In-Person: Spring Library Programs

This spring, the library has programs for all ages in a variety of formats! Programs will be offered in person, over Zoom, and in a hybrid arrangement (choose virtual or in-person). See below for our indoor and outdoor in-person programs. Please note that some indoor programs may require masks.

 

To view listings for hybrid/virtual programs, click here. For registration, and to view our events in calendar format, visit our online events calendar.

 

In celebration of National Library Week, East Hartford Public Library will be participating in the Passport to Connecticut Libraries program throughout the month of April. To participate, visit the library to pick up your Passport. Show us your library card and we will stamp the Passport to get you started. You will receive a free token gift. Then, take your Passport along as you visit other participating libraries. At each visit, you must show your library card, and then the library will stamp your passport. Visit at least five participating libraries and return your passport by May 7th, to be entered into one state-wide drawing for a chance to win a $150 Visa gift card for adults (18 and up) and a $100 Visa gift card for children (under 18).  Visits must occur between April 1 and April 30.

 

Makerspace Open Hours 
Saturday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

March 12, 19, (no session March 26)

April 2, 9, 16, 23

May 7, 14, 21

 

Our Makerspace has 3D printers, a Carvey desktop CNC machine, sewing machines, an embroidery machine, a Silhouette Cameo 3 and more available. Join us during open hours to explore our resources and work on your own projects. No registration required.

 

Saturday, April 23 (rain date: April 30)

Two tour sessions:

1:00 - 2:00 PM

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Come explore the rich history of East Hartford and Connecticut through a tour of historic Center Cemetery in East Hartford! During the tour, you’ll learn about the native Podunk tribe, the fabulous Pitkin family, and more! Noted local historian Ruth Shapleigh-Brown will be on hand to answer questions about genealogy and history. Park in the library parking lot and meet at the front steps of the library, where we’ll walk over to the Main Street entrance of the cemetery to begin our tour. Wear comfortable shoes: there will be some brief steep inclines on uneven ground on the path. Register for a reminder, and to be notified in the event that the tours are moved to the rain date. For all ages.

 

Saturday, May 14, 1:00 PM

Join us on the library lawn for an afternoon of mariachiDressed in traditional “charro” outfits, their repertoire spans from the Mariachis of Jalisco to the Nortenas of Chihuahua, to the harp music of Vera Cruz, down to the Marimba music of Chiapas. All this is played on authentic instruments such as guitar, vihuela, guitarron, violin, harp, bajosexto, trumpet, accordion, and marimba with beautiful singing throughout. Song translations, storytelling and cultural insights are interwoven between musical numbers. This bilingual performance is a delight for all ages, and for audience members of all cultural backgrounds. The audience will be included in the singing, dancing, hand-clapping, maraca-shaking, and the joyful calls or ‘gritos’ heard on every song. So put on your sombreros and celebrate Mexico with East Hartford-based Fiesta del Norte! Register for a reminder. In the event of inclement weather, this program will be moved indoors.

 

Thursday, March 17, 2:00 - 3:00 PM

Relax and pamper yourself with this all-natural epsom salt scrub! Salt sloughs away dry skin on hands, feet, and body, while (coconut or olive) oil moisturizes away dry, winter skin. Essential oils and flowers may be added to awaken your senses! For adults and teens (12+). Registration required.

Staff member: Jana

Registration limit: 15

Location: Makerspace

 

Monday - Thursday, April 11 - 14, 10:00 AM - noon

Are you between the ages of 16 - 24 and looking for help finding a job? Join us for a series of in-person workshops sponsored in partnership with East Hartford CONNects and Liberty Bank.

 

Monday, April 11: Resumes and Cover Letters 101

Learn how to create a resume and cover letter. Hear about the internship and working experiences of our student panel.

 

Tuesday, April 12: Social Media 101

Learn about LinkedIn and social media best practices, participate in mock interviews, and have a professional photo taken during our photoshoot.

 

Wednesday, April 13: Credit for Life Fair

Pamela Days-Luketich, AVP, Community Outreach Officer at Liberty Bank, and volunteers will be here to help you find out what life might look like when you’re 25 with a career, a salary, a credit score, and a savings account. See if you can keep a balanced budget based on your career and life choices!

 

Thursday, April 14: Job Fair–Get Hired!

Learn about the hiring process and what positions are available from local employers interested in hiring teens and youth. Bring copies of your resume and be prepared to chat with prospective employers.

 

Pre register here.

 

Thursday, April 14, 6:30 - 7:15 PM

Cultivate your green thumb! Create an adorable terrarium using a recycled glass jar, soil, stones, moss, and an assortment of small, live succulent plants. For adults and teens (12+). Registration required. This program will be held outdoors. Please dress accordingly! In the event of inclement weather, the program will be moved indoors.

 

Thursday, May 12, 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Join Marcey and Brian Hickey as they return to offer their Healing Bowls program at the library! Experience relaxation via a journey through the sounds of musical bowls. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a blanket, yoga mat, or comfortable chair in which to sit for the program. The program will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather. Registration required. Best suited for teens and adults.

 

Thursday, April 28, 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Join us to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted, Hartford-born and buried with strong family connections to East Hartford. Historian Bill Hosley’s talk will highlight the myriad accomplishments of Frederick Law Olmsted beyond his work as the designer of New York’s Central Park and focus mostly on Olmsted’s writings and work as a journalist and the diversity of his accomplishments that have earned him the distinction of being considered one of the 50 most influential Americans. Register for a reminder.

 

How can we better maintain and create relationships and work towards healthy communities in spite of political differences? Is this even possible? Join us for a Living Room Conversation at the library to start exploring how we can disagree and still care about each other and how we can work together when we find agreement.

 

Living Room Conversations offers a simple, sociable and structured way to practice communicating across differences while building understanding and relationships. Each session will gather 4 - 7 people for about 90 minutes to listen to and be heard by others. Rather than debating or convincing others, we take turns talking to share and learn, and be curious.

 

No preparation is required. All sessions have an identical structure. Sessions will be offered in person or via Zoom (see individual program listings). Register for the session that is most convenient for your schedule.

 

Propel East Hartford is a stream of programs and services for people who want to make a difference in East Hartford. To join the Propel mailing list, e-mail Sarah Kline Morgan, library director: smorgan@easthartfordct.gov.

 

Thursday, April 21, 6:30 - 8:00 PM (virtual)

Sunday, April 24, 2:00 - 3:30 PM (in person)

Wednesday, April 27, 10:00 - 11:30 (virtual)

 

Fridays, 10:30 - 12:30: March 25, April 22, May 20

Are you thinking of taking the next step and opening your own small business? Are you in business already and interested in learning more about the resources available to you? Join us at the library for monthly Small Business Support open hours, held on Fridays from 10:30 - 12:30. Learn about help available for both aspiring and established small business owners, and speak with a representative from the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce, which represents over 400 members in East Hartford Marlborough, and Glastonbury. (SAME)

 

These are hybrid events. To join via Zoom, or to make an in-person appointment, e-mail Magdelena Wittenzellner: mwittenzellner@easthartfordct.gov. In-person walk-ins are also welcome.

 

Register for a reminder, and to be notified of event updates, including featured partners for each session. Walk-ins welcome! Small Business Support Open Hours are sponsored by the East Hartford Public Library, the Town of East Hartford Development Department, and the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce.

 

Tuesdays, March 1 - May 24, 6:00 - 7:00 PM (no program Tuesday, April 12)

Want to learn more about Scratch or just have fun with it? Join our club and learn computer science skills from your peers and library staff. When you join, you’ll learn to code from fun and simple online coding tutorials and challenges from Google CS First. No coding experience necessary, all are welcome. This program will be offered in person, but a remote option is also available by request by e-mailing Cathy Potter: cpotter@easthartfordct.gov. For teens in grades 6 - 12. Sign up for the series, and join us whenever you’re available (weekly attendance is not required).

 

Tuesdays, 7:15 - 7:45 PM

March 1, April 5, May 10

Join the library’s Teen Advisory Board! We’re always looking for new members to speak up and share ideas on what they want in their library. For East Hartford teens entering grades 8 - 12. Meet in the Teen Department booths. Please register.

Staff: Cathy

Registration limit: none

Location: teen department

 

In March, we’re welcoming the spring season! Pick up a decoration kit in the Children’s Department and make one to keep, and one to share. Decorate your home with one and then bring one back to the library. Decorations dropped off at the library will be on display at the East Hartford Historical Society's Brewer House, located at the corners of Main and Naubuc Streets, beginning in April.  

 

Tuesdays, April 5 & 26, May 10, 17, 24, & 31, 5:15 - 5:45 PM

Bring the kids to stretch, sing, dance, and explore music together! Meet outside on the lawn, weather permitting, for musical fun. Bring your own shakers or borrow one of ours. Best suited for children ages 2 - 6 and their grownups (young at heart). Siblings are welcome. Please register. If the program is canceled for inclement weather, we will update the events calendar and e-mail registered participants.

 

Thursdays, May 5, 12, & 19, 9:30 - 10:15 AM

Join us for fun with stories, games, fingerplays, music, and more! Meet outside on the lawn, weather-permitting, for musical fun. Bring your own shakes or borrow one of ours. Best suited for children ages 2 - 6 and their grownups (young at heart). Siblings are welcome. Please register. If the program is canceled for inclement weather, we will update the events calendar and e-mail registered participants.

 

Wednesdays, March 9, April 13, and May 25, 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Tired of feeling surrounded by grey? Come visit us to create your own art. We’ll try a different material or technique each month. Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy, just in case. All ages are welcome. Families with young children will work together. Registration required.

 

Wednesday, March 16, April 27, and May 18, 4:00 - 4:45 PM

Who loves comics and graphic novels? Each month we’ll talk about what you’re reading and share new books! Best suited for children ages 8 - 12 years.

 

 

Monday, April 11, 3:00 - 4:00 PM

Join us to decorate string backpacks to hold your stuff! Design your own iron-on heat transfers, keychains, and pins to add flair to your bag. Please register. Best suited for ages 8 years and older.

 

Tuesday, April 12, 3:00 - 4:00 PM

What’s for snack? Gather at the library with Lindsey from ShopRite to make a portable snack together. Learn about healthy foods and cooking tips & tricks. At this program, we’ll make a healthy snack that travels well. Best suited for families with children ages 6 - 12 years old. Registration required.

 

Friday, May 6, 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Learn how to make a toilet paper roll seed-starting pot and plant some seeds with us! Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. All ages are welcome. Drop in, while supplies last. Join us outside on the lawn, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held indoors in the Children’s Department. No registration required.

 

The Raymond Library is located at 840 Main St., East Hartford. To register for these programs, visit our online events calendar.