Hours
Mon - Tue: 11-6
Wed - Thu: 11-8
Fri: 11-6
Sat: 11-3
Come Bloom With Us (March 14 - 19)
PLEASE NOTE: If you are viewing this newsletter with your Gmail account, you will need to click on "VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE" (at the bottom of the page on the left side) to view the entire newsletter. 
Dignity Grows at BPL
Mara Whitman
BPL Librarian
BPL Librarian Mara Whitman is here to tell you about our new partnership with Dignity Grows. Started in West Hartford, Dignity Grows is a non-profit whose mission is to provide individuals in need with essential personal hygiene products so they can attend school and work and participate in community life without interruption. Having basic hygiene necessities is life-changing, increasing one’s sense of self-esteem and self-worth. 

McMahon Wintonbury Library and Prosser Library will be distributing totes to men and women of all ages upon request. Each Dignity Grows Tote contains six hygiene products packed in a discreet, reusable shoulder bag. Bags may include: sanitary pads and panty liners, shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and hand wipes. We're here for you!
BPL Online Highlight
comics plus available now with your bloomfield library card featuring unlimited access to digital comics graphic novels and manga
This Week's Featured Events
Ivoryton: Matching Girls and the Story of Ivory
Monday, March 14 at 2 PM
At the vanguard of the second Industrial Revolution was a group of women in Connecticut known as matching girls, whose job was to match the thin strips of ivory that were attached to wooden piano keys so that each key was the same color. The matching girls bucked employment trends and social stigma and helped turn what is now Ivoryton into an industrial powerhouse. We look at the women as well as the difficult past of the ivory industry. Presented by author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Susan Campbell. This program is presented in partnership with the Wintonbury Historical Society. For Adults.
Spaceship Harmony with Michele Urban 
Tuesday, March 15 at 10:30 AM
Spaceship Harmony is a musical journey through the universe with music educator Michele Urban. Join us for virtual intergalactic fun and an out-of-this-world musical and learning adventure! Best suited for ages 3-7. 
All CT Reads Teen Book Discussion: One of the Good Ones
Tuesday, March 15 at 4 PM
Grades 9-12: Join us for an interactive discussion about One of the Good Ones, an All CT Reads top title for 2022. At this program, we’ll get together with our neighboring peers in West Hartford to talk about the book, participate in multimedia activities (including Kahoot!), learn more about social justice, and eat road trip snacks! The first 10 teens to register will receive a copy of the book and snacks. If you would like to read the e-book or e-audio version, visit Hoopla. 
Clara Schumann with Jeffrey Engel 
Wednesday, March 16 at 1 PM
Upon Clara’s death in 1896, one newspaper proclaimed her “the greatest pianist of her sex that the world has ever known.” Even as a child prodigy, Clara was placed in the top tier of her contemporaries, both male and female, and was the first to perform from memory. Clara was also an influential teacher and talented composer, even though she stopped writing music before the age of forty. Jeffrey Engel will detail Clara’s remarkable career and play selected excerpts from her compositions. For Adults.
Recurring Programs
Mystery Book Discussion: Burglars Can't Be Choosers
Monday, March 14 at 4 PM
Hired to perform a seemingly simple break-in, Bernie Rhodenbarr is horrified when he takes the fall for a murder rap and is forced to flee. Stationed in an out-of-town apartment, he tries to discover why he was set up. Copies of the book are available at the Library. For Adults.
Beginner Line Dancing with Heidi
Monday, March 14 at 6:30 PM
This is a fun, get-you-moving activity. Learn a few basic line dancing steps. We will spend time walking through the steps for all the dances. Then the music goes on and we practice what we just learned. No previous experience is necessary. All are welcome!
Great Decisions
Tuesday, March 15 at 2 PM
Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. Articles will be supplied by the Library, either electronic or print. This series runs from January until May; attend the sessions that work for you. A partnership between BPL and Seabury. For Adults.
Welcoming Wednesday Storytime @ McMahon Wintonbury
Wednesday, March 16 at 11 AM
Join our children's librarians at McMahon Wintonbury for a new in-person program. We'll share stories, songs, rhymes, and more! All adults and children ages 2 and up will be required to wear a mask - masks can be provided by Bloomfield Public Library onsite. Class size will be limited so that all participants can practice social distancing. Best for ages 5 and under.
In-person at McMahon Wintonbury
Gentle Yoga with Pia Oliveri 
Wednesday, March 16 at 11:30 AM
Pia is the Owner and Director of Wabi-Sabi Yoga and Wellness Center in Windsor, CT. Through yoga, meditation, and breathwork, she believes healing happens from the inside out. At this class, we will start with meditation and breathwork followed by seated postures and standing postures with the assistance of a chair. For Adults.
Meditation
Wednesday, March 16 at 1:30 PM
Take a guided meditation journey break out of your day with our community partners at Seabury. Seabury is an active life plan community located in Bloomfield. This program is open to all.
Pokémon Club
Thursday, March 17 at 4 PM
Join Miss Nicole for an afternoon of all things Pokémon virtually on Zoom! We'll do an activity together, and then watch some Pokémon episodes or a movie through Miss Nicole's shared screen. For Children, Tweens, and Teens.
Wintonbury Poetry Series
Thursday, March 17 at 7 PM
"Two Award-Winning Connecticut Poets" - Ginny Lowe Connors and Geri Radacsi. Open Mic follows the featured poets. For Adults and Teens.
Fun Friday Storytime @ Prosser
Friday, March 18 at 11 AM
Join our children's librarians at Prosser for a new in-person program. We'll share stories, songs, rhymes, and more! All adults and children ages 2 and up will be required to wear a mask - masks can be provided by Bloomfield Public Library onsite. Class size will be limited so that all participants can practice social distancing. Best for ages 5 and under.
In-person at Prosser
Miss Sheila's Famous Funtime Stories (Youtube recorded)
Starts Saturday, March 19
Come and share a story time with Miss Sheila, who will be presenting some of her favorite story times from the past several years.
New Book Shelf
The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess
by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Children's Book
Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt
by Deborah Hopkinson
Children's Book
Miss Independent: A Simple 12-Step Plan to Start Investing and Grow Your Own Wealth
by Nicole Lapin
Adult Book
Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?
by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
Adult Book
What are you reading? Tag us and let us know on Instagram or Facebook @bplct
  • Masks and social distancing are required in Bloomfield Public Library buildings
  • Computers/browsing/reference services/study space available
  • Technology services (computer, printer, scanner, copier, fax)  
  • Call ahead for curbside delivery, or email print requests to askbplct@gmail.com
  • Visit the Event Calendar for virtual programs (or view Printable Event Calendar)
  • Museum Passes for free or discounted admission to many area attractions
  • Laminate a copy of your Vaccine Card for free (COVID-19 Vaccine info)
  • BPL Online library is always open — read, watch, listen, research!
If you were forwarded this newsletter and would like to sign up to receive updates from Bloomfield Public Library, sign up here.