Newtown Library Focuses On Community With Variety Of Programs

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- Most people, even those who use the The Cyrenius H. Booth Library, are surprised by all of the resources offered both in the physical building and online. So said Library Director Brenda McKinley who has been with the facility for 20 years.

Brenda McKinley, Library Director of the Cyrenius H. Booth Library.
Photo Credit: *Submitted*

Jeanne Muchnick

02/24/2016 5:00 a.m.

"We have downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks, online courses, including computer training, online language courses and much more available for free with a Newtown library card," she said. "In the library itself we have great programs and events along with many different collections, including a renowned genealogy collection and large collections of arts, antiques and collectibles resources.

McKinley, who has been director for the past year and a half, said the library also offers puzzles and adult coloring sheets in the library's café area where one regularly sees groups of people playing board games such as Scrabble or chess.

As for what's new for 2016, she said The C.H. Booth Library received a grant from the state of Connecticut which will be combined with its Board of Trustees’ fundraising efforts to create a studio for the library's maker space equipment, which includes two 3D printers along with many other items that allows patrons to innovate, collaborate and create.

"Our reference librarians have been expanding and highlighting the library’s existing resources for small business owners, entrepreneurs and job seekers. This includes hosting monthly Brown Bag Business hours with a program and networking opportunities," said the Newtown resident.

"At the C.H. Booth Library, everything the staff does is to serve our patrons. We want everyone who walks in the door feel welcome," she added.

And that means doling out advice on what's popular. Children’s and young adult programs are always big with everything from Mother Goose on the Loose early literacy for babies and toddlers to the library's upcoming annual Battle of the Books with teams of teens competing in a trivia contest about four books that they have all read.

Popular Adult programs include Yale’s Dr. Mark Schenker’s lectures, who is currently presenting a series on the Bronte sisters and ArtScapades entertaining and informative art history presentations.

Go to www.chboothlibrary.org/ for more information.

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