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Fri: 10-6
Sat: 10-3
Come Bloom With Us (May 1 -7)
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Happy Spring! What will you forage this season?
Victor Giner
Library Assistant
My name is Victor and I am a new member of the Bloomfield Public Library team. My previous library experience ranges from volunteering at Broad Brook Elementary School as a student to working as a page at the Windsor Locks Public Library. Due to my experience, I have gotten good at suggesting titles for patrons. One book I would recommend that is available at BPL is a book called How to Forage for Mushrooms Without Dying. I like to go on hikes to various areas and try to find mushrooms I can forage. One of my favorites to find is the Chicken of the Woods which, true to its name, has the texture and taste of chicken. I recently discovered wild mushrooms and love the taste of them so much that I wondered how I missed them in my travels. Do try to be careful since there are a few poisonous ones!

I also like to travel to other libraries in my free time. I am currently participating in the Library Passport program and am trying to get it filled up. So far I have visited seven libraries and hope to visit more. The only downside is that I won't have enough time to finish all the books I checked out! 
BPL Online Highlight
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This Week's Featured Events
Miss Heidi reads Hot Pot Night! (YouTube recorded)
Starts Sunday, May 1
In celebration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, Miss Heidi reads Hot Pot Night! written by Vincent Chen. Hot pot, hot pot! Hits the right spot! What's for dinner? A Taiwanese American child brings his diverse neighbors together to make a tasty communal meal. Together, they cook up a steaming family dinner that celebrates community, cooperation, and culture. Includes a family recipe for hot pot! For Children.
Understanding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Monday, May 2 at 6:30PM
Professors of History Romuald Byczkiewicz and Francis Coan will outline the historical background and current military situation of Russia and Ukraine to shed some light on the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Ukraine's resistance. For Adults.
Make Your Own Space Button!
Wednesday, May 4 from 4-7PM
May the Fourth be with you! Drop by the Prosser Children's room anytime between 4-7 PM to make a button! You can choose a Star Wars Theme or Space Theme! You will be ready for NASA National Space Day, which is the First Friday in May. You can also pick up a pre-made button at the McMahon Wintonbury location (1015 Blue Hills Ave). For Children, Tweens, and Teens.
In-person at Prosser
Millennials Read
Wednesday, May 4 at 7PM
At this no-stress book discussion, join readers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to talk about current book picks. A partnership between Bloomfield Public Library and Simsbury Public Library. This month we will meet in-person, off-site at Simsbury Public Library's Front Lawn, 725 Hopmeadow Street. BYO takeout or snacks and chair. Register for email updates. BPL will host the June meeting at McMahon Wintonbury.
In-person
Tired of Arguing with Your Teen? Change is Possible
Thursday, May 5 at 6:30PM
Tired of arguing with your teen? Join Parent Coach, Lianne Dixon, and learn how change is possible! In this presentation, you will: Discover high-impact strategies that create less room for arguing and more room for connection;
Explore the benefit of using visualization to help create the relationship you want; Learn mindful practices that are critical in setting the scene for more peaceful communication and joyful connection. For Caregivers of Teens and Tweens.
Pokémon Card Trading Zone
Saturday, May 7 at 1PM
This program is an in-person addition to our regular monthly virtual Pokémon Club on Zoom! You're invited to the Children's Room at our Prosser location (1 Tunxis Avenue) to a Pokémon card zone. Bring your cards to show off to fellow Pokémon fans, and maybe even agree on some cool card trades! Miss Nicole will have a few extra cards on hand for first-time collectors to help them build up their starter decks, and some Pokémon-themed board games will be on-hand for added fun. Registration is not required to attend. For Kids, Tweens, or Teens! Snacks will be provided.
In-person at Prosser
Recurring Programs
Late Opening Thursday, May 5
Prosser Library and McMahon Wintonbury Library will be closed from 10AM - 1PM as we prepare for the next phase of our building project. We are preparing to move out of our current buildings and into different space(s) by September 1, 2022. The future is bright!
Opera Talk: Lucia Di Lammermoor
Tuesday, May 3 at 1PM
Donizetti’s “Lucia” is his 48th opera, and ever since its 1835 premiere, has been one of the most popular works in the 19th century repertory. “Lucia” is based on Sir Walter Scott’s 1819 novel The Bride of Lammermoor and it overflows with dramatic elements: insanity, murder, suicide, a forced marriage, and mistaken infidelities. It contains the most famous operatic sextet, rousing choruses, and the greatest of all mad scenes, a tour de force for coloratura soprano. Jeffrey Engel will detail the origins of “Lucia,” explain its plot, and play some musical excerpts. For Adults.
Great Decisions: The Quad Alliance
Tuesday, May 3 at 2PM
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.
Tech Time With Marc Edrich
Tuesday, May 3 at 6:30PM
Join Marc Edrich for Tech Time. Feel free to ask questions or discuss computers (desktops, laptops, tablets), cell phones, video game systems, and any other technology you are interested in. For Adults.
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Welcoming Wednesday Storytime @ McMahon Wintonbury
Wednesday, May 4 at 10:30AM (New time!)
Join our children's librarians at McMahon Wintonbury for an in-person program. We'll share stories, songs, rhymes, and more! Class size will be limited so that all participants can practice social distancing. Masks are required for adults. Best for ages 5 and under.
In-person at McMahon Wintonbury
Gentle Yoga with Pia Oliveri 
Wednesday, May 4 at 11:30AM
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, May 4 at 1:30PM
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.
Teen Anime Club: Multi-town event
Wednesday, May 4 at 6PM
Joins 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.
Library Building Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 4 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.
Fun Friday Storytime @ Prosser
Friday, May 6 at 10:30AM (New time!)
Join our children's librarians at Prosser for an in-person program. We'll share stories, songs, rhymes, and more! Class size will be limited so that all participants can practice social distancing. Masks are required for adults. Best for ages 5 and under.
In-person at Prosser
Book Shelf: Arab American Heritage
The Cat Man of Aleppo
by Irene Latham
Children's Book
The Magical Reality
of Nadia
by Bassem Youssef
Middle Grade Book
All-American
Muslim Girl
by Nadine Jolie Courtney
Teen Book
A Woman Is No Man
by Etaf Rum
Adult Book
What are you reading? Tag us and let us know on Instagram or Facebook @bplct
  • Starting March 21: 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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