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

Registration Required Below*Registration will close for this hike on Thursday, May 15 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 an......More

Registration Required Below*Registration will close for this hike on Thursday, May 15 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.Note: Space is limited, due to parking restrictions and for group safety. Hikes fill up quickly, so register early to attend.Join us for our May hike on Saturday, May 17Rock Lot (Northern section of Rock Lot) — ReddingParking/Gathering Location: Details will be emailed to all registered participants several days before the hikeStart Time: Hike will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. — arrive at least 10 minutes earlyHike Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutesHike Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging— there will be a few challenging hillsGuide: Lee Walters, Redding Land Trust Trail TenderHiking group size: Limited to 20Destination Website: https://reddingctlandtrust.org/rock-scottWhy should you go?  See pine woods, wetlands and lovely viewsThings 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)June 7, 9:00-10:30 am: Rock Lot - Birds in the ForestJuly 12, 4:00-5:30 pm: Norwalk River TrailSeptember 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, May 15 at 4:00 pm.

Build-It with Bus from RES to MTL (Grades K-4)

Join us at the Mark Twain Library for Build-It! We'll be building and free playing with our amazing toys such as Legos, Marble runs, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, and more!SNACKS: Pirate's Booty; Mott's Fruit SnacksChildren who sign up for this program can take RES Bus 22 ......More

Join us at the Mark Twain Library for Build-It! We'll be building and free playing with our amazing toys such as Legos, Marble runs, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, and more!SNACKS: Pirate's Booty; Mott's Fruit SnacksChildren who sign up for this program can take RES Bus 22 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 busEach child must be registered individually, even if they’re siblings.Questions, or if the event is marked “full” please email Lisa at Lisa@Marktwainlibrary.orgRegistration RequiredPhotos and videos from this event may be used on the Library’s social media sites.

DIY Friendship Bracelets - Gr. 5&6

Give the gift of friendship - today we are making friendship bracelets. Come with your friends and leave with piece of them!Registration is required.

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!

Great Decissions: Foreign Policy Discussion Group (In-Person)

Registration for this series is full. Watch for our next world affairs discussion group in the fall of 2025. Join our popular Great Decisions series, an international relations discussion group that meets in person at the Library. This 8-session course, designed by the ......More

Registration for this series is full. Watch for our next world affairs discussion group in the fall of 2025. Join our popular Great Decisions series, an international relations discussion group that meets in person at the Library. This 8-session course, designed by the Foreign Policy Association, focuses on the most pressing issues of our time. The discussions will be moderated by members of the Library’s World Affairs Forum.  Read the Foreign Policy Association briefing book before each session and engage in lively discussions.The World Affairs Forum meets on the first and third Monday of the month at the Library.   Participants are encouraged to attend in person to fully participate in the discussion; however, an option for individuals to join virtually via Zoom is available. All registered participants will receive a Zoom link on the day of the meeting.Dates and Topics February 3 – AMERICA AT A GLOBAL CROSSROADS February 17 – THE EVOLUTION OF U.S. LEADERSHIP IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY March 3 –  NAVIGATING U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS IN TENSE TIMES March 17 – INDIA: BETWEEN CHINA, THE WEST, AND THE GLOBAL SOUTH April 7 – INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE COOPERATION IN AN ERA OF GEOPOLITICAL TURMOIL April 21 – THE FUTURE OF NATO AND EUROPEAN SECURITY May 5 – AI AND AMERICAN NATIONAL SECURITY May 19 – AMERICAN POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EASTRegistering on this page will register you for the full 8-week course.  Registered participants will receive notification when the briefing books arrive in late January.  There is a suggested donation of $20 to help defray the cost of the briefing book and materials for this program. Donations welcome when you pick up your book or click here to donate.About Great Decisions:Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The name is shared by a national civic-education program, briefing book, and PBS television series produced by the Foreign Policy Association. The Great Decisions program highlights eight critical foreign policy challenges facing Americans each year. In libraries across the country, Great Decisions discussion group participants discuss and debate each issue. Supported by the Foreign Policy Association for over 50 years, Great Decisions involves citizens in the foreign policy-making process.

Modern Makers Workshop: Sweet Roses & Storybook Vases (In-Person)

Registration Required BelowJoin us for this month’s Modern Makers session, where creativity blooms in unexpected ways! This hands-on craft workshop, led by our favorite crafter Deb Owens, will guide you through making charming roses out of Hershey Kisses and green plast......More

Registration Required BelowJoin us for this month’s Modern Makers session, where creativity blooms in unexpected ways! This hands-on craft workshop, led by our favorite crafter Deb Owens, will guide you through making charming roses out of Hershey Kisses and green plastic bags—yes, really! These whimsical blooms will be artfully arranged in a unique vase crafted from the pages of a recycled book.Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just looking for a fun, relaxing way to spend an afternoon, this project combines upcycling, creativity, and a dash of sweetness. All materials are provided, and you’ll leave with a bouquet that’s part sculpture, part story, and 100% handmade.No experience is required. All materials supplied.Space is limited so be certain to register early.

Creative Collective Discussion Group: "Light the Dark" (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 spring, our exploration into the power of creativity continues with the book Light the Dark: Writers on Creativity, Inspiration, and the Artistic Process, edited by Joe Fassler. A few copies of the book will be available at the Library.The Creative Collective meets weekly on Tuesdays.Click Here to attend Zoom Meeting  (For registered participants only)

TOPSTONE Family Story Time Co-Sponsored by the Redding Department of Parks & Rec (ages birth-5) WEATHER PERMITTING!

WEATHER PERMITTINGMTL Story Times @ Topstone Pond: Co-sponsored by the Redding Department of Parks & RecreationLet's enjoy the outdoors together! We'll gather at Topstone beach for an outdoor Family Story Time with books, songs, and flannel board stories. Please bring y......More

WEATHER PERMITTINGMTL Story Times @ Topstone Pond: Co-sponsored by the Redding Department of Parks & RecreationLet's enjoy the outdoors together! We'll gather at Topstone beach for an outdoor Family Story Time with books, songs, and flannel board stories. Please bring your own beach chairs/ beach blankets.REGISTRATION REQUIRED; include your phone number for a text update in case of inclement weather.Photos and or 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.

Dave Brubeck's Time Out: A Jazz Landmark — An Evening with Gil Harel (Virtual)

Registration Required BelowJoin us for a fascinating evening of music history as musicologist Gil Harel delves into one of jazz’s most groundbreaking and best-loved recordings: Dave Brubeck’s 1959 album Time Out.Among the many seminal jazz records released in 1959, Time......More

Registration Required BelowJoin us for a fascinating evening of music history as musicologist Gil Harel delves into one of jazz’s most groundbreaking and best-loved recordings: Dave Brubeck’s 1959 album Time Out.Among the many seminal jazz records released in 1959, Time Out stands apart for its bold exploration of unusual time signatures and metrical patterns. Recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet at Columbia’s famed 30th Street Studio in New York City, the album was inspired in part by the group’s recent State Department-sponsored tour abroad, where they encountered a rich variety of musical traditions and rhythmic structures.Defying expectations, Time Out blended these complex rhythms with accessible melodies, and audiences responded enthusiastically. The album climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard pop albums chartIn this engaging program, Professor Gil Harel will explore the album’s genesis, its innovative musical features, and its enduring impact on both jazz and popular music. Whether you’re a longtime jazz enthusiast or new to this iconic recording, you’ll gain a fresh appreciation for why Time Out remains a cornerstone of American music more than six decades after its release.About Our SpeakerGil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is an award-winning musicologist and composer whose interests include styles ranging from western art music to contemporary musical theater. He is Full Professor of Music at CT State Naugatuck Valley, where he conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.This is a hybrid series of programs that will take place both live at the Library, and virtually over Zoom. For a full experience we recommend attending this program live at the Library.Scroll to the bottom of the screen to register for the virtual option and you will receive a Zoom link on the day of the program. Include your cell for a text reminder.Would you prefer instead to attend the program in-person, at the Library? Click here to register for the in-person program.   

Dave Brubeck's Time Out: A Jazz Landmark — An Evening with Gil Harel (In-Person)

Registration Required BelowJoin us for a fascinating evening of music history as musicologist Gil Harel delves into one of jazz’s most groundbreaking and best-loved recordings: Dave Brubeck’s 1959 album Time Out.Among the many seminal jazz records released in 1959, Time......More

Registration Required BelowJoin us for a fascinating evening of music history as musicologist Gil Harel delves into one of jazz’s most groundbreaking and best-loved recordings: Dave Brubeck’s 1959 album Time Out.Among the many seminal jazz records released in 1959, Time Out stands apart for its bold exploration of unusual time signatures and metrical patterns. Recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet at Columbia’s famed 30th Street Studio in New York City, the album was inspired in part by the group’s recent State Department-sponsored tour abroad, where they encountered a rich variety of musical traditions and rhythmic structures.Defying expectations, Time Out blended these complex rhythms with accessible melodies, and audiences responded enthusiastically. The album climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard pop albums chartIn this engaging program, Professor Gil Harel will explore the album’s genesis, its innovative musical features, and its enduring impact on both jazz and popular music. Whether you’re a longtime jazz enthusiast or new to this iconic recording, you’ll gain a fresh appreciation for why Time Out remains a cornerstone of American music more than six decades after its release.About Our SpeakerGil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is an award-winning musicologist and composer whose interests include styles ranging from western art music to contemporary musical theater. He is Full Professor of Music at CT State Naugatuck Valley, where he conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.This is a hybrid series of programs that will take place both live at the Library, and virtually over Zoom. For a full experience we recommend attending this program live at the Library.Scroll to the bottom of the screen to register for the in-person option.Would you prefer instead to attend the virtual program, over Zoom? Click here to register for the virtual program.   

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 Lisa@marktwainlibrary.orgPhotos & videos from this event may be used on the Library's social media sites.

Project Management Basics for Small Business Success (In-Person)

Registration Required BelowSome of the most successful businesses do well because they are consistent—they get things done when they say they will, they respond to customers in a timely manner, and they work well as a team. Whether you're a brick and mortar business or ......More

Registration Required BelowSome of the most successful businesses do well because they are consistent—they get things done when they say they will, they respond to customers in a timely manner, and they work well as a team. Whether you're a brick and mortar business or a professional services agency or anything in between, there is one thing you must get under control: managing your projects and tasks. In this workshop, learn about some of the most common project management methodologies and tools, and build a system that works best for you to get things done.About Our Presenter:Jess Tyson is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, podcast host, mother, coach, and community builder. She is the Director of Calm of a premiere virtual assistant agency called Don't Panic Management and the founder of a local coworking space called Georgetown Collective. With over 15 years of experience consulting, coaching, and making matches between overworked business owners and focused virtual assistants, she has learned the best tools, tricks, and hacks to work successfully without the headache.When Jess's not helping people reclaim their time to live a life they love, you can find her wrangling her two children, walking her dog, lifting weights, and serving as a connection point between community members. She is passionate about ending the loneliness epidemic and does this through many volunteering positions - President of Redding Neighbors & Newcomers, co-secretary of Georgetown Village Restoration, Inc., as well as facilitator of It Takes A Village and board member of SOAR in Redding.

How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us: Author Talk with Rachelle Bergstein (Virtual)

You’re invited to an intimate online conversation with bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein as she chats about her newest book The Genius of Judy. This book takes an expansive look at Judy Blume’s life, work, and cultural impact, focusing on her most iconic—and controv......More

You’re invited to an intimate online conversation with bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein as she chats about her newest book The Genius of Judy. This book takes an expansive look at Judy Blume’s life, work, and cultural impact, focusing on her most iconic—and controversial—young adult novels.For information or to register click here.

History Book Club — 'A Rome of One's Own' (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: A Rome of One's Own: The Forgotten Women of the Roman Empire by Emma SouthonClick Here To View Recent History Book Club Selections.

Move It! Story Time (3 & 4-Year-Olds)

Let's Move It! during story time today! We'll use the balance beam, tunnels, and other moving and dancing games in addition to stories and songs! This program is for independent 3-and-4 year-olds since they will attend story time without their caregiver.REGISTRATION REQ......More

Let's Move It! during story time today! We'll use the balance beam, tunnels, and other moving and dancing games in addition to stories and songs! This program is for independent 3-and-4 year-olds since they will attend story time without their caregiver.REGISTRATION REQUIRED; space is extremely limited. Email Lisa with questions Lisa@marktwainlibrary.org

Classics Book Club: "Mrs. Dalloway" (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: May 23 — Virginia Woolf, Mrs. Dalloway — 1925June 27 — John Kennedy Toole, A Confederacy of Dunces — 1980Click Here to View Recent Classic Book Selections 

MTL Writers' Group (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!