. Be sure to note food allergies at time of registration. Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
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: at the Main Branch with John Rusnock leading the discussions.
Monday, July 11, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Discuss author Julia Spencer-Fleming, who began her debut novel, Bleak Midwinter, while at home waiting for the arrival of her third child. Having no time to find an agent, she instead sent her manuscript to the St. Martin’s Best First Novel contest one week before the deadline. Her book won, beating more than 200 other entries.
Monday, Aug. 7, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Discuss author Paulette Jiles, a poet, novelist, playwright and journalist, born 1943 in Missouri. News of the World, Enemy Women and Lighthouse Island are among her novels.
Sci-Fi/Fantasy: at the Main Branch.
Wednesday, July 26, 6–7 p.m. Read and discuss Neuromancer, a 1984 science fiction novel by American-Canadian writer William Gibson. It is considered one of the earliest and best-known works in the cyber punk genre. It is also the only novel to win the Nebula Award, the Philip K. Dick Award and the Hugo Award. It was Gibson’s debut novel and the beginning of the Sprawl trilogy. Leading the discussion is Jim Gorman.
Wednesday, Aug. 30, 6–7 p.m. Read and discuss Ringworld, a 1970 science fiction novel written by Larry Niven. It won the 1970 Nebula Award and the Hugo Award in 1971. It is a remarkable old-fashioned story that doesn’t read like post New Wave science fiction. Ringworld is an ancient artifact millions of times bigger than Earth or any known planet. But who created it, and why? When explorers’ spaceship crash lands they have to find a way to either leave or contact someone for help.
Teens
Teen Mondays: For grades 6–12 at Main Branch.
Henna: Monday, July 10, 6–8 p.m. Teens are invited to join us for a special presentation on the history of Henna, followed by Henna painting. Presented by Jamilah Henna Creations.
Felting: Monday, July 17, 6–8 p.m. Teens are invited to learn how to felt wool and create their own magical mushrooms to take home. Presented by textile artist Angelina Fleury.
Children
Storytimes at Main Branch
Baby Rhyme Time: Tuesdays, July 11, 18, 25 and Aug. 1, 15, 22. 10:30–11 a.m. Babies birth to 18 months with their caregivers are invited to an interactive lap-sit program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs and baby sign language.
Mother Goose on the Loose: Wednesdays, July 5, 19 and 26 and Aug. 2, 9, 16. 10:30–11 a.m. Preschool children age 18 months to 4 years with their caregivers are invited to an interactive program featuring nursery rhymes, stories and music activities that promote language development, visual literacy, social and emotional skills.
Nightfall Stories and Stretch: Thursdays, July 6, 20 and 27. 10:30–11 a.m. Preschool children age 18 months to 4 years with their caregivers are invited to an interactive program featuring nursery rhymes, stories and music activities that promote language development, visual literacy, social and emotional skills.
Mini Movers: Fridays, July 7, 21 and 28 and Aug. 4, 11, 18. 10:30–11 a.m. Young children age 14 months to 4 years with their caregivers are invited to join us for this fun, interactive program featuring songs, dancing, scarves, and egg shaker activities.
Special Events
Game On—Family Fun Day: Wednesday, July 5, 2–3 p.m. at the Main Branch. Families with children ages 4 to 12 are invited to play a variety of games, including life size Connect-4 and chess. This program will meet under the big tent on the library lawn, weather permitting. Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Teddy Bear Picnic: Monday, July 10, 12:30–1:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Children ages 3–7 with their caregivers are invited to bring a small picnic lunch and enjoy the simple pleasure of a summer day with a story, fun activities and your favorite teddy bear or stuffie. Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Mary Munson, Author Storytime: Wednesday, July 12, 10:30–11 a.m. at the Main Branch. Children from preschool to first grade with their caregivers are invited to a special storytime with local children’s book author Mary Munson. Munson will read her recent children’s book, Love Will Turn You Around, followed by fun activities including cookie decorating. Munson will also bring her special guest, Heart, and will have copies of her book available for purchase and signing.
CZR Reptiles: Thursday, July 13, 2–3 p.m. at the Main Branch. Families are invited to learn about fascinating reptiles up close and personal! CZR Reptiles will bring a variety of reptiles to the library, including snakes, lizards, a giant tortoise and a baby alligator! Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Library.
Solar System String Art: Thursday, July 20, 3:30–4:30 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. July 20th is Space Exploration Day. Ages 6–12, join us to celebrate our solar system by creating some out-of-this world string art. Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Fairy or Gnome Garden Workshop: Thursday, July 27, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. at the Main Branch. Ages 7–12, create your own fairy or gnome garden using your imagination, a variety of materials and some pixie dust. Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Didgeridoo Down Under: Tuesday, Aug. 8, 6–7 p.m. at the Main Branch. Join us as we finish our summer reading celebration with an energetic fusion of Australian music, comedy, character building, storytelling and audience participation. Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Library.