Calendar

What job hunters need to know about Covid19: A scientist viewpoint of job-hunting during the pandemic. Russell Library presents weekly opportunities to network with other job seekers, as well as receive the advice of professionals. The focus will be on the job market and provide updated industry information during this uncertain time of COVID19. The Job and Career Group hosts virtual workshops and a weekly networking session via WebEX. You will need to download WebEx to attend. Registration is required. Questions? Bob Carlson rcarlson@russelllibrary.org or Christy Billings cbillings@russelllibrary.org This group is possible from a City of Middletown Block Grant, Liberty Bank Foundation Grant, and The Family of Thomas J. Regan.

Are you interested in learning how to play chess or impoving your game? Skilled chess instructor, Nolan DeMott, will guide you through all the basics on Zoom! This all ages beginner's chess program spans for six weeks and is taught in half hour sessions. So be sure to sign up for all six weeks if you really want to learn how to play this strategic game! There is no need to provide your own chess materials (a virtual chess board will be displayed on screen). This virtual program is intended for ages 7 and up. Funding for this program was supplied by the Friends of the Russell Library.

National Poetry Month is all about sharing and celebrating the wonder of poetry, and what better way to celebrate than by a virtual storytime full of fun rhymes and music? Join us on Zoom where we will be reading the side-splitting story “Silly Sally”, along with the tongue-tingling alphabet classic "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom"! Pick up supplies to decorate your own coconut tree with letters from the alphabet! A crafty way for kids to learn basic concepts! (Limit 2 craft kits per household). This virtual program is for children ages birth-6. Registration is required. We have a limited number of supply kits which will need to be picked up at the Russell Library prior to the online event. If you sign up for a kit after you register librarian will email you to confirm your supply kits are ready for you at the desk! After you hear from us you can: Pick your kit up during library operating hours (Monday-Saturday: 9-5pm) or Call us at 860-347-2528 and set up a curbside appointment! Supplies for this virtual program were provided by the Friends of The Russell Library.

Ibi Zoboi brings Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice to Brooklyn in Pride! Join us for a virtual book discussion on zoom this April! Register for a free copy of the book to keep! (And, while supplies last you will also be able to pick up a Tea steeping kit, sponsored by our friends at It's Only Natural (ION) Market) Or the ebook and the downloadable audiobook is availible on Hoopla: Ebook: https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/13643309 Audiobook: https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/12142820 This program is intended for ages 13 and up. Registration is required and will close one day before the event begins (on 4/6/21). We have a limited number of supply kits which will need to be picked up at the Russell Library prior to the online event. If you sign up for a kit after you register librarian will email you to confirm your supply kits are ready for you at the desk! After you hear from us you can: Pick your kit up during library operating hours (Monday-Saturday: 9-5pm) or Call us at 860-347-2528 and set up a curbside appointment! If you have any questions, please contact us at kidsdept@russelllibrary.org This book discission is sponsored by CT Humanities. (Goodreads Excerpt) "Zuri Benitez has pride. Brooklyn pride, family pride, and pride in her Afro-Latino roots. But pride might not be enough to save her rapidly gentrifying neighborhood from becoming unrecognizable. When the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street, Zuri wants nothing to do with their two teenage sons, even as her older sister, Janae, starts to fall for the charming Ainsley. She especially can’t stand the judgmental and arrogant Darius. Yet as Zuri and Darius are forced to find common ground, their initial dislike shifts into an unexpected understanding."

The Racial Justice Book Group is offered in partnership with the Middletown Racial Justice Community and meets on the first Tuesday of each month via Zoom. Registration is required for the Zoom link sent out the day before the discussion. The April title is Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. To receive a copy, please place a hold in our online catalog or by calling 860.347.2520. When the copy is ready, you will be notified and can schedule a curbside pick-up. Questions? Christy Billings cbillings@russelllibrary.org April Such A Fun Age Kiley Reid 4/6/21 May In West Mills De'Shawn Charles Winslow 5/4/21 June no meeting no meeting no meeting July no meeting no meeting no meeting Aug no meeting ne meeting no meeting Sept Transcendent Kingdom Yaa Gyasi 9/14/2021 October When No One is Watching Alyssa Cole 10/5/2021 November Vanishing Half Brit Bennett 11/2/2021 December Luster Raven Leilani 12/7/2021

Join us for a special, virtual, "sound gathering" event with Anitra Brooks. Children ages birth to age 6 will move, play and learn about the magic of music. Bring your own percussion instruments: anything you can drum will do! (Some ideas: tupperware, a chair, a box, a block!) This virtual program is for children ages birth-6. Registration is required and will close 1 hour before the event begins. If you have any questions, please contact us at kidsdept@russelllibrary.org This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library!

Kicking off Money Smart Week early! Understanding Credit Join Rosa Carrero, Assistant Vice President, Communty Outreach Officer from Liberty Bank in Middletown for a virtual event on how to read and understand your credit reports and scores. This presentation will be held via Webex. Registrations required for the virtual link.This program will take place via WebEx. Please download before the event. Links will be sent just prior to the program. This program is held in partnership with Liberty Bank and Middlesex Habitat for Humanity Questions? Christy Billings cbillings@russelllibrary.org or Rosa Carrero: (t) 860.344.7328 Check our website for more Money Smart Programs! www.russelllibrary.org

"What Kind of Smart are you?" Russell Library presents weekly opportunities to network with other job seekers, as well as receive the advice of professionals. The focus will be on the job market and provide updated industry information during this uncertain time of COVID19. The Job and Career Group hosts virtual workshops and a weekly networking session via WebEX. You will need to download WebEx to attend. Registration is required. Questions? Bob Carlson rcarlson@russelllibrary.org or Christy Billings cbillings@russelllibrary.org This group is possible from a City of Middletown Block Grant, Liberty Bank Foundation Grant, and The Family of Thomas J. Regan.

Are you interested in learning how to play chess or impoving your game? Skilled chess instructor, Nolan DeMott, will guide you through all the basics on Zoom! This all ages beginner's chess program spans for six weeks and is taught in half hour sessions. So be sure to sign up for all six weeks if you really want to learn how to play this strategic game! There is no need to provide your own chess materials (a virtual chess board will be displayed on screen). This virtual program is intended for ages 7 and up. Funding for this program was supplied by the Friends of the Russell Library.

Join us for story time on Zoom where we will celebrate the magic of nature by reading the story, “Plant the Tiny Seed” by Christie Matheson, followed by rhymes and music! Pick up a tiny seed planting kit, and begin to grow your own garden at home! (Limit 2 kits per household). This virtual program is for children ages birth-6. Registration is required.We have a limited number of supply kits which will need to be picked up at the Russell Library prior to the online event. If you sign up for a kit after you register librarian will email you to confirm your supply kits are ready for you at the desk! After you hear from us you can: Pick your kit up during library operating hours (Monday-Saturday: 10-5pm) or Call us at 860-347-2528 and set up a curbside appointment! If you have any questions, please contact us at kidsdept@russelllibrary.org Funding for this program was supplied by the Friends of the Russell Library.

Grantseeking in Challenging Times – When money is extremely tight, when experiencing a critical budget gap while demands on your services are higher than ever, or when launching a new program area, we often think: “Why not get a grant?” This webinar explores the ins and outs of seeking grants in the Covid-19 era, providing some very specific advice on how to be successful at securing funding from foundations and corporations. Topics covered include: the various types of grants, what kinds of grants in which dollar amounts work best for different types of funders, and alternatives to cash grants. Determining where grants fit in your overall funding scheme, and what to do when you actually receive a grant are also addressed.

Join us online on Zoom for our April discussion! Stubborn Beauty Brewing at 180 Johnson St, Middletown, CT currently has online ordering and curbside pick-up. Order to go and enjoy at home during the discussion! Zoom link sent out 1 hour ahead of time. Please register to receive the link! The April title is Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid. Place a hold for curbside pick-up or E-copies are available at www.russelllibrary.org. In the midst of a family crisis one late evening, white blogger Alix Chamberlain calls her African American babysitter, Emira, asking her to take toddler Briar to the local market for distraction. There, the security guard accuses Emira of kidnapping Briar, and Alix's efforts to right the situation turn out to be good intentions selfishly mismanaged. (Goodreads) Place a hold for curbside pick-up or E-copies are available at www.russelllibrary.org. Questions? E-mail Christy Billings at cbillings@russelllibrary.org Sponsored by the Friends of Russell Library. April Such A Fun Age Kiley Reid 4/14/21 May Giver of Stars JoJo Moyes 5/12/21 June Plain Bad Heroines Emily M. Danforth 6/9 July Nala's World: One Man, His Rescue Cat, and a Bike Ride around the Globe Dean Nicholson 7/14 Aug The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy Rachel Joyce 6/11 Sept Anxious People Fredrik Backman 9/8 October The Exiles Christina Baker Kline 10/13 Nov The Girl With the Louding Voice Abi Daré 11/10 Dec Miss Benson's beetle: a novel Rachel Joyce 12/8

Networking to Build Your Social Network and Make a Great Transition We will cover: Identifying your network One on One Networking Meetings | Professional Networking Groups | Online Groups Setting up an outreach program Seeding your Weeks Making the Calls Sample Scripts Tracking Tools Follow Up Classic Networking Q&A and Answers Time for other Q&A Russell Library presents weekly opportunities to network with other job seekers, as well as receive the advice of professionals. The focus will be on the job market and provide updated industry information during this uncertain time of COVID19. The Job and Career Group hosts virtual workshops and a weekly networking session via WebEX. You will need to download WebEx to attend. Registration is required. Questions? Bob Carlson rcarlson@russelllibrary.org or Christy Billings cbillings@russelllibrary.org This group is possible from a City of Middletown Block Grant, Liberty Bank Foundation Grant, and The Family of Thomas J. Regan.

Are you interested in learning how to play chess or impoving your game? Skilled chess instructor, Nolan DeMott, will guide you through all the basics on Zoom! This all ages beginner's chess program spans for six weeks and is taught in half hour sessions. So be sure to sign up for all six weeks if you really want to learn how to play this strategic game! There is no need to provide your own chess materials (a virtual chess board will be displayed on screen). This virtual program is intended for ages 7 and up. Funding for this program was supplied by the Friends of the Russell Library.

Whether you are in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s or approaching retirement, you experience many of the same financial pressures. For all of our differences, there’s much we can learn together about how to overcome the challenges we face. Whether you’re just starting down the path of your life’s financial journey, or you’ve already walked a mile or two, attend this seminar for some helpful strategies and financial habits to help get you headed in the right direction. What you will Learn: Common “debt traps” and how to avoid them How much to invest and what investment vehicles make sense for you The importance of creating and sticking to a financial plan, regardless of your age How fees (obvious and not so obvious) reduce your returns If you and your family are protected with your current insurance coverage How to turn assets into income later in life Use the following link to register for this session: PLEASE COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK INTO A BROWSER. THANK YOU https://info.apellacapital.com/webinar-financial-advice-built-for-the-generations-0

It's Spring and nature is waking up after a long Winter's nap! Join us for stories featuring what we might see in the Spring: like caterpillars and butterflies! Registration is required. We have a limited number of supply kits which will need to be picked up at the Russell Library prior to the online event. If you sign up for a kit after you register librarian will email you to confirm your supply kits are ready for you at the desk! After you hear from us you can: Pick your kit up during library operating hours (Monday-Saturday: 9-5pm) or Call us at 860-347-2528 and set up a curbside appointment! If you have any questions, please contact us at kidsdept@russelllibrary.org Funding for this program was supplied by the Friends of the Russell Library.

Beyond Recycling: Zero Waste Swaps at Home Join Middletown’s Recycling Coordinator, Kim O’Rourke, for an active discussion on CT’s looming waste crisis, why recycling isn’t enough and how you can reuse more and reduce your waste at home. Learn some simple tips! This is meant to be an active discussion, so bring your recycling questions and your own zero waste swap ideas to share with others! Sign-ups required for the zoom link, which will be sent out prior to the program. Questions please e-mail Christy Billings at cbillings@russelllibrary.org or Kim O’Rourke: kim.orourke@middletownct.gov

“Job Search Boot Camp, Version 8.0” Jan Melnik A comprehensive, three-part program to whip your job search into shape! (push-ups not required) Starting Thursday morning, April 22, 2021 — 1000-1200 hrs. (10:00 am-12:00 noon) Are you ready to whip your resume into shape? Want to learn how social media such as Twitter and LinkedIn can give you the boost you need to score that interview? Want to know the five “must do” things after every interview? Curious to know where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) intersect with the job-search process? Please join us for Russell Library’s Eighth Annual Spring Job Search Boot Camp, Version 8.0, featuring Jan Melnik, job search strategist and certified resume writer. Jan will present a series of 3 morning workshops for all job seekers designed to revamp all aspects of your job search and bring you up to speed to land that job. Virtual WORKSHOP 1 – Thursday, 22 April 2021 “The Tools: Targeted Resume, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Profile” Virtual WORKSHOP 2 – Thursday, 29 April 2021 “Networking & Social Media: Leveraging LinkedIn” Virtual WORKSHOP 3 – Thursday, 6 May 2021 “The Game Plan: Insiders' Tips for Effective Job Search & Interviewing” Pre-registration is recommended for all programs. The Russell Library Career Program is funded in part by a City of Middletown Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the Liberty Bank Foundation, and the Family of Thomas J. Regan. Job Search Boot Camp 8.0 Thursday, April 22, 2021 ... 10-12 noon Workshop 1: The Tools: Targeted Resume, Cover Letter & LinkedIn Profile What fundamental tools do job seekers need today to conduct effective searches? What are the new rules for modern resumes? What can you do to make your CAR success stories sizzle? How does this strategy that highlights achievements build a resume and fuel a successful job search? Why is a precision-focused cover letter essential? Why is LinkedIn your #1 networking tool in job search and what can you do to differentiate yourself as a candidate? And now that LinkedIn has turned everything upside down, how can you still optimize your presence there? In the first of a three-part Job Search Boot Camp 8.0 series, career and job-search expert Jan Melnik (M.A., MRW, CCM, CPRW; www.janmelnik.com) returns to Russell Library to share the best strategies and insider secrets that will help job seekers improve their efforts writing strategic resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. Thursday, April 29, 2021 ... 10-12 noon Workshop 2: Networking & Social Media: Leveraging LinkedIn Why is social media today's top tool for networking in job search? What are the best strategies for using the constantly changing (and, sometimes, frustrating) LinkedIn? What about Instagram? And how can Facebook be valuable? What are some of the social media pitfalls to avoid? In part two of the Job Search Boot Camp 8.0 series, career and job-search expert Jan Melnik (M.A., MRW, CCM, CPRW; www.janmelnik.com) will demonstrate how to optimize your use of social media and show why every job seeker can improve their success by properly using social media's power in job-search networking efforts. Thursday, May 6, 2020 ... 10-12 noon Workshop 3: The Game Plan: Insiders' Tips for Effective Job Search & Interviewing What's the best way to find a job today and avoid the 'black hole' of endlessly submitting resumes that never receive a response? What are the secrets to interviewing effectively? What are the top must-dos following every interview (including one killer, standout strategy)? In the final workshop of the Job Search Boot Camp 8.0 series, career and job-search expert Jan Melnik (M.A., MRW, CCM, CPRW; www.janmelnik.com) will present actionable strategies for executing your job-search plan in a way designed to achieve success as quickly as possible. From tapping technology in the most efficient way to sharing tips for removing anxiety in the interview process, participants will be able to develop their own effective job-search plans. At the same time, Jan will share effective techniques for addressing common concerns (ageism, long unemployment or underemployment gap, lack of degree, etc.) and proven methods for managing issues (dealing with inertia, lack of success, stigma) that accompany job searches, particularly in prolonged cases. The author of seven career/business books, Jan Melnik founded Absolute Advantage, in 1983 and has been writing resumes ever since. She has been featured in numerous publications, is a career expert on NBC, and speaks frequently at universities, conferences, companies, and libraries nationwide. She is a board member with Career Thought Leaders and the CMO coach working with sales and marketing clients through C-Suite Career Catalysts. A professor of business and English at both the University of South Florida and Bay Path University, she holds two undergraduate degrees in business and a master’s degree from Wesleyan University. She helps clients coast-to-coast with career strategies, resumes, and coaching services (www.janmelnik.com). Her slogan is “Be inspired. It’s your career. It’s your life.” She recently released her first works of fiction on Amazon: “Telling Tales: On Merlin’s Island” and, for children, "Adventures in The Wooded Glen." Her newest book, “Modernize Your Executive Job Search” (with strategies applicable at all levels), will be available in Q32020 (Emerald Publishing and on Amazon). Russell Library presents weekly opportunities to network with other job seekers, as well as receive the advice of professionals. The focus will be on the job market and provide updated industry information during this uncertain time of COVID19. The Job and Career Group hosts virtual workshops and a weekly networking session via WebEX. You will need to download WebEx to attend. Registration is required. Questions? Bob Carlson rcarlson@russelllibrary.org or Christy Billings cbillings@russelllibrary.org

Are you interested in learning how to play chess or impoving your game? Skilled chess instructor, Nolan DeMott, will guide you through all the basics on Zoom! This all ages beginner's chess program spans for six weeks and is taught in half hour sessions. So be sure to sign up for all six weeks if you really want to learn how to play this strategic game! There is no need to provide your own chess materials (a virtual chess board will be displayed on screen). This virtual program is intended for ages 7 and up. Funding for this program was supplied by the Friends of the Russell Library.