Events

Family Story Time (birth-5)

Wednesday, January 22

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.

Nature Book Club — ‘The Soul of the Octopus’ (Off-Site)

Wednesday, January 22

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

LOCATION: New Pond Farm Education Center Created in partnership with New Pond Farm Education Center and Redding Land Trust Join us to celebrate the seasons! Delve more deeply into nature, ecology and wildlife with a new bookclub focusing on science, conservation and natural history. Whether you're an avid birder, a devoted gardener or an enthusiastic weekend hiker, you'll expand your understanding of the world around us while also meeting folks who share a devotion to our planet! The Nature Book Club is moderated by Marjorie Derven, and John McLeran of the Redding Land Trust. This bookclub will meet for four sessions on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm at New Pond Farm Education Center, 101 Marchant Road, Redding. Books will be available to borrow at the Library. Space is limited, so please register early!

BOOKSTERS

Wednesday, January 22

3:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Are you a third grader who loves to read? Then we invite you to join the BOOKSTERS! This is the Mark Twain Library's NEW book discussion group for children in the third grade. We will meet once a month on a Wednesday to talk about books we've read recently that we liked (or maybe we didn't...), browse new books in the library's chapter book collection, snack on chips and cookies - and if we have time, watch a short book-based video. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 22nd at 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM If you would like to join Booksters, please register below.  (REGISTRATION IS LIMITED) Please contact Mary at mary@marktwainlibrary.org with any questions.

We’re In This Together: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Teens (In-Person)

Wednesday, January 22

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE

Registration Required Below Let’s work to empower the next generation — starting with better conversations! Join us for an insightful workshop designed to help parents, caregivers and educators build stronger connections with teens. In this interactive program, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Leslie Cohen-Rubury,  and John Read Middle School Principal Jennifer Desamarais, will discuss strategies and tools to help handle tough conversations with teens. Topics will include :

• Understanding teen brain development
• Proven techniques to foster open and honest dialogue
• Tips for effectively communicating with your teen

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or mentor, you’ll learn tools to guide you when tackling even the toughest topics. About Our Speakers   Leslie Cohen-Rubury has been a licensed clinical social worker for over 39 years and has a home-office private practice in  Redding. Her early work in Special Education also provided Leslie with a unique knowledge base and educational point of view to understand children and the school system. Leslie is also the host of the popular podcast "Is My Child A Monster? A Parenting Therapy Podcast."         Jennifer Desamarais started her teaching career in 1989, teaching social studies to 8th graders at John Read Middle School. In 1999, she moved to Joel Barlow to teach history and coach. During her twenty-plus years at Barlow, Jen served in various leadership positions. She returned to John Read in 2022 to become its principal.        

History Book Club — ‘Into Siberia’ (In-Person)

Wednesday, January 22

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Registration Required Below Interested in history? This book club is for you! Led by members of the Library's Programming Committee, this book club selects engaging history reads and meets regularly for lively and engaging discussions. Copies of the latest book will be available to borrow at the Library. Upcoming Meetings: February 19 — The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larsen March 19 — The Power Broker by Robert A. Caro Click Here To View Recent History Book Club Selections.

Birth- 24 Months Story Time (6-Week Session)

Thursday, January 23

9:30 am - 10:00 am

Our youngest patrons and their caregivers will play and get to know other caregivers with same-age children. Together we will enjoy music and stories through singing, movement games, finger plays, nursery rhymes, and books. Older siblings are welcome to join us but the program will be geared toward babies and toddlers. Meets 9:30am on Thursday, Jan 9, Jan 16, Jan 23, Jan 30, Feb 6 and Feb 13. REGISTRATION REQUIRED; space is limited Space is limited; please register only if you intend to attend most or all of the 6 sessions.

2-Year-Old Story Time (6-Week Session)

Thursday, January 23

10:30 am - 11:00 am

During our 2s Story Time, children 24-36 months and their caregivers will learn and play together. Each week we will explore music and stories through songs, movement games, rhythm instruments, flannel boards, and books. Older and younger siblings are welcome to join us but the program will be aimed at 2-year-olds. Meets 10:30am on Thursday, Jan 9, Jan 16, Jan 23, Jan 30, Feb 6 and Feb 13. Please register only if you intend to attend most or all of the 6 sessions. REGISTRATION REQUIRED; space is limited

3 & 4-Year-Old Story Time (6-Week Session)

Thursday, January 23

1:30 pm - 2:10 pm

This is an energetic and interactive 40-minute program for independent 3-and-4 year-olds since they will attend story time without their caregiver.  We will share books, music, movement, stories, and crafts. 3 & 4-Year-Old Story Time meets once a week for 6 weeks. Please register only if you intend for your child to attend most or all of the 6 sessions. Registering once automatically enrolls you for all 6 sessions. Meets 1:30pm Thursday, Jan 9, Jan 16, Jan 23, Jan 30, Feb 6 and Feb 13. Photos & videos from this event may be posted on the Library's social media sites.

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

Thursday, January 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. Potential topics will include maintaining relevancy, resiliency, dealing with ageism, acceptance and compassion. 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. Winter Meeting Dates: January 9 & 23, February 13 & 27, March 13 & 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.

Notes on Modern Irrationality with Bestselling Author Amanda Montell (Virtual)

Thursday, January 23

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Join us as we chat with the New York Times bestselling author, Amanda Montell about her newest book, The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality. For more information and to register click here.

DIY Bird Feeders

Thursday, January 23

4:15 pm - 5:30 pm

Birds, birds, everywhere! You will be making your own bird feeders to bring home for your flying backyard friends to enjoy.  Registration is required. (5th grade+)

Wildlife Awareness 101: With Woodcock Nature Center (In-Person)

Thursday, January 23

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Registration Required Below Have you ever wondered if the fox in your backyard is dangerous? Is it a coyote or a wolf? What about the loud animal screaming you heard at night? Woodcock Nature Center is here to answer your questions with Animal Curator, Jennifer Bradshaw and Christine Peyreigne licensed wildlife rehabilitator and owner of Christine’s Critters in Weston. The team will educate the community on how to co-exist with wildlife, how to properly handle situations with injured wildlife and who to contact  for all wildlife and animal-related scenarios. Topics will also include wildlife rehab, common animals in Connecticut, and who/when to call for help. There will also be animal mounts, furs, and LIVE animals!  

Classics Book Club: ‘Jane Eyre’ (In-Person)

Friday, January 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. Upcoming Discussions:  Click Here to View Recent Classic Book Selections  

Friday Games – The Logo Game

Friday, January 24

4:00 pm - 4:45 pm

Can you guess the brand? Tonight’s game night will be the Logo Game! We will play teams to identify popular products and slogans while moving around the game board.  Registration is required.  (5th grade+)

2025 Book Buzz! Meet Local Authors (In-Person)

Saturday, January 25

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

No Registration Required -- Just Drop In! Refreshments Served. In the spirit of Redding's most famous author and in support of the trend encouraging communities to eat and shop locally, the Mark Twain Library is hosting an event to encourage patrons to Read Local! On Saturday, January 25 (Snow Date: Feb. 1st), during its busiest hours from 11 am to 2 pm, the Library will hold a Local Author Book Buzz — an opportunity to meet local authors, find out about their work, ask questions and get inspired! Tables will be set up in the Library's rotunda, where authors will display and sell their books. Live readings will take place during the Book Buzz and our MC will be Carolyn Prusa, a Redding resident and good friend of the Mark Twain Library, whose debut novel None of This Would Have Happened if Prince Were Alive was published by Simon & Schuster in 2022. Carolyn will introduce each author before the reading and give patrons a quick overview of each book. This event is co-sponsored by the MTL's Writers' Group, which meets twice a month to talk about the writing process, finding inspiration and getting published. Our MC Carolyn Prusa is a Redding resident and published author. Her most recent book, None of This Would Have Happened if Prince Were Alive, has been called "wry, charming and all too real..." The story centers on Ramona, a woman dealing with a bratty boss, a toddler teetering through toilet training, a critical mother and oops! turns out her husband has been cheating. Prusa has written for Savannah Magazine, the Charlotte Observer and other publications.  

     

All About Mark Twain with RES 4th Grader Michael Patrick (Grades K-4) register and take bus from RES

Monday, January 27

3:15 pm - 4:00 pm

Learn all about Mark Twain, our library's beloved founder and Redding's most famous resident this Monday at the Mark Twain Library! Michael Patrick, an RES 4th grader, will be presenting. Snacks provided. Children who sign up for this program can take RES Bus 22 from RES to MTL; Miss Lisa will meet them when they get off the bus. To take the bus you must:

1. Fill out the RES dismissal form and indicate they are going to this program at MTL
2. Register below for this program and indicate that your child will take the bus

Photos & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media events. REGISTER BELOW

Adult Chess Club (In-Person)

Monday, January 27

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!

MTL Writers’ Group (Virtual)

Monday, January 27

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 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

Creative Collective Discussion Group: “Free Play” (Virtual)

Tuesday, January 28

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Registration Required Below

An Inside Look at Working with a Literary Agent: A Conversation with Seth Fishman (Virtual)

Tuesday, January 28

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

You’re writing a book (or thinking about it), but what happens next? Join us for an inside look into working with an agent and the beginning stages of the publishing process with Seth Fishman, Vice President and Literary Agent at The Gernert Company. For more information and to register click here.