GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
granby-ct.gov/157/Library — 860-844-5275
December 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.
Winter Hours for January to March–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.
Sunday: 1–4 PM
The library will be closed on Dec. 25 for Christmas, on Jan. 1 for News Years and on Jan. 15 for Martin Luther King Day.
Registration is required for most library programs. To register, visit granby-ct.gov/Library, and click on “Register for a Program” or call the library at 860-844-5275. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter.
Adult Programs
American St. Nick: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2–3:30 p.m., at the Granby Senior/Youth Services Center, Community Room. Join us for the moving true story of WWII American soldiers who put down their weapons to bring Christmas to the children of war-torn Wiltz, Luxembourg. The one-hour documentary will be followed by a meet and greet with the producer and author of the book, American St. Nick. Peter Lion is a seven-time Emmy winning producer/director and Connecticut resident. Register to attend. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries, Granby Senior Services, Salmon Brook Historical Society, and Shannon Shattuck American Legion Post 182.
Monday Movie Matinees: Monday, Dec. 11, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Enjoy the classic MGM romantic musical comedy, Meet Me in St. Louis, that was deemed “culturally and historically significant” by the Library of Congress and selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. The entertaining film is a who’s who of talented performers and includes Judy Garland’s debut of a now famous holiday song. And on Monday, Jan. 8, 1:30–3:30 p.m. The Oscar-winning film Green Book portrays the friendship and respect that develops between a tough guy from the Bronx and a world class African-American pianist during a challenging performance tour in the summer of 1962. Register to save a seat and treat.
19th Century Christmastide: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Enjoy a selection of holiday songs popular in Victorian England and America in the late 1800s. Learn the origin of the music from historians Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle. Sing along! Register to save a seat. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries and Salmon Brook Historical Society.
Podcasting for Beginners: Thursday, Jan. 11, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Are you an expert in a niche topic or passionate about something that you could talk about for hours? Adults and older teens are invited to learn from podcasting duo Sean and Carrie. Find guidance on show structure basics and get tips on selecting appropriate equipment, developing social media outreach, and more. Confidently start your own podcast in 2024. Register to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by The Friends of Granby Public Library.
Friends and Family CPR: Saturday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Certified instructors with Granby Ambulance Association offer life-saving skills for adults and teens. Practice techniques after watching demonstrations, receive timely feedback and take away printed course materials for future reference. No fee; registration required. Sponsored by The Friends of Granby Public Library.
Crafters Café, Modern Calligraphy: Wednesday, Jan. 17 (snow date Jan. 18), 2–3:30 p.m. Learn to write in a fun and playful lettering style. Calligrapher Debby Reelitz instructs adults and older teens in this dynamic and creative form of calligraphy. All materials provided. Space is limited; register to attend. Sponsored by The Friends of Granby Public Library.
Senior Living Choices, A Conversation: Saturday, Jan. 20 (snow date Jan. 27), 10:30–11:30 a.m. Family members and caregivers are invited to learn how to have a meaningful conversation with loved ones about senior living choices. Gain an understanding of senior living options available in the community and hear helpful tips from Heather Pierce, CDP, Clear View Senior Living Advisors, LLC, which serves all of Connecticut at no cost to clients. Register to attend.
Ovation, an Electric Acoustic Guitar Revolution: Sunday, Jan. 21, 2–3 p.m. Almost 50 years ago, aerospace engineers who happened to be woodworking hobbyists and guitar enthusiasts made history in nearby New Hartford with the launch of the Ovation guitar. Hear the fascinating story from musician Jim Lenn and be entertained with live music featuring songs made popular by some of the company’s first endorsers, Glen Campbell and The Partridge Family. Register. Sponsored by The Friends of Granby Public Library.
Passion For Papercraft, Origami Teacup and Saucer: Monday, Jan. 22, 1–2:30 p.m. In honor of National Hot Tea Month, adult crafters are invited to create a decorative paper teacup and saucer while enjoying soothing sips of tea. All materials provided. Registration required. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
French Cooking Basics: Thursday, Jan. 25, 5–6 p.m. Savor the moment when Sarah from The Whisk shares her admiration of culinary icons Julia Child and Jacques Pepin. There will be foodie facts and trivia, kitchen equipment recommendations, recipes and, of course, samples to taste! Register to save a place at the table. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Connecticut Newspapers, a Story Still Unfolding: Tuesday, Jan. 30, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Did you know six Connecticut newspapers were in print prior to the American Revolution? In the years that followed, editors and publishers solved challenges including censorship, paper availability, taxes and, later on, competition from radio, TV and the internet. Is the end near for the newspaper industry? Historian John Cilio says, “Hardly!” Hear all about it when you register to receive the Zoom program link. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Pubic Libraries and Salmon Brook Historical Society.
Book Clubs
Books for book discussions are available at the library, online and through curbside pickup. Register online or call the library 860-844-5275 to reserve your seat.
Millenials Read: Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6:30–7:30 p.m. At this no-stress book discussion, join readers in their 20s, 30s and 40s to talk about current book picks. You do not need to be reading anything to participate. A partnership between Bloomfield, Simsbury, and Granby libraries and open to all. December’s meet up will be at the Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow Street. It will feature a cookie swap! Please bring two dozen cookies to share. If special accommodations are required, please contact the library at least one week prior to the event. Check the library website for info on the January meetup. .
Something About the Author: Monday, Dec. 4, 1:30–2:30 p.m., discuss author Paul Howarth whose 2018 debut novel Only Killers and Thieves gained international acclaim and won the Barnes and Noble Discover Award for best fiction. And on Monday, Jan. 2, 1:30–2:30 p.m., discuss The Last Russian Doll by Kristen Loesch. A haunting, epic novel about betrayal, revenge, truth, love, loyalty, reconciliation, and redemption that follows three generations of Russian women, from the 1917 revolution to the last days of the Soviet Union. Leading both discussions is John Rusnock. Registration is requested.
Sci/Fi Fantasy: Wednesday, Dec. 27, 6–7 p.m., discuss Jade City, a fantasy novel by Fonda Lee, which won the World Fantasy Award in 2018. Clan rivalry, loyalty, betrayal, and revenge are set in an Asian fantasy world ruled by two powerful clans whose leaders use a special form of jade magic. And on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 6–7 p.m., discuss City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty. The story follows Nahri, a con woman of unsurpassed talents, tricks, and sleights of hand, living in 18th-century Cairo. When she accidentally summons a dark mysterious djinn warrior, she is forced to accept that the magical world she thought only existed in childhood stories is real. Leading both discussions is Jim Gorman. Registration is requested.
Teen Programs
Teen Mondays, grades 6–12: Monday, Dec. 4, 4–6 p.m. Felt Reindeers. Angelina Fleury is back to help you make your own felted reindeer for the holidays. Fleury is an experienced fiber artist who will walk you through the magical process of transforming wool into 3D objects using a barbed needle. And on Monday, Jan. 22, 4–6 p.m. Let It Snow. Fleury will show you how to make an adorable melting snowman! All materials included. Space is limited; registration required.
Weekly Storytimes
Baby Rhyme Time: Tuesdays, 10:30–11 a.m. Dec. 5, 12, 19, Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30. Babies (birth–17 months) with their caregivers are invited to an interactive lap-sit program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs and baby sign language. Registration required.
Mother Goose on The Loose: Wednesdays, 10:30–11 a.m. Dec. 6, 13, 20, Jan. 10, 17, 24. Young children (18 months–4 years) with their caregivers are invited an interactive program featuring nursery rhymes, stories and music activities that promote language development, visual literacy, social and emotional skills. Registration required.
Nightfall Stories and Stretch: Thursdays, 6–6:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 14, 21, Jan. 11, 18, 25. Children (4–7 years) are invited to an independent mindfulness program featuring stories, stretches and an interactive activity. Registration required.
Mini Movers: Fridays, 10:30–11 a.m. Dec. 8, 15, Jan. 12, 19, 26. Young children (14 months–4 years) with their caregivers are invited to this fun, interactive program featuring songs, dancing, scarves and egg shaker activities.
Kids Programs
Lori’s Artbox: Wednesdays, Dec. 6 and Jan. 10, 4–4:30 p.m. Grades 2 and 3. Join Miss Lori on the first Wednesday of the month for this new arts and craft program. Registration required.
Simply Art: Wednesdays, Dec. 20 and Jan. 24, 4–4:45 p.m. Grades 4 and 5. Join Miss Lori after school at the library for an exciting new art program. Together you will explore, discover and experiment with a variety of art materials. Registration required.
Annual Gingerbread House Decorating: Saturday, Dec. 2, 10:30–11:30 a.m. at the Granby Senior Center/Youth Services Building. Families with children ages 5 and up are invited to this delicious and festive program! Build and decorate your own gingerbread house with graham crackers, frosting and lots of candy! The library will provide all the supplies. A parent or caregiver must remain with their child. Registration required.