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+

Pickup Summer Craft Kits (Ages 3-10)

Get crafty at home with our summer craft kit! This kit has several fun summery craft kits for children. Craft kits will be labeled and available for pickup starting on Monday, July 21; the kits will be on a cart by the MTL checkout desk. Crafts not picked up by end of d......More

Get crafty at home with our summer craft kit! This kit has several fun summery craft kits for children. Craft kits will be labeled and available for pickup starting on Monday, July 21; the kits will be on a cart by the MTL checkout desk. Crafts not picked up by end of day Monday, July 28 will be passed along to children on the waitlist.When registering, under "spaces" write the number of craft kits you want.Registration Required

DIY Fortune Cookies

In honor of National Fortune Cookie Day, we will be making our own paper fortune cookies and snacking on real ones!Earn extra entries to the grand prize raffle for attending teen summer programs.Registration is required.Gr. 5+

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!

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)

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.

Nature’s Calendar: Create Your Own Phenology Wheel (In-Person)

Registration Required BelowJoin us for a creative and reflective workshop celebrating the natural world around us! Redding resident and master gardener Susan Stein will lead participants in making their own Phenology Wheel — a beautiful, circular diagram used to record ......More

Registration Required BelowJoin us for a creative and reflective workshop celebrating the natural world around us! Redding resident and master gardener Susan Stein will lead participants in making their own Phenology Wheel — a beautiful, circular diagram used to record and observe the seasonal changes in nature.What is Phenology?Phenology is the study of seasonal life cycle events in plants and animals. It comes from the Greek phaino, meaning to show, to bring to light, and logos, meaning study or discourse. Phenology tracks the rhythms of nature — from the first budding flowers of spring, to the arrival of migratory birds, to the vibrant foliage of autumn.What is a Phenology Wheel?A Phenology Wheel is a simple yet elegant way to observe, record, and reflect on the changes happening in the natural world throughout the year. Think of it as a nature journal in circular form — a place to capture what you notice, month by month, season by season.No experience is necessary — this workshop is perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, bird watchers, journalers, artists, and anyone interested in reconnecting with the environment in a mindful and creative way.All materials will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own art supplies if they prefer.Discover the joy of tuning in to the world outside your window. Space is limited — register today!

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

Registration Required BelowRecommended 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 — ......More

Registration Required BelowRecommended 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.

Movie & Treats

Come munch on snacks and drinks for tonight's movie, a vote between The Hunger Games and Jurassic Park. Stay tuned!Earn extra entries to the grand prize raffle for attending teen summer programs.Registration is required.Gr. 7+/aged 13+ please! PG13 movie!

Redding Community Hiking Club — Summer Hike (Off-Site)

Registration Required Below*Registration will close for this hike on Thursday, July 24, 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 24, 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 26 - Lobster Pot and Stormfield Hike:  this a rare opportunity to tour Susan Durkee's beautiful gardens at the Lobster Pot, followed by a hike through the property around Mark Twain’s last home, Stormfield.Parking/Gathering Location: Details will be emailed to all registered participants several days before the hikeStart Time: Hike will begin promptly at 10:30 am. — arrive at least 10 minutes earlyHike Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutesHike Difficulty: ModerateGuide: Susan Durkee, Lobster Pot owner, portrait artist, master gardener.Hiking group size: Limited to 20Destination Website: https://www.susandurkee.com/about-the-artistWhy should you go? Tour Susan Durkee's formal gardens in summer bloom surrounding the historic Mark Twain property, hear a short presentation from Susan's in-depth knowledge of Mark Twain and enjoy a lovely, sun-dappled hike through adjacent Stormfield trails. Walk the trails that Mark Twain loved!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)August 9, 10:30-12:00 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 24 at 4:00 pm.

SHARK SHENANIGANS (Grades 1 and 2)

Celebrate Shark Week at the Library!Saturday July 26 from 11:00 – 11:45 amFor Kids entering grades 1-2Shark Activities and Games will include:Musical Chairs (Baby Shark)Pin the Fin on the SharkShark Beach Ball VolleyballShark Crafts