Submitted by Laurie Gardner and Marissa Lehmacher.
ADULT PROGRAMS
The Long Journeys Home
Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.
Come hear the moving stories of two Indigenous men and their repatriations as told by Nick Bellantoni from his new book a Long Journeys Home: The Repatriations of Henry ‘Opukaha’ia and Albert Afraid of Hawk. Henry ‘Opukaha’ia (ca. 1792—1818) and Itankusun Wanbli (ca. 1879—1900) lived almost a century apart and came from different Indigenous Nations – Hawaiian and Lakota. Yet the circumstances of Western imperialism that led them to leave their homelands and come to Connecticut where they died and were buried have striking similarities. In 1992 and 2008, descendant women of the men had callings that their ancestors wished to “come home” and that started the repatriation process. CT state archaeologist Nick Bellantoni oversaw the archaeological
disinterment and forensic identifications in returning these men to their respective Native families. The Long Journeys Home chronicles these significant stories as examples of the wide-reaching impact of colonialism and the resurgence of Hawaiian and Lakota cultures.
Nicholas F. Bellantoni is an associate adjunct professor in the Anthropology Department at the University of Connecticut and Emeritus Connecticut State Archaeologist at the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History.
*Registration is not required for programs unless specified in the description.*
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Preschool Storytime
Preschool Storytime takes place every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Join us for themed stories, songs, finger plays, and crafts. Appropriate for children ages 2 to 5, but siblings are always welcome.
Music with Margie
In February, Music with Margie will take place on the following Thursdays: the 6th & the 13th. The theme is “Friendship”. Margie’s multi-sensory program builds skills on a bi-weekly basis, in order for children to reach the developmental goals they need to enter kindergarten. Margie brings items for children to play with such as beanbags, scarves, puppets, and instruments. Music with Margie is appropriate for children ages 2 to 6.
Toddler Tunes
Toddler Tunes is back! Mr. Dan will be leading this program along with his signature instrument, the keyboard! In February, Toddler Tunes will take place on the following Thursdays: the 20th and the 27th. Toddler Tunes is a music and movement program for toddlers and their caregivers. Join us to sing nursery rhymes, dance, make music, and read a simple story. Appropriate for children ages 1 to 3, but siblings are always welcome.
LEGO™ Club
Like playing with Legos? Come build with us at our drop-in Lego Club! Each month will feature one unique theme and one free build. Lego creations will be put on display until the next session. Lego Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Appropriate for children ages 5 and up.
Nutmeg Book Club
The Nutmeg Book Club returns! If you are in grades 4 – 6, join us on the last Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a lively discussion of a selected Nutmeg nominee. Be prepared to enjoy pizza, snacks, book-related activities, and trivia. February’s meeting takes place on the 26th and the selection is All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by Leslie Connor. Please register by calling 860-345-2204 or visiting www.brainerdlibrary.org.
Dino Day!
The Brainerd Children’s Department is having a Dino Day to celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day! Join us on Saturday, February 1st from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. for dino stories & songs, crafts, snacks, and a visit from Riverside Reptiles at noon. Meet and touch reptiles and amphibians from around the world! You won’t want to miss this!
Duo Retro Craft: DIY Decoupage Glass Plates
On Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. come learn how to make your own decorative decoupage glass plate. Decoupage is an art form dating back to the 17th century which decorates surfaces by applying cutouts, such as paper or fabric, and then coating them with several layers of decoupage glue. We will be coloring designs of own choice with colored pencils and using decoupage glue to adhere the designs to the plate. All supplies will be provided. Makes a great gift! This is a buddy program: parents and grandparents, older siblings, and caregivers work paired to help younger learners (ages 8 and up) learn the craft. Please note that space is limited for this program and registration is required. Please call 860-345-2204 or visit www.brainerdlibrary.org to register.
Video Game Free Play
Looking to get away from the cold? Come hang out and play some video games for the afternoon on Saturday, February 22nd from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.! Try out a variety of systems like the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 64, PlayStation 2, Sega Dreamcast, and more. Enjoy some classics or try your hand at something more modern, and learn about how different consoles work. All ages are invited to join.
Coming Up Soon:
Early Childhood Wellness Works Series
Please join us for an informative 4-part series of wellness presentations that will be sure to provide you with helpful tools and tips for parenting your young children. Sessions will be held at the Brainerd Library in the Children’s Department on the first 4 Mondays of March from 6:00 -7:00 pm with a light supper included. Teen volunteers will be available to do craft activities with young children and keep them entertained. March 2nd: Benefits of Children’s Yoga with Theresa Tovey, OT Regional School District 4; March 9th: Positive Parenting with Barbara Vita, Early Childhood Specialist, CT Afterschool Network; March 16th: Speech/Language Development with Mary Pope, SLP, Lyme/Old Lyme Public Schools; March 19th: Healthy Eating with Kara Pachniuk, Certified Nutritionist-Nourish & Nosh, Madison . This program is offered by H/K Youth and Family Services in partnership with the Brainerd Memorial Library and Killingworth Library. Please register for any/all dates that you are interested in by calling 860-345-2204 or visiting www.brainerdlibrary.org.
TEEN PROGRAMS
Teen Advisory Board
Thursday, February 13 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. What can your library do for YOU? Voice your ideas for improved YA services, help plan events and activities in the Teen Lounge, help develop the YA collection, assist with Children’s programming and so much more! New members are always welcome! For more information please contact Kristen at kcarpentier@brainerdlibrary.org
