T hroughout this issue of the Newsletter, there are several references to STEM.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. What is

STEM and why does it matter to libraries? Elaine J. Hom, contributor for Live Science,

describes STEM as "…a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four

specific disciplines—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—in an inter-

disciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate

and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based

on real-world applications.”

Libraries within the past decade have

been a support system for STEM learning

through creative programming for patrons

in all age groups, from childhood through

adulthood. By offering programs from 3D

printing and coding to knitting and sewing,

libraries are in a unique position to intro-

duce all ages to creative learning.

While schools have built STEM into their

curriculum, libraries can create programming and space for free exploration, opening

up these opportunities to everyone. Over the next few months, Bethel Public Library

visitors can expect to see more STEM-based programming such as 3D printing work-

shops for children, teens, and adults.

~Megan Dean, Library Director

OPPORT UNIT IES F OR LE ARNI NG & CRE AT I NG

PL E ASE PUT T HE FRI ENDS ON YOUR CAL END AR—TWI CE !

Be curious. Be enlightened. Be inspired. www.bethellibrary.org

The Bethel Public Library 189 Greenwood Avenue

Bethel, Connecticut 06801

L I B R A R Y H O U R S

Mon., Wed., Thurs. 10-8 Tues., Fri., Sat. 10-5

Sun. 1-5 (September—mid-June)

Closed March 30 for Good Friday, and April 1 for Easter Sunday.

Y ou’ll be an April Fool if you miss

this! On Saturday, March 31 from

10 am to 4 pm, the Friends will be selling

a great variety of books recently culled

from the Library’s collections. The books

will be only 50 cents apiece, so plan to

stock up on some great reads! If you can

volunteer time to work at the sale,

please contact me at 203-792-8237 or

jetesar@sbcglobal.net.

On Earth Day, Sunday April 22, at 2

pm, the Friends will present a panel dis-

cussion on Ecotheology. While the emer-

gence of the term is relatively recent,

philosophies about the connection be-

tween God (the divine), human beings,

other living creatures, and the natural

world span the ages. Our multi-faith

panel of speakers will consider such

questions as: Did God intend for human

beings to be the “centerpiece” of na-

ture? Do our religious traditions offer

visions of how God views humans, other

creatures, and the Earth in "eco-

centric" ways, with all aspects of na-

ture having their own integrity and

worth? What do religious communities

say in the 21st century about human

roles and responsibilities in caring for

and protecting the earth?

This panel in being held in conjunc-

tion with the second annual Bethel

Community Earth Day event, which

takes place at the Municipal Center on

Saturday, April 21. We hope to see you

at all these great events!

~Jenny Tesar, Friends President

Creating on the 3D printer is fun!

2 Be curious. Be enlightened. Be inspired. www.bethellibrary.org

Calling all young Tinkers and Creators! Be on the lookout for two new afterschool

programs coming to Children’s Services beginning in March. Please join us!

STEM LAB for Grades 3-5. In this monthly pro-

gram, children will learn about different science,

technology, engineering and mathematical top-

ics through experimentation. The first program

will be March 21 from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. Registra-

tion begins March 7.

CRAFTY THURSDAYS for Grades K—5 is a week-

ly drop-in craft program that will run from 4:00

to 6:00 pm. Children and adults will work with the assistance of the Children’s staff to

create a fun piece of art.

~Joanne Grumman, Children’s Librarian

TH E L IBR ARY INVI TES K I DS TO BE CRE AT I VE !

POETRY I S POPPI NG UP AT T HE L I BR ARY

MORE I N STORE F OR

ALL BETHEL TEENS !

Roses are red, violets are blue, the Library loves poetry and has some for you!

Did you know that April is National Poetry Month, and the Library will

be celebrating all month long! Stop by to pick up some lovely literary lyrics

selected by our staff, and help create collaborative poetry with your fellow

library-goers. For a little friendly competition, keep an eye out for mini

poetry contests on our Facebook page throughout the month.

The fun will culminate on April 30 at 6:30 pm with a coffeehouse-style

Poetry Open Mic Night for all ages. All will be invited to share a few

words with the Bethel community. Fresh coffee, spoken word, and a cozy

setting—you won’t want to miss this. To learn more about this and other

upcoming events, and to register, please call 203-794-8756, ext. 4, or visit

our website.

Poet Rita Dove once said, “Poetry is language at its most distilled and

most powerful.” Whether poetry has been your medium of choice for

years, or it’s a brand new experience for you, we invite you to come to the

Library and discover some magic in the written word.

~Olivia Von Kohorn, Senior Library Assistant

Teen Services is growing! Over the

next few months, the Library and the

Bethel Public High School Library Com-

mons will be working together to offer

STEM activities to students. This will

showcase many of the project opportu-

nities that will be available this summer.

Inside the Library, we are offering a

new Teen-run discussion group focusing

on political and social issues for high

school students. The first two meetings

are March 7 and March 21. Whether

you are passionate about politics or

want to better understand the views of

others, stop by and join us for a polite

and respectful discussion.

We also are looking for volunteers to

assist in our 3D printing classes. Are you

familiar with Tinkercad or similar 3D

modeling software? Do you want to

learn how to print requested jobs on our

printer? This is a great way to gain

hands-on experience with 3D printers

and build your resume. Please contact

me at teen@bethellibrary.org to find

out more.

~Amy Schumann, Teen Librarian

My name is Tom Borysiewicz and I am the new head of the Library's Adult Services

Department. As a long-time Bethel resident, I'm thrilled to be working for my

hometown Library. I graduated from Bethel High School (class of 2002) and from

Fitchburg State College in Massachusetts and Southern Connecticut in New Haven.

Since 2007 I've worked in many Connecticut libraries, including Danbury Library.

Most recently, I was the head of the Reference and Technology Department at

Woodbury Library.

I am very excited to join the Bethel Library staff and hope to meet you in the com-

ing weeks. Please stop by at the Reference Desk and say hi.

COM E TO T HE L IBR ARY AND MEET OUR NE W HE AD L I BR ARI AN

Tom at the Reference Desk

Be curious. Be enlightened. Be inspired. www.bethellibrary.org 3

IT 'S NAT I ON AL SOMET HING MONTH !

Every month has its own national

awareness days, and the Bethel Li-

brary’s collection has resources to help

you explore all of them.

March is National Craft Month. We

have books for all ages on many crafts:

knitting, sewing, origami, macramé, and

soap making to name a few. We also

have 2 seasons of the PBS show Knitting

Daily, and a documentary called Craft in

America, both on DVD. March is also

National Women’s History Month. We

have books on different aspects of

women’s history, from women’s fight

for the right to vote to a history of

women’s boxing. We also have biog-

raphies of Ruth Bader Ginsberg and

Sally Ride on audio.

April is National Jazz Month and

National Gardening Month. There is an

entire section of music CD’s devoted to

all types of jazz, from Dixieland and

swing to the improvisation of Miles Da-

vis and Thelonious Monk. We also have

a brand new section devoted to the

blues. Novice and experienced garden-

ers can borrow books and DVDs to get

advice on what to plant this spring. And

if actual gardening isn't your thing,

there's even a British series on DVD

called Rosemary and Thyme, about 2

gardeners who solve mysteries!

We invite you to come explore the

collections for yourselves and find your

own reasons to celebrate!

~Priscilla Massmann

Circulation Manager

Please email your reviews to newsletter@bethellibrary.org

or bring to the Reference Desk. Content may be edited due to space constraints.

RE ADER TO RE ADER

Discover what's new at your hometown Library… sign up for email notices!

Forms available at all service desks, or sign up through the Library website.

Looking for your next great read?

VISIT THE FRIENDS BOOK CELLAR!

Mon & Wed: 12:00–7:30 pm

Sat: 10:00 am–2:00 pm

Sun: 1:00–4:00 pm

A Jane Austen Education

by William Deresiewicz

This book was a fun, knowledgeable

little read that had me itching to pick up

a Jane Austen novel by the end of the

first chapter (I have never read any of

them). I believe the reason I enjoyed it

so much is because instead of...direct

and dry synopses/criticisms of the nov-

els…[the author offered] tales of his life.

It's his memoir featuring Jane Austen,

and it turned out nicely because of it.

Rating:

Reviewer: Chelsea B.

Editor's Note: This review was submitted

during our "Blind Date with a Book" event.

“FUN FACT” According to Connecticut State

Library Statistics:

Bethel Public Library held 395 programs with 6518 attendees

in FY 16/17!

When you sponsor an educational, entertaining,

or inspiring program at the Bethel Public Library,

you make connections with local and area residents

and you increase your visibility in the community!

The Bethel Garden Club has been

sponsoring the Annual Gardening Series

at the Library since 2005!

IF YOU 'RE LOOKI NG FOR SHEIL A. . .

Patrons who have technology and

computer questions are still asking for

Library staff member Sheila Moore.

When we tell them that Sheila has re-

tired, they react as we did—sad that she

is not at the Library, but so very happy

for her as she begins her well-deserved

retirement!

Sheila leaves after 20 years of dedi-

cated service to the Library, and has

wonderful plans for her free time.

Rest assured, dear patrons, that all

your computer and tech questions will

be answered by our newest staff mem-

ber and Head of Adult Services, Tom

Borysiewicz (read his greeting on p. 2).

Many blessings to you, Sheila, and we

all look forward to your visits to the

Bethel Public Library!

B E T H E L P U B L I C L I B R A R Y

w w w . b e t h e l l i b r a r y. o r g

BETHEL PUBLIC LIBRARY

189 GREENWOOD AVE.

BETHEL, CT 06801

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Programs for All Ages

Annual Gardening Series

STEM Programs for Kids!

Teen Tech Week, March 4-8

Fairfield County Giving Day

Check Out the Library Art Gallery

This Newsletter is co -sponsored by R.E. Lawlor Graphics & Printing, LLC

and by the Friends of the Library.

CONTACT US

203-794-8756 Director x6

Children’s Services x5 Adult Services x4 Teen Services x0

Circulation Services x3

Passes for Free or Reduced Admission to Museums & Cultural

Sites Available with Your Bethel Library Card

Meeting Rooms Available for Patron Use by Reservation

Sign Up for Email Notification of

What’s New at the Library

Your Library is part of something B-I-G… Fairfield County’s Annual Giving Day!

One day only—March 1, 2018!

Your donation—no matter the amount—gives us a chance to win cash prizes so

we can offer more services to our patrons!

Bethel Public Library Programs for Adults

Book Discussions March 26, 6:30-7:45 pm Bartleby the Scrivener by Herman Melville March 28, 10:15-11:30 am Down the Nile by Rosemary Mahoney April 25, 10:15-11:30 am Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

Registration not required

Movies on the Big Screen March 3, 2:00-4:00 pm Murder on the Orient Express (PG-13) March 8, 6:30-8:20 pm Coco (PG) Date & Time TBA The Greatest Showman (PG) March 22, 6:00-8:05 pm Darkest Hour (PG-13) March 28, 6:00-8:05 pm The Shape of Water (R) April 7, 2:00-4:15 pm Downsizing (R) Date & Time TBA Phantom Thread (R)

Registration required for all movies R: 17 & under not admitted w/o parent

Be curious. Be enlightened. Be inspired. www.bethellibrary.org

For more information, please call 203-794-8756 x4 (Adult) or x0 (Teen), or check the online calendar.

Writers Group Meetings March 21 & April 18 6:00-7:45 pm Share your writing and receive feedback

Registration required and limited to 8 FOR ADULTS

Intro to 3D Printing April 9, 6:00-7:30 pm Design and create 3D objects. Registration required and limited to 9 FOR ADULTS

Estate Planning April 11, 7:00-8:00 pm Learn the basics of wills, trusts, estate taxes, insurance. Q&A included. Registration required FOR ADULTS

It's Time for the Popular Annual Gardening Series ! Sponsored by the Bethel Garden Club

March 19, 6:30-7:30 pm Divide and Conquer: Carl Galanter of Broken Arrow Nursery will help garden-ers slay their fears of perennial plant division—including a demonstration!

April 16, 6:30-7:30 pm New Pond Farm: Ann Taylor, Director of New Pond Farm, shares an inside look at the environmental and educational programs offered there.

April 23, 6:30-7:30 pm Multi-Season Garden Design: Kathy Diemer reveals her best plant combina-tions and tips for creating a garden that shines in all seasons! Registration required & includes a chance to win Garden Club Plant Sale coupons! FOR ADULTS

Saturday Crafts March 24, 10:15-11:30 am Glow-in-the dark alien (or fairy) jars April 21, 10:15-11:30 am String art creations Registration not required FOR TEENS Grades 6-12

Drop-In 3D Printing Thursdays, 6:30-7:45 pm Try out the 3D printer Registration not required FOR TEENS Grades 6-12

NEW! Teen Discussion Group Let's Talk Politics: Practicing Political Discourse for High School Students March 7 & 21, 6:00-7:45 pm In this student-led current events dis-cussion group, high schoolers will learn how to make their points and how to disagree without being disagreeable. Registration not required

Teen Tech Activities March 4-10, during Library hours All week long, teens can drop in at the Teen Department and try out fun tech activities. There will be light-up cards, binary baubles, mini-bots, and more! Registration not required FOR TEENS Grades 6-12

Bethel Public Library Programs for Teens

College &

Career

Collection!

Computer Classes are Back! Dates and Times TBA Learn Word, Excel, and Photoshop; how to avoid identity theft; and how to use Google apps! Registration required and limited to 9

Bethel Public Library Programs for Children

Be curious. Be enlightened. Be inspired. www.bethellibrary.org

For more information and to register for Children’s programs, please call 203-794-8756 x5.

Children under 12 years of age may not be left unattended in the Library at any time.

Baby Storytime

Mondays, March 5-April 30 10:30-11:00 am For infants (non-walkers)-12 months, with a parent/caregiver No registration required

Hora del Cuento Bilingual Spanish Storytime

Mondays, March 5-April 30 (except 4/16) 6:30-7:00 pm For children ages 4-7 years old able to sit without parent/caregiver No registration required

Wiggly Storytime with the Director Tuesdays, March 6–April 24 10:30-11:00 am For children 1-4 years old, with parent/adult caregiver No registration required

ABC Drop-in Play

Tuesdays, March 6–April 24 1:00-3:00 pm For children 18 months-4 years old, with parent/adult caregiver No registration required

Preschool Storytime

Wednesdays March 7-April 25 (except 4/18) 2:00-2:30 pm For children 3-6 years old able to sit without parent/caregiver No registration required

Mother Goose Storytime

Thursdays March 1-April 26 (except 4/19) 10:30-11:00 am For infants 10-24 months with parent/adult caregiver; only for infants, no old-er siblings can attend

PJ Storytime

Thursdays March 1-April 26 (except 3/8 & 4/19) 6:30-7:00 pm For children 3-8 years old able to sit without parent/caregiver No registration required

Family Fun Storytime

Fridays March 2-April 27 (except 3/30 & 4/20) 10:30-11:00 am For children 2-6 years old , with parent/caregiver and siblings No registration required

Crafty Thursdays

March 1-April 26, 4:00-6:00 pm Drop in for the craft of the day April 19, 11:00 am-6:00 pm Special Spring Break craft day! No registration required

Kids’ Friday Flicks

March 23 & April 20, 4:00-4:45 pm For kids 2-6 years old and their families No registration required

Saturday Morning Mix

Storytime for Everyone

March 3, 24, & 31; April 21 & 28 11:00-11:30 am For children 6 months-4 years old, with parent or adult caregiver Preschool Storytime Craft

March 10 & 17; April 7 & 14 11:00-11:30 am For children 3-6 years old No registration required

Kids’ Chess Clubs

March 14 & April 11, 6:30-7:30 pm Knight’s Club for Grades 4-7 March 28 & April 25, 6:30-7:30 pm Page’s Club for Grades 1-3 Registration required, 2 weeks before each chess club meeting

Little STEM Explorers March 4, 4:15-5:15 pm For children K-Grade 2 able to sit with-out parent/caregiver Registration required, beginning 2 weeks prior, and limited to 15

STEM Lab March 21 & April 18, 4:30-5:30 pm For children Grades 3-5 Registration required, beginning 2 weeks prior, and limited to 15

Books & Bricks

March 4 & April 29, 2:00-3:00 pm For kids Grades 1-4; includes stories and Lego-building session Registration required, 2 weeks prior

Family Movie Day

March 8, 4:15-6:15 pm See “Coco” on the big screen! Registration required, beginning 2/21

Magic Tree House Storycraft Hour March 16, 4:00-4:45 pm For kids in Grades 1-3. Book discussion and activity for Pirates Past Noon #4! Registration required, beginning March 7, and limited to 15

Fun with Rhythms

April 18, 1:00 pm For kids 4-9 years old. Kids and parents enjoy a lively music and drum circle Registration required, beginning March 28, and limited to 30 children