Submitted by Robbie Marshall
(June 29, 2026) — Brainerd Memorial Library held another successful Agricultural Day on May 30, 2026. Despite the challenging weather, we had a large turnout! Participants enjoyed visiting with farm animals and baby chicks, as well as local vendors, presenters, and organizations. There was music, free crafts, a bounce house, and plants, books, and baked goods on offer. If you missed the plant sale, it will continue throughout the summer. Brainerd Memorial Library is located at 920 Saybrook Road in Haddam. Phone: 860-345-2204. Website: brainerdlibrary.org. Library Hours: Monday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 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. The following programs and events will take place at Brainerd Library during the month of July 2026:
The Friends of BML are Hosting a Tea Party! Save the Date!
This catered event will be held at the library on Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with all manner of delightful dishes and accompanying teas. Further announcements and ticket sales have been posted on BML’s various media channels.
Floral Arrangements Available
BML has some serious, dedicated gardeners on staff. Each week until the end of blooming season, they offer some vases with lovely flowers for sale. Check our Facebook page, or call if you would like to order something in advance.
FALL FEST: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
If you missed our “Ag Day” this past May, no worries. “Fall Fest” is an opportunity to attend our second large community event of the year. This harvest-themed family event will feature farm animals, the Connecticut DEEP Nature Center Mobile Unit, free crafts, presentations and displays, farm equipment, food, music, raffles, plus plants, books, and baked goods for sale, and more! Local businesses and organizations, farmers, crafters, 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 PROGRAM– Continues through August 15, 2026
It’s not too late! Summer reading kits are available at the Children’s Desk. For more information the Summer Reading webpage is found at: https://brainerdlibrary.org/children/summer-reading/ This year’s country-wide theme is “Unearth a Story” and is centered around dinosaurs.
ADULT SUMMER READING WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2026 6:00 p.m.
This summer we will have a one-book club. Keeping with the children’s theme of dinosaurs, our book selection is Remarkable Creatures, by Tracy Chevalier. This book tells the story of Mary Anning, a 19th century fossil hunter who changed the way science understood fossils and ancient life. Sign up on our website to attend our meeting on July 29, 2026. And, for anyone interested, perhaps a later trip to Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Our programming team is pleased to present new engaging, educational, and fun programs, materials, and activities for all ages. Whether you’re interested in trying a project, meeting and socializing with fellow residents, or simply experiencing a great activity, there’s something here for everyone!
LUNCH AT THE LIBRARY: CHILDREN’S ROOM—WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 11:00 a.m. (ALSO JULY 15 AND 29, AUGUST 12) Bring a lunch to enjoy, learn to make a dinosaur-themed snack or dessert, then dig in!
Wednesday, July 1 – Dino Dirt Cups
Wednesday, July 15 – Dino Waffles
Wednesday, July 29 – Dino Skewers
Wednesday, August 12 – Ice Cream in a Bag
FIREWORKS WREATH: WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2026 6:30 p.m.
Need a last minute Independence Day decoration? Make a fireworks wreath for your door or a wall. With some simple paper folding and glue, you’ll have a unique decoration for July 4th.
AMBER SOAP: THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 4:30 p.m.
Learn to make soap that looks like amber, complete with a toy bug inside! For kids in grades 3-8.
DINO DIG: THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2026 4:30 p.m.
Unearth wooden dinosaur bones, then clean, construct, and paint your own dino. For children of all ages.
CANDY SUSHI MAKING – TEENS: WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2026 5:30 p.m.
Learn to craft some creative candy sushi using Swedish Fish, Rice Krispies, Fruit Roll-Ups, and more. All materials will be provided. For Grades 8-12.
CAMPFIRE STARTERS: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2026 6:00 p.m.
There is still time to camp! We’ve got pinecones, egg cartons, and any old candles we can find to help get your campfires started. Feel free to bring your burned-down candle ends. These starters will smell great!
WOLVES OF NORTH AMERICA: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026 6:30 p.m.
The Red Wolf and Gray Wolf once could be found across the continent, in a variety of different landscapes. The Wolf Conservation Center will tell us what they are doing to protect wolves and their habitats.
FLOWER ADVENTURE AUGUST: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026 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 26, 2026 6:00 p.m.
Join BML and speaker Tom Hogan for a presentation about Continental POWs who were released by the British on Christmas Eve of 1776. Many were from Connecticut, yet they never made it home. Learn about their captivity and struggle during the War for Independence.
REGULAR PROGRAMMING—-ADULTS
PUZZLE CLUB – 1ST & 3RD TUESDAYS 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
CULINARY CLUB: 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 6:30 p.m.
Calling all cooks and food lovers! Attend this monthly themed potluck and meet other folks passionate about food. It’s easy! Just make a dish, and join us for a great meal at the library.
FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB: 3RD WEDNESDAYS, 6:30 p.m.
This is a no-pressure, encouraging space to practice your français! We welcome Francophones of all levels, but to get the most out of our time together, you’ll want to have some basic French conversational skills. For teens and adults.
SPICE OF THE MONTH!
Every month the kit includes a different packet of the featured spice and recipes. Drop by and pick up your kit at the Circulation Desk!
PROGRAMMING FOR TEENS
Game Night 1st Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Hang out and play board games and Nintendo Switch games! Grades 9-12.
Dungeons & Dragons: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 5:30 p.m.
Join and experience epic adventures! For new and old players alike. Grades 9-12.
Teen Advisory Board: 1st Wednesdays 5:30 p.m.
Discuss volunteer opportunities, brainstorm program ideas, snack, and hang!
PROGRAMMING FOR CHILDREN
Preschool Story Time: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.
Toddler Tunes: Thursdays 10:00 a.m.
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS – TWO AGE GROUPS
AGES 7-10: 1ST & 3RD TUESDAYS, 4:30 p.m.
AGES 11-13: 2ND & 4TH TUESDAYS, 4:30 p.m.
Game Night for Kids: 1st Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m. Elementary schoolers can join us for an hour of fun games on the Nintendo Switch! Controllers are provided for this family-friendly gaming session, but participants can bring their own. Some games include Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Super Monkey Ball, and more!
Pokémon Club: 2ND & 4TH Wednesdays 4:30 p.m.
This club is for kids who love Pokémon! Hang out and talk all things Pokémon. Show off your cards, figures, plushies, or games, and participate in fun Pokémon activities! Trading is allowed with parental permission.
Board Game Night: 3rd Wednesdays, 4:30pm
Elementary age kids can join us for an hour of fun and family-friendly board games.
Tween Game Night: Last Wednesdays, 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 can bring their own. This program is for anyone in grades 6 to 9.
Dice Lab: Last Fridays, 4:30 p.m.
Dice Lab is a monthly program for ages 10-13 that focuses on engineering, math, and creativity. Kids will learn to use devices like a Cricut or 3D printer to create dice, miniatures, and more!
BOARD GAMES AND DVDS!
BML has a wonderful and extensive board game and DVD collection that can be borrowed. Come in and peruse the shelves and take home some beautiful new games or the latest Movies and TV Series. The Children’s Room has fun games that can be enjoyed at the library or taken home.
TWO BIRDING BACKPACKS AVAILABLE TO BORROW!
The backpacks from the Community Foundation of Middlesex include: binoculars, birdsong, bird ID & bug guides, bug collector kit, information and ideas for exploring nature, and outdoor scavenger hunt cards. These backpacks are available to check out and take on nature and birding adventures.
ART WALL
The library regularly displays local art work. Call if you would like to show your work.
BOOK US! Residents are welcome to meet and hold programs and events in the library’s conference rooms, community room, or other areas. Call or stop in to reserve your space.
SERVICES INCLUDE: Copier/Printer, Fax, Tech and Reference help, Notary Public [by appointment]
OTHER NEWS: BML will be part of the “America 250” celebration. Our committee is developing special programs, activities, collections, and events.
LAST NOTES: The Book Nook, our onsite bookstore, is located in the back corner with enjoyable and interesting titles. Pick up some surprises for family and friends! Children’s books are on the lower level across from the elevator. Best prices in Connecticut!
SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTERS AND CHECK OUR CALENDARS! Don’t miss anything! Your library is more than books. It’s a place to learn, create, and connect. We look forward to seeing you!
