For more information or to register for programs, stop by the library, call 860-668-3896, check suffield-library.org, or follow us on Facebook. All of our programs are free! Most of our programs are funded by The Friends of the Kent Memorial Library. Become a member! Please register for programs.
Continuous Programs
New members welcome
Photo Cafe: 1st Tuesdays, March 6, 6:30 p.m.
Writer’s Workshop: Monday, March 26, 7 p.m.
Socrates Cafe: March 26 at 7 p.m.
Ask George: technical questions about your digital devices. Saturday, March 24. Sign up for an appointment.
Book Discussions
12:30 p.m. Thursday Readers, March 8: Mama Day by Gloria Naylor
7 p.m. World Book Group, Thursday, March 15: Lizette’s List by Susan Vreeland
2 p.m. Books in the Parlor Tuesday, March 27: Midnight Rising by Tony Horwitz.
Quiet Book Discussion with Charles Zanor, psychologist Tuesday, March 6 at 2 p.m.
In 2012, Susan Cain published the bestseller Quiet about being an introvert in a culture that has elevated the Extrovert Ideal to near iconic status. She explores what it means to be an introvert and challenges the myth that only the Extrovert Ideal will meet with success. Roundly praised by the critics and public, Quiet is a book worth reading for introverts and extroverts alike.
Bi-Okoto West African Dance Presentation, Wednesday, March 7 at 7 p.m.
2nd Baptist Church, 100 North Main Street
Established in August 1994 to preserve traditional West African drum and dance heritage, Bi-Okoto’s mission is to promote a cultural understanding of African countries through language, music and movement. Bi-Okoto (pronounced Bee-O-Ko-Toe) Drum & Dance Theatre, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, has performed internationally and in 48 of the 50 states. In their high energy performance, the group invites members of the audience to dance with them. After the performance, the group will answer questions from the audience.
Fake News with Professor Matthew W. Dunne, Thursday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Is “fake news” a modern phenomenon, or does it have deeper roots in American history? And how do you spot fake news in the midst of the modern, and frequently chaotic, 24/7 news cycle? Professor Matthew W. Dunne will explore the history and significance of “fake news” in contemporary American politics, as well as provide helpful tools to distinguish between “fake news” and legitimate journalism in 21st century America. Matthew W. Dunne is an Assistant Professor of History and Political Science at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, CT. Matthew received his Ph.D. in History at Brown University in Rhode Island, and his first book, “A Cold War State of Mind: Brainwashing and Postwar American Society,” was published by the University of Massachusetts press. He teaches courses on politics, government and American history.
Local author Shawn P. Flynn discusses his book, The Kitty: Who Rescued Me After I Rescued Him, Wednesday, March 14 at 7 p.m.
The book is about the author and the first cat he rescued and “the positive impact he had on me, and how having him in my life helped me through a difficult time.” The Midwest Book Review said the book is “…a touching and inspiring story of heartfelt companionship that offers an uplifting perspective on what it means to find true friendship in this world.”
Music Appreciation: Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet with Jeffrey Engel, Saturday, March 24, at 2 p.m. at the Suffield Senior Center
Jeffrey Engel, a musicologist, will discuss Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet, a classic interpretation of the lovers’ story with video clips of Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn dancing to portions of the ballet. Mr. Engel, a graduate of Ithaca College, majored in cello and music history. He continued musicological studies at the University of Connecticut (Storrs). Mr. Engel lived in Paris for fourteen years where he earned a diploma in French and studied art history at the Sorbonne. He played with the Paris Opera as well as with numerous symphonic orchestras and chamber ensembles. Mr. Engel also is a contributor to the recently published edition of The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. Since his return to America he has been giving talks and cello lessons and is a regular presenter of music lectures at the Litchfield Community Center.
Helen Keller is Coming to Suffield Saturday, April 7 at 1 p.m. at the Suffield Middle School Auditorium
Sheryl Faye returns (she portrayed Eleanor Roosevelt last fall to wide acclaim!). Sheryl Faye, as Helen Keller will reenact Keller’s life from her childhood through her discovery of language when she was seven years old to the writing of her twelve books. This is a unique, special programs which shows an acceptance of the different ways people do the same things and inspires us to do the best we can be with the talents we possess.
Gladius: Guitar Concert. Friday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Suffield Senior Center
Gladius uses the influences of flamenco, Spanish and classical music to compose his own compositions. He is a talented player and winner of awards for his compositions. Come hear him play! Refreshments in a cabaret style performance.