Submitted by Andrew Maloney, Executive Director, Brainerd Memorial Library
(April 25, 2025) — The following programs and events will take place at Brainerd Memorial Library in Haddam during the month of May, 2025. If you have questions regarding programs, please visit the library’s website – brainerdlibrary.org – or call 860-345-2204 during open hours.
All Ages Programs
Ag Day/Higganum Farmers Market – Come one, come all on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Brainerd Memorial Library will host the Higganum Farmers Market, as well as animals, Blue Fire Puppetry, farm machines, free crafts, Meigs Point nature unit, live music, book & plant sales, and more! Put us on your calendar for a lovely outing.
Higganum Farmers Market at Brainerd Library – Wednesdays 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., June 4, 2025 to September 17, 2025: Brainerd Library is excited to announce that this summer the Higganum Farmers Market will take place at our lovely library. The Market will occur every Wednesday evening throughout the summer. Keep an eye out for fun themed weeks and library program pairings with the Market. A more detailed schedule with planned programs will be available soon.
Cardigan Club – Thursday May 22, 2025 at 4:40 p.m.: A Taylor Swift craft club for all ages. Wear your cutest cardigan and join us to create and plan future crafts. This month’s craft is to be decided. Snacks provided. Please register online at brainerdlibrary.org.
Adult Programs
Jamming with Jenny – Wednesday May 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.: Spruce up your mantel or wall for Spring. Let’s make a leaf and flower wreath! Join us for this fun and social crafting program. All materials provided.
Crafting Connections – Wednesday May 7, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.: Do you have an old teacup and saucer lying around? Bring your teacup and saucer to this crafting program and transform them into a gnome!
Culinary Club – Wednesday May 14, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.: This month, members of our potluck club will be cooking/baking anything, including flowers. Feel free to let your imagination run wild!
Jigsaw Puzzle Club – Monday May 5, 2025 and May 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.: Join us for the new Jigsaw Puzzle Club. This is a drop-in event, no signup necessary. Work on a jigsaw puzzle provided by Brainerd Library, and bring a puzzle to swap with other puzzlers if you wish.
Drop-In Crafting – Wednesday May 7, 2025 and May 21, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.: Drop in for this casual adult crafting group. This month we will be making mini bird houses, and kumihimo braiding bracelets! All necessary materials supplied.
Teen Programs
Teen Board Game Night – Tuesday May 6, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.: Hang out, play board games new and old, or craft a D&D character! For grades 6-12.
Teen Advisory Board – Wednesday May 7, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.: Discuss volunteer opportunities, brainstorm program ideas, and hang out with friends. A great way to meet other teens, get involved, and get volunteer hours for school.
Teen Taste Test Showdown: Oreos – Tuesday May 20, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.: Can you guess surprise Oreo flavors? Come and find out! Part taste test, part game show, put your taste buds to the test.
Teen Switch Game Night – Wednesday May 28, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.: Come hang out and play Nintendo Switch with us! Controllers will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own. Grades 6-9.
Kids Programs
Preschool Storytime – Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.: Join us for our weekly storytime filled with interactive storytelling fun!
Toddler Tunes – Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.: A sing-a-long with live music and fun weekly themes.
Kids Switch Game Night – Wednesday May 7, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.: Elementary schoolers can join us for an hour of fun games for the Nintendo Switch. Controllers will be provided for this family-friendly gaming session, but participants can also bring their own controllers if they want. Possible games include Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Super Monkey Ball, and more!
Kids Board Game Night – Wednesday May 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.: Elementary age kids can join us for an hour of fun and family-friendly board games, from classics like Connect Four to newer games just waiting to become your family’s next favorite.
Kids Dungeons and Dragons – Ages 7-10 Tuesday May 6, 2025 and May 20, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.—-Ages 11-13 Tuesday May 13, 2025 and May 27, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.: Join us at the Brainerd House School of Magical Mysteries for a fun D&D adventure! Age groups will alternate every Tuesday. No experience necessary.
Read to a Therapy Dog – Thursday May 8, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.: Kids can read to a therapy dog! Each reader will be assigned a 15-minute time slot to read to a therapy dog. Registration required.
Minecraft Party – Saturday May 10, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: Celebrate all things Minecraft with themed crafts, trivia, and games. This event is for kids of all ages.
Pokémon Club – Wednesday May 14, 2025 and May 28, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.: A club for kids who love Pokémon. Trivia and Prizes! Fat Pikachus! Bring your game and/or cards. Trading allowed with adult permission.
Kids Taste Test Showdown: Oreos – Wednesday May 14, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.: Can you guess surprise Oreo flavors? Come and find out! Part taste test, part game show, put your taste buds to the test.
Middle Grade Art Club – Wednesday May 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.: Learn how to make cool homemade stickers, or hang out and create with a medium of your choice.
Dice Lab – Friday May 30, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.: Learn to craft dice and miniatures with a 3-D printer, a Cricut and more.
You can find us at 920 Saybrook Road in Haddam. Hope to see you soon! Brainerd Memorial Library’s weekly schedule is as follows:
Monday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed