Events

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Luncheon & Lecture (In-Person)

Wednesday, May 22

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

REGISTRATION COMING SOON

Fine Wine or Sour Grapes? Let’s Talk About Aging (In-person)

Thursday, May 23

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Registration Required Below Co-sponsored by Redding's Commission on Aging "Aging is an extraordinary process whereby you become the person you always should have been," David Bowie Aging happens... so let’s talk about it! Join a new, informal discussion group as we talk, listen, learn — and figure out how to turn sour grapes into fine wine. The conversation will be facilitated by Redding residents Jean Rexford and Kathleen Brandt. The group will meet at the Library the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Potential topics will include maintaining relevancy, resiliency, dealing with ageism, acceptance and compassion. Spring Meeting Dates: March 28, April 11, April 25, May 9, May 23, June 13 and June 27. Our Facilitators Jean Rexford — Jean started the Connecticut Center for Patient Safety in 2005 to promote patient safety, improve the quality of health care and protect patient rights.  Jean is a former member of the Connecticut Medical Examining Board and Redding's Commission on Aging. Kathleen Brandt — Kathleen is vice chairman of the Redding's Commission on Aging. After nearly two decades working as a registered nurse, she became an attorney in 1996, specializing in patient advocacy litigation.

Build Your Own U.S. History Book! (Grades 5-8) OFFSITE PROGRAM AT JOHN READ MIDDLE SCHOOL

Friday, May 24

8:00 am - 8:50 am

Please register below. This program will be held before school at John Read Middle School. Come enjoy snacks and test your knowledge of U.S. History at John Read Middle School (486 Redding Road) with an interactive and fun test-your-knowledge program using a beautiful Build-Your-Own-History sticker book to take home with you. This collaborative activity will really get your mind moving! You do not need to be a student at John Read Middle School to participate in this program. Program contact: Sarah Zimmermann (sarah@marktwainlibrary.org), Teen and Reference Librarian Co-sponsored by John Read Middle School/JRMS PTA    

Classics Book Club: ‘Winesburg, Ohio’ (In-Person)

Friday, May 24

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Registration Required Below This group is led by MTL's bibliophile extraordinaire,  Catherine Riordan. Catherine taught literature at the college level for many years, and shares her contagious enthusiasm for the classics. The group reads and discusses titles of all time periods, including modern works. Copies of the latest book will be available at the Library's front desk. The Classics Book Club meets in person at the Library. This Month: May 24 — Sherwood Anderson, Winesburg, Ohio 1919 UPCOMING DATES & SELECTIONS:

June 28 — Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye 1970

Click Here to View Recent Classic Book Selections  

MTL Youth Chess Club (Recommended for Grades 4-8) IN PERSON Program

Monday, May 27

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Registration recommended; drop-ins welcome. We invite young chess players and chess enthusiasts to participate in our newly launched Youth Chess Club. No prior chess knowledge is required; all levels of experience are welcome to participate! The library will provide chess boards and pieces for all to use. While this program is recommended for grade 5-8, older teen players are welcome too! About our facilitator: Matthew Shirvell (aka Coach Matt) is an avid chess player who has been teaching chess in Connecticut for over 6 years. He has competed in USCF tournaments across the country, worked as a tournament director to run some of the largest events in the state, and has helped his students reach their goals.  Recently, in January 2023, one of his students earned sole 1st place in a USCF event with a perfect score! The club will meet every Monday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. except on holidays or as otherwise noted. Program contact: Sarah Zimmermann (sarah@marktwainlibrary.org), Teen and Reference Librarian

Creative Collective Discussion Group: “The Creative Act” (Virtual)

Tuesday, May 28

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Registration is closed for this session.  Please join us for our next session in June. 

Jazz Journeys with David Morgan (In-Person)

Tuesday, May 28

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Registration Required Below Embark on a soulful journey of enchanting melodies and smooth rhythms with David Morgan, a Redding resident and accomplished jazz pianist. During one afternoon a month through May, the Library's Mark Twain Room will be transformed into a musical haven, as David treats neighbors to "Jazz Journeys" – an immersive experience designed to demonstrate how jazz conveys soul-stirring emotions. During this free and live performance, Morgan will guide his audience through a wide selection of classic and contemporary jazz, performing scores from  Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis. He'll also play compositions representing a wide variety of jazz styles. Audience interaction will be part of the program. Morgan hopes to help people gain an understanding of the music and how jazz communicates. "I want to pull back the veil of mystery surrounding jazz," said Morgan, who is also a singer, songwriter, producer and educator. Jazz Journeys Concert Dates Tuesdays at 11 am in the Library's upstairs Mark Twain Room January 30 February 27 March 26 April 16 May 28 About Our Performer David Morgan has been a professional musician, producer, musical director and educator for 30 years.  He is a world-class piano player, and has performed and toured worldwide with well-known national and international artists such as actress/singer Jane Lynch,  Neshama Carlebach, and his own Jazz Trio.  David has also performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis, Wes Anderson and Grammy/Emmy-nominated singer/songwriter, Peter Himmelman. ​David writes music for CBS Sports, Discovery, A&E, MTV,  and TV shows including 'Pawn Stars', 'Little Women' and 'Catfish'.  He also produces recordings for other artists in his own studio. A graduate from The University of New Orleans with a BA in Jazz Studies under the direction of Ellis Marsalis, David now focuses his attention to The Music Shed in Redding, where he shares his love of music with musicians of all ages.

Midday Recharge: A Meditation Series (Virtual)

Tuesday, May 28

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

Registration Required Below

A changing season is a time for renewal and considering different points of view.

Join popular meditation instructor Alexa Owen virtually for this 8-week series to cultivate ease and growth. Each 30-minute session will include a short introduction to a contemplative topic, a 15-minute guided practice, and time to share reflections and ask questions at the end.

Incorporating a meditation practice into your routine has countless benefits, including decreased stress, lowered blood pressure, increased gratitude and focus, and overall improvement in mood and mindset. You’ll learn foundational practices that facilitate ease and wellbeing not only for yourself  but for the loved ones with whom you share your space and energy as well. Sessions are designed to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to engage fully in the rest of your day and week.

Recommended for adults and high school students. Register once to receive reminders for the full 8-week series, or drop-in using the direct link below.  Registered participants will receive an reminder and link the day of the program.  Include your cell number on the registration form to receive one text reminder. CLICK HERE FOR ZOOM MEETING Password: recharge Dates: Tuesdays at noon About our presenter: Alexa Owen is a meditation faculty member at Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science, as well as a graduate of the Contemplative Psychotherapy Program and teacher training in Compassion-Based Resilience Training (CBRT). She has delivered workshops on wellness and contemplative science at libraries, high schools, and universities; created mindfulness training content for values-driven organizations; and guided meditation through her work with the Anti-Racism Planning Group at Smith College School for Social Work, where she is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree. A certified yoga therapist and inspired student of social science, she is passionate about supporting people in fully embodying their lives through self-awareness, compassion, and flourishing in their intra- and interpersonal relationships. Alexa grew up in Redding and maintains connections to this special place through family, friends, and continued community offerings. You can learn more at her website: www.alexaowen.com

Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)

Tuesday, May 28

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Meets Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Our popular weekly drop-in knitting circle continues to meets every Tuesday in the Library's Mark Twain Room.  Share your knitting, crochet, and needlepoint project or learn basic techniques like casting on, knit, and purl stitches. Each week brings an opportunity to learn something new and there is always someone who can help with any problem.  

Family Story Time (birth-5)

Wednesday, May 29

10:30 am - 11:10 am

Registration Required It's time for Family Story Time! We'll sing, dance, and read together.  This event is designed for children birth - 5 but interested older siblings are welcome to attend. You only need to signup once for all the Family Story Time sessions. It is okay to miss sessions. Questions, please email Lisa at Lisa@marktwainlibrary.org Photos & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.

Sit to Be Fit: A Chair Yoga Series with Viki (Virtual)

Thursday, May 30

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

Please note the new start time of 12:30 pm. Registration Required Below Want to free yourself from tension and stress? Lose weight? Build strength and flexibility? Then it’s time to get moving! Move in and around the chair in this yoga fusion class. The best of both worlds, Viki combines breathing and mindfulness with functional fitness moves that will energize you for the day. Take a midday break and join us for this 8 week series designed for all levels, including beginners.  You might think of Chair Yoga as slow and tedious, but this class is fun, challenging, lively, stimulating and empowering!  If you have a strap, belt or towel have it handy. 8 Thursday Sessions: February 1 February 15 March 7 March 28 April 4 April 18 May 16 May 30 Register once and receive reminders before each of the 8 sessions, or drop-in using the direct zoom link below.  Registered participants will receive an reminder and link the day of the program.  Include your cell phone number on the registration form and you will also receive one text reminder, with link, 15-30 minutes before the program begins. CLICK HERE FOR ZOOM LINK Password: Yoga About our instructor: Viki Boyko teaches yoga and functional movement online and in theTristate area. Classes welcome all levels, including beginner. She is 500hr yoga certified, a Franklin Method educator, Hanna Somatics educator, Movement for seniors specialist and Pelvic Floor Health Coach.  To learn more about Viki visit her website www.vikiboyko.com.  

Adult Chess Club (In-person)

Monday, June 3

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Registration Recommended, See Below We invite all adult chess players and chess enthusiasts to participate in our newly launched, weekly Adult Chess Club. No prior chess knowledge is required; all levels of experience are welcome to participate! The library will provide chess boards and pieces for all to use. As space is limited, we recommend participants register for each program that they plan to attend. About our facilitator: Matthew Shirvell (aka Coach Matt) is an avid chess player who has been teaching chess in Connecticut for over 6 years. He has competed in USCF tournaments across the country, worked as a tournament director to run some of the largest events in the state, and has helped his students reach their goals.  Recently, in January 2023, one of his students earned sole 1st place in a USCF event with a perfect score!    

Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)

Tuesday, June 4

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Meets Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Our popular weekly drop-in knitting circle continues to meets every Tuesday in the Library's Mark Twain Room.  Share your knitting, crochet, and needlepoint project or learn basic techniques like casting on, knit, and purl stitches. Each week brings an opportunity to learn something new and there is always someone who can help with any problem.  

MTL Writers’ Group (Virtual)

Monday, June 10

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Registration Required Below The Mark Twain Library's Writers' Group meets via Zoom on the second and fourth Monday of the month. In this session the group will  be reading and discussing Write Your Novel From The Middle by James Scott Bell In addition to reading books on writing craft, the group's mission is to provide a supportive environment for those looking to share their love of writing with others. The group also serves as a potential source of accountability and feedback for ongoing writing projects. Facilitation of the group will be shared by group members. Prior to attending, it is recommended that group members obtain their own copy of Write Your Novel From The Middle by James Scott Bell Click Here to attend Zoom Meeting (For registered participants only) Password: Write

Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)

Tuesday, June 11

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Meets Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Our popular weekly drop-in knitting circle continues to meets every Tuesday in the Library's Mark Twain Room.  Share your knitting, crochet, and needlepoint project or learn basic techniques like casting on, knit, and purl stitches. Each week brings an opportunity to learn something new and there is always someone who can help with any problem.  

Women and Money Roundtable: How to Make Sense of Today’s Financial Markets (Virtual)

Wednesday, June 12

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Registration Required Below  The Women and Money Roundtable is a monthly financial program created to empower and educate women on financial matters that impact their families and themselves.   Join Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone virtually as they lead a lively and informative discussion on how to make sense of today’s financial markets. The Women and Money Roundtable series will meet throughout the spring.  Please register for each session separately. April 10 May 8 June 12 - CLICK HERE to register Registered participants will receive a Webinar link on the day of the program. Include your cell phone number on the registration form and receive one text reminder, with link before the program begins. About the Speakers: Julia Strayer, CPWA®, CIMA®, CRPC® Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor Prior to joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2000, Julia was a vice president and private banker for BankBoston’s Private Bank for 7 years, responsible for asset management and trust services. Previously, Julia worked in marketing for 9 years with Merrill. Julia has a BA from Ohio State University and an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. Julia has appeared on the CNBC show “Power Lunch,” CBS “This Morning,” WGCH’s “Women in Business,” in addition to featured articles in USA Today.   Liz Maccarone, CRPC® Senior Financial Advisor Liz joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2012. Liz works closely with high-net-worth individuals and their families to create personalized and comprehensive strategies that support their goals, including investment management, retirement planning, liability management, and multigenerational planning. Liz values the importance of establishing and cultivating relationships with families including the next generation.  Liz graduated from Fairfield University with a dual bachelor’s degree in Finance and Marketing. She began her career working at a boutique investment firm as a Business Development Associate, specializing in commodities and futures trading. This program is sponsored in partnership by the presenters and libraries in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.

Fine Wine or Sour Grapes? Let’s Talk About Aging (In-person)

Thursday, June 13

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Registration Required Below Co-sponsored by Redding's Commission on Aging "Aging is an extraordinary process whereby you become the person you always should have been," David Bowie Aging happens... so let’s talk about it! Join a new, informal discussion group as we talk, listen, learn — and figure out how to turn sour grapes into fine wine. The conversation will be facilitated by Redding residents Jean Rexford and Kathleen Brandt. The group will meet at the Library the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Potential topics will include maintaining relevancy, resiliency, dealing with ageism, acceptance and compassion. Spring Meeting Dates: March 28, April 11, April 25, May 9, May 23, June 13 and June 27. Our Facilitators Jean Rexford — Jean started the Connecticut Center for Patient Safety in 2005 to promote patient safety, improve the quality of health care and protect patient rights.  Jean is a former member of the Connecticut Medical Examining Board and Redding's Commission on Aging. Kathleen Brandt — Kathleen is vice chairman of the Redding's Commission on Aging. After nearly two decades working as a registered nurse, she became an attorney in 1996, specializing in patient advocacy litigation.

Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)

Tuesday, June 18

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Meets Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Our popular weekly drop-in knitting circle continues to meets every Tuesday in the Library's Mark Twain Room.  Share your knitting, crochet, and needlepoint project or learn basic techniques like casting on, knit, and purl stitches. Each week brings an opportunity to learn something new and there is always someone who can help with any problem.  

MTL Writers’ Group (Virtual)

Monday, June 24

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Registration Required Below The Mark Twain Library's Writers' Group meets via Zoom on the second and fourth Monday of the month. In this session the group will  be reading and discussing Write Your Novel From The Middle by James Scott Bell In addition to reading books on writing craft, the group's mission is to provide a supportive environment for those looking to share their love of writing with others. The group also serves as a potential source of accountability and feedback for ongoing writing projects. Facilitation of the group will be shared by group members. Prior to attending, it is recommended that group members obtain their own copy of Write Your Novel From The Middle by James Scott Bell Click Here to attend Zoom Meeting (For registered participants only) Password: Write

Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)

Tuesday, June 25

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Meets Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Our popular weekly drop-in knitting circle continues to meets every Tuesday in the Library's Mark Twain Room.  Share your knitting, crochet, and needlepoint project or learn basic techniques like casting on, knit, and purl stitches. Each week brings an opportunity to learn something new and there is always someone who can help with any problem.