Russell Library - Events, Exhibits and Programs Mar. 12 -31

Russell Library 123 Broad St., Middletown, CT

 

COMING EVENTS AT RUSSELL LIBRARY

Russell Library Hours for March 2017

Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown has hours: Mondays 10am – 6pm; Tuesdays 10am – 8pm; Wednesdays 1pm – 8pm; Thursdays 10am – 8pm; Fridays 10am – 6pm; Saturdays 10am - 2pm; Sundays 1pm – 4pm.

All library programs are free of charge.

EXHIBITS

Sacred Circles:  Mandalas for the Soul by Rose Amodeo Petronella

Throughout March. Mandalas are circle designs found in spiritual traditions around the world.  They represent health and wholeness of body, mind and spirit. The mandalas in this exhibit began as a spiritual healing exercise during a difficult time of life and evolved into a form of prayer, which continues years later. 

Rose Amodeo Petronella is a spiritual director, retreat leader and retired minister in the United Church of Christ.  She recently published Honoring the Soul: Mandalas for Inspiration and Insight.  She grew up in Rocky Hill, CT, and now lives in Middletown.

Never Done: a collection of domestic handicrafts

Lobby Case, throughout March. As part of a series of events that celebrate Women’s History Month, we are exhibiting samples of domestic handicrafts traditionally produced by women. From embroidery to crochet, needlepoint to knitting, basketry and quilting, such work was undervalued in western culture until feminist movement of the 1970’s. Gleaned from the staff of the Russell Library, these pieces were created by female relatives (mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts) of staff members, and several artistic members of the female staff.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

The Russell Writers’ Online Forum.  Participate any day, any time, from the comfort of your own computer. Register and log in for this online writing group where you can post your work for critique, provide feedback for your fellow Russell Writers, exchange ideas and tips, and participate in the monthly writing prompts. Go to: http://russellwriters.freeforums.net. Beginning and experienced writers welcomed! For more information, contact Michele Rousseau at shellywriter@sbcglobal.net

PROGRAMS

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 29, 1:30pm. Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Join us for an afternoon of stories, rhymes and play for babies, birth to twelve months, and their caregivers. 

Drop-in, no registration.

Baby Rhyme Time

Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 10:30am. Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Join us for a morning of stories, rhymes and play for babies, birth to twelve months, and their caregivers. 

Drop-in, no registration.

Books to Blockbusters: A Film Series

Thursdays at 2:00pm and 6:00pm, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and April 6. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Did you miss these films at the theater? Enjoy them for free at the library!

March 2: The Light Between Oceans: A lighthouse keeper and his wife living off the coast of Western Australia raise a baby they rescue from a drifting row boat.  This movie based on the bestselling book by M. L. Stedman stars Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, and Rachel Weisz.   Rated PG-13, 130 minutes. 

March 9: The Girl on the Train, one of the most checked out books at public libraries in 2016, has come to the big screen.  A gripping psychological thriller, based on Paula Hawkins’ 2015 novel of the same name, tells the story of an alcoholic divorcee who becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation. Rated R, 112 minutes.

March 16: Indignation, based on the book of the same name by Philip Roth. Logan Lerman plays a Jewish student adjusting to college in 1951 Ohio.  Rated R, 111 minutes.

March 23: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, based on the book of the same name by Ransom Riggs.  When Jacob discovers clues to a mystery that stretches across time, he finds Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. But the danger deepens after he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers. Rated PG-13, 127 minutes.

March 30: A Man Called Ove is based on the book by Fredrik Backman. Ove, an ill-tempered, isolated retiree who spends his days enforcing block association rules and visiting his wife's grave, has finally given up on life just as an unlikely friendship develops with his boisterous new neighbors.

April 6: Queen of Katwe, based on the book by Tim Crothers, is the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess. Rated PG, 124 minutes.

Preschool Power

Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 1:30pm. Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Stories, craft and play for 3-5 year olds. 

Drop-in, no registration.

International Women's Day

Sunday, March 5, 1:30pm. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. A panel of women of different nationalities will speak on the conditions and concerns that affect women in their countries. Open to all.

Drop-in, no registration.

Sponsored by the American Association of University Women.

Wonderful Ones

Mondays, March 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:30am. Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Play, craft, music, stories and more for one-year olds and their caregivers.

Drop-in, no registration.

Twos are Terrific

Tuesdays, March 7, 21, 28, 10:30am. Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Open play and craft for two-year olds and their caregivers.

Drop-in, no registration.

The Friends of the Russell Library Book Sale Featuring Health Books!

Friday, March 10, 10am – 6pm; Saturday, March 11, 10:00am - 2:00pm; and Sunday, March 12^th, 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Come support your library by purchasing a pre-owned book! The Friends’ Book Sale this month features books on food, diet and health. But there are more! All sorts of books, CDs and DVDs will be available! For adults as well as for children! Helping the library with funding for a wide variety of programs, The Friends of the Russell Library is one of the best volunteer organizations in Middletown. Their book sales are one of the best places to find bargains and feel good about the money you spend. 

Reading Buddies

Monday, March 13 from 4:30 - 5:30 pm. The Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Do you love reading? Or are you a struggling reader? Members of the Teen Advisory Council will help you learn to love reading or continue love reading by being YOUR reading Buddy! Bring your own favorite books or come find one in the library.

For students ages 3 to 10.

Registration is required, in person or by phone, (860) 344-8479.

Twos Rock

Tuesday, March 14^th, 10:30am. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Movement, music and dance for two-year olds and their caregivers. 

Drop-in, no registration.

Intro to Computers I

Tuesday, March 14, 10:30am – 12:00pm. Meeting Room 3, Russell Library 123 Broad St. Middletown. Learn the basics of how to use a computer! This class is for those who ask themselves, “What do I do with this thing?” or “How do I turn it on?” whenever they see a computer. By the end of the class, participants will be able to turn on a computer, navigate the desktop, go to a website, and check e-mail.

For ages 18+ only; maximum of 8 students.

Registration is suggested: please call the Information Services desk at 860-347-2520 or sign up in person.

Film Screening: The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1990)

Tuesday, March 14, 12:00pm. Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad St., Middletown. When the wealthy heiress Lady Cavendish dies mysteriously at her estate in Styles, retired Belgian detective Hercule Poirot comes in to find out who killed her and why. This episode is from the Agatha Christie’s Poirot TV series and stars David Suchet and Hugh Fraser. Like mysteries? Join the Classic Mystery Book Discussion group at Russell Library the last Tuesday of every month at noon and 6:30 p.m. Copies of each month's book can be found at the Circulation Desk. 

Drop-in, no registration.

Russell Readers

Tuesday, March 14, 6:30 - 7:50 pm. Meeting Room 2 at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. We will be discussing Sonny’s Blues by James Baldwin from the collection 100 Years of the Best American Short Stories. Discussions are based on the Great Books Foundation method in which readers talk in open gatherings, under a leader, about the great issues that have shaped civilization as reflected in the readings. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 – 7:50 pm in Meeting Room 2 at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  For more information about participating in the group or acquiring the text, contact Chantal Foster at (860) 573-2946 or email Chantal.foster@comcast.net.

The discussions are sponsored by The Friends of the Russell Library.

Poet’s Corner: Women Poets Resist

Friday, March 17, 1:00pm. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Middletown's Poet Laureate Susan Allison will be sharing poetry of women poets. Participants are invited to bring their favorite poems by women.

All ages welcome.

Drop-in, no registration.

Art Party!

Friday, March 17, 4:00pm. Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Come and celebrate your artistic side by creating something beautiful.  Art Party! will be celebrated each month with a new creative project. Bring your imagination and a willingness to get messy. 

For kids in grades K-3.

Drop-in, no registration.

Introduction to Tai Chi & Qigong for Health and Healing

Saturday, March 18, 11:00am – 12:00pm. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Join us for a one hour interactive workshop with Master Teacher David Chandler. In this workshop, David will share the history of Tai Chi, and participants will learn and experience basic principles and movements. Tai Chi is a popular complimentary health practice, taught throughout the world.   Health benefits include improvement of symptoms of a number of health issues including arthritis, diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, pain, fibromyalgia, mental health disorders, to name a few. Benefits of regular practice also include improvement in flexibility, strength, balance, focus, mood, stress management and overall sense of well- being. No experience is necessary for this fun and informative workshop.   David Chandler has been practicing Tai Chi for more than 40 years. He holds a Master’s degree in Integrative Health and Healing and teaches in various locations throughout Connecticut. You can learn more about him at www.eaglesquesttaichi.com

Save the Water Concert

Sunday, March 19, 2:00pm. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. In honor of World Water Day, Middletown Art Academy and JCherry Presents have teamed up to bring you a day to honor Water.

All ages welcome.

Learn to Manipulate a Marionette

Tuesday, March 21, 4:30pm – 6:00pm. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. In celebration of World Puppetry Day and National Day of Puppetry, adults and children are invited to come and learn the basics of manipulating a “string puppet”, also known as a marionette.

All ages are welcome.

Drop-in, no registration. 

Origami

Tuesday, March 21, 6:30pm. Activity Room, Russell Library 123 Broad St. Middletown. Explore the Japanese art of paper folding. 

Ages 7 & up. 

Drop in, no-registration.

Cultural Connections Women’s Group

Wednesday, March 22, 5:30pm – 6:30pm. Meeting Room 3, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Women of all nationalities are invited to come and meet other immigrant women in order to help one another adapt to American culture. Get help with local resources and network. Share stories and tips and make new friends.
Children are welcome. Fluency in English is not necessary.
Drop-in, no registration.

Celebrating World Water Day: A Physicist’s Perspective

Wednesday, March 22, 6:30pm. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Professor Bill Graham of Queens University of Belfast is an expert in the physics and chemistry of atmospheric pressure plasmas and plasmas created in liquids and their applications to fields such as medicine and the environment. His talk will begin with a walk through the science of why water behaves as it does, why it’s important to life and why it is on earth. This will be followed by a gentle wade through some of the current research now being pursued worldwide, including at both Queen’s University in Belfast and Wesleyan University, which seeks to explore and exploit the water-based phenomena induced when the 2^nd State of Matter (liquid) interacts with the 4^th State of Matter (plasma).  There will be some deviations into other water-related phenomena along the way.

Builders’ Club

Friday, March 24, 4:00pm - 5:30pm. Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Build with the bricks you know and love. 

Ages 5-12.

Drop-in, no registration. 

Yoga In The Hubbard Room!

Saturday, March 25th, 11:00am - 12:00pm. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. No prior experience necessary, and no mats will be used. Our instructor for the class will be Jeff Hush, founder of Food and Movement Therapy and a local instructor of Family Yoga, Tai Chi and Chair Yoga. Come experience what Yoga flow can do to assist you in feeling calmer and also more energetic. Learn how it helps in having a stronger immune system and better sleep patterns.

Drop-in, no registration.

The series is funded by The Friends of the Russell Library.

Concert: The Atwater-Donnelly Trio

Sunday, March 26, 2:00pm. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. The highly praised husband-wife team of Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly are joined with Cathy Clasper-Torch in this very unique blend of instruments, vocals and clogging. An astounding array of instruments including the mountain dulcimer, old-time banjo, tin whistle, guitar, mandolin, and violin help to provide the background for the songs and stories concerning Images of Women in Folk Music. The final member of this trio is Cathy Clasper-Torch, who has played and performed on piano, violin, viola, and er-hu (Chinese violin) since childhood. Cathy is in great demand in the Southern New England folk circuit for her easy stage presence, virtuosity, and improvisational skills. Since 2003, Cathy has absorbed much of the Atwater~Donnelly repertoire and is now a staple in Atwater~Donnelly regional concerts, contributing a deeply rich third dimension and mastery, knowing just where to add an exquisite cello line, an exuberant burst of old-time fiddle, and a third and utterly unique voice.

Sponsored by The Friends of the Russell Library.

STEM Buddies: Brush Bots

Wednesday, March 27, 6:00pm - 7:00pm. The Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. The Teen Advisory Council will help you make mini robots out of tooth brushes. Create obstacle courses, race tracks, and compete with your robot!

For students ages 7 to 11.

Registration is required, in person or by phone, (860) 344-8479.

Joy Unleashed -- The story of a therapy dog

Tuesday, March 28, 6:30pm – 7:45pm. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Author Jean Baur will bring Bella the therapy dog and several of her books for a book talk, and signing, and a hands-on therapy petting of Bella! Joy Unleashed tells the true story of Bella: her rescue from Dead Dog Beach in Puerto Rico, how she was flown to New Jersey with forty other dogs, her month in a shelter there getting the care she so desperately needed, and her adoption by Jean and her husband, Bob, when she was four months old. Part lab, terrier and whippet, Bella was a tough dog to train. She has that terrier drive and independence, and would rather do things her way. But she learned basic obedience, then did two years of agility training, before starting the arduous process of being certified as a therapy dog.

Classic Mystery Book Discussion

Tuesday, March 28, 12:00pm – 1:00pm. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Join us for a discussion of one of the founding mystery-detective novels, The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie. When the wealthy heiress Lady Cavendish dies mysteriously at her estate in Styles, retired Belgian detective Hercule Poirot comes in to find out who killed her and why. This is the first of the Hercule Poirot mysteries. We will also be screening related films earlier in the month. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunches. Discussions will be casual and fun, and those who have not read the books or seen the movies are encouraged to attend.

Copies of each month's book will be available at the Russell Circulation Desk 30 days prior. Please contact the Information Access & Adult Learning Department at Russell Library; infodept@russelllibrary.org; 860-347-2520 for more details or to suggest a book.
Drop-in, no registration.

Classic Mystery Book Discussion

Tuesday, March 28, 6:30pm – 7:45pm. Meeting Room 3, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. The above program repeats at this alternative time.

My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg - Book Discussion

Wednesday, March 29, 6:30pm – 7:45pm. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. This book discussion will be based on My Own Words, a new autobiography by Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  

'The first book from Ruth Bader Ginsburg since becoming a Supreme Court Justice in 1993—a witty, engaging, serious, and playful collection of writings and speeches from the woman who has had a powerful and enduring influence on law, women’s rights, and popular culture.'

Copies of the book will be available at the Russell Library’s Circulation Desk by February 28. It is also available as an electronic resource on Overdrive. Please contact the Information Access & Adult Learning Department at Russell Library; infodept@russelllibrary.org; 860-347-2520 for more details.
Drop-in, no registration.

Drawing Mandalas For Insight Into Life Issues

Friday, March 31, 10:30am - 12:30pm. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. A mandala is a type of circular design that is used as a spiritual and ritual symbol. Participants will create a mandala, being guided by their own spirit, intuition and feelings of the moment, in a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere. No artistic ability or experience is required. All materials will be provided. Rose Amodeo Petronella is a spiritual director, retreat leader and retired minister in the United Church of Christ.  She recently published Honoring the Soul: Mandalas for Inspiration and Insight. She grew up in Rocky Hill, CT, and now lives in Middletown.

Registration suggested, please call (860) 347-2520; drop-ins accepted if there's room.

Abacus Club

Friday, March 31, 4:00pm - 5:00pm. Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Join the fun and multiply your math knowledge with engaging math-based activities and crafts. The Abacus Club meets on the last Friday of the month.

Ages 7 and up.

Drop-in, no registration.

Rigid Heddle Loom Weaving Demonstration

Friday, March 31, 2:00pm – 4:00pm. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. As part of our Women's History Month events, Linda Rusczek will be giving a hands-on demonstration of rigid heddle loom weaving. Rigid-heddle looms are easy to store, quick to set up, and, most importantly, fun to weave on. They’re great looms for beginning weavers and seasoned veterans alike.  

All ages.

Drop-in, no registration.

COMPUTER CLASSES

One-on-one computer lessons

By appointment. Information desk, Russell Library, 123 Broad St., Middletown. The topics for these personalized one-hour classes will be diverse and patron-driven including:

·         Overviews and special topics for Microsoft Office, Publisher and other applications

·         Database help for student’s homework, grant-seeking, genealogy, self-improvement, investment and small business development

·         Social Media, Email and ways to control your inbox 

·         Introduction to Digital Photography and/or photo editing

·         Patrons may bring laptops and other portable devices or use our computers for an introduction to the operating system, downloading music, magazines or books and streaming video. 

Please contact the Information Department for details or to set up an appointment, 860-347-2520.

Intro to Computers I

Tuesday, March 14, 10:30am-noon. Meeting Room 3, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Learn the basics of how to use a computer! This class is for those who ask themselves, “What do I do with this thing?” or “How do I turn it on?” whenever they see a computer. By the end of the class, participants will be able to turn on a computer, navigate the desktop, go to a website, and check e-mail.
Registration is suggested: please call the Information Services desk at 860-347-2520 or sign up in person. For ages 18+ only; maximum of 8 students.

Using Word 2013 To Format Your Resume

Tuesday, March 28, 2:00pm - 3:30 pm. Meeting Room 3, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Using a sample resume and cover letter, patrons will learn how to format 'paper' documents and prepare an electronic version to post on the Web.  The workshop will also explore job sites such as Career Builder and Monster.  Prerequisites are: how to use the Web and Introduction to Microsoft Word 2013.

JOB & CAREER PROGRAMS

“Stand Out in Your Job Search: add more creativity, communication, and connection power to your job search strategy” – with Kathy McAfee

Tuesday, March 14, 2017, 5:45 – 8:00 pm, Hubbard room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Nothing will test you more than the job search process.  But it can also be a time of great personal growth and discovery.  Our guest speaker, Kathy McAfee, America’s Marketing Motivator, will inspire you to tackle your job search with renewed zest.  She will share her knowledge, tips, and strategies around networking and communication to help you stand out from other candidates while being true to who you are.  Remember that you are more than your resume.  Your success awaits you.  Get motivated and meet it.

At this session, you will learn about:

·         Personal Branding strategies to help position yourself for greater success

·         Networking strategies to help you make important new connections

·         Communication best practices to showcase your talent and potential

·         Creative ideas to distinguish you and bring you more joy in the process

Adult, Registration is requested but not required.

Sponsored by The Russell Library Job and Career Group.

Job Group

Thursdays March 2, 9, 16, and 23 at 10:00am – noon. The Hubbard Room at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Each Thursday a different topic related to careers is discussed. Presenters range from local business people to nationally renowned authors and career counselors. A one-hour networking session follows the presentation.

Practice Job Interviews

Improve your interviewing skills and get the job you want. Bob Carlson will assist you by conducting and evaluating your practice interview. Videotaping the session is optional and confidential. One hour sessions are available. Register by calling 860-347-2520.

Resume Review

Russell Library offers confidential resume review and critiquing two Saturdays each month from 10:00am – 1:30pm with Tracy Nixon Moore, business professional and consultant. Wednesday evenings from 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Jeff Thierfeld, business consultant, will be available for resume reviews. One hour appointments are available. Remember to bring your resume. Register by calling 860-347-2520.

Career Coaching

James Kubat, associate director of the Wesleyan Career Center, gives private, confidential career coaching through 1-hour appointments Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Remember to bring your resume. Register by calling 860-347-2520.