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.
Please note that Kent Memorial Library will be closed on Saturday September 5 and Monday September 7 for Labor Day. KML will also be closed Saturday September 12 for Suffield on the Green and the annual Friends of KML Book Sale.
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.
Kwame Alexander visits Suffield!
Thursday October 1 at 6 p.m. Calling all readers! Suffield Public Schools and Kent Memorial Library are excited to announce Suffield Reads Kwame! This collaboration between the public and school librarians in Suffield will connect readers across generations, as we read the works of a single author – Kwame Alexander! The goal of this program is to bring town residents together through storytelling, and Kwame Alexander’s work fits perfectly into this initiative. His poetry, picture books, non-fiction texts, and novels are powerful, emotional and enlightening. The beauty and style of his words are captivating, entertaining and unforgettable!
Kwame is a notable New York Times best-selling author of 45 books for all ages, including many award winners such as The Crossover, The Undefeated, The Door of No Return, and his newest The Mighty Macy, which was just released in February. Tickets are free. Seats are limited so registration is required. Registration will open on Tuesday, September 1 at 6 PM For parties with more than six members, please contact the library directly at 860-668-3896.
We hope you will join us! The school and public libraries are offering programs and displays for all readers. There will be book discussions and activities that promote a culture of reading throughout our community.
This event will take place at:
Suffield High School
1060 Sheldon St
West Suffield, CT 06093
Kwame Alexander Book Discussion for Adults
Monday September 21 at 7 p.m.
Kwame Alexander writes books for all ages. On this night, we will be discussing Mr. Alexander’s adult books. You can read one or read them all! Copies of the books are available for pickup at the library. Adult titles include Why Fathers Cry at Night, This is the Honey, Say Yes, and Light for the World to See. Registration appreciated but not required.
Library Card Sign Up Month
September is Library Card Sign Up Month. New patrons signing up this month will be entered to win a raffle prize, beloved existing patrons who come in in September will also be entered to win a raffle prize! Come explore all that a library card can do for you!
Suffield Players Stage Reading
Tuesday September 15 at 6:30 p.m.
The Suffield Players will be back at KML to do another great reading. The play is going to be Living Together by Alan Ayckbourn Light refreshments will be served during intermission. No registration required.
Reading 9-5: A pop-up Dolly Parton Book Club
Tuesday, September 29 at 1:30 p.m.: Oral History by Lee Smith
Dolly Parton, beloved American treasure and literacy hero, has released her top 5 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 September book is Oral History by Lee Smith lead by Miss Wendy.
Rise to the Challenge Book Group
Monday, September 14 at 6:30 p.m.: So Far from the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawishima Watkins
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, September 15 at 7 p.m.: Misery by Stephen King
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 September 24 at 1 p.m.
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. The September title is Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo.
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 BJ’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, September 23 at 2 p.m.: When We Had Wings by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris, and Susan MeissnerWednesday, October 28 at p.m.: The Women by Kristin Hannah
Readers are encouraged to attend one or all of the discussions. This farewell series offers a fitting opportunity to enjoy outstanding books, engaging 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.
Books & Beyond
Thursday October 22 at 7 p.m. via zoom.
The Road to Tender Hearts with Author Annie Hartnett.
A virtual author interview series Books & Beyond with Pinki Shah, bringing readers face to face with the voices behind the books. Tune in for the candid conversations, creative insights and stories that go beyond pages. Please join us via Zoom to discuss The Road to Tender Hearts with Annie Hartnett. A darkly comic and warm-hearted novel about an old man on a cross-country mission to reunite with his high school crush—bringing together his adult daughter, two orphaned kids, and a cat who can predict death. Registration Required, copies of the book will be available in the library for pickup starting in September.
Morning 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
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.
Adult Craft Night
Adult Craft Night will take place on September 17 at 6:30 p.m. Keep an eye on our website or weekly newsletter for details as they emerge. Registration is required.
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! We have extra copies of all his books for all ages. Stop by! Registration for the event is now available on the library website.
Kids Who Read Books Book Club
Thursday, September 17 at 3:30 p.m.
Join us for the next meeting of the KML Kids Who Read Books Book Club! We’ll eat snacks and discuss our next read, Warriors: Fire and Ice by Erin Hunter. Books will be available to check out at the library. Open to all people in grades 5-12. Registration is not required.
Pirate Week!
September 19-26 during regular library hours
Calling all future swashbucklers! Come to the library during pirate week for a Pirate Scavenger Hunt! Follow the clues and find the treasure! You may keep one item from each treasure chest you find. Open to all ages, no registration required. Younger captains may need assistance from their first mates!
Remember, September 19 is Talk Like a Pirate Day! While supplies last.
Terror of the Kids’ Scary Story Writing Contest
Submissions Accepted Monday, September 21 through Saturday, October 10
Open to Authors in grades 1-12
The Scary Story Contest returns for our spookiest year yet! We’re looking for the scariest, most imaginative tales. Open to all students from grades/grade equivalents 1 through 12. Stories will be judged in age groups, and the top three stories in each group will win prizes.
Thank you to the Friends of the Kent Memorial Library for supporting this and other programs. For more information, including how to submit your story, please visit the library or www.suffield-library.org/children/scary-story-contest/
Fall Story Time
September 23-October 13
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Ages 2-5
Register or Drop in
Rhyme Time
Fridays September 18 and 25 at 10:30 a.m.
Ages 0-5, older siblings welcome. We’ll sing, dance, blow bubbles!
Drop in.