Thursday, August 18th at 6:00pm
Registration begins August 1st
We've been "on-the-go" to various interesting locations around town, but now it's time to explore the Library! Did you know we have revolutionary war artifacts in our museum room? Or a glass collection donated by the prominent Coe family? Or signed letters by George Washington? The library is full of not just books, but history and excitement. Join Director, Jessica Gueniat, as she takes you behind the scenes of the Torrington Library.
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Thursday, August 11th at 6:30
Registration begins July 15th

Join Sheryl Faye as she presents Amelia Earhart’s: Pioneer in Aviation

​Amelia Earhart’s fearless, adventuresome spirit leads to hair-raising rides down her homemade roller coaster, and she is enthralled with the wonders of the new “flying machines” during a family vacation to the Iowa State Fair. As she matures, she is fulfilled by her work as a nurse’s aide and begins to consider a career in medicine. This idea “flies out the window,” however, when she pays a pilot $1.00 to take her up for a short “hop” in his plane. From then on, the science of aviation becomes her passion as flying becomes her career. She follows her dreams with an indomitable spirit, and her story will inspire everyone to pursue their own budding interests, whatever they may be, and will also reinforce the importance of family, respect for others and individuality.

ZOOM PROGRAM!
​Thursday, August 4th at 6:30
Registration begins July 15th
Peter Rabbit and Squirrel Nutkin fans take note: Betsy Bray, an international authority on Beatrix Potter presents a lively look at the remarkable life of this acclaimed children's author/illustrator. Her 45-minute Zoom talk includes the various roles played by Beatrix Potter over 77 years of her life, as author illustrator of 23 children’s books to her later life as sheep farmer, land conservationist, entrepreneur and community activist.  Betsy has been a Member of The Beatrix Potter Society for 38 years and served as the first overseas Trustee in the London based Beatrix Potter Society.

Thursday, July 14th at 6:30
Registration begins July 1st

Innovation is often defined simply as a new idea, device or method of accomplishing something. To be remembered, a typical innovation has to have provided a better solution to an existing problem. Connecticut has been a national leader in innovation for centuries. When the federal government first began issuing patents in 1790, Connecticut was a national leader. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Connecticut led the country in the number of patents issued per capita averaging one patent per 1,000 people versus the typical state ratio of one per 3,000.
 
To be an innovation that helped to change the world, the invention must extend beyond delivering a better solution to an existing problem. These innovations often disrupt or radically alter how a problem is defined, perceived and solved. Some of these innovations were driven by a passion to accomplish a personal goal, or to create a significant financial reward or simply to provide a personal quest to create a profoundly different result.  All of these innovations proved critically important in their time and some remain with us as time marches forward.
 
Join John Cilio as he uncovers some of the background stories about several Connecticut innovations that changed the lives of people across the nation and beyond.

Thursday, June 2nd at 6:30
Registration begins May 15th
“Butterflies of the World" is a power point presentation featuring images of butterflies from every major continent throughout their life cycles. Participants learn fascinating facts about these enchanting insects, including myths and legends about butterflies in different cultures, distinguishing characteristics of the five butterfly families, wing coloration, feeding behavior, mating, and migration. Information about landscaping for butterflies, including instruction in establishing butterfly gardens, is also presented. Comments and questions are welcome throughout the program.

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Thursday, June 23rd at 6:30
Registration begins June 1st
Taverns in early colonial America were known by a variety of names including; Ordinary, inn, tippling house, and public house to name a few. In New England, initially, inns were tightly controlled and licensed by the church-based government. The innkeepers were instructed to disallow the use of tobacco, a stiff drink or card games. But with the ever-expanding road need for wayside meals and overnight lodging, rules relaxed.  During the American Revolution, the word “Inn” seemed too British and the inns became known as taverns.  Whatever the name, these public houses needed signs to alert people to their location and tavern signs are a story in themselves. In this fun and unique program, John Cilio will share some insights on specific inns across New England with a focus on Connecticut locations. Several still stand.

Thursday, June 16th at 6:00pm
Registration begins June 1st
There are only about 4,00 – 6,000 snow leopards left in the wild owing to hunting, global warming, retribution killing and habitat loss. Unfortunately, there are few research programs or scientists available to ascertain their status. As a result, the Snow Leopard Trust in Seattle enlists citizen scientists and academic researchers in other fields to assist in research. This illustrated program will give participants an orientation to the snow leopard – habits, habitats and status and show two scientific expeditions – one to Siberia and one to Mt Everest undertaken by the presenter in 2015 and 2018 on behalf of the Snow Leopard Trust to expand our knowledge on this beautiful but rare wild cat. Given by the delightful, Dr. Richard W. Benfield.
 
 
Dr Richard W. Benfield is Professor of Geography at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut where he teaches courses in Human Geography, Plants, Predators and Parks, Russia, The European Union and many of the courses in the departments tourism track. Prior to coming to Central he was Senior Program Coordinator in the Division of Continuing Education at the University of Oklahoma where he instructed citizens of the new Russian Federation on privatization and the transition to a market economy. He obtained his doctorate in geography from the University of Oklahoma in 1998.
 

Instructed by Collette Hurst
Thursday, July 7, 14 and 21 from 6-7:30pm
​Registration begins June 1st 
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Capture nature subjects in textured and vibrant drawings using the easily portable medium of colored pencils.  Learn drawing basics in a class presenting composition, creation of shapes, shading, layering and blending techniques.  Students of all levels welcome.  The library will provide basic supplies. If you cannot attend all three sessions, we ask you not register for the program.  Limited to 15 people.
 
Collette Hurst creates works in many media including watercolor, pastels, prismacolors, photography, and textiles.  She resides in Litchfield County, Connecticut and presents art workshops for Litchfield Hills Continuing Education (EdAdvance), libraries, community centers and private studio classes.  She is a past President of the New Hartford (CT) Art League and was a contributing artist, associate producer, and host for several years of the weekly cable television program Artworks shown by Nutmeg TV in the Farmington Valley and Long Island Sound areas of Connecticut.  Artworks presented interviews and original work of New England visual, literary, and performing artists.  Collette is a member of the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council and continues to organize events promoting interaction of artists, writers, and musicians.  More information: www.collettehurst.com

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