Calendar

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 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 Thursday session you plan to attend! 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/

Join us for an evening of chess and practice your skills OR learn something new! Participants are encouraged to bring their own sets if they have them. This program will be led by Charles Wojtyniak, retired chess tournament director and chess coach. 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 Monday session you plan to attend! For kids age 5-12 siblings and families welcome!

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 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 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/

As a part of their Project-Based Learning, third graders from Macdonough School researched and investigated different historical landmarks located in Middletown. They visited the Middlesex Historical Society to learn about some historical landmarks from Jesse Nasta, then completed a walking tour around Middletown, snapping pictures and asking questions of landmarks ranging from the Russell Library to the Riverside Cemetery. They continued their research at Macdonough School, designed a slideshow about a particular landmark or historical figure of their choice, and created a QR code to share their information with the community. Join us in Russell Library's Hubbard Room on June 7th as we hear from Middletown's youngest historians as they present their findings to the community!

Our June title is Lost and Found by Kathryn Schulz 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.

Friends of Russell Library Book Sale Dates June 9-10, 2023 Hours Friday, June 9th, 9:00-5:00 Saturday, June 10th, 9:00-4:30

Join us for an evening of chess and practice your skills OR learn something new! Participants are encouraged to bring their own sets if they have them. This program will be led by Charles Wojtyniak, retired chess tournament director and chess coach. 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 Monday session you plan to attend! For kids age 5-12 siblings and families welcome!

Join us for an afternoon of cartooning with Joe Young! Joe Young, a Connecticut native, is an award-winning cartoonist, filmmaker, producer, writer, and teaching artist. He is a Guinness World Record Holder for creating the World’s Longest Comic Strip, which included the participation of thousands of Greater Hartford-based youth. Learn more about him on his website: https://joeyoung.org/about/ In this interactive, creative workshop, Joe Young will teach young cartoonist how to create flip books, comic books and more! Bring your imagination and creativity and see what you create! This program is intended for young people ages 9-12. Space is limited, so please register each young person who plans to participate below. Funding for this program was supplied by Connecticut Humanities! To find out more about the work that CTH does inspiring storytelling, lifelong learning, informed public dialogue and civic engagement in ways that strengthen communities and enhance quality of life for all Connecticut's residents check out their website: https://cthumanities.org/ This event is also sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support their mission here: russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

Join a librarian from Russell Library at the Rec center (140 Wilderman's Way, Middletown, CT) for a fun family storytime followed by caregiver and child swimming activities! Children must be accompanied by their caregiver while in the water, (please reach out to Nicholas.Dionne@middletownct.gov if you need accommodations regarding the swim portion) The activities we have planned are aimed at ages 2 - 5 years old Registration is required and space is limited. Please register at: Middletown Recreation

An American in Provence is a beautiful collection of exquisite portrait, scenic, and still-life photography from New York Times bestselling author and award-winning photographer Jamie Beck. Looking to slow down from her fast-paced life in New York City, Beck embarked on a one-year getaway to Provence. One year, turning into five, Beck moved to the French countryside, documenting her life as “An American in Provence.” Equal parts art book, travel diary, memoir, and cookbook, An American in Provence transports you to the South of France. Beck shares her tips and techniques for creating incredible photos and details her transformational journey as an artist and woman. Beck also includes farm-to-table recipes she's learned along the way. 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.

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. 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/

The Russell Library is closed for the holiday.

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 suggested 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 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/

Join Russell Library and Cinder Salt for an introduction to screenprinting design! This event is for ages 12 so come solo, bring a friend, or bring someone you enjoy spending time with. All materials will be provided. This program will also be offered on Thursday June 22nd at 6 pm. You only need to attend one introductory class. Part two of this series will occur on Wednesday July 12th at 2:30 pm and Thursday July 13th at 6 pm. Attendance at both parts is not required, but the July events will serve as the next steps for this June series. Registration is required, as supplies are limited. This event will take place at Russell Library in the Activity Room

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 of Upcoming Mystery! Books. Registration: Not required - but if you register, you will be notified via email of any event changes. Questions: contact librarian/group leader Amy Slowik (860-782-4722).

Join us for an all ages, self guided crafting session. This month we will be painting and decorating terra cotta planters and kindness rocks. All supplies will be provided. Please wear old clothes, as we will be using acrylic paint that may stain clothing. The activies planned will be appropriate for adults and families with young people. Remember, a caregiver should remain with young people 11 years and under. Thank you! Registration is required and space is limited! Please let us know how many people will be in your party. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: www.russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

Join Ms.Stephanie to tie dye an item of your choice in whatever colors represent you! If you have something in mind you'd like to dye, you're welcome to bring it. Additional basic items to dye will be provided. This event will take place outside on the side lawn of the library, weather permitting, and inside in the activity room if it rains. Q will also be on site to facilitate a discussion about identity. This activity is intended for young people ages 10 (Remember-- a caregiver should remain in the building for young people 11 years old and under. Thank you!) Registration is required, as supplies are limited. _____________________________________________________ This program is made possible by Middletown Pride!

Welcome to Family Game Night, Monday nights anytime between 5pm-7pm for a night of rollicking good fun with a round of board and card games! Weekly Family Game Nights will include some new and some "oldie but goodie" games! For families with children ages 3 and up. No registration required, this is a drop in program. Supplies for this program were provided by the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

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 suggested 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 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/

Please join us for a chat with Tananarive Due about her newest work, The Wishing Pool and Other Stories. The second collection of stories by the author is full of her signature offerings of horror, science fiction, and suspense while confronting monsters of all kinds, including racism, the monster within, and the supernatural. 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.

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! Registration is suggested. For kids age 0-6 (Babies - first grade), siblings and families welcome! In the event of inclement weather we will move this program indoors to the Activity Room inside the Russell Library! Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. Here is a link to the Union Green in google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Union Green, Middletown, CT 06457/@41.5566,-72.650525,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x89e64a42f2ad6e95:0x194bac9351c9b822!2sUnion Green, Middletown, CT 06457!3b1!8m2!3d41.5566658!4d-72.6478241!3m4!1s0x89e64a42f2ad6e95:0x194bac9351c9b822!8m2!3d41.5566658!4d-72.6478241 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/