At the Library...

Director's College Event: From Exile to Eden

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:30:00 +0000

On Wednesday, May 29, Jadwiga Szelazek Morrison will talk about her book, “From Exile to Eden: A Family Journal.” This event will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Farmington Main Library at 6 Monteith Drive.

On February 10, 1940, the Szelazek family was deported as prisoners of war from Poland to a Soviet labor camp in Siberia, beginning a 12-year epic journey that spanned countries and continents. In From Exile to Eden, Jadwiga Szelazek Morrison traces her family’s harrowing yet inspirational flight from war-torn Europe beginning with two remarkable people—Tadeusz Szelazek born in 1909 to a titled family of the old Polish aristocracy and Helena Semerylo born on Armistice Day 1918.

Drawn from memoirs and family journals, From Exile to Eden weaves history, adventure, romance, parapsychology, and inspiration; sharing the story of the Szelazeks’ exile as political war prisoners, their battles with disease, hardship, betrayal, death, and struggles for freedom throughout Russia, Europe, and the Middle East. The many miraculous escapes, death-defying encounters on the battle field, personal encounters with famous political figures, and numerous paranormal incidents will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The Director’s College is an ongoing series at the Farmington Libraries, the aim of which is to present interesting and intellectual programs for our community. These events strive to cover a wide range of areas including, but not limited to, professorial lectures, performing arts events, travelogues, and music series.

Advance registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org. The event will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Living with an Irregular Heartbeat

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:34:00 +0000

On Thursday, May 23, 2013, the Farmington Libraries will host a presentation on living with an irregular heartbeat. This talk will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Farmington Main Library at 6 Monteith Drive, and will be presented by a Registered Nurse by the Farmington Valley VNA.

Over 2 million Americans live with an irregular heart rate called Atrial Fibrillation. Although this abnormal rhythm is not usually life-threatening it places the person at a greater risk of developing serious, life-threatening conditions such as stroke, heart failure, fatigue and additional heart rhythm problems. The incidence of developing Atrial Fibrillation increases with age and with chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes.

Come hear our education presentation called “Living with an Irregular Heart Rate” to learn more about Atrial Fibrillation and how it affects your daily life. Learn about the potential health risks caused by Atrial Fibrillation, its symptoms, and up to date treatments.

This event is free and open to the public. Please register in advance by calling 860-673-6791 or through the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Journey into the Paranormal with the Northeast Paranormal Investigations Society

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

The Farmington Library delves into the paranormal on Thursday, May 23, 2013, when Adam Shefts of the Northeast Paranormal Investigation Society will take us on a “Journey into the Paranormal.” This event will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

Do you believe in ghosts? Do you want to see and hear convincing evidence of spirit activity in some of America’s most historic Northeast locations? The public is invited to this entertaining program featuring fascinating stories, first-hand experiences and many examples of documented paranormal evidence in the forms of photographs, audio and video clips.

Northeast Paranormal Investigations Society (NPIS) is a Connecticut-based, non-profit, seasoned paranormal investigations team. They conduct research and scientific examinations of historical locations throughout the Northeast region of the United States and have successfully documented convincing evidence of paranormal activity to correlate with the history of certain locations.

A new book published by Adam Shefts will also be available for purchase and signing by the author. The book, “When Ghosts Appear, History Speaks,” contains experiences the NPIS team has had at some of the locations featured in the presentation, along with some interesting history associated with each place. The book contains additional stories that will not be shared during the presentation itself due to the amount of evidence that will already be presented.

For more information on NPIS, please visit www.northeastparanormal.org

This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited; advance registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Why Girls' Education Matters

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:20:00 +0000

The Farmington Main Library will host Wendy Swift, Vice President of Pathways Togo, on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, for a presentation and showing of the UN documentary film, To Educate a Girl. This event will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

“Why Girls' Education Matters” focuses on one of the most important issues of our time; the education of girls worldwide. In Nancy Gibb's article, To Fight Poverty, Invest in Girls, published in Time Magazine, 2011, she notes that investing in girls is the smart thing to do, "Girls who stay in school for seven or more years typically marry four years later and have two fewer children than girls who drop out. Fewer dependents per worker allows for greater economic growth." This program will include a viewing of the documentary, To Educate a Girl; a film created by filmmakers Frederick Rendina and Oren Rudavsky who traveled to Nepal and Uganda to learn more about initiatives that are currently in place to help promote girls education where it is critically needed. If you would like to learn more about the role of girls’ education in eradicating global poverty, please join us for an inspiring film and discussion.

Pathways Togo joins international efforts to improve the quality of life for families in Togo through four programs that directly target our most potent, untapped resource: women. By providing scholarships, life skills training, mentoring opportunities, and small-scale community improvement grants, Pathways Togo embraces the vision: educating women, empowering the world.

This event is free and open to the public; advanced registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Basting Day with the Farmington Valley Quilters

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:28:00 +0000

On Saturday, May 11, 2013, members of the community are invited to drop in on the Farmington Valley Quilters to see what quilting and hand basting are all about. This event will take place from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

The Farmington Valley Quilters will set up frames for different quilts and invite you to drop in to watch, learn, and ask questions about the fine art of hand basting a full quilt. Why is basting important? Basting is the joining of the three layers of a quilt to sandwich all the pieces together before beginning the actual quilting. Proper alignment of the three layers is necessary to bind them together and prevent shifting during the quilting process. If a quilt is not basted properly and the layers do shift, you will end up with a lopsided mess in the end!

This event is free and open to the public. Anyone interested is free to drop in at any time between 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Please call 860-673-6791 for more information or visit the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

When All That’s Left of Me is Love: An Author’s Ode to Her Late Mother

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:30:00 +0000

On Wednesday May 8, the Farmington main library welcomes local author, Linda Campanella, for a talk about her memoir, “When All That’s Left of Me Is Love: A Daughter’s Story of Letting Go.” This event will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

“When All That’s Left of Me Is Love: A Daughter’s Story of Letting Go” is a moving and unforgettable story of a daughter’s undying love for her dying mother. At the same time, this book is a portrait of a dying woman’s courage, grace, and gratitude and of her family’s unwavering determination to enjoy life while anticipating death. It is a heartwarming account that will gently move those who have experienced loss beyond their profound grief to a place of deep gratitude. Although it is a story born of death, “When All That’s Left of Me Is Love,” is above all, an uplifting tale of living, loving, believing, and letting go. It will move and inspire not only those who face or fear death but also those who love and embrace life.

“When All That’s Left of Me Is Love” was recently awarded first-place Reader Views 2012 Literary Awards in two categories, including memoir/autobiography/biography, and earned a special award for the Best Memoir or Biography. In addition, the book was named a 2012 Nautilus Silver Award winner. Described by readers as “unforgettable,” the book also has been lauded by pastors, spiritual counselors, hospice practitioners, palliative care advocates, oncologists, grief counselors, and others involved in or interested in end-of-life care.

Linda Campanella keeps busy as a Connecticut-based management consultant; her solo practice serves nonprofit organizations of all sizes and missions. In previous stops along her career path she was a corporate executive in the aerospace industry, a senior administrator at a private college, and an international trade negotiator in the executive branch of the federal government. She calls herself an “accidental author,” saying that this book essentially wrote itself in the weeks of intense grief following her mother's death.

Advanced registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org. It is free and open to the public.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

The Truth About Estate Planning Workshop with Judge John Caruso and Certified Financial Planner Ednalou Ballard

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:24:00 +0000

On Tuesday, May 7, the Farmington Libraries welcomes Judge John Caruso and Certified Financial Planner Ednalou Ballard for a special educational workshop called, “The Truth About Estate Planning,” which will cover the new 2013 federal estate tax laws.

Judge Caruso will reveal his knowledge and experience on estate tax planning and living trusts—are they now essential?; avoiding unnecessary probate delays and expenses; and preserving your money for your children and charitable causes under the new federal tax law. Certified Financial Planner Ednalou Ballard will explore such topics as: vital tax and retirement planning strategies to provide and pass on; non-taxable income to your spouse, children and grandchildren; and two essential factors to improve your retirement and investment assets.

All Attendees Will Be Given a Copy of the “25 Documents You Need Before You Die.” This event is free and open to the public. No products will be sold at this seminar.

Advance registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org. The event will take place at 6”30 PM in the Community Room of the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Directors College Event: The Business of Blooms - Garden Tourism

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday, April 24, Dr. Richard Benfield, Professor of Geography at Central Connecticut State University, will speak at the Farmington Libraries on garden tourism. His talk, “The Business of Blooms,” will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Farmington Main Library at 6 Monteith Drive.

Gardening is the preeminent outdoor activity in America today and visitation to gardens amongst the most popular tourist activities in the world. Thus flowers and gardens are the dominant characteristic of contemporary society. In a wide-ranging, lively and visually spectacular presentation of Gardens and Floriculture, Dr. Richard Benfield will explore the worlds of floriculture, gardens in art, garden visitation, garden festivals and the weird and wonderful world of gardens. Author of the upcoming book Garden Tourism and a speaker much in demand by garden clubs, national flower conventions and International Horticultural congresses, Dr. Benfield has studied gardens, flowers and festivals around the world for fifteen years and throughout 119 countries and is considered by many to be the number one authority on visitation to gardens.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

5K Solstice Race to Benefit the Farmington Libraries

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:33:00 +0000

On Wednesday, June 19, 2013, the Hartford Track Club will run its annual 5K Solstice Race, the proceeds of which will benefit the Farmington Libraries. The race will take place at the MDC Reservoirs at 1420 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford.

This is a rolling USATF/CT certified 5K course following the paved Red Trail around the MDC Reservoirs in West Hartford. It features a few climbs, beautiful views and a fast downhill finish.

Packet Pick-up begins at 5 p.m. and the race begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.

To register, use the race web site:

http://www.active.com/5k-race/west-hartford-ct/solstice-sprint-5k-2013

Registration Closing Date: Monday, June 17, 2013 at 11:59 PM US/Eastern.

The Farmington Libraries are part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association.

Celebrating National Poetry Month with Shakespeare

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

The Farmington Library celebrates National Poetry Month with Shakespeare!

On Thursday, April 18, 2013, actor Stephen Collins returns to the library for an original one-man performance called, “Shake-Scene,” a show featuring the best of Shakespeare’s word play. This event will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

Who had more effect on the English language than William Shakespeare? He created over 1700 common words that before him were either used in a new manner or didn't exist at all. He did this by changing nouns into verbs, changing verbs into adjectives, connecting words never before used together, adding prefixes and suffixes, or just invented entirely new words from scratch.

Actor Stephen Collins will make Shakespeare's words come alive! From the evil machinations of Richard III, to the philosophical bantering of Falstaff, to the brilliant oratory of Brutus and Antony, Stephen brings the Bard's words to life. Shakespeare's tragedies, comedies, histories, and Sonnets are all represented in this exciting show presented in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Stephen Collins grew up in Cambridge, and received a BA in Literature from UMass Boston. After twenty plus years in a sales career, he is back doing what he truly loves - performing and teaching. Recently he has been teaching seminars on Whitman, Hardy, Shakespeare, Frost, and Contemporary Poetry at various locations throughout the country.

The newest addition to his repertoire, a one man show entitled, "Shake-Scene," has been met to rave reviews. He also works as a professionally licensed tour guide doing narrated historical tours of Boston. His Whitman performances have taken him all over the country. He now has six one-man shows and five courseswhere his teaching style has been described as a hybrid between lecture and performance. For more information, please consult his web site at: http://www.unlaunchedvoices.com/index.htm

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Information Showcase for Seniors and Retirees

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +0000

The Farmington Valley VNA has organized an information showcase that will take place on Wednesday, April 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Farmington Library at 6 Monteith Drive.

This Senior Showcase will provide information to the residents of Farmington, Unionville, and surrounding communities. It is an opportunity for seniors to learn of the programs, services, and businesses that can serve their specific needs, whether it is for daily living or for the future.

This event is free and open to the public. Please register in advance by calling 860-673-6791 or through the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Manhattan Bus Trip - July 10, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:09:00 +0000

Spend a summer day in the city! The library will sponsor our next Manhattan bus trip on Wednesday, July 10.

The Bus will leave the Main Library parking lot at 7:30 am sharp returning from the west side of 7th avenue between 52nd and 53 Street at 6:30 pm sharp. This is a point directly across from the Sheraton Towers Hotel. We anticipate an approximate 9:00 pm Farmington arrival. The bus will drop people off at: 5th Avenue in the eighties, Rockefeller Center, 42and St for twofers and on Canal Street and Battery Park for a ferry ride.

So, if you are in the mood for a museum visit, walk in the city, special lunch or diner, Broadway show matinee, shopping, walking over the upper level of the Brooklyn Bridge, having dim sum in China Town, or walking on the new addition to the High Line park or just people watching . . . July 10 is the day to travel to the Big Apple.

The cost is $40 and must be received by June 14, 2013. Please call Mary Beth or Bernie in the Library office for more details. 860-673-6791.

Barney Library Grand Reopening Ceremony - April 22

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:41:00 +0000

Jay Johnston, Executive Director of the Farmington Libraries, invites residents of Farmington and neighboring communities to attend the grand reopening of the Barney Library on Monday, April 22, 2013. A formal ceremony will take place at 9:00 a.m., including a ribbon cutting and refreshments.

The ceremony will also include special recognition of the library response team who acted quickly to address the maintenance emergency that first necessitated the closing of the library. These members are: Mike Andreas, Chair of the FVGLA Board, Andy Baron, Head of the Library Board of Trustees, Kathy Lescoe, Barbara Knibbs, Steven McMahon, Bernie Dayton and Susan Porter. Mr. Johnston will also pay tribute to past individuals who have contributed to the Barney Library legacy.

The Farmington Libraries are part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association.

Author to Discuss Exploits on Investing and Self-Publishing

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

On Tuesday, April 2, the Farmington main library welcomes Farmington resident, Stephen Kushman, for a talk about his self-published book, “Wall Street’s Curse.” This event will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

“Wall Street’s Curse” is the fictional adventure of seven dysfunctional investors, all neighbors, who combine their love of beer and a fascination with the stock market to form an investment club . . . and who, through a secret deal, end up affecting the movements of the stock market and manipulating the economy by accurately predicting market crashes and rallies.

This event will appeal to readers and writers alike. Mr. Kushman served as the president of his investment club for twelve years, and in this talk will share his insight in how to form such a club as well as answer questions about his foray into self-publishing.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Gardening Lecture with Emmy-nominated Lifestyle Expert Mar Jennings: A Four Season Garden with English Roots on American Soil

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, March 23, at 2:00 p.m., the Farmington main library will host Emmy-nominated TV host, lifestyle expert and best-selling gardening author Mar Jennings to discuss his photographic essay documenting the four seasons of his Connecticut garden and garden studio, from the lawn to the layout and from the flowers to the folly—all directly inspired by visits to and plans of traditional English gardens. This amazing presentation shows Mar's beautiful garden design, detail and implementation ideas that are easy enough for novices and interesting enough for seasoned gardeners.

His garden, the subject of his award-winning book, “Life on Mar’s, A Four Season Garden,” has been featured on television shows and magazines across the country. He will share a wealth of inspirational ideas and creative projects to dress up your home, garden, and life. Mar simplifies the art of casual luxury while showing you how to develop your green thumb and flair for design. With Mar’s sophisticated sense of style, color and harmony, you will be inspired by the spirit of the outdoors. A book sale and signing of his book “Life on Mar’s: A Four Season Garden” will follow.

Mar Jennings is an Emmy-nominated TV Host, Lifestyle Expert and best-selling author. Based in Westport, Connecticut, Mar Jennings is also President and CCO (Chief Creative Officer) of a multimedia and design company, S&J Multimedia LLC. Mar Jennings’ brand of lifestyle and hosting combines an infectious energy and passion for conveying information in ways that are fun and inspirational to all, making Mar one of the most desirable personalities in the business.

As one of the top lifestyle experts, Mar has appearances on HGTV, the Today Show, Food Network, ABC, CBS, CNN and more. Mar has been featured in Better Homes & Garden's Decorating Magazine, Home Magazine, Quick & Simple Magazine, Small Gardens Magazine, Page Six and the New York Times, among other national and local publications. More information about Mar Jennings can be found at his web site: http://www.marjennings.com/

This event is free and open to the public and will take place at the Farmington main library at 6 Monteith Drive. Space is limited; advance registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Bound by Distance: Italian Migrations across Time in Contemporary Italian Fiction and Film

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:47:00 +0000

On Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., the Farmington Libraries will co-sponsor, along with Farmington UNICO, the event; “Bound by Distance: Italian Migrations across Time in Contemporary Italian Fiction and Film” This program will be presented by Joshua King, who teaches at Trinity College.

Joshua King is a Ph.D. student in Italian Literature and Cultural Studies at the University of Connecticut. He is primarily interested in Contemporary Italian Literature and Cinema and his current research interests include the links between contemporary cultural production and migration in Italy.

He has spent time living in Bologna and has travelled extensively around the peninsula. His interested and experiences in Italy have given him a breadth of perspective regarding both his own culture, as well as those of Italy, for which he is grateful. In his classes he enjoys helping students develop ways of approaching Italian culture so they may begin to broaden their own perspectives in similar ways.

This program is free and open to the public and will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Farmington main library located at 6 Monteith Drive. Please contact the library to pre-register: 860-673-6791, or visit our web site: http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org/.

If you have special needs in order to attend this program please contact the library in advance. The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association.

2013 Friends of the Farmington Library Spring Used Book Sale to be Held April 4-6

noreply@blogger.com (Irene) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:51:00 +0000

The 2013 annual spring used book sale at the Farmington Library, 6 Monteith Drive, promises to be the best ever! It will be held this year April 4-6. Dates and hours are: Thursday, April 4, "Opening Day", 12-3 pm ($10) & 3-9 ($5); Friday, April 5, 9am-8 pm; and Saturday, April 6, 9 am-2 pm, followed by the bag sale, 3-5pm. There will be an admission fee on Thursday only.

As always, books are carefully sorted into categories including health & wellness, cookbooks, gardening, crafts & hobbies, history & politics, business, arts & entertainment, spirituality, children’s books (for all ages, fiction & non-fiction), adult fiction (hard covers & paperbacks), biography, literature (poetry, classics, essays), humor, travel, foreign language, large print, games & puzzles, Americana, sports, nature, audio books, CD’s, DVD’s and our very special ‘Collector’s Corner’.

Most books and AV materials are priced from $.50 - $3, some higher. Books in the ‘Collector’s Corner’ are individually priced. Payment is by check or cash only.

The book sale will conclude with a bag sale on Saturday, April 6 from 3-5. The charge is $6 per bag, which we will supply! This is a terrific opportunity to stock up for summer reading for the entire family.

We look forward to seeing you at our sale. There are books and bargains for everyone!

If you are unable to attend this sale, the Friends of the Farmington Library have an on-going sale in the “BOOK NOOK” (located in hallway to right of circulation desk) with books and other materials for adults and children. This area is continuously re-stocked.

For more information, please call the Farmington Library at 860-673-6791.

Director's College: Former Congressman Bob Steele to Discuss His New Novel at the Farmington Libraries

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Former U.S. Congressman Bob Steele will discuss and sign his new novel, The Curse: Big-Time Gambling’s Seduction Of A Small New England Town, at the Farmington main library on Wednesday, March 20, at 10:30 am.

Steele’s novel, which has generated wide interest across the state, comes at a time when Connecticut’s casinos face the prospect of heavy new competition from New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, and there is growing political pressure to legalize Internet gambling. The novel is set against the casino gambling explosion that hit southeastern Connecticut during the 1990s. WNPR/Connecticut Public Radio’s John Dankosky calls the novel “fascinating” and Connecticut author Martin Shapiro has described it as “compelling and timely….an epic story of history, money and politics that will make you wonder where America is headed.”

The book is available in softcover from Levellers Press, Amherst, MA (www.levellerspress.com) and Amazon.com, and as an ebook from both Amazon and Barnes&Noble . Books will also be available at the library the morning of Mr. Steele’s appearance. For more information, please consult his web site at http://rhsteele.com/.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:47:00 +0000

Over two dozen people got an early start on St. Patrick's Day at The Farmington Library. An Irish travelogue, Irish trivia contest, an Irish step dancing demonstration, tea and Irish soda bread was the prelude to the wearin' of the green.

15th Annual Friends of the Farmington Library Garden Tour to be Held on June 8, 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Irene) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:15:00 +0000

Once again several Farmington homeowners will open their unique gardens to the public to support the Farmington libraries. The 2013 Garden Tour will be held Saturday, June 8, 10:00am – 4:00pm, rain or shine. This year an optional lunch will available at the Barney Library and there will also be a plant sale.

Thanks to the generosity of the homeowners and local businesses that sponsor the event, the Friends are able to fund the adult and children’s programming at the libraries.

The Friends invite local businesses to advertise in the ticket book which is given to all tour attendees. Sponsoring businesses will also be promoted online on the Friends website and Facebook page. Please email irenevanh@gmail.com for more information on purchasing a Garden Tour ad.

Additionally, a “mini-book sale” of gardening books in the Book Nook at the Main Library, "Think Spring". The sale will be held beginning Tuesday, March 5 through March 23. There are hundreds of books on gardening, container gardening, pruning shrubs, perennials, annuals, gazebos, walkways, trees.

The tour is sponsored by the Friends of the Farmington Library Committee. All proceeds support Library programs and activities and are used to purchase items such as computers, e-books, DVD’s, and furniture for the libraries. Tickets will be available in June at both libraries and will be $20.00 in advance and $25.00 on the day of the tour. For more information, please call 860 673- 6791.

Director’s College -- Dancing on a Sunny Plain: the Life of Annie Burr Auchincloss Lewis

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:04:00 +0000

On Wednesday, February 27, the Lewis Walpole Library will host a special showing of its current exhibition, Dancing on a Sunny Plain: the Life of Annie Burr Auchincloss Lewis, complete with a talk about Mrs. Lewis’s extraordinary life from exhibition curator, Susan Walker. This event is co-sponsored by the Farmington Libraries and the Lewis WalpoleLibrary, Yale University, and will take place at the Lewis Walpole Library at 154 Main Street, Farmington, at 7:00 p.m.

Mrs. Lewis’s legacy extends beyond her well-known role as W.S. Lewis’s wife and partner. A gifted photographer and cataloger, she dedicated herself to family and friends, philanthropy and service. On display are rarely seen items from the Library’s archives that highlight Mrs. Lewis’s active engagement, including her many contributions to Farmington. This exhibition will be on view in Farmington through early 2013, but this will be the only chance for a private showing hosted by the exhibition’s curator.

Space is limited to twenty-five participants; advance registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the Farmington library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Farmington Director Jay Johnston Appointed to State Library Board

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 21:06:00 +0000

Farmington Library Director Jay Johnston has been appointed to the Connecticut State Library Board by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

Board Chairman John N. Barry commented that he is very pleased with Johnston’s selection.
“Based on Jay Johnston’s career and knowledge of libraries and museums, the governor made an excellent choice for this important position," Barry said.

Johnston has served as director of five different libraries in his four-decade career, and is known as an innovator and leader in library and museum work. He lives in Enfield.

“I am very excited to have this opportunity to influence the future of libraries and museums in our state during these times of change for our public institutions,” Johnston said.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association.

A Musical Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:02:00 +0000

Vocalist, Julia Holliday brought sunshine to a cloudy day at The Farmington Library with sultry tunes and chocolate, as she brought new life to old favorites. The musical series will continue next month with a celebration of St. Patrick's Day on March 12 at 1:15 p.m. that includes a slide show, step dancing and an old fashioned sing-along, with Irish bread and tea.

Farmington Goes to Rome!

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:46:00 +0000

FARMINGTON LIBRARIES AND FARMINGTON COMMUNITY SERVICES
Director’s Jay Johnston and Nancy Parent Present A Roman Holiday:

Seven Days, five nights, November 19th – 25th 2013

Included Air, Hotel, breakfast each day then on your own!

Airport Transfers

Five nights at the Alexandra or similar hotel

All for $ 1,550

Select special tours of your choice available not included in the price.

Call the library for Details: Bernie @ 860. 673. 6791 X 219

Ciao, Jay & Nancy

The Beatles: Band of the Sixties

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:00:00 +0000

On Thursday, February 21, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., the Farmington Libraries will host a lecture led by Aaron Krerowicz entitled, “The Beatles: Band of the Sixties.” This event will take place at the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

Explore the music of The Beatles in this 90-minute presentation spanning the full 1960's: beginning with the band's seminal visits to Hamburg, through the Beatlemania years, and concluding with Abbey Road. The lecture will be supplemented with audio clips of music and interviews from the band members. This discussion is being held as a preview of Farmington Continuing Education's course on the same subject (www.fpsct.org).

An avid teacher and Beatles scholar, Aaron Krerowicz graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor’s of Music in Theory & Composition in 2008; from Boston University in 2010 with a Master’s of Music in Composition; and from the Hartt School of the University of Hartford with a Graduate Artist Diploma in the same discipline in 2012. He currently teaches musical keyboarding and leads the school band at Grace Academy in downtown Hartford. He also runs a private instrumental lesson studio at Capital Preparatory Magnet School, in addition to maintaining a home studio. These lessons are open to the public. For more information and a sample of the Beatles course, visit his web site at www.aaronkrerowicz.com.

This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited; to register please call the library at 860-673-6791 or register online at: http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org. Advanced registration is required.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

American to the Backbone: Author Talk and Book Signing with Chris Webber

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 21:26:00 +0000

On Wednesday, February 20, 2013, the Farmington Libraries will host Christopher L. Webber, for a talk about his book, American to the Backbone: The Life of James W. C. Pennington, the Fugitive Slave Who Became One of the First Black Abolitionists. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. It will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

American to the Backbone is the incredible story of a forgotten hero of nineteenth century New York City--a former slave, Yale scholar, minister, and international leader of the Antebellum abolitionist movement. At the age of 19, scared and illiterate, James Pennington escaped from slavery in 1827 and soon became one of the leading voices against slavery prior to the Civil War. Just ten years after his escape, Pennington was ordained to the ministry of the Congregational Church after studying at Yale. Moving to Hartford, he became involved with the Amistad captives and founded the first African American mission society. He was also the first African American to preach at the Congregational Church in Farmington, where he befriended John Hooker who eventually helped set him free.

As he fought for equal rights in America, Pennington's voice was not limited to the preacher's pulpit. He wrote the first-ever "History of the Colored People" as well as a careful study of the moral basis for civil disobedience, which would be echoed decades later by Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. More than a century before Rosa Parks took her monumental bus ride, Pennington challenged segregated seating in New York City street cars. He was beaten and arrested, but eventually vindicated when the New York State Supreme Court ordered the cars to be integrated.

Kirkus Reviews proclaimed American to the Backbone “A richly detailed, wide-ranging biography of a modestly neglected black religious leader who was born a slave . . . Webber’s decision to cast his net widely has produced an important biography as well as insight into their pre-Civil War free-black subculture . . .”

Christopher L. Webber, a graduate of Princeton University and the General Theological Seminary in New York, has authored numerous books, has spoken around the state, and lives in Sharon, CT. More information on Chris Webber can be obtained from his website: http://www.clwebber.com/

This event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Barney Library Water Incident and Closure Update

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:07:00 +0000

Jay Johnston, Executive Director of the Farmington Libraries, prepared the following announcement regarding the water incident at the Barney Library and an update on the library’s closure:

On Saturday morning, January 26 at 6:00 a.m., custodian Stephen McMahon entered the Barney Library and discovered water cascading from the ceiling above. Steve responded quickly, calling the fire department that came immediately to shut off the water valve. Steve then called Kathy Lescoe, branch manager, who arrived to find the building with several inches of water on the floor on the south side, comprising the children's room and lending area. The water also involved the basement, subsequently flooding the elevator pit, which has been pumped dry and is in the process of being restored to service by Otis Elevator.

Mike Andreas, Chair of the FVGLA Board, and Andy Baron, Head of the Library Board of Trustees, have been very involved in the recovery process while Kathy Lescoe has taken the lead in coordination and labor. Kathy led the library’s disaster team consisting of Barbara Knibbs, Stephen McMahon, Bernie Dayton and Susan Porter, all of whom moved the involved materials, electronic equipment, telecom, IT and other items from the impacted areas to safety.

Servpro, Inc, a company with resources to respond quickly to fire and water damage, and Clean Harbors, LLC, an emergency pumping service licensed to dispose of contaminated water, were both called immediately following the incident to contend with and stop the spread of the damage. On Thursday, January 31, members from the disaster team met for a formal damage assessment walk through and the development of an authorized recovery plan, discussed in accordance with the insurance adjuster. All carpeting and cabinetry in the affected areas on both the first and second floors will be replaced. Scope Construction and others are authorized and preparing the affected areas to be reconstituted as required. The project will require about 90 days to completion.

All programs originally scheduled to take place in the Barney Library have been transferred indefinitely to available space in the main library, and the Barney staff have been redeployed to the main library as well. With over 1,000 items currently on loan from the Barney, we have instituted a process to contend with their return. The Barney outreach programs, which serve the homebound and elderly, were expanded to meet the new needs of patrons. Materials on-hold, as well as the in-demand items from the Barney collection, have been moved to the main library, in order to maintain access to these materials as well as the high level of service our patrons have come to expect.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association.

Manhattan Bus Trip 3/27/2013

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:53:00 +0000

The library will have our quarterly Manhattan bus trip on Wednesday, March 27.

The Bus will leave the Main Library parking lot at 7:30 am sharp returning from the west side of 7th avenue between 52nd and 53 Street at 6:30 pm sharp. This is a point directly across from the Sheraton Towers Hotel. We anticipate an approximate 9:00 pm Farmington arrival. The bus will drop people off at: 5th Avenue in the eighties, Rockefeller Center, 42and St for twofers and on Canal Street and Battery Park for a ferry ride.

So, if you are in the mood for a museum visit, walk in the city, special lunch or diner, Broadway show matinee, shopping, walking over the upper level of the Brooklyn Bridge, having dim sum in China Town, or walking on the new addition to the High Line park or just people watching . . . March 27 is the day to travel to the Big Apple.

The cost is $35 and must be received by March 15, 2013. Please call Mary Beth or Bernie in the Library office for more details. 860-673-6791.

Snow Day in Farmington

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:19:00 +0000

Rick Giannetta, of Harwinton, brought his two sons, Robert & Jason, to the Farmington Library to keep them busy while the kids were off from school on Monday.

Library Closed Due to Inclement Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 20:18:00 +0000

Please be advised that the Library is currently closed and will remain closed tomorrow, Sunday, February 10th. We will open with normal business hours on Monday, February 11th. Stay safe and warm this weekend!

Getting Started – Workshop for Writers

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Have you wanted to write and are not sure how to start? On Wednesday, February 13, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at the Farmington Libraries, Ann Sheybani, Anne Batterson, and Sherry Horton, founders of the East Hill Writers’ Workshop, now three years old, are offering a FREE introduction to demonstrate how a workshop at East Hill functions. If you have always wanted to write but do not know what to write about or how to get started, or, for that matter, if anything worthwhile could come of your effort, give East Hill two hours of your time. This free workshop will take place at the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

The good news is that everyone really can write and everyone really does have doubts about his or her creative abilities, even those of us who have been writing for years. Our GETTING STARTED workshop will help you get your words flowing on the page. In a series of quick, no-stress writing prompts, you won’t have time to fret. Instead, these activities create a fun, supportive environment for writing freely and for sharing only when and if you want to. Leaders will also provide prompts for writing at home, and offer a discussion about some elements of the craft of writing.

This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited; to register please call the library at 860-673-6791 or register online. Advanced registration is required.

For more information on library programs, visit our web site: http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org. The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Farmington in the Civil War Exhibit & Program

noreply@blogger.com (Irene) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:25:00 +0000

There will be an exhibit of Civil War items from four historical organizations in town on Sunday, February 10, 2013 starting at 1:00pm, in the Community Room of the Main library. The exhibit will adjourn at 2:00pm for a program presentation on "Farmington in the Civil War", then resume when the program is finished at 3:00pm.

The exhibit will feature a uniform, a John Brown pike, a piece of the 16th Regt. flag, enlistment certificates, photos of soldiers, canteens and other small items, currency from the period, GAR records, and several items recently donated by families with ancestors who served in the war.

The program is the fifth in the "Our Town" series sponsored by the Friends in cooperation with the Farmington Heritage Alliance. It will focus on local connections to national events of the time, the men who served, and the effects of the war on the town. Speakers will be Cliff Alderman and Betty Coykendall, who said, "I hope that many residents will come and see what these organizations own; everyone has a few things, and collectively it is quite an impressive show. We also have several interesting stories to tell about local people and their experiences related to the war".

The Beat Goes On....

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 21:11:00 +0000

Despite the fact that Barney is closed for repairs due to a water pipe leak, The Barney programs are being held at The Farmington Library, 6 Monteith Drive. Tuesday's Tot Time program takes place in the library community room for ages 0-3 at 9:30 a.m. The program of socialization, playtime, books, fingerplays and music welcomes everyone.

Local Native American Artifacts Program

noreply@blogger.com (Irene) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 12:12:00 +0000

The ‎"Our Town" program this Sunday, February 3, 2013 will be " Local Native American Artifacts", presented by Bob Palazzo.

Selected artifacts collected in the 1880’s by Dr. Frederick Williams of Bristol will be discussed. Items include arrowheads found in Farmington, Bristol, and Plainville.

Our Town is a series of six programs on local history, sponsored jointly by Friends of the Farmington Library and the Farmington Heritage Alliance. All programs are held Sunday afternoons at 2:00pm, January & February 2013, in the Community Room of the Farmington Main Library.

Please register online or contact the Adult Desk at 860-673-6791.

PROGRAM CANCELLED - “Reflections of My Life with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” A morning with Freedom Rider, the Reverend Ralph Roy

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:22:00 +0000

We have had to cancel the Thursday, February 7, 2013, program: “Reflections of My Life with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

We hope to reschedule this program in the future, but we have no plans at this time.

February Art Exhibit @ the Main Library

Farmington Libraries since 1901 — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

"Beauty of Art" by local artist Naveena Gulappa will on display in the hallway gallery on the library's main floor for the month of February. An art teacher and henna artist, Naveena will show a variety of mixed media pieces that use unique materials such as micro-beads, glitter, fabric paints, rhinestones, and card stock paper. The end result is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Items included in the "Beauty of Art" collection are available for sale. Be sure to visit the gallery space before the show ends on February 28.

Village Gate Poets

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:05:00 +0000

The Village Gate Poets led by humorist and writer, Andy Weil, read their work that was at times humorous and poignant. Recollections and memories of the past and present were featured in this creative experience.

When the Shift Hits the Fan: 5 Steps to Getting Your Groove Back with Motivational Speaker, Ann Sheybani

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:28:00 +0000

On Wednesday, January 30, the Farmington Libraries welcomes motivational speaker, Ann Sheybani, for her workshop, “When the Shift Hits the Fan: 5 Steps to Getting Your Groove Back.” This event will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Farmington Main Library.

Has your life hit an uninspiring plateau? Had the rug pulled out from under you? Maybe you’ve been downsized, or divorced. Maybe you’re facing the empty nest, or any one of the unexpected bumps that knock us off our centre. Get ready to shine a light on your long forgotten dreams and power up your motivation to reinvent yourself at home and at work. Women are givers by nature, but putting yourself last over and over again will eventually erode your confidence, happiness, and prosperity.

Ann Sheybani is a professional speaker, writer, and coach best known for successfully coaching women in transition on the simple strategies that help you revamp your image, reclaim your personal space, uncover your passions, and pursue exciting new goals that will re-ignite your life. Ann’s clients successfully attract better jobs, more clients, and exciting partners and friends simply by embracing the person they were always meant to be. She has a master’s degree in creative literature and writing from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Connecticut. More information on Ann Sheybani can be obtained at her website: http://www.annsheybani.com/.

Advance registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Kicking Off Barney Library's Winter Program Series

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 22:47:00 +0000

Tot Time, a parent/caregiver and child program for 0-3 years olds, jumpstarted the Barney Library's Winter Program Series with a group of two dozen people. Books, music, puppets and toys paved the way for playtime and socialization in this 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning gathering, which will run thorough April 16. It's a great way to stay warm, when the world is a winter wonderland and you are fighting cabin fever. Why not join the fun?

A Discovery of ‘Mammut’ Proportions

noreply@blogger.com (Irene) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 02:57:00 +0000

Our Town, a series of six programs on local history, sponsored jointly by Friends of the Farmington Library and the Farmington Heritage Alliance continues this Sunday, January 20, 2012 at 2:00pm with "A Discovery of ‘Mammut’ Proportions."

Hill-Stead Museum is known for its architecture, French Impressionist art, Poetry Festival, and Farmer’s Market; but not many know of the museum’s prehistoric connections of the “Mammut” kind. Learn about the 1913 unearthing of an American Mastodon skeleton on the Pope estate, view reproduction photographs of the original find, and discover the differences between a mastodon and its distant cousin the Woolly Mammoth.

The program will be presented by Hill-Stead Museum in the Community Room of the Main Farmington Library.

Fulfilling Your New Year’s Resolutions: Workshop with Elite Life Coach Bernadette Bolton

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:16:00 +0000

Why are we so excited about our New Year's resolutions on January 1st, but find ourselves frustrated with our lack of motivation after just a short time? On Wednesday, January 23, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., the Farmington Main Library will host Elite Life Coach Bernadette Bolton for a workshop on fulfilling your New Year’s resolutions.

Excited about your resolution, but afraid of failure? In this workshop, Ms. Bolton will help you: Discover what makes change difficult, learn top strategies for success, and get tips for your specific resolution. Learn about the challenges of resolutions and the strategies that can help you successfully create your best you! Guests will be invited to share their resolutions to get specific success tips. And if you've already fallen off the wagon prior to the workshop, don't give up! This will give you a perfect time to climb back on!

Bernadette Bolton is a certified Elite Life Coach and owner of Exceptional Life Personal Coaching. Her mission is to help people live their best lives by creating goal-oriented success strategies individually designed to best suit each person's unique situation, goals and challenges. She empowers people by teaching them how to develop what she believes are the three elements of success - clearly defined values and goals, a manageable lifestyle and a positive mindset.

Offering individual packages, group sessions and workshops, she provides clients with the tools, techniques and support they need to finally make the positive changes in their lives they've always wanted to make, but just haven't been able to do on their own. Her philosophy is, "You only get one life. Make it exceptional!"

This event is free and open to the public and will take place at the main library at 6 Monteith Drive. Advance registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org. The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

For additional event notices, please follow the Farmington Libraries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmingtonlibraries, or Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/FarmlibCT.

Armchair Travel Visits Iceland

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:35:00 +0000

Thanks to the wonder of digital photography and the expertise of globe trotter Barbara Knibbs, Farmington Library's Director of Lending, Collection Management and Networking, Armchair Travel explored Iceland. Over three dozen participants learned about the history of Iceland, its topography, economy, and culture.

One of the wealthiest, most developed countries in the world, Iceland is noted for its geothermal systems. The Nordic welfare system there provides universal medical care and college education.

There were many questions about Iceland. Participants were told to bring plenty of money if they visit, for a hamburger and beer could cost $27.00, which is probably why many people preferred to visit Iceland thru Armchair Travel.

The Joy of Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:43:00 +0000

There is nothing like the joy of finding a book that you like and want to keep forever! Why not stop by your local library and stock up on good reading, so that you will have something to enjoy while you sit in front of a fire watching snow fall. Happy Winter!

A Woman's Guide to Money Matters

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 21:39:00 +0000

On Thursday, January 17, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Farmington Public Library, 6 Monteith Drive, Edward Jones will be sponsoring a free seminar called, “A Woman’s Guide to Money Matters,” with financial advisor, Timothy Germain.

In today’s world, a strong financial strategy is important for women of all ages. Potential for success is limitless – especially when you have a financial strategy that fits your lifestyle. This free seminar will explain what you can do now to prepare for retirement, your options to pay for a child’s or grandchild’s education, and developing a strategy to help achieve your financial goals. No company specific products will be discussed, and there will be no sales or solicitations allowed - just information you should know.

Now is the time to take charge of your financial future. Seating is limited; to register please call the library at 860-673-6791 or visit our web site at: http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org. Advanced registration is required; a minimum number of registrations is required to hold this workshop.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

January Art Exhibit @ the Main Library

Farmington Libraries since 1901 — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:36:00 +0000

With two art spaces in the main library, we are always thrilled when we can tell you about the simultaneous art exhibits taking place during any given month. In the month of January, we also have a show hanging in the community art space in our main hallway, where we have a variety of hand-hooked rugs on display made by local rug hookers.

Rugs as works of art? Yes!

These beautiful, handmade rugs will be on display until the end of January. Once you see them, you'll be hooked!

Farmington Secrets Revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Irene) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:47:00 +0000

To celebrate the addition of Sunday afternoon hours at the Main Library, January through March, 2013, 1:00pm to 4:00 pm, the Friends of the Farmington Library have created a series of programs, themed “Our Town”.

The first program, “Treasures: Library Books from 18^th and 19^th Century Farmington”, with Paul Kramer, will be held this Sunday, January 6.

Kramer explained “Lest we forget, every few decades it can prove helpful to remind ourselves of those tangible elements of Farmington’s ‘social fabric’ that underlie this unusually old, unique and noteworthy community. While residents of Farmington leave their ‘mark’ and pass from our lives, many material elements of our Town’s fabric and culture – its churches, homes, schools, belongings, cemeteries and, importantly, its books have been lovingly preserved so they can inform and inspire the lives of future generations. They serve as constant reminders of who brought us to the ‘dance’ and what kind of people and thinking placed us front and center among Connecticut’s colonial Towns. This presentation is aimed at re-discovering very unique books, some over 300 years old, owned by both historic Farmington libraries and Town residents. They have informed our Townspeople from the earliest of times and deserve our utmost respect”

Learn about our oldest books, dating back to 1702 – tangible treasures that are part of the fabric of our historic community and now in the Farmington Room collection of the library. Many were owned by members of our most illustrious families; a few were inscribed by famous people. In addition, there are beautifully-illustrated children’s books in the collection.

This program will be followed by a scavenger hunt in the library for items related to local history.

This is the 1st in the "Our Town" series of six Sunday afternoon programs on various facets of local history, co-sponsored by the Friends of the Farmington Library and the Farmington Heritage Alliance. For more info: 860-673-6791.

January Art Exhibit @ the Main Library

Farmington Libraries since 1901 — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:12:00 +0000

Quilter Diane Cadrain will exhibit her handmade quilts in the main library's community room for the month of January 2013. This exhibition, entitled, Natural Inspirations, takes, as the name implies, its inspirations from the natural beauty in the everyday things and places that may seem ordinary to one person's view, but are extraordinary to an artist's eye. With names such as, "Lunch Among the Cabbages," "Serious Sushi," and "Jack 'O Lantern Mushrooms," each quilt is as unique as its title, and the detail and whimsy in each handcrafted piece make each one its own original work of art.

These one-of-a-kind quilts are available for purchase. Contact information for the artist can be obtained from the Information Services Desk on Level 2 of the main library.

Library Offering Free Concert with PBS-Aired Pianist

noreply@blogger.com (Irene) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 11:49:00 +0000

Mark Your Calendars for an extraordinary afternoon concert sponsored by the Friends Remembrance Fund and the Friends of the Farmington Library.

Paul Bisaccia, a prolific, versatile and renowned recording pianist will be performing from his vast repertoire which includes the great piano classics. He was the first artist to record the complete solo piano music of Gershwin. His PBS television show “Gershwin by Bisaccia" has been seen by millions and was dubbed into Mandarin Chinese for broadcast in Asia. Michael Feinstein calls "Paul Bisaccia and the Great American Piano," his second television show for PBS, imaginative, fun, well played and totally satisfying.”

The Hartt School, from which he graduated first in his class, honored Paul with the Alumnus of the Year Award and the Governor of Connecticut proclaimed Paul Bisaccia Day in the State of Connecticut.

Paul has recorded over 300 individual compositions covering a wide range of composers including the music of Chopin and Liszt.

The Friends Remembrance Fund sponsoring this concert receives donations from contributions which honor or are in memory of loved ones. Also funds are received for special occasions which include birthdays, anniversaries etc.

With these funds, the Friends Remembrance Fund Committee offers free cultural experiences throughout the year to the communities of Farmington and Unionville.

This concert is being billed as a family event and welcomes children who must be accompanied by a parent. It will take place on January 13, 2013 from 2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Farmington Main Library 6 Monteith Drive. This concert is offered free to the Farmington and Unionville Communities. Refreshments will be served.

Please call 860 673-6791 for reservations.

2012 Staff Favorites - Fiction

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:59:00 +0000

In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen writes, "I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”

Well, we have an excellent library in Farmington and we hope you have taken advantage of the many books in our collection. Our staff has read a lot of them, and here are a few of our favorite works of fiction from 2012:

Death In The Floating City by Tasha Alexander
"This is a love story within a mystery. It is set in the late 1800s in Venice. Once you start reading the book you will wish you were there. A British husband and wife detective team are asked to solve a murder in Venice. In the process of solving the murder they have to follow clues that lead them back into the Renaissance and the histories of the families involved."

Defending Jacob by William Landay
The following was found in the book description from Amazon.com: "...[it is the] consummate novel of an embattled family in crisis-—a suspenseful, character-driven mystery that is also a spellbinding tale of guilt, betrayal, and the terrifying speed at which our lives can spin out of control." Based on conversations with other readers, this book has had the same effect on everyone: the eerie, mysterious story stays with you long after you finish reading it. This is the best book from 2012 that no one is talking about...but should be.

Heartbroken by Lisa Unger
Heartbroken is a tense, mesmerizing novel about the limits of dysfunctional families, of an island haunted by dark memories and restless ghosts, and of the all-too-real demons we must battle. Wonderfully suspenseful, exquisitely crafted, and written with raw, emotional power, this is Lisa Unger at her very best.

Lethal by Sandra Brown
Former romance-turned-thriller writer, Sandra Brown, pens this compelling suspense story that has more twists than a double helix. Love it or hate it, the surprise ending has had everyone talking.

One Last Thing Before I Go by Jonathan Tropper
A coming of age mid-life crisis book. Finally realizing what is important in life will our hero Drew Silver live to tell about it? A funny book that makes you think about your life and everyone in it. Want more Tropper? Try Book of Joe or This Is Where I Leave You.

Spy In A Little Black Dress by Maxine Kenneth (author of Paris to Die For)
"A fun ‘spy thriller’ book based on the premise that Jackie Bouvier may have once worked for the CIA. The idea for the plot is based on a real correspondence between Jackie and the CIA. If you are familiar with Jackie’s story you will get the humor in the books as she pursues her top secret missions."

Talulla Rising by Glen Duncan
"I love when literary authors take on genre stories, like Margaret Atwood's dystopia Handmaid's Tale or Colson Whitehead's zombie apocalypse Zone One, they can stretch the genre's metaphors or archetypes to their full potentials while telling style, originality, and fully-drawn characters. In this book, Duncan extends his revitalization of the werewolf myth to a female protagonist. Yay! It's one of the few stories to explore how the tensions between the animal and social/moral sides of being human applies to women."

The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan
"The book follows twenty-two year-old newlywed, Grace Winter, as she sets sail in 1914 on a luxury cruise liner bound for New York. An explosion sinks the cruise liner, where she loses her new husband, and Grace gets thrust into an already full-to-capacity lifeboat by a quick-thinking crew member who climbs in after her. The book opens with Grace on trial for her life due to the events that transpire during their twenty-one days stranded at sea, where cold, wet, starving passengers succumb to the desperation of their circumstances and the cunning power struggles to survive the crowded lifeboat." (And, no, we didn't pick this one because this New York Times Bestselling debut author visited us back in May...)

We love to read and talk about books, so leave us a comment with your favorites from the past year. And click on this link if you missed yesterday's post listing our staff's favorite nonfiction titles from 2012. We look forward to seeing what amazing stories will come our way in 2013!

2012 Staff Favorites - Nonfiction

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:40:00 +0000

With so many "Best Books" lists for 2012 being named by sources ranging from the New York Times to NPR,our staff decided to put our collective reading experience together to come up with a list of our favorite books from the past year.

This list is subjective and merely reflects the wide reading tastes of your favorite librarians! Without further ado, here is the list of our staff's favorite nonfiction books of 2012:

Ninety Days by Bill Clegg
"A memoir by Clegg, a former alcohol and drug abuser about his struggle to be sober for ninety days after being released from rehab. I found myself rooting for Mr. Clegg every step of the way and cringing and yelling at the book when it seemed he was going to fall. He stumbles a few times and ultimately he may stumble again, but he finally finds reasons to honestly try to stay sober."

Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie
Presents a reconstruction of the eighteenth-century empress's life that covers her efforts to engage Russia in the cultural life of Europe, her creation of the Hermitage, and her numerous scandal-free romantic affairs. "Excellent book about a fascinating person."

Drift by Rachel Maddow
"Rachel Maddow always backs up her barbs with research and a desire for pragmatic policy reform. She makes all the nuts and bolts of the development of military and foreign policy over the past four decades very accessible and shocking, all in the service of a book-long plea to restore both the costs and decisions of making war to the people and their representatives."

I Never Promised You a Goodie Bag:A Memoir of a Life Through Events--the Ones You Plan and the Ones You Don't by Jennifer Gilbert
At 22, Jennifer Gilbert was attacked in the hallway of a New York City apartment building and stabbed multiple times. She survived, told very few people what had happened to her and went on to found her own event planning business, Save The Date, at the age of 24. The company has since done millions of dollars in revenue, and at 29 Gilbert was named Ernst and Young's Entrepreneur of the Year. Now 43 and a mother of three, in 2012 Gilbert published this memoir detailing the attack and how it motivated her to approach her life and work with the mentality, "You picked the wrong girl." (Summary from HuffPost Women)

In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin by Erik Larson
"A story about the diplomat sent to man the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, along with his family, during the rise of the Nazi party. He is totally unprepared for the role and does not fit the “old boy” image of previous ambassadors. You get the feeling that he is expected to fail. Reads like a novel, but is a true story which makes it that much more gripping."

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Although our culture undervalues them dramatically, introverts have made some of the great contributions to society – from Chopin's nocturnes to the invention of the personal computer to Gandhi’s transformative leadership. Cain argues that we design our schools, workplaces, and religious institutions for extroverts, and that this bias creates a waste of talent, energy, and happiness. Based on intensive research in psychology and neurobiology and on prolific interviews, she also explains why introverts are capable of great love and great achievement, not in spite of their temperaments -- but because of them.

Shadow of the Titanic by Andrew Wilson
Stories of Titanic survivors and the families of Titanic passengers and how their experience shaped their later lives. The author puts a face and context on some of the passengers.

Steve Jobs: A Biography by Walter Isaacson
Based on more than forty interviews with Jobs conducted over two years—as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues—Walter Isaacson has written a riveting story of the roller-coaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing. At a time when America is seeking ways to sustain its innovative edge, and when societies around the world are trying to build digital-age economies, Jobs stands as the ultimate icon of inventiveness and applied imagination. He knew that the best way to create value in the twenty-first century was to connect creativity with technology. He built a company where leaps of the imagination were combined with remarkable feats of engineering...His tale is instructive and cautionary, filled with lessons about innovation, character, leadership, and values.

The Astaires: Fred and Adele by Kathleen Riley
"This biography is about Fred and Adele Astaire. I knew Fred Astaire from the movies but, didn’t realize he and his sister, who was more famous than him, had a fabulous career long before motion pictures and were the toast of English royalty before WWII."

The President’s Club: Inside the World's Most Exclusive Fraternity by Nancy Gibbs
"This book is about the most exclusive club in the world – living U.S. Presidents. The book tells some fascinating, behind the scenes stories, about the presidents—how they helped each other, no matter their personal feelings, how they interacted with one another, how far back their relationships went, etc. and their behind the scenes impact on decision making and as ambassadors for the U.S.—often on delicate missions."

We will have another list tomorrow when we'll post a selection of our favorite fiction titles from 2012!

A Place of Peace and Tranquility

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:57:00 +0000

The Barney Library invites you to stop by and escape from the hustle and bustle of the season. Enjoy the decorated Reading Room and curl up with a good book in a place of peace and tranquility.

A Renaissance Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:51:00 +0000

Glad Tidings of Joy

The Barney Library Hoppin Gallery was the setting for a performance of music from The Renaissance that is the basis of many of our Christmas Carols today. The program received rave reviews from the forty-right Classical Music lovers who comprised the audience. Christmas Special ice cream from Shady Glen in Manchester culminated the afternoon adult program, which is part of a monthly series underwritten by The Friends of The Farmington Library.

An Artist's View of Winter in Farmington

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 22:52:00 +0000

Farmington Artist, Dawn Nolan Lombardi, has two paintings depicting Farmington in winter, now on display
in The Hoppin Gallery of The Barney Library, 71 Main Street Farmington. In the first, a fence surrounding a house on Main Street is decked out with pine garland graced with red bows, as the snow gracefully decorates the night sky. The second painting showcases one of the buildings at Miss Porter's School as snowflakes dance through a daylight wonderland. Check out Dawn's other seasonal paintings in the second floor gallery when visiting Barney Library.

Barney Library Annual Ornament Making Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:04:00 +0000

Over seventy-five people attended The Barney Library Annual Ornament Making Workshop. Linda Tomasso generously shared her time and talent to provide a musical backdrop of seasonal music for little creative hands who made Christmas ornaments for their own tree at home. Beaded candy canes, snowflake sparklers, Santa Grinches, snowman mittens, and pom-pom Christmas trees were featured at the workshop this year. Santa took time out of his busy schedule to make an appearance, give out candy canes and hear lists of Christmas dreams. What a great way to jumpstart the winter holidays. Merry Christmas!

Smart Shopping and Grass Roots Activism Encouraged at GMO Free Director's College Event

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:55:00 +0000

We had a fantastic turnout for the showing of last night's documentary film, Genetic Roulette. As many of our audience members attested, people generally do not know what the harmful effects of GMOs are nor how much they infiltrate our food supply -- as stated in the movie, these organisms are in upwards of 70% of what we eat, leading to an alleged increase in widespread illness and food allergies in our country and abroad.

GMO stands for "genetically modified organism" and is the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. According to the Institute for Responsible Technology, "Genetically modified foods have been linked to toxic and allergic reactions, sick, sterile, and dead livestock, and damage to virtually every organ studied in lab animals. The effects on humans of consuming these new combinations of proteins produced in GMOs are unknown and have not been studied." But there is enough emerging evidence to concern scientists and to make the information in Genetic Roulette very powerful, eye-opening, and disturbing.

There are a number of organizations around the country working to educate the public and organize a movement to institute measures to protect the consumer, including the proposal of a labeling law that has so far been defeated in the nineteen states that have proposed it. (Connecticut's own attempt was defeated in Spring 2012, but organizations such as GMO Free CT, and GMO Free Hartford are still working with legislators on education and awareness.)

In attendance last night were state rep Brian Becker and state rep-elect Mike Demicco, both of whom encouraged members of the audience to contact their legislators with their concerns on this issue as well as to spread the word amongst their friends, neighbors, and colleagues on the importance of it and the information shared in the film.

Members from GMO Free CT were also in attendance, offering information on how consumers can protect themselves from GMO-infused foods by choosing organic options or brands whose products are GMO-free. For a list of these companies and products, follow this link.

The following links also offer information on this important topic as well as ways you can get involved:

Institute for Responsible Technology
http://www.responsibletechnology.org/

Non-GMO Shopping Guide
http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/

Non-GMO Project
http://www.nongmoproject.org/

GMO Free CT on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/GmoFreeCt

GMO Free Hartford on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/GMOfreeHartford

GMO Free USA on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GMOFreeUSA/?fref=ts

Holiday Concert Featuring Farmington High School Musicians

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:45:00 +0000

We invite you to attend a holiday concert at the Farmington Main Library on Monday, December 10, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Tom Johnston, teacher and band director at Farmington High School, will bring up to three different instrument ensembles to play holiday music in various places in the library, creating a stroll atmosphere for visitors. These ensembles are entirely comprised of student musicians from the high school.

This event is free and open to the public.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Trim-A-Tree Party

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 23:24:00 +0000

Lots of fun and musical, The Farmington Choral Group sang Christmas carols and then there was a visit from Santa. It was a great party with treats for the tummy and decorations to make and music to hear.

Farmington Libraries will open the Main Library on Sunday afternoons January through March, 2013, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 19:24:00 +0000

Executive Director Jay Johnston says “I am looking forward to opening the main library to our community on Sunday afternoons this winter.” The Library Board wants to give everyone an opportunity to enjoy the library experience on those cold, dreary winter weekends. The Friends of the Library, with the Farmington Heritage Alliance, will present programs on various historic topics on these winter Sundays. The Friends also plan to host a concert, and the library will present a puppet show and an oral history program. In addition the library is launching a new program to collect two minute video history notes from grandparents and parents answering the question, “What do you want your great grandchildren to know about you?” These video notes will appear on the library web portal for all to see and learn from.

Johnston reminds the community that the Library Board is providing these additional services in the hope that people can have a better quality of life through the many programs and services that the libraries provide for residents of all ages. As The New York Times reported, a Pew Study on October 23, 2012 reveals that over 60% of young Americans frequent libraries; this runs contradictory to the popular notion that libraries are not on the under 30 radar. See you all at the Library on Sunday!

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. Please contact the library with questions: 860-673-6791, or visit our web site: http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org/.

For additional event notices, please follow the Farmington Libraries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmingtonlibraries, or Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/FarmlibCT.

Director's College Event - Genetic Roulette: Documentary Film and Discussion on the Dangers of GMOs

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday, December 5, the Farmington Libraries will show the documentary, “Genetic Roulette,” a filmby Jeffrey M. Smith and narrated by Lisa Oz. It is a production of the Institute for Responsible Technology. Following the film, nutritionist Beth Beisel will also be on hand for an informational and intellectual discussion about the dangers of GMOs. The event is sponsored by GMO Free CT.

This event will take place at 7pm at the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

When the US government ignored repeated warnings by its own scientists and allowed untested genetically modified (GM) crops into our environment and food supply, it was a gamble of unprecedented proportions. The health of all living things and all future generations were put at risk by an infant technology. After two decades, physicians and scientists have uncovered a grave trend. The same serious health problems found in lab animals, livestock, and pets that have been fed GM foods are now on the rise in the US population. And when people and animals stop eating genetically modified organisms (GMOs), their health improves.

This seminal documentary provides compelling evidence to help explain the deteriorating health of Americans, especially among children, and offers a recipe for protecting ourselves and our future. The main feature film Genetic Roulette is 85 minutes.

Advance registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s web site by using this link.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Friends of the Farmington Library Seek Donations to the Annual Giving Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Irene) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 01:05:00 +0000

The Friends of the Farmington Library are collecting books to be given to an area charity to provide children with the gift of reading.

Donations are requested of books for birth through high school age children, and may be brought to the Barney Branch or the Main Library beginning on Monday, November 19 until Wednesday, December 19, 2012.

Suggestions include soft baby books, multicultural picture books, stories of holiday celebrations in other countries, fiction, non-fiction for older children and positive ethnic stories and poems. We ask that you take a tag from the tree with a suggested age group and include it with your new unwrapped book donation.

Holocaust Stories Told from Two Perspectives

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 20:10:00 +0000

This morning, the Farmington Libraries hosted Henny Markiewicz Simon and Ben Cooper to share their firsthand accounts of their respective experiences with the Nazi Concentration Camps from World War II. To say they were survivors of their circumstances would not begin to describe their acts of bravery, heroism, and perseverance to overcome the horrors they experienced and witnessed over their prolonged roles in the war. It was an extraordinary opportunity to hear this living history from Henny, a Holocaust survivor, and Ben, a combat medic who took part in the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp as assigned with the 45th Infantry Division. Their stories were emotional, humbling, and inspirational and, as intended with this annual Krystallnacht program, commemorated the human spirit's ability to overcome persecution.

Here are a few photos from the event:

A full house attends in rapt silence as Henny Markiewicz Simon retells her story -- from the day the Nazis came and took her and her mother away to their first ghetto, to her brush with Eduard Roschmann, known as the "Butcher of Riga," to the day when the Russians came and liberated the camp where she had been confined.

Ben Cooper displayed a number of artifacts collected during his tours in Italy, France, and Germany. This memorabilia included some of his standard issue gear: a canteen, meal set, rucksack, helmet (and lining), a German helmet, his own medical bag and a leather medical bag he took off a German medic-turned-prisoner. Above, Ben wears the medic helmet issued to him. The cross on the front had to be painted off-center: the Germans used the cross as a target. Moving the target off-center was to help decrease the possibility of fatal wounds in the event of a direct hit. His most prized memento: The yellow Jewish star given to him by a Frenchman after the war was over.

State Representative Brian Becker helps Ben unfurl a Nazi flag, which Ben removed from the Nazi Party Headquarters in Munich. He later learned that Adolph Hitler had kept an apartment in this building.

Attendees surround Ben Cooper at the end of his talk. The picture imposed on the screen in the background is of a young Private Cooper, packed and ready to go home after four years of fighting a long, ugly, evil war across Europe.

Nearly New and Older Treasures Book Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Irene) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:23:00 +0000

The Friends of the Farmington Library will hold their “Nearly New & Older Treasures” Book Sale Saturday November 17, 2012 9:00am - 2:30pm at the Main Library, 6 Montieth Drive.

The “Nearly New & Older Treasures” sale includes a wonderful collection of like-new books suitable for holiday gift-giving. Thanks to some terrific donations this year, the sale will also include current hardcover fiction & non-fiction, large print books, holiday books, gift books and greeting cards, CD’s, DVD’s & puzzles for adults and children. There is also a large collection of LP record albums and vintage books and special collections of books on aircraft (including WWI & WWII) and art techniques.

The sale is an excellent opportunity to stock up with winter reads and holiday gifts.

Purchases must be by cash or check.

In addition to book sales, the Friends of the Library Book Nook (located in the hallway to the right of the circulation desk) is well-stocked with books for all ages & interest levels including current hard cover fiction, children’s books and seasonably appropriate materials at very reasonable prices.

The Friends also welcome book donations throughout the year. We do not accept magazines, textbooks or musty & mildewed books. Tax donation letters are available upon request

6th Annual Kristallnacht Lecture With Ben Cooper and Henny Markiewicz Simon

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:00:00 +0000

On Monday, November 19, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., the Farmington Libraries will host its sixth annual Kristallnacht lecture with speakers Ben Cooper and Henny Markiewicz Simon. This year the program features the dual telling of stories from World War II and the Nazi concentration camps—one from the perspective of a German Holocaust survivor and one from an American combat medic who helped in the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp.

Henny Markiewicz Simon was born and raised in Hanover, Germany, and is a Holocaust survivor. Her father was able to immigrate to Shanghai, China, but she and her mother were not allowed to follow. Her mother was eventually murdered by the Nazis. Mrs. Simon was imprisoned and later liberated in Poland, where she met her future husband. They were married in August 1945 and on Thanksgiving 1949, she and her family moved to the United States where they bought a farm in Colchester, CT. In 1976, her husband passed away and she went back to school to obtain her GED, a level of schooling denied to her as a Jew in Nazi Germany. She remarried in 1981 and helped her husband run his manufacturing business. He passed away in 2001. Since 1986 she has been speaking at schools and other facilities about her life before, during, and after the Holocaust.

Ben Cooper was born in Avon, CT and is a lifelong resident of West Hartford. He was drafted into the army in September 1942, at which time he was sent to Camp Barkeley, TX, for medical training. In 1944, he married Dorothy Zaitlin and was shipped out to Naples, Italy in September of that year, where he was assigned to the 45^th infantry division as a combat medic. He served in France and Germany and took part in the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp with his outfit. Since 1990 he has been speaking to high school and college students as well as civic groups. He lost his wife in 2009 after sixty-five years of marriage.

Kristallnacht, also referred to as the Night of Broken Glass, was a series of coordinated attacks against Jews throughout Nazi Germanyand parts of Austria on November 9-10, 1938. German authorities looked on as SA paramilitary and civilians carried out these attacks and covered the streets with broken glass from the windows of Jewish-owned stores, buildings, and synagogues. At least 91 Jews were killed in the attacks, and a further 30,000 arrested and incarcerated in concentration camps. Jewish homes, hospitals, and schools were ransacked, over 1,000 synagogues were burned, and over 7,000 Jewish businesses were destroyed or damaged. This annual event at the Farmington Libraries commemorates the human spirit’s ability to overcome such persecution.

This program is free and open to the public and will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Farmington main library located at 6 Monteith Drive. Please contact the library to pre-register: 860-673-6791, or visit our web site: http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org/.

If you have special needs in order to attend this program please contact the library in advance. The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association.

Program Series Finale

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:36:00 +0000

Regular weekly series end this week at both The Farmington Library and The Barney Library in Farmington, Connecticut, but everyone is invited to December activities, beginning December 1. Pick up a copy of our flyer at either library or take a look at offerings on-line. Registration begins November 21. Catch the whirl of fun!

Director’s College Event: The War of 1812 in Connecticut

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, November 17, Dr. Glenn S. Gordinier, Robert G. Albion Historian & Co-Director of the Munson Institute at the Mystic Seaport and Visiting Professor of History at the University of Connecticut, will speak at the Farmington Libraries. This event is sponsored by the Sarah Whitman Hooker DAR, the Farmington Historical Society, and the Farmington Libraries. The topic of his talk is The War of 1812 in Connecticut. A reception sponsored by the Farmington Historical Society will immediately follow the lecture. Copies of the book, The Rockets’ Red Glare: The War of 1812 and Connecticut will be available for purchase for $18 each with Dr. Gordinier available for signing.

The war that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the poem that later became our national anthem is not one that lives vividly in public memory. To remind us why this war mattered—and why Connecticut residents initially objected to what they saw as an unconstitutional act of military aggression by the US against Great Britain—five museums and historical societies have collaborated on “The Rockets’ Red Glare,” Connecticut and the War of 1812. The companion volume to the exhibition, The Rockets’ Red Glare: The War of 1812 and Connecticut (New London County Historical Society, 2012) by Glenn Gordinier et al., provides a broader focus than the exhibit by placing Connecticut’s involvement within the larger framework of the war and international affairs.

Supported in part by a major grant from Connecticut Humanities, the exhibition draws together artifacts from each of the partners: the Stonington Historical Society, Mystic Seaport, the New London County Historical Society, the New London Maritime Society, and the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, as well as items from other museums and private collections. “The Rockets’ Red Glare,” Connecticut and the War of 1812 will be on view at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum from July 6, 2012 through December 2012.

Advance registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org. The event will take place at 1:00 p.m. in the Hoppin Gallery of the Barney Libraryat 71 Main Street.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Clutter versus Being Organized: A Tips and Tricks Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 16:54:00 +0000

Looking for some tips and tricks to fight the battle against clutter? On Wednesday, November 14, at 7:00 p.m. the Farmington Libraries will host Sandee Fleet from the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association for a workshop on conquering clutter and getting organized.

Clutter affects our space, productivity, time management, organization, and even the environment. Numerous studies have been performed on the inundation of clutter in our lives resulting in countless statistics on its negative impact: US News and World Report states that the average American spends one year of their life looking for lost or misplaced items at home and in the office; Mobile Technology Products asserts that using the correct organizational tools can improve time management by 38%; the Quill Filing Products catalog reports that 45 new sheets of paper are generated each day by every U.S. office worker; the Everyday Minimalist lists that 1 in 11 American households rents a self-storage space, spending $1000/year in rent.

If taking control of your clutter and downsizing from its sheer size sounds like the right combination, then this is the workshop for you!

This event is free and open to the public. Handouts will be provided and advance registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s web site here. The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

For additional event notices, please follow the Farmington Libraries on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmingtonlibraries, or Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/FarmlibCT.

Support the Friends of the Farmington Library at Panera Bread's Farmington Opening Event

noreply@blogger.com (Irene) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:25:00 +0000

The Friends of the Farmington Library has been selected to be the charity beneficiary of Panera Bread’s food tasting and fundraising event, ‘Raise the Dough Preview Party’. You are invited to attend the event, to be held on Friday, November 9, 5:00-7:00pm as part of the opening of its new Farmington location. The restaurant is located at 1600 Southeast Road in the West Farms Shopping Center. For a $5.00 donation, guests will receive a salad or sandwich, drink and bakery item. The Friends will receive all the proceeds from the event

For over 60 years, the Friends of the Farmington Library have financially supported library programs and services through a variety of fundraising events, including book sales and the annual Garden Tour. The Friends fund Children’s and Adult programming at the Main and Barney libraries, including story hours; and assist the libraries with purchases such as eBooks, Nooks, computers and more.

For more information about joining the Friends, please contact the Library at 860-673-6791 , by email at: friends@farmingtonlibraries.org, or visit the Friends website at farmingtonlibraries.org/friends.htm.

November Art Exhibit @ the Main Library

Farmington Libraries since 1901 — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 06:14:00 +0000

Splashes of Color: Art Show with Jo Rembish and Sandy Swanson Fries

For the month of November 2012, the Farmington Libraries will host “Splashes of Color,” an art show displaying the acrylics of Jo Rembish and the watercolors of Sandra Swanson Fries in the community room of the main library on 6 Monteith Drive.

Jo Rembish is an artist who resides in Southington. She will be showing a variety of pieces including renderings of still life, landscape and florals. She finds inspiration for her work in the endless beauty of the land, sea and sky along the Connecticut and Rhode Island coast. In addition, her flower garden serves as a resource for her still life and floral paintings.

She is a member of the Connecticut Watercolor Society, the Guilford Art League and the Southington Arts and Crafts Association. Her paintings can be found in public and private collections. Among these is a piece purchased to hang in the offices of former congresswoman, Nancy Johnson. Other awards include a Purchase Award from the East Hartford Art League as well as awards from the West Hartford Jr. Woman’s Club and the Glastonbury On The Green Art Show.

Sandra Swanson Fries, watercolorist, Southington resident, native of New Britain, is known for her use of the “negative” style of watercolor painting (painting “around” the object instead of painting the object) and also for her use of (more opaque) Chinese watercolors on delicate rice paper. In 1997 Sandy retired from teaching High School Earth Science and Health in Enfield. She began painting in 2006.

She has exhibited at many venues including the Hamden Government Building, the Southington Library, The Orchards at Southington and Paul Gregory’s Bistro in Southington. Her work has been accepted in shows at Pomperaug Woods, Hospital for Special Care, Connecticut Watercolor Society and the New Britain Museum of American Art. Sandy is a member of the Southington Arts and Crafts Association and the New Britain Museum of American Art.

The artwork on display will be available for purchase.

The show will run from November 1 - 30, 2012. As there are other programs that take place in this room, please consult the library schedule before viewing the gallery.

Friends of the Farmington Library to Hold Book Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Irene) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:01:00 +0000

November 17 9:00am - 2:30pm “Nearly New & Older Treasures” This sale, as always, will include a wonderful collection of like-new books suitable for holiday gift-giving. And, because of some terrific donations this year, will also include current hardcover fiction & non-fiction, large print books, holiday books, gift books and greeting cards, CD’s, DVD’s & puzzles for adults and children. New to this sale with be a large collection of LP record albums & vintage books. Also we will have 2 special collections of books on aircraft (including WWI & WWII) and art techniques.

These sales are an excellent opportunity to stock up with ‘winter reads’ and holiday gifts. We especially welcome parents and teachers to come in to their resupply and update their home and school libraries!

Purchases must be by cash or check.

If you are unable to come to these sales, our Book Nook (located in the hallway to the right of the circulation desk) is well-stocked with books for all ages & interest levels including current hard cover fiction, children’s books and seasonably appropriate materials at very reasonable prices.

The Friends also welcome book donations throughout the year. We do not accept magazines, textbooks or musty & mildewed books. Tax donation letters are available upon request.

Director's College Event: Witchcraft in Colonial America

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 11:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday, October 24, Dr. Richard S. Ross, College Librarian at Trinity College, will speak at the Farmington Libraries. The topic of his talk is Witchcraft in Colonial America.

Witchcraft in colonial America is often associated with the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials, but the first witch trial and execution in colonial America actually took place in Connecticut in the mid-17th century. In this talk, Dr. Ross will discuss the origin and background of witchcraft beliefs on the continent (sometimes called diabolical witchcraft) and its influence in England and later in New England. These beliefs helped to precipitate what has been called the “Hartford Witch Panic” that took place in 1662/1663 and led to the trials and hangings of three witches in Hartford, Connecticut, including Mary Barnes of Farmington.

Richard S. Ross is College Librarian and Professor at Trinity College, in Hartford Connecticut. He holds a PhD in history from Boston College and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons College. His areas of scholarly interest include 19th and 20th century German history; 19th century Prussian administrative history and public health with special emphasis on the pre-March era, epidemic disease in history, European economic and social history from the early modern period, and European and Colonial American witchcraft with special emphasis on continental European and English demonological tracts.

The Director’s College is a relatively new series at the Farmington Libraries, the aim of which is to present interesting and intellectual programs for our community. These events strive to cover a wide range of areas including, but not limited to, professorial lectures with audience participation, performing arts with give-and-take, travelogues, and music series.

Advance registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register online. For more information, please view library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org. The event will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance

Octoberfest With Fabio

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 19:17:00 +0000

The stunning splendor of autumn set the stage for Octoberfest at The Barney Library, 71 Main Street, Farmington, Connecticut, when two dozen people gathered to hear Accordionist Fabio Lucarelli entertain with songs requested by members of the audience. The result was a musical revue that was a trip down Memory Lane for program participants.

Dawn Nolan Lombardi Paintings On Exhibit

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 19:04:00 +0000

Throughout the month of October in The Hoppin Gallery of The Barney Library, 71 Main Street, Farmington, Connecticut, the work of Artist Dawn Nolan Lombardi will be on display. Influenced by study and travel abroad, Dawn Nolan Lombardi is an Impressionist oil painter who is widely respected and renowned. As a native of Northampton, Massachusetts, she currently lives in Farmington, CT with her husband and two children. Her paintings can be found in private homes, galleries, and museums all over the country, including the White House in Washington D.C. Dawn's specialty is painting seascapes, landscapes and portraits.

Tot Time On Tuesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:43:00 +0000

The Barney Library, 71 Main Street, Farmington offers a program of playtime, socialization, music, stories, rhymes and toys on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. thru November 13. Ages 0-3 and their parents or caregivers are welcome to attend. Why not get in on the action?

October Art Exhibit @ the Main Library

Farmington Libraries since 1901 — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:17:00 +0000

Mixed Media Art Show with Gigi Mezzo Genovese

For the month of October 2012, the Farmington Libraries will host the artwork of Gigi Mezzo Genovese in the community room of the main library on 6 Monteith Drive.

Gigi Mezzo Genovese has honed her artistic talents and explored the depths of her expression through her creations in realism. She words in several media: acrylic, pen & ink, watercolor and pastels. She has been painting professionally for over thirty-five years and her subject material has evolved to include seascapes, architecture, landscapes, still-life and wildlife. The artwork on display will be available for purchase.

From her studio she has created paintings that grace many private collections from coast to coast, Great Britain, and the Cayman Islands. She has received numerous awards in competition throughout the Northeast. For more information on Gigi Genovese, visit her web site at: http://gigigenovese.com/.

Viewing this exhibition is free and open to the public. It is open during the library’s operating hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please visit the library’s web site for more information: http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org/.

The show will run from October 1 - 31, 2012. As there are other programs that take place in this room, please consult the library schedule before viewing the gallery.

Director's College Event - Baseball Is More Than a Sports Season

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:50:00 +0000

On Wednesday, September 26, we kicked off the Fall 2012 season of the Director's College with a talk from Steven Wisensale, Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Connecticut. Professor Wisensale has been teaching Family Law, Family Policy, and Comparative Family Policy at the university for the past twenty-nine years and in the spring of 2012 offered a new course: Baseball and Society.

He asked students to petition for entry into the course, and he received an unexpected 180 applications. He accepted 60 students into the course and, through attrition, had a class size of 50 students, divided equally between male and female.

A main reason for the attrition was the amount of rigorous work required for the course. Given its name, it's not just a class about baseball. Throughout the semester he covers:

Origins of the Game - Sorting myth from fact from Cooperstown to Hoboken

Baseball as Business - From an amateur game to a professional sport

The Deadball Era- The game amidst labor conflicts and scandal

The Long Ball Era - Babe Ruth’s America

Baseball and War - From World War I to 9/11 and beyond

A Parallel Universe - Racism, Jim Crow laws, and the Negro Leagues

Addressing Racism - Jackie Robinson, Hank Greenberg, and Roberto Clemente

Baseball and Economics - Expansion, relocation, and the financing of ballparks

Labor Wars- Collective Bargaining and the Rise of Free Agency

Steroids, Gambling, Sabermetrics and Moneyball

Women and Baseball- A League of Their Own?

The Closet in the Locker Room - Gay athletes in a macho world

Baseball and Globalization - The game in Latin America and Asia

The Future of the Game - The pros and cons of proposed reforms

Examples he shared in last night's talk included:

...The community impact on Brooklyn and Los Angeles when the Dodgers moved from one location to the other...

...How a copy of Ebony magazine with a photo of Jackie Robinson on its cover somehow made its way to South Africa, where a young fourteen year-old boy saw the picture of a black man in a group photo with his white teammates. This revelation started a new way of thinking for this boy . . . who grew up to help overturn apartheid. We know him as Archbishop Desmond Tutu...

...How Marvin Miller, executive director of Major League Baseball in 1966, broke the reserve clause and made the way for free agency -- a move that proved the strength of collective bargaining and created the powerful baseball players union...

...How the use of economics and statistics has helped smaller market teams be competitive against the baseball giants. This applied science, known as sabermetrics, was featured in the books Moneyball and The Extra 2%...

In short, he relates the sport to the social issues of our time, giving meaning to these historical and significant events through something relatable to his students: baseball. Audience members can tell when a subject is near and dear to a speaker's heart, and this was the case with Professor Wisensale. He is a walking encyclopedia and enthusiastic ambassador of the game, with a knowledge that transcends statistics and the history of player personnel. He appreciates the game as a true reflection of the broader issues facing our country. He loves the game and explores its implications; in our brief introduction last night we could see that love and his true skill as a teacher shine through.

Samples of memorabilia he brought for display include a baseball hat of the Silver Bullets, the last professional women's baseball team; a baseball hat of the Brooklyn Dodgers; a baseball hat of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (located in Kansas City, MO); a baseball hat of the Pittsburgh Crawfords of the Negro Baseball League; the children's book, Teammates by Peter Golenbock, telling the story of Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson; and the children's book, Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki, which tells the story of what baseball meant to children in the Japanese internment camps.

For more information on Professor Wisensale and his course, visit the UConn web site.

Director's College Event - Baseball in the College Classroom

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday, September 26, Dr. Steven Wisensale, Professor of Family Studies at the University of Connecticut, will speak at the Farmington Libraries on how he uses the game of baseball as the primary teaching tool in his new and popular course, “Baseball and Society, Politics, Economics, Race, and Gender.”

Baseball serves as a mirror of American culture over time, reflecting the nation’s strengths and weaknesses, its accomplishments and failures. Or, in the words of Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell, “Baseball is just a game, as simple as a ball and a bat, yet as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. It is a sport, a business and sometimes a religion.” In this lecture, Professor Wisensale will share how he uses the game of baseball to teach his students wide-ranging and challenging lessons on the sport’s history, cultural implications, and influence in areas ranging from race relations to public finance.

“Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball.” This quote from Jacques Barzun hits at the heart of this fall season, where America’s attention will be fixed on the annual baseball play-offs as well as the emotionally-charged national Presidential election. This timely discussion is free and open to the public.

More information on Steven Wisensale can be obtained at his website: http://www.familystudies.uconn.edu/contact/faculty/storrs_faculty_wisensale.html.

Advance registration is required for this program. Please call 860-673-6791 for details or register through the library’s web site at http://www.farmingtonlibraries.org. The event will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the main library at 6 Monteith Drive.

The Farmington Library is part of the Farmington Village Green and Library Association. If you have special needs to attend library programs, contact the library in advance.

Happy Birthday Lily and Odin!

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:16:00 +0000

Each year, the children in The Schultz Family have a birthday party and ask their friends to bring books for presents. After the party, the books are donated to The Farmington Libraries, where eager readers experience the joy of reading. These books are checked out again and again. All of the librarians are most grateful to Townsend, Lily and Odin for sharing their birthday presents with the whole community!

Most recently, Lily turned six and Odin turned four and they visited The Barney Library with their birthday presents. Here they are donating this year's collection. Happy Birthday Lily and Odin from all your friends in Libraryland!

Good Bye Hal. Hal Bright's, Director or Informatiuon Services resignation

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:39:00 +0000

It is with mixed emotions that I announce Hal Bright's, Director or Informatiuon Services resignation effective September 4, 2012 to return to the West and his extended family. Hal has been a tremendous asset to us; forthright and capable in rolling out and developing new strategies and programs to benefit the libraries. It was always fun working with Hal as a partner: on Koha, the webpage, e-books, Boopsie and other projects. Hal’s special sense of humor and kindness to others is a great trait and contagious.

I shall miss Hal; however, I am gratified to know he is going where he needs to be for his family. I can only wish Hal smooth sailing and Godspeed.

Noah Wallace Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:36:00 +0000

A Noah Wallace Fourth Grade was one of the first classes to return their summer reading list. They reward was a trip to The Barney Library for a Book Bingo Game, where they could win paperbacks and cook off with cool pops. In addition to creating a bingo card with their lucky numbers, the group had the opportunity to play a guessing game naming the book described. It was an enjoyable way to spend a gloomy rainy day and the prospect of winning a paperback book delighted many!

Playtime On A Rainy Day At Barney

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:29:00 +0000

Tot Time, a program for parents, caregivers and children from birth to age 3 meets every Tuesday morning at The Barney Library, 71 Main Street, Farmington at 9:30 a.m., regardless of rain, snow, sleet or hail. Parents and children look forward to the opportunity to share stories, fingerplays, music, dances and toy time. It's a room full of joyful activity and sunny faces, especially on a dreary, rainy day!

Through The Eyes of an Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:22:00 +0000

During the month of September, The Barney Library, 71 Main Street, Farmington is pleased to host an exhibit of oil paintings done by Katarzyna Bakhshalizadeh. Stop by and see the vibrant colors and expressive artwork of a gifted artist.

Birding 101

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:15:00 +0000

Noted photographer and birder, Chris Fisher, returned to The Barney Library for a Birding 101 presentation. Eighteen people learned the basics of birding and had the opportunity to see close-up photography of some elusive fine feathered friends. After the program, members of the audience
browsed though pictures and books to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

9112001-9112012

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:51:00 +0000

I remember September 11 2001 as vividly as yesterday, clear azure sky and an autumnal nip for punctuation. It was a beautiful day filled with anticipation and yet within a few moments everything began to unravel. The first plane seemed to be OK, just pilot error, but no, this second plane was not an error but clearly intentional suicide and its fall-out was unmistakably about to change everything that was into everything that is not.

As I write this exactly eleven years later, I look to the clear blue and wonder how those who lost their lives and their families are today? I hope they are healed and able to enjoy this lovely Fall day without the ghosts of the past yet, you see, I rode the train with a few who worked in Building One whom I would occasionally see from afar or give a wave. And, those ghosts are with me now and I can see them smile which gives me strength and belief in the future. I hope we will never forget and always keep those who passed with us in memorial and in spirit.

Friends of the Farmington Library Announce their Fall Book Sales

noreply@blogger.com (Irene) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 01:03:00 +0000

The Friends are excited to announce their fall book sales! There will be books, bargains and treasures for everyone!

October 13 9-2:30 ‘Kids & Cookbooks’. This sale will feature our largest collection of children’s books (for all ages, infant to teen) and finest cookbooks that we have ever sold at this fall sale. We will also include CD’s, DVD’s, Books on CD, puzzles, children’s holiday books, adult trade paperbacks (fiction), greeting cards plus a large collection in Chinese of books, CD’s & DVD’s.

November 17 9-2:30 “Nearly New & Older Treasures” This sale, as always, will include a wonderful collection of like-new books suitable for holiday gift-giving. And, because of some terrific donations this year, will also include current hardcover fiction & non-fiction, large print books, holiday books, gift books and greeting cards, CD’s, DVD’s & puzzles for adults and children. New to this sale with be a large collection of LP record albums & vintage books. Also we will have 2 special collections of books on aircraft (including WWI & WWII) and art techniques.

Purchases must be by cash or check.

The Friends also welcome book donations throughout the year. We do not accept magazines, textbooks or musty & mildewed books. Tax donation letters are available upon request.

September Art Exhibit @ the Main Library

Farmington Libraries since 1901 — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 09:34:00 +0000

In September 2012, the Farmington Libraries will host the artwork of Constance Patterson. The show will exhibit her newest pieces and range in subject to include landscapes, portraits, and abstracts. On September 8 there will be a reception from 1 – 4 pm, where art lovers can come view the show and meet the artist. During the reception she will display a number of small sculptures for the first time. They will be there for the reception only, as there is no place to have them permanently shown for the course of the show.

All pieces on display in the show will be available for purchase.

Constance Patterson is a Connecticut artist and designer who divides her time between a successful interior design business and her original, creative artistic endeavors which include oil painting, drawing, working with oil pastels, and watercolors. She has a degree in Art and Art History from Beloit College in Wisconsin, as well as a Masters degree in Information Science from Syracuse University (New York) and an Interior Design Degree from The Inchbald School in London England. Her work is represented in several private collections.

For more information about Constance Patterson and her work, visit her web site: http://www.cpdsgn.com/about.html

The show will run from September 1 - 30, 2012. As there are other programs that take place in this room, please consult the library schedule before viewing the gallery.

The Barney Carnival of Fun: A Last Hurrah to Days of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:17:00 +0000

Seventy-eight people celebrated the end of summer with The Barney Library Carnival of Fun in The Hoppin Gallery. Booths were set up that included: face painting, feed the clown, fishing for prizes, tattoos, shaker decorating, clown heads and the cool pop walk. It was great fun for everyone!

Counting Sheep

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 22:40:00 +0000

After a "Counting Sheep" story hour where she heard about what sheep count to fall asleep, one young lady ventured to the playroom with her sheep in hand and tried the same routine on the residents of the playhouse. Presto! In no time at all , the inhabitants of the playhouse were sound asleep! Sweet Dreams!

A New Life For An Old Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 22:32:00 +0000

Thanks to the creativity and expertise of Barney Library Assistant Susan Porter, the "Feed The Clown" game will continue to delight children at The Barney Library. After ten years of wear and tear, the poor clown had taken a beating in a beanbag game where children try to hit the clown's mouth for prizes. Susan gave the clown new life! Thank you, Susan!

Last Book Buddies of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:40:00 +0000

Thank you to all of our teen volunteers for making Book Buddies such a wonderful program this summer! You were all fantastic!! Below you will see pictures of our last project together, which was a giant cookie puzzle. Each child and teen had to decorate a sugar cookie with part of the Dream Big summer reading design.

Faux Stained Glass Jars

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:48:00 +0000

Nice job ladies. These look wonderful!

Making Dreamcatchers

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:41:00 +0000

The teen craft this week was making dreamcatchers.

September 26th is the day to travel to the Big Apple

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 18:41:00 +0000

September 26 - New York City Bus Trip

The Wednesday, September 26th bus will leave the Main Library, 6 Monteith Drive, parking lot at 7:30 am sharp returning from the west side of 7th avenue between 52nd and 53 Street at 6:30 pm sharp. This is a point directly across from the Sheraton Towers Hotel. I anticipate an approximate 9:00 pm Farmington arrival. The bus will drop people off at: 5th Avenue in the eighties, Rockefeller Center, 42and St for twofers and on Canal Street and Battery Park for a ferry ride. So, if you are in the mood for a museum visit, walk in the city, special lunch or diner, Broadway show matinee, shopping, walking over the upper level of the Brooklyn Bridge, having dim sum in China Town, Walking on the new addition to the High Line park or just people watching . Or you might just go to DUMBO by crossing the Brooklyn Bridge as suggested below:

Plan to spend at least an hour in each direction, so there’s time to stop and look.
Bring your street smarts: Go during daylight hours, or any evening when there are lots of other pedestrians.
Wear comfortable shoes, and not high heels. (The planks of wood will catch small heels).
Realize that it’s a 1.3 mile walk, perhaps longer than you (or your children) expected.
Take a moment to get a photograph of the Manhattan skyline.
Stay in the pedestrian lane.
Pay attention to all the other traffic, such as bikes, that have their own lanes.

Once over the Bridge, you will want to see Jane's Carousel http://janescarousel.com/ for a fabulous look at the city from an historic 1922 vintage carousel. At any rate, September 26th is the day to travel to the Big Apple. Please call Mary Beth or Bernie in the Library office for the price and more details. 860-673-6791.

Payments of $35 need to be received by Administration by August 31, 2012. No seat will be held without payment.

Book Buddies Week 2

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 20:44:00 +0000

For the third year in a row Farmington teens have volunteered to be paired up with children going into grades K through 3 to foster a love of reading in the children and to help them practice their reading skills. Here are some pictures from this morning's program.

Reading with the Community Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:20:00 +0000

Farmington Fire Marshal, Michael Gulino was our special guest reader.

Join us Wednesday evening, August 1st at 7pm to hear stories with Dr. Tanya Battiston from Star Meadow Animal Clinic about being a Veterinarian.

and then again on Wednesday, August 15th at 7pm to hear stories read by Deb from Rita's about making ice cream.

Science : Sink or swim?

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:33:00 +0000

Children and Miss Eva experimented with objects that floated or sank.

It took 52 pennies to sink the boat.

Super Smash Bro.'s Brawl Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:02:00 +0000

SUMMER LEARNING ACADEMY VISITS THE LIBRARY

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 23:34:00 +0000

THE FARMINGTON SUMMER LEARNING ACADEMY

GRADES 5 AND 6 VISIT THE LIBRARY

Tucker Time in the Summer Time

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:25:00 +0000

Sign up to read to Tucker

on Saturday, August 25th from 9:30 - 11:30 am

Call the Library at 860-673-6791 to scheduled an appointment

The Teen Store

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:12:00 +0000

This summer all Farmington teens are encouraged to register in the teen online summer reading challenge. Everyone who registers will receive an entry into the grand prize drawing for a Kindle Fire and they will be able to track the number of pages they read this summer in order to earn book bucks. Teens can then use their book bucks to "buy" items from the Teen Store.

Kids Enjoying Healthyville

noreply@blogger.com (Farmington Libraries since 1901) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:49:00 +0000

Stepping Stones Museum for Children Presents

HealthyVille Mini Exhibit