Submitted by Andrew Maloney, Executive Director, Brainerd Memorial Library
(March 25, 2026) —The following programs and events will take place at Brainerd Memorial Library in Haddam during the month of April, 2026. If you have questions regarding programs, please visit the library’s website – brainerdlibrary.org – or call 860-345-2204 during open hours. Brainerd Library’s weekly schedule is as follows: M 10-6PM, Tu 10-8PM, W 10-8PM, Th 10-8PM, F 10-6PM, Sat 10-3PM. You can find us at 920 Saybrook Road in Haddam. Hope to see you soon!
Announcements:
BML Art Wall Presents – Phil Barlow, Watercolorist: Phil is a retired landscape architect working in watercolors creating loose sketches that spark the imagination. Come see Phil’s depictions of some of Haddam’s most memorable locations. Patrons can view Phil’s charming art through late April. The BML Art Wall is found on the main floor of the library. Artists interested in showing work, contact: mlehmacher@brainerdlibrary.org.
HKHS Art Show – Reception on April 28, 2026 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; Show April 28, 2026 – May 4, 2026 The Friends of Brainerd Library will host a reception for artists from Haddam-Killingworth High School. See the works of the budding artists of Haddam from 4/28/26 to 5/4/26.
Join Our Group Art Exhibition! – Are you a burgeoning artist with a piece you’d like to show in a group exhibition? BML is currently looking for artists to participate in our May group exhibition! The theme is “Thinking Outside the Box,” to be interpreted as each artist pleases. Interested? Contact: mlehmacher@brainerdlibrary.org
Live Music
Meredith Rounsley and Kelly Soule Eberle – Friday April 24, 2026 Doors open at 6:00 p.m., Show 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Join us for a night of music from two veteran indie folk artists. They cut their teeth in Nashville, and now bring their unique stylings to Brainerd Library. They will perform separately and songs as a duo.
The Synergismus Duo – Wednesday April 29, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Synergismus is the premier violin-cello duo of Southern Connecticut. Its members, Millie and Randy Calistri-Yeh, have played together for more than thirty years.
Adult Programs
Help for Ukraine – Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Join local humanitarians and Wesleyan professors as they share their experiences and in-depth knowledge on the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian food will be served, and questions will be welcome.
Jigsaw Puzzle Club – April 7, 2026 & April 21, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Join us for our Jigsaw Puzzle Club. This is a drop-in event, no sign-up necessary. Work on a jigsaw puzzle provided by Brainerd Library, and bring a puzzle to swap with other puzzlers if you wish!
Culinary Club – Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Join the culinary crew this month for an “Egg Hunt” potluck! Make something with eggs, or something shaped like one! Food lovers shouldn’t miss this delicious meal.
Poetry Round Table – Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Come celebrate poetry month. Share your favorite poem, or even a poem you’ve authored! Sharing is not required; all poetry lovers are welcome.
French Conversation Club – Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Do you speak un petit peu de francais and want to connect with other French speakers? Then join our first French Conversation Club! Francophones of all levels are welcome, but basic French conversational skills are required. For teens and adults.
Makin’ A Mess with Jenny – Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. To celebrate Earth Day, we are making wildflower seed balls with simple ingredients. All materials provided, although you may bring your own seeds if preferred.
Teen Programs
Teen Game Night – Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Hang out, play video games and board games new and old, and meet other teens. For Grades 6-12.
Teen Advisory Board – Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Plan YA events, discuss volunteering opportunities, and hang out! TAB counts toward school community service hours. Grades 6-12. This month come get some delicious and free pizza!
Teen Dungeons & Dragons – Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Join a campaign and experience epic adventures! For new and old players alike.
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 April 1, 2026 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 Dungeons & Dragons – Ages 7-10 Tuesdays, April 7, 2026 and April 21, 2026 at 4:30 p.m./Ages 11-13 Tuesdays, April 14, 2026 and April 28, 2026 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.
Pokémon Club – Wednesdays, April 8, 2026 and April 22, 2026 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 Mindfulness Crafting – Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Make sensory crafts promoting the practice of being present and paying attention to thoughts, feelings, & sensations. Ages 0-5, siblings welcome.
Kids Board Game Night – Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 4:30 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.
Dice Lab – Friday, April 24, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Learn to craft dice and miniatures with a 3-D printer, a Cricut, and more!
Make Your Own Cookie Dough– Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Make delicious cookie dough you can take home to bake or eat right out of the container! All materials provided. Grades 3-8.
Tween Switch Game Night – Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Tween Game Night is a monthly event where we hang out and play Nintendo Switch games and occasionally some board games! Controllers are provided, but participants also can bring their own if they wish. Grades 6-9.
