Walingford and Meriden Library News/Events February 2009

To read The People’s Press in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com We are Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut’s Community Newspaper. BOOKSIGNING BY AUTHOR BROOKS-SIGLER FEBRUARY 28 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY Meriden Public Library will be hosting a reading and signing of the book Five Finger Fiction by local author Brooks Sigler on Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room. Five Finger Fiction focuses on Lila, a kleptomaniac, and her interactions with her Irish Catholic family. The book follows Lila’s life from sixth grade through college. Ms. Sigler lives with her husband and pets in New England, teaching English in Exeter, N.H. The program is free and all are invited. To reserve a seat, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit the library’s homepage at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on “Adult events.” MUSIC CONCERT FEBRUARY 14 AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY On Saturday, February 14 at 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room, the Meriden Public Library is pleased to host soloist Richard B. Barnes. Mr. Barnes will perform jazz and pop ballads as well as classical music on the clarinet and saxophone. Bring your friends and enjoy some wonderful music. Mr. Barnes has been performing since 1951. He has studied with Frank Barone, a leading musician in New Jersey, Richard Lee of Curtis Institute and Ben Armato, clarinetist with the New York Met Orchestra. Mr. Barnes has been active with the Cantilena Trio, featuring a clarinet, cello and piano since 1993. The program is free and all are invited. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit our homepage at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on “Adult events.” MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STARTING FEBRUARY 2 Meriden Public Library will host the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program beginning Monday, February 2. The library is located at 105 Miller Street . 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. The sessions will all take place in Meriden Public Library’s Friends Room, located at the side of the building. The schedule is as follows: Mondays, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on February 2, 9, 23; March 2, 9. February 16 the Library is CLOSED to observe Presidents Day. Call 630-6331 for an appointment between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on February 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15. Call 630-6331 for an appointment between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11. Call 630-6331 for an appointment between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. V.I.T.A. volunteers alert taxpayers to special credits and deductions for which they may be eligible. People interested in attending the V.I.T.A. program should bring this year’s tax package, wage and earnings statements (W2), interest statements from their banks, and a copy of their previous year’s tax return. In addition, people must also bring a photo I.D. showing their current address and a social security card. If a joint return is desired, both taxpayers must be present. SCRABBLE AT MERIDEN LIBRARY The Meriden Public Library will be holding Scrabble sessions on the following Mondays at 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room: February 9, February 23, March 9, March 23, April 13, April 27 May 11, June 8, June 22 Come to practice or learn the game. Everyone is invited. If you would like to sign up, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email us at comsvc@hotmail.com or stop by at any session. “KNIT A SQUARE FOR THE HOMELESS” AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY The Knitting 2 Group at Meriden Public Library is inviting local knitters to help knit blankets for the homeless in our community. The blankets will be composed of squares of knitting and you may knit as many squares as you like. If you would like to help and knit a square, please use Red Heart 4 ply yarn, any color and use size US-8 needles. The pattern is easy: cast on 35 stitches. Knit 45 rows in basic garter stitch. That’s it! The squares can be dropped off in a marked box at the Meriden Public Library and the Knitting 2 Group will combine the squares into blankets. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have any questions about this project or any programs held at the library. DOCUMENTARIES HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Meriden Public Library will be showing various documentaries honoring Black History Month during February. The showings will be held in the Griffin Room on Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30 pm; Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30 pm; Wednesday, February 18 at 6:30 pm; and Wednesday, February 25 at 6:30 pm. The programs are free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 to reserve a seat. FEBRUARY BOOK CLUB AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Meriden Public Library ‘s new book club will continue in February with the book Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. This month’s book can be found on a display near the Information Desk. The discussions will be led by Laura Hartwig, a reference staff member, and held on Saturday, February 21 at noon in the Griffin Room. Enjoy your lunch while discussing the featured book. Coffee and water will be provided. The book club schedule will be: February 21 – Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See March 21 – Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri April 18 – Bel Canto by Ann Patchett May 16 – Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz June 13 - Plainsong by Kent Haruf The program is free and all are invited. Sign up by calling the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or log onto the library’s webpage at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on “Adult events.” HUSKY AND CHARTER OAK HEALTH PLAN SEMINAR FEBRUARY 20 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY A seminar with information regarding the Husky and Charter Oak health plans will be held on Friday, February 20 at 1:00 pm in the Griffin Room of the Meriden Public Library. Sam Diaz from Aetna will discuss the various plans including what each plan covers, members rights, qualifications for the plans, how to keep the plan, and the providers network. There will be a question and answer period at the end of the program. The program is free and all are invited. To reserve a seat, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit the library homepage at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on “Adult events.” LUNCH AND LEARN FEBRUARY 19 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY Meriden Public Library will be hosting a Lunch and Learn by Masonicare on Thursday, February 19 at 11:30 am. The topic of the program will be “How to find services, programs, and benefits for seniors.” A complimentary light lunch will be served. Lunch and Learn programs are provided for seniors and their caregivers as a public service by Masonicare, Connecticut’s leading not-for-profit provider of senior healthcare and retirement living. The program is free, but people are asked to make a reservation for a lunch by calling (203) 630-6349 by Tuesday, February 17. FREE SCRAPBOOKING FEBRUARY 5 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY While the kids are in school, let’s go scrapbooking, card making, stamping – whatever you want to do to create an album to share with your family. Come to the Meriden Public Library on Thursday, February 5 in the Friends Room from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm for this free scrapbooking session. Beginners or advanced scrapbookers are welcome. Punches and cutting systems will be available for use. Learn new techniques and take home some free handouts too. Contact the Community Services at (203) 630-6349 to reserve a seat. BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE The Bookmobile, or Library on Wheels, will be visiting the following facilities in February: Monday, Feb. 2 – Center Congregational Nursery School 9:30 to 10:00 AM; Women & Families Center 10:15 to 11:15 AM; Village at Kensington Place 1:30 to 2:00 PM; Tuesday, Feb. 3 – Catholic Charities 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:15 to 11:00 AM; Wed. Feb. 4 - Meriden Center, Paddock Ave. 10:30 to 11:30 AM; Thursday, Feb. 5 - Head Start (Liberty St.) 9:15 AM to 1:00 PM; Connecticut Baptist Home (box drop-off) 3:00 to 3:30 PM; Friday, Feb. 6 – Meriden Child Care Center 9:15 to 10:00 AM; Midstate Christian Academy 10:15 to 11:30 AM; Monday, Feb. 9 – St. John’s Lutheran Preschool 10:00 to 10:30 AM; YMCA Kid’s Campus 10:30 to 11:30 AM and 1:00 to 1:30 PM; Tuesday, Feb. 10 – St. John’s Lutheran Preschool 10:30 to 11:00 AM and 1:00 to 1:30 PM; Wednesday, Feb. 11 – First Congregational Nursery School 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Carriage House Day Care Center 10:15 to 11:00 AM; First Congregational Nursery School 1:00 to 1:30 PM; Thursday, Feb. 12 – First Congregational Nursery School 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Meriden Senior Center 10:00 to 10:30 AM; Tuesday, Feb. 17 –Lil’Rascals Day Care 9:15 to 9:45 AM; Sunshine Daycare 10:15 to 10:45 AM; Wednesday, Feb. 18 – Easter Seals (Broad St.) 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Bradley Home 10:15 to 11:00 AM; Thursday, Feb. 19 – Kindercare 9:30 to 10:15 AM; The Right Place 10:30 to 11:00 AM; Friday, Feb. 20 – Stork Club 9:30 to 10:30 AM; Miller Memorial 1:45 to 11:30 AM; Home Deliveries 2:00 to 2:30 PM; Monday, Feb. 23 – Center Congregational Nursery School 9:30 to 10:00 AM; Women & Families Center 10:15 to 11:15 AM; Village at Kensington Place 1:30 to 2:00 PM; Tuesday, Feb. 24 – Catholic Charities 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:15 to 11:00 AM; Wed. Feb. 25 - Carriage House Day Care Center 10:15 to 11:00 AM; Thursday, Feb. 26 - Head Start (Liberty St.) 9:15 AM to 1:00 PM; Friday, Feb. 27 – Meriden Child Care Center 9:15 to 10:00 AM; Midstate Christian Academy 10:15 to 11:30 AM. Wallingford Public Library Family Night Friday, February 6th 7:00p.m. Costello brings his background in eater. Join us for a heartfelt good time with stories, rhymes and activities about Valentine’s day. This program is for families with children ages 3 to 8 but younger, interested siblings are welcome. Wallingford residents may register beginning Friday, January 23rd. Non-residents are welcome to call the day before the program to see if there is space available. For further information, or to register for this program, stop by or call the Children's Library at 284-6436. Wallingford Public Library News and Events Double Celebrations at Wallingford Public Library This Month! Black History Month Join us in celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Black History Month, a time to recognize the achievements, contributions, and culture of African Americans. Choose to join us in celebrating the poet Rita Dove or activist Malcom X, both on Tuesday, February 3rd, or participate in our discussion of Lawrence Hill’s novel, “Someone Knows My Name,” on February 19th. Thursday Night Book Club: Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill. Thursday, February 19th 7:00 p.m. Collins Meeting Room Join fellow reading enthusiasts for an informal discussion of Lawrence Hill’s novel, “Someone Knows My Name.” This novel portrays the life of a young girl kidnapped from Bayo, West Africa by British slavers in 1745. Spanning six decades and three continents, this historical novel was inspired by a fascinating but little known historical document called the Book of Negroes. From the book jacket, “In this captivating novel, Hill portrays one woman’s remarkable spirit and strength in the face of adversity; and he brings to life crucial and little know chapters in world history.” Copies of the novel are available from the library’s Information Desk. Our Thursday Night Book Club is an informal gathering for fans of fiction and popular nonfiction. Each month a book is selected for group discussion and all are welcome to come and share their thoughts about authors, writing styles, plots, and themes. It’s all about the book however light refreshments are offered! Valentine's Day, a day to honor love and lovers! The library invites you to celebrate the spirit of love with sweet confection, poetry, and music. We begin with a favorite of lovers everywhere: “chocolate,” on February 2nd followed by poetry on February 3rd and February 7th, and music on February 11th. Poetry 811.54: Poetry Workshop Saturday, February 7th 10:00 a.m - Board Room The Meriden Poetry Society’s “Poetry 811.54 Workshop” is sponsored by the Meriden Poetry Society, the Meriden Public Library, and the Wallingford Public Library. Writing exercises, form and style discussions, and sharing poetry and poetry resources are the focus of the group. The Meriden Poetry Society’s mission is to encourage all aspiring poets, youth through senior citizens. All meetings are free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend and share their own poetry and writing experiences. For more information please contact Al Mueller at 265-2445 or argusargus@sbcglobal.net. Too Human Concert: Good music with lots of heart. Wednesday, February 11th 7:00 p.m. - Community Room Popular husband and wife duo, Roger Bruno and Ellen Schwartz of “Too Human” will bring their on-stage chemistry and high quality musicianship to the library’s Community Room on Wednesday, February 11th at 7:00 p.m. for a performance of popular love songs and jazz standards. Totally in sync with each other, they create a strong and intimate atmosphere during their performance that will draw listeners in and bring new life to classic songs. All are welcome to share in the humor and passion as Too Human performs standards from the American Songbook as well as some of their own songs inspired by the music of Paul Simon, Smokey Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Buck Owens, Duke Ellington, Thom Bell, Carole King, Cole Porter and the Gershwins. All are welcome to this free program however seating is limited. Please contact the library to reserve your seat. (Snow date February 17th) Book Lovers Take Note! The Book Seller The library’s used book store, The Book Seller, is open Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Be sure to come by and see the wonderful bargains to be had on gently used popular fiction and nonfiction in both hardcover and paperback, children’s books and books for young adults. All the Book Seller’s proceeds benefit the Wallingford Public Library’s Development Fund. We thank you for your patronage! Now on Display! Our antique library tables located in the center aisle of the book stacks are currently being used for books and materials that feature both of our themes this month. Look for a special collection of biographies, poetry, and fiction that celebrate Black History Month on the first table and on the second table we have a variety of materials relevant to you and your sweetheart for Valentines Day. Remember; always inquire at the Information Desk if you cannot locate what you are looking for. We are here to help with your information requests! Our Mission The mission of the Wallingford Public Library is to acquire, organize and make available books and other resources for the educational, informational, recreational, and inspirational needs of the entire Wallingford Community. The Library will provide service in a pleasant, accessible, well equipped facility and utilize current technology to offer convenient access to resources from remote locations. The Library will provide all service with the assistance of an experienced, professional and helpful staff. Wallingford Public Library Children’s Library Fireside Stories Thanks to a generous donation from Barbara Kennedy Shortell, a longtime library supporter and former English teacher, the Wallingford Public Library Children’s Library is pleased to announce “Fireside Stories: a Special Storytelling Series”. Come join us for stories by the fire in our newly renovated children’s library and enjoy tales from around the world. Motoko Friday, February 13th 7:00p.m. Motoko has appeared at many storytelling festivals throughout New England and New York, as well as appearing on Mr. Rogers. Motoko is a mime-storyteller who uses mime and the oral tradition to tell stories of Japan, China, Korea and Southeast Asia.

Len Cabral “Winter Tales” Friday, February 27th 7:00p.m. Len Cabral is a nationally acclaimed storyteller and author. He has appeared at storytelling events accross the country. Interweaving his ancestry with tales of Africa and the Carribean, Len brings traditional and original stories to life.

February School Vacation Program Atka and the Wolf Conservation Center Wednesday February 18th 7:00p.m.

The Wolf Conservation Center will be back at the Wallingford Library to present their fascinating program about wolves, on Wednesday, February 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room. The Conservation Center will educate us about these magnificent creatures and introduce their ambassador, Atka the wolf, to the audience. This program is open to elementary school students and their parents or caregiver. Younger members of the family may attend but the program is intended for school-age children.

Free tickets will be available to Wallingford residents beginning on Wednesday, February 4th in the Children’s Room on a first come first served basis. If there are any available tickets non-residents may pick them up on Tuesday, February 17th. To read The People’s Press in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com We are Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut’s Community Newspaper.