Submitted by Andrew Maloney, Executive Director, Brainerd Memorial Library
(August 2, 2026) — The following programs and events will take place at Brainerd Memorial Library during the month of August 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!
Events
Mystic Aquarium Touch Tank and Ice Cream Social – Thursday August 20 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Announcing our end-of-summer-reading bash. Mystic Aquarium touch tank and free ice cream sundaes! Don’t miss it!
Fall Fest – Saturday September 19 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Our annual Fall Festival is coming up, so save the date. This year will feature crafts, music, and a family-friendly field day. Don’t miss it!
Friends of Brainerd Library Presents: Autumn Tea – September 27 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Join us for a lovely afternoon of tea, treats, and community as we gather to support adult programming at Brainerd Library. The tea will be served in our newly renovated building. Catered by Café Laurel. Purchase tickets for this lovely event at brainerdlibrary.org/friends/
Adult Programs
Jigsaw Puzzle Club – Tuesday August 4 & 18 at 1:00 p.m. Join us for our 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!
Makin’ A Mess with Jenny – Wednesday August 5 & 19 at 6:00 p.m. Drop in for this casual adult crafting group. Meet new crafters and make new friends. August 5 we’ll make campfire starters, and August 19 will be Flower Arrangement 101! All necessary materials supplied.
Wolves of North America – Wednesday August 12 at 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.
Culinary Club – Wednesday August 12 at 6:30 p.m. Join the culinary crew this month for a “Rome-themed” potluck! Make anything Roman, historic or modern.
Revolutionary War POWs – Wednesday August 26 at 6:00 p.m. Join speaker Tom Hogan for a presentation about Continental POWs released by the British on Christmas Eve 1776. Many were locals from Connecticut whose stories we honor with this fascinating program.
Teen Programs
Teen Board Game Night – Tuesday August 4 at 5:30 p.m. Hang out, play board games new and old, and meet other teens. For grades 6-12.
Tween Advisory Board (TWAB) – Wednesday August 5 at 5:30 p.m. Discuss volunteer opportunities, get some summer reading in, or just come hang out! Ages 10-13.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons – Tuesday August 11 & 25 at 5:30 p.m. Join a campaign and experience epic adventures! For new and old players alike.
Tween Culinary Club – Wednesday August 19 at 5:30 p.m. Make a dish at home, then bring it in to share! Discuss and swap ideas over a good meal. August’s theme is ‘inspired by a video game.’
Tween Game Night – Wednesday August 26 at 5:30 p.m. Come hang and play Switch or board games. Ages 11-14
Kids Programs
Preschool Storytime – Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Join us for our weekly story time 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 August 5 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!
Dinosaur Terrarium – Wednesday August 6 at 4:30 p.m. Make a cool terrarium for a toy dinosaur to live in. All materials will be provided. For kids of all ages.
Kids Dungeons & Dragons – Ages 7-10 Tuesday August 4 & 18 at 4:30 p.m./Ages 11-13 Tuesday August 11 & 25 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.
Lunch at the Library – Wednesday August 12 at 11:00 a.m. Bring a lunch to enjoy, learn to make a dino-themed snack or dessert, then dig in!
Pokémon Club – Wednesday August 12 & 26 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. 8/12: Poké-hangman, 8/26: Painting Poké-rocks
Kids Board Game Night – Wednesday August 19 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 August 28 at 4:30 p.m. Learn to craft dice and miniatures with a 3-D printer, a Cricut & more!
