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Events
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.
Family Story Time (birth-5)
Wednesday, June 19
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.
Cartooning Workshop: Let’s Draw Bugs! With Award-Winning Cartoonist, Rick Stromoski (Teens and Adults; Grades 5 and Up) ZOOM Program
Friday, June 21
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Please register below to receive a Zoom link the day of the program. Join award-winning cartoonist Rick Stromoski, creator of the new Middle Grade Graphic Novel series, Schnozzer & Tatertoes, for a fun, virtual drawing program! During this workshop, participants will learn to draw beetles, bugs, creepy crawlies, and a bunch of other funny cartoon insects. No drawing experience is required to participate in and enjoy this program. This program is recommended for grades 5 and up. Program contact: Sarah Zimmermann (sarah@marktwainlibrary.org), Teen and Reference Librarian
June Weekend Family Story Time (birth-5 & siblings)
Saturday, June 22
10:30 am - 11:10 am
This 40 - minute program is designed as fun for children birth - 5 (older siblings are welcome to attend but the focus is on ages birth-5)! Each session begins with 15 minutes of free play when children and their caregivers can play, chat, and interact with other families. Then, we sing, dance, and read together. Perfect for both working parents and families who attend during the week. Photos & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.
Teen Flashlight Walk at Topstone Park (Grades 5-12)
Saturday, June 22
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Registration required below. Celebrate the beginning of summer with a fun summer walk at Topstone Park. We'll make s'mores, too! Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight. Co-sponsored by the Redding Department of Parks and Recreation.
Checkout Chat & Chew (All Ages)
Monday, June 24
9:30 am - 10:30 am
The Mark Twain Library's Family Checkout Chat & Chew is a relaxing way to start your summer week with breakfast, friends, toys and books. We'll start the morning with bagels and donuts. Then adults and children will hangout, play, and browse for their next great summer read. REGISTER BELOW Please register separately on each individual date you will attend Checkout Chat & Chew so we can plan how many bagels to buy. Photos & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.
Build-It (All Ages)
Monday, June 24
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join us at the Mark Twain Library for Summer Build-It! It's an hour of building and free play with our amazing toys such as Legos, Marble runs, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, Duplos, Playmobil 123 and more! We'll end each session gathered together for a read aloud. Registration required Photos and videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.
Teen Summer Reading Kickoff Party with Treats, Prizes, and Photo Station! (Grades 5-12)
Monday, June 24
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Registration requested below. Calling all teen readers! Celebrate the start of summer with fun maker activities, treats, and registration prizes (while supplies last!). We'll also have a summer reading photo station with fun props where you can print out your own pictures. Program contact: Sarah Zimmermann (sarah@marktwainlibrary.org), Teen and Reference Librarian
MTL Youth Chess Club (Recommended for Grades 4-8) IN PERSON Program
Monday, June 24
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
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.
Wizards Wands and Marauder’s Maps: Harry Potter Robotics Workshop (Recommended for Grades 5-8)
Tuesday, June 25
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Registration required below. Please sign up for each workshop that you plan to attend. You won’t need the floo network to participate in this summer's Harry Potter-themed robotics workshops! You can’t be a wizard without a wand! Join us at the library on June 25th to make your own wand - and what is so special about this one is that it will make your very own marauders map appear! No prior experience is required to participate in the library's robotics programs. Registration is limited to 10 participants. Upcoming workshops: June 26: Monster Book of Monsters June 30: Potions Class About our workshop leader: Caroline is a certified educator, mom of three, hardcore scientist, and all-around nerd. She received a BA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and an MSc (Masters of Science) from University College London. Her career has included conserving desiccated organic materials (i.e. Egyptian mummies and native American artifacts) for museums (including the British Museum, Brooklyn Museum of Art, and the Museum of New Mexico) and archaeological sites around the world. As the field of robotics has taken off, Caroline has leveraged her unique experience in art and science to develop a unique K-12 robotics program. Through MTL robotics classes, she hopes to inspire and share the possibilities of science, humanities, and technology with students in our community. Program contact: Sarah Zimmermann (sarah@marktwainlibrary.org), Teen and Reference Librarian
Family Story Time (birth-5)
Wednesday, June 26
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.
Make a Monster Book of Monsters: Harry Potter Robotics Workshop (Recommended for Grades 5-8)
Wednesday, June 26
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Registration required below. Please sign up for each workshop that you plan to attend. You won’t need the floo network to participate in this summer's Harry Potter-themed robotics workshops! Every library has a Monster Book of Monsters, and the Mark Twain Library is no different! Join us on June 26th to make your very own Monster Book of Monsters to take home - just watch out because it bites! No prior experience is required to participate in the library's robotics programs. Registration is limited to 10 participants. Upcoming workshop: June 30 - Potions Class About our workshop leader: Caroline is a certified educator, mom of three, hardcore scientist, and all-around nerd. She received a BA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and an MSc (Masters of Science) from University College London. Her career has included conserving desiccated organic materials (i.e. Egyptian mummies and native American artifacts) for museums (including the British Museum, Brooklyn Museum of Art, and the Museum of New Mexico) and archaeological sites around the world. As the field of robotics has taken off, Caroline has leveraged her unique experience in art and science to develop a unique K-12 robotics program. Through MTL robotics classes, she hopes to inspire and share the possibilities of science, humanities, and technology with students in our community. Program contact: Sarah Zimmermann (sarah@marktwainlibrary.org), Teen and Reference Librarian Image credit: "The Monster book of Monsters" by ahisgett is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Travel Tips — Photography Workshop Part I (Virtual)
Wednesday, June 26
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Registration Required Below Learn how to take stunning photos during your summer travels with tips from a professional photographer! We'll discover how to get the most out of our camera or smartphone and document travel experiences with confidence using pro tips and tricks. Discover the essentials of "what, when, where and how" to create photos that really stand out wherever you go. For all skill levels and all cameras/smartphones. Registration is required for this virtual program. Registered participants will receive a Zoom link the day of the program. Provide a cell phone number on the registration form to receive a text reminder. About our Presenter: Deborah Tual is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and worked as a marketing professional before starting a portrait photography studio in Stamford with her husband. She has been very active in the Connecticut Professional Photographers Association as a member, board member, and Executive Manager. As a member of the Professional Photographers of America she earned distinction as a Certified Professional Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, and Approved Business Instructor. After 25+ years photographing families and business professionals in Fairfield County, Deborah created a series of photography classes in a range of photography subjects to share her knowledge, experience and love of photography with others. She supports local education and currently teaches for libraries and continuing education departments in Fairfield and Westchester counties. Click here to register for our second virtual Photography Workshop session on August 14: Portrait Photography. A separate registration is required for each session.
Fine Wine or Sour Grapes? Let’s Talk About Aging (In-person)
Thursday, June 27
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.
OUTDOOR Family Pizza on the Patio!
Thursday, June 27
5:30 pm - 6:15 pm
OUTDOOR PROGRAM (weather permitting) Looking for a break from making dinner evening after a long day of work and and camp?!? Then join us on the new MTL patio for a light pizza picnic and story time! Bring your picnic blankets and your own beverages; we'll supply Toozy Patza cheese pizza, GoGo squeeZ apple sauce, and popsicles. The story time will be focused on children ages 2-8 but all ages are welcome to join. I will definitely need older siblings to help pass out food and popsicles! Registration required; when selecting number of spaces, please include the number of adults and children so I know how much food to order) (email Miss Lisa lisa@marktwainlibrary.org if you have questions about the food)
Classics Book Club: ‘The Bluest Eye’ (In-Person)
Friday, June 28
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:June 28 — Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye 1970
Click Here to View Recent Classic Book Selections
Origami Workshop with Masako (Grades 5-12)
Friday, June 28
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Registration required below. Explore the creative possibilities of origami, the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures. During this workshop, local origami expert Masako Nakamuta-Vigneault will show participants how to create summer-themed origami pieces. No experience necessary to enjoy this program! Registration is limited to 10 participants. Program contact: Sarah Zimmermann, Teen and Reference Librarian Image credit: "Summer window star" by Pictures by Ann is licensed under CC BY 2.0.