Library Happenings – July 2020

#Middlebury #Libraries

Find out what libraries in Middlebury, Southbury and Woodbury are offering as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Middlebury

Booktalk

Weather permitting, Booktalk with Amy al Fresco will meet outside Tuesday, July 21, at 1 p.m. Join the group to discuss and share the books you’ve been reading over the last few months. Did you read something new? Did you discover a new author? Come share your reading adventures! Space is limited, registration required.

Item checkout

Patrons may check out a maximum of five items at a time through the Select-From-Home Pick Up Service. They may return items in the outside drop box 24/7.

Items can be requested by calling the library at 203-758-2634 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or through the online catalog or by emailing requests to notices@middleburypubliclibrary.org. Patrons must have an active Middlebury Public Library library card and be in good standing to use this service.

Mobile printing

Use the Mobile Printing service to print your documents from home. Upload your document to the website, then call the library to have your document printed and ready for curbside pickup. For more information, please call the library.

Pencils & Paints

Whether you are an experienced artist or a novice, share your Pencils & Paints at Home works in progress or finished works with the library so they can be posted on the website. Use the Google Form on the website to submit your pictures or email them to notices@middleburypubliclibrary.org.

Dewey’s Picks

Dewey’s Picks is a themed collection of library items available for checkout. Each collection consists of three items in multiple formats such as books, DVDs and audiobooks. See the website for a list of available collections covering topics including Northern Lights, Farm Life, and Man’s Best Friend. Call the library to check out a collection.

Ebooks & eAudiobooks

Check out an eBook or eAudiobook using OverDrive! Use the OverDrive app, Libby app or OverDrive website, middleburypubliclibrary.overdrive.com, to check out items using your library card. Also see the new eBook resources, including AudioBookCloud, RomanceBookCloud, and eSebco.

Other activities

Click on 24/7 Library at the top of the home page to see the new Online Activities page for some ideas for all ages. Travel around the world without leaving home using one of the sites listed on the new Virtual Tours page.

Teen programs

Teen Summer Reading 2020, Create Your Own Adventure, began online Monday, July 6, and will end Friday, August 14. All teens in grades 6-12 are welcome to participate. Visit the library’s website for more information.

Check out a book and movie pairing from Teen Books to Movies so you can read the book before you watch the movie! Find a list of sets on the library’s website. Call to check out a set.

Check out the Teen collection on OverDrive! to see the newest Teen additions.

TeenBookCloud is now available through the 24/7 Library page. It offers a robust selection of Graphic Novels, Enhanced Novels, eBooks, and more that you can read in your browser.

Children’s programs

Join Virtual Storytime with Miss Jan Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom. Register on the library’s website to receive the Zoom login information.

Children’s Summer Reading 2020, featuring Jumanji, began online July 6, and will end Friday, August 14, for children entering grades K-5. Visit the library’s website to download a reading log and Region 15’s Summer Reading lists.

Stop by the library on Friday, July 17, between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and go on a StoryWalk® outside, weather permitting. Enjoy a story as you walk through stations. Preregister to get a take home craft kit.

On Thursday, July 30, at 10:30 a.m., join Tailgate Story time. Sit in the back of your car or bring a chair and enjoy a special outdoor story time. Registration required, space is limited.

STEM Bags containing a set of themed books for children in grades K-5 are available for checkout. Topics include Construction, Math and Money, Everyday Heroes and more. See the list of bags on the website. Call the library to check out a bag.

Check out a Fun Pack with books, coloring pages, and a simple craft for children ages 3-5 years old for something fun to do at home. Read about colors, emergency vehicles, the farm and more. See the list of Fun Packs on our website. Call the library to check out a Fun Pack.

TumbleBookLibrary for children is available on the 24/7 Library page. Tumblebooks offers eBooks for children in grades K-6 that can be read in a browser.

Southbury

The Southbury Public Library remains closed, but it is offering online programs. It also launched a new website that is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. Library patrons can get the latest updates on services and upcoming events on the homepage, and signing up for programs has never been easier!

Visit the “Ebooks and More” page to learn more about the library’s digital catalogs, including the newest addition: TumbleBooks. The “Research” tab has all the library’s digital resources, including Consumer Reports and ResearchIT CT.

The “Museum Passes” page remains a useful resource because many local museums, zoos, and parks now provide online resources that can be enjoyed from the safety of your home. For more, there is an extensive list of online activities and resources for all ages linked on the homepage.

For help navigating the new website, give the reference desk a call at 203-262-0626, ext. 130, or email Chris at cmurphy@biblio.org for assistance.

Summer Reading 2020

Summer Reading 2020 for children and youth this year is “Imagine Your Story.” It features fairy tales, storytelling, and mythology and it’s all online. The library is participating in READsquared, an online summer reading program, thanks to the Connecticut State Library. Register online.

Reading Challenges are offered in three age groups: children entering Kindergarten and younger, school age children in grades 1 to 5, and children and teens entering grades 6 to 12 (along with Class of 2020 graduates). Prizes sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library vary by group. Learn more at www.southburylibrary.org/events/featured/summer-reading.

Online art exhibit

The Gloria Cachion Gallery at the library will host artist Theresa Bates online through Friday July 31, 2020. Please visit www.southburylibrary.org to view this virtual exhibit.

Bates is a proliferative mixed media artist, who uses many mediums to express herself, usually creating several pieces in a series. Her work can take many forms, from collage using fabric, photos and found objects, to big expressive abstracts, to impressionistic pastoral country scenes.

If you have questions, call 203-262-0626. Visit the website, www.southburylibrary.org to see available digital content.

Woodbury

The Woodbury Public Library reopened for in-person visits June 17. It is open limited hours Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for visits and phone calls. The Book Drop is always open.

Patron guidelines for in-person visits are posted on the website so patrons will know what to expect if they visit the library during Phase 2. Restrooms are not open at this time, and the children’s room remains closed.

The Adult Summer Reading program began June 22 and will end Aug. 7. Register on the website.

Woodbury residents only may continue to use curbside service. Please call 203-263-3502 for more information or email your requests to woodbury.library@biblio.org. The phone is answered during regular business hours, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The website is woodburylibraryct.org.