For more information or to register for a program, please stop by or call the library at 860-668-3896 or go online to suffield-library.org Follow us on Facebook. All programs are free.
Summer hours
Please note that on Saturdays in July and August, Kent Memorial Library will be open 9:30 am to 1 p.m. We will be open our regular hours during the week. Regular Saturday hours will resume in September. We will be closed Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.
Kent Memorial Library’s Summer Reading Program
Summer Reading officially kicked off at KML on Monday June 15, but it’s not too late to join the fun! Suffield residents, stop by to register, participate in one of our fabulous programs, and take a look at a fabulous array of raffle prizes. Thank you to the Friends of Kent Memorial Library for making it all possible. Adult Summer Reading ends July 30 and Kids Summer Reading ends August 1.
General Programs
Movies at the Library KML is showing movies again! Visit our website at www.suffield-library.org/ for more information, including this month’s movie showtimes.
Reading 9-5: A pop-up Dolly Parton Book Club – Monday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m.: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.
Wednesday August 26 at 6:30 p.m.: Big Stone Gap by Adrianna Trigiani.
Dolly Parton, beloved American treasure and literacy hero, has released her top five reads of all time. Join us as we read and discuss Dolly’s favorite works of literature. You can choose to do just one or join them all. You’ll get a different member of staff for each book discussion. Copies of the books are available at the library. The July book is The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck led by Outreach Coordinator Hollie. The August book is Big Stone Gap by Adrianna Trigiani led by Associate Director Liz.
Rise to the Challenge Book Group
Monday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m.: The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende.
Monday August 10 at 6:30 p.m.: Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
A book group for adults to read and discuss books that have been challenged and/or banned. Copies of the book will be available at the library. Facilitated by Reference Librarian Anna. Registration is not required. Please be aware that this group discusses books which may include sensitive topics.
Rabble Readers
Tuesday, July 21 at 7 p.m.: Wool by Hugh Howey
Tuesday August 18 at 7 p.m.: Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Rabble Readers is an Escapist Lit book club at KML for adults. We’ll read fantasy, sci-fi, and horror, anything that takes us away! We will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Copies of the books will be available at the library, no registration required.
Thursday Readers Book Discussion Group
Thursday July 30 at 1 p.m. – Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
August 27 at 1 p.m. – Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
Get together on the last Thursday of the month with other readers to discuss a book. Books are available at the library. Registration is not required.
Kent Memorial Library Hosts B.J. Smith’s Farewell Book Discussion Series
Kent Memorial Library invites readers to participate in a special three-part book discussion series, Women in War, led by beloved discussion leader B.J. Smith. This series will be particularly meaningful as it marks B.J.’s final discussion series at Kent Memorial Library, concluding her many years of sharing a love of literature and fostering thoughtful conversations among readers, focusing on stories of women whose lives are shaped by war. The series includes:
Wednesday, August 19 at 2 p.m.: The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson
Wednesday, September 23 at 2 p.m.: When We Had Wings by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris, and Susan Meissner
Wednesday, October 28 at 2 p.m.: The Women by Kristin Hannah
Readers are encouraged to attend one or all three discussions. This farewell series offers a fitting opportunity to enjoy outstanding books, engage conversation, and to thank B.J. for the years of insight, enthusiasm, and friendship she has brought to readers. Registration is required, and space is limited. Books will be available for checkout at Kent Memorial Library. Please contact the library to register and reserve your place.
Mahjong
Every Thursday morning from 10 a.m. – noon
Join us for a morning of American Mahjong! Make new friends as you play one of the world’s oldest tile-based games. For Adults – Basic knowledge of the game required.
New -Evening Mahjong
Every Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening of American Mahjong! Make new friends as you play one of the world’s oldest tile-based games. For Adults – Basic knowledge of the game required.
Qigong with Pamela
Wednesday July 8 at 6:30 p.m.
With Summer’s long days, activity, and heat, this Qigong practice is meant to balance the body’s inner fire and restore lightness and joy to the heart. Join us in learning movements to stay energized, calm and cool. Suitable for all levels. Registration is required.
Paint like Picasso
Wednesday July 15 at 6 p.m.
Learn how to paint a real work of art! Follow instructor Pamela Halligan of Pam’s Picassos as she walks you through the steps of creating your own masterpiece. Registration is required.
Back Pain: Prevention, Movement, and Relief
Wednesday July 22 at 6 p.m.
Led by a local physical therapist, this presentation focuses on conservative, non-drug approaches to care. Attendees will learn how daily habits – like posture, movement, and stress – play a critical role in back health. The session will also introduce easy, actionable strategies, including proper lifting techniques, simple posture adjustments, and effective core stability exercises that support long term spine health. Registration is required.
Wrap up Party
Thursday July 30 at 2:30 p.m.
Wrap up the Adult Summer Reading Program with games, snacks, and prizes! We’ll be picking the raffle winners live. No registration required.
Adult Craft Night
Dates are still to be determined for Adult Craft Night but keep an eye on our website or weekly newsletter for details as they emerge.
Kids and Teen Programs
Kwame Alexander Books
Are you coming to the Suffield Reads — Kwame Alexander author visit on October 1? Come on over to the library and read his books this summer! We’ll be bringing in extra copies of his books all summer for all ages. Stop by!
Nutmeg Books
The 2027 Nutmeg Book Award Nominee lists were released in May! The Friends of Kent Memorial Library help us buy multiple copies every year. Did the book you liked the most win the award this year? Come check out the new lists and start your reading now! Summer is the perfect time for reading.
Kids Summer Reading
Sticker Mosaics
Come to the library to help us put together our mystery sticker mosaic! The first mosaic went up in June and will continue until completed. Stickers will be available at the children’s desk. Just ask us! All ages can participate.
Rhyme Time
Fridays July 10, 17, 24, 31 at 10:30 a.m.
Fridays August 7, 14, 28 at 10:30 a.m.
Ages 0-5, older siblings welcome. We’ll sing, dance, blow bubbles!
Drop in.
Kids Who Read Books Book Club
Thursday, July 16 at 3:30 p.m. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Thursday August 20 at 3:30 p.m. J vs K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft
Join us for the next meeting of the KML Kids Who Read Books Book Club! We’ll eat snacks and discuss. Books will be available to check out at the library. Open to all people in grades 5-12. Registration is not required.
Guest Librarian
Mondays, July 6, 13, 20, 27
Be a Guest Librarian and create a book display with Ms. Sandy! Learn how to pick a theme, find the books, and make a display with Ms. Sandy! We can’t wait to see your display! Grades K and up.
Registration required.
Adventure Story Time
Wednesday, July 1 at 10:30 a.m.
Grab your saddle bag, we’re gonna be delivering the mail from Hartford to Boston. We’ll be delivering mail like they did back in 1774! We’ll be reading a book, making a pony, writing some letters and then we’ll ride to Boston to deliver the mail. Registration required. Ages 2-5.
Sylvester Graham’s Birthday
Wednesday, July 1
Sylvester Graham was born in Suffield in 1794, on July 5, and invented a very popular cracker. Can you guess which one? You can get a small bag of these crackers on July 1st, while supplies last, and see if you guessed right!
Cartooning with Rick Stromoski: Sharks and Other Ocean Animals
Monday, July 6 at 1:30 p.m.
Join cartoonist/author/illustrator Rick Stromoski for an hour of fun and creativity. He’ll be teaching you how to draw sharks and other ocean animals! Open to people ages 6-13. Registration required.
Secret Agent Training Camp – Level Two
Wednesday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m.
Secret agents! Are you prepared to take your skills to the next level? Join us for Secret Agent Training Camp, Level Two! We’ll learn more skills critical for your daring spy adventures. After registration is complete, attendees will receive a secret password to allow them entry to the camp. Attendees are encouraged to devise their own disguises to wear to training. This training camp is for agents who have participated in training camp Level One. Space is limited; registration is required. Ages 6-12
Sensory Time: Sharks!
Tuesday, July 7 & Wednesday, July 8 from 10 a.m.-noon
It’s a shark sensory time, because it’s shark week!! Play in the sensory bins and make a shark craft! Ages: 2-5. Drop in.
Shark Week: Ocean Sensory Bottles
Saturday July 11 from 9:30 a.m. to noon
Let’s end Shark Week on a high tide by making Ocean Sensory bottles. Sail in to the children’s room anytime between 9:30 and noon. All ages, while supplies last.
Giant Family Game Night
Tuesday, July 14 from 5 – 8 p.m.
Come with your friends or family for Giant Family Game Night! This is a full building takeover; giant versions of popular games will be set up throughout the building. From giant Yahtzee to giant Candyland, Uno, Clue, Monopoly and many, many more. If it’s nice out, we will expand to the lawn with outdoor games and a cotton candy machine! Drop-in anytime between 5 and 8 p.m. No registration necessary. Come play!
Drop in Craft Day
Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m.-noon
Join Ms. Sandy for crafts!! Drop in and check it out. While supplies last Ages 4 and up
Drop in.
Ice Cream and Book Chat
Tuesday, July 21 at 1:30 p.m.
What was your favorite book this summer? What was your favorite activity? Let’s eat some ice cream and talk about what we’ve done so far this summer! Ages 8-12, registration required.
Lego Building: Tallest Tower Challenge!
Wednesday, July 22 at 3 p.m.
Do you have what it takes to build the tallest Lego tower? Join us for a LEGO building competition! Whoever builds the tallest (yet sturdiest!) building with the supplied LEGOS wins a prize! Baseplates and LEGOS will be provided. Please do not bring pieces from home. Building partners are allowed but there’s only one prize, so winners will have to share.
Ages 7-12. Space is limited; registration is required.
Solve the KML Kids’ Room Mystery!
Monday, July 27 through Saturday, August 1 during regular library hours
There’s a mystery in the KML Kids’ Room and it’s up to you to solve it! Visit the library any time during our regular hours, investigate the clues, and solve the mystery! Participants who submit a solution will be entered into a raffle for a copy of Clue Junior, the board game.
Recommended Ages 5+.
Make Your Own Country
Wednesday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to noon
Make your own country. Draw a map, make a flag and build your capital. Our country turned 250 this year. If you were starting a country — what kind of country would you build? All ages. Drop in
Book Adventure: How to Write a Poem
Wednesday, August 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Author Kwame Alexander is visiting this fall! Come read his book How to Write A Poem, with Ms. Wendy, and then we’ll write some poems! Ages 4-8, registration required.
Kwame Alexander’s Birthday
Monday, August 17-Friday, August 21
Kwame Alexander’s birthday is on Friday, August 21. All week we’ll have magnetic poetry out for you to write your own poems, and then on Friday we’ll have cupcakes (while supplies last.)