NBPL News

M A R C H 1 , 2 0 2 0 V O L U M E 1 2 , I S S U E 6

New Britain Public Library est. 1853

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Adult Programs

Have a skill or expertise that can be shared with others? Be a part in what we offer. Thanks to community members we are able to offer services we would otherwise not be able to offer. Our chess club, which meets twice a month, was the inspiration of a community member who is an avid chess player. Our 3rd Tuesday evening book group is a group of community members who meet once a month to talk books. New Britain High School brings a preview of its yearly musical for all to enjoy. The New Britain League of Women Voters bring an annual opportunity for residents to talk to their local representatives and share their concerns.

In the past few weeks I have had several requests for a knitting group. Some folks are interested in learning "the how to," while others need help with a project they are working on. Many of us grew up learning to knit but it seems almost a forgotten art. The library will provide the space, get the word out, provide any assistance you might need. You provide the skill; pick the time and day to meet. Help us help the community. Curious? Interested? Give us a call. Let’s see where this can take us. For more information contact the Information Desk, 860-224-3155 ext. 125. —Pat Rutkowski, Director

Words from Our Director

Main: 20 High St. New Britain, CT 06051 Jefferson Branch: 140 Horse Plain Road

www.nbpl.info

860-224-3155

New Britain High School Mamma Mia Preview Performance Wed. March 4, 6:30 pm Community Room The smash-hit musical sensation featuring the music of ABBA comes to NBHS this March! Come check out a free preview of the play at the library. The musical tells the story of a young girl on a mission to discover who her father is. This scenario combined with three possible fathers and one stressed out mother add up to a myriad of misunderstandings and laughs all tied together by the timeless music of ABBA.

The 19th Amendment: A Tale of Suffrage, Sacrifice & Success with Marian Millard Sat. March 7, 10 am Community Room This presentation is designed to help us better understand and appreciate how difficult and long the fight was for all women to become fully-fledged citizens of America.

New Britain Symphony Orchestra: Movies with Brass Wed. March 11, 6:30 pm Community Room A quintet of brass musicians from the New Britain Symphony Orchestra will perform a variety of hit songs from classic movies. Registration is recommended. Call the Information Desk at 860-224-3155, ext. 125.

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Adult Programs

N B P L N E W S

Teen Programs

NBPL Chess Club Sat. March 14 & 28, 11-3 pm Ground Floor Learn the game of chess or play a match on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month.

Free Film Screenings

For Teens Frozen II Tues. March 10 4-6 pm

Spies in Disguise Tues. March 24 4-6:30 pm

For Adults

Third Thursday: Five Feet Apart (2019) Thurs. March 19, 1 pm Lunchtime Matinee: Cool Hand Luke (1967) Wed. March 25, 12 pm

STEAM: Explore Fri. March 13 & 27, 3-4:30 pm Teen Room The Teen Room will be transformed into a pop-up makerspace. Express yourself with our craft supplies, learn the basics of coding with the Turing Tumble, more.

Cookies and Coloring Club Wed. March 18, 6:30 pm Community Room Join us for our monthly adult coloring club.

Senior Book Discussion Group Tues. March 17, 1 pm Senior Center 55 Pearl Street The book will be Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler. Copies available at the Check Out Desk.

Book Discussion Group Tues. March 17, 7 pm Community Room The book will be Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee. New members welcome. Copies available at the Check Out Desk.

Up Your Hustle: Teen Entrepreneurship Sat. March 7, 2-4 pm Community Room Hey young entrepreneur, join us! Stop by the Teen Desk or call 860-224-3155 ext. 130 to reserve your spot in a three week series and learn how to get your business off the ground. Refreshments will be provided.

STEAM: Turing Tumble Wed. March 11, 4-5 pm Community Room The Teen Room has some exciting new equipment! Learn how to build a “marble powered computer” by completing challenges and play-testing your designs.

Gaming Tournament: Pokken Tues. March 17, 4-5:30 pm Community Room Think you're the best at Pokkén? Play against other teens to prove your skills and maybe win a prize. The first sixteen competitors will be added to a bracket to compete for the top spot, so come early if you want to enter.

Credit Repair Program Sat. March 21, 10 am–12 pm Community Room Discover what is included in a credit report. Learn what a credit score is and what factors determine your score. We’ll also discuss how to build new credit, repair existing credit, and maintain good credit.

Children’s Programs P A G E 3

Monthly Programs

Terrific Tots Mon. March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 10 am Storytime for children ages 2½-3½ and their caregivers. Stories, a simple craft, and time to play with toys at the end of the program.

Super Kids Wed. March 4, 11, 18, & 25, 10 am Storytime for children ages 3-5. Stories, finger plays, songs, and a craft or short film.

Family Story Hour Thurs. March 5, & 19, 6:30 pm Storytime for children ages 3-8. Stories and a short film.

Time For Tots Fri. March 6, 13, 20, & 27, 10 am Storytime and time to play with toys for children under 3.

Special Programs

Imagination Builder Sat. March 7, 2-4 pm Get lost in a blizzard of Lego Duplo blocks. Children ages 2-12.

St. Patrick’s Day Story/Craft Thurs. March 12, 6:30 pm

Enjoy hearing some cozy stories about knitting and then make a fluffy yarn pompom. Best suited for children ages 3-8.

Lionheart Puppet Company Presents: The Emperor’s New Clothes Thurs. March 26, 6:30 pm Best suited for ages 3-8 years.

Shake Your Sillies Out Sat. March 28, 2 pm Come and enjoy a music and movement story time. Best suited for ages 3-5 years.

No registration unless noted.

All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Did you know that Wednesday, April 1 is Census Day?

By April 1, 95% of households will have received their U.S. Census 2020 invitation in the mail. Since

most areas of the country are likely to respond online, most households will receive an invitation

to go online to complete the census questionnaire (or to respond by phone). If you have questions about how to fill it out, stop by the Main Library on April 1 and a U.S. Census taker will be able to answer your questions in English, Spanish, and

Polish. On April 1, there will be additional Census themed activities happening in the library to get our patrons excited about the 2020 U.S. Census.

All month long, there will also be a display across from the Check Out Desk with materials to help guide you through the process of filling out your

Census 2020 questionnaires.

Science Saturday: We Count! Sat. March 14, 2:15 pm & 3pm

Ages 3-6 2:15 pm Ages 7-10 3pm It has been said that all science begins with counting. In recognition of the 2020 Census

(or people count) join us for counting games and other activities for this month’s

Science Saturday.

Friends of the New Britain Public Library

Editor: Pat Rutkowski, Director Layout Design: Jason Villani

Free Computer Classes

Please visit or call the Information Desk if you

would like help with computers, software, tablets, or e-readers.

Subjects include:

PC basics & Internet Email

Word & Excel PowerPoint & Publisher

Ancestry.com

There are two sure signs that spring is here: the first robin and the Friends’ Spring Book Sale. The sale begins with a special Preview Sale on Thursday, April 2, from 12 to 3 pm with a $5 admission fee (free to members of the Friends of the New Britain Public Library). Admission is free on Thursday, April 2, from 3 to 7 pm, Friday, April 3, from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday, April 4, from 9 am to 2 pm. As usual, there will be thousands of books sorted into many categories. Our

Children's section is full of wonderful books, some of which can seen in the small display case at the main library during March. Special categories in March at the Everyday Book Sale are All Things Irish and Women's History Month. The Author of the Month is John Grisham.

Hall Case

Irish in New Britain Ancient Order of Hibernians

Front Case

Book Sale Preview Friends of the NBPL

Main Library 20 High Street 860-224-3155

Monday-Thursday 9 am-9 pm Friday & Saturday 9 am-5 pm

Children’s Dept. Monday-Thursday 9 am-8 pm Friday & Saturday 9 am-5 pm

Library Hours and Locations

Teen Room Monday-Thursday 2 pm-8 pm Friday 2 pm-5 pm Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Local History Room Monday & Wednesday 9 am-2 pm Tuesday 2-4 pm

Computer Center Monday-Thursday 9 am-8:30 pm Friday & Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm

Jefferson Branch 140 Horse Plain Road 860-225-4700

Monday & Tuesday 9 am-6 pm Wednesday - Friday 9 am-5 pm

Library Closings

No Closings for March

Library Displays

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News from The Hive Update

Are you an experienced sewer looking to work on projects or a beginner who is interested in learning how to use a sewing machine? Our makerspace will have a Brother XM2701 sewing machine at your disposal! The library will have thread, bobbins, and some materials, but we encourage you to bring your own as well! Stay tuned for more information about using the sewing machine and other resources in our makerspace as we prepare for its opening, tentatively scheduled for July 2020.