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

Paris! Sera Toujour Paris.
 
PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO PERFORMER ILLNESS. 

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. 

On Wednesday, March 16th the Torrington Library Board of Trustees appointed Jessica Gueniat, MLS as its new Library Director. Gueniat has been Acting Director since November 2015 and has been with the Torrington Library since 2006.  Jessica earned her Master of Library Science (MLS) from Southern Connecticut State University in 2013 and previously served as the library’s Program Coordinator.
 
Board President Charles W. Roraback stated: “The Board of Trustees is excited to have a professional with Jessica’s talent and education assume a leadership role at the Torrington Library.  We have confidence in her ability to build a bridge from the past to a bigger and better library building and community.  With a team of eager and able employees, the library will be able to offer expanded programs and resources to all the residents of Torrington.”
 
 “I am thrilled with opportunity to continue working for the Library in this new capacity.  It is an exciting time to become Library Director, especially with the building project taking place. ” Gueniat said. “Our goal is to engage, enrich and empower all members of our community. With this comes the responsibility to ensure that we provide equal access to our collections, programs and facilities and that we provide relevant and up to date resources.  I look forward to working with the Library Trustees, Corporators and staff to ensure that this vision remains a reality.”
 
The Library is currently undergoing a $5.6 million dollar addition and restoration project. The scope of the project includes a restoration of the existing structure as well as a three level, 13,377 square foot L-shaped addition on the west and north sides of the building, increasing the total building size to 30,853 square feet. The building project will provide:

•  ADA compliant access and restrooms;
•  An expanded Children’s Room on the second floor including a story time room;
•  A Community Room with a 100+ seating capacity and small kitchen amenity, available to the public upon request.
•  Additional public access computers;
•  A new Teen Room;
•  Two quiet study cubicles;
•  A meeting room for up to 15 people, available to the public upon request;
•  The restoration of the original architectural features of the building including the dish dome in the center rotunda of the original building, as well as coffered ceilings.

The estimated completion date is Fall 2016. 

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 ***

Join psychic medium, Debbie Gutierrez, on Thursday, February 25th at 6:30 as she explains how she connects to the spirit world. Debbie will also demonstrate communication with spirits using audience members. After the demonstration, she speaks about how everyone can strengthen their own intuitive abilities. A Q & A will follow!

Limited availability! Register beginning February 1st. Call 860-489-6684 to register or register online!

** Held at Coe Park Civic Center, right across the street from the Library! **

Join Peter Callahan on Thursday, January 21st at 6:30 as he offers up tips to start your new year right in Get More Done and Have More Fun! Wouldn't you love to accomplish more throughout the year, but still have fun and make time for what you really love to do? Peter is here to help and offer tips!

​Peter Callahan is a professional coach and organizational trainer with over ten years of experience and extensive education in leadership and fostering effective teams and work environments across many different industries. With a focus on service, communication, and accountability, Peter is passionate about empowering authentic leaders and helping people truly enjoy their life and work.

Register online or call 860-489-6684

Join us for Brass Valley: The Fall of An American Industry by Emery Roth II: Book discussion and presentation on Thursday, October 29th at 6:30pm at Coe Park Memorial Civic Center! 

In this ode to Connecticut’s Naugatuck River Valley, vibrant photos and moving poetry relate the region’s legendary industrial history and ponder its legacy. The story begins in 1802, when two metalworking families joined forces to manufacture brass. Business soared during the War of 1812 with the demand for buttons, and soon brass parts became essential in the age of steam and electricity. As large-scale brass manufacturing grew across what became known as Brass Valley, mill towns along the river, such as Torrington and Waterbury, developed into thriving cultural centers. This continued until 2014, when the last plant closed, and the tradition of soot-covered workers charging generations-old furnaces came to an end. This poignant elegy captures the glowing metal flying through the air at the Ansonia foundry in its final days, as well as abandoned opera houses and train tracks, the vestiges of a dying infrastructure and American way of life.  

In collaboration with the Torrington Historical Society and the Historic Preservation Trust. No registration required.