Ten Things to To Do at Brainerd Memorial Library in Haddam That Don’t Involve Books

by Kate Branstetter.

Now that we are into the New Year, like many, I have begun acting on plans for what I will accomplish in 2019.  I will take a trip, dig and tend to a humongous garden and of course, visit Brainerd Memorial Library.
As you may (or may not) know there is so much more to the library than books. Every time I visit Brainerd Memorial Library I am amazed at whom I meet and what I learn. Whether it is chatting with a patron about the boat he is restoring or catching up with my favorite librarians (and what they are reading) there is always something new that sparks my interest.

Here is a taste of what you will find at the library:

1. Movies: Brainerd Memorial Library’s film collection is awesome. There is always something to borrow and I amazed at the DVD collection with many films I am unable to find streaming online. They take requests, too!
2. Music: Borrowing CDs from the library is a terrific way to hear something new without spending a dime. The catalogue is adding new music regularly and I am always impressed with their mix of old favorites, world music and new artists that I have read about but have no idea what they sound like.
3. Overdrive: Have you experienced Overdrive? This library app encourages you to browse e-books and audiobooks from the comfort of your home. A totally free service (with no fines, either) with thousands of choices and download to my phone anytime, anywhere! I love using Overdrive when I am in the car and if I don’t like the book, I can just wait for it to expire because it will simply vanish!
4. Museum Passes: Brainerd Library has free or discounted admission to some of the best museums Connecticut has to offer. Perfect for my restless moments when I just have to do something but it is too cold to be outside. Head to the library, present your library card and check out the giant list of places you can visit! SO Neat!
5. One on One Computer help: Sometimes we all just need some help with our computers. Whether it is deleting masses of email, changing passwords or getting rid of unwanted spam, Kristen at Brainerd Memorial Library has time on Wednesdays and Fridays to help you with all your computer questions.
6. Printing: I have printed boarding passes, tax documents, articles, shipping labels, and coloring pages at the library for 10 cents a page (black and white). It is a breeze and if you get stuck there is always someone to help.
7. Healthy Book Club: Okay, okay, maybe this is book-related but if your new year’s resolution is to be healthier what better way to stay on track then with an awesome group of people reading and discussing different ways to be healthy? Talk to a Brainerd Librarian to learn more.
8. Library Programs: Brainerd is always hosting interesting programs. In 2018 there was “Card Angels” who met regularly to create unique greeting cards for the ill, a program series about the history and use of the Connecticut River, Agricultural Day (I mean, horses and llamas at the library?!) and many, many, MANY more!
9. Kids Programs: Parents! Grandparents! Sitters! Caregivers of all kinds! If you are looking for something to do with children look no further than the library. There are many beautiful toys available for play at the library and ongoing craft projects set up. And don’t miss story time. There are also plenty of activities for teens! From creative projects to book groups, your teen will have an awesome home in this safe, non-judgmental environment.
10. The Friends! The Brainerd Memorial Library Friends group take library fandom to the next level. They maintain the Book Nook, where I can purchase books, DVDs and CDs for a fraction of what it would cost in a store AND all proceeds support the library! Or better yet, join the Friends to meet a “friend-ly” and dedicated group who advocate for the library, help at events, raise funds, and have fun! I volunteered at the Friends Book Sale last summer and had a blast! Like all the rest that happens at the library, everyone is welcome.

As I said, this is just a taste of all there is at BML. If you are overwhelmed, you can always ask a librarian. The staff at Brainerd Memorial Library is terrific and they are happy to help. Have fun!