Come Bloom With Us (April 10

BLOOMFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY

NEWSLETTER

April 10 - 15, 2023

Come Bloom with Us!

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BPL Transition Phase Continues:

Reduced Thursday Hours: 2-8 pm

Prosser closed on Tuesdays; McMahon Wintonbury open

Learn More

Did you know books are the new superfood for your brain?

"You may already be familiar with recent findings that suggest children as young as six months who read books with their parents several times a week show stronger literacy skills four years later, score higher on intelligence tests, and land better jobs than nonreaders."

Learn more about the research here!

From picture book recommendations to technology help, Carol is here for you!

If you’ve been to our McMahon Wintonbury location, you’ve probably met Carol Walters, BPL's newly promoted Assistant Library Division Manager. Carol has worked at BPL for 23 years and her favorite part of working at the library is that no two days are the same. She is currently reading The Blue Zones Challenge: A 4-Week Plan for a Longer, Better Life by Dan Buettner. Among her favorite children’s picture books are Fly by Mark Teague, Never Forget Eleanor by Jason June, and That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown. Carol wants people to know that picture books aren’t just for children, as they provide layers of rich reading that spark imagination and celebrate new perspectives for all readers. She loves the way picture books empower young readers to understand complex issues in simple terms and provide a way for parents and caregivers to explain new or difficult concepts to young minds. Carol's favorite BPL resource is Consumer Reports, which provides expert buying advice, recommendations, and ratings on thousands of consumer products each year and can be accessed for free with your BPL library card.

Carol Walters

Assistant Library Division Manager

One of Carol’s favorite library memories is from the early days of COVID-19 when BPL was still providing curbside services and a patron gave BPL staff a large tin of chocolates. She remembers that kind gesture being a huge day-brightener during a wearisome and stressful time. Carol really enjoys helping patrons learn to use new technology. From various computer applications to the Scannx machine, she finds seeing and hearing patrons’ reactions as they discover how easy the technology is to use very rewarding. If you haven’t met Carol yet, say hello the next time you’re here!

Museum Pass Highlight

Events This Week

Overcoming Financial Trauma

Monday, April 10 at 6:30PM

What is financial trauma? Rahkim Sabree, financial education instructor and consultant, will educate us on this topic, as well as outline the steps we can take to identify and overcome financial abuse and trauma, ultimately gaining financial empowerment. For Adults.

United Way 211 Parenting: Toilet Learning

Monday, April 10 at 7PM

Do you know how to spot the signs of readiness for toilet training? An Early Childhood Specialist from 211 Child Care will be facilitating a discussion and providing resources for the families in our program.

A Cultural History of Arab-Americans

Tuesday, April 11 at 6:30PM

Did you know April is recognized as National Arab American Heritage Month? Dr. Stephen McGrath, Professor Emeritus of History at CCSU, will educate us on the rich heritage of Arab Americans, including their history of immigration and integration into American life. He will also discuss how this group, which had been given scant attention historically, became the object of discrimination in the aftermath of 9/11. For Adults.

Drop Everything and Read Day (D.E.A.R.)

Wednesday, April 12

D.E.A.R. stands for "Drop Everything and Read," a national celebration of reading designed to remind families to include reading as an activity in their lives. The concept of "Drop Everything and Read" is referenced in the second chapter of Ramona Quimby, Age 8, and Ramona is the campaign spokesperson. On April 12, families are encouraged to try and take 30 minutes to enjoy books together.

Covid, Inflation, and the Federal Reserve

Wednesday, April 12 at 6:30PM

Covid has had a dramatic impact on the global economy and financial markets. We are in a period of inflation not seen in decades, and our central bank is scrambling to control it. In this educational workshop, Tim Baker, CFA, will explain how economic shutdowns created a split in the economy, who benefited (and who didn't), and how that led us to today. Tim will explore what the Fed watches and what tools it has available. For Adults.

Squid Game Conference

Thursday, April 13 - Saturday, April 15

As a follow up to the Big Read: Interior Chinatown collaboration, and our BPL Korean Popular Culture program, you're invited to join the Squid Game Conference, held at Central Connecticut State University and livestreaming online. For Adults.