Pirate Party! with Bus from RES to MTL (Grades K-4)

Ahoy me hearties! Set sail for the Mark Twain Library to decorate a pirate sword, to eat afterschool pirate snacks, and to watch pirate Minimovies!SNACKS: Pirate's Booty & Mott's Assorted Fruit SnacksChildren who sign up for this program can take RES Bus 31 to MTL; Miss......More

Ahoy me hearties! Set sail for the Mark Twain Library to decorate a pirate sword, to eat afterschool pirate snacks, and to watch pirate Minimovies!SNACKS: Pirate's Booty & Mott's Assorted Fruit SnacksChildren who sign up for this program can take RES Bus 31 to MTL; Miss Lisa will meet them when they get off the bus. To take the bus you must:Fill out the RES dismissal form and indicate they are going to this program at MTLRegister below for this program and indicate that your child will take the busEach child must be registered individually, even if they're siblings.Registration RequiredPhotos and videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.

Coloring Craze

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of coloring and doodling with your friends. Snacks provided!Registration is required. Gr. 5+

MTL Writers' Workshop (In-Person)

Registration Required BelowThe Mark Twain Library's Writers' Group meets twice a month alternating gathering at the Library and via Zoom. Second Monday of the month – Meetings will be held virtually from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Fourth Monday of the month – Meetings will now......More

Registration Required BelowThe Mark Twain Library's Writers' Group meets twice a month alternating gathering at the Library and via Zoom. Second Monday of the month – Meetings will be held virtually from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Fourth Monday of the month – Meetings will now be held in person at the Library from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM.In addition to reading books on writing craft, the group's mission is to provide a supportive environment for those looking to share their love of writing with others. The group also serves as a potential source of accountability and feedback for ongoing writing projects. Facilitation of the group will be shared by group members.Prior to attending, it is recommended that group members obtain their own copy of Write Your Novel From The Middle by James Scott BellClick Here to attend Zoom Meeting (For registered participants only)Password: Write

Adult Chess Club (In-Person)

Registration Recommended, See BelowWe invite all adult chess players and chess enthusiasts to participate in our newly launched, weekly Adult Chess Club. No prior chess knowledge is required; all levels of experience are welcome to participate! The library will provide ......More

Registration Recommended, See BelowWe invite all adult chess players and chess enthusiasts to participate in our newly launched, weekly Adult Chess Club. No prior chess knowledge is required; all levels of experience are welcome to participate! The library will provide chess boards and pieces for all to use.As space is limited, we recommend participants register for each program that they plan to attend.About our facilitator:Matthew Shirvell (aka Coach Matt) is an avid chess player who has been teaching chess in Connecticut for over 6 years. He has competed in USCF tournaments across the country, worked as a tournament director to run some of the largest events in the state, and has helped his students reach their goals.  Recently, in January 2023, one of his students earned sole 1st place in a USCF event with a perfect score!

Creative Collective Discussion Group (Virtual)

Registration Required BelowHave fun and make friends while cultivating your creativity in our weekly group discussions about art, creativity and so much more! Our facilitated conversations invite participants to consider imaginative and alternative viewpoints about the ......More

Registration Required BelowHave fun and make friends while cultivating your creativity in our weekly group discussions about art, creativity and so much more! Our facilitated conversations invite participants to consider imaginative and alternative viewpoints about the creative process in a congenial, relaxed Zoom setting. Empower your creativity and feed your brain by joining us in the Creative Collective Discussion Group.This winter, our exploration into the power of creativity continues with the book This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by author Ann Patchett. Copies of the book will be available to checkout at the Library's front desk or can be download from Hoopla.The Creative Collective meets weekly on Tuesdays.Click Here to attend Zoom Meeting  (For registered participants only)

Unscripted: An Improv Group

Registration Required BelowExperience a thrilling stage adventure by tossing out scripted lines and leaning into your instincts — that’s the magic of Improv!Improv is a performance technique where the actors create scenes based on loose scenarios and everything is made ......More

Registration Required BelowExperience a thrilling stage adventure by tossing out scripted lines and leaning into your instincts — that’s the magic of Improv!Improv is a performance technique where the actors create scenes based on loose scenarios and everything is made up on the spot. Shows like Who’s Line is it Anyway? and Curb Your Enthusiasm rely on this technique as a way to heighten spontaneity and creativity. Often, some of the most memorable acting moments are created through improvisation.During this workshop, get tips and tricks from an experienced actor, and then try out some basic acting drills using improvisation. Willing participants can even try out the techniques during scenario prompts!This workshop group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month.This program is for anyone who wants to sharpen their acting abilities or public speaking skills. No previous experience required.About Our InstructorEileen O’Brien is a retired award-winning drama teacher and director from New Haven. After living in Massachusetts and Florida, Eileen and her husband, Bob, have come home to spend their retirement closer to their family in Connecticut. 

Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)

Meets Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pmOur popular weekly drop-in knitting circle continues to meets every Tuesday in the Library's Mark Twain Room.  Share your knitting, crochet, and needlepoint project or learn basic techniques like casting on, knit, and purl stitches. Each......More

Meets Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pmOur popular weekly drop-in knitting circle continues to meets every Tuesday in the Library's Mark Twain Room.  Share your knitting, crochet, and needlepoint project or learn basic techniques like casting on, knit, and purl stitches. Each week brings an opportunity to learn something new and there is always someone who can help with any problem.

With Special Guest Barbara Kingsolver: America's Failed Response to the Opioid Crisis (Virtual)

Join us for a special conversation between award-winning journalist Shoshana Walter and bestselling and award-winning author Barbara Kingsolver as they discuss Walter’s book Rehab: An American Scandal. In this work, Walter, a Pulitzer finalist, exposes the country’s fai......More

Join us for a special conversation between award-winning journalist Shoshana Walter and bestselling and award-winning author Barbara Kingsolver as they discuss Walter’s book Rehab: An American Scandal. In this work, Walter, a Pulitzer finalist, exposes the country’s failed response to the opioid crisis, and the malfeasance, corruption, and snake oil which blight the drug rehabilitation industry.For information or to register, click here

Planning Your Vegetable and Cutting Flower Garden (In-Person)

Registration Required BelowAs the days grow longer and the first signs of green begin to appear, it’s the perfect time to start dreaming—and planning—your garden.Learn how to plan your vegetable and cutting flower garden like a pro! A professional gardener with Homefron......More

Registration Required BelowAs the days grow longer and the first signs of green begin to appear, it’s the perfect time to start dreaming—and planning—your garden.Learn how to plan your vegetable and cutting flower garden like a pro! A professional gardener with Homefront Farmers will share expert tips on companion planting, succession planting, spacing, timing, aesthetics, transplanting and supports — so  your garden gets off to the best start possible! Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned grower looking to refine your approach, you’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to cultivate a beautiful, abundant garden.About our PresenterHomefront Farmers is located in Redding Connecticut and specializes in organic vegetable garden care and maintenance.  They also grow thousands of certified organic vegetables, flowers and herbs in their greenhouse on Redding Road.  For more information visit their website at www.homefrontfarmers.com.

Early 9:30am Family Story Time (birth-5)

Registration RequiredIt's time for Early Family Story Time! We'll sing, dance, and read together.  This event is designed for children birth - 5 but interested older siblings are welcome to attend.The library technically doesn't open until 10am but the front door will b......More

Registration RequiredIt's time for Early Family Story Time! We'll sing, dance, and read together.  This event is designed for children birth - 5 but interested older siblings are welcome to attend.The library technically doesn't open until 10am but the front door will be propped open at 9:30 for story time only; please come directly upstairs. The front desk and browsing areas will be open for book browsing and checkout at 10am.You only need to signup once for all the Family Story Time sessions. It is okay to miss sessions. Questions, please email Lisa at [email protected] & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.

Family Story Time (birth-5)

Registration RequiredIt's time for Family Story Time! We'll sing, dance, and read together.  This event is designed for children birth - 5 but interested older siblings are welcome to attend.You only need to signup once for all the Family Story Time sessions. It is okay......More

Registration RequiredIt's time for Family Story Time! We'll sing, dance, and read together.  This event is designed for children birth - 5 but interested older siblings are welcome to attend.You only need to signup once for all the Family Story Time sessions. It is okay to miss sessions. Questions, please email Lisa at [email protected] & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.

Redding Garden Club 2026 Open House: Rooted In History, Blooming In Books (In-Person)

The Redding Garden Club is celebrating America's 250th anniversary in a special way — by inviting the community to take a creative and literary journey through our nation's history!Everyone in the Redding community is invited to participate. Whether you're a seasoned fl......More

The Redding Garden Club is celebrating America's 250th anniversary in a special way — by inviting the community to take a creative and literary journey through our nation's history!Everyone in the Redding community is invited to participate. Whether you're a seasoned florist or just love a good book, the Garden Club encourages Reddingites of all ages to join the fun by designing a floral arrangement inspired by a favorite book that is focused on our nation's history.Participants may choose a work of nonfiction, a classic novel, historical fiction, comic book or book of poetry — this is an opportunity to let your imagination soar through the ages and to meet others who share your interests."This is a very special anniversary year, so including historical and patriotic elements would be a great way to get into the spirit of the event," said Peggy Jorgensen, co-president of the Garden Club. Peggy suggested that participants may choose to get into the spirit of the 250th by incorporating red, white and blue blossoms into their creations.Want to cultivate your own literary bouquet? Sign up here  by March 18 and get details on how to participate and when to drop off your arrangement at the Library for the Open House. Don't forget to display your book alongside your floral creation!Invite your friends and neighbors to the Open House! The community is welcome to browse around, nibble some of the Club's fabulous (and locally famous) homemade goodies, and sip some refreshments. Get inspired and meet the talented members of the Garden Club — let's watch history blossom!This drop-in event is open to everyone. The floral arrangements will be on display at the Library for one week after the Open House, until April 1 and more information can be found on the sign up link. Examples from past shows:

History Book Club — `Richard Nixon: The Life' (In-Person)

Registration Required BelowInterested in history? This book club is for you! Led by members of the Library's Programming Committee, this book club selects engaging history reads and meets regularly for lively and engaging discussions.Copies of the latest book will be av......More

Registration Required BelowInterested in history? This book club is for you! Led by members of the Library's Programming Committee, this book club selects engaging history reads and meets regularly for lively and engaging discussions.Copies of the latest book will be available to borrow at the Library.This month's selection: Richard Nixon: The Life by John A. FarrellClick Here To View Recent History Book Club Selections.

The Art of Calm: Meditation with Ancient Wisdom for Modern Lifestyles (Virtual)

Registration Required BelowStep away from the noise of daily life and give yourself the gift of peace. Join Jackie DeLise, CMMI & CMWI, for an uplifting virtual session of meditation, mindfulness, breath awareness, and gentle body relaxation. Through simple yet powerful......More

Registration Required BelowStep away from the noise of daily life and give yourself the gift of peace. Join Jackie DeLise, CMMI & CMWI, for an uplifting virtual session of meditation, mindfulness, breath awareness, and gentle body relaxation. Through simple yet powerful practices, Jackie will help you quiet the mind, release stress, and restore balance to your nervous system.Discover time-honored techniques for managing stress, boosting happiness, and nurturing your physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. Learn how to tap into your inner reservoir of tranquility—so you can find calm, even in the midst of chaos—and leave feeling refreshed, centered, and renewed.This virtual program will be hosted via Zoom on Thursdays.  Registered participants will receive a Zoom invitation with a link the morning of the program. Please include a cell phone to receive a text reminder.Winter/Spring Sessions:Thursdays at 12:30 pmFebruary 26, March 12 & 26, April 9, 23 , May 28Register once to receive reminders and links for each session.About Our Instructor:Jackie DeLise is a wellness educator and author specializing in preventative practices that cultivate optimal physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health. Through her signature approach, The Art of Calm – Ancient Wisdom for Modern Lifestyles, Jackie guides individuals and organizations in Meditation and Mindfulness, Stress Management, Positive Psychology, the Science of Happiness, and building Resilience and Hope.A Certified Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher and Certified Mindfulness@Work Teacher for Corporate Calm, Jackie also serves as Resident Chaplain in Spiritual Care at Northwell Health (Nuvance Health/Norwalk Hospital) and is a Certified Connecticut POST Stress Management Teacher for law enforcement. She co-produces and hosts the CALM wellness podcast for Silver Hill Radio at Silver Hill Hospital, contributes on-air and online to the Mental Health TV Network, and is the author of The Art of Calm and Creating a Culture of Presence & Belonging.

UNO!

It's back! Who doesn't love a good 'ol game of uno? Join us at MTL and bring your friends for a round or two of the classic card game!Registration is required. Gr. 5+

Classics Book Club: "The Rebel Angels" (In-Person)

Registration Required BelowThis group is led by MTL's bibliophile extraordinaire,  Catherine Riordan. Catherine taught literature at the college level for many years, and shares her contagious enthusiasm for the classics. The group reads and discusses titles of all time......More

Registration Required BelowThis group is led by MTL's bibliophile extraordinaire,  Catherine Riordan. Catherine taught literature at the college level for many years, and shares her contagious enthusiasm for the classics. The group reads and discusses titles of all time periods, including modern works.Copies of the latest book will be available at the Library's front desk.The Classics Book Club meets in person at the Library.Upcoming Discussions: March 27 — Robertson Davies, The Rebel Angels April 24 — Mikhail Bulgakov, The Master and MargaritaMay 22 — Thomas Hardy, Jude the ObscureJune 26 — Eudora Welty, Delta WeddingClick Here to View Recent Classic Book Selections 

Kindergarten Story Time & Taking the bus from RES! (for Kindergarteners)

Kindergartners, we'll gather together for a relaxing afternoon of books, stories, songs and snacks! The Kindergarteners will attend this program without an adult.SNACK: Pirate's Booty & Mott's Assorted Fruit SnacksChildren who sign up for this program can take Bus 31 fr......More

Kindergartners, we'll gather together for a relaxing afternoon of books, stories, songs and snacks! The Kindergarteners will attend this program without an adult.SNACK: Pirate's Booty & Mott's Assorted Fruit SnacksChildren who sign up for this program can take Bus 31 from RES to MTL; Miss Lisa will meet them when they get off the bus. To take the bus you must: fill out the RES dismissal form and indicate they are going to this program at MTL. register below for this program and indicate that your child will take the busChildren who are driven to the library may come upstairs at 3:10pm.Photos and videos from this event may be used on the Library's Website.

Adult Chess Club (In-Person)

Registration Recommended, See BelowWe invite all adult chess players and chess enthusiasts to participate in our newly launched, weekly Adult Chess Club. No prior chess knowledge is required; all levels of experience are welcome to participate! The library will provide ......More

Registration Recommended, See BelowWe invite all adult chess players and chess enthusiasts to participate in our newly launched, weekly Adult Chess Club. No prior chess knowledge is required; all levels of experience are welcome to participate! The library will provide chess boards and pieces for all to use.As space is limited, we recommend participants register for each program that they plan to attend.About our facilitator:Matthew Shirvell (aka Coach Matt) is an avid chess player who has been teaching chess in Connecticut for over 6 years. He has competed in USCF tournaments across the country, worked as a tournament director to run some of the largest events in the state, and has helped his students reach their goals.  Recently, in January 2023, one of his students earned sole 1st place in a USCF event with a perfect score!

Creative Collective Discussion Group (Virtual)

Registration Required BelowHave fun and make friends while cultivating your creativity in our weekly group discussions about art, creativity and so much more! Our facilitated conversations invite participants to consider imaginative and alternative viewpoints about the ......More

Registration Required BelowHave fun and make friends while cultivating your creativity in our weekly group discussions about art, creativity and so much more! Our facilitated conversations invite participants to consider imaginative and alternative viewpoints about the creative process in a congenial, relaxed Zoom setting. Empower your creativity and feed your brain by joining us in the Creative Collective Discussion Group.This winter, our exploration into the power of creativity continues with the book This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by author Ann Patchett. Copies of the book will be available to checkout at the Library's front desk or can be download from Hoopla.The Creative Collective meets weekly on Tuesdays.Click Here to attend Zoom Meeting  (For registered participants only)

Weekly Drop-In Knitting Circle (In-Person)

Meets Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pmOur popular weekly drop-in knitting circle continues to meets every Tuesday in the Library's Mark Twain Room.  Share your knitting, crochet, and needlepoint project or learn basic techniques like casting on, knit, and purl stitches. Each......More

Meets Tuesdays, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pmOur popular weekly drop-in knitting circle continues to meets every Tuesday in the Library's Mark Twain Room.  Share your knitting, crochet, and needlepoint project or learn basic techniques like casting on, knit, and purl stitches. Each week brings an opportunity to learn something new and there is always someone who can help with any problem.

DIY Coasters - Gr. 6+

Need a place to set down your drink or bowl of cereal? Design your own coaster using yarn, and you'll have just the spot.Registration is required. Space is limited!

History of Hats Through the Centuries (In-Person)

Registration Required BelowStep into a world of style, status, and self-expression as we explore the fascinating history of hats for both men and women. From elegant bonnets and delicate fascinators to distinguished homburgs, jaunty boaters, classic fedoras, and stately......More

Registration Required BelowStep into a world of style, status, and self-expression as we explore the fascinating history of hats for both men and women. From elegant bonnets and delicate fascinators to distinguished homburgs, jaunty boaters, classic fedoras, and stately top hats, this engaging lecture with Toni McKeen, a historian and professional genealogy researcher, traces how headwear has reflected changing fashions, social customs, and cultural movements through the centuries.Toni will share how a simple accessory once signaled everything from occupation and class to occasion and personality—and how today’s styles still tip their brims to the past. Join us for a lively look at the stories behind the hats that have crowned generations.About Our SpeakerToni McKeen of Ridgefield is a professional genealogy researcher and lecturer who teaches a weekly class at Founder's Hall in Ridgefield. Toni also presents lectures on a wide variety of topics throughout the tri-state area.