Submitted by Robbie Marshall
(August 14, 2026) — The following programs and events will take place at Brainerd Memorial Library during August and September 2026. Every week our programming team adds new fun and interesting activities and events! Here is our latest schedule.
FLOWER ADVENTURE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19th 6:00 p.m.
Learn to make a basic flower arrangement using the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” approach. Jenny, who creates the Library’s flower arrangements, will show you how she puts together a bouquet. Flowers and vases will be provided, although you may bring any flowers you have.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR POWS: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26th 6:00 p.m.
Join BML and speaker Tom Hogan for a presentation about Continental POWs released by the British on Christmas Eve, 1776. Many were from Connecticut yet they never made it home. Learn about their captivity and struggle during the War for Independence.
LIGHT SWITCH PLATE TRANSFORMATION: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Are your light switch plates looking tired, boring, blah? Come on in and let your imagination brighten your space. Paint pens, decoupage, even fabric can take a boring switch plate to another level. Registration required.
BOBCATS IN CONNECTICUT: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th, 6:30 p.m.
Did you know that bobcats were once almost eradicated from Connecticut? The bobcat is Connecticut’s top predator. Bobcats prey on cottontail rabbits, woodchucks, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, voles, white-tailed deer, birds and, to a much lesser extent, insects and reptiles. Find out much more when Dean Kendall, a DEEP Master Wildlife Conservationist teaches us all about bobcats.
SPOOKY STORY WRITING CONTEST: SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 AND OCTOBER 16, 2026
The top winners in each age category will be featured in the statewide collection “Spooky CT” Volume 2! Guidelines will be posted in the library and on the website. Good luck!
ARTS & CRAFTS SWAP! TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 16, and 17, 2026 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Do you love to craft but have loads of leftover supplies? Thinking of trying something new but don’t want to invest the $$ yet? Drop off your extra arts and craft supplies between August 31, 2026 and September 5, 2026. Then, come back September 15-17 to shop the swap. Everything is free!
ARTEMIS II: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th, 6:30 p.m.
Someday, we may be able to live and work on the moon. Stevan Akerley will explain the importance of the Artemis missions and how nations could and should work together to make moon settlement a success. The talk is from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. At 7:30, for those interested, we will go outside to observe the moon with binoculars and telescopes, as long as weather permits.
ANNUAL FALL FEST: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (RAIN DATE, SEPTEMBER 20th)
This harvest-themed family event will feature a live concert by “Switchfire,” Field Day, Free Crafts, Presentations and Displays, Local Vendors and Organizations, Face Painting, Raffles, Plants, Books and Baked Goods for sale, plus much more! Local businesses and organizations, farmers, crafters, food sellers and vendors are welcome and encouraged to participate. Tell us how you would like to be involved! For additional information please contact Marissa at mlehmacher@brainerdlibrary.org or call the library at 860-345-2204.
SUMMER READING BASH AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL: THURSDAY, AUGUST 20th, 4:30 p.m.
Announcing our end-of-summer-reading bash. There will be Mystic Aquarium touch tanks, and free ice cream sundaes! Don’t miss it! This program is for kids of all ages.
FLOWER ADVENTURES/UNUSUAL CONTAINERS: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd, 6:00 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to use a funky container as a flower vase? This is your chance to try it out! Bring in something unusual and we’ll turn it into a vase! Look around the house. Maybe that old teapot or tea tin or funky pottery or even a hollowed-out melon would make a cool vase. In-season flowers will be provided. Feel free to bring any of your own.
THE FRIENDS OF BML ARE HOSTING A TEA PARTY! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
This catered event will be held at the library on Sunday, September 27th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with all manner of delightful dishes and accompanying teas. Further information and ticket sales have been posted on BML’s various media channels.
FLY TYING: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th, 6:00 p.m.
Do you enjoy fishing? Ever wanted to make your own flies? It may seem out of season, but fly tying is a great activity for the cold weather months. Learn to tie a “wooly bugger” with Jim Woodruff.
Visit our website and Facebook page to view our regular programming for all ages. Remember to sign up for our E-Newsletters and be sure to check our Calendars. Don’t miss a thing! Your library is more than books. It’s a place to learn, create and connect. We look forward to seeing you!
Brainerd Memorial Library is located at 920 Saybrook Road in Haddam. Phone: 860-345-2204 Website: brainerdlibrary.org Library Hours: Mon & Thurs 10-6, Tues & Wed: 10-8, Friday: 10-6, Saturday: 10-3
