Submitted by Jenny Law, Brainerd Memorial Library
(January 10, 2026) — January! The holidays are over, and while the sun is slowly creeping toward the equinox, the days are still too short and cold, the nights too long and dark. Fortunately, Brainerd Memorial Library has lined up a variety of events and activities to get you out of hibernation:
Squeegee Art, January 21, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Can you really paint without a brush? Yes, you can. Come try your hand at this fun and unusual approach to art. No prior experience needed, and no materials either. We supply everything you need. Register online or by phone.
Learn to Carve a Hedgehog, January 28, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. The very talented woodcarver Rick Johnson returns to teach you everything you need to know to create your very own critter. All materials are supplied; just bring your curiosity and desire to learn. Space for this workshop is limited, so please be sure to pre-register.
National Hot Chocolate Day, January 31, 2026 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. What better way to warm up than with a cup of hot chocolate? Learn the secrets to making your own homemade mix. We’ll provide the ingredients and recipes; you just bring your taste buds. Please register so we can be sure to have enough for everyone.
Deep Dive into James Joyce, February 4, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Admit it: Even if you’re a voracious reader, even if you belong to more than one book club, you probably haven’t listened to full-scale literary analysis since graduation. Wake up your brain cells with expert John O’Connor as he brings humor and Irish folklore to illuminate just three pages of Joyce’s masterpiece, Finnegan’s Wake, and then impress all your friends with your insights.
The Mind of an Elephant, February 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Matt Rudolph has spent years studying elephant behavior. His research isn’t just theoretical: understanding elephants’ thought processes is key to developing strategies to allow them to coexist with the humans with whom they share their increasingly crowded world. Matt has spoken at the library in the past, and his lively presentation was very well received. Come catch up with the latest news from the world of pachyderms.
Brainerd Memorial Library is located at 920 Saybrook Road in Haddam.
Phone: 860-345-2204
