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.

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."

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!

"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.

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.

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.

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.

“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

“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) re 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 (Thursday morning this year) 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 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” 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 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 This group is possible from a City of Middletown Block Grant, Liberty Bank Foundation Grant, and The Family of Thomas J. Regan.

We Were There: Writing Your Military Experiences - Meeting Virtually. Author Elisabeth Petry will continue to lead The Veterans' Writing Group. This series, invites Veterans to share their stories and photos in their own voices. Veterans are encouraged to share their experiences for their own benefit or to share with family and friends. At this time we ask that you contact Russell Staff member Christy Billings at cbillings@russelllibrary.org about virtually visiting the group. Currently, we have service people from combat and non-combat situations from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraqi Freedom. We hope to hear from other Iraq War Vets, and those who have served in Afghanistan. Old Saybrook native Elisabeth Petry is a writer and former journalist and lawyer. Her first book, a collection of letters that she edited, was Can Anything Beat White?: A Black Family's Letters. Her second is At Home Inside: A Daughter’s Tribute to Ann Petry. She lives in Middletown with her husband, Lawrence Riley, who is a dog trainer and the former Commander of the American Legion Milardo-Wilcox Post 75, Middletown CT. The workshop facilitator is Christy Billings. She can be reached at cbillings@russelllibrary.org Sponsored by The Friends of the Russell Library.