Events 

Friends of Russell Library Book Sale!  March 24-26, 2023 Friends of Russell Library Book Sale! March 24-26, 2023 in the Reading Room, during library hours: Friday - Saturday, March 24 and 25, 9am- 5pm Sunday, March 26, 1pm-4:30PM Thousands of books, $.25- 3.00 All proceeds go to support library programs. ***SUNDAY all books 1/2 PRICE****

Sunday: Library Open 1pm-5pm Russell Library is open Sundays 1pm-15pm from October 2, 2022 - March 26, 2023.

Friends of Russell Library Book Sale!  March 24-26, 2023 Friends of Russell Library Book Sale! March 24-26, 2023 in the Reading Room, during library hours: Friday - Saturday, March 24 and 25, 9am- 5pm Sunday, March 26, 1pm-4:30PM Thousands of books, $.25- 3.00 All proceeds go to support library programs. ***SUNDAY all books 1/2 PRICE****

Play Pals! Come play with us at the Library! Join us each week on Monday mornings to connect with other families and explore the power of play. A variety of toys will be out for free play including building materials, crafts, sensory toys and imaginative play. This is a great opportunity for children not yet in school or homeschool children to get together. The activities we have planned are aimed at children age 1-5, and a caregiver, but all ages are welcome! Weekly registration is required (and wil...

Great-Grandmother’s Roots: Tracing Your Female Ancestors A married name may make finding your roots a bit harder, but a female ancestor doesn’t have to become a brick wall. Join us for a virtual program as Bryna O’Sullivan introduces techniques you can use to trace your female ancestors. Using four case studies of historic female residents of Middletown, we’ll discuss couverture, naturalization, records for those held in slavery, and more. Presented by Bryna O’Sullivan, a Middletown, CT based professional genealogist and French to English genealogi...

Family Storytime! We are back in the Activity Room!! Join us for a fun family storytime where we will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Registration is required and space is limited, so please let us know how many people will be in your party (all young people any caregivers = the number of people attending.) We know family schedules can change from week to week, so please register for each Tuesday session you plan to attend! For kids age 0-6 (Babies ...

Afternoon Movie - Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) Join us to watch "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" at this afternoon movie in the Hubbard room! On the heels of the unexpected loss of their King, this nation finds itself at a crossroads in its fate. The surrounding powers of the world look on with greedy eyes, eager to encroach upon the nation in its most vulnerable state. (2022. Rated PG 13). This program is open to all ages, but this film is rated PG13 by the MPAA for "Sequences of Strong Violence, Action, and Some Language&...

Art and Policy Salon: Acting on Climate Change Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 7:00pm Ring Family Performing Arts Hall FREE!

Bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris: Author Talk with Pam Jenoff (Online) Join us for an exciting trip through time as we chat with New York Times bestselling historical fiction author Pam Jenoff about her newest book Code Name Sapphire! In Code Name Sapphire, A woman must rescue her cousin's family from a train bound for Auschwitz in this riveting tale of bravery and resistance. Click here to register. If you cannot make the time or date, don't worry! All online author talks are recorded for on-demand viewing after the event.

Builder's Challenge Come play with us at the Library! Build balloon powered cars with the blocks you know and love. How fast and far will your car go? Or free build, just bring your imagination! The activities we have planned are aimed at children age 5 and up, and a caregiver. Small parts, so no children under the age of 5, please! Registration is required and space is limited. Please let us know how many people will be in your party (all young people any caregivers = the number of people attending). C...

Mystery! What: Mystery! is a Russell Library-run book club for mystery lovers. The book group discusses a new mystery novel every month. When: The group meets on last Thursday of the month at 3pm (or, if Russell is closed at that time, the latest Thursday in the month that we’re open). Where: The group will meet in the Courtyard whenever weather allows. When weather does not allow, we will gather in Meeting Room 2. Books: Book copies are available at the Circulation desk. Click Here to See the List o...

LGBTQ+ Preteen Group Middletown Pride and Q+ Presents a LGBTQIA+ Preteen Group! Join us for games, Crafts, Snacks, and More!

Combat Session, Part 1: Dungeons & Dragons in the Library Always wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons, but don't know where to start? Join us for a beginner-friendly introduction to the rules of the game! Take your own character for a spin or play one we have readymade! (All supplies, as well as, pizza and snacks are provided.) Come to one or both sessions today! This program is intended for young people ages 10-18. (If you need a ride to or from the library from somewhere in Middletown to attend this program, we can help! Please register bel...

Combat Session, Part 2: Dungeons & Dragons in the Library Always wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons, but don't know where to start? Join us for a beginner-friendly introduction to the rules of the game! Take your own character for a spin or play one we have readymade! (All supplies, as well as, pizza and snacks are provided.) Come to one or both sessions today! This program is intended for young people ages 10-18. (If you need a ride to or from the library from somewhere in Middletown to attend this program, we can help! Please register be...

Middletown 10K & 5K Run/Walk

Play Pals! Come celebrate the Week of the Young Child and play with us at the Library! Join us each week on Monday mornings to connect with other families and explore the power of play. A variety of toys will be out for free play including building materials, crafts, sensory toys and imaginative play. This is a great opportunity for children not yet in school or homeschool children to get together. The activities we have planned are aimed at children age 1-5, and a caregiver, but all ages are welcome...

Family Storytime! Join us for this fun family storytime for the Week of the Young Child in the Activity Room where we will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Registration is required and space is limited, so please let us know how many people will be in your party (all young people any caregivers = the number of people attending.) We know family schedules can change from week to week, so please register for each Tuesday session you plan to attend! For ...

Managing Your Money: An Introduction to Financial Literacy Join James Belin, Jr. on Tuesday, April 4 and Thursday, 6 to learn how to manage your money effectively. Financial literacy combines personal finance, financial concepts, and financial planning to help individuals build wealth and establish long-term stability. It can be tough to make the right decisions about money without knowing what financial planning tools are available. Financial literacy is key to executing each of these activities. Topics that will be covered over this two-day course w...

Author Talk with Kate Beaton: Bestselling Cartoonist of Hark! A Vagrant! (Online) Join us for an enlightening hour online with highly-acclaimed Kate Beaton, the New York Times bestselling author of Hark! A Vagrant! And Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands. Beaton's first full-length graphic narrative follows her life after university as she heads out west to take advantage of Alberta’s oil rush. With the singular goal of paying off her student loans, what the journey will actually cost Beaton will be far more than she anticipates. Arriving in Fort McMurray, Beaton finds work ...

Drive Dash the Robot! Session 1 Dash is a small, app controlled robot that can drive around making noises and shining lights. Each family may sign up for a 20 minutes timeslot to drive Dash around the Children's Department. Race him up ramps, program him to tell a joke, or just have him weave through the book stacks. You'll be sure to have some laughs spending time with Dash. This activity is intended for ages 6 and up and a caregiver! Time with our robot friend is limited, so registration is required! Is this session...

Drive Dash the Robot! Session 2 Dash is a small, app controlled robot that can drive around making noises and shining lights. Each family may sign up for a 20 minutes timeslot to drive Dash around the Children's Department. Race him up ramps, program him to tell a joke, or just have him weave through the book stacks. You'll be sure to have some laughs spending time with Dash. This activity is intended for ages 6 and up and a caregiver! Time with our robot friend is limited, so registration is required! Is this session...

Drive Dash the Robot! Session 3 Dash is a small, app controlled robot that can drive around making noises and shining lights. Each family may sign up for a 20 minutes timeslot to drive Dash around the Children's Department. Race him up ramps, program him to tell a joke, or just have him weave through the book stacks. You'll be sure to have some laughs spending time with Dash. This activity is intended for ages 6 and up and a caregiver! Time with our robot friend is limited, so registration is required! Is this session...

Drive Dash the Robot! Session 4 Dash is a small, app controlled robot that can drive around making noises and shining lights. Each family may sign up for a 20 minute timeslot to drive Dash around the Children's Department. Race him up ramps, program him to tell a joke, or just have him weave through the book stacks. You'll be sure to have some laughs spending time with Dash. This activity is intended for ages 6 and up and a caregiver! Time with our robot friend is limited, so registration is required! Is this session ...

Drive Dash the Robot! Session 5 Dash is a small, app controlled robot that can drive around making noises and shining lights. Each family may sign up for a 20 minute timeslot to drive Dash around the Children's Department. Race him up ramps, program him to tell a joke, or just have him weave through the book stacks. You'll be sure to have some laughs spending time with Dash. This activity is intended for ages 6 and up and a caregiver! Time with our robot friend is limited, so registration is required! Is this session ...

Medicare 101 Are you aging into Medicare at 65? Are you already on Medicare and totally confused? Jessalyn Pito will explain Medicare basics in this helpful seminar. Topics include: What is Medicare? Social Security 101 Eligibility and Enrollment Periods The Cost of Medicare Understanding Your Medicare Choices Prescription Drug Coverage Extra Help Please register for this event on the library’s online events calendar or by calling 860-347-2528. Jessalyn Pito is an Independent Licensed and Certi...

Drive Dash the Robot! Session 6 Dash is a small, app controlled robot that can drive around making noises and shining lights. Each family may sign up for a 20 minute timeslot to drive Dash around the Children's Department. Race him up ramps, program him to tell a joke, or just have him weave through the book stacks. You'll be sure to have some laughs spending time with Dash. This activity is intended for ages 6 and up and a caregiver! Time with our robot friend is limited, so registration is required! Is this session ...

Drive Dash the Robot! Session 7 Dash is a small, app controlled robot that can drive around making noises and shining lights. Each family may sign up for a 20 minute timeslot to drive Dash around the Children's Department. Race him up ramps, program him to tell a joke, or just have him weave through the book stacks. You'll be sure to have some laughs spending time with Dash. This activity is intended for ages 6 and up and a caregiver! Time with our robot friend is limited, so registration is required! Is this session ...

Job Group: Hybrid Meeting WELCOME BACKI! Join us EITHER in-person or on Zoom! Thursday, April 6th will mark the first time we will be back in the library since we closed due to the COVID pandemic in March 2020. Christy Billings will be discussing "Networking in 2023." Russell Library presents weekly opportunities to network with other job seekers, as well as receive the advice of professionals. The focus will be on the job market and provide updated industry information. The Job and Career Group hosts hybri...

Personal Financial Planning: An Introduction Join James Belin, Jr. on Tuesday, April 4 and Thursday, 6 to learn how to mange your money effectively. Financial literacy combines personal finance, financial concepts, and financial planning to help individuals build wealth and establish long-term stability. It can be tough to make the right decisions about money without knowing what financial planning tools are available. Financial literacy is key to executing each of these activities. Topics that will be covered over this two-day course wi...

Week of the Young Child Evening Storytime Join Miss Stephanie for a Thursday evening storytime to celebrate the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Week of the Young Child! Registration is required and space is limited, so please let us know how many people will be in your party (all young people any caregivers = the number of people attending.) For kids age 0-6 (Babies - first grade), siblings and families welcome! Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety if any member of your househol...

City Hall Closed for Good Friday

Library Closed: Good Friday The Russell Library is closed for the holiday.

Play Pals! Come play with us at the Library! Join us each week on Monday mornings to connect with other families and explore the power of play. A variety of toys will be out for free play including building materials, crafts, sensory toys and imaginative play. This is a great opportunity for children not yet in school or homeschool children to get together. The activities we have planned are aimed at children age 1-5, and a caregiver, but all ages are welcome! Weekly registration is required (and wil...

LGBTQ+ Teen Craft Night Join Middletown Pride and Q+ for our LGBTQIA+ Teen craft nights!

Family Storytime! Join us for a fun family storytime in the Activity Room where we will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Registration is required and space is limited, so please let us know how many people will be in your party (all young people any caregivers = the number of people attending.) We know family schedules can change from week to week, so please register for each Tuesday session you plan to attend! For kids age 0-6 (Babies - first grade)...

Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Savings Jessalyn Pito will introduce the tools that may help you find prescription drug savings. While nothing is guaranteed, as they say, with a little investigation, there are a lot of ways to save. This is an informational session, not a sales seminar. Please register for this event on the library’s online events calendar, or by calling 860-347-2528. Jessalyn Pito is an Independent Licensed and Certified Insurance Broker. Disclaimer-“Not affiliated with the U.S. government or federal Medicare pr...

LGBTQIA+ Karaoke Night

Common Council - special meeting- workshop on DRAFT Fair Rent Ordinance The City of Middletown is required to implement a Fair Rent Commission Ordinance by July 1, 2023, in large part because of the hard work of the late State Representative Quentin “Q” Williams. The City hopes to carry on his legacy by enacting an ordinance that does his work justice. The intent of this ordinance is to create a commission that will prevent unreasonable rent increases and buttress housing code enforcement, with an eye towards protecting our most vulnerable populations. To gain inpu...

Books and Brews: The Measure by Nick Erlich Our April title is The Measure by Nick Erlich Copies available at the Borrowing Desk. Join us at Stubborn Beauty Brewing at 180 Johnson St, Middletown, CT. Questions? E-mail Christy Billings at cbillings@russelllibrary.org Sponsored by the Friends of Russell Library. Place a hold for curbside pick-up or E-copies are available at www.russelllibrary.org. No purchase is required. Registration is suggested.

Live Animal Demonstrations with Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center Our friends from Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center are retuning! Please join us for a session where we will meet live animals such as an Russian tortoise, corn snakes, and many more! This is a family program for all ages. Registration is required and space is limited, so please let us know how many people will be in your party (all young people any caregivers = the number of people attending)! Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety we request that if any member of yo...

Middletown Paper Shred Event

Play Pals! Come play with us at the Library! Join us each week on Monday mornings to connect with other families and explore the power of play. A variety of toys will be out for free play including building materials, crafts, sensory toys and imaginative play. This is a great opportunity for children not yet in school or homeschool children to get together. The activities we have planned are aimed at children age 1-5, and a caregiver, but all ages are welcome! Weekly registration is required (and wil...

Earth Week: Ways to act locally for environmental change. Join local speakers to hear ways that you can affect true change for the environment on local issues. Kim O'Rourke, Recycling Coordinator, City of Middletown: Reducing Waste One Scrap at a Time” Learn about the importance and opportunities for food waste composting and diversion. Yasmin Ugurlu, Reboot Eco: Addressing Eco Anxiety, Reducing and Reusing and its benefits for the planet as well as one’s health and wallet. Rhea Drozdenko, CT River Conservancy: Learning About Invasive Plants, an...

Family Storytime! Join us for a fun family storytime in the Activity Room where we will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Registration is required and space is limited, so please let us know how many people will be in your party (all young people any caregivers = the number of people attending.) We know family schedules can change from week to week, so please register for each Tuesday session you plan to attend! For kids age 0-6 (Babies - first grade)...

Teen Advisory Board Meeting / Teen Volunteer Orientation Are you a teen with ideas about Russell Library? Are you interested in sharing your ideas with peers and a librarian? Join our Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meetings to chat and brainstorm programs, books, and ideas for how to make Russell Library a great space for teens! If you are new to teen volunteering, you may attend this meeting as your orientation to the program. Please plan on staying the full hour-- you will be oriented and participate in the meeting within the hour. This event will ta...

Earth Day Trash Talk

Earth Day Talk Trash Earth Day Talk Trash: With Middletown’s Recycling Coordinator, Kim O’Rourke Celebrate Earth Day by learning how to better care for the Earth! Learn about the City’s curbside food waste to clean energy program, how to recycle right and why it is so important to reduce waste, refill and reuse. Refreshments will be served. Bring your own cup. This will be a zero waste event! Questions? Christy Billings cbillings@russelllibrary.org Sign-ups requested. Covid Library Event guidelines: to...

Craig and Fred: Greater Middletown Military Museum Author Visit with Craig & Fred at the Greater Middletown Military Museum In-Person Come and meet Author and US Marine Craig Grossi and his devoted dog Fred at the Greater Middletown Military Museum! (200 Walnut Grove Road, Middletown) Hear about their experiences, life transitions and the power of “stubborn positivity.” For all ages. Families welcome! Registration is encouraged. Funding for this program was supplied by Connecticut Humanities! To find out more about the work that CTH ...

Earth Day Extravaganza!

Middletown Military Museum Anniversary Dinner