Plenty to Do at the Library
By Pat Rutkowski | New Britain Public Library Director at July 3, 2024 | 8:00 am | Print
Growing up in New Britain, how often did we hear there’s nothing to do? I can’t say I hear this any longer and if I did, I would look at them in surprise. New Britain is filled with an amazing amount of activities from art, history, theater, museums, festivals, sports, music and more.
You most likely know that libraries offer free programming for all ages but I bet you have no idea as to the extent. In July alone, we are offering 37 programs, in addition to the Book a Librarian, one on one instructional classes to help with computers, software, tablets and e-readers.
Here are some of July’s highlights.
On Saturday, July 11, at 2 p.m., 60 Minutes Around the World will offer a sampling of music styles and genres from all over the world with sisters, Anna and Kasha Karkowska, playing the violin and piano.
On Wednesday July 15 6:30 p.m., Akintunde Sogunro, the director and producer of the award-winning documentary, Victory, will share his own experiences overcoming adversity early in life and his interest in raising awareness of the problems people in New Britain face on a daily basis. We have a copy of the movie if you would like to borrow it.
Friday, July 31, 2 p.m., Hartford Healthcare Senior Services will present, Path to Wellness, for seniors, covering health eating, nutrition and exercise.
There is something new for kids. Be Your Own Hero Yoga on Mondays, July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2 p.m. for ages 8-12. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel. Plus, there will be Chinese Acrobatics with Li Liu for ages 3-8, on Thursday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. And its time for our annual pet show, on July 15 and the Teddy Bear picnic on July 29. For more information and other children’s programs, call the Children’s Department at 860-224-3155 ext. 121.
For teens, every Monday is a Maker Monday. We supply the supplies; the teen librarian provides the guidance. This month features Comic Book Nail Art, Picture Yourself a Hero: make super hero costume accessories and learn how to use the Scratch, a free programming language to make your own video game.
For the aspiring comic book creators, teens and adults will have the chance to learn how to design and draw characters, create stories and create a comic book in a 6 week workshop working with Matt Ryan, a freelance artist and instructor. This program is made possible with funding from the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. Sign up is required and space is limited so don’t wait.
So since I have only mentioned 11 programs, to find out about the other 26, you can go to our web page (www.nbpl.info), our Facebook page or call the library at 860-224-3155 ext. 125.
Our ample schedule provides convenient hours for you. We are open six days a week –Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
