Granby Public Library System
granby-ct.gov/Library
860-844-5275
gplibrary@granby-ct.gov
Library Hours – Granby Public Library Main
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday: 1 – 4 p.m.
Library Hours – F.H. Cossitt Library Branch
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday:1– 6 p.m.
Second and fourth Saturday of the month: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Holiday Closing: The main branch will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17.
Registration is required for all library programs unless otherwise indicated. 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. For the most updated information on dates and programs, refer to the library’s online calendar.
GPL – Granby Main Branch FHC – Cossitt Branch
New Year, New Library!
Stop by the Granby Public library and check out the new and improved space. Renovations transformed the adult area into a fresh, welcoming environment for the community. The installation of new carpeting throughout the building has enhanced comfort and improved acoustics, creating a more pleasant atmosphere for visitors. Fresh coats of paint in modern, soothing colors breathe new life into the walls, providing a bright and inviting setting for reading, learning and collaboration. These updates, along with other improvements, reflect the library’s dedication to maintaining a functional and inspiring space that meets the needs of its patrons while fostering a sense of pride in this essential community resource.
Adult Programs
History of the Gee’s Bend Quilting Legacy: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:30–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Discover the fascinating history of Gee’s Bend, Ala. through the eyes of a granddaughter and niece of two of Gee’s Bend area quilters. Hear about their involvement with the Freedom Quilting Bee and the White House, as well as presenter Betty Anderson’s connection to the Civil Rights movement. Register to receive the Zoom program link to the live presentation. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries and Salmon Brook Historical Society.
Monday Movie Matinee, The Fall Guy: Feb. 10, 1:30–3:30 p.m.; GPL Fox Meeting Room.
For adults and teens 16+. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt star in this action-packed comedy. A stuntman, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, is tapped to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life. Enjoy the feature film with complimentary snacks. Space is limited. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Connecticut’s Connection to Machu Pichu: Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30–7:30 p.m.; GPL Reading Room. In 1911, Yale professor Hiram Bingham located what he called the “Lost city of the Incas” in the highlands of Peru. Learn more about the history of Machu Pichu, its architecture, and understand current day considerations when traveling to the ancient landmark.
Kitchen Adventures, Sweet Treats: Thursday, Feb. 13, 10:30–11:30 a.m.; GPL Reading Room. For adults and teens 16+. Decorate a cupcake for your Valentine sweetheart! Space is limited. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries
Music In The Stacks
The Blues With Ramblin’ Dan: Thursday, Feb. 6, 6:30–7:30 p.m.; GPL Reading Room. Traveling blues musician Ramblin’ Dan Stevens performs live on authentic vintage instruments
and traces the development of this unique music genre from its origin in the late 19th century.
Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries and the Connecticut Blues Society.
Art Of Songwriting: Sunday, Feb. 9, 2–3 p.m.; GPL Reading Room. Every song has an origin story—something that inspired the songwriter. Connecticut musician and songwriter Dean Bolt shares how he creates music and performs original pieces on acoustic guitar. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Iberian Guitar Trio: Sunday, Feb. 23, 2–3 p.m., GPL Reading Room. Music from the Iberian Peninsula is a blend of Influences that reflect the region’s history and cultural diversity. The Iberian Guitar Trio bases its repertoire on a style influenced by Django Rinehardt, a musical innovator who experimented with chord extensions to create colorful harmonies. Enjoy the entertaining sounds of gypsy jazz! Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
CCS Makerspace Programs at FHC
CCS Equipment Demonstration and Training: Days and times vary; check library website for most up-to-date information; FHC. For adults, teens 16+, youth ages 10 and up with an adult.
Give your creative ideas life. Visit the library’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. Find more information on the library webpage.
Sketchbook Basics: Tuesdays, Feb. 4, 11 and 18, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., FHC upper level. For adults and teens 16+. Artist Doug Williams instructs beginners and advanced beginners in various sketching techniques. Learn to simplify what you see, create value scales, practice lines/shapes, and gain an understanding of shading and perspective. Materials list provided upon registration. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Introduction to Tinker CAD: Saturday, Feb. 8, 12–1:30 p.m.; FHC Makerspace. For adults and teens 16+. Are you inspired to design in 3D? Do you want to create an object based on your own specifications? Join us to learn about Tinker CAD, an online 3D design program that brings your ideas to life! Participants will receive an overview, have an opportunity to practice design skills, and print a free 3D object using the makerspace’s Bambu Lab P1S 3D printers. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Crafters Café, Tin Sacred Hearts: Saturday, Feb. 8, 10:30 AM–12 p.m.; FHC Upper Level. For adults and teens 16+. Explore the vibrant world of Mexican folk art by crafting a Milagro with guidance from local artist Katherine Tolve. Design and decorate these beautiful symbols of love and devotion using a variety of materials and embellishments. Tolve teaches traditional techniques and shares insights into the art form’s cultural significance. All materials provided. $5 program fee. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Jewelry Making, Beaded Earrings: Thursday, Feb. 13, 2– 3 p.m.; FHC upper level. For adults and teens 16+. Learn to make custom earrings using decorative beads, headpins, findings and ear wires. Lori Catlin Garcia provides basic jewelry-making instruction to inspires creative jewelry projects. All materials and tools will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own beads and/or precious metal findings. $5 program fee. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Sew Simple, Throw Pillow Cover: Wednesday, Feb. 26; FHC Makerspace. For adults and teens 16+. Make a colorful zipper-less cover for a 16” x 16” throw pillow. Sandra Salazar provides step-by-step instruction, from selecting fabric, pinning and cutting, and stitching the cover using the Brother sewing machine. All materials and equipment provided. $5 program fee. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Hooked On Stitches, Knit and Crochet Group: Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; FHC upper level. For adults and teens 16+. Get hooked on stitches! Knitters and crocheters are invited to a monthly meet-up to work on individual projects. All skill levels are invited to join the fun the fourth Saturday of the month. Drop-ins are welcome when space allows.
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.
Millennials Read: Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6:30–8 p.m., via virtual link. 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. This month’s meet up is our annual Virtual Trivia hosted by Danbury Public Library. Join the MR team and help bring us to the championship.
Something About The Author Book Club: Monday, Feb. 3, 1:30–2:30 p.m., GPL. Discussing In Order to Live: a North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park. Park’s memoir details her escape from North Korea and her journey to freedom in South Korea. It provides a personal account of life in North Korea, the hardships of being a refugee in China, and the challenges of adjusting to life in South Korea. John Rusnock leads the discussion.
Sci/Fi Fantasy Book Club: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6– 7 p.m., GPL. Discussing The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. This is a standalone fantasy book written in a very beautiful and lyrical writing style that tells the story of the rivalry between two different forms of magic, the old and the new, and the competition and love affair between two young magicians who are destined to face each other in a magical duel to the death. Jim Gorman leads the discussion.
Teen Programs at GPL
Teens, Fiber Arts Club: Wednesdays, Feb. 12, 3–5 p.m. For grades 6–12. Join our Fiber Arts Club for teens and explore the world of crochet, needlepoint, sewing or paper crafts. This month we’ll transform leftover yarn into adorable, colorful birds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this project is a great way to upcycle materials and make a cute keepsake to brighten your space. Light snack provided. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Library.
Teen Tuesdays, Dungeons & Dragons: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 3–5 p.m. For grades 6–12. Join us for the next thrilling session of Dungeons & Dragons with Dungeon Master PK. This game is for participants who are already familiar with how to play D & D. Prepare to face new challenges, exciting battles, and explore deeper into the fantasy world. Adventure awaits—are you ready? Light snack provided. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Children’s Programs At GPL
Drumming Around You with Bob Bloom: Saturday, Feb. 1; 11–11:45 a.m. Our library is going to sparkle. Bob Bloom provides a colorful and lovable array of drums for everyone, all ages, to enjoy getting their hands around. Together with him at the wheel, we’ll all drive legendary songs that have great melodies and heartfelt beats. Bob’s 100 percent participatory music has energized entire audiences at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, New Haven International Festival of Arts and Ideas, New Year’s Eve First Night celebrations in Hartford, Mystic, Westport, Worcester, Providence and Boston. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Hands-On Innovators, Snowball Slingers: Monday, Feb. 3, 4:30–5:15 p.m. For grades 3–5. Design and build your very own snowball slinger using a variety of materials. Test your creation to see how far your snowballs can soar. Join us for a fun-filled adventure in creativity, engineering and wintery fun! Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Keychain Exchange, Perler Beads: Tuesday, Feb. 18; 1–2 p.m. for grades 3-5; and 3–3:45 p.m. for grades K-2. Create a colorful Perler bead keychain and join our keychain exchange. Make one trade for another and leave with a fun, unique keepsake. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Simplyart, Birdhouses: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 4:30–5:30 p.m. For grade 4–5. Get creative at our SimplyArt program and decorate wooden birdhouses using colorful tissue paper and fun decoupage techniques. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Young Explorers, Miniature Sleds: Monday, Feb. 24, 4:30–5 p.m. For grades K–2. Join Miss Beth for exciting, hands-on STEM themed activities. This month put your engineering skills to the test. Design and build a miniature sled using materials supplied and then see how it performs on our test ramp. Experiment with different designs and see if your sled will be the fastest or most durable. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Weekly Storytime/Music Programs
Check the library calendar to confirm weekly storytime dates. Some weekly storytime classes are subject to change.
Baby Rhyme Time: Tuesdays, Feb. 11, 18 and 25, 10:30–11 a.m. For ages birth–14 months. Babies and 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, Feb. 12, 19 and 26, 10:30–11 a.m. For ages 2–4 years. Young children and 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.
Toddler Time: Thursdays, Feb. 13, 20 and 27, 10:30–11 a.m. For ages 15–24 months. Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to an interactive program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs and sign language.
Nightfall Stories and Stretch: Thursdays, Feb. 13, 20 and 27, 6–6:30 p.m. For ages 4–7 years. Children are invited to join us for an independent mindfulness program featuring stories, stretches and an interactive activity.
Mini Movers: Fridays, Feb. 7 and 21, 10:30–11 p.m. For ages 15 months–4 years. Children are invited to join us for an interactive music program featuring songs, dancing, scarves, and egg shaker activities.
Valentine’s Day Storytime: Friday, Feb. 14, 10:30–11 a.m. For ages 2–4 years. Celebrate love and friendship with a delightful Valentine’s Day-themed storytime. Join us for sweet stories, engaging songs and a fun craft. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries
New Service
Homebound Delivery Service: The Granby Public Library is excited to announce a new Homebound Delivery Service. This service is designed to bring the joy of reading and access to library resources directly to individuals who are unable to visit the library due to age, illness, disability or other mobility challenges. This includes new moms and dads as well! This service ensures that all community members can continue to enjoy books, audiobooks, DVDs and other materials from the library’s collection without leaving their homes. Library volunteers deliver items on a monthly schedule, based on the preferences and interests of the participants. The service is free of charge and reflects the library’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility and fostering a love of lifelong learning for everyone in the community. Visit the library at granby-ct.gov/library to apply for this service or give us a call at 860-844-5275.