Submitted by Andrew Maloney, Executive Director, Brainerd Memorial Library
(August 22, 2026) — The following programs and events will take place at Brainerd Memorial Library during the month of September 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
Fall Fest – Saturday September 19 at 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!
Arts & Craft Swap – Donation 8/31-9/5, Giveaway 9/15-9/17: We’re hosting an Arts & Crafts swap for all types of crafting supplies. Have materials to unload? Donate: 8/31 – 9/5. Giveaway: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on 9/15; 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on 9/16; 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on 9/17.
Friends of Brainerd Library Present: Autumn Tea – September 27 at 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 – Tuesdays: September 1 and 15 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 September 2 at 6:00 p.m. Drop in for this casual adult crafting group. Meet new crafters and make new friends. This month attendees will learn to decorate and transform light switch plates. All necessary materials supplied.
Culinary Club – Wednesday September 9 at 6:30 p.m. Come join this fun potluck program! September’s theme is “Back to School,” so make something perfect for your childhood lunch box!
The Men’s Group Author Talk – Thursday September 10 at 6:00 p.m. Join us at Brainerd for a fascinating conversation with Jacob Fishbein and Nicholaos Papadopoulos, the authors of The Men’s Group: A Novel of Messy Friendships.
French Conversation Club – Wednesday September 16 at 6:30 p.m. Do you speak un petit peu de francais? Then join our first French Conversation Club! Francophones of all levels welcome, basic French conversational skills required. Ages 14+.
Artemis II with Steven Akerley – Friday September 18 at 6:30 p.m. NSS Space Ambassador Steven Akerley will explain the importance of the Artemis missions and how nations should work together to make Moon settlement a success. At 7:30 Steven will lead a group observation of the moon, weather permitting.
Flower Adventures “Unusual Containers” – Wednesday September 23 at 6:00 p.m. Bring in something unusual and we’ll turn it into a vase – maybe that old teapot or funky pottery. Flowers will be provided and bouquets will be made! Registration required.
Fly Tying – Wednesday September 30 at 6:00 p.m. Learn to tie a “wooly bugger” with lifelong fisher Jim Woodworth, and begin your fly-tying journey!
Teen Programs
Teen Board Game Night – Tuesday September 1 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 September 3 at 5:30 p.m. Discuss volunteer opportunities, get some summer reading in, or just come hang out! Ages 10-13.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons – Tuesdays: September 8 and September 22 at 5:30 p.m. Join a campaign and experience epic adventures! For new and old players alike.
Teen Movie Night – Tuesday September 15 at 5:30 p.m. Come and watch a movie–teens’ choice! Movies can be rated PG-13.
Tween Culinary Club – Wednesday September 16 at 5:30 p.m. Make a dish at home, then bring it in to share! Discuss and swap ideas over a good meal. September’s theme is “Inspired by a Video Game.”
Learn to Play: Magic the Gathering – Wednesday September 23 at 4:30 p.m. Learn the basics of playing Magic: The Gathering! Decks and dice will be provided for practice games. Ages 11 to 15.
Tween Game Night – Wednesday September 30 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 September 2 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!
Dungeons & Dragons Pizza Party – Tuesday September 8 at 4:30: Join us for a pizza party and D&D celebration!
Lego Club – Monday September 21 at 4:30 p.m. Hang out and build a LEGO creation to match a surprise monthly theme.
Rock Salt Art – Monday September 14 at 4:30 p.m. Create art from colored rock salt. All ages.
Pokémon Club – Wednesday September 9 at 4:30 p.m. A club for kids who love Pokémon. Trivia & Prizes! Fat Pikachus! Bring your game and/or cards. Trading allowed with adult permission.
Kids Board Game Night – Wednesday September 16 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.
Make Pumpkin Rice Krispy Treats – Tuesday September 29 at 4:30 p.m. Learn to make pumpkin shaped Rice Krispies Treats to celebrate autumn! Materials provided. For grades 3-8.
Kids Craft & Movie Night – Wednesday September 30 at 5:30 p.m. Come craft and watch a fun movie with friends.
Apple Taste Test – Wednesday September 9 at 5:30 p.m. Try apples, guess what they are, & rank them. Grades 3-8.
Dice Lab – Friday September 25 at 4:30 p.m. Learn to craft dice and miniatures with a 3-D printer, a Cricut & more!
