Library Director's Message

Hello!  

I hope your summer is off to a great start! July is typically synonymous with fireworks, fun, and freedom (Our nation’s independence, and of course freedom to read!) And it’s our busiest time of year! We love seeing all our patrons, young and old, experiencing the joy of summer reading inside and outside the library. Summer reading helps reduce summer slide for students, and can be a powerful way to remind adults of the joys of reading and the beauty of a carefree summer afternoon lost in a book...no matter how old we are, that pastime is evergreen. Summer reading programs are happening all month long, books are being recorded and raffles are being drawn. It’s not too late to be part of our Adult Summer Reading.  

July is my birthday month so it’s always the start of a “new year” for me. July 2nd marks day 184 of the calendar year meaning we are halfway to the end of the year! July is also the beginning of our fiscal year here in the Town of Berlin so it’s a good time to reflect, assess, and plan. So much for July being carefree for me! I have a lot on my mind and I’m excited to share it with you:

Our carpet is complete and looks beautiful! I encourage you to come in and see it for yourself.  

This fall, Berlin-Peck will embark on a strategic planning process which will allow us to review our mission, vision, and values and with our community’s input develop strategic initiatives that align with our vision.  

In the coming months, we are adding the Sunday NY Times in print and new databases, including Transparent Language which offers 110 languages and English as a second language.

We will be upgrading our IT infrastructure and Wi-Fi for a more seamless experience for our patrons.  

And finally, there’s still time to complete your interpretation of My Hometown. Pick up a canvas at the library and use your talent to show us what Berlin, your hometown, means to you. I wish you a safe and happy summer. We look forward to seeing you at the library soon!

Warmly,
Kim

Library Hours
Tuesday, July 4
Library Closed

The library will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in honor of Independence Day.

See more booklists at berlinpeck.org/booklists.

Sit & Knit

Thursday, July 6 + 20, 6:00 pm
Thursday, July 13 + 27, 1:00 pm

We are a friendly and welcoming group of all skill levels from beginner to advanced. It’s a great opportunity to trade knitting tips and tricks, and to socialize and make new friends—so come on down and join us for a fun and creative time!

Learn More

Friday Movie Matinees
Friday, July 7, 14, 21, 28, 1:00 pm

Please register for each movie you'd like to attend. See all upcoming movies.

Register

Learn to Knit

Saturday, July 8, 15, 22, 10:30 am
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Please plan to attend all three dates.

Join a local knitting instructor for a three-week introduction to knitting class. Each class builds on the previous one. Please expect to attend all three dates.

Register

Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology
Wednesday, July 12, 1:00 pm

Stay up to date with the latest safety technology in your current or future car. Learn all about what new technologies are available, how they work, and how they can improve your peace of mind on the road.

Register

Local Author Joe Clifford
Thursday, July 13, 6:30 pm

Join us for a book signing event with local author Joe Clifford! Meet the author and get a signed copy of his latest book, Say My Name. Don’t miss this opportunity to support a talented local writer and connect with fellow book lovers!

Books will be available for purchase at the event.

Register

Make and Take: Clothespin Dragonflies
Saturday, July 15, 10:30 am
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Boost your summer decor with this colorful dragonfly!

Register

My Hometown Art Project
Deadline extended to Saturday, July 15!

The Town of Berlin has teamed up with the Berlin Peck Memorial Library for a special town-wide tiny art project! Pick up a tiny canvas at the library—and capture your favorite places to explore, visit, or enjoy in Berlin.

Learn More

Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Monday, July 17, 1:00 pm

A safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia. Join us to share practical information, feelings, needs and concerns. Sponsored and hosted by Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Association.

Learn More

Mission to Ukraine
Tuesday, July 18, 6:30 pm

Learn about Ukrainian humanitarian aid efforts happening in Connecticut.

Register

Saturday Morning Book Club
Saturday, July 22, 10:30 am

Join us for a discussion of The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner. Contact the library for a copy of the book.

Register

Summer Foraging With The 3 Foragers
Thursday, July 27, 6:30 pm
ONLINE EVENT

Learn how to identify, sustainably harvest, and prepare the wild foods of summer, from beach plums to invasive wineberries!

Register

Cookbook Club
Monday, July 31, 6:30 pm

This month’s cookbook is The Complete Summer Cookbook from America’s Test Kitchen.

Copies of the cookbook are available at the Adult Reference Desk. To participate, please register and let us know which dish you will bring. You can register first, call or email us your dish later. Then bring in your dish for a fun potluck!

You do not need to be an experienced cook, just an enthusiastic one!

Register

Tiny Art Show Reception
Tuesday, August 1, 6:00 pm

Drop in to view the tiny artwork from Berlin’s first My Hometown event! Light refreshments will be served.

Learn More

James Webb Space Telescope
Thursday, August 3, 6:30 pm
ONLINE EVENT

Join NASA volunteer Andy Poniros and learn about what the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest optical telescope in space, has discovered about our universe.

Register

Adult Summer Reading
Monday, June 12 – Friday, September 1

Each book you read earns you a raffle ticket for one of our TEN awesome raffle baskets!

Summer Reading opens on June 12, but you can sign up now. If you participated in last year's summer reading, you can sign up with the same username and password. Reading booklets will be available at the Adult Reference Desk.

Sign Up