GRANBY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
860-844-5275
Main Library Hours
Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
F.H. Cossitt Library Branch Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 1–6 p.m.
Saturdays, April 12 and 26: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Granby Public Library will be closed on Good Friday, April 18.
Registration is required for library programs unless 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
Adult Programs
The Art of Nature Photography with Todd DeWald: Thursday, April 10, 6:30–8 p.m. at the Senior/Youth Services Center Community Room. Professional Wildlife Photographer Todd DeWald will give you tips on how to become a better wildlife photographer—to find and approach wildlife, how to set up on location and how to set yourself up for success. He will discuss camera settings, composition and lighting as well as other tips to help you improve your wildlife and nature photography. There will be time at the end of the presentation for questions. Co-sponsored by Granby Land Trust, Granby Camera Club and The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Crafters Café, Pinecone Flower Art: Tuesday, April 15, 5–7 p.m. in GPL Reading Room. Enjoy a nature-based crafting experience with art educator Denise Smith. Paint pinecones pre-cut into flower shapes to create a colorful spring design on canvas. $5 program fee payable at registration. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Granby Volunteer Fair: Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Granby Senior/Youth Center Community Room. Granby is a “can do” town that features many volunteer organizations. If you are looking to actively engage in good works, make social connections and support a thriving community, join us at the Volunteer Fair. You’ll have an opportunity to meet dozens of people who support Granby in many ways, including the American Legion Shannon Shattuck Post 182, Citizens for a Better Granby, Friends of Holcomb Farm, Friends of Granby Public Libraries, Granby Camera Club, Granby CERT, Granby Community Fund, Granby Grange, Granby Land Trust, Salmon Brook Historical Society, a variety of youth groups and more. Giveaways and prizes are part of the fun. Don’t miss your chance to learn more about these wonderful groups in one convenient setting. Register or drop in.
Monday Movie Matinee, The Wild Robot: Monday, April 14; 1:30–3:30 p.m. in GPL Reading Room. Adults and school-age youth are invited for DreamWorks’ 2024 Oscar-nominated film adapted from the best-selling novel by Peter Brown. An intelligent robot is stranded on an uninhabited island and learns to survive the harsh surroundings when she bonds with the native animals. Her crowning achievement is raising an orphaned gosling and launching it into adulthood. Rated PG; run time is 1 hr. 41 min.) Space is limited. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Seed Library Re-stocked and Re-opening: Tuesday, April 1, 1 p.m. at FHC Upper Level. You’re invited to browse the Seed Library in Cossitt Library’s repurposed card catalog to select free seeds. Choose from vegetable, fruit, flower, and herb seeds offered by Burpee, High Mowing, Hudson Valley Seed Company, John Scheepers, True Leaf Market and others. Be sure to peruse the library’s extensive collection of gardening books for added inspiration. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Basic Ribbon Embroidery: Tuesday, April 1, 1:30–3:30 p.m. FHC Upper Level. Stitch a basic ribbon-embroidered flower design on felt with guidance from members of the Connecticut River Valley Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. All materials are provided. The instructors will help each participant with their personal project choice. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries and the Connecticut River Valley Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America.
Hooked On Stitches, Knit and Crochet Group: Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; FHC Upper Level. Adults and teens 16+ who knit or crochet are invited to a monthly meet-up to work on individual projects. All skill levels are invited! Register to attend; drop-ins are welcome if space allows.
Makerspace Programs at Cossitt
Makerspace Equipment Demonstration and Training: Days and times vary; check library website for most up-to-date information; FHC. Adults, teens 16+, youth ages 10 and up with an adult. Give your creative ideas life. Visit the FHC’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.
3D Printing: Tuesdays, April 1, 15 and 29; 4:30–5:30 p.m. Choose any date to learn how to find 3D print files and then use Bambu Labs 3D Printers to print them.
Digitizing: Thursdays, April 3 and 17; 1:30–2:30 p.m. Choose either date to learn how to digitize analog media such as 8mm slides, VHS tapes, and records.
Custom Designing: Thursdays, April 10 and 24; 4–5:30 p.m. Choose either date to learn how to use the Cricut cutting devices, heat transfer presses, and the Brother Sublimation printer to create personalized designs for stick-ons, iron-ons, and papers.
Laser Cutting: Tuesdays, April 8 and 22, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Choose either date to learn how to use the Glowforge Pro laser engraving machine to engrave, score and cut a variety of materials including wood, acrylic and leather.
MYO Garden Stakes: Saturday, April 12 or April 26, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. FHC Makerspace Lower Level. Adults and teens 16+ have two dates to choose from to make custom garden stakes with the Glowforge Pro laser cutter. $5 program fee due at registration. After the class, pick up complimentary fruit, vegetable, flower and herb seeds from the Cossitt Seed Library.
Google Slides Design: Wednesday, April 9 or April 23, 1:30–2:30 p.m. FHC Makerspace Lower Level. Adults and teens 16+ have two dates to choose from to use Google Slides software (free with a Google account) to design personalized compositions. Quickly edit images and add some personalization to share or use with Makerspace machines.
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.
Millenials Read: Wednesday, April 2, 6:30–8 p.m. at TJ Burritos in Bloomfield. 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. This is a partnership between Bloomfield, Granby, and Simsbury libraries and open to all. Participants will be responsible for their own food and drink purchases. This month’s meetup is at TJ Burritos, 695 Park Ave., Bloomfield.
Something About The Author: Monday, April 7, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Discussing author Jhumpa Lahiri, an American novelist and short-story writer whose works illuminate the immigrant experience, in particular that of East Indians. She won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2000 for her short-story collection Interpreter of Maladies. John Rusnock leads the discussion.
Sci/Fi Fantasy Book Club: Wednesday, April 30, 6–7 p.m. Discussing 2312 by Kim Stanley Robinson. Scientific advances have opened gateways to an extraordinary future. Earth is no longer our only home; new habitats have been created throughout the solar system, on moons, planets and in between. But in 2312, a sequence of events will force humanity to confront our past, present and future. Jim Gorman leads the discussion.
Teen Programs at GPL
Teen Fiber Arts Club: Wednesday, April 9, 3–4:30 p.m. Join our Fiber Arts Club for grades 6–12 and explore the world of crochet, needlepoint, sewing or paper crafts. Whether a beginner or an experienced crafter, this project is a great way to upcycle materials and make a cute keepsake to brighten your space. Check the library website for details. Light snack provided. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Library
Teen Tuesdays, Dungeons and Dragons: Tuesdays, April 1 and 8, 3–5 p.m. Grades 6–12. Join in a thrilling session of Dungeons and Dragons with Dungeon Master PK. Prepare to face new challenges, exciting battles and explore deeper into the fantasy world. Adventure awaits-are you ready? Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Art For the Busy Mind: Monday, April 21, 3–4 p.m. Grades 6–12. Join Miss Amy from Studio 13 and learn helpful techniques for calming your busy mind. We will start our time together with a guided meditation featuring gongs and singing bowls. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Children’s Programs at GPL
Hands-On Innovators: Monday, April 7, 4:30–5:15 p.m. Grades 3–5. Put your imagination to the test as you design and build a one-of-a-kind container to hold just the right amount of popcorn. With plenty of hands-on building, problem-solving and, of course, a tasty popcorn reward at the end, this STEAM-inspired activity is all about fun and innovation. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Hooked On Llamas: Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. All ages. Debbie Labbe from Country Quilt Llama Farm will share the story, Is Your Mama a Llama, tell us about how llama fiber is used, show different products made from llama fiber and allow any who would like to pet the llama and take a picture. Registration required, limited space. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Artbox, Dragon Clay Creations: Wednesday, April 16, 1:30–2:15 p.m. Young artists (grades 3–5) will sculpt their own clay dragon masterpieces, exploring their imagination and honing their artistic skills. Perfect for dragon enthusiasts and budding creators alike. Sponsored by Friends of the Granby Public Libraries
Young Explorers, Maze Challenge: Monday, April 28, 4:30–5 p.m. Grades K–2. Put your creativity and problem-solving skills to the test as you build your very own marble maze using clay, a box and other fun materials. Will your marble twist, turn or take secret shortcuts? The choice is yours! Sponsored by the Granby Public Library.
Keychain Exchange: Tuesday, April 29, 4:15–5 p.m. Grades 3–5. Join us for a fun-filled craft adventure as we design our very own keychains. Choose from nail stickers, sublimated art or decoupage on acrylic to make your keychains to keep or exchange. Whether you love bright colors, cool patterns or sparkly designs, this is your chance to get creative and express yourself. Sponsored by The Friends of the Granby Public Libraries.
Weekly Storytime/Music Programs
Check the library calendar to confirm weekly storytime dates. Some weekly storytimes are subject to change.
Baby Rhyme Time: Tuesdays, April 1, 8, 22 and 29, 10:30–11 a.m. Babies aged up to 14 months 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: Wednesdays, April 9, 23 and 30, 10:30–11 a.m. Young children (2–4 years) 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, April 3, 10 and 24; 10:30–11 a.m. Toddlers (15–24 months) and their caregivers are invited to an interactive program featuring a story, nursery rhymes, songs and sign language.
Nightfall Stories and Stretch: Thursdays, April 10, 17 and 24; 6–6:30 p.m. Children (4–7 years) are invited to an independent mindfulness program featuring stories, stretches and an interactive activity.
Mini Movers: Fridays, April 4 and 25; 10:30–11 a.m. Children (15 months–4 years) are invited to join us for an interactive music program featuring songs, dancing, scarves, and egg shaker activities.