The Meriden Public Library, Casa Boricua, the City of Meriden, and the Carrero family will be sponsoring a 3 Kings Celebration on Sunday, January 8, 2017 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at the Meriden Public Library. The snow date is Sunday, January 15, 2017 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. There will be a procession with members of the

Hispanic community as the kings who will be riding camels from Center Street down Miller Street to the library. The Kings will present free gifts to children ages 0 to 8. Free camel rides, music and refreshments will be available at the library. All are invited to this free event.

Three Kings Celebration

Insider Secrets to Travel

With so many ways to book travel, how do you know the best? Find out on Saturday, January 28 at 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room as Katie Relkin presents her program “Insider Secrets to Travel.” Katie will cover the difference between booking with a traditional travel agency, an online travel

agency and a supplier directly and how you can save hundreds of dollars by learning how to “Name your own price.” With over 30 years of travel industry experience, Katie Relkin is the founder of JourneyBusters.com, a consumer friendly travel ed-ucation company. Her goal is to empower you with the information you need to book your next ad-venture. Whether it’s a long weekend in Las Vegas or safari to Africa, know your options and be an educated

consumer. Because it’s not about the trip – it’s about the journey! The seminar will also include a spotlight on Costa Rica! All are invited to attend. If you would like to reserve a seat, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or visit www.meridenlibrary.org. Funding for this program is provided by the Friends of the Library.

January 2017 Www.meridenlibrary.org

Meriden Public Library

News

Coming in February

Feb. 4—Retirement by

Design with Bill Passarelli

Feb. 9—Cut the Cord! How to

end the high cost of your

cable tv and phone service

with James Gifford

Feb. 11—Experience nature

as healer by Marlow Shami

Feb. 18—Sweet as Sugar/

Bill Shontz Trio

Feb. 21—Meriden Mineral

Club—Fossils and dinosaurs

F e b . 2 5 — P h o e n i x

Performing Arts– Chinese

Dance Program

Inside this issue:

Volunteer Income Tax

Assistance

2

Healthy, Quick &

simple meals

2

Energy Deregulation

& the Consumer

3

Friends News 4

Toast to John Banks 5

Children’s Programs 6/7

Teen Programs 7/8

Do You Know Lynda?

Starting January 2017, residents with a Meriden Library card will be able to access Lynda.com for free. Lynda.com is an online educational platform with over 4,000 courses in business, technology, and creative skills taught by experts in those fields. Access to Lynda.com will be through the logo on the library’s website at www.meridenlibrary.org

Library Closings in

January Saturday, Dec. 31—

Monday, January 2

Monday, January 16—

closed for Martin Luther

King Day

Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, Meriden, CT 06450 (203) 238-2344

Meriden Public Library will host the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program beginning Monday, January 23, 2017. V.I.T.A., which is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, provides free help to taxpayers who cannot afford professional assistance or who have tax questions. Assistance in preparing Connecticut state tax forms will also be available. You may call (860) 356-2000 starting January 3, 2017 to make an appointment. The sessions will all take

place in Library’s Marion Cook Room. The schedule is as follows: MONDAYS from 5:00 TO 8:00 PM – January 23, January 30, February 6, February 13, February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20, and March 27 WEDNESDAYS from 5:00 TO 8:00 PM – January 25, February 1, February 8, February 15, February 22, March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22, March 29, April 5, and April 12 SATURDAYS from 9:30 AM TO 1:00 PM – January 28, February 4, February

11, February 18, February 25, March 4, March 11, March 18, March 25, April 1, April 8, and April 15. V.I.T.A. volunteers alert taxpayers to special credits and deductions for which they may be eligible. A list of the necessary documents you will need to bring will be available at the library. Contact the Community Services Dept. at (203) 630-6349 if you have questions.

mobile phone plan’s regular text messaging rates apply.) To sign up, use a phone that can sent text-messages to an email address: TEXT the word SIGNUP to lion@shoutbomb.com You should receive a reply asking for a library card number. TEXT your library card number. You should receive a confirmation text.

Shoutbomb is coming in January—receive text messages when: items you requested are ready for pickup, items you borrowed are almost due, or items you borrowed are overdue. You will also be able to text the library to renew your items. It’s easy and free to signup. (The library doesn’t charge a fee for this service, but your

In addition to receiving text messages about your library materials, you may also opt in to receive text alerts about what is happening at the library. For more information about this option and the text commands for using Shoutbomb, go to the library catalog at www.meridenlibrary.org.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Shoutbomb

Healthy, Quick and Simple Meals under 30 Minutes

makes a simple and healthy meal under 30 minutes. Get recipes, tips and ideas to make quick and easy dishes at home. She will be giving away a special "autographed cookbook". You don't want to miss it.

Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you would like to reserve a seat.

Start you New Year off right, make a commitment in 2017 to eat healthier, that does not mean it’s difficult. Join Chef Kashia Cave on Saturday, Janu-ary 21 at 1:00 pm in the Griffin Room as she

Page 2

Meriden Public Library

www.meridenlibrary.org

Confused about energy choices? Joe Paul and Ellis Ratner can help you with their seminar titled “Energy Deregulation and Opportunities for the Consumer” on Thursday, January 19 at 6:30 pm in the Griffin Room. The energy industry has been deregulated, much like the telecommunica-tions industry many years before. Prior to deregula-tion one company in any given market was in charge of transmitting and distributing energy. It enjoyed a monopoly. Following deregulation, energy monopolies were broken up and consumers were given the opportunity to select the energy supplier of their choice; but the ability to choose

required consumers to make choices which were previously made for them. They include choice of energy supplier. There are several categories including solar energy, environmentally friendly or “green energy”, fossil fuel and others. There are also contractual matters that have emerged from deregulation which consumers should now consider. This seminar will identify categories of energy suppliers including their advantages and disad-vantages and alert con-sumers as to potential problem areas, such as early termination or switching energy suppliers. Information about other credible and objective

sources of information will be available. Joe Paul retired as Senior Vice President of a Mul-ti – Center Bank, but has continued to actively pur-sue public service. He is on the Board of Direc-tors of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Societies and was their “2006 Man of the Year”. He also devel-oped an interest in energy deregulation as a public service matter in the course of his candidacy for Mayor of Stratford. He ran as an independent candidate with a pro – consumer orienta-tion. Energy deregulation was an area he thought

written. The poems will be read and then the group will share their impressions in a structured way. All poets and those interested in poetry are welcome to attend

The Meriden Poetry Society will meet Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. in the Marion Cook Room. All poets are asked to bring three poems they have

Energy Deregulation & Opportunities for the Consumer

Meriden Poetry Society

Coloring and Coffee

Page 3

Www.meridenlibrary.org

needed attention. As Program Director, Bureau of Consum-er Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Ellis Ratner’s background is especially relevant to energy dereg-ulation and consumer issues which it poses. All are welcome to this free program.

Classic Book Club

The Classic Book Club will meet on Thursday, January 12 at 1:30 pm in the Griffin Room. This month’s selection is Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy. All are welcome for some lively discussion

Feeling a bit stressed? Looking for a way to relax that won’t cost anything? Color your stress away after the holidays at the Meriden Public Library on Friday, January 6 from 12:30 – 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 24 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.

A variety of coloring pages will be available along with colored pencils and markers. All are welcome to this free program.

Writer’s Network

The Writer’s Network will meet on Wednesday, January 25 at 7:00 pm in the Griffin Room. Anyone who is interested in writing and getting their work published is welcome to attend.

Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, Meriden, CT 06450 (203) 238-2344

Meriden Public Library

The Annual meeting of the Friends of the Meriden Public Library was held on December 19, 2016. The meeting was a joint meeting with the Board of Trustees of the Meriden Public Library. A Bylaws revision was approved. The budget for 2017 was approved. Officers for 2017 were elected. The 2017 officers are: Frank W. Ridley, President; Larry Kibner, Vice President; Jerry Dion, Treasurer; Patricia Kenney, Secretary; and David Skinnon, Assistant Treasurer. President Ridley thanked all those who had volunteered and contributed to a successful year for the Friends. Those thanked were: Nancy Alusitz, Gil Alwang, Marge Anderson, Peter Burch, Inavis Burgos, Mario Cavallo, Susan Chappo, Bernice (Winnie) Clay, Ann Davis, Sharon Deming, Jerry Dion, Joan Dion, Phyllis Donovan, Bud Greenbacker, Janet Hiller, Lee Jurgot, John Kenney, Patricia Kenney, Roger Kemp, Larry Kibner, Pat Koch, Diane Mooney, Bob Muenchow, Norma Paggioli, Maureen Purcell, David Skinnon, Rae Squire, and Roger Vandal. Special recognition and plaques were given to the following individuals: Roger Vandal—Roger had served for a number of years as Treasurer and became President in 2015. In addition he did anything that needed to be done including filling in at the bookstore, mailing books, mailing newsletters, and many other tasks that he just did and never talked about. Phyllis Donovan—Phyllis is a founding member of the Friends of the Meriden Public Library. She has been the Secretary of the group for many years and has decided to step down at this time. Phyllis has also been active in all aspects of the Meriden FOL and has a long history of being active on the state level as well. Phyllis is also the long time book store manager, a position she will retain. John Kenney—John had served for a number of years as Vice President of the group. In addition he had been an active and long-time book store volunteer and been involved in many aspects of the group including helping edit “Well Versed Friends” a book of poetry written by members of the Meri-den FOL. We are sorry to say that John passed away on December 19. Walter G. “Gil” Alwang—Gil is a founding member of the Friends of the Meriden Public Library. From its inception he has been involved in all aspects of the organization. He has served in various offices including President. He has worked on all projects and events and served as the long-time editor of the FOL newsletter. He and Ed Bartlett spearheaded the outfitting of the Friends bookstore at One Colony Street in 2002 and he has been involved in all subsequent moves. Gil has also been deeply involved on the state level. He served a number of terms as President of the Friends of Connecticut Libraries (FOCL) and 17 years on the FOCL Board of Directors. He was the long-time editor of the state Friends newsletter. He was instrumental in arranging Legislative “pot-luck suppers” as an advo-cacy effort by the State Friends. He is one of only two individuals that have received the Lillian Levin Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his outstanding service. Friend of the Year Jerry Dion has been an active member of the Meriden Friends for a number of years. He has partici-pated in numerous activities and has become the “cook” at our summer outings. The past couple of years the Meriden FOL has gone through some difficult transitions. Jerry immediately stepped for-ward and became Treasurer when Roger Vandal became President. Earlier this year, when Roger was unable to complete his functions, Jerry made sure that things got done effectively, efficiently and without fanfare. The Friends of the Meriden Public Library are very grateful for the outstanding contributions of all these individuals. President Ridley then asked Library Director, Karen Roesler and Library Board President, Joan Edgerly to join him in making the final award of the evening. (continued on page 5—Friends)

Friends of the Library

Page 4

www.meridenlibrary.org

Www.meridenlibrary.org

Lee Jurgot started sorting books for the Meriden Friends in 1992! She has continued to do this until earlier this year. For years she and a group of dedicated volunteers spent at least one morning a week sorting donated books so that they could be transported to the book store when needed. No one can venture a guess as to how many books have passed through her hands during nearly 25 years. Lee, with her wonderful wit, coined the term “S.O.B.’s” for her group (Sorters of Books). Her activity didn’t stop in the sorting room. She was active in all aspects of the group including book sales and our participation in the Daffodil Festival. She served for 6 years as a “trustee” for the Friends. For her many year of outstanding service The Library Board of Trustees, The Library Director and The Friends of the Meriden Public Library have named the book sorting area of the Library as the Lee Jurgot Book Sorting Area. A plaque will be place at the entrance to the area to commemorate this. At the conclusion of the meeting a dinner provided by the Library Board of Trustees was enjoyed by all present. Other Friends news In early December the officers met and held a planning session for 2017. Stay tuned for details. Also in early December the Membership committee, chaired by Norma Paggioli, met to map out the 2017 membership drive.

Friends continued

Page 5

A Toast to John Banks

The Library received a donation in memory of John Banks, a long time member of the Friends. John passed away two years ago after a short illness to the shock of his library friends. On the anniversary of his passing, his mother asked that her gift be used for a special staff luncheon in

John's memory. John's warm personality, creativity, love of reading, music, travel and nature brightened the lives of those around him and the entire Library staff thanks the Banks family for making a special celebration of John's life possible.

Computer Classes

The Library offers free computer classes on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. The January schedule is: January 4 – Basic Computers 1 January 11 – Basic Computers 2 January 18 – Internet searching January 25 – Job searching on the internet Class size is limited. Please contact the Information Desk at (203) 238-2346 to reserve a seat.

Chess Club Scrabble

Wednesday, January 25 at 6:30 pm in the Seminar Room. Come and play against new opponents. Don’t forget your chess boards.

Is Scrabble your game? Come play at the Library on Monday, January 9 and 23 at 2:00 pm in the Marion Cook Room. Scrabble boards are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, Meriden, CT 06450 (203) 238-2344

Meriden Public Library ● Tomie dePaola Children’s Library ● 105 Miller St. Meriden, CT 06450 Phone: (203) 630-6347 ● E-mail: childrenslibrary@meriden.lioninc.org

MONDAYS 6:30pm Grades K-2 Yoga Storytime *(No class 1/16 or 2/20)

TUESDAYS 10:30am Terrific 2’s & 3’s (with caregiver)

11:15am 3’s & 4’s Preschool Storytime

1:30 pm 3’s & 4’s Explorers!

6:30 pm 2’s & 3’s Bedtime Storytime

(with caregiver)

WEDNESDAYS 10:30 am 2’s & 3’s Wiggles, Rhymes

& Storytime (with caregiver)

6:30 pm 3’s & 4’s Reading Stars!

Winter Session (Jan 9—Feb 27)

All first time participants may be asked to show proof of age.

Storytimes will end week of February 27

Thursday, January 12

4-5 p.m. Griffin Room

Come play Minecraft with others in person or virtually on our LION Libraries server. We will have a few laptops available or bring your own. Sign up not required unless you want to reserve computer. Reserve computer online through our event calendar. Open to ages 5-17.

La Biblioteca Pública de Meriden presenta

Cuentacuentos/Bilingual Story Hour

La hora del cuento es un programa divertido para familias y niños. Leyendo juntos los niños se preparan para ir a la escuela y tener éxito. Todos están invitados a celebrar cuentos y juegos divertidos en español y en inglés. Habrá refrescos y bocadillos.

Story hour is a fun program for families and children. Reading together helps prepare children for success in school. Everyone is invited to listen to stories in English and Spanish and participate in games and crafts. Refreshments and snacks will be served.

Sábado a 10:30am 28 de enero

Saturday at 10:30am January 28

THURSDAYS 10:30 am Start on Stories Birth to 2 yrs old

Family Movies At the Meriden Public Library

The Meriden Public Library will be closed on

Monday, January 2 for New Years Day, &

Monday, January 16 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

MONDAY NIGHT

CARD DUELS

January 30 6-7:30 pm

Cook Room

Free or Reduced Admission!

Museum Passes

Receive free or reduced admission to over 25 museums, zoos, and other attractions through the Meriden Public Library’s Museum Pass program. Passes are available in either printable or non-printable form. Visit our website at meridenlibrary.org; hover over the Children Tab, choose Museum Passes; or call 203-630-6347 for more information.

Saturday, January 14 at 2:30 p.m. in the Griffin Room

A young boy named Kubo must locate a magical suit of armor worn by his late father in order to defeat a vengeful spirit from the past. Rated PG; 101 min.

Do you play Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokemon or Magic: The Gathering? Come play with your friends at our monthly card duel. Bring your own deck or learn how to play from one of our members. If you have any questions c o n t a c t M e l i s s a a t mmurphy@meridenct.gov or call (203) 238-2346.

3 Kings Celebration Sunday January 8th from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Rain Date January 15th 10:00 a.m. - 12 Noon)

This event starts with a procession of members from the Hispanic community riding camels from Center Street down Miller Street and ends at the library. All are invited to attend this free event. Gifts will be given to children ages 0 - 8.

Donate unwrapped gifts to the library. Gifts will be handed out to

children ages 0 - 8.

Sponsored by The Meriden Public Library, Casa Boricua, the City of Meriden,

and the Carrero Family.

Take Your Child

to the Library Day Saturday, February 4

Taking your child to the library opens up a world of possibilities! Join us for activities throughout the day.

TWEEN/TEEN PROGRAMMING AT THE MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

January 2017

Teen Chef Thursday, January 26

6-7:30pm Griffin Room Come and learn how to cook from a professional chef! Kashia Cave from My City Kitchen will be here to teach us some fun and healthy recipes for the new year. All items will be provided. Open to grades 6-12. Space is limited. Sign up online through the Event Calendar or call (203) 630-6347.

Meriden Public Library 105 Miller Street, Meriden, CT 06450

203-630-6347

Henna Wednesday, January 18

6-8pm Griffin Room

Curious about the art of henna? Come and learn about the about the art and tradition of henna and go home with a professionally applied henna design. Open to grades 6-12 only.

Drinks and snacks will be provided. Space is limited. Sign up online through the Event Calendar or call (203) 630-6347.

Teen Anime Club Friday, January 20

2:30-4:30pm Griffin Room

Are you a fan of anime, manga or just like Japanese culture? All are welcome whether you’re an otaku or just discovering anime and manga. This month we’re watching When Marnie was There and making pixel art. Open to 13-18 year olds. Snacks and drinks are provided.

Artbot for Teens Thursday, January 26

3-4 pm Cook Room Join us to make an artbot from inexpensive materials and basic circuitry. An artbot is a small, simple robot which will dance around your paper and make unique designs. Each teen will design, make and decorate their own robot. Open to grades 6-12. Space is limited. Sign up online through the event calendar or call (203) 630-6347

Teen Advisory Group Thursday, January 19

4-5pm Cook Room MOTIVATED AND DEDICATED TEENS WANTED! Join the Teen Advisory Group of the Meriden Public Library for your chance to make new friends, offer suggestions about programs and materials for teens, and make the library a better place! Open to anyone in grades 6-12. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Sign up online through the Library’s Event Calendar or call (203) 630-6347.

Teen Movie Nights Wednesday, January 4

6-8:15pm Griffin Room “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”

When Jacob discovers clues to a mystery that stretches across time, he finds Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. But the danger deepens after he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers.

Minecraft Meetups Thursday , January 12

4-5pm Griffin Room We will have a few laptops available or you can bring your own laptop or device. Be sure to bring your account login information to sign into Minecraft. Open to K-12 graders. Sign up online through the Library’s Event Calendar or call (203) 630-6347 to reserve a laptop for the use during the program. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Monday Night Card Duels Monday, January 30

6-7:30pm Griffin Room Do you play Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering? Come and play with your friends at our monthly Trading Card Game Night. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Bring your own deck or learn how to play from one of our members. Drop-in! Open to grades 4-12.

Protip of the month: Want to try out some new music for for free? All you need is your library card and the freegal app.

Friends of the Meriden Public Library Membership Application

2017

NAME (please print): _______________________________________________

Additional Names (list others in household covered by this membership):

__________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________

City: _______________________________ State: _______ Zip code: ________

Home Phone: ________________________ Work Phone: ________________________

E-mail: _____________________________

( ) $100.00 (or more) CORPORATE

( ) $100.00 (or more) BENEFACTOR ( ) $15.00 INDIVIDUAL

( ) $40.00 PATRON ( ) $25.00 FAMILY ( ) $7.00 SENIOR CITIZEN

( ) I WISH TO MAKE AN ADDITIONAL DONATION

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Indicate areas of interest - check as many areas as you desire

___ Library Advocacy ___ Book Sorting ___ Internet Sales

___ Newsletter ___ Book Sale ___ Daffodil Festival

___ Membership ___ Bookstore ___ Website

___ Mailing/Clerical ___ Book Transportation ___ Any Area Where Needed

___ Publicity

Please make check payable to: Friends of the Library (FOTL)

Return to: Friends of the Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller St., Meriden, CT 06450

Questions? Call 203-639-1505

In order to maximize the effect of your membership funds, we will not be providing membership cards;

your cancelled check will be your proof of membership.

Thank you!