Join our 2016 reading challenge!

Read as many of the following books as you can from the challenge worksheet.  Record the name and author.

Return the worksheet to the Library by December 1, 2016.  The more points you accumulate, the more raffle tickets you will receive to win a bookworm-worthy prize! 

Don’t hesitate to ask us for suggestions and please remember that books must be reading level and age appropriate.

A three-part series on the world’s most famous literary couples.

Join us this August as we explore the chemistry behind three very popular and famous literary duos.  Some sizzled and some fizzled.  We’ll explore how these couples inspired one another; loved one another; and left us with lasting works that still radiate heat for a modern-day reader.  We encourage everyone who attends to bring a brown-bagged lunch.  We will provide light refreshments.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning
Friday, August 1st at 12:00pm
It started with a simple letter of admiration from Robert to Elizabeth-- he told her how much he adored her poetry.  From there, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning would begin one of the most famous courtships in literary history. 

Mary Shelly and Percy Shelley
Friday, August 8th at 12:00pm
This famous Romantic poet and this famous Gothic novelist created a lasting body of work throughout their  time together.  Percy tragically drowned only six short years into their marriage.  Their relationship is one of remembrance and also controversy and tragedy.

Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes
Friday, August 22nd at 12:00pm
Perhaps one the most famous modern literary couples, these two poet's tragic romance would be anything but smooth sailing. Having unparallelled passion and talent, Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes were a power-house couple that took the literary world by storm. Unfortunately, their demise led to the suicide of Plath and the blaming of Hughes.  Learn about this tragic, yet fascinating couple.

Register for all three (or just one event) beginning July 15th, To register, call the library at 860.489.6684 or email Jessica.

In the midst of the American Revolution, a small group of patriots secretly formed a spy ring under the direct orders of General George Washington. This group, known as the Culper Spy Ring, would ultimately change the course of the American Revolution. 

The Culper’s carried intelligence and secret letters from Setauket, Long Island to Fairfield, Connecticut and the eventually to George Washington. For close to five years, the ring worked under the cover of darkness and danger so that America could be a free nation. Now it’s your turn! Based off Alexander Rose’s book, Washington’s Spies, and the new AMC smash hit, Turn, you can become a Revolutionary War Spy. 

 During this one-of-a-kind event, you and your secret spy ring will try to successfully inform General Washington of the Crown’s plan to ambush newly arrived French aide in Rhode Island. By using ciphers, coded letters, invisible ink and more, you must reach Washington in time! 

 During the event you will have an opportunity to view the Library's collection of Revolutionary War items, learn about the Revolutionary War through interesting and interactive displays, and experience old New England style refreshments and atmosphere. 

 This is a must-attend event for anyone who loves history and a classic New England Fall! 

The program takes place on Friday, October 3rd at 7:00pm. Registration begins September 1st. You may register as a group (your own Spy Ring) or individually! This program is intended for ages 13 and older. To register, call 860.489.6684 or email Jessica at jessh@torringtonlibrary.org

THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH AT 6:30PM



Join us as John Cilio talks about Women's Work in WWII, which he also wrote a book about!

The author adeptly transports the reader back to the era when men went off to war and the majority of women remained behind to care for families and fill the enormous gaps left vacant by the soldiers. From the talks very start you will hear the stories of amazing everyday working and service women of WWII that changed America forever. They started with the mission to help their country and their friends and relatives in the war. They ended up proving their competence in thousands of roles previously performed by men only. Women enlisted in every branch of service available to them and served around the globe bravely and proudly. The text and photos document the chain of circumstances that propelled the nation to realize that women can be an overtly sustaining force within our society. 

 To register, please contact the library at 860.489.6684 or email us at jessh@torringtonlibrary.org

In partnership with CT Humanities and the Smithsonian Institute, we are pleased to be a part of this exciting year-long event.  Connecticut is hosting the Smithsonian Institute’s traveling exhibit, The Way We Worked, at various locations throughout the state. January through March 2014 the exhibit will be at the Warner Theatre.  The exhibit looks at the history of work in America.

In collaboration with our partners, the library is hosting events to enhance the exhibit.  Our events include:

Women’s Work in WWII By John Cilio
Thurs., Feb. 13th at 6:30 / Registration begins February 1st

The Lewis Hine Project: Tracking down the Lives of Child Laborers with Joe Manning
Thurs., March 6th at 6:30 / Registration begins Feb. 15th
Sponsored by the Jeffrey and Susan Lalonde Community Betterment Fund

For additional information about our programs and the exhibit at the Warner Theatre, please click "read more"!