Library Programs: November/December 2021

Photo of Raymond Library
Register now on the library's online events calendar for November/December programs at East Hartford Public Library! 
 
Outdoor Programs
Please note: if outdoor programs are postponed or canceled for inclement weather, we will update our online events calendar and e-mail registered participants. Bring a mask! Masks may be required outdoors.
 
Outdoor Program: Veterans Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Thursday, November 11, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Join us on the library lawn on Veterans Day as we lay a wreath at the Doughboy Monument in remembrance of the residents of East Hartford who fought in World War 1. There will be a short ceremony and the ringing of the bells at First Congregational Church. Suitable for all ages. Register for a reminder, and to be notified in case the event is rescheduled for inclement weather. Rain date is Friday, November 12. Please note that library services will not be available during the event: the library will be closed in honor of the holiday.
 
In the Children's Room
Dinovember Scavenger Hunt
Begins November 1
Help us celebrate Dinovember by stopping by for a dinosaur scavenger hunt! Find all the dinosaurs hidden around the room and get a small prize. Plus, enter the raffle to take one of them home at the end of the month! Take a guess at how many dinosaurs are in the jar, too! Make sure to pick up some great books about dinosaurs before you head out. Stop by the Children’s Desk to participate.
 
Snowflake Scavenger Hunt
Begins December 1 
Welcome winter with a hunt for snowflakes all December long! How many can you find? Search for all the snowflakes hidden around the room and get a small prize once you’ve found them. Take home some books to cuddle up and read. Stop by the Children’s Desk to participate.
 
Virtual Programs
All ages
Simple Fleece Hat-Making
Tuesday, November 2, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Join us to learn how to make a simple fleece hat by sewing one straight line. Make one to keep and one to give, or two to give! We’ll have kits for you to pick up with fleece, needles, and thread. You will need scissors for this project. We’ll send you an e-mail when kits are ready for pickup. Best suited for ages 8 - adult.
 
Makerspace Paint Night: Painted Poems
Thursday, November 4, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Create a painting with your favorite poem or quote. We will provide the canvas, paint, and printed poems to create your masterpiece! Sign up at least 72 hours prior to the event. All ages.
 
Dinosaur Terrariums
Wednesday, November 10, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Design a tabletop terrarium using a mix of natural and found materials. Your colorful creation will feature a miniature dinosaur duo for Dinovember! For tweens, teens, and adults. Please note that this project contains small items and is not appropriate for very young children.
 
Decorative Autumn Leaf Bowl
Thursday, November 18, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Give thanks with this festive centerpiece for your table. Register in advance for a kit with all of the supplies you will need, and we’ll craft together over Zoom. For tweens, teens, and adults.
 
Fall Garlands
Monday, November 15, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Create a bookish autumn garland to decorate your home for fall! Register in advance for a kit with all of the supplies you will need, and we’ll craft together over Zoom. For tweens, teens, and adults.
 
Makerspace Program: Holiday Mugs
Thursday, December 2, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Decorate a mug with custom vinyl stickers! We will create our designs over Zoom and you will be able to pick them up after the workshop so you can enjoy a hot beverage during the winter months.
 
Holiday Fest: Boxes & Bows
Friday, December 3, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Have presents to decorate, or just love decorating everything? Learn how to make bows from recycled books with us! And small gift boxes perfect for tiny treasures, too. We’ll send you an e-mail when kits are ready for pickup. Best suited for ages 6 - adult. Might require some adult help for younger kids, or adults might need the help of nimble fingers!
 
Holiday Fest: Winter Village Houses
Saturday, December 4, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Add some sparkle to your home holiday decor with a festive winter village for your mantle or table centerpiece. Register for the workshop, and we’ll supply you with a kit in advance. We’ll craft together over Zoom. For tweens, teens, and adults.
 
Forest Animal Ornaments
Wednesday, December 15, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Paint a forest animal ornament -- perfect for holiday decor to to give to someone special as a gift! Register in advance for a kit, and we’ll craft together over Zoom. For tweens, teens, and adults.
 
Second Annual Best-Ever Pet Show
Tuesday, December 28, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Who’s got the best pet? You do! Get ready to show us your pet and tell us all about them. How did you get your pet? How do you care for them? What’s the best thing about having your pet? Sign up to join us for a chance to give your pet a shout-out. All ages.
 
Festive Paper Stars
Wednesday, December 29, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Brighten your space with paper stars for the new year. We will learn two different styles of stars. Register in advance to receive a kit with supplies, or use paper that you have at home. We will craft together over Zoom. Please provide your own scissors. For tweens, teens, and adults.
 
Adults
Living Room Conversations
Wednesday, December 1, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Thursday, December 2, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Friday, December 3, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Monday, December 6, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Tuesday, December 7, 2:00 - 3:30 PM
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 via Zoom 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. Identical sessions will be held over the course of a week: December 1 – 7. 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
 
Adults and Teens
Make and Mail a Card-a-Month
Thursday, November 4, 4:00 - 4:45 PM
Thursday, December 2, 4:00 - 4:45 PM
Join us on Zoom each month to create a cross-stitch greeting card. November’s design is a fox. December’s design is winter mittens. Register in advance for a supply kit. No experience necessary. For teens and adults.
 
Poets Reading Poetry
Tuesday, November 9, 6:30 PM
Poems on the theme of “family,” from Marilyn Johnston, Jane Schneeloch, John Stanizzi, Elizabeth Thomas and more. The event will include an Open Mic. For more information about participating as a poet, contact Adult Services Librarian Rolande Duprey at 860-290-4330 or rduprey@easthartfordct.gov. To attend as an audience member, please register for the Zoom link.
 
Make a Toy Theater
Tuesday, November 16, 6:30 PM
Do you enjoy theater? Then you will be happy to make your own tabletop theater that can help you stage plays anywhere there’s a table! We’ll send you an e-mail when kits are ready to pick up. For teens and adults.
 
Makerspace Program: Augmented Reality Creations
Thursday, November 18, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Let’s create some augmented reality art that will come to life at the library! We’ll provide the materials needed to create stop-motion art. All you need is a phone or tablet for the free animation software. Sign up at least 72 hours prior to the event. For teens and adults.
 
Makerspace Program: Sculpey Ornaments and Wintery Designs
Thursday, December 16, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Let’s create some decorations with sculpey clay. We’ll provide the sculpey and when the designs are done, you can bake and paint them. For teens and adults.
 
Makerspace Paint Night: Personal Paint-by-Number
Thursday, December 30, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
One, two, three, let’s paint! I’ll turn a photo of you or your pet into a paint-by-number kit. Once the art is ready, you’ll be able to pick up your cardstock canvas and custom paints so you can create your masterpiece during our workshop. Sign up at least 72 hours prior to the event. For teens and adults.
 
Teens
Teen Advisory Board
Tuesday, November 2, 7:15 - 7:45 PM
Tuesday, December 14, 7:15 - 7:45 PM
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. Register for the Zoom link.
 
Teen Gift-Making: Grades 6 - 12
Wednesday, December 8, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Pick up supplies from the library in advance for an hour of gift making. We’ll make simple and fun gifts for family and friends. You’ll have enough supplies to make two of each gift. We’ll send you an e-mail when kits are ready for pickup.
 
Children and Families
Gift-Making for Kids: Grades 1 - 5
Tuesday, December 7, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Want to make gifts for family and friends? Sign up to get a kit to make gifts (we don’t want to spoil the surprise by listing them here). You’ll have enough supplies to make two of each gift. We’ll send you an e-mail when kits are ready to pick up. Best suited for kids in grades 1 - 5.
 
Cooking with Lindsey
Wednesday, December 29, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
What’s for dinner? Gather in your kitchen with Lindsey from ShopRite to make dinner together. Learn about healthy foods and cooking tips & tricks. At this program, we’ll make breakfast for dinner featuring French Toast Roll-Ups. An ingredient and supply list will be sent out with your registration confirmation. For children and families.
 
Hybrid Program
Teen Coding Club: Grades 6 - 12
Tuesdays: November 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 and December 7, 14, 21, & 28, 6:30 - 7:30
Want to change the world? 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 from Girls Who Code, build community through interactive activities, and learn about inspiring role models. No coding experience is necessary, all are welcome. This program will be offered in person, but a remote option is also available. For grades 6 - 12.