July Programs at Russell Library Include Films, Kids' Fun — Even Zombies & Creature From Black Lagoon!

Russell Library Hours for July 2012

Regular hours for the library are 9am-8:30pm Monday - Thursday, 9:00am-6:00pm on Fridays, and 9am-1pm on summer Saturdays.  The library will be CLOSED on Wednesday, July 4th.

EXHIBITS

Paintings by Diane Lindsay

Diane Lindsay’s paintings will be on exhibit in the main lobby and the Information Services area of the Russell Library during the months of July and August.  Ms. Lindsay works in oils and acrylics and “enjoys an occasional watercolor”.   She was born and raised in New York City and began painting at age 11 when she received an oil paint set for Christmas.  She studied art at Connecticut Institute of Art and Design, Middlesex Community College, and Lyme Art Academy.  Her work has been exhibited at several locations in central Connecticut and has won numerous awards.  Recently retired, she now devotes her time to painting, travel, and spending time with her husband, children and many grandchildren.

Botanical Watercolors by Nora Evans Hill

Watercolor paintings of Connecticut wildflowers by the late Nora Evans Hill are on display in the exhibit case in the first floor lobby of Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Mrs. Hill and her husband, the late Professor G. Albert Hill of Wesleyan University  observed and cataloged bloom dates and locations of hundreds of Connecticut wildflowers each year. After his death, she devoted her time to creating botanically accurate watercolor paintings of the flowers they had studied for over two decades. The paintings will be on display throughout the month of July.

Teen Writers

Teen Writers returns this summer with an exciting project!  We will be creating plays and podcasting them for our teen blog.  No podcasting or playwriting experience is needed, prompts will be provided.  Come join the fun and use your creative thinking.  Playwriting and podcasting sessions will be held Mondays at 3:30pm on July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and August 13, 20, 27 in Russell Library's Activity Room, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Registration is not required and the programs are open to grades 4 and up.       

Backyard Scientists

Join us for a brand new summer program that will have you digging in the dirt.  Curious about bugs?  Wiggly for worms?  Then come and join the Backyard Scientists, a group for kids in grades K-2.  We will learn about different bugs through stories, crafts and hands-on science experiments.  Make new friends of the human and bug variety!  Join us in the Activity Room at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown, for a buggy good time on Mondays at 10 am on July 2, 16, 30, August 13 and 27.  Registration is not required.

Summer Stories

Come and hear fun new stories and beloved favorites on Tuesdays at 10:00 am, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 14, 21, 28.  The stories are selected for the 3-6 year old audience and their caregivers, but siblings are welcome.  Stay a bit longer & make a craft together.   Story sessions will be held in the Hubbard Room at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.

Ones Summer Fun!

This summertime drop-in program is an introduction to the library and all of its wonders for ages 12 months to 23 months. Little ones and their caregivers will enjoy books, puppets, songs, rhymes and making music in a warm, welcoming environment.  Ones Summer Fun will meet on Thursdays at 1:00 pm, July 5, 12, 19, 26 and August 2.  Programs are held in the Activity Room of Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown, and registration is not required.

First Saturday Favorite Story Time

Saturday, July 7 is "Favorite Stories Saturday!"  On the first Saturday of every month, a Children’s Librarian will share her favorite stories with you at 10:00am in the Activity Room at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Drop by for stories and stay to make a craft together.  The stories are selected for children ages 3-5 years and their caregivers.  Siblings are also welcome!  Get a great start on your 1st Saturday.  No registration is needed.

Time for Twos

Join us for an hour of fun, cooperative and creative play that will include a little bit of everything.  We’ll use musical instruments, dance, make crafts, sing songs and, of course, read some books!  Two year olds, their grown-ups, and their siblings are welcome.  Programs are on Wednesdays, at 10:00am, on July 11, 18 & 25 and August 1, 8 &15 in the Activity Room of Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Registration is not required.

Russell Library Knitters

The Russell Knitters will meet on Saturdays, July 7 and 21 at 11:00am-1pm in Meeting Room 3 at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Bring your knitting projects and join an enthusiastic group of knitters who are willing to share ideas and expertise.  No registration is required.

Otakus of Russell Library Unite!

Otakus is Russell Library’s Teen Group for fans of Anime, Manga and all things Japanese.  The group will meet at 7 pm on Tuesday, July 10 in the Hubbard Room and on Tuesday, July 24 in Meeting Room 3 of Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Meeting twice a month, we view anime shorts, discuss our favorite manga series and explore the culture that has produced such art forms.  Food, music, costumes, and other expressions of Japan are all part of Otakus.  This group is for ages 11 and up.  Drop by and join in the fun; no registration is needed.

Baby Rhyme Time

Looking for something to do with your infant?  Come join us Wednesdays, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 15, 22, 29, at 1:30pm in the Children’s Activity Room at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  We’ll sing songs, and learn rhymes, finger plays and more in this fun, interactive program. This special program is for babies one year and under, and their caregivers.  Just drop in!  No registration is required.

We Were There: Writing Your Military Experiences

Author Elisabeth Petry will continue to lead The Veterans' Writing Group on Thursdays in July and August, at 7pm in Meeting Room 2 at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Due to such positive responses to this year’s "One Book, One Middletown" program, the writing program has been extended. This series invites veterans to share their stories in their own voices. All veterans, either active or retired, are encouraged to come and write their experiences for their own benefit or to share with family and friends.

Old Saybrook native Elisabeth Petry is a writer, former journalist and lawyer. Her books include Can Anything Beat White? A Black Family’s Letters and At Home Inside: A Daughter’s Tribute to Ann Petry.  Liz has taught college English and conducted a playwriting workshop. She lives in Middletown with her husband, Lawrence Riley, who is a dog trainer and commander of the Veterans of the Vietnam War, Middletown Connecticut.

Green Children, Version 2.0:  Checking on Our Garden

In late May, we filled a flower garden with a variety of plants. Summer has arrived and it’s time to see how our garden is doing. Some plants are probably thriving, though others may not be. Join us on Wednesday, July 11, at 4:00pm, as we check up on the work we’ve done and take whatever steps are needed to put the garden in order.  This garden check-up is for ages 5 and up at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Registration is not required.

Build Your Own Fairy House!

We know how to attract these wee folk to our yards.  Just make them a lovely home to live in!  Fairies prefer things from the natural world, such as bark, sticks, stones and much more.  We’ll have lots of building materials, but look around your own yard to see what you might have... possibly, some shells from a beach vacation or seed pods from your favorite flowers.  And, don’t forget to bring your imagination! This program is for ages 8 through 12 years old and requires pre-registration.

Registration begins on Thursday, July 5 at 9:00am.  To register, come into the children’s department or call our direct line: (860) 344-8479.   Build your own fairy house on Thursday, July 12 at 9:30am in the Activity Room of Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.

Who Owns the Night? Film Series:  Creature from the Black Lagoon

In the deepest Amazon, a team of scientists discover a remarkable creature, a “missing link” between amphibians and modern man. A major scientific find, though also a poignant love story, this creature falls in love with a female member of the team. Will she be saved from the clutches of this love struck beast?  Will the creature ever return to the freedom of the Black Lagoon? Join us at 2:00pm on Thursday, July 12, in the deep, dark Hubbard Room at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Be chilled; be thrilled by this classic horror film brought to you in living Black & White.  For children ages 8 years and up.  No registration is required and free popcorn will be available. 

Friends of the Russell Library Book Sale

Each month, the hard-working members of The Friends of the Russell Library hold a book sale to help raise funds for a variety of library projects and services.  Come on in to find used books at great prices.  Stop by for the “Bargain Days” sale on Friday, July 13, from 12:00 noon to 6:00pm or Saturday, July 14, from 9:00 to 12:00 noon at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. You're bound to find a title or two or more that you missed the first time around!

Russell Writers
The Russell Writers will meet on Saturday, July 14, from 9:30am to noon in Meeting Room 3 at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. This month's challenge:  At a yard sale, a portrait catches your fancy, and you purchase it. The subjects are two children about age eleven. It is obvious that the two are twins. Yet, one has green eyes and straight black hair; the other has blue eyes and curly red hair. You hang the portrait on the wall opposite your bed. The oil canvas, however, is special: after you are asleep each night, the subjects become real and step out of the picture.  Write a fanciful story, detailing for your readers (1) the escapades of the two; (2) the conversations that ensue between them; (3) which of the two is the dominant child; (4) before morning, whether or not they return to being portraits on a canvas; and (5) are the twins of the same sex, or is one a boy and the other a girl?

The Russell Writers meet at 9:30am on the second Saturday of the month. All writers, from beginners to the experienced, are welcome. Participants are reminded to try to keep their compositions to three double-spaced pages so that there is time to critique everyone's work.

Zombie Alter Egos

Get “zombified” at Russell Library this summer!  Caroline Wilcox and Deb Brennan, makeup artists-extraordinaire, will make you over into a zombie. Scare your friends!  Shock the librarians!  Become a member of the living dead!   Learn "zombification" techniques from the pros through discussion and hands-on activities. You must be in grade 6 or higher and a Middletown resident.  Registration is required, so call 860-344-8479 or stop by in person starting Tuesday, July 17 at 9:00am.   The Zombie program will be on Tuesday, July 24, 5 to 7:00pm, in Russell Library’s Hubbard Room, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.

Meet Froggy!!!

Froggy, that delightful character, is coming to visit Russell Library, 123 Broad Street Middletown, and he is bringing his favorite friends on Tuesday, July 17, 6:30 – 7:30pm!  He may wiggle, you may giggle, and together you will have a good time. Don’t forget to bring your cameras for your personal picture with Froggy.  Stories and good friends on a summers night; brought to you by the Middlesex Hospital Community Council.  Pre-school age children will love Froggy.  Registration is not required for this fun, drop-in event.

Improvisational Interviewing Techniques

Every job seeker has a fear that they’ll get one of those “brain teaser” job interview questions…the “if you could be a brick in a wall, what brick would you be?”  The worst thing to do in that situation (or any job interview) is to freeze up and have no response. 

“Improv” comedy techniques have little to do with being funny, but everything to do with really listening to what other people are saying before responding, as well as trusting your instincts to say the right thing. Learn more on July 17, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, from Melanie Szlucha (melanie@redinc.biz) of Red Inc., in the Hubbard Room at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.   Her program will be a series of group exercises to get people working together and learning how to be “in the moment,” as well as learning how to respond quickly to unexpected situations.

Melanie Szlucha has over 15 years of experience as a hiring manager, and more than five years as a job search coach. She has grown her business primarily through networking and word of mouth, and teaches clients to use those same skills to ramp up their search. She has an undergraduate degree in Business and an MBA from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY.   

Rocky the Rock Cat visits Russell Library

Come to hear some favorite baseball stories, enjoy a small craft and meet Rocky the Rock Cat from the New Britain Rock Cats baseball team on Thursday, July 19, at 2:00pm in the Activity Room at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Don’t forget your camera! Rocky will be happy to pose for pictures!  Sign up for our Summer Reading Program and receive a free ticket to a special game just for readers this summer!  All ages are welcome and registration is not required.

Amy Rogell in Concert!

Amy Rogell has many credits to her name in theater, music and radio.  She’ll be bringing her talents to Russell Library’s Activity Room, 123 Broad Street, Middletown, for a special concert for little people on Saturday, July 21, at 10:00am.  Toddlers, preschoolers and their big people will love Amy’s music.  You’ll want to sing and dance along!  This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library, and registration is not required.

Who Owns the Night? Film Series:  Tarantula!

A well intentioned scientist is working to perfect a way to greater increase food production to feed the world. Unfortunately, in the process, he accidentally creates a monster, a huge tarantula. On the loose in the desert, heading towards town, the giant spider grows larger and faster with each meal it consumes. How can it be stopped?  And, by whom?  A classic 1950s horror film that’s delightfully absurd and truly horrifying.  Tarantula will be shown on Thursday, July 26, at 2:00pm in Russell Library’s creepy, crawly Hubbard Room for ages 8 and up.  Free popcorn will be available and no registration is required.  Russell Library is located at 123 Broad Street, Middletown.

Dream Big-Transportation Crafts

Where do your dreams take you?  How would you get there?  Find out on July 26 at 2:00pm in the Activity Room at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Children ages 5 and up are invited to make rockets, trucks, trains, and paper airplanes with common items we’ll supply such as paper towel tubes, milk cartons, etc.   Registration is not required.

Summer Reading Programs:  Dream Big! & Own the Night!

The Friends of the Russell Library generously sponsors Reading Programs each summer.  Thanks to the Friends, the Children's Services Department offers two Summer Reading Programs this year:  Dream Big! and Own the Night! 

Dream Big – Read! This summer program is for children 3 years of age through third grade.  Come to the Children’s Department and get your “Dream Big Reading Star” book log.  For every five squares you fill in, you can visit the prize cart!  Once you’ve filled in all 25 squares, you’ll receive your final prize.  Don’t forget to join us for some great story and craft programs, too!  Game ends Friday, August 31st.

Own the Night! Children in grades 4 and up are welcome to participate in this summer program.

The theme "Own the Night" celebrates all things that go bump in the night!  Participants will join in a scavenger hunt that will take them far and wide throughout the library.  Each participant will be given a clue and a set of instructions that will lead them to more clues, activities and prizes.  "Own the Night" summer reading participants will complete activities, read books, write book reviews and take the final challenge for great prizes.

Russell Library Job Group

Russell Library presents weekly opportunities to network with other job seekers, as well as receive the advice of professionals.  Expert guest speakers focus on the job market and provide industry information.  The Group meets Thursdays, 9:30am-noon with speakers presenting from 10 to 11:00am in the Hubbard Room, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Upcoming speakers for July are:

7/5/12

10:00-11:00am

Brandie Doyle

Russell Library

 “Networking Activity”

7/12/12

10:00-11:00am

Heather Turner (forfengdesigns@gmail.com)

Forfeng Designs

"Social Media & Applicant Tracking Systems"

7/19/12

10:00-11:00am

Eric Lopkin (elopkin@modernobserver.com)

The Modern Observer Group

“The Mindset of Success”

7/26/12

10:00-11:00am

Mitch Bright (mitchell.bright@prudential.com; maritza.boak@prudential.com)

Prudential

“Opportunities at Prudential"

Resume Review and Critique

Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown, offers confidential resume critiquing and in-depth interview coaching appointments two Saturdays each month with Jeff Thierfeld, Business Professional and Consultant.  Please call (860) 347-2520 to sign up for a 45 minute appointment.  If you need to cancel, please allow 48 hours notice.

Practice Job Interviews

Improve your interviewing skills and get the job you want.  Bob Carlson will assist you by conducting and evaluating your practice interview, either by phone or at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Videotaping the session is optional and confidential.  45 minute sessions are available.  Please call (860) 347-2520 for more information and to sign up.

Career Coaching

James Kubat, an Associate Director of the Wesleyan Career Center, gives private, confidential career coaching through appointments at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.  Please bring a resume (if you have one) to the appointment.  You must register and/or cancel at the Information Desk or by calling (860) 347-2520.  You will receive a reminder call prior to the appointment. 

Computer Classes

The Russell Library Information Department, 123 Broad Street, Middletown, CT, will offer a variety of computer-training sessions.  July Classes at Russell Library include:

Introduction to Computers, Thursday, July 5 at 9:30-11:30 am

Preparing a Resume for Online Applications, Tuesday, July 10 at 9:30-11:30am

Microsoft Excel Basics, Tuesday, July 10 at 6-8:00 pm

Resume Tailoring, Wednesday, July 11 at 6-8:00 pm

Microsoft Word Basics, Thursday, July 12 at 6-8:00 pm

Linkedin for Job Seekers, Tuesday, July 17 at 9:30-11:30 am

Introduction to Grants Databases, Wednesday, July 18 at 9:30-11:30 am

Introduction to the Internet, Thursday, July 19 at 9:30-11:30 am

Microsoft PowerPoint Basics, Wednesday, July 25 at 6-8:00 pm

Using Excel to Manage Your Job Search, Thursday, July 26 at 6-8:00 pm

Classes introduce beginners to computers and provide a session on the Internet or Microsoft Word.  Advanced classes are offered on programs such as Microsoft Publisher and Excel.  There will be no prior signups for these classes. Classes are offered on a first come, first served basis.  If you are interested in attending, make sure you have the experience necessary for the class.   To attend, come to the Information Department on the date and time that the session is being offered.  In the event that a class fills up, most are repeated each month.  Please be on time.  If you have any questions, ask at the Information Desk or call (860) 347-2520.