Granby Public Library System
860-844-5275
Main Branch Hours
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 p.m.
Cossitt Branch Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 3–8 p.m.
Registration is required for many of the library’s programs. To register, follow the links on the library’s website or call the library. To learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for the library’s monthly eNewsletter in person, on the website, or by phone.
Adults and Teens
Faith Ringgold: Quilts, Paintings, and Politics: Tuesday, March 1, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Faith Ringgold is celebrated for an artistic career exploring race in the American experience. Art educator Jane Oneail covers the breadth of her creative output, including painting, sculpture, performance art and her beloved story quilts. Register online for the Zoom program link. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Food Labels Decoded: All About the Nutrition Facts Label: Wednesday, March 9, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. A Nutrition Facts Label is on every food package, but do you know how to decipher the information? The tiny print includes acronyms, abbreviations and all manner of numeric data. Nutrition consultant Anna Kazmierczak, MS, MBA, explains how to read the label and use that knowledge to make informed food buying decisions. This is the first of three presentations in the series Food Labels Decoded. Register online. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Food Labels Decoded: Understanding Nutrition Claims: Wednesday, March 23, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Food packaging is covered with all manner of information for the consumer. Do you know what terms like lite, healthy, reduced and heart healthy mean? The wrong assumptions can negatively impact your health. With over 20 years of professional and personal experience, Anna Kazmierczak, MS, MBA, explains what the health claims and nutrition facts on the package tell us about the food we’re about to buy. Register online. This is the second of three presentations in the series Food Labels Decoded. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Food Labels Decoded: Organic, Natural and GMO Foods: Wednesday, April 6, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Organic and natural labels appear everywhere and seem to beckon us with promises of improved health, but are they better for you than “regular” food products? Are they worth the additional expense? Join us when nutrition consultant Anna Kazmierczak, MS, MBA, helps us separate fact from fiction. Register online. This is the final presentation in the series Food Labels Decoded. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Songs of Ireland and Irish-America: Saturday, March 12, 3 – 4 p.m. at the Main Branch. Celebrate the history of the Irish and Irish Americans in a musically entertaining journey with Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle. Hear the stories that chronicled the lives of millions of Irish who arrived in America in the 1800s. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library and Salmon Brook Historical Society.
Author Talk with Larry Rifkin: Tuesday, March 15, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. For over a quarter century Larry Rifkin was the programming executive for Connecticut Public Television (CPTV). He was responsible for bringing Barney and Friends to PBS, and he introduced UConn Women’s Basketball to television and helped to propel women’s sports on national TV. His memoir is titled No Dead Air: Career Reflections from the TV Executive Who Saved Barney the Dinosaur from Extinction. Join us for an insider’s perspective on what it’s like inside the media and learn more about this fascinating chapter in Connecticut history. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Register online. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Earthquake! Sunday, March 27, 2 – 3 p.m. at the Main Branch. The most powerful earthquake recorded in North American history occurred March 27, 1964. The Great Alaska Earthquake measured 9.2 megathrust and lasted 4 minutes 38 seconds. North Granby resident Susan Ranstead shares her experience in Alaska during that time with memorable photographs, personal reflection and important facts about the damage caused by such considerable seismic activity. Registration required.
Iron Toys: The History of Mechanical Banks: Wednesday, March 30, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. In 1869 the J. and E. Stevens Company of Cromwell, began making unique iron banks that performed an action when coins were deposited into them. Historian Richard Franklin Donohue shares the interesting stories behind their manufacture and demonstrates a number from his personal collection. Registration required. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library and Salmon Brook Historical Society.
Technology Spotlight at Cossitt Branch
Get More From Your Library Series: Thursdays, March 3, 17 and 31, 2 – 3 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch.
Intro to Digital Services on March 3: Library director Amy McCue offers an overview of how to use the “My Account” features on Encore, and provides a tour of the library website offerings, highlighting where to learn more about the library’s downloadable options, databases and virtual programming. Register online.
Intro to Downloading Books (and more) from your library on March 17: Find out about the two downloadable services offered by the library and receive instruction on how to use each app. Learn what makes the apps unique and pick up search tips for your next great read. Register online.
Intro to Using Databases at your library on March 31: Don’t miss this overview of the databases offered to patrons of the Granby libraries. There will be a demonstration of two or three databases based on participant request, and information on where patrons can access even more information with their library cards. Register online.
Beginner Photoshop: Saturday, March 5, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Cossitt Branch. Learn how to edit your photos, add artwork including collage, and create flyers with text on your laptop or the library’s laptop. Instructor Andy Mars leads the group workshop. Register online. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt Library.
Photo Workflow Organizing: Tuesday, March 8, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. Sort and arrange your photos and folders using Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Mac laptops. Professional photographer and technology educator Andy Mars guides participants with step-by-step instruction. Register online.
Ongoing Series Programs for Adults and Teens
Monday Funday: March 7, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Main Branch. Teens and tweens (youth age 10 and older) won’t want to miss this hands-on snack-making session. We’re celebrating the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday by making butter to spread on our Irish soda bread. Our snack attack goes green when we finish up by making Shamrock Pretzel Bites! Register online; space is limited. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): Monday, March 7, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn how to use Emotional Freedom Technique to reduce stress and anxiety. Life coach Cris Jacobs leads a monthly virtual Tapping session for adults. EFT is used by thousands of practitioners around the world to improve mental and physical health. Handouts are available. Register online.
Writers Group: Tuesdays, March 8 and 22, 5 – 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Adult fiction writers are welcome to attend semi-monthly workshops led by local writers looking to produce that next great novel. Sharpen your skill set with creative writing prompts, character development exercises and helpful critique responses. Register online to receive the Zoom program link.
Time for Chess! Thursday, March 24, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Main Branch. Do you enjoy the game of chess? Players of all skill levels are encouraged to register online and then join us the fourth Thursday of the month. Drop-ins are also welcome and will be accommodated as time and space allow.
Sci-Fi Book Club: Wednesday, March 30, 6 – 7 p.m. at the Main Branch. Join us as we return to in-person conversations about our favorite things—books! The title selected for this month is Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Leading the conversation will be veteran discussion leader, Doug Soucier. Copies of the book will be available for checkout both in the library and online. Registration is recommended but not required.
For Children and Families
Read Across America Day: Wednesday, March 2, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the Main Branch and 3 – 8 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. Begun in 1998, Read Across America Day was started by the National Education Association as a way to get children interested in reading. Stop by either library location and celebrate—there will be special crafts, activities and, of course, books!
Impostor in the Library! Saturday, March 12, 2-3 p.m. at the Main Branch. Children age 8–12 are invited to join library staff as they search for the Imposter in this real-life Among Us-inspired game, complete with tasks, dramatic “deaths”, sabotages, and (of course) Imposters. Those familiar with this popular online game can help teach anyone who hasn’t had the chance to play; no experience is necessary.
S.T.E.M. Exploration Stations: Wednesday through Friday, March 23 through 25, 2-3:30 p.m. on the Main Branch patio. Science, technology, engineering and math can be cool and fun. Ages 7–12 should check out the STEM kits outdoors on the library patio. Complete a library challenge, or explore and create on your own. There will be a new challenge every afternoon. No registration necessary. Just drop by on these Early Release Days from school. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.
Crafty at Cossitt: Wednesday, March 23, 3-4 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. It’s finally spring. Ages 5 and up should come by and celebrate with a seasonal craft to complete with us or at home. Don’t forget to check out the collection of kids’ books, too.
Family Yoga with Aubrey Schulz: Saturday, March 26, 9 – 9:45 a.m. at the Main Branch. For ages 5 and up. Instructor Aubrey Schulz guides us through some basic poses. Please bring a towel or yoga mat. Registration required in advance. Sponsored by Friends of Granby Public Library.
Take and Make Crafts: Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Main Branch. Calling all crafty kids, ages 3–12. Stop by the Children’s Room and select a craft kit from the Craft Box to take home and complete. No registration or reservation needed. An assortment of crafts for all levels of ability will be available. One craft kit per child, please. All materials and instruction will be provided. First come, first served. Supplies are limited. Craft kits and activity sheets are also available in the Children’s Room at Cossitt Library during regular open hours. Note: some crafts may contain small pieces that could be a choking hazard to children age 3 and under. Sponsored by the Friends of Granby Public Library.
STORY TIMES
Good Morning Tuesday! and Good Morning Wednesday! with Miss Joan: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30 – 11 a.m. at the Main Branch Children’s Room. Miss Joan invites her preschool friends and their caregivers to join her for Story Time. Let’s sing, do a fingerplay and share a story together. You choose which day fits better in your schedule—Miss Joan offers the same program twice each week. No registration needed. Sponsored by Friends of GPL.
Bedtime Stories with Miss Heather: Thursdays, 6 – 6:30 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch. Join Miss Heather as she welcomes children ages 4-7 and their caregivers for story time. Pajamas encouraged. We’ll read stories and sing songs together. Each child will also receive a craft to complete at home. All attendees over the age of 2 are asked to wear a mask. No registration needed. Sponsored by Friends of Cossitt.
Story Time On Your Time: Too busy to attend a scheduled Story Time program? Stop by or call the Main Branch during all open hours and request a Story Time Bag for you and your baby or toddler. Each bag contains board books, a washable toy and pages of suggested finger plays, songs and nursery rhymes to enjoy together. Keep each bag for up to one month, then return it and check out another. Each bag is unique. Place a hold in our online catalog or by calling 860-844-5275.
New and Ongoing Library Services
Cossitt Seed Library: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 3 – 8 p.m. at the Cossitt Branch.Library staff are pleased to announce the March 1 opening of a free Seed Library at the F. H. Cossitt Library Branch. Find fruit, vegetable, herb and flower seeds from noted growers including, Burpee, John Scheepers, High Mowing, Hudson Valley Seed Company, and more. Be sure to check out library resources to help you plan and grow your garden. Help us expand our Seed Library when you learn to harvest seeds at future programs presented by Master Gardeners and local horticulturists. Enter to win prizes when you visit during our opening week.
Personal Service: Need help choosing books or other library materials for yourself or your family? Resourceful library staff are always available to help. Please stop in or call for assistance in selecting your next favorite title: 860-844-5275 for adults and teens, 860-844-5285 for children.
Learning @ Your Library: Did you know that the library offers people free access to several online learning databases, ready to help people gain new professional skills, creative abilities and job-seeking tips? Check out the library website’s “Online Learning” page to access LinkedIn Learning, CreativeBug, JobNow and the Computer Skills Center to see what you can learn next.
Libby: Use this library app to check out up to 10 titles at a time, and read or listen to best-sellers, old favorites and new releases—all with the click of a button. With titles that can be read on nearly any device including your Kindle, there is something for everyone. This “digital bookshelf” allows you to place holds on popular titles and download the books people are talking about as easily as pulling out your Granby Library card.
Hoopla: Granby Library patrons are now able to access the hoopla digital catalog, more than 900,000 titles of eBooks, eAudio books, music albums, TV series, and more. Download the free app and log in with your GPL library card. Every patron can borrow up to four titles a month, with no holds, and no waiting. Take advantage of these free digital checkouts in addition to the items you can borrow through Overdrive/Libby and use your Granby Library Card anywhere you are.
Museum Passes: Granby Library patrons can borrow museum passes that will provide visitors with free or reduced rates for dozens of museums across Connecticut and Massachusetts. Check the library website or call for more details.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten: It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Granby Public Library’s popular program is an easy and fun way to spend time reading together. We provide everything you need. Ask for information at the Children’s Desk or give us a call: 860-844-5275 (main desk) or 860-844-5285 for Miss Joan, the Children’s Librarian.