​Sit back and let these world-class presenters take you from your own back yard to around the globe in this unique, and timely, travel series! Travel has been limited this past year, but it doesn't mean you can't explore the world through your library. Enjoy!

Iceland Through My Heart presented by Gerri Griswold
Thursday, March 11 that 6:30
Registration begins March 1st
To say that Iceland might be Gerri Griswold's second home would be an understatement. Since taking a weekend jaunt to our closest European neighbor in 2002, she has visited “The Land of Fire and Ice” 51 times. Take a one hour trip 66 degrees north and be overwhelmed by the landscape, nature, and people of this breathtaking country which boasts 100% literacy, is the home of the first Parliament established in 930 AD, and possesses the cleanest air and water on our planet.

The History of License Plates
Presented by AAA
Thursday, March 18th at 6:30
Registration begins March 1st
Since the invention of the ‘horseless carriage’, some type of identifier has appeared on cars. And as unlikely as it may seem, car license plates have been influenced by technology, culture, and current events over the last 100 years, offering a glimpse into our country’s past. Here’s a very brief look at our license plate history, ending with a fun game Hello.
 
The Navel of the World: Easter Island presented by Gerri Griswold
Thursday, March 25th at 6:30
Registration begins March 1st
In sixth grade, Gerri Griswold read Norwegian explorer Thor Hyerdahl's Kon Tiki. It never left her system. Griswold finally answered the calling in October 2017 by celebrating her 60th birthday on the world's most remotely populated island with her good friend and travel-obsessed colleague, Liz Frazier-Zygmont. Spend some time reliving their remarkable journey. You'll not only see some pretty amazing photographs, but also learn that Easter Island (a.k.a. Isla de Pascua, Rapa Nui) is much more than the Moai statues that define it for so many.

Travel From Your Couch with Reptiles
Thursday, April 1st at 6:30
Registration begins March 15th
Join Christine’s Critters and the Torrington Library as we Travel From Your Couch to meet some amazing reptiles and amphibians from around the world! All of our reptiles are rescued from the pet trade and serve as educational ambassadors for us to teach about these incredible and often misunderstood animals. From Australia to South America, deserts to jungles, each of these animals play a vital role in their native ecosystems. Join us for a fun “travel” adventure!

White Memorial Through the Seasons presented by Carrie Szwed
Thursday, April 8th at 6:30
Registration begins March 1st
Carrie Szwed pays tribute to Connecticut's greatest land conservationists, Alain and May White. This brother and sister pair left their fingerprints all over Litchfield County, beginning with our 4,000 acre sanctuary, but also in the gifts they bestowed upon the state of CT: Kent Falls, People's State Forest, Macedonia State Park, Dean Ravine and more! Sit back and enjoy breathtaking images from a variety of contributors depicting the extraordinary people, places, and things that make White Memorial a living masterpiece throughout the seasons!

Connecticut Lore with Zach Lamothe
Thursday, April 15th at 6:30
Registration begins April 1st
Zachary Lamothe's book "Connecticut Lore: Strange, Off Kilter and Full of Surprises" takes the reader down the back roads of the Constitution State. The book is somewhere between a travel guide and a collection of ghost stories. This book was followed up by the sequel "More Connecticut Lore" in 2016.

Nowhere is a Place: Chilean Patagonia presented by Gerri Griswold
Thursday, April 22nd at 6:30
Registration begins March 1st
Spend an hour with Gerri Griswold as she shares breathtaking images from this ethereal travel destination tucked along the tail of the Andes near the bottom of the world. Meet the people, animals, and numerous microclimates that define this mythical place.

Keeping Travel Cheap!
Thursday, April 29th at 6:30
Registration begins April 1st
Matt Cadorette has visited over 25 countries on 6 continents. In this program he will share strategies he has learned and resources he trusts for creating a positive travel experience. This program is geared towards new travelers and the experienced traveler looking to save money.

Thursday, February 25th at 6:30
Registration begins February 1st
Join Evan Weiner as he provides the fascinating history of radio! Radio is a 117-year-old medium; but it was not until the sinking of the Titanic that radio became important. A young amateur radio operator named David Sarnoff pushed Congress after the Titanic disaster to open up radio frequencies and start commercial radio. Sarnoff would establish NBC radio in the mid-1920s. The early days of radio were a mixture of sports, music, comedies, dramas, soap operas and information. By 1927, William Paley starts CBS radio. Radio became the theater of the imagination as people "watch" radio shows around the living room radio. Among those shows were the Jack Benny Program, Superman and dramas such as War Of The Worlds. Radio's heyday was from the late 1920s to approximately 1953. Virtually every big name in entertainment had a radio show. Television would eventually surpass radio but the stars of early TV were recruited from NBC and CBS radio. Earlier TV owes its success to radio veterans including Benny, Groucho Marx, Bob Hope and others.

Thursday, February 18th at 6:30
Registration begins February 1st
The history of medicine is filled with stories of strange tonics, outlandish remedies, and curious “cures.” Toads, snails, mashed potatoes, mandrake, and bear grease were commonly prescribed. While some of these ingredients sound crazy, there’s logic behind many of them! For instance, snake oil hasn’t always been just a euphemism for quack medical treatments. For centuries, oil from the Chinese water snake was an actual treatment used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve joint pain. Today, we know that snakes are a rich source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid containing anti-inflammatory properties. Join Ehris and Velya for a funny and factual exploration of colonial “quackery.”

Thursday, February 11th at 6:30
Registration begins February 1st 

Are you interested in finding out about being tarred and feathered, shot by the Black Hand in Little Italy, being caught in a great fire or ravishing flood, participating in a riot, attending some fascinating trials, or encountering some of the most unsavory characters who ever lived in New York City?  Then, this is the presentation for you.  Don’t worry, it isn’t as gory as it sounds.

Using Online Sources to Research your Family’s History
Thursday, February 4th at 6:30
Registration begins January 15th
Eric Migdal of All Relative Genealogy, LLC is proud to present a fun and informative ZOOM program to help you understand researching your family history using online search resources including the US Census, military records using Fold 3, Family Search, Heritage Quest, birth, death and marriage records. This is a more in-depth follow-up to January’s Basic Genealogy research program!

Zoom program presented by the Grounded Goodwife
Thursday, January 21st
Registration begins January 2nd
When your immune system is working properly, you don’t even notice it. But when it’s consistently protecting you from bacteria, viruses, and toxins, and removing foreign bodies and malignant cells from your system. Learn how to make berry health herbal tea blend, elderberry syrup, and more! We will provide a list of supplies so you can work alongside Ehris and Velya.

Thursday, January 18th at 6:30
Registration begins January 2nd
Join Phil Klein, Certified Dog Listener, through Zoom to learn to think like your dog and ‘speak’ the language of canines.  Learn the 4 key drivers of canine behavior, including the surprising cause of common issues like anxieties, toileting indoors, excessive barking, aggression, jumping, pulling, destructive chewing, etc.  Learn the simple, dog-friendly changes in how to interact with your dog to transform its behavior in a kind, lasting way.  In doing so, say goodbye to your dog’s behavioral challenges!  And, say hello to a more enjoyable relationship with your calmer, happier dog!  Have your questions ready for an informative, fun session!

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All programs are virtual and presented via Zoom. You must register to receive login credentials. 

January Grab and Go Adult Craft Kit!
Kits can be reserved beginning January 2nd by calling the library at 860.489.6684. Once your kit is reserved, simply stop into the library and grab your kit or call us when you arrive and we’ll bring it out to our curbside pickup table.  Walk-ins are welcome, but supplies are limited to 36 kits. This kit includes a DIY Snowflake Scarf (no sewing experience necessary).
 
Basic Genealogy to Research Your Family History- Zoom Presentation
Thursday, January 7th at 6:30
Registration begins December 15th
This presentation by Eric Migdal of All Relative Genealogy, LLC covers basic genealogical practices on finding and recording information. It will showcase the places where information can be found to aid in the understanding of family history, including census, obituaries, marriage, death, birth and military records. You will learn how to gather the information from websites, such as Ancestry, Family Search and My Heritage, in order to build on one’s findings. 
 
New York Underground
Thursday, January 14th at 6:30
Registration begins January 1st 
Find out about the secret places under the streets of New York City that people don’t realize exist.  Some of these include the Mole People who live in the tunnels of Grand Central Terminal, the secret tunnels of Chinatown, home to many gang wars, the great water system that lies beneath our feet, the perils involved in building the subways and vehicular tunnels, the beautiful art work that is displayed below ground, the special tunnel built by August Belmont for the Steinway Piano Company and many more fascinating things.
 
Fit as a Fiddle-Building Robust Immunity with Herbs
Zoom program presented by the Grounded Goodwife
Thursday, January 21st
Registration begins January 2nd
When your immune system is working properly, you don’t even notice it. But when it’s consistently protecting you from bacteria, viruses, and toxins, and removing foreign bodies and malignant cells from your system. Learn how to make berry health herbal tea blend, elderberry syrup, and more! We will provide a list of supplies so you can work alongside Ehris and Velya.

Understanding Your Best Friend-Your Dog!
Thursday, January 28th at 6:30
Registration begins January 2nd
Join Phil Klein, Certified Dog Listener, through Zoom to learn to think like your dog and ‘speak’ the language of canines.  Learn the 4 key drivers of canine behavior, including the surprising cause of common issues like anxieties, toileting indoors, excessive barking, aggression, jumping, pulling, destructive chewing, etc.  Learn the simple, dog-friendly changes in how to interact with your dog to transform its behavior in a kind, lasting way.  In doing so, say goodbye to your dog’s behavioral challenges!  And, say hello to a more enjoyable relationship with your calmer, happier dog!  Have your questions ready for an informative, fun session!

Thursday, January 14th at 6:30
Registration begins January 1st  
Find out about the secret places under the streets of New York City that people don’t realize exist.  Some of these include the Mole People who live in the tunnels of Grand Central Terminal, the secret tunnels of Chinatown, home to many gang wars, the great water system that lies beneath our feet, the perils involved in building the subways and vehicular tunnels, the beautiful art work that is displayed below ground, the special tunnel built by August Belmont for the Steinway Piano Company and many more fascinating things.

Thursday, January 7th at 6:30
Registration begins December 15th
This Zoom presentation by Eric Migdal of All Relative Genealogy, LLC covers basic genealogical practices on finding and recording information. It will showcase the places where information can be found to aid in the understanding of family history, including census, obituaries, marriage, death, birth and military records. You will learn how to gather the information from websites, such as Ancestry, Family Search and My Heritage, in order to build on one’s findings.