Berlin
Connecticut
Berlin-Peck Memorial Library Newsletter - March 2023
Schools and Libraries
March 2, 2023
From: Berlin-Peck Memorial Library
Hello,
It’s March and I’m ready for something new. Perhaps it’s the long winter with little snow that has me waiting impatiently for the tulips and daffodils. While I wait, there are new computers that were recently installed (with 27-inch screens) here at the library, a new paint color in our children’s area, and a new initiative we are proud of. I am happy to share that the Berlin Peck Library has posted our Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion statement on the website. You can view it here. Public libraries are a cornerstone of democracy—a place to access information, collaborate, and develop skills to participate fully in our society. It is our hope that this document will provide you with a better understanding of our role in the Berlin community and our commitment to welcome all the ways our patrons present themselves at the library.
We began this work in early 2022 with a staff-directed committee and a goal to develop a DEAI statement to guide the library's collection, services, planning, and decisions. We serve people of many identities and welcome and respect everyone who uses our library. Some ways we do this are through our homebound delivery, offering chairs that hold up to 800 lbs., providing Wi-Fi hotspots, Courageous Conversations, and implementing policies to protect your privacy. We are constantly evolving and learning which means this document will change and grow as we do. We welcome your suggestions for how we can improve our diversity, equity, access, and inclusivity. Send us an email at [email protected].
As we ease into spring, our seed library is refreshed and ready for you to start planting! We have more than 25 varieties of kale, cabbage, onions, watermelon, squash, tomatoes, and more. All you need is your library card! If you have a suggestion for how we can better serve you, please drop me an email at [email protected]. I’ll see you soon at the library!
Warmly,
Kim McNally
Library Director
Sit & Knit
Thursday, March 2, 16, 6:00 pm
Thursday, March 9, 23, 30, 1:00 pm
Join us for a relaxing session of knitting and good company.
Friday Movie Matinees
Friday, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 30, 1:00 pm
Please register for each movie you'd like to attend. See all upcoming movies.
Courageous Conversations: Tips and Tricks
Thursday, March 2, 6:30 pm
Learn when to engage in conversation, how to keep things respectful, and why it matters.
Houseplants 101
Saturday, March 4, 1:00 pm
Join Stephanie Lutz from Fair Weather Growers to get expert tips to help your houseplants thrive throughout the year.
Senior Center Book Club
Wednesday, March 8, 1:30 pm
Join us at the Berlin Senior Center for a discussion of the book The Dutch House by Ann Patchett.
Make and Take: Yarn Art
Thursday, March 9, 6:30 pm
Learn the basics of yarn painting and create a simple piece of art. Choose from several templates or create your own design!
Courageous Conversations: Book Challenges
Saturday, March 11, 10:30 am
Join us for an open, respectful conversation about how we might balance parents’ desires to protect their children, students’ first amendment rights, the general public’s right to information, and a library’s obligation to provide a wide range of experiences and viewpoints.
Succession of Bloom in Your Pollinator Garden
Thursday, March 16, 7:00 pm
Discover the Pollinator Pathway movement and learn about the best pollinator plants for each month.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Monday, March 20, 1:00 pm
A safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia. Join us to share practical information, feelings, needs and concerns. Sponsored and hosted by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Association.
This group will meet in person, with the option for participants to join us on video chat using Zoom. RSVP to Patty O’Brian: 203-859-1992.
Breathwork
Monday, March 20, 6:30 pm
Learn about breathwork, the practice of various breath patterns can help with anxiety, depression, developing a stronger immune system, and working through trauma.
Writing Effective Resumes and Cover Letters
Tuesday, March 21, 6:30 pm
Join Peter Bennett, Director of Career Services at Quinebaug Valley Community College, to learn how to craft a compelling resume and cover letter that will help you get your dream job!
Reader’s Retreat
Saturday, March 25, 1:00 pm
Book lovers: join us for a fun afternoon! Socialize with other readers in the community and get a sneak peek at the most anticipated new releases coming out this year! Refreshments will be served.
Cookbook Club
Monday, March 27, 6:30 pm
You don't need to be an experienced cook, just an enthusiastic one! To participate, register for the program and pick a recipe from this month’s cookbook, Cook This Book by Molly Baz. Bring in your dish to enjoy and discuss!
Keys to a Successful Job Search Process
Tuesday, March 28, 6:30 pm
Looking for a new job, but feeling overwhelmed by the job search process? Look no further! Join Peter Bennett, Director of Career Services at Quinebaug Valley Community College, to learn the fundamentals of a successful job search.
Learn to Knit!
Saturday, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 10:30 am
Join a local knitting instructor for a four week intro class!
Please bring size 7 or 8 needles and a skein of worsted weight #4 yarn to class. The library has a limited supply of needles and yarn for those who need assistance. We recommend attending all four classes, but it's not mandatory.
Beekeeping
Saturday, April 1, 1:00 pm
Join Catherine Wolko of The Humble Bee Honey Company to learn about her journey in becoming a beekeeper—as well as the resources, tools, and tips needed to become a successful beekeeper yourself.
Garden Kit: Fig Cuttings
While supplies last!
Start your own fig tree from a cutting! Kit includes cutting and instructions to help your figs grow. There are three fig varieties available this year: Olympia, White Marseille, and Brown Turkey. Choices are first come, first served, when you pick up your kit.