Thursday, June 1st at 6:30
Registration begins May 1st 
Held in the Community Room

Stephen Spignesi's "Hip-Hop Hamilton" program is a 90-minute illustrated lecture that provides fascinating facts about 12 of America's Founders—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Jay, James Monroe, Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and of course, Alexander Hamilton, the subject of the smash Broadway musical. 

The program includes a fascinating slideshow, and also the playing and discussion of two songs from the musical, with the lyrics provided.

Attendees also receive a tri-fold, color, signed limited edition "Hip Hamilton" brochure, along with a signed book card. Frameable copies of the Declaration of Independence are available for sale with all proceeds going to the library.

Stephen Spignesi is a retired Practitioner in Residence from the University of New Haven and the author of more than 70 books. Signed copies of "Hip-Hop Hamilton" will be available for purchase at the conclusion of the program.  
Register online!

Victorian Tea Etiquette Workshop
Thursday, March 23rd at 6:30
Registration begins March 1st
Held in the Program Room

Are you a Downton Abbey fan? Do you enjoy a good cuppa (cup of) tea? Do you love learning about local history? The docents of the Osborne Homestead Museum of Derby, CT teach participants the dos and donts of Victorian tea etiquette and the types of tea services. Their presentation also includes the history of the Osborne family as seen through the lens of the award-winning television series Downton Abbey. Participants learn about the history of tea and taste a variety teas from Harney & Sons. Refreshments and teas are served. This program is altered for a younger age group. 

Please bring your favorite tea cup or coffee mug in order to sample some yummy teas.
 
Call 860-489-6684 to register or register online at http://www.torringtonlibrary.org/event-registration.html

1940: A Doorway to the Future
Thursday, March 16th at 6:30
Registration begins March 1st
Held in the Community Room

The women of the 1940's planted the seeds for the feminist movements of the sixties. The arts opened the door for Icons of music, launched literary careers, and introduced us to the future superstars of stage and screen.  Drawing on the necessities of World War ll, medicine and science made meteoric advances paving the way for space travel, nuclear medicine, and the conquest of diseases that were death sentences only a few decades ago. 1940's fashions showcase the combination of elegance and modernity. The 40s drove changes in our behavior and thinking that provided the inroads for changes in law and approach to civil rights. Presented by Trish Chambers. 

Call 860-489-6684 to register or register online at http://www.torringtonlibrary.org/event-registration.html

Language of Love
Thursday, February 9th at 6:30
Registration begins January 16th
Held in the Program Room

Join us as we exploring the great romance writers - past and present- just in time for Valentine’s Day.  How has the language of love changed? Some writers were romantics on paper but rascals in person! You will also step away from the evening with a something special to bring home to your loved one! This is a must-see evening and will we presented by Library Director, Jessica Gueniat.

​Call 860-489-6684 to register or register online at http://www.torringtonlibrary.org/event-registration.html

They Called Her Reckless: A True Story of War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse By Janet Barrett
Thursday, January 12th
Registration begins January 3rd
Held in the Program Room

When the U.S. Marine Fifth Regiment's Recoilless Rifle Platoon acquired a small Korean pony to haul ammunition up the steep hills to the front lines, what they got was a true warhorse, the courageous and indomitable Reckless, who stood with her buddies for two years during the Korean War, saving lives, raising spirits, and winning the love and respect of all who knew her.

In that last bloody fight, surpassing all expectations, she hauled ammunition for three days and nights wherever it was needed. For wounds sustained, she was awarded two Purple Hearts. Awe-inspiring, heartwarming, and downright funny, just as her fellow Marines remember her, "They Called Her Reckless" tells of an incredible human-horse connection and the power it unleashed. Presented by author, Janet Barrett.

​Call 860-489-6684 to register or register online at http://www.torringtonlibrary.org/event-registration.html

Join us on September 8th at 6:30 for Witches in Connecticut, presented by the Connecticut Historical Society.
 
The harrowing story of the hanging of witches in Colonial New England continues to haunt our present-day imagination. The trials and executions of witches in Connecticut predated the more famous Salem witch panic by over 40 years. Hear the stories of some of the women and men accused, tried, and executed as witches and learn how Connecticut successfully controlled the spread of witch accusations long before Salem erupted in panic and violence. Registration begins August 15th.
 
Program will be held at Coe Park Memorial Civic Center. Co-sponsored by Torrington Parks and Recreation! The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, call the library at 860-4896684 or visit our website. 

Join us on August 11th  at 6:30 for Katharine Hepburn: From Hartford to Hollywood, presented by the CT Historical Society.
 
With a stage and film career that spanned six decades, Katharine Hepburn is an American icon. Born and raised in Connecticut, Hepburn had a career in stage, film and television that reflected the changing role of women in broader society. Challenging the norms of the day, she took control of her image and identity by establishing a unique sense of style which influenced countless women, fashion designers, and the informal, elegant approach to American style that continues to resonate today. The story of her life-long ties to Connecticut offers a complete picture of how Hepburn became the woman and the star she was. This presentation will link her career and legacy to her roots in Connecticut to ask how she achieved her truly extraordinary legacy. Registration begins August 1st.
 
Program will be held at Torrington Library. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, call the library at 860-4896684 or by clicking here.. 

Join us on July 7th at 6:30 for Growing Up in Connecticut, presented by the CT Historical Society.

Growing up in Connecticut, every generation faced challenges and opportunities and experienced the emotional highs and lows of childhood and adolescence. But each generation also faced unique circumstances. This presentation, linked to the upcoming exhibition at the Connecticut Historical Society, will explore the issues that have faced Connecticut children and adolescents since the 1930s, focusing on four generations: the Silent Generation (born 1928-1945); Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964); Generation X (born 1965-1980); and Millennials (born 1981-1996). We will look at the larger issues that shaped the experiences of children and childhood in each period, but also how cultural ideas about children and childhood changed over time. Registration begins June 15th
 
Program will be held at Coe Park Memorial Civic Center. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, call the library at 860-4896684 or visit our website.

NEW DATE!!! JULY 14TH AT 6:30

Join us for Connecticut Gypsies on Thursday, JULY 14TH at 6:30.  Registration begins June 1st.
 
In 1896, Mrs. Victoria Williams was found dead on the railroad tracks in East Hartford. Her husband, the King of the Gypsies, had died recently. Who were these horse dealers and what was their story? These questions intrigued Connecticut author Beth Lapin, as she searched for answers. Hear her story of sleuthing and connections that led to the publication of her newest novel, CARAVAN OF DREAMS.
 
Program will be held at the Torrington Library. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, call the library at 860-4896684 or visit our website. 

Patricia Carr's popular and fun new program, The Queen's Jewels, talks all about the famous English royal family's jewels on Thursday, March 10th at 6:30! Illustrated with over 80 slides of various members of the Royal Family wearing the jewels, you'll get to see how the jewels have changed and transformed throughout the years. Patricia also has lots of anecdotes about the acquisition of some of these stunning pieces.

​Registration begins March 1st.  To register, call 860-489-6684 or online. 

*** AT COE PARK CIVIC CENTER. DOORS OPEN AT 6:00PM ***