Family Story Time Summer (Birth-5)

It's time for Summer 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.Over the summer, please sign up for each session you intend to attend.Questions, please email......More

It's time for Summer 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.Over the summer, please sign up for each session you intend to attend.Questions, please email Lisa at [email protected] & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.Registration Required

Pizza Lunch & Craft Kits (Grades K-4)

It's lunch time! Let's enjoy pizza together and watch a festive summer minimovie. Then, we'll make some summer crafts together.Registration RequiredPhotos and videos from this event may be used in the Library's social media sites.

Core Principles: Pilates at the Library (In-Person)

[gravityform id="120"]Recommended for adults and high school studentsGet stronger this summer with free Pilates sessions at the Library!  These classes are designed for all levels — so whether you're jump-starting your exercise regimen or looking to up your game — these......More

[gravityform id="120"]Recommended for adults and high school studentsGet stronger this summer with free Pilates sessions at the Library!  These classes are designed for all levels — so whether you're jump-starting your exercise regimen or looking to up your game — these instructional and engaging sessions with Instructor Nancy Ciardullo offer something for everyone.Pilates makes use of internal resistance as a way to develop strength, balance and flexibility, while also focusing the mind. This form of exercise focuses on lengthening and expanding the muscles, making them longer and leaner.  The beauty of Pilates is that anyone, at any age can start!Participants should dress for a workout and bring a mat. If you own a yoga block, please bring it along. Classes held on Thursdays at 10 am on the following dates:July 10,  July 24,  August 7, August 21Please register for each class separately.  Include your cell number to receive a text reminder prior to the program.  About Our Presenter:Nancy Ciardullo is trained in the Pilates Stott method and is ASFA certified. For nearly a decade, Nancy has been teaching group and private Pilates throughout the area. Nancy’s approach to Pilates incorporates various props to aid in resistance and flexibility for an overall full body sculpt.

Shark Week Paint Craft

Celebrate Shark Week with a paint blowing craft to make your own ocean artwork.Earn extra entries to the grand prize raffle for attending teen summer programs.Registration is required.Gr. 5+

Kick Up Your Heels — Learn Country-Western Line Dancing!

[gravityform id="121"]Ready to do some boot-scootin boogie moves to great music? Join in the fun as the Library goes full country-western with Line Dancing classes!Led by friendly local instructors, these sessions are all about fun, fitness and footwork.So, come on down......More

[gravityform id="121"]Ready to do some boot-scootin boogie moves to great music? Join in the fun as the Library goes full country-western with Line Dancing classes!Led by friendly local instructors, these sessions are all about fun, fitness and footwork.So, come on down! No partner or experience needed.Space is limited so please register early. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes.Next session will be held on Thursday, August 7 at 7 pm. Click here for more information.About Our InstructorsSteve Parker and Ellen Russow have been line dancing for over three decades, and have been teaching line dancing classes in the area for over 35 years.

Shark Week Bingo

Enjoy a few shark themed bingo games and shark treats to close out shark week!Earn extra entries to the grand prize raffle for attending teen summer programs.Registration is required.Gr. 5+

Paint Your Pet

Join us and Nancy Roman, a Connecticut portrait artist, for a fun painting event. Simply bring a photo of your pet to paint and Nancy will walk you through all the steps. Don't have a pet? No problem - Nancy can share some photos for you to choose from. Supplies are inc......More

Join us and Nancy Roman, a Connecticut portrait artist, for a fun painting event. Simply bring a photo of your pet to paint and Nancy will walk you through all the steps. Don't have a pet? No problem - Nancy can share some photos for you to choose from. Supplies are included!Space is limited, be sure to sign up today to secure your spot!Earn extra entries to the grand prize raffle for attending teen summer programs.Grades 7+ 

Summer Celebration - Redding Community Hiking Club (Off-Site)

Registration Required Below*Registration will close for this hike on Thursday, July 10, at 4:00 pmThe Redding Community Hiking Club, a collaboration between the Redding Land Trust, the Mark Twain Library and Redding Neighbors & Newcomers returns with a series of spring ......More

Registration Required Below*Registration will close for this hike on Thursday, July 10, at 4:00 pmThe Redding Community Hiking Club, a collaboration between the Redding Land Trust, the Mark Twain Library and Redding Neighbors & Newcomers returns with a series of spring and summer hikes in our gorgeous open space.Hike in Redding’s 2000+ acres of beautiful open space and in surrounding communities, with benefits for all: Enjoy memorable outings with family and friends.  Promote health through outdoor exercise.  Create community connections.  Access the restorative power of nature. The Redding Community Hiking Club is led by Redding Land Trust Trail Tenders who maintain Redding Land Trust preserved properties, and other community members who love the outdoors. You are invited to join us on any of these planned hikes. Register early, as space is limited, and hikes fill up quickly.Join us for our July hike on Saturday, July 12Norwalk River Trail — RidgefieldParking/Gathering Location: Details will be emailed to all registered participants several days before the hikeStart Time: Hike will begin promptly at 4;00 p.m. — arrive at least 10 minutes earlyHike Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutesHike Difficulty: Easy to moderateGuide:Local lepidopterist Victor DeMasi, Research Associate at Peabody Museum of Natural HistoryHiking group size: Limited to 20Destination Website: https://www.traillink.com/trail/norwalk-river-valley-trail/Why should you go? Join local lepidopterist Victor DeMasi, research associate at Peabody Museum of Natural History, on this walk to observe butterflies and learn about their ecology and conservation.  He will share and discuss his collection of butterflies from around the world, and specimens from the museum will be on display. He will point out the local flora and fauna along the Norwalk River Trail in the Randall’s Farm beautiful meadow allowing hikers to observe butterflies up close. Interested children are welcome! DeMasi has studied butterflies for the last 40 years in Connecticut and faraway places such as the Amazon basin and Ethiopia.Things to Know Before You Go:  Dress appropriately and review these hiking tips.Upcoming Hikes:(Click live links below for details , information on later hikes coming soon)July 26, 10:30 am-12:00 pm: Lobster Pot/StormfieldAugust 9, 10:30 am-12:00 pm: StormfieldSeptember 6, 10:00-11:00 am: HighsteadBy registering for this event you give permission to the Mark Twain Library to share your contact information with the Redding Land Trust, our co-sponsor for this event.*Registration will close for this hike on Thursday, July 10 at 4:00 pm.

Build-It Summer with popsicles! (Grades K-4)

Relax this summer at the Mark Twain Library with Build-It! We'll be hanging out building and free playing with our amazing toys such as Legos, Marble runs, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, and more! We'll also enjoy fruit popsicles (Popsicle Brand).Registration RequiredPhotos......More

Relax this summer at the Mark Twain Library with Build-It! We'll be hanging out building and free playing with our amazing toys such as Legos, Marble runs, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, and more! We'll also enjoy fruit popsicles (Popsicle Brand).Registration RequiredPhotos and videos from this event may be used on the Library’s social media sites.

Sing Along with Tom Sieling (Ages 4-10)

Singer Tom Sieling presents: "Take a Tromp Through the Swamp!" an athletic and participatory performance of favorite kids’ songs. He accompanies himself on guitar, banjo and harmonica, and he uses a drum machine to keep things nice and upbeat.Tom has delighted tens of t......More

Singer Tom Sieling presents: "Take a Tromp Through the Swamp!" an athletic and participatory performance of favorite kids’ songs. He accompanies himself on guitar, banjo and harmonica, and he uses a drum machine to keep things nice and upbeat.Tom has delighted tens of thousands in over thirty years of performing - 59 Summer Reading programs in 2024. Every show is a top-ten lineup of the most fun, participatory kids’ and camp songs he can dig up and adapt - many are even a bit athletic! He accompanies himself on guitar, banjo, and harmonica, and adds a drum machine to keep things upbeat and easy to move to. The most cool, interesting New England animal and habitat facts and pictures Tom can find are included, along with lots of encouragement of the kids' lifelong participation in reading, music, outdoor adventures, and library usage. There will even be a chance for the kids to get a quick try playing the instruments (often getting their pictures taken, of course!) at the end of the program if they’d like. If you’d like to see a sampler video, just Google “Tom Sieling Sampler” and click on the first link that comes up. Everyone is invited, come on out for a free fun time!Registration RequiredPhotos and Videos from this event may be used on the Library's website.

Cricut Press Event

Have you ever wanted to make your own t-shirt? For our second cricut press event, we will be doing just that! Come get a t-shirt and enjoy some snacks!Earn extra entries to the grand prize raffle for attending teen summer programs.Space is limited. Registration is requi......More

Have you ever wanted to make your own t-shirt? For our second cricut press event, we will be doing just that! Come get a t-shirt and enjoy some snacks!Earn extra entries to the grand prize raffle for attending teen summer programs.Space is limited. Registration is required.Gr. 7+

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!

Checkout Chat & Chew (All Ages)

The Mark Twain Library's Family Checkout Chat & Chew is a relaxing way to start your summer week with breakfast, friends, toys and books. We'll start the morning with bagels and donuts. Then adults and children will hangout, play, and browse for their next great summer ......More

The Mark Twain Library's Family Checkout Chat & Chew is a relaxing way to start your summer week with breakfast, friends, toys and books. We'll start the morning with bagels and donuts. Then adults and children will hangout, play, and browse for their next great summer read.REGISTER BELOW  Please register separately on each individual date you will attend Checkout Chat & Chew so we can plan how many bagels to buy.Photos & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.

Teen Chat & Chew

Teens, join us for a a relaxing morning where you can grab a donut and bagel, chat with friends and browse for your next great summer read.REGISTER BELOW  Please register separately on each individual date you will attend Checkout Chat & Chew so we can plan how many bag......More

Teens, join us for a a relaxing morning where you can grab a donut and bagel, chat with friends and browse for your next great summer read.REGISTER BELOW  Please register separately on each individual date you will attend Checkout Chat & Chew so we can plan how many bagels to buy.Photos & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.

Breathe: Summer Yoga at the Library (In-Person)

Registration Required BelowStretch, move and find your center with gentle yoga at the Library this summer.Join us as Redding's Nancy Schur of Peaceable Yoga leads a multi-level class that helps to release chronic tension and stress, activate energy and balance, cultivat......More

Registration Required BelowStretch, move and find your center with gentle yoga at the Library this summer.Join us as Redding's Nancy Schur of Peaceable Yoga leads a multi-level class that helps to release chronic tension and stress, activate energy and balance, cultivate inner focus and a clear awareness on and off your yoga mat. No two classes will be the same in this fun and creative mix of various yoga traditions. Modifications will be offered to accommodate various physical needs. Start where you are and grow from there.Each session will be 75 minutes. Participants are asked to bring a mat.Class sizes are limited, so please register early!Classes will be held on Tuesdays at 10 am on the following dates:July 1, 15, 22 & 29 About Our InstructorNancy Schur has been practicing yoga for 24 years and still marvels at its ability to continually transform her life.  She teaches classes in her Redding studio, Peaceable Yoga.Nancy became a certified Kripalu & Registered Yoga Teacher in 2011 and has been a Transcendental Meditation practitioner since 2010.Nancy believes that being an ongoing student is the most important aspect of life.  She strives to learn as much as she can through the wisdom of others, including teachers, texts, classes, workshops, and her own experiences.   

Creative Collective Discussion Group: "Light the Dark" (Virtual)

Registration Required BelowJoin us for a casual, pop-up book discussion as we continue reading Light the Dark: Writers on Creativity, Inspiration and the Artistic Process, a collection of essays by contemporary authors. In this inspiring anthology, writers select a favo......More

Registration Required BelowJoin us for a casual, pop-up book discussion as we continue reading Light the Dark: Writers on Creativity, Inspiration and the Artistic Process, a collection of essays by contemporary authors. In this inspiring anthology, writers select a favorite passage, reflect on its personal significance, and share why it matters.Each week, we’ll focus on two to three essays, so you’re welcome to join whenever your schedule allows — no need to worry about keeping up with a storyline. Come for the conversation, stay for the inspiration!Copies of the book will be available at the Library. For information of the scheduled essays for each week conatct Elaine Sanders, [email protected] Creative Collective meets weekly on Tuesdays.Click Here to attend Zoom Meeting  (For registered participants only)

3 & 4-Year-Old Summer Story Time

This is an energetic and interactive 40-minute program for independent 3-and-4 year-olds since they will attend story time without their caregiver.  We will share books, music, movement, stories, and crafts.REGISTRATION REQUIRED; space is extremely limited. Email Lisa w......More

This is an energetic and interactive 40-minute program for independent 3-and-4 year-olds since they will attend story time without their caregiver.  We will share books, music, movement, stories, and crafts.REGISTRATION REQUIRED; space is extremely limited. Email Lisa with questions [email protected] is extremely limited; please register individually for sessions you intend to attend.

Drop-In Knitting Circle for Children and Teens to get Help and Support with their Projects (Grade 2 & up)

Children and teens, if you're working on a summer knitting project and need some support, join the MTL Knitting Circle today or July 15th! Please bring your supplies with you and you'll have a chance to ask questions and get feedback from our local Redding knitting expe......More

Children and teens, if you're working on a summer knitting project and need some support, join the MTL Knitting Circle today or July 15th! Please bring your supplies with you and you'll have a chance to ask questions and get feedback from our local Redding knitting experts. This is for children and teens who will work independently; this is not a structured program with lessons.Photos & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.

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.

Teacher Tags

Bring your creative side - we are creating "Teacher Tags" for classroom doors at RES! Show your support and have fun while doing it. Treats included!Earn extra entries to the grand prize raffle for attending teen summer programs.Registration is required.Gr. 5+

Family Story Time Summer (Birth-5)

It's time for Summer 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.Over the summer, please sign up for each session you intend to attend.Questions, please email......More

It's time for Summer 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.Over the summer, please sign up for each session you intend to attend.Questions, please email Lisa at [email protected] & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.Registration Required

Women & Money Roundtable Series

Registration Required BelowThe Women and Money Roundtable is a monthly financial program created to empower and educate women on financial matters that impact their families and themselves.   Join Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone virtually as they lead a lively and infor......More

Registration Required BelowThe Women and Money Roundtable is a monthly financial program created to empower and educate women on financial matters that impact their families and themselves.   Join Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone virtually as they lead a lively and informative discussion on how to make sense of today’s financial markets.The Women and Money Roundtable series will meet monthly throughout the year.  Please register for each session separately.July 16August 13September 10Registered participants will receive a Webinar link on the day of the program. Include your cell phone number on the registration form and receive one text reminder, with link before the program begins.About the Speakers:Julia Strayer, CPWA®, CIMA®, CRPC®Senior Vice President, Wealth Management AdvisorPrior to joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2000, Julia was a vice president and private banker for BankBoston’s Private Bank for 7 years, responsible for asset management and trust services. Previously, Julia worked in marketing for 9 years with Merrill. Julia has a BA from Ohio State University and an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. Julia has appeared on the CNBC show “Power Lunch,” CBS “This Morning,” WGCH’s “Women in Business,” in addition to featured articles in USA Today.  Liz Maccarone, CRPC®Senior Financial AdvisorLiz joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2012. Liz works closely with high-net-worth individuals and their families to create personalized and comprehensive strategies that support their goals, including investment management, retirement planning, liability management, and multigenerational planning. Liz values the importance of establishing and cultivating relationships with families including the next generation.  Liz graduated from Fairfield University with a dual bachelor’s degree in Finance and Marketing. She began her career working at a boutique investment firm as a Business Development Associate, specializing in commodities and futures trading. This program is sponsored in partnership by the presenters and libraries in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.

Silent Book Club on the Loggia – Read, Relax, Connect!

Registration Required BelowThis summer escape into the pages of a great book while enjoying the fresh air and peaceful surroundings of the Mark Twain Library’s new loggia! Join us for our new Silent Book Club, where book lovers gather to read in quiet companionship. Com......More

Registration Required BelowThis summer escape into the pages of a great book while enjoying the fresh air and peaceful surroundings of the Mark Twain Library’s new loggia! Join us for our new Silent Book Club, where book lovers gather to read in quiet companionship. Come for an hour, settle into a cozy spot with a book of your choice, soak in the tranquility, and let the world fade away.During the final 10 minutes, you're welcome to mingle, share thoughts on your latest reads, and enjoy light refreshments. No assigned books, no pressure—just a relaxing hour of literary escape and community.Come for the silence, stay for the stories. We can’t wait to see you there!In the case of inclement weather reading and refreshments will be moved indoors.Note: The Silent Book Club will meet regularly on the third Wednesday of the month with the exception of May.  The May meeting will be held on the second Wednesday, May 14.

OUTDOOR Bundle Up Lunch Bunch with Pizza on the Patio (birth-5)

WEATHER PERMITTING (if it's ridiculously hot, or raining, we'll move inside)Let's slather on sunscreen and sit OUTSIDE on our new patio, and enjoy lunch together! Miss Lisa will bring cheese pizza and we have a water fountain/ water bottle filler onsite. Please provide ......More

WEATHER PERMITTING (if it's ridiculously hot, or raining, we'll move inside)Let's slather on sunscreen and sit OUTSIDE on our new patio, and enjoy lunch together! Miss Lisa will bring cheese pizza and we have a water fountain/ water bottle filler onsite. Please provide any other lunch items you and your children would like. Bring a picnic blanket in case the chairs and tables are full.Registration REQUIRED so Miss Lisa knows how much pizza to purchase.Family Story Time is from 10:30-11:30. Lunch Bunch is from 11:30-noon. See you there!Photos and videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.

Tie Dye T-shirts

Summer is all about tie dye - come join the fun by making your own tie dye t-shirt! There will even be popsicles.Earn extra entries to the grand prize raffle for attending teen summer programs.Space is limited! Registration is required.Gr. 5+

Ice Cream Sundae Bash

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Join us to make a yummy sundae with lots of toppings to celebrate National Ice Cream Day on June 20th.Earn extra entries to the grand prize raffle for attending teen summer programs.Space is limited! Registration is req......More

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Join us to make a yummy sundae with lots of toppings to celebrate National Ice Cream Day on June 20th.Earn extra entries to the grand prize raffle for attending teen summer programs.Space is limited! Registration is required.Gr. 5+