Events

Classics Book Club: ‘The Canterbury Tales’ (In-Person)

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

Adult Chess Club (In-Person)

Monday, March 31

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!

Cozy Flow: A Winter Yoga Journey with Viki (Virtual)

Thursday, April 3

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

Registration Required Below  Looking for a way to stay grounded and rejuvenated this winter? Join us for this popular and inspiring 6-week virtual series with Viki Boyko, an experienced instructor who incorporates mindfulness with functional fitness moves. This series will incorporate modifications to make sessions available for all levels — from beginners to more experienced yogis. For those who need a bit more support, having a strap, belt or towel can help assist with the moves. Embrace the season with warmth, relaxation and mindful movement! Session Dates: Our Instructor: Viki Boyko teaches yoga and functional movement online and in theTristate area. Classes welcome all levels, including beginner. She is 500-hour 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.    

Spring Awakening Hikes- Redding Community Hiking Club (Off-Site)

Saturday, April 5

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Registration Required Below

*Registration will close for this hike on Thursday, April 3 at 4:00 pm

The Redding Community Hiking Club, a collaboration between the Redding Land Trust, the Mark Twain Library and Redding Neighbors & Newcomers returns with a series of winter hikes in our gorgeous open space starting in February.  Many hikes will be led by Redding Land Trust Trail Tenders, who maintain Redding Land Trust preserved properties along with other community members who love the outdoors. Dress for the weather, wear suitable shoes, and enjoy the benefits of nature, outdoor fitness and opportunities to connect with others in our community!  Some of our hikes will be followed up with an optional lunch (separate checks). Details for parking and after-hike lunches will be provided upon registering. Many of our hikes are scheduled for Saturdays (Sunday serves as backup in case of inclement weather). All hikes are classified by difficulty level.  We plan to have hikes at varying levels of challenge. Note: Space is limited, due to parking restrictions and for group safety. Hikes fill up quickly, so register early to attend.

Join us for our April hike on Saturday, April 5 Great Ledge — Redding

This is a challenging hike, for experienced hikers only. Gorgeous views are the reward for steep climbs!

Parking/Gathering Location: To be provided with registration Start Time: Hike will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. — arrive at least 10 minutes early Hike Duration: Approximately 2 hours Hike Difficulty: Difficult - steep climbs Guide: Scott MacMillan and Dylan Keeler, Redding Land Trust Trail Tenders Hiking group size: Limited to 20 Destination Website: https://www.nrvt-trail.com/ Why should you go? Arguably the best views in the area Things to Know Before You Go:  Dress appropriately and review these hiking tips.

Upcoming Hike:

May 17, 11:00 am-12:30 pm: Rock Lot By registering for this event you give permission to the Mark Twain Library to share your contact information with the Redding Land Trust, our co-sponsor for this event. *Registration will close for this hike on Thursday, April 3 at 4:00 pm.

MTL Writers’ Group (Virtual)

Monday, April 7

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

Great Decissions: Foreign Policy Discussion Group (In-Person)

Monday, April 7

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Registration Required Below Join our popular Great Decisions series, an international relations discussion group that meets in person at the Library. This 8-session course, designed by the Foreign Policy Association, focuses on the most pressing issues of our time. The discussions will be moderated by members of the Library’s World Affairs Forum.  Read the Foreign Policy Association briefing book before each session and engage in lively discussions. The World Affairs Forum meets on the first and third Monday of the month at the Library.   Participants are encouraged to attend in person to fully participate in the discussion; however, an option for individuals to join virtually via Zoom is available. All registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the meeting. Dates and Topics

• February 3 – AMERICA AT A GLOBAL CROSSROADS
• February 17 – THE EVOLUTION OF U.S. LEADERSHIP IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
• March 3 –  NAVIGATING U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS IN TENSE TIMES
• March 17 – INDIA: BETWEEN CHINA, THE WEST, AND THE GLOBAL SOUTH
• April 7 – INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE COOPERATION IN AN ERA OF GEOPOLITICAL TURMOIL
• April 21 – THE FUTURE OF NATO AND EUROPEAN SECURITY
• May 5 – AI AND AMERICAN NATIONAL SECURITY
• May 19 – AMERICAN POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Registering on this page will register you for the full 8-week course.  Registered participants will receive notification when the briefing books arrive in late January.  There is a suggested donation of $20 to help defray the cost of the briefing book and materials for this program. Donations welcome when you pick up your book or click here to donate. About Great Decisions: Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The name is shared by a national civic-education program, briefing book, and PBS television series produced by the Foreign Policy Association. The Great Decisions program highlights eight critical foreign policy challenges facing Americans each year. In libraries across the country, Great Decisions discussion group participants discuss and debate each issue. Supported by the Foreign Policy Association for over 50 years, Great Decisions involves citizens in the foreign policy-making process.

Joyful Spring Cooking: Celebrate the Seasons with Thirsty Radish Part II (Virtual)

Wednesday, April 16

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Registration Required Below This is the second session of a three-part series celebrating the cozy ingredients of winter and vibrant flavors of early spring! Part II: Joyful Spring Cooking  Let spring inspire you to make new dishes perfect for snacks, lunch, or dinner. We will learn to incorporate plenty of produce into noodles, Vietnamese-inspired spring rolls, and more recipes that are fun to make and enjoy. About Our Presenter:  Vanessa Young  is a cooking instructor, writer, and educator known for her artful approach to food and wellness topics and her focus on seasonal meals.  With her artistic sensibility and kitchen wisdom, she helps home chefs become more versatile in their approach to food, reigniting their passion for cooking through private and community classes.  As the founder of Thirsty Radish (www.thirstyradish.com), she shares recipes and inspires a creative approach to life in and out of the kitchen. Register below to receive a Zoom link the day of the program. Include a cell for a text reminder.   Coming Soon! Click links for more information or to register for upcoming session. Part III: June 4 — French Café

Cozy Flow: A Winter Yoga Journey with Viki (Virtual)

Thursday, April 17

12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

Registration Required Below  Looking for a way to stay grounded and rejuvenated this winter? Join us for this popular and inspiring 6-week virtual series with Viki Boyko, an experienced instructor who incorporates mindfulness with functional fitness moves. This series will incorporate modifications to make sessions available for all levels — from beginners to more experienced yogis. For those who need a bit more support, having a strap, belt or towel can help assist with the moves. Embrace the season with warmth, relaxation and mindful movement! Session Dates: Our Instructor: Viki Boyko teaches yoga and functional movement online and in theTristate area. Classes welcome all levels, including beginner. She is 500-hour 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.    

MTL Writers’ Group (Virtual)

Monday, April 21

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

Great Decissions: Foreign Policy Discussion Group (In-Person)

Monday, April 21

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Registration Required Below Join our popular Great Decisions series, an international relations discussion group that meets in person at the Library. This 8-session course, designed by the Foreign Policy Association, focuses on the most pressing issues of our time. The discussions will be moderated by members of the Library’s World Affairs Forum.  Read the Foreign Policy Association briefing book before each session and engage in lively discussions. The World Affairs Forum meets on the first and third Monday of the month at the Library.   Participants are encouraged to attend in person to fully participate in the discussion; however, an option for individuals to join virtually via Zoom is available. All registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the meeting. Dates and Topics

• February 3 – AMERICA AT A GLOBAL CROSSROADS
• February 17 – THE EVOLUTION OF U.S. LEADERSHIP IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
• March 3 –  NAVIGATING U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS IN TENSE TIMES
• March 17 – INDIA: BETWEEN CHINA, THE WEST, AND THE GLOBAL SOUTH
• April 7 – INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE COOPERATION IN AN ERA OF GEOPOLITICAL TURMOIL
• April 21 – THE FUTURE OF NATO AND EUROPEAN SECURITY
• May 5 – AI AND AMERICAN NATIONAL SECURITY
• May 19 – AMERICAN POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Registering on this page will register you for the full 8-week course.  Registered participants will receive notification when the briefing books arrive in late January.  There is a suggested donation of $20 to help defray the cost of the briefing book and materials for this program. Donations welcome when you pick up your book or click here to donate. About Great Decisions: Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The name is shared by a national civic-education program, briefing book, and PBS television series produced by the Foreign Policy Association. The Great Decisions program highlights eight critical foreign policy challenges facing Americans each year. In libraries across the country, Great Decisions discussion group participants discuss and debate each issue. Supported by the Foreign Policy Association for over 50 years, Great Decisions involves citizens in the foreign policy-making process.

Classics Book Club: ‘The Scarlet Letter’ (In-Person)

Friday, April 25

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  

Frog Frolic Family Festival

Saturday, May 3

All Day

Save the date! More information to come!

MTL Writers’ Group (Virtual)

Monday, May 5

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

Great Decissions: Foreign Policy Discussion Group (In-Person)

Monday, May 5

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Registration Required Below Join our popular Great Decisions series, an international relations discussion group that meets in person at the Library. This 8-session course, designed by the Foreign Policy Association, focuses on the most pressing issues of our time. The discussions will be moderated by members of the Library’s World Affairs Forum.  Read the Foreign Policy Association briefing book before each session and engage in lively discussions. The World Affairs Forum meets on the first and third Monday of the month at the Library.   Participants are encouraged to attend in person to fully participate in the discussion; however, an option for individuals to join virtually via Zoom is available. All registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the meeting. Dates and Topics

• February 3 – AMERICA AT A GLOBAL CROSSROADS
• February 17 – THE EVOLUTION OF U.S. LEADERSHIP IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
• March 3 –  NAVIGATING U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS IN TENSE TIMES
• March 17 – INDIA: BETWEEN CHINA, THE WEST, AND THE GLOBAL SOUTH
• April 7 – INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE COOPERATION IN AN ERA OF GEOPOLITICAL TURMOIL
• April 21 – THE FUTURE OF NATO AND EUROPEAN SECURITY
• May 5 – AI AND AMERICAN NATIONAL SECURITY
• May 19 – AMERICAN POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Registering on this page will register you for the full 8-week course.  Registered participants will receive notification when the briefing books arrive in late January.  There is a suggested donation of $20 to help defray the cost of the briefing book and materials for this program. Donations welcome when you pick up your book or click here to donate. About Great Decisions: Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The name is shared by a national civic-education program, briefing book, and PBS television series produced by the Foreign Policy Association. The Great Decisions program highlights eight critical foreign policy challenges facing Americans each year. In libraries across the country, Great Decisions discussion group participants discuss and debate each issue. Supported by the Foreign Policy Association for over 50 years, Great Decisions involves citizens in the foreign policy-making process.

Spring Awakening Hikes – Redding Community Hiking Club (Off-Site)

Saturday, May 17

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Registration Required Below

*Registration will close for this hike on Thursday, May 15 at 4:00 pm

The Redding Community Hiking Club, a collaboration between the Redding Land Trust, the Mark Twain Library and Redding Neighbors & Newcomers returns with a series of winter hikes in our gorgeous open space starting in February.  Many hikes will be led by Redding Land Trust Trail Tenders, who maintain Redding Land Trust preserved properties along with other community members who love the outdoors. Dress for the weather, wear suitable shoes, and enjoy the benefits of nature, outdoor fitness and opportunities to connect with others in our community!  Some of our hikes will be followed up with an optional lunch (separate checks). Details for parking and after-hike lunches will be provided upon registering. Many of our hikes are scheduled for Saturdays (Sunday serves as backup in case of inclement weather). All hikes are classified by difficulty level.  We plan to have hikes at varying levels of challenge. Note: Space is limited, due to parking restrictions and for group safety. Hikes fill up quickly, so register early to attend.

Join us for our May hike on Saturday, May 17 Rock Lot — Redding

Parking/Gathering Location: To be provided with registration Start Time: Hike will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. — arrive at least 10 minutes early Hike Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes Hike Difficulty: Moderate — there will be a few challenging hills Guide: Lee Walters, Redding Land Trust Trail Tender Hiking group size: Limited to 20 Destination Website: https://reddingctlandtrust.org/rock-scott Why should you go? Lovely cliffs, laurel grove and one of the largest white oak trees in town Things to Know Before You Go:  Dress appropriately and review these hiking tips. By registering for this event you give permission to the Mark Twain Library to share your contact information with the Redding Land Trust, our co-sponsor for this event. *Registration will close for this hike on Thursday, May 15 at 4:00 pm.

MTL Writers’ Group (Virtual)

Monday, May 19

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

Great Decissions: Foreign Policy Discussion Group (In-Person)

Monday, May 19

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Registration Required Below Join our popular Great Decisions series, an international relations discussion group that meets in person at the Library. This 8-session course, designed by the Foreign Policy Association, focuses on the most pressing issues of our time. The discussions will be moderated by members of the Library’s World Affairs Forum.  Read the Foreign Policy Association briefing book before each session and engage in lively discussions. The World Affairs Forum meets on the first and third Monday of the month at the Library.   Participants are encouraged to attend in person to fully participate in the discussion; however, an option for individuals to join virtually via Zoom is available. All registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the meeting. Dates and Topics

• February 3 – AMERICA AT A GLOBAL CROSSROADS
• February 17 – THE EVOLUTION OF U.S. LEADERSHIP IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
• March 3 –  NAVIGATING U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS IN TENSE TIMES
• March 17 – INDIA: BETWEEN CHINA, THE WEST, AND THE GLOBAL SOUTH
• April 7 – INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE COOPERATION IN AN ERA OF GEOPOLITICAL TURMOIL
• April 21 – THE FUTURE OF NATO AND EUROPEAN SECURITY
• May 5 – AI AND AMERICAN NATIONAL SECURITY
• May 19 – AMERICAN POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Registering on this page will register you for the full 8-week course.  Registered participants will receive notification when the briefing books arrive in late January.  There is a suggested donation of $20 to help defray the cost of the briefing book and materials for this program. Donations welcome when you pick up your book or click here to donate. About Great Decisions: Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The name is shared by a national civic-education program, briefing book, and PBS television series produced by the Foreign Policy Association. The Great Decisions program highlights eight critical foreign policy challenges facing Americans each year. In libraries across the country, Great Decisions discussion group participants discuss and debate each issue. Supported by the Foreign Policy Association for over 50 years, Great Decisions involves citizens in the foreign policy-making process.

French Café At Home: Celebrate the Seasons with Thirsty Radish Part III (Virtual)

Wednesday, June 4

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Registration Required Below This is the final session of a three-part series celebrating the cozy ingredients of winter and vibrant flavors of early spring! Part III: French Café At Home

Beautiful ingredients make a delicious brunch or any-time dishes. Bring the French café home as we learn to make a vegetable-rich French salad, the technique for perfect poached eggs, and even a satisfying alternative to French toast.

About Our Presenter:  Vanessa Young  is a cooking instructor, writer, and educator known for her artful approach to food and wellness topics and her focus on seasonal meals.  With her artistic sensibility and kitchen wisdom, she helps home chefs become more versatile in their approach to food, reigniting their passion for cooking through private and community classes.  As the founder of Thirsty Radish (www.thirstyradish.com), she shares recipes and inspires a creative approach to life in and out of the kitchen. Register below to receive a Zoom link the day of the program. Include a cell for a text reminder.