Book Clubs
Something About the Author Book Club: In-Person, Main Branch, Monday, February 5, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Ages: Adult. The book club will discuss poet Amanda Gorman. Gorman is an American poet and activist known for works that address black identity, feminism, marginalization, and climate change. She gained international fame when she read her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the 2021 inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden. Leading the discussion is John Rusnock. Registration is requested.
Millenials Read–Virtual: Wednesday, February 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Ages: “Millennials”. A no-stress book discussion, for readers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to talk about current book picks. You don’t need to be reading anything to participate. A partnership between Bloomfield, Simsbury, and Granby libraries and open to all. February will be VIRTUAL! So, no need to go out in bad weather.
Sci/Fi Fantasy Book Club: In-Person, Granby Main Branch, Wednesday, February 28, 6 – 7 p.m., Adult. Read and discuss The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey. A brilliant geneticist, cloning, infidelity, stolen research, a physically identical wife, an impossible pregnancy, a dead husband. Leading the discussion is Jim Gorman. Registration is requested.
Adult Programs
The American Revolution: Artifacts And Stories from Across Connecticut: In-Person, Main Branch, Thursday, February 1 – Thursday, February 29, Adult. Enjoy a traveling exhibit from the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History collection that features the people and events in Connecticut that helped influence the Revolutionary War and shape the new nation. No registration; drop in to view the exhibit during regular library hours.
The Musick Of Connecticut’s Revolution: “What A Glorious Crash They Made!”: In-Person, Granby Main Branch, Thursday, February 22 (Snow date Thursday, February 29), 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Adult. In a time when secular music was discouraged as an “extravagance and dissipation,” the fledgling composers of the American Colonies found fiery inspiration in the culture of Liberty. The result was a vast collection of works inspired by native psalmody marching side by side with English fife tunes and traditional folk songs refitted with new lyrics reflecting the American cause. With songs published or performed in Connecticut during the American Revolution, Richard Franklin Donohue illuminates the colony’s often overlooked contribution to this spirited repertoire. Register to attend. Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries and Salmon Brook Historical Society.
Sweet Sorrow: Historic Songs of Love, Pursuit, Connecting and Parting: In-Person, Granby Main Branch, Sunday, February 11, 2 – 3 p.m., Adult. We’re celebrating matters of the heart in an entertaining, amusing, and light-hearted musical journey that heralds the adventures and misadventures of lovers through time. Register to attend. Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries and Salmon Brook Historical Society.
Movie Matinee: The Big Year: In-Person, Main Branch, Monday, February 12, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Watch a terrific comedy to crow about! Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson portray three amateur bird watchers competing to become the ultimate ‘birder.” Register to save a treat and complimentary movie treat.
The Magic of Fred Astaire: Virtual, Wednesday, February 14, 6:30 – 7:30 p,m., Adult. Television and film historian Brain Rose highlights the charm and romance of the greatest dance partner in Hollywood history. Fred Astaire made some of the most complex dancing ever seen on the screen seem as effortless as breathing. Whether it was partnering with Ginger Rogers, Rita Hayworth, Cyd Charisse or a hat rack—or dancing on the ceiling or on roller skates, he made everything appear easy and elegant. Register to receive the Zoom link. Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
A Celebration of Tap”: In-Person, Community Room, Granby Senior/Youth Services Center, Sunday, February 25, 2 – 3 p.m. Ages: Adult, Older Teens. From early minstrel shows in 19th century America to the introduction of ‘tap shoes’ in the 1920s, Corey Hutchins shares the history of tap and delivers a first-rate performance of this uniquely American form of dance. Hutchins is a Connecticut native with decades of tap experience, studying and workshopping with dance masters including the late Gregory Hines and Dr. Savion Glover. He toured for several years with Riverdance, performed for celebrity guests, including First Lady Michelle Obama, and is the Founder and Artistic Director of CT Tap and the Connecticut Tap Intensive. Register to attend.
Passion For Papercraft: Book Page Floral Wreath: In-Person, Granby Main Branch, Monday, February 26, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Adult. Give old words new life when you learn to make paper blossoms from discarded paperbacks. Crafters will arrange the floral designs on a circular form to create a small wreath. All materials are provided. Space is limited; register to attend. Sponsored by the Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Kids Programs
Baby Rhyme Time: In-Person,Main Branch, Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 27, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Ages: Birth to 14 months. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join us for an interactive lap-sit program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs, and baby sign language.
Mother Goose on The Loose:
In-Person, Main Branch, Wednesdays, February 14, 21, 28, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Ages 2 years – 4 years. Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to join us for an interactive program featuring nursery rhymes, stories and music activities that promote language development, visual literacy, social and emotional skills.
Toddler Time: In-Person, Main Branch, Thursdays, February 1, 8, 5, 29, 10:30 – 11 a.m., Ages 15 months (walkers) – 24 months. Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to join us for an interactive program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs, and sign language.
Nightfall Stories and Stretch: In-Person, Main Branch, Thursdays, February 1, 8, 22, 6 – 6:30 p.m., 4 – 7 years. Children are invited to join us for an independent mindfulness program featuring stories, stretches, and an interactive activity. Registration required.
Mini Movers: In-Person, Main Branch, Fridays, 9, 16, 23, 10:30 – 11 a.m. Ages: 14 months – 4 years. Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us for this fun, interactive program featuring songs, dancing, scarves and egg shaker activities.
Lori’s Artbox: Valentine Keepsake Book. In-Person, Main Branch, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 4 – 4:45 p.m., 2nd – 3rd Grades. Join Miss Lori once a month for some arts and crafts! For February, Miss Lori will show children how to create a “Valentine” keepsake book to hold their Valentine’s Day cards, or special keepsakes. Registration is required.
Simply Art: Ribbon Art: In-Person, Main Branch, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 4 – 4:45 p.m., 4th – 5th Grades. Explore, discover, and experiment with a variety of art materials with Miss Lori. We will be using ribbon and creating geometrical designs on canvas. Registration required. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Take Your Child To The Library: In-Person, Main Branch, Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. All ages. Families are invited to celebrate the library with fun activities, including a “Find Frankie the Hedgehog” scavenger hunt, fun activities and take-home crafts!
The Giant Room: Winter Wonderland: In-Person, Main Branch, Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. –12 p.m. Families are invited to join us for a variety of “Winter-Wonderland” themed activities! Listen to a story, create your own clay-sculpture, go ice fishing, and make some snow! Registration required.
Teens Programs
Teens: Let It Snow! In person, Main Branch, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 3:30 – 5 p.m., Grades 6 – 12. Experienced Fiber Artist Angelina Fleury is back to walk you through the magical process of transforming wool into 3D objects using a barbed needle. This month she will show you how to make an adorable melting snowman! All materials included. Space is limited. Registration required.