The library will be closed on Monday, July 4 for Independence Day.

For teens entering grades 7-12

Join instructor Kim Larkin as she gives a fun overview of the benefits of gems and crystals. A display case of various crystal samples will be set up so that you can freely explore. You will learn how to best incorporate each crystal into your environment. A fun crystal quiz follows and then you will assemble a glass terrarium using small plants, soil, small assorted crystals, and sands. Most importantly, you will plant a “seed of intention” into the soil! Calming music and tea will set the mood. A great relaxing experience for teens!

Registration begins June 7th, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

**NEW DATE**

Let's get outside! In this informative seminar, Dylan Napoleone, Competitive Bass Fisherman, will teach us just about everything there is to know to effectively target bass in local waters. Explore the best gear, different techniques/approaches, fishing in the different seasons, and more! All experience levels can benefit, no matter if you’re new to the sport or just want to share in the camaraderie of this pastime.

Registration begins June 1, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720. 

To watch from home on Zoom, registration is not required. Click here at the start of the program: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81685789521?pwd=cnh4WXJHRnJKNnp5akRqN3VNbXRCUT09

Meeting ID: 816 8578 9521  |  Passcode: 348370

About the presenter: Dylan Napoleone is a 20-year-old fisherman from Beacon Falls, CT. Bass Fishing has been the "story of his life" since middle school. Dylan now fishes competitively, directs tournaments for youth, and presents about the sport that he fell in love with at an early age.

***TO BE RESCHEDULED: The library will be closed this day due to electrical work on the building.  This program will be rescheduled at a later date.***

For kids entering grades 3-6

We will use yarn to weave a small basket. We will move inside if needed. Registration begins June 29 for residents; July 1 for nonresidents.

For families with kids ages 6 & under

This drop-in storytime will be filled with stories, songs, action rhymes and fun for the family.  We will meet on the children’s terrace if weather allows, indoors if it doesn’t. Bring a blanket to sit outside. No registration needed.

For kids entering grades 1-6

Join us for some building fun! Let your creativity shine with challenges that celebrate the weird, the wild, and the wondrous of our world. Plenty of LEGO® building bricks will be provided. Registration begins July 1 for residents; July 6 for nonresidents.

For teens entering grades 9-12

The Welles-Turner Memorial Library is partnering with C2 Education to offer free full-length practice tests for the PSAT, ACT and SAT for local high school students. Participants will get to experience a real test environment and will then receive a score report via email with a comprehensive analysis of strengths and weaknesses.

Seating is limited, so reserve your spot by going online or by calling the reference desk at 860-652-7720.

Please note: Teens who attend multiple testing events are not guaranteed a unique exam each session. 

All ages through grade 6

Decorate a rock for your new children’s terrace. No registration needed; drop-in anytime during the time frame listed.

Paul Colburn, Master Wildlife Conservationist, will provide attendees with a brief natural history of Connecticut and address the current state of wildlife in the state, including a discussion of major species, factors affecting their habitats, and challenges we face in managing them. He will also give practical suggestions for what people can do to make a difference.

Registration begins June 13th, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

To watch from home on Zoom, registration is not required. Click here at the start of the program: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88137664022?pwd=aE50NFI3YzB1b2hackdFTGdibmY3Zz09

Meeting ID: 881 3766 4022  |  Passcode: 892061

About the Presenter: Paul Colburn is a 2015 graduate of the Master Wildlife Conservationist Program (MWCP) and a certified Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC). Mr. Colburn has provided hundreds of wildlife presentations for a wide variety of public and private organizations in all corners of the state. He is an avid outdoorsman, a graduate of Wesleyan University, and served honorably in the United States Army.

For families with kids of any age

Come for some books, add in some math! A range of math activities for kids of all ages, from very simple ones for preschoolers to various fun, yet challenging ones for school-age kids, will be out during the time this period. Allow approximately 15 minutes to complete the activity. This is not a drop-off program. We will move inside if it rains. No registration is needed.

For kids ages 3-5 & entering grades K-1

Enjoy the classic story, Swimmy by Leo Lionni, about the little fish who made a big difference. Lots of fishy fun is planned for this summer day. In inclement weather, the storytime will move to the Friends Room. Registration begins July 5 for residents; July 8 for nonresidents.

Come talk books with other bibliophiles! This book group will meet on the second Tuesday of the month. Limited copies of the current selection will be available at the Lending Desk. Registration is not required.

Meet Eleanor Oliphant: she struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking. Everything changes when Eleanor meets Raymond, the bumbling and deeply unhygienic IT guy from her office. When she and Raymond together save Sammy, an elderly gentleman who has fallen, the three rescue one another from the lives of isolation that they had been living. This is the story of an out-of-the-ordinary heroine whose deadpan weirdness and unconscious wit make for an irresistible journey as she realizes the only way to survive is to open your heart.

For families with kids ages 6 & under

Put on your P.J.’s, grab your teddy bear, and settle down for a half-hour of stories.  We will meet on the children’s terrace if weather allows, indoors if it doesn’t. Bring a blanket to sit outside. No registration needed.

For teens entering grades 9-12

With recent college admissions changes, the importance of the application essay has grown, and college essays can be intimidating. After all, they can make or break your application (no pressure!) and they seem to ask for the impossible by forcing you to encapsulate who you are into just one short essay.

In this college essay workshop presented by C2 Education, you’ll learn how to write the perfect college essay including structure, topic selection, and mindset. We also discuss implications of the college essay in today’s coronavirus environment and provide expert tips on crafting it perfectly.  You’ll learn how to overcome the biggest college essay challenges so that you can craft incredible essays that help you get into your dream schools.

Registration begins June 14th, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

For families with children ages 6 & under

Join the librarians on the lawn at Company # 4 Fire Station at the corner of Manchester Road & Hebron Avenue for stories and rhymes about our town heroes. Afterwards, curious kids can explore the trucks and equipment. Bring a blanket. Rain will move the storytime inside. Adults must stay with their children. No registration is needed.

For kids entering grades 3-6

Make some fun food for afternoon snacking. S’mores Pops, Campfire Tarts, and Dessert Burgers are on the menu. Registration begins July 6 for residents; July 11 for nonresidents.

For families with kids ages 6 & under

This drop-in storytime will be filled with stories, songs, action rhymes and fun for the family.  We will meet on the children’s terrace if weather allows, indoors if it doesn’t. Bring a blanket to sit outside. No registration needed.

For kids entering grades 1-6

Join us for a walk through some of the national parks and see if you can recreate the plants, animals, and other attractions from our amazing adventure. Plenty of LEGO® building bricks will be provided. Registration begins July 7 for residents; July 12 for nonresidents.

For babies birth – 24 months with a parent or care giver

Short rhymes, songs, finger plays, and books introduce babies to the wonders of language.  No registration needed.

For teens entering grades 7-12

Want to try an instrument that is fun and easy to play? Join Julie Stepanek as she shows the fundamentals of ukulele playing. No experience necessary. Bring your own ukulele or borrow one of ours. Before the ukulele playing begins, we will be enjoying some pizza!

Julie Stepanek is a singer, songwriter and musician. Originally from Nebraska, she now makes her home in a pine forest in western Massachusetts and for the last 10 years has been teaching and making music at libraries, schools and senior centers throughout New England.

Registration begins June 17th, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

For kids of all ages

Mirabel discovers that the magic surrounding her home in the mountains is in danger and she may be the only one to save it. Rated PG; 112 min. No registration required.

For families with preschool & elementary aged kids

This family camp night on Hubbard Green will feature all of your favorite songs.  Join Mary Jo Maichack around the inflatable campfire for rousing round of songs. If it rains the sing-a-long will move to library Friends Room. Registration begins July 11 for residents; July 14 for nonresidents.

For kids entering grades 3-6

How does that work? Disassemble some familiar and not so familiar broken electronics to see what is inside. Registration begins July 12 for residents; July 15 for nonresidents.

For families with kids ages 3-5 & entering grades K-1

Your Teddy Bear wants to go to summer camp too! Bring your bear or other favorite stuffed animal to a special storytime at the library. Tuck your bears in at the end so that they can spend the night.  See what kind of adventures they had when you return for lunch on Wednesday at noon. (PLEASE NOTE:  This is a two part program and you must be able to attend both. Also, bring a stuffy that child can comfortably leave behind for the night.)  Registration begins July 12 for residents; July 15 for nonresidents.

This is the second part of the Teddy Bear Campout above.  You must be able to attend both days. Registration for the program is above.

For families with kids ages 6 & under

This drop-in storytime will be filled with stories, songs, action rhymes and fun for the family.  We will meet on the children’s terrace if weather allows, indoors if it doesn’t. Bring a blanket to sit outside. No registration needed.

For kids entering grades 2-6

Design and construct a camp lantern decorated to cast fun shadows. Registration begins July 14 for residents; July 19 for nonresidents.

For teens entering grades 7-12

Join the Teen Advisory Board and share your ideas for programs, materials, and improvements we can make in the Teen Department. In addition to giving your opinion, you can earn volunteer/community service hours. This is a monthly program.

Registration begins June 23rd, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

For families with kids ages 5 & under

During this 45 minutes of songs, dance, and fingerplays children will learn by playing. Concepts practiced include following directions, rhyme and rhythm, creative play, fine motor skills and coordination. No registration needed.

For kids entering grades 1-3

Revisit some terrific tales from the tree house and complete special Merlin Missions to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this magical series by Mary Pope Osborne. Registration begins July 18 for residents; July 21 for nonresidents.

Learn how to paint a real work of art! Follow instructor Pamela Halligan of Pam’s Picassos as she walks you through the steps of creating your own masterpiece. You will leave the library with a beautiful completed painting.

This paint night is for adults (18+) only.

Due to the expense and popularity of this program, registration begins by phone (860-652-7720) for Glastonbury residents with a valid library card on June 27th at 9 a.m. and opens online for all on July 5th at 9 a.m.

For babies birth – 24 months with a parent or care giver

Short rhymes, songs, finger plays, and books introduce babies to the wonders of language.  No registration needed.

All ages through grade 6

Draw a picture of a campsite or forest. Then see what magically appears when you shine a “flashlight” on your creation. (We will be using permanent markers for this craft so it may not be suitable for young children.) No registration needed; drop-in anytime during the time frame listed.

For families with children ages 6 & under

Join the librarians on the lawn at Company # 3 Fire Station at 1089 Chestnut Hill Road for stories and rhymes about our town heroes. Afterwards, curious kids can explore the trucks and equipment. Bring a blanket. Rain will move the storytime inside. Adults must stay with their children. No registration is needed.

For families with kids ages 6 & under

This drop-in storytime will be filled with stories, songs, action rhymes and fun for the family.  We will meet on the children’s terrace if weather allows, indoors if it doesn’t. Bring a blanket to sit outside. No registration needed.

For teens entering grades 7-12

Learn how to make your very own clay beads and charms! We will fire the items during the program and you'll leave with your wearable art! Necklaces, keychains, and rings will all be options in this workshop with Laurie of Creative Girl Studios Mobile.

Registration begins June 30th, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

For kids of all ages

A kooky, spooky family sets out on a crazy road trip in a camper. Rated PG; 93 min. No registration required.

For families with kids of any age

Come for some books, add in some math! A range of math activities for kids of all ages, from very simple ones for preschoolers to various fun, yet challenging ones for school-age kids, will be out during the time this period. Allow approximately 15 minutes to complete the activity. This is not a drop-off program. We will move inside if it rains. No registration is needed.

Join Laurie Lynne of Creative Girl Studios for an evening of candle making. The workshop will include over 100 scents to choose from, organic cotton wicks, jars, twine, tags, labels, markers, wax color, and more! Participants will leave with two handmade, 100% soy candles.

This workshop is for adults (18+) only.

Due to the expense and space limitations of this program, registration begins by phone (860-652-7720) for Glastonbury residents with a valid library card on July 5th at 9 a.m. and opens online for all on July 11th at 9 a.m.

For kids entering grades 1-6

Join us for some building fun! Seas the day and get hooked building fabulous fishes and other creatures from the deep. Plenty of LEGO® building bricks will be provided. Registration begins July 26 for residents; July 29 for nonresidents.

For teens entering grades 7-12

Follow along with calligrapher Debby Reelitz as she guides us in this fun doodling exercise. We will doodle a nature scene inspired by a photograph of Enders State Forest. We will create our very own illustration with dancing lines, patterns, shapes, and watercolor.

Registration begins July 5th, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

For families with kids ages 6 & under

Put on your P.J.’s, grab your teddy bear, and settle down for a half-hour of stories.  We will meet on the children’s terrace if weather allows, indoors if it doesn’t. Bring a blanket to sit outside. No registration needed.

For families with kids ages 3-5 & entering grades K-2

Cool off with a juicy dessert on National Watermelon Day. Pack a picnic lunch and bring a blanket to enjoy stories, rhymes, and songs under the Copper Beech tree on the front lawn. Watermelon will be provided by the library. Adults must stay with the children. In inclement weather, the storytime will move to the Friends Room. Registration begins July 27 for residents; August 1 for nonresidents.

For families with kids ages 6 & under

This drop-in storytime will be filled with stories, songs, action rhymes and fun for the family.  We will meet on the children’s terrace if weather allows, indoors if it doesn’t. Bring a blanket to sit outside. No registration needed.

For kids entering grades 3-6

Use plastic laces in your choice of colors to make a lanyard bracelet. We will move inside if needed. Registration begins July 28 for residents; August 2 for nonresidents.

For kids entering grades 4-6

When the library closes the FUN begins! Start with a pizza party, then onto noisy activities we could never enjoy when the library is open. Registration is limited to Glastonbury residents. Special registration begins July 29 at which time you will receive a permission slip via email which needs to be returned to complete registration.

Come talk books with other bibliophiles! This book group will meet on the second Tuesday of the month. Limited copies of the current selection will be available at the Lending Desk. Registration is not required.

With courage, grace, and powerful insight, bestselling author Kristin Hannah captures the epic panorama of World War II and illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women's war. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France―a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women. It is a novel for everyone, a novel for a lifetime.

For teens entering grades 7-12

Join Food Explorers for another delicious recipe! You’ll be making Ricotta Gnocchi from scratch and playing a round of Chopped to design a delicious recipe (on paper) with mystery ingredients. Ricotta Gnocchi recipe is nut free but does contain dairy and eggs.

Registration begins July 12th, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

For families with kids ages 3-5 & entering grades K-4

Families will pitch a tent amid the shelves before gathering for (inflatable) fireside stories, snack and a craft. Then the lights will dim and families head to their tents to read together by flashlight.  

Each family should bring the following:

• Large sheet or light weight blanket (library will provide clothes pins to pitch your tent)
• Flashlights to read by
• Sleeping bags, pillows and/or blankets optional

This is not a drop-off program. Registration begins August 2 for residents; August 5 for nonresidents.

For all Children’s Summer Reading participants

Campers are invited to celebrate a summer of reading with games, crafts and ice cream on the front lawn (in the Friends Room if it rains). Wear your T-shirt! No registration needed.

For teens entering grades 9-12

The Welles-Turner Memorial Library is partnering with C2 Education to offer free full-length practice tests for the PSAT, ACT and SAT for local high school students. Participants will get to experience a real test environment and will then receive a score report via email with a comprehensive analysis of strengths and weaknesses.

Seating is limited, so reserve your spot by going online or by calling the reference desk at 860-652-7720.

Please note: Teens who attend multiple testing events are not guaranteed a unique exam each session. 

For teens entering grades 7-12

Join the Teen Advisory Board and share your ideas for programs, materials, and improvements we can make in the Teen Department. In addition to giving your opinion, you can earn volunteer/community service hours. This is a monthly program.

Registration begins July 21st, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

Insects that that are encountered in both residential and natural landscapes may be considered beneficial or harmful depending upon what they are doing. Over 95% of insects are not pests, but are just living wherever they find suitable food and habitat. Pamm Cooper of the UConn Home and Garden Education Center will cover some garden pests, some beneficial insects (like pollinators, lightning bugs, dung and carrion beetles), and benign insects (like walking sticks, native moths and butterflies) that are commonly found in Connecticut.

Registration begins July 25th, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

To watch from home on Zoom, registration is not required. Click here at the start of the program: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84494785704?pwd=VDZUcU55bzdEcXhuMXhOZmxZL29RQT09

Meeting ID: 844 9478 5704  |  Passcode: 604454

About the Presenter: Pamm Cooper works at the University of Connecticut Home and Garden Education Center office as a public service specialist and horticultural consultant answering questions from the general public on gardening, lawns and wildlife. She also teaches the entomology and turf portions of the University of Connecticut Master Gardener Program. She has teamed with Jane Seymour from the Connecticut DEEP doing programs on using native plants in the backyard to support native pollinators, butterflies and wildlife. She is also an avid nature photographer.

The Himalayan Snow Leopard is the most mysterious, enigmatic, and poorly understood of all the large cats. Inhabiting mountain terrain above 15,000, the Snow Leopard is rarely seen and rarely photographed. There are only three individuals in the world today studying the cat full time. As a result, conservation agencies rely on citizen scientists to do basic research to add to the body of knowledge on this elusive cat.

Dr. Richard Benfield, former Chair of the Central CT State University Geography Department and Snow Leopard Researcher, will take us on a journey into the Himalayas and the mountains of Central Asia in search of this mysterious creature.

Registration begins August 9th, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

To watch from home on Zoom, registration is not required. Click here at the start of the program: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88483349113?pwd=S0tZOTVzMHFpdzUxd2RwM3lNVEJjUT09

Meeting ID: 884 8334 9113  |  Passcode: 584831

About the Presenter: Dr. Richard W. Benfield is Emeritus Professor of Geography at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut where he taught courses in Human Geography, Plants, Predators and Parks, Russia, The European Union and many of the courses in the department’s tourism track. Prior to coming to Central he was Senior Program Coordinator in the Division of Continuing Education at the University of Oklahoma where he instructed citizens of the new Russian Federation on privatization and the transition to a market economy. He obtained his doctorate in geography from the University of Oklahoma in 1998. Prior to commencing his teaching career at the University of Oklahoma, he was Vice-President of Marketing at Whistler Ski resort, Canada, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Executive Director of the Banff-Lake Louise Chamber of Commerce and a tourism marketing executive with the Government of Alberta. His current research interests are in biogeography, particularly the role of national parks in the conservation of large feline predators and the use of tourism as a conservation tool in parks. He has also published extensively and spoken widely on the geography of Floriculture. In total he has travelled in over 115 countries and seen the national parks, botanic gardens and other private reserves in just about them all.

For teens in grades 9-12

The Welles-Turner Memorial Library is partnering with C2 Education to offer free full-length practice tests for the PSAT, ACT and SAT for local high school students. Participants will get to experience a real test environment and will then receive a score report via email with a comprehensive analysis of strengths and weaknesses.

Seating is limited, so reserve your spot by going online or by calling the reference desk at 860-652-7720.

Please note: Teens who attend multiple testing events are not guaranteed a unique exam each session. 

Want to learn how to turn your favorite photo into a work of art? Now you can!

Join Andy Mars, freelance photographer, for a hands-on workshop to learn some basic tips on how to take better photos with your smartphone and then move onto editing techniques using the free editing app Snapseed. Finally, turn your images into photo paintings using the free version of the painting app Prisma. Your digital artwork can be printed as a unique gift for special occasions that will wow your family and friends!

Bring your smartphone and/or tablet (batteries charged and relevant user IDs/passwords in hand).

Registration begins August 15th, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

About the Presenter: Andy Mars is a freelance photographer, photo artist, & instructor. She photographs events (formerly specializing in weddings), people, and pets. She is a photography instructor teaching classes & workshops in digital photography, iPhoneography, Photoshop, mixed-media photography, and computer file organization & workflow. Her work has been exhibited at the Memorial Arts Museum in Rochester, NY, Manhattan, various Soho Gallery restaurants, and Connecticut galleries. She has been a juror for the artist community where she has her studio and juried art shows for the Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards and local library photo exhibits.

Come talk books with other bibliophiles! This book group will meet on the second Tuesday of the month. Limited copies of the current selection will be available at the Lending Desk. Registration is not required.

Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better? Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one. She must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.

For teens entering grades 7-12

Join the Teen Advisory Board and share your ideas for programs, materials, and improvements we can make in the Teen Department. In addition to giving your opinion, you can earn volunteer/community service hours. This is a monthly program.

Registration begins August 18th, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

All ages are invited to join Sarada Nori Akella of Layavinyasa School of Dance and Music. She will provide a history of the traditional Kuchipudi dance and do a demonstration including the hand gestures (or “mudras”), rhythmic patterns, and facial expressions used in this dance form.

Registration begins August 24th, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

To watch from home on Zoom, registration is not required. Click here at the start of the program: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88146438440?pwd=YWlxbFVpZTlTREFJd3BFS21VWXdXZz09

Meeting ID: 881 4643 8440  |  Passcode: 307928

Grab a notebook and a PB&J for this monthly lunchtime webinar series presented on Zoom!

This month’s topic is Medicare Enrollment. Colin Murray of the Nesso Group will teach you what Medicare is, the different parts of the program, when the enrollment periods are, how to get additional coverage, and more.

Registration begins August 31st, online or by calling the library’s Reference Department at 860-652-7720.

About the Presenter: Nesso Group is an ecosystem of connected advisors based in Southington.  Their services include tax/accounting, wealth management, individual and group benefits, property and casualty insurance, Medicare and more.  Colin Murray is on the Medicare team with a mission of helping seniors to better understand and navigate the Medicare enrollment process. As a former educator he enjoys helping people understand their benefits so they can take full advantage.