Calendar

Join Everyone Outside, Russell Library, and children's musician Emmy Brockman for a morning of music, nature, and fun at Harbor Park. There will be a guided nature exploration followed by the chance to build your own musical instruments out of natural materials. Children can then use their instruments and play along with songs and stories about science, nature, animals, and more! This outdoor program is for children ages 1-5. Siblings and families welcome! We will meet on the steps facing the river, at Harbor Park, between the picnic table and the parking lot. Participants are welcome to bring chairs and blankets! In the event of rain we will hold the program at Russell Library in the Activity Room. Registration is required and will close 24 hours before the event begins. If you have any questions, please contact us at kidsdept@russelllibrary.org Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety we request that if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home Directions: Here is a link to the location in google maps: (80 Harbor Drive) https://goo.gl/maps/kj6dzyc7XRgwYaVq8 The pedestrian tunnel passage is located under the pagoda structure to the east of the Melilli Parking Lot (at 245 deKoven Drive, Middletown, CT 06457). It provides access under Route 9 to the Connecticut River and Harbor Park. https://www.middletownct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2583/Middletown-Trail-Guide-PDF (Pg 57-58) This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

Dr. Marcia LaReau: The post-pandemic workplace: What you need to know... — New opportunities — Tips for changing career direction — New technologies in the jobsearch — Mobile Apps: When to use them and when not. 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 during this uncertain time of COVID19. The Job and Career Group hosts virtual workshops and a weekly networking session via WebEX. You will need to download WebEx to attend. Registration is required. Questions? Christy Billings cbillings@russelllibrary.org This group is possible from a City of Middletown Block Grant, Liberty Bank Foundation Grant, and The Family of Thomas J. Regan.

EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. WE WILL LOOK TO HAVE THE DISCUSSION AT A LATER DATE. Join Russell Library for a virtual book discussion on Zoom of the Young Readers' Edition of Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, And How They Rescued Each Other by US Marine Craig Grossi! This program is intended for ages 8 and up! Please register below, registrations will close 24 hours before the event starts. If you have any questions, please contact us at kidsdept@russelllibrary.org If you would like a copy of the Young Readers' Edition of Craig & Fred: call us at 860-347-2528 email us at kidsdept@russelllibrary.org Or pick one up anytime the library is open (while supplies last). Monday-Thursday: 9am-8pm Friday & Saturday: 9am-5pm In addition to the copies supplied by Connecticut Humanities, ebook and audiobook versions are available on Hoopla to patrons with a Russell library card! Audio book: https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/11931136 ebook https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/12667139 Books for this program were provided by our wonderful friends at Connecticut Humanities.

Join us for an outdoor storytime under the trees on Russell Library's South side lawn! We will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Participants are welcome to bring chairs and blankets! Registration is required and will close 24 hours before the event starts. For kids age 0-6 (Babies - first grade), siblings and families welcome! In the event of inclement weather we will move this program indoors to the Activity Room! Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

Welcome back babies! Looking for something to do with your infant or toddler? Come join us for Baby Rhyme Time, a program for babies one year and under and their caregivers. We'll sing songs, learn rhymes, finger plays and more in this fun, interactive program. For babies birth-12 months and their caregivers. Registration is required and will close 24 hours before the event starts. Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety we request that if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

Join us for an outdoor storytime under the trees on Russell Library's South side lawn! We will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Participants are welcome to bring chairs and blankets! Registration is required and will close 24 hours before the event starts. For kids age 0-6 (Babies - first grade), siblings and families welcome! In the event of inclement weather we will move this program indoors to the Activity Room! Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

Join Russell Library and our friends from Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center for a fun session where we will meet live snakes, turtles, frogs and owls and investigate how they use their senses to survive in the wild! This event will take place at Crystal Lake in McCutcheon Park. For young people ages 6 and up. Siblings and families welcome! Registration is required (and will close 24 hours before the event begins). Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety we request that if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. Directions: Here is a link to the location of the City Park in google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Crystal Lake Park, Middletown, CT 06457/@41.5145974,-72.6395091,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xe18adeb53786e13e!8m2!3d41.5145974!4d-72.6395091 From Randolph Road (Route 155), turn south onto Millbrook Road. Follow Millbrook Road for 1.5 miles and take a right onto Livingston Road. After 0.2 miles, take the first right off Livingston Road into McCutcheon Park! https://www.middletownct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2583/Middletown-Trail-Guide-PDF (Pg 31-33) Funding for this program was supplied by the Rockfall Foundation! To find out more about the work that the Rockfall Foundation does promoting and supporting environmental education and conservation in the Lower Connecticut River Valley check out their website: https://www.rockfallfoundation.org/

Come enjoy a special Juneteenth storytime presented by Mx Chalk and meet the Authors of the wonderful UmoJamz book series; Rayna Walters. Kurt Zimmermann and Garrett Griffin, Jr. Learn more about the UmoJamz here: https://www.umojamz.com/ This event will take place at the Middletown Farmers Market, so participants are welcome to bring chairs and blankets, since we will set up on the grass for storytime! For all ages. Families welcome! Registration is encouraged (and will close 24 hours before the event begins). In the event of inclement weather we will move this program indoors to the Activity Room inside the Russell Library (123 Broad Street, Middletown, CT). Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home Here is a link to the Union Green in google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Union Green, Middletown, CT 06457/@41.5566,-72.650525,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x89e64a42f2ad6e95:0x194bac9351c9b822!2sUnion Green, Middletown, CT 06457!3b1!8m2!3d41.5566658!4d-72.6478241!3m4!1s0x89e64a42f2ad6e95:0x194bac9351c9b822!8m2!3d41.5566658!4d-72.6478241 Funding for this program was supplied by Connecticut Humanities! To find out more about the work that CTH does inspiring storytelling, lifelong learning, informed public dialogue and civic engagement in ways that strengthen communities and enhance quality of life for all Connecticut's residents check out their website: https://cthumanities.org/ This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/ The inspiration for this storytime came from the Middletown Parents of Preschoolers group! This event would not have been possible with out their support and guidence. Learn more about their programming on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MtownPOP/

Join us for an outdoor storytime under the trees on Russell Library's South side lawn! We will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Participants are welcome to bring chairs and blankets! This summer family storytime will be repeated twice a week: Tuesday at the Library and Friday at the Farmers Market! (Same books, same songs, on two different days so more people can enjoy!) Registration is required and will close 24 hours before the event starts. For kids age 0-6 (Babies - first grade), siblings and families welcome! In the event of inclement weather we will move this program indoors to the Activity Room! Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

Join Russell Library and our friends from QPlus as we make a stress ball while we talk about what causes us stress and how to manage it, including sharing various stress relief/management techniques, identifying ‘warning signs’ for when you need to take a self care break, and how to decide what type of self care is necessary (sure, blast your favorite song, but also have some water). This session will take place at Crystal Lake in McCutcheon Park. For young people age 13 - 20. Registration is required and will close 24 hours before the event starts. Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety we request that if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you stay home. Directions: Here is a link to the location of the City Park in google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Crystal Lake Park, Middletown, CT 06457/@41.5145974,-72.6395091,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xe18adeb53786e13e!8m2!3d41.5145974!4d-72.6395091 From Randolph Road (Route 155), turn south onto Millbrook Road. Follow Millbrook Road for 1.5 miles and take a right onto Livingston Road. After 0.2 miles, take the first right off Livingston Road into McCutcheon Park! https://www.middletownct.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2583/Middletown-Trail-Guide-PDF (Pg 31-33) Q Plus started as a grassroots, community based, youth led, volunteer run organization with the goal of filling gaps we saw in queer youth programming across Connecticut. We are a group of teens, young adults, and older adult supporters working to create more youth accessible spaces, uplift youth voices, and empower young people. Our overall goal is to create space for queer youth to be authentically and entirely themselves. Every event and program we put on is born of a need identified by queer young people, rather than suggested by adults. Our plan is to continue changing and evolving as the needs of queer youth continue to change and evolve. For more information on QPlus, please check out their website: https://www.qplusct.org/

Featured Speaker: Catherine McLean Company Research: What You Might Be Overlooking During Interview Prep Conducting company research is a surefire way to make yourself a memorable candidate AND to take control of any pre-interview jitters. Find out why many job seekers skip this critical step and learn 10 tips for conducting company research like a pro. For this session, please choose a job description that interests you and have it handy to use as a reference. Catherine McLean specializes in helping people navigate the job search process. Her company, CM Career Coaching, provides resume, cover letter, LinkedIn, and interview prep services. What sets Catherine apart is her ability to intently listen to job seekers, capture key themes from their career journey, and turn them into powerful resumes and interview responses. Her expertise allows clients to build confidence and feel prepared for any job search. 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 during this uncertain time of COVID19. THIS SESSION WILL BE ON ZOOM. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85410006141?pwd=cXhKV3EyTG1zRjIvcWpmM2QvVWJHdz09 Meeting ID: 854 1000 6141 Passcode: 167805 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcYytahK2D Registration is required. Questions? Christy Billings cbillings@russelllibrary.org/Diane Marques dmarques@russelllibrary.org This group is possible from a City of Middletown Block Grant, Liberty Bank Foundation Grant, and The Family of Thomas J. Regan.

Join us for an outdoor storytime at the Middletown Farmers Market at the Union Green! We will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Participants are welcome to bring chairs and blankets! This summer family storytime will be repeated twice a week: Tuesday at the Library and Friday at the Farmers Market! (Same books, same songs, on two different days so more people can enjoy!) Registration is required and will close 24 hours before the event starts. For kids age 0-6 (Babies - first grade), siblings and families welcome! In the event of inclement weather we will move this program indoors to the Activity Room inside the Russell Library! Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. Here is a link to the Union Green in google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Union Green, Middletown, CT 06457/@41.5566,-72.650525,17z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x89e64a42f2ad6e95:0x194bac9351c9b822!2sUnion Green, Middletown, CT 06457!3b1!8m2!3d41.5566658!4d-72.6478241!3m4!1s0x89e64a42f2ad6e95:0x194bac9351c9b822!8m2!3d41.5566658!4d-72.6478241 This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

Join Russell Library and our friends from QPlus for an Open Mic event on Sunday, June 26! Youth performers (and audience members of all ages) are welcome. Come share your art, poetry, drag, dance, song etc. This session will take place at South Green, under the gazebo. Registration is required and will close 24 hours before the event starts. Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety we request that if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you stay home. Directions: Here is a link to the location in google maps: (Union Green, Middletown CT) https://www.google.com/maps/place/Union Green, Middletown, CT 06457/@41.556604,-72.650525,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e64a42f2ad6e95:0x194bac9351c9b822!8m2!3d41.5566658!4d-72.6478241 Q Plus started as a grassroots, community based, youth led, volunteer run organization with the goal of filling gaps we saw in queer youth programming across Connecticut. We are a group of teens, young adults, and older adult supporters working to create more youth accessible spaces, uplift youth voices, and empower young people. Our overall goal is to create space for queer youth to be authentically and entirely themselves. Every event and program we put on is born of a need identified by queer young people, rather than suggested by adults. Our plan is to continue changing and evolving as the needs of queer youth continue to change and evolve. For more information on QPlus, please check out their website: https://www.qplusct.org/

Come build with us in the Activity Room! Each Monday there will be different building toys available such as Legos, Lincoln Logs, Hotwheels tracks, and more. Follow our blueprints or simply build from your imagination. We supply the materials, you supply the creativity! This is a program for ages 4 and up. Registration is required (and will close 24 hours before the event begins). Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety we request that if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. This program is made possible though the generosity of the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: https://russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

Join us for an outdoor storytime under the trees on Russell Library's South side lawn! We will read books and share rhymes and songs for kids birth to 6 years old and their families. Participants are welcome to bring chairs and blankets! This summer family storytime will be repeated twice a week: Tuesday at the Library and Friday at the Farmers Market! (Same books, same songs, on two different days so more people can enjoy!) Registration is required and will close 24 hours before the event starts. For kids age 0-6 (Babies - first grade), siblings and families welcome! In the event of inclement weather we will move this program indoors to the Activity Room! Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

This event was rescheduled from June 29 to July 6. It will be held at the same time- 6-7 p.m. in the Activity Room. To be added to the waitlist for the new date use this link: https://russelllibrary.libcal.com/event/9044995 Join Russell Library and our friends from Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center for a session where we will meet live animals such as a blue-tongued skink and bullfrog! This session will take place in the Russell Library Activity Room. This is a family program for all ages. Registration is required (and will close 24 hours before the event begins). Covid Library Event guidelines: to ensure everyone's safety we request that if any member of your household is experiencing Covid symptoms or is quarantining, we ask that you and your family stay home. This program is made possible though the generosity of the Friends of the Russell Library! Find out more about how you can support them here: https://russelllibrary.org/friends-of-the-library/

Mystery! is a Russell Library-run book club for mystery lovers. The book group discusses a new mystery novel every month. The group meets on Thursdays at 3pm, the last Thursday of the month (or, if Russell is closed at that time, the latest Thursday in the month that we’re open). Starting July 29th, 2021, our meetings will switch back to in person at Russell Library in Meeting Room 2. Books are available at the Circulation desk. No registration required. Questions? Contact Amy Slowik. Click Here to See the List of Upcoming Mystery! Books.