Welcome to June! Start summer by escaping with a beach read or joining us for a fun event!

We are excited to announce that going forward eligible items checked out from the Southbury Public Library will be automatically renewed as long as there are renewals available and no one has requested the item. Patrons with email addresses attached to their library card will get email notifications.

The Rutledge Summer Series returns this month! Join us for a variety of adult programs and events this summer, sponsored by Charles and Ella Emery Rutledge, including The Joe Carter Samba Rio Trio concert on June 9 celebrating the music of Brazil.

On Saturday, June 18, Summer Reading begins for Children and Teens! This year, we'll have paper logging and tickets as well as a better virtual logging system, and raffle tickets for time read! We'll also have a ton of fun events, like the return of Southbury's own Annie and the Natural Wonder Band on Friday, June 24 at 11am! For teens, we're very excited to be having a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Video Game Tournament on Saturday, June 25 at 1pm!

To find out more about these and all our other exciting events in June, see below!

If you know of friends or relatives who have trouble receiving this newsletter even though they signed up for it, information is available on our website here about how to make sure it goes through. Anyone with questions is also always welcome to contact us at 203-262-0626 ext. 130 for more information.

Adult Events

Information and Registration: Reference Department at 203-262-0626 ext. 130

All programs require registration unless otherwise noted. The majority of programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. Library programs are not funded by the town fiscal budget. For all virtual adult programs requiring registration, registrants will receive an email with the Zoom links the morning of the program. 

Willie and Jan Perform Carole King and James Taylor
Wednesday, June 1, 7-8:30pm, Brinker Fireplace Room, Registration Required (Waitlist only)

Come to kickoff our summer series and listen to a wonderful performance by Willie Niniger and Jan Scruggs. Willie and Jan return to the Southbury Public Library to perform favorites written and sung by Carole King and James Taylor, including, "I Feel the Earth Move'', "Sweet Baby James", and lots more. To register click here.

The Joe Carter Samba Rio Trio
Thursday, June 9, 6:30-7:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Join us as the Joe Carter Samba Rio Trio celebrates the music of Brazil – Samba, Bossa Nova, Choro, Baiao and more. This sound will be combined with their Jazz background to be the best of music from “Both Sides of the Equator”. To register click here.

The Cabinet of Curiosities: A Peek into the Unusual at Mystic Seaport Museum
Friday, June 10, 2-3pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Join us on an adventure behind locked doors into the “vault” that stores the Mystic Seaport Museum collections. Within the collection are many unusual and surprising artifacts. We will have a chance to see everything from unusual animal parts and strange furniture, to a curious secret ingredient used in some perfumes. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.

Birdwatching 101
Thursday, June 16, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required

As the weather gets warmer it is a perfect time to learn about birdwatching. Join us and learn the basics of bird identification in a relaxed “no fear” atmosphere with people of similar abilities. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.

The Discovery of Magic
Friday, June 17, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Join us as William Pack cracks open his magic history scrapbooks to reveal a secret world of colorful characters, amusing adventures, arcane knowledge and how he became a magician. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.

Trans 101 (Adults & Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, June 21, 7-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested

Speaker and author Jillian Celentano joins us for a Trans 101 talk. Some of the information Jillian covers will include understanding what transgender/nonbinary means, language and terminology, the difference between sex and gender, pronouns, gender journeys, working with parents and families, and body dysphoria. This talk will be approximately 45 minutes long with time afterwards for Q&A. Find out more and register on our website here.

Waterbury's Brass Buttons
Thursday, June 23, 2-3:30pm, Online and in the Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Waterbury was nicknamed the Brass City after becoming the center of America’s brass industry in the 1800s, but did you know that brass buttons started it all? Join us and learn about the history of Waterbury’s brass buttons and admire the intricate art of the buttons of the Waterbury Button Museum. For Zoom Program register here. For Kingsley Room register here.

LGBTQ+ 101 and How to Be a Supportive Ally for Adults
Thursday, June 23, 7-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested

Have you ever wondered what different LGBTQ+ terms mean or wanted to be supportive but aren’t sure where to start? Join us for this friendly and approachable talk with QPlus exploring what different LGBTQ+ terms mean and how to be a supportive ally. This 101 level talk is designed to be beginner friendly and assumes no prior knowledge. For more information and to register, click here. We are also offering this event as a separate teen program; for the teen program, click here.

Retro Game Night
Saturday, June 25, 4:30-6:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Revisit the glory days of when gaming started and reminisce at this gaming night you don’t want to miss with OneUp Games! Systems and games will be available for play via the Nintendo Switch online membership, which includes NES, SNES, N64 and Sega Genesis! Other titles and game systems will be included. Find out more and register on our website here.

Coloring Club
Monday, June 27, 2-3:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space is Limited

Welcome back to the Adult Coloring Club! Materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own supplies as well. Registration is required. No walk-ins will be allowed. Register here.    

Wednesday at the Movies

Falling for Figaro (2020) NR
Wednesday, June 8, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

A brilliant young fund manager leaves her unfulfilling job and long-term boyfriend to chase her lifelong dream of becoming an opera singer in the Scottish Highlands. Register here.

Percy Vs. Goliath (2020) PG-13
Wednesday, June 15, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

A Canadian farmer takes on a giant corporation after their GMOs interfere with his crops. Register here.

Dog (2022) PG-13
Wednesday, June 22, 1-3pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Two former Army Rangers are paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Briggs and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois) race down the Pacific Coast to get to a fellow soldier's funeral on time. Register here.

Cyrano (2021) PG-13
Wednesday, June 29, 1-3:15pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Too self-conscious to woo Roxanne himself, wordsmith Cyrano de Bergerac helps young Christian nab her heart through love letters. Register here.

Evening at the Movies

Dune (2021) PG-13
Tuesday, June 14, 6-8:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

A noble family becomes embroiled in a war for control over the galaxy's most valuable asset while its heir becomes troubled by visions of a dark future. The Southbury Public Library's presentation of Dune (2021) will be in 4K. Register here.

House of Gucci (2021) R
Tuesday, June 28, 6-8:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

When Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel their legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately... murder. Register here.

Adult Book Clubs

Nonfiction Book Club
Wednesday, June 8, 10-11am, Brown Room, Registration Required

This month we'll be discussing Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson. Hard copies are available for pick up at the Circulation Desk. Register here.

Mystery Book Club
Monday, June 13, 3-4pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

This month we'll be discussing The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths. Digital copies are available at Hoopla. Hard copies are available for pick up at the Circulation Desk. Register here.

Tuesday Night Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, June 28, 6:30-7:30pm, Online, Registration Required

This month we'll be discussing The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim. Ebook and audiobook copies are available on Hoopla. Hard copies are available at the Circulation Desk. Register here.

Technology Help

Technology Help with James Chapin
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12-1pm, Reference Area, No Registration Required

Do you have technology questions or are you having issues with a device? Come by for help with local tech expert James Chapin. Feel free to ask your questions to our Reference Staff as well. For more information click here.

Reference Technology Assistance

Did you know that the Reference Department offers assistance with mobile devices, downloading our e-resources, and more? If you have a simple question, stop by the Reference Desk more than an hour before we close and we can assist you. Like other Reference Questions, you may have to wait for a Reference Librarian to be available. If your question is more in-depth or you're not sure how long it will take, call the Reference Department at 203-262-0626 ext. 130 to inquire about making an appointment. Most of our assistance is related to answering questions about how to use a device, app, or website. We cannot touch your device directly, but instead we teach you how to do what you are looking for help with. If you have a hardware question or very technical question, we recommend visiting James Chapin during his Technology Help on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00-1:00pm. 

Children and Teen Events

Information and Registration: Children/Teen Department at 203-262-0626 ext. 3

See below for information about our upcoming Children's and Teen Programming! All of our Children's and Teen Programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. Library programs are not funded by the town fiscal budget.

Children's Storytimes:

Drop-In Storytime (All Ages)
Monday, June 6, 13, 20 & 27, 10:30-11am, Storytime Room, No Registration Required

Join Miss Heather for stories, rhymes, and a small craft every Monday. All ages are welcome. Find more on our website here.

PJ Storytime (All Ages)
Thursday, June 9 & 30, 6-6:30pm, Storytime Room, No Registration Required

Grab your jammies and join Miss Katie for stories, songs, and a small craft. All ages are welcome. Find more on our website here.

Special Events for Children:

StoryWalk: Big Dance (All Ages)
Ongoing through Friday, June 3, 2022, Outside on the Library Grounds, No Registration Required

Don't miss the last few days of our StoryWalk featuring Big Dance by Aoife Greenham! Follow along and get moving outside on the library grounds. Stop by the Youth Services Department to make or take a craft. Find out more on our website here.

Open House Make or Take Craft (All Ages)
Saturday, June 4, 11, 18, & 25, All Day, Upstairs, No Registration Required

Stop by the Youth Services Department every Saturday to make a thematic craft (while supplies last)! Make it here or bring one home. Crayons and glue sticks available in the library. Find out more on our website here.

ARTuesday (Ages 7 & Up)
Tuesday, June 7 & 21, 5-6pm, Storytime Room, No Registration Required

Do you love art? Join Miss Renee and Miss Kim for a playful, messy, and expressive art experience where there is no right or wrong. Come to either or both sessions to play and experiment with a variety of art mediums and themes. Smocks recommended. Please wear something you don't mind getting messy. Find out more on our website here.

First Day of Summer Reading (Ages 0-19)
Saturday, June 18, All Day, Children’s Department & Online

Join us for Summer Reading 2022! This year's theme is Read Beyond the Beaten Path and all about Summer Camp! Participate by attending programs, logging your reading, and more! Find out more on our website here, and keep your eyes out for our upcoming Summer Reading focused newsletter! This year, we are back in-person but will also have an improved online option!

Tiny Food Explorers (Ages 2-5 & Caregivers)
Wednesday, June 22, 11:30am-12:15pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Join Tiny Food Explorers for some fun with food! Come and explore new flavors and textures while playing games all about food and MyPlate! You’ll make a hands-on healthy snack that even the pickiest of eaters will be keen to try. All snack ingredients will be nut free but may contain dairy. Find out more and register here.

 Imagine Nation Earth Study: Fossils (Ages 5-11)

Thursday, June 23, 11am-12pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space is Limited

Imagine Nation’s Museum Educators are back to explore Earth sciences with a fun and interesting learning experience all about fossils! Find out more and register here.

Purrmaid Clay Craft (Grades 2-5)
Thursday, June 23, 4:30-5:30pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space is Limited

Join Miss Heather and Miss Katie to make kitty mermaids out of clay! Find out more and register on our website here.

Annie and the Natural Wonder Band (All Ages)
Friday, June 24, 11am-12pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required

Annie and the Natural Wonder Band are back! Join us for a lively music and dance experience. Southbury Locals Annie and Safari Bob create and perform fun-filled, interactive songs and dances about the wonders of nature for the whole family to enjoy. Find out more and register on our website here.

Build Your Own Sticker Book: US History (Ages 7 & Up)
Tuesday, June 28, 5-6pm, Brown Room, Registration Required

Before the Fourth of July holiday, join us for a unique, interactive family-friendly program where you will learn, problem-solve and “Build Your Own US History Book.” Find out more and register on our website here.

Special Events for Teens:

High School Nutmeg Book Club (Grades 8-12)
Monday, June 13, 4-5pm, Brown Room, Registration Required – Space Limited

Join us as we read through all of the 2023 High School Nutmeg Nominees together! This month, we'll be reading The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune! Pick up your book from the Teen Department anytime during library open hours to read before the Book Club meeting. Voting for the 2023 Nutmegs takes place in April 2023, and this is a fun and social way to read all of this year's Nutmegs. Find out more and register on our website here.

DIY Rainbow Beaded Bracelets & Keychains (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, June 14, 6-7pm, Storytime Room, Registration Encouraged

Join us to make rainbow beaded bracelets (or keychains!). All supplies will be provided. We’ll have a range of bead colors if you’d rather make another pattern of bracelet or a different LGBTQ+ pride colors for Pride Month in June. Find out more and register on our website here.

Third Thursday Game Night: Human Chess (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, June 16, 6-7pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Join us for Human Chess! We'll play on a giant board, where you (and your teammates) will make up some of the pieces! Little to no knowledge of chess is required, as we’ll be playing on teams. Find out more and register on our website here.

First Day of Summer Reading (Grades 6-12)
Saturday, June 18, All Day, Second Floor & Online

Join us for Summer Reading 2022! This year's theme is Read Beyond the Beaten Path and all about Summer Camp! Participate by attending programs, logging your reading, and more! Find out more on our website here, and keep your eyes out for our upcoming Summer Reading focused newsletter! This year, we are back in-person but will also have an improved online option!

Trans 101 (Grades 6-12 & Adults)
Tuesday, June 21, 7-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested

Speaker and author Jillian Celentano joins us for a Trans 101 talk. Some of the information Jillian covers will include understanding what transgender/nonbinary means, language and terminology, the difference between sex and gender, pronouns, gender journeys, working with parents and families, and body dysphoria. This talk will be approximately 45 minutes long with time afterwards for Q&A. Find out more and register on our website here.

Camp Crafternoon: Bead Lizards (Grades 6-12)
Wednesday, June 22, 4-5pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Join us to make bead lizards (and other critters)! These summer camp classics are made of pony beads and string and make excellent keychains. Find out more and register on our website here.

Super Smash Bros. Video Game Tournament (Grades 6-12)
Saturday, June 25, 1-4pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required - Space Limited

Join us for our Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game tournament with OneUp Games! Challenge your friends, choose your main and see if you can last to the end! Controllers will be available, but you can bring your own if you prefer! Find out more and register on our website here.

Middle School Nutmeg Book Club (Grades 6-8)
Monday, June 27, 4-5pm, Brown Room, Registration Required – Space Limited

Join us as we read through all of the 2023 Middle School Nutmeg Nominees together! This month, we'll be reading The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen! Pick up your book from the Teen Department anytime during library open hours to read before our book club meeting. Find out more and register on our website here.

Food Explorers In-Person: “Cowboy Caviar” & Homemade Tortilla Chips (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, June 28, 4-5pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required – Space Limited

Join us in-person to make Cowboy Caviar (a delicious bend of tomatoes, beans, avocado, corn and peppers with a zingy dressing) and baked tortilla chips for dipping. This recipe will be nut free and each teen will make their own portion, with minimal sharing of ingredients or equipment. Find out more and register on our website here.

Teen Advisory Board (Grades 6-12)
Tuesday, June 28, 6-7pm, Tutor Corner, Application Required - Space Limited

Teen Advisory Board (TAB) members can directly influence our teen book and AV collections, teen programming and events, and other teen services. Each monthly meeting opens with a discussion about ideas for programs, materials, and more and closes out with some special volunteer projects. If you are interested in becoming a TAB member, fill out the application form on our website and we will contact you. Find out more and apply on our website here.

What Color is the Air? (Grades 6-12)
Wednesday, June 29, 4-5pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Required – Space Limited

Learn all about air quality in this hands on program with the CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection! We will learn some information on what scientists look at to understand air quality, and then use biological indicators and particle sensors to see how to monitor air changes. Monitoring of environmental quality is important to help apply methods that reduce human impacts. Click here to learn more and register.

LGBTQ+ 101 and How to Be a Supportive Ally for Teens (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, June 30, 7-8pm, Kingsley Room, Registration Requested

Have you ever wondered what different LGBTQ+ terms mean or wanted to be supportive but aren’t sure where to start? Join us for this friendly and approachable talk with QPlus exploring what different LGBTQ+ terms mean and how to be a supportive ally. This 101 level talk is designed to be beginner friendly and assumes no prior knowledge. For more information and to register, click here. We are also offering this event as a separate adult program; for the adult program, click here.

The Friends of the Southbury Public Library: Lobby Book Sale

The Friends of the Southbury Public Library are having a Lobby Book Sale during the month of June. Located in the lobby of the Southbury Public Library, this sale features books in many different categories, including Children’s, Cookbooks, Gardening, Fiction and more, and is available during library open hours.

The Friends of the Southbury Public Library sponsor almost all of our fun virtual and in-person programs found on the calendar page of our website. For more information about the Friends, click here.

Brinker Fireplace Room Display: Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition

This month’s Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition display showcases the rivers, ponds, and aquifer that make up the Pomperaug Watershed, and highlights the important role you have in protecting the rivers you love, the water you drink, and the water you use every day.

Each time you drink a glass of water, wash your hands, prepare a meal, walk past a tree, or watch the rain fall, recognize that that clean water is an essential ingredient for life. Whether it is supporting human consumption or ecological functions, Southbury is fortunate to have ready access to clean water. Only 2.5% of the world’s water is freshwater and only 0.007% of that is deemed clean enough and available to drink. This is why it is critically important to protect this vital resource.

The main stem of the Pomperaug River flows approximately 13 miles from the center of Woodbury through the town of Southbury, and ultimately discharges into the Housatonic River at Lake Zoar. The Pomperaug River is fed by a network of tributaries that flow downhill from Roxbury, Washington, Bethlehem, Morris, and Watertown. One of the most important geological features of the Pomperaug Watershed is the underlying stratified-drift aquifer, which is the predominant source of potable water in these towns as well as Middlebury and Oxford.

To learn more about the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition, visit our display in the Brinker Fireplace Room anytime during library open hours. Beginning Thursday, June 2, 2022, this display is ongoing through Friday, July 29, 2022.

Artist of the Month: Farmington River Quilt Project

June 2 – July 28, 2022

The Gloria Cachion Gallery at the Southbury Public Library will exhibit the Farmington River Coordinating Committee’s Farmington River Quilt Project from Thursday, June 2, 2022 through Thursday, July 28, 2022.

The upper 15 miles of the Farmington River from Hartland to Canton were designated as a Wild & Scenic River in 1994. Since that time, the Farmington River Coordinating Committee has worked with municipalities, organizations and government entities to preserve and protect this resource. One of the many achievements has been the creation of a 25 piece, 50 foot long art quilt depicting scenes in the protected segment. The quilt has been exhibited at many shows and venues with great acclaim for the project, and the talent of the twenty-four artists who contributed.

The Farmington River Coordinating Committee is integral to the implementation of the Upper Farmington River Management Plan. The Committee is comprised of appointed representatives from the five riverfront towns of Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Hartland, New Hartford, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Metropolitan District Commission, National Park Service, Farmington River Watershed Association, and Farmington River Anglers Association.

The goal of the exhibit is to raise awareness about the importance of Connecticut’s waterways and natural resources. The local Pomperaug River flows from the center of Woodbury through the town of Southbury, and ultimately discharges into the Housatonic River at Lake Zoar. The Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition’s (PRWC) mission is to ensure plentiful high quality water in the Pomperaug Watershed communities through the use of science and education.

The exhibit will be open during regular library hours which are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30am to 5:30pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9:30am to 9:00pm, Saturdays 9:30am to 4:00pm and Sundays 12:00pm to 5:00pm (only in June). The exhibit will also be online too as a virtual gallery here. Please visit our website to learn more.