Summer Newsletter

SHELTON LIBRARY SYSTEM QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Plumb Memorial Library 65 Wooster Street Shelton, CT 06484 Main Desk (203) 924-1580 Children’s (203) 924-9461 Mon-Thurs, 9:00am-8:30pm Fri-Sat, 9:00am-4:30pm Closed Saturdays after 6/15 Huntington Branch Library 41 Church Street Shelton, CT 06484 (203) 926-0111 Mon, 12:00pm-8:00pm Tues-Thurs, 10:00am-8:00pm Fri, 10:00am-5:00pm Sat, 10:00am-3:00pm Closed Saturdays in August Sign up for our weekly newsletter or read our events page online at: www.sheltonlibrarysystem.org Both libraries will be closed on: July 4th

Adult Summer Reading Club Sponsored by the Friends of the Shelton Libraries at both Plumb and Huntington from June 17 to August 12. Read a book and complete a survey form, then drop it in the big jug for a chance to win one of the weekly prizes from local businesses, one drawing each week at each library. Save the date, August 15, for the summer party at Plumb Library with more prizes and delicious refreshments. Kids shouldn’t have all the fun, get your share, too, this summer!

Plumb Memorial Library Paranormal Possibilities @ Plumb Teens - looking to explore new frontiers? Join us at Plumb Memorial Library as we experience the paranormal through movies, books, and visits from experts. In addition, read at least THREE books this summer, tell us about them, then receive an invitation to our end of summer Masquerade Ball. So-how do you “tell” us? Easy! 1) Come in and talk to a staff member about your book/graphic novel OR 2) Talk about it to us on Facebook (facebook. com/teensatplumb) OR 3) Tweet us about it (@teensatplumb) OR 4) Instagram us (#teensatplumb)-include a pic of you holding the book and hashtag something about the book. You can still get a candy bar or Plumb Buck for each DAY that you submit a report (in person or online), and now each time you use your card to check out ANYTHING you’ll be entered into a weekly drawing for a prize. Visit us for a flier with more details! Registration for teen programs is not required unless otherwise noted; children younger than 13 will be escorted out of teen events. Rubber Ducky Club @ Plumb For children infant to 36 months and their caregivers. Sign- up @ Plumb beginning on Monday, June 3 for a summer reading program geared to early literacy in June, July and August 2013 - it’s never too early to begin reading with your baby or young child. Fill-out a duck marker for your child and get your Rubber Ducky Club Log. After completing 6 educational activities with your child -color in the 6 ducks for June – bring the activity log into Plumb to collect your Rubber Duck prize. Complete 6 more educational activities, color in 6 ducks in

July-bring log into Plumb for a board book and then by Thursday, August 29 complete the last 6 educational activities and color in the last 6 ducks -bring log into Plumb for a Rubber Ducky Club Certificate… complete all 18 and receive a ticket for a special prize drawing. Dig Into Reading @ Plumb The Kids Summer Reading Club sign up begins Monday June 17. Kids Pre-K up to age 12 can begin reporting Monday June 24 and reporting ends August 16. Kids earn a ticket for each book reported on to win weekly raffles of book prizes. Readers who complete and report on at least 8 books qualify for tickets for extra prize baskets at the Bon Voyage to Summer ice cream party on August 21.

Huntington Branch Library Kids Summer Reading Club – Weird Science This will be a summer of unusual discovery for kids ages 3 to entering grade 6. We will be weighing books again to keep track of everyone’s reading (and, yes, we will be having weekly drawings for checking out library material on your card). Find out all the details at our Kick-Off event on June 27. Teen Summer Reading Club – Steampunk Come and join our “no pressure” reading club for teens entering grades 7 through 12. We have weekly prize drawings for some cool gifts. Don’t know what Steampunk is? Even more reason to come in this summer. Get all the details at our Kick-Off program (see the listing in this newsletter – it’s going to be AWESOME).

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SUMMER 2013 - JUNE, JULY, AUGUST cameras to capture your child’s creativity. Library Legos/Library Duplos will not be allowed to go home and please do not bring any personal Legos/Duplos into this program. June: The Beach. Valley 2-D Art 2nd Thursdays from 5:00PM-8:00PM Open workshop for crafters and creators of art, offers space to spread out plus kindred spirits to critique and encourage; drop in, new members welcome.

Plumb Memorial Library SW CAPA 2nd Mondays from 6:00PM-9:00PM Regional chapter of state authors and publishers association, offers speakers and support; new members welcome. Plumb Page-Turners 4th Mondays from 6:00PM-7:00PM Book club for 5-9 year olds, based on Magic Tree House series, features a book discussion and a book-based activity; copies available 2 weeks in advance. knit! Tuesdays from 6:00PM-8:00PM Needlers of all skills and ages share, support and chat, new members welcome. Fun for Little Ones Tuesdays, 7/9-8/13, from 10:30AM-11:00AM Mrs. Fritsch offers stories, songs, and movement for babies and toddlers up to age 2 in this engaging and entertaining drop-in program; siblings are always welcome. Afternoon Knitters Wednesdays from 1:00PM-3:00PM Daytime knitting group; meets in handicapped accessible ground floor room off parking lot, new members welcome. Library Lego Club 4th Wednesdays from 6:00PM-7:00PM Kids 3-12 years old, drop-in and create an original sculpture using LEGOs/ Duplos provided by the library. Each child’s creation will go on display for one month in the Children’s Department until the next club meeting; bring

Dig Into Alpha-Bits Thursdays, 6/27-8/29, from 10:30AM-ll:00AM Kids 1-5 years plus caregivers and siblings explore Plumb’s summer “Dig Into Reading” through weekly themes for stories, music, crafts, and hands-on educational centers; drop in and join in the fun. No sessions on 7/4, 8/15. Stay & Play Fridays from 10:30AM-11:30AM Adults chat while children play in a safe secure environment; light refreshments provided. Suitable for babies and young children; no registration needed. Teen Volunteer Orientation Last Fridays from 12:30PM-2:30PM Teens- need community service hours? Prefer to volunteer someplace fun? Then try the library? We need volunteers, you need hours...its a perfect match. Stop in anytime to complete an application, and attend this orientation to get started on your volunteer career. Parents: expect to attend this workshop with teens. No registration required. Volunteers must be 12-19 years old, and may not be completing these hours for court or disciplinary board assignments. Please call 203-924-9461 and talk to Margaret for more information. Teen Advisory Board Last Fridays from 3:00PM-5:00PM Let us know what you want from the library help with library décor, teen collections and planning teen activities. Teen Advisory Board Meetings last 60-90 minutes and we have snacks! Drop in or apply to be a permanent member - must be 13 to 19 years; permanent members earn volunteer hours. Budding Bookworms 6/3, 6/10, 6/17 from 10:30AM-11:00AM Stories, songs and games for kids 1-5 years

old and their caregivers, (siblings welcome too); drop-in FUN with Ms. Maura. Reading Detectives 6/3, 6/10, 6/17 from 6:00PM-7:00PM Children in Grades K to 4 (and up) explore reading skills using the new common core curriculum: Sequencing, Predicting, Contrast and Compare, Character traits, Setting, Inference. Nonfiction connections link to all our fiction stories with book selection opportunities and a take home a craft, too! Monday evenings can be so much fun AND secretly educational!! Sign up once in the children’s department (or call and put your name on the list) using your email. You automatically receive the reminder invitations to attend! KSRC Volunteer Orientation 6/4 from 6:00PM-7:30PM Teens entering grades 7 and up considering helping with the Plumb Memorial Library’s Kids Summer Reading Club need to attend this orientation session-hours completed after school is over for the summer count toward 2014 Shelton High School Community Service requirements. Call 203-924-9461 with questions or to register. AlphaBits 6/6, 6/13, 6/20 from10:30AM-11:30AM Sounds, letters and other concepts children ages 1-5 need to succeed in school are introduced and reinforced with Ms. Maura; caregivers and siblings are always welcome at this drop-in program. MS Support 6/10, 7/8 from 2:00PM-3:30PM Regional self led support group for individuals with MS; held in handicapped accessible ground floor meeting room, new members welcome. 4/6 READ 6/19, 7/17 from 6:30PM-7:30PM Children in grades 4-6 discuss great books they choose! Refreshments provided; registration required and begins 2 weeks in advance. Digging into Nature 6/26 from 1:30PM-2:30PM Animal Embassy brings digging animals from across the world; learn some of the reasons they burrow and dig. Kids 4 and older meet a snake, tortoise, toad, ferret, salamander or

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SUMMER 2013 - JUNE, JULY, AUGUST other creatures who “dig it.” Space is limited, come early to reserve a seat. Happy Birthday Summer 7/2 from 1:30PM- 2:30PM Kids Pre-K to Grade 6 celebrate our summer theme “Dig into Reading” by making “Dirt Dessert” (hope you like to eat worms!) Miss Kathi’s book talk extravaganza explores wonderful nonfiction/fiction and shares more new titles for this awesome summer of FUN!!! Space is limited, arrive early to reserve a seat. Kids in the Kitchen 7/2, 7/6, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/20 from 6:00PM-7:30PM Children ages 3 and up, with caregivers; unattended children will not be allowed to participate. Please inform library staff of any allergies child(ren) might have; dress for mess or bring an apron or smock; adults-expect to take part too. Registration beginning 2 weeks in advance is limited and required. Compost Stew 7/3 from 1:30PM-2:30PM Kellogg Environmental Center brings the makings for kids 4 and older to create their own Compost Stew! Learn what makes plants grow and a garden thrive; space is limited, come early to reserve a seat. Night at the Beach 7/9 from 1:30PM- 2:30PM Kids 4 to 9 yrs old join Miss Kathi to explore a night at the beach through stories then make and take home a light house and sea craft; space is limited so come early to reserve a seat. Raptor Rehabilitation & Education 7/10 from 1:30PM-2:30PM Horizon Wings Raptor Rehab visits with their resident eagle, hawk, falcon and owl who have met challenges that keep them from living in the wild. Their stories of survival introduce children 4 and older to the lives of these magnificent birds; Beamer the Eastern box turtle comes along, too. Space is limited, come early to reserve a seat. Stories in the Park Riverview Park Play Area 7/11, 7/18, 7/25 from 10:30AM-11:00AM Outdoor fun in the summer sun with Mrs. Fritsch! Songs, activities, and, of course, stories highlight

this summer-only activity, bring a blanket. Suitable for all ages of children, and caregivers; canceled in inclement weather, no registration! Teen Book Club 7/11, 7/25, 8/8, 8/22 from 12:30PM-1:30PM Teens 13-19 stop in for discussion plus a quick lunch! No registration, pick up a copy of the book in the teen room at the library. Teen Masks 7/11, 7/18 from 2:00PM-5:00PM Teens 13-19 make masks to highlight masquerade costumes (come even if you can’t make it to the ball). Supplies will be provided or bring your own. Plan on getting messy as we work with plaster, paint, glue...No registration required. Teen Summer Movie Mania 7/13 from 10:00AM-9:00PM It’s a Twilight Movie Marathon-all Twilight, all day! Bring snacks - lunch and dinner will be provided (10 minute intermissions between movies). Come to one movie or all of them; movie start times will be listed in the library; the library will be open ONLY to teens ages 13-19.

High School Summer Reading 7/19, 8/16 from 12:30PM-1:30PM Join us to read and discuss- what you liked, what you hated...it’s all fair game in this lunchtime meeting. Find out what happens to your body if you leave it to science! No registration, pick up a copy of the book in the teen room; lunch provided, bring a friend. Teen Summer Movie Mania 7/22-7/26, 7/29-7/31, from 7:00PM-10:00PM (5:30PM-8:30PM on 7/26) Live (or re-live) the enchantment of Hogwarts as we watch a different Harry Potter Movie each night! Starts at 7PM for TEENS 13-19; no registration. Bring a snack, and a friend! Its Family Day 7/23 from 9:00AM-4:00PM Drop in at a puzzle station and help us “work it out”- puzzles of varying levels of difficulty all throughout the children’s department. Everyone who fits in at least one piece can fill out a raffle ticket for a chance to win a family fun pack (on display).

Card Games Galore Mad Hatter’s Tea Party 7/23 form 1:30PM- 2:30PM 7/16 from 1:30PM-2:30PM Learn to play some fun card games; everyone Join Alice and her friends in Wonderland. Learn gets a deck of cards to keep plus a handout the proper setting for a tea party table, enjoy with more games to play at home with the famtreats while we play Crazy Rubber Wonderland Bingo. Fun for all ages, including cra- Ducky Club zy rabbits and caterpillars; please dress appropriately and wear something silly. Space is limited, come early to reserve a seat. Castles and Dragons 7/17 from 1:30PM2:30PM Kim Larkin’s creative workshop digs into the world of fantasy and imagination as kids 4 and up create a castle of their own to take home; all supplies and tools provided, dress for creation. Space is limited, come early to reserve a seat.

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SUMMER 2013 - JUNE, JULY, AUGUST ily. Drop in fun for all ages. Children’s Author 7/24 from 1:30PM-2:30PM Dana Meachen Rau, Trinity College alum and author of early readers, children’s non-fiction and biographies, digs into books and writing with her workshop. Her newest, Robot, Go Bot explores friendship and communication through writing as kids create stories and robots of their own. Space is limited, come early to reserve a seat. An Explosive Ending 7/30 from 1:30PM- 2:30PM A Volcano Wakes Up by Lisa Westberg is the story of 5 different points of view on a volcanic eruption. Kids ages 5 and older make a volcano to take home and share their own exploding story about the “Summer of 2013 at the Library.” Space is limited, come early to reserve a seat. Digging Creatures 7/31 from 1:30PM-2:30PM Creature Teacher presents wildlife education through a visit with a wide array of amazing live animals. Children 4 and older learn important information about each animal guest as they get a close up view of each other. Space is limited, come early to reserve a seat. Connecticut Vampires 8/1 from 6:30PM-8:00PM We welcome Nick Bellantoni, CT State Archeologist, for a discussion of the REAL history of vampires in Connecticut and New England. Ages 13+, registration requested. Airborne Jugglers 8/7 from 1:30PM-2:30PM High energy juggling synchronized with lively music creates a festive atmosphere of fun. Audience participation plus a half hour session - learn to juggle workshop, for children 4 years and older. Space is limited, come early to reserve a seat. Connecticut Paranormal Research 8/8 from 7:00PM-9:00PM Ghosts aren’t real...or are they? Connecticut Paranormal Research Society offers evidence and discussion about this controversial topic. Ages 13+, registration requested.

Teen Summer Movie Mania 8/10 from 10:00AM-10:00PM Join us for our final Movie Mania Marathon: horror movies over the decades. As the selections get progressively scarier...who will remain at the end? Suggestions are welcome! PARENTS: if a movie is rated “R” (for violence/gore) we will require signed permission slips for your teen’s attendance! Movie start times will be listed in the library, come to one or all of them. Lunch and dinner provided with 10 minute intermissions between movies. Bring snacks if you choose. The library will be open ONLY to teens ages 13-19. Bubbles Trouble 8/14 from 6:00PM-7:00PM This one man bubble extravaganza is the craziest most creative bubble show around. A wonderful end to our magical summer for kids 4 and older; space is limited, come early to reserve a seat. Adult Summer Reading Party 8/15 from 7:00PM-8:00PM After eight weeks of reading and reporting, the summer is coming to a close with more prizes and great refreshments; sponsored by the Friends of the Shelton Libraries. Alter Ego 8/15 from 2:00PM-5:00PM Unleash the beast within! Learn some tricks to enhance your own gruesome creations from Samantha Lewis, a face painting artist, and a local teen herself! In addition to demonstrating the “how to’s” of facial art, she will assist in decorating your face if you wish! Ages 13-19, no registration. Bon Voyage Summer 8/21 from 6:00PM-7:00PM Everyone who participated in our summer reading club joins us for an ice cream social. Make your own sundae and listen to book talks of awesome new reads for “Back to School.” It’s farewell to summer but not to reading! You won’t want to miss this one; signup is necessary and begins August 5. Party Prep 8/22 from 12:30PM-1:30PM Teens 13-18 assist with party preparation as we whip up some “finger” foods and other gruesome snacks for the Masquerade Ball on August 23; any teen can participate in this fun

food prep event. No registration required. Teen Masquerade of Horror 8/23 from 8:00PM-12:00AM If you’ve read and reported on at least 3 books...then you are invited to attend our Masquerade Ball! Celebrate fun, fear, and food with us at this Invitation Only evening event! For Teens who have completed the Summer Reading program at either library branch.

Huntington Branch Library Baby Rhyme Time Tuesdays from 11:00AM-11:30AM Infants and non-walkers will enjoy this fun oneon-one time with their caregiver. We will do traditional and new nursery rhymes and songs, many with hand play or action. Great for first time parents who want to add to their repertoire of oral tradition. Toddler Movement Program Wednesdays from 11:00AM-11:30AM Watch your child’s eyes light up as they get to march, dance, and play musical instruments. Songs and action poems included. Recommended for kids ages 2–4 years and a caregiver. This is a weekly program that fills up very quickly, so please register for this summer session beginning May 22. A waitlist will be made available. No session on 8/7. Storytime for 3s & 4s Thursdays from 11:00AM-11:30AM Join our special reader as she enchants youngsters with this brief session. No session on 7/4. First Friday Book Discussion 1st Fridays from 1:00PM-2:00PM The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani. Books available at the HBL. Spanish with Sandra Fridays in July from 10:30AM-11:00AM It’s never too early to learn a language, so we are inviting three-to five year-olds and their parents to experience a program which will immerse you in the Spanish language through songs, games, story time and many other fun activities. Taught by Sandra Alvarado, a Spanish teacher from Shelton, the program will run every Friday through July. Registration (required) begins June 14 and space is limited. ¡Nos vemos en la biblioteca!

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SUMMER 2013 - JUNE, JULY, AUGUST Wandering in China 6/12 from 6:30PM-7:30PM Travel writer, photographer, and Shelton resident J.M. Bhandary will share powerful scenes from his trip exploring Beijing, Shanghai, Xian (home of the Terracotta soldiers), cruising down the mighty Yangtze River and crossing the Three River Gorges Dam. He is originally from Mangalore and his wife, Hilkka Bhandary, is from Finland. Jay and Hilkka have been residents of Shelton for the past 37 years.

program is TOP SECRET so you won’t know what to expect until you get here.

Kids Summer Reading Club Weird Science Kick-Off 6/27 from 2:00PM-3:00PM Get involved in weird science, lasers, and electricity with the Children’s Museum of West Hartford. This program will amaze and delight. For all kids interested in the Branch summer reading program.

Creative Juices 7/31 from 2:00PM-3:00PM You are trapped in a closet at the science museum by mad Dr. Bookworm. He has sealed the door so that you cannot get out! There is no electricity and you forgot to charge your cell phone. But not to worry – work with your team and a box of “stuff” and try to create something to help you get out of this situation! Please bring 3 recyclable items of any kind to this program, for kids in grades 2 – 6.

Teen Summer Reading Club Kick-Off 6/27 from 6:00PM-8:00PM Get ready for a Steampunk Summer with makeup artist Caroline Wilcox. The first 12 teens who register will get to transform themselves into mechanically enhanced characters (the 19th century version of androids). A waitlist will be made available. There will be food and information about summer events.

Science Fiction Stories 7/24 from 2:00PM-3:00PM Join us as we boldly go where no one has gone before…to a galaxy far, far, away…or at least to a place where you can expect the unexpected! Hear a variety of stories that are guaranteed to be out of this world! For kids ages 5 to 10.

Teddy Bear Picnic 8/7 from 10:30AM-12:00PM This is a very popular summer event at the Branch. Kids up to age 7 will enjoy several carnival-like games, stories and light refreshments. This is an ongoing event, so you are encouraged to visit any time during the event we are operating and stay as long as you would like. Of course, teddy bears of all kinds are welcome! Kids Summer Reading Club Weird Science Party 8/14 from 2:00PM-3:30PM Summer is nearly over, but join us for one last blast. This event is open to anyone who participated in our Kids Summer Reading Club. Pick up your Club packet and enjoy a fun, active program from the Connecticut Science Center involving bubbles, dry ice, and more. Teen Summer Reading Club Party 8/14 from 6:00PM-7:30PM Judy Tourangeau will create caricatures of participants of the TSRC. Then relax with food, door prizes and party gifts.

Puppet Show 7/3 from 2:00PM-3:00PM Sparky’s Puppets will perform “Tricksters and Noodleheads.” Meet some clever animals and foolish people in this medley of silly folktales. Sponsored by Happy Day Preschool. Shelton Reading Circle 7/9, 8/6 from 7:00PM-8:30PM This book discussion group is sponsored by the Shelton Historical Society. The group was founded in 1894 and met in members’ homes to actually read novels aloud while doing charity work for community causes. Ellen Kolesk is the facilitator, and can be reached at: 203925-1803. Weird Wednesdays 7/10 from 2:00PM-3:00PM, K-Grade 2 7/17 from 2:00PM-3:00PM, Grades3-6 Just when you thought it was safe… join us for a creative, fun, wacky and innovative hour of new discoveries. The

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SUMMER 2013 - JUNE, JULY, AUGUST Friends of the Shelton Libraries Book Sales Help the Friends of the Shelton Libraries support collections, programs, and services by making a purchase! Join the Friends and get a discount on purchases. Branch Book Sale Huntington Branch Library 6/26 from 10:00AM-8:00PM 6/27 from 10:00AM-8:00PM 6/28 from 10:00AM-5:00PM 6/29 from 10:00AM-3:00PM Great deals on books, DVDs, VHS tapes, and more. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Shelton Libraries. Friends members get a 10% discount. Free coffee and treats for browsers.

Thank you to the SLS partners: As I See It: Huntington Branch Library 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 1:00PM Join the Friends of the Shelton Libraries as we watch a fascinating movie followed by a lively discussion and dessert. Adults only.

-The Friends of the Shelton Libraries -Aribella Restaurant -Written Words Bookstore -Happy Day Preschool -Panda House Restaurant -Derby/Shelton Rotary Club -Beechwood Supermarket -Valley Community Foundation -BIC -R.D. Scinto, Inc. -Baingan Restaurant -SuperSandwich -Royal Bakery -Giove’s Pizza -Facepainter JeriAnn Geller -The Hide Out -Beardsley’s Cider Mill

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Shelton Library System 65 Wooster Street Shelton, CT 06484 6