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Executive Director's Letter
The midst of the holiday season is a rewarding time to thank all of those who read our newsletter and recognize the library as a community asset. Each year Otis Library offers hundreds of programs and services that enrich the lives of area residents. We engage with thousands of Norwich residents not only on site but also through outreach services that run the gamut from preschool reading groups to deliveries to those who can no longer visit the library. During 2017, Otis Library welcomed more than 152,000 visits as the public took advantage of 451 programs available to adults, children and teens..
There are myriad reasons to support Otis Library, but perhaps the best one is its contribution to the quality of life in Norwich. Otis Library takes an expansive view of its community roles and is a powerful, positive presence. Whether offering space for community events, hosting forums for the discussion of issues critical to area residents or burnishing the image of the community as a desirable place to live and work, Otis Library strives to be a center of community activity. Your generous contribution helps us sustain these efforts, which, while varied in contents, all focus on making Norwich a vibrant and interesting city.
Robert Farwell
Executive Director
Please Note:
Otis Library will be closed on Saturday, December 1, due to the new route of the Norwich Winterfest Parade. Otis Library is excited to be marching in the parade! See you there!
The Library will be closed on Monday, December 24, and Tuesday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.
The Library will close at 5pm on Monday, December 31, and be closed on Tuesday, January 1, for New Year's Day.
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Friends of Otis Library
The Friends are accepting donations of gently used books for their next book sale. Please drop off your books, two bags at a time, to the Front Desk. For larger donations, please call ahead to (860) 889-2365. Please, no encyclopedias, textbooks, magazines or VHS tapes. Thank you for your support!
Interested in becoming a Friend? Learn more about the Friends of Otis Library here.
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Free Citizenship Classes
October 15 - December 17, 2018
Mondays, 4pm - 7pm
(No classes November 12 & 19)
Have you had a green card for at least 5 years? Consider citizenship.
Applicant must be able to read, write and comprehend basic English and commit to attend all 8 classes. Bring your Green Card to register.
To register, stop by the Information Desk at the Business Center, call 860-889-2365, ext. 110, or e-mail Bassem Gayed at [email protected].
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Vision Board Workshop for Teens and Adults
Saturday, December 15, 1pm - 2:45pm, Community Room
Create a vision board that reflects your goals and dreams! Participants will choose from colorful mixed media elements, papers, and inspirational texts using a variety of art tools. It is suggested that each participant bring a photo of themselves to add to their collage. Registration required;
register online or by calling the Front Desk at 860-889-2365.
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Programs for Adults
Technology Classes at Otis Library
Wednesdays, 5pm - 8pm & Fridays, 10am - 1pm
Feeling a little lost with all the new technology? Maybe even some of the old technology? We are ready to assist you with one-on-one instruction tailored to your specific needs. Topics include basic computer skills, navigating the internet, e-mail, e-readers, and Microsoft Office. Assistance will be provided by appointment only. Please call 860-889-2365, ext. 100, for additional information or to make an appointment.
Technology Classes are offered in Spanish by appointment only. Please call Bassem at (860) 889-2365, ext. 109 or 110 to register.
Para reservar una cita, apersonese a la biblioteca o llame a Bassem
860-889-2365, ext. 109 o 110.
Technology Classes at Rose City Senior Center
Otis Library provides computer/technology instruction to seniors at the Rose City Senior Center on Tuesdays from 10am - 12pm.
Please call 860-889-2365, ext. 100, for additional information.
Drop-In Chess
Wednesdays, 5pm - 8pm, in the Business Center
Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to play chess. Use one of our chess sets or bring your own.
Fridays, 10am - 11:15am, Meeting Room
The Rows City Knitters meet every Friday. All skill levels welcome! For more
information, call (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.
Members of the Rows City Knitters would like to thank
Driftwood Yarns
of Groton for their continued support!
Thomas Leffingwell: Book Talk and Signing
Monday, December 3, 6pm,
Community Room
The Society of the Founders of Norwich and Leffingwell House Museum are proud to sponsor a special book signing and author presentation on the newly published book,
Thomas Leffingwell: The Connecticut Pioneer who Rescued Chief Uncas and the Mohegans by Russell Mahan.
As one of the original 35 founders of Norwich, CT, Mahan intricately connects the life and legacy of Thomas Leffingwell from his journey from England to America, to his life in the CT frontier, and ultimately to the events that shaped the very founding of Norwich. Leffingwell's life is rich with stories and mysteries that will leave you wanting to learn more. This event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be for sale for $15.00 and can be signed by the author.
Author Russell Mahan is descended 10 generations from Thomas Leffingwell and currently lives in Southwestern Utah.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: Norwich State Hospital Book Talk and
Signing
Wednesday, December 5, 6pm, Community Room
Local author Christine M. Rockledge will discuss her new book "Norwich State Hospital." Free event; no registration required. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing.
Five Rings: The Super Bowl History of the New England Patriots (So Far)
Saturday, December 8, 1pm, Community Room
Author Jerry Thornton will discuss his new book
Five Rings: The Super Bowl
History of the New England Patriots (So Far). Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing.
Since 2001 the Patriots have played in eight Super Bowl championships and won five, a run of excellence unparalleled in all of professional sports. In a league designed to ensure that no one franchise can dominate over time, New England won for over a decade and a half. A dynasty that began with an improbable run to a championship in 2001 has rebuilt, rebooted, and retooled several times over, winning most recently in 2017. But during those years, no other franchise reached the same level of controversy, drama, and turmoil-or even came close.
Jerry Thornton, bestselling author of
From Darkness to Dynasty, provides an all-access pass to the Patriots' years of unparalleled greatness from the unique perspective of an observant, obsessive, utterly dedicated fan. Free event; no registration required.
Wednesday, December 12, 5pm
Meeting Room
The group will be discussing The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck. Refreshments will be served. No registration required. Copies of the book are available at the Front Desk.
Otis Library Genealogy Club
The Genealogy Club will not be meeting in December. Their next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 15, 2019. If you have any questions, please contact Kathleen Wieland, Genealogy Librarian, at 860-889-2365, ext. 108, or [email protected].
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Programs for Tweens and Teens
All programs are offered at no charge to the public. Registration is required for some programs. Please register in person at the Front Desk; by calling (860) 889-2365, ext. 100; or you may register for our programs via our
online calendar.
Drop-In Chess
Wednesdays, 5pm - 8pm, Business Center
Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to play chess. Use one of our chess sets or bring your own.
Youth Advisory Board Meeting (grades 7 & up)
Saturday, December 15, 2 - 2:3pm,
Build leadership skills, earn community service hours, boost your
résumé and college application, network and socialize with other students. Refreshments will be served. Please register; call 860-889-2365, ext. 100, or
register online.
Tween Book Club (grades 6-8)
Monday, December 17, 6 - 7pm, Meeting Room
Discuss
Sidetracked by Diana Harmon Asher, followed by an activity related to the book. Pizza will be served. Registration required; call 860-889-2365, ext. 100, or
register online. Pick up a copy of the book at the Front Desk.
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Children's Programs
All programs are offered at no charge to the public. Registration is
required for some programs. Please register in person at the Child
ren's Desk; by calling (860) 889-2365, ext. 114; or you may register for our programs via our
online calendar
.
Mother Goose & More: Rhyme Time and Playgroup
(newborn - 23
months)
Mondays, December 3 & 10,
10:30 - 11am, (Rhyme Time), 11am - 12pm (playgroup), Story Room
Enjoy 30 minutes of traditional rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and other activities for the very young; then stay (or not) for a one-hour open playgroup. Older siblings are welcome to attend! Drop-in.
Creative Movement (ages 3-5)
Wednesday, December 5, 10:30 - 11:15am, Story Room
Join us for this joyful movement class hosted by Eastern Connecticut Ballet. This month's theme is
The Nutcracker. Hear a story around this theme and do 35 minutes of movement.
Registration required.
NEW! Monthly Mother Goose & More: Rhyme Time and
Playgroup (newborn - 23 months)
Saturday, December 8, 10:30 - 11am (Rhyme Time), 11 - 11:30am (playgroup), Story Room
Enjoy 30 minutes of traditional rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and other activities for the very young; then stay (or not) for a half-hour open playgroup. This is a great opportunity for working parents to enjoy this new weekend program! Older siblings are welcome to attend! Drop-in.
Bella! Therapy Dog Extraordinaire (all ages)
Saturday, December 8, 12pm - 1pm, Children's Department
Courtesy of Ms. Pepin - thank you!
Visit and read to our very favorite therapy pug, Bella! No registration required.
Kids Imagine! Book Club (grades 3-5)
Monday, December 10, 6pm - 7pm, Story Room
Come discuss
Rutabaga the Adventure Chef - Book 2: Feasts of Fury by Eric Colossal. There will be pizza and related activities!
Please register. Pick up a copy of the book at the Front Desk.
Build It! Clinic (grades K-8)
Saturday, December 15, 10:30am - 12pm, Children's Department
Build structures using a variety of materials. Drop in; no registration required.
Drop-In Cocoa Craft (all ages)
Wednesday, December 26, 11am - 1pm, Children's Department
Celebrate the winter season and school vacation week by making a cute cocoa cup craft! No registration required.
Thursday, December 27, 10:30am - 12:30pm, Story Room
Enjoy playing with jumbo-sized games! Dominoes, tic-tac-toe, emoji memory game, and much more will be available for a vacation day of fun! No registration required.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration begins December 10 for the following programs.
Space is
limited. To register, call or visit the Children's Department, 860-889-2365, ext. 114, or
register online
.
Time for Twos
Tuesdays, January 15 - February 12, 10:30 - 11am
Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and a simple craft with your child! This program is age appropriate for your active two-year-old.
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5)
Thursdays, January 17 - February 14,
10:30 - 11:15am
Children enjoy stories, songs and rhymes while their grownups wait in the Children's Department. Caregivers are encouraged to join the fun during craft time at the end of the class.
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Hours
Monday & Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Closed on Sundays
Closed on Saturdays in July & August
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