Community Calendar

Fables and Frolic (Story Time) Join us for stories, songs, friends, and free play. Open to all ages with an emphasis on children 0-4 years. Siblings welcome. Registration suggested but NOT required, drop-ins welcome. The weekly format will be: 10-10:15am free play 10:15-10:45am story time/songs 10:45-11am free play

Gilead Community Services A Service Navigator from Gilead Community Services will be available to help guide you through the complex and confusing Mental Health and Addiction System.

CANCELLED: Live Animal Demonstrations with Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center Our friends from Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center are retuning! Please join us for a session where we will meet live animals such as a Russian tortoise, corn snakes, and many more! This is a family program for all ages. Registration is required and space is limited, so please let us know how many people will be in your party (all young people any caregivers = the number of people attending)! This program is made possible though the generosity of the Friends of the Russell Library! Find...

Connecticut Paid Leave Information Session Did you know that in Connecticut you can take time off from work to care for personal or family health needs without risking your paycheck? Join the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority for an Informational Session to learn more about the CT Paid Leave program, including eligibility, covered reasons for leave and how to apply for benefits. Staff will provide an overview of CT Paid Leave and will also be available to answer individual questions and assist with filing an online claim application. ...

On Writing Three International Bestsellers: An Author Talk with Amor Towles (Online) Please tune in as we chat online with New York Times bestselling author Amor Towles about his incredible body of work. Rules of Civility, published in 2011, was a New York Times bestseller and was named by the Wall Street Journal as one of the year's best books. The book has been translated into over 15 languages and was optioned by Lionsgate to be made into a feature film. Most recently, in 2021, The Lincoln Highway debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and was a Today Show, “Re...

Play Pals! Come play with us at the Library! Join us each week on Thursday mornings to connect with other families and explore the power of play. A variety of toys will be out for free play including building materials, crafts, sensory toys and imaginative play. The activities we have planned are aimed at children age 1-5, and a caregiver, but all ages are welcome! Registration for each session is required (and will close when the event begins). Space is limited, so please let us know how many people...

Mystery! What: Mystery! is a Russell Library-run book club for mystery lovers. The book group discusses a new mystery novel every month. When: The group meets on last Thursday of the month at 3pm (or, if Russell is closed at that time, the latest Thursday in the month that we’re open). Where: The group will meet in the Courtyard whenever weather allows. When weather does not allow, we will gather in Meeting Room 2. Books: Book copies are available at the Circulation desk. Click Here to See the List o...

Niche and Pegasus Gallery Art Exhibit Opening reception will be held 4:30-6:30pm on 9/28 and the full show will run until 10/31.

Medicare 101 Are you aging into Medicare at 65? Are you already on Medicare and totally confused? Jessalyn Pito will explain Medicare basics in this helpful seminar. Topics include: What is Medicare? Social Security 101 Eligibility and Enrollment Periods The Cost of Medicare Understanding Your Medicare Choices Prescription Drug Coverage Extra Help Please register for this event on the library’s online events calendar. Jessalyn Pito is an Independent Licensed and Certified Insurance Broker. Dis...

Lego Night! We are going to put out a ton of legos - come play! All you need to bring is your imagination! Small parts, so no children under the age of 5, please! This program is made possible though the generosity of the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: https://russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

Middletown Farmers Market

Storytime at the Middletown Farmers Market! Join us for an outdoor storytime at the Middletown Farmers Market at the Union Green! We will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Participants are welcome to bring chairs and blankets! In the event of inclement weather we will move this program indoors to the Hubbard Room inside the Russell Library! Registration is suggested for event updates. Here is a link to the Union Green in google maps.

Health and Wellness Fair Hosted by State Rep. Kai Belton

Saturday Bilingual Family Storytime! Hora de cuentos bilingue! Join us for a fun family, bilingual storytime in the Activity Room where we will read books and share rhymes and songs, for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. ¡Únase con nosotros para cuento bilingüe para todos la familia! Our stories will include both English and Spanish language words and terms! / ¡Nuestro cuentos será incluirá palabras y términos en inglés y español! Registration is suggested. / Se sugiere registrarse. For kids age 0-6 (Babies - first grade), siblings and famili...

Open Sunday 1-5pm Russell Library is open Sundays from October 2023 - March 2024 from 1pm - 5pm.

Play Pals! Come play with us at the Library! Join us each week on Monday mornings to connect with other families and explore the power of play. A variety of toys will be out for free play including building materials, crafts, sensory toys and imaginative play. The activities we have planned are aimed at children age 1-5, and a caregiver, but all ages are welcome! Registration for each session is required (and will close when the event begins). Space is limited, so please let us know how many people wi...

Outdoor Family Storytime Under The Trees! Join us for a fun family storytime where we will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Registration is required and space is limited, so please let us know how many people will be in your party (all young people any caregivers = the number of people attending.) We know family schedules can change from week to week, so please register for each Tuesday session you plan to attend! For kids age 0-6 (Babies - first grade), siblings and famili...

Fables and Frolic (Story Time) Join us for stories, songs, friends, and free play. Open to all ages with an emphasis on children 0-4 years. Siblings welcome. Registration suggested but NOT required, drop-ins welcome. The weekly format will be: 10-10:15am free play 10:15-10:45am story time/songs 10:45-11am free play

Gilead Community Services A Service Navigator from Gilead Community Services will be available to help guide you through the complex and confusing Mental Health and Addiction System.

Writing a ‘Legacy Letter’ (Zoom) A legacy letter (also called an “ethical will”) is a written document that allows you to share your life lessons, express your values and transmit your blessings to future generations. A legacy letter is shorter than a memoir, typically just a few pages. Writing one is a rewarding experience that creates an enduring gift for family, friends and other loved ones. This introductory workshop over 4 weeks, includes discussion and brief writing exercises to help you examine your life history, explo...

Play Pals! Come play with us at the Library! Join us each week on Thursday mornings to connect with other families and explore the power of play. A variety of toys will be out for free play including building materials, crafts, sensory toys and imaginative play. The activities we have planned are aimed at children age 1-5, and a caregiver, but all ages are welcome! Registration for each session is required (and will close when the event begins). Space is limited, so please let us know how many people...

Healthy Futures: Harvest Series Join us as we welcome Sarah Thibedeau and Lisamarie Postell, from Healthy Futures of Middlesex Hospital for an interactive, fun sensory harvest! This program is for families with children ages 0-6. Drop-in, no registration required

Vocal Music of South India @ Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts Please note: this event takes place at the Crowell Concert Hall on the campus of Wesleyan University (50 Wyllys Ave., Middletown, CT 06459) and these free passes are for Middletown residents only. B. Balasubrahmaniyan: Vocal Music of South India Vocalist and Adjunct Associate Professor of Music B. Balasubrahmaniyan will be joined by Adjunct Associate Professor of Music David Nelson PhD ’91 on mridangam for their 20th annual Navaratri Festival concert together. The duo will be accompanied by v...

Middletown Farmers Market

Storytime at the Middletown Farmers Market! Join us for an outdoor storytime at the Middletown Farmers Market at the Union Green! We will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Participants are welcome to bring chairs and blankets! In the event of inclement weather we will move this program indoors to the Hubbard Room inside the Russell Library! Registration is suggested for event updates. Here is a link to the Union Green in google maps.

The Akkarai Sisters Violin Duet @ Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts Please note: this event takes place at the Crowell Concert Hall on the campus of Wesleyan University (50 Wyllys Ave., Middletown, CT 06459) and these free passes are for Middletown Residents Only. The Akkarai Sisters Violin Duet: Akkarai S. Subhalakshmi and Akkarai S. Sornalatha The violin, celebrated for its bright tones and its capacity to follow and respond to the human voice, was introduced to Indian classical music from the West in the 19th century. Although the construction of the violi...

Community Campus Day

Saturday Family Storytime! Join us for a fun family storytime in the Activity Room where we will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Registration is suggested. For kids age 0-6 (Babies - first grade), siblings and families welcome! This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

Slime Saturday! Come monster mash some ingredients together to create ooey, gooey monster slime! We will provide all supplies, so a love of slime is all you need to join in the fun at the library! This event will take place in the Activity Room. For ages 6 - and up! Registration is suggested. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Russell Library.

Pīlu: Suhail Yusuf Khan and Henry Hodder with Vishal Nagar @ Wesleyan's Center for the Fine Arts Please note: this event takes place at the Crowell Concert Hall on the campus of Wesleyan University (50 Wyllys Ave., Middletown, CT 06459) and these free passes are for Middletown residents only. At Wesleyan, North Indian sarangi master and PhD candidate Suhail Yusuf Khan MA ’18 and California-native guitarist and songwriter Henry Hodder ’20 perform the world premiere of tunes from their forthcoming debut EP Soon, developed as part of “Music and Mysticism of the Indian Subcontinent,” Hodder’s...

Open Sunday 1-5pm Russell Library is open Sundays from October 2023 - March 2024 from 1pm - 5pm.

Kathak Dance Performance: Jin Won @ Wesleyan's Center for Fine Arts Please note: this event takes place at the Crowell Concert Hall on the campus of Wesleyan University (50 Wyllys Ave., Middletown, CT 06459) and these free passes are for Middletown residents only. Kathak (North Indian classical) dancer and tabla player Jin Won explores the sonic and visual possibilities of rhythm through dance and music with a singular style. Originally from South Korea, she spent over fifteen years training in India under Pandit Divyang Vakil and Shrimati Shubha Desai. At Wes...

Play Pals! Come play with us at the Library! Join us each week on Monday mornings to connect with other families and explore the power of play. A variety of toys will be out for free play including building materials, crafts, sensory toys and imaginative play. The activities we have planned are aimed at children age 1-5, and a caregiver, but all ages are welcome! Registration for each session is required (and will close when the event begins). Space is limited, so please let us know how many people wi...

Queer Speed Dating

Outdoor Family Storytime Under The Trees! Join us for a fun family storytime where we will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Registration is required and space is limited, so please let us know how many people will be in your party (all young people any caregivers = the number of people attending.) We know family schedules can change from week to week, so please register for each Tuesday session you plan to attend! For kids age 0-6 (Babies - first grade), siblings and famili...

European Travel Tips and Tools with Guidebook Author Rick Steves (Online) Join guidebook author and TV host Rick Steves as he shares the latest in smart European travel. In this entertaining, information-packed slideshow lecture, Rick will teach you the secrets of safe, smart, inexpensive travel — low on stress and high on fun. Click here to register. If you cannot make the time or date, don't worry! All online author talks are recorded for on-demand viewing after the event.

Fables and Frolic (Story Time) Join us for stories, songs, friends, and free play. Open to all ages with an emphasis on children 0-4 years. Siblings welcome. Registration suggested but NOT required, drop-ins welcome. The weekly format will be: 10-10:15am free play 10:15-10:45am story time/songs 10:45-11am free play

Gilead Community Services A Service Navigator from Gilead Community Services will be available to help guide you through the complex and confusing Mental Health and Addiction System.

Writing a ‘Legacy Letter’ (Zoom) A legacy letter (also called an “ethical will”) is a written document that allows you to share your life lessons, express your values and transmit your blessings to future generations. A legacy letter is shorter than a memoir, typically just a few pages. Writing one is a rewarding experience that creates an enduring gift for family, friends and other loved ones. This introductory workshop over 4 weeks, includes discussion and brief writing exercises to help you examine your life history, explo...

Play Pals! Come play with us at the Library! Join us each week on Thursday mornings to connect with other families and explore the power of play. A variety of toys will be out for free play including building materials, crafts, sensory toys and imaginative play. The activities we have planned are aimed at children age 1-5, and a caregiver, but all ages are welcome! Registration for each session is required (and will close when the event begins). Space is limited, so please let us know how many people...

Books and Brews: The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. Our October title is The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. Copies available at the Borrowing Desk. Join us at Stubborn Beauty Brewing at 180 Johnson St, Middletown, CT. Questions? E-mail Christy Billings at cbillings@russelllibrary.org Sponsored by the Friends of Russell Library. Place a hold for curbside pick-up or E-copies are available at www.russelllibrary.org. No purchase is required. Registration is suggested.

Middletown Farmers Market

Storytime at the Middletown Farmers Market! Join us for an outdoor storytime at the Middletown Farmers Market at the Union Green! We will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Participants are welcome to bring chairs and blankets! In the event of inclement weather we will move this program indoors to the Hubbard Room inside the Russell Library! Registration is suggested for event updates. Here is a link to the Union Green in google maps.

Secrets of Russell Library Come visit Russell Library after hours, in the dark. The heart of Russell Library dates back to 1834. We have grown to include five buildings and many secrets. Library staff will lead you through our buildings and our history for a thirty minute tour. You never know what might pop up in the stacks ... This is a largely historical tour that contains spooky elements and historical information. It may not be appropriate for younger children. This tour requires going up and down many stairs and ...

Secrets of Russell Library Come visit Russell Library after hours, in the dark. The heart of Russell Library dates back to 1834. We have grown to include five buildings and many secrets. Library staff will lead you through our buildings and our history for a thirty minute tour. You never know what might pop up in the stacks ... This is a largely historical tour that contains spooky elements and historical information. It may not be appropriate for younger children. This tour requires going up and down many stairs and unf...

Compagnie Nacera Belaza: L’Onde @ Wesleyan's Center for Fine Arts Please note: this event takes place at the CFA Theater on the campus of Wesleyan University (271 Washington Terrace, Middletown, CT 06459) and these free passes are for Middletown residents only. L’Onde (2020) is a choreography of conviction, a minimalist dance ritual that begins, like all of French Algerian choreographer Nacera Belaza’s works, with an inner journey that grows to build a world around the audience. Drawing from a study of ritual performance across the world, L’Onde filters and ...

Secrets of Russell Library Come visit Russell Library after hours, in the dark. The heart of Russell Library dates back to 1834. We have grown to include five buildings and many secrets. Library staff will lead you through our buildings and our history for a thirty minute tour. You never know what might pop up in the stacks ... This is a largely historical tour that contains spooky elements and historical information. It may not be appropriate for younger children. This tour requires going up and down many stairs and unf...

Secrets of Russell Library Come visit Russell Library after hours, in the dark. The heart of Russell Library dates back to 1834. We have grown to include five buildings and many secrets. Library staff will lead you through our buildings and our history for a thirty minute tour. You never know what might pop up in the stacks ... This is a largely historical tour that contains spooky elements and historical information. It may not be appropriate for younger children. This tour requires going up and down many stairs and unf...

Secrets of Russell Library Come visit Russell Library after hours, in the dark. The heart of Russell Library dates back to 1834. We have grown to include five buildings and many secrets. Library staff will lead you through our buildings and our history for a thirty minute tour. You never know what might pop up in the stacks ... This is a largely historical tour that contains spooky elements and historical information. It may not be appropriate for younger children. This tour requires going up and down many stairs and unf...

Bilingual Space Story (Espacio y Cuento Bilingue) Join us for a story and craft in honor of the afternoon's partial annular eclipse. /¡Únase con nosotros para una cuento bilingüe y artesanía para celebrar el eclipse solar parcial! Our story will be about space and include both English and Spanish language words and terms! / ¡Nuestro cuento será sobre el espacio e incluirá palabras y términos en inglés y español! This activity is intended for young children and their families-- siblings are welcome! / Esta actividad está destinada a niños pequ...