Catalog
Happy Spring!
Below are some of our exciting upcoming programs!
Check out our full event calendar for a list of all our programs.
In-person Chess Club for Kids!
Wednesdays at 4:30 PM
Welcome to Mystic Noank Library’s Chess Club! The club welcomes children grade 3 and up! We will be meeting on Wednesdays after school from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Children should know how the chess pieces move before their first visit. We teach chess strategy, chess sportsmanship, and organize games.
Sportsman-like conduct is always a goal. Members must be respectful of each other's play, and at the end of each game, win or lose, members must be cordial with one another.
Instructor:
Michael Grater, library associate and chess enthusiast, leads our Chess Club. He grew up playing chess and continues to play for fun. Chess is a great game that builds concentration, patience, planning, sportsmanship, and problem-solving skills in children, teens and adults.
Free Conversation Class for Adult English Language Learners
Fridays from 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Email Kathy Busse at kbusse6@gmail.com to register
Fridays at 11:00 AM
Family Storytime!
Join us for an in-person storytime in the library! Come listen to your favorite stories! Best for ages 2-5.
Class size is limited. Registration required.
Using What You Know (and What You Would Like to Know) to Write a Mystery: Panel Discussion on Zoom
Monday, March 27 @ 6:00 PM
Live on Zoom. Otis Library, in partnership with Sisters In Crime New England, will host the virtual panel discussion "Using What You Know to Write a Mystery." On this panel, authors Trish Esden, Sharon Healy-Yang, and BJ Magnani will discuss how they draw upon their different backgrounds and areas of expertise, ranging from academics to antiquing to toxicology, to write compelling mysteries. You may think your life has been boring, but exciting plots can be buried in your own experience. In this discussion, audience members will find the clues to the novel only they can write.
Register here to attend this free program. This program is hosted by Otis Library and co-sponsored by the Groton Public Library and Mystic & Noank Library.
Storytime: Pizza and Pancakes
This winter storytime for families will include some of our favorite books,songs and games! Great for ages 2 - 5 with a caregiver.
Pop up Art Studio for Kids
Tuesday, March 28 @ 2:00 PM
Chalk Pastels
Focus on space and the galaxy!
Join us for a drop in art studio where kids can create a masterpiece using a different technique each week! Great for 1st grade and up.
Poetry from the Heart
Wednesday, March 29 @ 5:30 PM
This monthly poetry writing group led by Sarah Page will culminate in an online publication of poetry in April for National Poetry Month. Each group session will begin with a sharing circle to connect with how we're feeling, followed by a brief meditation and light yoga stretches before we dive into writing with prompts. Sarah is a local poet who grew up in Mystic and attended St. Bernard High School. She published Out of Our poetry magazine when she lived in San Francisco, CA. Sarah is also a certified yoga teacher at Mystic Yoga Shala and a practitioner of heartfulness meditation.
Registration is required to attend this program
Snatched from the Headlines: Debut Novelist's Dark Tale of Boarding School Life
Thursday, March 30 @ 6:00 PM
Join us for this compelling author talk with Deborah Levison about her debut novel A Nest of Snakes, a tale woven right from the headlines about abuse in boarding school. It's a timely topic: World media reported this summer that Denmark's Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik pulled their son out of his prestigious European boarding school amid allegations of rampant abuse and bullying. Students described a culture of physical violence and sexual abuse to which the school's leadership turned a blind eye. We will meet in the Ames Room. Deborah Levison will be selling and signing copies of the book at the end of her talk.
Fourteenth Annual Edible Book Festival
April 2 @ 2:30 PM
Fourteenth Annual Edible Book Festival at the Groton Public Library, 52 Newtown Road, Groton, CT 06340
What is an Edible Book?
An edible book is a food that can look like a book, be a pun on a book title, refer to a book character, or have anything to do with a book, as longs as it's edible.
Everyone is invitedto create an edible entry -- you can enter as a book group, family, or on your own. Entry forms are available at your library.
Viewing, tasting, and a raffle begins at 1:30 PM. Join us!
Note: Due to COVID-19, tasting may occur outside or be offered in a "to-go" format.
An award-winning event brought to you by:
Friends of the Bill Memorial Library: 860-445-0392 friends@billmemorial.org
Friends of the Mystic & Noank Library: 860-536-7721 friends@mysticnoanklibrary.org
Groton Public Library Circle of Friends 860-441-6750 gpl.circleoffriends@gmail.com
Haiku Workshop: Capturing Moments in Nature
Monday, April 3 @ 6:00 PM
Do you have a favorite season? Can you think of a moment that reflects everything you love about that time of year? The snow gently falling. A flower blossoming. The leaves bursting with color. Join poet Jennifer Y. Montgomery on a journey through the history of haiku and other forms of Japanese micro poetry. From frogs to Zen meditation to clandestine feudal love letters. She’ll then guide us through the basics of writing and illustrating haiku. It’s much more than just counting lines and syllables; each haiku captures a season and a single moment in nature. Think about your favorite season and come prepared to write your own haiku.
Registration is required to attend this program
Library Giving Day
Tuesday, April 4 from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mystic & Noank Library is raising funds through a Library Giving Day campaign!
This one-day online fundraising event will occur on April 4th and will encourage patrons and library lovers to make a gift to their individual library. This campaign reminds us that libraries, small and large, serve as a cornerstone for our communities. In addition to well-loved books, many libraries offer innovative programs that promote lifelong learning.
As we know, public libraries are known for books and research materials, but they also offer many programs that promote lifelong learning, connect patrons to technology, and advance our knowledge.
#LibraryGivingDay is a one-day fundraising event with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy public libraries to donate to their individual library system. And in turn, that support will go toward the incredible programs, services and materials provided by local libraries all over the country.
Donate here to support us this Library Giving Day!
Storytime: ABC and 123
Tuesday, April 4 @ 11:00 AM
This spring storytime for families will include some of our favorite books,songs and games! Great for ages 2 - 5 with a caregiver.
Kids in the Garden Series
Wednesday, April 5, 12 & 19 @ 11:00 AM
Join Alan Newton, University of Rhode Island Master Gardener, for a fun, hands-on series based on science and horticulture practices. This week we will learn which flowers attract good bugs. Registration is Required. Best for ages 4 and up.
This program is in collaboration with the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension/ Master Gardener Program.
Speaker Bio
After 40 years as a minister and educator Alan Newton enrolled in the URI Master Gardener Program. Having a lifelong interest in gardening he decided that he would like to share knowledge about gardening with others. He graduated in the class of 2020. He volunteers with Public Presentations, the Hotline, the Greenhouses, and co-leads the CCAP Gardens in Cranston. He also is the Technical Support Coordinator.
The Art of Container Gardening
Thursday, April 6 @ 6:00 PM
Dive into the world of container gardening with our expert gardener, Mark Gostkiewicz! In this workshop, you'll learn everything you need to know to create a thriving container garden in any space. From selecting the perfect containers, to choosing the right plants, and designing a layout that showcases your style, this class will cover it all.
- Learn about the different types of containers available, and their pros and cons
- Discover the importance of proper soil and drainage in container gardening
- Get tips on choosing and caring for plants in a container garden
- Learn how to design and layout your container garden for maximum impact
- Get advice on seasonal considerations and hardiness zones
Throughout the class, Mark will share his expertise in sustainable and organic gardening practices, so you can trust that everything you learn will be in line with those values. Plus, you'll receive a list of all the notes and recommended reading to continue your learning.
Registration is required to attend this program
Digital Program: Is it Too Early to Plant?
Saturday, April 8 @ 9:00 AM
This program is part of the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center's Regenerative Gardening Program Series with Craig Floyd, Farm Manager of DPNC Coogan Farm. The series is also sponsored by the Eastern Connecticut Community Garden Association and supported by regional libraries.
Is it Too Early to Plant?
The weather is warming and we’re all getting anxious to start the garden. Don’t be fooled into thinking early is best. Learn the natural life cycle of plants and use that knowledge to start, feed and plant in tune with nature’s timing.
Registration is required to attend this meeting.
Preschool Spring Crafts
Monday, April 10 @ 11:00 AM
Join us for a spring themed craft and story. We'll be reading Spring by Ailie Busby and painting cork print hyacinth flowers. Please dress for painting. Registration required. Ages 2 - 5.
Storytime: Kittens
Tuesday, April 11 @ 11:00 AM
This spring storytime for families will include some of our favorite books,songs and games! Great for ages 2 - 5 with a caregiver.
In-person: Food Explorers presents a Cooking Program for Kids: Chopped!
Wednesday, April 12 @ 3:00 PM
Join Food Explorers for a round of “Chopped”! In this new cooking class, you’ll be working in teams to design and create your ideal energy ball.
What is "Chopped" Inspired by the popular TV series featuring chefs creating recipes from a random assortment of ingredients, this program challenges kids to work as a team and create a delicious dish.
You’ll be choosing from an assortment of ingredients, then mixing and tasting to design your energy bite.
All ingredients are nut free but dairy may be used.
For ages 7 and up!
Titanic: The Connecticut Connections
Thursday, April 13 @ 6:30 PM
When the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, there were 33 passengers onboard with Connecticut connections. This presentation focuses on the story of the ship itself as well as those passengers on it with interesting stories, especially those with Connecticut connections: the very sad story of James Kelly, the character assassination of William T. Sloper of New Britain, the moving and tragic story of Jane Carr of Windsor Locks and others.
Sea Glass Bracelet Workshop
Monday April 17 @ 6:00 PM
Victoria Woolard, artisan and owner of Still Waters, will lead a workshop where participants can be guided through the process of making adjustable sea glass bracelets. The sea glass is found along beaches and coves by the Long Island Sound, mainly from New Yrok, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Everyone who takes the class will leave with a completed project, all supplies are provided and no experience is needed. This class is intended for adults and teens.
Still Waters donates a portion of proceeds from all sales, including workshops, to causes such as Save the Sound, Sails Up 4 Cancer, Connectikids, and so many other amazing causes. Visit https://stillwatersusa.com/ for more information.
Each year, 70% of the Mystic & Noank Library's operating budget comes from charitable donations from our community members to help us offer programs, classes, and learning opportunities like this one to our patrons free of charge. We encourage workshop guests to donate what they can to the Library's annual fund to help ensure the Library can continue offering its programs and services well into the future. We thank you for your support!
Registration is required to attend this program.
Storytime: Trucks
Tuesday, April 18 @ 11:00 AM
This spring storytime for families will include some of our favorite books,songs and games! Great for ages 2 - 5 with a caregiver.
Class size is limited. Registration required.
DNA Genealogy Series: Introduction to Genetic Genealogy
Tuesday, April 18 @ 5:30 PM
Discover Your History with DNA Genealogy: A Lecture Series
Learn how consumer DNA testing can find connections, recent to ancient, that greatly extend your family and genetic history. Session 1 covers types of DNA and patterns of inheritance, forensics, risks, and advice on tests. Session 2 covers autosomal DNA testing to uncover recent family history, ethnicity, and large-scale American migrations. In session 3, mitochondrial and Y DNA reveal ancestors' paths from human origins in Africa, to the Bronze Age, to medieval clans. Bring your own records and genealogical puzzles for discussion after each presentation.
Speaker Bio
Rob Spencer is a Mystic resident and retired Pfizer biochemist and software developer. Genetic genealogy is a hobby that perfectly suits his skills and interests. He is a project admin at Family Tree DNA, presenter at multiple conferences, and author of SNP Tracker. Explore his tools, research reports, and presentations at http://scaledinnovation.com.
Session 1: Introduction to Genetic Genealogy
We will discuss common goals in genealogy and the limitations of traditional sources. Then we review the three types of DNA used in genealogy (autosomal, mitochondrial, and Y chromosome), their strengths and limitations, how they're inherited, and the types of markers (mutations) used in genealogy. Forensic DNA is discussed, as well as privacy concerns. Finally, we review the different types of consumer DNA tests available with recommendations.
Registration is required to attend this program.
Long Island Sound Ecosystems & Conservation with The Mystic Aquarium
Thursday, April 20 @ 6:00 PM
Join us with The Mystic Aquarium educators for this lecture in recognition of Earth Day! Just off the shores of our local coastlines, the waters are teeming with life. Discover the Importance of Long Island Sound to local wildlife communities and to species found as far away as South America and the High Arctic. Local conservation challenges and opportunities are reviewed. Display of Long Island Sound dried specimens included.
Registration is required to attend this program. In the event of a waitlist, we will offer the option for virtual attendance by Zoom.
Plant a Seed Event for Kids
Saturday Apr 22 from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Earth Day is April 22nd, 2023 and we are excited to celebrate! We’re doing our part to help celebrate our planet Earth and to teach kids the power and impact of growing healthy, real food and beautiful flowers. We will be decorating repurposed K cup pods with sharpie markers and then planting sunflowers, pumpkin, cucumber, bean and watermelon seeds in them. Plant a Seed event will be on Saturday, April 22nd all day in the children’s room.
DNA Genealogy Series: Autosomal DNA
Monday, April 24 @ 5:30 PM
Discover Your History with DNA Genealogy: A Lecture Series
Learn how consumer DNA testing can find connections, recent to ancient, that greatly extend your family and genetic history. Session 1 covers types of DNA and patterns of inheritance, forensics, risks, and advice on tests. Session 2 covers autosomal DNA testing to uncover recent family history, ethnicity, and large-scale American migrations. In session 3, mitochondrial and Y DNA reveal ancestors' paths from human origins in Africa, to the Bronze Age, to medieval clans. Bring your own records and genealogical puzzles for discussion after each presentation.
Speaker Bio
Rob Spencer is a Mystic resident and retired Pfizer biochemist and software developer. Genetic genealogy is a hobby that perfectly suits his skills and interests. He is a project admin at Family Tree DNA, presenter at multiple conferences, and author of SNP Tracker. Explore his tools, research reports, and presentations at http://scaledinnovation.com.
Session 2: Autosomal DNA
Autosomal DNA tests are the least expensive and most widely used; they apply to any ancestor but extend only about 8 generations into the past. We discuss how autosomal results can bridge genealogical gaps and how vendors create ethnicity reports. We show how autosomal DNA reveals huge patterns of American westward migration, the tracks of enslaved Africans, and specific pockets like Mormons, Acadians, and Scandinavians.
Registration is required to attend this program.
Storytime: Bugs
Tuesday, April 25 @ 11:00 AM
This spring storytime for families will include some of our favorite books,songs and games! Great for ages 2 - 5 with a caregiver.
Class size is limited. Registration required.
Pop up Art Studio for Kids
Tuesday, April 25 @ 2:00 PM
Watercolor Paints
Focus on Technique with Watercolor
Join us for a drop in art studio where kids can create a masterpiece using a different technique each week! Great for 1st grade and up. Please wear clothes appropriate for painting!
Authors Panel: Make Mine Murder
Tuesday, April 25 @ 6:00 PM
Join us for an authors panel featuring Connecticut crime and mystery writers. This panel, organized by Sisters in Crime--Connecticut, celebrates National Library Week!
Authors Panel: Make Mine Murder
Four Connecticut crime writers discuss how they write their books--where their ideas come from, how they plot the twists and turns, and how they develop their characters.
Panelists: Christine Falcone, Ang Pompano, Shari Randall, Korina Moss
Christine Falcone's short stories have appeared in publications such as Imagine, Lancrom Review, and Deadfall: Crime Stories by New England Writers. After working for nearly forty years as an RN in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Christine is delighted that retirement coincides with the publication of her first full-length mystery. EX'D OUT was published in October 2022. She is a member of Sisters In Crime and Mystery Writers of America. She lives on the Connecticut Shoreline with her family and a dog, who is not nearly as well behaved as Bruno, the beloved canine in her novel. http://christinefalcone.com
Ang Pompano's stories have appeared in many anthologies, including the Anthony Award-winning Mystery Most Edible. His novel When It’s Time for Leaving was nominated for an Agatha Best First Novel Award. Diet of Death is his latest novel. A founder of Crime Spell Books, he co-edited Bloodroot: Best New England Crime Stories. A member of MWA, he’s been on the New England Crime Bake committee for sixteen years. A long-time SinCNE board member, he is now on the board of the Connecticut chapter. He lives in Guilford with his wife, Annette, and their two rescue dogs. http://angpompano.com
Shari Randall is the author of the beloved Lobster Shack Mystery series, set in a slightly fictional version of Mystic, Connecticut. Her debut, Curses, Boiled Again, won an Agatha Award for Best First Novel. As Meri Allen, she pens the new Ice Cream Shop Mystery series, set in Connecticut's Quiet Corner. A native New Englander, Coast Guard spouse, and a librarian, Shari lives in a midcentury money pit a short walk from a lighthouse. She's a member of Sisters in Crime and enjoys travel, vintage shops, and all things mermaid. http://www.sharirandallauthor.com and https://meriallenbooks.com
Korina Moss is the author of the Cheese Shop Mystery series (St. Martin’s Press) set in the Sonoma Valley, including the Agatha Award nominated first book, Cheddar Off Dead. Other puntastic titles in this cozy mystery series include Gone for Gouda, Curds of Prey, and Case of the Bleus, with more books forthcoming. Korina is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and blogs on Writers Who Kill. You’re invited to visit her website and subscribe to her free newsletter at korinamossauthor.com.
Registration is required to attend this program.
Poetry from the Heart
Wednesday, April 26 @ 5:30 PM
This monthly poetry writing group led by Sarah Page will culminate in an online publication of poetry in April for National Poetry Month. Each group session will begin with a sharing circle to connect with how we're feeling, followed by a brief meditation and light yoga stretches before we dive into writing with prompts. Sarah is a local poet who grew up in Mystic and attended St. Bernard High School. She published Out of Our poetry magazine when she lived in San Francisco, CA. Sarah is also a certified yoga teacher at Mystic Yoga Shala and a practitioner of heartfulness meditation.
Registration is required to attend this program.
Spring Foraging Walk
Saturday, April 29 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Explore the diverse habitats at Sheep Farm in Groton with The 3 Foragers to discover the early shoots and edible plants of spring. Please meet us in the parking lot 10 minutes prior to the start time so we can begin promptly at 10. The address is: 255 Hazelnut Hill Road, Groton, CT.
Registration is required to attend this program. Space is limited.
