Calendar

Get ready to rock the new school year in style! We will use bright and colorful washi tape to personalize mini notebooks, pencils and pens! All supplies will be provided, just bring your creative, crafty self! (You are welcome to decorate your cell phone cases or personal charging devices with washi tape too!) This event will take place, weather permitting, on the patio in front of the activity room. For ages 6 and up, and their families. Registration is encouraged (just in case we need to reschedule!) Due to Covid-19 restrictions and to ensure everyone's safety we request that all families follow our In Person event guidelines: We ask that you stay 6 feet away from other families for your safety, as well as the safety of others. If any member of your household is not feeling well, has a fever, or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. For any portions of our events that are indoors, you may be required to wear a mask, depending on current city building guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact us at kidsdept@russelllibrary.org This program is sponored by the Friends of the Library.

Postponed due to weather! New date is Thursday September 2nd at 3:30pm! Get ready because we are going on a nature scavenger hunt! Join Russell Library staff at Crystal Lake in McCutcheon Park to explore the great outdoors and all its beauty! After our hunt, we will celebrate by reading a story and blowing giant bubbles! Will you be the one to blow the biggest bubble? This session will take place at Crystal Lake in McCutcheon Park. For ages 3-11. Siblings and families welcome! Due to Covid-19 restrictions and to ensure everyone's safety we request that all families follow our Outdoor event guidelines: We ask that you stay 6 feet away from other families for your safety, as well as the safety of others. If any member of your household is not feeling well, has a fever, or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. Directions: Here is a link to the location of the City Park in google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Crystal Lake Park, Middletown, CT 06457/@41.5145974,-72.6395091,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xe18adeb53786e13e!8m2!3d41.5145974!4d-72.6395091 From Randolph Road (Route 155), turn south onto Millbrook Road. Follow Millbrook Road for 1.5 miles and take a right onto Livingston Road. After 0.2 miles, take the first right off Livingston Road into McCutcheon Park! https://www.middletownct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12552/Middletown-Trail-Guide-PDF (Pg 31-33)

Join The 3 Foragers in an educational walk through the paths and forest at Crystal Lake in McCutcheon Park, Middletown, CT as we search for late season summer berries, edible wild greens, wild mushrooms, and other delicious wild foods. We'll explore native and invasive plants, and go over responsible foraging guidelines and safety practices. Wild food, edible weeds, plant identification, fungi, wild mushrooms and more. Adults and children welcome, please no dogs. Registration is required. Participation is limited. Wild food foragers and family of three located in southeastern New England, they strive to share information about the edible weeds and fungi in our forests, shores, fields, and own backyards. We include photographs, plant identifications, fungi identifications, and recipe ideas for the wild foods we find. At our event we will have Karen Monger and Robert Gergulies. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and to ensure everyone's safety we request that all families follow our Outdoor event guidelines: We ask that you stay 6 feet away from other families for your safety, as well as the safety of others. If any member of your household is not feeling well, has a fever, or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. Directions: Here is a link to the location of the City Park in google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Crystal Lake Park, Middletown, CT 06457/@41.5145974,-72.6395091,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xe18adeb53786e13e!8m2!3d41.5145974!4d-72.6395091 From Randolph Road (Route 155), turn south onto Millbrook Road. Follow Millbrook Road for 1.5 miles and take a right onto Livingston Road. After 0.2 miles, take the first right off Livingston Road into McCutcheon Park! http://https://www.middletownct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2583/Middletown-Trail-Guide-PDF (Pg 31-33) Questions? Christy Billings cbillings@russelllibrary.org

Russell Library will be closed Monday, September 6th for the holiday.

In today's episode, you'll enjoy Kim Spachman's conversation with Michael McCoy, co-owner of Story and Soil Coffee located within Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore. They'll discuss the journey of Story and Soil, the attributes of Middletown, and the importance of a really good cup of coffee. Enjoy! Book, Film & Television Recommendations Wildwood (from The Wildwood Chronicle trilogy) by Colin Meloy Once Upon a Time in Hollywood; Novelization by Quentin Tarantino Les Misérables by Victor Hugo Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi The Green Knight, Director David Lowry The King of Comedy, Martin Scorsese Ted Lasso on AppleTV Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar on Hulu This podcast uses music by Ashutosh, under a creative commons license: Time by ASHUTOSH | https://soundcloud.com/grandakt Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In today's episode, you'll enjoy Kim Spachman's conversation with Michael McCoy, co-owner of Story and Soil Coffee located within Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore. They'll discuss the journey of Story and Soil, the attributes of Middletown, and the importance of a really good cup of coffee. Enjoy! Book, Film & Television Recommendations Wildwood (from The Wildwood Chronicle trilogy) by Colin Meloy Once Upon a Time in Hollywood; Novelization by Quentin Tarantino Les Misérables by Victor Hugo Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi The Green Knight, Director David Lowry The King of Comedy, Martin Scorsese Ted Lasso on AppleTV Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar on Hulu This podcast uses music by Ashutosh, under a creative commons license: Time by ASHUTOSH | https://soundcloud.com/grandakt Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Deborah Krawiec: Working with Recruiters and Agencies "Advance Your Career. Build Your Confidence. Re-Energize Your Job Search." 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. Deborah (Deb) Krawiec, National Certified Counselor, (NCC) is the founder of Arrow Career Consulting LLC 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.

The Sept title is Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. Place a hold for pick-up or E-copies are available at www.russelllibrary.org. Join us IN-PERSON at Stubborn Beauty Brewing at 180 Johnson St, Middletown, CT for our discussion! 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. Registration strongly suggested. From stubbornbeauty.com: Masks will no longer be required indoors or outside if you are vaccinated, if you are not vaccinated please continue to wear your mask inside when not seated at your table. Sept Anxious People Fredrik Backman 9/9 October The Exiles Christina Baker Kline 10/14 Nov The Girl With the Louding Voice Abi Daré 11/11 Dec Miss Benson's beetle: a novel Rachel Joyce 12/9 Questions? E-mail Christy Billings at cbillings@russelllibrary.org Sponsored by the Friends of Russell Library.

Get answers to many questions, such as: -Do you need to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65? -When and how do you sign up for Medicare? -How can you avoid paying life-long penalties by not enrolling when you turn 65? -What is the difference between a Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans? Many other questions answered as well. This is not a sales presentation, specific carriers, prodcuts or pricing will NOT be discussed during this seminar. Zoom link: US: 13126266799,,4223357147# or 19294362866,,4223357147# Meeting URL: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4223357147?pwd=MVV1bjVKWHozK08rNmVQaVIrSmdaZz09 Meeting ID: 422 335 7147 Passcode: 449509 Join by Telephone For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location. Dial: US: 1 312 626 6799 or 1 929 436 2866 or 1 301 715 8592 or 1 346 248 7799 or 1 669 900 6833 or 1 253 215 8782 Meeting ID: 422 335 7147

The Racial Justice Book Group is offered in partnership with the Middletown Racial Justice Community. The September meeting will be held on the second Tuesday in September due to Rosh Hashanah via Zoom. The September title is Transcendent Kingdom Yaa Gyasi. 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 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 Questions? Christy Billings cbillings@russelllibrary.org

Adrian Budhu: Senior Recruiter Best Logic Staffing 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.

For those of you who could not make the day time program earlier this week, here is another opportunity: Get answers to many questions, such as: -Do you need to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65? -When and how do you sign up for Medicare? -How can you avoid paying life-long penalties by not enrolling when you turn 65? -What is the difference between a Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans? Many other questions answered as well. This is not a sales presentation, specific carriers, prodcuts or pricing will NOT be discussed during this seminar. Zoom link: US: 13126266799,,4223357147# or 19294362866,,4223357147# Meeting URL: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4223357147?pwd=MVV1bjVKWHozK08rNmVQaVIrSmdaZz09 Meeting ID: 422 335 7147 Passcode: 449509 Join by Telephone For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location. Dial: US: 1 312 626 6799 or 1 929 436 2866 or 1 301 715 8592 or 1 346 248 7799 or 1 669 900 6833 or 1 253 215 8782 Meeting ID: 422 335 7147

It's apple picking time! Apples are crunchy and sweet, just like these handpicked stories right off our story tree! So come and join us as we "bite" into some delicious stories that celebrate APPLES! Pick up supplies to create an apple craft (Limit 2 craft kits per household). Please Note: there is one craft for the entire series. This is part 1 of a series, sign up for part 2 on 9/28 here: https://russelllibrary.libcal.com/event/8034780 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 a librarian will email you to confirm your supply kits are ready for you! After you hear from us you can either Pick your kit up during library operating hours from the hold shelf (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.

Home Ownership Month! Join Rosa Carrero, Assistant Vice President, Community Outreach Officer from Liberty Bank in Middletown, to learn about: What you need to know before purchasing a home Getting credit ready for home ownership First-time homebuyer programs Down payment assistance programs Registrations required for the virtual link.This program will take place via Zoom. Links will be sent prior to the program. This program is held in partnership with Liberty Bank, Habitat for Humanity and the Friends of Russell Library. Questions? Christy Billings cbillings@russelllibrary.org or Rosa Carrero: RCarrero@LIBERTY-BANK.com

Let's celebrate the autumnal equinox together by making a beautiful mason jar luminary for you to take home! Create a fun and festive craft using simple materials like glue and colorful tissue paper. An LED tea light will also be provided, so as the nights get longer you can watch your lantern glow! This event will take place, weather permitting, on the patio in front of the activity room. For ages 6 - and up! Registration is required as supplies are limited. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and to ensure everyone's safety we request that all families follow our In Person event guidelines: We ask that you stay 6 feet away from other families for your safety, as well as the safety of others. If any member of your household is not feeling well, has a fever, or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. For any portions of our events that are indoors, you may be required to wear a mask, depending on current city building guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact us at kidsdept@russelllibrary.org This event is sponsored by the Friends of Russell Library.

It's apple picking time! Apples are crunchy and sweet, just like these handpicked stories right off our story tree! So come and join us as we "bite" into some delicious stories that celebrate APPLES! This is part 1 of a series, sign up for part 1 on 9/21 here: https://russelllibrary.libcal.com/event/8034673 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 a librarian will email you to confirm your supply kits are ready for you! After you hear from us you can either Pick your kit up during library operating hours from the hold shelf (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.