Www.meridenlibrary.org June 2016 Meriden Public Library News

Storyteller Rona Levanthal

Storyteller Rona Leventhal fun, engaging and dramatic will capture your imagination fashion. Her performances on Monday, June 20 at 6:30 of multi-cultural tales and pm in the Griffin Room with original stories beautifully her presentation Travelin’ weaving together drama, Shoes: Stories from Near movement, songs, and and Far! She will take you h u m o r , e n c o u r a g i n g around the world and back audience participation, and Summer Hours with her many voices. You creating a joyful sense of creative writing and her work will be dancing, swaying in community! Rona is a in Team Building and group July 2—September 3 your seats, making funny Specialist of Improvisational dynamics and you have a noises, singing, and Theatre and Movement, an multi-faceted Educator! Monday through Thursday: laughing, as she shares Environmental Educator and 9:00 am to 8:30 pm stories from the silly to the a certified Teacher. She has Registration is required. serious, from the mysterious been a Visiting Lecturer/ Tickets are available in the Friday: to the monstrous! Adjunct Faculty with the Children’s library beginning 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Education Departments at Monday, June 6. For over twenty years Rona Columbia and Lesley Saturday and Sunday: Leventhal has gained a Universities and the All ages are welcome. Closed reputation as an exuberant U n i v e r s i t y o f Funding for this program and dynamic performer who Massachusetts. Add to the has been provided by the brings a cornucopia of mix her work in Integrating- Friends of the Library. voices and characters in a the-Arts-into-the-Curriculum, Inside this issue:

Maximize your Social 2 Archaeology in Scotland Security Benefits D o r o t h y f r o m custom of Scotland, one She will Friends Spotlight/ 2 News; Bookstore ScotScholars.com will book lead to another and a share the Specials present the program passion for knowledge information “Archaeology in Scotland” about Scotland’s ancient and experi- Friends Picnic 3 on Saturday, June 4 at 2:00 past took hold. ences she had while re- Summer Reading Challenge pm in the Griffin Room. searching Scotland’s ar- chaeology. Her goal is to To prepare herself to be a HOT Thursday Night 4 Just before the change of encourage more people to Movies fellow of the Society of millennium, Dorothy began become interested in the Antiquaries of Scotland, Regular monthly 5 reading about New Year’s topic and form the first North Dorothy learned the basics library programs customs in various cultures, American group ready to of Scotland’s geography, as it’s probably the only appreciate and follow the Children’s Summer 6 geology, Ordnance Survey Specials universal holiday. After work of archaeologists in m a p r e a d i n g , a n d reading about Hogmanay, Scotland. All are welcome to Children’s Summer 6/7 archaeological techniques. Activities the ancient New Year this free program.

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

Maximize Your Social Security Benefits The AAA Northeast Motor Library. David Cowan, Security benefits. Ages 60- Club will conduct an infor- endorsed AAA retiree 66 will benefit most. For mational workshop for pre- advisor, will discuss how to more information and to retirees and the general n a v i g a t e r e t i r e m e n t register, call 1-800-978- public on Tuesday, June challenges, ways to safe- 7953 or visit 21 at 6:00 pm in the Griffin guard retirement savings www.aaaretire.com. Room at Meriden Public and how to increase Social Friends Spotlight

Gil Alwang’s involvement Since joining the Friends, he book sales. with the Friends of the h a s s e r v e d a s He notes, “Our local library Meriden Library dates Secretary, Vice President does so much, including back to 1984 before it and President of the Board providing meeting spaces even had a bookstore. He (as well as President of the and computer access for has always enjoyed Friends of Connecticut so many. I’m a great reading, even as an Libraries). Additionally he proponent of libraries, and elementary school student has served as Newsletter volunteering with the in Queens (NYC) when he editor for many years, Friends has given me the would frequently walk 10 worked in the sorting room, opportunity to help the blocks to the Glendale assisted with grounds care l i b r a r y a n d t h e Public Library to take out for the library, and helped community.” reading material. setting up for numerous Friends Bookstore Specials

Late spring specials at the for just 50 cents a book so Frank Ridley recently Friends Bookstore include when you are tired out from donated his personal everything in stock on gardening or fixing up your collection of hard cover gardening and fixing up premises, you can sit down, books in pristine condition your home. Many of these relax and enjoy a good to the store. Readers may are large, beautifully read. want to check out the illustrated books with many classics, out-of-print helpful diagrams and Quick read mysteries are books and collections of instructions. All are selling being sold 3 for a $1 and Shakespeare’s plays for half price. we have a great collection included in this lot. of knitting and crocheting Trade fiction is available books for half price. Next Friends Friends of the Library News Meeting Friends of the Meriden group in recognition of Library will receive an the $27,800 donation made The next Friends of the Outstanding Friends of the for a new reference desk Library meeting will be Year Award at the Friends and for sponsoring a bus to held on Tuesday, June o f C o n n e c t i c u t Hartford for the Rally for 21 at 6:30 pm in the Libraries annual meeting Libraries last Spring. Marion Cook Room. on June 11 at Middlesex Community College. Kudos to all who made t h e s e c o n t r i b u t i o n s The Library Board of possible. Trustees nominated our Page 2 June 2016

Friends of the Meriden Library Social

When: Friday, June 17, 2016 at 6:00 pm Where: Meriden Public Library (enter in front door)

Salads, Cold cuts, Beverages Provided. Bring a dessert to share.

Members are free. Guests $5.00

RSVP by June 13 to Karen Roesler 203-630-6352 or [email protected]

Summer Reading Challenge

Get ready for this year's Summer Reading Challenge for teens and adults at Meriden Public Library. Starting June 1st you can use the link on our website (meridenlibrary.org) to setup an account.

Sign up early so you're already to start logging your books June 13th. We will have weekly drawings with prizes from local businesses each Friday through August 19th when we have our grand prize drawing of a Kindle Fire. If you have any questions contact the Information Desk at 203-238-2347. Minecraft Meetup

Are you into Minecraft? Want to meet up with other Minecraft players? Come to our Minecraft Meetup on Thursday, June 30 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm in the Griffin Room. Come play with others in person or virtually on our LION Libraries server. We will have a few com- puters available with Minecraft or you can bring your own. Open to ages 5-17. Sign up not required unless you want to reserve a computer. Not signed up yet for our server? Download the form off our website or get one from the Children's Room or Information Desk. If you have any questions contact Melissa at 203-238-2347 or at [email protected].

Homeschool Interest Panel

Taking those first steps on your homeschooling journey can seem overwhelming. Never fear… you’ve got questions and we hope we have some of the answers. Our panel of real-life homeschoolers, including special guests from the CT Chapter of Na- tional Home Education Legal Defense and from the CT Homeschool Network will an- June 2, 2016 swer your questions about homeschool curricula, philosophies, time management, 6:00 pm state requirements, resources, and more. Light refreshments will be served. Registra- Griffin Room tion requested by calling 203-630-6347 or email [email protected]. Page 3 Meriden Public Library

HOT Thursday Night Movies

Nothing to do on Thursday evenings? Come to the Meriden Public Library and watch a great movie on the big screen. All the movies will begin at 6:00 pm in the Griffin Room. The schedule is:

June 23 – Rocky (with Sylvester Stallone) Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer, gets a supremely rare chance to fight the heavy-weight champion, Apollo Creed, in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.(www.imdb.com)

June 30 – Apollo 13 (with Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon) NASA must devise a strategy to return Apollo 13 to Earth safely after the spacecraft undergoes massive inter- nal damage putting the lives of the three astronauts on board in jeopardy. (www.imdb.com)

July 7 – Jurassic Park (directed by Steven Spielberg) During a preview tour, a theme park suffers a major power breakdown that allows its cloned dinosaur exhibits to run amok. (www.imdb.com)

July 14 – Dead Poets Society (starring Robin Williams) English teacher John Keating inspires his students to look at poetry with a different perspective of authentic knowl- edge and feelings. (www.imdb.com)

July 21 – Purple Rain (starring Prince) A young musician, tormented by an abusive situation at home, must contend with a rival singer, a burgeoning romance, and his own dissatisfied band, as his star begins to rise. (www.imdb.com)

July 28 – Rear Window (starring James Stewart and ) A wheelchair-bound photographer spies on his neighbors from his apartment window and becomes con- vinced one of them has committed murder. (www.imdb.com)

Aug. 4 – Chicago (starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere) Murderesses Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart find themselves on death row together and fight for the fame that will keep them from the gallows in 1920s Chicago. (www.imdb.com)

Aug. 11 – Tootsie (Dustin Hoffman, , Teri Garr) Michael Dorsey, an un- successful actor, disguises himself as a woman in order to get a role on a trashy hospi- tal soap. (www.imdb.com)

Aug. 18 – Stagecoach (John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Andy Devine) A group of people traveling on a stagecoach find their journey complicated by the threat of Geronimo and learn something about each other in the process. (www.imdb.com)

Aug. 25 – Ghost (Patrick Swayze, , ) After an accident leaves a young man dead, his spirit stays behind to warn his lover of impending danger, with the help of a reluctant psychic. (www.imdb.com)

Sep. 1 – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Paul Newman, , Katharine Ross) Two bank/train robbers flee to Bolivia when the law gets too close. (www.imdb.com)

All are welcome. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have questions.

Page 4 June 2016

Free Computer Classes Coloring and Coffee Scrabble Chess Club

Meriden Public Library offers free Friday, June 3 from 12:00 to Wednesday, June computer classes monthly on 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room 22 at 6:30 pm in the Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 to or Monday, June 13 from Seminar Room. 3:00 pm. The schedule for June is: 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Marion Cook Room. Monday, June 13 at Bring your chess June 1 – Basic computers 2:00 pm in the boards. June 8 – Email 1 Pictures, markers and Cook Room June 15 – Email 2 pencils will be available. and All skill levels are June 22 – Job searching Refreshments served. No Monday, June 27 at welcome on the internet registration needed. Just 2:00 pm in the June 29 – Basic computers. stop in. Griffin Room

Class size is limited. To reserve a All are welcome. seat for a class, contact the Information Desk at (203) 238-2346.

Monday Night Classic Book Club Card Duels Are you a fan of anime, manga or just Do you enjoy reading the classics? Do you play Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokemon like Japanese culture? Then come to Join the Meriden Public Library Classic or Magic: The Gathering? Come the next meeting of the Teen Anime Book Club. The book club will meet on and play with your friends at our Club on Friday, June 24th at 2:30 pm Thursday, June 9 at 1:30 pm in the monthly Trading Card Game Night in the Griffin Room. All are welcome Cook Room. on Monday, June 27 from 6 - 7:30 whether you’re an otaku or just pm in the Marion Cook Room. discovering anime and manga. This The book selection for Bring your own deck or learn how program is geared towards 13-18 year June is Power and the to play from one of our members. If olds. Food and drink are provided. If Glory by Graham you have any questions contact you have any questions contact Greene. All are M e l i s s a M e l i s s a welcome. at [email protected] or call at [email protected] or 203-238-2347. call 203-238-2347.

Writer’s Network Are you writing a book? Just getting started or need some encouragement to finish? Join the Writer’s Network at Meriden Public Library. The Writer’s Network invites anyone who is serious about writing fiction or nonfic- tion, wants to learn the process of getting published, or needs support for writing a book proposal or query letter is welcome to attend. The Writer’s Network will meet on Wednesday, June 22 at 7:00 pm in the Griffin Room.

At www.meridenlibrary.org... Children’s Movie  Museum Passes that give you free or reduced admission for many places around the state. Zootopia  Zinio for downloadable magazines

 Overdrive for downloadable books Thursday,  Chilton’s Car Repair that can be accessed on your mobile device June 16  Transparent Language to increase your language skills  Glassdoor Access to find a job 6:15 pm  LearningExpress Library for online tutorials, practice tests and Griffin Room ebooks to help your job search and workplace skills  Connecticut Driver’s Test Free Car and Motorcycle practice tests and Driver’s Handbooks. Page 5

Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, Meriden, CT 06450 (203) 238-2344 FREE FAMILY FUN Big Events Monday June 20 6:30pm Travelin’ Shoes: Stories from Near and Far! •

Skies talk, turtles sing, and magic happens during this storytelling concert. Great family show! All ages. Friday June 24 10:30am Riverside Reptiles • Explore the wonderful world of reptiles and amphibians! Learn more about these amazing creatures and have a chance to pet a lizard, stare into the eyes of a huge toad, and touch a giant python! All ages. Monday June 27 6:30pm Sciencetellers • Throw on your lab coat and buckle in — you are about to experience the science of power and energy through story and several exciting, hands-on experiments. K-5. Friday July 1 10:30am Turtle Dance Music • Turtle Dance Music presents a wonderful, zany, and gentle program that is sure to have children moving and grooving. All ages.

Monday July 4 LIBRARY CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY Tickets Monday, on available June 6 Friday July 8 10:30am Mr. Gym Band • Get ready to rock! (And leap, bend, twist and stomp!) Mr. Gym leads kids in an active and fun program. PreK-3.

Monday July 11 6:30pm Animals! Animals! • Meet a variety of live animals from the

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center and discover similarities and differences between them. All ages. Friday July 15 10:30am Blue Moon Raptors • Come learn about several raptors and the important role they have in our ecosystem. Meet several live birds that have been rescued and rehabilitated. All ages. Monday July 18 6:30pm Flea Circus • Prepare to be amazed! Prepare to be astounded! And, well…prepare to laugh a lot! It’s an entire big top circus In miniature, with incredible demonstrations by trained fleas! Ages 3+ Friday July 22 10:30am Justin Mazz Magic • Witness amazing feats of magic and mystery!

Available on Available Monday, June 27 Lots of audience participation and fun for the whole family! All ages. (Program sponsored by the staff of Roger Sherman Elementary School.) Monday July 25 6:30pm ZUMBA Kids! • Kid-friendly games and movement activities based

on original Zumba® choreography. Come dance along! Ages 4-11. Space is limited. Friday July 29 10:30am The Greg and Axel Show • A totally unique entertainment experience featuring magic, comedy, audience participation and one hilarious dog. You will fall in love with Axel as he performs tricks with Greg the Magician– and maybe causes a little bit of trouble! All ages. Monday August 1 6:30pm Hoopin’ it Up! • Be amazed by cool hula hooping tricks and try these special weighted hoops yourself! All ages. Space is limited. Friday August 5 10:30am Sparky’s Puppets • Cheer the race between the tortoise and

Available on Available Monday, July 11 the hare. Watch Jack's speedy escape from the giant and see more fast-paced adventures! Ages 3+. All programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Meriden Public Library.

OTHER GREAT SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT THE LIBRARY!

Tomie dePaola Children’s Library Meriden Public Library • 105 Miller Street • Meriden, CT 06450 (203) 630-6347 • [email protected] Summer 2016 at the Meriden Public Library

Children’s Author Visit TUESDAYS 10:30 am Terrific 2’s & 3’s w/ caregiver 11:15 am 3-4 years old Thurs, June 23 6:30 pm 2:00 pm Grades 3-4 Cook Room 6:30 pm 2-3 years old w/caregiver

Author Christine Ieronimo was WEDNESDAYS 10:30 am 2-3 years old w/ caregiver inspired to write "A Thirst for Home" after she found her newly adopted 2:00 pm Grades K-2 daughter drinking from a puddle in her family's driveway shortly after 6:30 pm 3-4 years old w/ caregiver moving to the United States from Ethiopia. Christine is passionate THURSDAYS 10:30am Babies and toddlers w/ caregiver about the problems of unclean water that exist there and also advocates for girls education in Ethiopia. All first time participants must show proof of age. Softcover copies of her book will be available for sale. Storytimes will begin the week of June 27. Call for more information.

Tuesdays from 3:00 - 4:30 pm June 21 & 28, July 5, 19, & 26 and August 2 & 9 Summer Griffin Room Crafternoons! When you step into The Lab, you become an inventor, an engineer, and an artist! Thursday afternoons

Create a racing robot and a holographic hovercraft! June 23 to August 11 Learn how to use our 3D printer and make animations! 2:00 pm-8:00 pm Some weeks you’ll work as part of a team, and some weeks you’ll be an independent creator. Come explore technology, Drop-in to create fun and beautiful science, engineering, math and art with us. art projects from a variety of Participants will explore Squishy Circuits, Arduino, different supplies including paper, simple electronics, 3D design and animation. cardboard, clay, and more. Each

Registration required. Open to tweens ages 9-14. week, instructions or ideas for a new Must be able to attend 6 of 7 weeks. arts and crafts will be available. BOREDOM BUSTERS @ THE LIBRARY!

July 1 - August 19 Wednesdays at 11:15 am I Spy Display July 6, 13, 20 & 27 Can you find all the hidden objects? Tomie dePaola Children’s Library July 11 - July 22 Book Review Bonanza Write a book review and share your La hora del cuento es un programa divertido para familias y niños. favorite book with other kids! Leyendo juntos los niños se preparan para ir a la escuela y tener July 25- August 5 éxito. Todos están invitados a celebrar cuentos y juegos divertidos en Picture This! español y en inglés. Habrá refrescos y bocadillos. Draw a portrait of yourself reading!

Receive a free book for Story hour is a fun program for families and children. Reading together participating! helps prepare children for success in school. Everyone is invited to listen to stories in English and Spanish and participate in games and crafts.

Lego Trading Card Grub and Meetup! Club! Pokemon!

Yu-Gi And -oh! Game

more...

Call for more information!

Thursdays 2:00 - 3:00 pm

July 21 & 28 and August 4 Griffin Room Thursdays 4:00 - 6:00 pm June, July, and August Take a break from the heat! Come Tomie dePaola Children’s Room for the refreshing snack, stay for the awesome games! We’ll provide Read to a REAL dog at the library. One-on-one sessions build some board games but feel free confidence. Children will sign up to read with a therapy dog to bring any favorites along. for approximately 15 minutes. Time blocks are limited and registration is required. Open to children in grades K-4. Open to children ages 8 and up.

For more information, or to register, call the Registration requested. Tomie dePaola Children’s Library at 203-630-6347.

Meriden Public Library ● 105 Miller St. Meriden, CT 06450 Phone: (203) 630-6347 ● Website: http://www.meridenlibrary.org