GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
granby-ct.gov/Library
860-844-5275
gplibrary@granby-ct.gov
Library Hours–Main Branch
Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Library Hours–Cossitt Branch
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 1–6 p.m.
Second and fourth Saturdays each month (10/12 and 10/26): 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Registration is required for library programs. To register, visit https://engagedpatrons.org/Events.cfm?SiteID=3362, 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. For the most updated information on dates and programs, refer to the library’s online calendar.
GPL= Granby Main Branch FHC= Cossitt Branch
Adult Programs at GPL
Tech Talk, Security Tips from a Pro: Monday, Oct. 7, 2–3 p.m. Joe O’Donnell, SWAT Technologies, shares tips for securing your phone from unwanted monitoring and tracking, explains how to stop email spammers, and answers your personal security tech questions.
Movie Matinee, American Fiction: Monday, Oct. 14, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Enjoy a feature film and complimentary snacks at the monthly matinee. Cord Jefferson’s hilarious directorial debut, American Fiction (rated R for language) confronts our culture’s obsession with reducing people to outrageous stereotypes. The comedy-drama is a best picture nominee and tells the story of Monk, a frustrated novelist who is fed up with the establishment that profits from tired and offensive tropes in Black entertainment. To prove his point, he uses a pen name to write an outlandish Black book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy.
The Last Full Measure of Devotion, Honoring Our Vets: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6:30–7:30 p.m. How to honor the sacrifice of service members has been a question through the years. Professor Hamish Lutris presents how veterans have been recognized for their service and how that recognition has changed over time. Sponsored by the Granby Public Libraries and American Legion Shannon Shattuck Post 182.
Crafters Café, Paint Nite: Thursday, Oct. 24, 6–7:30 p.m. Connect with your inner artist. Katherine Tolve, The Art Room, leads a paint workshop for beginner and intermediate skill levels. All materials provided. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Author Talk, Kara Labella: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Author Kara Labella draws from local history and folklore to write spine-tingling tales. History buffs, lovers of spooky stories and anyone who appreciates a good read will enjoy the presentation. Signed copies of Labella’s works will be available for purchase.
CCS Makerspace Programs at FHC
CCS Equipment Demonstration and Training: Check library website for dates and times. Adults and youth ages 8 and up with an adult. Give your creative ideas life—visit Cossitt’s makerspace and learn to use the 3D printer, laser cutter, sewing and embroidery machines, sublimation printer, vinyl cutter, mug and bottle presses and all manner of digitizing equipment.
Laser Cut Bird House: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Adults and teens ages 16 and up, assemble a laser cut birdhouse, sand and decorate. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Sketchbook Basics: Tuesdays, Oct. 15, 22 and 29, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Artist Doug Williams leads a three-part series introducing beginners and advanced beginners to sketching. Learn to simplify what you see, create value scales, practice lines and shapes, and understand shading and perspective. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Exploring Cricut Design Space: Thursday, Oct. 17, 1:30–3 p.m. Unlock the power of Cricut Design Space in this class designed for beginners. This hands-on class will guide you through the fundamentals of Cricut’s intuitive design software.
Cutting Edge Creations, Mastering Cricut Design Space: Thursday, Oct. 24, 1:30–3 p.m. Bring your custom design skills to the next level. This class will guide you through many advanced features of the Cricut Design Space software. Participants should have a basic knowledge of this software.
Knit and Crochet Group: Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Knitters and crocheters are invited to a monthly meet-up to work on individual projects, and perhaps a group activity. All levels are invited. Space is limited.
Intro To Knitting: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 1:30– 3 p.m. Beginning knitters and those who need a refresher will learn basic knitting skills, including casting on, binding off, knit and purl stitch, stockinette and garter knitting. Yarn and needles provided or bring your own. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Knitting In The Round: Wednesdays, Oct. 30, Nov. 6 and 13, 1:30–3 p.m. Learn to use circular needles with a flexible cable to knit a hat. Participants must have some knitting experience and need to attend all three classes. Yarn and needles provided or bring your own. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraires.
Book Clubs
Books for book discussions are available at the library, online and through curbside pickup. Register online or call the library to reserve your seat.
Millennials Read: Friday, Oct. 4, 6:30–8 p.m. Each month is at a new local hotspot. 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 specific; come and fill up your TBR list. October’s meeting will be held at Hopmeadow Brewing Company in Avon.
Something About The Author Book Club: Monday, Oct. 7, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Discussing Burial Rites by author Hannah Kent. The novel is based on a true story of the final days of a young woman in Iceland in 1829 accused of the brutal murder of her former master. John Rusnock will lead the discussion.
Sci/Fi Fantasy Book Club: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6–7 p.m. Discussing Hyperion by Dan Simmons. In the far future seven pilgrims travel to the mysterious planet of Hyperion. Each carries a personal agenda but find they are interconnected as they share their individual stories, shedding light on the enigma that is Hyperion. Written in 1989 and the first in a series, it won the 1990 Hugo Award for Best Novel. Jim Gorman will lead the discussion.
Children’s & Teen Programs at GPL
Paws For Tales: Thursday, Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Children in grades 1–3 are invited to attend the program where they can build confidence and practice reading aloud to Amani, a calm and friendly cocker spaniel registered therapy dog. Amani provides a patient, non-judgmental audience, helping young readers develop their literacy skills in a fun, relaxed environment. Each child can read their favorite book to Amani for a set amount of time. Bring a book or choose one from the library’s collection. This pawsitively delightful program is perfect for any young reader looking for an encouraging and supportive experience. Space is limited.
Teen Felting, Wise Owl: Thursday, Oct. 3, 2–4 p.m. Grades: 6–12 Teens are invited to join us for a fun afternoon with fiber arts expert Angelina Fleury. In this session, teens will learn how to felt wool and create their own wise owl. Space is limited. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Scary Tales & Slimy Surprises: Monday, Oct. 7, 6–6:30 p.m. Ages: 7–10 Join us for a spine-tingling adventure as we dive into spooky stories that will give you chills. After the tales, test your bravery with our mystery boxes filled with gooey, slimy and squishy surprises. Are you ready to feel the fright? Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Dungeon & Dragons for Beginners: Monday, Oct. 14, 1–3 p.m. Grades: 6–12 Join us for an exciting program led by experienced teen Dungeon Master, PK. This adventure welcomes new players to the world of D & D, where you’ll create characters, explore magical realms, and embark on thrilling quests. Whether a complete beginner or just getting started, PK will guide you through the rules, role-playing and dice rolling. Bring your imagination and a sense of adventure. All materials are provided. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow adventurers, make new friends, and dive into the world of tabletop gaming at the library. Snacks will be provided. Space is limited. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Dungeons & Dragons: Monday, Oct. 21, 3–5 p.m. Grades: 6–12 Join us for the next thrilling session of D & D with Dungeon Master PK! This game continues from last week’s adventure, so participants should already know how to play and bring their character sheets. Prepare to face new challenges, exciting battles and explore deeper into the fantasy world. The adventure awaits—are you ready? Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Simplyart, Keepsake Boxes: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Ages: 8–11 years. Get crafty and design your very own keepsake box. School-aged children will have fun decorating and personalizing their boxes to store special treasures. Join us for a creative afternoon filled with imagination and colorful supplies. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Teen Lab, Personalized Water Bottles: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 3–5 p.m. Grades: 6–12 Get creative with personalized sublimation bottles using a cricut machine. Design and customize your own bottle with unique graphics and text. All materials will be provided. Don’t miss this chance to craft a one-of-a-kind bottle that’s both functional and stylish. Space is limited. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Pumpkin Party, Carving and Painting: Saturday, Oct. 19, 1:30–3:30 p.m. All ages are welcome on the library’s front lawn for a festive Pumpkin Party to carve their own jack-o’-lanterns, while small children can enjoy painting pumpkins with vibrant colors. Celebrate the season with creativity, fun and a whole lot of pumpkins. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Preschool Halloween Parade: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 10:30–11 a.m. Ages: 2-4 years. Preschoolers and 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. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Fiber Arts Club: Wednesdays, Oct. 9 and Nov. 13, 3–5 p.m. Grades: 6–12 Join our Fiber Arts Club for teens and explore the world of crochet, needlepoint, hand sewing, cross-stitch and more. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, come learn new skills, share your projects, and get creative with friends after school. Some materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies from home. Light snacks will be provided. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Teen Hocus Pocus Movie Watch Party: Friday, Oct. 25, 3–5 p.m. Grades: 6-12 Join us after hours for a spellbinding evening at the library with Hocus Pocus. Watch this Halloween classic while enjoying snacks, drinks and participating in fun interactive activities like Movie Bingo, a Quote Challenge, and a Scavenger Hunt. Dance, sing along and come in costume to make the night even more magical—don’t miss out on the fun with friends at this exclusive event. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
2024 Granby Children’s Book Festival: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Wells Road Intermediate School, 134 Wells Road. All ages are invited to the free event, an amazing day of book love.
Weekly Storytimes at GPL
Check library calendar to confirm weekly storytime dates as some are subject to change.
Baby Rhyme Time: Tuesdays, Oct. 8, 15 and 22, 10:30–11 a.m. Ages: Birth–14 months. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join an interactive lap-sit program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs and baby sign language.
Mother Goose On The Loose: Wednesdays, Oct. 9, 16 and 23, 10:30–11 a.m. Ages: 2–4 years. Young children and 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.
Nightfall Stories and Stretch: Thursdays, Oct. 10, 17 and 24, 6–6:30 p.m. Ages: 4–7 years. Children are invited to join an independent mindfulness program featuring stories, stretches and an interactive activity.
Toddler Time: Thursdays, Oct. 10, 17 and 24, 10:30–11 a.m. Ages: 15 months–24 months. Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to join an interactive program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs and sign language.
Mini Movers: Fridays, Oct. 11 and 25, 10:30–11 a.m. Ages: 15 months–4 years. Children are invited to join an interactive music program featuring songs, dancing, scarves and egg shaker activities.