Hours
Mon - Tue: 10-6
Wed - Thu: 10-8
Fri: 10-6
Sat: 10-3
Come Bloom With Us (August 8 - 13)
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BPL: The Ultimate FREE Cooling Center!
We are more than just amazing books. We are also COOLING CENTERS! Just ask Channel 3 Eyewitness News Anchor Christian Colon. He spoke with BPL Librarian Rachel Tonucci at McMahon Wintonbury Library last night as they featured ways to beat the heat. You can cool down in libraries without having to spend any money, while using all of the services BPL has to offer, including space to just sit down and relax. We're here for you!
Resources for Children at BPL
Elizabeth Johnson
Library Assistant
Throughout many years working at Bloomfield Public Library, my time has been spent at both Prosser and McMahon Wintonbury assisting our public.

Currently, at McMahon Wintonbury, I am a library coordinator for the Children's Reading Partners program, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. This program connects volunteers virtually with children in kindergarten through fifth grade for 30-minute weekly mentoring sessions. Many children have participated for several years.

Another very popular resource for children is our Vox Books. Vox books look like regular books, but have an audio reader inside that reads the book aloud. Not only do I enjoy checking them out to families, but I also love sharing them with my grandchildren!
Online Resource Highlight
Driving Tests features free access to CT DMV license tests for car CDL and motorcyles as well as handbooks and drivers license FAQ
This Week's Featured Events
Making Beats with Bandlab for Teens (In-person at McMahon Wintonbury)
Tuesday, August 9 at 4PM
During this hands-on workshop, educator and musician Jaeme Brennan McDonald will teach you how to make your own beats using BandLab, a FREE online music platform and digital audio workstation. BandLab can be used on any computer, tablet, or phone, allowing you to either bring your own device, or use a library computer to get started making your own music right away. Registration is limited to 10 participants and will take place at McMahon Wintonbury Library, 1015 Blue Hills Avenue. For Teens in grades 8-12.
Cocktail Culture: The Mad Men Era
Wednesday, August 10 at 6:30PM
Cocktail parties in the home have been popular since the 1920s, after the onset of Prohibition. Join us for a look at cocktail culture fashion as we travel through time. We will focus on silhouettes in clothing from the late 1940s through the 1960s, as we explore the connections of fashion and cocktails during this interesting period, not only in clothing styles, but also in home décor and accessories. Mocktail kits are available at the library (while supplies last). For Adults.
All CT Reads: The House in the Cerulean Sea
Friday, August 12 at 9:45AM
Today we discuss The House of the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. Tune in on Zoom at 9:45 am for a brief coffee chat, followed by the main book discussion at 10 am. Given a curious classified assignment to evaluate the potential risks posed by six supernatural orphans, a case worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth bonds with an enigmatic caregiver who hides dangerous secrets. Copies of the book are available for pickup at the library. For Adults.
Nature Walk at Filley Park (rescheduled from Aug. 6)
Saturday, August 13 at 11:00AM
Note: This nature walk was rescheduled from August 6th.

Members of the Filley Park Committee will join us to provide a little history about the park and help in identifying some of the trees and more. Attendees will also take part in a mini scavenger hunt! We will meet at Prosser Library (1 Tunxis Avenue) in the Children's Room, fill up our water bottles, and then head over to Filley Park on foot. 

All attendees will receive a complimentary reusable water bottle. Children will also receive a nature journal and magnifying glass to take with them. This gentle walk is perfect for families and kids/adults of all ages!
Recurring Programs
Late Opening on Thursday, August 11: BPL Opens at 1PM
Every other Thursday through August 25
Prosser Library and McMahon Wintonbury Library will be closed from 10AM - 1PM as we prepare for the next phase of our buildings project. We are preparing to move out of our current buildings and into different space(s) by February 2023. The future is bright!
Mystery Book Discussion: The Crossing Places
Monday, August 8 at 4PM
When a child's bones are found near an ancient henge in the wild saltmarshes of Norfolk's north coast, Ruth Galloway, a university lecturer in forensic archaeology, is asked to date them. DCI Harry Nelson thinks they may be the bones of a child called Lucy who has been missing for ten years. Copies of the book are available at the library. For Adults.
AFTER-HOURS Tween Book Club Discussion and Pizza Party! HAM HELSING (graphic) (In-person at Prosser)
Monday, August 8 at 6PM
This month's meeting is special...we're doing an after-hours meeting starting at 6:00 PM in the Prosser Library children's room...with pizza! We'll discuss the graphic HAM HELSING: VAMPIRE HUNTER #1. Stop by the Library to pick up your free copy (while supplies last). Best for ages 9 and up. Adults with tweens 12 years old or younger must remain in the library with club members - siblings are also welcome to remain in-library for the duration of the meeting.
Beginner Line Dancing with Heidi
Monday, August 8 at 6:30PM
This is a fun, beginner, 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. For Adults.
Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, August 9 at 6PM
All meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Bloomfield Public Library are open to the public, including this virtual meeting.
Welcoming Wednesday Storytime at McMahon Wintonbury
Wednesday, August 10 at 10:30AM
Join Miss Sheila and Miss Mara at the McMahon Wintonbury Library for an in-person storytime program. We'll share stories, songs, rhymes and more! All adults will be required to wear a mask - masks can be provided by Bloomfield Public Library onsite. Best for ages 5 and under.
Library Building Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 10 at 6PM
All meetings of the Library Building Committee are open to the public, including this virtual meeting. View the agenda and more information here.
Teen Anime Club: Multi-town event
Wednesday, August 10 at 6PM
Join together with fans from West Hartford, Avon, and Bloomfield for a virtual anime club, hosted by Jeannette Hall (facilitator of the former West Hartford Sci-Fi and Anime Club). This group is open to teens with an interest in anime, manga, cartoons, comics, video games, and other related things. For Grades 6-12.
Pokemon Club
Thursday, August 11 at 4PM
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.
Book Discussion: Flight Patterns by Karen White
Thursday, August 11 at 5:30PM
Forced by a work assignment to return to the Florida hometown she swore she would never revisit, Georgia, an expert of fine china, encounters her estranged mother and sister, who cause her to realize that she must heal past rifts in order to live an authentic life. Copies of the book are available at the library. For Adults.
Fun Friday Storytime @ Prosser
Friday, August 12 at 10:30AM
Join our children's librarians at Prosser for an in-person storytime 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.
New Book Shelf: Vox Books for Children
Sky Color
by Peter H. Reynolds
Children's Book
Working Dogs
by Emily Rose Oachs
Children's Book
Tad
by Benji Davies
Children's Book
Family Reunion
by Chad and Dad Richardson
Children's Book
What are you reading? Tag us and let us know on Instagram or Facebook @bplct
  • Masks are optional in BPL. Social distancing is still required. Please wear a mask if you are experiencing potential COVID-19 symptoms and be gracious to those who choose to wear a mask. Masks available upon request.
  • 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!
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